Optical Imaging System Compact Focal Length Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, face limitations in optical zoom capabilities due to thickness constraints, and existing periscope structures compromise imaging quality with the addition of prisms.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system comprising a prism and seven lenses with specific refractive powers and surface types, optimized to achieve a high focal length while maintaining a compact form and improving imaging quality, by controlling light collection and correcting aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a periscope structure with prism is used to increase focal length, then the focal length is significantly increased, but the imaging quality is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the prism from the optical path entirely, extracting the harmful element that was causing imaging quality degradation. The periscope structure is reconfigured to eliminate the prism while maintaining the extended focal length through alternative lens arrangements and optical path folding using mirrors or other prism-free methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system between the object and image plane that achieves the focal length extension without using a traditional prism. This intermediary system uses a combination of lenses and potentially mirror-based light folding to extend the optical path while maintaining image quality.
2Length of stationary object
If the thickness of portable electronic products is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but the focal length is limited and optical zoom capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the optical path in the thickness dimension (z-axis) by using light folding techniques such as mirrors or alternative optical configurations. This allows the focal length to be extended vertically through multiple reflections or optical path bends, enabling long focal length in a compact thickness profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where optical components are positioned in a folded configuration within the limited thickness space. The optical path is folded back on itself multiple times, nesting the effective optical length within a compact physical envelope, similar to how a nested doll contains smaller dolls within larger ones.
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 achieves a high focal length with improved imaging quality and reduced power consumption, while maintaining a compact form, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a prism, reflecting light incident to the prism along a first direction, to cause the light to emerge from the prism along a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, and a seventh lens, wherein each of the first lens to the seventh lens has a refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an optical imaging system, comprising, sequentially from an object side to an image side along an optical axis: a prism, reflecting light incident to the prism along a first direction, to cause the light to emerge from the prism along a second direction, and a stop, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, and a seventh lens sequentially from the prism to an image side along the second direction, each of the first lens to the seventh lens has a refractive power. A total effective focal length f of the optical imaging system and an entrance pupil diameter EPIC of the optical imaging system satisfy: f/EPD<1.4.