Folded Optical Axis Capsule Imaging System for Wide Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging systems fail to produce a large, wide-angle field of view using a folded optical axis effectively, making it challenging to achieve compact and efficient imaging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A folded imaging system is developed, utilizing a single lens element between the object and the fold, comprising a first lens group with negative refractive power, a prism with a concave and reflective surface, and a second lens group with positive refractive power, allowing for a 90-degree fold and enabling a wide field of view while maintaining system compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a folded optical axis is used to reduce system size, then the system becomes more compact, but achieving a large wide-angle field of view becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple lens groups (first lens group with negative refractive power, second lens group with positive refractive power) that can be independently optimized. This segmentation allows each group to contribute differently to the overall field of view and compactness, resolving the contradiction between system size and field of view capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a folded optical axis configuration that bends the light path at approximately 90 degrees using a reflective surface. This dimensional change in the optical path allows the system to achieve a large field of view (up to 160° horizontal) while maintaining a compact physical footprint, directly resolving the contradiction between system size and field of view
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens elements are used to achieve a large field of view, then the field of view increases, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into two main lens groups with opposite refractive powers, where the first lens group (negative power) and second lens group (positive power) work together to achieve the large field of view. This segmented approach simplifies the design compared to using many individual elements, as each group can be optimized independently while contributing to the overall wide-angle capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameters such as negative and positive refractive powers in the lens groups, along with a folded optical axis at approximately 90 degrees, to achieve a large field of view with a limited number of elements. By carefully selecting and optimizing these optical parameters, the system attains wide-angle performance without requiring complex multi-element configurations
3Volume of moving object
If a folded optical axis is implemented, then the system becomes compact, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct lens groups and a separate reflective folding element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to a fully integrated design. The modular structure enables easier alignment and quality control during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The folded optical axis configuration separates the large field of view achievement from the physical system dimensions. By bending the optical path in a different spatial dimension (approximately 90-degree fold), the system achieves compactness without requiring extremely tight tolerances on individual elements, as the geometric folding provides the primary size reduction mechanism
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 system achieves a large field of view, suitable for applications like medical imaging, with a horizontal field of view of up to 160° and a vertical field of view of 90°, while maintaining a low conjugate ratio, ensuring effective imaging of objects close to the system.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens group (G1) having a negative refractive power
Implementation Method 2
a prism (P1) having a first surface that is concave P1S1 and a second surface that is reflective (mirror) P1S2
Implementation Method 3
a second lens group (G2) having a positive refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system having a folded optical axis.