Camera module and mobile terminal having the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a camera module and a mobile terminal having the camera module. The camera module comprises: a plurality of lenses; an image sensing unit, which is arranged on the imaging side of the plurality of lenses, the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit being larger than the actual imaging area of ​​a single lens and smaller than the sum of the actual imaging area of ​​each lens; and a plurality of optical switch units, which are arranged between the plurality of lenses and the image sensing unit in correspondence with the plurality of lenses; wherein the optical switch units are controlled to switch between an open state and a closed state, and the adjacent optical switch units corresponding to the adjacent lenses whose actual imaging areas overlap with each other are not opened at the same time; and the optical axes of the plurality of lenses are perpendicular to the plane where the image sensing unit is located.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of mobile terminals, and in particular to a camera module and a mobile terminal having the camera module. Background Art

[0002] In order to improve the quality of captured images or obtain diversified shooting effects, current mobile terminals (such as mobile phones or tablets, etc.) are generally equipped with multiple cameras, such as two, three, four or even more than a dozen cameras. In the camera modules of these mobile terminals, an image sensing unit (such as COMS) is used in combination with a lens. In other words, a mobile terminal needs as many sets of lenses and image sensing units as the number of cameras it has, so that users can choose a variety of different cameras to achieve the desired shooting effects.

[0003] However, multiple camera modules installed in the body will take up a large space. In addition, due to cost considerations, the image sensing units selected in different camera modules have different qualities. Usually only the main lens is equipped with a high-quality image sensing unit, resulting in uneven photo / video quality of mobile terminals.

[0004] In addition, in order to obtain a wider shooting angle, mobile terminals usually need to add a set of ultra-wide-angle lenses and image sensing units separately, but it is usually difficult to achieve both image quality and cost by using such a single set of ultra-wide-angle camera modules. Moreover, since ultra-wide-angle lenses usually have wide-angle distortion, it is difficult to make the camera angle of view (FOV) of general mobile terminals very large to prevent excessive distortion at the edges and seriously affect the imaging effect. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a camera module and a mobile terminal having the camera module, which can effectively reduce the total occupied space, reduce the cost, and help improve the imaging quality.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a camera module is provided, the camera module comprising:

[0007] Multiple lenses;

[0008] An image sensing unit is arranged on the imaging side of the plurality of lenses, wherein the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit is larger than the actual imaging area of ​​a single lens and smaller than the sum of the actual imaging area areas required by each lens; and

[0009] A plurality of optical switch units, arranged between the plurality of lenses and the image sensing unit corresponding to the plurality of lenses;

[0010] The optical switch unit is controlled to switch between an open state and a closed state, and adjacent optical switch units corresponding to adjacent lenses whose actual imaging areas overlap with each other are not opened at the same time; and

[0011] The optical axes of the multiple lenses are perpendicular to the plane where the image sensing unit is located.

[0012] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the performance parameters of the multiple lenses are the same.

[0013] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the performance parameters of the multiple lenses are different, and the photosensitive areas of the image sensing unit corresponding to the lenses are homogeneous.

[0014] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the multiple lenses are arranged linearly.

[0015] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the multiple lenses are arranged in a matrix.

[0016] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the adjacent lenses directly image onto the image sensing unit, and actual imaging areas of the adjacent lenses overlap with each other.

[0017] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the optical switch unit is a MEMS shutter.

[0018] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mobile terminal is provided, comprising: a camera module as described in any one of the items; and a processor, wherein the processor controls the multiple optical switch units to switch between an open state and a closed state, and adjacent optical switch units corresponding to adjacent lenses whose actual imaging areas overlap with each other are not turned on at the same time.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the front camera and / or the rear camera of the mobile terminal is composed of the camera module.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the processor controls to turn on one of the optical switch units according to an input selection signal to perform required shooting; or

[0021] The processor controls to open each of the optical switch units in sequence to take pictures, and retrieves the images taken in sequence to synthesize them.

