Direction-changing type imaging module

Through the prism and filter design in the transdirectional imaging module, the problem of image acquisition blind spots in traditional cameras in narrow spaces is solved, and an efficient and economical image acquisition solution is realized, which is suitable for imaging needs in complex environments.

CN223194779UActive Publication Date: 2025-08-05CD OUTLOOK AUTOMATION CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422126698.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-30
Publication Date
2025-08-05
Estimated Expiration
2034-08-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional camera modules are difficult to effectively capture image information in pits or narrow spaces, and equipment design is complicated and costs increase when space is constrained.

Method used

A transverse imaging module is designed, including a prism module, lens and camera. The prism is used to change the direction of light propagation, so that the camera can capture images from a non-direct mode, and combine filters and light source boards to provide uniform fill light, reducing the equipment space and hardware costs.

Benefits of technology

It realizes all-round image acquisition in a small space, improves imaging quality and recognition accuracy, reduces equipment complexity and cost, and is suitable for miniaturized equipment and precision instruments.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of imaging modules, in particular to a turning type imaging module, which comprises a prism module, a lens and a camera, and is characterized in that the prism module comprises a prism, an optical filter, a prism base and a light source plate, the prism base is provided with an image taking hole, a light supplementing hole and a refraction hole, the image taking hole is arranged at the top of the prism base, and the light supplementing hole is arranged at the bottom of the prism base. The prism base is provided with an image taking hole, an optical filter is obliquely arranged in the image taking hole, and a light supplementing hole is formed in the back face, right opposite to the prism base, of the optical filter. According to the direction-changing type imaging module, the prism is arranged in the direction-changing type imaging module, light rays from a pit or a narrow space can be refracted to an imaging path of a camera, and the light rays can be reflected to the imaging path of the camera; the prism can change the propagation direction of light, so that the camera can capture image information in the pit without directly facing the pit.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of imaging modules, and particularly relates to a variable-direction imaging module. Background Art

[0002] In the image acquisition process of modern industrial automation and intelligent devices, as one of the core sensors, cameras are usually used to obtain image information of target objects. However, the traditional camera image acquisition method usually directly aims the camera lens at the target object for shooting. Although this direct imaging method is widely used, it has many limitations in specific scenarios and is difficult to meet the image acquisition requirements in complex environments. First, for scenarios where images need to be obtained in pits or narrow spaces, due to the fixed form and limited entry angle of traditional cameras, it is difficult to effectively capture the image information of these areas. In this case, due to the limitations of physical size and structure, conventional camera modules cannot penetrate into narrow spaces or curved channels, resulting in blind spots in the image information acquisition of these areas. The existence of these blind spots may lead to the loss of key image data, thus affecting the performance and accuracy of the overall system.

[0003] Secondly, when installing the supporting components of the camera, they are often restricted by space, especially in devices that require large-scale integration or have a compact space. This space-limited situation may lead to more compromises in the overall design of the device, and ultimately may result in an increase in device volume, design complexity, and cost. This is extremely disadvantageous in some high-demand application scenarios, such as miniaturized devices or precision instruments. Content of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to solve the problem that in the traditional camera acquisition method, when the area where images need to be acquired is located in a pit or a narrow space, due to the limitations of volume and structure, the fixed-form camera module cannot extend into these areas for image acquisition, resulting in the inability to obtain image data of some important areas, and to propose a variable-direction imaging module.

[0005] The utility model is realized through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A variable-direction imaging module includes a prism module, a lens, and a camera. The prism module includes a prism, a filter, a prism base, and a light source board. The prism base is provided with an image-taking hole, a light supplementing hole, and a refraction hole. The image-taking hole is opened at the top of the prism base, and a filter is inclined in the image-taking hole. The filter is provided with a light supplementing hole facing the back of the prism base. The light source board is arranged on the back of the prism base, and the light source of the light source board is introduced into the light supplementing hole. The refraction hole is opened at the bottom of the front of the prism base, and a prism is arranged in the refraction hole. The refraction surface of the prism is located below the filter.

[0007] Further, there are 4 imaging holes, 4 light supplement holes and 4 refraction holes. Filter plates are respectively arranged in the 4 imaging holes, and prisms are respectively arranged in the 4 refraction holes.

