Two-Group Imaging Lens Layout for Compact Optical Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems struggle to balance high image quality, low sensitivity, proper aperture size, miniaturization, and field of view, especially in compact electronic devices, and existing zoom technologies in mobile phones result in decreased image quality and increased device size.
Innovation Solution
An imaging lens system with two lens groups, each with specific optical properties and movements, including inflection points and reflective elements, to achieve optical zoom and focus without extending or shrinking the lens structure, combined with a reflective element for space flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional telephoto lens is used to achieve long focal length, then the photographing range is extended, but the total length becomes overly long and the aperture becomes overly small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable focus mechanism where the lens system can dynamically adjust its focal length between a first focal length for distant objects and a second focal length for closer objects. This dynamic adjustment allows the lens to achieve telephoto capabilities when needed while maintaining a more compact form factor during other operations, resolving the contradiction between extended photographing range and compact total length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens system by adjusting the focal length between two distinct states. By varying the focal length parameter, the system can achieve different photographing ranges without being permanently constrained by a fixed long focal length design, thus reducing the overall lens length while maintaining telephoto capability when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses with different focal lengths are used to achieve zoom effects, then the field of view is expanded, but the occupied space within the electronic product increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single lens system that performs multiple functions by achieving variable focal lengths through its variable focus mechanism. Instead of requiring separate lenses for different zoom ranges, this universal lens design provides both wide-angle and telephoto capabilities within a single compact structure, significantly reducing the occupied space compared to multi-lens configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple lenses with different focal lengths into a single integrated lens system. By combining the capabilities of what would traditionally require separate optical elements into one unified structure, the system achieves zoom effects without the space consumption associated with housing and aligning multiple discrete lenses.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-focus telephoto lens combined with digital zoom algorithms is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the image quality decreases due to lack of true optical zoom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic focal length adjustment mechanism that enables true optical zoom by physically changing the lens's focal length rather than relying on fixed-focus design with digital processing. This dynamic capability maintains high image quality across different zoom levels while keeping the overall lens structure relatively simple, avoiding the need for complex multi-lens assemblies.
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 system provides high image quality, compact size, and versatile zoom capabilities while maintaining operability and robustness, enhancing mid-to-long-range photography experiences.
Implementation Method 1
Each lens element of the two lens groups has an object-side surface facing toward the object side and an image-side surface facing toward the image side
Implementation Method 2
combined with a reflective element for space flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging lens system includes two lens groups. The imaging lens system has a first state corresponding to an infinite object distance. The imaging lens system at the first state has a long-focal-end first state corresponding to a long focal end and a short-focal-end first state corresponding to a short focal end during a zoom process. At least one lens group of the two lens groups moves along a direction parallel to an optical axis during the zoom process. At least one of an object-side surface and an image-side surface of at least one lens element of the two lens groups has at least one inflection point in an off-axis region thereof. A lens element with a maximum central thickness among the imaging lens system is a third lens element or a fourth lens element.