Folded Optical Zoom Lens Layout for Compact Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules in portable electronic devices require multiple lenses for optical zoom, leading to a complex structure.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system with a first, second, and third lens group, including lenses made of glass and plastic, and a reflecting member, allowing for movable lens groups to achieve zoom and focusing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules with different focal lengths are mounted to implement optical zoom, then optical zoom capability is achieved, but device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens groups (first, second, and third lens groups with different focal lengths) into a single camera module structure. The first lens group has focal length f1, the second lens group has focal length f2, and the third lens group has focal length f3, where f1 < f2 < f3. By combining these lens groups in a unified structure with shared aperture and image sensor, the system achieves optical zoom capability without requiring separate camera modules, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple lens groups are combined in a single module, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable lens groups that can adjust their positions along the optical axis. The first lens group, second lens group, and third lens group are configured to be movable, allowing dynamic adjustment of distances between lens groups (d1 between first and second groups, d2 between second and third groups). This dynamic capability enables the system to focus and zoom by changing lens positions rather than requiring extremely precise fixed positioning during manufacturing, thus reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining compact size.
3Measurement precision
If glass lenses are used for high-resolution imaging, then image quality improves, but temperature resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite lens structure combining glass and plastic materials. The first lens group includes at least one glass lens and at least one plastic lens. The second lens group includes at least one glass lens and at least one plastic lens. The third lens group includes at least one glass lens and at least one plastic lens. This composite material approach allows the system to achieve high-resolution imaging through glass lenses while using plastic lenses to improve temperature resistance, as plastic materials generally have better thermal stability than glass. The combination enables both high image quality and temperature resistance.
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 system provides a compact optical zoom capability with improved temperature resistance and high-resolution imaging, maintaining a smaller device size.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting member disposed in front of the first lens group
Implementation Method 2
a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group, each including a plurality of lenses and arranged in order along an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system includes a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group, each including a plurality of lenses and arranged in order along an optical axis, a reflecting member disposed in front of the first lens group, and an aperture disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group, wherein at least one of the first lens group to the third lens group is configured to be movable along the optical axis, and wherein the lens disposed closest to the aperture among the plurality of lenses included in the second lens group is formed of glass.