Long focus camera

Abstract

This invention discloses a telephoto camera. The telephoto camera may include a lens group having one or more lenses, an elongated optical folding element, and an image sensor. The lens group may be at least partially positioned within a turntable protruding outside the camera. The optical folding element may be optically positioned between the lens group and the image sensor along the optical transmission path of light. The optical folding element may fold light within itself multiple times to guide light from the lens group through the optical folding element to the image sensor.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed on September 24, 2021, with application number 202111119258.X and invention title "Telephoto Camera". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to telephoto cameras, and more specifically to architectures for small-form-factor, high-zoom telephoto cameras. Background Technology

[0003] Telephoto cameras typically have relatively long focal lengths and are largely used to capture distant objects with relatively high zoom factors. 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 telephoto cameras into these devices. Therefore, there is a desire for a high-zoom telephoto camera architecture that is well-suited for integration into such systems. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figures 1A to 1B An exemplary telephoto camera according to some implementation schemes is shown.

[0005] Figures 2A to 2B Another exemplary telephoto camera according to some implementation schemes is shown.

[0006] Figures 3A to 3C An exemplary optical folding element including an eyelet mask is shown according to some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 4 A high-level flowchart of a method for capturing images using a camera, according to some implementation schemes, is shown.

[0008] Figure 5 A high-level flowchart of an exemplary method for forming a camera according to some implementation schemes is shown.

[0009] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device that may include a camera, according to some implementation schemes, is shown.

[0010] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system that may include a camera, according to some embodiments, is shown.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.).

[0013] "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.

[0014] "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.

[0015] "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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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

[0019] Due to their long focal lengths (e.g., 60mm or longer), telephoto cameras are generally well-suited for capturing subjects, especially those at a distance. Telephoto cameras typically have a long focal length that magnifies distant objects and provides high-quality images of them. However, conventional telephoto cameras are essentially limited by two important optical parameters: aperture number and scaling factor. The aperture number is the ratio between the camera's focal length and the diameter of its aperture stop. A low aperture number is generally desirable, meaning more light can be captured to produce higher image quality and a wider aperture opening (for a given focal length) for a wider field of view (FOV). However, achieving a low aperture number is often difficult for conventional telephoto cameras due to their long focal lengths. The scaling factor is the ratio of the camera's focal length to a "reference" focal length (e.g., the focal length of a wide-angle camera). A large scaling factor is generally preferred, allowing the camera to have greater image magnification. However, a large scaling factor requires a long total lens length (TTL). TTL refers to the distance on the optical axis between the front vertex of the object-side surface (facing the object in the environment) of the camera's first lens and the image plane at the image sensor. Increasing the TTL can increase the size of the camera, making it unsuitable for integration into small, mobile, multi-purpose devices.

[0020] The various embodiments described herein relate to a high-scalability telephoto camera architecture with improved capabilities suitable for integration into small-form-factor mobile devices. In some embodiments, the camera may include a lens group having one or more lenses, an optical folding element, and an image sensor. In some embodiments, the optical folding element may reflect (or fold) light to direct the light to the lens and / or image sensor. In some embodiments, the optical folding element may have an elongated shape having a length extending in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens group, the length being greater than the height extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the optical folding element may include an elongated prism (e.g., a parallelogram prism) having multiple (e.g., at least four) surfaces. In some embodiments, the elongated prism may pass light captured by the lens through a first surface of the prism. At least some of the light may reach a second surface of the prism and then be reflected at the second surface, for example, the light is folded once. At least some of the light reflected from the second surface of the prism may be reflected back to the first surface of the prism. Total internal reflection (TIR) ​​occurs when the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than the critical angle of the prism. Thus, light can be reflected at the first surface of the prism, for example, the light is folded twice. At least some of the light reflected from the first surface can be transmitted to the third surface of the prism and reflected there, for example, the light is folded three times. Next, at least some of the light reflected from the third surface can reach the fourth surface of the prism and be reflected there, exiting the prism to be focused onto the image plane of the image sensor, for example, the light is folded four times. The light folded by the light-folding element can effectively increase the camera's focal length and optical TTL. This can help telephoto cameras achieve low aperture numbers and / or high scaling factors without sacrificing camera size.

