Folded-Optics Camera Module for Telephoto Imaging in Compact Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized electronic devices face challenges in securing installation space for telephoto functions and optical image stabilization due to limited space, making it difficult to integrate high-performance camera modules effectively.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with folded optics design, utilizing refractive members and optical members to refract and reflect light, allowing for telephoto function and image stabilization, while optimizing lens arrangement and movement to fit within compact devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a telephoto camera module is integrated into a miniaturized electronic device, then the telephoto function is achieved, but the installation space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies folded optics using prisms to redirect the optical path at right angles, transforming the linear arrangement of lenses into a multi-dimensional folded structure. This allows the telephoto camera module to achieve a long focal length within a compact space by utilizing spatial dimensions rather than simply extending the optical axis linearly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the optical image stabilizer (OIS) mechanism within the folded optics structure of the telephoto camera module. The OIS components are nested within the existing optical path, allowing dual functionality (telephoto + stabilization) without proportionally increasing the overall module size.
2Reliability
If an optical image stabilizer is added to improve image quality, then the stabilization performance is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical image stabilizer mechanism with the folded optics structure of the telephoto camera module. By merging these two functional systems into a single integrated module, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate telephoto and OIS components.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is designed to perform multiple functions (telephoto imaging and optical image stabilization) within a single integrated structure. The folded optics design serves both the telephoto focal length requirement and provides space for the OIS mechanism, making the module multi-functional.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules are included to provide both wide-angle and telephoto functions, then the versatility is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses folded optics with prisms to create a compact telephoto module that occupies less space than a conventional linear telephoto lens. This dimensional transformation allows the device to include both wide-angle and telephoto cameras within the same space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path parameters by introducing folded optics at right angles, which allows the telephoto lens to achieve its focal length through a folded path rather than a direct linear extension. This parameter change enables compact integration of multiple camera modules.
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
Enables implementation of telephoto function and image stabilization in miniaturized devices by securing installation space and improving image quality through efficient lens arrangement and movement, enhancing the performance of camera modules.
Implementation Method 1
a first refractive member configured to reflect or refract light that is incident on the first refractive member in a first direction, in a second direction intersecting the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a first refractive member configured to reflect or refract light that is incident on the first refractive member in a first direction, in a second direction intersecting the first direction
Implementation Method 3
a second refractive member configured to reflect or refract the light that is reflected or refracted by the first refractive member and is incident on the second refractive member in the second direction, in a third direction intersecting the second direction
Implementation Method 4
a second refractive member configured to reflect or refract the light that is reflected or refracted by the first refractive member and is incident on the second refractive member in the second direction, in a third direction intersecting the second direction
Implementation Method 5
the at least one optical member is configured to block the light that is reflected or refracted by the first refractive member from being incident on the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes: a first refractive member configured to reflect or refract light that is incident on the first refractive member in a first direction, in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second refractive member configured to reflect or refract the light that is reflected or refracted by the first refractive member and is incident on the second refractive member in the second direction, in a third direction intersecting the second direction; an image sensor configured to detect the light that is reflected or refracted by the second refractive member and is incident on the image sensor in the third direction; and at least one optical member provided between the first refractive member and the second refractive member, wherein the at least one optical member is configured to block the light that is reflected or refracted by the first refractive member from being incident on the image sensor, and to guide the light that is reflected or refracted by the first refractive member to be incident on the second refractive member in the second direction.