[0008] Further, the light source board includes correspondingly arranged LED lights, and the LED lights are respectively inserted into the light supplement holes, and the LED lights are facing the filter plates.

[0009] Further, on one side of the inner wall of the prism base, a first boss and a second boss are sequentially arranged from top to bottom, and the first boss and the second boss form a stepped structure;

[0010] The outer edge of the first boss is fixedly connected to one side of the filter plate, and the other side of the filter plate is fixedly connected to the other side of the inner wall of the prism base. The filter plate is arranged on one side of the first boss lower than the side arranged on the inner wall of the prism base;

[0011] A card slot is arranged on the front surface of the second boss, and a prism is arranged in the card slot.

[0012] Further, the prism is an equilateral right-angled triangular prism.

[0013] Advantages of the utility model:

[0014] (1) A variable-direction imaging module proposed by the utility model can refract the light from a pit or a narrow space onto the imaging path of the camera by arranging a prism in the variable-direction imaging module. The prism can change the propagation direction of the light, so that the camera can capture the image information inside the pit without directly facing the pit;

[0015] (2) A variable-direction imaging module proposed by the utility model has a compact structure of the whole device through the layout of the prism and the filter plate, reducing the occupied space of the device. It not only makes the assembly and maintenance operations more convenient, but also can effectively save the space of the machine platform, contributing to the miniaturization and integration of the device;

[0016] (3) A variable-direction imaging module proposed by the utility model integrates a prism and a filter plate in the imaging module, reducing the need for multiple camera modules in the traditional solution, greatly reducing the usage amount of cameras, thereby reducing the hardware cost of the whole system. On the premise of meeting the same functions, this module realizes a more economical and efficient solution;

[0017] (4) A variable-direction imaging module proposed by the utility model uses the cooperation of the prism and coaxial light, enabling the QR code information received above to be transmitted to the camera more accurately and clearly, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of code scanning. The design of this module simplifies the debugging process, reduces the debugging time, and makes the code scanning operation more convenient and fast;

[0018] (5) A variable-direction imaging module proposed by the present utility model converts the light emitted by a light source board into coaxial light through a filter. The coaxial light can provide uniform and effective supplementary light, especially suitable for the recognition of two-dimensional codes, improving the deficiencies of traditional supplementary light methods, ensuring clear images can be obtained under different lighting conditions, and improving the imaging quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative labor.

[0020] Figure 1 It is an overall schematic diagram of a variable-direction imaging module proposed by the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a side sectional schematic diagram of the prism base of a variable-direction imaging module proposed by the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 It is an imaging schematic diagram of a variable-direction imaging module proposed by the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a prism of a variable-direction imaging module proposed by the present utility model;

[0024] In the figure, 1 - prism module, 2 - lens, 3 - camera, 4 - prism, 5 - filter, 6 - prism base, 7 - light source board, 8 - two-dimensional code, 9 - image acquisition hole, 10 - supplementary light hole, 11 - refraction hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present utility model clearer, the following will further elaborate on the present utility model in combination with the embodiments and drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present utility model are only used to explain the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0026] Embodiment 1

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 - 4 , a variable-direction imaging module is proposed, including a prism module 1, a lens 2 and a camera 3. The prism module 1 includes a prism 4, a filter 5, a prism base 6 and a light source board 7. The prism base 6 is provided with an image acquisition hole 9, a supplementary light hole 10 and a refraction hole 11;

[0028] The imaging hole 9 is opened at the top of the prism base 6. A filter 5 is inclined in the imaging hole 9. The imaging hole 9 is used to provide a channel for light to enter the prism module 1. The imaging hole 9 allows image light from a pit or a narrow space to enter the module interior. The imaging hole 9 ensures that light can directly enter the module and is preliminarily modulated by the inclined filter 5 to prepare for subsequent light refraction and imaging. In this embodiment, the position and number of the imaging holes 9 are designed to cover image information acquisition at different angles and regions;

[0029] A supplementary light hole 10 is opened on the back of the filter 5 facing the prism base 6. The light source board 7 is arranged on the back of the prism base 6 and the light source of the light source board 7 is introduced into the supplementary light hole 10. The supplementary light hole 10 provides a channel for light to be transmitted from the light source board 7 to the filter 5, enabling the light source to effectively irradiate the filter 5 to form uniform coaxial light. The supplementary light hole 10 guides the light emitted by the LED lamp into the area of the filter 5 to ensure that the supplementary light is coaxial with the image light, thereby providing uniform illumination. The purpose of setting the supplementary light hole 10 in this embodiment is to improve the clarity and contrast of the image, especially to provide a supplementary light effect in low-light conditions or in scenarios where details such as QR codes 8 need to be accurately identified.

