Curved Prism Light Pathway Correction for Slim Camera Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for correcting camera shake, such as Optical Image Stabilizers, increase the thickness and complexity of the lens barrel, making them unsuitable for slim-type devices, while existing solutions fail to effectively address the blurriness caused by camera shaking without adding additional optical components.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a curved prism with refraction surfaces to measure and correct light pathway changes caused by camera shake, allowing the prism to rotate in pitch, yaw, or roll directions to adjust the light pathway and reduce blurriness without increasing the lens barrel's thickness or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) is used to correct hand trembling, then image stability is improved, but the thickness and length of the lens barrel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image stabilization function with the existing curved prism structure by making the prism itself movable. The curved prism is integrated into the lens barrel and can rotate around a vertical axis passing through its optical center, allowing it to perform both light refraction for zooming and image stabilization functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate stabilization components that would increase barrel thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the curved prism dynamic by enabling it to rotate around a vertical axis. The prism's position is adjusted based on detected shaking amounts, allowing the system to actively compensate for hand trembling. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables image stabilization without adding fixed structural components that would increase the lens barrel's thickness
2Reliability
If a lens shift method is used to correct hand trembling, then image stability is improved, but the internal structure of the lens barrel becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image stabilization function with the existing curved prism structure. Instead of adding separate lens shift mechanisms or moving components, the system utilizes the curved prism's rotational movement around a vertical axis to achieve stabilization. This integration reduces structural complexity by repurposing an existing optical element for dual functions
Solution Approach 2:
The curved prism serves multiple functions: it performs light refraction for zooming operations and simultaneously provides image stabilization through rotational movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated stabilization components, simplifying the overall lens barrel structure while maintaining effective shake correction
3Reliability
If a sensor movement method is used to correct hand trembling, then image stability is improved, but the thickness of the lens barrel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines image stabilization with the curved prism by enabling its rotational movement, rather than requiring separate sensor movement mechanisms. The curved prism's rotation around a vertical axis compensates for hand trembling, integrating stabilization functionality into the existing optical path without adding components that would increase barrel thickness
4Reliability
If additional optical components are added to correct light pathway changes, then image stability is improved, but the assembling error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces assembling error by integrating the stabilization function into the existing curved prism structure. Since the curved prism is already part of the optical system with established alignment, making it movable for stabilization purposes avoids the need for additional optical components that would require precise assembly, thereby reducing cumulative assembling errors
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
Effectively compensates for camera shake by reducing light pathway changes, eliminating blurriness, and minimizing the need for additional optical components, thus maintaining a slim design while improving image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a curved prism driving unit to drive a curved prism, composed of a refraction surface, based on a light pathway correction amount
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of correcting a light pathway is provided. A system for correcting a light pathway, the system including: a light pathway change amount measurement unit to measure a light pathway change amount using a movement amount of an image when a light pathway of incident light is changed due to shaking of a camera; and a curved prism driving unit to drive a curved prism, composed of a refraction surface, based on a light pathway correction amount determined by the light pathway change amount.