Large-Aperture Compact Scanning Tele Cameras With Folded Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact mobile cameras, particularly telephoto cameras, lack a large aperture area and low f-number, which are essential for high signal-to-noise ratio, strong Bokeh effect, and high image resolution.
Innovation Solution
A scanning Tele camera design incorporating an optical path folding element (OPFE) with specific rotation axes placement and lens configuration to achieve a large aperture area and low f-number, allowing for a compact form factor suitable for mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact telephoto camera is designed with a folded optical path, then the camera size is reduced, but the aperture area and f-number are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an optical path folding element (prism or mirror) to fold the optical path at an angle, transforming the linear optical path into a folded configuration. This dimensional change allows the optical path to traverse a longer distance within a compact camera body, enabling a larger aperture area without proportionally increasing the camera's external dimensions. The folded optical path effectively utilizes three-dimensional space to resolve the contradiction between compact size and large aperture.
2Length of moving object
If the optical path is folded to reduce camera length, then the camera becomes more compact, but the f-number increases
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the optical path using a prism or mirror at a specific angle, the patent extends the effective optical path length without increasing the camera's external length. This allows the aperture diameter to be increased relative to the effective focal length, thereby reducing the f-number. The dimensional transformation enables the optical system to achieve a lower f-number while maintaining a compact camera length.
3Measurement precision
If a large aperture is implemented, then image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio improve, but the camera size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical path folding element to create a folded optical path that allows a larger aperture diameter to be implemented without proportionally increasing the camera volume. By transforming the optical path into a folded configuration, the system can accommodate a larger aperture while maintaining a compact overall form factor, thus improving image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio without significantly increasing camera size.
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 design enables a scanning Tele camera with a large aperture area and low f-number, enhancing image quality and resolution while maintaining a compact size suitable for integration into mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
an OPFE for folding a first optical path OP1 to a second optical path OP2
Implementation Method 2
a lens having a lens optical axis parallel to OP2, an EFL, a maximum lens aperture height HA measured along OP1, and a maximum lens aperture width WA measured along an axis perpendicular to both OP1 and OP2
Data Source
AI summary
Scanning Tele cameras (STCs) based on two optical path folding element (OPFE) field-of-view scanning and mobile devices including such STCs. A STC may comprise a first OPFE (O-OPFE) for folding a first optical path OP1 to a second optical path OP2, an O-OPFE actuator, a second OPFE (I-OPFE) for folding OP2 to a third optical path OP3, an I-OPFE actuator, a lens, a lens actuator and an image sensor, wherein the STC has a STC native field-of-view (n-FOVT), wherein the O-OPFE actuator is configured to rotate the O-OPFE around a first axis and the I-OPFE actuator rotates the I-OPFE around a second axis for scanning a scene with the n-FOVT, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens for focusing along a third axis, and wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the third axis.