Compact Zoom Lens System with Segmented Optical Units

Solution Overview

Problem

Interchangeable-lens type digital camera systems are bulky and heavy due to the size and weight of existing zoom lens systems, which hinder portability and handling.

Innovation Solution

A compact and lightweight zoom lens system is designed, comprising a series of lens units with specific optical powers and configurations, including positive and negative lens units, that allow for variable focal lengths without the need for lens replacement, featuring a first lens unit with positive optical power, a second lens unit with positive optical power, a third lens unit with positive optical power, a fourth lens unit with negative optical power, and at least one subsequent lens unit, optimized for downsizing and improved imaging performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional zoom lens systems are used in interchangeable-lens type digital camera systems, then imaging performance and variable focal length capability are achieved, but the size and weight of the camera system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidcamera system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The zoom lens system is divided into multiple lens units (first through fourth lens units plus subsequent lens units) with different optical powers. Each lens unit can be independently optimized for weight and performance, allowing the overall system to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining imaging quality through distributed optical functionality across segmented components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs specific optical power parameters for each lens unit (positive for first three units, negative for fourth unit) and controls focal length ratios between units to achieve a compact form factor. By carefully selecting and optimizing these optical parameters, the system reduces overall size and weight while preserving variable focal length capability and imaging performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional zoom lens systems are used in interchangeable-lens type digital camera systems, then variable focal length capability is achieved, but the size of the camera system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable focal length capabilityVSAvoidcamera system size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The zoom lens system is divided into multiple lens units (first through fourth lens units plus subsequent lens units) with different optical powers. Each lens unit can be independently optimized for weight and performance, allowing the overall system to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining imaging quality through distributed optical functionality across segmented components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs specific optical power parameters for each lens unit (positive for first three units, negative for fourth unit) and controls focal length ratios between units to achieve a compact form factor. By carefully selecting and optimizing these optical parameters, the system reduces overall size and weight while preserving variable focal length capability and imaging performance.

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 solution provides a compact and lightweight zoom lens system with excellent imaging performance, reducing the overall size and weight of the camera system while maintaining high-quality image capture capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having positive optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, a fourth lens unit having negative optical power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8451542B2Zoom lens system, interchangeable lens apparatus and camera system

Publication Date: 2013.05.28 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

A zoom lens system, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having positive optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, a fourth lens unit having negative optical power, and at least one subsequent lens unit; an interchangeable lens apparatus; and a camera system are provided.