Single-element light folding prism

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a modular optical folding prism. An optical system for a camera may include a lens group having one or more lenses, a prism, and an image sensor. The prism may be a modular optical folding prism positioned between the lenses and the image sensor along the optical transmission path of light. The prism may be constructed from a single piece of raw material and may include at least four surfaces that fold the light within the prism at least four times to guide the light passing through the prism from the one or more lenses to the image sensor. The prism may also include one or more eyelet masks located inside the prism to reduce glare.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese invention patent application that entered the Chinese national phase of a PCT application with an international filing date of November 19, 2021, national application number 202180077945.1, and invention title "Unit-Component Optical Folding Prism". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to optical prisms, and more specifically to optical systems including unit-type optical folding prisms for small-form-factor cameras.

[0003] Related technical descriptions

[0004] Telephoto cameras typically have relatively long focal lengths and are well-suited for capturing scenes and subjects at a distance. However, the emergence of small, mobile multi-purpose devices such as smartphones, tablets, tablets, or wearable devices has created a demand for integrating high-resolution, small-form-factor cameras into these devices. Telephoto cameras using optical folding prisms often utilize compound prisms composed of multiple smaller prisms. However, compound prisms can exhibit lower optical performance, such as optical problems introduced by the method of joining multiple prisms. Therefore, a single-piece optical folding prism made of a single material is desired. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figures 1A to 1B An exemplary unit optical folding prism according to some implementations is shown.

[0006] Figures 2A to 2B An exemplary unit-type optical folding prism including an eyelet mask is shown according to some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 3 An exemplary optical system including a unit optical folding prism according to some embodiments is shown.

[0008] Figure 4 A high-level flowchart of a method for capturing images using a camera including an optical system configured to use a unit-piece optical folding prism is shown according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figures 5A to 5D Various features of an exemplary unit optical folding prism according to some embodiments are shown.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a high-level flowchart of an exemplary method for generating a unit-piece optical folding prism according to some implementation schemes.

[0011] Figures 7A to 7B This is a logic diagram illustrating an exemplary arrangement of the feature portions of a unit optical folding prism as in one embodiment.

[0012] Figures 8A to 8F Various details that can be incorporated into the production of unit optical folding prisms according to some implementation schemes are shown.

[0013] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for performing a logical stage of manufacturing multiple unit optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some implementation schemes.

[0014] Figures 10A to 10F This is a logic block diagram illustrating one stage of a method for manufacturing multiple unit optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for performing a logical stage of manufacturing multiple unit optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some implementation schemes.

[0016] Figures 12A to 12F This is a logic block diagram illustrating one stage of a method for manufacturing multiple unit optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for performing a logical stage of manufacturing multiple unit optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some implementation schemes.

[0018] Figures 14A to 14E This is a logic block diagram illustrating one stage of a method for manufacturing multiple unit optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating one implementation of a method according to some implementation schemes, which is used to perform a logical stage of manufacturing multiple unit optical folding prisms from a single raw material.

[0020] Figures 16A to 16C This is a logic block diagram illustrating one stage of a method for manufacturing multiple unit optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device, which may include a camera with an optical system, is shown according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 18 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system, which may include a camera with an optical system, is shown according to some embodiments.

[0023] This specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "implementation". The use of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

[0024] The term "comprising" is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, it does not exclude additional structures or steps. Consider the following cited claim: "An apparatus comprising one or more processor units..." Such claims do not exclude the inclusion of additional components (e.g., network interface units, graphics circuitry, etc.).

[0025] "Configured as" refers to various units, circuits, or other components that can be described or stated as being "configured as" to perform one or more tasks. In such a context, "configured as" is used to imply a structure by indicating that the unit / circuit / component includes a structure (e.g., a circuit) that performs this one or more tasks during operation. Thus, a unit / circuit / component is allegedly configured to perform the task even when the specified unit / circuit / component is currently inoperable (e.g., not switched on). Units / circuits / components used with the language "configured as" include hardware—e.g., circuits, memory storing program instructions that can be executed to perform the operation, etc. Referring to a unit / circuit / component as being "configured as" to perform one or more tasks is explicitly intended to not invoke 35 USC § 112(f) for that unit / circuit / component. Furthermore, "configured as" can include general structures (e.g., general circuits) manipulated by software and / or firmware (e.g., FPGAs or general-purpose processors executing software) in a manner capable of performing one or more tasks to be solved. "Configured to" may also include adjusting the manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor manufacturing facility) to manufacture equipment (e.g., an integrated circuit) suitable for performing one or more tasks.

[0026] "First," "second," etc. As used herein, these terms serve as labels for the nouns preceding them and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations on a "first" value and a "second" value. The terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.

[0027] "Based on." As used herein, this term describes one or more factors that influence the determination. This term does not exclude additional factors influencing the determination. That is, the determination may be based solely on these factors or at least partially on them. Consider the phrase "A is determined based on B." In this case, B is the factor influencing the determination of A, and such phrases do not exclude the possibility that the determination of A may also be based on C. In other instances, A may be determined solely on B.

[0028] It will also be understood that while the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the intended scope, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also cover the plural forms unless the context otherwise expressly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the items listed in connection with the description. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0030] As used herein, depending on the context, the term "if" can be interpreted as meaning "when..." or "in response to determination" or "in response to detection". Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if it is determined..." or "if [the stated condition or event] is detected" can be interpreted as meaning "when it is determined..." or "in response to determination..." or "when [the stated condition or event] is detected" or "in response to detection". Detailed Implementation

[0031] The various embodiments described herein relate to prisms that can be used within optical systems for cameras (e.g., small-form-factor telephoto cameras). In some embodiments, the optical system may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and a unitary optical folding prism. In some embodiments, the prism may be optically arranged between one or more lenses and the image sensor along an optical transmission path of light captured by the lenses to the image sensor. In some embodiments, the unitary optical folding prism may have at least four surfaces. For example, the prism may include a parallelogram prism, with a first surface parallel to a third surface and a second surface parallel to a fourth surface. In some embodiments, the prism may be arranged such that the first surface is oriented toward one or more lenses, while the third surface is oriented toward the image sensor. In some embodiments, the second and fourth surfaces of the prism may each include a reflective coating (or reflector) such that the second and fourth surfaces reflect light at their respective surfaces, and the first and third surfaces reflect light at their respective surfaces when the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than a critical angle. Additionally, the prism may include one or more internal aperture masks to reduce or mitigate glare from stray light entering the prism.

[0032] In some implementations, the prism can fold the light within the prism, thereby guiding light from the lens through the prism to the image sensor. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary unit optical folding prism including two eyelet masks is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 1A The basic shape of the exemplary unit-piece optical folding prism 100 is shown using dashed lines, while various cuts, channels, notches, etc., within the prism are shown using solid lines. For example, prism 100 includes six channels, notches, or through-holes cut into the surface of the prism: four vertical notch cuts 110 and two horizontal notch cuts 120. As will be described in more detail later, these cuts can be produced using any of a variety of suitable methods, such as grinding and polishing, laser cutting, laser etching, knife cutting, sawing, CNC machining, wire cutting, sandblasting, and / or any of a variety of common methods for finishing / treating glass substrates, or can be produced using multiple different methods, such as laser etching for one cut, CNC machining for another, sawing for different cuts, or multiple methods for a single cut, etc. Note that although described herein as being made of glass, the unit-piece optical folding prism 100 can be made of any of a variety of suitable materials, such as glass or plastic, depending on the various embodiments. Figure 1B A cross-section (or slice) longitudinally passing through prism 100 is shown. Therefore, although the notch 120 is in Figure 1B The outline is shown, but the vertical notch 110 is not shown.

