Large aperture continuous ZOOM folded TELE cameras

Abstract

Continuous optical zoom cameras with folded lenses, suitable for use in low-profile mobile devices. Along with providing continuous optical zoom, the camera lens maintains a relatively stable fl#. In some examples, fl# stability is achieved by adjusting the aperture diameter to compensate for the tendency of fl# to increase with increasing zoom factor and effective focal length. In some examples, adjustment of zoom factor is achieved without adjusting external dimensions of the camera module.

Description

[0001] LARGE APERTURE CONTINUOUS ZOOM FOLDED TELE CAMERAS

[0002] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 715,846, filed on November 4, 2024. The contents of this reference are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to the field of digital cameras and more particularly, but not exclusively, to digital cameras provided with portable computing devices.

[0006] Multi-aperture cameras (or “multi-cameras”, of which a “dual-camera” having two cameras is an example) are included in a variety of current portable electronic mobile devices (“mobile devices”, e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc?).

[0007] A multi-camera commonly comprises a wide field-of-view (or “angle”) FOVW camera (“wide” camera or “W” camera), and at least one additional camera, e.g., with a narrower (than the FOVW) field-of-view telephoto or “tele” camera with an angularly smaller tele field of view FOVT.

[0008] Commonly, a full-field spatial resolution of the tele camera is constant and may e.g., be 3 times or 5 times or 10 times higher than the resolution of the W camera. This is referred to as the tele camera having a “zoom factor” (ZF) of 3 or 5 or 10, respectively. ZF is determined by the effective focal length EFL of the tele camera (EFLT).

[0009] For intermediate ZF values, digital zoom may be used. For example, a dual camera may have a tele camera with ZF 5 time higher than its W camera. When zooming into a scene, a device may digitally zoom the W camera's image data, up to a ZF of 5. For a ZF > 5, the device may use the tele camera's image data, including additional digital zooming for ZF > 5.

[0010] Co-owned International Patent Publication No. W02023047202A1. describes a tele camera incorporating continuous optical zoom, whereby at least a portion of the available zoom range of a multi -aperture camera may be provided through use of optical zooming, with potential benefits for image quality. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to an aspect of some examples of the presently described subject matter, there is provided a camera having an optical path folding element (OPFE) which folds an optical path of the camera to extend along first and second optical axes, an image sensor positioned at an image side of the second optical axis, and a lens comprising a plurality of lens elements including at least one lens element positioned along each of the optical axes, and furthermore: one or more groups of the plurality of lens elements are configured to move along the second optical axis to continuously adjust the lens from a first zoom factor (ZF) to a second ZF larger than the first ZF by at least 25%; and cumulatively, for each 10% that the second ZF is larger than the first ZF, an f / # value of the lens is limited to increase by less than 4%.

[0012] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the lens adjusted to the first ZF has an effective focal length (EFL) EFLMINwhich is an EFL of the lens; the lens adjusted to the second ZF has an EFL EFLMAX, which is a maximum EFL of the lens; and the image sensor has a full sensor diagonal SD; wherein a field of view given by SD / EFL varies within a range 0.3 to 0.7 for the EFL range between EFLMINand EFLMAX.

[0013] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, EFLMAXis about 1 ,5x longer than EFLMIN.

[0014] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the f / # of the lens at EFLMAXis less than 3.5.

[0015] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the f / # of the lens at EFLMAXis less than 3.

[0016] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the f / # of the lens at EFLMAXis about 2.85.

[0017] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, EFLMIN10 mm and EFLMAX< 20 mm.

[0018] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the lens has a height extending along the direction of the first optical axis, and extending between: an objectside surface of a first object-side lens of the plurality of lens elements, and a lowest edge among the lower edges of the OPFE and the at least one lens element positioned along the second optical axis; and the lens height is the same when the lens is adjusted for any zoom factor in a range including and between the first zoom factor and the second zoom factor.

[0019] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the camera has an optics length extending along the direction of the second optical axis, and extending between: the image sensor, and a horizontal edge of a first object-side lens of the plurality of lens elements; and the optics length is the same when the lens is adjusted for any zoom factor in a range between and including the first zoom factor and the second zoom factor.

[0020] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, an overall height of the camera along first optical axis is shorter than an overall length of the camera along second optical axis.

[0021] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the camera is included in a camera module housing having a shoulder with a shoulder height Hsand a camera module height HM, wherein: the Hsis in a range 4 mm < Hs< 10 mm; the HMis in a range 6 mm < HM< 15 mm; and a ratio HS / HM< 0.9.

[0022] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, cumulatively, for each 10% that the second ZF is larger than the first ZF, an f / # value of the lens increases by less than 2%.

[0023] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, cumulatively, for each 10% that the second ZF is larger than the first ZF, an f / # value of the lens increases by less than 1%.

[0024] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, for a second ZF at least 1 ,5x larger than the first ZF, an f / # value of the lens increases by about 4%.

[0025] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the f / # of the lens is below 3.5 at each of the first and second zoom factors.

[0026] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the f / # of the lens is below 3 at each of the first and second zoom factors.

[0027] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the lens is a cut lens, and at least one lens element located at the image side of the OPFE is cut along an axis parallel to the second optical axis.

[0028] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the camera has a 35 mm Equivalent Focal Length (35 mm Eq FL) in a range of 60 mm to 180 mm.

[0029] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, 35 mm Eq FL is in a range of 70 mm to 150 mm.

[0030] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, 35 mm Eq FL is in a range of 80 mm to 120 mm.

[0031] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the image sensor is operative to be moved with respect to the lens for optical image stabilization (OIS). According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the OPFE is operative to be rotated with respect to the lens for optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0032] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the plurality of lens elements comprises 11 lens elements.

[0033] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, a power sequence of the 11 lens elements is plus-plus-minus-minus-plus-minus-plus-plus-minus-plus- plus, beginning from an object side of the optical path.

[0034] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the one or more groups of the plurality of lens elements comprises three groups including: a first group that remains stationary relative to the OPFE and the image sensor; and second and third groups which move along the second optical axis with respect to the OPFE and the image sensor to adjust the lens ZF; wherein the second and third groups also move with respect to each other to adjust the lens ZF.

[0035] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, a focus of the lens changes as the second group moves along the second optical axis to focus the lens, the focus also changing according to changing distance between the second group and the third group.

[0036] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the lens elements are configured to position an aperture stop of the lens at a position of one of the lenses of the second group, and the aperture stop moves along with the second group.

[0037] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the aperture stop is a fixed-diameter aperture stop.

[0038] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, all lens elements of the second group are positioned along the second optical axis on an object side of all lens elements of the third group, and on an image side of all lens elements of the first group.

[0039] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the first group includes three of the plurality of lens elements, including one lens element on an object side of the OPFE, and two lens elements on an image side of the OPFE.

[0040] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the second group includes two of the plurality of lens elements.

[0041] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the third group includes six of the plurality of lens elements. According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the cumulative and limited increase of the f / # value of the lens corresponds to an increasing aperture diameter of the lens, approximately in proportion to increasing ZF.

[0042] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the camera is included in a mobile device having a device thickness T and a camera bump region, wherein the bump region has a thickness T + B elevated by an additional thickness B above T ; and wherein a first portion of the camera is incorporated into the camera bump region and a second portion of the camera is not incorporated into the camera bump.

[0043] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the first portion of the camera includes a first lens element of the plurality of lens elements on an object side of the lens, along with the OPFE; and the second portion of the camera includes all further lens elements of the plurality of lens elements, along with the image sensor.

[0044] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the mobile device further includes a second camera with a zoom factor less than the first zoom factor.

[0045] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the camera is included in a smartphone mobile device.

[0046] According to an aspect of some examples of the presently described subject matter, there is provided a method of operating a camera, the method comprising: providing a camera having an optical path folding element (OPFE) which folds an optical path of the camera to extend along first and second optical axes, an image sensor positioned at an image side of the second optical axis, and a lens comprising a plurality of lens elements including at least one lens element positioned along each of the optical axes; and moving one or more groups of the plurality of lens elements along the second optical axis to continuously adjust the lens from a first zoom factor (ZF) to a second ZF larger than the first ZF by at least 25%; wherein, cumulatively, for each 10% that the second ZF is larger than the first ZF, an fl# value of the lens is limited to increase by less than 4%.

[0047] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the one or more groups of the plurality of lens elements comprises three groups, and the moving comprises: moving second and third groups along the second optical axis with respect to the OPFE and the image sensor to adjust the lens ZF; wherein a first group that remains stationary relative to the OPFE and the image sensor; and wherein the second group and the third group also move with respect to each other to adjust the lens ZF. According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the method comprises moving the second group along the second optical axis to focus the lens, the focus also changing according to changing distance between the second group and the third group.

[0048] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, an aperture stop of the lens positioned at one of the lenses of the second group moves along with the second group.

[0049] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, all lens elements of the second group are positioned along the second optical axis on an object side of all lens elements of the third group, and on an image side of all lens elements of the first group.

[0050] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the cumulative and limited increase of the f / # value of the lens corresponds to an increasing aperture diameter of the lens, approximately in proportion to increasing ZF.

[0051] According to an aspect of some examples of the presently described subject matter, there is provided a camera, comprising: a lens including a plurality of N lens elements Ltwhere 1 < i < N and an optical path folding element (OPFE), wherein a first lens element is positioned on an object side of the lens, and lens element LNis positioned on an image side the lens; wherein at least one of the plurality of lens elements is located at an object side of the OPFE and has an associated first optical axis, wherein at least one other of the plurality of lens elements is located at an image side of the OPFE and has an associated second optical axis, wherein the lens has an effective focal length (EFL) and a f-number (f / #); and an image sensor having a full sensor diagonal (SD); wherein the EFL can be varied continuously between a minimum EFLMINand a maximum EFLMAXby movement of lens elements along the second optical lens axis, wherein EFLMAX / (EFLMIN) > 1.25, and wherein 0.7 > SD / EFL > 0.3.

[0052] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, a ratio

[0053] SD / EFL > 0.35.

[0054] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, a ratio

[0055] SD / EFL > 0.45.

[0056] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, a ratio

[0057] SD / EFL < 0.6.

[0058] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the camera has an aperture diameter DA, wherein f / # = EFL / DA, and wherein the camera is included in a camera module having a shoulder with a shoulder height Hs, and wherein DA > 0.5 • Hs. According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the lens is divided into three lens groups Gl, G2 and G3, and the continuous variation in EFL is obtained by movements of G2 and G3 relative to Gl and the image sensor, G2 and G3 also moving relative to each other.

