Wide-angle lens system with four groups for low distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide-angle lenses face challenges in producing high-resolution images with low lateral color aberration and optical distortion, especially as the field of view increases, and existing designs struggle to maintain compact size and performance.
Innovation Solution
A lens system comprising four groups of lens elements, each optimized for specific focal lengths and Abbe values, with aspheric elements and doublet structures to correct chromatic aberration and distortion, while allowing for thermal compensation and manufacturability considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wide-angle lenses are designed with increased field of view, then the ability to capture wider scenes is improved, but optical distortion and lateral chromatic aberration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into four distinct lens groups (first negative group, second positive group, third negative group, fourth positive group), each optimized for specific aberration correction. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each group to address both wide field of view requirements and distortion control
Solution Approach 2:
Aspheric lens elements are incorporated in the first and fourth lens groups to correct optical distortion and lateral chromatic aberration. The aspheric surfaces provide the necessary curvature variations to maintain image quality across the wide field of view without introducing excessive distortion
2Manufacturing precision
If lens elements are added to correct chromatic aberration and distortion, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lens elements within each group are cemented together to form integrated assemblies. The first lens group combines negative power elements, the second combines positive power elements with specific Abbe values, and similar combinations occur in groups three and four, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining correction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Each lens group serves multiple functions: the first group provides negative power and distortion correction, the second provides positive power and chromatic aberration correction, the third provides additional negative power for aberration control, and the fourth provides final positive power with aspheric correction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated correction elements
3Manufacturing precision
If lens elements are made with specific Abbe values and aspheric surfaces, then lateral chromatic aberration is reduced, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Specific Abbe value ranges are specified for lens elements (e.g., 20 ≤ Vd < 30 for certain elements, 30 ≤ Vd < 40 for others) to optimize chromatic aberration correction. Aspheric coefficients are carefully selected to balance distortion correction with manufacturability, providing precise control over lateral chromatic aberration while remaining producible with current manufacturing capabilities
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 lens system effectively reduces lateral chromatic aberration and optical distortion across a wide field of view, maintaining high image quality and compact size, with designs that balance performance and manufacturability.
Implementation Method 1
A lens system is provided having four groups of lens elements. The first lens group has negative power and comprises two to three lens elements with the first element being either positive or negative and the remaining negative. At least one element in this first group is an aspheric element.
Implementation Method 2
The second lens group has positive power and comprises at least two lens elements cemented together to form a cemented doublet. The third lens group has negative power and comprises a doublet lens element structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A wide-angle lens system that includes four lens groups arranged from object to image and having a field of view greater than 90 degrees is described. The lens elements within each of the four groups are selected for optimization of performance factors of low chromatic aberration, low optical distortion and manufacturability. Design methods are included and shown through exemplary optimized designs.