Six-Lens Imaging System for Compact Smartphones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging lenses for small cameras, such as smartphones, face challenges in achieving both downsizing and high-resolution performance with satisfactory aberration correction, due to limitations in space and the need for a larger number of lenses.

Innovation Solution

The proposed imaging lens configuration includes a specific arrangement of six lenses with positive and negative refractive powers, and curvature radii, along with conditional expressions to optimize focal lengths and distances, which allows for effective aberration correction and a wider angle of view while maintaining a compact size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of lenses is increased to achieve high-resolution performance and satisfactory aberration correction, then the imaging quality is improved, but the size of the imaging lens increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidsize of imaging lens

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the focal lengths, curvature radii, and axial distances of each lens element according to specific conditional expressions. This allows six lenses to achieve high-resolution performance and satisfactory aberration correction while maintaining a compact overall size, resolving the contradiction between imaging quality and lens size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Each lens element in the six-lens configuration is designed to perform multiple functions: correcting specific types of aberrations (spherical, coma, astigmatism, field curvature, distortion), controlling chromatic aberration, and contributing to the overall focal length. This multi-functionality allows high imaging quality to be achieved with a limited number of lenses, preventing size increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the distance from the object-side surface of the first lens to the image plane is reduced to downsize the imaging lens, then the compactness is improved, but the ability to correct aberrations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of imaging lensVSAvoidaberration correction

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific curvature radius signs and focal length characteristics to individual lens elements. The first lens has positive curvature radii, the second has negative, the third has positive, and so on. This localized optimization of each lens element's properties enables effective aberration correction within a reduced overall distance, achieving compactness without sacrificing correction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging lens is segmented into six distinct lens elements with alternating positive and negative refractive powers. This segmentation allows each element to contribute differently to aberration correction, enabling satisfactory correction performance even when the total distance from object-side surface to image plane is reduced for downsizing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the number of lenses is limited to maintain a compact size, then the downsizing is achieved, but the flexibility in design and aberration correction capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of imaging lensVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Within the constraint of six lenses, the patent achieves design flexibility through parameter changes by optimizing focal length ratios, curvature radius relationships, and axial distances according to specific conditional expressions. This allows the compact six-lens design to achieve satisfactory correction of multiple aberration types and adapt to different imaging requirements.

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 the imaging lens to achieve high-resolution performance with balanced aberration correction and a wider angle of view, suitable for small-sized cameras, while maintaining a compact size.