[0059] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, Gl includes two lens element sub-groups Gl-1 and Gl-2, wherein Gl-1 is located on the object side of the OPFE and wherein Gl-2 is located on the image side of the OPFE.

[0060] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, G2 is moved with respect to Gl, G3 and the image sensor for focusing.

[0061] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, Gl-1 includes one of the plurality of lens elements and wherein Gl-2 includes two of the plurality of lens elements.

[0062] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, G2 includes two of the plurality of lens elements.

[0063] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, G3 includes six of the plurality of lens elements.

[0064] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the image sensor is operative to be moved with respect to the lens for optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0065] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the OPFE is operative to be rotated with respect to the lens for optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0066] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the camera has a shoulder with a shoulder height Hsand a camera module height HM, wherein the Hsis in a range 4 mm < Hs< 1100 mmmm aanndd tthhee HHMMiiss iinn aa rraannggee 66 mmmm << HHMM< 15 mm, and wherein a ratio HS / HM< 0.9.

[0067] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, HS / HM< 0.8.

[0068] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, HS / HM< 0.7.

[0069] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, HM< 12.5 mm.

[0070] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, an fl# at EFLMINis f / #MiN, wherein an fl# at EFLMAXis f / #MAX>anc* wherein a ratio f / #MAx / (E#MiN) < EFLMAX / (EFLMIN) .

[0071] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, I7#MAX / (f / #MiN) < EFLMAX / (1.2-EFLMIN). According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, f / #MAx / (f / #MiN) < EFLMAX / (1.4-EFLMIN).

[0072] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, f / #MAX 3.5.

[0073] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, f / #MAX 3.

[0074] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, EFLMAX / (EFLMIN) = 1.5.

[0075] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the lens is a cut lens, and wherein at least one lens element located at the image side of the OPFE is cut along an axis parallel to the second optical axis.

[0076] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the camera has a 35 mm Equivalent Focal Length (35 mm Eq FL) in a range of 60 mm to 180 mm.

[0077] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, 35 mm Eq FL is in a range of 70 mm to 150 mm.

[0078] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, 35 mm Eq FL is in a range of 80 mm to 120 mm.

[0079] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, EFLMIN10 mm and EFLMAX< 20 mm.

[0080] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, IV = 11.

[0081] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, a power sequence of lens elements - Lltis plus-plus-minus-minus-plus-minus-plus-plus-minus-plus- plus.

[0082] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the mobile device has a device thickness T and a camera bump region, wherein the bump region has a thickness T + B elevated by an additional thickness B above T ; and wherein a first portion of the camera is incorporated into the camera bump region and wherein a second portion of the camera is not incorporated into the camera bump.

[0083] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the first region of the camera includes and the OPFE, and wherein the second region of the camera includes all further lens elements L2— LNand the image sensor.

[0084] According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the mobile device includes a second camera with a second effective focal length EFL2, and wherein EFL2< EFLMIN. According to some examples of the presently described subject matter, the mobile device is a smartphone.

[0085] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary methods and / or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, controls. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

[0086] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure, as appropriate to the disclosure and to the state of technology, may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc?) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system” (e.g., a method may be implemented using “computer circuitry” or “processing circuitry”).

[0087] Furthermore, aspects of some examples of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable medium(s) having computer-readable program code embodied thereon. Implementation of the method and / or system of some examples of the present disclosure can involve performing and / or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, in accordance with instrumentation and equipment provided for implementation of some examples of the method(s) and / or system(s) of the present disclosure, selected operations of these method(s) and / or system(s) could be variously implemented by hardware, by software, by firmware, and / or by a combination thereof.

[0088] For example, hardware for performing selected operations in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure is optionally implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected operations in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure is optionally implemented as a plurality of software instructions. Optionally, implementation aspects are built on a general-purpose computing device, e.g., making use of the services of an operating system.

[0089] In some examples of the present disclosure, one or more operations performed in method(s) and / or by system(s) are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform configured to execute pluralities of instructions in sequence and / or concurrently. Such a data processor may be alternatively referred to herein, e.g., as a “digital processor”, in reference to data processors which operate using groups of digital bits, and / or as “processing circuitry” in reference to the use of electronic circuitry in data processing applications.

[0090] Instruction executing elements of a data processor may comprise, for example, one or more microprocessor chips, ASICs, and / or FPGAs. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data; and / or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and / or removable media, for storing instructions and / or data. The terms “non-transitory memory” and “non-transitory storage medium”, where they may be used herein, should be expansively construed to cover any volatile or non-volatile computer memory suitable to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0091] Optionally, a network connection conferring data communication capabilities is provided. A display and / or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided. Any of these implementations are referred to herein more generally as instances and / or elements of, e.g., computer circuitry and / or processing circuitry.

[0092] Any combination of one or more computer-readable medium(s) may be used by some examples of the present disclosure. The computer-readable medium may be a computer- readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. Without limitation, a computer-readable storage medium may comprise, for example, an electronic-, magnetic-, optical-, electromagnetic-, infrared-, and / or semiconductor-implemented system, apparatus, or device; in any suitable combination.

[0093] A non-exhaustive list of further examples of computer-readable storage medium(s) includes: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device. Any suitable combination of the foregoing is optionally provided.

[0094] In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable storage medium may also contain or store information for use by such a program; for example, data structured in the way it is recorded by the computer-readable storage medium so that a computer program can access it as, for example, one or more tables, lists, arrays, data trees, and / or another data structure. Herein a computer-readable storage medium which records data in a form retrievable as groups of digital bits is also referred to as a digital memory. It should be understood that a computer-readable storage medium, in some examples, is optionally also used as a computer writable storage medium, in the case of a computer-readable storage medium which is not readonly in nature, and / or in a read-only state.

[0095] A “data structure” may include any collection of data values and relationships among them. The data may be stored, for example: linearly, horizontally, hierarchically, relationally, non-relationally, unidimensionally, multidimensionally, operationally, in an ordered manner, in an unordered manner, in an object-oriented manner, in a centralized manner, in a decentralized manner, in a distributed manner, in a custom manner, or in another manner enabling data access. A data structure may include, for example, one or more arrays, associative arrays, linked lists, binary trees, balanced trees, heaps, stacks, queues, sets, hash tables, records, tagged unions, ER models, and / or graphs. With particular (but not exclusive) reference to data storage for search retrieval, a data structure may comprise and / or form a part of, for example: an XML database, an RDBMS database, an SQL database, and / or an alternative implemented using MongoDB, Redis, Couchbase, Datastax Enterprise Graph, Elastic Search, Splunk, Solr, Cassandra, Amazon DynamoDB, Scylla, DBase, and / or Neo4J.

[0096] A data structure may be a component of disclosed examples which is stored, as appropriate: locally along with other system components described (e.g., in the same component package, device enclosure and / or room), and / or by a remotely-sited computing component (e.g., a cloud-based data structure). Data in the data structure may be stored in contiguous or non-contiguous memory. Moreover, a data structure, as the term is used herein, does not require information to be co-located. It may be distributed across multiple servers, for example, which may themselves be owned or operated by the same or different entities. The term “data structure” as used herein in the singular is inclusive of plural data structures. In particular, but not exclusively, it may be understood that a data structure itself may be at least partially composed of other data structures and / or portions thereof. As appropriate, limits of the extent of a data structure may determined according to its internal structure (e.g., internal patterns and / or self-references), its use, its providing storage media, the nature of the data stored (e.g., what the stored data are understood to refer to outside of the data structure and / or outside of the realm of data-as-such), and / or other suitable criteria associated with its instantiation. As appropriate, the term “data structure” may be understood as extending to include hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination thereof for storing and / or facilitating the retrieval of information in a data structure characterized by its data values and relationships among them. Certain data are optionally referred to herein as being derived from one or more sensors, e.g., as “sensed data” and / or “sensor data”. Such data comprise one or more physical effects transduced into a machine-readable form, e.g., one or more of the computer readable medium(s) described herein. Sensed / sensor data optionally represent physical quantities and / or objects, e.g., measurements and / or images. The sensed data typically are converted to a digital form used in data processing. However, transmitting, maintaining and / or processing sensed data in analog form (e.g., as amplitudes, frequencies, and / or phase encodings of voltage and / or current using suitable analog circuitry; e.g., for operations of comparison and / or combination) is not excluded.

[0097] Sensed data may be referenced as “indicative of’ a certain aspect of a physical state. The scope of an “indicative of’ relationship may include, but is not limited to, sensed data which measure the aspect of the physical state as such. More particularly, the scope of an “indicative of’ relationship may include, but is not limited to sensed data which reasonably allow and / or are show to allow estimating a past, present, and / or predicted measurement of the aspect of the physical state as such. Estimated measurements are optionally (but not necessarily) calibrated. Estimated measurements are optionally absolute or relative (e.g., relative to an initial state, an average, or another baseline condition; and / or relative in the sense of showing a direction of changing magnitude).

[0098] An “indicative of’ relationship is sufficiently characterized, in some examples, by correlations between sensed data and the aspect of the physical state such that the sensed data provide information about the aspect of the physical state. In examples including control and / or modification of the aspect of physical state, an “indicative of’ relationship may be characterized by results showing that the sensed data provide information suitable for such control and / or modification; and / or by a reasonable expectation that the sensed data provide information suitable for such control and / or modification. Additionally or alternatively, an “indicative of’ relationship may be used as a basis for estimating, controlling, and / or modifying some further physical state.

[0099] Relatedly, it should be understood that data (e.g., sensed data and / or data of a data structure) can be “indicative of’ a state encoded by other data. As appropriate, the relationship “indicative of’ in such cases may be understood as evidenced by the provision of suitable programming instructions making use of the relationship; not necessarily associated with full or partial reconstruction of the indicated data from the indicating data. Evidence of such an “indicative of’ relationship may be gathered, for example, in the context of industrially applicable use of the relationship by a device or method. These examples explaining the “indicative of’ relationship are not exclusive of other reasonable uses of the term; e.g., physical states such as lights, sounds, and / or mechanical positions of components which serve as indicators. The relationship “indicative of’ as such does not restrict to a particular direction of causation, or, as such, require mutual causation in either direction. It should be understood that two entities can be mutually indicative; the relationship is not necessarily symmetric, however.

