Large Aperture Compact Scanning Telephoto Camera

Abstract

A scanning telephoto camera (STC) based on field-of-view scanning with a dual optical path folding element (OPFE) and a mobile device including such an STC. The STC may include a first optical path folding element (O-OPFE) for folding a first optical path OP1 onto a second optical path OP2, a first optical path folding element actuator, a second optical path folding element (I-OPFE) for folding OP2 onto a third optical path OP3, a second optical path folding element actuator, a lens, a lens actuator, and an image sensor, wherein the STC has a scanning telephoto camera native field of view (n-FOV T ), wherein the first optical path folding element actuator is configured to rotate the O-OPFE about a first axis, and the second optical path folding element actuator rotates the I-OPFE about a second axis to use the n-FOV T to scan a scene, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens to focus along a third axis, and the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the third axis.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 289,323, filed on December 14, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 297,256, filed on January 7, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 380,786, filed on October 25, 2022, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to compact mobile cameras, and more particularly to mobile scanning tele cameras.

[0004] Definitions

[0005] For the optical and other characteristics mentioned in this application and throughout the specification and drawings, the following symbols and abbreviations are used, all of which are terms known in the art:

[0006] Lens element: A single lens element.

[0007] Lens: A combination of multiple lens elements.

[0008] Total track length (TTL): When the system is focused to an infinite object distance, the maximum distance between the point on the front surface S of the first lens element L 1 and the image sensor, measured along an axis parallel to the optical axis of the lens. 1

[0009] Back focal length (BFL): When the system is focused to an infinite object distance, the minimum distance between the point on the back surface S of the last lens element L N and the image sensor, measured along an axis parallel to the optical axis of the lens. 2N

[0010] Effective focal length (EFL): In a lens (a combination of lens elements L 1 to L N ), the distance between the principal point P' and the back focal point F' of the lens.

[0011] f - number (f / #): The ratio of the EFL to the diameter of the entrance pupil (or aperture) of the lens. Background Art

[0012] A known mobile electronic handheld device (or simply referred to as a "mobile device"), such as a smartphone with two or more compact cameras (also known as "multi-cameras"). The two or more cameras have lenses with different effective focal lengths (EFLs) and can capture images of the same scene with different fields of view (FOVs). For example, a multi-camera can include a wide-angle camera with a wide-angle camera field of view (FOVW) of, for example, 80 degrees, and a telephoto (or zoom) camera with a narrower field of view (native FOVT or n-FOVT) of, for example, 25 degrees and a higher spatial resolution (e.g., 3-5 times higher) than the wide-angle camera.

[0013] A telephoto camera with a scanning function (referred to as a scanning telephoto camera or STC) can expand the original field of view n-FOVT into an effective telephoto field of view (also known as a scanning FOVT or s-FOVT), overcoming some of the limitations associated with the narrow n-FOVT. A compact STC can be implemented in a folding camera, such as described in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 10,578,948, or in a double-folding camera, such as described in co-owned International Patent No. PCT / IB2021 / 059843. One or two optical path folding elements (OPFEs), such as prisms or mirrors, rotate in one or two directions to direct (or scan or manipulate) the n-FOVT to any point of view (POV) within the s-FOVT.

[0014] The f-number (f / #) of a camera lens is the ratio of the EFL to the aperture diameter (DA): f / # = EFL / DA. In the prior art of this field, a low f / # has three main advantages and is therefore an ideal choice: high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a strong "natural" bokeh effect, and support for high image resolution. In addition, a low f / # can be achieved by maximizing the aperture area of the camera lens.

[0015] It should be noted that the "aperture" in this article refers to the entrance pupil of the lens (or lens assembly). If "camera aperture" or "aperture of an optical lens system" is mentioned, it always refers to the aperture of the lens in the camera or optical lens system, respectively. "Aperture" and "net aperture" can be used interchangeably.

[0016] It would be beneficial and necessary to incorporate a compact scanning telephoto camera into a mobile device, the camera including a lens with a large aperture area and a low f-number. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In various exemplary embodiments (examples), a scanning telephoto camera (STC) is provided, including: an optical path folding element (OPFE) configured to fold a first optical path OP1 into a second optical path OP2, where the OPFE has an optical path folding element height H measured along the OP1 O , an optical path folding element length L measured along an axis parallel to the OP2 O , an optical path folding element incident surface and an optical path folding element exit surface; an optical path folding element actuator; a lens having a lens optical axis parallel to the OP2, an effective focal length EFL, an F-number f / #, a maximum lens aperture height H measured along the OP1 A and a maximum lens aperture width W measured along an axis perpendicular to the OP1 and the OP2 A ; and an image sensor having an image sensor diagonal SD and an image sensor height H measured along the OP1 Sensor ; wherein the STC has a scanning telephoto camera native field of view n-FOV T , and the optical path folding element actuator is configured to rotate the OPFE about a first rotation axis perpendicular to the OP1 and the OP2 and a second rotation axis parallel to the OP1 to scan a scene using the n-FOV T , the first rotation axis being located at a distance Δ1 from the optical path folding element exit surface, and Δ1 / L O <0.25.

[0018] In some examples, Δ1 / L O <0.2. In some examples, Δ1 / L O <0.15. In some examples, Δ1 / L O <0.1. In some examples, Δ1 / L O <0.075.

[0019] In some examples, the OPFE has an optical path folding element center relative to the OP1, where the first rotation axis is located at a distance Δ along the OP1 from the optical path folding element center C and the ratio of Δ C to H O satisfies Δ C / H O >0.015. In some examples, Δ C / H O >0.02.

[0020] In some examples, the lens moves along the OP2 for focusing.

[0021] In some examples, the scanning telephoto camera includes a camera module, where the camera module is divided into a module area having a module area height (H M ) and a shoulder area having a shoulder area height H S , H S < H M , and all heights are measured along the OP1, where H S < H A + 3 mm. In some examples, the OPFE is included in the module area, and the lens and the image sensor are included in the shoulder area.

[0022] In some examples, the lens is divided into a first lens group (G1) and a second lens group (G2), the OPFE and the G1 are included in the module area, and the G2 and the image sensor are located in the shoulder area.

[0023] In some examples, the OPFE has an optical path folding element center relative to the OP1, where a first rotation axis is located at a distance Δ C from the optical path folding element center along the OP1, and the ratio of Δ C to H S satisfies Δ C / H S > 0.015.

[0024] In some examples, H S < H A + 2 mm.

[0025] In some examples, H S < W A .

[0026] In some examples, H S / H M < 0.9. In some examples, H S / H M ≤ 0.8.

[0027] In some examples, H A / H S > 0.7.

[0028] In some examples, H A / H M > 0.5.

[0029] In some examples, DA / H S > 0.8. In some examples, DA / H M > 0.65.

[0030] In some examples, H M <H O +4 mm. In some examples, H M <H O +3 mm.

[0031] In some examples, the scanning telephoto camera is included in a mobile device, the mobile tissue has a regular area with a regular thickness (T) and a bump area with a bump thickness (T + B), the shoulder area is included in the regular area of the mobile device, and the module area is included in the bump area of the mobile device. In some examples, the mobile device includes a wide-angle camera, and the wide-angle camera has a wide-angle camera image sensor and a wide-angle camera field of view (FOV W ). In some examples, the mobile device is a smartphone.

[0032] In some examples, H O <H A +2 mm. In some examples, H O <H A +1 mm.

[0033] In some examples, SD / EFL > 0.4 mm.

[0034] In some examples, the STC uses a parallel scanning telephoto camera sensor configuration. In some examples, the STC uses an anti-parallel scanning telephoto camera sensor configuration.

[0035] In some examples, the scanning provides an effective telephoto scanning field of view (s-FOV T ), the s-FOV T has a longer horizontal side and a shorter vertical side, and the horizontal side (H-FOV T ) of the s-FOV T is greater than 40 degrees.

[0036] In some examples, the scanning provides an effective telephoto scanning field of view (s-FOV T ), the center position of the s-FOV T is the same as the center position of the FOV W . In some examples, the scanning provides an effective telephoto scanning field of view (s-FOV T ), the FOV W is in the range of 50 to 120 degrees, and the s-FOV T covers the 16:9 portion of the FOV W . In some examples, the scanning provides an effective telephoto scanning field of view (s-FOVT ) and the FOV W is in the range of 70 to 90 degrees, and the s-FOV T covers the 16:9 portion of the FOV W . In some examples, the FOV W is in the range of 75 to 85 degrees, and the s-FOV T covers the 16:9 portion of the FOV W .

[0037] In some examples, the H-FOV T > 45 degrees. In some examples, the H-FOV T > 50 degrees.

[0038] In some examples, the scan provides an effective telephoto scan field of view (s-FOV T ), the s-FOV T has a longer horizontal side and a shorter vertical side, and the vertical side (V-FOV T ) of the s-FOV T > 20 degrees. In some examples, the V-FOV T > 25 degrees. In some examples, the V-FOV T > 30 degrees.

[0039] In some examples, the rotation of the OPFE about the first rotation axis exceeds ±5 degrees around a zero scan position. In some examples, the rotation of the OPFE about the second rotation axis exceeds ±15 degrees around a zero scan position.

[0040] In some examples, the OPFE is a prism. In some examples, the OPFE is a prism having a fast scan axis and a slow scan axis, and the orientation of the image sensor is such that the fast scan axis of the prism is aligned with the horizontal side H-FOV T of the s-FOV T .

[0041] In some examples, the EFL of the scanned telephoto camera is 8 - 10 mm. In some examples, the EFL of the scanned telephoto camera is 10 - 25 mm. In some examples, the EFL of the scanned telephoto camera is 25 - 50 mm.

[0042] In some examples, the optical path folding element actuator is a voice coil motor. In some examples, the f / # of the lens < 3.5. In some examples, the f / # of the lens < 3. In some examples, the f / # of the lens < 2.5.

[0043] In some examples, a distance between the OPFE and the lens is ΔL O , where ΔL O / TTL < 0.25.

[0044] In some examples, H O / L O < 0.9. In some examples, W O / H O > 1.5. In some examples, W O / H O > 1.75.

[0045] In some examples, the lens is a cut lens, which is cut along an axis parallel to the OP2. In some examples, the cut lens is cut by 10% to 50%. In some examples, the cut lens is cut by X%, and cutting by X% will reduce MH M and MH S by 0.5·X% - X%.

[0046] In some examples, the OPFE is a cut optical path folding element, which is cut along an axis parallel to the OP2. In some examples, the cut optical path folding element is cut by 10% to 40%. In some examples, the cut optical path folding element has a cut surface, and the cut surface extends along a distance Δcut from the light-emitting surface of the optical path folding element, and Δcut > Δ1.

[0047] In some examples, the lens element in the lens has an average lens thickness (ALT), the thickness of the first lens element (L1) is T1, and T1 / ALT > 1.5.

[0048] In some examples, the lens element in the G1 has an average lens thickness (ALT G1 ), where ALT G1 / ALT > 1.25.

[0049] In some examples, the lens elements in the G1 and the G2 respectively have average lens thicknesses ALT G1 and ALT G2 , where ALT G1 / ALT G2 > 2.

[0050] In some examples, the focal length of the first lens element is f1, where f1 / EFL < 0.75.

[0051] In some examples, a ratio of a height H G1 of G1 to a height H G2 of G2 satisfies H G1 / HG2 > 1.15. In some examples, a height H of G1 G1 and a height H of G2 G2 satisfy the ratio of H G1 / H G2 > 1.3.

[0052] In some examples, the first lens element (L1) is made of glass.

[0053] In some examples, the OPFE is a prism, and the prism includes a stray light prevention mechanism. In some examples, the stray light prevention mechanism includes two stray light covers located on the incident light surface of the optical path folding element and two stray light covers located on the exit light surface of the optical path folding element. In some examples, the two stray light covers located on the incident light surface of the optical path folding element are respectively located at the left and right edges of the incident light surface of the optical path folding element, and the two stray light covers located on the exit light surface of the optical path folding element are respectively located at the top and bottom of the exit light surface of the optical path folding element. In some examples, the two stray light covers located on the incident light surface of the optical path folding element together cover more than 10% and less than 20% of the area of the incident light surface of the optical path folding element. In some examples, the two stray light covers located on the exit light surface of the optical path folding element together cover more than 20% and less than 30% of the area of the exit light surface of the optical path folding element.

[0054] In some examples, a mobile device is provided, the mobile device includes an STC as described above or below, and the mobile device further includes an application processor (AP). In some examples, the AP is configured to use image data from a wide-angle camera to perform a scene from a main scan through the n-FOV having the STC. In some examples, the AP is configured to scan a scene of the n-FOV of the STC according to a user input. T In some examples, the AP is configured to use image data from a wide-angle camera to perform a scene from a main scan through the n-FOV having the STC. In some examples, the AP is configured to scan a scene of the n-FOV of the STC according to a user input. T of a scene. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Non-limiting examples of embodiments disclosed in the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings listed later in this section. The drawings and the description are intended to illustrate and explain the embodiments disclosed in the present application and should not be regarded as limiting in any way. The same elements in different drawings may be represented by the same numbers. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0056] FIGS. 1A to Figure 1D show existing dual cameras, including a folded telephoto camera in a mobile device.

[0057] FIG. 1E shows a cross-sectional view of the optical path folding element of the existing telephoto camera as shown in FIGS. 1A to Figure 1D at the zero scan position.

[0058] Figure 2A Shows a cross-sectional view of the foldable scanning telephoto camera (STC) disclosed in this application.

[0059] Figure 2B Shows a top view of the foldable STC disclosed in this application.

[0060] Figure 2C Shows a cross-sectional view of another foldable STC disclosed in this application.

[0061] Figure 2D Shows a top view of another foldable STC disclosed in this application.

[0062] Figure 3A Shows including Figures 2A to 2B A cross-sectional view of a mobile device including the foldable STC in

[0063] Figure 3B Shows including Figures 2C to 2D A cross-sectional view of another mobile device including the foldable STC in

[0064] Figure 3C Shows including Figures 2A to 2D A fluid diagram of another mobile device including the foldable camera and the wide-angle camera in

[0065] Figure 3D Shows Figure 3C A top view of the mobile device in

[0066] Figure 3E Shows Figure 3C A side view of the mobile device of

[0067] Figure 3F Shows another mobile device including the STC and the wide-angle camera disclosed herein;

[0068] Figure 3G Shows Figure 3F A top view of the mobile device of

[0069] Figure 3H Shows Figure 3F A side view of the mobile device of

[0070] Figures 4A to 4C Shows Figures 2A to 2B A cross-sectional view of different scanning states of the foldable STC in around the first rotation axis.

[0071] Figures 4D to 4F Shows Figures 2C to 2D A cross-sectional view of different scanning states of the foldable STC in around the first rotation axis.

[0072] Figures 5A to 5C Display Figure 2A Cross-sectional views of different scanning states of the folded STC in FIG. B about the second rotation axis.

[0073] Figures 5D to 5F Display Figures 2C to 2D Cross-sectional views of different scanning states of the folded STC in about the second rotation axis.

[0074] Figure 6A and 6B Display Figures 2A to 2B The OPFE of the folded STC in and the first and second rotation axes.

[0075] Figure 6C and 6D Display Figures 2C to 2D The OPFE of the folded STC in and the first and second rotation axes.

[0076] Figure 7 Display Figures 2A to 2B and Figure 2C The field of view of the folded STC in FIGS. D.

[0077] Figure 8 Display Figures 2A to 2B The optical lens system included in the folded STC in.

[0078] Figure 9 Display Figures 2C to 2D The optical lens system included in the folded STC in.

[0079] Figure 10 Display another optical lens system disclosed in the present application.

[0080] Figure 11A Cross-sectional view of another optical lens system disclosed in the present application.

[0081] Figure 11B Top view of another optical lens system disclosed in the present application.

[0082] Figure 11C Perspective view of another optical lens system disclosed in the present application.

[0083] Figure 12 Display a mobile device including an STC, the STC including Figures 11A to 11C Another optical lens system.

[0084] Figure 13A Display Figures 11A to 11C Side view of the prism included in another optical lens system.

