Zoom dual-aperture camera with folded lens

Abstract

A zoom digital camera including a wide-angle sub-camera and a folded fixed telephoto sub-camera. The folded telephoto sub-camera can automatically focus by moving its lens or a reflective element inserted in an optical path between its lens and a corresponding image sensor. The folded telephoto sub-camera is configured to have a low profile so that it can be integrated into a portable electronic device.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of application number 202110964226.3, invention name “Zoom dual-aperture camera with folded lens”, and applicant “Core Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.”

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 717,258 filed on May 20, 2015 and U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 455,906 filed on August 10, 2014, both of which are entitled “Zoom dual-aperture camera with folded lens”. Technical Field

[0005] The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to the field of digital cameras, and in particular, to multi-aperture digital cameras. Background Art

[0006] In recent years, mobile devices such as cellular phones (particularly smartphones), tablet computers, and laptop computers have become ubiquitous. Such devices typically include one or two compact digital cameras, for example, a primary rear-facing camera (i.e., a camera on the back of the device that faces away from the user and is often used for casual photography) and a secondary front-facing camera (i.e., a camera located on the front of the device and is often used for video conferencing).

[0007] The design of many of these cameras is similar to the traditional structure of digital still cameras, that is, they include an optical component (or a series of several optical elements and a main aperture) placed on top of an image sensor (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "sensor"). The optical component (also referred to as "optics") refracts and bends incident light rays to produce an image of the scene on the sensor.

[0008] The size of these cameras is primarily determined by the size of the sensor and the height of the optics. These are usually combined by the focal length (f) of the lens and its field of view (FOV), and a lens that must image a specific FOV on a sensor of a specific size has a specific focal length. Keeping the FOV constant, the larger the sensor size (for example, in the XY plane), the larger the focal length and optics height.

[0009] As the size of mobile devices (and in particular, the thickness of devices such as smartphones) continues to decrease, compact camera size is becoming more and more of a limiting factor for device thickness. Several approaches have been proposed to reduce the compact camera thickness in order to alleviate this constraint. Recently, multi-aperture systems have been proposed for this purpose. In such a system, instead of having one aperture with a chain of optical elements, the camera is divided into several apertures, each with dedicated optical elements, and all sharing a similar field of view. In the following, each such aperture, together with its optics and sensor area on which the image is formed, is defined as a "sub-camera". The images from the sub-cameras are fused together to create a single output image.

[0010] In some multi-aperture camera designs, each sub-camera produces a smaller image on the image sensor than the image created by a reference single-aperture camera. Therefore, the height of each sub-camera can be smaller than the height of a single-aperture camera, thereby reducing the overall height of the camera and allowing a thinner design for mobile devices.

[0011] Dual-aperture zoom cameras are known in which one sub-camera has a wide FOV (the "Wide-angle sub-camera") and the other has a narrow FOV (the "Telephoto sub-camera"). One issue with dual-aperture zoom cameras relates to the height of the zoom-telephoto sub-camera. There is a significant difference in the height (also known as the "total track length" or "TTL") of the telephoto ("T") and wide-angle ("W") sub-cameras. The TTL is typically defined as the maximum distance between the object-side surface of the first lens element and the camera image sensor plane. In most microlenses, the TTL is larger than the lens effective focal length (EFL). A typical TTL / EFL ratio for a given lens (or lens unit) is about 1.3. In single-aperture smartphone cameras with 1 / 3 to 1 / 4" sensors, the EFL is typically between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm, respectively, resulting in a FOV of 70° to 80°.

[0012] For example, suppose one wishes to implement dual-aperture X2 optical zoom in a smartphone, then using EFL W =3.5mm and EFL T =2xEFL w =7mm is natural. However, without spatial constraints, a wide-angle lens will have an EFL W =3.5mm and TTL W is 3.5×1.3=4.55mm, while the telephoto lens will have an EFL T =7mm and TTL T Equals 7 x 1.3 = 9.1 mm. Incorporating a 9.1 mm lens in a smartphone camera may result in a camera height of about 10 mm, which is unacceptable to many smartphone manufacturers.

[0013] An example of a solution to the above problem is described in commonly invented and commonly owned PCT patent application PCT / IB2014 / 062180 entitled "Dual-aperture zoom digital camera". Some of the principles of this solution are described in Figure 1 It is shown in Figure 1 An embodiment of a dual aperture zoom camera with auto focus (AF) and numbered 100 is schematically illustrated, wherein (a) is a general isometric view and (b) is a cutaway isometric view. Camera 100 includes two sub-cameras labeled 102 and 104, each with its own optics. Thus, sub-camera 102 includes an optics block 106 with an aperture 108 and an optical lens module 110 and a sensor 112. Similarly, sub-camera 104 includes an optics block 114 with an aperture 116 and an optical lens module 118 and a sensor 120. Each optical lens module may include several lens elements and infrared (IR) filters 122a and 122b. Optionally, some or all lens elements belonging to different apertures may be formed on the same substrate. The two sub-cameras are positioned adjacent to each other, with a small baseline in 124 between the centers of the two apertures 108 and 116. Each sub-camera may also include an AF mechanism 126 and 128, respectively, controlled by a controller (not shown). Camera 100 is "thin" represented by TTL / EFL for each sub-camera. Typically, TTL W / EFL W >1.1 and TTL T / EFL T <1.0 (e.g., 0.85).

[0014] Although the zoom range in camera 100 is approximately X2, it may be advantageous to further increase this range. However, this would require further increasing the telephoto lens EFL (EFL T ), which will result in an increase in the camera height. EFL T Increasing to the exemplary 12 mm would result in an undesirable camera height, eg, 0.85 x 12 + 0.9 = 11.1 mm. Summary of the invention

[0015] As noted above, the requirements for digital cameras for portable electronic devices are related to the size and image quality of the camera. Moreover, these requirements become even more important when the camera is installed inside a portable device, as opposed to other external camera units that may be attached to the portable device.

[0016] In the case of an internal (integral) camera unit, the camera needs to be as small as possible in order to fit within the thickness of the device in which it is mounted (preferably without protruding from the device's housing), while being suitable for operation with commonly used image sensors. This issue is even more important when using a telephoto lens with a long effective focal length (EFL) to obtain a relatively high zoom effect.

[0017] Therefore, according to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a zoom digital camera including a wide-angle sub-camera and a telephoto sub-camera. The wide-angle sub-camera includes a wide-angle lens module and a wide-angle image sensor, the wide-angle lens module having a wide-angle lens symmetry axis along a first optical path between an object side and the wide-angle image sensor. The wide-angle sub-camera is configured to provide a wide-angle image.

[0018] The telephoto sub-camera includes a telephoto lens module and a telephoto image sensor. The telephoto lens module has a telephoto lens symmetry axis along the second optical path, and the telephoto lens symmetry axis is substantially perpendicular to the wide-angle lens symmetry axis. The telephoto sub-camera is configured to provide a telephoto image.

