A slim pop-out camera, and a lens for such a 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 of related applications) This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,913 filed on 24 September 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 026,317 filed on 18 May 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 037,836 filed on 11 June 2020, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates in general to digital cameras, and more particularly to digital cameras having a pop-out mechanism and a lens. [Background technology]

[0003] Compact multi-aperture digital cameras (also known as “multi-lens cameras” or “multi-cameras”), particularly dual-aperture digital cameras (or “dual cameras”) and triple-aperture digital cameras (or “triple cameras”), are known. Miniaturization technology has made it possible to incorporate such cameras into compact portable electronic devices such as tablets and mobile phones (hereinafter, the latter collectively referred to as “smartphones”), which offer advanced imaging capabilities such as zoom (see, for example, the jointly owned PCT patent application PCT / IB2063 / 060356, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Typically, a triple-camera system 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 challenges of dual aperture zoom cameras are the camera height and the size of the image sensor ("Sensor Diagonal" or S) DThis relates to the height (and total track length, or "TTL") of telephoto and wide-angle cameras. Figure 1A schematically shows the definitions of various entities such as TTL, effective focal length (EFL), and back focal length (BFL). 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 wide-angle and telephoto cameras, respectively. EFL has a well-known meaning in the art. For most small lenses, TTL is greater than EFL, as shown in Figure 1A.

[0005] Figure 1B shows a typical camera system with a lens and an image sensor, including the field of view (FOV), EFL, and sensor width S. When the width / height ratio of the image sensor (usually rectangular) is constant, 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, typical wide cameras have a 35mm equivalent focal length (35eqFL) within the range of 22mm to 28mm. The image sensors embedded in mobile cameras are smaller than full frame sensors, and depending on the sensor size and FOV, the actual focal length in wide cameras 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 usually within 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 functions 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 lenses designed for tele cameras is smaller than the EFL of such lenses and usually satisfies 0.7 < TTL / EFL < 1.0. Typical tele EFL values are in the range of 6mm to 10mm for vertical tele cameras (when not applying 35mm equivalent conversion) and in the range of 10mm to 30mm for folded tele cameras. A larger EFL is desirable to enhance the effect of optical zoom, but it results in an undesirably larger TTL.

[0008] In ongoing efforts to improve the quality of the resulting images, it is necessary to incorporate larger image sensors into wide-angle and telephoto cameras. Larger sensors allow for improved low-light performance and an increase in pixel count, thus improving spatial resolution. Other image quality characteristics, such as noise characteristics, dynamic range, and color fidelity, can also be improved as sensor size increases.

[0009] As wide-angle camera sensors get larger, the required EFL (for the same 35mm equivalent focal length) increases, the TTL (throttle-to-light) of the lens increases, and the camera module height increases. As a result, there are limitations on the allowable sensor size when considering the allowable thickness of the mobile device or other industrial design constraints. In most mobile device wide-angle cameras, the total diagonal of the sensor pixel array size ranges from approximately 4.5mm (commonly called a 1 / 4" sensor) to 16mm (commonly called a 1" sensor).

[0010] It would be beneficial to have wide and / or telephoto lens designs that support a large EFL for a large sensor diagonal (optical zoom) while still having a small TTL for a slim design. The latter is presented, for example, in the jointly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,913. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0011] In various embodiments, there are multiple digital cameras, and N (where N≧4) lens elements L1~L starting from L1 on the object side N An optical element module comprising a lens assembly including; a sensor diagonal S of 5mm to 20mm DAn 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 move the camera to an operating pop-out state and a collapsed state, a plurality of digital cameras comprising, the lens assembly having a full track length TTL in the operating pop-out state and a collapsed full track length cTTL in the collapsed state, cTTL / S D <A plurality of digital cameras are provided where it is 0.6.

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

[0013] For simplicity hereinafter, when initially defined as a "pop-out" component, it is understood that the component is such throughout this specification, and the use of the term "pop-out" before various components may be omitted.

[0014] In various examples of the above or below cameras, the window pop-up mechanism includes a window frame engageable with the optical element module, the window frame not contacting the optical element module in the pop-out state, and the window frame being operable to push the optical element module to move the camera to the collapsed state. The window frame includes a window that is not in direct contact with the lens.

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

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

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

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

[0019] In some embodiments, the cameras described above or below are included in a multicamera setup together with a second camera having a second total track length TTL2 in the range of 0.9×TTL to 1.1×TTL.

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

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

[0022] In various embodiments, there are multiple digital cameras, and N (where N≧4) lens elements L1~L starting from L1 on the object side N An optical element module comprising a lens assembly including; a pop-out mechanism configured to operate the lens assembly to an operational pop-out state and a retracted state; and a sensor diagonal S DMultiple digital cameras are provided, each comprising an image sensor having a lens assembly having a rear focal length BFL greater than any air gap between the lens elements and an effective focal length EFL in the range of 7mm to 18mm, the lens assembly having a total track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a retracted total track length cTTL in the retracted state, and the pop-out mechanism being configured to control 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 multiple pins slide in a plurality of vertically oriented grooves, and one or more pins slide in a plurality of obliquely oriented grooves having angles of 20° to 80°, 30° to 70°, or 40° to 60° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the pop-out mechanism is a barrel pop-out mechanism comprising a plurality of springs and a guide and positioning mechanism, which enables sufficient z-decentering and xy-decentering accuracy between the plurality of lens elements in the operational pop-out state and enables repeatability in switching between the operational and retracted states, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.1 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.05 mm decentering. In other embodiments, the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.8 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.04 mm decentering. In yet another embodiment, the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than 0.6 mm decentering and the repeatability is less than 0.03 mm decentering. The guide and positioning mechanism may be based on a pin-groove assembly, a stopper, or a kinematic coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the guide mechanism may be based on a pin-groove assembly and the positioning mechanism may be based on magnetism.

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

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

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

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

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

[0030] In various embodiments, a multi-camera system is provided, comprising a first field of view (FOV) 1, and N (where N≧4) lens elements L1~L1 starting from L1 on the object side. N A first lens assembly having a sensor diagonal S D1 A first camera comprising: a first image sensor having; a pop-out mechanism that controls the maximum air gap d between two consecutive lens elements to bring the first camera into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state; and a second lens assembly having a second field of view FOV2 smaller than FOV1, comprising M (where M≧4) lens elements L1~L starting from L1 on the object side MA plurality of multi-cameras comprising: a second lens assembly having a second camera having a second effective focal length EFL2 of 7mm to 18mm, a pop-out mechanism configured to operate the second camera to an operating state and a retracted state, the first lens assembly having a first 35mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL1, the total track length TTL1 in the operating state and the total retracted track length cTTL1 in the retracted state, S D1 It is within the range of 7mm to 20mm, cTTL1 / S D1 Multiple multi-cameras are provided, wherein the second lens assembly has a second 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL2, a total track length TTL2 in the operating state, and a total retracted track length cTTL2 in the retracted state, and cTTL / EFL < 0.55.

