Slim pop-out camera and lenses for such camera

Abstract

To provide slim pop-out cameras, and lenses for cameras.SOLUTION: Digital cameras comprise: a lens assembly comprising N (N is≥4) lens elements L1-LN starting with L1 on an object side; an image sensor having a sensor diagonal SD; and a pop-out mechanism that controls a largest air-gap d between two consecutive lens elements within lens elements L1 and LN to bring the camera to an operative pop-out state and a collapsed state. The lens assembly has a total track length TTL in the operative pop-out state and a collapsed total track length cTTL in the collapsed state. SD is in the range of 7-20 mm, and cTTL / SD<0.6 is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,913, filed September 24, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 026,317, filed May 18, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 037,836, filed June 11, 2020, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to digital cameras, and more particularly to digital cameras having a pop-out mechanism and lens. [Background technology]

[0003] Compact multi-aperture digital cameras (also called "multi-lens cameras" or "multi-cameras") are known, particularly dual aperture digital cameras (or "dual cameras") and triple aperture digital cameras (or "triple cameras"). Miniaturization technology has enabled such cameras to be incorporated into compact portable electronic devices such as tablets and mobile phones (the latter hereinafter collectively referred to as "smartphones"), which offer advanced imaging capabilities such as zoom (see, for example, co-owned PCT Patent Application No. PCT / IB2063 / 060356, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). A typical triple camera system typically includes an ultra-wide-angle (or "Ultra-Wide" or "UW") camera, a wide-angle (or "Wide") camera, and a telephoto (or "Tele") camera.

[0004] The challenge with dual aperture zoom cameras is the camera height and the size of the image sensor (the "Sensor Diagonal" or S D) for the telephoto and wide-angle cameras. There is a large difference in the height (and total track length or "TTL") of the telephoto and wide-angle cameras. FIG. 1A shows, in a schematic way, the definitions of various entities such as TTL, effective focal length (EFL), back focal length (BFL), etc. TTL is defined as the maximum distance between the object-side surface of the first lens element and the image sensor plane of the camera. BFL is defined as the minimum distance between the image-side surface of the last lens element and the image sensor plane of the camera. In the following, the subscripts "W" and "T" refer to the wide and telephoto cameras, respectively. EFL has its well-known meaning in the art. In most compact lenses, the TTL is larger than the EFL, as in FIG. 1A.

[0005] FIG. 1B shows a typical camera system having a lens with an image sensor of field of view (FOV), EFL, and sensor width S. For a constant width / height ratio of the image sensor (which is usually rectangular), the sensor diagonal is proportional to the sensor width and height. The horizontal FOV is related to the EFL and sensor width as follows:

number

[0006] In mobile devices, a typical wide camera has a 35mm equivalent focal length ("35eqFL") in the range of 22mm to 28mm. The image sensor embedded in the mobile camera is smaller than a full frame sensor, and depending on the sensor size and FOV, the actual focal length in the wide camera ranges from 3.2mm to 7mm. For most lenses designed for such cameras, the TTL / EFL ratio is greater than 1.0, usually between 1.0 and 1.3. Another characteristic of these lenses is that their TTL to sensor diagonal ratio TTL / S D is typically in the range of 0.6 to 0.7. It is desirable to embed a larger sensor in the wide camera. However, to maintain the same FOV, a larger EFL is required, and as a result, the TTL becomes larger, which is not desirable.

[0007] Many mobile devices currently include both a tele camera and a wide camera. The tele camera enables optical zoom and other computational photography features such as digital Bokeh. Depending on the characteristics of the wide camera and the allowable module height, the 35eqFL of the mobile device tele camera ranges from 45mm to 100mm. The TTL of the lens designed for the tele camera is smaller than the EFL of such lens, usually satisfying 0.7 < TTL / EFL < 1.0. Typical tele EFL values are in the range of 6mm to 10mm for a vertical tele camera (when no 35mm equivalent conversion is applied) and in the range of 10mm to 30mm for a folded tele camera. A larger EFL is desirable to enhance the effect of optical zoom, however, it results in an undesirably larger TTL.

[0008] In a continuing attempt to improve the quality of the resulting images, larger image sensors need to be incorporated into wide and telephoto cameras. Larger sensors allow for improved low-light performance and increased pixel counts, and therefore improved spatial resolution. Other image quality characteristics, such as noise performance, dynamic range, and color fidelity, can also improve as sensor size increases.

[0009] As the sensor in a wide camera gets larger, the required EFL becomes larger (for the same 35mm equivalent focal length), the TTL of the lens increases, and the height of the camera module becomes larger. As a result, there are limitations on the allowable sensor size when considering the allowable mobile device thickness or other industrial design constraints. For most mobile device wide cameras, the full diagonal of the sensor pixel array size ranges from about 4.5mm (usually called a 1 / 4" sensor) to 16mm (usually called a 1" sensor).

[0010] It would be beneficial to have a wide and / or tele lens design that supports a large EFL for large sensor diagonals (optical zoom) while still having a small TTL for a slim design, the latter presented, for example, in commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,913. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In various embodiments, a plurality of digital cameras are provided, each of which includes a L 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N An optical element module having a lens assembly including: a sensor diagonal S of 5 mm to 20 mm; Dand a pop-out mechanism configured to control at least one air gap between a plurality of lens elements or between a lens element and the image sensor to bring the camera into an operational pop-out state and a collapsed state, the lens assembly having a full track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a collapsed full track length cTTL in the collapsed state, and a cTTL / S D <0.6.

[0012] For simplicity, in the following description, "lens" may be used instead of "lens assembly."

[0013] For simplicity hereinafter, the use of the term "pop-out" may be omitted in front of various parts, with the understanding that if a part is initially defined as a "pop-out" part, it will be so throughout this specification.

[0014] In various examples of the camera described above or below, the window pop-up mechanism includes a window frame engageable with the optics module, the window frame not contacting the optics module in the popped-out state, and the window frame operable to push the optics module to bring the camera into the retracted state, the window frame including a window that is not in direct contact with the lens.

[0015] In some embodiments, the maximum air gap d is L N-1 and L N It is between.

[0016] In some embodiments, the maximum air gap d is L N-2 and L N-1 Between or L N-1 and L Nand the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL, between 40mm and 150mm. In such an embodiment, d may be greater than TTL / 5.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cTTL / S D <0.55.

[0018] In some embodiments, S D is in the range of 10mm to 15mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the camera as described above or below has a second total track length TTL in the range of 0.9×TTL to 1.1×TTL. 2 The second camera having a 3D image is included in a multi-camera system together with a second camera having a 3D image.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lens assembly has a 35 mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL, which is greater than 24 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lens assembly has an effective focal length EFL, and the ratio TTL / EFL is less than 1.4 and greater than 1.0.

[0022] In various embodiments, a plurality of digital cameras are provided, each of which includes a L 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N an optics module comprising a lens assembly including a sensor diagonal S; a pop-out mechanism configured to actuate the lens assembly into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state; Dand an image sensor having the lens assembly having a back focal length BFL greater than any air gaps between lens elements and an effective focal length EFL in the range of 7 mm to 18 mm, wherein the lens assembly has a full track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a retracted full track length cTTL in the retracted state, and the pop-out mechanism is configured to control the BFL such that cTTL / EFL<0.55.

[0023] In some embodiments, the pop-out mechanism includes a window pop-out mechanism based on a pin-groove assembly, where one or more of the pins slide within a plurality of vertically oriented grooves and one or more pins slide within a plurality of diagonally oriented grooves having an angle of 20°-80°, 30°-70°, or 40°-60° with respect to the vertical.

[0024] In some embodiments, the pop-out mechanism includes a barrel pop-out mechanism including a plurality of springs and a guiding and positioning mechanism, the barrel pop-out mechanism enabling sufficient z- and xy-decentering accuracy between the lens elements in the operational pop-out state and enabling repeatability in switching between the operational state and the retracted state, the sufficient decentering accuracy being less than 0.1 mm decentering and the repeatability being less than 0.05 mm decentering. In other embodiments, the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.8 mm decentering and the repeatability being less than 0.04 mm decentering. In yet other embodiments, the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.6 mm decentering and the repeatability being less than 0.03 mm decentering. The guiding and positioning mechanism may be based on a pin and groove assembly, a stopper, or a kinematic coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the guiding mechanism is based on a pin-groove assembly and the positioning mechanism is based on a magnetic force.

[0025] In some embodiments, S D is in the range of 4.5mm to 10mm, and the lens assembly has a 35eqFL greater than 45mm and less than 180mm.

[0026] In some embodiments, S D is in the range of 10mm to 20mm, and the lens assembly has a 35eqFL greater than 40mm and less than 180mm.

[0027] In some embodiments, the ratio TTL / EFL is less than 1.0 and greater than 0.7.

[0028] In some embodiments, the BFL is greater than TTL / 3 and less than TTL / 1.5.

[0029] In some embodiments of the camera as described above or below, the lens has a maximum lens diameter d L and a lens element having a maximum diameter d module and the maximum lens diameter d L The penalty between is less than 4 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm.