[0021] Figures 1A to 1B An exemplary telephoto camera according to some implementation schemes is shown. In this example, Figure 1A It shows the origin from Figure 1B The dashed line A-A' indicates a cross-sectional view of camera 100 (e.g., a telephoto camera) viewed from a specific angle. Figure 1AAs shown, camera 100 may include a lens group 105, an optical folding element 110, and an image sensor 115. The lens group includes one or more lenses (e.g., lens 105(1), lens 105(2), and lens 105(3)). In some embodiments, camera 100 may include an aperture stop 120 that limits and controls the amount of light entering camera 100. In some embodiments, camera 100 may optionally include an infrared filter (IF) 125, as shown in FIG1, that blocks or prevents at least some infrared light from reaching image sensor 115. In some embodiments, optical folding element 110 may include a prism, as shown in FIG1. ​​In some embodiments, optical folding element 110 may simply include a mirror. Regardless of whether it is a prism, a mirror, or other suitable type of optical folding element, optical folding element 110 may include a reflective surface 112. In some embodiments, light can (e.g., from the aperture stop 120 of camera 100) enter the light folding element 110, and at the reflective surface 112 of the light folding element 110, be folded or redirected in one direction (e.g., along the optical axis or Z-axis) to another direction (e.g., along the X-axis) to the lens group 105, pass through the lens group 105, and reach the image sensor 115, such as... Figure 1A The edge in the middle indicates.

[0022] Compared to the conventional telephoto cameras described above, camera 100 can achieve a reduced total Z-height (measured approximately between the front and rear sides of camera 120 in a direction parallel to the optical axis of camera 100) by effectively increasing the optical TTL through the use of the optical folding element 110. However, by including the lens group 105 together with the folding element 110 and the image sensor 115 in the same module, camera 100 may have to increase the module length, or even increase the length of the camera 100's turntable, as... Figure 1A As shown. Here, the term "turntable" can be broadly defined to refer to a portion of the surface of camera 100 that protrudes or extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis of lens group 105, such as... Figure 1A As shown. Sometimes, the camera's turntable is also referred to as a "camera bump." In some embodiments, the module housing lens group 105, the light folding element 110, and the image sensor 115 may occupy at least a portion of the protruding turntable to provide space for other components of the camera 100 to be integrated into the mobile device. It should be noted that, technically, the optical axis may exist in multiple directions; for example, a first portion is incident on the light folding element 110 (e.g., along the Z-axis) and a second portion is located between the lens group 105 and the image sensor 115 (e.g., along the X-axis). For the purpose of discussion and defining the relevant directions, the term "optical axis" refers only to the portion passing through the lens group (e.g., along the Z-axis through the lens group 105) in the various embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0023] Figures 2A to 2B Another exemplary telephoto camera according to some implementation schemes is shown. In this example, Figure 2A It shows the origin from Figure 2B The dashed line B-B' in the figure indicates a cross-sectional view of camera 200 (e.g., a telephoto camera) viewed from a specific angle. In this example, camera 200 may include lens group 205, light folding element 210, and image sensor 215. In some embodiments, lens group 205 may include one or more lenses, such as lens 205(1) L1, lens 205(2) L2, and lens 205(3) L3. These lenses (e.g., lens 205(1) L1, lens 205(2) L2, and lens 205(3) L3) may individually include at least a front surface facing light from the environment and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, for example, as indicated by L1S1 and L1S2 of lens 205(1) L1 in Figure 2. In some embodiments, camera 200 may include an aperture stop 220 disposed in front of lens group 205 to limit and control the amount of light captured by lens group 205. In some implementations, camera 200 may optionally include an infrared filter (IF) 225, such as Figure 2A As shown, the IF can be positioned in front of the image sensor 215 to block or prevent at least some infrared light from reaching the image sensor 215. In some embodiments, the camera 200 may include an axial motion voice coil motor ( Figure 2A (Not shown in the image), the axial motion voice coil motor can be controlled to move the individual lenses of the lens group 205 (e.g., lens 205(1)L1, lens 205(2)L2 and / or lens 205(3)L3) relative to the image sensor 215 along the optical axis (or Z-axis) of the lens group 205 to achieve various autofocus and magnification / reduction functions. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the camera 200 may include a lateral motion voice coil motor ( Figure 2A (Not shown in the image), the transverse motion voice coil motor can be controlled to move the image sensor, for example, relative to the lens group 205 along the X-axis and / or Y-axis orthogonal to the optical axis (or Z-axis) of the lens group 205, to achieve various optical image stabilization (OIS) functions.

