Optical Imaging System Miniaturization via Prism and Movable Lens Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical imaging systems, particularly needle case type systems, face challenges in miniaturization due to increased length with more lenses, while curved systems have high manufacturing costs and deteriorated optical performance.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system comprising a prism, a first fixed lens group, a first movable lens group, a second movable lens group, and a second fixed lens group, with specific refractive powers and configurations to adjust focal length and include a stop between the movable lens groups, optimizing the arrangement to meet conditional expressions for miniaturization and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle case type optical imaging system with more lenses is used, then optical performance is improved, but the overall length increases making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear needle case arrangement to a curved configuration where lenses are disposed along an arc rather than a straight line. This dimensional change allows the optical system to achieve the necessary optical performance with more lenses while reducing the overall length by utilizing curved space efficiently, enabling miniaturization for portable terminals.
2Length of moving object
If a curved optical imaging system is used, then miniaturization is enabled, but manufacturing costs increase due to refracting prisms and optical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple lens groups (first fixed lens group, first movable lens group, second movable lens group, second fixed lens group) with specific refractive powers. This segmentation allows each lens group to be optimized independently for manufacturing while collectively achieving the desired curved path and optical performance, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise refractive power parameters for each lens group (e.g., first lens with negative refractive power, second lens with positive refractive power) to optimize the optical path. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves miniaturization benefits while controlling manufacturing costs and maintaining optical performance through calculated optical characteristics.
3Length of moving object
If a curved optical imaging system is used, then miniaturization is enabled, but optical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates movable lens groups that can adjust their positions to change the overall focal length. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize optical performance across different focusing conditions while maintaining the compact curved configuration, preventing optical performance deterioration that would otherwise result from fixed lens arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple lens groups with different refractive powers and materials (including at least one aspherical lens) to compensate for optical aberrations introduced by the curved configuration. This composite approach combines lenses with complementary optical characteristics to maintain high optical performance while achieving miniaturization.
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 miniaturization of optical imaging systems while maintaining or improving optical performance by adjusting focal length and reducing manufacturing costs through strategic lens group placement and refractive power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a prism configured to refract light reflected from an object side toward an imaging plane
Implementation Method 2
a first fixed lens group in which the prism is disposed; a first movable lens group configured to change a position of the imaging plane
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical imaging system including a prism, a first fixed lens group, a first movable lens group, a second movable lens group, and a second fixed lens group. The prism is configured to refract light reflected from an object side toward an imaging plane and a reflecting member. The prism is disposed on the first fixed lens group and the first movable lens group is configured to change a position of the imaging plane so that an overall focal length is changed. The second movable lens group is configured to adjust a position of the imaging plane so that a focal length for an object is adjusted. The imaging plane is disposed on the second fixed lens group.