[0030] In various embodiments, a plurality of multi-cameras, the first field of view FOV 1 , and L on the object side 1 Starting from , N (where N ≥ 4) lens elements L 1 ~L N a first lens assembly having a sensor diagonal S D1 and a pop-out mechanism for controlling a maximum air gap d between two consecutive lens elements to bring the first camera into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state; 1 Smaller second field of view FOV 2 A second lens assembly having an object side L 1 M (where M≧4) lens elements L starting from1 ~L M and a pop-out mechanism configured to actuate the second camera into an operative state and a retracted state, and a second camera effective focal length EFL of 7 mm to 18 mm. 2 and the second camera having a first 35 mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL. 1 , the total track length TTL in the operating state 1 and the contracted total track length cTTL in the contracted state 1 S D1 is in the range of 7mm~20mm, cTTL 1 / S D1 <0.6, and the second lens assembly has a second 35 mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL. 2 , the total track length TTL in the operating state 2 and the contracted total track length cTTL in the contracted state 2 and cTTL / EFL<0.55.

[0031] In some instances, cTTL 1 =cTTL 2 ±10%.

[0032] In some cases, 35eqFL 2 ≧1.5×35eqFL 1 It is.

[0033] In some cases, 35eqFL 1 is larger than 24mm.

[0034] In some cases, 35eqFL 2 is larger than 45mm.

[0035] In various embodiments, a plurality of multi-cameras, each of which includes a L 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L Na lens barrel carrying a wide lens assembly having a wide sensor diagonal S DW and a lens element L N and L N-1 The air gap between N-1 A wide camera having a first pop-out mechanism for controlling the wide camera to be in an operating state and a contracted state; 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N a lens barrel carrying a telelens assembly having a sensor diagonal S DT and a telephoto image sensor having a lens element L N and a tele-camera having a second pop-out mechanism for controlling an air gap between the tele-camera and the tele-image sensor to bring the tele-camera into an operating state and a retracted state, wherein the wide lens assembly has a field of view FOV W , the total track length TTL in the operating state W and the contracted total track length cTTL in the contracted state W S DW If the focus is within the range of 10mm~16mm, cTTL W / S DW <0.6, and the telelens assembly has an FOV W FOV smaller than T , TTL in the operating state T and cTTL in the contracted state T With cTTL W =cTTL T ±10%, S DT If the range is 4.5mm~10mm, cTTL T <EFL T <0.55, multiple multi-cameras are provided.

[0036] In some embodiments, the multiple cameras are embedded within a device having a device exterior, and in an operational state the multiple cameras extend beyond the device exterior by between 2mm and 7mm, and in a non-operational state the multiple cameras extend beyond the device exterior by less than 2mm.

[0037] In some embodiments, 7 mm <TTL W <13mm, 1.0 <TTL W / EFL W < 1.3 and d N-1 is greater than TTL / 4.

[0038] In some embodiments, the camera includes a L 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N and a lens assembly having a sensor diagonal S in the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. D A curved image sensor having a curved image sensor; N and a pop-out mechanism for controlling an air gap d between the lens assembly and the image sensor to bring the camera into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state, wherein the lens assembly has a full track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a retracted full track length cTTL in the retracted state, and D <0.6, and the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL which is less than 18mm. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] Non-limiting examples of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings attached hereto, which are shown after this paragraph. Identical structures, elements, or members that appear in more than one figure are generally numbered the same in all figures in which they appear. If an identical element is shown but numbered in only one figure, it shall have the same number in all figures in which it appears. The drawings and description are intended to illustrate and clarify the embodiments disclosed herein, and should not be considered limiting in any way. [Figure 1A] Schematically, the definitions of various entities such as TTL and EFL are shown. [Figure 1B] We give the definitions of FOV, EFL, and S for a thin lens approximation or its equivalent. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates, in cross-section, an embodiment of a pop-out camera as disclosed herein in a pop-out state, integrated into a "host" device. [Figure 2B] 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the pop-out frame of the camera of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the camera of FIG. 2A in a retracted state. [Figure 2D] 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the frame shown in FIG. 2B in a contracted state. [Figure 3A] 2B shows a perspective view of the camera of FIG. 2A in a popped-out state. [Figure 3B] 2B shows a perspective view of the camera of FIG. 2A in a retracted state. [Figure 4A] 2B shows a lens module in the camera of FIG. 2A in cross-sectional view. [Figure 4B] The same as FIG. 4A is shown in perspective view. [Figure 4C] 1 illustrates an example of an optical lens system that may be used in the pop-out camera disclosed herein. [Figure 5A] 2B shows, in cross-sectional view, the lens module in the camera of FIG. 2A in a retracted state. [Figure 5B]The same as FIG. 5A is shown in perspective view. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a lens module in a popped-out state in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 6B] 6B illustrates, in cross-section, the pop-out lens module of FIG. 6A in a contracted state. [Figure 6C] 1 illustrates another example of an optical lens system that may be used in the pop-out camera disclosed herein. [Figure 6D] 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of a lens system 660 that may be used in the optics module 600 or 600'. [Figure 7] FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the lens module of FIG. 6A. [Figure 8] FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of the lens module of FIG. 6B. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an actuator of the pop-out mechanism in a pop-out state. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 9A in a contracted state. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates yet another example of an optical lens system that may be used in the pop-out cameras disclosed herein. [Figure 11A] An embodiment of a smartphone with dual cameras including a regular folded telephoto camera and an upright pop-out wide camera is shown. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B shows a detail of the camera of FIG. 11A with a wide pop-out camera in the pop-out state. [Figure 11C] 11B shows the smartphone of FIG. 11A with a wide pop-out camera in a retracted state. [Figure 11D] 11B shows the camera detail of FIG. 11A with the wide pop-out camera in a retracted state. [Figure 12A] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a smartphone with a dual camera, including an upright tele camera and an upright wide camera, both cameras in a pop-out state. [Figure 12B]FIG. 12B shows a detail of the camera of the smartphone in FIG. 12A in the popped out state. [Figure 12C] 12B shows the smartphone of FIG. 12A with both cameras in a retracted state. [Figure 12D] 12B shows a detail of the smartphone camera in FIG. 12A in a retracted state. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates yet another example of an optical lens system that may be included within the pop-out camera disclosed herein. [Figure 14A] 1 illustrates, in cross-sectional view, another embodiment of a pop-out camera as disclosed herein integrated into a host device and in a pop-out state. [Figure 14B] 14B shows a perspective view of a frame in the pop-out camera of FIG. 14A. [Figure 14C] 14B shows the camera of FIG. 14A in a cross-sectional view in a retracted state. [Figure 14D] FIG. 14C shows a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 14B in a contracted state. [Figure 15A] 14B shows a cross-sectional view of the pop-out mechanism within the camera of FIG. 14A. [Figure 15B] 15B shows the mechanism of FIG. 15A in a contracted state. [Figure 16A] 13 shows a cross-sectional view of another example of a pop-out optics module in a popped-out state. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the pop-out optics module of FIG. 16A. [Figure 17A] 16B illustrates in perspective view the pop-out optics module of FIG. 16A in a pop-out state. [Figure 17B] 16B illustrates in perspective view the pop-out optics module of FIG. 16A in a contracted state. [Figure 18A] FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the optical element frame of the optical element module of FIG. 16A in a popped-out state. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B shows a perspective view of the optical element frame of FIG. 18A in a contracted state. [Figure 18C]18B shows a portion of the optics frame of FIG. 18A in more detail. [Figure 18D] 18C shows a portion of the optics frame of FIG. 18B in more detail. [Figure 18E] 18B shows the optical element frame of FIG. 18A in a top view. [Figure 18F] 18B shows the optics frame of FIG. 18A in an exploded view. [Figure 19A] 13 shows a perspective view of yet another example of an optical element module in a popped-out state. [Figure 19B] 19B shows the optical element module of FIG. 19A in a top view. [Figure 19C] 19B shows in cross-section the optical element module of FIG. 19A in a popped-out state. [Figure 19D] 19B shows in cross-section the optical element module of FIG. 19A in a contracted state. [Figure 19E] 19B shows the top cover and magnets of the optical element module of FIG. 19A in a perspective view. [Figure 19F] The top cover and magnets of the optics module of FIG. 19E are shown in a top view. [Figure 20A] 1 shows the magnet portion of the window position measurement mechanism in a side view. [Figure 20B] 20B shows the window position measurement mechanism of FIG. 20A in a perspective view. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20B shows a side view of the three magnets and Hall sensor of the window position measurement mechanism of FIG. 20A in the contracted state. [Figure 20D] FIG. 20B shows a side view of the three magnets and Hall sensor of the window position measurement mechanism of FIG. 20A in the popped-out state. [Figure 20E] 20B shows an example of the design and magnetic field of the window position measurement mechanism of FIG. 20A. [Figure 20F] 3 shows an example of a magnet configuration that may be included in the position measurement mechanism. [Figure 20G] 13 illustrates another example of an alternative magnet configuration that may be included in the position measurement mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view (through the cross section marked 2A-2A in FIG. 3A) of an embodiment of a pop-out camera disclosed herein, numbered 200, integrated into a "host" device 250 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc.). In FIG. 2A, the camera 200 is shown in an operational or "pop-out" state (hence referred to as a "camera in a pop-out state"). The camera 200 also has a retracted ("c" or "non-operational") state, shown in FIG. 2C. In this state, the camera does not operate as a camera in a pop-out state. FIG. 3A illustrates the camera 200 in a pop-out state, and FIG. 3B illustrates the camera 200 in a retracted state, both in perspective.

[0041] The camera 200 includes a total pop-out mechanism 210 and a pop-out optics module 240. The optics module 240 includes a lens barrel holder 202 carrying a pop-out lens barrel 204 with a pop-out lens assembly 206, and in some cases ("embodiments"), an image sensor 208. In some embodiments, the image sensor may be separate from the optics module. The lens barrel 204 and the window 216 are separated by an air gap 222, e.g., 0.15-3 mm. The air gap 222 allows the lens barrel to move by 0.1-3 mm for optical image stabilization (OIS) and auto-focus (AF) by moving the lens, as known in the art. The optics module 240 is covered by a cover 232. In some embodiments, the pop-out lens barrel (e.g., lens barrel 602) may be split into two or more sections, e.g., a fixed lens barrel section and a retractable barrel section.

[0042] The total pop-out mechanism 210 comprises a "window" pop-out mechanism (external to the optical element module) and a "barrel" pop-out mechanism that has some parts external to the optical element module and some parts internal to the optical element module. The window pop-out mechanism raises and lowers (ups and downs) a window. The barrel pop-out mechanism allows for a popped out lens barrel state and a retracted lens barrel state.

[0043] The window pop-out mechanism includes the components shown in detail in, for example, Figures 9A-9B, 14B, 14D, 15A-15B, and 20A-20F. Specifically, the window pop-out mechanism includes an actuator such as 212 or 212', a pop-out frame 220 (see, for example, Figure 2B) including a window frame 214 carrying a window 216 that covers a camera aperture 218, and an external module seal 224. The external module seal 224 prevents particles and fluids from entering the camera and host device 250. In some embodiments (e.g., in the frame 220' described with reference to Figures 14A-14D), the pop-out frame may include additional components such as, for example, a cam follower (e.g., 1402 in Figure 14A), a side limiter (e.g., 1406 in Figure 14A), and a window position measurement mechanism (e.g., 1420 in Figure 14B).

[0044] The barrel pop-out mechanism includes the components shown in detail in, for example, Figures 4A, 5A, 6A-6B, 14A, 14C, 16A, 17A-17B, 18A-18F, and 19A-19F. Specifically, the barrel pop-out mechanism may include one or more springs 230, a pop-out lens barrel 204 having a pop-out lens assembly 206, one or more springs 230, and a guiding and positioning mechanism (see, for example, Figures 19A-19B and the description below). The one or more springs push the optical element module 240 toward the frame 220, i.e., no additional actuation mechanism within the optical element module is needed when the frame 220 moves upward to switch from the contracted state to the pop-out state.

[0045] The guiding and positioning mechanism positions the lens groups and optics at a fixed distance and orientation. In one example, the guiding and positioning mechanism comprises a pin 242 and a groove 244 (see FIGS. 2C, 4A, and 5A). In some embodiments, the guiding and positioning mechanism may include a stopper 618 (see FIGS. 6A-6B), a kinematic coupling mechanism (see FIGS. 18A-18D), or a magnet-yoke assembly (see FIGS. 19A-19F). In some examples, the guiding and positioning mechanism acts by interaction between the optics module and other components of a camera such as camera 200 (see, for example, FIGS. 6A-6B and 19A-19F). The pin 242 and the groove 244 provide a first example of a pin-groove assembly. The groove 244 may comprise a v-shaped groove or other groove, with legs at an angle of, for example, 30° to 150°. Other pin-groove assemblies are described below. In some examples, the guiding and positioning mechanism is contained entirely within the optics module (see, eg, Figures 4A and 5A and 18A-18D).

[0046] The pin-groove assembly with pin 242 and groove 244 provides mechanical stability and repeatability in the X-Z and Y planes of the illustrated coordinate system. Stopper 618 provides mechanical stability and repeatability in the Y plane. In some embodiments, other pins, such as pin 1206 (see FIGS. 12B and 12D), may be used to provide mechanical stability and repeatability in the X-Z plane.

[0047] The lens, image sensor, and (optionally) an optical window or "filter" (e.g., an IR filter) 234 form a pop-out optical lens system 260 (see, e.g., FIG. 4C). The image sensor has a sensor diagonal S ranging from 3.5 to 30 mm. D For a lens with an EFL of 5mm to 25mm, this typically represents 35eqFL in the range of 10 to 300mm. The sensor diagonal S D is S D =√(W 2 +H 2 ) is related to the sensor width W and height H. In other embodiments, the EFL can be between 8 mm and 28 mm.

[0048] To switch between the popped-out and retracted states, the pop-out mechanism 210 induces the following movements in the frame 220 (where all movements are defined relative to the host device and the coordinate system shown): horizontal (i.e., in the X-Z plane) movement of the cam follower and vertical (i.e., in the Y direction) movement of the window frame. Movement in the frame 220 induces vertical (Y direction) movement of the lens barrel (in the case of a single group or "1G" lens) or vertical (Y direction) movement of the retractable part of the lens barrel (in the case of a two group or "2G" lens) within the optics module 240. The image sensor and side limiters do not move. Importantly, the barrel pop-out mechanism does not include an actuator.

[0049] 2B, the camera 200 forms a significant pop-out bump 226 on the outer surface 228 of the host device 250, where "significant" may be, for example, 1.5 mm to 8 mm. In the pop-out state, the camera 200 increases the height of the host device 250 to a "pop-out height."

[0050] The pop-out lens may be a tele lens, for example as shown in FIG. 4C, FIG. 10 or FIG. 6D, or a wide lens, for example as shown in FIG. 6C or FIG. 13. Depending on the type of lens, the pop-out camera operates as a pop-out tele camera or as a pop-out wide camera. The pop-out tele camera has a FOV of 20° to 50°. T The pop-out wide camera can have a FOV of 50° to 120°. W The TTL of the lens is measured from the first surface of the first lens element in the lens to the image sensor, which may be, for example, 6 mm to 18 mm.

[0051] FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional view of the frame 220 in the retracted state. The actuator 212 brings the camera to the retracted state by doing work against the spring. In the retracted state, the spring is in a compressed state (see also FIG. 4B). To switch the camera 200 to the retracted state, the actuator 212 moves the window frame 214 to apply pressure to the lens barrel 204. This translates into a movement of the lens barrel 204 towards the image sensor. In the retracted state, the TTL is a retracted TTL (cTTL), which can be, for example, 5-12 mm. The cTTL is always the lens element L on the image side. 1The difference between cTTL and TTL comes from the BFL changed from the pop-out state. The camera 200 is designed to have a large BFL in the operating state. This large BFL can be contracted to bring the camera to the contracted state, resulting in a slim camera design. In the contracted state, the camera forms a contracted bump (c-bump) 236 against the device exterior surface 228. The c-bump can have a size (height) of, for example, 0-3 mm. In the contracted state, the height of the host device 250 is a "contracted height" that is much smaller than the height in the pop-out state, but is still larger than the height of the host device by the c-bump 236.

[0052] In some embodiments, the camera 200 may be designed to support a decentering accuracy tolerance in the X-Z plane of, for example, ±20 μm and a decentering accuracy tolerance in the Y direction of, for example, ±10 μm, and a tilt accuracy tolerance of, for example, ±0.5°. The planes and directions are as in the coordinate system shown in the figures. The decentering repeatability tolerance may be, for example, ±10 μm in the X-Z plane and, for example, ±5 μm in the Y direction, and the tilt repeatability tolerance may be, for example, ±0.25°. In other embodiments, the decentering accuracy tolerance may be, for example, ±10 μm in the X-Z plane and, for example, ±5 μm in the Y direction, and the tilt accuracy tolerance may be, for example, ±0.15°. Also, the repeatability tolerance of the decenter may be, for example, ±5 μm in the X-Z plane and, for example, ±2.5 μm in the Y direction, and the repeatability tolerance of the tilt may be, for example, ±0.08°. In yet another example, the repeatability tolerance of the decenter may be, for example, ±5 μm in the X-Z plane and, for example, ±2.5 μm in the Y direction, and the repeatability tolerance of the tilt may be, for example, ±0.1°. Also, the repeatability tolerance of the decenter may be, for example, ±1.5 μm in the X-Z plane and, for example, ±0.8 μm in the Y direction, and the repeatability tolerance of the tilt may be, for example, ±0.05°.

[0053] Similar precision and repeatability tolerances apply to the optics frame 1650 (see, e.g., FIG. 16A) and the optics module 600'' (see, e.g., FIG. 19A).

[0054] "Accuracy tolerance" herein refers to the maximum variation in the distances between the optical elements and between the mechanical elements, and "repeatability tolerance" herein refers to the maximum variation in the distances between the optical elements and between the mechanical elements over different pop-out cycles, i.e., the ability of the mechanical and optical elements to return to their previous positions after one or many pop-out (or retraction) events.

[0055] Tolerance in the Y direction may be less critical since variations in the Y direction can be corrected by optical feedback and lens movement for autofocus.

[0056] FIG. 4A shows the optical element module 240 in a cross-sectional view in a popped-out state. FIG. 4B shows the optical element module 240 in a perspective view in the same state. The diameter of the smallest circle that can completely enclose the optical element module is referred to as the "maximum diameter" "d module " is defined as "d module " indicates the maximum diagonal of the optical element module unless otherwise specified (eg, as in FIG. 16A) (eg, as in FIG. 7, FIG. 17B, FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, FIG. 18E, and FIG. 19A).

[0057] 4C shows details of a first exemplary lens system 400 that may be used in the camera 200 in the pop-out state. The lens system 400 comprises a lens 420 including, in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens element L1 having an object side surface S2 and an image side surface S3, a second lens element L2 having an object side surface S4 and an image side surface marked S5, a third lens element L3 having an object side surface S6 and an image side surface S7, a fourth lens element L4 having an object side surface marked S8 and an image side surface marked S9, a fifth lens element L5 having an object side surface marked S10 and an image side surface marked S11, and a sixth lens element L6 having an object side surface marked S12 and an image side surface marked S13. S1 is marked at the stop. Lens system 400 further comprises an optical window 234 disposed between surface S13 and image sensor 208. The distances between the lens elements and other elements along the optical axis of the lens and lens system are given in the table below.

