Variable Focal Length Lens Apparatus for Resolution Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens apparatuses face challenges in maintaining adequate resolution across different regions of an image while providing a wide angle of view, as image magnification varies with projection methods, leading to reduced resolution at peripheral regions and difficulty in capturing high-resolution images uniformly.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus with an optical system that can change between multiple focal lengths by moving, removing, or replacing lenses, maintaining constant maximum image height and half-angle of view, and satisfying specific conditional expressions to adjust image magnification and aberration correction across different imaging states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed projection method is used in a single lens apparatus, then the optical system is simple, but the resolution is inadequate at peripheral regions or central region depending on the projection method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the projection method changeable through movement of the first lens unit along the optical axis. The lens unit can switch between a first position (orthogonal/equisolid angle projection) and a second position (stereographic projection), enabling dynamic adaptation of the projection method to different imaging requirements while maintaining a single lens apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the axial position of the first lens unit, which has positive refractive power. By changing the distance between this lens unit and the aperture stop, the system transitions between different projection methods (orthogonal, equisolid angle, or stereographic), thereby adjusting the magnification characteristics and resolution distribution across the image field.
2Manufacturing precision
If image magnification is decreased at a specific position to maintain wide angle of view, then the angle of view is wide, but the resolution at that position becomes lower
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts magnification characteristics by moving the first lens unit between different axial positions. At the first position, it provides orthogonal or equisolid angle projection with higher peripheral resolution; at the second position, it provides stereographic projection with higher central resolution. This enables the system to adapt to different subject requirements while maintaining a wide angle of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different projection methods optimized for different regions of the image field. The orthogonal/equisolid angle projection methods are better suited for peripheral regions, while stereographic projection is better for central regions. The system can select the appropriate projection method based on where the subject of interest is located.
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
Enables variable magnification at central and peripheral regions, ensuring adequate resolution for subjects of interest while maintaining a wide angle of view, and effectively correcting aberrations by changing the focal length and lens configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system including a plurality of lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus includes an optical system L0 including a plurality of lenses. The optical system L0 is changeable to a first state in which a focal length of the optical system L0 is a first focal length and a second state in which the focal length is a second focal length shorter than the first focal length, by changing one or some of the plurality of lenses. The maximum image heights and maximum angle of views in the first state and the second state are substantially constant and satisfy a predetermined condition.