[0100] Herein, a data processor (optionally referred to, e.g., as processing circuitry and / or computer circuitry) is said to be “configured” to perform data processing actions (e.g.), accessing and / or manipulation of stored and / or streamed data according to one or more algorithmic operations) insofar as it is coupled to a computer-readable medium to access and / or receive instructions and / or data thereupon and / or therefrom, process them, and / or store processing results in the same or another computer-readable medium. As appropriate (e.g., when performing analog data processing) the term “processing circuitry” may be understood as encompassing data processing hardware which does not necessarily rely on instructions in the form of digitally encoded values. In such cases, the processing circuitry is “configured” in virtue of its construction and / or state.

[0101] The processing performed (e.g, using the stored and / or streamed data) is specified by the instructions (and / or other configured state), with the effect that the processor operates according to the instructions and / or configured state. The act of processing may be referred to additionally or alternatively by one or more other terms; for example: comparing, estimating, determining, calculating, computing, comparing, encrypting, decrypting, identifying, associating, storing, accessing, receiving, obtaining, analyzing, selecting, and / or transforming. For example, in some examples, a processing circuitry accesses and / or receives instructions and data stored in volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or provided over a communication link, processes the data according to the instructions, stores processing results in volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or provides processing results. In some examples, “providing” processing results comprises one or more of transmitting, storing and / or presenting processing results. Presenting optionally comprises showing on a display, indicating by sound, printing on a printout, or otherwise producing results in a form accessible to human sensory capabilities.

[0102] Data may be referred to herein as being “accessed”. This optionally but not necessarily includes being “received”; e.g., by transmission of the data to suitable processing circuitry. Optionally, data is accessed at its original place of storage. Accessed data is optionally but not necessarily transmitted, copied, and / or stored in association with the accessing as such, in whole or in part. Except as otherwise indicated, it is neither required nor excluded that access produces destruction and / or degradation of stored data. Indications applicable in this case may be recognized in such technical aspects as the nature of the data’s storage and / or transmission, and / or the mechanism(s) of access (e.g., states of quantum computers may be degraded by access). In the case of processing circuitry in particular, accessing of data may be characterized by changes in physical and / or processing state of the processing circuitry corresponding to one or more aspects of the accessed data. The one or more aspects can include, for example, values of certain data, presence of certain data, and / or other information associated with the accessed data such as its checksum validity and / or memory address. Accordingly, the term “access” is also not limited to full inspection of the referenced data. For example, when a database is accessed, optionally the whole or any part of its data, including metadata depending on fully yet not completely encoding such whole or part, is brought into further effect with respect to an accessing device and / or method.

[0103] In cases where a component of accessing includes “receiving” or “being granted” access (e.g., in the sense of “permission to access”), it should be understood that this establishes a “potential for accessing” separate from access as such. This potential may indeed be associated with access as such (e.g., as can be demonstrated by information to which access was granted being put to further use). However, it should be recognized that there is a potential for a meaningful distinction that can be resolved in the context of the term’s use.

[0104] A computer-readable signal medium optionally includes a propagated data signal with computer-readable program code embodied therein; for example, in baseband and / or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to: electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0105] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium and / or data used thereby is optionally transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0106] Computer program code for carrying out operations for some examples of the present disclosure is optionally written in any combination of one or more programming languages; for example, an object-programming, procedural and / or functional programming language. Non-limiting examples include C, Java, Smalltalk, C++, Python, ECMAScript (e.g., JavaScript), and Rust, among many other programming languages known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. As is known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, programs written in such languages specify logical operations which may be variously converted to computer instructions suitable for direct use by particular instances of processing circuitry, before and / or during processing.

[0107] Additionally or alternatively, sequences of logical operations (e.g., in the form of instructions from a machine instruction set supported by processing circuitry) may be embedded in the design of an ASIC and / or in the configuration of an FPGA device. The program code may execute entirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user’s computer (e.g., as a stand-alone software package), partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user’s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), and / or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some examples, a user’s computer is more particularly specified, e.g., as a “personal communications device”, “personal computing device”, “smartphone”, “tablet”, "laptop computer, or “portable computer”. Except as otherwise described, each of these terms may be understood as relating to a device which is ordinarily operable for an extended period (e.g., an hour or more) while disconnected from a fixed source of electrical power such as a wall outlet (although commonly the device may be connected, e.g, for charging and / or for extended sessions of use). Commonly, such devices are operable in various ad hoc circumstances with various respective degrees of ease, e.g., while in public seating, while standing, and / or while moving around on foot or in a vehicle. Except as otherwise indicated, a “desktop computer” or “workstation” refers to a device which ordinarily operates from a fixed power connection. General-purpose computing devices operated by a user are optionally of either type; and the type is not necessarily fixed (e.g., a “laptop” may be operated while connected with a desk display, and / or have its battery removed). Communications capabilities allowing connection to a general-purpose data network (e.g., a wide area network and / or a local area network) should be generally understood to be available except as explicitly described otherwise. Mention of using any of these types of computing device may be understood as associated with an envisioned equivalent use of the other, except insofar as the context of the mention clearly disclaims this, and / or clearly indicates reliance on the special properties of portability, power requirements, connectivity, and / or display / input capabilities of the mentioned device type.

[0108] Some examples of the present disclosure may be described below with reference to one or more flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and / or computer program products. For such examples, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, along with combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented, to apply teachings provided herein, through use of suitable computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus (e.g., processing circuitry) to produce a machine; such that the instructions, upon their execution, carry out the functions and / or operations specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0109] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer- readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0110] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0111] Some of the methods described herein are generally designed only for use by a computer; and may not be feasible or practical for performing purely manually by a human expert. A human expert who wanted to manually perform similar tasks, if feasible (e.g., such as inspecting objects, and / or making determinations from data), might be expected to use completely different methods, e.g., making use of human expert knowledge and / or the pattern recognition capabilities of the human brain.

[0112] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0113] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example, and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced.

[0114] In the drawings: FIG. 1A schematically shows a known example of a folded continuous zoom tele camera, according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0115] FIG. IB schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a known embodiment of a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0116] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an optical lens system in a first, minimal zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;

[0117] FIG. 2B schematically illustrates optical lens system in a second, mid-range zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;

[0118] FIG. 2C schematically illustrates optical lens system in a third, maximal zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;

[0119] FIG. 2D is a schematic block diagram of components of optical lens system, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;

[0120] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates geometrical parameters of optical lens system in a first, minimal zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;

[0121] FIG. 3B schematically illustrates geometrical parameters of optical lens system in a second, maximal zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;

[0122] FIG. 3C, showing a graph of zoom and focusing movements of optical lens system, according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0123] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a (vertically) cut optical lens system, according to some examples of the present disclosure; and

[0124] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method for continuously varying a ZF of a folded zoom camera including an optical lens system, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0125] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0126] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to the field of digital cameras and more particularly, but not exclusively, to digital cameras provided with portable computing devices.

[0127] Overview

[0128] An aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure relates to low-profile lenses; for examples, lens systems operable as cameras, and sized and otherwise configurable for use in smartphones. In the present state of the field, such cameras are commonly subject to design pressure to maintain small dimensions, e.g., as illustrated in relation to Fig. IB herein. For imaging of some scenes, a higher ZF setting is desired for capturing images with high resolution. However, a higher ZF achieved purely through digital zooming may result in image quality compromises which discourage use of the higher ZF. For example, only wide- angle camera image data may be available in certain cases even when there is an additional tele camera on the same device, because the zoom factor (ZF), while high enough to result in noticeable digital zoom degradation, has a field of view larger than the tele camera’s field of view.

[0129] Tele cameras that can provide continuous zoom factors between a minimum ZF, ZFMIN, and a maximum ZF, ZFMAX, are described, for example, in co-owned International Patent Publication No. WO 2022 118176 Al and International Patent Publication

[0130] No. WO 2022 200965 Al.

[0131] Together with a range of continuous zoom factors, a low fl# provides potential advantages in compact digital cameras including higher low light sensitivity, stronger “natural” Bokeh effect, and higher image resolution. For example, a continuous zoom camera achieving relatively low fl# values i iss described i inn International Patent Publication No. WO 2023 047202 Al.

[0132] Other parameters being constant, the amount of light falling on a given region of a camera’s image sensor during exposure is greater for smaller fl# values, and smaller for larger fl# values. The difference is inversely proportional to the square of the fl# value; e.g., a lens with f / 2 gathers four times more light than a lens with f / 4. Changing the optical zoom factor (as in a continuous zoom camera) is among the parameters which potentially affect the fl# of a lens, since, e.g., even if the amount of light collected from a certain area of the imaged target remains the same, that light is spread out over a larger sensor area as zoom factor increases. This tends toward producing the effect of an fl# which increases along with zoom factor. In turn, this potentially results in greater zoom factors yielding relatively “darker” images.

[0133] Applying amplification (e.g., digital gain) to recover apparent brightness also amplifies image noise, which can result in a noticeably noisier (“grainier”) image. Alternatively, increasing exposure time to gather more light can result in more more motion blur, potentially including increased sensitivity to camera shake — the amplitude of which also tends to be amplified by an increase in zoom factor. In video photography applications, maximum exposure time may be limited by the video frame rate. Some lenses (e.g., lenses for relatively large 35 mm lens cameras) include an adjustable stop which physically reduces the diameter of an aperture through which the light collected by the lens passes on its way to be sensed and / or recorded. While this adjustment, when available, can be used to “even out” fl# between a more-zoomed state and a less-zoomed state, it does so by making the less-zoomed state darker, rather than improving the light gathering capability of the more-zoomed state.

[0134] Accordingly, taking the performance of a telephoto lens in its minimal zoom state as a reference, it is potentially desirable to configure the telephoto lens so that f / # remains stable at or near the reference state’s value for the lens’s larger zoom factors. For example, users may appreciate being able to adjust the zoom factor of their camera’s telephoto lens through its full range without being confronted by the worry of a corresponding degradation in image quality due to reduced light collection.

[0135] This may be re-interpreted as a constraint on lens design to have the aperture diameter of the optical system (somehow) increase in coordination with increasing zoom factor, thereby counteracting the darkening effects of magnification. The aperture diameter refers to the area of the front camera lens surface through which light is collected. The aperture stop (that is, the size of the lens-internal aperture that actually limits light entry) need not (and in some examples of the present disclosure, does not) change in size.

[0136] In small camera modules such as smartphone cameras, however, the aperture diameter in the minimal zoom state is potentially already “large”, relative to what is technically available given product constraints such as maximum camera module size. Accordingly, this view of the problem seems to involve improving an already size-limited parameter — yet, somehow, without further increasing size.

