Folded Tele Camera With Coupled Lens Groups for Continuous Zoom
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-aperture cameras in handheld electronic devices face a trade-off between applicability range and zoom capability due to fixed zoom factors, necessitating a Tele camera that can provide a continuous range of zoom factors with a slim form factor and minimal lens stroke range.
Innovation Solution
A folded Tele camera with a lens divided into four groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) that moves G1 and G3 together and G2 and G4 together relative to the image sensor, allowing continuous zoom factor adjustment between minimal and maximal values without moving individual lens elements within each group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed zoom factor is used in Tele camera, then the camera module can be simplified, but the applicability range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic zoom factor that can continuously vary between minimum and maximum values through lens group movement. The control unit dynamically adjusts the zoom factor based on scene requirements, transitioning from fixed to variable zoom capability. This allows the camera to adapt to different shooting scenarios (wide shots, medium shots, close-ups) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the zoom factor range is increased, then the versatility improves, but the lens stroke range increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is segmented into multiple lens groups (first, second, third, and fourth lens groups) with different functions. The first and third lens groups move together for zooming, while the second and fourth lens groups move together for focusing and compensation. This segmentation allows the zoom function to be achieved with reduced individual group movement distances, thereby reducing the overall lens stroke range while maintaining a wide zoom factor range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into specific lens group movements: the first and third lens groups are moved together to achieve both zooming and focal length adjustment, while the second and fourth lens groups are moved together for focusing and aberration compensation. This merging of functions reduces the number of independent movements required, thereby reducing the overall lens stroke range while achieving continuous zoom factor variation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous zoom factor adjustment is implemented, then the applicability range increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the movement of lens groups for zooming, adjusts the aperture, and coordinates the relationship between different lens groups to maintain focus and compensation during zooming. This multi-functional control approach allows continuous zoom factor adjustment without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single control unit handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Folded Tele cameras, comprising: an optical path folding element (OPFE) for a folding a first optical path OP1 to second optical path OP2, a lens including N lens elements, the lens being divided into four lens groups arranged along a lens optical axis and marked, in order from an object side of the lens to an image side of the lens, G1, G2, G3 and G4, and an image sensor, wherein the lens elements of a lens group do not move with respect to each other, wherein G1 and G3 do not move with respect to each other, wherein G2 and G4 do not move with respect to each other, wherein the Tele camera is configured to change a zoom factor (ZF) continuously between a minimum zoom factor marked ZFMIN corresponding to a minimal effective focal length marked EFLMIN and a maximum zoom factor marked ZFMAX corresponding to a maximal effective focal length marked EFLMAX by moving G1 and G3 together relative to the image sensor and by moving G2 and G4 together relative to the image sensor.