Folded Optical Path Camera Module for Telephoto Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable terminal camera modules face challenges in achieving telephoto capabilities without increasing the device's size, due to limited space, while maintaining effective imaging performance.
Innovation Solution
The camera module incorporates a unique optical imaging system with multiple lenses and optical path conversion units, including a first optical path conversion unit, a second optical path conversion unit, and an optical imaging system disposed between them, which satisfies specific conditional expressions for focal length and back focal length, allowing for extended focal length without increasing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focal length is extended to achieve telephoto capabilities, then the imaging performance for distant objects is improved, but the size of the wireless terminal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical path conversion units (prisms) that fold the optical path at right angles, transforming a linear optical path into a three-dimensional folded structure. This allows the optical system to achieve an extended effective focal length while maintaining a compact physical footprint, as the light travels through multiple segments in different spatial dimensions rather than a single straight line
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging system uses multiple lens groups (first through fifth lens groups) that are nested or sequentially arranged along the folded optical path. Each lens group contributes to the overall optical power and focal length accumulation, allowing the system to achieve telephoto capabilities through the cumulative effect of multiple compact optical elements rather than a single large element
2Measurement precision
If the focal length is extended to achieve telephoto capabilities, then the ability to image distant objects is improved, but the space required in the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second optical path conversion units fold the optical path at right angles, creating a three-dimensional optical layout that efficiently utilizes vertical and lateral space within the camera module. This dimensional transformation allows the optical system to achieve an extended effective focal length while maintaining a compact physical footprint, as the light travels through multiple segments in different spatial dimensions rather than a single straight line
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging system is divided into multiple lens groups (first through fifth lens groups) with specific refractive power assignments. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for specific optical functions while contributing to the overall telephoto capability, and enables more flexible spatial arrangement within the camera module to minimize the total volume required
3Measurement precision
If multiple lenses and optical path conversion units are added to achieve extended focal length, then the telephoto performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into an integrated optical imaging system where the first and second optical path conversion units work together with the five lens groups to achieve both optical path folding and image formation. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining telephoto performance
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
This configuration enables the camera module to achieve a considerable focal length, allowing for clear imaging of distant objects while maintaining a slim form factor, by optimizing the arrangement of lenses and optical paths to intersect in a way that enhances telephoto capabilities without enlarging the portable terminal.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical path conversion unit, configured to reflect or refract light incident along a first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a first optical path conversion unit, configured to reflect or refract light incident along a first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis
Implementation Method 3
a second optical path conversion unit, configured to reflect or refract light incident along the second optical axis in a direction of a third optical axis
Implementation Method 4
a second optical path conversion unit, configured to reflect or refract light incident along the second optical axis in a direction of a third optical axis
Implementation Method 5
The first lens may have positive refractive power
Implementation Method 6
the second lens has negative refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a first optical path conversion unit configured to reflect or refract light incident along a first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis, a second optical path conversion unit configured to reflect or refract light incident on the second optical axis in a direction of a third optical axis that respectively intersects the first optical axis and the second optical axis, and an optical imaging system disposed between the first optical path conversion unit and the second optical path conversion unit.