Multistep Lens Side Surfaces for Flare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of a solid-state imaging element with a lens in the lowermost layer disposed on the imaging element leads to miniaturization and height reduction but increases the likelihood of flare or ghost generation due to internal diffused reflection.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a solid-state imaging element and a lens group, where the lowermost layer lens is an aspherical and recessed lens, and the glass substrate thickness is greater than the smallest lens thickness, with side surfaces forming a multistep shape to reduce internal reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lens in the lowermost layer is disposed on the solid-state imaging element, then miniaturization and height reduction are achieved, but the distance between the infrared cut filter and the lens decreases, causing flare or ghost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful internal diffused reflection into a beneficial effect by strategically designing the multistep shape of the lens side surfaces. The reflection that would normally cause flare and ghost is redirected away from the image sensor through specific angle design, transforming a harmful optical phenomenon into a design feature that maintains compact form factor while eliminating image degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the lens. The side surfaces are divided into multiple steps with different angles, where each step has a specific function: some steps redirect reflected light away from the sensor, while other regions maintain proper light convergence. This local differentiation allows the lens to simultaneously achieve miniaturization and prevent flare/ghost.
2Length of stationary object
If the lens is made thinner to reduce device height, then height reduction is achieved, but the lens may not provide sufficient optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an aspherical lens design where the lens surface follows a curved mathematical profile rather than a simple spherical shape. This aspherical curvature allows the lens to achieve proper light convergence and optical performance with reduced thickness, as the varying curvature radii compensate for the reduced optical path length, maintaining imaging quality while enabling height reduction.
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
Achieves miniaturization and height reduction of the device configuration while significantly reducing the generation of flares and ghosts caused by internal diffused reflection.
Implementation Method 1
a lens group that includes a plurality of lenses and focuses the incident light on a light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging element
Implementation Method 2
a solid-state imaging element that generates a pixel signal by photoelectric conversion according to a light amount of incident light
Implementation Method 3
a flare or a ghost is caused by internal diffused reflection resulting from light reflection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an imaging device capable of achieving miniaturization and height reduction of a device configuration, reducing generation of a flare or a ghost, and preventing separation of a lens. Side surfaces of a lens provided on a solid-state imaging element form a multistep shape. Angles formed by the side surfaces forming the multistep shape with respect to an incident direction of incident light differ from each other. The present disclosure is applicable to an imaging device.