[0022] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may have the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1) Since the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit is larger than the actual imaging area of ​​a single lens and smaller than the sum of the actual imaging areas of all lenses, that is, the actual imaging areas of some lenses can overlap with each other, the lenses can be arranged more closely, occupying less internal space, and allowing the back design of the mobile terminal using the camera module to have greater freedom.

[0024] 2) Secondly, the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit shared by multiple lenses is smaller than the sum of the actual imaging area required by each lens, thereby reducing the total photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit, which not only saves space but also reduces costs.

[0025] 3) In addition, each lens may be equipped with a larger photosensitive area in the shared image sensing unit as much as possible, or a better model of image sensing unit may be selected for the shared image sensing unit, thereby improving the imaging quality.

[0026] 4) In a shooting operation, each lens can be called separately to take photos or videos at corresponding angles. The optical switch unit of a secondary lens with a tilted optical axis can be turned on separately, so that the secondary lens can be imaged on the shared image sensing unit, so that users can take photos / videos at special angles (such as overhead or upward shooting) without moving the phone. In particular, in some shooting scenes where it is not convenient to place the phone at a specific angle, content that cannot be captured by existing ordinary mobile phones can be captured without moving the phone.

[0027] 5) In one shooting operation, the main lens and each auxiliary lens are called in sequence, and images are formed on the common image sensing unit, and then the acquired images are synthesized to obtain an ultra-wide-angle shooting effect. Therefore, the viewing angle range FOV of the camera module of this embodiment is made relatively large, and the wide-angle distortion at the edge can be better controlled.

[0028] 6) By turning on the optical switch units sequentially or individually to call the secondary lens with a tilted optical axis, the secondary lens can share the high-quality image sensing unit like the main lens, thereby reducing costs while maintaining the same image quality or improving image quality while maintaining the same cost.

[0029] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram of the relationship between lens imaging and an image sensing unit in a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a light-sensing area of ​​an image sensing unit of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2A It is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to a comparative example.

[0035] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the relationship between lens imaging and an image sensing unit in a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a lens and an imaging plane in a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the lens and the imaging plane along the I-I' section line.

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a lens and an imaging plane in a camera module according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0043] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram of the relationship between lens imaging and an image sensing unit in a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1Cis a schematic diagram of a light-sensing area of ​​an image sensing unit of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] like Figure 1A As shown, the camera module 100 includes a plurality of lenses 12, an image sensing unit 16 and a plurality of optical switch units 14. Figure 1A In the embodiment, the camera module 100 has four lenses 12, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of lenses 12 can be two, three, or even more. Each lens 12 has its own independent lens mount, motor, filter, and other components (not shown); or all lenses 12 have a common lens mount, motor, filter, and other components (not shown) to reduce the distance between the lenses and facilitate the simplified assembly and relative positioning of multiple lenses.

[0045] exist Figure 1A In the embodiment, the plurality of lenses 12 are arranged in a matrix, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in a linear manner (as will be described below in conjunction with Figure 3 This arrangement helps to reduce the distance between lenses and facilitates the relative positioning of multiple lenses.

[0046] The image sensing unit 16 is disposed on the imaging side of the plurality of lenses 12. The photosensitive area A of the image sensing unit 16 is larger than the actual imaging area of ​​a single lens 12 and smaller than the sum of the actual imaging area required by each lens 12. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C As shown, the actual imaging areas C1 and C1' formed by the adjacent lenses 12 on the image sensing unit 16 overlap with each other (the overlapping part is shown by the diagonal hatching in the figure), so as to save the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit.

[0047] Figure 1BThe relationship between lens imaging and image sensing unit is shown in detail. Circle C0 is the illumination area of ​​a lens. Rectangle C1 is a photosensitive area corresponding to a lens 12 in the image sensing unit 16, that is, rectangle C1 is the actual imaging area of ​​a lens. The area of ​​rectangle C1 is W0*L0. Circle C0' is the illumination area of ​​the adjacent lens, and rectangle C1' is the photosensitive area corresponding to the adjacent lens in the image sensing unit, that is, rectangle C1' is the actual imaging area of ​​the adjacent lens. The area of ​​rectangle C1' is also W0*L0. In order to achieve the effect of saving image sensing units, the actual imaging area C1' of the adjacent lens with the illumination area C0' overlaps with the actual imaging area C1 of the adjacent lens with the illumination area C0 (as shown by the oblique line shadow in the figure), and the area of ​​the overlapping area is W0*(2L0-L1), where L1<2L0. That is, when other conditions are the same, in the camera module with two lenses according to the present disclosure, the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit can save at least an area W0*(2L0-L1).