[0031] In some cases, cTTL1 = cTTL2 ± 10%.

[0032] In some cases, 35eqFL2 ≥ 1.5 × 35eqFL1.

[0033] In some cases, the 35eqFL1 is larger than 24mm.

[0034] In some cases, the 35eqFL2 is larger than 45mm.

[0035] In various embodiments, there are multiple multicameras, and N (where N≧4) lens elements L1~L starting from L1 on the object side N A lens barrel supporting a wide lens assembly, and the wide sensor diagonal S DW An image sensor having a lens element L N and L N-1 air gap d between N-1 A wide-angle camera comprising: a first pop-out mechanism that controls the wide-angle camera to bring it into an operating state and a retracted state; and N (where N≧4) lens elements L1~L starting from L1 on the object side. NA lens barrel supporting a telelens assembly, and the sensor diagonal S DT A teleimage sensor having a lens element L N A plurality of multicameras comprising a telecamera and a second pop-out mechanism that controls the air gap between the teleimage sensor and the telecamera to bring the telecamera 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 above operating state W and the total track length of the contracted state cTTL W It has S DW If it is within the range of 10mm to 16mm, cTTL W / S DW <0.6, and the telelens assembly has an FOV W Smaller field of view (FOV) T , TTL in the aforementioned operating state T and cTTL in the contracted state T It has cTTL W =cTTL T It is ±10%, S DT If it is within the range of 4.5mm to 10mm, cTTL T <EFL T Multiple multi-camera setups with a <0.55 ratio are available.

[0036] In some embodiments, the multi-camera is embedded within a device having an external surface, and in the operating state, the multi-camera extends 2mm to 7mm beyond the external surface of the device, while in the non-operating state, the multi-camera extends less than 2mm beyond the external surface of the device.

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

[0038] In some embodiments, the camera has N (where N≧4) lens elements L1~L starting from L1 on the object side N A lens assembly comprising; and a sensor diagonal S within the range of 7mm to 20mm. D A curved image sensor having; L N A camera comprising a pop-out mechanism that controls the air gap d between the image sensor and the lens assembly to bring the camera into an operational pop-out state and a retracted state, wherein the lens assembly has a total track length TTL in the operational pop-out state and a retracted total track length cTTL in the retracted state, and cTTL / S D A camera is provided in which the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL, which is less than 18mm, and the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] Non-limiting examples of embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings accompanying this specification, which are shown after this paragraph. Identical structures, elements, or members shown in two or more figures are generally numbered the same in all figures in which they appear. If the same element is shown but numbered in only one figure, it is assumed that it has the same number in all figures in which it appears. The drawings and descriptions are intended to illustrate and clarify the embodiments disclosed herein and should not be considered limiting in any way. [Figure 1A] This section provides a brief overview of the definitions of various entities such as TTL and EFL. [Figure 1B] The definitions of FOV, EFL, and S for a thin lens approximation or its equivalent are shown. [Figure 2A] An embodiment of the pop-out camera disclosed herein in a pop-out state, incorporated into a "host" device, is shown in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the camera's pop-out frame. [Figure 2C]Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the camera in its contracted state. [Figure 2D] Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the frame in its contracted state. [Figure 3A] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the camera in the pop-out state. [Figure 3B] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the camera in its contracted state. [Figure 4A] The lens module in the camera shown in Figure 2A is shown in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 4B] The same figure as Figure 4A is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 4C] An example of an optical lens system that may be used in a pop-out camera disclosed herein is shown. [Figure 5A] The lens module inside the camera in Figure 2A in its retracted state is shown in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 5B] The same figure as Figure 5A is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 6A] Another embodiment of the lens module in the pop-out state is shown in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 6B] The pop-out lens module in the retracted state is shown in a cross-sectional view in Figure 6A. [Figure 6C] Another embodiment of an optical lens system that may be used in a pop-out camera disclosed herein is shown. [Figure 6D] Another embodiment of a lens system 660 that may be used in the optical element module 600 or 600' is shown. [Figure 7] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of the lens module. [Figure 8] Figure 6B shows a perspective view of the lens module. [Figure 9A] This shows a perspective view of the actuator of the pop-out mechanism in the pop-out state. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A shows a perspective view of the actuator in the retracted state. [Figure 10]Further embodiments of optical lens systems that may be used in a pop-out camera disclosed herein are shown. [Figure 11A] This document describes an embodiment of a smartphone having a dual camera system, including a standard foldable telecamera and an upright pop-out wide-angle camera. [Figure 11B] Figure 11A shows details of the camera with a wide pop-out camera in the pop-out state. [Figure 11C] Figure 11A shows a smartphone with a wide pop-out camera in a retracted state. [Figure 11D] Figure 11A shows the camera details, with the wide pop-out camera in a retracted state. [Figure 12A] Another embodiment of a smartphone with a dual camera system, comprising an upright telephoto camera and an upright wide-angle camera, is shown with both cameras in a pop-out state. [Figure 12B] This figure shows the details of the smartphone camera in Figure 12A when it is in the pop-out state. [Figure 12C] Figure 12A shows a smartphone with both cameras in a retracted state. [Figure 12D] Figure 12A shows details of the smartphone camera in its retracted state. [Figure 13] Further examples of optical lens systems that may be included in the pop-out camera disclosed herein are shown. [Figure 14A] Another embodiment of the pop-out camera disclosed herein, which is integrated into a host device and in a pop-out state, is shown in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 14B] Figure 14A shows a perspective view of the frame within the pop-out camera. [Figure 14C] The camera in Figure 14A in the contracted state is shown in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 14D] Figure 14B shows a perspective view of the frame in its contracted state. [Figure 15A] Figure 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the pop-out mechanism inside the camera. [Figure 15B] Figure 15A shows the mechanism in the contracted state. [Figure 16A] A cross-sectional view of another example of a pop-out optical element module in the pop-out state is shown. [Figure 16B] Figure 16A shows a perspective view of the pop-out optical element module. [Figure 17A] The pop-out optical element module of Figure 16A in the pop-out state is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 17B] The pop-out optical element module of Figure 16A in its retracted state is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 18A] Figure 16A shows a perspective view of the optical element frame in the optical element module in the pop-out state. [Figure 18B] Figure 18A shows a perspective view of the optical element frame in its contracted state. [Figure 18C] The optical element frame portion of Figure 18A is shown in more detail. [Figure 18D] Figure 18B shows a more detailed view of the optical element frame. [Figure 18E] The optical element frame of Figure 18A is shown in the top view. [Figure 18F] The optical element frame of Figure 18A is shown in an exploded view. [Figure 19A] A perspective view of yet another example of an optical element module in a pop-out state is shown. [Figure 19B] The optical element module shown in Figure 19A is depicted in a top view. [Figure 19C] The optical element module of Figure 19A in the pop-out state is shown in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 19D] The optical element module of Figure 19A in its contracted state is shown in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 19E] The top cover and magnet of the optical element module in Figure 19A are shown in a perspective view. [Figure 19F] The top cover and magnet of the optical element module in Figure 19E are shown in the top view. [Figure 20A] The magnetic portion of the window position measuring mechanism is shown in a side view. [Figure 20B] The window position measurement mechanism in Figure 20A is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 20C] Figure 20A shows a side view of the three magnets and Hall sensor of the window position measurement mechanism in the retracted state. [Figure 20D] Figure 20A shows a side view of the three magnets and Hall sensor of the window position measurement mechanism in the pop-out state. [Figure 20E] Figure 20A shows an example of the design of the window position measurement mechanism and the magnetic field. [Figure 20F] An example of a magnet configuration that may be included in the position measurement mechanism is shown. [Figure 20G] Another embodiment of a different magnet configuration that may be included in a position measurement mechanism is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0041] The camera 200 comprises a total pop-out mechanism 210 and a pop-out optical element module 240. The optical element module 240 comprises a lens barrel holder 202 that supports a pop-out lens barrel 204 having a pop-out lens assembly 206, and in some cases ("embodiments"), also comprises an image sensor 208. In some embodiments, the image sensor may be separate from the optical element module. The lens barrel 204 and the window 216 are separated by an air gap 222 of, for example, 0.15 to 3 mm. The air gap 222 allows the lens barrel to be moved by 0.1 to 3 mm for the performance of optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) by moving the lens, as is known in the art. The optical element module 240 is covered by a cover 232. In some embodiments, the pop-out lens barrel (e.g., lens barrel 602) may be divided into two or more parts, for example, a fixed lens barrel section and a retractable barrel section.

