Six-Element Imaging Lens Assembly for Compact Wide-Field Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems face challenges in achieving a balance among high image quality, low sensitivity, proper aperture size, miniaturization, and a desirable field of view due to the scaling down of pixel size and increasing functionality requirements in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system lens assembly comprising six lens elements with specific refractive powers, surface shapes, and axial distances, including a central thickness maximum for the first lens element and an aperture stop, to optimize light convergence, reduce size, and correct aberrations, while using glass or plastic materials with optional additives for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel size of image sensor is scaled down to improve image quality, then the resolution and image quality are improved, but the sensitivity of the optical system deteriorates and requires larger aperture size
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into six lens elements with different refractive powers and surface curvatures, each optimized to contribute to overall image quality while managing light gathering. The segmentation of optical functions across multiple elements allows maintaining sensitivity despite smaller pixel sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including curvature radii (R1-R12), thicknesses (CT1-CT6), axial distances (T12-T56), and refractive indices (N1-N6) to achieve a balance between image quality and sensitivity. The specific conditional expressions define optimal parameter ranges that resolve the contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the aperture size is increased to improve light gathering capabilities, then the sensitivity and light gathering are improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture diameter (2Y1R1) is optimized within specific ranges relative to focal length (0.70-1.30 times f) to achieve adequate light gathering without excessive size. The conditional expressions define optimal aperture parameters that balance light gathering with compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens elements are designed with aspheric surfaces that simultaneously perform multiple functions: focusing light, correcting spherical aberration, controlling aperture, and reducing distortion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the field of view is increased to improve functionality, then the coverage and functionality are improved, but the optical system complexity and difficulty of correcting aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The six lens elements are assigned specific roles in the optical path, with elements 1-3 primarily for light gathering and initial focusing, elements 4-5 for aberration correction, and element 6 for fine-tuning and flat field correction. This segmentation manages complexity by distributing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Aspheric surfaces on multiple lens elements enable wider field of view (60-100 degrees) while correcting field curvature and distortion. The aspheric coefficients (A4-A20) provide additional degrees of freedom for aberration correction without increasing element count.
4Volume of moving object
If the lens assembly is miniaturized to reduce device size, then the compactness is improved, but the light gathering capabilities and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The six lens elements are arranged in a compact sequence with minimized axial distances between them (T12-T56 optimized within specific ranges). The elements are nested along the optical path with no unnecessary spacing, achieving miniaturization while maintaining optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The total track length (TL) is optimized within specific ranges (0.50-0.90 times f) to achieve compact size. The thicknesses and spacing of individual elements are precisely controlled to maintain light gathering capabilities despite reduced overall dimensions.
5Measurement precision
If more lens elements are added to correct aberrations and improve image quality, then the image quality is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The six lens elements are functionally segmented with specific roles: elements 1-3 for positive power and light gathering, elements 4-5 for negative power and aberration correction, and element 6 for final focusing and flat field correction. This segmentation achieves high image quality with a manageable number of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies different glass types (positive and negative glass) with specific Abbe numbers (V2-V6 ranging from 20-60) and refractive indices for different lens elements. This composite material approach allows aberration correction through material properties rather than requiring additional elements.
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 achieves a compact lens assembly with enhanced image quality, increased field of view, reduced sensitivity to environmental changes, and improved light gathering capabilities, suitable for various applications in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens element has positive refractive power, the second lens element has negative refractive power, the third lens element has positive refractive power, the fourth lens element has negative refractive power, the fifth lens element has positive refractive power, and the sixth lens element has negative refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system lens assembly includes a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element in order from an object side to an image side along an optical path. Each of the six lens elements has an object-side surface facing toward the object side and an image-side surface facing toward the image side. The first lens element has positive refractive power. The fifth lens element has positive refractive power. The image-side surface of the fifth lens element is concave in a paraxial region thereof. The image-side surface of the sixth lens element has at least one inflection point. A central thickness of the first lens element is a maximum among central thicknesses of all lens elements of the imaging system lens assembly.