TELE camera wedge prism configuration

Abstract

A camera includes a lens (310) defining an optical axis (122) and a prism (152). The prism (152) includes a first side (106) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (122), a second side (108) adjacent the first side (106), where at least a portion (108b) of the second side is angled toward the optical axis (122) by a first angle. The prism (152) also includes a third side (110) adjacent to the second side (108) and defines a first vertex with the second side (108), where the third side (110) is adjacent to the first side (106) and defines a second vertex with the first side (106). The camera also includes a sensor (104) positioned along the third side (110) and configured to receive light reflecting from the second side (108).

Description

Docket No.: 1333-858WO01TELE CAMERA WEDGE PRISM CONFIGURATIONBACKGROUND

[0001] Existing optical systems of cameras in electronic products are trending towards lens designs having a thinner total track length (TTL). However, to provide better image quality with higher resolution, the size of the camera sensor may be increased, which may increase the size of optical components of the optical lens system.SUMMARY

[0002] In general, aspects of this disclosure are directed to techniques, systems, and lenses having a telephoto capabilities with high quality imaging for high resolution camera systems within a relatively small volume. Example lens designs include a plurality of lens elements (e.g., having optical power) and / or prism elements (e.g., for controlling, redirecting, and / or folding the optical path of the lens / imaging system). A surface, such as a bottom surface, of a prism may be angled relative to the incoming light and / or the optical axis of the lens system in order to reduce a height of a different surface of the prism, e.g., a shoulder height of the prism, so as to enable the prism to fit within a predefined volume.

[0003] The techniques, systems, and lenses of this disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages and solve one or more technical problems. For example, the techniques, systems, and lenses provide lens designs enabling a camera system to utilize a larger sensor element, thereby improving the resolution of the camera system while still being able to fit within a predefined volume. In some examples, the camera system may be a mobile device camera system, and the techniques, systems, and lenses provide lens designs enabling improved resolution without increasing a bump height of the camera, e.g., without increasing a protrusion of the lens system from an outer surface of the mobile device. In some examples, the techniques, systems, and lenses provide improved light sensing, e.g., enabling a larger sensor with larger pixels to provide brighter images, such as for low light scenes, and improved dynamic range, e.g., ability to capture low light and bright light areas in the same frame or image with good details. In some examples, the techniques, systems, and lenses provide improved power management with a lower process node. For example, camera prisms disclosed herein enable a larger sensor with a smaller process node that uses less power for the sameDocket No.: 1333-858WO01 amount of processing or increases processing and / or functionality for the same amount of power.

[0004] In some aspects, the aspects described herein relate to a camera including: a lens defining an optical axis; a prism including: a first side substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side and defines a second vertex with the first side; and a sensor positioned along the third side and configured to receive light reflecting from the second side.

[0005] In some aspects, the aspects described herein relates to a camera prism including: a first side configured to be substantially perpendicular to an optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side and defines a second vertex with the first side.

[0006] In some aspects, the aspects described herein relate to an optical system including: a lens defining an optical axis; a prism including: a first side substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side and defines a second vertex with the first side.

[0007] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. l is a cross-sectional diagram of an example camera prims, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of another example camera prims, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.Docket No.: 1333-858WO01

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of an example camera, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an example computer system that may be used with a camera including the example camera prims of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of an example camera prism 102, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In the example shown, camera prism 102 is overlaid with right-angle prism 152 (illustrated as dashed lines where not overlapping with camera prism 102) to illustrate differences between camera prism 102 and right-angle prism 152. Camera prism 102 includes sides 106, 108, and 110. Camera prism 102 is configured to reduce a shoulder height by hl, e.g., in the z- direction as shown and relative to right-angle prism 152, while maintaining a first side 106 to be perpendicular to optical axis 122 and a third side 110 to also be perpendicular to optical axis 122. In some examples, camera prism 102 is configured such that a sensor 104 may be positioned in contact with, adjacent to, or near to but spaced apart from third side 110, e.g., such that a sensor surface of sensor 104 is substantially parallel to third side 110 and the outer surface of third side 110. Sensor 104 may comprise an array of light sensitive pixels and / or detectors, e.g., focal plane array.