[0137] Lenses for camera modules designed in view of constraints on size and available technology comparable to examples of the present disclosure have been described (e.g., in International Patent Publication No. WO 2023 047202 Al) which yield zoom factors of 2x or more with minimum fl# value (at lowest zoom) of about f / 2.5.

[0138] However, the reported fl# increases substantially with increasing zoom, e.g., by a factor of about 1.73x to 1.84x. This has potentially significant effects on image quality, as already mentioned.

[0139] The present inventors have realized that there is potential value in sacrificing a portion of the optical zoom factor range for improved fl# stability. Optionally, digital zoom and / or integration with a multi-camera device is relied on to fill in the sacrificed zoom range, in exchange for greater image consistency in an intermediate range of optically continuous zoom factors.

[0140] It should be noted that the field of optical design of telephoto lenses is well known for imposing multiple performance-limiting technical tradeoffs on lens designers, such that the successful fulfilment of a revised set of design constraints is difficult to predict in advance, even given the use of modern optical design tools.

[0141] In schematic overview, optical design examples of the present disclosure are specially configured so that the aperture stop of the optical lens system is defined at the position of a certain moveable lens group (e.g., lens group G2 in examples such as those of Figs. 2A 2C, 3A-3B, and / or 4\ More particularly, in some examples, it is defined at a front surface of the lens group (e.g., a front surface of L4in the figures just referenced).

[0142] To provide adjustability of the aperture diameter, the optical system is further configured so that the aperture stop moves along with the stroke of the lens group at which it is formed. As a result, the aperture diameter expands when the aperture stop is further from the front lens surface at which the aperture diameter is measured, and shrinks when the aperture stop is closer to the front lens surface.

[0143] One way of understanding this is as follows. With the aperture stop positioned further from the front lens surface, there is more distance over which light rays entering the front lens surface (especially those nearer to its periphery) can be converged into the aperture stop. Accordingly, increasingly more peripheral areas of the front lens surface can effectively contribute their gathered light to the recorded image.

[0144] Furthermore, in some examples of the present disclosure, magnifications of the lens groups are selected such that incoming light reaching the movable aperture stop converges to it at a relatively extreme angle oblique to the optical axis. Steep convergence results in relatively small axial translations of the aperture stop producing relatively large changes in the aperture diameter. Although this intrudes somewhat upon concurrent design requirements for continuous zoom performance, the inventors have been able to produce designs that stabilize f / # to within less than 5% over a zoom factor range of about 1.5x, for example as described in the embodiments presented in conjunction with the figures herein.

[0145] Definitions

[0146] In this application and for optical and other properties mentioned throughout the description and figures, the following symbols and abbreviations are used, all of which are known in the art:

[0147] Optical Lens System

[0148] The optical components of a camera, comprising an image sensor and a lens including a plurality of lens elements, all positioned along an optical path. The image sensor is on the image side of the optical path relative to the lens elements, and senses collected light which arrives to the optical lens system from object(s) on the object side of the optical path. It should be understood that the object and image sides of the optical path correspondingly define respective object and image sides of the camera’s optical components.

[0149] Lens Element

[0150] A lens element comprises a light-transmitting element with two surfaces, a front surface (facing an object side) and a back surface (facing a sensor side). The lens element has effects on transmitted light, e.g, according to the shapes of its surfaces, it thickness, and its optical refractive index.

[0151] Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE)

[0152] Optical elements such as mirrors and prisms can act to redirect the optical axis along which light of an optical system is conveyed. Redirection of the optical axis is referred to as “folding” it; e.g, folding by redirection through an angle of 90°, or another folding angle. Accordingly, the term OPFE is used to refer generically to optical elements with this capability.

[0153] Total track length (TTL)

[0154] The maximal distance, measured along a direction parallel to the optical axis and between a point of the front surface of a first lens element of a lens (or “lens assembly”) and an image sensor, when a camera system including the lens is focused to an infinity object distance. Movement parallel to the optical axis changes direction as appropriate when the optical path is folded, with measurement then continuing along the changed direction.

[0155] Back focal length (BFL)

[0156] The minimal distance, measured along a direction parallel to the optical axis extending between a point of the rear surface S2Nof a last lens element LNof a lens (or “lens assembly”) and the image sensor, when a camera system including the lens is focused to an infinity object distance. It should be understood that reference to surface S2Nis for cases where all elements considered themselves have two surfaces. In cases where an element along the optical path has, e.g., one or three surfaces (for example, as in the case of a mirror or prism used as an OPFE), the surface counting expression is optionally replaced with an appropriately adjusted expression, e.g., with 52N+1, and / or one or more of the elements and / or surfaces is ignored for purposes of counting in the given context. Zoom Factor (ZF)

[0157] Unitless value defined relative to a camera and / or system of cameras. In a system comprising several cameras, a main wide-angle camera is conventionally assigned a zoom factor of 1, and the zoom factors of other camera defined relative to this zoom factor. In descriptions herein, zoom factor for a single camera aperture equipped with continuous zoom optics should be understood as being variable throughout a range between 1 (with the lowest zoom factor setting matching the zoom factor of a wide-angle camera or other reference zoom factor of the system), and some larger zoom factor, e.g., a factor of at least 1.25; optionally a zoom factor of, for example, about 1.5x. It is not excluded, however, that the lowest zoom factor for the camera aperture may be set above or below 1, with the upper range of zoom factors being adjusted in proportion.

[0158] Effective focal length (EFL)

[0159] The distance between a rear principal point P' and a rear focal point F' of a lens assembly of lens elements to LN. In the case of a continuous zoom lens, EFL is varied by actuated movements of the lens' lens elements, with changes in ZF which are proportional to the change in EFL.

[0160] Aperture diameter (DA)

[0161] The aperture diameter corresponds to the diameter for which light reaching the object surface of entrance (first) lens element can proceed through the camera to be imaged. The associated area is also referred to as the “entrance pupil” of the optical lens system.

[0162] F-number (f / #)

[0163] The ratio of the EFL and the aperture diameter DA of the camera’s entrance pupil: f / # = EFL / DA. The fl# value expresses the ability of the camera to collect light, with smaller values collecting corresponding to more light collected. A relatively smaller fl# value is sometimes referred to as being “faster”, z.e., allowing a shorter exposure time to capture a same amount of light.

[0164] Aperture stop

[0165] In a camera, an aperture stop is defined at the narrowest diameter along the optical pathway through which light reaching the camera’s imaging device passes. The entrance pupil is the optical image of the aperture stop, as “seen” through the front (object-side) aperture of the lens system. In examples of the present disclosure, the aperture stop is induced (by design) to move along with operating movements that change the camera’s zoom factor, thereby contributing to maintaining a relatively stable fl# number overall.

[0166] Clear aperture diameter (CA)

[0167] An optically active aperture diameter of a surface of a lens element. For example, an aperture stop may be defined according to the CAof some particular lens element’s surface.

[0168] (Half) Field of View ((H)FOV)

[0169] Angular width of the object field captured at the image side of a camera. Halved, it is angular width from the center of the field of view. For a given lens system with a fixed- size and fully-utilized image sensor, field of view varies inversely with the effective focal length. For a rectangular sensor, field of view is commonly given relative to the sensor diagonal (SD), which provides the largest angular width. The value SD / EFL is measure from which the field of view can be determined using the formula 0 = 2 - arctan (SD / (2EFL))

[0170] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or given in the Examples, drawings. Features described in the current disclosure, including features of the invention, are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0171] Folded Tele Lenses

[0172] Reference is now made to Fig. 1A, which schematically shows a known example of a folded continuous zoom tele camera, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0173] The indicated tele camera 100 (cameras are also referred to herein as “lens systems”; herein, the term “tele” is equivalent to the alternative term “telephoto”) may be understood as corresponding ttoo aa ccaammeerraa disclosed i inn International Patent Publication No. WO 2023 047202 Al, which is which is included herein by reference in its entirety. In particular, definitions and explanations given in International Patent Publication No. WO 2023 047202 Al, are valid also herein, insofar as they are consistent with descriptions of the present disclosure.

[0174] Camera 100 comprises a lens 102 with a plurality of N lens elements. In lens 102, for example, N = 4. The lens elements in lens 102 are numbered - L4, with being oriented towards (and closest to) an object side of camera 100. Lens element is axis-symmetric along a first optical (lens) axis 112; lens elements L2- L4are axis-symmetric along a second optical (lens) axis 108. Lens 102 further includes an optical path folding element (OPFE 104) that folds optical path (OP) axis 112 to angle away from OP axis 108. Camera 100 also includes an image sensor 106. The camera elements may be included in a housing 114.

[0175] Lens 102 is divided into two or more lens groups; as shown here, these include G1 (here including lens elements Lt, L2, and OPFE 104) and G2 (lens elements L3and L4in this example). Lens elements of G1 include Lxlocated the object side of OPFE 104, and L2located at the image side of OPFE 104. G2 is located at an image side of OPFE 104. A relative movement of the lens groups G1 and G2 allows for continuous optical zoom.

[0176] Reference is now made to Fig. IB, which schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a known embodiment of a mobile device 120 (e.g., a smartphone) according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0177] Mobile device 120 defines exterior surface 122 and includes a folded tele camera 100, e.g., as disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO 2023 047202 Al. Camera bump region 128 projects proud of the thickness T of the main body of mobile device 120 by a distance B. Accordingly, region R1 of camera 100 is integrated into height T+B, while region R2 of camera 100 is integrated into the regular-thickness device region 126 having height T. A front surface 124 of mobile device 120 may, e.g., include a screen (not visible), which potentially reduces the available portion of height T available for camera packaging.

[0178] In comparison, a mobile device camera entirely integrated into the bump region, mobile device 120, with camera 100 integrated in the bump region only partially, can optionally have a smaller bump length BL or, e.g., integrate an additional cameras into bump region 128, with potential benefit for reasons of industrial design. For slim mobile devices, it is commonly beneficial to minimize the optical component-defined optical heights MMH4and / or MMH2, as this potentially allows reducing the physical height of the camera as well. The "optical" height is a theoretical height related to the height region of optical components through which imaged light passes. Optical height can be dynamic (e.g., different for different effective focal lengths and / or focus settings), and potentially smaller than the physical height of the optical components.

[0179] Folded Lenses with Lower f / # Variability

[0180] Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, which schematically illustrates an optical lens system 200 in a first, minimal zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the optical elements of lens 202 in each of Figs. 2A-2C illustrate configuration differences for different zoom factors (ZF). Focus is at an infinity object distance.

