Four-Lens Imaging System for Compact Wide-Angle Optical Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wide-angle optical systems are unsuitable for compact electronic devices due to their long track length, which hinders their integration into devices like smartphones and drones that require compact, high-resolution, and wide-field-of-view imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact imaging lens system comprising four non-cemented lens elements with specific refractive powers and surface curvatures, including a first lens with negative refractive power and concave surfaces, a second lens with negative refractive power and concave surfaces, a third lens with positive refractive power and convex surfaces, and a fourth lens with negative refractive power and concave surfaces, along with an aperture stop between the second and third lenses, optimized for reduced track length and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional wide-angle optical systems are used, then wide field of view is achieved, but track length becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into four distinct lens elements with specific refractive powers (negative, negative, positive, negative), allowing each element to contribute differently to the overall optical function. This segmentation enables compact arrangement while achieving wide field of view, resolving the contradiction between field of view and track length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific parameter relationships including curvature radii ratios (0.3 < |R4/R5| < 1.5), thickness ratios (0.1 < CT2/T12 < 0.5), and axial distance ratios (0.05 < T23/T12 < 0.4) to optimize the optical system. These parameter changes enable compact track length while maintaining wide field of view through precise control of light path geometry
2Area of stationary object
If conventional wide-angle optical systems are used, then wide field of view is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens element is designed with specific local characteristics: the first and second elements have negative refractive power with concave image-side surfaces to control peripheral light, the third element has positive refractive power for convergence, and the fourth element has negative refractive power for aberration correction. This local quality differentiation enables effective aberration control across the wide field of view while maintaining high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the inherent aberration-prone nature of wide-angle optics into an advantage by strategically placing an aperture stop between the second and third lens elements. This stop, combined with the specific negative-positive-negative power distribution, transforms potential aberration sources into controlled light paths that reduce various aberrations while maintaining wide field of view
3Volume of moving object
If compact size is reduced, then integration into electronic devices is improved, but optical system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The four lens elements are arranged in a nested configuration along the optical axis with minimal spacing, creating a compact cylindrical form factor suitable for mobile devices. The elements are positioned with specific axial distances (T12, T23, T34) that maintain optical performance while minimizing overall length, enabling nesting within compact electronic device housings without sacrificing image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the optical system by controlling radial dimensions (curvature radii R1-R8) and axial dimensions (thicknesses CT1-CT4, axial distances T12-T34) independently. This dimensional optimization allows the system to achieve compact volume while maintaining the necessary optical path length and element spacing for high-quality imaging performance
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 enables a compact optical system with a wide field of view and high image quality, suitable for compact electronic devices by reducing aberrations and maintaining a compact size, while allowing for efficient assembly and manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element and a fourth lens element
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element and a fourth lens element. The first lens element with negative refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element has positive refractive power. The fourth lens element has negative refractive power. The imaging lens system has a total of four lens elements, and the imaging lens system further includes an aperture stop disposed between the second lens element and the third lens element.