Wide-Angle Optical System with Inflection-Point Aspherics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to achieve high resolution at the center of the field of view while maintaining adequate performance at the periphery, particularly in wide-angle optical systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a first negative lens with an aspheric surface, a second negative lens, a meniscus lens, a positive lens, and cemented lenses, arranged with an aperture stop between specific lenses, featuring aspheric surfaces with inflection points, to correct aberrations and enhance imaging performance across the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single optical system is used to capture both center and periphery objects simultaneously, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the resolution at the periphery deteriorates compared to the center
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into two separate optical systems: a first optical system optimized for capturing center field of view with high resolution, and a second optical system optimized for capturing periphery field of view. This segmentation allows each system to be independently optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between wide coverage and periphery resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single optical system to a multi-system configuration by adding a second optical system positioned at a different spatial location and orientation. This dimensional change enables simultaneous capture of both center and periphery regions with appropriate optimization for each region's requirements.
2Reliability
If an aspheric surface with inflection point is used, then the aberration correction is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Aspheric surfaces with inflection points are applied locally to specific lenses (L1 and L2) rather than the entire optical system. This localized application provides aberration correction where most needed while limiting the overall manufacturing complexity increase to only the affected components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface parameters of selected lenses by introducing aspheric terms with inflection points, changing the surface geometry from simple spherical to complex aspheric profiles. This parameter change enables superior aberration correction while the complexity increase is managed by applying it to limited numbers of lenses.
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 system provides a wide angle of view with excellent optical characteristics, including high resolution at the center and reduced aberrations, even in bright conditions, through precise lens arrangement and aspheric surface design.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system includes a first negative lens having a first aspheric surface, a second negative lens, a third negative lens that is a meniscus lens whose object-side surface is concave, a first positive lens, a cemented lens, and a final lens that is disposed closest to an image plane and includes an aspheric surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes a first negative lens having a first aspheric surface, a second negative lens, a third negative lens that is a meniscus lens whose object-side surface is concave, a first positive lens, a cemented lens, and a final lens that is disposed closest to an image plane and includes an aspheric surface, which are arranged in this order from an object side, wherein an aperture stop is disposed between the third negative lens and the first positive lens, or between the first positive lens and the cemented lens, and wherein the first aspheric surface has at least one inflection point in a cross-section including an optical axis.