[0181] In these examples, the minimum effective focal length EFLMINis 11 mm (35 mm Eq. FL of 80 mm). Lens system 200 comprises a lens 202, which itself includes a plurality of N lens elements Lt. In this example, N = 11, with elements to Lltnumbered as shown.

[0182] Lens system 200 also comprises optical path folding element (OPFE) 204, optical element 209, and image sensor 206. In some examples, image sensor 206 is mounted so that it can be moved with respect to lens 202 for image stabilization. For example, image sensor 206 can be moved (e.g., translated and / or rotated) in directions generally orthogonal to the local optical path axis. It should be understood that this feature is optionally provided to any of the lens system examples described herein.

[0183] Optional optical element 209 comprises, e.g., an infra-red (IR) filter, and / or a glass image sensor dust cover. As illustrated, OPFE 204 is implemented as a prism. Alternatively, OPFE 204 is implemented, e.g., as a mirror.

[0184] L-L is the lens element closest to the object side and LNis the lens element closest to the image side, i.e., the side on which image sensor 206 is located. This convention holds for all lenses and lens elements disclosed herein. Each lens element LLcomprises a respective front surface and rear surface. As used herein, the term “front surface” of each lens element refers to the surface of a lens element located closer to the entrance of the camera (camera object side), and the term “rear surface” refers to the surface of a lens element located closer to the image sensor (camera image side). Surfaces are numbered as indicated in Table 1 (Optical Element Parameters), with the lower-numbered surface of each lens being the front surface and the higher-numbered surface of each lens being the rear surface. Numbering of individual optical elements in Figs. 2B-2C should be understood as corresponding in order to the optical element numbering shown in Fig. 2A. Depictions and descriptions of lens system 200 schematically introduce elements and concepts discussed also in relation to lens system examples 300, 400, specified more particularly herein below.

[0185] Lens 202 is divided into three lens groups Gl, G2 and G3. Lens group G1 is divided into lens subgroup Gl-1 (located on an object side of OPFE 204) and lens subgroup Gl-2 (located on an image side of OPFE 204). Lens subgroup Gl-1 is formed by LvLens subgroup Gl-2 is formed by L2and L3. Lens group G2 is formed by L4and Ls. Lens group G3 is formed by L6, L7, L8, Lq9,, L10and L1:L. Lens subgroup Gl-2 is fixed at distance d0_L(the “OPFE-lens” distance” from OPFE 204. Lens elements included in lens groups Gl, G2 and G3 respectively do not move relative to other lens elements in the same lens group. Lens groups Gl, G2 and G3 do move relative to each other for changing a zoom factor (ZF) and for focusing (e.g., as explained in relation to Figs. 3A-3C). Also indicated is back focal length (BFL), which is the distance extending between the image side surface of Lil in lens group G3 and image sensor 206.

[0186] It should be understood that elements numbered using the LLand GLnumbering schemes just presented are identified relative to a particular system of lens elements. For example, identity between of Fig. 1A and L1of Fig. 2A is not implied; in each case, the element is L1of its particular lens example (e.g., lens L1of lens 102 is distinct from lens L1of lens system 200).

[0187] Reference is now made to Fig. 2B, which schematically illustrates optical lens system 200 in a second, mid-range zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. Here, the overall effective focal length EFLMID= 13.75 mm (35 mm Eq. FL = 100 mm). With respect to the EFLMINconfiguration (Fig. 2A), lens group Gl has not moved, and neither has image sensor 206. Lens group G2 moved towards image sensor 206 by a first distance, and lens group G3 moved towards image sensor 206 by a second distance.

[0188] Reference is now made to Fig. 2C, which schematically illustrates optical lens system 200 in a third, maximal zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. Here, the effective focal length EFLMAX=16.5 mm (35 mm Eq. FL = 120 mm). With respect to the EFLMIDconfiguration (Fig. 2E), Gl did not move, G2 moved towards image sensor 206 by a third distance and G3 moved towards the image sensor by a fourth distance. Again, image sensor 206 and lens group Gl did not move relative to each other.

[0189] Brief reference is now made to Fig. 2D, which is a schematic block diagram of components of optical lens system 280, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[0190] Lens system 280 illustrates the presence of elements appropriate to lens functioning beyond the optical elements emphasized in other figures here. For example, any of the components of lens system 280 are optionally provided to any of lens systems 200, 300, and 400 (z'.e., lens systems illustrated in Figs. 2A 2C, 3A-3B and 4\

[0191] Indicated lens components include support element(s) 242 which hold optical elements of lens 202 in their respective positions, housing 240, one or more motors 243 (each configured to move one or more of the optical elements of lens 202). Also shown in Fig. 2D are controller 250, configured to actuate the one or more motors 243; and comprising, for example, processing circuitry 252 and / or motor driver circuitry 251. In some examples, optical lens system 200 comprises an electrical power connection 253 which receives power for its electrically powered elements.

[0192] Reference is now made to Fig. 3A, which schematically illustrates geometrical parameters of optical lens system 300 in a first, minimal zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. Reference is also made to Fig. 3B, which schematically illustrates geometrical parameters of optical lens system 300 in a second, maximal zoom state, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. These stages generally correspond with the zoom states of Figs. 2A and 2C, respectively, although some corresponding optical elements of Figs. 3A-3B have taller heights, resulting in somewhat different optical performance characteristics.

[0193] In some examples, an effective focal length EFLG1of G1 including + OPFE 204 + L2+ L3together is 13.2 mm. Optionally, EFLG1is in the range of, e.g., 7.5 mm to 20 mm or 10 mm to 15 mm.

[0194] In some examples, an effective focal length EFLG2of G2 including L4+ Lstogether is 13.05 mm. Optionally, EFLG2is in the range of, e.g., -7.5mm to -20mm or -10mm to 15mm.

[0195] In some examples, an effective focal length EFLG3of G3 including L6+ L7+ L8+ L9

[0196] + L io+^ii together is 7.65 mm. Optionally, EFLG3is in the range of, e.g., 5 mm to 15 mm or 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0197] The resulting sequence of the power signs of EFLG1, EFLG2and EFLG3is positive- negative-positive.

[0198] Again, EFLMIN= 11 mm, EFLMAX=16.5 mm, and the focus is at infinity. In general, optical elements depicted in Fig. 3A correspond in position and identification with the shorter elements depicted in Fig. 2A, and optical elements depicted in Fig. 3B correspond in position and identification to the shorter elements depicted in Fig. 2C.

[0199] For changing the ZF between these two states, lens group G2 is moved towards image sensor 206 by a first distance, and lens group G3 is moved towards image sensor 206 by a second distance. Detailed information for movements which continuously change the ZF are given in Table 2 and Fig. 3C.

[0200] Lens L1is axis-symmetric along a first optical (lens) axis 308. Lenses L2- Lltare axis- symmetric along a second optical (lens) axis 310. Ray-fans 321-323 (Fig. 3A) trace the paths of field light rays reaching a focus at three different points along image sensor 206, including zero-field (“on-axis”) ray-fan 322. Ray-fans 331-333 (Fzg. 32?) trace the paths of field light rays reaching a focus at the same three points along image sensor 206, including zero-field (“on-axis”) ray fan 332.

[0201] OPFE 204 is oriented at an angle of 45° with respect to the y-axis and the z-axis. Optical rays of ray-fans 321-323 pass through Gl-1, are reflected by OPFE 204, pass successively through Gl-2, G2 and G3, and form an image on image sensor 306. Figs. 3A-3B show three fields with 7 rays for each field.

[0202] In lens system examples of the present disclosure, aperture diameter DA of the camera is determined by a diameter of the zero-field ray-fan at L^. In Fig. 3A, this diameter is marked DAMINto correspond with the aperture of the first zoom state which is also indicated by the spread of zero-field ray -fan 322 at 1^. In Fig. 3B, the aperture diameter is marked DAMAX, as indicated by the spread of zero-field ray-fan 332 at Lt, with optical lens system 300 being in the third (maximal) zoom state.

[0203] As shown, DAMAX> DAMIN. An aperture stop of optical lens system 200 is located at an entrance surface of G2; in this example, at an entrance surface of L4. In the maximal zoom state of Fig. 3B, the marginal rays (or extremal rays) of the zero-field ray fan 332 fill up the aperture stop completely, and they diverge towards the object. In the minimal zoom state of Fig. 3A, G2 is relatively closer to G1 (that is, moved in the optical direction of the object).

[0204] Since the aperture stop has a fixed size, not all rays passing through optical lens system 300 in the maximal zoom state of Fig. 3B pass through in the minimal zoom state of Fig. 3A. In other words, in the maximal zoom state, more zero-field rays enter optical lens system 200 when compared to the minimal zoom state. Accordingly, there is a compensation for the loss of brightness associated with increasing zoom factor alone, whereby the f / # of optical lens system 300 changes only by a relatively small amount when switching from EFLMINto EFLMAX. This is potentially beneficial for achieving a relatively similar image quality throughout a range of ZFs.

[0205] In the example shown here, the f / # changes by about 4%, e.g., varying from a value of 2.75 (a minimum F / #MINwhen the EFL is EFLMIN) to a value of 2.85 (a maximum F / #MAXwhen the EFL is EFLMAX).

[0206] Optionally, fl# changes, e.g., by less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 10%, less than about 7%, or less than about 5% when switching from EFLMINto EFLMAX. In some examples, fl# changes by less than about 1% per 10% increase in EFL. For camera with a maximum ZF of about 1.5x, a 4% change in f / # corresponds, cumulatively, to a rate of fl# change of about 0.8% (over a baseline fl# value when the EFL is EFLMIN) for each 10% increase in EFL relative to EFLMIN. Examples of corresponding values for larger rates of fl# change include 4% (for a 20% cumulative increase), 2% (for a 10% cumulative increase), and 1% (for a cumulative 5% increase).

[0207] Optionally, design freedom recovered due to partially reduced stability of fl# (e.g., to 20% instead of 4%) is used to improve another aspect of lens performance, e.g., to extend the zoom factor range, and / or to reduce lens distortion. For example, the maximum zoom factor may be extended to value of 1.6x, 1.7x, 1.8x, 1.9x or 2. Ox, the maximum being increased at least partially in accordance with relaxation of the design constraint for fl# stability.

[0208] For focusing to closer (finite) distances, G2 is moved along the second optical axis 310 with respect to Gl, G3. The shorter-focus movement of G2 is towards G3 and image sensor 306, and away from Gl. Table 3 (Focusing to 50 cm) lists (and Fig. 3C illustrates) movements (in mm) of G2 which adjust the focus of optical lens system 300.

