Non-Circular Lens Design for Camera Module Flare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of camera module lenses while maintaining image quality is challenging due to the mismatch between circular lens shapes and rectangular image sensors, leading to light loss and potential flare phenomena from diffuse reflection.
Innovation Solution
A lens design with a non-circular shape, featuring an optical portion with a greater length along one axis and a flange portion extending from it, including inclined and flat portions with a light absorption layer to prevent flare by directing light absorption effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lens size is reduced to miniaturize the camera module, then the camera module size is reduced, but flare phenomenon occurs due to diffuse reflection of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful reflective surfaces by replacing the conventional circular lens shape with a non-circular shape that eliminates unnecessary light reflection paths. The lens shape is modified to match the rectangular image sensor format, removing the portions that would cause diffuse reflection and flare while maintaining the effective imaging area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric lens shapes with different curvature radii in different regions. The lens has a first curvature radius in the first direction and a second curvature radius in the second direction, allowing different parts of the lens to have optimized optical properties for their specific functions while preventing flare in critical areas.
2Loss of energy
If a non-circular lens shape is used to match the rectangular image sensor, then light loss is reduced and image quality is improved, but flare phenomenon may occur due to reduced lens length in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by designing a lens with different curvature radii in orthogonal directions. The first curvature radius (R1) and second curvature radius (R2) are deliberately made different, creating an asymmetric lens profile that optimizes light transmission in the major axis direction while controlling reflection in the minor axis direction, thereby preventing flare.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lens by defining specific relationships between curvature radii and lens dimensions. The curvature radii are set within specific ranges relative to the lens length and width, optimizing the balance between light transmission efficiency and flare prevention through parameter optimization.
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 design reduces lens size without compromising image quality and minimizes flare occurrences by strategically placing light absorption layers to manage diffuse reflections.
Implementation Method 1
an optical portion (100) configured to refract light
Implementation Method 2
A light absorption layer (400) is disposed in the area in which the second inclined portion (360) is connected to the second surface (S2) of the optical portion (100)
Data Source
AI summary
A lens includes an optical portion and a flange portion. The optical portion has a greater length along a first axis direction than a second axis direction, and the first axis direction and the second axis direction are perpendicular to an optical axis and perpendicular to each other. A flange portion extending along the first axis direction includes a first inclined portion connected to a first surface of the optical portion and a second inclined portion connected to a second surface of the optical portion. The second inclined portion protrudes in an optical axis direction, relative to the second surface of the optical portion, in an area in which the second inclined portion is connected to the second surface of the optical portion. A light absorption layer is disposed in the area in which the second inclined portion is connected to the second surface of the optical portion.