[0085] Figure 13B Display Figure 13AStereogram of the prism. Detailed implementation

[0086] Figure 1A shows a known folded scanning telephoto camera (folded STC) 100, which includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) 102, a lens 104 including a plurality of lens elements (not shown), a lens barrel 110 in which the lens piece 104 is included, and an image sensor 106. The lens 104 has an optical lens height H measured along a first optical path 112 L . H L defines the aperture diameter (DA) of the lens 104 in the y direction. The optical path folding element 102 folds the optical path (OP) from the first optical path 112 (parallel to the y-axis in the YZ coordinate system) to a second optical path 108, and the second optical path 108 is parallel to the optical axis of the lens 104 along the z-axis in the coordinate system. The figure shows the theoretical limits of the camera module height (minimum module height or MH M ) and the theoretical limit of the camera module length (minimum module length or MLM). MH M and ML M are respectively defined by the maximum dimensions of the elements included in the camera 100 along the first optical path 112 and the second optical path 108. In order to scan a scene using the n-FOVT of the scanning telephoto camera 100, the optical path folding element 102 can rotate around two axes, the first rotation axis is parallel to the y-axis, and the second rotation axis is parallel to the x-axis.

[0087] Figure 1B shows a known dual camera 150, which includes a scanning telephoto camera 100 and a (vertical or upright) wide-angle camera 130, where the wide-angle camera 130 includes a wide-angle lens 132 and a wide-angle image sensor 138. The lens 132 is included in a lens barrel 134. The wide-angle camera 130 has an optical path 136 that is substantially parallel to the optical path 112.

[0088] Figure 1CA cross-sectional view schematically shows a known mobile device 160 (such as a smartphone) having an external rear surface 162 and including an existing scanning telephoto camera 100. The aperture of the scanning telephoto camera 100 is located on the rear surface 162, and the front surface 166 may include a screen (not shown), for example. The mobile device 160 has a conventional thickness region (T) and a camera bump region 164 that is higher than the regular region by a height B. The bump region has a bump length (LB) and a bump thickness T + B. As shown, the scanning telephoto camera 100 is fully integrated in the bump region, such that MML and MMH define the lower limit of the bump region, i.e., LB and T + B. For industrial design reasons, a smaller camera bump (i.e., a shorter LB) is desired. The mobile device 160 may also include an application processor (AP), not shown. In some examples, the AP may be configured to scan a scene using the n-FOVT of the scanning telephoto camera 100 according to a user input. In other examples, the AP may be configured to use image data from a wide-angle camera (such as camera 130) to autonomously scan a scene using the n-FOVT of the scanning telephoto camera 100.

[0089] Figure 1D A cross-sectional view shows a known cut lens element 180. The lens element 180 is cut by 20%, i.e., the optical width W of 180 L is 20% larger than its optical height H L This means that the aperture will change accordingly, such that the aperture is not axisymmetric. The cut allows for a smaller H L which is required for a small MH M (see FIG. 1A), and still has a relatively large effective aperture diameter (DA) that satisfies DA > H L .

[0090] FIG. 1E shows, in a cross-sectional view, an optical path folding element 102 of an existing scanning telephoto camera 100 in a zero scanning position. Among them, the optical path folding element 102 is a prism having a light entry surface 190 and a light exit surface 191. In the zero scanning position, the optical path folding element 102 has a length L O (measured along the z-axis) and a height H 0(Measured along the y-axis). The figure shows the position of the first rotation axis 192 (as shown by arrow 193) for rotating the optical path folding element 102 about an axis perpendicular to the shown y-z coordinate system, and the position of the second rotation axis 194 (as shown by arrow 195) for rotating the optical path folding element 102 about an axis parallel to this axis. The distance from the first rotation axis 192 to the light exit surface 191 of the optical path folding element 102 is marked as Δ192. The distance from the second rotation axis 194 to the light entry surface 190 of the optical path folding element 102 is marked as Δ194. In a known scanning telephoto camera, both rotation axes are located in the central region of the optical path folding element 102, that is, the ratio of Δ192 to L O and the ratio of Δ194 to H 0 is approximately 0.5. Specifically, Δ192 / L O and Δ194 / H 0 generally satisfy Δ192 / L O = 0.3–0.7 and Δ194 / H 0 = 0.3–0.7.

[0091] Hereinafter, the "first rotation axis" of the prism refers to a rotation axis that neither intersects the light entry surface of the prism nor intersects the light exit surface of the prism, and for example, the first rotation axis 192. The "second rotation axis" of the prism refers to a rotation axis that intersects the light entry surface of the prism and intersects the light exit surface of the prism, for example, the second rotation axis 194. It should be noted that the first rotation axis defined as above represents the "fast scanning axis" (or effective scanning axis) of the scanning telephoto camera (STC), because for each one-degree rotational movement of the prism about the first rotation axis, the s-FOVT moves two degrees. As described above, the second rotation axis represents the "slow scanning axis" (or inefficient scanning axis) of the STC, because for each one-degree rotation of the prism about the second rotation axis, the s-FOVT moves one degree.

[0092] In all examples disclosed in this application, the optical path folding element (OPFE) is a prism having a light entry surface, a light reflection surface, and a light exit surface. Therefore, we can use "OPFE" and "prism" interchangeably. However, this is not restrictive, and in other examples, a mirror having a light entry surface can be used.

[0093] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the scanning telephoto camera (STC) disclosed in this application is shown, numbered 200. The scanning telephoto camera 200 includes an optical path folding element 202 (such as a prism or a mirror), a lens 204 including N = 6 lens elements L 1 –L 6 , an (optional) optical filter 205, and an image sensor 206. Figure 2B The above view shows the scanning telephoto camera 200.

[0094] The lens 204 has an optical axis 208. The scanning telephoto camera 200 has an aperture 209. The scanning telephoto camera 200 includes a module housing 210 of the camera. The module housing 210 has a module area 214, and the module area 214 has a module height (H M ) and a module length L M,1 , and a shoulder area 212, and the shoulder height (H S ) is lower than the module area 214 by ΔH, that is, H M > H S , and a shoulder length L M,2 . Here and hereinafter, all widths (W) are measured along an axis parallel to the x-axis, all heights (H) are measured along an axis parallel to the y-axis, and all lengths (L) are measured along an axis parallel to the z-axis.

[0095] The theoretical limit of the module height of the camera 200 is the "minimum module height" (or MH M ). The theoretical limit of the shoulder height of the camera 200 is the "minimum shoulder height" (or MH S ). MH M and MH S are respectively defined by the maximum height dimensions of the components included in the scanning telephoto camera 200. MH M is defined by the height H O of the optical path folding element 202 plus the additional height required to rotate the optical path folding element 202, as shown in the figure. In all STCs disclosed herein, relatively low MH can be achieved by making the following two design choices M :

[0096] 1. By positioning or placing the rotation axis of the first optical path folding element (such as 402, 452, and 1306, see Figures 13A to 13B ) relatively close to the light exit surface of the optical path folding element, that is, the ratios of Δ402 / LO, Δ452 / L O and Δ1306 / L P are relatively small (less than 0.25).

[0097] 2. Using an optical path folding element that satisfies H 0 < LO, such as OPFE202, OPFE252, and OPFE 1102.

[0098] MH S is defined by the height (H sensor ) of the image sensor 206 plus the additional height required to rotate the OPFE 202. Small MH M and MH S are beneficial for integration into ultra-thin mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet computers.

[0099] It should be clarified that all camera modules and optical lens systems disclosed in this application are applicable to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

[0100] For practical estimation, we calculate H M or H S by adding an additional height penalty of 1.5 mm to MH M and H S , that is, H M = MH M + 1.5 mm and H S = MH S + 1.5 mm. Movements that may be required for optical image stabilization (OIS), autofocusing (AF), and the housing, lens cap, etc. are considered. Note that the value of 1.5 mm is exemplary and by no means restrictive, and the added amount may vary between 1 and 3 mm.

[0101] Lens 204 is divided into two lens groups. The first lens group (G1) includes L1 and L2, and the second lens group (G2) includes L3 - L6. G1 has the maximum optical lens height H G1 , G2 has the maximum optical lens height H G2 , where H G1 > H G2 . G1 can be included in the module area 214, and G2 can be included in the shoulder area 212. G1 has the maximum optical lens width W G1 , G2 has the maximum optical lens width W G2 , where W G1 > W G2 ( Figure 2B ). In addition, OPFE 202 can be included in the module area 214, while the optical filter 205 and the image sensor 206 can be included in the shoulder area 212. In other embodiments, the entire lens 204 (i.e., G1 and G2) can be included in the shoulder area 212. This may be beneficial for integrating STC 200 into a thin mobile device, that is, a mobile device with a low height. A relatively large H G1 may be required because it allows STC 200 to have a larger DA. A relatively small H G2 may be required because it allows STC 200 to have a thin shoulder area 214, that is, a relatively small H S .