[0058] For lens system 400, TTL=11.55 mm, BFL=5.96 mm, EFL=13 mm, F-number=2.20 and FOV=29.7°. Ratio TTL / EFL=0.89. The optical properties of lens 420 do not change when switching between the popped out and retracted states (i.e. the gap between the lens elements is constant).

[0059] In the contracted state (see FIG. 5A), cTTL can be 5.64-8.09 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL comes from the modified BFL, here the contracted BFL, "c-BFL" (see FIG. 5A). c-BFL can be 0.051-2.5 mm. All the distances between the lens elements L1-L6 and the lens surfaces S2-S13 remain unchanged.

[0060] Detailed optical data of lens system 400 is given in Table 1. Aspheric data is given in Tables 2 and 3, where the radius of curvature (R), the thickness of the lens elements along the optical axis and / or the distance between the elements, and the diameter are expressed in mm. "Index" is the refractive index. The formula for the aspheric shape is given by:

number

[0061] [Table 3] Figure 5A shows the pop-out optics module 240 in a cross-sectional view in a contracted state, and Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the same.

[0062] FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view (by the cross section marked 6A-6A in FIG. 7) of another example of a pop-out optical element module, numbered 600, in a pop-out state. The optical element module 600 can be integrated into a pop-out mechanism, such as 210 (not shown here). The optical element module 600 includes a lens barrel 602 having a retractable lens barrel section (first barrel section) 604 carrying a first lens group 606 and a fixed lens barrel section (second barrel section) 608 carrying a second lens group 610. The two lens groups form a lens 620 including a total of N lens elements L1-LN arranged with the first lens element L1 on the object side and the last lens element LN on the image side. The optical element module 600 is covered by a cover 232. The lens 620, the image sensor 208 and the optional optical window 234 form a lens system 630.

[0063] Exemplarily and as shown, in lens 620, N=6. In general, N≧4. In other embodiments, the lens barrel may include more than two barrel sections, each with more lens groups, e.g., 3, 4, 5 lens barrel sections, each barrel section carrying a lens group. The lens barrel sections may be divided into fixed barrel sections and movable barrel sections. In the illustrated example, the first lens group 606 includes lenses L1-L5, and the second lens group 610 includes lens L6. Air gaps may be formed between the lens groups depending on their relative movement. In embodiments with more than two barrel sections, some or all of the barrel sections may be movable, forming respective air gaps between the lens groups. The air gaps between the lens groups may shrink in a non-operating camera state. The sum of such air gaps may be 1-8.5 mm. The maximum air gap that exists between two consecutive lens elements may be used to define the lens group. For example, the largest air gap existing between two consecutive lens elements may be used to divide the lens into two lens groups, the largest air gap existing between two consecutive lens elements and the second largest air gap may be used to define three lens groups, etc. This statement holds true for all of the following lens and camera embodiments. In the pop-out state, the air gap d N-1It can be 1 to 3.5 mm. The spring 614 pushes the first lens barrel portion 604 toward a window frame such as the frame 214. In the operating state, the stoppers 618 and another stopper 618' can function as a stopper mechanism that keeps the lens group at a constant distance and orientation. In some examples, the camera in the pop-out state disclosed herein can support a decentering tolerance of, for example, ±20 μm in the X-Z plane and ±10 μm in the Y direction, and a tilt tolerance of ±0.2° of the lens barrel with respect to the image sensor 208. In other examples, the decentering tolerance can be, for example, ±3 μm to 10 μm in the X-Z plane and ±3 μm to 10 μm in the Y direction, and the tilt tolerance of the lens barrel with respect to the image sensor Y can be, for example, ±0.05° to 0.15°. In yet another example, the decentering tolerance can be less than 1 μm, for example 0.8 μm, in the X-Z plane. In yet another example, the decentering tolerance in the Y plane can be less than 1 μm, for example 0.8 μm. As a result, especially for example d N-1 (see FIG. 6C) or d 1006 (see FIG. 10), etc., support the various characteristics of the lens system such as the systems 630, 650 or 1000 for the air gap between the lens elements. In some embodiments, pins such as the pin 1208 (see FIGS. 12B and 12D) can be used to provide mechanical stability and repeatability accuracy in the X-Z plane.

[0064] The TTL of the lens is measured from the first (object side) surface of L1 to the image sensor, which can be 5 to 18 mm. The diagonal of the image sensor can be 6 mm < sensor diagonal < 30 mm. The 35eqFL can be 15 mm < equivalent focal length < 200 mm. The TTL / EFL ratio can vary in the range of 0.7 < TTL / EFL < 1.5.

[0065] FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the optical element module 600 in the contracted state (by the cross-section marked 6B-6B in FIG. 8). To switch the optical element module 600 to the contracted state, the actuator 212 reduces the air gap between the first surface of LN and the second surface of LN-1 by moving the window frame (not shown here), which results in a pressure being applied to the lens barrel, which is translated into a movement of the contractible lens barrel part towards the image sensor. In the contracted state, cTTL can be 5-12 mm, and the contracted air gap cd N-1 can be 0.05-0.85 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL comes from the changed distance between the first lens group 606 in the first retractable lens barrel section 604 and the second lens group 610 in the second fixed lens barrel section 608. The distance between the first lens group 606 and the image sensor changes compared to the popped-out state, but the distance between the second lens group 610 and the image sensor does not change. The optical properties of the lens 620 change when switching between the popped-out state and the retracted state.

[0066] FIG. 6C shows another example of a lens system 650 that can be used in the following optical element module 600 or another pop-out optical element module 600′. The lens system 650 is shown in a pop-out state. Design data is shown in Tables 4-6. The lens system 650 includes a lens 620′ having seven lens elements L1-L7 arranged as shown, an optical window 234, and an image sensor 208. The lens elements L1-L6 form a first lens group 606 and the lens element L7 forms a second lens group 610. The TTL is 8.49 mm and the BFL is 1.01 mm. The focal lengths are EFL=6.75 mm, F-number=1.80, and FOV=80.6°. The air gap d N-1 is 2.1 mm.

[0067] [Table 4] In the contracted state (see Fig. 6B or Fig. 14C), cTTL can be 6.44-7.24 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL comes from the altered air gap between L6 and L7. This is the contracted air gap c-d N-1 and can be 0.05-0.85 mm. The BFL is unchanged compared to the popped-out state.

[0068] The optical properties of lens 620' change when switching between the popped out and retracted states. The optical properties described here are for the lens elements in the "maximal" popped out state, i.e., when the lens has the maximum TTL. [Table 5]

[0069] [Table 6] FIG. 6D illustrates yet another embodiment of a lens system 660 that may be used in the optical element module 600 or 600′. The lens system 660′ is shown in a popped-out state. Design data is shown in Tables 7-9. The lens system 660 includes a lens 620″ having six lens elements L1-L6 arranged as shown, an optical window 234, and an image sensor 208. Lens elements L1-L3 form a first lens group 606, and lens elements L4-L6 form a second lens group 610. The TTL is 13.5 mm and the BFL is 5.49 mm. The focal lengths are EFL=15.15 mm, F-number=2.0, and FOV=32.56°. The air gap d 607 is 1.78 mm. The ratio TTL / EFL=0.89.

[0070] In the contracted state (see FIG. 6B), cTTL can be 5-11 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL is the altered air gap between L3 and L4 (this is the contracted air gap c-d 607The lens system 660 has a TTL / EFL ratio of 0.89, i.e., EFL>TTL. The cTTL / EFL ratio may be 0.35 to 0.75. [Table 7] [Table 8]

[0071] [Table 9] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the optical element module 600 in a popped-out state, and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the optical element module 600 in a contracted state.

[0072] FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of the actuator 212 in a pop-out state. FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of the actuator 212 in a retracted state. Sections 2B-2B and 2D-2D refer to FIGS. 2B and 2D, respectively. The actuator 212 comprises a pop-out actuator 902 having a moving part for actuation. A pop-out actuator-window frame connector 904 with a switch 906 converts the pop-out actuation into a movement of the window frame. The switch 906 couples the actuator 902 with the window frame 214. As shown above, the movement of the window frame is utilized to switch the camera to a retracted state. In FIG. 9A, the switch 906 is "down" to provide the pop-out state. In FIG. 9B, the switch 906 is "up" to provide the retracted state.

[0073] FIG. 10 shows another lens system, numbered 1000, that may be included in a pop-out telecamera in a maximum pop-out state. The lens system 1000 includes a lens 1020 having five lens elements as shown, an optical window 234, and an image sensor 208. A telepop-out camera with the lens system 1000 may be incorporated into a host device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc., not shown here). Similar to the one shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, in the lens system 1000, switching between the pop-out state and the retracted state is obtained by changing the air gap d1006 between the first lens group 1016 and the second lens group 1018.

[0074] In the lens system 1000, the first lens group 1016 includes lens elements 1002, 1004 and 1006, and the second lens group 1018 includes lens elements 1008 and 1010. In the pop-out state, the air gap d 1006 between the surface 1008a of the lens element 1008 and the surface 1006b of the immediately preceding lens element 1006 is 2.020 mm (see Table 10). The TTL of the lens system is 5.904 mm. The division into the first lens group and the second lens group is performed according to the maximum air gap between two consecutive lens elements.

