Reflective Front Lens Imaging for Compact Long-Range Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-sized optical imaging systems in portable devices struggle to capture high-resolution images of long-range objects due to space constraints, limiting their ability to achieve a high telephoto ratio.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system with a configuration of four or more lenses, including a frontmost lens with reflective surfaces and a rearmost lens with an inflection point, optimized for miniaturization and long-range imaging, utilizing lenses with specific refractive powers and aspherical surfaces to extend the optical path without increasing system length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small-sized optical imaging system is used in portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the ability to capture high-resolution images of long-range objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies refraction by changing the dimension of light path through aspherical surfaces. The aspherical surfaces bend light rays in a non-linear manner, extending the optical path length without increasing the physical system length, thereby achieving high telephoto ratio in a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of lens surfaces, specifically using aspherical surfaces with precise curvature values. By optimizing surface parameters and lens spacing, the system achieves high-resolution long-range imaging while maintaining a compact size
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of lenses is increased to improve imaging quality, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a lens system where each lens element performs multiple functions. The aspherical surfaces simultaneously correct spherical aberration, control chromatic aberration, and extend optical path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated correction lenses, maintaining manageable system complexity while achieving high imaging quality
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical path length is extended to capture long-range objects, then telephoto ratio is improved, but system length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aspherical surfaces with specific curvature values to bend light rays. The aspherical geometry allows the optical path to fold back on itself, extending the effective imaging distance while keeping the physical system length compact. This is achieved through precise control of surface curvature and lens spacing
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 high-resolution long-range imaging in a compact form factor, maintaining a high telephoto ratio and reducing the overall length of the imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
a frontmost lens disposed to be closest to an object side has two or more reflective surfaces
Implementation Method 2
utilizing lenses with specific refractive powers and aspherical surfaces to extend the optical path without increasing system length
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system includes four or more lenses disposed in order from an object side. Among the lenses, a frontmost lens disposed to be closest to an object side has two or more reflective surfaces. Among the lenses, a rearmost lens disposed to be closest to an image side has an inflection point formed on at least one of an object-side surface and an image-side surface.