Non-Circular Zoom Lens Groups for Compact Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in achieving high optical performance with multiple lenses due to increased size, energy consumption, and deteriorated aberration characteristics during zoom and autofocus functions, necessitating a compact and efficient optical system design.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising first to fourth lens groups with specific refractive powers and non-circular shapes, where some lens groups are fixed and others are movable, allowing for various magnifications while minimizing movement and aberration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plurality of lenses is included to improve image quality and resolution, then optical performance is improved, but the overall length and height of the module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telephoto lens structure where multiple lens groups (positive and negative refractive power groups) are nested within a compact barrel assembly. The lenses are arranged in a folded optical path configuration, allowing the light to reflect back on itself, effectively nesting the optical path within a reduced physical footprint. This enables high-resolution imaging while maintaining a compact module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear optical path to a folded optical path by introducing reflective surfaces at angles, bending the light path in multiple dimensions. This allows the optical system to achieve long effective focal length equivalent to a much longer linear arrangement, thereby improving resolution without proportionally increasing the module's physical length and height.
2Measurement precision
If the size of the image sensor is increased to realize high-resolution and high-definition, then image quality is improved, but the TTL of the optical system increases, thereby increasing the thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a folded optical path design where the light path is bent back on itself within the camera module housing. This nesting of the optical path allows a larger image sensor to be positioned closer to the lens group while maintaining a short TTL, effectively enabling high-resolution imaging without increasing the module's thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If zoom and autofocus functions are performed by controlling lens position, then functionality is improved, but the movement amount of the lens increases exponentially, requiring more energy and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens system into multiple independent lens groups with different refractive powers (positive and negative groups). Each group can be controlled independently for zooming and focusing operations. This segmentation allows for more efficient movement control, reducing the overall movement distance required compared to moving a single large lens assembly, thereby lowering energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves zoom and focus functions by changing the relative positions and spacing between lens groups with different refractive powers, rather than moving a single lens through large distances. By adjusting the optical parameters through coordinated movement of multiple smaller lens groups, the system achieves the same functionality with reduced movement amplitude and lower energy requirements.
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 system achieves excellent optical characteristics with adjustable magnifications, reduced size, and minimized power consumption by controlling the movement of movable lens groups, maintaining aberration correction and optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and fourth lens groups includes at least one lens of a non-circular shape, the non-circular lens has a non-circular ratio (CH/CA) greater than 0.7
Data Source
AI summary
The optical system disclosed in the embodiment of the invention includes first to fourth lens groups arranged along an optical axis from an object side toward a sensor side and including each including at least one lens, wherein the first lens group has a refractive power opposite to that of the fourth lens group, the second lens group has a refractive power opposite to that of the third lens group, the first and fourth lens groups are fixed, the second and third lens groups are moved in a direction of the optical axis, each of the first and fourth lens groups includes at least one lens of a non-circular shape, the non-circular lens has a non-circular ratio (CH/CA) greater than 0.7, the non-circular ratio is a ratio of a minimum clear aperture (CH: clear height) and maximum clear aperture (CA) of a lens surface with a large clear aperture among an object-side surface and a sensor-side surface of the non-circular lens, and the non-circular ratio of at least one lens included in the first lens group may be greater than the non-circular ratio of at least one lens included in the fourth lens group.