Rotating Reflector Lens Assembly for Compact Wide-Angle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In limited space applications, such as smartphones and wearable devices, achieving high-resolution wide-angle images with traditional lens structures is challenging due to space constraints and the need for increased focal length.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly with rotating reflectors and lenses that generate multiple high-resolution telephoto images, which are then synthesized into a high-resolution wide-angle image, utilizing a configuration of lenses with specific refractive powers and Abbe numbers, and an aperture stop to adjust light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional lens structures are used in limited space applications, then the device can be compact, but achieving high-resolution wide-angle images becomes challenging due to space constraints and the need for increased focal length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotating reflectors that change the optical path direction, effectively adding a dimensional element to the optical system. This allows the light to travel a longer effective path length within a compact physical volume, enabling high-resolution wide-angle imaging without increasing the device's overall size. The reflectors create a folded optical path that utilizes three-dimensional space more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs rotatable reflectors that can dynamically adjust the optical path length and angle. By rotating these reflectors, the system can change the effective focal length and field of view without physically moving the entire lens assembly or increasing device volume. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction between compact size and imaging performance.
2Measurement precision
If the focal length is increased to improve image quality, then the image resolution improves, but the device volume increases which is not acceptable in limited space applications
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating reflectors fold the optical path into additional dimensions, allowing the light to traverse a longer effective distance through the lens system without increasing the linear dimensions of the device. This creates a dissociation between effective optical path length and physical device volume, enabling high resolution imaging in compact form factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are arranged in a nested configuration where the rotating reflectors are positioned within or alongside the lens assembly. This nesting allows the extended optical path to be contained within the existing device envelope, preventing volume increase while maintaining improved image resolution.
3Volume of moving object
If rotating reflectors are introduced to achieve wide-angle images in compact space, then the device remains compact and image quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating reflector assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as an optical element for wide-angle imaging, a mechanism for adjusting focal length, and a component for stabilizing the optical path. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated mechanism, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired compact wide-angle capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reflector rotation mechanism with the existing lens assembly into an integrated optical system. Rather than adding a separate complex subsystem, the reflectors are merged with the lens elements and mounting structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the benefits of compact wide-angle imaging.
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 the generation of high-resolution wide-angle images with improved image quality and stability against hand movements, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector configured to rotate around a first rotation axis, a second reflector configured to rotate around a second rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of lenses includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens, which are provided in sequential order
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a lens assembly and an electronic device including the lens assembly, the lens assembly including a first reflector configured to rotate around a first rotation axis, a second reflector configured to rotate around a second rotation axis, a plurality of lenses, and an image sensor configured to generate a plurality of captured images having different capturing views based on a rotation of at least one of the first reflector or the second reflector, in which the first reflector, the second reflector, the plurality of lenses, and the image sensor are provided in sequential order from an object's side.