[0209] It should be noted that the overall height and width of the optical lens system 300 remains unchanged by the adjustments of EFL and focus — the lens element movements are all internal to the optical path. More particularly, the lens movements all occur along the second (horizontal) optical axis 310.

[0210] In optical lens system 300 (Figs. 3A-3B), MMHj is an optical height of the optics defined by at a top limit and by Lltat a bottom limit. “Bottom” and “top” refer here to a position along the y-axis (vertical axis on the page as illustrated). MMH2is an optical height defined by the y-axis height of Ln.

[0211] The distance measured between OPFE 204 and L2, is designated d0.L,asindicated in Figs. 3A-3B.

[0212] The distance measured between OPFE 204 and is designated ZL0, as shown in

[0213] Fig. 3A.

[0214] The distances d0.L, TTL (the total optical track length which is the sum of TT2 + TTLi), and MML (the horizontal distance from the horizontally furthest side of LTto image sensor 206) do not change when ZF is varied.

[0215] Reference is now made to Fig. 3C, showing a graph 350 of zoom and focusing movements of optical lens system 300, according to some examples of the present disclosure. Graph 350 is plotted as 35 mm Eq. FL (in mm) versus movement strokes in mm. Illustrated as curve 352 for G2 and curve 354 for G3 are the movements for lens groups of lens 302 relative to image sensor 306 which enable continuously switching to any value between EFLMINand EFLMAX. Movement of G2 while lens 302 is focused to an object-lens distance of 50 cm is illustrated by dash-dotted curve 356. Focusing to intermediate distances between infinity and 50 cm is accomplished by moving only partially along the distance indicated vertically between curve 352 and curve 356. Movements are performed axially, parallel to second optical axis 310. A positive movement stroke is defined as movement towards image sensor 206.

[0216] Values in Table 3 indicate distances for changing focus to curve 356 relative to curve 352. Values for other focal lengths / zoom factors can be inferred from Fig. 3C. For example, after lens system 300 is switched to a 35 mm Eq. FL = 89 mm, the 50 cm focusing stroke of G2 is about 0.4 mm, as shown by arrow 358. After camera 300 is switched to a 35 mm Eq. FL = 99 mm, the focusing stroke of G2 is only slightly larger (z'.e., still about 0.4 mm) as shown by arrow 360.

[0217] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which schematically illustrates a (vertically) cut optical lens system 400, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0218] Optical lens system 400 is obtained by cutting down the height of lens group G3 of lens 302, as known in the art. Specifically, lens elements L8, L9, L10and Lltof lens 302 are cut so that a clear aperture height (CH) measured along the y-axis is reduced to CH = 5.2 mm.

[0219] This is potentially beneficial for achieving (relative to the example of Figs. 3A 3B) a relatively lowered MMH2while still obtaining a relatively low f / #. Optical lens system 400 is shown in the maximal zoom state with an EFLMAX= 16.5 mm.

[0220] In a first zoom state, (cut) optical lens system 400, the optical height MMHj is defined by L-L at a top limit, and by a lower side of Lltat a bottom limit. In the second zoom state, optical height MMH2is defined by at a top limit and by a zero-field ray impinging on a reflective surface of OPFE 204.

[0221] Continuous Zoom Method

[0222] Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a schematic flowchart of a method 500 for continuously varying a ZF of a folded zoom camera including an optical lens system, according to some examples of the present disclosure. Optionally, the folded zoom camera is included in a mobile device. At block 502, in some examples, a user or a program activates the folded zoom camera included in a mobile device, corresponding to operation of the folded zoom camera at a first zoom factor (ZF1; “the ZF1 state”).

[0223] At block 504, in some examples, a user or a program introduces a command to change the ZF to a second zoom factor ZF2 (different from ZF1).

[0224] At block 506, in some examples, G2 and / or G3 are moved; e.g., as specified in FIG. 3C and Table 3 to change between the ZF1 and ZF2 states.

[0225] In some examples, calibration data is stored in a memory of the folded zoom camera, e.g., in an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). In some examples, calibration data is stored in a memory such as an NVM (non-volatile memory) of a mobile device including the folded zoom camera.

[0226] The calibration data optionally includes one or more subsets of calibration data. For example, a subset optionally comprises calibration data between a wide camera (i.e., another camera part of the same mobile device) and the folded zoom camera in a first zoom state. In another example, a subset comprises calibration data between a wide camera and the folded zoom camera in a second zoom state. In another example, a third subset comprises calibration data between the folded zoom camera in a first zoom state and the folded zoom camera in a second zoom state.

[0227] For commanding zoom / focusing operations of the folded zoom camera, a processing unit of the mobile device, e.g., an application processor, optionally accesses calibration data from a memory. Camera calibration data may comprise, for example:

[0228] • Values of movement strokes used for changing a ZF; for example as specified in Table 2.

[0229] • Stereo calibration data which mutually calibrates views through different cameras of the device.

[0230] • Intrinsic camera parameters, such as EFL and distortion profile for each camera module and / or zoom state; e.g., two or more zoom states of the folded zoom camera.

[0231] • Position values (e.g., Hall sensor values) corresponding to different focus positions in each of the different zoom states (e.g., infinity, 1 m and / or closest focus).

[0232] • Lens shading profiles of the lens modules for each of the different zoom states.

[0233] At block 508, in some examples, G2 is optionally moved, e.g., as specified in FIG. 3C, for focusing to an object.

[0234] At block 510, in some examples, the folded zoom camera is operated in the ZF2 state. Tables

[0235] Tables Overview

[0236] Detailed optical data and surface data are given in Tables 1-6 for the example of the lens elements shown in Figs. 3A-3B and Fig. 4. The values provided for these examples are purely illustrative; according to other examples, other values can be used. In the tables, units are in mm except for refraction index (“Index”) and Abbe #.

[0237] In overview, surface types are defined in Table 7, including a respective focal length ft, of each lens element Lt. The THICKNESS associated with each surface refers to an increment of distance along the optical axis from the previous surface, in an object direction. Accordingly, the thickness values given are in some instances thicknesses of lenses (along this axis), and in other instances gaps between lenses. Gaps which are variable in size due to lens element movements are specified in Table 2.

[0238] Coefficients for the same surfaces which are aspheric are defined in Tables 4 6 (Aspheric Coefficients'). The reference wavelength is 555.0 nm.

[0239] Table 2 (Zoom Extremities) lists movements (in mm) between lens groups required for changing a ZF of either of lens systems 300, 400, and corresponds also (along with Table 3) with the movements illustrated in Fig. 4. Also shown are the f / # and half field of view (HFOV) values associated with EFLMINand EFLMAX.

[0240] Comparison values for properties of lens systems 300 and 400 are given in Table 7.

[0241] Surface type definitions

[0242] The surface types referred to in Table 1 are: a. Plano: flat surfaces; no curvature b. Q-type 1 (QT1); surface sag formula: c. Even Asphere (ASP); surface sag

[0243] In the above equations, (z,r] are the standard cylindrical polar coordinates, c is the paraxial curvature of the surface, k is the conic parameter, rnormis generally one half of the surface’s clear aperture, and Anare the polynomial coefficients shown in lens data tables. The Z axis is positive towards the image. Table 1: Optical Element Parameters

[0244] APERTURE

[0245] CURVATURE RADIUS FOCAL

[0246] PART / SURFACE # RADIUS THICKNESS (D / 2) INDEX ABBE # LENGTH

[0247] Lens LT, QT1 plastic 1.535 56.115 22.850

[0248] 1 271.640 1.377 4.964

[0249] 2 12.827 0.150 4.890

[0250] Prism, piano glass 1.847 23.778

[0251] 3 Entrance co 3.332

[0252] 4 Reflection Surface co 3.332

[0253] 5 Exitance co 0.683

[0254] Lens L2, QT1 plastic 1.535 56.115 11.162

[0255] 6 35.801 1.350 3.376

[0256] 7 7.103 0.063 3.281

[0257] Lens L3, QT1 plastic 1.661 20.373 20.95

[0258] 8 7.081 0.394 3.167

[0259] 9 14.673 See Table 2 2.984

[0260] Lens L4(stop), spheric glass 1.684 30.857 5.124

[0261] 10 54.228 0.195 1.378

[0262] 11 3.776 0.268 1.351

[0263] Lens L5, QT1 plastic 1.681 18.154 8.860

[0264] 12 5.772 0.557 1.400

[0265] 13 105.205 See Table 2 1.437

[0266] Lens L6, QT1 plastic 1.614 25.980 3.416

[0267] 14 ■3.052 0.404 1.643

[0268] 15 7.189 0.260 1.875

[0269] Lens L7, QT1 plastic 1.633 23.336 4.060

[0270] 16 2.706 1.436 2.027

[0271] 17 47.319 0.812 2.328

[0272] Lens L8, QT1 plastic 1.535 56.115 5.035

[0273] 18 4.711 1.53 2.643

[0274] 19 5.622 0.28 2.941

[0275] Lens L9, QT1 plastic 1.633 23.336 3.980

[0276] 20 3.183 0.96 2.979

[0277] 21 13.998 0.45 3.235

[0278] Lens L10, QT1 plastic 1.535 56.115 84.253

[0279] 22 3.415 1.55 3.231

[0280] 23 3.678 0.09 3.414

[0281] Lens LT1, QT1 plastic 1.545 55.987 8.374

[0282] 24 4.020 1.973 3.645 APERTURE

[0283] CURVATURE RADIUS FOCAL

[0284] PART / SURFACE # RADIUS THICKNESS (D / 2) INDEX ABBE # LENGTH

[0285] 25 27.430 See Table 2 3.539

[0286] Filter, piano glass 1.517 64.199

[0287] 26 co 0.21

[0288] 27 co 0.35

[0289] Image, piano

[0290] 28 oo

[0291] Table 2: Zoom Extremities

[0292] EFLMIN= 11.02 MM EFLMAX= 16.54 MM

[0293] Surface 9 0.720 3.556

[0294] Surface 13 1.428 1.589

[0295] Surface 25 4.955 1.957

[0296] F / # 2.76 2.86

[0297] HFOV 15.52° 10.36°

[0298] Table 3: Focusing to 50 cm

[0299] EFLMIN= 11.02 MM EFLMAX= 16.54 MM

[0300] G2 Stroke (mm) 0.386 0.471

[0301] Table 4: Aspheric Coefficients

[0302] SURFACE # CONIC ^"norm 711

[0303] 1 0 4.944464108225 0.033543962512 0.000003567878

[0304] 2 0 4.878875414299 0.253350563050 0.009187066751

[0305] 6 0 3.371749781630 0.157090659823 0.017345067291

[0306] 7 0 3.278241966558 0.173509653060 0.012205110779

[0307] 8 0 3.163475828103 0.193924120855 0.000715092228

[0308] 9 0 2.980219607290 0.103044745322 0.000326975038

[0309] 12 0 1.402374453411 0.003694158689 0.000985769113

[0310] 13 0 1.438398324174 0.011056404020 0.001452563381

[0311] 14 0 1.644426795378 0.134938760325 0.006988840837

[0312] 15 0 1.875056385612 0.299013745253 0.026485169603

[0313] 16 0 2.027275786562 0.780157818542 0.014752968472

[0314] 17 0 2.328111251458 0.500705714540 0.014095563725

[0315] 18 0 2.638866410850 0.987566637945 0.005605031094

[0316] 19 0 2.934796186051 0.082398229587 0.117283445355

[0317] 20 0 2.970007389851 1.035261191371 0.153301500155

[0318] 21 0 3.227084661139 0.021995132089 0.118536969660

[0319] 22 0 3.228916406573 2.358045892202 0.145707116623

[0320] 23 0 3.409307038120 1.222356531663 0.006645734907

[0321] 24 0 3.640202318738 1.446895349805 0.088124822166

[0322] 25 0 3.533150563299 0.322388998914 0.091721588487 Table 5: Aspheric Coefficients (continued)

