Compact Dual Lens Optical System for Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital camera modules face challenges in miniaturization and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for separate optical systems for still image and motion picture photography, which complicates the design and functionality of compact devices like camera phones and mobile communications devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact dual lens optical system is developed, comprising a first optical system for still image photography and a second optical system for motion picture photography, which shares optical elements and uses a movable reflection member to redirect light, allowing for a single camera module to handle both functions while maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical systems are used for still image and motion picture photography, then each function can be optimized independently, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate optical systems for still image and motion picture photography into a single integrated dual-lens optical system. The first optical system (for still images) and second optical system (for motion pictures) share common components including the photographing device, third lens group, and fourth lens group, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical system enables a single camera module to perform multiple functions - capturing both still images and motion pictures - by selectively activating different optical paths through the movable reflection member, eliminating the need for separate dedicated optical systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical systems are used for still image and motion picture photography, then each function can be optimized independently, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by merging common components between the two optical systems. Specifically, the third lens group and fourth lens group are shared between the first optical system (still image) and second optical system (motion picture), reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design allows a single camera module to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate manufacturing lines and components for still image and motion picture photography, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photographing devices are configured, then functional requirements can be met, but system miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths of still image and motion picture photography into a single compact dual-lens system. The first and second optical systems share common components including the photographing device, third lens group, and fourth lens group, significantly reducing the overall volume required compared to having separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical systems are nested within each other with shared components. The third lens group and fourth lens group serve both optical systems simultaneously, allowing the systems to be arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that enables miniaturization.
4Volume of moving object
If a single optical system is used for both functions, then device miniaturization is achieved, but optical performance for each function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct first and second optical paths that can be independently optimized. The movable reflection member directs light through different lens groups (first lens group and second lens group) tailored for specific functions, allowing each function to receive optimized optical treatment while sharing common components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable reflection member dynamically switches between optical paths based on the photographing mode. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize optical performance for still images or motion pictures as needed, while maintaining a compact overall structure when both functions are integrated.
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
The dual lens optical system enables efficient miniaturization and cost-effective production by allowing a single camera module to perform both still image and motion picture photography, improving image processing speed and reducing pixel count for motion pictures, thus enhancing data transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical system having a first reflection member and that redirects an optical axis of light representing an image of an object input from a first direction toward the photographing device
Implementation Method 2
a second optical system having a second reflection member and that redirects an optical axis of light representing an image of an object input from a second direction toward the photographing device
Implementation Method 3
The second reflection member may be a prism having a reflection surface, in which an incident surface is an aspherical surface
Implementation Method 4
The opposite surface of the reflection surface of the second reflection member may be mirror-coated to reflect light coming in the opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
A dual lens optical system (OS) includes a photographing device, a first OS having a first reflection member and redirecting an optical axis of light representing an image of an object input from a first direction toward the photographing device, and a second OS having a second reflection member, redirecting an optical axis of light representing an image of an object input from a second direction toward the photographing device, and sharing at least one of optical elements of the first OS. The first and second OSs selectively redirect the image light from the first or second direction toward the photographing device. The photographing surface has a first region where the light representing the image of the object input through the first OS is formed, and a second region where light representing the image of the object input through the second OS is formed, have different sizes and are overlapped.