Vertically Movable Lens Group for Optical Axis Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital cameras face challenges in maintaining image quality due to decreased peripheral light amounts at the image pickup surface, especially at the wide-angle end, caused by size reduction and increased angle of view, and require complex anti-vibration mechanisms that increase manufacturing time and lens size.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a configuration with vertically movable lens groups that adjust the optical axis position to balance peripheral light amounts, using Conditional Expressions to optimize anti-vibration shifts and maintain a compact size, ensuring sufficient anti-vibration performance and improved light balance at the image pickup surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lens size is reduced and angle of view is increased, then the compactness and wide-angle performance are improved, but the peripheral light amount at the image pickup surface is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric optical elements, specifically a meniscus lens with asymmetric curvature radii (R1 and R2) and an asymmetric optical axis deviation correction mechanism. The first meniscus lens has a curvature radius ratio |R1/R2| between 0.2-0.8, creating asymmetric light path control that compensates for peripheral light loss while maintaining compact lens design and wide angle of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter optimization including focal length ratios (f1/fw between 0.3-0.7), curvature radius ratios (|R1/R2| between 0.2-0.8), and air gap ratios (d13/fw between 0.05-0.25) to balance peripheral light amount, lens size, and angle of view. These parameter changes enable compact design while maintaining adequate peripheral illumination.
2Manufacturing precision
If an anti-vibration lens group is used to correct optical axis deviation, then the image quality is improved, but the lens size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the first meniscus lens serve multiple functions: it acts as both an asymmetric optical element for peripheral light control and as the anti-vibration lens group for optical axis deviation correction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate anti-vibration lens group, reducing overall lens complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the asymmetric optical element function and the anti-vibration correction function into a single first meniscus lens assembly. This merging reduces the number of lens groups from what would traditionally be required, simplifying the overall lens configuration while achieving both peripheral light balance and optical axis stabilization.
3Manufacturing precision
If the anti-vibration lens group is used to correct deviation for each zoom position, then the image quality is improved, but the manufacturing process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and pre-sets the optimal curvature radius ratio |R1/R2| between 0.2-0.8 and other parameters during the lens design phase. This preliminary optimization eliminates the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments during manufacturing, as the asymmetric meniscus lens automatically provides the required correction across the zoom range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable first meniscus lens that can dynamically adjust its position along the optical axis during zoom operation. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the single lens to maintain optimal correction performance across different zoom positions without requiring separate adjustment procedures for each position, thereby reducing manufacturing time.
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 effectively balances peripheral light amounts and secures high image quality while maintaining a small lens size, reducing manufacturing time and enhancing anti-vibration performance across various zoom positions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one or more vertically movable lens groups among at least three or more lens groups, which constitute a zoom lens, movable in an optical axis direction, the vertically movable lens group being movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
at least three or more lens groups, which constitute a zoom lens
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes: at least one or more vertically movable lens groups among at least three or more lens groups, which constitute a zoom lens, movable in an optical axis direction, the vertically movable lens group being movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; a zoom lens group among the three or more lens groups, the zoom lens group being movable in the optical axis direction; and a correction mechanism that corrects a position of the optical axis based on the three or more lens groups by moving the vertically movable lens group in a wide-angle end state to a predetermined position in the substantially perpendicular direction. When the vertically movable lens group is moved for the purpose of anti-vibration at each zoom position in the substantially perpendicular direction, the apparatus is configured to satisfy the following Conditional Expression (1).0.7<(Lw+Bw)/Bt<1.3 (1)