[0048] Based on the combination Figure 1B The above description can be understood as follows. Figure 1C As shown, corresponding to Figure 1A The four lenses 12 are arranged in a matrix, and the two sides of the actual imaging area corresponding to each lens overlap with the actual imaging area of ​​the adjacent lens (as shown by the oblique line shadow in the figure). That is, under the same other conditions, Figure 1A In the camera module with four lenses shown in the present disclosure, the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit can save at least an area W1*L1-W0*L0, where L1<2L0, W1<2W0, and W0, W1, L0, and L1 are all positive numbers.

[0049] In this embodiment, no optical element for guiding the light passing through the lens for reflection or refraction may be provided between the multiple lenses 12 and the image sensing unit 16, that is, the light from the lens 12 may be directly imaged onto the image sensing unit 16, and the actual imaging areas of adjacent lenses 12 may overlap with each other.

[0050] The image sensing unit 16 may be a charge coupled image sensor (CCD) or a metal oxide semiconductor image sensor (CMOS). The size and shape of the image sensing unit 16 may be designed and adjusted according to the number, type and arrangement of the lenses, so that the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit 16 is smaller than the sum of the actual imaging area required by each lens 12, so that the actual imaging areas formed by the adjacent lenses 12 imaging on the image sensing unit 16 overlap with each other (the overlapping part is shown by the oblique line shadow in the figure), saving the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit, achieving the effect of reducing the occupied space and saving costs.

[0051] The plurality of optical switch units 14 are disposed between the plurality of lenses 12 and the image sensing unit 16 and correspond one to one with the plurality of lenses 12. Each optical switch unit 14 is controlled to switch between an open state and a closed state, and adjacent optical switch units corresponding to adjacent lenses whose actual imaging areas overlap with each other are not opened at the same time.

[0052] like Figure 1A As shown, the actual imaging areas of the four lenses 12 closely arranged in a matrix overlap, so when one of the four lenses 12 is in an open state, the remaining optical switch units are in a closed state, so that only the lens corresponding to the opened optical switch unit is imaged in the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit. In this way, each lens can be equipped with a larger photosensitive area as much as possible in the shared image sensing unit to improve the imaging quality.

[0053] In the present disclosure, the optical switch unit is an optical physical element that can control whether the light passing through the lens is irradiated onto the image sensing unit. The optical switch unit 14 can be a controlled mechanical shutter, such as a MEMS shutter, which receives a signal from a processor (described below in conjunction with Figure 8 The optical switch unit 14 is opened and closed after receiving a control signal from a processor to control whether the light passing through the lens 12 is irradiated onto the image sensing unit 16. The optical switch unit 14 may also be any other physical shutter or optical shutter that can receive a control signal from a processor and control whether the light passing through the lens is irradiated onto the image sensing unit.

[0054] In the above-mentioned embodiment of the present disclosure, since the multiple lenses 12 and the image sensing unit 16 are arranged in the aforementioned manner, the actual imaging area of ​​each lens 12 on the image sensing unit 16 will overlap to a certain extent. If these lenses 12 are imaged at the same time, there will be a problem of interference between the images. To this end, by adding an optical switch unit 14 to each lens 12, only the optical switch unit 14 of the lens 12 that is called to be in a working state is in an open state, and the optical switch units on the remaining lenses are all in a closed state. In this way, the interference problem caused by the overlap of the actual imaging areas of multiple lenses on the same image sensing unit can be avoided.

