Light Path Changing Device for Compact Zoom Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensing devices face challenges in achieving high magnification zooming due to the need for a long-stroke movement of lenses, which requires high precision in motor and guide rod assembly, making production difficult in thin electronic devices with limited internal space.
Innovation Solution
The image sensing device incorporates a first and second light path changing element and a plane lens, allowing for high magnification zooming within a short light path, reducing the distance between these elements and minimizing the stroke required for lens movement, thereby simplifying production by using a plane lens with a short focal length and a focusing mechanism like a voice coil motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a long-stroke movement is implemented to achieve high magnification zooming, then the magnification is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases and production difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the optical path from a straight linear arrangement to a folded path using reflective elements (prisms or mirrors). This dimensional change allows the light to travel a longer effective distance through multiple reflections within a compact physical space, achieving high magnification without requiring long-stroke lens movements or high-precision guidance mechanisms over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are arranged in a nested or compact folded configuration where the optical path folds back on itself within the limited space. This nesting approach allows the light path to effectively occupy more space than the physical device dimensions would suggest, enabling high magnification in a compact form factor without requiring precision mechanisms to move components over long distances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between lenses is extended to increase magnification, then the magnification is improved, but the device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflective elements to fold the optical path at approximately 45-degree angles, transforming a linear optical arrangement into a multi-segment folded path. This allows the effective optical distance to be much longer than the physical device length, achieving high magnification while keeping the device compact and suitable for thin electronic devices.
3Length of moving object
If a periscope design is adopted to configure a long light path in limited space, then the light path length is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light path changing elements (prisms or mirrors) directly into the optical lens group structure, merging the functions of light redirection and image formation into a unified compact assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall optical structure while maintaining the folded light path configuration.
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 enables high magnification zooming within a compact design, reducing production complexity and length, while maintaining image quality with minimal distortion and field curvature.
Implementation Method 1
The first light path changing element includes a first light-incident side and a first light-emergent side, where the first light-incident side faces an image-capturing direction, the first light-emergent side faces a zoom optical axis, and there is a first angle between the first light-incident side and the first light-emergent side
Implementation Method 2
The second light path changing element includes a second light-incident side and a second light-emergent side, where the second light-incident side faces the zoom optical axis, so that the first light-emergent side and the second light-incident side are disposed opposite to each other along the zoom optical axis
Implementation Method 3
The plane lens is disposed on the image-capturing light path
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing device includes a first light path changing element, a second light path changing element, and a plane lens. The first light path changing element includes a first light-incident side and a first light-emergent side, where the first light-incident side faces an image-capturing direction, the first light-emergent side faces a zoom optical axis, and there is an angle between the first light-incident side and the first light-emergent side. The second light path changing element includes a second light-incident side and a second light-emergent side, where the second light-incident side faces the zoom optical axis, the second light-emergent side faces an image-forming direction. An angle is between the second light-incident side and the second light-emergent side. An image-capturing light path passes through the first light-incident side, the first light-emergent side, the second light-incident side, and the second light-emergent side. The plane lens is disposed on the image-capturing light path.