Multi-element Imaging Lens for Visible and Infrared Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging lenses for camera modules face challenges in achieving superior aberration correction and compact size while effectively transmitting visible and infrared light across a wide wavelength band, from 400 nm to 1,000 nm, without the need for separate lenses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging lens configuration consists of a sequence of lenses with specific powers and aspheric surfaces, including a first positive lens, a doublet lens with positive and negative sub-lenses, a third negative lens, and a fourth aspheric doublet lens, with an iris between the second and third lenses to adjust focus and correct aberrations, all made of plastic material, satisfying specific relations for optimal light transmission and aberration correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate lenses are used for different wavelength bands, then aberration correction and wavelength-specific imaging performance are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens functions into a single multi-element lens assembly where the first lens (positive power) and second lens (negative power) work together to simultaneously correct aberrations and transmit multiple wavelength bands (visible and infrared). This combination eliminates the need for separate lenses for different wavelength bands, reducing device complexity while maintaining aberration correction performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple wavelength bands (400-1000 nm including visible and infrared) through a single optical system. The specific arrangement of positive and negative power lenses creates a multi-functional component that performs both aberration correction and broad-spectrum light transmission, eliminating the need for wavelength-specific separate lenses.
2Reliability
If multiple separate lenses are used for different wavelength bands, then imaging performance for specific wavelengths is improved, but the camera module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength transmission functions into a single compact lens assembly. The first positive lens and second negative lens are integrated in close proximity, creating a unified optical component that transmits both visible and infrared light through a small form factor, significantly reducing the camera module volume compared to using separate lenses for each wavelength band.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens design employs a nested arrangement where the second lens (negative power) is positioned immediately after the first lens (positive power), with the iris disposed between them. This compact nested configuration allows multiple optical functions to be packed into a minimal space, reducing the overall camera module size while maintaining wavelength transmission performance.
3Device complexity
If a single lens is used for broad wavelength transmission, then device complexity and size are reduced, but aberration correction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single lens into multiple discrete lens elements with different optical powers. The first lens has positive power and the second lens has negative power, creating a segmented multi-element assembly that can correct various types of aberrations (spherical, chromatic, coma) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to using many separate lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by assigning different optical powers (positive and negative) to the lens elements. This variation in optical parameters allows the lens assembly to correct multiple types of aberrations simultaneously. The specific power distribution and arrangement of positive and negative lenses create parameter diversity that enhances aberration correction capability within a simple compact structure.
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 enables the imaging lens to transmit light across a broad wavelength band, correct aberrations, and maintain a small size, allowing for day and night imaging without additional lenses, thereby enhancing the camera module's performance and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens having a positive (+) power; a second lens having a positive (+) power; a third lens having a negative (−) power; and a fourth lens having a positive (+) power, wherein the first lens, the second lens, the third lens, and the fourth lens are sequentially disposed from an object to transmit an image of light having a wavelength band of about 400 nm to about 1,000 nm
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging lens. The imaging lens includes a first lens having a positive (+) power, a second lens having a positive (+) power, a third lens having a negative (−) power, and a fourth lens having a positive (+) power. The first lens, the second lens, the third lens, and the fourth lens are sequentially disposed from an object to transmit an image of light having a wavelength band of about 400 nm to about 1,000 nm. Thus, powers, distances, and Abbe's numbers of the first to fourth lenses may be controlled to photograph an image of visible light and infrared light.