[0019] The camera also includes a first reflective element having a first reflective element symmetry axis that is substantially tilted 45 degrees relative to the Wide lens symmetry axis and the Telephoto lens symmetry axis and is operable to provide a folded optical path between the object and the Telephoto image sensor. The Telephoto sub-camera is therefore considered to be folded and is referred to herein as a "folded Telephoto sub-camera."

[0020] Wide-angle lenses have a wide field of view (FOV W ), and the telephoto lens has a larger FOV W Narrow telephoto field of view (FOV T ). According to one non-limiting example, the Telephoto sub-camera provides an X5 zoom effect compared to the Wide sub-camera.

[0021] The digital camera is operably connected to at least one image processor configured to process the telephoto image and the wide angle image into an output image. Methods of fusing images received through different optical paths into a single output image are provided, for example, in co-invented and co-owned PCT patent application No. 14 / 365,711 entitled “HIGH-RESOLUTION THIN MULTI-APERTURE IMAGING SYSTEMS” and co-invented and co-owned U.S. patent application No. 14 / 365,711 entitled “DUAL APERTURE ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA” and disclose a multi-aperture imaging system including a first camera having a first sensor that captures a first image and a second camera having a second sensor that captures a second image. Based on a zoom factor, either image can be selected as a primary image or an auxiliary image. An output image having a viewpoint determined by the primary image is obtained by registering the auxiliary image to the primary image.

[0022] In order to further adapt to the size of the folded telephoto sub-camera and the trend of electronic portable devices, and to reduce their thickness as much as possible, various features of the folded telephoto sub-camera are specially configured to enable a folded telephoto sub-camera with reduced height. Reducing the height of the telephoto sub-camera enables reducing the overall height of the dual-aperture camera. In addition, the reduction in the height of the folded telephoto sub-camera is achieved while maintaining the desired image quality.

[0023] Therefore, in addition to the above-described features, according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, the zoom digital camera may include one or more of the following features (1) to (32) in any desired combination and arrangement.

[0024] (1) wherein the telephoto lens module of the folded telephoto sub-camera comprises a group of at least 3 lens elements, and wherein the lens elements in the group are designed to have a diameter that does not substantially exceed the aperture of the telephoto sub-camera. As explained below, this is different from a conventional lens module, in which the diameter of the lens is designed to become wider toward the sensor.

[0025] (2) In which, the telephoto lens module of the folded telephoto sub-camera includes a group of 3 to 5 lens elements.

[0026] (3) The telephoto sub-camera further includes a substrate, a structure for holding the lens element in place, and a camera housing.

[0027] (4) Wherein the aperture of the Telephoto sub-camera is designed to provide a sufficiently low F# (e.g., equal to or less than 3) to increase the light falling on the Telephoto image sensor.

[0028] (5) The telephoto lens module is designed to generate an image over the entire area of ​​the telephoto image sensor. The telephoto image sensor may be, for example, a 1 / 3" image sensor or a 1 / 4" image sensor.

[0029] (6) wherein the lens elements in the group are designed so that no more than a certain percentage of light entering the telephoto lens module is blocked (eg, no more than 25% of the light entering the telephoto lens module is blocked).

[0030] (7) According to one example, the telephoto sub-camera is configured to have the following technical parameters: EFL>9mm, F#≤3, and for all viewing angles, light blocking does not exceed 25% of the light entering the telephoto sub-camera aperture.

[0031] (8) The telephoto sub-camera is characterized in that its height does not exceed 6.5 mm.

[0032] (9) Among them, the telephoto sub-camera is characterized by a height not exceeding 5.7 mm.

[0033] (10) Wherein, the telephoto image sensor is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the telephoto lens.

[0034] (11) Wherein, the telephoto sub-camera includes a telephoto auto focus (AF) mechanism configured to move the telephoto lens along the telephoto symmetry axis; the AF mechanism is designed so that its height does not substantially exceed the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0035] (12) Wherein, the AF mechanism includes one or more magnets coupled to corresponding coils, the magnets being laterally positioned on one or both sides of the telephoto lens module, the height of the magnets substantially not exceeding the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0036] (13) wherein the AF mechanism comprises only one magnet coupled to a corresponding coil.

[0037] (14) wherein the camera further comprises a second reflective element positioned in a second optical path between the Telephoto lens module and the Telephoto image sensor, the second reflective element being configured to direct light propagating parallel to the second optical path to the first optical path, wherein the Telephoto image sensor is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the Wide-angle lens.

[0038] (15) Wherein, the camera further comprises a telephoto auto focus (AF) mechanism configured to move the second reflective element along an axis of symmetry of the second reflective element.

[0039] (16) Wherein, the wide-angle image sensor and the telephoto image sensor are mounted on a single printed circuit board.

[0040] (17) Wherein, at least one processor operatively connected to the camera is configured to use a zoom factor (ZF) to determine a corresponding output field of view.

[0041] (18) The wide-angle lens module has a wide-angle field of view FOV W , and the telephoto lens module has a FOV w Narrow far field of view FOV T The camera also includes a mid-focus sub-camera, which includes a sub-camera having a FOV satisfying w >FOV M >FOV T Field of view FOV M A mid-focus lens module and a mid-focus image sensor, the mid-focus lens has a mid-focus lens symmetry axis; the mid-focus camera is configured to provide a mid-focus image.

[0042] (19) wherein the mid-focus sub-camera is configured with an EFL that is equal to the geometric mean of the EFL of the wide-angle sub-camera and the EFL of the telephoto sub-camera.

[0043] (20) Wherein, at least one processor operatively connected to the camera is configured to process the mid-focus image together with the telephoto image or the wide-angle image as an output image.

[0044] (21) wherein the symmetry axis of the medium focus lens is substantially perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the wide angle lens, and the medium focus image sensor is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the medium focus lens; and wherein the telephoto image sensor is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the telephoto lens.

[0045] (22) wherein the camera further comprises a mid-focus auto focus (AF) mechanism configured to move the mid-focus lens module along a mid-focus symmetry axis substantially perpendicular to a wide-angle lens symmetry axis; and a telephoto AF mechanism configured to move the telephoto lens module along the telephoto symmetry axis; a height of either the mid-focus AF mechanism or the telephoto AF mechanism substantially not exceeding a height of the telephoto lens module.

[0046] (23) Wherein, the mid-focus AF mechanism includes one or more magnets coupled to corresponding coils, the magnets being laterally positioned on one or both sides of the telephoto lens module, and the height of the magnets substantially not exceeding the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0047] (24) Wherein, the mid-focus AF mechanism includes only one magnet coupled to a corresponding coil.

[0048] (25) Wherein, the camera further includes a third reflective element inclined at approximately 45 degrees relative to the wide-angle lens symmetry axis and the mid-focus lens symmetry axis; the third reflective element is configured to provide a folded optical path between the object side and the mid-focus image sensor.

[0049] (26) wherein the camera further comprises a fourth reflective element positioned in a fourth optical path between the mid-focus lens and the mid-focus image sensor, the fourth reflective element being configured to direct light propagating parallel to the second optical path to the first optical path, the mid-focus image sensor being located in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the mid-focus lens.

