Replaceable Glass Fisheye Lens Element for 180-Degree FOV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices with fisheye lenses face challenges in achieving a wide field of view of 180 degrees or more without distorting images or requiring recalibration when interchangeable lenses are used.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly with a removable outermost element made of glass, featuring concentric radii of curvature, which maintains optical power and focus without altering the optics when interchanged, ensuring clear images are generated without distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a fisheye lens is designed to capture a wide field of view of 180 degrees or more, then the field of view is improved, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is divided into multiple lens elements (first lens element, second lens element, third lens element) with different curvature characteristics. The first lens element has a first radius of curvature while the second and third lens elements have a second radius of curvature that is smaller than the first, creating segmented optical zones that work together to achieve wide field of view while controlling distortion
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens assembly have different optical properties through varying radii of curvature. The first lens element provides a larger radius for certain optical characteristics while the second and third lens elements provide a smaller radius for other characteristics, creating local quality variations that balance field of view and distortion
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable lenses are used to provide versatility, then adaptability is improved, but recalibration is required which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is designed as a universal interchangeable unit where multiple lens elements can be combined in different configurations. The standardized structure with multiple elements of different radii of curvature allows the same basic assembly to serve multiple optical functions without requiring recalibration, achieving multi-functionality through a single design platform
3Power
If multiple lens elements with different radii of curvature are used, then optical power is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly utilizes parameter changes in the radii of curvature to achieve desired optical power. By varying the radius of curvature between different lens elements (first radius being larger than second radius), the system achieves different optical characteristics without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the optical power is derived from the relative differences rather than absolute precision
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 allows for a wide field of view of 180 degrees or more while maintaining image sharpness and focusing capabilities, eliminating the need for recalibration when lenses are changed, ensuring consistent optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
Light may be received and focused via a elements and may be converted to an electronic image signal by an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The outermost element forms part of the optical power or optics of the lens assembly... The curvature of the forward lens directs light into the series of elements so that the light extends along the optical axis in a parallel direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device with a series of elements, a forward element, and a sensor assembly. The series of elements are aligned along an optical axis and have a field of view of about 180 degrees or more. The forward element removably covers the series of elements, wherein the forward element is curved and configured to capture the field of view of about 180 degrees or more and provide optical power to the series of elements. A sensor assembly is located on the optical axis. The forward element is made of glass.