[0055] For the camera module 100 of the present disclosure, after the multiple lenses 12, the multiple optical switch units 14, and the single image sensing unit 16 are assembled, calibration and calibration work need to be carried out first to determine the predetermined actual imaging area on the image sensing unit 16 where each lens 12 can form an image, and corresponding debugging is performed. During the use of the camera module 100 of the present disclosure, if a certain lens 12 is to be called, the corresponding optical switch unit 14 of the lens is turned on, and the corresponding photosensitive area on the image sensing unit 16 is activated. During a single shooting operation by the user, the multiple optical switch units 14 can be controlled to be sequentially and continuously turned on to sequentially and continuously form images on the image sensing unit 16. Alternatively, during a single shooting operation, a part of the multiple optical switch units 14 (i.e., the optical switch units corresponding to the lenses with non-overlapping actual imaging areas) are controlled to be turned on (which will be described below in conjunction with Figure 3 description), and images are formed simultaneously on the image sensing unit.

[0056] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to a comparative example. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the relationship between lens imaging and the image sensing unit in a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment. As Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown, the camera module 10 includes multiple lenses 12 and image sensing units 16 corresponding to the multiple lenses 12 one by one. The multiple lenses 12 are arranged loosely, and the actual imaging areas of adjacent lenses 12 on the image sensing unit 16 do not overlap each other. Each lens 12 and the image sensing unit 16 are controlled by an electronic optical switch unit to form images relatively independently, and there is no interference between the images. However, such a camera module 10 occupies a relatively large internal space as a whole, thereby restricting the degree of freedom in the back design of the mobile terminal; in addition, the area of the photosensitive area of the image sensing unit (W*L, where W < W0, L < L0) is limited, and for cost considerations, the image sensing units usually paired with other lenses except the main camera are generally weaker or much weaker than the main camera, thus affecting the final imaging quality.

[0057] It can be seen that in the camera module of this embodiment, since the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit is larger than the actual imaging area of ​​a single lens and smaller than the sum of the actual imaging areas of each lens, that is, the actual imaging areas of some lenses can overlap with each other, the lenses can be arranged more closely, occupying less internal space, and making the back design of the mobile terminal using the camera module more free. Secondly, the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit shared by multiple lenses is smaller than the sum of the actual imaging area required by each of the lenses, thereby reducing the total photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit, which not only saves space but also reduces costs. In addition, each lens can be equipped with a larger photosensitive area (W0*L0>W*L) in the shared image sensing unit as much as possible, or a better quality image sensing unit (for example, a lower signal-to-noise ratio) can be selected for the shared image sensing unit, thereby improving the imaging quality.

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to another exemplary embodiment. Figures 1A to 1C The embodiment shown differs in that Figure 3 The camera module 200 of the illustrated embodiment has three linearly arranged lenses 22, and the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit 26 is larger than the actual imaging area of ​​a single lens 22 and smaller than the sum of the actual imaging areas of the three linearly arranged lenses 22. That is, in this embodiment, the actual imaging areas corresponding to the middle lens and the adjacent lenses on both sides can overlap with each other. The total photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit is W0*L2, L2<3L0. Under the same other conditions, compared with the solution of one lens with one image sensing unit, the total photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit in the camera module according to this embodiment can save at least an area of ​​W0*(3L0-L2).

[0059] In one shooting operation, the user may control the multiple optical switch units 24 to be turned on successively in sequence, so as to form images successively and continuously on the image sensing unit 26. Alternatively, in one shooting operation, a part of the multiple optical switch units 24 (i.e., the optical switch units corresponding to the lenses whose actual imaging areas do not overlap, such as the optical switch units corresponding to the two lenses at the left and right ends) may be controlled to be turned on, so as to form images on the image sensing unit 26 simultaneously.

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a lens and an imaging plane in a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 The structural diagram of the camera module shown can be referred to Figure 3 , in which multiple lenses in the camera module are arranged linearly.

[0061] like Figure 4As shown, in the camera module, the optical axis X of each lens H (e.g., 12, 22) is perpendicular to the plane P (i.e., the photosensitive plane) where the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit is located. The light passing through each lens H passes through the optical switch unit S (e.g., 14, 24) at the shortest distance to reach the photosensitive plane P of the image sensing unit.