[0030] The refraction hole 11 is opened at the bottom of the front surface of the prism base 6. A prism 4 is arranged in the refraction hole 11. The refraction surface of the prism 4 is located below the filter 5. The refraction hole 11 is used to accommodate the prism 4 and provide a channel for light to be refracted and change direction. In this embodiment, the position design of the refraction hole 11 enables light to accurately enter the refraction surface of the prism after passing through the filter 5. The prism 4 changes the propagation direction of light in the refraction hole 11, enabling the camera 3 to capture images in pits or narrow spaces that could not be directly photographed originally. The design of the refraction hole 11 directly affects the refraction angle of light and the final imaging effect.

[0031] In this embodiment, there are 4 imaging holes 9, 4 light supplement holes 10, and 4 refraction holes 11. Filter plates 5 are respectively arranged corresponding to the 4 imaging holes 9, and prisms 4 are respectively arranged corresponding to the 4 refraction holes 11. The light source board 7 includes correspondingly arranged LED lights, and the LED lights are respectively inserted into the light supplement holes 10. The LED lights are directly opposite to the filter plates 5. By setting 4 imaging holes 9, 4 light supplement holes 10, and 4 refraction holes 11, the field of view coverage range of the imaging module can be expanded, enabling the camera 3 to capture images of the target object from multiple directions or angles. The 4 groups of imaging holes 9 in this embodiment allow the module to receive light from four directions simultaneously, and the light is respectively guided to the camera 3 through the four prisms 4. In complex concave areas or narrow spaces, all-round image acquisition can be achieved. The arrangement of the LED lights on the light source board 7 helps to provide uniform light supplement, reducing problems such as shadows and uneven brightness, thereby improving the overall imaging effect. Each light supplement hole 10 corresponds to one LED light, which can ensure that the light source is evenly distributed on the filter plate 5, and the generated coaxial light can evenly illuminate the shooting area from different directions. This design is particularly suitable for scenarios that require high-precision identification, such as two-dimensional codes 8 or other target objects with rich details.

[0032] On one side of the inner wall of the prism base 6, a first boss and a second boss are sequentially arranged from top to bottom, and the first boss and the second boss form a stepped structure;

[0033] The outer edge of the first boss is fixedly connected to one side of the filter plate 5, and the other side of the filter plate 5 is fixedly connected to the other side of the inner wall of the prism base 6. The filter plate 5 is arranged on one side of the first boss lower than the side arranged on the inner wall of the prism base 6; a card slot is arranged on the front surface of the second boss, and the prism 4 is arranged in the card slot;

[0034] The filter plate 5 and the prism 4 are important components in the imaging module, and their positions and angles directly affect the light propagation path and the final imaging effect. In this embodiment, by setting the first boss and the second boss to form a stepped structure with a height difference, it is ensured that the filter plate 5 and the prism 4 can be firmly fixed in specific positions, preventing displacement during assembly or use, and ensuring that the light propagates along the designed path. Therefore, the first boss and the second boss provide specific installation positions for the filter plate 5 and the prism 4, and the card slot further ensures that the prism 4 can be accurately positioned during installation.

