Seven-Element Compact Lens System for Mobile Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small cameras in mobile devices struggle to capture high-resolution, high-quality images due to limitations in compact imaging lens systems, which require a balance between pixel size, image sensor size, and physical constraints, leading to suboptimal image brightness and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A compact imaging lens system comprising seven lens elements with specific refractive power arrangements and aperture control, including an aperture stop and secondary stops, to achieve a low F-number, wide field of view, and short total track length, optimizing image quality and brightness while maintaining a small form factor.
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 brightness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging lens system is divided into seven separate lens elements (first through seventh lens elements) with different refractive powers and aberration correction characteristics. Each lens element is optimized for specific functions: the first lens element has positive refractive power for light gathering, the second has negative refractive power for aberration correction, and subsequent elements continue this pattern. This segmentation allows the compact system to achieve high image resolution and brightness by distributing optical functions across multiple specialized elements rather than relying on a single large lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific parameter relationships between lens elements to optimize performance. Key parameters include the refractive powers of individual lens elements, the focal lengths of composite lens groups (e.g., f12 for first and second elements, f3 for third element, f5 for fifth element), and the Abbe numbers (Vd1, Vd2, Vd3, Vd6) of different lens materials. These parameters are carefully selected and related to each other through mathematical relationships that balance compactness with high image quality, enabling the system to achieve both small form factor and high resolution.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact imaging lens system is used in small form factor cameras, then the camera size is reduced, but image brightness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging lens system is divided into seven separate lens elements (first through seventh lens elements) with different refractive powers and aberration correction characteristics. Each lens element is optimized for specific functions: the first lens element has positive refractive power for light gathering, the second has negative refractive power for aberration correction, and subsequent elements continue this pattern. This segmentation allows the compact system to achieve high image resolution and brightness by distributing optical functions across multiple specialized elements rather than relying on a single large lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific parameter relationships between lens elements to optimize performance. Key parameters include the refractive powers of individual lens elements, the focal lengths of composite lens groups (e.g., f12 for first and second elements, f3 for third element, f5 for fifth element), and the Abbe numbers (Vd1, Vd2, Vd3, Vd6) of different lens materials. These parameters are carefully selected and related to each other through mathematical relationships that balance compactness with high image quality, enabling the system to achieve both small form factor and high resolution.
3Length of stationary object
If a compact imaging lens system is used in small form factor cameras, then the total track length is reduced, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging lens system is divided into seven separate lens elements (first through seventh lens elements) with different refractive powers and aberration correction characteristics. Each lens element is optimized for specific functions: the first lens element has positive refractive power for light gathering, the second has negative refractive power for aberration correction, and subsequent elements continue this pattern. This segmentation allows the compact system to achieve high image resolution and brightness by distributing optical functions across multiple specialized elements rather than relying on a single large lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific parameter relationships between lens elements to optimize performance. Key parameters include the refractive powers of individual lens elements, the focal lengths of composite lens groups (e.g., f12 for first and second elements, f3 for third element, f5 for fifth element), and the Abbe numbers (Vd1, Vd2, Vd3, Vd6) of different lens materials. These parameters are carefully selected and related to each other through mathematical relationships that balance compactness with high image quality, enabling the system to achieve both small form factor and high resolution.
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 lens system enables the capture of sharp, high-resolution images with improved brightness and reduced optical aberrations, making it suitable for small form factor cameras in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A compact imaging lens system including seven lens elements with refractive power
Implementation Method 2
an aperture stop located between the object side of the optical system and the third lens element for controlling the brightness of the optical system
Implementation Method 3
an infrared (IR) filter to reduce or eliminate interference of environmental noise on the photosensor
Data Source
AI summary
Compact lens systems are described that may be used in small form factor cameras. The lens systems may include seven 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 systems may, for example, provide a focal ratio of 1.85 or less, with full field of view of 75 degrees or more. The lens systems 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 of 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.