[0075] The lens system 1000 may provide a FOV of 25°-50°, EFL=6.9 mm, F-number=2.80, and TTL=5.904 mm. The ratio TTL / EFL is 0.86, i.e. EFL>TTL. The ratio cTTL / EFL may be 0.58-0.69. For air gap d1006=TTL / 2.95, d1006>TTL / 3. In other embodiments, for the largest air gap that divides the lens elements into the first and second lens groups, the air gap may satisfy air gap>TTL / 5 and EFL>TTL.

[0076] The optical properties of the lens system 1000 change when switching to a retracted state (not shown). In the retracted state, cTTL can be 3.97-10 mm and the retracted air gap c-d 1006 can be 0.05-0.85 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL comes from the changed distance between the first lens group 1016 and the second lens group 1018. The distance between the first lens group 1016 and the image sensor 208 changes compared to the pop-out state, but the distance between the second lens group 1016 and the image sensor 1014 does not change.

[0077] In lens system 1000, all lens element surfaces are aspheric. Detailed optical data is given in Table 10, and aspheric data is given in Table 11, where the radius of curvature (R), the thickness of the lens element along the optical axis and / or the distance between the elements, and the diameter are expressed in mm. "Nd" is the refractive index. The formula for the aspheric shape is given by:

number

Table 10

[0078]

Table 11

[0079] The focal lengths (mm) of each lens element in lens system 1000 are as follows: f1 = 2.645, f2 = -5.578, f3 = -8.784, f4 = 9.550, f5 = -5.290. The condition 1.2×|f3| > |f2| < 1.5×f1 is clearly satisfied, for example, as 1.2×8.787 > 5.578 > 1.5×2.645. f1 also satisfies the condition f1 < TTL / 2, for example, as 2.645 < 2.952

[0080] FIG. 11A shows an example of a host device 1100 such as a smartphone with a dual camera, including a regular (non-pop-up) folded telecamera 1102 and a wide pop-out camera 1104. The wide camera 1104 is in an operational pop-out state and extends the exterior surface 228 of the device. Bump 226 is visible. A large image sensor, such as 208 (not visible here), and a pop-out frame, such as frame 220 (not fully visible here), required to switch between the retracted and pop-out camera states define a minimum area (in X-Z) covered by the pop-out camera on the exterior surface 228 of the device. The minimum pop-out camera area can be larger than the area of ​​the folded telecamera or the area of ​​a regular (i.e., non-pop-out) upright wide camera that would normally be included in the device.

[0081] Figure 11B shows details of the folded telecamera 1102 and the upright wide camera 1104 in the popped out state. The folded telecamera comprises a prism 1108, a folded telelens, and a sensor module 1112. Only the prism 1108 is visible in Figures 11A and 11B.

[0082] FIG. 11C shows a host device 1100 with a wide camera 1104 in a retracted state, illustrating the small height of the c-bump.

[0083] FIG. 11D shows details of the folded telecamera and the upright wide camera in the retracted state.

[0084] FIG. 12A shows another example of a host device 1200, such as a smartphone, having a dual camera with a tele pop-out camera 1202 as disclosed herein and a wide pop-out camera 1204 in an operational pop-out state. The pop-out bump 226 can be seen. A pop-out mechanism cover 1206 covers both the tele and wide cameras. A frame such as 220 (not shown) switches the tele and wide cameras together and simultaneously between the pop-out and retracted states. The pin 1208 can provide mechanical stability and repeatability in the X-Z plane. In some embodiments, two pins can be included. In other embodiments, three or more pins can be used.

[0085] FIG. 12B shows details of the upright tele camera 1202 and the upright wide camera 1204, with both cameras in the pop-out state.

[0086] Figure 12C shows the host device 1200 with the cameras in a retracted state. The c-bump 236 is shown. Figure 12E shows details of the upright tele camera 1202 and the upright wide camera 1204, both in a retracted state.

[0087] FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment of a lens system, designated 1300, comprising a lens 1320 including seven lens elements L1-L7, an image sensor 208, and optionally an optical window 234. Here, the image sensor 208 is a curved image sensor, meaning that its light-collecting surface is a curved surface with a radius of curvature R=-19.026 mm. Here, the "-" sign refers to a curvature centered on the object side of the image sensor. The use of a curved image sensor can be beneficial because undesirable effects such as field curvature and shading toward the edge of the sensor can be smaller than in the case of a planar image sensor. The lens system 1300 can be used in a camera such as the camera 200 in a pop-out state. Design data is shown in Tables 12-14.

[0088] For lens system 1300, TTL=8.28mm, BFL=3.24mm, EFL=6.95mm, F-number=1.85, FOV=80.52°.

[0089] In the retracted state (see FIG. 2C), cTTL may be 6.54-10 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL comes from the modified BFL, which is the retracted "c-BFL" (see FIG. 5A). c-BFL may be 1.494-2.5 mm. The optical properties of the lens 1320 do not change when switching between the popped-out and retracted states (i.e., all distances between the lens elements L1-L7 and the lens surfaces S2-S15 do not change). [Table 12] [Table 13]

[0090] [Table 14] In other embodiments, the optical window 234 may be curved. The radius of curvature R of the optical window W may have the same sign as the radius of curvature R of the curved image sensor 208 (i.e., have a center on the object side of the optical window) and may be curved in the same way, so R W may be, for example, −15 to −25 mm. W = R, where R is the radius of curvature of the curved image sensor. This may allow for a smaller cTTL. cTTL may be 5.64-7.54 mm, and c-BFL may be 0.594-2.5 mm.

[0091] FIG. 14A shows in cross-section another example 1400 of a pop-out camera disclosed herein, integrated into a “host” device 250 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc.) and in a pop-out state. The camera 1400 comprises a pop-out frame 220′ and an optics module 600′ including a lens 620. As shown in FIG. 14B, the frame 220′ comprises a window frame 214′, a cam follower 1402 and a side limiter 1406. The cam follower 1402 is coupled to a pop-out actuator 1408 via a spring 1408. The optics module 600′ includes a lens barrel 602 having a retractable lens barrel portion (first barrel portion) 604 carrying a first lens group 606 and a fixed lens barrel portion (second barrel portion) 608 carrying a second lens group 610. The two lens groups form a lens 620 including a total of N lens elements L1-LN arranged with the first lens element L1 on the object side and the last lens element LN on the image side. The lens 620, the image sensor 208 and the optional optical window 234 form a lens system 630.

[0092] The camera 1400 includes an outer module seal 224 and an inner module seal 1404. The outer seal 224 prevents particles and fluids from entering the device 250. The seal 224 may support an IP68 rating for the device 250. The inner seal 1404 prevents particles from entering the optics module 600'.

[0093] "External" and "internal" refer to the fact that seal 224 prevents contamination of the camera from outside the host device, while seal 1404 prevents contamination of the camera from inside the host device.

[0094] The optics module 600' and window frame 214 form an air gap 222' between the lens barrel and the window 216, which may be, for example, 0.1 mm to 3 mm. The air gap 222' allows the lens barrel to move by 0.1 to 3 mm to perform optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) by moving the sensor 208 or part of the optics module 600' or the lens 620, as known in the art.

[0095] The camera 1400 forms a prominent pop-out bump 226 relative to the exterior surface 228 of the device 250, where "prominent" may be, for example, between 1.5 mm and 12 mm. In the popped out state, the camera 1400 increases the height of the host device 250 to its height in the popped out state.

[0096] The lens 620 may have N≧4 lens elements and, as mentioned, comprises a barrel having two lens barrel sections. In other embodiments, the lens barrel may comprise more than two barrel sections with more lens groups, e.g., 3, 4, 5 lens barrel sections with each barrel section carrying a lens group. The lens barrel sections may be divided into fixed and movable barrel sections. In the illustrated example, the first lens group 606 includes lenses L1 to LN-1, and the second lens group 610 includes lens LN (see FIG. 14). Air gaps may be formed between the lens groups depending on their relative movement. In embodiments with more than two barrel sections, some or all of the barrel sections may be movable, forming respective air gaps between the lens groups. The air gaps between the lens groups may be contracted in a non-operating camera state. The sum of such air gaps may be 1 to 12 mm. In the popped-out state, the air gap d N-1 is 1-5.5 mm. Three springs 614 (not all visible here) push the first lens barrel section 604 towards a mechanical stop. The mechanical stop may be provided by a kinematic coupling mechanism as shown in FIGS. 18A-18B and 19A-19B. In other embodiments, the mechanical stop may be provided by the top cover 1606′ as shown in FIG. 20C. In some examples, the camera in the popped out state may be designed to support a decentering tolerance in the X-Z plane of, for example, ±20 μm and a decentering tolerance in the Y direction of, for example, ±10 μm, as well as a tilt tolerance of the lens barrel relative to the image sensor 208 of ±0.2°. In other examples, the decenter tolerance may be, for example, ±2 μm to 10 μm in the XZ plane, and ±2 μm to 10 μm in the Y direction, and the tilt tolerance of the lens barrel relative to the image sensor Y may be, for example, ±0.05° to 0.15°.

[0097] The TTL of the lens can be 5 to 22 mm. The diagonal of the image sensor can be 6 mm < sensor diagonal < 30 mm. The 35eqFL can be 15 mm < equivalent focal length < 200 mm. The TTL / EFL ratio can vary in the range of 0.7 < TTL / EFL < 1.5.

[0098] The window position measurement mechanism 1420 shown in FIG. 14B includes one or more magnets and one or more Hall sensors shown in FIGS. 20C - 20E. The magnet is fixedly coupled to the cam follower 1402, and the (one or more) Hall sensors are fixedly coupled to the side limiter 1406. The mechanism 1420 senses the position of the cam follower with respect to the side limiter 1406 and the host device 250. The camera is mechanically coupled to the host device, and the side limiter is mechanically coupled to the camera.

