Optical Imaging System with Movable Lens Groups for Unified Optical Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules in portable electronic devices require multiple lenses for optical zoom, leading to field of view differences and reduced image quality due to software-based imaging processing.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system with a configuration of lens groups, including a reflective member, where the first and fourth lens groups are fixed, and the second and third lens groups are movable along the optical axis, allowing for adjustable focal length and focus without the need for multiple camera modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules with different focal lengths are mounted to achieve optical zoom, then optical zoom functionality is improved, but device complexity and field of view differences increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens groups (first, second, third, and fourth lens groups) into a single camera module structure. The first and fourth lens groups have positive refractive power while the second and third lens groups have negative refractive power, allowing the system to achieve optical zoom functionality through a unified optical design rather than requiring multiple separate camera modules. This merging approach reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different focal lengths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules with different focal lengths are used, then optical zoom is achieved, but field of view differences cause reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable lens groups (second and third lens groups with negative refractive power) that can be positioned along the optical axis to dynamically adjust the focal length of the system. This dynamic configuration allows smooth transition between different focal lengths without the discontinuities that arise from switching between multiple fixed camera modules. The movable lens groups enable consistent field of view characteristics across all focal length settings, thereby maintaining image quality consistency while providing versatile focal length adjustment.
3Device complexity
If software-based imaging processing is used instead of optical zoom, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based image processing with a mechanical optical zoom system using movable lens groups. The second and third lens groups can be physically positioned along the optical axis to change the focal length, providing true optical zoom capability. This mechanical optical approach eliminates the need for software-based processing, thereby improving image quality while the modular lens group design keeps the overall device complexity manageable through systematic optical architecture.
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 optical zoom functionality with improved image quality by minimizing lens differences and reducing the need for software processing, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective member including a reflective surface configured to change an optical path of the optical imaging system
Implementation Method 2
each including a plurality of lenses, wherein each of the first lens group and the fourth lens group has a positive refractive power
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 along an optical axis, and each including a plurality of lenses, wherein each of the first lens group and the fourth lens group has a positive refractive power, the optical imaging system further includes an aperture disposed between the third lens group and the fourth lens group, the first lens group, the aperture, and the fourth lens group are fixed, and the second lens group and the third lens group are configured to be movable along the optical axis, the optical imaging system further includes a reflective member including a reflective surface configured to change an optical path of the optical imaging system disposed in front of the first lens group, and the fourth lens group is a lens group disposed closest to the imaging surface.