Split-Path Optical Module for Compact Multi-Zoom Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical modules in electronic devices require multiple lens modules for varying zooming magnifications, leading to a large volume and complexity due to the need for numerous light passing holes, lenses, and image sensors.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design that incorporates an optical splitter to split incoming light into two paths, allowing sharing of a light passing hole and optical components like image sensors or lenses to meet different imaging or detection requirements, reducing the overall device volume and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens modules are used to achieve larger zooming magnification, then the zooming capability is improved, but the volume of the optical module increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single light passing hole by using an optical splitter. The optical splitter divides incoming light into multiple paths that share common components (lens, image sensor), thereby reducing the total number of devices and light passing holes while maintaining multi-magnification capability through software fusion of images from different optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single light passing hole and shared optical components serve multiple functions by supporting multiple optical paths with different magnifications. The optical splitter enables one physical aperture to fulfill the role of multiple apertures, and shared lenses and sensors to perform multiple imaging tasks, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens modules are used to achieve larger zooming magnification, then the zooming capability is improved, but the quantity of devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths that would traditionally require separate lenses and image sensors into a unified structure sharing common components. The optical splitter enables multiple imaging paths to converge on shared lenses and image sensors, dramatically reducing the quantity of devices from what would be required for separate lens modules while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple magnifications through software-based image fusion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light passing holes are used for different optical paths, then the optical requirements are met, but the appearance beauty is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single light passing hole, eliminating the need for multiple separate apertures in the device housing. This unified approach maintains all required optical functionalities while presenting a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance without visible multiple holes or openings.
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 design effectively reduces the number of devices and light passing holes, enhances compactness, and improves appearance while ensuring synchronization between sensors for improved image processing under external interference.
Implementation Method 1
the optical splitter is configured to split the incident light into two parts, one part of the light enters the optical imaging apparatus, and the other part of the light enters the optical apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses an optical module, including a light passing hole, an optical splitter, an optical imaging apparatus, and an optical apparatus, where light entering from the light passing hole is incident on the optical splitter; the optical splitter is configured to split the incident light into two parts, one part of the light enters the optical imaging apparatus, and the other part of the light enters the optical apparatus; the optical imaging apparatus is configured to collect a first image; and the optical apparatus is configured to collect a second image, or the optical apparatus is configured to implement an optical detection function.