Miniature Camera Lens Assembly Resolution Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary miniature cameras, such as those in cellular telephones, have fixed focus and limited resolution in low light conditions due to their small aperture and lack of adjustable optics, which restricts their performance and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjusts the position of a lens assembly to enhance resolution by placing a single lens at a predetermined position, such as for focus at infinity, and optimizing its parameters to achieve maximum focus using a modulation transfer function, allowing only the single lens to move for focusing while keeping the lens assembly stationary for enhanced resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable optics are used to achieve variable focus, then focusing capability is improved, but resolution becomes less than optimal unless optics are properly adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into two functional parts: a movable focusing lens and a stationary resolution-optimized lens assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the movable lens provides focusing capability while the stationary assembly maintains optimal resolution through precise manufacturing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly is pre-adjusted during manufacturing to achieve optimal resolution at a predetermined focus distance. This preliminary adjustment ensures that when the camera is assembled, the resolution is maximized before the device enters service, eliminating the need for field adjustments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a small aperture is used to provide sufficient depth of field, then focus acceptability over wide distance range is improved, but image quality in low light conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static small aperture design to a dynamic system where a movable lens enables variable effective aperture. By moving the lens to different positions, the camera can achieve both deep depth of field when needed and larger effective aperture for low light conditions, making the system adaptable to different lighting scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If multiple lenses are moved for focusing, then focusing accuracy is improved, but mass and inertia of moving components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the resolution-optimization function from the movable components and assigns it to a stationary lens assembly. This allows the moving components to be minimized to only what is necessary for focusing, reducing mass and inertia while maintaining focusing accuracy through the stationary assembly's pre-optimized optical path.
4Manufacturing precision
If lens assembly position is adjusted to enhance resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is adjusted during the manufacturing process to achieve optimal resolution, and then fixed in place. This preliminary action transfers the complexity from the operating device to the manufacturing process, resulting in a simpler final product with no moving adjustment mechanisms required in the field.
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 approach enhances image quality and resolution while reducing the mass and inertia of moving components, enabling faster and more accurate focusing, and providing improved shock and vibration resistance, as well as reduced size and energy requirements for the camera.
Implementation Method 1
a single lens is placed at a predetermined position, such as for focus at infinity
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the position of a lens assembly so as to enhance resolution... as measured by a modulation transfer function (MTF)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for enhancing the resolution of a camera are disclosed. For example, a single lens can be placed at a predetermined position and the position of a lens assembly can be adjusted so as to enhance the resolution of the camera. The single lens can then be moved so as to effect focusing of the camera while the position of the lens assembly tends to maintain enhanced resolution thereof.