[0024] In some implementation schemes, such as Figure 2AAs shown, the image sensor can be positioned incident on the optical axis (or Z-axis) defined by the lens group 205. In some embodiments, the light folding element 210 can be optically arranged between the lens group 205 and the image sensor 215 along the optical transmission path of light from the lens group 205 to the image sensor 215. In some embodiments, the light folding element 210 can have an elongated shape with a short height or thin thickness; for example, the length of the light folding element 210 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis (or Z-axis) (e.g., along the X-axis) is greater than the height or thickness of the light folding element 210 in a direction parallel to the optical axis (or Z-axis) of the lens group 205. In some embodiments, the light folding element 210 can include at least four surfaces. For example, as Figure 2A As shown, the light folding element 210 may include a parallelogram prism, in which the first surface (surface S1) of the light folding element 210 is parallel to the third surface (surface S3) of the light folding element 210, and the second surface (surface S2) of the light folding element 210 is parallel to the fourth surface (surface S4) of the light folding element 210. In some embodiments, the light folding element 210 may be arranged such that the first surface (surface S1) faces the lens group 205, while the third surface (surface S3) faces the image sensor 215. In some embodiments, the front surface of the first lens of the lens group 205 (e.g., surface L1S1 of lens 205(1) L1) may be substantially parallel to the image plane of the image sensor 215, such that light incident on the front surface of the first lens 205(1) L1 may be parallel to light incident on the image plane of the image sensor 215.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second surface (surface S2) and / or the fourth surface (surface S4) of the light folding element 210 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. Therefore, the second surface (surface S2) and the fourth surface (surface S4) of the light folding element 210 may reflect light at their respective surfaces. The first surface (surface S1) and the third surface (surface S3) of the light folding element 210 may transmit light or allow light to pass through their respective surfaces. Furthermore, the first surface (surface S1) and the third surface (surface S3) of the light folding element 210 may reflect light under a phenomenon known as total internal reflection (TIR). TIR occurs when the angle of incidence of light approaches or exceeds 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 the surface at the point of incidence (called the normal). Therefore, when the incident angle of light is less than the critical angle, the first surface (surface S1) and the third surface (surface S3) of the light folding element 210 allow light to pass through. Conversely, when the incident angle of light is close to or greater than the critical angle, the first surface (surface S1) and the third surface (surface S3) of the light folding element 210 can reflect light at the corresponding surfaces. In some embodiments, the first surface (surface S1) and / or the third surface (surface S3) of the light folding element 210 may also individually include an anti-reflective coating.

[0026] Re-reference Figure 2A The light folding element 210 can fold light within the light folding element 210 multiple times to guide light from the lens group 105 through the light folding element 210 to reach the image sensor 215. For example, for using... Figure 2A The light-folding element 210 of the parallelogram prism shown allows light from the lens group 205 to pass through the first surface (surface S1) of the light-folding element 210 and enter the light-folding element 210. At least some of the light can reach the second surface (surface S2) of the light-folding element 210 and is then reflected at the second surface, such as... Figure 2A The edges in the light folding element indicate, for example, that the light is folded once. At least some of the light reflected from the second surface (surface S2) of the light folding element 210 can bounce back to the first surface (surface S1) of the light folding element 210, as shown in the image. Figure 2AThe edges are indicated by this. When the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than the critical angle of the light folding element 210, the light can be reflected at the first surface (surface S1) of the light folding element 210 under TIR, for example, the light is folded twice. Next, at least some of the light reflected from the first surface (surface S1) can be transmitted to the third surface (surface S3) of the light folding element 210 and reflected at the third surface, for example, the light is folded three times. Finally, at least some of the light reflected from the third surface (surface S3) of the light folding element 210 can reach the fourth surface (surface S4) of the light folding element 210, be reflected at the fourth surface (surface S4), and leave the light folding element 210 to be focused on the image plane on the image sensor 215, for example, the light is folded four times. Therefore, in Figure 2A In this example, at least some of the light passing through the lens group 205 may be folded four times within the light folding element 210 before leaving the light folding element 210 and reaching the image sensor 215.

