Optical Imaging With Freeform Reflection for Compact Long-Range Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules in mobile devices face challenges in capturing long-range images due to space constraints, limiting the design of optical imaging systems that can capture both short-range and long-range subjects effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system comprising a series of lenses and reflection members with freeform surfaces, including a first and second reflection member with specific refractive powers, and an optical path folding member to bend the light path, allowing for a compact design that supports long-range image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional camera module design is used, then the mounting space is compact, but the ability to capture long-range images is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical path folding member that bends the optical path at approximately 90 degrees, changing the dimensional arrangement of optical components. This allows the optical system to achieve a longer effective focal length while maintaining a compact camera module footprint by utilizing the third dimension (optical path folding) rather than simply extending the optical axis linearly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs reflection members with freeform surfaces that are non-rotationally symmetrical about the optical axis. These asymmetric surfaces are specifically designed to adjust ray aberrations and enable the optical path to be folded within a compact space, resolving the contradiction between achieving long focal length and maintaining small module size.
2Length of moving object
If the focal length is increased for long-range capture, then the imaging range is extended, but the camera module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path folding member bends the optical path direction by approximately 90 degrees, allowing the system to achieve an extended effective focal length without proportionally increasing the physical optical path length. This dimensional change enables long-range imaging capability while keeping the overall optical train compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection members utilize freeform surfaces with specific curvatures that are non-spherical and non-rotationally symmetrical. These curved surfaces enable the optical path to be folded back on itself, achieving extended focal length in a compact configuration by utilizing spatial curvature rather than linear extension.
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 enables miniaturization of camera modules while enhancing their ability to capture long-range images, adjusting ray aberration and reducing external size through the use of non-rotationally symmetrical reflection members and freeform surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflection member and a second reflection member, disposed on an object side of the first lens, each having a freeform surface
Implementation Method 2
an optical path folding member to bend the light path
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens, disposed in order from an object side, and a first reflection member and a second reflection member, disposed on an object side of the first lens, each having a freeform surface.