Seven-Lens Optical System Confocal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems in portable electronic devices struggle to provide high optical performance, especially in low-light environments, and require IR cut filters that occupy space and increase costs, making it challenging to design miniaturized surveillance cameras that can capture images effectively across both visible and infrared spectrums.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical image capturing system utilizing a combination of seven-piece optical lenses with specific refractive powers and surface geometries, eliminating the need for IR cut filters by achieving a near-confocal effect between visible and infrared light focal lengths, thereby enhancing image quality and brightness without increasing system size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical systems use five or six lenses, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the optical performance in low-light environments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into seven distinct lens elements (first through seventh lenses) with specific refractive power distributions. Each lens element has defined object-side and image-side surfaces with specific geometric characteristics, allowing the system to achieve superior optical performance through segmented functional distribution while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different lens elements are assigned specific local optical functions: the first lens has negative refractive power with specific surface curvatures to control light entry, the second and third lenses have positive refractive power for focusing, the fourth lens has negative refractive power for aberration correction, and the fifth through seventh lenses have positive refractive power with specific surface geometries to optimize image formation. This local quality differentiation enables high optical performance in low-light conditions
2Reliability
If IR cut filters are used to filter infrared light, then image fidelity in visible spectrum is improved, but system space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the IR cut filter from the optical system entirely. Instead of using a filter to block infrared light, the system relies on the seven-piece lens design with specific refractive powers and surface geometries that naturally achieve confocal imaging for both visible and infrared wavelengths, eliminating the need for additional filtering components and reducing system space
Solution Approach 2:
The optical lens system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it focuses visible light for daytime imaging, focuses infrared light for nighttime imaging, and achieves confocal imaging for both spectra without requiring additional filters. This multi-functionality is achieved through the specific configuration of seven lens elements with controlled refractive powers and surface curvatures
3Illumination intensity
If the optical system is designed for high aperture to capture more light, then low-light imaging performance is improved, but optical performance and image quality become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple optical parameters simultaneously: the refractive powers of the seven lens elements are specifically configured (with negative, positive, and mixed signs), the surface curvatures are precisely controlled (with convex and concave surfaces at object-side and image-side), and the relative positions of lenses are optimized. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain high aperture for light intake while preserving superior optical performance and image quality
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 improved imaging quality and increased light intake, enabling effective image capture across both visible and infrared spectrums within a compact and cost-effective design, suitable for applications like facial recognition and surveillance cameras.
Implementation Method 1
The optical image capturing system includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens and a seventh lens from an object side to an image side along an optical axis. Each lens has specific refractive power and surface geometry to control light paths.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a seven-piece optical lens for capturing image and a seven-piece optical module for capturing image. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis comprises a first lens with refractive power; a second lens with refractive power; a third lens with refractive power; a fourth lens with refractive power; a fifth lens with refractive power; a sixth lens with refractive power; and a seventh lens with refractive power; at least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the seven lens elements is aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras.