Reflective Lens Apparatus for Stereoscopic Imaging Base Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic image pickup apparatuses face challenges in capturing a 180° field of view with sufficient parallax using small image sensors, as the lens units of parallel optical systems interfere with each other and fail to ensure a proper base length for realistic stereoscopic viewing.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus comprising two optical systems with specific configurations, including a first lens unit with negative refractive power, a reflective member, an aperture diaphragm, and a second lens unit with positive refractive power, arranged to ensure the inequalities 5.9<DR/f<13.6 and 0.7<D2/f2<5.2, allowing one small image sensor to capture images from both systems while maintaining a suitable base length for stereoscopic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If lens units of two parallelly disposed optical systems are disposed in close proximity to each other on the rear side of reflective surfaces, then a smaller image sensor can be used, but the lens units interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface (prism or mirror) to fold the optical path, transforming the linear arrangement of lens units into a spatial configuration where light reflects off the surface to reach the image sensor. This dimensional change allows the optical systems to be disposed in close proximity without the lens units interfering with each other, as the reflective surface redirects light paths in three-dimensional space rather than requiring linear separation
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is divided into two separate parallelly disposed optical systems, each with its own lens units and optical path. By segmenting the system this way and using reflective surfaces for each, the patent enables independent optimization of each optical path while maintaining close proximity to use a smaller image sensor, avoiding interference between the segmented optical paths
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between optical axes of lens units is increased to ensure proper base length for stereoscopic viewing, then stereoscopic effect is improved, but the lens units interfere with each other on the rear side
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface folds the optical path in the third dimension, allowing the optical axes to be separated by a sufficient distance for proper stereoscopic base length while the physical lens units remain positioned in close proximity. The light paths are redirected through reflection to achieve the necessary axial separation without requiring increased physical separation that would cause interference
3Length of moving object
If lens units are disposed in close proximity to reduce device size, then compactness is improved, but the base length for stereoscopic viewing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface introduces a spatial fold in the optical path, enabling the optical system to achieve a long effective base length (distance between optical axes) while maintaining a compact physical footprint. The light travels a longer path through reflection rather than direct linear propagation, decoupling the base length from the physical device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surface acts as an intermediary element between the lens units and the image sensor, mediating the optical path to achieve both compactness and sufficient base length. By introducing this intermediate reflective component, the system can maintain close proximity of lens units for compactness while the reflected light paths achieve the necessary separation for stereoscopic viewing
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 stereoscopic imaging with a wide angle of view by ensuring the appropriate distance and focal length ratios between reflective surfaces and the image plane, preventing interference between optical systems and enhancing user comfort and stereoscopic effect.
Implementation Method 1
optical paths are bent so that image circles of two wide angle lenses are included in one image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus includes two optical systems each of which includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a negative first lens unit, a first reflective member, an aperture diaphragm, a second reflective member, and a positive second lens unit. Each optical system satisfies following inequalities:5.9<DR/f<13.60.7<D2/f2<5.210.4<DP/f<19.8DR represents a distance on an optical axis from a reflective surface of the first reflective member to a reflective surface of the second reflective member. f represents a focal length of the optical system. f2 represents a focal length of the second lens unit. D2 represents a distance on the optical axis from the reflective surface of the second reflective member to an image plane. DP represents a distance on the optical axis from the aperture diaphragm to the image plane.