Compact Camera Optical Structure Using Beam Splitting Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to create a compact camera with reduced thickness while maintaining autofocusing and hand tremor prevention functions, which is difficult due to the complexity of optical structures and lens systems in mobile terminals.
Innovation Solution
The camera employs a first optical structure that refracts and reflects a beam to output a narrower beam, and a second optical structure that refracts and reflects this beam back to its original width, with specific angles and surface configurations to minimize height and thickness, potentially including a lens structure for variable focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical structures and lens structures are added to achieve autofocusing and hand tremor prevention functions, then the functionality of the camera is improved, but the thickness of the camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a beam splitting prism that redirects light paths in three-dimensional space, allowing multiple optical functions to coexist within a compact thickness. The first beam path is directed to the image sensor while the second beam path is redirected to a separate detection region, enabling autofocusing and hand tremor prevention without increasing camera thickness by utilizing spatial dimensionality rather than simply stacking optical components linearly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the incoming light into two separate beam paths using a beam splitting prism. The first beam path carries image information to the image sensor, while the second beam path is directed to a detection region for autofocusing and hand tremor prevention. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each optical path and enables multiple functions to operate simultaneously within a compact form factor
2Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitting prism is used to create separate beam paths for different functions, then the optical path separation is achieved, but the height of the optical structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the beam splitting prism, specifically setting the first angle between the first reflection surface and the second beam to be greater than 0° and smaller than 45°, and the second angle between the orthogonal surface and the first reflection surface to be greater than 0° and smaller than 45°. These parameter optimizations minimize the height of the optical structure while maintaining effective beam path separation for multiple optical functions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design effectively reduces the camera's thickness by optimizing beam shaping and optical structure angles, allowing for a more compact mobile terminal with improved functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical structure configured to refract and reflect a first beam input from a first direction to output a second beam to a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a first optical structure configured to refract and reflect a first beam input from a first direction to output a second beam to a second direction
Implementation Method 3
a second optical structure configured to refract and reflect the second beam from the first optical structure to output a third beam to the first direction
Implementation Method 4
a second optical structure configured to refract and reflect the second beam from the first optical structure to output a third beam to the first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a camera and an image display apparatus including the same. The camera according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first optical structure configured to refract and reflect a first input beam to output a second beam with a width smaller than a width of the first input beam; and a second optical structure configured to refract and reflect the second beam from the first optical structure to output a third beam with a width greater than the width of the second beam, wherein the first optical structure comprises a first reflection surface configured to reflect the first input beam, and wherein a first angle between the first reflection surface and the second beam and a second angle between an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the first input beam and the first reflection surface are each greater than 0° and smaller than 45°. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.