Shiftable Lens Elements for Image Plane Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical systems with vibration reduction functions face challenges in controlling lens shifts as the amount of image plane correction increases, making it difficult to manage lens movement effectively.

Innovation Solution

The optical system comprises shiftable lens elements, where the first and second lens elements can be shifted perpendicular to the optical axis, with specific focal length relationships and conditional expressions to ensure effective vibration reduction and image plane correction across various zoom states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the amount of correction of image plane increases, then the vibration reduction function improves, but the shifting amount of lens increases making it difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration reduction functionVSAvoidlens shifting control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lens system into multiple lens groups (first lens group G1, second lens group G2, third lens group G3, fourth lens group G4) with different functions. Specifically, it segments the vibration reduction function by making either the first or second lens group shiftable perpendicular to the optical axis, while other groups handle focusing and zooming. This segmentation allows the vibration reduction function to be isolated and controlled independently, resolving the contradiction between correction amount and control difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control by making specific lens groups shiftable rather than fixed. The first lens group G1 or second lens group G2 can be dynamically shifted perpendicular to the optical axis to correct image plane deviations caused by vibration. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to varying vibration conditions while maintaining controllable shifting amounts through coordinated movement of multiple lens groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If lens elements are shifted perpendicular to the optical axis for image plane correction, then vibration reduction is achieved, but optical aberrations may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration reduction functionVSAvoidoptical aberration control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific optical characteristics to different lens groups. The first lens group G1 (with positive refractive power) and second lens group G2 (with negative refractive power) are specifically designed and positioned to handle vibration reduction. By localizing the vibration reduction function to these specially designed groups rather than using the entire lens system, the patent minimizes the introduction of optical aberrations while maintaining effective image plane correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the refractive powers and focal lengths of different lens groups to optimize vibration reduction performance. The conditional expressions (1) and (2) define specific parameter relationships: the ratio of focal lengths (fw/ft) and the relationship between the shiftable lens group's focal length and the entire system's focal length. By carefully controlling these optical parameters, the patent achieves effective vibration reduction while maintaining acceptable optical quality and minimizing aberrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enables a suitable vibration reduction function, allowing for precise control of lens shifts to correct image plane aberrations, improving optical performance and reducing vibration-related image blur across wide angle to telephoto end states.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system comprising a first lens element and a second lens element which are respectively shiftable to have a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9519155B2Optical system, imaging apparatus and method for manufacturing the optical system
Publication Date: 2016.12.13 NIKON CORP
  • US9519155B2 patent drawing
  • US9519155B2 patent drawing
  • US9519155B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical system comprises a first lens element and a second lens element which are respectively shiftable to have a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second lens element being composed of the first lens element and other lens element, and the first lens element or the second lens element being shifted to have a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby carrying out a correction of the image plane. Thus, there are provided an optical system having a suitable vibration reduction property, an image apparatus equipped with the optical system and a method for manufacturing the optical system.