[0102] To scan the telephoto field of view (s-FOV T ) using the native FOV T of STC 200T ) The OPFE 202 rotates along two dimensions. The OPFE 202 shows several rotation states required for scanning the s-FOV T The rotation of the scanning s-FOV T can be driven by a voice coil motor (VCM). The OPFE 202 is a cut (or D-cut) prism.

[0103] Figure 2C Another STC disclosed in the present application is shown, numbered 250, which is a cross-sectional view. Figure 2D The upper view of the STC 250 is shown. The STC 250 includes an OPFE 252 (such as a prism or a mirror), a lens 254 including N = 6 lens elements L 1 –L 6 , an (optional) optical filter 255, and an image sensor 256. The OPFE 252 shows several rotation states required for scanning the s-FOV T The OPFE 252 is a cut (or D-cut) prism.

[0104] The lens 254 is a cut lens. The lens 254 has an optical axis 258, an optical lens height H L and an optical lens width W L . The STC 250 has an aperture 259. The STC 250 includes a camera module housing 260. The module housing 260 has a module area 264, the module area 264 has a module height H M and a module area length L M,1 , and a shoulder area 262, a shoulder height H S lower than H by ΔH, that is, H M >H M , and a shoulder area length L S . For industrial design reasons, minimizing L M,2 is beneficial because it allows the mobile device to have a smaller L M,1 ( B ). Figure 3B )

[0105] The theoretical limits of the module height and the STC 250 shoulder height are MH M and MH S , as defined above. H M and H S are calculated by adding a penalty of 1.5 mm to MH M or MH S respectively, that is, H M = MH M + 1.5 mm and H S = MHS +1.5 mm.

[0106] The lens 254 is completely contained within the shoulder region 262. The OPFE 252 is contained within the module region 264. The optical filter 255 and the image sensor 256 are contained within the shoulder region 262.

[0107] In other examples, one or more first lens elements may be included in the module region 264. For the lens 254, the height H L1 is greater than the L of all other lens elements 1 may be included in the module region 264.

[0108] Figure 3A Shown in cross-sectional view is a mobile device 300 (e.g., a smartphone) including Figures 2A to 2B the STC 200 therein. The mobile device 300 has a front surface 302 (e.g., including a screen, not shown) and a rear surface 310 including an aperture 209 of the STC 200. The mobile device 300 has a regular region 312 with a thickness of "T" and a camera bump region 314 that is higher (protrudes outward) by a height B than the regular region 312. The bump region has a bump length (L B ) and a bump thickness T + B. From an industrial design perspective, it is desirable to minimize the bump area, i.e., to have a shorter L B . To achieve a short L B , the module region 214 of the STC 200 is contained within the bump region 314, while the shoulder region 212 of the STC 200 is contained within the regular region 312. This means that the OPFE 202 and the G1 of the lens 204 are contained within the bump region 314, while the G2 of the lens 204 and the image sensor 206 are contained within the regular region 312.

[0109] Optionally, in some embodiments (also referred to as examples), a portion of the shoulder region 212 may also be contained within the bump region 314. In other embodiments, both the G1 and G2 of the lens 204 are contained within the bump region 314, i.e., the entire lens 204.

[0110] Figure 3B Shown in cross-sectional view is a mobile device numbered 320 (e.g., a smartphone), including Figures 2C to 2D the STC 250 therein. The mobile device 320 has a front surface 322 (e.g., including a screen, not shown) and a rear surface 330 including an aperture 259 of the STC 250. The mobile device 320 has a regular region 332 with a thickness of "T" and a camera bump region 334 that is higher by a height B than the regular region 332, and the bump region has a length of L B . To achieve a short L B, the module region 264 of the STC 250 is included in the bump region 334, while the shoulder region 262 of the STC 250 is included in the regular region 332. The OPFE 252 is included in the bump region 334, while the lens 254 and the image sensor 256 are included in the regular region 332. The mobile devices 300 and 320 may also include a wide-angle camera (e.g., the wide-angle camera 130 that provides wide-angle camera images) and an application processor (AP). In some examples, the AP may be configured to analyze a scene using the wide-angle camera images and, based on the scene analysis, autonomously use the n-FOV of the STC 200 and the STC 250 T to scan the scene. In other examples, the AP may be configured to use the n-FOV of the STC 200 and the STC 250 to scan the scene based on a user input T . The field of view (FOV W ) of the wide-angle camera may be in the range of 50 degrees - 120 degrees or greater, e.g., 80 degrees. At the zero scan position, the center position of the n-FOV T coincides with the center position of the FOV W . The center position of the s-FOV T coincides with the center position of the FOV W . In some examples, the s-FOV T covers the 16:9 portion of the FOV W .

[0111] Figures 3C to 3E shows another mobile device numbered 340 (e.g., a smartphone), including an STC (e.g., the STC 200 in Figures 2A to 2B or the STC 250 in Figures 2C to 2D ) and a wide-angle camera 344. Hereinafter, we will only illustrate with the STC 200 as an example. Figure 3C shows a perspective view of the mobile device 340. Figure 3D shows a top view of the mobile device 340. Figure 3E shows a side view of the mobile device 340. The wide-angle camera 344 has a wide-angle camera lens (not shown), a wide-angle camera aperture 346, and a wide-angle camera image sensor 348. The mobile device 340 has a front surface 342 (e.g., including a screen, not shown) and a rear surface 350, including the aperture of the STC and the wide-angle camera 344. When considered from the top view ( Figure 3D ), the mobile device 340 has a rectangular shape and has a device width (W D ) measured along the x-axis and a device height (H D ) measured along the z-axis, as shown. The ratio of W D : H D is usually different from 1:1 and can be 16:9, 19:9, or the like. That is, usually WD >H D Both the image sensor 206 and the image sensor 348 have a rectangular shape. Hereinafter, the corresponding width and height of the image sensor are defined as follows: The width of the image sensor represents (or indicates) the maximum size of the image sensor, and the height of the image sensor represents the second largest size of the image sensor. The image sensor 206 of the STC 200 has a telephoto sensor width (W S,T ) measured along the x-axis and a telephoto sensor height (H S,T ), as shown in the figure. The image sensor 348 of the wide-angle camera 344 has a wide-angle sensor width (W S,W ) measured along the x-axis and a wide-angle sensor height (H S,W ) measured along the z-axis, as shown in the figure. Generally, the wide-angle camera 344 is integrated into the mobile device 340 such that W S,W is substantially parallel to W D . For the two image sensors, the ratio of W S :H S is generally different from 1:1 and can be 4:3, 16:9 or the like. That is, generally W S >H S . The ratio of W S :H S of the image sensor 206 and the image sensor 348 can be the same or different. In the mobile device 340, the STC 200 is integrated into the mobile device 340 such that W S,T is substantially parallel to W S,W and W D . H S,T is substantially perpendicular to H S,W . When considering incorporating the STC 200 into the mobile device 340 from a side view, the image sensor 206 is parallel to the mobile device 340 (i.e., the rectangular shape of the image sensor 206 is parallel to the rectangular shape of the mobile device 340). Therefore, hereinafter we will refer to this configuration as the "parallel STC sensor configuration".

[0112] Figures 3F to 3H Shows another mobile device 360 (e.g., a smartphone) numbered 360, including the STC 1250 and the wide-angle camera 344. The STC 1250 includes an optical lens system, such as the optical lens system 1100 (see FIG. 11), including the OPFE 1102, lenses (not shown), and the image sensor 1106. Figure 3F Shows a perspective view of the mobile device 360. Figure 3G Shows a top view of the mobile device 360. Figure 3HSide view of the mobile device 360 is shown. The mobile device 360 has a front surface 362 and a rear surface 370, including apertures for the STC 1250 and the wide-angle camera 344. The mobile device 360 has a device width (W D ) measured along the x-axis and a device height (H D ) measured along the z-axis, as shown. Both the image sensor 1106 and the image sensor 348 have a rectangular shape. The image sensor 1106 of the STC 1250 has a telephoto sensor width (W S,T ) measured along the y-axis and a telephoto sensor height (H S,T ) measured along the x-axis, as shown. The image sensor 348 of the wide-angle camera 344 has a wide-angle sensor width (W S,W ) measured along the x-axis and a wide-angle sensor height (H S,W ) measured along the z-axis, as shown. Generally, the wide-angle camera 344 is integrated into the mobile device 340 such that W S,W is substantially parallel to W D . For both image sensors, the ratio of W S :H S is generally different from 1:1 and can be 4:3, 16:9, or the like. The image sensors 1106 and 348 may have the same W S :H S ratio or may not be the same. In the mobile device 360, the STC 1250 is integrated into the mobile device 360 such that W S,T is substantially perpendicular to W S,W and W D , while W S,W and W D are parallel to each other. H S,T is substantially perpendicular to H S,W and is substantially parallel to W S,W . When considering the incorporation of the STC 1300 into the mobile device 360 from a side view, the orientation of the image sensor 1106 is anti-parallel to the mobile device 360 (i.e., the orientation of the rectangular shape of the image sensor 1106 is anti-parallel to the rectangular shape of the mobile device 360). Therefore, we will refer to this configuration as the "anti-parallel STC sensor configuration" hereinafter.

