Wide Angle Imaging Lens Optical Arrangement with Front Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable barcode and optical scanning devices face challenges in capturing wide-angle images with high resolution while maintaining a compact form factor, as they cannot accommodate bulky magnification systems and often suffer from image degradation due to complex and costly custom optics and electromechanical components.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly comprising a front aperture, multiple lens groups, and a glass lens, configured to correct for spherical aberrations, field distortions, and other optical aberrations, with a back focal distance of at least 0.5 millimeters to accommodate small sensors, enabling active alignment and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If powerful magnification or zooming systems are used to achieve high resolution imaging, then image resolution is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into two distinct lens groups: a first lens group for correcting spherical aberrations and a second lens group for correcting field distortions. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for specific functions, achieving high resolution without requiring a single complex magnification system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges including an effective focal length of approximately 4mm and an f-number greater than 5, with the second lens group positioned at a back focal distance of 0.5mm or greater. These parameter optimizations enable high resolution imaging within a compact form factor suitable for portable devices
2Measurement precision
If custom optics and electromechanical components are used to correct image degradation, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical correction systems with purely optical correction achieved through two lens groups with specific aberration correction capabilities. The first lens group corrects spherical aberrations and the second corrects field distortions including field curvature, astigmatism, coma, and chromatic aberrations, eliminating the need for additional electromechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The two lens groups are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the first lens group corrects spherical aberrations while the second lens group corrects multiple field distortions (field curvature, astigmatism, coma, and chromatic aberrations). This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive image quality improvement without requiring separate correction mechanisms for each aberration type
3Manufacturing precision
If the back focal distance is increased to accommodate sensor active alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the back focal distance to be 0.5mm or greater, which provides sufficient space for sensor active alignment while maintaining a compact overall device volume. This parameter optimization balances manufacturing precision requirements with the constraints of portable device form factors
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 optical assembly enhances image correction, facilitates mass production, and maintains a compact form factor, ensuring sharp images with a wide field of view and high resolution, while simplifying the device's design and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens group disposed along the optical axis relative to the front aperture to receive the light from the object of interest through the front aperture and configured to correct for spherical aberrations of an image projected by the second lens group onto an imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
a glass lens disposed along the optical axis configured to receive the light from the first lens group and further configured to magnify an image along mutually orthogonal directions generally perpendicular to the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
a second lens group disposed along the optical axis configured to receive the light from the glass lens and further configured to correct for optical field distortions of an image projected by the second lens group
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for capturing an image of at least one object appearing in a wide-angle field of view (FOV). A housing has an image sensor and a lens assembly fixedly mounted relative thereto. The lens assembly includes first and second lens groups, and a glass lens. The lens assembly and the image sensor are aligned such that light received within the FOV passes through a front aperture and the base lens assembly and impinges onto the image sensor. The light received from the FOV forms an original image prior to entering the front aperture and the lens assembly. Light from the FOV impinging onto the sensor forms an impinging image.