Reflective Camera Module Using Folded Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-focus technologies in camera modules require a voice coil motor to adjust the lens, leading to increased volume and weight, which complicates miniaturization and lightness of the camera module as focal length and pixel quality improve.
Innovation Solution
A reflective camera design utilizing a first mirror with a through hole and a second mirror with variable curvature, allowing for focal length adjustment without mechanical movement, achieved through mirrors made of materials like carborundum or ultra-low expansion glass, and incorporating a transmission module to converge light onto an imaging detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional auto-focus technology using voice coil motor is used to improve imaging quality and focal length, then the imaging quality and focal length are improved, but the volume and weight of the camera module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical voice coil motor system with an optical reflection system using mirrors. The first mirror reflects incident light to the second mirror, which then reflects the light through the through hole to the imaging detector. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical movement components, thereby reducing camera module volume while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a folded optical path design where light travels in multiple directions rather than a straight line. The first mirror and second mirror create a reflected light path that folds the optical trajectory, allowing the camera module to achieve longer effective focal length in a compact physical footprint, thus reducing overall volume.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional auto-focus technology using voice coil motor is used to improve imaging quality and focal length, then the imaging quality and focal length are improved, but the weight of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the voice coil motor and its associated mechanical components by using a pure optical reflection system. The mirrors and light path design achieve focal adjustment without mechanical movement, significantly reducing the weight of the camera module while preserving imaging quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lens volume is increased to improve focal length and pixel quality, then the imaging quality is improved, but the thickness of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a folded optical path with mirrors to achieve a longer effective optical path length within a shorter physical thickness. The light is reflected multiple times between the first mirror and second mirror, allowing the camera module to maintain thin profile while achieving the necessary optical path length for high pixel quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into multiple reflection stages rather than using a single long lens. The first mirror and second mirror divide the optical path into segments, allowing the system to achieve equivalent optical performance to a longer lens while maintaining compact thickness.
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
This design miniaturizes the camera module by eliminating the need for a voice coil motor, enabling fine focal adjustments and improved imaging quality while maintaining a lightweight and compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
The first mirror is provided with a through hole and configured to reflect an incident light
Implementation Method 2
The second mirror is arranged on a first side of the first mirror, and configured to reflect the incident light reflected by the first mirror
Implementation Method 3
The imaging detector is arranged on a second side of the first mirror, and configured to receive the incident light reflected by the second mirror through the through hole, and further to convert the incident light into an electrical signal for imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A reflective camera and an electronic device are provided. The reflective camera includes a first mirror, a second mirror and an imaging detector. The first mirror is provided with a through hole and configured to reflect an incident light. The second mirror is arranged on a first side of the first mirror, and configured to reflect the incident light reflected by the first mirror. The imaging detector is arranged on a second side of the first mirror, and configured to receive the incident light reflected by the second mirror through the through hole, and further to convert the incident light into an electrical signal for imaging.