Folded-Path Stereoscopic Lens Apparatus for Compact Long Baselines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic lens apparatuses face challenges in achieving a compact configuration with a long baseline length and maintaining a natural stereoscopic effect for both near and distant objects, particularly due to interference issues between optical elements and difficulty in forming optical images on a single image sensor.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus with two optical systems, each comprising a first lens unit with positive refractive power, a second lens unit with negative refractive power, a reflective surface, and a rear lens unit with positive refractive power, where the distances between specific lens units and reflective surfaces are varied during magnification, ensuring a compact design and long baseline length, and the reflective surfaces are integrated within a single barrel to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a stereoscopic lens apparatus uses a compact configuration with bent optical paths to increase baseline length, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the stereoscopic effect deteriorates for distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent bends the optical path using reflective surfaces (prisms) to redirect light in a non-linear trajectory, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space within the optical system. This allows the optical path length to be extended without increasing the linear dimensions of the apparatus, thereby maintaining a compact form factor while achieving the necessary baseline length for distant object stereoscopy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple optical elements (lens units, reflective surfaces, aperture stop) into a nested configuration where components are arranged concentrically or in overlapping spatial relationships. The reflective surfaces are positioned to fold the optical path back through portions of the existing optical train, effectively nesting the extended optical path within the compact apparatus volume
2Reliability
If the baseline length is increased to improve stereoscopic effect for distant objects, then the stereoscopic quality improves, but the apparatus becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflective surfaces to bend the optical path at angles, transforming a linear baseline extension into a multi-dimensional optical trajectory. This allows the effective baseline length to be increased while the physical footprint of the apparatus remains compact, as the optical path travels through additional spatial dimensions rather than extending linearly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical path length adjustable by varying the air gap between lens units during magnification changes. This dynamic adjustment allows the baseline length to be optimized for different object distances and magnification levels, providing long baseline length for distant objects while maintaining compact dimensions when not in use
3Reliability
If a telephoto magnification-varying optical system is used to capture stereoscopic images for distant objects, then the stereoscopic effect improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single optical system that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it provides telephoto magnification variation, maintains long baseline length for distant objects, and delivers high-quality stereoscopic imaging. The reflective surfaces and lens units work together to achieve these multiple objectives without requiring separate specialized subsystems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high stereoscopic performance
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 a compact, high-quality stereoscopic image capture with a natural stereoscopic effect for both near and distant objects, minimizing interference and maintaining image quality through optimized lens configurations and reflective surface integration.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the two optical systems includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having positive refractive power, a second lens unit having negative refractive power, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus includes two optical systems. Each of the two optical systems includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having positive refractive power, a second lens unit having negative refractive power, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a rear lens unit having positive refractive power. At least a distance between the first lens unit and the second lens unit and a distance between the second lens unit and the first reflective surface are changed during magnification variation. A predetermined condition is satisfied.