[0042] The total pop-out mechanism 210 comprises a "window" pop-out mechanism (located outside the optical element module) and a "barrel" pop-out mechanism having several components located outside the optical element module and several components located inside the optical element module. The window pop-out mechanism raises and lowers (up and down) the window. The barrel pop-out mechanism enables a pop-out lens barrel state and a retracted lens barrel state.

[0043] The window pop-out mechanism includes components shown in detail, for example, in Figures 9A-9B, 14B, 14D, 15A-15B, and 20A-20F. Specifically, the window pop-out mechanism comprises an actuator such as 212 or 212', a pop-out frame 220 (see, for example, Figure 2B) which includes a window frame 214 supporting a window 216 covering the 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 (for example, in frame 220' described with reference to Figures 14A-14D), the pop-out frame may include additional components such as a cam follower (e.g., 1402 in Figure 14A), a side limiter (e.g., 1406 in Figure 14A), and a window position measuring mechanism (e.g., 1420 in Figure 14B).

[0044] The barrel pop-out mechanism includes 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 guide and positioning mechanism (see, for example, Figures 19A-19B and the following description). One or more springs push the optical element module 240 toward the frame 220, i.e., when the frame 220 moves upward to switch from a retracted state to a pop-out state, no further actuation mechanism is required within the optical element module.

[0045] The guiding and positioning mechanism positions the lens group and optical components at a specific distance and orientation. In one example, the guiding and positioning mechanism comprises a pin 242 and a groove 244 (see Figures 2C, 4A, and 5A). In some embodiments, the guiding and positioning mechanism may include a stopper 618 (see Figures 6A-6B), a kinematic coupling mechanism (see Figures 18A-18D), or a magnet-yoke assembly (see Figures 19A-19F). In some embodiments, the guiding and positioning mechanism operates through the interaction between the optical element module of a camera, such as camera 200, and other components (see, for example, Figures 6A-6B and 19A-19F). The pin 242 and groove 244 provide a first embodiment of a pin-groove assembly. The groove 244 may comprise a V-shaped groove or other grooves, and the groove 244 has legs at angles, for example, 30° to 150°. Other pin-groove assemblies are described below. In some examples, the guidance and positioning mechanism is entirely contained within the optical element module (see, for example, Figures 4A, 5A, and 18A–18D).

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

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

[0048] To switch between the pop-out and retracted states, the pop-out mechanism 210 causes the following movements (motions) in frame 220 (where all movements are defined with respect to the host device and the illustrated coordinate system): horizontal movement of the cam follower (i.e., in the X-Z plane) and vertical movement of the window frame (i.e., in the Y direction). Movement within frame 220 causes 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 portion of the lens barrel (in the case of two groups or "2G" lenses) within the optical element module 240. The image sensor and side limiter do not move. Importantly, the barrel pop-out mechanism does not include an actuator.

[0049] In the pop-out state shown in Figure 2B, the camera 200 forms a significant pop-out bump 226 relative to the outer surface 228 of the host device 250. Here, "significant" can 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 the "height in the pop-out state".

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

[0051] Figure 2D shows a cross-sectional view of frame 220 in the retracted state. Actuator 212 brings the camera to the retracted state by working against the spring. In the retracted state, the spring is compressed (see also Figure 4B). To switch camera 200 to the retracted state, actuator 212 moves window frame 214, applying pressure to lens barrel 204. This is translated into movement of lens barrel 204 toward the image sensor. In the retracted state, TTL is retracted TTL (cTTL), which can be, for example, 5-12 mm. cTTL is always measured along the optical axis between the first surface of the image-side lens element L1 (labeled S2) and the imaging plane of the image sensor labeled S16. The difference between cTTL and TTL is due to the BFL being changed from the pop-out state. Camera 200 is designed to have a large BFL in the operating state. This large BFL can be retracted to bring the camera to the retracted state, resulting in a slim camera design. In the retracted state, the camera forms a retraction bump (c-bump) 236 on the outer surface 228 of the device. The c-bump may have a size (height) of, for example, 0 to 3 mm. In the retracted state, the height of the host device 250 is a much smaller "height in the retracted state" than the height in the pop-out state, but it is still larger than the height of the host device by the amount of the c-bump 236.

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

[0053] Similar precision tolerances and repeatability tolerances apply to the optical element frame 1650 (see, for example, Figure 16A) and the optical element module 600" (see, for example, Figure 19A).

[0054] "Accuracy tolerance" here refers to the maximum variation in distances between optical elements and between mechanical elements. "Repeatability tolerance" here refers to the maximum variation in distances between optical elements and between mechanical elements in different pop-out cycles; that is, the ability of mechanical and optical elements to return to their previous positions after one or more pop-out (or contraction) events.

[0055] Y-direction tolerances are sometimes relatively unimportant because Y-direction variations can be compensated for by optical feedback for autofocus and lens movement.

[0056] Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the optical element module 240 in the pop-out state. Figure 4B shows a perspective view of the optical element module 240 in the same state. The diameter of the smallest circle surrounding the entire optical element module is the "maximum diameter" of the optical element module. module Defines "d module Unless otherwise specified (for example, as in Figure 16A), "" indicates the maximum diagonal of the optical element module (for example, in Figures 7, 17B, 18A, 18B, 18E, and 19A).

