Imaging Lens Aberration Control via Segmented Group Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing macro-photographing and -filming lenses suffer from significant longitudinal chromatic aberration, chromatic aberration of magnification, curvature of field, and distortion, especially at close ranges, leading to poor imaging performance and increased complexity, weight, and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a foremost lens group of positive refractivity, a middle lens group with subgroups moved axially along the optical axis, and a rearmost lens group of negative refractivity, with specific curvature and refractive index requirements to minimize aberrations and maintain a lightweight, compact configuration, allowing for quick automatic focusing and image stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If more lens groups are moved during focusing to compensate for aberration, then imaging performance is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into multiple lens groups with different functions: the first lens group (positive) handles focusing, the second lens group (negative) handles aberration compensation, and the third lens group (positive) handles image stabilization. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high imaging performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic movement of lens groups during focusing operations. The first lens group moves along the optical axis for focusing, while the second lens group moves to compensate for aberrations that vary with object distance. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maintain optimal imaging performance across different focusing ranges without requiring a completely redesign of the optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If more lens groups are moved during focusing to compensate for aberration, then imaging performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lens into specialized groups, the patent reduces the total movement distance and mass that must be actuated. The first lens group (positive) moves for focusing, while the second lens group (negative) moves only when aberration compensation is needed. This segmentation reduces cumulative energy consumption compared to moving all lens groups for every focusing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by giving each lens group specific optical properties and movement characteristics. The second lens group has negative refractivity and is specifically designed to move for aberration compensation rather than focusing. This localized optimization reduces unnecessary movement and associated energy consumption while maintaining high imaging performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the foremost lens group stays still during focusing, then device complexity is reduced, but aberration compensation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomplexityVSAvoidaberration compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the foremost lens group for focusing (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the first lens group stationary and using the second lens group (negative refractivity) for aberration compensation. This inversion simplifies the focusing mechanism while maintaining effective aberration control through the strategically positioned negative lens group.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The second lens group with negative refractivity acts as an intermediary that compensates for aberrations without being the primary focusing element. This intermediary group handles the aberration compensation function, allowing the foremost lens group to remain stationary during focusing operations, thus reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If lens groups are moved in directions perpendicular to the optical axis for image stabilization, then image stabilization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilizationVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The third lens group is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as part of the focusing system and as the image stabilization mechanism. By moving this lens group in directions perpendicular to the optical axis, the system achieves image stabilization without requiring separate dedicated stabilization components, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the image stabilization function with the existing lens group structure. The third lens group is used for both focusing operations and image stabilization by enabling perpendicular movement. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate stabilization mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective image stabilization performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration effectively alleviates aberrations across the entire focusing range, achieving high-performance imaging with reduced energy consumption and a simplified mechanical design, preventing issues like purple flare and maintaining image quality at 1:1 equi-magnification.

Implementation Method 1

the first lens group of positive refractivity, the second lens group of negative refractivity, the third lens group of positive refractivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9063253B2Imaging lens
Publication Date: 2015.06.23 TAMRON CO LTD
  • US9063253B2 patent drawing
  • US9063253B2 patent drawing
  • US9063253B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to an imaging lens with an optical system that comprises the foremost lens group closest to an object and of positive refractivity, the succeeding middle lens group, and the rearmost lens group closest to an image plane and of negative refractivity where the middle lens group, having the first, second, and third lens subgroups disposed in series, is moved axially along the optical axis for focusing, and the foremost lens group includes at least three or more convex lens pieces and a single concave lens piece and meets predetermined requirements defined in formulae. The imaging lens has a quality image stabilizing system in which a light-weight lens piece(s) is moved in directions perpendicular to the optical axis.