Optical Imaging System with Movable Lens for Optical Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable electronic devices with multiple camera modules for simulating optical zoom suffer from reduced image quality due to the need for software-based image processing at medium magnification, which compromises image quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system comprising a first lens group, a second lens group, a third lens group, and a fourth lens group, with a reflective member, where at least one lens group is movable along the optical axis, and specific refractive power and Abbe number conditions are met to achieve optical zoom without significant image quality loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules with different focal lengths are used to simulate optical zoom, then the field of view varies across different magnifications, but software-based image processing is required at medium magnification which reduces image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable lens group that can dynamically adjust its position along the optical axis to change the focal length of the imaging system. This dynamic reconfiguration enables continuous optical zoom from wide-angle to telephoto views without switching between discrete camera modules, thereby maintaining consistent image quality across all magnification levels while providing versatile field of view adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules are used to achieve optical zoom effect, then different fields of view are obtained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single imaging system with a movable lens group that can perform multiple functions: capturing wide-angle images, telephoto images, and intermediate views through optical zoom. By making the lens group movable along the optical axis, one camera module achieves the versatility of multiple fixed modules, eliminating the need for separate camera components while maintaining full zoom capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple static camera modules, the patent employs a dynamic lens group that can reposition itself to achieve different focal lengths. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows a single module to replace multiple fixed modules, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive zoom functionality from wide-angle to telephoto modes.
3Device complexity
If software-based image processing is used at medium magnification, then the imaging system can operate with fewer modules, but image quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable lens group that physically reconfigures the optical path to achieve medium magnification views. This optical-based solution replaces software-based processing, maintaining high image quality by using actual optical zoom mechanisms rather than digital post-processing. The lens group's ability to adjust its position enables continuous optical zoom while preserving image fidelity across all magnification levels.
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 high-quality optical zoom without the need for software processing, maintaining image quality across different focal lengths and field of views, while reducing the number of lenses required.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective member disposed on an object side of the first lens group and including a reflective surface configured to change an optical path of the optical imaging system
Implementation Method 2
the first lens group has a positive refractive power, and 0.45≤fG1/L≤0.8 is satisfied, where fG1 is a focal length of the first lens group
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system includes a first lens group, a second lens group, a third lens group, and a fourth lens group sequentially disposed in ascending numerical order along an optical axis of the optical imaging system away from an object side of the optical imaging system toward an imaging plane of the optical imaging system, at least one lens group among the first to fourth lens groups being configured to be movable along the optical axis; and a reflective member disposed on an object side of the first lens group and including a reflective surface configured to change an optical path, wherein the first lens group has a positive refractive power, and 0.45≤fG1/L≤0.8 is satisfied, where fG1 is a focal length of the first lens group, and L is a distance from an object-side surface of the reflective member to the imaging plane.