[0057] Figure 4C shows details of a first exemplary lens system 400 that may be used in the camera 200 in a 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 image-side surface labeled S4 and 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 labeled S8 and an image-side surface labeled S9; a fifth lens element L5 having an object-side surface labeled S10 and an image-side surface labeled S11; and a sixth lens element L6 having an object-side surface labeled S12 and an image-side surface labeled S13. S1 is indicated as stop. The lens system 400 further includes an optical window 234 positioned between the surface S13 and the 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, the TTL is 11.55mm, BFL is 5.96mm, EFL is 13mm, F-number is 2.20, and FOV is 29.7°. The ratio TTL / EFL is 0.89. The optical properties of lens 420 do not change when switching between the pop-out and retracted states (i.e., the gap between lens elements remains constant).

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

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

number

[0061] [Table 3] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the pop-out optical element module 240 in its retracted state. Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the same module.

[0062] Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional view (by the section labeled 6A-6A in Figure 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, for example, 210 (not shown here). The optical element module 600 includes a lens barrel 602 having a retractable lens barrel section (first barrel section) 604 that supports a first lens group 606 and a fixed lens barrel section (second barrel section) 608 that supports a second lens group 610. The two lens groups form a lens 620 containing a total of N lens elements L1~LN, arranged such that the first lens element L1 is on the object side and the last lens element LN is on the image side. The optical element module 600 is covered by a cover 232. The lens 620, image sensor 208 and an optional optical window 234 form a lens system 630.

[0063] Exemplary and as shown in the figure, in lens 620, N=6. Generally, N≧4. In other embodiments, the lens barrel may comprise three or more barrel sections, each having more lens groups, and may comprise, for example, three, four, or five lens barrel sections, each carrying a lens group. The lens barrel section may be divided into a fixed barrel section and a movable barrel section. In the illustrated example, the first lens group 606 includes lenses L1 to 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 three or more barrel sections, some or all of the barrel sections may be movable, and air gaps are formed between the respective lens groups. These air gaps between lens groups may contract in a non-operating camera state. The sum of such air gaps may be 1 to 8.5 mm. The largest air gap present between two consecutive lens elements may be used to define the lens group. For example, the largest air gap between two consecutive lens elements may be used to divide the lens into two lens groups, and the largest air gap and the second largest air gap between two consecutive lens elements may be used to define three lens groups, and so on. This statement holds for all the following lens and camera embodiments. In the pop-out state, 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 decentration 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 decentration 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 decentration tolerance can be less than 1 μm, for example 0.8 μm, in the X-Z plane. In yet another example, the decentration 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., for the air gap between lens elements, it supports the various characteristics of a lens system such as the systems 630, 650 or 1000. 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, and this 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] Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the optical element module 600 in the retracted state (as indicated by the cross-section labeled 6B-6B in Figure 8). To switch the optical element module 600 to the retracted state, 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), resulting in pressure being applied to the lens barrel, which is converted into movement of the retractable lens barrel towards the image sensor. In the retracted state, the cTTL can be 5-12 mm, and the retracted air gap cd N-1 This can be between 0.05 and 0.85 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL is due to the changed distance between the first lens group 606 in the first retractable lens barrel 604 and the second lens group 610 in the second fixed lens barrel 608. The distance between the first lens group 606 and the image sensor changes compared to the pop-out state, but the distance between the second lens group 610 and the image sensor does not change. The optical properties of lens 620 change when switching between the pop-out state and the retracted state.

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

[0067] [Table 4] In the contracted state (see Figure 6B or Figure 14C), the cTTL can be 6.44–7.24 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL is due to the modified air gap between L6 and L7. This is the contracted air gap c–d N-1 It can be between 0.05 and 0.85 mm. The BFL (Body Flux) has not changed compared to the pop-out state.

[0068] The optical properties of lens 620' change when switching between the pop-out and retracted states. The optical properties described here refer to the lens element in the "maximal" pop-out state, i.e., when the lens has its maximum TTL. [Table 5]

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

[0070] In the contracted state (see Figure 6B), cTTL can be 5-11 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL is the modified air gap between L3 and L4 (this is the contracted air gap c-d 607The ratios are as follows: (which can be 0.05–1.0 mm), and the modified BFL (which is c-BFL and can be 0.1–1.5 mm). The optical properties of lens 620 change when switching between the pop-out and retracted states. For lens system 660, the ratio TTL / EFL is 0.89, i.e., EFL > TTL. The ratio cTTL / EFL can be 0.35–0.75. [Table 7] [Table 8]

[0071] [Table 9] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the optical element module 600 in the pop-out state. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the optical element module 600 in the retracted state.

[0072] Figure 9A shows a perspective view of actuator 212 in the pop-out state. Figure 9B shows a perspective view of actuator 212 in the retracted state. Sections 2B-2B and 2D-2D relate to Figures 2B and 2D, respectively. Actuator 212 comprises a pop-out actuator 902 having movable parts for operation. A pop-out actuator-window frame coupling device 904 with a switch 906 converts the pop-out operation into movement of the window frame. The switch 906 couples actuator 902 with the window frame 214. As shown above, the movement of the window frame is used to switch the camera to the retracted state. In Figure 9A, the switch 906 is "down," providing the pop-out state. In Figure 9B, the switch 906 is "up," providing the retracted state.

[0073] Figure 10 shows another lens system, numbered 1000, which may be included in a pop-out telecamera in its maximum pop-out state. 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 having lens system 1000 may be incorporated into a host device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc., not shown here). Similar to those shown in Figures 6A and 6B, in lens system 1000, switching between the pop-out state and the retracted state is achieved by changing the air gap d1006 between the first lens group 1016 and the second lens group 1018.

[0074] In 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 d1006 between the surface 1008a of lens element 1008 and the surface 1006b of the 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 and second lens groups is performed according to the maximum air gap between two consecutive lens elements.

[0075] Lens system 1000 can provide an FOV of 25° to 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 can be 0.58 to 0.69. When the air gap d1006 = TTL / 2.95, d1006 > TTL / 3. In other embodiments, for the largest air gap dividing the lens element into first and second lens groups, the air gap may satisfy air gap > TTL / 5 and EFL > TTL.

[0076] The optical properties of lens system 1000 change when switching to a retracted state (not shown). In the retracted state, cTTL can be 3.97 to 10 mm, and the retracted air gap c-d 1006 can be 0.05 to 0.85 mm. The difference between cTTL and TTL is due to 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 aspherical. Detailed optical data is given in Table 10, and aspherical data is given in Table 11. Here, the radius of curvature (R), the thickness of the lens element along the optical axis and / or the distance between elements, and the diameter are expressed in mm. "Nd" is the refractive index. The formula for the aspherical shape is given by the following equation:

number

Table 10

[0078]

Table 11

[0079] The focal lengths (mm) of each lens element in the 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] Figure 11A shows an example of a host device 1100, such as a smartphone, having a dual camera system comprising a standard (non-pop-up) flexible telecamera 1102 and a wide pop-out camera 1104. The wide camera 1104 is in the operational pop-out state, extending the outer surface 228 of the device. A 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), necessary for switching between the retracted camera state and the pop-out camera state, determine the minimum area (region) (in the X-Z direction) covered by the pop-out camera on the outer surface 228 of the device. The minimum pop-out camera area may be larger than the area of ​​the flexible telecamera, or the area of ​​a standard (i.e., non-pop-out) upright wide camera that is normally contained within the device.

