Folded Optical Path for Thin Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems in consumer electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, face challenges in achieving thinness while incorporating lens modules with long focal lengths, which often compromise the device's thickness and optical performance.
Innovation Solution
The optical system comprises a series of optical modules, including a first optical module that adjusts the light path direction, a second optical module that receives the light, and a third optical module with a photoelectric converter to transform the light into an image signal. These modules work in sequence to enhance optical image stabilization and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lens with a long focal length is disposed in the electronic device, then the optical quality and depth sensing accuracy are improved, but the thickness of the electronic device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light path adjusting member (mirror or prism) that redirects the optical path from the lens to the image sensor at an angle, effectively utilizing the lateral dimension within the device housing. This allows the optical components to be arranged in a folded configuration, reducing the thickness direction length while maintaining the required optical path length for deep sensing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple optical modules (lens module, light path adjusting member, image sensor module) into a compact stacked arrangement where components are nested within each other's spatial envelope. The light path adjusting member is positioned between the lens and image sensor, creating a nested configuration that minimizes the overall thickness while preserving optical performance
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical modules are integrated to improve optical quality, then the optical performance is enhanced, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The light path adjusting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects the optical path to reduce thickness, enables the integration of the lens and image sensor in a compact arrangement, and contributes to the overall structural framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing optical quality
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 allows for a thinner optical system in electronic devices while maintaining or improving optical quality, including image quality and depth sensing accuracy, and enhances the efficacy of optical image stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
a first light path adjusting member configured to adjust a moving direction of the first light from a first moving direction to a second moving direction
Implementation Method 2
a first driving mechanism configured to drive the first light path adjusting member to rotate around a first axis and a second axis
Implementation Method 3
a first optical assembly including a first lens and a second lens, configured to receive the first light moving in the second moving direction
Implementation Method 4
a first photoelectric converter configured to transform the first light into a first image signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical system affixed to an electronic apparatus is provided, including a first optical module (13-100), a second optical module (13-200), and a third optical module (13-300). The first optical module (13-100) is configured to adjust the moving direction of a first light (13-L1) from a first moving direction (13-D1) to a second moving direction (13-D2), wherein the first moving direction (13-D1) is not parallel to the second moving direction (13-D2). The second optical module (13-200) is configured to receive the first light (13-L1) moving in the second moving direction (13-D2). The first light (13-L1) reaches the third optical module (13-300) via the first optical module (13-100) and the second optical module (13-200) in sequence. The third optical module (13-300) includes a first photoelectric converter (13-310) configured to transform the first light (13-L1) into a first image signal.