[0035] In this embodiment, the installation structures of the filter plate 5 and the prism 4 are proposed, including but not limited to adhesive fixation, card slot embedding, and screw fixation. Specifically:

[0036] Use special optical glue or epoxy resin to directly bond the filter plate 5 and the prism 4 to the bosses and card slots of the prism base 6. The adhesive fixation provides strong adhesion, ensuring that the filter plate 5 and the prism 4 will not move during operation;

[0037] Excellent optical performance: High-quality optical adhesives usually have a low refractive index and do not affect the transmission of light;

[0038] Slots are respectively provided on the first boss of the prism base 6 and on the other side of the inner wall of the prism base 6. The filter 5 is inserted into the slots and fixed by the tight fit of the slots. The setting of the slots facilitates installation and disassembly, which is convenient for subsequent maintenance and replacement. Moreover, the slots can provide stable physical support to prevent the optical components from shaking or shifting during use;

[0039] Screw holes are designed at the positions of the slots provided on the first boss and the second boss of the prism base 6. The filter 5 and the prism 4 are fixed in the bosses and the slots by screws and fixing clamps. The screw fixation provides reliable mechanical support to prevent the optical components from shifting during use. The position of the filter 5 or the prism 4 can be adjusted by adjusting the tightening degree of the screws to ensure accurate alignment of the optical path.

[0040] The prism 4 is an equilateral right-angled triangular prism 4, which is composed of two right-angled sides of 45° and a right angle of 90°. The two right-angled sides of the triangular prism 4 are of equal length, and the third side (i.e., the hypotenuse) is the hypotenuse of an isosceles triangle. When light enters the hypotenuse (i.e., the non-right-angled side) of the prism 4, the light will first undergo a refraction between the hypotenuse and one of the right-angled sides, and then total internal reflection will occur between the other right-angled side and the bottom of the prism 4, and finally the light will exit through the right-angled side.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the image light enters the prism 4 at a certain angle, it first undergoes refraction at the hypotenuse. Due to the relationship between the incident angle and the refraction angle, the direction of the light can be changed through refraction, making it different from the direction when it enters the prism 4. After the first refraction, the light will undergo total internal reflection between a right-angled side and the bottom of the prism 4. Due to the right-angled characteristic of the prism 4, this total internal reflection turns the propagation path of the light by 90°, making the light exit the prism 4 almost vertically. The light that has undergone total internal reflection exits the prism 4 through the right-angled side. According to the different incident angles, the exiting light can cover an angular range of 90° ± 45°. Therefore, the light can form images in a wide range from the front to the side. In practical applications, such as image acquisition in a concave area or a narrow space, direct alignment for shooting may not be able to achieve effective imaging. However, the prism 4 can change the propagation direction of the light, enabling the camera 3 to obtain images at these complex angles without changing its position. By utilizing the optical characteristics of the equilateral right-angled prism 4, the device does not need to move frequently to capture images at different angles, saving time and space and increasing the flexibility of the system.

[0042] The above has shown and described the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present utility model is not limited by the above embodiments. What is described in the above embodiments and the specification only illustrates the principles of the present utility model. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model, the present utility model will have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements all fall within the scope of the present utility model claimed. The scope of protection claimed by the present utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A direction-changing imaging module, comprising a prism module, a lens, and a camera, characterized in that: The prism module includes a prism, a filter, a prism base and a light source board. The prism base is provided with an imaging hole, a fill light hole and a refraction hole. The imaging hole is opened at the top of the prism base. The filter is obliquely arranged in the imaging hole. The filter is provided with a fill light hole on the back side facing the prism base. The light source board is arranged on the back side of the prism base and the light source of the light source board is absorbed into the fill light hole. The refraction hole is opened at the front bottom of the prism base. A prism is arranged in the refraction hole, and the refractive surface of the prism is located below the filter.

2. The direction-changing imaging module according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are four imaging holes, four light-filling holes, and four refraction holes. Filters are respectively provided in the four imaging holes, and prisms are respectively provided in the four refraction holes.

3. The direction-changing imaging module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light source board includes correspondingly arranged LED lamps, which are respectively inserted into the light-filling holes, and the LED lamps are directly opposite to the filter.

4. The direction-changing imaging module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first boss and a second boss are sequentially provided on one side of the inner wall of the prism base from top to bottom, wherein the first boss and the second boss form a stepped structure; The outer edge of the first boss is fixedly connected to one side of the filter, and the other side of the filter is fixedly connected to the other side of the inner wall of the prism base. The filter is arranged on one side of the first boss at a lower level than on the side of the inner wall of the prism base. A slot is provided on the front of the second boss, and a prism is provided in the slot.

5. The direction-changing imaging module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The prism is an equilateral right-angle prism.