Reflective Module Optical Path Folding for Thin Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face limitations in capturing high-quality images due to size and thickness constraints, making it difficult to integrate advanced camera modules with features like optical zooming and wide-angle capabilities without compromising structure and performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of innovative imaging structures for portable electronic devices, incorporating reflective modules with concave and convex mirrors, and multi-reflective switching modules, which allow for flexible optical path adjustments and post-processing to achieve telephoto and wide-angle effects while maintaining device thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If advanced camera modules with optical zooming and telephoto capabilities are integrated, then image quality and viewing angle are improved, but device thickness and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflective modules (mirrors) to fold the optical path, transforming a linear optical trajectory into a multi-dimensional reflected path. This allows the optical system to achieve extended effective length for telephoto capabilities while maintaining a compact physical footprint, directly resolving the contradiction between image quality and device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging structure integrates multiple functional modules (reflective module, rotating module, switching module) within a nested hierarchical arrangement. The reflective module contains mirrors that fold optical paths, while rotating and switching modules are embedded within this structure to provide additional functionality. This nesting enables advanced features without proportionally increasing overall device thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules with different functions are integrated, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal imaging structure where a single integrated module can perform multiple functions (standard imaging, telephoto, wide-angle) through the coordinated operation of reflective, rotating, and switching components. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for each feature, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging structure incorporates dynamic elements including a rotating module that can rotate the optical path by 90 degrees and a switching module that dynamically switches between different optical configurations. These dynamic components enable a single static physical structure to achieve multiple functional states, improving adaptability without requiring multiple fixed modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reflective modules with concave and convex mirrors are used, then optical effects and viewing angle are improved, but manufacturing precision and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching module as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple mirrors (concave and convex) with different functions. This switching module acts as a mediator that systematically controls the interaction between various optical elements, simplifying the alignment and coordination requirements while enabling diverse optical effects.
4Length of moving object
If the optical path is extended for telephoto capability, then viewing distance is improved, but device thickness and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflective modules to fold the optical path into a multi-dimensional configuration rather than extending it linearly. By utilizing mirror reflections to create a zigzag or folded optical trajectory, the system achieves an extended effective optical path length for telephoto capability while maintaining a compact three-dimensional volume, directly resolving the contradiction between optical path length and device volume.
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
These imaging structures enable portable electronic devices to capture high-quality images with extended viewing angles and various optical effects, enhancing image quality and versatility without increasing device thickness, by using reflective modules and post-processing to correct distortions and compressions.
Implementation Method 1
reflective modules, which include a plurality of reflective parts
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging structure for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The imaging structure may include a housing having an opening for obtaining external light. The imaging structure may also include a reflective module coupled with the housing. The reflective module may include a reflective surface for reflecting the external light. The imaging structure may further include a photo-sensing module coupled with the reflective module. The photo-sensing module may be configured to generate an image based on the external light reflected from the reflective module toward the photo-sensing module.