[0050] (27) Wherein, the camera further includes a mid-focus auto focus (AF) mechanism configured to move the fourth reflective element along a symmetry axis of the fourth reflective element.

[0051] (28) wherein the symmetry axis of the medium-focus lens of the medium-focus sub-camera is substantially parallel to the symmetry axis of the wide-angle lens, and the wide-angle image sensor and the medium-focus image sensor are mounted on a single printed circuit board.

[0052] (29) wherein the symmetry axis of the medium-focus lens of the medium-focus sub-camera is substantially perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the wide-angle lens, and the wide-angle image sensor and the medium-focus image sensor are mounted on a single printed circuit board.

[0053] (30) Wherein, at least one processor operatively connected to the camera is configured to use a zoom factor (ZF) to determine a corresponding output field of view.

[0054] (31) wherein at least one processor operatively connected to the camera is configured to output a signal by using a signal for setting the FOV W and FOV M The output image between the wide-angle image and the mid-focus image of the FOV ZF is formed.

[0055] (32) wherein at least one processor operatively connected to the camera is configured to output a signal by using a signal for setting the FOV M and FOV T The output image is formed by the mid-focus image and the telephoto image of the ZF between the FOVs.

[0056] According to one example, the presently disclosed subject matter includes a digital camera configured to be integrated within a housing of an electronic device. The camera includes a wide-angle sub-camera, a telephoto sub-camera, and a telephoto autofocus (AF) mechanism;

[0057] The wide-angle sub-camera includes a wide-angle lens module and a wide-angle image sensor, the wide-angle lens module having a wide-angle lens symmetry axis along a first optical path between an object side and the wide-angle image sensor; the wide-angle sub-camera is configured to provide a wide-angle image; the telephoto sub-camera includes a telephoto lens module and a telephoto image sensor and a first reflector; the telephoto lens module has a telephoto lens symmetry axis along a second optical path, the telephoto lens symmetry axis is positioned substantially perpendicular to the wide-angle lens symmetry axis; the telephoto camera is configured to provide a telephoto image; the first reflector has a first reflector symmetry axis that is substantially tilted 45 degrees relative to the wide-angle lens symmetry axis and the telephoto lens symmetry axis, and can be operated to provide a folded optical path between the object and the telephoto image sensor;

[0058] wherein the telephoto lens module comprises a group of 3 to 5 lens elements, and wherein the lens elements in the group are designed to have a diameter substantially not exceeding a diameter of an aperture of the telephoto sub-camera, so as to enable an image to be generated over the entire area of ​​the telephoto image sensor, and to enable at least 75% of light that can enter the telephoto lens module to pass toward the telephoto image sensor;

[0059] Wherein, the telephoto AF mechanism is configured to move the telephoto lens along the telephoto symmetry axis; the AF mechanism includes one or more magnets coupled to corresponding coils, which are laterally positioned on one or both sides of the telephoto lens module, and the height of the magnet does not substantially exceed the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0060] The disclosed subject matter also contemplates mobile electronic devices such as cellular phones (e.g., smart phones), portable computers, notepads, tablet computers, watches, any type of electronic wearable device (e.g., bracelets, watches, helmets, glasses, etc.), etc., which are equipped with a digital camera as disclosed herein. According to some examples, the digital camera is fully integrated within the electronic device (i.e., without protruding from the housing of the electronic device).

[0061] The presently disclosed subject matter also contemplates a folded Telephoto sub-camera having a low camera profile as disclosed above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Non-limiting examples of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings attached hereto, which are listed after this paragraph. The drawings and descriptions are intended to illustrate and clarify the embodiments disclosed herein and should not be considered to be limiting in any way. The same elements in different drawings may be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0063] Figure 1 Schematically shows the design of a dual aperture camera with zoom and AF;

[0064] Figure 2AA zoom and autofocus dual aperture camera with a folded telephoto lens module according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated in (a) a generally isometric view and (b) a side view;

[0065] Figure 2B A zoom and autofocus dual aperture camera with a folded telephoto lens module according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated in a generally isometric view;

[0066] Figure 3 A zoom and autofocus dual aperture camera with a folded telephoto lens module according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated in (a) a generally isometric view and (b) a side view;

[0067] Figure 4 A zoom and autofocus dual aperture camera with a folded telephoto lens module according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated in (a) a generally isometric view and (b) a side view;

[0068] Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the apparatus for use in the embodiment of the present invention is shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a cross-sectional view through section AA. Figure 4 Details of the autofocus mechanism that moves the second mirror in the example shown.

[0069] Fig. 6A A zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera with one folded telephoto lens according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated in a generally isometric view;

[0070] Figure 6B A zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera with one folded telephoto lens according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated in a generally isometric view;

[0071] Figure 6C schematically illustrates in general isometric view a zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera with one folded telephoto lens according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0072] Figure 7 A zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera with two folded lenses according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically shown in a generally isometric view;

[0073] Figure 8 A zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera with two folded telephoto lenses according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated in a generally isometric view;

[0074] Fig. 9Figures illustrated in (a) user experience of resolution gain versus zoom factor in ideal continuous zoom; (b) user experience of resolution gain versus zoom factor for a camera including two Wide and Tele sub-cameras with 13-megapixel sensors and 2-megapixel viewers; and (c) user experience of resolution gain versus zoom factor for a camera including three Wide, Mid, and Tele sub-cameras with 13-megapixel sensors and 2-megapixel viewers according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0075] Fig. 10A shows a Telephoto lens module having a five-element Telephoto lens unit that can be used in a camera according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0076] Fig. 10B An embodiment of a Telephoto lens module having a four-element Telephoto lens unit that can be used in a camera disclosed herein is shown according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0077] Fig. 10C shows a Telephoto lens module having a three-element Telephoto lens unit that can be used in a camera according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0078] Fig.11A The term "lens optical height" H / 2 is shown for each lens element of a four-element lens unit according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0079] Fig. 11B shows the effect of blocked light according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0080] Fig.12 A camera module according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated in (a) an isometric view and (b) an external view;

[0081] Fig.13 schematically illustrates another camera module according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter in (a) an isometric view and (b) an external view; and

[0082] Fig.14 A portable electronic device having an integrated dual-aperture camera with a folded telephoto lens module according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] It should be understood that when specific directional and / or angular values ​​are given herein, they are intended to include a range of acceptable values ​​within practical tolerances known in the relevant art.

[0084] In addition, for the sake of clarity, the term "substantially" is used herein to imply the possibility that a value changes within an acceptable range. According to an example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible change of up to 10% on or below any specified value. According to another example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible change of up to 5% on or below any specified value. According to another example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible change of up to 2.5% on or below any specified value. The specified value can be an absolute value (e.g., substantially no more than 45 °, substantially vertical, etc.) or relative (e.g., substantially no more than the height of x, etc.).

[0085] Note that in the current discussion, "aperture diameter" refers to the diameter of the aperture in a camera with a constant aperture size or the maximum aperture diameter in a camera with a variable aperture size.

