Tilted Lens Optical System for Compact Wide-Angle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems for wearable cameras face challenges in compactness and the generation of invalid imaging regions when attempting to achieve a wide-angle view with a single viewpoint, particularly due to the geometric constraints of hyperboloidal mirrors and the need for additional mirrors to reduce size.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a main convex paraboloid mirror, a second-reflection concave paraboloid mirror, and a lens group where the lens's optical axis is tilted relative to the mirrors' rotational axes, allowing for a compact design that captures a full angle of view without invalid regions and maintains a single viewpoint during zooming and pan-tilt motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a hyperboloidal mirror is used to achieve a wide angle of view with a single viewpoint, then the angle of view is improved, but the distance between the mirror and lens becomes large, compromising compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second reflection mirror to deflect the light path in the radius direction, adding another dimension to the optical path folding. This allows the light to travel a longer effective distance within a compact physical footprint, achieving both wide angle of view and compact size simultaneously
2Length of stationary object
If the curvature of the hyperboloid is increased to reduce the distance between mirror and lens, then compactness is improved, but image focus deteriorates due to out-of-focus images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reflection function into two separate mirrors: a first reflection mirror (hyperboloidal portion) and a second reflection mirror. This segmentation allows each mirror to have optimized curvature for its specific function, maintaining proper image focus while achieving compact overall size through the folded optical path
3Ease of operation
If the optical axis of the lens coincides with the axis of the convex mirror, then the alignment is simplified, but an invalid imaging region is generated within the angle of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally tilts the optical axis of the lens relative to the axis of the convex mirror, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry eliminates the invalid imaging region that would otherwise be generated, ensuring the entire angle of view is effectively utilized while maintaining a compact design
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 solution enables a compact optical system capable of wide-angle image capture with a single viewpoint, reducing the size of the mirror-radius direction and minimizing invalid imaging areas, while maintaining image quality and viewpoint consistency across zooming and pan-tilt operations.
Implementation Method 1
a main mirror having a shape of a portion of a convex paraboloid which includes an opening in a center and is rotationally symmetric
Implementation Method 2
a second-reflection mirror which further reflects light reflected by the main mirror, the second-reflection mirror having a shape of a portion of a concave paraboloid
Implementation Method 3
at least one lens which forms an image of the light reflected by the second-reflection mirror
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An optical system includes: a main mirror (11) having a shape of a portion of a convex paraboloid which includes an opening in a center and is rotationally symmetric; a second-reflection mirror (12) which further reflects light reflected by the main mirror (11), and has a shape of a portion of a concave paraboloid which is rotationally symmetric; at least one lens which forms an image of the light reflected by the second-reflection mirror (12); and a lens barrel (14) holding the at least one lens, and a position of a front principal point of the at least one lens coincides with a focal position of the second-reflection mirror (12), and an optical axis of the at least one lens is tilted with respect to a rotational axis of each of the convex paraboloid and the concave paraboloid.