Zoom Lens Light-Path Separation for Compact Relay Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zoom lenses with separation elements face issues of reduced optical performance and increased size due to the separation element's impact on the light path, leading to potential downsizing challenges.
Innovation Solution
The zoom lens design incorporates specific refractive power ratios and lens configurations, including a separation element that branches the light path into transmitted and reflected paths, with optimized focal length and Abbe number relationships, to maintain high optical performance while minimizing the relay unit's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separation element is introduced to branch the light path for additional functions, then the functionality of the zoom lens is improved, but the optical performance deteriorates and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent branches the light path into two dimensions: a transmitted light path for the main imaging function and a reflected light path for additional functions such as autofocus detection. By using a beam splitter that separates light in different directions rather than adding sequential components, the system achieves multi-functionality without compromising the main optical path's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component that divides the incoming light into transmitted and reflected paths. This mediator allows the system to simultaneously serve multiple functions while maintaining optical quality in both paths, resolving the contradiction between added functionality and maintained optical performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separation element is introduced to branch the light path for additional functions, then the functionality of the zoom lens is improved, but the size of the zoom lens increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding components that extend the optical path length, the patent uses a beam splitter to redirect light in a different spatial dimension (reflected path). This allows additional functions to be achieved without proportionally increasing the overall size of the zoom lens system.
3Volume of moving object
If the relay unit size is reduced to make the zoom lens compact, then the size is improved, but the optical performance deteriorates due to increased chromatic aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the relay unit, specifically the focal lengths and Abbe numbers of the lenses, to control chromatic aberrations. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves compact relay unit dimensions while maintaining high optical performance through precise parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay unit employs a composite lens structure with multiple lens elements having different optical properties (different Abbe numbers and refractive indices). This composite approach allows the system to correct chromatic aberrations while maintaining a compact form factor, as the different lens materials work together to balance optical performance and size.
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 achieves a balance between high optical performance and compact size by controlling chromatic aberrations and reducing the relay unit's diameter, thus enhancing the zoom lens's functionality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a separation element which separates incident light into transmitted light and reflected light in order to branch a light path
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A zoom lens (101) includes, in order from an object side, a first lens group (F) of which at least a part moves for focusing, a plurality of lens groups (LZ) which moves in zooming, an aperture stop (SP), and a final lens group (R) which does not move for zooming. The final lens group (R) includes a separation element (PR) for separating an incident light thereon into a transmitted light and a reflected light, a relay unit LR having a positive refractive power on which the transmitted light is incident, and a relay unit LA having a positive refractive power on which the reflected light is incident. An inequality about Fwp/Fw is satisfied, where Fw is a focal length at a wide angle end of the zoom lens (101) via the relay unit LR and FwP is a focal length at the wide angle end of the zoom lens (101) via the relay unit LA.