Multi-Lens Optical System for Compact High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems in electronic devices face challenges in achieving a balance among requirements such as high image quality, low sensitivity, proper aperture size, compactness, and a desirable field of view.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates multiple image capturing units, each with an optical image system and a sensor, specifically designed to meet these requirements. The optical image systems include a series of lens elements with air gaps between them, allowing for compactness and flexibility in space arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional optical system is designed to achieve high image quality, then image quality is improved, but the system becomes less compact and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple independent lens elements (first lens element, second lens element, third lens element, fourth lens element, and fifth lens element) that can be individually optimized for specific optical functions. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to image quality while maintaining a compact overall structure through optimized spacing and individual element design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical axis dimension to arrange lens elements in sequence, creating a compact longitudinal layout. By optimizing the spacing between lens elements along the optical axis and using asymmetric positioning, the system achieves high image quality without increasing lateral dimensions, thus maintaining compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical system is made more compact, then system size is reduced, but achieving high image quality becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens element is designed with specific local optical properties (refractive indices, curvatures, and shapes) optimized for its position in the system. The first lens element has specific curvature radii for its object-side and image-side surfaces, while subsequent elements have different local properties. This local optimization allows the compact system to achieve high overall image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple parameters including curvature radii (R1-R10), thicknesses (d1-d10), refractive indices (nd1-nd5, vd1-vd5), and spacing distances to precisely control optical performance. By optimizing these parameters within the compact form factor constraints, the system achieves high image quality despite reduced size.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple lens elements are added to improve image quality, then optical performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lens elements are merged into a single integrated optical system with coordinated design. The five lens elements work together as a unified system, with their spacing and optical properties optimized collectively to achieve high image quality. This merging approach manages complexity by creating a cohesive system rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lens element serves multiple functions: the first lens element provides primary light convergence, while also contributing to aberration correction. The subsequent elements similarly perform multiple roles including focusing, aberration correction, and field flattening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing overall system complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the aperture size is increased to improve light gathering, then sensitivity is improved, but the system becomes less compact and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed with dynamic light path management through the arrangement and spacing of lens elements. The system can effectively manage light gathering across different aperture conditions while maintaining a compact structure, as each lens element contributes to both light collection and system compactness through optimized positioning.
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 device to achieve high image quality, flexibility in field of view, and compactness, while managing manufacturing costs effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The optical image system includes, in order from an object side to an image side along an optical path, a first lens element and an image surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes at least two image capturing units which face the same side. The at least two image capturing units include a first image capturing unit and a second image capturing unit. The first image capturing unit includes an optical image system and a first image sensor. The optical image system includes a first lens element and an image surface. The first image sensor is disposed on the image surface of the optical image system thereof and has a first resolution of at least 60 megapixels. The second image capturing unit includes an optical image system and a second image sensor. The optical image system includes a first lens element and an image surface. The second image sensor is disposed on the image surface of the optical image system thereof and has a second resolution of at least 40 megapixels.