Folded Optical Path for Mobile Camera Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The constraint of increasingly thin electronic mobile devices limits camera image quality due to the need for shorter optical tracks, which restricts the use of larger image sensors and lenses, thereby compromising image resolution and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical folding technique in the lens system, using primary and secondary mirrors to extend the effective focal length while maintaining a compact form factor, allowing for a larger image sensor and improved image capture resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a larger image sensor and lens are used to improve image quality, then image resolution and sensitivity are improved, but the optical track length must be increased which conflicts with the requirement for thin mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter and additional optical path to fold the optical track, extending the effective optical length in a direction perpendicular to the main optical axis. This allows the optical track to extend in multiple dimensions rather than solely along the z-axis, resolving the contradiction between needing long optical paths and maintaining thin device profiles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the beam splitter within the existing optical path between the lens and image sensor. By positioning the beam splitter at a specific location in the optical path and using it to redirect light, the system effectively packs additional optical path length into the existing spatial envelope, allowing larger sensors while maintaining compact form factor
2Use of energy by moving object
If a larger image sensor is used to improve low-light sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but the device thickness must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the optical path in lateral dimensions using beam splitting and folding techniques, allowing the use of larger image sensors that capture more photons for improved low-light sensitivity, while the device thickness is maintained by routing the extended optical path through folded configurations rather than increasing the z-axis length
3Length of moving object
If the optical track is shortened to maintain thin device form factor, then device thickness is reduced, but image quality and resolution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by extending the optical path length in lateral dimensions through beam splitting and folding, rather than increasing the optical track along the main axis. This allows the device to maintain a thin profile while still providing sufficient optical path length for high-quality imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple segments using the beam splitter, creating separate optical paths that can be routed through different spatial regions. This segmentation allows the total optical path length to be extended while keeping each individual segment compact, maintaining thin device form factor
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 approach enables a significant increase in image sensor size, resulting in improved image capture resolution, sensitivity, and electro-optical characteristics within the constraints of a thin mobile device form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter positioned within the optical path between the lens and the image sensor to reflect a portion of incident light onto a secondary optical path
Implementation Method 2
a lens positioned at a first end of the optical path to receive incident light, a beam splitter positioned within the optical path between the lens and the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for an image capture device using a folded optical pathway. The optical pathway comprises a primary mirror and an image sensor centered on a first reflective surface of the primary mirror. The optical pathway further comprises a secondary mirror positioned with a second reflective surface facing the image sensor, the secondary mirror being centered with the primary mirror and located a first distance from the image sensor, the primary mirror extending beyond an edge of the secondary mirror.