[0033] As described above, the light within the foldable prism of the unit component optical folding prism 100, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B The light path 130 is shown in the diagram. For example, light can pass through surface S1 of unit light-folding prism 100 to enter the prism. At least some of the light can reach the second surface S2 of the prism and then be reflected at that second surface – for example, the light is folded once. At least some of the light reflected from the second surface S2 of the prism can be reflected back to the first surface S1 of the prism. Total internal reflection (TIR) ​​can occur when the angle of incidence of the light is close to or greater than the critical angle of the prism, and therefore the light can be reflected at the first surface S1 of the prism – for example, the light is folded twice. At least some of the light reflected from the first surface S1 can be transmitted to the third surface S3 and reflected at that third surface – for example, the light is folded three times. In addition, at least some of the light reflected from the third surface S3 of the prism can reach the fourth surface S4 of the prism and be reflected at that fourth surface, and leave the prism – for example, the light is folded four times. In short, in the example above of a parallelogram-shaped unit light-folding prism, light can be folded four times within the prism before it leaves the prism and reaches the image sensor. Given that the prism can have multiple surfaces, it can be designed to be relatively thin (e.g., the length between surfaces S1 and S3 can be small) yet still capable of folding light multiple times. In some embodiments, such a prism can at least reduce the height along the optical axis and, correspondingly, potentially reduce the overall size of the optical system.

[0034] Additionally, the unit-piece optical folding prism may include one or more internal eyelet masks while still being constructed from a single, monolithic material (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.). For example, one or more eyelet masks may be created by coating one or more internal surfaces of the notch 120 and / or notch 110. Thus, in some embodiments, the unit-piece optical folding prism (e.g., prism 100) may include a single, one-piece prism, rather than being created by joining several prisms together (e.g., using an optically transparent binder) as may be used in other systems.

[0035] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An exemplary unit-type optical folding prism including an internal eyelet mask is shown according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, an internal eyelet mask is provided to reduce or mitigate glare. For optical systems, glare can be caused when stray light from the environment (especially stray light brighter than the light from the scene or subject the camera is trying to capture) enters the optical system. Stray light from the environment can enter the optical system from various directions of the camera and / or other components (e.g., the sidewalls of the camera housing) and ultimately enter the image. Figure 2AAs shown, stray light 210 can enter prism 205, for example, from the surface of prism 205 (e.g., S4). In some embodiments, the prism may include one or more eyelet masks located inside the prism and / or on the prism surface to reduce glare. In this example, prism 215 may include eyelet masks 225 and 230 located inside prism 215, such as Figure 2B As shown. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the aperture mask 225 and / or 230 may be designed to have various shapes and / or sizes in various spatial locations. In some embodiments, the purpose may be for the aperture mask 225 and / or 230 to cover areas potentially struck by stray light from the environment. Therefore, the aperture mask 225 and / or 230 can intercept and absorb stray light, and thus reduce glare, such as... Figure 2B As shown. For example, as Figure 2B As shown, aperture masks 225 and 230 can be positioned parallel to each other near opposite sides inside prism 215 to mitigate glare caused by stray light from opposite sides of prism 215 (e.g., surfaces S2 and S4). In some embodiments, aperture masks 225 and 230 can have the same or different shapes. As shown in this example, aperture mask 225 can have a different shape than aperture 230, such that aperture mask 225 blocks stray light at the bottom and sides, while aperture 230 prevents stray light at the top and sides. Note that, for illustrative purposes, Figures 2A to 2B Provided by way of example only. When glare is caused by stray light from one or more other directions, the size, shape, and / or position of the aperture mask can be modified accordingly to achieve the desired anti-glare performance. In some embodiments, aperture masks 225 and / or 230 may individually include an anti-glare coating, a dark (e.g., black) mask, a dark (e.g., black) paint, a change in flange shape, etc.

[0036] exist Figure 2B The diagram shows eyelet masks 225 and 230, which are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent any particular size and / or shape of eyelet masks used within unit optical folding prisms as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, an eyelet mask may be created by applying an anti-glare coating (e.g., a dark or black mask) to one or more internal surfaces of channels, notches, or other cutouts in prism 315.

[0037] Figure 3 Exemplary optical systems according to some embodiments are illustrated. In some embodiments, such optical systems may be included in telephoto cameras, which may then be integrated into small mobile multi-functional devices such as smartphones, tablets, tablet computers, wearable devices, etc. In this example, optical system 300 may include lens group 305, prism 100, and image sensor 315. Figure 3A global optical coordinate system defined by the Y-axis, Z-axis, and angle θ is also shown, where angle θ refers to the angle relative to the Z-axis in a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis. In some embodiments, lens group 305 may include one or more lenses. In some embodiments, lens group 305 may include at least three lenses, such as lenses 306, 307, and 308, as... Figure 3 As shown in the figure. In some embodiments, the optical system 300 may include an aperture stop 320 that limits and controls the amount of light entering or captured by the lens group 305. In some embodiments, the optical system 300 may optionally include an infrared filter (IF) 325 that blocks or prevents at least some infrared light from reaching the image sensor 315.

[0038] In some implementation schemes, such as Figure 3 As shown, the optical system 300 may include a unit optical folding prism 100, which is optically arranged between the lens group 305 and the image sensor 315 along the optical transmission path of light from the lens group 305 to the image sensor 315. In some embodiments, the prism 100 may include at least four surfaces. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, prism 100 may include a parallelogram prism, with a first surface (S1) of prism 100 parallel to a third surface (S3) of prism 100, and a second surface (S2) of prism 100 parallel to a fourth surface (S4) of prism 100. In some embodiments, prism 100 may be arranged such that the first surface (S1) faces the lens group 305, and the third surface (S3) faces the image sensor 315. However, the surface arrangement of the unit optical folding prism within the optical system may vary depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the front surface of the first lens (e.g., lens 306) of lens group 305 may be substantially parallel to the image plane 330 of image sensor 315, such that light incident on the front surface of the first lens 306 may be parallel to light incident on the image plane of image sensor 315.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second surface (S2) and / or the fourth surface (S4) of prism 100 may individually include a reflective coating (or reflector). For example, the reflective coating may include a mirror coating based on a thin metal layer, a film having a white inner surface, etc. Thus, the second surface (S2) and the fourth surface (S4) of prism 100 may reflect light at their respective surfaces. The first surface (S1) and the third surface (S3) of prism 100 may transmit light or allow light to pass through their respective surfaces. Furthermore, the first surface (S1) and the third surface (S3) of prism 100 may reflect light under a phenomenon known as total internal reflection (TIR). TIR occurs when the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than a certain limiting angle (called the critical angle). The angle of incidence is the angle between light incident on a surface and a line perpendicular to that surface at the point of incidence (called the normal). Therefore, when the angle of incidence of light is less than the critical angle, the first surface (S1) and the third surface (S3) of prism 100 may allow light to pass through. Conversely, when the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than the critical angle, the first surface (S1) and the third surface (S3) of the prism 100 can reflect light at the respective surfaces. In some embodiments, the first surface (S1) and / or the third surface (S3) of the prism 100 may also individually include an anti-reflective coating.