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

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

[0083] Figure 11D shows details of the foldable telecamera and the upright wide camera in its retracted state.

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

[0085] Figure 12B shows details of the upright telephoto camera 1202 and the upright wide-angle camera 1204, both in the pop-out position.

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

[0087] Figure 13 shows yet another embodiment of the lens system numbered 1300, comprising a lens 1320 containing 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 its focusing surface is a curved surface with a radius of curvature R = -19.026 mm. Here, the "-" sign indicates that the curvature is centered on the object side of the image sensor. The use of a curved image sensor can be beneficial because undesirable effects (influences), such as image field curvature and shading towards the edges of the sensor, may be smaller than in the case of a planar image sensor. The lens system 1300 can be used in cameras such as camera 200 in a pop-out state. The design data is shown in Tables 12-14.

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

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

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

[0091] Figure 14A shows a cross-sectional view of another example 1400 of the pop-out camera disclosed herein, which is 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 optical element module 600' including a lens 620. As shown in Figure 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 optical element module 600' includes a lens barrel 602 having a retractable lens barrel portion (first barrel portion) 604 that carries a first lens group 606 and a fixed lens barrel portion (second barrel portion) 608 that carries a second lens group 610. The two lens groups form a lens 620 containing a total of N lens elements L1 to LN, with the first lens element L1 on the object side and the last lens element LN on the image side. The lens 620, image sensor 208, and optional optical window 234 form a lens system 630.

[0092] The camera 1400 includes an external module seal 224 and an internal module seal 1404. The external seal 224 prevents particles and fluids from entering the device 250. The seal 224 can support the IP68 rated device 250. The internal seal 1404 prevents particles from entering the optical element module 600'.

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

[0094] The optical element module 600' and the 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 be moved by 0.1 to 3 mm for the performance of optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) by moving the sensor 208 or the optical element module 600' or a portion of the lens 620 or the lens 620, as is known in the art.

[0095] The camera 1400 forms a prominent pop-out bump 226 relative to the outer surface 228 of the device 250. Here, "prominent" could be, for example, 1.5 mm to 12 mm. In the pop-out state, the camera 1400 increases the height of the host device 250 to the height in the pop-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 three or more barrel sections having more lens groups, and may comprise, for example, three, four, or five lens barrel sections, each carrying a lens group. The lens barrel section may be divided into a fixed barrel section and a movable barrel section. 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 Figure 14). An air gap may be formed between the lens groups depending on their relative movement. In embodiments with three or more barrel sections, some or all of the barrel sections may be movable, and an air gap is formed between each lens group. The air gap between the lens groups may contract in the non-operating camera state. The sum of such air gaps may be 1 to 12 mm. In the pop-out state, the air gap d N-1 The range is 1 to 5.5 mm. Three springs 614 (not all of which are visible here) push the first lens barrel portion 604 toward a mechanical stop. The mechanical stop may be provided by a kinematic coupling mechanism as shown in Figures 18A to 18B and Figures 19A to 19B. In other embodiments, the mechanical stop may be provided by a top cover 1606' as shown in Figure 20C. In some examples, the camera in the pop-out state may be designed to support a decentering tolerance of, for example, ±20 μm in the X-Z plane and a decentering tolerance of, for example, ±10 μm in the Y direction, as well as a tilt tolerance of ±0.2° of the lens barrel relative to the image sensor 208. In other examples, the decentering tolerance may be, for example, ±2μm to 10μm in the X-Z plane and ±2μm to 10μm 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 to 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 relative 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] Figure 14B shows a perspective view of frame 220' in the pop-out state. A pop-out camera, such as 1400, is formed when the optical element module 600' is inserted into frame 220'. The window frame 214', cam follower 1402, and side limiter 1406 move relative to each other. The window frame 214' and cam follower 1402 move relative to the host device 250, but the side limiter 1406 does not move relative to the host device 250. 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 side limiter 1406. The window frame 214' is moved by actuator 212' via the cam follower 1402. The movement of the cam follower 1402 is substantially parallel to the X axis, and this movement is translated into the movement of the window frame 214' which is substantially parallel to the Y axis. This conversion of movement in the X and Y directions is shown in Figures 15A and 15B. Regarding movement along the Y direction, the window frame 214' applies pressure to the lens barrel, which is converted into movement of the retractable lens barrel towards 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 method of operation. This movement is mediated by the spring 1408. The spring 1408 can also function as a shock absorber for the camera 1400. For example, if the host device 250 falls and hits another object, a large force may act on the window frame 214'. The spring 1408 can convert this large force into the retraction of the pop-out camera, thereby mediated a large portion of that large force. The internal module seal 1404 can also function as an additional shock absorber.

[0100] Figure 14C shows a cross-sectional view of camera 1400 in the retracted ("c") or non-operating state. Figure 14D shows a perspective view of frame 220' in the retracted state. To switch the optical element module 600' to the retracted state, actuator 212' moves the air gap d N-1 This is reduced by moving the window frame 214', which in turn applies pressure to the lens barrel, which is converted into movement of the retractable lens barrel towards the image sensor. In the retracted state, the cTTL can be 5-12 mm, and the retracted air gap cd N-1 This can range from 0.05 to 1.5 mm.

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

[0102] When the cam follower 1402 is moved in the negative X direction, the inclination of the switching grooves 1506 and 1508 results in downward movement (in the negative Y direction) 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 pin 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 frame 220' of Figure 15A in the retracted state. To switch the camera from the retracted state to the pop-out state, the cam follower 1402 is moved in the positive X direction, and the inclination of the switching grooves 1506 and 1508 results in upward movement (in the positive Y direction) of the window frame 214'.

[0104] Figure 16A shows a cross-sectional view of the optical element module 600' in the pop-out state, and Figure 16B shows a perspective view of the optical element module 600' in the pop-out state. 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 for the lens elements contained within the first and second lens barrel sections. The stoppers 1608 are firmly coupled to the top cover 1606, ensuring that the retractable lens barrel section (604) does not come into direct contact with the window frame 214.

[0105] The "penalty" p related to the diameter of the 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. In the case of optical element module 600', d module L N It is slightly larger than the maximum diameter of lens 620, which is expressed by the diameter of . Therefore, for optical element module 600', the penalty p is p = p1 + p2 and can be between 0.5 mm and 8 mm.

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

[0107] Figures 18A to 18F show the optical element frame 1650 in various positions and various details of its components. Figure 18A shows the optical element frame 1650 in a pop-out state, and Figure 18B shows the optical element frame 1650 in a retracted state; both are perspective views. The retractable lens barrel 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 function as a guide and positioning mechanism. The three v-groove / pin pairs 1810 ensure that the retractable lens barrel 604 is held in a fixed position with high precision relative to other optical elements, such as an 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 given in Figures 18C (in the pop-out state) and 18D (in the retracted state). In another embodiment, the pin may be circular, diamond-shaped, or canoe-shaped. The v-grooves shown in Figures 18A to 18D have an angle of approximately 90°. In another embodiment, the angle of the v-groove may vary between 30° and 150°.