[0113] Figure 4A Shows Figures 2A to 2B a cross-sectional view of the STC 200 without the module housing 210 at the zero scan position. The zero scan position is defined by the top surface of the OPFE 202 being parallel to the z-axis such that the n-FOV T is located within the s-FOV TCenter. The OPFE 202 rotates about a first rotation axis 402 that is parallel to the x-axis (i.e., perpendicular to the shown y-axis and z-axis). The uncut central axis 404 represents the center of the uncut OPFE 202 with respect to the y-axis, i.e., if the OPFE 202 were not cut, the uncut central axis 404 would be located at the center of the uncut OPFE. The cut central axis 406 represents the center of the cut OPFE 202 with respect to the y-axis, i.e., the cut central axis 406 is located at the center of the cut OPFE 202. As can be seen, the first rotation axis 402 intersects the optical axis 208 of the lens 204. However, the first rotation axis 402 does not intersect the uncut central axis 404, nor does it intersect the cut central axis 406. The first rotation axis 402 is located at a distance ΔC from the uncut central axis 404. The eccentric position with respect to the y-axis of the OPFE 202 is beneficial for minimizing MH M . The image sensor 206 is oriented in a parallel STC sensor configuration.

[0114] Figure 4B Show Figure 4A The STC 200 without the module housing 210 is in a maximum counterclockwise rotation state with respect to the first rotation axis 402. The counterclockwise rotation direction 412 is shown.

[0115] Figure 4C Illustrates Figures 4A to 4B The STC 200 without the module housing 210 is in a maximum clockwise rotation state with respect to the first rotation axis 402. The clockwise rotation direction 414 is shown.

[0116] Figure 4D Is shown in a cross-sectional view Figures 2C to 2D The STC 250 in the zero scan position without the module housing 260. The OPFE 252 rotates about a first rotation axis 452 that is parallel to the x-axis (i.e., perpendicular to the shown y-axis and z-axis). The uncut central axis 454 represents the center of the uncut OPFE 252 with respect to the y-axis. The cut central axis 456 represents the center of the cut OPFE 252 with respect to the y-axis. The first rotation axis 452 intersects the optical axis 258 of the lens 254, but the first rotation axis 452 does not intersect the uncut central axis 454, nor does it intersect the cut central axis 456. The first rotation axis 452 is located at a distance ΔC from the uncut prism central axis 454. The eccentric position of the OPFE 252 is beneficial for minimizing MH M . The image sensor 256 is oriented in a parallel STC sensor configuration.

[0117] Figure 4E Shows Figure 4D The STC 250 without the module housing 260 is in a maximum counterclockwise rotation state with respect to the first rotation axis 452.

[0118] Figure 4F Display Figures 4D to 4E The STC 250 without the module housing 260 in [the figure] is in the maximum clockwise rotation state relative to the first rotation axis 452.

[0119] Display the counterclockwise rotation direction 462 and the clockwise rotation direction 464.

[0120] Figure 5A Display Figures 2A to 2B The top view of the STC 200 without the module housing 210 in [the figure] at the zero scan position. The zero scan position is defined by the top surface of the OPFE 202 being parallel to the z-axis, such that the n-FOV T is located in the s-FOV T at the center. The OPFE 202 rotates about a second rotation axis 502 parallel to the y-axis (i.e., perpendicular to the shown x-axis and z-axis).

[0121] Figure 5B Display Figure 5A The STC 200 without the module housing 210 in [the figure] is in the maximum clockwise rotation state relative to the second rotation axis 502. Display the clockwise rotation direction 512.

[0122] Figure 5C Display Figures 5A to 5B The STC 200 without the module housing 210 in [the figure] is in the maximum counterclockwise rotation state relative to the second rotation axis 502. The counterclockwise rotation direction 514 is shown.

[0123] Figure 5D Display Figures 2C to 2D The top view of the STC 250 without the module housing 260 in [the figure] at the zero scan position. The OPFE 252 rotates about a second rotation axis 552 parallel to the y-axis (i.e., perpendicular to the shown x-axis and z-axis).

[0124] Figure 5E Display Figure 5D The STC 250 without the module housing 260 in [the figure] is in the maximum clockwise rotation state relative to the second rotation axis 552.

[0125] Figure 5F Display Figures 5D to 5E The STC 250 without the module housing 210 in [the figure] is in the maximum counterclockwise rotation state relative to the second rotation axis 552.

[0126] The clockwise rotation direction 562 and the counterclockwise rotation direction 564 are shown in the figure. Figure 6AShows a cross-sectional view of the OPFE 202 of the STC200 at the zero scan position. The positions of the first rotation axis 402 and the second rotation axis 502 are shown in the figure. The distance from the first rotation axis 402 to the light exit surface 604 of the OPFE 202 is marked as Δ402. Among them, Δ402 = 0.5 mm. The OPFE202 is a cutting prism, which has a cutting base angle (or edge) 612. Considering the cutting along the z-axis, the cutting surface extends from the light exit surface 604 along a distance Δcut, as shown in the figure. Advantageously, the first rotation axis 402 is located within this distance Δcut. This is also valid for all other OPFEs disclosed herein, such as OPFE 202, OPFE 252, and OPFE 1102.

[0127] The distance from the second rotation axis 502 to the light incident surface 602 of the OPFE 202 is Δ502, where Δ502 = 4.3 mm.

[0128] Figure 6B Shown in cross-sectional view Figure 6A the OPFE 202 of the STC 200 in. Shows the first rotation direction 606 around the first rotation axis 402 and the second rotation direction 608 around the second rotation axis 404. Also shows the prism height H of the OPFE 202 P and the prism length L P . Among them, L P = 7.1 mm and H P = 6.9 mm. The ratio of Δ402 / L P = 0.07 and Δ502 / H P = 0.62.

[0129] Figure 6C Shows in cross-sectional view the OPFE 252 of the STC 250 at the zero scan position. The OPFE 252 is a prism. The positions of the first rotation axis 452 and the second rotation axis 552 are shown in the figure. The distance from the first rotation axis 452 to the light exit surface 654 of the OPFE 252 is Δ452. Here, Δ452 = 0.5 mm. The distance from the second rotation axis 552 to the light incident surface 652 of the OPFE 252 is Δ552. Here, Δ552 = 3.5 mm.

[0130] Figure 6D Shown in cross-sectional view Figure 6C the OPFE 252 of the STC 250 in. Shows the first rotation direction 656 around the first rotation axis 452 and the second rotation direction 658 around the second rotation axis 454, as well as the length L of the OPFE 252 P and the height H P . Here, L P = 7.2 mm and H P= 6.7 mm. Δ452 / L P = 0.07 and Δ552 / H P = 0.52 ratio.

[0131] Figure 7 Shows the exemplary wide - angle camera FOV (FOV W ) of a known wide - angle camera and STC (such as STC 200 or STC 250 or STC 1250), s - FOV T and nine n - FOVs T (labeled 1 - 9). FOV W Shows the typical wide - angle camera FOV measured along the FOV W diagonal, e.g., 82°. In this example, the FOV of the 16:9 FOV ratio W covers approximately 69.4°x42.6° (i.e., 69° horizontally and 42° vertically). s - FOV T Shows the scene segment that can be covered by the STC, i.e., it includes all the points of view (POV) that can be reached by the STC. In some examples, s - FOV T can cover the FOV of the 16:9 FOV ratio W , as Figure 7 shown. As shown, FOV W and s - FOV T have a "longer side" 702 (here along the z - axis) and a "shorter side" 704 (here along the z - axis).