[0040] Re-reference Figure 3 Prism 100 can fold light within prism 100 multiple times to guide light passing through prism 100 from lens group 305 to image sensor 315. For example, regarding Figure 3 The illustrated unit light-folding prism 100 allows light from lens group 305 to pass through the first surface (S1) of prism 100 and enter prism 100. At least some of the light reaches the second surface (S2) of prism 100 and is then reflected at this second surface, such as... Figure 3 The edge of the prism indicates (e.g., light is folded once). At least some of the light reflected from the second surface (S2) of the prism 100 can bounce back to the first surface (S1) of the prism 100, as indicated by the edge of the prism 100. Figure 3 The edges are indicated in the image sensor 315. When the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than the critical angle of prism 100, the light can be reflected at the first surface (S1) of prism 100 under TIR (e.g., the light is folded twice). Next, at least some of the light reflected from the first surface (S1) can be transmitted to the third surface (S3) of prism 100 and reflected at that third surface (e.g., the light is folded three times). Finally, at least some of the light reflected from the third surface (S3) of prism 100 can reach the fourth surface (4) of prism 100, be reflected at the fourth surface (S4), and leave prism 100 to be focused on the image plane on image sensor 315 (e.g., the light is folded four times). Therefore, in Figure 3In this example, at least some of the light passing through the lens group 305 may be folded four times within the prism 100 before it leaves the prism 100 and reaches the image sensor 315.

[0041] The aforementioned light folding of prism 100 can effectively increase the focal length between lens group 305 and image sensor 315 of optical system 300. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio between the optical path length of light entering prism 100 through the first surface (S1) and exiting prism 100 through the third surface (S3) and the focal length of lens group 305 can be in the range of 0.6 and 1.0, for example, 0.6 < (optical path length in prism 100 × optical power of lens group 305) < 1.0, where optical power is the reciprocal of the focal length of lens group 305. Therefore, optical system 300 can use a thinner prism (e.g., with a small thickness approximately between surfaces S1 and S3 of prism 100) while providing a long and effective focal length for telephoto cameras. For example, in some embodiments, according to some implementations, such as Figure 3As shown, the ratio between a portion of the Z-height of the optical system 300 (e.g., measured approximately along the optical axis or Z-axis between the first surface (S1) and the image plane 330 of the image sensor 315) and the total Z-height (e.g., measured approximately along the optical axis or Z-axis between the front surface of the first lens 306 of the lens group 305 and the image plane of the image sensor 315) can be in the range of 0.2 to 0.6, for example, 0.2 < (partial Z-height / total Z-height) < 0.6, and the ratio between the thickness of the prism 100 (e.g., measured approximately from surface S1 to surface S3 of the prism 100) and the thickness of the lens group 305 (e.g., measured approximately from the front surface of the first lens 306 and the rear surface of the last lens 308 of the lens group 305) can be in the range of 0.2 to 0.8, for example, 0.2 < (thickness of prism 100 / thickness of lens group 105) < 0.8. According to some embodiments, if the Z-height ratio and / or thickness ratio is too high, the prism 100 may be too large and heavy and may not be able to effectively reduce the size of the optical system 300, or the lens group 305 may be too thin and may not be able to achieve good light-catching performance. Alternatively, if the Z-height ratio and / or thickness ratio is too low, the prism 100 may be too thin and may not be able to capture enough light from the entire field of view (FOV). Therefore, the optical system 300 is designed with appropriate parameters to reduce at least a portion of the Z-height and / or the total Z-height of the optical system 300, while still maintaining high-quality optical performance. In some embodiments, the reduction in Z-height can correspondingly reduce the size of the optical system 300, and thus is beneficial for the design and integration of small-form-factor telephoto cameras (using the optical system 300). In some embodiments, a portion of the Z-height of the optical system 300 may be in the range of 3.57 mm to 5.6 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the prism 100 of the optical system 300 may be in the range of 2.07 mm to 4.1 mm. In some embodiments, the effective focal length of the optical system 300 is in the range of 17.2 mm to 27.2 mm. In some embodiments, the aperture number of the optical system 300 is in the range of 2.2 to 2.8.

[0042] It should be noted that, for illustrative purposes, the unit light-folding prism 100 is shown as a parallelogram prism. In some embodiments, prism 100 may include other shapes, such as pentagons, hexagons, etc., and still provide the aforementioned light-folding functionality and design benefits. For a given shape, the angles between the individual surfaces of prism 100 can also be designed for desired performance. For example, in some embodiments, when prism 100 comprises a parallelogram prism, such as Figure 3As shown, the angle θ between the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2) of prism 100 can be in the range of 25 degrees and 45 degrees (e.g., 25 degrees < θ < 45 degrees). In some embodiments, one or more lenses of lens group 305, such as lenses 306, 307, and 308, can be made of various light-transmitting materials. For example, lens group 305 may include a combination of both glass lenses and plastic lenses. In another example, all lenses of lens group 305 can be either glass lenses or plastic lenses. Similarly, prism 100 may also include or be made of various optically transmitting materials (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.). Compared to glass, plastic offers less weight and lower material costs.

[0043] In some embodiments, using a glass lens for the first lens of the lens group (e.g., lens 306) can mitigate thermal focusing shift within the optical system (e.g., optical system 300). For example, thermal focusing shift can be suppressed to less than 0.25 µm / degree. In some embodiments, using a material with a high dispersion coefficient Vd (e.g., Vd > 60) for the first lens of the lens group (e.g., lens 306) can correct axial chromatic aberration. In some embodiments, lens group 305 may include one or more rotationally symmetric lenses. A rotationally symmetric lens can refer to a lens that has symmetrical optical characteristics relative to the optical axis or Z-axis of the lens. In other words, rotation of the lens about the Z-axis will not affect the optical characteristics of the lens. In some embodiments, all lenses of lens group 105 may be aspherical lenses. In some embodiments, all lenses of lens group 105 may be spherical lenses. In some embodiments, lens group 305 may include a combination of both aspherical and spherical lenses. A spherical lens can refer to a lens that has the same curve across at least one surface, resembling a spherical shape, while an aspherical lens can refer to a lens with a surface whose curvature gradually changes from the center of the lens outwards to the edge. In some embodiments, aspherical lenses can help optical system 300 achieve low aperture numbers. For a given focal length, a lower aperture number means that optical system 300 can use a larger aperture stop 320, thus allowing the camera including optical system 300 to have a fast shutter speed.

[0044] Figure 4 A high-level flowchart is shown, illustrating an exemplary method for capturing images using a camera including an optical system, according to some embodiments. Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the optical system (e.g., Figure 3 One or more lenses (e.g., in the optical system 300) of the optical system 300 Figure 3Lenses 306, 307, and 308 in the optical system can receive light from a scene or subject in the environment, as indicated by box 405. In some embodiments, the optical system may include a unit optical folding prism (e.g., prism 100) optically arranged between one or more lenses of the optical system and an image sensor (e.g., image sensor 315). In some embodiments, the prism may include at least four surfaces (e.g., surfaces S1, S2, S3, and S4) that can fold light within the prism at least four times to guide light passing through the prism from one or more lenses to the image sensor.

