Periscopic Zoom Lens With Moving Sensor for Compact Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices face challenges in efficiently switching between close-range and long-distance shooting without occupying excessive space or increasing costs by using multiple cameras.

Innovation Solution

An imaging module with a zoom lens comprising a first, second, and third lens group, where the second lens group and photosensitive element move along the optical axis to adjust focal length, allowing for variable focal length without multiple cameras, and incorporating a prism assembly for a periscopic structure to reduce device thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are arranged to enable both close-range and long-distance shooting, then the imaging capability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single camera module is designed to perform multiple functions by enabling focal length switching between wide-angle and telephoto modes through lens group movement, eliminating the need for separate cameras for different shooting scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens groups are made movable along the optical axis to dynamically change the focal length of the zoom lens, allowing the system to adapt between close-range and long-distance shooting capabilities within a single camera module

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are used to achieve zoom shooting, then the focal length switching capability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal length switching capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single camera module is designed to perform multiple functions by enabling focal length switching between wide-angle and telephoto modes through lens group movement, eliminating the need for separate cameras for different shooting scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional zoom lens structure is used, then the focal length adjustment is achieved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal length adjustmentVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A prism assembly is introduced to redirect the optical path at an angle, allowing the zoom lens to achieve focal length adjustment while maintaining a compact thickness by utilizing the lateral dimension for optical path folding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables space-saving, cost-effective imaging with improved quality by eliminating the need for multiple cameras and optimizing focal length adjustment, while supporting both close-range and long-distance shooting.

Implementation Method 1

a zoom lens, wherein the zoom lens includes a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group... the second lens group and the photosensitive element are movable in a direction of an optical axis of the zoom lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens: Lens

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a prism assembly for a periscopic structure to reduce device thickness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3979616B1Imaging method, imaging module and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3979616B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3a
  • EP3979616B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~4
  • EP3979616B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An imaging module (1000), an imaging method, and an electronic device (2000) are provided. The imaging module (1000) includes a zoom lens (100) and a photosensitive element (402). The zoom lens (100) includes a first lens group (10), a second lens group (20), and a third lens group (30). The imaging method include: during switching from a long focus to a short focus, controlling the second lens group (20) and the photosensitive element (402) to move towards an object side; and during switching from the short focus to the long focus, controlling the second lens group (20) and the photosensitive element (402) to move towards an image side.