[0086] As used herein, the phrases "for example," "such as," "for example," "in an embodiment," and variations thereof describe non-limiting examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. It should be appreciated that certain features of the presently disclosed subject matter that are described in the context of separate embodiments for the sake of clarity may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the presently disclosed subject matter that are described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0087] Note that the term "optical block" as used herein refers to the lens module together with the autofocus mechanism.

[0088] Now go to Figure 2A , which schematically illustrates an embodiment of a zoom and autofocus dual aperture camera 200 with a folded telephoto lens disclosed herein in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a cutaway isometric view. The isometric views are shown relative to an XYZ coordinate system. The camera 200 includes two sub-cameras, a conventional wide-angle sub-camera 202 and a telephoto sub-camera 204.

[0089] Wide camera 202 includes a Wide optical block with a corresponding aperture 208 (indicating the object side of the camera) and an optical lens module 210 (or simply referred to as “lens module”) with a symmetry (and optical) axis 212 in the Y direction, and a Wide image sensor 214. Tele camera 204 includes a Tele optical block with a corresponding aperture 218 and an optical lens module 220 with a Tele lens symmetry (and optical) axis 222a, and a Tele image sensor 224.

[0090] The camera 200 also includes a first flat reflective element (e.g., a mirror or prism) 226 inserted into the "Tele" optical path. The Tele optical path extends from the object (not shown) through the Tele lens module (or simply referred to as the "Tele lens") to the Tele sensor and is marked by arrows 222b and 222a. Arrow 222b indicates the direction from the object side of the camera and is substantially parallel to the symmetry axis 212 of the Wide sub-camera. For simplicity, the reflective element will be referred to as a "mirror" hereinafter, however, this is merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting in any way.

[0091] According to one example, the Wide image sensor 214 is located in the XZ plane, while the Tele image sensor is located in the XY plane substantially perpendicular to the Tele lens symmetry axis 222a. The various camera elements may be mounted on a substrate 232, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). It can be said that the Tele sensor is "upright" because it is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the planes of the Wide sensor 214 and the substrate 232.

[0092] It is worth noting that, as mentioned below Figure 3 As described, using a Tele sub-camera with a Tele sensor in an upright position, as compared to a Tele sensor located in the XZ plane, helps to reduce the length of the Tele sub-camera, and thus reduce the overall camera footprint.

[0093] According to one example, the reflector 226 is tilted substantially 45° relative to the Tele lens symmetry axis (222a) and arrow 222b. Thus, the Tele optical path is "folded". Hereinafter, a Tele lens having a folded optical path therethrough is referred to as a "folded Tele lens", and a Tele sub-camera having such a folded lens is referred to as a "folded Tele sub-camera".

[0094] The Wide and Tele sub-cameras may be fixed focus (FF) or auto focus (AF). When present, the AF mechanism for the Wide camera is generally indicated by numeral 206 and in one example may be similar to Figure 1 The following references Fig.12 and Fig.13 The new low-profile AF mechanism is described.

[0095] If an AF mechanism is included in the Tele sub-camera, the AF mechanism is applied so that the auto focus movement is along the Z axis. The AF mechanism may be coupled to and may be operated to move the Tele lens along the Z axis in the direction indicated by arrow 230 (i.e., parallel to its axis of symmetry 222a). The Tele lens movement range may be, for example, between 100 μm and 500 μm. The camera 200 may also include (or be operably connected to) a processing unit including one or more appropriately configured processors (not shown) for processing the Tele image and the Wide image into output images.

[0096] The processing unit may include hardware (HW) and software (SW) specifically for operating with a digital camera. Alternatively, a processor of an electronic device in which the camera is installed (e.g., a local CPU thereof) may be adapted to perform various processing operations associated with a digital camera (including but not limited to processing a telephoto image and a wide-angle image into output images).

[0097] According to some non-limiting examples, the camera 200 (and other cameras mentioned below) may have dimensions and / or parameters as shown in Table 1. These dimensions (given in millimeters) and parameters include camera width W, camera length L, camera height H, wide-angle sub-camera effective focal length EFL, and camera width W. W , Wide-angle F# W , Telephoto sub-camera effective focal length EFL T and telephoto F# T .

[0098]

[0099] Table 1

[0100] For example, folding the telephoto lens module in camera 200 (and cameras 300 to 600 below) enables the use of EFL T 12mm telephoto lens module while maintaining the overall camera height significantly lower than utilizing a camera with the same EFL T A camera with a normal upright telephoto lens (e.g., the 11.1 mm mentioned in the background section above).

[0101] To provide greater clarity and avoid confusion in the following figures, some elements that are similar or identical to elements in camera 200 may be referenced but not shown with reference numerals.

[0102] Figure 2BAnother embodiment of a zoom and autofocus dual aperture camera (200') having a folded Tele lens module disclosed herein is schematically shown in a generally isometric view. Camera 200' includes substantially the same elements as camera 200, and such elements (when numbered) are numbered accordingly with the same numerals. The two cameras differ primarily in the relative positioning of the Tele and Wide sub-cameras and mirror 226 (e.g., on substrate 232').

[0103] As shown, these elements are arranged so that camera 200' has a more "square" footprint than camera 200. In particular, the width W in camera 200' is greater than the width W in camera 200, while the length L in camera 200' is less than the L in camera 200. Note that the configuration shown (in which the sides of the Wide sub-camera are parallel to the X and Z axes, respectively, and the Telephoto lens is aligned substantially along the Z axis) is shown only by way of example, and in other embodiments, each sub-camera may be positioned differently. For example, the Wide sub-camera may have sides that are not parallel to the X, Y axes, and the Telephoto lens may be aligned in a direction different from Z, as long as the optical axis before folding is parallel to the Wide camera symmetry axis. Camera 200' may have the exemplary dimensions and / or parameters shown in Table 1.

[0104] Figure 3 Yet another embodiment of a zoom and autofocus dual aperture camera having a folded Tele lens disclosed herein and numbered 300 is schematically shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a cutaway isometric view. Camera 300 is substantially the same as camera 200, except that camera 300 includes a second mirror 302 inserted in the optical path between the Tele lens and the Tele sensor 224, the path here being marked by arrows 304a and 304b. In addition, and unlike cameras 200 and 200' (but as in camera 100), the Tele sensor 224 is located in the XZ plane (the same as the Wide sensor). According to one example, the Wide sensor and the Tele sensor can be placed on the same substrate, such as a PCB. Alternatively, each sensor can be mounted on a separate PCB. The two mirrors can be tilted substantially 45° relative to the Tele lens symmetry axis 222a.

[0105] As in camera 200, the Wide and Tele sub-cameras may be fixed focus (FF) or auto focus (AF). As in camera 200, an AF mechanism (not shown) is coupled to and may be operable to move the Tele lens along the Z axis in the direction indicated by arrow 230 (i.e., parallel to axis of symmetry 222a). Camera 300 may have, for example, the same size and / or parameters as camera 200, or may be larger along the Z axis (e.g., approximately 5 mm to 10 mm).