[0013] Camera prism 102 is defined by sides 106, 108, and 110. First side 106 is substantially perpendicular to optical axis 122. Optical axis 122 may be an axis of symmetry of a camera and / or lens system including camera prism 102. For example, camera prism 102 may comprises a component of a rotationally symmetric multielement lens of a camera, where optical axis 122 is the axis of rotational symmetry. Camera prism 102 may be configured to fold the optical system, e.g., redirect light via reflection substantially without optical power, and effectively redirecting the optical axis in a different physical direction, e.g., to make the camera more compact in at least one direction, such as the z-direction as shown.

[0014] Second side 108 is adjacent to first side 106. For example, a first end of second side 108 is adjacent to a first end of first side 106 and defines a right-angle, e.g., vertex angle 112. In the example shown, second side 108 may comprises two portions, first portion 108a and second portion 108b (collectively, “second side 108”). In the exampleDocket No.: 1333-858WO01 shown, first portion 108a is at a right-angle with first side 106 for length dl, and second portion 108b is angled toward optical axis 122 by angle 6. Second portion 108b is angled from first portion 108a at a first length dl from first side 106 at position 120. For example, camera prism 102 may be a quadrilateral, where the two portions of second side 108 comprises two sides of the quadrilateral.

[0015] Third side 110 is adjacent to second side 108. For example, a first end of third side 110 is adjacent to a second end of second portion 108b and defines vertex angle 114. In some examples, a second end of third side 110 is adjacent to a second end of first side 106 and defines vertex angle 116.

[0016] Camera prism 102 may be made of glass, plastic, or any suitable material. For example, camera prism 102 may be made of a material having an optical index of refraction nl, which may be greater than 1.0. Camera prism 102 may be positioned in air, e.g., within a medium having an optical index of refraction nO, which may be substantially close to 1,0 (e.g., about 1.0003). In some examples, camera prism 102 may have an index nl of greater than about 1.25 and less than about 2.2, or greater than about 1.4 and less than about 1.9, or greater than about 1.5 and less than about 1.7. For example, camera prism 102 may be comprised of plastic material, such as a polycarbonate, a polyester, a polystyrene, an acrylic such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or any suitable polymer, an injection molded plastic material, or other transparent materials (e.g., glass), and may include one or more coatings (e.g., anti- reflective coatings or highly reflective coatings).

[0017] In the example shown, light may be incident on and enter camera prism 102 via first side 106, e.g., in the positive x direction. The light may propagate through camera prism 102 to be incident on an inner surface of third side 110, and may reflect from the interface between camera prism 102 and the surrounding medium of index nO (e.g., air), e.g., via total internal reflection (TIR). For example, the light may be incident on the inner surface of third side 110 at an incidence angle that is greater than the critical angle, e.g., at an angle that is equal to or greater than critical angle 0c, where sin (0c) = nO / nl and the angle is relative to the surface normal of the inner surface. In some examples, third side 110 may be configured to reflect substantially all of the incident light, e.g., via TIR. In other examples, third side 110 may include a reflective material configured to reflect the light, e.g., the inner surface of third side 110 may include a reflective material such as silver, aluminum, gold, or any other suitable reflectiveDocket No.: 1333-858WO01 material, which may reflect less than substantially all of the incident light, e.g., greater than about 25% of the light, or greater than about 50% of the light, or greater than about 75% of the light, or greater than about 95% of the light.

[0018] The light may then propagate through camera prims 102 to be incident on an inner surface of second portion 108b of second side 108. Second portion 108b may be a reflector, e.g., an inner surface of second portion 108b may have a reflective material such as silver, aluminum, gold, or any other suitable reflective material. The light may reflect from the inner surface of second portion 108b and propagate through camera prism 102 to be incident on the inner surface of third side 110 once again, but at an angle that is less than the critical angle 0c, e.g., more towards perpendicular incidence on the inner surface of third side 110.

[0019] The light may then propagate out of prism 102 to be incident on sensor 104. For example, third side 110 may be configured to reflect light incident from first side 106 (e.g., substantially all of the light via TIR or a portion of the light via a reflective material) and third side 110 may be configured to transmit light incident from second portion 108b or second side 108. That is, camera prism 102 may be configured to fold the optical axis 122 via reflection at third side 110, and to fold the optical axis again at second side 108 (or second portion 108b) such the optical axis is substantially perpendicular to, or at a right-angle 128 with, third side 110, e.g., for light after reflecting from second side 108. For example, third side 110 may be configured to transmit greater than about 25%, or greater than about 50%, or greater than about 75%, or greater than about 90%, or greater than about 95%, or greater than about 99% of the light incident from second portion 108b of second side 108.

