Folded Optical Module Layout for Thin Long-Focal Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in electronic devices, such as cameras and smartphones, is that lenses with long focal lengths increase device thickness, hindering miniaturization efforts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modular optical system comprising a first optical module, a second optical module, and a third optical module with different focal lengths, where the modules are arranged to allow light to pass through a reflecting unit and an aperture unit, reducing the overall thickness by directing optical elements along non-Z axis directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens with long focal length is provided in the electronic device, then the optical performance is improved, but the thickness of the device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflecting unit with a reflecting surface that redirects light at an angle (non-Z axis direction) to reach the image sensor. This changes the optical path from a straight longitudinal arrangement to an angled path, effectively reducing the thickness dimension while maintaining the required focal length for optical performance. The light enters through the lens, reflects off the reflecting surface, and reaches the image sensor positioned at an angle rather than directly behind the lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is divided into distinct functional modules: a lens unit for light gathering and focusing, a reflecting unit for path redirection, and an image sensor unit for detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and arranged in a compact configuration that reduces overall device thickness while maintaining optical performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical modules with different focal lengths are arranged sequentially, then the imaging capability is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting unit serves multiple functions: it redirects the optical path to reduce thickness, acts as a structural support element, and enables the sequential arrangement of multiple optical modules with different focal lengths. By making the reflecting unit multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite incorporating multiple optical modules for enhanced imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical modules (lens units with different focal lengths) into a single integrated optical system where they work together through the common reflecting unit. This merging approach allows the system to achieve versatile imaging capabilities while managing complexity through unified design and shared 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
This configuration enables miniaturization of electronic devices by reducing the thickness while maintaining image quality and functionality, allowing for compact designs without compromising optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-entering end and a first light-exiting end for focusing an external light on the image sensor... allow light to pass through a reflecting unit
Implementation Method 2
The first lens unit includes a first light-entering end and a first light-exiting end for focusing an external light on the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device is provided. The image capturing device includes an aperture unit, an image sensor, and a first lens unit. The first lens unit includes a first light-entering end and a first light-exiting end for focusing an external light on the image sensor. The aperture unit, the first lens unit, and the image sensor are sequentially arranged in a travel direction of the external light.