[0027] and Figure 1A Compared to camera 100, camera 200 can move lens group 205 outside the module housing light folding element 210 and image sensor 115 to the turntable of camera 200. Using the turntable of camera 200 to house lens group 205 can benefit the spacing of camera 200. Because the turntable of camera 200 protrudes outward (e.g., Figure 2A As shown), the placement of lens group 205 within this turntable allows for additional space within camera 200 for other components. Therefore, the camera 200 module may primarily need to accommodate only the light folding element 210 (a thin, elongated prism) and image sensor 215 (and optionally an infrared filter 225). This, in turn, reduces at least the module Z-height (and shoulder Z-height) of camera 200. Figure 2A As shown. Therefore, the architecture of camera 200 allows for a larger aperture opening with a shorter module Z height, resulting in a lower aperture number. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the light folding element 210 can range from 2 mm to 4.1 mm. In some embodiments, the angle between the first surface (surface S1) and the second surface (surface S2) of the light folding element 210 can range from 25 degrees to 35 degrees (e.g., 25 degrees < θ < 35 degrees). In some embodiments, the aperture number can range from 2.2 to 2.8. In some embodiments, the module Z height of camera 200 can range from 8 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, the light folding element 210 can fold light multiple times (or more than once, e.g., at least four times). Figure 1ACompared to a camera 100 that folds light only once, using an optical folding element 200 allows for an effective increase in the focal length and optical TTL between the lens group 105 and the image sensor 115 of the camera 200 within a shorter module length, thereby achieving a large scaling factor. For example, in some embodiments, the scaling factor of the camera 200 can reach 5 or greater, while Figure 1A The scaling factor of camera 100 can be in the range between 3 and 5. In some embodiments, the module length of camera 200 can be 21 mm or less, while the module length of camera 100 can be in the range between 21 mm and 23 mm. In some embodiments, the effective focus path of camera 200 can reach the range of 17.2 mm and 27.2 mm. Furthermore, as... Figure 2A As shown, the turntable of camera 200 may protrude outside camera 200 along the optical axis (or Z-axis) of lens group 205. In other words, the length of the turntable in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis (or Z-axis) (e.g., along the X-axis) may need to be only greater than the maximum diameter of the lenses of lens group 205 (e.g., lenses 205(1), 205(2), and 205(3)). In contrast, in Figure 1A In this configuration, the turntable of camera 100 may need to accommodate the light folding element 110, lens group 105, and image sensor 115 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., along the X-axis). Therefore, the length of the turntable of camera 200 can be reduced compared to camera 100. In some embodiments, the length of the turntable of camera 200 may be less than the length of the elongated light folding element 210 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis (or Z-axis) (e.g., along the X-axis).

