Seven-Lens Camera Module Layout for Aberration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in achieving high optical efficiency and compact size due to difficulties in deriving excellent optical properties and aberration characteristics when multiple lenses are used, leading to increased overall size.

Innovation Solution

An optical system comprising first to seventh lenses arranged along an optical axis, with specific curvature and refractive index conditions, and including lenses with aspheric coefficients to correct aberrations, allowing for a slim structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plurality of imaging lenses with positive and/or negative refractive power is used to achieve high image quality and high resolution, then optical efficiency is improved, but the overall length and height increase due to the thickness and interval of the lenses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoidoverall length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested lens configuration where multiple imaging lenses are arranged in a compact sequence along the optical axis. The first lens (positive refractive power) and second lens (negative refractive power) are positioned closely together, with subsequent lenses nested in between them. This nesting approach allows multiple lenses to occupy minimal space while maintaining their individual optical functions, thereby achieving high optical efficiency without significantly increasing the overall module length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional linear arrangement of lenses to a more compact three-dimensional configuration. By optimizing the spatial positioning and intervals between lenses in multiple dimensions, the design achieves a compact overall structure. The lens group is arranged to maximize optical path efficiency while minimizing the distance from the image sensor, effectively utilizing available space in the Z-direction (optical axis) to reduce overall module height and length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a plurality of imaging lenses with positive and/or negative refractive power is used to achieve high image quality and high resolution, then optical efficiency is improved, but the overall size of the module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoidoverall size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested lens configuration where multiple imaging lenses are arranged in a compact sequence along the optical axis. The first lens (positive refractive power) and second lens (negative refractive power) are positioned closely together, with subsequent lenses nested in between them. This nesting approach allows multiple lenses to occupy minimal space while maintaining their individual optical functions, thereby achieving high optical efficiency without significantly increasing the overall module length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple imaging lenses with different refractive powers into a unified compact lens group. By merging the positive and negative power lenses into a closely integrated arrangement, the design achieves synergistic optical effects that improve overall optical efficiency while minimizing the total volume occupied by the lens assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple lenses are included to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but it becomes difficult to derive excellent optical properties and aberration properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidoptical property optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically optimizes critical optical parameters including the refractive powers of individual lenses, their spacing intervals, and the distance from the image sensor. By carefully controlling these parameters, the design achieves excellent optical properties and aberration correction. The specific configuration of positive and negative refractive power lenses with optimized intervals enables effective control of optical path and aberration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different refractive power characteristics to specific lenses within the assembly. The first lens has positive refractive power while the second lens has negative refractive power, with each lens optimized for its specific position in the optical path. This local differentiation of optical properties allows targeted correction of specific aberrations while maintaining overall high image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 optical system improves optical characteristics by effectively correcting aberrations and reduces the overall size of the camera module, enabling a slimmer and more compact design.

Implementation Method 1

an object-side surface of the first lens has a convex shape... the first lens may satisfy the following equation: n1×L1_CT within a specific range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

including lenses with aspheric coefficients to correct aberrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAspheric optical correction: Lens

Implementation Method 3

an object-side surface of the first lens has a convex shape, an object-side surface of the fifth lens, an object-side surface of the seventh lens has a convex shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvergent refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12481134B2Optical system and camera module comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US12481134B2 patent drawing
  • US12481134B2 patent drawing
  • US12481134B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical system disclosed to an embodiment of the invention includes first to seventh lenses disposed along an optical axis from an object side to an image side, an object-side surface of the first lens has a convex shape, and an object-side surface of the fifth lens has a convex shape, the object-side surface of the seventh lens has a concave shape, and the first lens satisfies the following equation: 0.28<|L1R1|/|f1|<0.41 (L1R1 means a radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the first lens, and f1 is a focal length of the first lens).