Folded Optical Imaging Layout for Compact Long-Range Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small-sized optical imaging systems in portable devices struggle to capture high-resolution images of long-range objects due to space constraints, limiting their ability to achieve a high telephoto ratio.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system with a specific configuration of lenses, including a frontmost lens with reflective surfaces and a rearmost lens with an inflection point, optimized for miniaturization and long-range imaging, utilizing a combination of positive and negative refractive powers to extend the optical path without increasing system length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small-sized optical imaging system is used in portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the ability to capture high-resolution images of long-range objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inflection point on the lens surface, which is a geometric feature in a different dimension from traditional lens curvature. This inflection point creates a region where the lens thickness is minimal, allowing light to pass through with minimal refraction and enabling a more compact optical path while maintaining imaging quality for long-range objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lens by introducing an inflection point and optimizing the curvature radius at this point. By adjusting parameters such as the inflection point position, curvature radius, and lens thickness in this specific region, the system achieves a high telephoto ratio with a compact overall size, resolving the contradiction between device size and imaging resolution
2Measurement precision
If the number of lenses is increased to improve imaging quality, then the image resolution improves, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more lenses throughout the entire optical system, the patent applies a specialized local structure (inflection point) at a specific location within an existing lens. This localized geometric modification improves the optical path and imaging quality for long-range objects without requiring additional lenses, thus reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inflection point structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a geometric feature to control light paths, provides a compact region for minimal refraction, and enables the lens to function effectively for both close-range and long-range imaging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components
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 high telephoto ratio, enabling effective long-range imaging while maintaining a compact size, suitable for integration into portable devices without increasing overall length or number of lenses.
Implementation Method 1
a frontmost lens disposed to be closest to an object side has two or more reflective surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a combination of positive and negative refractive powers to extend the optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system includes four or more lenses disposed in order from an object side. Among the lenses, a frontmost lens disposed to be closest to an object side has two or more reflective surfaces. Among the lenses, a rearmost lens disposed to be closest to an image side has an inflection point formed on at least one of an object-side surface and an image-side surface.