[0108] The pairs 1810 are distributed at equal distances from each other. The three v-groove / pin pairs 1810 support the narrow precision tolerances and repeatability tolerances of the optical element frame 1650 for tilt, as well as for narrow precision tolerances and repeatability tolerances for decentering in the X-Z and Y directions. 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 optical element frame 1650 and the underlying optical element module 600" can be designed to support the precision tolerances and reliability tolerances of the decimal, such as the tolerances of the camera 200.

[0110] Figure 18E shows the optical element frame 1650 in a top view. Figure 18F shows the optical element frame 1650 in an exploded view showing several single parts from which 1650 can be assembled. Three spring holders 1612 hold each of the three springs 614 in place. The optical element frame 1650 can be assembled from the bottom to the top. N The assembly process begins by inserting the fixed lens barrel portion 608, then the spring 614 is inserted into the spring holder 1612, then the top cover 1606 is placed, then the side cover 1604 is placed, and then the retractable lens barrel 604 may be inserted on top. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 2A to 2D and Figures 4A to 4B, a lens such as lens 420 may be contained within an optical element frame such as 1650. Lens 420 may consist of only a single group of lens elements and may 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 a single unit.

[0111] Figures 19A and 19B show another optical element module numbered 600'' (in perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively). Optical element module 600'' includes a guide and positioning mechanism for keeping the retractable lens barrel portion 604 in a fixed position with high precision. The guide and positioning mechanism is based on a yoke-magnet pair. The yoke 2002 is fixedly coupled to the top cover 1606'', and the permanent magnet 2004 is fixedly coupled to the side cover 1604''. Through the use of the yoke 2002 and the 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 way, optical element module 1650'' supports narrow repeatability and precision tolerances for decentering and tilt in the X-Z and Y directions.

[0112] Figure 19C shows a cross-sectional view of the optical element module 600'' in the pop-out state. The side cover 1604' also functions as a second fixed lens barrel supporting a second group of lens elements. That is, no additional parts are required to function as a second lens barrel. Figure 19D shows a cross-sectional view of the optical element module 600'' in the retracted state.

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

[0114] Figure 20A shows a side view of the magnet portion of the window position measuring mechanism 1420 in the retracted state, and Figure 20B shows a perspective view of the magnet portion of the window position measuring mechanism 1420 in the retracted state. The two side magnets 2102a and 2102b are located on either side of the inner (auxiliary) magnet 2104. All magnets are fixedly coupled to the cam follower 1402. Magnets 2102a, 2102b and 2104 generate a magnetic field that is sensed by the Hall sensor 2106. The Hall sensor 2106 is fixedly coupled to the 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. In other words, mechanism 1420 enables continuous sensing of the relative positions of the cam follower 1402 and the side limiter 1406 along a stroke that may range from 1 to 10 mm.

[0115] Figure 20C shows a side view of the magnets 2102a, 2102b, 2104 and Hall sensor 2106 with camera 1400 in the retracted state. Figure 20D shows a side view of the magnets 2102a, 2102b, 2104 and Hall sensor 2106 with camera 1400 in the pop-out state. The stroke spans between the furthest positions shown herein, i.e., between the retracted state and the pop-out state. 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, beneficially, mechanism 1420 may measure the relative positions of 1402 and 1406 with higher precision near the furthest positions shown herein and lower precision at other positions.

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

[0117] Figure 20F shows an example of a magnet configuration 2110 that may be included in a position measuring mechanism such as the 1420. (a) shows the configurations of magnets 2102a, 2102b, and 2104, and (b) shows the magnetic flux density for position X produced by the magnet configuration in (a). Large and substantially the same inclination ΔB / ΔX can be achieved along the linear range. The linear range of 2110 can be from 1 to 10 mm.

[0118] Figure 20G shows another example of a magnet configuration 2120 that may be included in a position measuring mechanism such as 1420. (a) shows configurations of magnets 2102a, 2102b, and 2104, and (b) shows the magnetic flux density for position X produced by the magnet configuration in (a). The linear range is divided into three sub-ranges A1, B, and A2. In sub-ranges A1 and A2, the slope ΔB / ΔX is greater than the slope in sub-range B. For example, the slope ΔB / ΔX(A) in sub-ranges A1 and A2 may be 5 times, 10 times, or 25 times greater 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, then the ratio [ΔB / ΔX(A)] / [ΔB / ΔX(B)] = 10. Dividing a linear range into sub-ranges with different inclinations can be beneficial for position measuring mechanisms such as the 1420, because higher accuracy may be required in the outermost regions near the position in the pop-out and retracted states.

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

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

[0121] 1. It is a camera, N lens elements L1~L (where N≧4) starting from L1 on the object side NAn optical element module including a lens assembly, An image sensor having a sensor diagonal S of 5 mm to 30 mm, D And 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 move the camera to an operating pop - out state and a retracted state. The lens assembly has a total track length TTL in the operating pop - out state and a retracted total track length cTTL in the retracted state, and cTTL / S <0.6, a camera. D

[0122] 2. The pop - out mechanism includes a window frame engageable with the optical element module, The window frame does not contact the optical element module in the operating pop - out state, and the window frame is operable to push the optical element module to move the camera to the retracted state. The camera according to clause 1.

[0123] 3. The at least one air gap includes a maximum air gap d between L N-1 and L N The camera according to clause 1 or 2.

[0124] 4. The at least one air gap includes a maximum air gap d between L N-2 and L N-1 or between L N-1 and L N The lens assembly has a 35 - mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL of 40 mm to 150 mm. The camera according to clause 1 or 2.

[0125] 5. d is greater than TTL / 5. The camera according to clause 4.

[0126] ​​6. cTTL / S D The camera according to clause 1, where <0.55.

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

[0128] 8. The camera according to clause 1, included in a multi-camera together with an additional camera having each additional camera lens assembly having a total track length TTL2 within the range of 0.9×TTL to 1.1×TTL.

[0129] 9. The camera according to clause 1, where the lens assembly has a 35 mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL greater than 24 mm.

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

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

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

[0133] 13. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L It has a lens element having The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L The penalty between the camera and the camera specified in Clause 1 is less than 1 mm.

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

[0135] 15. The pop-out mechanism includes a window pop-out mechanism based on a pin-groove assembly, One or more of the multiple pins slide within a plurality of vertically oriented grooves, The camera according to Clause 1, wherein one or more pins slide in a plurality of obliquely oriented grooves having an angle of 20° to 80° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0136] 16. The camera according to Clause 15, wherein the plurality of obliquely oriented grooves are at an angle of 30° to 70° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0137] 17. The camera according to Clause 15, wherein the plurality of obliquely oriented grooves are at an angle of 40° to 60° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0138] 18. The camera according to Clause 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism is a barrel pop-out mechanism configured to control at least one air gap, and the barrel pop-out mechanism comprises a plurality of springs and a guide and positioning mechanism.

