Anamorphic Lens Asymmetry for Compact Camera Module Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging systems with asymmetrical lens shapes suffer from resolution deterioration due to differences in optical characteristics in different directions.
Innovation Solution
The use of anamorphic lenses with distinct profiles in different directions, where the radius of curvature and length of the profiles differ, to minimize resolution loss and improve optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an asymmetrical lens shape is used to enable a thinner or smaller camera module, then the compactness of the camera module is improved, but the optical characteristics in different directions deviate from initial design values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the lens with different profiles in the first and second directions intersecting the optical axis. The first profile has a length Lx and the second profile has a length Ly, where Lx ≠ Ly. This controlled asymmetry allows the lens to achieve compact dimensions while managing the directional optical characteristics through specific radius of curvature relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different radii of curvature to different regions of the lens surface. Specifically, the object-side surface has radius of curvature Rx1 in the first direction and Ry1 in the second direction, with |(Rx1-Ry1)/Ry1| > 0 and < 0.5. This localized variation in optical properties allows the lens to maintain performance in specific directions while achieving overall compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If the radius of curvature in the first direction (Rx1) differs from the radius of curvature in the second direction (Ry1), then the lens can achieve compact dimensions, but the focal lengths in different directions (fx and fy) become unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the lens profiles, with the first profile having length Lx and the second profile having length Ly where Lx ≠ Ly. This asymmetric configuration enables compact lens dimensions while the resulting focal length difference is controlled through the radius of curvature relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the focal length consistency by carefully managing the radius of curvature parameters. The condition |(Rx1-Ry1)/Ry1| > 0 and < 0.5 ensures that while Rx1 and Ry1 differ to achieve compactness, the focal lengths fx and fy remain sufficiently close with |(fx-fy)/fx| > 0 and < 0.01, maintaining optical stability.
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
Significantly reduces resolution deterioration and enhances the optical imaging system's ability to maintain image quality across various directions, even in compact camera modules.
Implementation Method 1
a lens, wherein a first profile in a first direction intersecting an optical axis and a second profile in a second direction intersecting the optical axis are different from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A lens, wherein a first profile in a first direction intersecting an optical axis and a second profile in a second direction intersecting the optical axis are different from each other, and a length of the first profile in the first direction is different from a length of the second profile in the second direction.