[0099] FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the frame 220' in a pop-out state. A pop-out camera, such as 1400, is formed when the optics module 600' is inserted into the frame 220'. The window frame 214', the cam follower 1402 and the side limiter 1406 move relative to each other. The window frame 214' and the cam follower 1402 move relative to the host device 250. However, the side limiter 1406 does not move relative to the host device 250. The camera 1400 is switched from the pop-out state to the retracted state by moving the window frame 214' in the positive X direction relative to the host device 250 and the side limiter 1406. The window frame 214' is moved by the actuator 212' via the cam follower 1402. The movement of the cam follower 1402 is substantially parallel to the X axis, which translates into a movement of the window frame 214' substantially parallel to the Y axis. This translation of movement in the X direction and movement in the Y direction is illustrated in Figures 15A-15B. For movement along Y, the window frame 214' exerts pressure on the lens barrel, which translates to movement of the retractable lens barrel portion toward the image sensor. The cam follower 1402 is coupled to the pop-out actuator 1412 via a spring 1408. The actuator 1412 moves the cam follower 1402, for example, via a screw stepper motor or another actuation method. The movement is mediated by the spring 1408. The spring 1408 may act as a shock absorber for the camera 1400. For example, when the host device 250 is dropped and hits another object, a large force may act on the window frame 214'. The spring 1408 may translate this large force into the retraction of the pop-out camera, thereby mediating a large portion of the large force. The internal module seal 1404 may act as an additional shock absorber.

[0100] FIG. 14C shows a cross-sectional view of the camera 1400 in a retracted ("c") or non-operated state. FIG. 14D shows a perspective view of the frame 220' in the retracted state. To switch the optics module 600' to the retracted state, the actuator 212' closes the air gap d N-1 is reduced by moving the window frame 214', which results in pressure being applied to the lens barrel, which translates into the movement of the retractable lens barrel section towards the image sensor. In the retracted state, cTTL can be 5-12 mm, and the retracted air gap cd N-1 can be 0.05 to 1.5 mm.

[0101] 15A shows the frame 220' of the embodiment 1400 in a cross-sectional view in the X-Y plane in the popped-out state. The changeover pin 1502 and the changeover pin 1504 are rigidly connected to the cam follower 1402. The side limiter pin 1512 is fixedly connected to the side limiter 1406 and slides in the vertically oriented limiter groove 1514. The changeover pins 1502 and 1504 slide in the changeover grooves 1506 and 1508. The changeover pins 1502 and 1504 have a diamond shape with a superposed curvature having a large radius of curvature to minimize contact stresses between the pins and the window frame 214'. The side limiter pin 1512 has a rectangular shape with a superposed curvature having a large radius of curvature to minimize contact stresses.

[0102] When the cam follower 1402 is moved in the negative X direction, the inclination of the switching grooves 1506 and 1508 results in a downward (in the negative Y direction) movement of the window frame 214'. This downward movement is used to switch the camera to a retracted state. The downward movement is limited and guided by the side limiter pins 1512. The inclination of the switching grooves 1506 and 1508 can be, for example, 20° to 80° with respect to the vertical Y axis.

[0103] Figure 15B shows the frame 220' of Figure 15A in a retracted state. To switch the camera from the retracted state to the popped-out state, the cam follower 1402 is moved in the positive X direction, and the tilt of the switching grooves 1506 and 1508 results in an upward (in the positive Y direction) movement of the window frame 214'.

[0104] FIG. 16A shows a cross-sectional view of the optical element module 600′ in a pop-out state, and FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the optical element module 600′ in a pop-out state. The module 600′ comprises an optical element frame 1650, a first retractable lens barrel section 604 (lens elements not shown here), a second fixed lens barrel section 608, three springs 614 (not all visible here), a side cover 1604, a top cover 1606, and three stoppers 1608 (not all visible here). Each spring is seated in one of three spring holders 1612 (not all visible here). The optical element frame 1650 holds all the components of the optical element module 600′ except the lens elements contained within the first and second lens barrel sections. The stoppers 1608 are rigidly coupled to the top cover 1606 to ensure that the retractable lens barrel section (604) does not come into direct contact with the window frame 214.

[0105] The "penalty" p for the diameter of an optical element module is defined as the difference between the diameter of the optical element module and the maximum diameter of the lens contained within the optical element module. For optical element module 600', d module L N Therefore, for the optical element module 600′, the penalty p is p=p 1 +p 2 and may be 0.5 mm to 8 mm.

[0106] Figure 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the optical element module 600' in a contracted state, and Figure 17B shows a perspective view of the optical element module 600' in a contracted state. In the contracted state, the spring 614 is compressed.

[0107] 18A-18F show the optical element frame 1650 in various positions and various details of its components. FIG. 18A shows the optical element frame 1650 in a popped out state, and FIG. 18B shows the optical element frame 1650 in a contracted state, both in perspective. The retractable lens barrel section 604 is coupled to the optical element frame 1650 via a "Maxwell kinematic coupling" mechanism. The Maxwell kinematic coupling mechanism comprises three v-groove / pin pairs 1810 that act as guiding and positioning mechanisms. The three v-groove / pin pairs 1810 ensure that the retractable lens barrel section 604 is kept in a constant position with high precision relative to other optical elements, such as the image sensor 208. Each v-groove / pin pair 1810 is identical and includes a hemispherical pin 1812 and a v-groove 1814. Further details of the v-groove / pin pair 1810 are provided in FIG. 18C (for the popped out state) and FIG. 18D (for the retracted state). In alternative embodiments, the pins may be round or diamond shaped or canoe shaped. The v-grooves shown in FIG. 18A-18D have an angle of about 90°. In alternative embodiments, the v-groove angle may vary between 30° and 150°.

[0108] The pairs 1810 are distributed at equal distances from each other. With three v-groove / pin pairs 1810, the optics frame 1650 supports tight precision and repeatability tolerances for tilt, and tight precision and repeatability tolerances for decentering in X-Z and Y. Here, and in the description of Figures 19A and 19B, "tolerance" refers to the tolerance between the retractable lens barrel portion 604 and the fixed lens barrel portion 608.

[0109] The optics frame 1650 and the underlying optics module 600″ may be designed to support decenter precision and reliability tolerances, such as those of the camera 200.

[0110] FIG. 18E shows the optics frame 1650 in a top view. FIG. 18F shows the optics frame 1650 in an exploded view showing the individual pieces from which 1650 can be assembled. Three spring holders 1612 hold each of the three springs 614 in a fixed position. The optics frame 1650 can be assembled from bottom to top. N The assembly process may begin by inserting the lens barrel 604 into the fixed lens barrel portion 608, then inserting the spring 614 into the spring holder 1612, then the top cover 1606, then the side cover 1604, and then inserting the retractable lens barrel 604 on top. In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 2A-2D and 4A-4B, a lens, such as lens 420, may be contained within an optical element frame, such as 1650. Lens 420 may include only a single lens element group and be completely contained within a retractable lens barrel, such as 604. In some embodiments, the retractable lens barrel 604 and the top cover 1606 may be one single unit.

[0111] 19A and 19B show another optical element module, numbered 600'', (in perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively). The optical element module 600'' includes a guiding and positioning mechanism for keeping the retractable lens barrel section 604 in a constant position with high precision. The guiding and positioning mechanism is based on a yoke-magnet pair. A yoke 2002 is fixedly coupled to the top cover 1606', and a permanent magnet 2004 is fixedly coupled to the side cover 1604'. Through the use of the yoke 2002 and magnet 2004, the top cover 1606 and the side cover 1604 are attracted to each other while maintaining a constant distance and orientation from each other. In this manner, the optical element module 1650' supports tight repeatability and accuracy tolerances for decentering and tilt in X-Z and Y.

[0112] FIG. 19C shows the optical element module 600″ in a cross-sectional view in a popped-out state. The side cover 1604′ also functions as a second fixed lens barrel portion carrying the second lens element group. That is, no additional part is required to function as a second lens barrel portion. FIG. 19D shows the optical element module 600″ in a cross-sectional view in a retracted state.

[0113] FIG. 19E shows a perspective view of the top cover 1606 ′ and magnet 2004 , and FIG. 19F shows a top view of the top cover 1606 ′ and magnet 2004 .

[0114] FIG. 20A shows a side view of the magnet portion of the window position measurement mechanism 1420 in a retracted state, and FIG. 20B shows a perspective view of the magnet portion of the window position measurement mechanism 1420 in a retracted state. Two side magnets 2102a and 2102b are located on either side of an inner (auxiliary) magnet 2104. All magnets are fixedly coupled to the cam follower 1402. The magnets 2102a, 2102b and 2104 generate a magnetic field that is sensed by a Hall sensor 2106. The Hall sensor 2106 is fixedly coupled to a side limiter 1406 (not shown here). The magnetic field sensed by the Hall sensor 2106 depends on the relative positions of the cam follower 1402 and the side limiter 1406. That is, the mechanism 1420 allows for sensing of the relative position of the cam follower 1402 and the side limiter 1406 continuously along a stroke which may range from 1 to 10 mm.

[0115] FIG. 20C shows a side view of magnets 2102a, 2102b, 2104 and Hall sensor 2106 with camera 1400 in a retracted state. FIG. 20D shows a side view of magnets 2102a, 2102b, 2104 and Hall sensor 2106 with camera 1400 in a popped-out state. The stroke spans between the extreme positions shown here, i.e., between the retracted and popped-out states. In some embodiments, mechanism 1420 may measure the relative positions of 1402 and 1406 with the same precision along the entire stroke. In other embodiments, mechanism 1420 may beneficially measure the relative positions of 1402 and 1406 with greater precision near the extreme positions shown here and less precision elsewhere.