[0139] 19. The barrel pop-out mechanism enables sufficient z-decentering and xy-decentering accuracy between the multiple lens elements in the operating pop-out state, and enables repeatability in switching between the operating state and the retracted state. The camera according to Clause 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. The camera according to Clause 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. The camera according to Clause 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. The camera according to Clause 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes one or more springs.

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

[0144] twenty four. The camera according to Clause 22, wherein the one or more springs include three springs.

[0145] twenty five. The camera according to Clause 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism is a barrel pop-out mechanism having a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a pin and groove assembly.

[0146] 26. The camera according to Clause 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a stopper-based guidance and positioning mechanism.

[0147] 27. The camera according to Clause 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism is a barrel pop-out mechanism comprising a guidance and positioning mechanism based on a kinematic coupling mechanism.

[0148] 28. The camera according to Clause 27, wherein the kinematic coupling mechanism is based on a pin-groove assembly.

[0149] 29. The camera according to Clause 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. It is a camera, N lens elements L1~L (where N≧4) starting from L1 on the object side N An optical element module comprising a lens assembly including, A pop-out mechanism configured to operate the lens assembly to a pop-out state and a retracted state, Sensor diagonal S D A camera comprising an image sensor having, The lens assembly has a rear focal length BFL that is greater than any air gap between the multiple lens elements, and an effective focal length EFL that is in the range of 7 mm to 18 mm. The lens assembly has a total track length TTL in the pop-out state and a total retracted track length cTTL in the retracted state. The pop-out mechanism is configured to control the BFL such that cTTL / EFL < 0.55 in the camera.

[0151] 31. The pop-out mechanism includes a window frame that can engage with the optical element module. The camera according to clause 30, wherein the window frame does not contact the optical element module in the operation pop-out state, and the window frame is operable to push the optical element module to cause the camera to enter the retracted state.

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

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

[0154] 34. The camera according to clause 30 or 31, wherein the ratio TTL / EFL is less than 1.0 and greater than 0.7.

[0155] 35. The camera according to clause 30, wherein BFL is greater than TTL / 3 and less than TTL / 1.5.

[0156] 36. The camera according to clause 30, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes a spring.

[0157] 37. The camera according to clause 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 lens element having a maximum lens diameter d L and the maximum diameter d of the optical element module moduleand the maximum lens diameter d L A camera specified in Clause 30, with a penalty of less than 4mm between it and the camera.

[0159] 39. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L It has a lens element having, The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L A camera specified in Clause 30, where the penalty between the camera and the camera is less than 2 mm.

[0160] 40. The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L It has a lens element having, The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L A camera specified in Clause 30, where the penalty between the camera and the camera is less than 1 mm.

[0161] 41. The camera according to Clause 31, wherein the window frame supports 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 aforementioned guide and positioning mechanism enables sufficient z-decentering and xy-decentering accuracy between the multiple lens elements in the operational pop-out state, and enables repeatability in switching between the operational state and the retracted state. The camera according to Clause 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. The camera according to Clause 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. The camera according to clause 42, wherein the sufficient centering accuracy is less than 0.6 mm centering and the repeatability accuracy is less than 0.03 mm centering.

[0165] 45. The camera according to clause 30, wherein the pop - out mechanism includes one or more springs engageable with the optical element module.

[0166] 46. The camera according to clause 45, wherein the one or more springs include one spring.

[0167] 47. The camera according to clause 45, wherein the one or more springs include three springs.

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

[0169] 49. The camera according to clause 30, wherein the pop - out mechanism comprises a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a stopper.

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

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

[0172] 52. The camera according to clause 30, wherein the pop - out mechanism comprises a guiding mechanism based on a pin - groove assembly and a positioning mechanism based on magnetic force.

[0173] 53. It is a multi-camera system, The first field of view (FOV1) and N lens elements L1~L starting from L1 on the object side (where N≧4) N A first lens assembly having, Sensor diagonal S D1 A first image sensor having, A first pop-out mechanism controls the 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 above first camera includes, A second lens assembly having a second field of view FOV2 smaller than FOV1, comprising M (where M≧4) lens elements L1~L starting from L1 on the object side M A second lens assembly comprising, A second pop-out mechanism configured to operate the second camera into an operational and retracted state, A multicamera comprising: a second camera having a second effective focal length EFL2 of 7mm to 18mm, The first lens assembly has a first 35mm equivalent focal length 35eqFL1, a total track length TTL1 in the operating state, and a total retracted track length cTTL1 in the retracted state, S D1 It is within the range of 7mm to 20mm, cTTL1 / S D1 <0.6, The second lens assembly is a multi-camera having a second 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL2, a total track length TTL2 in the operating state, and a total retracted track length cTTL2 in the retracted state, with cTTL / EFL < 0.55.

[0174] 54. The first and second pop-out mechanisms include the first and second window frames, respectively, which are engageable with the first and second lens assemblies, respectively. The multi-camera according to Clause 53, wherein each window frame does not come into contact with the respective lens assembly in the operational pop-out state, and each window frame is operable to push the respective lens assembly to bring the first camera or the second camera to the retracted state.

[0175] 55. A multi-camera as described in Clause 53 or 54, where cTTL1 = cTTL2 ± 10%.

[0176] 56. A multicamera as described in Clause 53 or 54, where 35eqFL2 ≥ 1.5 × 35eqFL1.

[0177] 57. A multicamera as described in Clause 53 or 54, where the 35eqFL1 is larger than 24mm.

[0178] 58. A multicamera as described in Clause 53 or 54, where the 35eqFL2 is larger than 45mm.

[0179] 59. It is a multi-camera system, N lens elements L1~L (where N≧4) starting from L1 on the object side N A first lens barrel supporting a wide lens assembly having, Wide sensor diagonal S DW An image sensor having, Lens element L N and L N-1 air gap d between N-1 A first pop-out mechanism controls the wide camera to move between the operational and retracted states, Equipped with a wide-angle camera, M lens elements L1~L (where M≧4) starting from L1 on the object side M A second lens barrel supporting a telelens assembly having, Sensor diagonal S DT A teleimage sensor having, Lens element L M A second pop-out mechanism controls the air gap between the teleimage sensor and the telecamera to bring it into an operating state and a retracted state, A telecamera equipped with, and a multicamera equipped with, The wide lens assembly has a field of view (FOV) W , the total track length TTL in the above operating state W and the total track length of the contracted state cTTL W It has S DW If it is within the range of 10mm to 16mm, cTTL W / S DW <0.6, The telelens assembly has a FOV W Smaller field of view (FOV) T , TTL in the aforementioned operating state T and cTTL in the contracted state T It has cTTL W =cTTL T It is ±10%, S DT If it is within the range of 4.5mm to 10mm, cTTL T <EFL T A multi-camera setup with a value <0.55.

