Optical Apparatus Multi-Lens Shared Sensor Volume Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical image capturing apparatuses are limited by insufficient imaging quality, high cost, and restricted applications due to the use of multiple identical image capturing units with fixed optical axes and limited resolution, which restricts their ability to capture multiple images with varying optical functions efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An optical apparatus with multiple optical lens groups and a shared sensor, where the lens groups have different optical axes and focal lengths, allowing for flexible implementation of various optical functions within a single module, minimizing volume and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple identical image capturing units are used to capture multiple images, then the ability to capture plural images is improved, but the overall volume and fabrication cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to capture multiple imagesVSAvoidoverall volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single image capturing unit is designed to perform multiple optical functions by capturing images with different optical parameters (focal length, optical axis direction, field of view). The same hardware component serves multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate capturing units for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple optical functions that would traditionally require separate image capturing units are merged into a single unit. The patent combines wide-angle, telephoto, and other optical functions within one capturing unit, reducing the overall system volume while maintaining multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple identical image capturing units are used to capture multiple images, then the ability to capture plural images is improved, but the fabrication cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to capture multiple imagesVSAvoidfabrication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single image capturing unit is designed to perform multiple optical functions by capturing images with different optical parameters (focal length, optical axis direction, field of view). The same hardware component serves multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate capturing units for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple optical functions that would traditionally require separate image capturing units are merged into a single unit. The patent combines wide-angle, telephoto, and other optical functions within one capturing unit, reducing the overall system volume while maintaining multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image capturing units with different optical functions are used, then the optical efficacy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical functionsVSAvoidarray arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs optical switching mechanisms that dynamically change the optical parameters (focal length, optical axis) of a single capturing unit. This dynamic reconfiguration allows different optical functions to be achieved without permanently complex multi-unit arrangements, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optical parameters (focal length, optical axis direction, field of view) of the single image capturing unit are changed to achieve different optical functions. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system provides multiple optical capabilities without the structural complexity of multiple fixed units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the capture of multiple images with different optical functions in each capturing process, enhancing imaging performance and reducing overall volume and fabrication costs while allowing for flexible optical efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

After a light beam passes through any of the plural optical lens groups, a travelling direction of the light beam is changed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9843706B2Optical apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 EVERREADY PRECISION IND

AI summary

An optical apparatus includes plural optical lens groups, an optical sensor and a casing. After a light beam passes through any of the plural optical lens groups, a travelling direction of the light beam is changed. Moreover, after the light beam passes through at least one of the plural optical lens groups, the light beam is sensed by the optical sensor and converted into an image signal by the optical sensor. The plural optical lens groups and the optical sensor are accommodated and fixed within the casing. The optical apparatus has a single optical lens module, and is able to implement different optical function simultaneously. Consequently, the overall volume of the optical apparatus is minimized, and the fabricating cost of the optical apparatus is reduced.