Compact Seven-Lens Optics for 100° Imaging Distortion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small-sized cameras mounted on wireless terminal devices face challenges in achieving high performance with wide fields of view due to limited mounting space, particularly experiencing severe distortion at angles of 100 degrees or more.

Innovation Solution

An imaging lens system comprising seven lenses with specific refractive powers and surface configurations, including concave and convex surfaces, aspherical shapes, and optimized distances, to reduce distortion while maintaining a field of view of 100 degrees or more.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the field of view is increased to 100 degrees or more, then the camera can capture wider scenery, but severe distortion occurs in the imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoiddistortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging lens system is divided into seven separate lens elements with alternating positive and negative refractive powers. This segmentation allows each lens element to contribute differently to the overall optical performance, enabling the system to achieve a wide field of view of 100 degrees or more while controlling distortion through the coordinated action of individual elements. The first lens with positive power and concave object-side surface, followed by alternating positive and negative power elements, creates a balanced optical path that reduces aberrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the lens system are designed with specific local properties to address distortion in different areas of the field of view. The first lens has a concave object-side surface to control peripheral light rays, while subsequent lenses have varying convex and concave surfaces tailored to correct distortion in specific zones. This local optimization allows the system to maintain image quality across the entire wide field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the camera size is reduced for mounting in wireless terminal devices, then the device integration is improved, but the mounting space becomes restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera sizeVSAvoidmounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seven-lens imaging system is designed with a compact nested arrangement where lens elements are closely spaced and optimized for minimal overall length. The alternating positive and negative power elements are positioned to maximize space utilization, with each element contributing to the optical function while minimizing the distance to the next element. This nesting approach enables the camera to achieve high performance in a reduced volume suitable for wireless terminal device mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens system optimizes the distribution of optical elements along the optical axis dimension while maintaining a compact lateral footprint. By carefully controlling the axial distances between the seven lens elements and the imaging plane, the design achieves a short overall TTL (total track length) that fits within restricted mounting space, while still providing sufficient room for each lens element to perform its optical function effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the number of lenses is increased to seven elements, then the optical performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidlens system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seven-lens system merges multiple optical functions into a unified design where each lens element serves both correction and imaging purposes. The alternating positive and negative power elements work together to simultaneously control spherical aberration, curvature of field, and distortion. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate correction elements, achieving high optical performance while managing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens system utilizes precise parameter optimization for each of the seven elements, including refractive indices, curvature radii, thicknesses, and axial positions. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the design achieves superior optical performance with controlled distortion. The conditional expressions and specific parameter ranges ensure that the complex seven-element system delivers consistent high-quality images across the wide field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 imaging lens system significantly reduces spherical, curvature, and distortion aberrations, achieving a wide field of view with improved optical performance.