[0028] It should be noted that, for illustrative purposes, Figure 2AA parallelogram prism is used to illustrate the light-folding element 210. In some embodiments, the camera 200 may not need to use a prism, but may use any suitable light-folding element. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the light-folding element 210 may include other shapes, such as pentagons, hexagons, etc., and still provide the aforementioned light-folding functionality and design benefits. In some embodiments, the lenses of the lens group 205 (e.g., lens 205(1) L1, lens 205(2) L2, and lens 205(3) L3) may be made of various light-transmitting materials. For example, the lens group 205 may include a combination of both glass lenses and plastic lenses. In another example, all the lenses of the lens group 205 may be either glass lenses or plastic lenses. Compared to glass, plastic offers less weight and lower material costs. However, in some embodiments, using a glass lens for the first lens of the lens group (e.g., 205(1) L1 of lens group 205) can mitigate thermal focusing shift within the optical system (e.g., camera 200). For example, thermal focusing shift can be suppressed to less than 0.25 µm / degree. In some embodiments, axial chromatic aberration can be corrected by using a material with a high dispersion coefficient Vd (e.g., Vd > 60) for the first lens of the lens group (e.g., 205(1) L1 of lens group 205). In some embodiments, all lenses of lens group 205 may be aspherical lenses. In some embodiments, all lenses of lens group 205 may be spherical lenses. In some embodiments, lens group 205 may include a combination of both aspherical and spherical lenses. A spherical lens may refer to a lens having the same curve having a similar spherical shape across at least one surface, while an aspherical lens may refer to a lens having a surface whose curvature gradually changes from the center of the lens outward to the edge. In some embodiments, the light folding element 210 may also include various light-transmitting materials, such as one or more glass prisms, one or more plastic prisms, or a combination of both glass and plastic prisms.

[0029] Figures 3A to 3C Exemplary light folding elements including eyelet masks according to some embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, eyelet masks are 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 object 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 3AAs shown, stray light 310 may enter the light folding element 305, for example, from a surface (e.g., surface S4) (e.g., which includes a prism). In some embodiments, the light folding element may include one or more eyelet masks located inside the light folding element and / or on the surface of the light folding element to reduce glare. In this example, the light folding element 315 may include eyelet masks 325 and 330 located inside the light folding element 315, such as... Figure 3B As shown. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the aperture mask 325 and / or 330 may be designed to have various shapes and / or sizes in various spatial locations. The aim is for the aperture mask 325 and / or 330 to cover an area assumed to be illuminated by stray light from the environment. In this way, the aperture mask 325 and / or 330 can intercept and absorb stray light, thereby reducing glare, such as... Figure 3B As shown. For example, as Figure 3B As shown, aperture masks 325 and 330 can be positioned parallel to each other on opposite sides inside the light folding element 315 to reduce glare caused by stray light from opposite sides of the prism 315 (e.g., surface S2 and surface S4). It should be noted that, for illustrative purposes, Figures 3A to 3B 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 325 and / or 330 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.

[0030] In some embodiments, the optical folding element (optical folding element 100 in FIG. 1 and optical folding element 200 in FIG. 2) may comprise a single integral prism. In some embodiments, the optical folding element can be formed by, for example, bonding several prisms together with an optically transparent adhesive. According to some embodiments, the latter method can be used to form an eyelet mask inside the prism. For example, as... Figure 3C As shown, the light folding element 315 can be formed by bonding prisms 340, 345, and 350. In this example, the light folding element 315 can be parallelogram-shaped, and therefore can be formed using a rectangular prism 340 and two triangular prisms 345 and 350. In some embodiments, in order to form aperture masks 325 and / or 330 inside the prism 315, the aperture masks 325 and / or 330 can first be formed at the corresponding surfaces of the rectangular prism 340. For example, the aperture masks 325 and 330 can be formed on two opposing parallel surfaces of the rectangular prism 340, such as... Figure 3CAs shown. Next, the rectangular prism 340 (with eyelet masks 325 and 330) can be bonded to the triangular prisms 345 and 350, such that the eyelet masks 325 and 330 can be positioned at the corresponding mating surfaces between the rectangular prism 340 and the triangular prisms 345 / 350.

[0031] 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 implementations, the camera (e.g., Figure 2A One or more lenses of camera 200 (e.g., Figure 2A Lenses 205(1)-205(3) in the camera can receive light from objects in the environment, as indicated by box 405. As described above, in some embodiments, these lenses may include at least three lenses having various materials, shapes, and / or sizes. In some embodiments, the camera may include light-folding elements (e.g., Figure 2A The light folding element 210 in the image sensor can be optically arranged between the camera lens and the image sensor (e.g., ...). Figure 2A Between the image sensor 215 in the image sensor. In some embodiments, the light folding element may include at least four surfaces (e.g., Figure 2A The four surfaces of the parallelogram prism in the image sensor can fold light within the light folding element at least four times to guide the light through the light folding element from the lens to the image sensor.

