Folded Optical Path Lens for Compact Stereoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wide-angle stereoscopic imaging apparatuses face challenges in capturing natural stereoscopic images due to the need for increased size and complexity, as the configuration of coaxial optical systems with short optical axis distances limits the base length and increases the apparatus size.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus comprising two optical systems with a front lens unit, an intermediate lens unit, and a rear lens unit, where the intermediate lens unit includes reflecting members to bend the optical path, satisfying the conditional expression 0.05 < Dout/Din < 0.50, allowing for a larger base length while maintaining a compact size by optimizing the refractive power distribution and aberration correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two coaxial optical systems are disposed side by side on the image sensor, then the base length is short, but the apparatus size can be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflecting members (prisms or mirrors) in the intermediate lens unit to fold the optical path, transforming the linear optical path into a multi-dimensional configuration. This allows the optical system to achieve a longer effective base length while maintaining a compact physical footprint, resolving the contradiction between apparatus size and base length
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting members are integrated within the intermediate lens unit, nesting the optical path folding function inside the existing lens structure. This nested configuration allows the optical system to achieve extended base length functionality without increasing the overall apparatus volume
2Measurement precision
If the base length is enlarged to capture more natural stereoscopic images, then the image quality is improved, but the apparatus size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By using reflecting members to fold the optical path at angles, the system achieves an extended effective base length for improved stereoscopic imaging while the physical apparatus remains compact. The optical path travels through multiple dimensions rather than a straight line, decoupling image quality from apparatus size
3Measurement precision
If reflecting members are added to bend the optical path, then the base length is increased, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting members are merged with the intermediate lens unit, combining the optical path folding function with the existing lens structure. This integration approach increases base length while minimizing the addition of separate components, thereby controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate lens unit serves multiple functions: it focuses light from the front lens unit, incorporates reflecting members to fold the optical path for extended base length, and maintains proper optical alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, managing overall system complexity
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 solution enables the capture of natural stereoscopic images with a larger base length while reducing the overall size of the apparatus, enhancing the realism of the image capturing and improving aberration correction.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the intermediate lens units in the two optical systems includes a first reflecting member for bending an optical path at a position adjacent to the front lens unit, and a second reflecting member for bending the optical path at a position adjacent to the rear lens unit
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus includes two different optical systems. Each of the two optical systems includes a front lens unit having negative refractive power, an intermediate lens unit, and a rear lens unit disposed in this order from an object side to an image plane side. Each of the intermediate lens units in the two optical systems includes a first reflecting member for bending an optical path at a position adjacent to the front lens unit, and a second reflecting member for bending the optical path at a position adjacent to the rear lens unit. The following conditional expression is satisfied:0.05<Dout/Din<0.50,where Din is a distance between surface vertexes of lenses closest to an object in the two optical systems, and Dout is a distance between surface vertexes of lenses closest to an image plane in the two optical systems.