[0062] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, in order to achieve different shooting (photo / video) effects, the lenses in the camera module can be combined in different ways:

[0063] 1) To enhance the image quality

[0064] The performance parameters of the multiple lenses H are the same. In one shooting operation, the multiple optical switch units S are controlled to be turned on successively in sequence, so that the light of the lens H is imaged successively on the photosensitive plane P of the image sensing unit.

[0065] In this embodiment, since the lens parameters are the same and are closely arranged (as described above), the viewing angles of the lenses are highly overlapped, so that the image fusion technology can be used to fuse the overlapping areas of the sequentially imaged images, thereby not only obtaining a high-quality image, but also obtaining depth of field data information.

[0066] 2) Realize functional diversification

[0067] The multiple lenses H respectively use different performance parameters, such as different focal lengths (such as macro, telephoto), different apertures, different viewing angles (such as wide angle, ultra wide angle), etc. The combination can be, for example, a four-camera combination of an ultra wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, a main lens, and a blur lens; or a three-camera combination of a color lens, a black and white lens, and a telephoto lens; or a three-camera combination of a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, and a color lens, etc.

[0068] In this embodiment, no optical element for guiding the light passing through the lens for reflection or refraction may be provided between the lens and the image sensing unit, that is, the light from the lens may be directly imaged onto the image sensing unit, and the actual imaging areas of adjacent lenses may overlap with each other.

[0069] In this embodiment, since the actual imaging areas formed by adjacent lenses directly imaging onto the image sensing unit overlap with each other (as described above), the camera module can reuse the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit, allowing each lens to image onto the same high-quality image sensing unit, thereby controlling costs while achieving diversified shooting functions.

[0070] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to yet another exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 is along Figure 5Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the lens and the imaging plane at the I-I' section line. Figure 5 As shown, the camera module 300 includes a plurality of lenses, an image sensing unit 36 ​​and a plurality of optical switch units 34. The plurality of lenses of the camera module 300 include a main lens 32 and a plurality of auxiliary lenses 320a, 320b, 320c and 320d. Figure 6 As shown, the optical axis X of the main lens H (32) is perpendicular to the plane P (i.e., the photosensitive plane) where the image sensing unit is located, and the optical axes Xa and Xb of the plurality of sub-lenses Ha and Hb (320a and 320b) are respectively at an angle to the plane P where the image sensing unit 36 ​​is located. The light from each lens passes through the optical switch unit S to reach the photosensitive plane P of the image sensing unit.

[0071] In this embodiment, a plurality of sub-lenses 320a, 320b, 320c, and 320d are disposed around the main lens 32. The plurality of sub-lenses 320a, 320b, 320c, and 320d are arranged to be centrally symmetrical with respect to the main lens 32. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, there are five auxiliary lenses and one main lens, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. There may be six auxiliary lenses surrounding one main lens; or there may be two main lenses and six auxiliary lenses surrounding two main lenses.

[0072] In this embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, the optical axes Xa and Xb of the auxiliary lenses Ha and Hb (320a and 320b) are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the optical axis X of the main lens H (32), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0073] In a shooting operation, the user calls the main lens 32 and each auxiliary lens 320a, 320b, 320c, and 320d in sequence to shoot multiple images to be synthesized into an ultra-wide-angle effect later. For example, the corresponding optical switch units are turned on in sequence in a very short time, so that each lens is imaged on a common image sensing unit, and then the acquired images are synthesized to obtain an ultra-wide-angle shooting effect. As a result, the viewing angle range FOV of the camera module of this embodiment is made relatively large, and the wide-angle distortion at the edge can be better controlled. Moreover, the high-quality image sensing unit (for example, a lower signal-to-noise ratio) as the main lens is called under the ultra-wide-angle imaging effect, which can effectively improve the image quality.