[0180] 60. The first and second pop-out mechanisms include the first and second window frames, respectively, which are engageable with the first and second lens barrels, respectively. The multicamera according to Clause 59, wherein each window frame does not come into contact with the respective lens barrel in the operating state, and each window frame is operable to push the respective optical element module to bring the wide camera or the telecamera into the retracted state.

[0181] 61. A multicamera according to Clause 59 or 60, which is embedded in a device having an external surface, and in an operating state, the multicamera extends 2 mm to 10 mm beyond the external surface of the device, and in a non-operating state, the multicamera extends less than 2 mm beyond the external surface of the device.

[0182] 62. 7mm <TTL W <13mm, 1.0 <TTL W / EFL W <1.3 and d N-1 A multicamera as defined in Clause 59, with a TTL / 4 or greater.

[0183] 63. It is a camera, N lens elements L1~L (where N≧4) starting from L1 on the object side N A lens assembly comprising, Sensor diagonal S within the range of 7mm to 20mm D A curved image sensor having, L N The system includes a pop-out mechanism that controls the 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 total track length TTL in the pop-out state and a total retracted track length cTTL in the retracted state, and cTTL / S D A camera having a lens assembly with a focal length of 35 eqFL (35mm equivalent) that is less than 18mm, and a value of <0.6.

[0184] While this disclosure has been described by specific embodiments and generally applicable methods, modifications and substitutions (rearrangements) of such embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. This disclosure should be understood not to be limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the appended claims.

[0185] It is understood that certain features of the subject matter disclosed herein, described in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, may be provided in combination within a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the subject matter disclosed herein, described in the context of a single embodiment for conciseness, may be provided separately or in any suitable combination.

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

[0187] Unless otherwise specified, the use of the expression "and / or" between the last two of the listed options indicates that it is appropriate and possible to select one or more of the listed options.

[0188] If the claims or specification refer to an element preceded by the article "a" or "an," it should be understood that such reference should not be interpreted as meaning that only one of the elements exists.

[0189] All patents and patent applications referenced in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in whole to the same extent as each individual patent and patent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, no citation or identification of any reference in this application should be construed as an acceptance that such reference is available as prior art to this disclosure.

[0190] The following is an example of the claims as originally filed. [Example 1] It is a camera, N lens elements L1~L (where N≧4) starting from L1 on the object side N An optical element module comprising a lens assembly including, A pop-out mechanism configured to operate the lens assembly to a pop-out state and a retracted state, Sensor diagonal S D A camera comprising an image sensor having, The lens assembly has a rear focal length BFL that is greater than any air gap between the multiple lens elements, and an effective focal length EFL that is in the range of 7 mm to 18 mm. The lens assembly has a total track length TTL in the pop-out state and a total retracted track length cTTL in the retracted state. The pop-out mechanism is configured to control the BFL such that cTTL / EFL < 0.55 in the camera. [Example 2] The pop-out mechanism includes a window frame that can engage with the optical element module. The camera according to Embodiment 1, wherein the window frame does not come into contact with the optical element module in the operation pop-out state, and the window frame is operable to push the optical element module to bring the camera to the retracted state. [Example 3] S DIt is within the range of 4.5mm to 10mm. The camera according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL that is greater than 45mm and less than 180mm. [Example 4] S D It is within the range of 10mm to 20mm. The camera according to Example 1, wherein the lens assembly has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 35eqFL that is greater than 40mm and less than 180mm. [Example 5] A camera according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the TTL / EFL ratio is less than 1.0 and greater than 0.7. [Example 6] The camera described in Example 1, wherein the BFL is greater than TTL / 3 and less than TTL / 1.5. [Example 7] The camera according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes a spring. [Example 8] The camera according to Embodiment 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 It has a lens element having, The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L The camera according to Example 1, wherein the penalty between the two is less than 4 mm. [Example 10] The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L It has a lens element having, The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L The camera according to Example 1, wherein the penalty between the two is less than 2 mm. [Example 11] The lens assembly has a maximum lens diameter d L It has a lens element having, The maximum diameter d of the optical element module module and the maximum lens diameter d L The camera according to Example 1, wherein the penalty between the two is less than 1 mm. [Example 12] The camera according to Embodiment 2, wherein the window frame supports 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 aforementioned guide and positioning mechanism enables sufficient z-decentering and xy-decentering accuracy between the multiple lens elements in the operational pop-out state, and enables repeatability in switching between the operational state and the retracted state. The camera according to Example 1, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than that of a 0.1 mm decentering, and the repeatability is less than that of a 0.05 mm decentering. [Example 14] The camera according to Example 13, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than that of a 0.8 mm decentering, and the repeatability is less than that of a 0.04 mm decentering. [Example 15] The camera according to Example 13, wherein the sufficient decentering accuracy is less than that of a 0.6 mm decentering, and the repeatability is less than that of a 0.03 mm decentering. [Example 16] The camera according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes one or more springs that can engage with the optical element module. [Example 17] The camera according to Embodiment 16, wherein the one or more springs include one spring. [Example 18] The camera according to Embodiment 16, wherein the one or more springs include three springs. [Example 19] The camera according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism comprises a guiding and positioning mechanism based on a pin and groove assembly. [Example 20] The camera according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes a guide and positioning mechanism based on a stopper. [Example 21] The camera according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes a guidance and positioning mechanism based on a kinematic coupling mechanism. [Example 22] The camera according to Example 21, wherein the kinematic coupling mechanism is based on a pin-groove assembly. [Example 23] The camera according to Embodiment 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) incorporated into a host device (250), the camera (200) having an operable pop-out state and an inoperable retracted state, the camera (200) An optical module (240) comprising a cover (232) covering the optical module, a lens barrel holder (202) supporting 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 the aperture (218) of the camera are separated by an air gap (222) that allows the lens barrel (204) to move by 0.1 to 3 millimeters (mm) to perform autofocus, A total pop-out mechanism (210) includes a window pop-out mechanism configured to raise and lower the window (216), and a barrel pop-out mechanism that enables the lens barrel to be in a pop-out state and a retracted state, The window pop-out mechanism includes an actuator (212), a pop-out frame including a window frame (214) for supporting the window (216), and an external module seal (224) for preventing particles and fluids from entering the camera and host device. camera.

2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the external module seal includes a bent portion that is coupled to the window frame.

3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the external module seal includes a bent portion that is coupled to the outer surface (228) of the camera.

4. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lens assembly includes N lens elements L1 to LN, and 5 <= N <= 7.

5. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the external module seal supports the IP68 intrusion protection rating of the host device.

6. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the window pop-out mechanism is located outside the optical module.

7. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pop-out frame includes a cam follower, a side limiter, and a window position measuring mechanism.

8. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrel pop-out mechanism includes one or more springs for pushing the optical module toward the pop-out frame, and a guide and positioning mechanism.

9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein, in order 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 toward the image sensor.

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

11. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the effective focal length of the lens assembly is 5 mm to 25 mm.

12. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total track length of the lens assembly is 6 mm to 18 mm.

13. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the contracted state, the total contracted track length is 5 to 12 mm.

14. The camera is a camera included in a mobile device, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images