Wide Field of View Five Element Lens System

Smart overview of the Invention

A lens system designed for small form factor cameras includes a front aperture and five lens elements. It achieves a low F-number of less than or equal to 2.4 and a wide field of view of at least 82 degrees, all while maintaining a short total track length (TTL). These features enable the system to capture sharp, high-resolution images, making it suitable for integration into compact mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Challenges in Small Camera Design

The demand for high-resolution imaging in portable devices has increased significantly. Conventional small cameras often struggle to deliver the image quality found in larger cameras due to size constraints and optical limitations. As photosensor technology advances, particularly with smaller pixel sizes, there is a growing need for equally compact and effective lens systems that can maintain high brightness and resolution.

Technical Specifications of the Lens System

The lens system consists of five refractive lens elements arranged along an optical axis, with specific parameters selected to minimize optical aberrations. The design includes considerations for lens shape, thickness, and material properties, which help to correct issues such as vignetting and chromatic aberration across the entire field of view. Additionally, options for incorporating an infrared (IR) filter are available to enhance image quality by reducing environmental noise interference.

Integration with Photosensors

In conjunction with the lens system, a photosensor is utilized to capture images. Various technologies such as CCD and CMOS are applicable, with pixel sizes potentially reaching as small as 1.2 microns. The combination of the lens system and photosensor allows for various resolutions, accommodating different applications from still photography to video recording in compact camera designs.

Additional Features and Functionality

The camera may include additional components like a cover glass or an optical actuator for autofocus capabilities. The optical actuator can provide advanced functions such as optical image stabilization without physically moving the lens, enhancing the camera's performance in dynamic environments. This flexibility ensures that the lens system can adapt to various photographic needs while remaining within the compact design constraints of modern devices.