[0045] As described above, in some embodiments, some surfaces of the prism (e.g., surfaces S2 and S4) may individually include a reflective coating (e.g., a specular coating) or other reflectors. Therefore, in some embodiments, light captured by one or more lenses may pass through a first surface of the prism (e.g., surface S1) to enter the prism, as indicated by box 410. In some embodiments, at least some of the light passing through the first surface may reach a second surface of the prism (e.g., surface S2) and may be reflected at the second surface, as indicated by box 415. In some embodiments, at least some of the light reflected from the second surface may bounce back to the first surface. As described above, TIR may occur when the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than the critical angle of the prism, and the light may be further reflected at the first surface of the prism, as indicated by box 420. In some embodiments, at least some of the light reflected from the first surface of the prism may be transmitted to a third surface of the prism (e.g., surface S3) and reflected at that third surface, as indicated by box 425. Similarly, when the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than the critical angle, the light can be reflected at the third surface of the prism, as indicated by box 425. In some embodiments, at least some of the light reflected from the third surface can reach a fourth surface of the prism (e.g., surface S4) and be reflected thereto, so as to leave the prism and reach the image sensor, as indicated by box 430. In some embodiments, the image sensor can detect the light and generate image signals (e.g., electrical signals) accordingly, from which an image can be generated, as indicated by box 435.

[0046] Figures 5A to 5D Various exemplary features of a unit optical folding prism according to some embodiments are shown. Figure 5AThe basic shape of the exemplary unit optical folding prism 100 is shown using dashed lines, while various cuts, channels, notches, etc., within the prism are shown using solid lines. For example, prism 100 includes four vertical notch cuts 510 and 520 and two horizontal notch cuts 530 and 540. As will be described in more detail later, these cuts can be produced using any of a variety of suitable methods, such as laser etching, cutting saws, etc., or multiple different methods can be used (e.g., laser etching for one cut and cutting saws for different cuts). Although described as channels and / or notches when describing a single prism, in some embodiments, the notch cuts 510, 520, 530, and 540 can be produced by drilling, etching, or otherwise cutting through a larger part of the raw material, such as when multiple prisms are produced from a single raw material sheet or wafer, as will be described in more detail later. Please note that although described herein as being made of glass, depending on the various embodiments, the unit optical folding prism can be made of any of a variety of suitable materials, such as glass, plastic, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, multiple notches in the unitary optical folding prism can be used to allow a coating to be applied inside the prism. For example, notches 510, 520, and 530 can be used together to create an internal aperture mask within prism 100. According to some embodiments, after notches 510, 520, and 530 are created, one or more internal surfaces of those notches (shown by mask 515) can be coated to prevent light from passing through, thereby creating the internal aperture mask. Although in Figure 5A The shapes shown are substantially straight, but notch cuts (such as notch cut 530) can be produced in any of a variety of shapes. For example, in some embodiments, notch cut 530 may be cut deeper in some areas and shallower in others, such as to produce a substantially curved shape across the prism. Notches, channels, and / or other cuts (and glass through-holes discussed later) can be generated in virtually any shape desired or required to produce a particular prism, and therefore can vary from embodiment to embodiment.

[0048] Similarly, additional coatings can be applied to the various surfaces of a prism to prevent light from passing through the surface or to enhance the prism's light-folding ability. For example, such as Figure 5B As shown, mask coating 550 can be applied to surfaces S1 and S3 respectively, for example, to limit the amount of stray light entering the prism. Additionally, according to some embodiments, multiple coatings can be bonded to the same surface. For example, in addition to mask coating 550, one or more other coatings can be applied to surface S1 in areas not covered by coating 550 or in areas overlapping with coating 550, such as... Figure 5B The intermediate coating is shown in Figure 560.

[0049] Similarly, such as Figure 5C As shown, the angled surfaces S2 and S4 may also have an applied coating. For example, in some embodiments, a high-reflectivity (e.g., specular) coating 570 may be applied to surfaces S2 and S4 to increase the prism's light folding capability. Although Figures 5A to 5C A certain coating applied to a specific surface of prism 100 is shown, but these coatings are shown for illustrative purposes only, and according to various embodiments, additional, fewer, or different amounts of coating may be applied to larger, fewer, or different surfaces of the unit optical folding prism.

[0050] As described above, one or more cutouts within the prism can be used to create a single feature, such as combining one or more vertical channels (or notches) with horizontal channels (or notches) to create an eyelet mask. Figure 5D A top-down view of a portion of a unit-piece optical folding prism 100 according to one embodiment is shown, revealing four vertical notches and one horizontal notch. Figure 5D As shown, notched cuts (or other cuts) can be created to connect with other cuts, resulting in larger and more complex cuts. For example, a horizontal notched cut 530 connects to two vertical notches 520. According to some embodiments, although another notched cut may connect to a vertical notch 510, this other notched cut may be positioned on the bottom of the prism 100 and therefore... Figure 5D It is not visible in the middle.

[0051] Figure 6 A high-level flowchart of an exemplary method for generating an optical system (such as exemplary optical system 300) according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 6 Using parallelogram-shaped unit light-folding prisms, such as Figures 5A to 5C The prism 100 described herein is an example for illustrative purposes. However, according to various embodiments, the features, methods, and / or mechanisms described herein can be applied to prisms of other shapes and / or sizes. Figure 6 As shown, the method may include obtaining a rectangular prism or a straight piece of material (e.g., glass or plastic) from which a prism can be constructed, as indicated by box 605. Although Figure 6 The exemplary method shown describes the fabrication of a single prism from a single piece of material, but in other embodiments, multiple prisms can be produced from a single piece of material. For example, multiple unit-piece optical folding prisms can be produced from a single glass (or plastic) wafer, as will be described in more detail below.

[0052] In some embodiments, one or more eyelet masks (e.g., eyelet masks 225 and / or 230) may be created at the rectangular prism, as indicated by box 610. In some embodiments, an eyelet mask may be created by first cutting or slicing, etching, and / or engraving a notch, through-hole, and / or cut into and / or through the rectangular prism and then applying a mask or other coating to one or more inner surfaces of the channel, notch, through-hole, and / or cut. For example, an eyelet mask may be created by first creating notches 510, 520, and 530 and then applying a mask coating to one or more inner surfaces of notches 510, 520, and 530, such as... Figure 5A As shown.

[0053] In some implementations, angled surfaces, such as surfaces S2 and S4, can be formed on opposite ends of the rectangular prism. Figure 5A As shown in box 615, a prism is formed to form a parallelogram shape. For example, according to various embodiments, surfaces S2 and S4 can be cut, ground, and / or polished to produce angled surfaces. For example, surfaces S2 and S4 can be produced using any of a variety of methods, such as grinding and polishing, laser cutting, laser etching, knife cutting, sawing, CNC machining, wire cutting, sandblasting (and / or any of the various common methods for finishing / treating glass substrates)), or multiple different methods can be used (e.g., laser etching for one surface, CNC machining for another surface, sawing for different surfaces, or multiple methods for a single surface, etc.). In some embodiments, surfaces S2 and S4 can be parallel, while in other embodiments, surfaces S2 and S4 can be produced at different (e.g., non-parallel) angles. As shown in box 620, one or more coatings can be applied to one or more surfaces of the prism. For example, a highly reflective (e.g., specular) coating may be applied to angular surfaces (e.g., surfaces S2 and S4), and a dark or black mask coating may be applied to various other surfaces, such as to at least a portion of surfaces S1 and S3 and to one or more internal surfaces of various cutouts (e.g., channels, notches, and / or through-holes). According to some embodiments, such coatings, when applied to different surfaces of a prism, can both prevent stray light from entering the prism and / or enhance the prism's reflectivity (and therefore its light folding capability).

