Dual Lens Optical System Sharing Components for Compact Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
As digital cameras become smaller and thinner, there is a limit to increasing the optical zoom ratio due to reduced inner space, and conventional methods to combine zoom and single-focus optical systems either increase the number of parts or are costly, leading to compromised image quality and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A dual lens optical system that integrates a first zoom optical system and a second single-focus optical system, sharing lenses and an image sensor, with a movable reflection member that redirects light to reduce the number of parts and optimize design space, allowing for a wider optical zoom ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom optical system and a single-focus optical system are simultaneously adopted to increase optical zoom ratio, then the optical zoom ratio is improved, but the number of parts is increased and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the zoom optical system and single-focus optical system by sharing common components including the image sensor, focusing lens group, and second zoom lens group. This integration allows both optical systems to coexist within a single camera body, achieving high optical zoom ratio while avoiding the need for separate complete optical systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared components perform multiple functions: the image sensor serves both optical systems, the focusing lens group adjusts focus for both systems, and the second zoom lens group participates in both zoom operations. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining both optical zoom capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical systems are included to achieve wide optical zoom ratio, then the optical zoom ratio is improved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the zoom and single-focus optical systems into a unified structure with shared components, the patent reduces the total quantity of optical elements, lenses, and associated hardware required. This consolidation directly reduces material costs while achieving the desired wide optical zoom ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared image sensor, focusing lens group, and second zoom lens group eliminate the need for duplicate components that would be required if separate complete optical systems were used. This reduction in component quantity lowers material costs and simplifies manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical systems are included to increase optical zoom ratio, then the optical zoom ratio is improved, but the camera size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both optical systems into a compact unified structure where components are shared and spatially arranged efficiently. The first optical system and second optical system occupy overlapping spatial regions, allowing both systems to coexist within a reduced camera volume rather than requiring separate dedicated spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical systems are nested within each other's pathways, with the movable reflection member enabling the second optical system to be positioned along the optical path of the first system. This nesting arrangement allows both systems to share space efficiently, reducing the overall camera size.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods to combine optical systems are used, then both optical systems can be adopted, but the number of parts increases and design space is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable reflection member that can be selectively positioned to redirect light paths between the two optical systems. This dynamic element enables flexible switching between the first optical system and the second optical system, allowing both to be integrated while maintaining design freedom through adjustable light path configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable reflection member changes the spatial dimension of light path routing, allowing the second optical system to be integrated along the optical axis of the first system rather than requiring perpendicular or separate arrangements. This dimensional flexibility expands the design space for component placement.
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 achieves a wider optical zoom ratio while maintaining image quality and reducing material costs, enabling a more compact and efficient digital camera design.
Implementation Method 1
a movable reflection member configured to be selectively located on the part of a redirected axis of the optical axis of light passing through the first optical system, and refracting the light indicating the image of the object by 90° using the movable reflection member
Implementation Method 2
a first prism refracting the optical axis of the light by 90°
Data Source
AI summary
A dual lens optical system includes a first optical system and a second optical system selectively redirecting at least one of two lights of representing images of object from two incident lenses into a first optical axis of light toward an image sensor by at least one reflection member, wherein, at least one optical element is disposed between an image sensor and the reflection member.