[0074] Optionally, in one shooting operation, the user can call the main lens 32 and each auxiliary lens 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d separately to take photos or videos at corresponding angles. For example, among the five lenses of this embodiment, the optical switch unit of an auxiliary lens with an inclined optical axis is selected to be turned on separately, so that the auxiliary lens is imaged on the shared image sensing unit, thereby facilitating the user to take photos / videos at different angles without moving the mobile phone. In particular, in some shooting scenes where it is inconvenient to place the mobile phone at a specific angle, the content that cannot be taken by existing ordinary mobile phones can be taken without moving the mobile phone.

[0075] In one embodiment, the angle between the optical axis of each auxiliary lens 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d and the plane P where the image sensing unit 36 ​​is located can be adjusted, and the auxiliary lenses 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d can be shift lenses. Therefore, it is easier for users to adjust the viewing angle range of the camera module of this embodiment according to their needs.

[0076] In the camera module of this embodiment, the secondary lens with a tilted optical axis can be called by turning on the optical switch units sequentially or individually, so that the high-quality image sensing unit can be shared with the main lens, thereby reducing costs while maintaining the same image quality or improving image quality while maintaining the same cost.

[0077] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the lens and the imaging plane in a camera module according to another exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The embodiment shown differs in that, Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of lenses are arranged linearly, and the optical axis of each of the sub-lenses H1 , H2 , and H3 forms a different angle with the plane P where the image sensing unit is located.

[0078] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the plurality of sub-lenses H1, H2, H3 arranged linearly are all located on the same side of the main lens H. Moreover, the further the sub-lenses are from the main lens H, the smaller the angle between the sub-lenses and the plane P where the image sensing unit is located.

[0079] In a shooting operation, the user calls the main lens H and each auxiliary lens H1, H2, H3 in turn, images are formed on the common image sensing unit, and then the acquired images are synthesized to obtain an ultra-wide-angle shooting effect. As a result, the viewing angle range FOV of the camera module of this embodiment is relatively large, and the wide-angle distortion at the edge can be better controlled. Moreover, the high-quality image sensing unit (for example, lower signal-to-noise ratio) used in the ultra-wide-angle imaging effect is the same as that of the main lens, which can effectively improve the image quality.

[0080] Optionally, in one shooting operation, the user can call the main lens H and each of the auxiliary lenses H1, H2, and H3 separately to take photos or videos at corresponding angles. For example, among the four lenses in this embodiment, the optical switch unit of a subsidiary lens with the largest optical axis tilt is selected to be turned on separately, so that the subsidiary lens is imaged on the shared image sensing unit, thereby facilitating the user to take photos / videos at special angles (such as overhead or upward shooting) without moving the mobile phone. In particular, in some shooting scenes where it is not convenient to place the mobile phone at a specific angle, it is possible to take pictures of content that cannot be taken by existing ordinary mobile phones without moving the mobile phone.

[0081] In this embodiment, each of the auxiliary lenses H1, H2, and H3 may also be a shift lens, so that it is easier for the user to adjust the viewing angle range of the camera module of this embodiment according to needs.

[0082] In the camera module of this embodiment, the secondary lens with a tilted optical axis can be called by turning on the optical switch units sequentially or individually, so that the high-quality image sensing unit can be shared with the main lens, thereby reducing costs while maintaining the same image quality or improving image quality while maintaining the same cost.

[0083] The technical solutions of all the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form various embodiments of the present disclosure, which will not be described one by one here.

[0084] Figure 8 8 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment. The mobile terminal 800 is, for example, a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.

[0085] Reference Figure 8 The mobile terminal 800 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 802 , a memory 804 , a power component 806 , a multimedia component 808 , an audio component 810 , an input / output (I / O) interface 812 , a sensor component 814 , and a communication component 816 .

[0086] The processing component 802 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 800, such as operations associated with display, phone calls, data communications, shooting operations, and recording operations. The processing component 802 may include one or more processors 820 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the above method. In particular, the processor 820 controls multiple optical switch units of the camera module to switch between an open state and a closed state, and adjacent optical switch units corresponding to adjacent lenses whose actual imaging areas overlap with each other are not turned on at the same time. The processor 820 can control the opening of one of the optical switch units according to the input selection signal to perform the required shooting; or the processor 820 controls the opening of each of the optical switch units in sequence for shooting, and retrieves the images shot in sequence for synthesis.