[0116] FIG. 20E shows an example of (a) the design and (b) the magnetic field of mechanism 1420, with the magnetization of magnets 2102a, 2102b and 2104 shown.

[0117] FIG. 20F shows an example of a magnet configuration 2110 that may be included in a position measurement mechanism such as 1420. (a) shows an arrangement of magnets 2102a, 2102b and 2104, and (b) shows the magnetic flux density versus position X produced by the magnet configuration of (a). A large and substantially uniform slope ΔB / ΔX may be achieved along the linear range. The linear range of 2110 may span from 1 to 10 mm.

[0118] FIG. 20G shows another example of a magnet configuration 2120 that may be included in a position measurement mechanism such as 1420. In (a) an arrangement of magnets 2102a, 2102b and 2104 is shown, and in (b) the magnetic flux density versus position X produced by the magnet configuration of (a) is shown. The linear range is divided into three sub-ranges A1, B and A2. In sub-ranges A1 and A2 the slope ΔB / ΔX is larger than in sub-range B. For example, the slope ΔB / ΔX(A) in sub-ranges A1 and A2 may be 5, 10 or 25 times larger than the slope ΔB / ΔX(B) in sub-range B. For example, ΔB / ΔX(A) ≈ 500 mT / mm and ΔB / ΔX(B) ≈ 50 mT / mm, so the ratio [ΔB / ΔX(A)] / [ΔB / ΔX(B)]=10. Division of the linear range into sub-ranges with different slopes may be beneficial for a position measurement mechanism such as 1420, since greater accuracy may be required in the extreme regions near the positions in the popped out and retracted states.

[0119] In summary, disclosed herein is a digital camera with a pop-out mechanism that allows for a large EFL, a large image sensor size, and a small height of the camera in retracted mode.

[0120] This disclosure also includes the following numbered clauses:

[0121] 1. A camera, L on the object side 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from1 ~L N an optical element module comprising a lens assembly including: Sensor diagonal S of 5mm~30mm D an image sensor having a pop-out mechanism configured to control at least one air gap between a plurality of lens elements or between a lens element and the image sensor to bring the camera into operational pop-out and retracted states; The lens assembly has a full track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a retracted full track length cTTL in the retracted state, and a cTTL / S D <0.6, camera.

[0122] 2. the pop-out mechanism includes a window frame engageable with the optical element module; 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the window frame does not contact the optical element module in the operational pop-out state, and the window frame is operable to push the optical element module to bring the camera into the contracted state.

[0123] 3. The at least one air gap is L N-1 and L N 3. A camera as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising a maximum air gap d between

[0124] 4. The at least one air gap is L N-2 and L N-1 Between or L N-1 and L N Including the maximum air gap d between 3. The camera of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL, which is 40mm to 150mm.

[0125] 5. 5. The camera of claim 4, wherein d is greater than TTL / 5.

[0126] 6. cTTL / S D <0.55.

[0127] 7. S D The camera according to clause 1, wherein the focal length is in the range of 10mm to 15mm.

[0128] 8. The camera has a total track length TTL in the range of 0.9×TTL to 1.1×TTL. 2 2. The camera of claim 1, comprised within a multi-camera system together with additional cameras having respective additional camera lens assemblies having

[0129] 9. 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL, which is greater than 24mm.

[0130] 10. the lens assembly has an effective focal length EFL; 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the ratio TTL / EFL is less than 1.4 and greater than 1.0.

[0131] 11. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L 3. A camera according to claim 1, wherein the penalty between is less than 4 mm.

[0132] 12. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L 2. A camera according to claim 1, wherein the penalty between is less than 2 mm.

[0133] 13. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the penalty between is less than 1 mm.

[0134] 14. 3. The camera of claim 2, wherein the window frame includes a window that is not in direct contact with the lens element.

[0135] 15. the pop-out mechanism comprises a window pop-out mechanism based on a pin-and-groove assembly; one or more of the pins slide within a plurality of vertically oriented grooves; 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein one or more pins slide within a plurality of diagonally oriented grooves having an angle of between 20° and 80° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0136] 16. 16. The camera of claim 15, wherein the plurality of diagonal grooves have an angle of between 30° and 70° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0137] 17. 16. The camera of claim 15, wherein the plurality of diagonal grooves have an angle of between 40° and 60° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0138] 18. The camera described in clause 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes a barrel pop-out mechanism configured to control at least one air gap, the barrel pop-out mechanism comprising a plurality of springs and a guide and positioning mechanism.

[0139] 19. the barrel pop-out mechanism allows for sufficient z- and xy-decenter accuracy between the lens elements in the operational pop-out state and allows for repeatability in switching between the operational and retracted states; 19. The camera of claim 18, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.1 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.05 mm decentering.

[0140] 20. 20. The camera of claim 19, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.8 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.04 mm decentering.

[0141] twenty one. 20. The camera of claim 19, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.6 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.03 mm decentering.

[0142] twenty two. 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes one or more springs.

[0143] twenty three. 23. The camera of clause 22, wherein the one or more springs include one spring.

[0144] twenty four. 23. The camera of claim 22, wherein the one or more springs include three springs.

[0145] twenty five. 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism is a barrel pop-out mechanism comprising a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a pin and groove assembly.

[0146] 26. The camera described in clause 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes a guide and positioning mechanism based on a stopper.

[0147] 27. 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism is a barrel pop-out mechanism equipped with a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a kinematic coupling mechanism.

[0148] 28. 28. The camera of claim 27, wherein the kinematic coupling mechanism is based on a pin-and-groove assembly.

[0149] 29. 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism is a barrel pop-out mechanism comprising a guide mechanism based on a pin-groove assembly and a positioning mechanism based on magnetic force.

[0150] 30. A camera, L on the object side 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N an optical element module comprising a lens assembly including: a pop-out mechanism configured to actuate the lens assembly into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state; Sensor diagonal S D and an image sensor having The lens assembly has a back focal length BFL that is greater than any air gaps between the lens elements, and an effective focal length EFL that is in the range of 7 mm to 18 mm; the lens assembly has a full track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a retracted full track length cTTL in the retracted state; The pop-out mechanism is configured to control the BFL such that cTTL / EFL<0.55.

[0151] 31. the pop-out mechanism includes a window frame engageable with the optical element module; 31. A camera as described in clause 30, wherein the window frame does not contact the optical element module in the operational pop-out state and the window frame is operable to push the optical element module to bring the camera into the retracted state.

[0152] 32. S D is in the range of 4.5mm to 10mm, 32. A camera as described in clause 30 or 31, wherein the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL, which is greater than 45mm and less than 180mm.

[0153] 33. S D is in the range of 10mm to 20mm, 31. The camera of clause 30, wherein the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL, which is greater than 40mm and less than 180mm.

[0154] 34. 32. A camera according to clause 30 or 31, wherein the ratio TTL / EFL is smaller than 1.0 and larger than 0.7.

[0155] 35. A camera as described in clause 30, with a BFL greater than TTL / 3 and less than TTL / 1.5.

[0156] 36. 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a spring.

[0157] 37. 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein the pop-out mechanism is further configured to control at least one air gap between a plurality of lens elements.

[0158] 38. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module moduleand the maximum lens diameter d L 30. A camera according to claim 30, wherein the penalty between

[0159] 39. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L 30. A camera according to claim 30, wherein the penalty between is less than 2 mm.

[0160] 40. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L 30. A camera according to claim 30, wherein the penalty between is less than 1 mm.

[0161] 41. 32. The camera of clause 31, wherein the window frame carries a window that is not in direct contact with the lens assembly.

[0162] 42. the pop-out mechanism comprises a plurality of springs and a guide and positioning mechanism; the guiding and positioning mechanism allows sufficient z- and xy-decentering accuracy between the lens elements in the operational pop-out state and allows repeatability in switching between the operational state and the retracted state; 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.1 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.05 mm decentering.

[0163] 43. 43. The camera of claim 42, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.8 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.04 mm decentering.

[0164] 44. 43. The camera of claim 42, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.6 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.03 mm decentering.

[0165] 45. 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes one or more springs engageable with the optics module.

[0166] 46. Clause 46. The camera of clause 45, wherein the one or more springs comprises one spring.

[0167] 47. 46. ​​The camera of claim 45, wherein the one or more springs include three springs.

[0168] 48. 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a pin and groove assembly.

[0169] 49. 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a stopper-based guiding and positioning mechanism.

[0170] 50. 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a kinematic coupling mechanism.

[0171] 51. 51. The camera of claim 50, wherein the kinematic coupling mechanism is based on a pin-groove assembly.

[0172] 52. 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a guide mechanism based on a pin-groove assembly and a positioning mechanism based on magnetic force.

[0173] 53. It is a multi-camera, First field of view FOV 1 , and L on the object side 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N a first lens assembly having Sensor diagonal S D1 A first image sensor having a first pop-out mechanism for controlling a maximum air gap d between two consecutive lens elements to bring the first camera into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state; The first camera includes: FOV 1 Smaller second field of view FOV 2 A second lens assembly having an object side L 1 M (where M≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L M a second lens assembly comprising: a second pop-out mechanism configured to actuate the second camera to the operative state and the retracted state; and a second camera effective focal length EFL of 7mm to 18mm 2 and the second camera having The first lens assembly has a first 35 mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL. 1 , the total track length TTL in the operating state 1 and the contracted total track length cTTL in the contracted state 1 S D1 is in the range of 7mm~20mm, cTTL 1 / S D1 <0.6, The second lens assembly has a second 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL. 2 , the total track length TTL in the operating state 2 and the contracted total track length cTTL in the contracted state 2 Multi-camera with cTTL / EFL<0.55.