[0132] The s - FOV of STC 200 T covers 50.9°x32.5° (50.9° horizontally and 32.5° vertically). The nine n - FOVs T represent the maximum scan positions. n - FOV T 5, i.e., the (center, center) position, represents the zero - scan position. For example, n - FOV T 1 represents the n - FOV obtained when the STC200 is scanned to the upper - left position at maximum, T , n - FOV T 6 represents the n - FOV obtained when the STC 200 is scanned to the bottom - center position at maximum T etc. Table 1 provides the rotation values of the OPFE 202 around (the first rotation axis 402, the second rotation axis 502) respectively, which are required for scanning to the nine corresponding n - FOVs T . These values refer to the scanning actions starting from n - FOV T 5, i.e., the (center, center) position. For example, in order to scan n - FOV T to n - FOVT 9 or (down, right), from the (middle, middle) position of the n-FOV T Starting from 5, the OPFE 202 must rotate -7.85 degrees about the first rotation axis 402 and -15.46 degrees about the second rotation axis 502.

[0133] Left Middle Right Top (1.76,21.67) (4.86,0) (1.76,-21.67) Middle (-3.16,18.49) (0,0) (-3.16,-18.49) Bottom (-7.85,15.46) (-4.86,0) (-7.85,-15.46)

[0134] Table 1

[0135] For the STC 250 including the optical lens system 900, Table 2 provides the rotation values of the OPFE 252 about the (first rotation axis 452, second rotation axis 552) respectively, and these rotation values are for scanning to Figure 7 the 9 corresponding n-FOVs shown in T required. The s-FOV of the STC 250 T covers 69.5° x 42.58°. This means that the s-FOV of the STC 250 T covers a FOV with a 16:9 ratio W , and the diagonal FOV W = 82°, as Figure 7 shown.

[0136] Left Middle Right Top (3.63,29.80) (8.35,0) (3.63,-29.80) Middle (-5.80,24.02) (0,0) (-5.80,-24.02) Bottom (-11.67,18.83) (-8.35,0) (-11.67,-18.83)

[0137] Table 2

[0138] For another STC (not shown) including the optical lens system 1000, Table 3 provides the rotation values of the OPFE 1002 about the first rotation axis and about the second rotation axis respectively, and these rotation values are for scanning to Figure 7 the 9 corresponding n-FOVs shown in T required. The s-FOV of the STC including the optical lens system 1000 T covers 69.5° x 42.58°. This means that the s-FOV T covers a FOV with a 16:9 ratio with a diagonal FOV W = 82° W .

[0139] Left Middle Right Top (1.49,25.54) (5.79,0) (1.49,-25.54) Middle (-4.31,21.34) (0,0) (-4.31,-21.34) Bottom (-9.67,17.16) (-5.79,0) (-9.67,-17.16)

[0140] Table 3

[0141] In some examples, the OPFE can rotate around one axis or two axes to achieve optical image stabilization (OIS). In some examples, for each axis, the OPFE can rotate ±2 degrees or ±5 degrees around the zero position to perform OIS. In other examples, the OPFE can rotate even ±10 degrees or more around the zero position to perform OIS. In these examples, generally, the mobile device including the STC also includes additional sensors, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a processor, such as an application processor (AP) or a microcontroller unit (MCU). The additional sensors are used to sense the accidental rotation of the mobile device, and based on the sensing data of the additional sensors, the processor calculates the OPFE rotation control signal, which controls the rotational movement of the OPFE, thereby mitigating (or canceling) the accidental rotation of the mobile device.

[0142] Figure 8 Shown in cross-sectional view and in the form of ray tracing Figures 2A to 2B the optical lens system 800 included in the STC 200. The distance ΔL between the OPFE 202 and the lens 204 O is 2.7 mm.

[0143] The optical height (H L1 ) and width (W L1 ) of the lens element L1 can define the optical height and width of G1 (i.e., H L1 = H G1 and W L1 = W G1 ) and the aperture of the camera 200, such that the optical height and optical width of the lens element L 1 also represent the aperture height (HA) and aperture width (WA) of the lens 204 respectively. The D-cut of L1 and G1 means that the aperture of the STC 200 will change accordingly, such that the aperture is not axisymmetric. By cutting, a smaller lens height H G1 can be achieved, which is necessary for a small MH M , while still being able to achieve a relatively large effective aperture diameter (DA), satisfying DA > H G1 .

[0144] In other examples, the EFL of the lens 204 can be 8 mm - 50 mm.

[0145] G2 is also D-cut. The optical height (H L3 ) and width (W L3) The optical height, width, and aperture of G2 can be defined. Prism 202 is also D-cut. Tables 2 to 3 give Figure 8 the detailed optical data and surface data of the lens element examples. The values provided for these examples are purely illustrative, and other values can be used according to other examples.

[0146] The surface types are defined in Table 4. The coefficients of the surfaces are defined in Table 5. The surface types are:

[0147] a) Flat (Plano): A flat surface with no curvature

[0148] b) Q-Type 1 (QT1) surface sag formula:

[0149]

[0150]

[0151]

[0152]

[0153]

[0154]

[0155]

[0156] c) Uniform aspheric (ASP) surface sag formula:

[0157]

[0158] where {z, r} are the standard cylindrical polar coordinates, c is the paraxial curvature of the surface, k is the conic parameter, r norm is usually half of the clear aperture of the surface, A n are the polynomial coefficients shown in the lens data sheet. The Z-axis is positive towards the image. The value of the aperture radius is given as the clear aperture radius, i.e., DA / 2. The reference wavelength is 555.0 nm. All units are in millimeters except for the refractive index (Index) and Abbe number (Abbe#).

[0159] Tables 6 to 11 also use the same formula, units, and definitions.

[0160]

[0161] Table 4

[0162]

[0163] Table 5

[0164]

[0165] Table 5 (continued)

[0166] Figure 9 Display Figures 2C to 2D Cross-sectional view and ray tracing diagram of the optical lens system 900 included in STC 250 in. ΔL O is 2.7 mm, and ΔC is 0.15 mm.

[0167] The optical height (H L1 ) and width (W L1 ) of the lens element L1 can define the optical height and width of the lens 254 and the aperture of the STC 250, such that the optical height and optical width of the lens element L 1 also represent the aperture height (HA) and aperture width (WA) of the lens 254, respectively. The D-cut of L 1 means that the aperture of the STC 250 will change accordingly. The cut allows for a smaller HA and still a relatively large effective DA to satisfy DA > HA. In other examples, the EFL of the lens 254 can be 8 mm - 50 mm. The prism 252 is also D-cut. s-FOV T is 69.5 degrees x 42.58 degrees, i.e., the s-FOV T in the horizontal direction (H-s-FOV T ) is H-s-FOV T = 69.5 degrees, and the s-FOV T in the vertical direction (V-s-FOV T ) is V-s-FOV T = 42.58 degrees. The s-FOV T covers the 16:9 FOV ratio of a wide-angle camera, and the FOV W = 82 degrees (diagonal) and can be included in a mobile device together with the STC.

[0168] Detailed optical data and surface data are shown in Tables 6 - 7.

[0169]

[0170] Table 6

[0171]

[0172] Table 7

[0173]

[0174] Table 7 (continued)

[0175] Figure 10Another optical lens system 1000 disclosed in the present application is shown in the form of a cross-sectional view and ray tracing. The optical lens system 1000 may be included in an STC, such as STC 200 or STC 250. The optical lens system 1000 includes a prism 1002, a lens 1004 including N = 6 lens elements, an (optional) optical filter 1005, and an image sensor 1006. ΔL O is 2.7 mm, and ΔC is 0.15 mm. The distance from the first rotation axis to the light-emitting surface of the OPFE 1002 is 0.5 mm. The distance from the second rotation axis to the light-emitting surface of the OPFE 1000 is 4.3 mm.

[0176] The lens element L 1 's H L1 and W L1 can define the optical height and width of the lens 1004 and the aperture of the STC including the optical lens system 1000, such that the optical height and optical width of the lens element L 1 also represent the aperture height (HA) and aperture width (WA) of the lens 1004 respectively. The lens 1004 (i.e., L 1 and other lens elements), as well as the prism 1002, are D-cut. In other examples, the EFL of the lens 1004 can be 8 mm - 50 mm, and the SD can be 4 mm - 15 mm. Tables 8 - 9 give detailed optical data and surface data.

[0177]

[0178] Table 8

[0179]

[0180] Table 9

[0181]

[0182] Table 9 (continued)

[0183] Figure 11 shows another optical lens system 1100 with ray tracing function disclosed in the present application. Figure 11A A cross-sectional view showing the optical lens system 1100. Figure 11B A top view showing the optical lens system 1100. Figure 11C A perspective view showing the optical lens system 1100.

