Ninth Lens Thickness Ratio for Slim Camera Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in achieving excellent optical performance and a slim structure due to the complexity and size increase when using multiple lenses, which affects image quality and resolution, especially at the periphery of the field of view.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising first to ninth lenses with specific refractive powers and critical points, where the second lens has positive refractive power, the third lens has negative refractive power, and the eighth and ninth lenses have positive and negative refractive powers respectively, with optimized thickness and distance relationships to minimize total track length and improve aberration characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plurality of imaging lenses with positive and negative refractive power are used to improve image quality and resolution, then optical performance is improved, but the overall length and height of the camera module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the optical system within a compact housing structure where lenses are arranged in a tightly integrated sequence. The ninth lens is positioned close to the image sensor with minimal spacing, and the entire optical train is nested within a slim module housing that eliminates unnecessary gaps and optimizes the spatial arrangement of all components along the optical axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional multi-lens design that extends along the optical axis to a compact arrangement by optimizing the lateral dimensions and using aspherical lens surfaces. The aspherical design allows for better light control in a shorter distance, effectively compressing the optical path length while maintaining image quality, thus addressing the contradiction between resolution and module thickness.
2Measurement precision
If the size of the image sensor is increased to realize high-resolution and high-definition imaging, then image quality is improved, but the TTL of the optical system increases, thereby increasing the thickness of the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the lens system by introducing aspherical surfaces on the ninth lens and optimizing the refractive indices and curvatures of all lenses. These parameter changes allow the optical system to achieve high-resolution imaging with a larger image sensor while keeping the TTL minimized, as the aspherical design provides better aberration control in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the aspherical surface on the ninth lens to pre-correct for the increased aberrations that would normally result from a larger image sensor. This pre-correction allows the system to maintain high resolution without requiring additional lens elements that would increase the TTL, thus counteracting the potential negative effect of sensor size increase before it manifests as optical degradation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple lenses are included to improve optical performance, then image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the number of lenses and their intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving specific characteristics to specific lenses within the system. The ninth lens is designed with an aspherical surface and specific refractive power to address the critical interface between the optical system and the image sensor. This localized optimization allows the system to achieve high performance without requiring all lenses to be complex, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining optical excellence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the optical system so that the ninth lens serves multiple functions: it acts as the final focusing element, corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations, and works in conjunction with the eighth lens to control the optical path length. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated correction lenses, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining high optical performance.
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 optical system achieves improved optical performance with enhanced resolution and reduced distortion, allowing for a slim and compact camera module structure with good performance at both the center and periphery of the field of view.
Implementation Method 1
the second lens has positive (+) refractive power on the optical axis, and the third lens has negative (−) refractive power on the optical axis, the eighth lens has positive (+) refractive power on the optical axis, the ninth lens has negative (−) refractive power on the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
The optical system disclosed in the embodiment of the invention includes first to ninth lenses disposed along an optical axis in a direction from the object side to the sensor side, wherein the second and eighth lenses have positive refractive power on the optical axis, and the third and ninth lenses have the optical axis has a negative refractive power, a thickness on the optical axis of the ninth lens is L9_CT, a distance between the eighth and ninth lenses on the optical axis is d89_CT, and the following Equation may satisfy: 0.05<L9_CT/d89_CT<1.