[0054] In some implementations, the unit optical folding prism can be coupled with a lens group comprising one or more lenses (e.g., Figure 3 The lens group 305 is assembled together as indicated by frame 625. For example, the prism and lens group can be assembled such that the first surface of the prism (e.g., surface S1) can face the rear surface of the last lens in the lens group (e.g., the rear surface of the rear lens). Figure 3(As shown). Therefore, light captured by the lens group can pass through the lenses of the lens group and then through the first surface of the prism to enter the prism. In some embodiments, the lens group and prism can be assembled with an image sensor (e.g., image sensor 315) to form an optical system (e.g., optical system 300), as indicated by box 630. For example, the lens group and prism can be assembled with an image sensor such that a third surface of the prism (e.g., surface S3) opposite (and parallel to) the first surface of the prism can face the image sensor (e.g., as shown). Figure 3 (As shown). Therefore, light from the lens group can enter the prism through the first surface, fold multiple times (e.g., at least four times) inside the prism, and pass through the third surface of the prism to reach the image sensor, as described above.

[0055] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Two views of a completed unit optical folding prism 100 according to some embodiments are shown, illustrating the applied mask and coating. Figure 7A A cross-section near one edge of prism 100 is shown, while Figure 7B A cross-section through the middle of prism 100 is shown. As described in more detail below, various coatings and / or masks can be applied to the prism during manufacturing. For example, masks, such as a top notch mask 715 and a bottom notch mask 735, can be applied within one or more notch cutouts. As described above, according to some embodiments, horizontal notch cutouts can be combined with pairs of vertical notches (such as notch 705), and masks can be applied to create eyelet masks. Additionally, anti-reflective (AR) coatings, such as a bottom AR coating 740 and a top AR coating 750, can be applied to one or more surfaces of prism 100. For example, AR coatings can be applied to surfaces S1 and S3 of the unit light-folding prism 100 in any of a variety of patterns to enhance the prism's light-folding capability. Although this document generally describes the application of an anti-reflective coating, in some embodiments, one or more mask layers using any of a variety of suitable materials (or multiple different materials used in different layers) may be applied to achieve low reflection at the glass mask interface and / or at the mask-air interface (e.g., at the glass-BM interface or at the BM-air interface).

[0056] In some embodiments, two or more coatings may be applied to the same surface. For example, both the top AR coating 750 and the top outer mask 710 may be applied to surface S1 of prism 100. Coatings may be applied to different areas of the same surface, or one coating may overlap with another (at least partially). For example, the top AR coating 750 may be applied to the central region of surface S1, while the top outer mask 710 may be applied to the region generally surrounding the area to which the top AR coating 750 is applied. Alternatively, for example, the top outer mask 710 may at least slightly overlap with the top AR coating 750, such as to ensure complete coverage of S1. Similarly, according to some embodiments, both the bottom AR coating 740 and the bottom outer mask 730 may be applied to surface S3 of prism 100.

[0057] As another example, a high-reflectivity (HR) or specular coating may be applied to one or more surfaces of a unit light-folding prism. For example, HR coatings 745 and 725 may be applied to surfaces S2 and S4 of prism 100, respectively, to enhance the prism's light-folding capability. Thus, according to some embodiments, light can pass through surface S1 (in the area not blocked by the top outer mask 710) and be reflected on surface S2 (enhanced by the HR coating 745), and then continue through prism 100, as described above.

[0058] Although prism 100 and various through channels, notches, through holes and / or other cuts are shown in the figure (e.g., Figure 1A and Figures 5A to 5C The figure is shown as having a specific size and shape, but note that different sizes and shapes may be used in various embodiments. Figures 8A to 8C Various details that can be incorporated into the production of unit-piece optical folding prisms according to some embodiments are shown. For example, Figure 8A A longitudinal cross-section through the center of an exemplary unit optical folding prism is shown. Although the first surface (e.g., surface S1 of prism 100) and the second surface (e.g., surface S2 of prism 100) are generally shown herein as producing sharp angles, they may not actually intersect. Instead, according to some embodiments, the edges may be cut or beveled to create a surface 805 between the first and second surfaces, such as to help prevent the prism edges from chipping or breaking.

[0059] in addition, Figures 8A to 8F All show that notched cuts (or virtually any cut) can be produced in any of a variety of shapes. Figures 8B to 8F The diagram shows a notch cut in the central portion of a prism, but a given prism may include multiple different such notches cut. Figure 8A and Figure 8BAs shown, in some embodiments, the notch 810 may include two angled surfaces at the bottom of the notch, or it may be generally square or circular (e.g., Figure 1A and / or Figures 5A to 5C (As shown). Similarly, vertical channels, notches, through holes, or other cutouts can be any of a variety of shapes, such as... Figure 8C The generally hourglass-shaped notch 820 shown is created. The specific dimensions and shape of the channel, notch, through hole, and / or other cutout can be varied and / or modified based on the purpose of the cutout to facilitate the application of a coating to one or more surfaces of the cutout. For example, Figure 8D The diagram shows notch cuts 830 of varying depths in a varying square or rectangular pattern. Figure 8E The diagram shows notch cuts 840 of different depths in a curved pattern, and... Figure 8E A notch cut 850 with different depths is shown in a triangular pattern. Such patterns can be periodic or aperiodic. Patterns with different depths and / or different notch cut shapes can be used for different notch cuts on the same prism. Although not shown in Figures 8B to 8F As shown, however, the notch can be a notch connecting a side through hole, a channel, or a recess, such as... Figure 1A and Figures 5A to 5D As shown.

[0060] According to some implementations, multiple unit-piece optical folding prisms can be produced or manufactured together from a single piece of raw material. This manufacturing process can logically be divided into several stages. For example, a series of cuts can first be performed on one side (e.g., the bottom) of the raw material. Additionally, a coating can be applied to that side of the raw material, after which the material is flipped to process on the other side (e.g., the top). A series of cuts can be performed on the new side (e.g., the top) while one or more coatings are also applied. The raw material can then be separated into smaller pieces, such as by producing one or more strips. Additionally, cuts and coatings can be applied to each strip, after which the strips are separated into individual pieces for finishing into individual prisms.

[0061] Figure 9 , Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for performing the manufacture of multiple unit-piece optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some embodiments. Figures 10, 12, 14, and 16 illustrate the following regarding... Figure 9 , Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 15 A block diagram describing the featured parts. Note that in... Figure 9 , Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 15The division of actions or steps described herein and shown in Figures 10, 12, 14, and 16 is merely a logical division for ease of explanation and visualization. Depending on the various embodiments, the described actions and / or features may be performed in different orders, and two or more such actions or features may be combined. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the diagrams shown in Figures 10, 12, 14, and 16 are not drawn to scale and only indicate one possible arrangement of features (e.g., notches, coatings, etc.) that may be used in the manufacture of one or more unit-piece optical folding prisms.