[0032] As described above, in some embodiments, some surfaces of the light folding element (e.g., surface S2 and surface S4) may individually include a reflective coating (or reflector). Therefore, in some embodiments, light captured by the lens can pass through the first surface of the light folding element (e.g., Figure 2AThe light enters the optical folding element from the first surface (S1), as indicated by box 410. In some embodiments, at least some of the light passing through the first surface can reach a second surface (e.g., surface S2) of the optical folding element and can 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 can bounce back to the first surface. As described above, TIR can occur when the angle of incidence of light is close to or greater than the critical angle of the optical folding element, and the light can be further reflected at the first surface of the optical folding element, as indicated by box 420. In some embodiments, at least some of the light reflected from the first surface of the optical folding element can be transmitted to a third surface (e.g., surface S3) of the optical folding element and reflected at the 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 optical folding element, as indicated by box 425. In some embodiments, at least some of the light reflected from the third surface may reach a fourth surface (e.g., surface S4) of the light folding element and be reflected at that fourth surface, thereby exiting the light folding element and focusing onto the image plane at the image sensor, as indicated by box 430. In some embodiments, the image sensor may detect the light and generate an image signal (e.g., an electrical signal) accordingly, based on which an image may be generated, as indicated by box 435.

[0033] Figure 5 A high-level flowchart of an exemplary method for forming a camera according to some embodiments is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 5 Using a parallelogram prism as an example, the disclosed method can also be applied to prisms of other shapes and / or sizes. Figure 5 As shown, the method may include obtaining a rectangular prism (e.g., Figures 3B to 3C The rectangular prism 340 in the rectangular prism, as indicated by box 505. In some embodiments, one or more eyelet masks (e.g., eyelet masks 325 and / or 330) may be formed at the rectangular prism to reduce glare, as indicated by box 510. For example, the eyelet mask may be formed on two opposing parallel surfaces of the rectangular prism (e.g., Figures 3B to 3C (As shown). In some embodiments, an optical adhesive can be used to join a rectangular prism to one or more other prisms (e.g., two triangular prisms (e.g., prisms 345 and 350)) to form a parallelogram prism (e.g., parallelogram prism 315), as indicated by box 515. In some embodiments, an eyelet mask can be positioned at the joining surface between the triangular prism and the corresponding triangular prism (e.g., ...). Figures 3B to 3C (As shown).

[0034] In some implementations, the parallelogram prism can be used with a lens group comprising multiple lenses (e.g., Figure 2A The lens group 205 in the lens group is assembled together as indicated in frame 520. For example, the parallelogram prism and the lens group can be assembled such that the first surface of the parallelogram prism (e.g., surface S1) can face the rear surface of the last lens in the lens group (e.g., surface L3S2 of lens 205(3) L3) (e.g.) Figure 2A (As shown). Therefore, the light captured by the lens group can pass through the lenses of the lens group (e.g., from lens 205(1) L1, through lens 205(2) L2, and to lens 205(3) L3), and then through the first surface of the prism into the prism. In some embodiments, the lens group and the parallelogram prism can be assembled with an image sensor (e.g., image sensor 215) to form an optical system of a camera (e.g., camera 200), as indicated by box 525. For example, the lens group and the parallelogram prism can be assembled with an image sensor such that a third surface of the parallelogram prism (e.g., surface S1) opposite (and parallel to) the first surface of the prism can face the image sensor (e.g., as shown). Figure 2A (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. In some embodiments, an infrared filter (e.g., infrared filter 225) may optionally be included between the prism and the image sensor in the camera to block or prevent at least some infrared light from reaching the image sensor.

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device 600 according to some embodiments is shown, which may include a camera (e.g., Figure 1A Camera 100 Figure 2A (e.g., camera 200). In some embodiments, device 600 can be a mobile device and / or a multi-functional device. In various embodiments, device 600 can be any of a variety of types of devices, including but not limited to: personal computer systems, desktop computers, laptops, notebook computers, tablet computers, all-in-one computers, tablet computers or netbooks, 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, peripherals (such as switches, modems, routers), or any type of computing or electronic device in general.