[0323] SURFACE # A2A3 A4

[0324] 1 0.0000000000000 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0325] 2 0.0008855470410 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0326] 6 0.0025605393270 0.000648410601 0.000213595035

[0327] 7 0.0010888860070 0.001647101734 0.000882672309

[0328] 8 0.0013348422830 0.001451162656 0.001034843251

[0329] 9 0.0002925980130 0.000422637420 0.000264871030

[0330] 12 0.0000971309710 0.000024634286 0.000000000000

[0331] 13 0.0001205327530 0.000040217865 0.000000000000

[0332] 14 0.0000465916820 0.000039526624 0.000000000000

[0333] 15 0.0108276568520 0.002476091534 0.00070634377

[0334] 16 0.0160953135630 0.003537759250 0.000508718017

[0335] 17 0.0000688450980 0.004170808998 0.000676322095

[0336] 18 0.0037221126080 0.010234859729 0.001221232826

[0337] 19 0.0037245889500 0.000064518842 0.004125627775

[0338] 20 0.0214487994780 0.009220163063 0.010752123923

[0339] 21 0.0548474306770 0.006173307044 0.004977525059

[0340] 22 0.0683446382240 0.009203577053 0.008581134677

[0341] 23 0.0320251307910 0.003701239707 0.004376053908

[0342] 24 0.0268845212110 0.008273205943 0.003655624569

[0343] 25 0.0047198831880 0.001001379175 0.001723303043

[0344] Table 6: Aspheric Coefficients (continued)

[0345] SURFACE # -^5 As A?

[0346] 1 0.000000000000 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0347] 2 0.000000000000 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0348] 6 0.000062519592 0.000010892527 0.000000000000

[0349] 7 0.000218210506 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0350] 8 0.000125905412 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0351] 9 0.000007996500 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0352] 12 0.000000000000 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0353] 13 0.000000000000 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0354] 14 0.000000000000 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0355] 15 0.000180347347 0.000026506673 0.000000000000

[0356] 16 0.000231335335 0.000000750812 0.000012612716

[0357] 17 0.000010071031 0.000155582704 0.000034620978

[0358] 18 0.001865089671 0.000188771481 0.000000000000

[0359] 19 0.002712860357 0.000846657295 0.000000000000 SURFACE # -^5 A671?

[0360] 20 0.002123714165 0.001369538136 0.000280195355

[0361] 21 0.000222611170 0.000387347342 0.000000000000

[0362] 22 0.000883521754 0.000129247482 0.000000000000

[0363] 23 0.000134919359 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0364] 24 0.000328635370 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0365] 25 0.000339227518 0.000000000000 0.000000000000

[0366] System Comparisons

[0367] Table 7 summarizes values and their ratios for geometrical and performance features of optical lens system 300 (Figs. 3A 3B) and of optical lens system 400 (Fig. 4). Units of C / Q-L, riL0, SD, TTL (sum of TTLi + TTL2), MML, , DA, HL11, MMH, RT, R2, Hs, HM, LMare mm.

[0368] Values in the column “RATIO 400 / 300” are calculated by dividing a respective value of optical lens system 300 into a value of (cut) optical lens system 400. Values in the column “RANGE” represent (non-limiting) ranges optionally included in some other examples. Additionally:

[0369] • / ?! is defined by a maximum dimension of along the z-axis.

[0370] • / ?2= MML - / ?1.

[0371] •* HHLAUis a height of the largest (tallest) lens element of the lens element groups G2 and G3.

[0372] • F / #MINaanndd FF / / ##iMAXrepresent fl# values at EFLMINand EFLMAXrespectively.

[0373] • Module height HM= MMH! + 1.5 mm.

[0374] • Shoulder height Hs= MMH2+ 1.5 mm.

[0375] • Module length LM= MML + 3.5 mm.

[0376] Table 7: Lens system comparison

[0377] RATIO

[0378] FEATURE LENS SYSTEM 400 / 300 RANGE

[0379] 300 400 do-L 0.68 0.68 1.00 0 - 5 -^LO 0.15 0.15 TTL 29.10 29.10 1.00 15-60 MML 29.21 29.21 1.00 15-60 35 mm Eq. FLMIN80 80 1.00 60-100 35 mm Eq. FLMAX120 120 1.00 100-180 DAMIN3.99 3.99 1.00 2.5 - 10.0 DAMAX5.79 5.79 1.00 3.0 - 12.0 WLH 7.29 5.20 0.71 4.0 - 10.0 MMHX8.50 7.50 0.88 5.0 - 10.0 MMH27.29 5.24 0.72 3.0 - 9.0 / ?I 9.40 8.00 0.85 6.0 - 12.0 R2 19.81 21.21 1.07 15-50 Hs8.79 6.70 0.76 4.0 - 10.0 H« 10.00 9.00 0.90 6.0 - 12.0 LM 32.71 32.71 1.00 20-70 DAMIN / (HS) 0.45 0.60 1.31 RATIO

[0380] LENS SYSTEM 400 / 300 RANGE

[0381] 0.66 0.86 1.31

[0382] 0.88 0.74 0.85

[0383] 11.00 11.00 1.00 8-25

[0384] 16.50 16.50 1.00 10-50 6 6 1.00 4-16

[0385] F / #MIN 2.75 2.75 1.00 1.8-3.5 F / #MAX 2.85 2.85 1.00 3.0 6.0 F / #MAX / (F / #MIN) 1.03 1.03 1.00 SD / (EFLMIN) 0.55 0.55 1.00 SD / (EFLMAX) 0.36 0.36 1.00

[0386] General

[0387] As used herein with reference to quantity or value, the term “about” means “within ±10% of’.

[0388] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean: “including but not limited to”.

[0389] The term “consisting of’ means: “including and limited to”.

[0390] The term “consisting essentially of’ means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0391] As used herein, the singular form “a”, “ “aann”” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0392] The words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as an “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0393] The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of “optional” features except insofar as such features conflict.

[0394] Throughout this application, embodiments may be presented with reference to a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of descriptions of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as “from 1 to 6” should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as “from 1 to 3”, “from 1 to 4”, “from 1 to 5”, “from 2 to 4”, “from 2 to 6”, “from 3 to 6”, etc. \ as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0395] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein (for example “10-15”, “10 to 15”, or any pair of numbers linked by these another such range indication), it is meant to include any number (fractional or integral) within the indicated range limits, including the range limits, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “range / ranging / ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “range / ranging / ranges from” a first indicate number “to”, “up to”, “until” or “through” (or another such range-indicating term) a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numbers therebetween.

[0396] Although descriptions of the present disclosure are provided in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0397] It is appreciated that certain features which are, for clarity, described in the present disclosure in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the present disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0398] It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is / are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its / their entirety.

Claims

1. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS :

1. A camera having an optical path folding element (OPFE) which folds an optical path of the camera to extend along first and second optical axes, an image sensor positioned at an image side of the second optical axis, and a lens comprising a plurality of lens elements including at least one lens element positioned along each of the optical axes, and wherein: one or more groups of said plurality of lens elements are configured to move along the second optical axis to continuously adjust the lens from a first zoom factor (ZF) to a second ZF larger than the first ZF by at least 25%; and cumulatively, for each 10% that the second ZF is larger than the first ZF, an f / # value of the lens is limited to increase by less than 4%.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein: the lens adjusted to the first ZF has an effective focal length (EFL) EFLMINwhich is an EFL of the lens; the lens adjusted to the second ZF has an EFL EFLMAX, which is a maximum EFL of the lens; and the image sensor has a full sensor diagonal SD; wherein a field of view given by SD / EFL varies within a range 0.3 to 0.7 for the EFL range between EFLMINand EFLMAX.

3. The camera of claim 2, wherein EFLMAXis about 1.5x longer than EFLMIN.

4. The camera of claim 3, wherein the f / # of the lens at EFLMAXis less than 3.5.

5. The camera of claim 3, wherein the f / # of the lens at EFLMAXis less than 3.

6. The camera of claim 3, wherein the f / # of the lens at EFLMAXis about 2.85.

7. The camera of any one of claims 3-6, wherein EFLMIN10 mm and EFLMAX< 20 mm.

8. The camera of any one of claims 1-7, wherein: the lens has a height extending along the direction of the first optical axis, and extending between: an object-side surface of a first object-side lens of the plurality of lens elements, and a lowest edge among the lower edges of the OPFE and the at least one lens element positioned along the second optical axis; and the lens height is the same when the lens is adjusted for any zoom factor in a range including and between the first zoom factor and the second zoom factor.

9. The camera of any one of claims 1-8, wherein: the camera has an optics length extending along the direction of the second optical axis, and extending between: the image sensor, and a horizontal edge of a first object-side lens of the plurality of lens elements; and the optics length is the same when the lens is adjusted for any zoom factor in a range between and including the first zoom factor and the second zoom factor.

10. The camera of any one of claims 1-9, wherein an overall height of the camera along first optical axis is shorter than an overall length of the camera along second optical axis.11 The camera of any one of claims 1-10, included in a camera module housing having a shoulder with a shoulder height Hsand a camera module height HM, wherein: the Hsis in a range 4 mm < Hs< 10 mm; the HMis in a range 6 mm < HM< 15 mm; and a ratio HS / HM< 0.9.