[0062] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a logical stage in the fabrication of multiple unit-piece optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some implementation schemes. The following... Figure 9 Description Reference Figures 10A to 10F It shows a visualization about Figure 9 A block diagram of the described feature. According to one embodiment, starting with a suitable raw material (such as a glass wafer), one or more pairs of glass through-holes can be formed in the glass wafer, as shown in block 910. For example, one or more rows of through-holes, such as through-hole 1010, can be formed in glass wafer 1000. It should be noted that although described as glass through-holes, in some embodiments, the wafer can be separated into individual prisms by cutting through (e.g., bisecting) the pairs of through-holes, and thus the through-holes formed in the wafer can be equivalent to channels or notches cut into individual prisms. In some embodiments, the through-holes can be substantially elliptical, but can be shaped differently in different embodiments. Although generally referred to herein as glass wafers, other materials (such as plastics) can also be used to manufacture unit-piece optical folding prisms using the techniques and / or methods described herein. Additionally, although generally described herein as "glass through-holes," through-holes can also be formed in those materials when unit-piece optical folding prisms are produced from other materials (such as plastics).

[0063] It should be noted that, according to one exemplary implementation, Figures 10A to 10F (as well as Figures 12A to 12F The image shows a top-down view of an exemplary glass wafer from which multiple unit optical folding prisms are produced, as well as cross-sectional views of individual prisms at that manufacturing stage or phase (e.g., one view longitudinally through the center and another view along an edge). It should also be noted that... Figure 10A Includes dashed rectangles that indicate the approximate size and location of the two individual prisms to be manufactured. As shown in box 920, one or more notched cuts can be created to connect the various sets of glass through-holes. In the described exemplary embodiment, the raw material is initially considered to be bottom-side up. For example, it can be on the bottom side of the glass wafer 1000 (currently in...) Figures 10A to 10FOne or more notched cuts 1020 are created on the upward-facing side of the center surface. The notched cuts 1020 can cut through the previously created through hole. For example... Figure 10B As shown, the bottom notch cutout 1020 may connect only some of these through-holes (other notch cutouts from the other top side of the wafer may connect other through-holes). For example, according to some embodiments, when the wafer is separated into individual prisms (two of which are indicated by dashed rectangles), once an appropriate mask is applied, the pairs of glass through-holes connected by the notch cutouts can become internal aperture masks.

[0064] As shown in box 930, according to some embodiments, a mask (e.g., a black mask or other light-blocking coating) may be applied to one or more surfaces of the notch cutout and the glass through-hole. For example, as Figure 10C As shown, a black mask 1030 can be applied to one or more surfaces of the notch 1020 and / or through-hole 1010. As shown in box 940, an anti-reflective (AR) coating can be applied to the bottom surface of the wafer in a pattern determined by the specific requirements of the individual prism being manufactured. For example, an AR coating 1040 can be applied to the bottom surface (currently in…) in a pattern suitable for the prism being produced. Figure 10D (Middle surface upwards). Additionally, according to some embodiments, such as in box 950, a black mask can be applied to the bottom surface of the wafer in a suitable pattern. Although generally described herein as the application of an anti-reflective coating, in some embodiments, one or more mask layers using any of a variety of suitable materials (or using multiple different materials in different layers) can be applied to achieve low reflection at the glass mask interface and / or at the mask air interface. For example... Figure 10E As shown, a black mask 1050 can be applied to the bottom surface of the wafer 1000. Figure 10E In the exemplary embodiment shown, the black mask 1050 may be applied in a pattern surrounding the area where the AR coating 1040 was previously applied, although different patterns may be used in different embodiments. Additionally, as shown in box 960, bottom-side metrology may be performed, such as to ensure the proper suitability, calibration, and / or quality control of the finished prism.

[0065] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a logical stage in the fabrication of multiple unit-piece optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some implementation schemes. The following... Figure 11 Description Reference Figures 12A to 10F It shows a visualization about Figure 11A block diagram of the described feature. After switching to the top side of the wafer, as in block 1110, a notch cut for the top side can be created in the wafer, as in block 1120. Although described herein as flipping to turn the wafer over for processing on the top side of the wafer, these are merely for illustrative purposes, and in some embodiments, the described techniques and / or steps can be performed without physically flipping the material. For example, in some embodiments, both sides of the material (e.g., wafer 1000) can be processed (e.g., cut, grind, polish, apply one or more coatings, etc.) without rotating or flipping the material.

[0066] For example, one or more rows of through-holes, such as through-holes 1210, can be formed in the glass wafer 1000. In some embodiments, the through-holes may be substantially elliptical, but may be shaped differently in different embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown, notch cutouts 1210 may connect through-holes not previously connected by notch cutouts 1020. As described above, according to some embodiments, once a suitable mask is applied, pairs of glass through-holes connected by notch cutouts can become internal aperture masks. As in frame 1130, a black mask may be applied to one or more surfaces of the notch cutouts and one or more surfaces of the previously formed glass through-holes. For example, as Figure 12C As shown, a black mask 1220 can be applied to one or more surfaces of the notch 1210 and the glass through-hole 1010. Thus, in some embodiments, the glass through-hole 1010 may have a black mask applied from both sides of the raw material (e.g., wafer 1000).

[0067] Additionally, as in frame 1140, a top surface anti-reflective (AR) coating can be applied in a suitable pattern to the top surface of the raw material (e.g., to a glass wafer). Therefore, as... Figure 12D As shown, the AR coating 1230 can be applied to the top surface of the wafer 1000 in a pattern suitable for the prism being generated. Alternatively, according to some embodiments, such as in frame 1150, a black mask can be applied to the top surface of the wafer in a suitable pattern. Figure 12E As shown, a black mask 1240 can be applied to the top surface of the wafer 1000. Figure 12E In the exemplary embodiment shown, the black mask 1240 may be applied in a pattern surrounding the area where the AR coating 1230 was previously applied, although different patterns may be used in different embodiments. Additionally, as shown in box 1160, top-side metrology may be performed, such as to ensure the proper suitability, calibration, and / or quality control of the finished prism.

[0068] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a logical stage in the fabrication of multiple unit-piece optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some implementation schemes. The following... Figure 13 Description Reference Figures 14A to 10F It shows a visualization about Figure 13 A block diagram of the described feature section. As shown in block 1310, raw material (e.g., a glass wafer) can be separated into one or more horizontal strips, from which multiple individual unit optical folding prisms can be fabricated. This separation may be referred to herein as horizontal wafer slitting. For example, in Figure 14A In the exemplary embodiment shown, the wafer 1000 may be cut along the dotted line or otherwise separated to produce one or more strips 1400.

[0069] According to some embodiments, as shown in box 1320, the top side of the strip (and / or each strip) can be cut, ground, and / or polished to create an angular surface (e.g., the angular surface S2 of prism 100). As described above, any of a variety of methods (such as grinding, polishing, laser cutting, knife cutting, CNC finishing, wire cutting, sandblasting, and / or any of a variety of common methods for finishing / processing glass substrates) can be used to create the angular surface. For example, the surface of strip 1400 can be cut, ground, and / or polished to create an angular surface 1410 (which may correspond to surface S2 of prism 100). Additionally, as in box 1330, a high-reflectivity (HR) specular coating can be applied to the strip and / or specifically the previously angular surface. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 14C As shown, the HR coating 1420 can be applied to surface 1410 in a pattern suitable for the individual prisms being produced. According to some embodiments, such as in frame 1340, after the strips are flipped (or otherwise machined on the other side of the strips), the undersides of the strips (and / or each strip) can be cut, ground, and / or polished, as in frame 1350, to create angular surfaces (e.g., the angular surface S4 of prism 100). For example, as... Figure 14D As shown, the surface of strip 1400 can be cut, ground, and / or polished to create an angled surface 1430 (which may correspond to surface S4 of prism 100). Additionally, as in box 1360, a high-reflectivity (HR) specular coating can be applied to the strip and / or specifically the previously angled surface. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 14E As shown, the HR coating 1440 can be applied to the surface 1430 in a pattern suitable for the individual prisms being generated.