[0036] In some embodiments, device 600 may include display system 602 (e.g., including a display and / or a touch-sensitive surface) and / or one or more cameras 604. In some non-limiting embodiments, display system 602 and / or one or more forward-facing cameras 604a may be disposed on the front side of device 600, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 6 As shown. Additionally or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras 604b may be disposed at the rear of the device 600. In some embodiments including multiple cameras 604, 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 604 may differ. Figure 6 The cameras shown.

[0037] Among other things, device 600 may include memory 606 (e.g., including operating system 608 and / or application / program instructions 610), one or more processors and / or controllers 612 (e.g., including CPU, memory controller, display controller and / or camera controller, etc.) and / or one or more sensors 616 (e.g., orientation sensor, proximity sensor and / or position sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, device 600 may communicate with one or more other devices and / or services (such as computing device 618, cloud service 620, etc.) via one or more networks 622. For example, device 600 may include a network interface (e.g., network interface 610) that enables device 600 to transmit data to and receive data from network 622. Additionally or alternatively, device 600 may communicate wirelessly with other devices using any of a variety of communication standards, protocols and / or technologies.

[0038] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing device, referred to as computer system 700, is shown, which may include or host an implementation of a camera, for example, as shown herein with reference to Figures 1 to 12. Figure 6 As described above. Furthermore, the computer system 700 can implement methods for controlling the operation of the camera and / or for performing image processing on images captured by the camera. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the device 600 (referenced herein) Figure 6 The components described herein may include some or all of the functional components of the computer system 700 described herein.

[0039] Computer system 700 can be configured to execute any one or all of the above-described embodiments. In different embodiments, computer system 700 can be any of a variety of devices, including but not limited to: personal computer systems, desktop computers, laptops, notebook computers, tablet computers, all-in-one computers, tablet computers or netbooks, 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, peripherals (such as switches, modems, routers), or any type of computing or electronic device in general.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 700 includes one or more processors 702 coupled to system memory 704 via input / output (I / O) interface 706. Computer system 700 also includes one or more cameras 708 coupled to I / O interface 706. Computer system 700 also includes a network interface 710 coupled to I / O interface 706 and one or more input / output devices 712, such as cursor control device 714, keyboard 716, and display 718. In some cases, it is conceivable that the embodiment can be implemented using a single instance of computer system 700, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems or multiple nodes constituting computer system 700 may be configured to host different parts or instances of the embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system 700 that are different from those implementing other elements.

[0041] In various embodiments, computer system 700 may be a single-processor system including one processor 702, or a multiprocessor system including several processors 702 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 702 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 702 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 702 may, but is not required to, implement the same ISA.

[0042] System memory 704 may be configured to store program instructions 720 accessible via processor 702. In various embodiments, system memory 704 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 722 in memory 704 may include any of the aforementioned information or data structures. In some embodiments, program instructions 720 and / or data 722 may be received, transmitted, or stored on a different type of computer-accessible medium or similar medium separate from system memory 704 or computer system 700. In various embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented via such computer system 700.

[0043] In one embodiment, I / O interface 706 may be configured to coordinate I / O communication between processor 702, system memory 704, and any peripheral devices (including network interface 710 or other peripheral device interfaces, such as input / output devices 712) within the device. In some embodiments, I / O interface 706 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversions to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory 704) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor 702). In some embodiments, I / O interface 706 may include support for devices attached, for example, via various types of peripheral buses (e.g., variants of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard). In some embodiments, the functionality of I / O interface 706 may be divided among two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of I / O interface 706 (such as an interface to system memory 704) may be directly incorporated into processor 702.

[0044] Network interface 710 can be configured to allow data exchange between computer system 700 and other devices (e.g., carriers or agent devices) attached to network 724, or between nodes of computer system 700. In various embodiments, network 724 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 710 may support communication via wired or wireless general-purpose data networks (such as any suitable type of Ethernet network), for example; 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.