[0087] In addition, the processing component 802 may include one or more modules to facilitate the interaction between the processing component 802 and other components. For example, the processing component 802 may include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component 808 and the processing component 802.

[0088] The memory 804 is configured to store various types of data to support operations on the mobile terminal 800. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on the mobile terminal 800, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. The memory 804 may be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0089] The power component 806 provides power to various components of the mobile terminal 800. The power component 806 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for the mobile terminal 800.

[0090] The multimedia component 808 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the mobile terminal 800 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touch, slide, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor may not only sense the boundaries of the touch or slide action, but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or slide operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 808 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera, which are composed of the camera modules described in any of the aforementioned embodiments. When the mobile terminal 800 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front camera and the rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capability.

[0091] The audio component 810 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 810 includes a microphone (MIC), and when the mobile terminal 800 is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode, the microphone is configured to receive an external audio signal. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory 804 or sent via the communication component 816. In some embodiments, the audio component 810 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0092] The input / output interface 812 provides an interface between the processing component 802 and the peripheral interface modules, which may be keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0093] The sensor assembly 814 includes one or more sensors for providing various aspects of status assessment for the mobile terminal 800. For example, the sensor assembly 814 can detect the open / closed state of the mobile terminal 800, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of the mobile terminal 800, and the sensor assembly 814 can also detect the position change of the mobile terminal 800 or a component of the mobile terminal 800, the presence or absence of contact between the user and the mobile terminal 800, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal 800, and the temperature change of the mobile terminal 800. The sensor assembly 814 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of a nearby object without any physical contact. The sensor assembly 814 may also include an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 814 may also include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0094] The communication component 816 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the mobile terminal 800 and other devices. The mobile terminal 800 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 816 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 816 also includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, infrared data association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology and other technologies.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile terminal 800 may be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors or other electronic components to perform the above methods.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 804 including instructions, and the instructions can be executed by the processor 820 of the mobile terminal 800 to complete the above method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, etc.

[0097] The technical solutions of all the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form various embodiments of the present disclosure, which will not be described one by one here.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed in the present disclosure. The specification and examples are intended to be exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0099] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: The camera module comprises: Multiple lenses; An image sensing unit is arranged on the imaging side of the plurality of lenses, wherein the photosensitive area of ​​the image sensing unit is larger than the actual imaging area of ​​a single lens and smaller than the sum of the actual imaging area areas required by each lens; and A plurality of optical switch units are arranged between the plurality of lenses and the image sensing unit in correspondence with the plurality of lenses; the optical switch unit is a physical shutter or an optical shutter for receiving a control signal from a processor and controlling whether the light passing through the lens is irradiated onto the image sensing unit. The optical switch unit is controlled to switch between an open state and a closed state, and adjacent optical switch units corresponding to adjacent lenses whose actual imaging areas overlap with each other are not opened at the same time; and The optical axes of the multiple lenses are perpendicular to the plane where the image sensing unit is located.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The performance parameters of the multiple lenses are the same.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The performance parameters of the multiple lenses are different, and the photosensitive areas of the image sensing unit corresponding to the lenses are homogeneous.

4. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The multiple lenses are arranged linearly.

5. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The multiple lenses are arranged in a matrix.

6. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The adjacent lenses directly image onto the image sensing unit, and the actual imaging areas of the adjacent lenses overlap each other.

7. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The optical switch unit is a MEMS shutter.

8. A mobile terminal, characterized in that: include: The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and A processor controls the plurality of optical switch units to switch between an open state and a closed state, and adjacent optical switch units corresponding to adjacent lenses whose actual imaging areas overlap with each other are not opened at the same time.

9. The mobile terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that: The front camera and / or rear camera of the mobile terminal is composed of the camera module.

10. The mobile terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that: The processor controls to open one of the optical switch units according to the input selection signal to perform the required shooting; or The processor controls to open each of the optical switch units in sequence to take pictures, and retrieves the images taken in sequence to synthesize them.

Images