Detachable Optical Structure for Camera Axis Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The arrangement and adjustability of digital cameras in portable devices are limited by space constraints, leading to minimized camera distances that restrict image quality and perspective options, and existing optical structures are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A detachable optical structure with a transparent body and optical elements featuring apertures and reflective elements that allow parallel displacement of the optical axis, enabling adjustable camera positions and distances, even in devices with limited space, to facilitate stereoscopic imaging and three-dimensional mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distance between cameras is minimized, then image quality is improved, but perspective options are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical structure is divided into separate detachable components (optical element with apertures and reflective elements, and body with transparent portion) that can be configured in different arrangements. This segmentation allows the same physical camera to achieve multiple perspective configurations by attaching different optical elements, thus providing perspective options without increasing the physical distance between cameras.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between cameras is increased to create multiple perspectives, then perspective options are improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element acts as an intermediary between the camera and the scene, using reflective elements to create virtual images that simulate different camera positions. This allows the system to achieve multiple perspectives without physically separating cameras, thereby maintaining image quality while providing perspective diversity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If camera position adjustment mechanisms are added, then camera position adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical camera position adjustment mechanisms with a simpler optical system. Instead of moving cameras mechanically, the invention uses optical elements with reflective surfaces to redirect light paths, achieving camera position adjustability through optical means rather than mechanical movement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If detachable optical structure is used to displace optical axis, then camera role flexibility is improved, but device space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element utilizes the third dimension (depth) by positioning reflective elements at different distances from the camera, rather than requiring lateral space. The first and second apertures are positioned at different depths, allowing optical axis displacement without increasing the device's footprint in the plane of the device surface.
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 solution enhances image capture capabilities by allowing adjustable camera positions and distances, improving image quality and enabling stereoscopic imaging and three-dimensional mapping without the need for complex mechanical arrangements, while being cost-efficient and adaptable to various devices.
Implementation Method 1
two or more reflective elements arranged for parallel displacement of an optical axis from the first aperture to the second aperture... light to travel through the transparent portion, through the second aperture, via the optical element through the first aperture
Data Source
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AI summary
A detachable optical structure (100) for a device (120) having one or more cameras (102) is described. The detachable optical structure (100) comprises: a body (110) having a transparent portion (610), and an optical element (101, 201, 401, 501) attached to the body (110). The optical element (101, 201, 401, 501) comprises a first aperture (121, 421), a second aperture (122, 422) and two or more reflective elements (111, 411; 112, 412) arranged for parallel displacement of an optical axis from the first aperture (121, 421) to the second aperture (122, 422). When the detachable optical structure (100) is applied to the device (120), the optical element (101, 201, 401, 501) positions such that the first aperture (121, 421) is aligned with a camera of the device (120), and the optical element (101, 201, 401, 501) is at least partially aligned with the transparent portion (610) of the body (110).