[0184] The optical lens system 1100 includes an OPFE 1102 (such as a prism or a mirror), a lens including N = 6 lens elements L 1 –L 6The lens 1104, (optional) optical filter 1105, and image sensor 1106. The lens 1104 has an optical axis 1108. The lens 1104 is a cut lens. The cutting makes the height (H L , measured along the y-axis) of the lens 1104 be 5.1 mm, as Figure 11A shown. This means that the cutting ratio, i.e., the ratio of the difference between the height and the width of the lens element, is 20% or less. There are two benefits of lenses such as the cut lens 1104: it reduces the height of the cut lens itself (thus reducing MH S ), and it reduces the height of the OPFE (such as OPFE 1102) (thus reducing MH M ). Specifically, cutting the lens by X% will reduce MH M and MH S by approximately 0.5·X% - X%. For example, cutting the lens by 20% will reduce MH M and MH S by approximately 10% - 20%.

[0185] As can be seen in Figure 11C , the image sensor 1106 is oriented in an anti-parallel STC sensor configuration. Orienting the image sensor 1106 in an anti-parallel STC sensor configuration is beneficial because it aligns the fast scan axis of the OPFE 1102 with the longer side of the s-FOV T , and aligns the slow scan axis of the OPFE 1102 with the shorter side of the s-FOV T . Therefore, the maximum rotational motion required to cover the s-FOV T can be less than that of the STC using a parallel STC sensor configuration. For example, to cover a FOV W with a 16:9 ratio = 82° (diagonal), for the STC 1250 (anti-parallel STC sensor configuration), the maximum rotational motion of the OPFE 1102 is 21.35° (see Table 12), while for the STC 250 and the optical lens system 1000 (parallel STC sensor configuration), the maximum rotational motions of the OPFE 252 and the OPFE1002 are 29.8° (see Table 2) and 25.5° (see Table 3), respectively. Smaller maximum rotational motions are beneficial because they can be provided by simpler actuators as well as simpler and more accurate actuation control.

[0186] Detailed optical data and surface data are given in Tables 10 - 11. The effective f / # based on the effective lens aperture diameter known in the art is given.

[0187]

[0188] Table 10

[0189]

[0190] Table 11 reference Figure 7 , the s-FOV of STC 1250 T covers 69.4° x 42.6°. It is worth noting that the s-FOV T covers the 16:9 FOV of the wide-angle (or main) camera (e.g., 130) W ratio, whose (diagonal) FOV W = 82°. Table 12 provides the rotation values of OPFE1202 around the first and second rotations respectively, and these rotation values are scanned into Figure 7 the 9 corresponding n-FOVs shown in T required. These values refer to the scanning action starting from the n-FOV T 5, i.e., the (center, center) position. For example, in order to scan the n-FOV T to the n-FOV T 9 or (down, right), starting from the (center, center) position n-FOV T 5, OPFE 1202 must rotate -13.18 degrees around the first rotation axis and -8.9 degrees around the second rotation axis.

[0191] Left Middle Right Top (9.2,21.35) (12.05,0) (9.2,-21.35) Middle (-1.99,17) (0,0) (-1.99,-17) Bottom (-13.18,8.9) (-12.05,0) (-13.18,-8.9)

[0192] Table 12

[0193] Figure 12 A mobile device 1200 (e.g., a smartphone) including STC 1250 is shown in a cross-sectional view. STC 1250 may include Figures 11A to 11C the optical lens system 1100 shown in. The mobile device 1200 has a front surface 1202 (e.g., including a screen, not shown) and a rear surface 1210 including an aperture 1259 of STC 1250. The mobile device 1200 has a regular region 1212 with a thickness of "T" and a camera bump region 1214 that is higher than the regular region 1212 by a height B. The bump region 1214 has a bump length (L B ).) and a bump thickness T + B. In order to achieve a short L B , the module region 1252 (height MH M ) of STC 1250 is included in the bump region 1214, while the shoulder region 1254 (height MH S <MH M) is included in the regular region 1312. This means that the OPFE 1102 is included in the bump region 1214, while the lens 1104 and the image sensor 1106 are included in the regular region 1212. Optionally, in some embodiments, a portion of the shoulder region 1254 may also be included in the bump region 1214.

[0194] Figures 13A to 13B Shows the OPFE 1102 (here a prism) of the STC 1250 in the zero scan position. Figure 13A Shows a side view (or cross-sectional view) of the OPFE 1102. Figure 13B Shows a perspective view of the OPFE 1102.

[0195] The OPFE 1102 has an incident light surface 1302 and an exit light surface 1304. The positions of the first rotation axis 1306 and the second rotation axis 1312 are shown in the figure. The OPFE 1102 has a prism height (H P ) and an optical (or optically active) prism height (H P-O ), a prism length (L P ) and an optical prism length (L P-O ), and a prism width (W P ), as shown in the figure.

[0196] The distance from the first rotation axis 1306 to the exit light surface 1304 of the OPFE 1102 is Δ1306. Here, Δ1306 = 0.5 mm, and the ratio of Δ1306 to the prism length L P is Δ1306 / L P = 0.07. The eccentric position of the OPFE 1102 is beneficial for minimizing MH M . The distance from the second rotation axis 1312 to the incident light surface 1302 of the OPFE 1102 is Δ1312. Here, Δ1312 = 3.35 mm, and the ratio of Δ1312 to the prism height is Δ1312 / HP = 0.55.

[0197] The OPFE 1102 has an uncut central axis 1332, which indicates the center of the uncut OPFE 1102 relative to the y-axis. The OPFE 1102 has a cut central axis 1334, which indicates the center of the cut OPFE 1102 relative to the y-axis. Both the first rotation axis 1306 and the second rotation axis 1312 intersect with the optical axis 1108 of the lens 1104 and the uncut central axis 1332. In other words, referring to Figure 4D and Figures 6A to 6D , ΔC = 0 in the optical lens system 1100.

[0198] The OPFE 1102 includes a height of H T-SMThe top stray light shield 1322 at the exit surface, with a height of H B-SM The bottom stray light shield 1324 at the exit surface, with a length of L L-SM The left stray light shield 1326 at the entrance surface, with a length of L R-SM The right stray light shield 1328 at the entrance surface. The values and ranges are given in millimeters in Table 13. The stray light shields are beneficial because they prevent stray light from reaching the image sensor (such as image sensor 1106). Stray light is unwanted light emitted or reflected from objects in the scene. The light enters the camera's aperture and reaches the image sensor along a light path different from the planned (or desired) light path. The planned light path is described as follows:

[0199] 1. Light is emitted or reflected by objects in the scene.

[0200] 2. Light enters the camera's aperture.

[0201] 3. For example, when the OPFE is a mirror, the light is reflected once on the mirror surface. For example, when the OPFE is a prism, the light passes through the light incident surface of the prism once, is reflected once on the reflection surface of the prism, and then passes through the light exit surface of the prism once.

[0202] 4. Light passes through all the surfaces of the lens once.

[0203] 5. Light irradiates onto the image sensor.

[0204] Light that reaches the image sensor along any light path other than the above-mentioned planned light path is considered unwanted light and is called stray light.

[0205] The values and ranges are given in millimeters in Table 13.

[0206] L P-O / L P = 0.76, that is, the left stray light shield 1326 and the right stray light shield 1328 located at the light entry surface 1302 together cover a surface area of more than 20% and less than 30% of the area of the light entry surface 1302. HP-O / HP = 0.83, that is, the top stray light shield 1322 and the bottom stray light shield 1324 located at the light exit surface 1304 together cover a surface area of more than 10% and less than 20% of the area of the light entry surface 1304.

[0207] Value Value range <![CDATA[H P > 6.11 3-10 <![CDATA[H P-O > 5.1 2-10 <![CDATA[L P > 6.72 3-12 <![CDATA[L P-O > 5.13 2-12 <![CDATA[W P > 10.3 4–15 <![CDATA[H T-SM > 0.81 0.1–2.5 <![CDATA[H B-SM > 0.2 0.05–2.5 <![CDATA[L L-SM > 0.83 0.1–4 <![CDATA[L R-SM > 0.76 0.1–4 Δ1306 0.5 0.2–3 Δ1312 3.35 1.5–6

[0208] Table 13

[0209] Table 14 summarizes the values of various features and their ratios included in STC 200, STC 250, and STC 1230, as well as in optical lens systems 800, 900, 1000, and 1100. H G1 ,W G1 ,H G2 ,W G2 ,ΔC, HA, WA, DA, HA G2 ,WA G2 ,DA G2 ,H P ,W P ,L P ,ΔLO, TTL, BFL, EFL, EFL G1 ,EFL G2 ,SD,H Sensor ,MH S ,MH M ,H S ,H M ,ALT,ALT G1 ,ALT G2 ,T 1 ,f 1 Given in millimeters (mm). n-FOV T ,s-FOV T ,α-OPFE and β-OPFE are given in degrees.