[0106] Camera 300 requires that the Telephoto lens module be designed so that its back focal length (BFL), i.e., the distance along the optical path from the left hand side of the Telephoto lens barrel to the reflector and from there to the Telephoto image sensor (the combined length of arrows 304a and 304b), is large enough to enable the inclusion of a second reflector. In addition, the folded Telephoto geometry in camera 300 allows the Wide and Telephoto image sensors to be mounted directly on a single common PCB. Alternatively, each sensor may be mounted on a separate PCB. Camera 300 may have dimensions and / or parameters such as those shown in Table 1.

[0107] Figure 4 An embodiment of a zoom and autofocus dual aperture camera having a folded telephoto lens disclosed herein and numbered 400 is schematically shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a cutaway isometric view. In addition to using an AF mechanism coupled thereto (see Figure 5 ) 402 moves the second reflector to automatically focus the Tele sub-camera, camera 400 is substantially the same as camera 300. Mechanism 402 moves the second reflector 302 in a direction perpendicular to its plane (e.g., 45° to the XY and XZ planes) as indicated by arrow 430. The reflector movement range may be, for example, between 100 μm and 500 μm. Alternatively, the second reflector 302 may be moved in other directions to focus the Tele image captured by the Tele sensor, for example, along the Z axis or the Y axis. Camera 400 may have dimensions and / or parameters such as those shown in Table 1.

[0108] Figure 5 The details of the mechanism 402 are schematically shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a cross-sectional view through section AA. The mechanism 402 includes an electromagnetic actuator, which includes a fixed member 404 and a mobile member 406. The fixed member 404 includes four permanent magnets 408a to 408d. The mobile member 406, which is shown here as a cylindrical shape with an axis of symmetry 410, includes a core 412 at least partially surrounded by a coil 414. The mobile member 406 is mechanically coupled to the reflector 302 at one end 416 and is coupled to four springs 420a to 420d at the opposite end 418, which are rigidly coupled to the fixed frame 422. The number of springs shown is provided only by example, and fewer (e.g., one) or more than four springs can be used. In use, the current through the coil 414 causes a magnetic force, which causes the mobile member 406 and the reflector 302 to move along the axis of symmetry 410, as indicated by arrow 430.

[0109] Fig. 6AAn embodiment of a zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera 600 with one folded Tele lens disclosed herein is schematically shown in a generally isometric view. Camera 600 includes, for example, elements and functionality of camera 200. That is, camera 600 includes Wide sub-camera 202 with Wide lens 210 and Wide sensor 214, Tele sub-camera 204 with folded Tele lens 220, mirror 226, and "upright" Tele sensor 224.

[0110] In this example, the three sub-cameras are substantially aligned in the Z direction along a common axis. As in camera 200, Tele lens auto-focus is achieved by moving the Tele lens along the Z axis in the direction indicated by arrow 230. However, in addition to the elements of camera 200, camera 600 also includes a second Tele (referred to as "Mid" or "M") sub-camera 602 having a Mid lens 604 and a Mid sensor 606. Mid sub-camera 602 has an EFL that is immediately adjacent to the EFL and FOV of the Wide and Tele sub-cameras. M and FOV M , (see examples in Table 1). The symmetry (and optical) axis 612 of the Medium sub-camera is substantially parallel to the axis 212 of the Wide sub-camera 202 and the direction 222b in the Tele sub-camera 204. Note that while the Wide and Medium sub-cameras are shown in a particular arrangement (the Medium sub-camera 602 is closer to the Tele sub-camera 204), the order can be changed so that the Wide and Medium sub-cameras swap positions. Camera 600 can have dimensions and / or parameters such as those shown in Table 1.

[0111] In use, the output FOV of camera 600 (and cameras 600', 600", 700 and 800) is defined by a zoom factor ZF. Such a FOV may be denoted as "FOV ZF ”. For example, when zooming up to ZF=ZF M , the camera output is the same as that of a dual-aperture zoom camera with only wide-angle and mid-focus sub-cameras, where the mid-focus sub-camera replaces the telephoto sub-camera. M Zoom in to ZF T When the zoom is set to 0, the camera output is the same as that of a dual-aperture zoom camera with only mid- and telephoto sub-cameras, where the mid-camera replaces the wide-angle sub-camera. This provides a "continuous zoom" (i.e., resolution gain vs. ZF) experience. About Figure 8 A more detailed explanation of the term "continuous zoom" as used herein and examples of a continuous zoom experience obtained with the cameras disclosed herein are provided.

[0112] Figure 6BAnother embodiment of a zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera having one folded Tele lens disclosed herein and numbered 600' is schematically shown in a generally isometric view. Camera 600' includes substantially the same elements as camera 600, but the Wide and Mid sub-cameras are aligned along the Z direction, and the Tele sub-camera has the Z direction as its axis of symmetry. As in camera 600, the positions of the Wide and Mid sub-cameras are interchangeable. Camera 600' may have dimensions and / or parameters such as those shown in Table 1.

[0113] Figure 6C Yet another embodiment of a zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera having one folded Tele lens disclosed herein and numbered 600" is schematically shown in a generally isometric view. Camera 600" includes substantially the same elements as cameras 600 and 600', but the positioning of the three sub-cameras is changed so that the folded Tele lens is adjacent to and parallel to side 608 of the Wide sub-camera 202 and side 610 of the Mid sub-camera 602. As in cameras 600 and 600', the positions of the Wide and Mid sub-cameras are interchangeable. Camera 600" may have dimensions and / or parameters, for example, as shown in Table 1.

[0114] Note that despite having FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The triple-aperture camera with a folded Tele lens embodiment is shown as including an “upright” Tele sensor 224 , but other triple-aperture cameras with a folded Tele lens embodiment may include the same second mirror and Tele sensor positioned in the XZ plane as in camera 300 . Figure 7 One such embodiment is shown. Figure 7 Yet another embodiment of a zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera having one folded Tele lens disclosed herein and numbered 700 is schematically shown in a generally isometric view. Camera 700 can essentially be viewed as a camera in which the mid sub-camera 602 is added to the elements of camera 300. Alternatively, it can be viewed as a camera in which the second reflector 302 is inserted in the optical path between the folded Tele lens 220 and the Tele sensor 224. Tele autofocus can be achieved by moving the second reflector 302 (as in camera 400) (as shown by arrow 430), or alternatively, by moving the Tele lens (as in camera 300). Camera 700 can have the dimensions and / or parameters shown in Table 1, for example.

[0115] Figure 8An embodiment of a zoom and autofocus triple aperture camera having two folded lenses disclosed herein and numbered 800 is schematically shown in a generally isometric view. Camera 800 can be viewed as a combined element present in camera 200 with an added "folded" mid-focus sub-camera 802. Thus, as in camera 200, camera 800 can include Wide sub-camera 202 with a Wide lens and Wide sensor, Tele sub-camera 204 with a folded Tele lens, upright Tele sensor 224, and mirror 226. Folded mid-focus sub-camera 802 includes mid-focus lens 804 and upright mid-focus sensor 806. Added mirror 808 reflects radiation arriving from the object side in direction 810 parallel to direction 222b and axis 212 through mid-focus lens 804 to the mid-focus sensor along mid-focus lens symmetry axis 812, thereby providing mid-focus image data, which can be combined with the Wide and Tele sub-camera image data. In some examples, the mid focus lens 804 can be moved in the Z direction along its axis 812 by an AF mechanism (not shown) (movement shown by arrow 830) to provide mid focus auto focus, similar to the telephoto auto focus movement illustrated by arrow 230 above.

