Seven-Lens Imaging Optical Assembly for Compact Wide-Field Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems face challenges in achieving a balance between high image quality, low sensitivity, proper aperture size, miniaturization, and a desirable field of view, particularly with the advancement of semiconductor technology and increasing functionality in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An imaging optical lens assembly comprising seven lens elements with specific refractive powers, surface curvatures, and Abbe numbers, including freeform surfaces, is designed to optimize image quality and field of view while minimizing size and correcting aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If pixel size is scaled down due to semiconductor manufacturing advances, then device miniaturization is achieved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple lens elements (first through seventh lens elements) with different refractive powers and surface characteristics. Each lens element is optimized to perform specific functions: the first lens element provides wide-angle coverage, the second and third elements correct aberrations, the fourth element controls distortion, the fifth element manages chromatic aberration, the sixth element optimizes field curvature, and the seventh element finalizes focus. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high image quality despite miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs complex parameter optimization including specific curvature radius ratios (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6), focal length relationships (f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, f6, f7), and refractive index selections (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7). The aspheric coefficients (k1, k2, k3, k4, k5, k6) are precisely controlled to optimize optical performance. These parameter changes enable the lens assembly to correct aberrations and maintain image quality while reducing overall system size.
2Volume of moving object
If aperture size is reduced for miniaturization, then device compactness is improved, but light sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly maintains continuous light transmission through multiple elements, each optimized to preserve light intensity. The aspheric surfaces and specific curvatures are designed to minimize light loss at each interface. The aperture stop is positioned and sized to maintain adequate light gathering capability while achieving compact dimensions. This continuous optimization ensures sufficient light sensitivity despite reduced aperture size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the aperture stop position and size relative to the lens elements, controlling the f-number to balance compactness with light sensitivity. The refractive indices and curvatures of the lens elements are specifically selected to maximize light transmission efficiency. These parameter adjustments enable the system to maintain adequate illumination intensity while achieving miniaturization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If field of view is increased for wider coverage, then adaptability is improved, but aberration correction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system segments the field of view correction across multiple lens elements. The first lens element handles wide-angle coverage, the second and third elements correct field curvature and astigmatism, the fourth element manages distortion, the fifth element addresses chromatic aberration, the sixth element optimizes peripheral sharpness, and the seventh element finalizes the image quality. This segmentation enables wide field of view while maintaining aberration correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aspheric surfaces with specific curvatures (k1, k2, k3, k4, k5, k6) on multiple lens elements to correct field curvature and distortion. The non-spherical surfaces allow for wider field of view while maintaining sharp focus across the entire image plane. The curvature parameters are optimized to balance wide coverage with aberration correction.
4Manufacturing precision
If lens elements are added to improve image quality, then optical performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into seven specialized lens elements, each with specific refractive powers and surface characteristics. Rather than using fewer elements with higher complexity, the design distributes functions across multiple optimized elements. This segmentation achieves high image quality while keeping each individual element relatively simple in structure, balancing performance with manufacturability.
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 effectively enhances image quality, reduces aberrations, and achieves compactness while supporting wide field-of-view designs, enabling high-performance imaging in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optical lens assembly includes seven lens elements... a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, a sixth lens element and a seventh lens element
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging optical lens assembly includes seven lens elements which are, in order from an object side to an image side along an optical path: a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, a sixth lens element and a seventh lens element. The third lens element with positive refractive power has an image-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The fourth lens element has negative refractive power. The fifth lens element has an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof, and the image-side surface of the sixth lens element has at least one critical point in an off-axis region thereof.