Folded Camera OPFE Rotation for 360-Degree Panoramic Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folded cameras lack the capability for panoramic scanning beyond 180 degrees and do not incorporate rotatable optical path folding elements around the lens optical axis, limiting their panoramic scanning range.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotatable optical path folding element (OPFE) that can rotate around the lens optical axis, allowing for panoramic scanning up to 360 degrees, and combining it with a dual-aperture arrangement in devices such as smartphones and tablets to enhance panoramic viewing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the OPFE is tilted or rotated around the first axis or third axis, then the camera can achieve panoramic scanning, but the panoramic scanning range is limited to less than 360 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the OPFE rotatable around the optical axis (second axis) in addition to its existing tilt and rotation capabilities around the first and third axes. This dynamic addition of rotational freedom around the optical axis enables the camera to achieve full 360-degree panoramic scanning capability, transforming the limited panoramic function into a complete circular scanning system without complicating the fundamental optical path folding mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable OPFE around the optical axis is added, then 360-degree panoramic scanning is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the OPFE as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs optical path folding, tilting for vertical field adjustment, rotating for horizontal field adjustment, and revolving around the optical axis for panoramic scanning. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single component achieves 360-degree panoramic capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity compared to using separate components for each function
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
Enables panoramic scanning up to 360 degrees, facilitating high-quality panoramic images and videos with enhanced flexibility and versatility in various platforms.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path folding element (OPFE) - normally a prism or mirror - that folds a first optical path along a first axis from an object or scene to the OPFE, into a second optical path along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis
Implementation Method 2
an optical path folding element (OPFE) - normally a prism or mirror - that folds a first optical path along a first axis from an object or scene to the OPFE, into a second optical path along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
Cameras with panoramic scanning range comprising a folded digital camera in which an optical path folding element (OPFE) that folds a first optical path from an object or scene into a second optical path substantially parallel with an optical axis of a lens of the folded camera, the OPFE being rotatable around the lens optical axis, and systems incorporating such cameras.