Segmented Imaging Lens for Compact Camera Module Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zoom lenses in camera modules are bulky, power-intensive, and suffer from reduced brightness and resolution in telephoto mode due to increased axial and magnification chromatic aberration when attempting to minimize size and weight.
Innovation Solution
An imaging lens design comprising a first lens group for wide-angle mode and a second lens group for telephoto mode, with specific refractive power and curvature configurations, allowing for zoom functionality without lens movement, thereby reducing volume and power consumption while maintaining aperture and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plurality of lenses is combined to reduce aberration and achieve high zoom magnification, then optical performance is improved, but the volume and weight of the zoom lens increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging lens is divided into two independent lens groups (first lens group and second lens group) with different focal lengths. Each lens group can independently form images, allowing the system to achieve zoom functionality without requiring a large number of lenses in a single complex assembly. This segmentation reduces the overall volume while maintaining aberration correction capabilities through optimized design of each group.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging lens system provides multiple functions through its two lens groups: the first lens group handles wide-angle imaging while the second lens group handles telephoto imaging. By switching between these two groups, the system achieves zoom magnification without requiring the complex multi-lens configurations of conventional zoom lenses, thereby reducing volume while maintaining optical performance.
2Volume of stationary object
If the number of lenses is reduced to make the zoom lens optical system smaller and lighter, then volume and weight are reduced, but axial chromatic aberration and magnification chromatic aberration greatly increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens group is designed with specific local optical properties optimized for its intended function. The first lens group has optical characteristics suited for wide-angle imaging, while the second lens group has characteristics optimized for telephoto imaging. This localized optimization allows each group to effectively control chromatic aberrations within its operational range, maintaining overall image quality despite the reduced number of lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls chromatic aberration by changing the operational parameter (which lens group is active) rather than relying on a fixed complex lens configuration. By switching between the first and second lens groups with different focal lengths and optical properties, the system adapts to different imaging conditions and maintains aberration control across the zoom range with fewer total lenses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lens movement is implemented to achieve zooming in or out, then magnification adjustment is possible, but the volume of the camera module increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens movement system with an optical switching system. Instead of physically moving lenses to change focal length, the system switches between two stationary lens groups with different focal lengths. This eliminates the need for motors, actuators, and complex mechanical structures, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining zoom capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves dynamic zoom functionality through electronic switching between static lens groups rather than mechanical movement. The transition between wide-angle and telephoto modes is accomplished by dynamically selecting which lens group is optically active, providing adaptability without the energy costs of continuous mechanical adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lens movement is implemented for zooming, then magnification can be adjusted, but the aperture of the optical system decreases in telephoto mode, degrading brightness and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two independent lens groups, each optimized for its specific focal length range. The second lens group (telephoto mode) is designed with optical properties that maintain a larger effective aperture compared to conventional moving-lens zoom systems. This segmentation allows the telephoto lens group to preserve brightness and resolution by avoiding the aperture reduction that occurs in traditional zoom mechanisms.
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 a compact, low-power camera module with maintained brightness and resolution across zoom modes by selectively using the first and second lens groups, inhibiting degradation in telephoto mode.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens group disposed in the body so as to correspond to the first opening; and a second lens group disposed in the body so as to correspond to the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides an imaging lens comprising: a body in which a first opening and a second opening are disposed; a first lens group which is disposed on the body and corresponds to the first opening; and a second lens group which is disposed on the body and corresponds to the second opening, wherein the focal distance of the first lens group is greater than 1.8 times and less than 2.1 times the focal distance of the second lens group.