[0210] In other examples, these values may differ from the values given here by, for example, ±10%, ±20%, or even ±30%.

[0211] - Type specifies whether the optical lens system uses a parallel STC sensor configuration (P) or an anti-parallel STC sensor configuration (A-P).

[0212] - “16:9W ratio” indicates whether the s-FOVT of the corresponding optical lens system covers (Y) the 16:9 ratio of a wide-angle camera with a diagonal FOV W = 82°.

[0213] - DA is the aperture diameter. For a cut lens, the effective aperture diameter is given. “Effective aperture diameter” here means the diameter of a circular (or axially symmetric) aperture that has the same aperture area as the cut lens (which has a non-axially symmetric aperture).

[0214] - EFL G1 and EFL G2 are the effective focal lengths of lens groups G1 and G2, respectively.

[0215] - The average lens thickness (ALT) measures the average thickness of all lens elements. ALT G1 and ALT G2 are the ALT of G1 and G2, respectively.

[0216] - T 1 is the center thickness of L 1 . F 1 is the focal length of L 1 .

[0217] - All other parameters not specifically defined herein have their ordinary meanings known in the art.

[0218]

[0219]

[0220] Table 14

[0221] Although the present disclosure has been described in accordance with certain embodiments and generally related methods, changes and permutations of the embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure should be understood as not being limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0222] In addition, for clarity, the term "substantially" as used herein indicates the possibility of variation within an acceptable range. According to one example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted to mean that it may vary up to 5% above or below any specified value. According to another example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted to mean that it may vary up to 2.5% above or below any specified value. According to another example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted to mean that it may vary up to 1% above or below any specified value.

[0223] All references mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification to the same extent as if each reference had been expressly and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In addition, the citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A Scanning Telephoto Camera (STC), comprising: An optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding a first optical path OP1 into a second optical path OP2, wherein the optical path folding element has an optical path folding element height H measured along the OP1 O and an optical path folding element length L measured along an axis parallel to the OP O an optical path folding element incident surface and an optical path folding element exit surface; an optical path folding element actuator; A lens having a lens optical axis parallel to the OP2, an effective focal length EFL, an F-number f / #, a maximum lens aperture height H measured along the OP1 A and a maximum lens aperture width W measured along an axis perpendicular to the OP1 and the OP2 A ; and An image sensor having an image sensor diagonal SD and an image sensor height H measured along the OP1 Sensor ; Wherein, the scanning telephoto camera has a native field of view n-FOV of the scanning telephoto camera T , the optical path folding element actuator is configured to rotate the optical path folding element about a first rotation axis perpendicular to the OP1 and the OP2 and a second rotation axis parallel to the OP1 to use the n-FOV T to scan a scene, the first rotation axis is located at a distance Δ1 from the light-emitting surface of the optical path folding element, where Δ1 / L O < 0.

25.

2. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: Δ1 / L O < 0.2。 3. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: Δ1 / L O < 0.1。 4. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: The optical path folding element has an optical path folding element center relative to the OP1, wherein the first rotation axis is located at a distance Δ from the optical path folding element center along the OP1 C , and Δ C and the ratio of H O satisfies Δ C / H O > 0.

015.

5. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: The optical path folding element has an optical path folding element center relative to the OP1, wherein the first rotation axis is located at a distance Δ from the optical path folding element center along the OP1 C , and Δ C and the ratio of H O satisfies Δ C / H O > 0.

02.

6. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: The scanning telephoto camera includes a camera module, wherein the camera module is divided into a module area having a module area height H M and a shoulder area having a shoulder area height H S , H S < H M , all heights being measured along the OP1, where H S < H A + 3 mm.

7. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 6, wherein: H A / H S > 0.

7.

8. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 6, wherein: DA / H S > 0.8。 9. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 6, wherein: the optical path folding element is included in the module area, and the lens and the image sensor are included in the shoulder area.

10. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 6, wherein: the lens is divided into a first lens group (G1) and a second lens group (G2), the optical path folding element and the first lens group are included in the module area, and the second lens group and the image sensor are included in the shoulder area.

11. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 6, wherein: the scanning telephoto camera is included in a mobile device, wherein the mobile device has a regular area with a regular thickness T and a bump area with a bump thickness T + B, wherein the shoulder area is included in the regular area of the mobile device, and wherein the module area is included in the bump area of the mobile device.

12. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 11, wherein: The mobile device includes a wide-angle camera having a wide-angle camera image sensor and a wide-angle camera field of view (FOV W ).

13. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: H O < H A + 2 mm.

14. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: H O < H A + 1 mm.

15. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: SD / EFL > 0.4mm.

16. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the scanning telephoto camera uses a parallel scanning telephoto camera sensor configuration.

17. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the scanning telephoto camera uses an anti-parallel scanning telephoto camera sensor configuration.

18. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: The scanning provides an effective telephoto scanning field of view s-FOV T , wherein the s-FOV T has a longer horizontal side and a shorter vertical side, and wherein the horizontal side H-FOV T of the s-FOV T is greater than 40 degrees.

19. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 12, wherein: The scanning provides an effective telephoto scanning field of view s-FOV T , the FOV W is in the range of 70 to 90 degrees, and wherein the s-FOV T covers a 16:9 portion of the FOV W .

20. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: The scan provides an effective telephoto scan field of view s-FOV T , the s-FOV T has a longer horizontal side and a shorter vertical side, and the vertical side V-FOV T of the s-FOV T > 20 degrees.

21. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the rotation of the optical path folding element about the first rotation axis is more than ±5 degrees around a zero scan position.

22. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the rotation of the optical path folding element about the second rotation axis is more than ±15 degrees around a zero scan position.

23. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the optical path folding element is a prism.

24. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 18, wherein: The optical path folding element is a prism, the prism having a fast scan axis and a slow scan axis, and the image sensor being oriented such that the fast scan axis of the prism is aligned with the horizontal side H-FOV of the s-FOV T of the s-FOV T is aligned.

25. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the EFL = 8 - 10mm.

26. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the EFL = 10 - 25mm.

27. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the EFL = 25 - 50 mm.

28. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the f / # < 3.

5.

29. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the f / # < 3.

30. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the f / # < 2.

5.

31. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: A distance between the optical path folding element and the lens is ΔL O , where ΔL O / TTL < 0.25 32. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: H O / L O <0.9。 33. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: W O / H O > 1.

75.

34. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the lens is a cut lens, cut along an axis parallel to the OP2.

35. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 34, wherein: The cutting lens is cut by X%, and cutting by X% will cause MH M and MH S to decrease by 0.5∙X% - X%.

36. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the optical path folding element is a cut optical path folding element, cut along an axis parallel to the OP2.

37. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the lens element in the lens has an average lens thickness (ALT), the thickness of the first lens element L1 is T1, and T1 / ALT > 1.

5.

38. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the focal length of the first lens element is f1, where f1 / EFL < 0.

75.

39. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: A height H of the first lens group G1 and a height H of the second lens group G2 The ratio of satisfies H G1 / H G2 > 1.15 40. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: A height H of the first lens group G1 and a height H of the second lens group G2 The ratio of satisfies H G1 / H G2 > 1.3 41. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the first lens element L1 is made of glass.

42. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 1, wherein: the optical path folding element is a prism, and the prism includes a stray light prevention mechanism.

43. The scanning telephoto camera according to claim 42, wherein: the stray light prevention mechanism includes two stray light covers located on the incident light surface of the optical path folding element and two stray light covers located on the outgoing light surface of the optical path folding element.

44. A mobile device, including the scanning telephoto camera according to any one of claims 1 to 43 above, wherein the mobile device further includes an application processor (AP).

45. The mobile device according to claim 44, wherein: The AP is configured to use image data from the wide-angle camera and the n-FOV with the scanning telephoto camera T from a main scan scene.

46. The mobile device according to claim 44, wherein: The AP is configured to use the n-FOV of the scanning tele camera according to a user input T to scan a scene.

Images