[0174] 54. the first and second pop-out mechanisms including respective first and second window frames engageable with the respective first and second lens assemblies; A multi-camera as described in clause 53, wherein each window frame does not contact its respective lens assembly in the operational pop-out state, and each window frame is operable to push its respective lens assembly to bring each of the first camera or the second camera into the retracted state.

[0175] 55. cTTL 1 =cTTL 2 ±10%.

[0176] 56. 35eqFL 2 ≧1.5×35eqFL 1 55. The multi-camera according to clause 53 or 54,

[0177] 57. 35eqFL 1 5. A multi-camera as described in clause 53 or 54, the focal length of which is greater than 24 mm.

[0178] 58. 35eqFL 2 5. A multi-camera as described in clause 53 or 54, the focal length of which is greater than 45 mm.

[0179] 59. It is a multi-camera, L on the object side 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N a first lens barrel carrying a wide lens assembly comprising: Wide sensor diagonal S DW an image sensor having Lens element L N and L N-1 The air gap between N-1A first pop-out mechanism for controlling the wide camera to be in an operating state and a retracted state; A wide-angle camera having L on the object side 1 M (where M≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L M a second lens barrel carrying a telelens assembly comprising: Sensor diagonal S DT A telephoto image sensor having Lens element L M a second pop-out mechanism for controlling an air gap between the tele-camera and the tele-image sensor to bring the tele-camera into an operating state and a retracted state; A telecamera including: The wide lens assembly has a field of view FOV W , the total track length TTL in the operating state W and the contracted total track length cTTL in the contracted state W S DW If the focus is within the range of 10mm~16mm, cTTL W / S DW <0.6, The telelens assembly has a FOV W FOV smaller than T , TTL in the operating state T and cTTL in the contracted state T With cTTL W =cTTL T ±10%, S DT If the range is 4.5mm~10mm, cTTL T <EFL T <0.55,multi-camera.

[0180] 60. the first and second pop-out mechanisms include respective first and second window frames engageable with the respective first and second lens barrels; A multi-camera as described in clause 59, wherein each window frame does not contact its respective lens barrel in the operating state, and each window frame is operable to push its respective optical element module to bring each of the wide camera or the telephoto camera into the retracted state.

[0181] 61. 61. The multi-camera of clause 59 or 60, embedded within a device having a device exterior, and in an operational state the multi-camera extends beyond the device exterior by between 2mm and 10mm, and in a non-operational state the multi-camera extends beyond the device exterior by less than 2mm.

[0182] 62. 7mm <TTL W <13mm, 1.0 <TTL W / EFL W < 1.3 and d N-1 is greater than TTL / 4.

[0183] 63. A camera, L on the object side 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N a lens assembly comprising: Sensor diagonal S in the range of 7mm~20mm D a curved image sensor having L N and a pop-out mechanism for controlling an air gap d between the camera and the image sensor to bring the camera into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state; The lens assembly has a full track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a retracted full track length cTTL in the retracted state, and a cTTL / S D <0.6, and said lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL which is less than 18mm.

[0184] While the present disclosure has been described by specific embodiments and generally associated methods, modifications and permutations of the embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0185] It will be appreciated that certain features of the subject matter disclosed herein, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the subject matter disclosed herein, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination.

[0186] Furthermore, for clarity, the term "substantially" is used herein to imply the possibility of variation of values ​​within an acceptable range. According to one example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted as implying the possibility of variation of up to 10% above or below any particular value. According to another example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted as implying the possibility of variation of up to 5% above or below any particular value. According to yet another example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted as implying the possibility of variation of up to 2.5% above or below any particular value.

[0187] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the phrase "and / or" between the last two of listed alternatives indicates that selecting one or more of the listed alternatives is appropriate and may be performed.

[0188] When a claim or the specification refers to an element preceded by the article "a" or "an," it should be understood that such a reference is not to be construed as indicating the presence of only one of the element.

[0189] All patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent and patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure.

[0190] The contents of the claims as originally filed are described below as examples. [Example 1] A camera, L on the object side 1 N (where N≧4) lens elements L starting from 1 ~L N an optical element module comprising a lens assembly including: a pop-out mechanism configured to actuate the lens assembly into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state; Sensor diagonal S D and an image sensor having The lens assembly has a back focal length BFL that is greater than any air gaps between the lens elements, and an effective focal length EFL that is in the range of 7 mm to 18 mm; the lens assembly has a full track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a retracted full track length cTTL in the retracted state; The pop-out mechanism is configured to control the BFL such that cTTL / EFL<0.55. [Example 2] the pop-out mechanism includes a window frame engageable with the optical element module; The camera of example 1, wherein the window frame does not contact the optical element module in the operational pop-out state, and the window frame is operable to push the optical element module to bring the camera into the contracted state. [Example 3] S D is in the range of 4.5mm to 10mm, 3. The camera of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the lens assembly has a 35 mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL, which is greater than 45 mm and less than 180 mm. [Example 4] S D is in the range of 10mm to 20mm, The camera of embodiment 1, wherein the lens assembly has a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL, which is greater than 40 mm and less than 180 mm. [Example 5] 3. The camera according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the ratio TTL / EFL is smaller than 1.0 and larger than 0.7. [Example 6] The camera of example 1, wherein the BFL is greater than TTL / 3 and less than TTL / 1.5. [Example 7] 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a spring. [Example 8] 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism is further configured to control at least one air gap between a plurality of lens elements. [Example 9] The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L The camera of example 1, wherein the penalty between is less than 4 mm. [Example 10] The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L The camera of example 1, wherein the penalty between is less than 2 mm. [Example 11] The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L The camera of example 1, wherein the penalty between is less than 1 mm. [Example 12] 3. The camera of example 2, wherein the window frame carries a window that is not in direct contact with the lens assembly. [Example 13] the pop-out mechanism comprises a plurality of springs and a guide and positioning mechanism; the guiding and positioning mechanism allows sufficient z- and xy-decentering accuracy between the lens elements in the operational pop-out state and allows repeatability in switching between the operational state and the retracted state; 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.1 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.05 mm decentering. [Example 14] 14. The camera of embodiment 13, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.8 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.04 mm decentering. [Example 15] 14. The camera of embodiment 13, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.6 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.03 mm decentering. [Example 16] 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes one or more springs engageable with the optical element module. [Example 17] 17. The camera of embodiment 16, wherein the one or more springs include one spring. [Example 18] 17. The camera of embodiment 16, wherein the one or more springs include three springs. [Example 19] 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a pin and groove assembly. [Example 20] 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes a guide and positioning mechanism based on a stopper. [Example 21] 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a kinematic coupling mechanism. [Example 22] 22. The camera of embodiment 21, wherein the kinematic coupling mechanism is based on a pin-groove assembly. [Example 23] 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a guide mechanism based on a pin-groove assembly and a positioning mechanism based on magnetic force.

Claims

1. A camera (200) integrated into a host device (250), the camera (200) having an operable pop-out state and an inoperable retracted state, the camera (200) comprising: an optical module (240) including a cover (232) covering the optical module, a lens barrel holder (202) carrying a lens barrel (204) having a lens assembly (206), and an image sensor (208), wherein in the operable pop-out state, the lens barrel (204) and a window (216) covering an aperture (218) of the camera are separated by an air gap (222) that allows the lens barrel (204) to move 0.1 to 3 millimeters (mm) to perform autofocus; a total pop-out mechanism (210) including a window pop-out mechanism configured to raise and lower the window (216), a pop-out frame including a window frame (214) for supporting the window (216), an exterior module seal (224) for preventing particles and fluids from entering the camera and host device, and a barrel pop-out mechanism for enabling the lens barrel to be in a popped out state and a retracted state; The window pop-out mechanism includes an actuator (212). camera.

2. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the exterior module seal includes an inner edge coupled to the window frame.

3. The camera of claim 2 , wherein the exterior module seal includes an outer rim coupled to an exterior surface (228) of the camera.

4. 4. The camera of claim 1, wherein the lens assembly comprises N lens elements L1 to LN, where 5<=N<=7.

5. 4. The camera of claim 1, wherein the external module seal supports an ingress protection rating of IP68 for the host device.

6. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the window pop-out mechanism is external to the optical module.

7. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the image sensor is separate from the optical module.

8. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the pop-out frame includes a cam follower, a side limiter, and a window position measurement mechanism.

9. 4. The camera of claim 1, wherein the barrel pop-out mechanism includes one or more springs for urging the optical module towards the pop-out frame, and a guide and positioning mechanism.

10. 10. The camera of claim 9, wherein to switch the camera to the retracted state, the actuator moves the window frame to apply pressure to the lens barrel, thereby moving the lens barrel towards the image sensor.

11. The sensor diagonal S of the image sensor Ｄ The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein is in the range of 3.5 to 30 mm.

12. A camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the effective focal length of the lens assembly is between 5mm and 25mm.

13. A camera according to any preceding claim, wherein the lens assembly has a total track length of between 6mm and 18mm.

14. A camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the retracted state the retracted total track length is between 5 and 12 mm.

15. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the camera is comprised in a mobile device.

Images