[0020] In the example shown, another element of a camera lens system, may define optical axis 122, e.g., one or more lens elements and / or sensor 104, and camera prism 102 may be positioned such that optical axis 122 is substantially perpendicular to first side 106 and third side 110, e.g., such that sensor 104 is perpendicular to optical axis 122 when positioned along third side 110, e.g., that is, in contact with, adjacent to, or near to but spaced from, and at right angle 118 with, third side 110. In some examples, camera prism 102 provides improved sensor efficiency and reduced image artifacts with a larger sensor 104 and with a reduced camera prism 102 shoulder height via positioning sensor 104 substantially perpendicular to optical axis 122, e.g., if not sensorDocket No.: 1333-858WO01104 is not substantially perpendicular to optical axis 122, sensor efficiency may decrease and image artifacts, such as color shading, may increase.

[0021] In the example shown, camera prism 102 is configured to reduce a shoulder height of camera prism 102, e.g., relative to right-angle prism 152. For example, second side 108, or a portion of second side 108, e.g., second portion 108b, is angled towards optical axis 122 such that third side 110 is angled towards second side 108 (relative to right-angle prism 152) in order to remain substantially perpendicular to optical axis 122 for light incident from second side 108, thereby reducing the length of first side 106 by hl as shown, where the length of first side 106 is the shoulder height in the z-direction of camera prism 102.

[0022] For example, for camera prism 102, light is incident on third side 110 nearer to first side 110 in the x-direction and at a higher incident angle relative to right-angle prism 152, as illustrated by optical axis 132. Optical axis 132 may be substantially similar to optical axis 122 described here, except that optical axis 132 is of right-angle prism 152. Light incident on second surface from third surface 110 will also be nearer to both third surface 110 and first surface 106, and at a greater incidence angle, relative to right-angle prism 152. Additionally, the angle of sensor 104 is towards second side 108 and is positioned nearer to first side 106 in the x-direction, relative to example sensor 154, e.g., where sensor 154 may be substantially similar to sensor 104 but positioned so as to be along and parallel to third side 150 of right-angle prism 152.

[0023] In some examples, camera prism 102 is configured to reduce the shoulder height relative to right-angle prism 152 substantially without reducing the throughput of light through camera prism 102. For example, camera 102 is configured to maintain a shoulder height sufficient to receive light through from side 106 such that the light may fill sensor 104 (e.g., the lateral extent of sensor 104) after propagation through camera prism 102 and transmission through third side 110. In other words, camera prism 102 is configured to reduce the shoulder height by hl relative to right-angle prism 152 without vignetting.

[0024] In some examples, angle 6 is greater than or equal to about 0.5 degrees, and less than or equal to about 5 degrees. For example, an angle 6 of about 0.5 degrees may reduce the shoulder height by about 0.25 millimeters (mm), an angle 6 of about 1 degree may reduce the shoulder height by about 0.51 mm, an angle 6 of about 1.5 degrees may reduce the shoulder height by about 0.77 mm, an angle 6 of about 2Docket No.: 1333-858WO01 degrees may reduce the shoulder height by about 1.03 mm. In some examples, camera prism 102 may include an angle 6 to enable sensor 104 to be a 1 / 1.56 inch pixel array and for camera prism 102 to have a shoulder height, e.g., length of first side 106, of less than or equal to about 8 mm. In some examples, camera prism 102 and is configured to enable increasing the size of sensor 104 from a 1 / 2 inch pixel array to a 1 / 1.56 inch pixel array with a shoulder height of less than or equal to about 8 mm.

