Folded Tele Camera Continuous Zoom With Moving Lens Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-aperture cameras in handheld electronic devices, such as smartphones, face a trade-off between applicability range and zoom capability due to fixed zoom factors, limiting the ability to achieve both large applicability and zoom capability in a single Tele camera.
Innovation Solution
A folded Tele camera with a lens system divided into three groups, where G1 and G3 are coupled as a single carrier and G2 is in a separate carrier, allowing continuous zoom factor adjustment by moving these carriers relative to each other and the image sensor, with a mechanism that includes voice coil motors for precise movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed zoom factor is used in a Tele camera, then the device structure is simple, but the applicability range and zoom capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic zoom system where the effective focal length can be continuously adjusted between two extremes (EFL1 and EFL2) by moving lens groups. This allows the Tele camera to adapt to different zoom requirements (ZF1 and ZF2) rather than being fixed at a single zoom level, thereby improving applicability range while maintaining reasonable device complexity through controlled mechanical movement of lens elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system is divided into multiple lens groups (including G1, G2, G3, and additional groups) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows different portions of the optical system to be adjusted separately to achieve continuous focal length changes, enabling versatile zoom capability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire camera module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the effective focal length is switched between two discrete values, then the zoom capability is improved, but the continuity of zoom adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous variation of the effective focal length between EFL1 and EFL2 by allowing intermediate positions of the lens groups. Instead of switching between discrete focal lengths, the system provides smooth continuous adjustment, making it easier to operate and adapt to different scene requirements without abrupt transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters (effective focal length) continuously by varying the physical positions of the lens groups. This parameter change approach allows the zoom factor to take any value between the minimum and maximum, providing continuous rather than discrete zoom adjustment for improved ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens groups are moved for continuous zoom, then the zoom flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple lens groups (G1, G2, G3, and others) that can be moved independently. This segmentation allows complex zoom functionality to be achieved through coordinated movement of simpler subsystems, improving zoom flexibility while managing device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens groups serve multiple functions: they contribute to both the zoom mechanism (by moving relative to each other to change effective focal length) and the focusing mechanism (by moving collectively to adjust focus). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving zoom flexibility without proportionally increasing device 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
Enables a continuous zoom factor adjustment between a minimum and maximum zoom, providing both large applicability range and zoom capability within the constraints of handheld devices, while maintaining a compact form factor and enabling optical image stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism that includes voice coil motors for precise movement
Data Source
AI summary
Folded Tele cameras comprising an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding a first optical path OP1 to a second optical path OP2, a lens including N=8 lens elements, the lens being divided into three lens groups numbered, in order from an object side of the lens, G1, G2 and G3, and an image sensor, wherein G1 and G3 are included in a single G13 carrier, wherein G2 is included in a G2 carrier, wherein both the G13 carrier and the G2 carrier include rails for defining the position of G2 relative to G13, wherein the Tele camera is configured to change a zoom factor continuously between a minimum zoom factor ZFMIN and a maximum zoom factor ZFMAX by moving the G2 carrier relative to the G13 carrier and by moving the G13 carrier relative to the image sensor, and wherein an effective focal length (EFL) is 7.5 mm<EFL<50 mm. The G2 carrier may be positioned by a lens transporter within the G13 carrier at a particular zoom factor to form a lens pair to enable optical investigation and/or transporting of the lens pair.