Eight-Lens Optical System for Slim High-Resolution Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in achieving high optical performance with multiple lenses due to difficulties in deriving excellent optical properties and aberration properties, and the increased size and thickness resulting from multiple lenses, which also affect the overall size of the module and image sensor.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising first to eighth lenses with specific refractive powers and shapes, including meniscus configurations and critical points, along with defined relationships between lens diameters, thicknesses, and distances, to enhance optical performance and maintain a slim structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple lenses are included to improve optical performance, then resolving power and optical properties are improved, but the overall length and thickness of the module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested lens configuration where the second lens is positioned within the aperture range of the first lens, and the third lens is positioned within the aperture range of the second lens. This nesting arrangement allows multiple lenses to be compactly integrated without significantly increasing the overall module length, while still achieving improved resolving power and optical performance through the combined refractive effects of the lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear arrangement of lenses along the optical axis to a two-dimensional configuration where lenses are positioned at different radial distances from the optical axis. The first lens has a larger aperture than the second lens, which has a larger aperture than the third lens, creating a nested circular arrangement. This dimensional change allows multiple lenses to be packed more efficiently, reducing the overall module thickness while maintaining optical performance.
2Measurement precision
If multiple lenses are included to improve optical performance, then aberration properties are improved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested lens structure where each subsequent lens is positioned within the aperture cone of the previous lens. The first lens has the largest aperture, the second lens is nested within its aperture range, and the third lens is nested within the second lens's aperture range. This nested arrangement minimizes the volume occupied by the lens assembly while allowing each lens to contribute to correcting specific optical aberrations, achieving improved aberration properties without proportionally increasing module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different refractive powers and positions to each lens based on their specific roles in aberration correction. The first lens with positive refractive power handles primary focusing, while the second and third lenses with negative refractive powers are positioned at specific radial distances to correct chromatic and spherical aberrations. This localized optimization of each lens's properties allows efficient aberration correction within a compact volume.
3Measurement precision
If image sensor size is increased to realize high-resolution, then resolving power is improved, but TTL and thickness of the camera increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions lenses from a conventional linear arrangement along the optical axis to a two-dimensional nested configuration where lenses are arranged at different radial distances from the optical axis. This dimensional rearrangement allows the optical system to accommodate larger image sensors without proportionally increasing TTL, as the lenses are packed more efficiently in the radial direction rather than extending the optical path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-positions the lenses in a specific nested configuration before light reaches the image sensor, with the first lens at a first position and the second and third lenses at second positions within the first lens's aperture range. This preliminary arrangement of optical elements optimizes the light path and allows for compact TTL while supporting high-resolution imaging by properly directing light onto the image sensor.
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 achieves improved aberration characteristics, resolving power, and optical performance at the center and periphery of the field of view while maintaining a compact size, suitable for slim camera modules.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system including first to eighth lenses disposed along an optical axis in a direction from an object side to a sensor side, the first lens having a positive (+) refractive power on an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
The optical system disclosed in the embodiment of the invention includes first to eighth lenses disposed along an optical axis in a direction from an object side to a sensor side, wherein the first lens has a positive (+) refractive power on the optical axis and has a meniscus shape that is convex toward the object side, the eighth lens has a negative (−) refractive power on the optical axis and has a meniscus shape that is convex toward the object side, an object-side surface of the seventh lens has a critical point, a sensor-side surface of the eight lens has a critical point, an effective diameter of a sensor-side surface of the third lens is CA_L3S2, an effective diameter of an object-side surface of the fourth lens is CA_L4S1, a maximum thickness among center thicknesses of the first to eighth lenses is CT_Max, and a maximum distance among distances between the first to eighth lenses is CG_Max, and the following Equations may satisfy: 0.5<CA_L3S2/CA_L4S1<1.5 and 0<CT_Max/CG_Max<1.