Projection Lens System with Inflection Point Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photographing modules face challenges in achieving compactness, easy assembly, and high image quality while maintaining auto-focus functionality, especially in three-dimensional image capturing and interaction applications, where the complexity of lens elements and material selection restricts size reduction and system sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A projection lens system with a focus tunable component and a lens assembly featuring a plurality of lens elements, where at least one surface of the lens elements includes an inflection point, allowing for adjustable focal lengths and refractive power to achieve compactness and auto-focus capabilities, optimized for various electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional lens elements are used in photographing modules, then the system can achieve basic imaging function, but the size cannot be reduced and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidlens element complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lens elements into a single integrated lens assembly with a unified structure. The lens assembly includes a first lens element, second lens element, third lens element, and fourth lens element arranged in sequence, where each element is designed with specific curvature and material properties to work together as a cohesive unit, reducing overall module size while maintaining imaging functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: imaging, autofocus, and depth calculation. The projection lens system projects light from a conjugation surface onto another conjugation surface, enabling the system to capture three-dimensional image information and calculate object distances, thereby reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If more lens elements are added to improve image quality, then imaging performance increases, but assembly difficulty and system sensitivity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidassembly convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lens assembly is segmented into multiple lens elements with distinct functions: the first lens element has positive refractive power, the second lens element has negative refractive power, the third lens element has positive refractive power, and the fourth lens element has negative refractive power. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific optical corrections while simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each lens element is designed with specific local optical properties: the first lens element has a first curvature radius and second curvature radius with specific relationships, the second lens element has a third curvature radius and fourth curvature radius with specific relationships, and so on. These localized optical characteristics are optimized to correct specific aberrations while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If focal length is adjusted for auto-focus functionality, then imaging adaptability improves, but system sensitivity and stability change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauto-focus capabilityVSAvoidsystem sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The projection lens system includes a focus tunable component that can dynamically adjust the focal length. The system can change the focal length based on the distance to the imaged object, enabling autofocus functionality. The focus tunable component is positioned between the lens assembly and the conjugation surface, allowing dynamic adjustment while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables a compact, high-quality projection lens system that supports auto-focus and maintains performance across different temperatures and environments, enhancing the capabilities of electronic devices in three-dimensional image capturing and interaction applications.

Implementation Method 1

a lens assembly including a plurality of lens elements, wherein at least one surface of at least one of the lens elements includes at least one inflection point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

projects light from a conjugation surface on the reduction side onto a conjugation surface on the magnification side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS20190033604A1Projection lens system, projection apparatus, sensing module and electronic device

Publication Date: 2019.01.31 LARGAN PRECISION

AI summary

A projection lens system having a magnification side and a reduction side, which projects light from a conjugation surface on the reduction side onto a conjugation surface on the magnification side. The projection lens system includes a focus tunable component and a lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly includes a plurality of lens elements, and at least one surface of at least one of the lens elements includes at least one inflection point.