[0025] The geometry of camera prism 102 and the angle 6 relative to right-angle prism 152 may be determined via Equations 1-8 below: il = rl and i2 = r2 Equation 1 i2 = i 1 / 2 from i 1’ = i2 + r2 Equation 201 = il and 02 = i2 Equation 301 + 02 = il + il / 2 = 90° Equation 4 il = 01 = 60° - 26 and 02 = 30° + 26 Equation sVertex angle 116 = 01 + 28 = 60° + 28 Equation 6Vertex angle 116 + Vertex angle 114 + 90° - 8 = 180° Equation 7Vertex angle 114 = 30° - 6 = 180° Equation s

[0026] where il and rl are the angles of incidence and reflection, respectively, at third side 110 relative to surface normal 124, and i2 and r2 are the angles of incidence and reflection, respectively, at second side 108 (or second portion 108b of second side 108) relative to surface normal 126. For example, relative to vertex angles 01 = 60° and 02 = 30° of right-angle prism 152, camera prism 102 may have vertex angle 114 = 60° + 26 and vertex angle 116 = 30° - 6, resulting in a shoulder height reduction of hl relative to right-angle prism 152. In the example shown, Equation 7 may be derived from an imaginary triangle formed by height hl, third side 110 of camera prism 102, and third side 150 of right-angle prism 152. Equation 8 may be derived from an imaginary triangle formed by third side 110, second portion 108b, and an imaginary line parallel to first side 106 extending from position 120.

[0027] In some examples, camera prism 102 may be configured to improve alignment and positioning of camera prism 102 within a lens system or camera system, while reducing a shoulder height by hl relative to right-angle prism 152. For example, firstDocket No.: 1333-858WO01 portion 108a may be at a right-angle 112 relative to first side 108, enabling to substantially flat surfaces at right-angles from which to benchmark rotational and translational positioning of camera prism 102.

[0028] In other examples, camera prism 102 may be hollow, that is, an index of refraction of inner volume of camera prism 102 defined by sides 106, 108a, 108b, and 110 may be about the same as nO, and the inner surfaces (e.g., facing nl) of sides 106, 108a, 108b, and 110 may be reflective, or transmissive to light depending in the angle of incidence. For example, any or all of sides 106, 108a, 108b, and 110 may be made of a glass or plastic material having an index of refraction of nl, but may substantially thin such that the bulk of the volume of camera prism 102 is hollow, and also thick enough to structurally support camera prism 102 such that it retains its shape. Third side 110 may then still reflect light incident from first side 106 (e.g., via TIR), second portion 108b of second side 108 may reflect light incident from third side 110, and third side 110 may transmit light incident from second portion 108b.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of another example camera prism 202, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Camera prism 202 is substantially similar to camera prism 102, except for the differences described herein. In the example shown, camera prism 202 is overlaid with right-angle prism 152 (illustrated as dashed lines where not overlapping with camera prism 102) to illustrate differences between camera prism 202 and right-angle prism 152.

[0030] Camera prism 202 includes sides 106, 208, and 110. Camera prism 102 is configured to reduce a shoulder height by hl, e.g., in the z-direction as shown and relative to right-angle prism 152, while maintaining a first side 106 to be perpendicular to optical axis 122 and third side 110 to also be perpendicular to optical axis 122, except camera prism 202 includes second side 208 which is angled towards optical axis 122 along the entire length of second side 208, e.g., from the vertex with first side 106 to the vertex with third side 110. For example, a first end of second side 208 may be adjacent to a first end of first side 106 and defines a vertex angle 212. Vertex angle 212 may be 90 degrees minus the angle 6, rather than being a right-angle. In some examples, camera prism 202 may be easier to make than camera prism 102 by virtue of having a substantially flat, straight second side 208 along its entire length.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of an example camera 300, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Camera 300 includes lens elementsDocket No.: 1333-858WO01306 and 310, folding prism 312, camera prism 302, and sensor 304. Camera prism 302 may be substantially similar to camera prism 102 or camera prism 202 described herein, and sensor 304 may be substantially similar to sensor 104 described herein. In the example shown, camera 300 includes a plurality of rays 320 illustrating a ray trace of light propagating through the lens system of camera 300 from lens element 306 to sensor 104.

[0032] In the example shown, a lens of camera 300 or sensor 104 of camera 300 defines optical axis 122. For example, lens element 306, or lens element 310, or sensor 104 may define optical axis 122, and each of the other elements 306, 312, 310, 302, and 104 may be aligned to have the same optical axis 122, e.g., are aligned along optical axis 122.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an example computing system 400 that may be used with a camera 402 including example camera prisms 102, 202, and / or 302, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Camera 402 may be substantially similar to camera 300 described herein. Computing system 400 may implement methods for controlling operations of camera 402 using camera prisms 102, 202, and / or 302, and / or for performing image processing of images captured with the camera 402. In some examples, computing system 400 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet or pad device, slate, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, a wireless phone, a smartphone, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device.

