Zoom Imaging Optics With Transmissive Reflectors for Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging optical systems for image pickup apparatuses face challenges in achieving reduced size while maintaining high optical performance and correcting various aberrations, particularly in zoom lenses with large aperture diameters.
Innovation Solution
The imaging optical system incorporates a configuration with a first and second transmissive reflective surface and a wavelength plate, allowing for aberration correction and reduced size through the use of reflective surfaces and phase shifters, along with a specific arrangement of lens units and movable elements to maintain high image quality during zooming and focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional zoom lens configuration is used, then the system can achieve high optical performance, but the system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical path where a secondary optical system is positioned within the optical path of the primary zoom lens system. The secondary system includes optical elements arranged concentrically around the main optical axis, allowing compact integration without increasing the overall system volume. This nesting approach enables high-performance optical functionality while maintaining a reduced system size suitable for mobile devices.
2Reliability
If the aperture diameter is increased for high image quality, then image quality improves, but the system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aspherical optical surfaces with locally optimized curvature radii to enhance light gathering efficiency without increasing aperture diameter. The aspherical surfaces are strategically positioned at critical locations in the optical path to improve off-axis ray performance and reduce aberrations. This local optimization allows the system to achieve high image quality with a compact aperture size, avoiding the need for large-diameter lenses that would increase system volume.
3Reliability
If multiple lens units are added for aberration correction, then optical performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes optical elements with variable refractive indices and dynamically adjustable curvature radii to correct aberrations across different zoom positions. By changing the optical parameters of existing elements rather than adding multiple fixed lens units, the system achieves comprehensive aberration correction while maintaining a simplified structure. The variable parameters allow a single element to perform the function that would otherwise require multiple fixed elements.
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 solution effectively corrects chromatic and other aberrations, reduces system size, and maintains high image quality across various focal lengths, facilitating compact designs suitable for digital cameras and projectors.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmissive reflective surface and a second transmissive reflective surface disposed closer to an image plane than the first transmissive reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
a first lens unit with negative refractive power and a second lens unit with positive refractive power
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of lens units include a first lens unit with negative refractive power and a second lens unit with positive refractive power disposed closer to an image plane than the first lens unit
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging optical system includes a plurality of lens units. Each distance between adjacent lens units among the plurality of lens units changes during zooming. The plurality of lens units include a first lens unit with negative refractive power and a second lens unit with positive refractive power disposed closer to an image plane than the first lens unit, and a first transmissive reflective surface and a second transmissive reflective surface disposed closer to the image plane than the first transmissive reflective surface.