[0116] An alternative embodiment of a camera with folded mid and tele lenses (not shown) may include additional mirrors and "flat" mid and tele sensors (similar to those used for the tele lenses). Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 ). In addition, according to this example, autofocus can be achieved by moving these mirrors instead of lenses. The camera 800 can have the dimensions and / or parameters shown in Table 1, for example. This configuration of the camera 800 enables, for example, EFL M =3*EFL W and EFL T =9*EFL W , while maintaining the camera height less than 7mm.

[0117] Fig. 9 (a) in FIG. 3 illustrates the user experience of ZF with respect to resolution gain under ideal optical zoom. Fig. 9 (b) illustrates the actual user experience of ZF with respect to resolution gain in the common case of two 13-megapixel (13M) pixel sub-cameras (one wide angle and one telephoto) and a 2-megapixel (2M) pixel viewer (eg, display).

[0118] For example, assuming that the wide-angle and telephoto sub-cameras have EFL T =5*EFL W EFL S. In this case, the starting resolution (ZF = 1) will be 2M for the viewer. When ZF is increased by digital zoom of the sub - camera, the 2M pixels of the viewer will sample a smaller "new" FOV (contributing to higher resolution). This new FOV is a function of ZF, i.e., FOV ZF = FOV W / ZF. According to PXC = 13M / (ZF) 2 , the new FOV ZF is sampled by a smaller number of pixels (PXC) in the wide - angle sub - camera (contributing to lower resolution). As long as PXC > 2M (or ZF < (13 / 2) 0.5 = DZC), the perceived resolution will increase with ZF. For ZF close to 1, the resolution increase will be similar to that of optical zoom. For digital ZF close to DZC, the resolution increase will be much lower. For digital ZF > DZC, the resolution will remain constant. The formula describing the resolution gain (RG) of the digital zoom implementation of the wide - angle sub - camera as a function of ZF can be written as:

[0119] RG = RG(W)*(1 + CQ*(ZFC - 1)*sqrt(tanh(((ZF - 1) / CQ*(ZFC - 1)) 2 )))

[0120] where CQ (typically between 0.7 and 0.8) represents the camera quality at maximum resolution, and RG(W) is the perceived object resolution of the wide - angle sub - camera image without any digital zoom.

[0121] In Fig. 9 (b), RG follows this formula for 1 < ZF < 5. At ZF = 5 (defined as "transition ZF" or ZF t ), the output switches to the T sub - camera with a corresponding RG(T)=5, where RG(T) is the perceived object resolution of the T sub - camera image without any digital zoom. In a similar way, the continuous resolution gain with ZF after the sub - camera switch follows:

[0122] RG = RG(T)*(1 + CQ*(DZC - 1)*sqrt(tanh(((ZF / ZFT - 1) / CQ*(DZC - l)) 2 )))

[0123] From Fig. 9 (b), it can be seen that the user experience of the resolution gain with ZF is very different from that in the case of ideal optical zoom.

[0124] Fig. 9(c) illustrates the user experience of ZF with respect to resolution gain in the common case of 13M sub-cameras and 2M observers with a triple-aperture camera including a 2-axis EFL. W Wide-angle sub-camera with EFL M =2.35×EFL W The intermediate focal length sub-camera and the EFL T =5*EFL W In this case, there are two sub-camera transformations ZF t1 =2.35 and ZF t2 =5. Correspondingly, there are three resolution gains RG(W)=1, RG(M)=2.35 and RG(T)=5. The figure illustrates the following RG behavior:

[0125] From ZF=1 to ZF=2.35, RG=RG(W)*(1+CQ*(DZC-1)*sqrt(tanh(((ZF / l-1) / CQ*(DZC-1)) 2 )));

[0126] From ZF=2.35 to ZF=5, RG=RG(M)*(1+CQ*(DZC-1)*sqrt(tanh(((ZF / ZFT1-1) / CQ*(DZC-1)) 2 )));

[0127] Starting from ZF=5, RG=RG(T)*(1+CQ*(DZC-1)*sqrt(tanh(((ZF / ZFT2-1) / CQ*(DZC-1)) 2 ))).

[0128] It can be seen that in this case, the user experience of ZF due to the resolution gain is very close to the user experience in ideal optical zoom.

[0129] Thus, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, given an EFL W and EFL T , can be based on EFL W Value and EFL T The geometric mean of the values ​​is used to select the M According to this example, Choose EFL M , where, in some cases, EFL M equal

[0130] As mentioned above, it is desirable to design a camera with as small a size as possible so as to be suitable for operation with commonly used image sensors and to fit the thickness of an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) in which the camera is mounted (preferably without protruding from the housing of the device). Therefore, in the multi-aperture (e.g., dual-aperture) camera disclosed herein, it is desirable to maintain the height of the folded telephoto sub-camera as low as possible. Unlike ordinary cameras (e.g., upright sub-cameras), in the folded telephoto sub-camera as disclosed herein, the height of the camera is related to the size of the module on the y-axis, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, and is largely dependent on the diameter of the largest lens among the lenses in the corresponding lens module.

[0131] At the same time, it is also desirable to achieve good image resolution while providing a high zoom effect (e.g., ZF=X5 or greater), so the aperture in the folded telephoto sub-camera must be maintained large enough to enable a sufficiently small F# (e.g., F#=3 or less). It is worth noting that the larger the EFL of the telephoto sub-camera, the larger the aperture must be to maintain a given F#.

[0132] Furthermore, in many conventional lens modules with a sensor that is larger than the aperture (e.g., upright wide-angle or telephoto lens modules), the diameter of the lens is designed to get wider and wider towards the sensor so that it fits the field angle of light entering the camera aperture, which is intended to fall on the entire area of ​​the sensor. In a folded lens unit, this conventional design of increasing the lens diameter would result in a larger camera height and is therefore undesirable.

[0133] Therefore, disclosed herein is a new folded telephoto sub-camera having a lens module with a set of lens elements designed to be reduced in height while maintaining light blockage below a specific value and allowing incident light to be projected onto the entire area of ​​the image sensor.

[0134] According to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the lens elements in the lens module are not designed to be increasingly larger in diameter toward the sensor. Instead, the diameter of each lens element in the lens module of the folded telephoto sub-camera is reduced in size. The diameter of each lens is determined to be as small as possible while maintaining sufficient light passing through the lens toward the sensor to obtain desired camera characteristics (e.g., resolution and SNR) and enabling the image to be continued and provided over the entire area of ​​the image sensor (i.e., the active pixel area of ​​the sensor). The image sensor may be, for example, a 1 / 3" image sensor and a 1 / 4" image sensor.

