Converter Optical System for High Zoom in Compact Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small camera modules in portable terminals face challenges in achieving desired zoom ratios due to size limitations, with digital zoom offering low resolution and optical zoom struggling to obtain the required zoom ratio.
Innovation Solution
A converter optical system comprising five sequentially disposed lenses with specific refractive powers and surface curvatures, including a first lens with positive refractive power, a second lens with negative refractive power, a third lens with positive refractive power, a fourth lens with negative refractive power, and a fifth lens with positive refractive power, where the fourth lens is bonded to either the third or fifth lens, achieving a magnification of two times or more.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital zoom function is used, then zoom capability is provided, but resolution level becomes very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a converter optical system as an intermediary component between the camera module and the subject. This converter lens system with specific positive and negative power lenses (including a fourth lens bonded to third or fifth lens) acts as a telephoto converter that optically magnifies the image before it reaches the camera sensor, thereby providing true optical zoom capability while maintaining high resolution without relying on digital zoom interpolation
2Measurement precision
If optical zoom function is used, then resolution is maintained, but desired zoom ratio cannot be obtained due to size limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the camera system by introducing a converter optical system with specific focal lengths and refractive powers. The converter lens system includes lenses with designated positive and negative powers arranged in a specific configuration, which modifies the effective focal length and achieves high zoom ratios (2x or more) while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for portable terminals
3Volume of moving object
If camera module size is reduced for portable terminals, then portability is improved, but zoom ratio capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into two functional parts: the original camera module and the attached converter optical system. The converter system is designed as a separate component that can be mounted on existing camera modules, allowing the base camera module to remain compact while the converter provides additional telephoto zoom capability. This segmentation enables small camera modules to achieve high zoom ratios through the converter's optical magnification
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 converter optical system effectively increases the magnification of the camera module, allowing for clear imaging of subjects at long distances while maintaining a compact size, thus overcoming the limitations of existing camera modules in portable terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens having positive refractive power; a second lens having negative refractive power; a third lens having positive refractive power; a fourth lens having negative refractive power; and a fifth lens having positive refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
A converter optical system includes a first lens having positive refractive power; a second lens having negative refractive power; a third lens having positive refractive power; a fourth lens having negative refractive power; and a fifth lens having positive refractive power; wherein the first to fifth lenses are sequentially disposed in numerical order from the first lens to the fifth lens from an object side of the converter optical system to an image side of the converter optical system; and the fourth lens is bonded to either one or both of the third lens and the fifth lens.