[0045] In some embodiments, the input / output device 712 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 700. Multiple input / output devices 712 may be present in the computer system 700 or distributed across various nodes of the computer system 700. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices may be separate from the computer system 700 and may interact with one or more nodes of the computer system 700 via wired or wireless connections (such as through a network interface 710).

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that computer system 700 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, PDAs, wireless telephones, pagers, etc. Computer system 700 may also be connected to other devices not shown, or conversely, may operate as a stand-alone system. Furthermore, the functionality 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.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, although 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 700 may be transmitted to computer system 700 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.

[0048] 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. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: An optical assembly, the optical assembly including an optical folding element and a lens group having one or more lenses; and An image sensor configured to be movable relative to the optical assembly in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group and in at least another direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The light folding element is configured to reflect light passing through the lens group at least on one surface of the light folding element to redirect the light back to the image sensor, and All lenses in one or more lenses of the lens group used to focus the light at the image sensor and the light folding element are fixedly coupled to remain fixed relative to the fixed base of the device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the fixed base of the device comprises a metal frame, and wherein the optical component is fixedly coupled to the fixed base via the metal frame.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting base of the device comprises a plastic portion, and wherein the optical component is fixedly coupled to the plastic portion of the mounting base using plastic welding.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting base of the device is a metal mounting base, and wherein the optical component is fixedly coupled to the metal mounting base.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing base of the device is further fixedly coupled to the housing of the device.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the optical component is at least partially located within the mounting base of the device, and wherein the mounting base of the device is at least partially located within the housing of the device.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the optical folding element comprises an elongated optical folding element, the length of which in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis is greater than its height in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the optical folding element comprises a parallelogram prism, a first surface of the parallelogram prism being parallel to a third surface, and a second surface of the parallelogram prism being parallel to a fourth surface, wherein the first surface of the parallelogram prism is configured to face the lens group, and the third surface of the parallelogram prism is configured to face the image sensor.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the image sensor is configured to be movable using an actuator.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator.

11. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: Camera, the camera comprising: An optical assembly, comprising an optical folding element and a lens group having one or more lenses; and An image sensor configured to generate an image signal based on light from the optical components; and A processor, configured to process the image signal generated from the image sensor, The image sensor is configured to be movable relative to the optical assembly in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group and in at least another direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The light folding element is configured to reflect the light passing through the lens group at least at one surface of the light folding element to redirect the light back to the image sensor, and All lenses in one or more lenses of the lens group used to focus the light at the image sensor and the light folding element are fixedly coupled to remain fixed relative to the fixed base of the camera.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the mounting base of the device comprises a metal frame, and wherein the optical component is fixedly coupled to the mounting base via the metal frame.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the mounting base of the device comprises a plastic portion, and wherein the optical component is fixedly coupled to the plastic portion of the mounting base using plastic welding.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the mounting base of the device is a metal mounting base, and wherein the optical component is fixedly coupled to the metal mounting base.

15. The device of claim 11, wherein the fixing base of the device is further fixedly coupled to the housing of the device.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the optical component is at least partially located within the mounting base of the device, and wherein the mounting base of the device is at least partially located within the housing of the device.

17. The device of claim 11, wherein the optical folding element comprises an elongated optical folding element, the length of which in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis is greater than its height in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group.

18. The device of claim 11, wherein the optical folding element comprises a parallelogram prism, a first surface of the parallelogram prism being parallel to a third surface, and a second surface of the parallelogram prism being parallel to a fourth surface, wherein the first surface of the parallelogram prism is configured to face the lens group, and the third surface of the parallelogram prism is configured to face the image sensor.

19. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: An optical assembly, comprising an optical folding element and a lens group having one or more lenses, The light folding element is configured to reflect light passing through the lens group at at least one surface of the light folding element to redirect the light to the image sensor of the device. The image sensor is configured to be movable relative to the optical assembly in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group and in at least another direction orthogonal to the optical axis. All lenses in one or more lenses of the lens group used to focus the light at the image sensor and the light folding element are fixedly coupled to remain fixed relative to the fixed base of the device.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the fixed base of the apparatus comprises a metal frame, and wherein the optical assembly is fixedly coupled with the fixed base by the metal frame.

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