[0070] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a logical stage in the fabrication of multiple unit-piece optical folding prisms from a single raw material, according to some implementation schemes. The following... Figure 15 Description Reference Figures 16A to 16C It shows a visualization about Figure 15A block diagram of the described feature portion. In some embodiments, as shown in block 1510, the strips (and / or each of these strips) can then be separated or cut into individual prisms, which may be referred to herein as prism horizontal segmentation. For example, refer to... Figure 16A Strip 1400 can be cut along the vertical dotted line or otherwise separated to produce multiple individual prism materials. Each of these individual prism materials can be further processed to produce an individual unit optical folding prism. As described above, when separated into individual prisms, the glass through-hole can be equivalent to a channel or notch cut into the individual prism.

[0071] Additionally, as in frames 1520 and 1530, according to some embodiments, a black mask can be applied to each side or sidewall of the prism, which can also apply the mask to one or more surfaces of the glass through-hole of a particular prism. For example, as Figure 16B and Figure 16C As shown, a black mask 1610 can be applied to both the left and right walls of the prism. Note that the production, fabrication, or otherwise fabrication of multiple unit-piece optical folding prisms is described herein using an exemplary method according to one embodiment. In other embodiments, various steps, methods, and / or features may be performed in a different order, and fewer or additional steps, methods, and / or features may be performed. For example, although described above as creating various notches (e.g., through-holes, channels, notches, etc.) on one side of a wafer and applying one or more coatings (e.g., a black mask, anti-reflective, high-reflective, etc.), followed by creating a notch on the other side, in some embodiments, notches may be created on both sides of the wafer before applying any coating, or alternatively, creating various notches and applying coatings may be performed alternately (e.g., creating one or more notches, applying one or more coatings, creating additional notches, applying additional coatings, etc.). Furthermore, the order in which coatings (e.g., a black mask, anti-glare, anti-reflective, high-reflective, etc.) are applied may vary depending on the embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, an anti-reflective coating may be applied before applying a black mask coating, while in another embodiment, a black mask coating may be applied before applying an anti-reflective coating.

[0072] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device 1700 according to some embodiments is shown, which may include an optical system (e.g., Figure 3The camera in the optical system 300. In some embodiments, device 1700 may be a mobile device and / or a multi-functional device. In various embodiments, device 1700 may be any of a variety of types of devices, including but not limited to: personal computer systems, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, all-in-one computers, tablet computers or netbook computers, mainframe computers, handheld computers, workstations, network computers, cameras, set-top boxes, mobile devices, augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) headsets, consumer devices, video game controllers, handheld video game devices, application servers, storage devices, televisions, video recording equipment, peripheral devices (such as switches, modems, routers), or any type of computing or electronic device in general.

[0073] In some embodiments, device 1700 may include a display system 1702 (e.g., including a display and / or a touch-sensitive surface) and / or one or more cameras 1704. In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system 1702 and / or one or more forward-facing cameras 1704a may be located on the front side of device 1700, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 17 As indicated. Additionally or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras 1704b may be located at the rear of the device 1700. In some embodiments including multiple cameras 1704, some or all of the cameras may be identical or similar to each other. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the cameras may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the position and / or arrangement of the cameras 1704 may vary. Figure 17 Those that were indicated.

[0074] Among other things, device 1700 may include memory 1706 (e.g., including operating system 1708 and / or application / program instructions 1710), one or more processors and / or controllers 1712 (e.g., including CPU, memory controller, display controller and / or camera controller, etc.) and / or one or more sensors 1716 (e.g., orientation sensor, proximity sensor and / or position sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, device 1700 may communicate with one or more other devices and / or services (such as computing device 1718, cloud service 1720, etc.) via one or more networks 1722. For example, device 1700 may include a network interface (e.g., network interface 1710) that enables device 1700 to transmit data to and receive data from network 1722. Additionally or alternatively, device 1700 may be able to communicate wirelessly with other devices using any of a variety of communication standards, protocols and / or technologies.

[0075] Figure 18A schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing device, referred to as computer system 1000, is shown. This exemplary computing device may include or host an embodiment of a camera having an optical system, such as those described herein. Furthermore, computer system 1800 may implement methods for controlling the operation of the camera and / or for performing image processing on images captured by the camera. In some embodiments, device 1700 (referenced herein) Figure 17 The (described) may additionally or alternatively include some or all of the functional components of the computer system 1800 described herein.

[0076] Computer system 1800 may be configured to perform any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system 1800 may be any of a variety of types of devices, including but not limited to: personal computer systems, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, all-in-one computers, tablet computers or netbook computers, mainframe computers, handheld computers, workstations, network computers, cameras, set-top boxes, mobile devices, augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) headsets, consumer devices, video game controllers, handheld video game devices, application servers, storage devices, televisions, video recording equipment, peripheral devices (such as switches, modems, routers), or any type of computing or electronic device in general.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 8000 includes one or more processors 1802 coupled to system memory 1004 via input / output (I / O) interface 1806. Computer system 1800 also includes one or more cameras 1008 coupled to I / O interface 1806. Computer system 1800 also includes a network interface 1010 coupled to I / O interface 1806 and one or more input / output devices 1812, such as cursor control device 1014, keyboard 1816, and display 1818. In some cases, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be implemented using a single instance of computer system 1800, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems or multiple nodes constituting computer system 1800 may be configured to host different portions or instances of the embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system 1800 that are different from those nodes implementing other elements.

[0078] In various implementations, computer system 1800 may be a single-processor system including one processor 1802, or a multiprocessor system including several processors 1802 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 1802 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various implementations, processor 1802 may be a general-purpose or embedded processor implementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs) such as x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISA or any other suitable ISA. In a multiprocessor system, each processor in processor 1802 may, but is not required to, implement the same ISA.

[0079] System memory 1804 may be configured to store program instructions 1820 accessible to processor 1802. In various embodiments, system memory 1804 may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), non-volatile / flash memory, or any other type of memory. Additionally, existing camera control data 1822 in memory 1804 may include any of the aforementioned information or data structures. In some embodiments, program instructions 1820 and / or data 1822 may be received, transmitted, or stored on a different type of computer-accessible medium or similar medium separate from system memory 1804 or computer system 1800. In various embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented via such computer system 1800.

[0080] In one embodiment, I / O interface 1806 may be configured to coordinate I / O communication between processor 1802, system memory 1804, and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface 1810 or other peripheral device interfaces such as input / output device 1812. In some embodiments, I / O interface 1806 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversions to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory 1804) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor 1802). In some embodiments, I / O interface 1806 may include support for devices attached, for example, via various types of peripheral buses, such as the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or variants of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. In some embodiments, the functionality of I / O interface 1806 may be divided among two or more separate components, such as a northbridge and a southbridge. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of I / O interface 1806 (such as an interface to system memory 1804) may be directly incorporated into processor 1802.

