Four-Element Compound Lens for Wide-Angle Low-Distortion Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in creating a compact camera capable of capturing high-quality images with a wide field-of-view while being manufacturable via a low-cost process compatible with high-volume manufacturing, particularly for applications like medical endoscopy and machine vision.
Innovation Solution
A compound lens design comprising four coaxially aligned lenses, including negative and positive lenses, with specific focal length ratios and Abbe numbers to minimize distortion and chromatic aberrations, allowing for efficient image capture across visible and near-infrared wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact camera design is used, then the device size is reduced, but the field-of-view and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into multiple lens elements (at least four lenses) with different optical powers (positive and negative lenses). This segmentation allows each lens element to contribute differently to the overall optical performance, enabling a compact form factor while maintaining a wide field-of-view through the combined effect of multiple smaller components rather than a single large lens.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact camera design is used, then the device size is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into multiple lens elements (at least four lenses) with different optical powers (positive and negative lenses). This segmentation allows each lens element to contribute differently to the overall optical performance, enabling a compact form factor while maintaining a wide field-of-view through the combined effect of multiple smaller components rather than a single large lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the lens elements including focal length ratios (0.3 < f1/f2 < 1.5 and 0.5 < f3/f4 < 2.0), Abbe number constraints (30 < V1, V3 < 70 and 20 < V2, V4 < 60), and curvature radius ratios (0.5 < R1/R2 < 2.0 and 0.5 < R3/R4 < 2.0). By optimizing these parameters within specified ranges, the design achieves a balance between compactness, optical performance, and manufacturability, allowing standard manufacturing processes to be used while achieving high-quality results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens elements are used to achieve wide field-of-view, then the optical performance is improved, but the chromatic aberration and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the lens elements including focal length ratios (0.3 < f1/f2 < 1.5 and 0.5 < f3/f4 < 2.0), Abbe number constraints (30 < V1, V3 < 70 and 20 < V2, V4 < 60), and curvature radius ratios (0.5 < R1/R2 < 2.0 and 0.5 < R3/R4 < 2.0). By optimizing these parameters within specified ranges, the design achieves a balance between compactness, optical performance, and manufacturability, allowing standard manufacturing processes to be used while achieving high-quality results.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system combines multiple lens materials with different Abbe numbers (V1, V2, V3, V4) to correct chromatic aberrations. The alternating arrangement of positive and negative lenses with different dispersive properties creates a composite optical system that reduces chromatic effects while maintaining the wide field-of-view capability.
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 compound lens design achieves a balanced image quality with reduced aberrations and distortion, enabling a wide field-of-view while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for high-volume manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
A compound lens includes four coaxially aligned lenses: (i) first lens and, in order of increasing distance therefrom, and on a same side thereof, (ii) a second lens, an inter-lens substrate, a third lens, and a fourth lens. The first lens and the third lens are negative lenses. The second lens and the fourth lens are positive lenses.
Data Source
AI summary
A compound lens includes four coaxially aligned lenses: (i) first lens and, in order of increasing distance therefrom, and on a same side thereof, (ii) a second lens, an inter-lens substrate, a third lens, and a fourth lens. The first lens and the third lens are negative lenses. The second lens and the fourth lens are positive lenses.