Six-Element PNPNPN Imaging Lens for Compact Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small form factor cameras struggle to capture high-resolution, high-quality images due to limitations in compact imaging lens systems, which require smaller pixel sizes and improved optical performance while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact imaging lens system with six refractive lens elements arranged in a PNPNPN configuration, including an aperture stop and internal stops, to achieve a low F-number, wide field of view, and short total track length, reducing optical aberrations and artifacts, and utilizing specific optical materials to minimize chromatic aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact imaging lens system is used in small form factor cameras, then the camera size is reduced, but image resolution and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into six separate lens elements (L1-L6) with alternating positive and negative refractive powers, allowing each element to be optimized for specific optical functions while maintaining overall compactness. This segmentation enables complex optical correction without increasing overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-aperture lenses to a multi-element system that utilizes multiple optical paths and dimensions for light transmission. By arranging lenses in a PNPNPN configuration and incorporating multiple aperture stops at different positions, the system achieves high resolution within a compact form factor through multi-dimensional optical management.
2Illumination intensity
If the F-number is reduced to increase light gathering capability, then image brightness improves, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple aperture stops are distributed at different positions within the lens system (first aperture stop near L1, second aperture stop near L4). This segmentation of the aperture function allows the system to maintain low F-number for brightness while using individual stops to control and correct optical aberrations at different stages of light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple aperture stops as intermediary elements between the object and the image sensor. These stops act as mediators that selectively block certain light paths and ray bundles, enabling the system to achieve both high brightness (low F-number) and reduced optical aberrations by controlling which rays reach the sensor.
3Area of stationary object
If the field of view is increased to capture more scene, then imaging coverage improves, but optical aberrations and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system segments the optical path into multiple stages with six elements arranged in PNPNPN configuration. Each lens element contributes to specific aspects of light transmission, allowing the system to achieve wide field of view while distributing and correcting distortion across multiple optical interfaces rather than relying on a single lens.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lens elements are designed with specific local optical characteristics - some with higher refractive power for focusing, others with lower power for distortion control. The alternating positive and negative power arrangement creates localized correction zones that work together to maintain image quality across the entire wide field of view.
4Length of moving object
If the total track length is reduced to maintain compactness, then camera size is reduced, but optical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent packs six lens elements into a compact total track length by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement and varying lens positions along the optical axis. The system achieves high optical performance within short length by optimizing the axial and radial positioning of each element, effectively using multiple dimensions for optical path management.
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
Enables the capture of sharp, high-resolution images with a low F-number and wide field of view within a small package size, suitable for mobile devices, while effectively controlling aberrations and maintaining compactness.
Implementation Method 1
The lens system includes six lens elements with refractive power arranged along an optical axis from a first lens on the object side to a sixth lens on the image side
Implementation Method 2
the aperture stop may be located at the first lens element at or behind the front vertex of the lens system
Data Source
AI summary
Compact lens systems are described that may be used in small form factor cameras. The lens system may include six lens elements with refractive power, and may provide low F-numbers with wide field of view while maintaining or improving imaging quality and package size when compared to other compact lens systems. The lens system may, for example, provide a focal ratio of 2.1 or less (e.g., 1.8), with full field of view within a range of 70 to 90 degrees (e.g., 81 degrees). The lens system may conform to a criterion for compactness TTL/ImageH<1.7, where TTL is the total track length of the lens system, and ImageH is the semi-diagonal image height on the image plane at the photosensor. Lens system parameters and relationships may be selected at least in part to reduce, compensate, or correct for optical aberrations and lens artifacts and effects across the field of view.