Miniature Camera Lens System with Aspheric Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature camera optics in cellular telephones face challenges in reducing size while maintaining resolution and minimizing distortion, as previous attempts to shrink optics have resulted in adverse impacts on image quality.
Innovation Solution
A lens system comprising four lenses, where the first lens has the smallest diameter and each successive lens has a larger diameter, with specific configurations and materials to maintain desired optical performance, including the use of plano-convex lenses and aspheric elements, allowing for a smaller clear aperture and reduced overall size without compromising resolution or introducing significant distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the number of lenses is reduced to three, then the length of the optics is reduced, but distortion and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using aspheric surfaces on the lenses, which changes the geometric parameters of the optical elements. This allows for better control of light paths and reduces distortion while maintaining compact dimensions. The aspheric surfaces enable the three-lens system to achieve optical performance comparable to traditional four-lens systems.
2Area of stationary object
If the clear aperture size is reduced, then the diameter of the optics is reduced, but distortion and resolution are adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aspheric surfaces to change the geometric parameters of the lens surfaces, which allows for optimized light path control within the constrained clear aperture. This enables the compact lens system to maintain acceptable optical performance despite the reduced aperture size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different surface configurations on different parts of the lens system. Specifically, aspheric surfaces are applied to certain lenses while others have different configurations, allowing each element to optimize its local contribution to the overall optical performance within the compact form factor.
3Reliability
If four lenses are used, then distortion and resolution are maintained, but the size of the camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a three-lens system by using aspheric surfaces that can correct multiple types of aberrations simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total number of lens elements needed while maintaining the optical performance that would traditionally require four lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the parameters of the lens surfaces to aspheric configurations, the patent enables each lens element to perform multiple optical functions, thereby reducing the total number of elements required and shrinking the overall camera volume.
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 solution enables a smaller camera size with maintained or improved resolution and reduced distortion, fitting within smaller lens barrels while meeting optical performance standards, such as modulation transfer function and field curvature requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A lens system comprises a plurality of lenses that are configured such that the lens having the smallest diameter is the first lens
Data Source
AI summary
A lens system for a miniature camera includes an imager and four cylindrical lenses disposed concentrically on an optical axis of the lens system. The lenses include, in order from a front end of the lens system to a back end thereof, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens and a fourth lens. The first lens has a positive power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the second lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the third lens is made of glass, has a positive power, a plano front surface and a spherical convex back surface, and the fourth lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces.