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 be auto-focused by moving its lens or a reflective element interposed in the optical path between its lens and the corresponding image sensor. The folded telephoto sub-camera is configured to have a low profile so that it can be integrated within a portable electronic device.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of application number 202110964226.3, entitled "Zoom Dual Aperture Camera with Folding Lens", filed by Core Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.

[0003] Cross-references to related applications

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

[0005] The topics currently being discussed generally relate to the field of digital cameras, and in particular, to multi-aperture digital cameras. Background Technology

[0006] In recent years, mobile devices such as cellular phones (especially smartphones), tablets, and laptops have become ubiquitous. Such devices typically include one or two compact digital cameras, such as 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 often used for video conferencing).

[0007] Many of these cameras are designed similarly to the traditional structure of digital still cameras, which includes optical components (or a series of optical elements and a master aperture) placed on top of an image sensor (hereinafter also referred to as the "sensor"). The optical components (also called "optical elements") refract and bend 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 typically combined by the focal length (f) of the lens and its field of view (FOV). A lens with a specific FOV must have a specific focal length to image onto a sensor of a specific size. Keeping the FOV constant, the larger the sensor size (e.g., in the XY plane), the greater the focal length and the height of the optics.

[0009] As the size of mobile devices (and especially the thickness of devices such as smartphones) continues to shrink, compact camera size is becoming an increasingly limiting factor for device thickness. Several approaches have been proposed to reduce the thickness of compact cameras to alleviate this constraint. Recently, multi-aperture systems have been proposed for this purpose. In such systems, instead of having a single aperture with a series of optical elements, the camera is divided into several apertures, each with dedicated optical elements, and all sharing a similar field of view. Hereinafter, each such aperture, along with the optical elements and sensor area on which the image is formed, is defined as a "sub-camera." 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 compared to an image created by a reference single-aperture camera. Therefore, the height of each sub-camera can be smaller than the height of the single-aperture camera, thus reducing the overall height of the camera and allowing for thinner designs in mobile devices.

[0011] Dual-aperture zoom cameras are known to have one sub-camera with a wide field of view (FOV) (“wide-angle sub-camera”) and another with a narrow FOV (“telephoto sub-camera”). One issue with dual-aperture zoom cameras involves the height of the zoom telephoto sub-camera. The heights (also referred to as the “total track length” or “TTL”) of the telephoto (“T”) and wide-angle (“W”) sub-cameras differ significantly. TTL is generally defined as the maximum distance between the object-side surface of the first lens element and the plane of the camera's image sensor. In most microlenses, TTL is greater than the lens's effective focal length (EFL). A typical TTL / EFL ratio for a given lens (or lens unit) is approximately 1.3. In single-aperture smartphone cameras with 1 / 3 to 1 / 4" sensors, EFL is typically between 3.5mm and 4.5mm, resulting in an FOV of 70° to 80°.

[0012] For example, suppose people want to achieve 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 EFL. W =3.5mm and TTL W The focal length is 3.5 × 1.3 = 4.55 mm, while the telephoto lens will have EFL. T =7mm and TTL T This equals 7 × 1.3 = 9.1mm. Incorporating a 9.1mm lens into a smartphone camera would result in a camera height of approximately 10mm, which is unacceptable to many smartphone manufacturers.

[0013] An example of a solution to the above problem is described in PCT / IB2014 / 062180, a co-invented and co-owned PCT patent application entitled "Dual-aperture zoom digital camera". Some principles of this solution are described in... Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the Figure 1 An embodiment of a dual-aperture zoom camera, designated 100, with autofocus (AF) is schematically illustrated, where (a) is a general isometric view and (b) is a cross-sectional isometric view. Camera 100 includes two sub-cameras, designated 102 and 104, each with its own optics. Thus, sub-camera 102 includes an optical block 106 with an aperture 108, an optical lens module 110, and a sensor 112. Similarly, sub-camera 104 includes an optical block 114 with an aperture 116, 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 of the 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 AF mechanisms 126 and 128, respectively controlled by a controller (not shown). For each sub-camera, camera 100 is "thin" in TTL / EFL representation. Typically, TTL... W / EFL W >1.1 and TTL T / EFL T <1.0 (e.g., 0.85).

[0014] Although the zoom range in the camera 100 is approximately x2, further increasing this range could be advantageous. However, this would require further increasing the telephoto lens's EFL (EFL... T This will result in an increase in camera height. EFL T Increasing to the exemplary 12mm would result in an undesirable camera height, for example, 0.85 × 12 + 0.9 = 11.1 mm. Summary of the Invention

[0015] As noted above, the requirements for digital cameras used in portable electronic devices are related to camera size and image quality. Moreover, these requirements become even more critical when the camera is mounted inside a portable device, unlike other external camera units that can 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 to accommodate the thickness of the device in which it is mounted (preferably without protruding from the device's housing), while also being suitable for operation with commonly used image sensors. This issue is even more critical when using telephoto lenses with a long effective focal length (EFL) to achieve relatively high zoom capabilities.

[0017] Therefore, according to one aspect of the currently disclosed subject matter, a zoom digital camera including a wide-angle sub-camera and a telephoto sub-camera is provided. 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 the 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 a second optical path, which is positioned substantially perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the wide-angle lens. The telephoto sub-camera is configured to provide a telephoto image.

[0019] The camera also includes a first reflecting element having a first reflecting element symmetry axis that is substantially tilted at 45 degrees relative to the symmetry axes of the wide-angle lens and the telephoto lens, and is operable to provide a folded optical path between the object and the telephoto image sensor. Therefore, the telephoto sub-camera is considered folded and is referred to herein as a "folded telephoto sub-camera".

[0020] Wide-angle lenses have a wide field of view (FOV) W Furthermore, telephoto lenses have a higher field of view (FOV) than telephoto lenses. W Narrow focal length field of view (FOV) T (According to a non-limiting example, the telephoto sub-camera provides an X5 zoom effect compared to the wide-angle sub-camera.)

[0021] A digital camera is operatively connected to at least one image processor configured to process telephoto and wide-angle images into an output image. Methods for 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”, which disclose a multi-aperture imaging system comprising a first camera having a first sensor for capturing a first image and a second camera having a second sensor for capturing a second image. Based on a zoom factor, either image can be selected as a primary image or a secondary image. An output image having a viewpoint determined by the primary image is obtained by registering the secondary image to the primary image.

[0022] To further adapt to the size of foldable telephoto sub-cameras and the trend towards portable electronic devices, and to minimize their thickness as much as possible, various features of foldable telephoto sub-cameras have been specifically configured to enable height reduction. Reducing the height of the telephoto sub-camera allows for a reduction in the overall height of the dual-aperture camera. Furthermore, this height reduction is achieved while maintaining the desired image quality.

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

[0024] (1) The telephoto lens module of the folding telephoto sub-camera includes a set of at least three lens elements, wherein the lens elements in the set are designed to have a diameter that substantially does not exceed the aperture of the telephoto sub-camera. As explained below, this differs from conventional lens modules, where the diameter of the lens is designed to widen towards the sensor.

[0025] (2) The telephoto lens module of the folding telephoto sub-camera includes a set of 3 to 5 lens elements.

[0026] (3) The telephoto sub-camera also includes a substrate, a structure for holding the lens elements in the proper position, and a camera housing.

[0027] (4) 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 amount of 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) The lens elements in this group are designed such that the blocked light does not exceed a specific percentage of the light entering the telephoto lens module (e.g., no more than 25% of the light entering the telephoto lens module is blocked).

[0030] (7) In 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 aperture of the telephoto sub-camera.

[0031] (8) Among them, the characteristic of the telephoto sub-camera is that its height does not exceed 6.5mm.

[0032] (9) Among them, the characteristic of the telephoto sub-camera is that its height does not exceed 5.7mm.

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

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

[0035] (12) The AF mechanism includes one or more magnets coupled to the corresponding coil, the magnets being laterally positioned on one or both sides of the telephoto lens module, the height of the magnets being substantially no more than the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0036] (13) In this case, the AF mechanism consists of only one magnet coupled to the corresponding coil.

[0037] (14) The camera further includes a second reflective element located in a second optical path between the telephoto lens module and the telephoto image sensor, the second reflective element being configured to guide 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 the axis of symmetry of the wide-angle lens.

[0038] (15) The camera also includes a telephoto autofocus (AF) mechanism, which is configured to move the second reflective element along the axis of symmetry of the second reflective element.

[0039] (16) 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 the corresponding output field of view.

[0041] (18) Among them, the wide-angle lens module has a wide field of view (FOV). W Furthermore, the telephoto lens module has a higher FOV than... w Narrow field of view (FOV) T The camera also includes a mid-range sub-camera, which includes features that meet the field of view (FOV) requirement. w FOV M FOV T Field of view (FOV) M The system includes a central focal lens module and a central focal image sensor, wherein the central focal lens has a central focal lens symmetry axis; and a central focal camera is configured to provide a central focal image.

[0042] (19) The medium telephoto sub-camera is equipped 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 a mid-range image together with a telephoto image or a wide-angle image into an output image.

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

[0045] (22) The camera also includes a mid-focus autofocus (AF) mechanism configured to move the mid-focus lens module along a mid-focus symmetry axis substantially perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the wide-angle lens; and a telephoto AF mechanism configured to move the telephoto lens module along a telephoto symmetry axis; the height of either the mid-focus AF mechanism or the telephoto AF mechanism substantially does not exceed the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0046] (23) The mid-focus AF mechanism includes one or more magnets coupled to the corresponding coil, which are laterally positioned on one or both sides of the telephoto lens module, and the height of the magnets is substantially no more than the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0047] (24) Among them, the central AF mechanism only includes a magnet coupled to the corresponding coil.

[0048] (25) The camera also includes a third reflective element that is tilted at approximately 45 degrees relative to the axis of symmetry of the wide-angle lens and the axis of symmetry of the mid-range lens; the third reflective element is configured to provide a folded optical path between the object side and the mid-range image sensor.

[0049] (26) The camera also includes a fourth reflective element located in a fourth optical path between the central focal lens and the central focal image sensor, the fourth reflective element being configured to guide light propagating parallel to the second optical path to the first optical path, the central focal image sensor being located in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the central focal lens.

[0050] (27) The camera also includes a central focus autofocus (AF) mechanism, which is configured to move the fourth reflective element along the axis of symmetry of the fourth reflective element.

[0051] (28) In this case, the axis of symmetry of the central focal lens of the central focal sub-camera is basically parallel to the axis of symmetry of the wide-angle lens, and the wide-angle image sensor and the central focal image sensor are mounted on a single printed circuit board.

[0052] (29) In this case, the axis of symmetry of the central telephoto lens of the central telephoto sub-camera is basically perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the wide-angle lens, and the wide-angle image sensor and the central telephoto 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 the corresponding output field of view.

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

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

[0056] According to one example, the currently disclosed subject includes a digital camera configured to be integrated within the housing of an electronic device. This 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 has a wide-angle lens symmetry axis along a first optical path between the 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, as well as a first mirror. The telephoto lens module has a telephoto lens symmetry axis along a second optical path, and 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 mirror has a first mirror symmetry axis that is substantially tilted at 45 degrees relative to both the wide-angle 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.

[0058] The telephoto lens module includes a set of 3 to 5 lens elements, wherein the lens elements in the set are designed with a diameter that is substantially no larger than the diameter of the aperture of the telephoto sub-camera, so that an image can be generated over the entire area of ​​the telephoto image sensor, and that at least 75% of the light entering the telephoto lens module passes toward the telephoto image sensor.

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

[0060] The subject matter of this disclosure also envisions mobile electronic devices such as cellular phones (e.g., smartphones), portable computers, notebooks, tablets, watches, and any type of wearable electronic device (e.g., bracelets, watches, helmets, glasses, etc.) equipped with a digital camera as disclosed herein. According to some examples, the digital camera is fully integrated within the electronic device (i.e., does not protrude from the casing of the electronic device).

[0061] The subject of this disclosure also envisions a folding telephoto sub-camera with a low camera profile as disclosed above. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Non-limiting examples of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are set forth later in this paragraph. The drawings and description are intended to illustrate and clarify the embodiments disclosed herein and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Identical elements in different drawings may be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0063] Figure 1 The design of a dual-aperture camera with zoom and autofocus is illustrated schematically.

[0064] Figure 2AA zoom and autofocus dual-aperture camera with a folding telephoto lens module is schematically shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a side view, according to an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0065] Figure 2B A zoom and autofocus dual-aperture camera with a folding telephoto lens module, an example of the subject matter disclosed herein, is schematically shown in a general isometric view.

[0066] Figure 3 A zoom and autofocus dual-aperture camera with a folding telephoto lens module is schematically shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a side view, according to an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0067] Figure 4 A zoom and autofocus dual-aperture camera with a folding telephoto lens module, an example of the subject matter disclosed herein, is schematically shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a side view.

[0068] Figure 5 The diagrams (a) general isometric view and (b) sectional view through section AA schematically illustrate the use of... Figure 4 The example shown details the autofocus mechanism that moves the second mirror.

[0069] Figure 6A A zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera with a folding telephoto lens is schematically shown in a general isometric view, based on an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0070] Figure 6B A zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera with a folding telephoto lens is schematically shown in a general isometric view, based on an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0071] Figure 6C A zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera with a folding telephoto lens is schematically shown in a general isometric view, based on an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0072] Figure 7 A zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera with two folding lenses is schematically shown in a general isometric view, based on an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0073] Figure 8 A zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera with two folding telephoto lenses is schematically shown in a general isometric view, according to an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0074] Figure 9The figures illustrate, according to examples of the currently disclosed subject matter, the user experience of resolution gain versus zoom factor in ideal continuous zoom; (b) the user experience of resolution gain versus zoom factor in a camera including two wide-angle and telephoto sub-cameras with 13-megapixel sensors and 2-megapixel viewfinders; and (c) the user experience of resolution gain versus zoom factor in a camera including three wide-angle, mid-telephoto, and telephoto sub-cameras with 13-megapixel sensors and 2-megapixel viewfinders.

[0075] Figure 10A A telephoto lens module with a five-element telephoto lens unit that can be used in a camera is shown as an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0076] Figure 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 as an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0077] Figure 10C A telephoto lens module with a three-element telephoto lens unit that can be used in a camera is shown as an example of the subject matter currently disclosed.

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

[0079] Figure 11B The effect of blocking light is shown in an example based on the currently published subject.

[0080] Figure 12 A camera module based on an example of the subject matter is schematically shown in (a) isometric view and (b) exterior view;

[0081] Figure 13 Another camera module, based on an example of the currently disclosed subject matter, is schematically shown in (a) an isometric view and (b) an external view; and

[0082] Figure 14 A portable electronic device with an integrated dual-aperture camera and a folding telephoto lens module is illustrated schematically, based on an example of the subject matter currently disclosed. Detailed Implementation

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

[0084] Furthermore, for clarity, the term "substantially" is used herein to imply the possibility that a value may vary within an acceptable range. By one example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible variation of up to 10% above or below any specified value. By another example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible variation of up to 5% above or below any specified value. By yet another example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible variation of up to 2.5% above or below any specified value. Specified values ​​can be absolute (e.g., substantially not exceeding 45°, substantially vertical, etc.) or relative (e.g., substantially not exceeding 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,” “like,” “in embodiments,” and variations thereof describe non-limiting examples of the currently disclosed subject matter. It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features of the currently disclosed subject matter described in the context of individual embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the currently disclosed subject matter described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0087] Note that, as used in this article, the term "optical block" refers to the lens module that is integrated with the autofocus mechanism.

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

[0089] The wide-angle camera 202 includes a wide-angle optical block with a corresponding aperture 208 (indicating the object side of the camera) and an optical lens module 210 (or simply "lens module") having a symmetry (and optical) axis 212 in the Y direction, and a wide-angle image sensor 214. The telephoto camera 204 includes a telephoto optical block with a corresponding aperture 218 and an optical lens module 220 having a telephoto lens symmetry (and optical) axis 222a, and a telephoto image sensor 224.

[0090] Camera 200 also includes a first flat reflective element (e.g., a mirror or prism) 226 inserted into the “telephoto” optical path. The telephoto optical path extends from the object (not shown) through a telephoto lens module (or simply “telephoto lens”) to the telephoto 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 axis of symmetry 212 of the wide-angle sub-camera. For simplicity, the reflective element is referred to as a “mirror” below; however, this is merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting in any way.

[0091] According to one example, the wide-angle image sensor 214 is located in the XZ plane, while the telephoto image sensor is located in the XY plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the telephoto lens's axis of symmetry 222a. Various camera components can be mounted on the substrate 232, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The telephoto sensor can be described as "upright" because it is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the planes of both the wide-angle sensor 214 and the substrate 232.

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

[0093] According to one example, mirror 226 is tilted at approximately 45° relative to the telephoto lens's axis of symmetry (222a) and arrow 222b. Therefore, the telephoto optical path is "folded". In the following text, a telephoto lens having a folded optical path passing through it is referred to as a "folded telephoto lens", and a telephoto sub-camera having such a folded lens is referred to as a "folded telephoto sub-camera".

[0094] Wide-angle and telephoto sub-cameras can be either fixed-focus (FF) or autofocus (AF). When present, the AF mechanism for a wide-angle camera is typically indicated by the number 206, and in one example, it could resemble... Figure 1 The institution shown. See below for reference. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The new low-profile AF mechanism is described.

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

[0096] The processing unit may include hardware (HW) and software (SW) specifically designed for operation with a digital camera. Alternatively, the processor of the camera-equipped electronics (e.g., its local CPU) may be adapted to perform various processing operations related to the digital camera (including, but not limited to, processing telephoto and wide-angle images into output images).

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

[0098]

[0099] Table 1

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

[0101] To provide greater clarity and avoid confusion in the following figures, some elements that are similar to or the same as those in camera 200 may be mentioned, but are not shown in the figures.

[0102] Figure 2BAnother embodiment of a zoom and autofocus dual-aperture camera (200') having the folding telephoto lens module disclosed herein is schematically shown in a general isometric view. Camera 200' includes substantially the same elements as camera 200, and such elements (when numbered) are correspondingly numbered with the same numerals. The main difference between the two cameras lies in the relative positioning (e.g., on substrate 232') of the telephoto and wide-angle sub-cameras and the reflector 226.

[0103] As shown in the figure, these elements are arranged such that camera 200' has a more "square" coverage area than camera 200. Specifically, 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 length L in camera 200. Note that the configuration shown (where the sides of the wide-angle sub-camera are parallel to the X and Z axes, respectively, and the telephoto lens is aligned substantially along the Z axis) is shown by way of example only, and in other embodiments, each sub-camera may be positioned differently. For example, the wide-angle sub-camera may have sides that are not parallel to the X and 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 axis of symmetry of the wide-angle camera. Camera 200' may have the exemplary dimensions and / or parameters shown in Table 1.

[0104] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a zoom and autofocus dual-aperture camera, designated 300, having the folding telephoto lens disclosed herein, is schematically shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a cross-sectional isometric view. Camera 300 is substantially the same as camera 200, except that it includes a second mirror 302 inserted in the optical path between the telephoto lens and the telephoto sensor 224, the path here marked by arrows 304a and 304b. Additionally, unlike cameras 200 and 200' (but as in camera 100), the telephoto sensor 224 is located in the XZ plane (same as the wide-angle sensor). According to one example, the wide-angle sensor and the telephoto sensor can be placed on the same substrate, e.g., a PCB. Alternatively, each sensor can be mounted on a separate PCB. The two mirrors can be tilted substantially 45° relative to the telephoto lens's axis of symmetry 222a.

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

[0106] Camera 300 requires the telephoto lens module to be designed such 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 include a second reflector. Additionally, the folded telephoto geometry in camera 300 allows the wide-angle and telephoto image sensors to be directly mounted on a single common PCB. Alternatively, each sensor can be mounted on a separate PCB. Camera 300 can have dimensions and / or parameters, for example, as shown in Table 1.

[0107] Figure 4 An embodiment of a zoom and autofocus dual-aperture camera, numbered 400, having the folding telephoto lens disclosed herein, is schematically shown in (a) a general isometric view and (b) a sectional isometric view. This is achieved through the use of an AF mechanism coupled to it (see...). Figure 5 Mechanism 402 moves the second reflector 302 to autofocus outside the telephoto sub-camera; camera 400 is essentially the same as camera 300. Mechanism 402 moves the second reflector 302 in a direction perpendicular to its plane (e.g., at 45° to the XY and XZ planes) indicated by arrow 430. The range of reflector movement can be, for example, between 100 μm and 500 μm. Alternatively, the second reflector 302 can move in other directions to focus the telephoto image captured by the telephoto sensor, for example, along the Z-axis or Y-axis. Camera 400 can have dimensions and / or parameters, for example, as shown in Table 1.

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

[0109] Figure 6AAn embodiment of a zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera 600 having a folding telephoto lens disclosed herein is schematically shown in a general isometric view. Camera 600 includes elements and functions of, for example, camera 200. That is, camera 600 includes a wide-angle sub-camera 202 with a wide-angle lens 210 and a wide-angle sensor 214, a telephoto sub-camera 204 with a folding telephoto lens 220, a mirror 226, and a “vertical” telephoto 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, telephoto lens autofocus is achieved by moving the telephoto lens along the Z-axis in the direction indicated by arrow 230. However, in addition to the components of camera 200, camera 600 also includes a second telephoto (referred to as "mid-range" or "M") sub-camera 602 with a mid-range lens 604 and a mid-range sensor 606. The mid-range sub-camera 602 has an EFL adjacent to the EFL and FOV of the wide-angle and telephoto sub-cameras. M and FOV M (See examples in Table 1). The symmetry (and optical) axis 612 of the mid-range sub-camera is substantially parallel to axis 212 of the wide-angle sub-camera 202 and direction 222b of the telephoto sub-camera 204. Note that although the wide-angle and mid-range sub-cameras are shown in a particular arrangement (mid-range sub-camera 602 is closer to telephoto sub-camera 204), this order can be changed so that the positions of the wide-angle and mid-range sub-cameras are interchanged. Camera 600 may have dimensions and / or parameters, for example, as shown in Table 1.

[0111] In use, the output FOV of the camera 600 (and cameras 600', 600", 700, and 800) is defined by the zoom factor ZF. Such an FOV can be labeled as "FOV". ZF For example, at a magnification of up to ZF = ZF M At that time, the camera output is the same as that of a dual-aperture zoom camera with only wide-angle and medium-range sub-cameras, where the medium-range sub-camera replaces the telephoto sub-camera. (From ZF) M Magnified to ZF T At this time, the camera output is the same as that of a dual-aperture zoom camera with only a mid-range and a telephoto sub-camera, where the mid-range sub-camera replaces the wide-angle sub-camera. This provides a "continuous zoom" (i.e., resolution gain versus ZF) experience. About Figure 8 This paper provides a more detailed explanation of the term "continuous zoom" as used in this paper, and examples of the continuous zoom experience obtained using the cameras disclosed in this paper.

[0112] Figure 6BAnother embodiment of a zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera, designated 600', with a folding telephoto lens disclosed herein, is schematically shown in a general isometric view. Camera 600' includes substantially the same elements as camera 600, but the wide-angle and medium-range sub-cameras are aligned along the Z-direction, while the telephoto sub-camera has the Z-direction as its axis of symmetry. As in camera 600, the positions of the wide-angle and medium-range sub-cameras are interchangeable. Camera 600' may have dimensions and / or parameters, for example, as shown in Table 1.

[0113] Figure 6C Another embodiment of a zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera, designated 600", with a folding telephoto lens disclosed herein, is schematically shown in a general isometric view. Camera 600" includes substantially the same elements as cameras 600 and 600', but with altered positioning of the three sub-cameras such that the folding telephoto lens is adjacent to and parallel to the side 608 of the wide-angle sub-camera 202 and the side 610 of the medium telephoto sub-camera 602. As in cameras 600 and 600', the positions of the wide-angle and medium telephoto sub-cameras are interchangeable. Camera 600" may have dimensions and / or parameters, for example, as shown in Table 1.

[0114] Note that, despite having Figures 6A to 6C One embodiment of a folding telephoto lens three-aperture camera is shown as including an “upright” telephoto sensor 224, but other three-aperture cameras with a folding telephoto lens embodiment may include a second reflector and a telephoto sensor positioned in the XZ plane as in camera 300. Figure 7 An example of such an embodiment is shown. Figure 7 Another embodiment of a zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera, designated 700, with a folding telephoto lens disclosed herein, is schematically shown in a general isometric view. Camera 700 can essentially be viewed as an element in which a mid-range sub-camera 602 is added to camera 300. Alternatively, it can be viewed as a camera in which a second mirror 302 is inserted in the optical path between the folding telephoto lens 220 and the telephoto sensor 224. Telephoto autofocus can be achieved by moving the second mirror 302 (as in camera 400) (as indicated by arrow 430), or alternatively, by moving the telephoto lens (as in camera 300). Camera 700 may have dimensions and / or parameters, for example, those shown in Table 1.

[0115] Figure 8An embodiment of a zoom and autofocus three-aperture camera, designated 800, having two folding lenses disclosed herein, is schematically shown in a general isometric view. Camera 800 can be considered as a combined element present in camera 200 with an added "folding" mid-range sub-camera 802. Thus, as in camera 200, camera 800 may include a wide-angle sub-camera 202 with a wide-angle lens and a wide-angle sensor, a telephoto sub-camera 204 with a folding telephoto lens, an upright telephoto sensor 224, and a reflector 226. The folding mid-range sub-camera 802 includes a mid-range lens 804 and an upright mid-range sensor 806. The added reflector 808 reflects radiation arriving from the object side in a direction 810 parallel to direction 222b and axis 212 along the mid-range lens's axis of symmetry 812, through the mid-range lens 804, to the mid-range sensor, thereby providing mid-range image data, which can be combined with the wide-angle and telephoto sub-camera image data. In some examples, the central telephoto lens 804 can be moved in the Z direction along its axis 812 via an AF mechanism (not shown) (movement indicated by arrow 830) to provide central telephoto autofocus, similar to the telephoto autofocus movement illustrated above by arrow 230.

[0116] Alternative embodiments of a camera with folding mid-telephoto and telephoto lenses (not shown) may include additional reflectors and “flat” mid-telephoto and telephoto sensors (similar to those used for telephoto lenses). Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 (The embodiment shown). Furthermore, according to this example, autofocus can be achieved by moving these mirrors instead of lenses. The camera 800 can have, for example, the dimensions and / or parameters shown in Table 1. This configuration of the camera 800, for example, enables EFL (Electronic Focusing Fluid) to be achieved. M =3 * EFL W and EFL T =9 * EFL W At the same time, the camera height should be kept less than 7mm.

[0117] Figure 9 Figure (a) illustrates the effect of resolution gain on the ZF user experience under ideal optical zoom conditions. Figure 9 Figure (b) illustrates the actual user experience of ZF with the resolution gain in the case of two 13-megapixel sub-cameras (one wide-angle and one telephoto) and a 2-megapixel observer (e.g., a display).

[0118] For example, assume that wide-angle and telephoto sub-cameras have EFL (Effective Fluid Dynamics) T =5 * EFL W EFL S. In this case, the starting resolution (ZF=1) will be 2M of the viewer. As ZF is increased via 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, that is, 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) achieved by digital zoom 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] wherein CQ (typically between 0.7 and 0.8) represents camera quality at maximum resolution, and RG(W) is the perceived object resolution of a wide-angle sub-camera image without any digital zoom.

[0121] in Figure 9 in (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, wherein RG(T) is the perceived object resolution of a T sub-camera image without any digital zoom. Similarly, after sub-camera switching, the continuous resolution gain with ZF follows:

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

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

[0124] Figure 9Figure (c) illustrates the resolution gain for the ZF user experience in a common scenario with a 13M sub-camera and a 2M observer with a three-aperture camera, including one with EFL. W Wide-angle sub-camera with EFL M =2.35 × EFL W intermediate telephoto lens and with EFL T =5 * EFL W The telephoto sub-camera. In this case, there are two sub-camera conversions 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] As can be seen, in this case, the resolution gain provides a user experience for ZF that is very close to that of ideal optical zoom.

[0129] Therefore, based on the examples of the currently published topics, given EFL W and EFL T It can be based on EFL W Values ​​and EFL T The geometric mean of the values ​​is used to select the corresponding EFL. M The mid-range sub-camera. Based on this example, and using the equation... Select EFL M In some cases, EFL M equal

[0130] As mentioned above, it is desirable to design cameras with the smallest possible size to be suitable for operation with commonly used image sensors and to accommodate the thickness of electronic devices (e.g., smartphones) in which the camera is mounted (preferably without protruding from the device's housing). Therefore, in the multi-aperture (e.g., dual-aperture) cameras disclosed herein, it is desirable to keep the height of the folding telephoto sub-camera as low as possible. Unlike conventional cameras (e.g., upright sub-cameras), in the folding telephoto sub-cameras disclosed herein, the height of the camera is related to, for example, the y-axis dimension of the module as shown in Figure 2, and largely depends on the diameter of the largest lens in the corresponding lens module.

[0131] At the same time, it is desirable to achieve good image resolution while providing high zoom performance (e.g., ZF = X5 or greater), so the aperture in the folding telephoto sub-camera must be kept large enough to allow for a sufficiently small F# (e.g., F# = 3 or smaller). 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 (e.g., upright wide-angle or telephoto lens modules) with sensors larger than their aperture, the lens diameter is designed to widen towards the sensor to accommodate the field of view of light entering the camera aperture, which is intended to fall over the entire area of ​​the sensor. In folding lens units, this conventional design of increasing the lens diameter would result in a greater camera height, which is therefore undesirable.

[0133] Therefore, this paper discloses a novel folding telephoto sub-camera having a lens module with a set of lens elements designed to reduce height while keeping light blocking below a certain value and allowing incident light to be projected onto the entire area of ​​the image sensor.

[0134] Based on the examples of the currently disclosed subject matter, the lens elements in the lens module are not designed with their diameters increasing towards the sensor. Instead, the diameter of each lens element in the lens module of the folding 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 towards the sensor to obtain the desired camera characteristics (e.g., resolution and SNR) and to enable continuous image delivery over the entire area of ​​the image sensor (i.e., the active pixel area of ​​the sensor). The image sensor can 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 a telephoto lens module (comprising at least three lens elements) is substantially no greater than the diameter of the aperture (218) used to allow light into 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 element 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 10% of the diameter of the telephoto sub-camera aperture. According to yet another example, the diameter of the largest lens element in the telephoto lens module does not exceed 5% of the diameter of the telephoto sub-camera aperture. According to yet another example, the diameter of the largest lens element in the telephoto lens module does not exceed 2.5% of the diameter of the telephoto sub-camera aperture. Examples of folding telephoto sub-camera design parameters based on these principles are described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11 and Tables 2 through 7.

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

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

[0139] Detailed optical and aspherical surface data are given in Tables 2 and 3 of lens module 220a, Tables 4 and 5 of lens module 220b, and Tables 6 and 7 of lens module 220c. Radius of curvature (R), lens element thickness, and / or distance between elements along the axis of symmetry, as well as diameter, are expressed in mm. d "It's the refractive index." V d "This is a parameter indicating the color difference of the lens material." (Big V) d Indicates minor color differences, and vice versa. "BKZ" indicates N. d and V d The equation for the known glass aspherical surface profile is expressed by the following formula:

[0140]

[0141] Where “r” is the distance from the axis of symmetry (and perpendicular to it), k is the conic coefficient, c = 1 / R, where R is the radius of curvature, and α is the coefficient given in Tables 3, 5, and 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 various elements (and / or surfaces) are measured along the axis of symmetry Z, where the aperture is at Z = 0. Each number is measured from the previous surface.

[0142] 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] 2 0 -2.5699E-03 -6.5546E-04 -2.4933E-05 -1.9717E-05 9.1450E-07 1.8986E-08 0.0000E+00 3 0 4.7508E-04 -4.3516E-04 -6.5166E-05 -4.2148E-07 1.0572E-06 4.4021E-08 0.0000E+00 4 0 -9.1395E-03 2.5655E-04 -4.5210E-05 7.4472E-06 -1.1011E-06 2.8410E-07 0.0000E+00 5 0 -1.0827E-02 1.0372E-03 5.0554E-05 -9.5710E-06 1.1448E-05 -2.3474E-06 0.0000E+00 6 0 -9.5074E-03 1.0268E-03 2.4209E-04 1.1234E-04 3.9355E-06 -9.7194E-06 7.9430E-07 7 0 -3.6269E-03 8.7662E-04 7.00010E-04 6.5578E-05 -2.0053E-05 -4.1923E-06 0.0000E+00 8 0 -1.2355E-02 1.8611E-03 1.5007E-04 -9.4899E-05 -8.0223E-06 -3.1794E-06 0.0000E+00 9 0 -7.3112E-03 9.3354E-04 2.5951E-06 -4.0614E-06 -8.8752E-06 -1.6836E-06 6.2706E-07 10 0 -2.7777E-03 7.1318E-04 3.0673E-05 -2.3126E-06 -2.9513E-06 5.1524E-07 0.0000E+00 11 0 -3.8232E-03 4.8687E-04 4.8505E-05 2.2064E-06 -4.0755E-06 5.8813E-07 0.0000E+00

[0145] Table 3

[0146] 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] 2 0 3.1365E-04 -2.4756E-04 -3.2950E-05 -3.1474E-06 -6.6837E-07 -9.3198E-08 3 0 1.1887E-03 -5.1479E-04 -7.0886E-06 -6.6567E-06 7.3082E-07 -2.1508E-07 4 0 -6.7467E-03 1.6492E-03 -1.7937E-04 2.4668E-05 -6.1495E-08 -5.8827E-07 5 0 -1.8460E-02 3.8467E-03 -5.0388E-04 9.0675E-05 6.3951E-06 -4.2041E-06 6 0 -1.0557E-03 5.4851E-04 -1.1124E-04 1.2112E-04 -1.4549E-05 -1.0474E-06 7 0 -1.3355E-02 7.1465E-03 -1.8536E-03 4.1411E-04 -8.4044E-06 -6.4049E-06 8 0 -5.9360E-02 6.4070E-03 4.1503E-04 -2.5533E-04 4.3694E-05 -5.0293E-06 9 0 -5.6451E-02 9.0603E-03 -5.9225E-04 -1.1000E-04 2.2464E-05 -1.5043E-06

[0149] Table 5

[0150] 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] 2 0 -3.4545E-04 -2.6977E-04 -6.3091E-06 -7.6965E-07 0.0000E+00 0.0000E+00 3 0 -1.2414E-03 -3.0118E-04 1.6812E-05 -1.686.5E-06 1.9446E-07 -1.1391E-08 4 0 3.0073E-03 -4.8811E-04 9.4948E-05 -5.7587E-06 1.0543E-07 0.0000E+00 5 0 3.6847E-03 -4.8608E-04 7.2121E-05 -2.9304E-06 0.0000E+00 0.0000E+00 6 0 -1.5774E-02 1.4580E-03 -2.6302E-04 2.3905E-05 -1.1017E-06 0.0000E+00 7 0 -8.6658E-03 1.2548E-03 -3.6145E-04 5.0797E-05 -3.8486E-06 1.1039E-07

[0153] Table 7

[0154] Define the following terms: "Lens optical height" "H" is the maximum diameter of the optical usable area (i.e., the area where light passes directly from the camera aperture to the sensor to form an image) for each lens element. The terminology for a four-element lens module is as follows: Figure 11A The diagram shows each element L. n With corresponding optical height "H n The figure shows the distance between H / 2 as the axis of symmetry and the tip of the marked arrow. "Camera optical height" is the maximum optical height of all lens elements, which is H1 in this case.

[0155] The "percentage of light blocked" (per viewpoint) is defined as the percentage of light that reaches the camera from a very distant object at a given viewpoint (horizontal and vertical) and enters the camera aperture but does not reach the image sensor. It is worth noting that relative light blocking increases as the diameter of the lens element decreases. Figure 11BThe illustration shows a portion of the light being blocked 240 by an aperture 250 inserted (by example) between elements L3 and L4 of a four-element telephoto lens. The aperture (also simply referred to as the "aperture") is configured to prevent light from reaching the lens edge and scattering in all directions.

[0156] Based on the currently disclosed subject matter, the diameter of the lens element in the telephoto lens module is determined such 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 for the use of large telephoto sensors (>4.5mm × 3.35mm) that enable high pixel counts (e.g., 13 megapixels). They provide a low camera optical height, which achieves a low camera module height (e.g., <1.25*(1+EFL / F#)=1.25*(1+camera aperture), see also...). Figure 12 and Figure 13 .

[0158] The folding telephoto lens disclosed herein allows for high zoom with a low F# (e.g., <3) and a long EFL (e.g., >10mm) for all angles of view, resulting in more light and optical resolution, as well as a low percentage of light obstruction (<25%). As shown above, the folding telephoto lens module may include, for example, 3 to 5 lens elements. This combination of lens elements enables high image quality to be achieved at a low cost.

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

[0160] Figure 12 The camera disclosed herein and designated 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 with a folding telephoto lens. Each pair of magnets and coils is configured to provide a force that moves the telephoto lens 1210 along its axis of symmetry. The force (and movement) is reacted (and reversed) by a spring 1212.

[0161] Figure 13The camera disclosed herein and designated 1300 is shown in (a) isometric view and (b) exterior view. Compared to camera 1200, camera 1300 includes a single coil (1306) of a single magnet (1302) for a folding telephoto lens and a spring (1312) AF mechanism. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The AF mechanism illustrated in the figure is configured to operate based on the principle of a voice coil actuator (VCA, often referred to as a "magnetic actuator").

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

[0163] Specifically, one or two magnets (magnetically coupled to the corresponding coil) are designed to be substantially no higher than the height of the telephoto lens module in order to avoid any significant contribution to the overall height of the folding telephoto sub-camera.

[0164] The design is in Figure 12 (An AF design with two magnets is shown) and Figure 13 (An illustration of an AF design with a magnet is shown.) Note that although the magnet is positioned upright on one or both sides of the telephoto lens module, two other planes perpendicular to the magnet's positioning (marked by arrow OS on the object side; and by arrow SS on the substrate side) remain separate from the magnet. In general, this design of the AF mechanism and magnet 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 telephoto lens module (e.g., as defined by the highest lens). According to another example, the height of the magnet does not exceed 10% of the height of the telephoto lens module. According to another example, the height of the magnet does not exceed 5% of the height of the telephoto lens module. According to another example, the height of the magnet does not exceed 2.5% of the height of the telephoto lens module.

[0166] The entire camera (including the AF mechanism) can be encapsulated in a high-H... T In the low-profile mechanical package (shell) 1250 (total height), see Figure 12 (b) in the text, thereby enabling the inclusion of the zoom dual-aperture or triple-aperture camera disclosed herein in a low-profile mobile phone, thus enabling H T It is equal to or less than 6.5 mm, and in some examples, it is equal to or less than 5.7 mm.

[0167] Figure 14A schematic diagram of an example of a portable electronic device having an integrated dual-aperture camera with a folding telephoto lens module, according to an example of the currently disclosed subject matter, is shown. As illustrated in the image, camera 1450 (including a dual-aperture camera with a folding telephoto 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 such that its longitudinal dimension is positioned horizontally relative to the device. Due to the folding optical path of the telephoto sub-camera, it can provide high zoom performance (e.g., X5 or greater) while having a structure that does not protrude from the housing of an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0168] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments and generally associated methods, changes and substitutions to the embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. This disclosure is to be understood not to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile electronic device, comprising a camera and a processor, The camera includes 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, and is configured to provide a wide image, wherein the wide-angle lens module has a wide-angle lens symmetry axis along a first optical path between the object side and the wide-angle image sensor, wherein, The wide-angle image sensor is configured to receive light from the object side along the first optical path via the wide-angle lens module. The telephoto sub-camera includes a telephoto lens module, a telephoto image sensor, and a first reflective element, and is configured to provide a telephoto image. The telephoto lens module has a telephoto lens symmetry axis along a second optical path, wherein the telephoto lens symmetry axis is perpendicular to the wide-angle lens symmetry axis. The first reflective element has a first reflective element symmetry axis tilted at 45 degrees relative to both the wide-angle lens symmetry axis and the telephoto lens symmetry axis. The first reflective element is operable to provide a folded optical path between the object and the telephoto image sensor. The first reflective element is located in the folded optical path between the object side and the telephoto lens module and is configured to reflect light arriving from the object side along the telephoto lens symmetry axis toward the telephoto lens module. The telephoto image sensor is configured to receive light that has passed through the first reflective element and the telephoto lens module. The processor is configured to process the telephoto image and the wide-angle image into an output image.

2. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the telephoto lens module comprises a group of 3 to 5 lens elements, and wherein, The lens elements in the group are designed with a diameter not exceeding the diameter of the aperture of the telephoto sub-camera.

3. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The telephoto sub-camera also includes a second reflective element, and wherein the telephoto image sensor is configured to receive incident light through the first reflective element, the telephoto lens module, and the second reflective element.

4. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to provide a continuous zoom experience.

5. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The camera also includes a mid-range sub-camera, which is configured to provide mid-range images.

6. The mobile electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured to process the telephoto image, the mid-range image, and the wide-angle image into an output image.

7. The mobile electronic device of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a continuous zoom experience.

8. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a smartphone.

9. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a tablet computer.

10. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a laptop computer.

11. The mobile electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a smartphone.

12. The mobile electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a tablet computer.

13. The mobile electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a laptop computer.

14. The mobile electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a smartphone.

15. The mobile electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a tablet computer.

16. The mobile electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a laptop computer.

17. The mobile electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a smartphone.

18. The mobile electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a tablet computer.

19. The mobile electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The mobile electronic device is a laptop computer.

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