Imaging Apparatus Stray Light Prevention via Light Blocking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging apparatuses with reflection optical systems face challenges in enhancing optical performance while maintaining a compact size, particularly in reducing stray light and aberrations effectively.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging apparatus employs a Schmidt-Cassegrain-type optical system with a correction plate, primary and secondary reflection mirrors, and a prevention unit to block stray light, ensuring that light is reflected the predetermined number of times and captured by an image sensor, while maintaining a compact design by folding the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a reflection optical system is used to reduce the size of the imaging apparatus, then the overall length and volume are reduced, but stray light and optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes stray light from the optical system by introducing a light blocking member that specifically targets and blocks reflected light paths. The light blocking member is positioned to intercept stray light before it reaches the image sensor, effectively separating the harmful reflected light from the useful optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the reflectors and the image sensor. It mediates the optical paths by selectively blocking unwanted reflected light while allowing the predetermined number of reflected light rays to reach the sensor, thus controlling light distribution without disrupting the compact folded optical path.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple reflectors are used to fold the optical path, then the imaging apparatus size is reduced, but the complexity of controlling light paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path control function by introducing a light blocking member that divides the optical space into useful and harmful light regions. This segmentation simplifies the control of complex multi-reflector optical paths by creating distinct zones: one for predetermined reflected light and another for blocking unwanted reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking member serves as an intermediary that simplifies optical path control in multi-reflector systems. It automatically manages the complex light paths by physically blocking unwanted reflections without requiring complex active control mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall system complexity despite using multiple reflectors.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the image sensor is shifted toward the image side from the optical system, then stray light is reduced, but the distance for light to travel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts stray light from the optical path by positioning the light blocking member to intercept reflected light before it reaches the image sensor. This allows the sensor to be positioned further from the optical system without compromising stray light reduction, as the blocking member has already removed the harmful light components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking member acts as an intermediary that decouples the relationship between sensor position and stray light reduction. By placing the blocking member in the optical path, the system allows the sensor to be positioned at an optimal distance from the optical system while the blocking member handles stray light management, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements.
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 enhances optical performance by reducing aberrations and stray light, achieving a compact size and high-resolution imaging with improved image quality and reduced length, allowing for efficient image capture and effective stray light management.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector that reflects light incident thereon by a predetermined number of times
Implementation Method 2
a second reflector that reflects the light reflected off the first reflector by the predetermined number of times
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus having high resolution and high optical performance and reduced in size is provided.A camera module 10, which is an imaging apparatus incorporated in an optical apparatus, such as a camera 60, includes an optical system UL, which forms an image of an object, the optical system UL including a primary reflection mirror 12, which is a first reflector that reflects light incident thereon by a predetermined number of times, and a secondary reflection mirror 13, which is a second reflector that reflects the light reflected off the first reflector by the predetermined number of times, an image sensor 14, which is shifted toward the image side from the optical system UL and captures an image of an object formed by the optical system UL, and a prevention unit 19, which prevents light reflected off the first reflector and the second reflector by a number of times other than the predetermined number of times from entering the image sensor.