Variable-Lens Optical Imaging With Reflective Path Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules in portable electronic devices require multiple lenses with different focal lengths for optical zoom, leading to a complex structure.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system with a variable lens and reflective members that change focal length, allowing for a zoom function without physically moving the lenses, using a liquid lens and flat lens combination to adjust focal length and reflective members to adjust optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules with different focal lengths are mounted to implement optical zoom, then the optical zoom function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
A single camera module is designed with a variable lens that can change its focal length between wide-angle and telephoto ranges. The movable reflective member enables the same optical system to provide both wide-angle and telephoto imaging functions, eliminating the need for separate camera modules for different focal lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system incorporates a variable lens whose focal length can be dynamically adjusted. By moving the reflective member between different positions, the optical system transitions between different focal length states, enabling continuous adaptation between wide-angle and telephoto modes within a single module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules are used for optical zoom, then the zoom function is implemented, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed as a universal imaging system that can perform both wide-angle and telephoto functions using a single lens assembly. The variable lens combined with the movable reflective member allows one module to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate modules, thereby reducing overall device volume.
3Device complexity
If a variable lens is used to change focal length, then the zoom function is achieved without moving lenses, but the optical path adjustment becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
A movable reflective member is introduced as an intermediary element to adjust the optical path. By reflecting light at different angles depending on its position, it compensates for the focal length changes of the variable lens, maintaining proper image formation without requiring complex mechanical lens movement mechanisms.
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 a compact optical zoom effect with reduced size and complexity by changing focal length without moving lenses, maintaining focus and implementing a telephoto lens functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A radius of curvature of an object-side surface of the liquid lens may be variable and a thickness on an optical axis of the liquid lens may be variable
Implementation Method 2
The variable lens may include a liquid lens and a flat lens attached to an image-side surface of the liquid lens
Implementation Method 3
the second reflective member may include a reflective surface configured to refract light in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the plurality of lenses, and the third reflective member may include a reflective surface configured to refract light reflected by the second reflective member in a direction parallel to the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system includes a plurality of fixed lenses disposed along an optical axis; a first reflective member disposed on an object side of the plurality of lenses; and a plurality of reflective members disposed on an image side of the plurality of lenses. At least one of the plurality of lenses is a variable lens having a variable focal length, and each of the plurality of reflective members is configured to move as the focal length of the variable lens changes.