[0135] According to some examples, the diameter of the largest lens element in the Telephoto lens module (comprising at least 3 lens elements) does not substantially exceed the diameter of the aperture (218) for allowing light to enter the Telephoto sub-camera (i.e., the Telephoto sub-camera aperture). Therefore, the diameter of the Telephoto sub-camera aperture can help define the maximum diameter of the lens elements in the Telephoto lens module.

[0136] According to one example, the diameter of the largest lens element in the telephoto lens module is less than or equal to the diameter of the telephoto sub-camera aperture. According to another example, the diameter of the largest lens element in the telephoto lens module does not exceed the diameter of the telephoto sub-camera aperture by more than 10%. According to another example, the diameter of the largest lens element in the telephoto lens module does not exceed the diameter of the telephoto sub-camera aperture by more than 5%. According to yet another example, the diameter of the largest lens element in the telephoto lens module does not exceed the diameter of the telephoto sub-camera aperture by more than 2.5%. Examples of folded telephoto sub-camera design parameters according to these principles are described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11 and Tables 2 to 7.

[0137] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C Various exemplary Tele lens modules (numbered 220a, 220b, or 220c), including folded Tele lenses, that may be used in the zoom dual-aperture cameras disclosed herein are shown. Each module includes a corresponding group of lens elements. Fig. 10A Also shown are the aperture stop 218 , the axis of symmetry 222a in the “z” direction, the telephoto sensor 224 , and the additional cover plate 223 .

[0138] The lens modules 220a, 220b or 220c include 5, 4 and 3 lens elements (or simply referred to as "elements"), respectively. The lens elements are labeled L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 (in the lens module 220a), L1, L2, L3 and L4 (in the lens module 220b) and L1, L2 and L3 (in the lens module 220c). It is worth noting that the examples described herein include at least 3 lens elements, which can provide sufficient imaging quality.

[0139] Detailed optical data and aspheric surface data are given in Tables 2 and 3 for lens module 220a, Tables 4 and 5 for lens module 220b, and Tables 6 and 7 for lens module 220c. The units of the radius of curvature (R), the thickness of the lens elements and / or the distance between the elements along the axis of symmetry, and the diameter are expressed in mm. d ” is the refractive index. d " is a parameter indicating the color difference of the lens material. d Indicates small color differences and vice versa. "BKZ" is N d and V d For known glasses, the equation for the aspheric surface profile is expressed by:

[0140]

[0141] Where "r" is the distance from the axis of symmetry (and perpendicular to), k is the cone coefficient, c = 1 / R, where R is the radius of curvature, and α is the coefficient given in Table 3, Table 5, and Table 7. Note that the maximum value of r ("max r") is equal to diameter / 2. Also note that in Table 2 (and in Tables 4 and 6 below), the distances between the various elements (and / or surfaces) are measured on the axis of symmetry Z, with the stop at Z = 0. Each number is measured from the previous surface.

[0142] # Radius(R) distance <![CDATA[N d / V d ]]> diameter Cone coefficient k 1 infinity -0.324 4.0 0 2 4.938499 0.779 1.544921 / 55.9149 4.0 2.2402 3 53.73119 0.074 4.0 28 4 4.310708 1.217 1.635517 / 23.9718 4.0 1.2159 5 2.127431 0.509 3.5 -0.9831 6 7.374006 0.678 1.544921 / 55.9149 3.6 10.8851 7 -147.731 0.604 3.5 -12.2 8 -2.28889 0.742 1.635517 / 23.9718 3.5 -7.6686 9 -2.97793 0.082 3.9 -5.7863 10 2.411553 0.6 1.544921 / 55.9149 4.1 -6.0953 11 3.111521 6.982 4.0 -8.4191 12 infinity 0.21 BK7 6.0 0 13 infinity 0.187 6.0 0 14 infinity 0 6.1 0

[0143] Table 2

[0144]

[0145] Table 3

[0146] radius distance <![CDATA[N d / V d ]]> diameter Cone coefficient k 1 infinity -0.420 4.0 2 4.114235 1.674 1.544921 / 55.9149 4.0 -0.6679 3 -14.5561 0.073 4.0 15.3789 4 76.19695 1.314 1.635517 / 23.9718 3.9 -10.0000 5 3.726602 1.130 3.6 -0.3699 6 5.336503 1.407 1.635517 / 23.9718 3.8 -9.4625 7 9.356809 0.839 3.6 -12.2000 8 2.76767 0.512 1.544921 / 55.9149 3.8 -3.0862 9 2.342 3.457 4.0 -2.3717 10 infinity 0.210 BK7 8.0 11 infinity 0.894 8.0 12 infinity 0.000 8.0

[0147] Table 4

[0148]

[0149] Table 5

[0150] # radius distance <![CDATA[N d / V d ]]> diameter Cone coefficient k 1 infinity 0.060 5.0 0.00 2 7.942 1.682 1.534809 / 55.6639 5.0 -7.2579 3 -15.778 2.040 5.0 17.1752 4 -2.644 2.143 1.639078 / 23.2529 5.0 -5.3812 5 -7.001 0.063 5.0 -8.3079 6 2.300 1.193 1.534809 / 55.6639 5.0 -0.5654 7 3.373 7.787 5.0 -0.1016 8 infinity 0.210 BK7 8.0 9 infinity 0.200 8.0

[0151] Table 6

[0152]

[0153] Table 7

[0154] The following terms are defined: "Lens optical height" "H" is the maximum diameter of the optically useful area of ​​each lens element (i.e., the area through which light passes directly from the camera aperture to the sensor to form an image). The terminology of a four-element lens module is described in Fig.11A Each element L n With the corresponding optical height "H n The figure shows H / 2 as the distance between the axis of symmetry and the tip of the labeled arrow. The "camera optical height" is the maximum optical height among all lens elements, in this case H 1 .

[0155] The "percent light blocked" (per viewing angle) is defined as the percentage of light that reaches the camera from very distant objects at a particular viewing angle (horizontally and vertically) and enters the camera aperture but does not reach the image sensor. It is worth noting that the relative light blockage increases as the diameter of the lens element decreases. Fig. 11BIllustrated is the blocking 240 of a portion of light caused by a stop 250 inserted (by way of example) between elements L3 and L4 of a four-element Telephoto lens. The stop (also simply referred to as "stop") is configured to prevent light from reaching the lens edge and scattering in all directions.

[0156] In accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, the diameter of the lens elements in the Telephoto lens module is determined so that light blocked by the aperture does not prevent more than a predetermined percentage of incident light from reaching the image sensor.

[0157] The telephoto lenses disclosed above allow the use of large telephoto sensors (>4.5 mm×3.35 mm) that enable high pixel counts (e.g., 13 megapixels). They provide low camera optical height, which enables low camera module height (e.g., <1.25*(1+EFL / F#)=1.25*(1+camera aperture), see also Fig.12 and Fig.13 .

