Three-Lens Imaging Assembly for Compact Wide-Angle Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems struggle to balance high image quality, low sensitivity, proper aperture size, miniaturization, and desirable field of view due to the scaling down of pixel size in image sensors and increasing functionality requirements.
Innovation Solution
An imaging lens assembly comprising three lens elements with specific optical parameters and configurations, including concave and convex surfaces, inflection points, and an aperture stop, optimized for improved image quality and field of view, using glass or plastic materials with aspheric surfaces and additives for stray light reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the pixel size in image sensors is scaled down to improve manufacturing and reduce cost, then manufacturing cost and device size are reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into three distinct lens elements with specific curvature configurations. The object-side surface of the first lens element has positive curvature, the object-side surface of the second lens element has negative curvature, and the image-side surface of the second lens element has positive curvature. This segmentation allows each element to contribute differently to light refraction, maintaining image quality despite smaller pixel dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different curvature characteristics to different surfaces of the lens elements. Specifically, the object-side surface of the first lens element has positive curvature while its image-side surface has negative curvature. The second lens element has negative curvature on its object-side surface and positive curvature on its image-side surface. This local differentiation of optical properties enables precise control over light paths to maintain image quality with scaled-down pixels.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical system is miniaturized to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but image quality and field of view deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes aspheric surfaces with specific curvature radii for each lens element surface. The curvature radius of the object-side surface of the first lens element (R1), the object-side surface of the second lens element (R3), and the image-side surface of the second lens element (R4) are optimized to maintain high image quality. The aspheric design allows for better light control in a compact form factor, enabling miniaturization without sacrificing image quality or field of view.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the aperture size is increased to improve light gathering capability, then sensitivity is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the curvature radii parameters (R1, R3, R4) and the spacing between lens elements to achieve optimal light gathering capability. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maximizes the effective aperture for light collection while maintaining a compact overall size. The specific curvature configurations enable efficient light refraction that improves sensitivity without requiring a physically large aperture.
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 balances image quality, sensitivity, and miniaturization while maintaining a wide field of view, enhancing image resolution and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the three lens elements has an object-side surface facing toward the object side and an image-side surface facing toward the image side... with a wavelength of helium d-line as a reference wavelength for the imaging lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging lens assembly includes three 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 and a third lens element. Each of the three lens elements has an object-side surface facing toward the object side and an image-side surface facing toward the image side. The object-side surface of the second lens element is concave in a paraxial region thereof. At least one surface of at least one lens element in the imaging lens assembly has at least one inflection point.