12. The camera of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, cumulatively, for each 10% that the second ZF is larger than the first ZF, an f / # value of the lens increases by less than 2%.13 The camera of any one of claims 1-12, wherein, cumulatively, for each 10% that the second ZF is larger than the first ZF, an f / # value of the lens increases by less than 1%.

14. The camera of any one of claims 1-13, wherein, for a second ZF at least 1.5x larger than the first ZF, an fl# value of the lens increases by about 4%.15 The camera of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the fl# of the lens is below 3.5 at each of the first and second zoom factors.

16. The camera of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the fl# of the lens is below 3 at each of the first and second zoom factors.17 The camera of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the lens is a cut lens, and wherein at least one lens element located at the image side of the OPFE is cut along an axis parallel to the second optical axis.

18. The camera of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the camera has a 35 mm Equivalent Focal Length (35 mm Eq FL) in a range of 60 mm to 180 mm.19 The camera of any one of claims 1-18, wherein 35 mm Eq FL is in a range of 70 mm to 150 mm.

20. The camera of claim 19, wherein 35 mm Eq FL is in a range of 80 mm to 120 mm.

21. The camera of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the image sensor is operative to be moved with respect to the lens for optical image stabilization (OIS).22 The camera of claim 21, wherein the OPFE is operative to be rotated with respect to the lens for optical image stabilization (OIS).

23. The camera of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the plurality of lens elements comprises 11 lens elements.24 The camera of claim 23, wherein a power sequence of the 11 lens elements is plus- plus-minus-minus-plus-minus-plus-plus-minus-plus-plus, beginning from an object side of the optical path.

25. The camera of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the one or more groups of said plurality of lens elements comprises three groups including: a first group that remains stationary relative to the OPFE and the image sensor; and second and third groups which move along the second optical axis with respect to the OPFE and the image sensor to adjust the lens ZF; wherein the second and third groups also move with respect to each other to adjust the lens ZF.26 The camera of claim 25, wherein a focus of the lens changes as the second group moves along the second optical axis to focus the lens, the focus also changing according to changing distance between the second group and the third group.

27. The camera of any one of claims 25-26, wherein the lens elements are configured to position an aperture stop of the lens at a position of one of the lenses of the second group, and the aperture stop moves along with the second group.

28. The camera of claim 27, wherein the aperture stop is a fixed-diameter aperture stop.29 The camera of any one of claims 25-27, wherein all lens elements of the second group are positioned along the second optical axis on an object side of all lens elements of the third group, and on an image side of all lens elements of the first group.

30. The camera of any one of claims 25-29, wherein the first group includes three of the plurality of lens elements, including one lens element on an object side of the OPFE, and two lens elements on an image side of the OPFE.31 The camera of any one of claims 25-30, wherein the second group includes two of the plurality of lens elements.

32. The camera of any one of claims 25-31, wherein the third group includes six of the plurality of lens elements.33 The camera of any one of claims 1-32, wherein said cumulative and limited increase of the f / # value of the lens corresponds to an increasing aperture diameter of the lens, approximately in proportion to increasing ZF.

34. A mobile device including the camera of any one of claims 1-32, wherein the mobile device has a device thickness T and a camera bump region, wherein the bump region has a thickness T + B elevated by an additional thickness B above T ; and wherein a first portion of the camera is incorporated into the camera bump region and a second portion of the camera is not incorporated into the camera bump.

35. The mobile device of claim 34, wherein: the first portion of the camera includes a first lens element of the plurality of lens elements on an object side of the lens, along with the OPFE; and the second portion of the camera includes all further lens elements of the plurality of lens elements, along with the image sensor.

36. The mobile device of claim 34, further including a second camera with a zoom factor less than the first zoom factor.37 A mobile device including the camera of any one of claims 1-36, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

38. A method of operating a camera, the method comprising: providing a camera having an optical path folding element (OPFE) which folds an optical path of the camera to extend along first and second optical axes, an image sensor positioned at an image side of the second optical axis, and a lens comprising a plurality of lens elements including at least one lens element positioned along each of the optical axes; and moving one or more groups of said plurality of lens elements along the second optical axis to continuously adjust the lens from a first zoom factor (ZF) to a second ZF larger than the first ZF by at least 25%; wherein, cumulatively, for each 10% that the second ZF is larger than the first ZF, an f / # value of the lens is limited to increase by less than 4%.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the one or more groups of said plurality of lens elements comprises three groups, and wherein the moving comprises: moving second and third groups along the second optical axis with respect to theOPFE and the image sensor to adjust the lens ZF; wherein a first group that remains stationary relative to the OPFE and the image sensor; and wherein the second group and the third group also move with respect to each other to adjust the lens ZF.40 The method of claim 39, comprising moving the second group along the second optical axis to focus the lens, the focus also changing according to changing distance between the second group and the third group.

41. The method of any one of claims 39-40, wherein an aperture stop of the lens positioned at one of the lenses of the second group moves along with the second group.42 The method of any one of claims 39-41, wherein all lens elements of the second group are positioned along the second optical axis on an object side of all lens elements of the third group, and on an image side of all lens elements of the first group.

43. The method of any one of claims 38-42, wherein said cumulative and limited increase of the f / # value of the lens corresponds to an increasing aperture diameter of the lens, approximately in proportion to increasing ZF.

44. A camera, comprising: a lens including a plurality of N lens elements LLwhere 1 < i < N and an optical path folding element (OPFE), wherein a first lens element is positioned on an object side of the lens, and lens element LNis positioned on an image side the lens; wherein at least one of the plurality of lens elements is located at an object side of the OPFE and has an associated first optical axis, wherein at least one other of the plurality of lens elements is located at an image side of the OPFE and has an associated second optical axis, wherein the lens has an effective focal length (EFL) and a f-number (fl#); and an image sensor having a full sensor diagonal (SD); wherein the EFL can be varied continuously between a minimum EFLMINand a maximum EFLMAXby movement of lens elements along the second optical lens axis, wherein EFLMAX / (EFLMIN) > 1.25, and wherein 0.7 > SD / EFL > 0.3.

45. The camera of claim 44, wherein a ratio SD / EFL > 0.35.

46. The camera of any one of claims 44-45, wherein a ratio SD / EFL > 0.45.

47. The camera of any one of claims 44-46, wherein a ratio SD / EFL < 0.6.48 The camera of any one of claims 44-47, wherein the camera has an aperture diameter DA, wherein fl# = EFL / DA, and wherein the camera is included in a camera module having a shoulder with a shoulder height Hs, and wherein DA > 0.5 • Hs.

49. The camera of any one of claims 44-48, wherein the lens is divided into three lens groups Gl, G2 and G3, and wherein the continuous variation in EFL is obtained by movements of G2 and G3 relative to Gl and the image sensor, G2 and G3 also moving relative to each other.50 The camera of claim 49, wherein Gl includes two lens element sub-groups Gl-1 and Gl-2, wherein Gl-1 is located on the object side of the OPFE and wherein Gl-2 is located on the image side of the OPFE.

51. The camera of any one of claims 49-50, wherein G2 is moved with respect to Gl, G3 and the image sensor for focusing.52 The camera of any one of claims 49-51, wherein Gl-1 includes one of the plurality of lens elements and wherein Gl-2 includes two of the plurality of lens elements.

53. The camera of any one of claims 49-52, wherein G2 includes two of the plurality of lens elements.54 The camera of any one of claims 49-53, wherein G3 includes six of the plurality of lens elements.

55. The camera of any one of claims 44-54, wherein the image sensor is operative to be moved with respect to the lens for optical image stabilization (OIS).56 The camera of any one of claims 44-55, wherein the OPFE is operative to be rotated with respect to the lens for optical image stabilization (OIS).

57. The camera of any one of claims 44-56, included in a camera module having a shoulder with a shoulder height Hsand a camera module height HM, wherein the Hsis in a range 4 mm < Hs< 10 mm and the HMis in a range 6 mm < HM< 15 mm, and wherein a ratio HS / HM< 0.9.

58. The camera of claim 57, wherein HS / HM< 0.8.

59. The camera of any one of claims 57-58, wherein HS / HM< 0.7.

60. The camera of any one of claims 57-59, wherein HM12.5 mm.61 The camera of any one of claims 44-60, wherein an f / # at EFLMINis I7#MIN> wherein an f / # at EFLMAXis f / #MAX, and wherein a ratio f / #MAx / (f / #MiN) < EFLMAX / (EFLMIN).

62. The camera of claim 61, wherein f / #MAx / (f / #MiN) < EFLMAX / (L2-EFLMIN).

63. The camera of any one of claims 61-62, wherein f / #MAx / (f / #MiN) < EFLMAX / (1.4-EFLMIN).

64. The camera of any one of claims 44-63, wherein f / #MAX 3.5.

65. The camera of any one of claims 44-64, wherein f / #MAX 3.

66. The camera of any one of claims 44-65, wherein EFLMAX / (EFLMIN) = 1.5.67 The camera of any one of claims 44-66, wherein the lens is a cut lens, and wherein at least one lens element located at the image side of the OPFE is cut along an axis parallel to the second optical axis.

68. The camera of any one of claims 44-67, wherein the camera has a 35 mm Equivalent Focal Length (35 mm Eq FL) in a range of 60 mm to 180 mm.

69. The camera of claim 68, wherein 35 mm Eq FL is in a range of 70 mm to 150 mm.

70. The camera of claim 68, wherein 35 mm Eq FL is in a range of 80 mm to 120 mm.

71. The camera of any one of claims 44-70, wherein EFLMIN10 mm and EFLMAX< 20 mm.

72. The camera of any one of claims 44-71, wherein IV = 11.73 The camera of claim 72, wherein a power sequence of lens elements Lt- Lltis plus- plus-minus-minus-plus-minus-plus-plus-minus-plus-plus.

74. A mobile device including the camera of any one of claims 44-73, wherein the mobile device has a device thickness T and a camera bump region, wherein the bump region has a thickness T + B elevated by an additional thickness B above T ; and wherein a first portion of the camera is incorporated into the camera bump region and wherein a second portion of the camera is not incorporated into the camera bump.

75. The mobile device of claim 74, wherein the first region of the camera includes Ltand the OPFE, and wherein the second region of the camera includes all further lens elements L2— LNand the image sensor.76 The mobile device of any one of claims 74-75, wherein the mobile device includes a second camera with a second effective focal length EFL2, and wherein EFL2< EFLMIN.

77. A mobile device including the camera of any one of claims 44-73, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

Images