[0158] The folded telephoto lens disclosed herein allows for a long EFL (e.g., >10 mm) for high zoom, low F# (e.g., <3) for all viewing angles to obtain more light and optical resolution with a low percentage of blocked light (<25%). As shown above, the folded telephoto lens module can include, for example, 3 to 5 lens elements. This combination of lens elements enables high image quality at a low price.

[0159] Note that the lens element of the telephoto lens module is held in place by a special structure (e.g., a barrel), for example, by a plastic barrel (cold barrel). Therefore, the telephoto lens module discussed herein is considered to include the structure that holds the lens element in place (barrel) and the substrate (e.g., one or more PCBs). One or two magnets may be positioned such as Fig.12 and Fig.13 On the illustrated substrate or on the side of the substrate. In any case, their height does not substantially exceed the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0160] Fig.12 A camera disclosed herein and numbered 1200 is shown in (a) isometric view and (b) external view. Camera 1200 includes a dual magnet (1202 and 1204) dual coil (1206 and 1208) AF mechanism of a folded telephoto lens. Each magnet-coil pair is arranged to provide a force to move the telephoto lens 1210 along its axis of symmetry. The force (and motion) is reacted (and reversed) by spring 1212.

[0161] Fig.13A camera disclosed herein and numbered 1300 is shown in (a) isometric view and (b) exterior view. Compared to camera 1200, camera 1300 includes a single coil (1306) and spring (1312) AF mechanism of a single magnet (1302) of a folded telephoto lens. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The AF mechanism illustrated in is configured to operate according to the principle of a voice coil actuator (VCA, commonly referred to as a “magnetic actuator”).

[0162] The AF mechanism is specifically designed to maintain a low camera profile. According to one example, the AF mechanism is designed to fit laterally onto one or two faces of the telephoto lens module, while the other faces remain separate from the AF mechanism portion.

[0163] Specifically, one or two magnets (magnetically coupled to corresponding coils) are designed to have a height substantially no greater than the height of the Telephoto lens module so as to avoid any significant contribution to the overall height of the folded Telephoto sub-camera.

[0164] The design Fig.12 (AF design with two magnets shown) and Fig.13 (showing an AF design with one magnet). Note that while the magnets are positioned upright on one or both sides of the Telephoto lens module, the other two planes (on the object side, marked by arrow OS; and on the substrate side, marked by arrow SS) positioned perpendicular to the magnets remain separated from the magnets. In general, this design of the AF mechanism and magnets particularly significantly reduces (or in some configurations, completely avoids) the increase in the overall height of the Telephoto sub-camera that might have been caused by the AF mechanism.

[0165] According to one example, the height of the magnet is less than or equal to the height of the Tele lens module (e.g., defined by the tallest lens). According to another example, the height of the magnet is greater than 10% of the height of the Tele lens module. According to another example, the height of the magnet is greater than 5% of the height of the Tele lens module. According to another example, the height of the magnet is greater than 2.5% of the height of the Tele lens module.

[0166] The entire camera (including the AF mechanism) can be packaged in a high T (Total Height) Low Profile Mechanical Package (Housing) 1250, see Fig.12 (b) in the figure, thereby enabling the zoom dual-aperture or triple-aperture camera disclosed herein to be included in a low-profile mobile phone, so that H T Equal to or less than 6.5 mm, and in some examples, equal to or less than 5.7.

[0167] Fig.14A schematic diagram of an example of a portable electronic device having an integrated dual aperture camera with a folded Tele lens module according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter is shown. As illustrated in the image, camera 1450 (including a dual aperture camera with a folded Tele lens module and a camera housing) is fully integrated into portable electronic device 1400 and does not protrude from the device housing. The camera is oriented within the portable device so that its longitudinal dimension is horizontally positioned relative to the device. Due to the folded optical path of the Tele sub-camera, it can provide a high zoom effect (e.g., X5 or greater) while having a structure that does not protrude from the housing of the electronic device (e.g., a smart phone).

[0168] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments and generally associated methods, changes and permutations of the embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is to be understood as not being limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-camera comprising: A first camera, comprising a first lens module, a first image sensor and a first reflective element, wherein the first camera has a first field of view FOV1; and A second camera, comprising a second lens module and a second image sensor, wherein the second camera has a second field of view FOV2 larger than the first field of view FOV1; Wherein the first camera and the second camera are positioned adjacent to each other along a first direction, and wherein the first lens module is configured to move in the first direction.

2. The multi-phase camera according to claim 1, wherein: The first lens module includes at least three lens elements.

3. The multi-phase camera according to claim 1, wherein: The second lens module is configured to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The multi-phase camera according to claim 2, wherein: The at least three lens elements include five lens elements.

5. The multi-phase camera according to claim 2, wherein: The first reflective element is configured to move along a first reflective element symmetry axis in a third direction different from the first direction.

6. The multi-phase camera according to claim 3, wherein: The first lens module has a height not exceeding 6.5 mm. 7 . The multi-camera according to claim 3 , further comprising a third camera, the third camera comprising a third lens module and a third image sensor, the third camera having a third field of view FOV3 .

8. The multi-phase camera according to claim 5, wherein: The first camera further includes a second reflective element, and wherein the first image sensor is configured to receive incident light through the first reflective element, the first lens module, and the second reflective element.

9. The multi-phase camera according to claim 7, wherein: The first camera, the second camera and the third camera are arranged sequentially in the first direction.

10. The multi-phase camera according to claim 8, wherein: The first field of view FOV1<the second field of view FOV2<the third field of view FOV3.

11. The multi-phase camera according to claim 8, wherein: The second reflective element is configured to move along a second reflective element symmetry axis in a fourth direction different from the first direction and the third direction to focus an object.

12. The multi-phase camera according to claim 11, wherein: The second lens module is configured to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

13. The multi-phase camera according to claim 11, wherein: The first lens module is located between the first reflecting element and the second reflecting element.

14. A multi-camera comprising: A first camera, comprising a first lens module, a first image sensor and a first reflective element, wherein the first camera has a first field of view FOV1; and A second camera, comprising a second lens module and a second image sensor, wherein the second camera has a second field of view FOV2 larger than the first field of view FOV1; wherein the first camera and the second camera are arranged along a first direction, and Wherein, the reflective element is configured to move to focus the object.

15. The multi-phase camera according to claim 14, wherein: The reflective element is configured to move along a second direction different from the first direction.

16. The multi-phase camera according to claim 15, wherein: The second lens module is configured to move along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

17. A multi-camera comprising: A first camera, comprising a first lens module, a first image sensor and a first reflective element, wherein the first camera has a first field of view FOV1; and A second camera, comprising a second lens module and a second image sensor, wherein the second camera has a second field of view FOV2 larger than the first field of view FOV1; Wherein, the first camera and the second camera are arranged along a first direction, wherein the first reflective element is configured to receive incident light from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and guide the incident light along the first direction to the first image sensor, wherein the second lens module is configured to move along the second direction, and Wherein, the reflective element is configured to move to focus the object.

18. The multi-phase camera according to claim 17, wherein: The reflective element is configured to move along a third direction different from the first direction.

19. The multi-phase camera according to claim 18, wherein: The first lens module includes five lens elements.

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