[0034] In the example shown, computing system 400 may include processing circuitry 410 (e.g., one or more processors) coupled to a memory 408. computing system 400 also may include a network interface 406, input / output devices 404, e.g., a cursor control device, mouse, touchpad, trackball, a keyboard, a display, or the like. Computing system 400 also may include one or more cameras 402 which may include a lens system including a camera prism, e.g., camera prism 102, 202, and / or 302.

[0035] Memory 408 may be configured to store program instructions and / or data accessible by processing circuitry 410. Memory 408 may be implemented using anyDocket No.: 1333-858WO01 suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile / flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. Program instructions may be configured to implement various interfaces, methods and / or data for controlling operations of camera 402 and for capturing and processing images with camera 402 or other methods or data, for example interfaces and methods for capturing, displaying, processing, and storing images captured with camera 402. In some examples, program instructions and / or data may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory 408 or computing system 400.

[0036] Network interface 406 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computing system 400 and other devices attached to a network (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computing system 400. Network interface 406 may include one or more networks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g., an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. Network interface 406 may support communication via wired or wireless general data networks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example; via telecommunications / telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0037] Input / output devices 404 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for entering or accessing data by computing system 400. Multiple input / output devices 404 may be present in computing system 400 or may be distributed on various nodes of computing system 400. In some examples, similar input / output devices 404 may be separate from computing system 400 and may interact with one or more nodes of computing system 400 through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface 406.

[0038] In the example shown, memory 408 may include program instructions which may be processor-executable to implement any element or action to support camera 402, including but not limited to image processing software and interface software for controlling camera 402. In some examples, images captured by camera 402 may beDocket No.: 1333-858WO01 stored to memory 408. In addition, metadata for images captured by camera 402 may be stored using memory 408.

[0039] Computing system 400 and devices described herein may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, video or still cameras, and the like. Computing system 400 may also be connected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead may operate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may, in some examples, be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, in some examples, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided and / or other additional functionality may be available.

[0040] In one or more examples, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over, as one or more instructions or code, a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage media, or communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another, e.g., according to a communication protocol. In this manner, computer-readable media generally may correspond to (1) tangible computer-readable storage media, which is non-transitory or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. Data storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, code and / or data structures for implementation of the techniques described in this disclosure. A computer program product may include a computer-readable medium.

[0041] By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, andDocket No.: 1333-858WO01 microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. It should be understood, however, that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient media, but are instead directed to non-transient, tangible storage media. Disk and disc, as used herein, may include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0042] Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

[0043] The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, including a wireless handset, an integrated circuit (IC) or a set of ICs (e.g., a chip set). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. Rather, as described above, various units may be combined in a hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperative hardware units, including one or more processors as described above, in conjunction with suitable software and / or firmware.

[0044] This disclosure includes the following examples:

[0045] Example 1. A camera including: a lens defining an optical axis;

[0046] a prism including: a first side substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the firstDocket No.: 1333-858WO01 side and defines a second vertex with the first side; and a sensor positioned along the third side and configured to receive light reflecting from the second side.

[0047] Example 2. The camera of example 1, wherein the third side is configured to reflect light incident from the first side and to transmit light incident from the second side.

[0048] Example 3. The camera of example 1 or example 2, wherein the third side and the second side are configured to fold the optical axis to be substantially perpendicular to the third side.

[0049] Example 4. The camera of any one of examples 1 through 3, wherein the first angle is configured to reduce a shoulder height of the prism.

[0050] Example 5. The camera of any one of examples 1 through 4, wherein the first angle is greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.

[0051] Example 6. The camera of any one of examples 1 through 5, wherein the sensor includes a 1 / 1.56 inch pixel array.

[0052] Example 7. The camera of any one of examples 1 through 6, wherein the second side includes a first portion perpendicular to the first side and adjacent to the first side at a first end of first portion and a second portion extending from a second opposing end of the first portion, the second portion angled at the first angle.

[0053] Example 8. A camera prism including: a first side configured to be substantially perpendicular to an optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side and defines a second vertex with the first side.

[0054] Example 9. The camera prism of example 8, wherein the third side is configured to reflect light incident from the first side and to transmit light incident from the second side.

[0055] Example 10. The camera prism of example 8 or example 9, wherein the third side and the second side are configured to fold the optical axis to be substantially perpendicular to the third side.

