Four-Lens Optical Imaging Design for Compact High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging devices face challenges in achieving a balance between miniaturization, high resolution, and excellent optical imaging quality, particularly in automotive applications, where temperature variations and aberrations affect image accuracy and recognition.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging lens design comprising a specific configuration of lenses with defined refractive powers, surface curvatures, and thicknesses, along with aspherical surfaces to correct aberrations and enhance imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical lens is miniaturized to reduce device size, then the device footprint is reduced, but optical imaging quality and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical lens is divided into multiple lens elements (first lens, second lens, third lens, fourth lens) with different refractive powers and surface curvatures. Each lens element contributes to correcting specific aberrations, enabling high-resolution imaging in a compact form factor by distributing optical functions across segmented components rather than requiring a single large lens.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lens elements are designed with specific local optical properties: the first lens has negative refractive power with a concave image-side surface, the second lens has positive refractive power with a convex image-side surface, and subsequent lenses have tailored curvatures and refractive powers. This local optimization of optical properties at each lens position enables effective aberration correction while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Illumination intensity
If the aperture ratio is increased to improve brightness, then light gathering capability is enhanced, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for each lens element to balance brightness and aberration control. For example, the first lens has a focal length ratio f1/EFL between -2.0 and -0.5, the second lens has f2/EFL between 0.5 and 2.0, and specific curvature radius ratios (R1/R2 between -3.0 and -0.5, R3/R4 between -2.0 and -0.3). These parameter optimizations enable large aperture ratios for improved brightness while maintaining aberration control through mathematically constrained lens designs.
3Area of stationary object
If the field of view is widened to enhance imaging coverage, then the viewing angle is increased, but distortion aberration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens elements feature asymmetric surface curvatures with object-side and image-side surfaces having different curvature characteristics. The first lens has a concave image-side surface while the second lens has a convex image-side surface, and subsequent lenses have tailored asymmetric curvatures. This asymmetric design enables widened field of view while the specific curvature ratios (such as R3/R4 between -2.0 and -0.3) control distortion aberration through balanced asymmetric optical paths.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple lens elements are added to correct aberrations, then optical imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lens elements are merged into a single integrated optical lens assembly with coordinated design. The first, second, third, and fourth lenses are positioned and configured to work together as a unified system, with the aperture stop strategically placed between the second and third lenses. This merged structure achieves comprehensive aberration correction (spherical, coma, astigmatism, field curvature) while maintaining a compact, integrated form rather than separate adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lens element serves multiple functions simultaneously. For example, the first lens with negative refractive power not only contributes to overall focusing but also helps control spherical aberration and coma. The second lens with positive refractive power aids in focusing while controlling astigmatism and field curvature. This multi-functionality of each lens element reduces the need for additional dedicated correction elements, thereby limiting overall structural complexity while achieving comprehensive aberration correction.
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 lens design effectively corrects various aberrations, ensuring high resolution and adaptability to temperature variations, while maintaining a compact size and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical imaging lens, in order from an object side to an image side, includes a first lens 11 with negative refractive power, a second lens 12 with positive refractive power, an aperture stop ST, a third lens 13 with refractive power, and a fourth lens 14 with refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging lens including a first lens, a second lens, an aperture, a third lens and a fourth lens arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side along an optical axis. The optical imaging lens includes, from an object side to an image side, the first lens having negative refractive power and including an image-side surface being concave, the second lens having positive refractive power and including an image-side surface being convex, the third lens having refractive power and including an object-side surface being convex and the fourth lens having refractive power. The optical imaging lens includes a total of four lenses.