Imaging Lens Design for Wide Angle and Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging lenses for small cameras face challenges in achieving a wide angle of view while maintaining high resolution and correcting aberrations, especially when operating in both visible and near-infrared light ranges, and require compact size and high pixel count imaging elements.
Innovation Solution
The imaging lens configuration includes a first lens group with negative refractive power and a second lens group with a fifth lens having an aspheric surface, satisfying specific conditional expressions for focal lengths, refractive powers, and Abbe's numbers to achieve a wider angle of view while correcting aberrations and maintaining image-forming performance across a wide wavelength range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the imaging lens is downsized to fit compact camera spaces, then the camera size is reduced, but the refractive power of each lens becomes strong making it difficult to correct aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging lens is divided into multiple lens groups (first lens group with negative refractive power, second lens group with positive refractive power, third lens group with negative refractive power) where each group contains specific lenses with designated functions. This segmentation allows aberration correction to be distributed across multiple elements rather than requiring a single complex lens, enabling compact size while maintaining correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens system are assigned different refractive powers and characteristics. The first lens group has negative refractive power for wide angle, the second has positive for correction, and the third has negative for additional correction. Each lens within groups has specific curvature radii and thicknesses optimized for its local function, allowing compact overall design while maintaining global aberration correction.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging lens is designed for high resolution to match high pixel count imaging elements, then image quality is improved, but the lens structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lens design optimizes specific parameters including curvature radii (e.g., object-side surface curvature radius of first lens, image plane-side surface curvature radius of second lens), thicknesses, and spacing distances (e.g., distance between lens groups) to achieve high resolution. By carefully controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the system achieves high image quality without requiring excessive structural complexity.
3Area of moving object
If the imaging lens is designed for wide angle of view to capture wider range, then the field of view is expanded, but aberrations become more difficult to correct
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system segments the wide angle of view requirement across multiple lens groups, with the first lens group (negative refractive power) providing the wide angle capability and subsequent groups providing correction. This distribution allows wide field of view while maintaining correction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs specific curvature radii for lens surfaces, including aspheric surfaces with controlled k-values. The object-side surface curvature radius of the first lens and image plane-side surface curvature radius of the second lens are specifically optimized to balance wide angle of view with aberration correction, using curved surfaces to control light paths effectively.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging lens operates in near-infrared light range to enable night vision, then the functional capability is extended, but the focal position shifts significantly from visible light
Solution Approach 1:
The lens design controls the refractive index variations across different wavelengths by selecting appropriate glass materials with specific Abbe's numbers for each lens group. This parameter optimization ensures that the focal position for near-infrared light remains close to that of visible light, enabling the lens to perform effectively across both ranges without significant focal shift.
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 allows for a wider angle of view with improved aberration correction and reduced size, suitable for small cameras, including smartphones and onboard cameras, while maintaining image quality in both visible and near-infrared light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens includes a first lens group and a second lens group, arranged in the order from an object side to an image plane side. The first lens group includes a first lens having negative refractive power, a second lens having negative refractive power, and a third lens. The second lens group includes a fourth lens, and a fifth lens having negative refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging lens includes a first lens group and a second lens group, arranged in this order from an object side to an image plane side. The first lens group includes a first lens having negative refractive power, a second lens having negative refractive power, and a third lens. The second lens group includes a fourth lens and a fifth lens having negative refractive power. The first lens is formed in a shape so that a curvature radius of a surface thereof on the image plane side is positive. The fifth lens is formed in a shape so that a surface thereof on the image plane side is aspheric.