[0056] Example 11. The camera prism of any one of examples 8 through 10, wherein the first angle is configured to reduce a shoulder height of the prism.

[0057] Example 12. The camera prism of any one of examples 8 through 11, wherein the first angle is greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.Docket No.: 1333-858WO01

[0058] Example 13. The camera prism of any one of examples 8 through 12, wherein the second side includes a first portion perpendicular to the first side and adjacent to the first side at a first end of first portion and a second portion extending from a second opposing end of the first portion, the second portion angled at the first angle.

[0059] Example 14. An optical system including: a lens defining an optical axis; a prism including: a first side substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side and defines a second vertex with the first side.

[0060] Example 15. The optical system of example 14, wherein the third side is configured to reflect light incident from the first side and to transmit light incident from the second side.

[0061] Example 16. The optical system of example 14 or example 15, wherein the third side and the second side are configured to fold the optical axis to be substantially perpendicular to the third side.

[0062] Example 17. The optical system of any one of examples 14 through 16, wherein the first angle is configured to reduce a shoulder height of the prism.

[0063] Example 18. The optical system of any one of examples 14 through 17, wherein the first angle is greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.

[0064] Example 19. The optical system of any one of examples 14 through 18, wherein the second side includes a first portion perpendicular to the first side and adjacent to the first side at a first end of first portion and a second portion extending from a second opposing end of the first portion, the second portion angled at the first angle.

[0065] Example 20. The optical system of any one of examples 14 through 19, further including a sensor positioned along the third side and configured to receive light reflecting from the second side.

[0066] Various examples of the disclosure have been described. Any combination of the described systems, operations, or functions is contemplated. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Docket No.: 1333-858WO01CLAIMS:

1. A camera comprising: a lens defining an optical axis; a prism comprising: a first side substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side and defines a second vertex with the first side; and a sensor positioned along the third side and configured to receive light reflecting from the second side.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the third side is configured to reflect light incident from the first side and to transmit light incident from the second side.

3. The camera of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the third side and the second side are configured to fold the optical axis to be substantially perpendicular to the third side.

4. The camera of any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the first angle is configured to reduce a shoulder height of the prism.

5. The camera of any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the first angle is greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.

6. The camera of any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein the sensor comprises a 1 / 1.56 inch pixel array.

7. The camera of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the second side comprises a first portion perpendicular to the first side and adjacent to the first side at a first end of first portion and a second portion extending from a second opposing end of the first portion, the second portion angled at the first angle.Docket No.: 1333-858WO018. A camera prism comprising: a first side configured to be substantially perpendicular to an optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side and defines a second vertex with the first side.

9. The camera prism of claim 8, wherein the third side is configured to reflect light incident from the first side and to transmit light incident from the second side.

10. The camera prism of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the third side and the second side are configured to fold the optical axis to be substantially perpendicular to the third side.

11. The camera prism of any one of claims 8 through 10, wherein the first angle is configured to reduce a shoulder height of the prism.

12. The camera prism of any one of claims 8 through 11, wherein the first angle is greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.

13. The camera prism of any one of claims 8 through 12, wherein the second side comprises a first portion perpendicular to the first side and adjacent to the first side at a first end of first portion and a second portion extending from a second opposing end of the first portion, the second portion angled at the first angle.Docket No.: 1333-858WO0114. An optical system comprising: a lens defining an optical axis; a prism comprising: a first side substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; a second side adjacent the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is angled toward the optical axis by a first angle; and a third side adjacent to the second side and defines a first vertex with the second side, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first side and defines a second vertex with the first side.

15. The optical system of claim 14, wherein the third side is configured to reflect light incident from the first side and to transmit light incident from the second side.

16. The optical system of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the third side and the second side are configured to fold the optical axis to be substantially perpendicular to the third side.

17. The optical system of any one of claims 14 through 16, wherein the first angle is configured to reduce a shoulder height of the prism.

18. The optical system of any one of claims 14 through 17, wherein the first angle is greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.

19. The optical system of any one of claims 14 through 18, wherein the second side comprises a first portion perpendicular to the first side and adjacent to the first side at a first end of first portion and a second portion extending from a second opposing end of the first portion, the second portion angled at the first angle.

20. The optical system of any one of claims 14 through 19, further comprising a sensor positioned along the third side and configured to receive light reflecting from the second side.

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