[0081] Network interface 1810 can be configured to allow data exchange between computer system 1800 and other devices (e.g., bearers or agent devices) attached to network 1824, or between nodes of computer system 1800. In various embodiments, network 1824 may include one or more networks, including but not limited to local area networks (LANs) (e.g., Ethernet or enterprise networks), wide area networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface 1810 may support communication, for example, via wired or wireless general-purpose data networks (such as any suitable type of Ethernet network); via telecommunications / telephone networks (such as analog voice networks or digital fiber optic communication networks); via storage area networks (such as Fibre Channel SANs); or via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0082] In some implementations, input / output device 1812 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other device suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 1800. Multiple input / output devices 1812 may be present in the computer system 1800 or distributed across various nodes of the computer system 1800. In some implementations, similar input / output devices may be separate from the computer system 1800 and may interact with one or more nodes of the computer system 1800 via wired or wireless connections (such as through network interface 1810).

[0083] Those skilled in the art will understand that computer system 1800 is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. Specifically, computer systems and devices may include any combination of hardware or software capable of performing the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, internet devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless telephones, pagers, etc. Computer system 1000 may also be connected to other devices not shown, or conversely, may operate as a stand-alone system. Furthermore, the functions provided by the illustrated components may, in some embodiments, be combined into fewer components or distributed across additional components. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided, and / or other additional functions may be available.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that while various items are shown as being stored in memory or on storage devices during use, these items, or portions thereof, may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for memory management and data integrity purposes. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of these software components may be executed in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or portable article of manufacture for reading by a suitable drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from computer system 1800 may be transmitted to computer system 1800 via a transmission medium or signal (such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals transmitted via communication media such as networks and / or wireless links). Various embodiments may also include receiving, transmitting, or storing instructions and / or data implemented according to the above description on a computer-accessible medium. Generally, computer-accessible media can include non-transitory computer-readable storage media or memory media, such as magnetic or optical media, like discs or DVD / CD-ROMs, and volatile or non-volatile media, such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, computer-accessible media can include transmission media or signals, such as electrical signals, electromagnetic signals, or digital signals transmitted via communication media such as networks and / or wireless links.

[0085] In various implementations, the methods described herein can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the order of the blocks of the method can be changed, and various elements can be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. The various implementations described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Thus, multiple examples may be provided for a component described herein as a single example. The boundaries between various components, operations, and data repositories are somewhat arbitrary, and specific operations are shown in the context of a particular exemplary configuration. Other allocations of functionality are contemplated, which may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, the structures and functions of discrete components presented in exemplary configurations can be implemented as combined structures or components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the implementations as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A prism, comprising: A single monolithic prism, the single monolithic prism comprising: A first surface having an anti-reflective coating applied to the first surface and a dark mask applied over the anti-reflective coating, wherein the dark mask is not present over the anti-reflective coating in the light-entry area of ​​the first surface; A second surface having a highly reflective coating applied to the second surface, wherein the angle between the second surface and the first surface is less than 90 degrees; A third surface, the third surface having an anti-reflective coating applied to the third surface and a dark mask applied over the anti-reflective coating, wherein the dark mask is not present over the anti-reflective coating in the light-departure region of the third surface, wherein the third surface is parallel to the first surface; and A fourth surface having the high-reflectivity coating applied to the fourth surface, wherein the fourth surface is parallel to the second surface.

2. The prism according to claim 1, wherein the high-reflectivity coating comprises a mirror coating, the mirror coating comprising a thin metal layer.

3. The prism of claim 1, wherein the high-reflectivity coating comprises a film having a white inner surface.

4. The prism according to claim 1, wherein the dark mask comprises a black mask or black paint.

5. The prism of claim 1, further comprising one or more internal aperture masks within the single integral prism, wherein each of the one or more internal aperture masks includes a channel extending at least partially from one or more outer surfaces of the prism into the interior of the prism.

6. The prism of claim 1, wherein the prism comprises a parallelogram shape, and wherein the angle at which the second surface intersects the first surface is between 25 degrees and 45 degrees.

7. The prism of claim 1 further includes a chamfered surface between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the chamfered surface is configured to reduce chipping or breakage at the edge of the prism.

8. The prism of claim 1, wherein the antireflective coating applied to the first surface comprises a coating applied to a central region of the first surface, and wherein the dark mask applied over the antireflective coating comprises a coating applied to a region surrounding the central region and at least partially overlapping the antireflective coating.

9. The prism of claim 1, wherein the single integral prism comprises glass or plastic.

10. A camera, comprising: One or more lenses; Image sensor; and A prism, located between the one or more lenses and the image sensor, wherein the prism comprises: A first surface having an anti-reflective coating applied to the first surface and a dark mask applied over the anti-reflective coating, wherein the dark mask is not present over the anti-reflective coating in the light-entry area of ​​the first surface; A second surface having a highly reflective coating applied to the second surface, wherein the angle between the second surface and the first surface is less than 90 degrees; A third surface having an anti-reflective coating applied to the third surface and a dark mask applied over the anti-reflective coating, wherein the dark mask is not present over the anti-reflective coating in the light-departure region of the third surface, wherein the third surface is parallel to the first surface and faces the image sensor; and A fourth surface having the high-reflectivity coating applied to the fourth surface, wherein the fourth surface is parallel to the second surface.

11. The camera of claim 10, wherein the high-reflectivity coating comprises a mirror coating applied to the second surface and the fourth surface, the mirror coating comprising a thin metal layer.

12. The camera of claim 10, wherein the dark mask comprises a black mask or black paint.

13. The camera of claim 10, wherein the prism further comprises one or more internal aperture masks within the prism, wherein each of the one or more internal aperture masks comprises a channel extending at least partially from one or more outer surfaces of the prism into the interior of the prism.

14. The camera of claim 10, wherein the prism comprises a parallelogram shape, and wherein the angle at which the second surface intersects the first surface is between 25 degrees and 45 degrees.

15. A method for manufacturing a prism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: A single integral prism raw material is obtained, the single integral prism raw material comprising at least four surfaces, wherein a first surface is parallel to a third surface, wherein a second surface is parallel to a fourth surface, and wherein the angle between the first surface and the second surface is less than 90 degrees. An anti-reflective coating is applied to at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the third surface; A dark mask is applied over the anti-reflective coating on the first surface and the third surface such that the dark mask is not present over the anti-reflective coating at the light-entry area on the first surface and at the light-exit area on the third surface. as well as A high-reflectivity coating is applied to at least a portion of the second surface and at least a portion of the fourth surface.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising using one or more of grinding, polishing, laser cutting, laser etching, knife cutting, sawing, CNC machining, and wire cutting to produce the second surface and the fourth surface.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein applying the high-reflectivity coating comprises applying a mirror coating comprising a thin metal layer to the second surface and the fourth surface.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising generating one or more internal aperture masks within the single integral prism raw material, and applying a dark mask to one or more inner surfaces of the one or more internal aperture masks.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein obtaining the single integral prism raw material comprises separating a glass wafer into a plurality of prism strips, and generating the second surface and the fourth surface along the relative long edges of the respective prism strips of the plurality of prism strips, such that the respective prism strips have a transverse parallelogram shape.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising laterally separating the respective prism strip into a plurality of individual prisms, wherein each of the plurality of individual prisms includes a portion of the second surface located at a first end of the respective individual prism and a portion of the fourth surface located at a second end of the respective individual prism opposite to the first end.

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