Selfie pop-out cameras

Abstract

A pop-out camera module includes a lens arrangement defining a lens optical axis, an image sensor held by a movable sensor module, and a cover window disposed on a side of the sensor module opposite the lens arrangement. The cover window is axially movable between retracted and extended positions by an actuator, such as a motor or voice-coil motor. Movement of the cover window displaces the sensor module rearwardly along the optical axis between a collapsed state and an operative pop-out state, extending the total track length of the optical system while the lens arrangement remains stationary. The module may include a flexible sealing membrane allowing movement while preventing particle or liquid ingress. The camera module can be integrated within a housing of an electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, providing front-facing or under-display imaging using large-format image sensors.

Description

[0001] SELFIE POP-OUT CAMERAS

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates in general to digital cameras, and more particularly to digital cameras with pop-out (PO) mechanisms and actuators.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Digital cameras, including compact camera modules used in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other computing or communication devices, are well known in the art. Various camera architectures have been developed to provide high-quality imaging within the limited space available in such devices. Among these are camera modules that employ pop-out or extendable mechanisms to increase the effective optical path length while maintaining a slim overall device profile.

[0006] Multi-aperture digital cameras (also referred to as multi-camera systems) are commonly implements in mobile electronic devices to provide a range of imaging capabilities. A typical multi-camera system may include a wide-angle (Wide) camera that serves as the main (or primary) camera, an ultrawide (UW) camera, and optionally a telephoto (Tele) camera. The Wide camera generally provides a field-of-view (FOVw) of about 55-95 degrees (corresponding to about 20mm to 40mm 35 mm equivalent focal length, for example 83° (23 mm equivalent) or 63° (35 mm equivalent). The UW camera provides a larger field-of-view (FOVuw > FOVw), typically about 100° to 130° (about 10 mm to 16 mm equivalent focal length), and the Tele camera provides a smaller field-of-view (FOVT < FOVw), typically about 10° to 40° (about 50 mm to 250 mm equivalent focal length).

[0007] To improve image quality (IQ), it is desirable to employ image sensors having larger optical formats. Such image sensors may have a diagonal dimension (SD) greater than about 8 mm, for example 1 / 1.57 inch (SD ~ 10.2 mm), 1 / 1.3 inch (SD ~ 12.3 mm), or even 1 / 1 inch (SD ~ 16 mm). Incorporating such large sensors in a compact mobile device, however, presents mechanical and optical design challenges because the overall device thickness is typically limited to about 5 mm to 20 mm. Pop-out cameras (POCs) have been proposed to accommodate large-format sensors while maintaining a slim device profile. In a conventional pop-out camera, a lens assembly is extended outward from the housing during operation to increase the total track length (TTL) of the optical system, and is retracted into the housing in a collapsed state to reduce device thickness. Examples of such pop-out camera configurations are described for example in international patent applications PCT7IB2020 / 058697 and PCT7IB2022 / 050575, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0008] It is known that certain mobile devices may include a pop-out camera arranged at a rear surface of the device housing. In the operative or extended state, the camera may protrude outward by a distance P to achieve an increased TTL and thereby capture high-resolution images. In the collapsed state, the camera is retracted within the housing such that the optical system occupies less depth and the external profile of the device remains substantially flush.

[0009] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0010] While pop-out mechanisms have been developed primarily for rear-facing cameras, adapting such mechanisms for front-facing or “selfie” cameras presents additional challenges. A frontfacing camera must operate within the very limited depth available behind a display or under a transparent cover, and the design must preserve electrical integrity of sensor interconnections and protect against dust and moisture ingress.

[0011] Accordingly, there exists a continuing need for compact camera architecture that enable high-quality, large-sensor imaging within the limited thickness of portable electronic devices, including configurations suitable for front-facing camera applications.

[0012] Front-facing cameras in modem portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are required to deliver high image quality while being confined within extremely limited space behind the display. As users demand larger screens and slimmer device profiles, the depth available for camera components behind the display or the front cover glass has become increasingly constrained. In conventional arrangements, a camera module with a large image sensor requires a relatively long TTL between the lens and the sensor. Such a configuration is difficult to accommodate within the few millimeters of space typically available inside a mobile device without creating an undesirable camera bump or reducing image quality. Traditional pop-out camera architectures have generally addressed this limitation for rearfacing cameras by extending a lens barrel outward from the housing during operation. In these designs, the lens group moves outward to increase the optical path length, and then retracts back into the device when not in use. However, applying this approach to a front-facing or “selfie” camera presents new mechanical and optical challenges. Movement of the lens assembly at the front surface risks interfering with the display or screen assembly and can complicate sealing, durability, and integration of the user-facing display.

[0013] To overcome these limitations, the present disclosure provides a pop-out camera architecture in which the sensor assembly moves rearwardly, rather than extending the lens assembly forward. In this configuration, the lens arrangement remains stationary relative to the housing, while a sensor module, which securely holds the image sensor, shifts backward along the lens optical axis, and may extend from a rear surface of the device. This rearward motion effectively increases the TTL of the optical system, enabling the use of larger sensors and higher-quality imaging optics without increasing the thickness of the device at the front surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sensor module is coupled to a cover window located behind it on the side opposite the lens. The cover window is driven axially by an actuator, such as a voice-coil motor or other linear actuator, between a retracted position and an extended position. As the actuator moves the cover window, the sensor module is displaced rearwardly, transitioning from a compact collapsed state to an operative or “pop-out” state. When in the operative state, the camera module may extend partially out of the rear surface of the housing, while the front-facing lens arrangement continues to capture light from the scene in front of the device, and optionally behind the display thereof.

[0015] A flexible sealing membrane or similar barrier may be provided between the moving cover window and the housing to maintain environmental protection and prevent dust or liquid ingress. The result is a robust and compact camera design that can be integrated within the housing of an electronic device, behind a display or under a transparent cover, to provide high-quality frontfacing imaging without increasing the visible device thickness. The described configuration allows for selfie or under-display cameras employing large-format sensors while maintaining the sleek form factor demanded in modern electronic devices.

[0016] Thus, according to a first broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a pop-out camera module comprising: a lens arrangement defining a lens optical axis;

[0017] a sensor module fixedly holding an image sensor, the image sensor having a full image sensor diagonal (SD) in a range between 5 mm and 30 mm;

[0018] a cover window disposed on a side of the sensor module opposite the lens arrangement, the cover window covering a rear-facing portion of the sensor module and being configured to move axially between a retracted position and an extended position;

[0019] an actuator comprising at least one motor coupled to the cover window, actuation of the actuator being operative to move the cover window between the retracted and extended positions;

[0020] wherein the sensor module comprises a sensor pop-out assembly configured to displace the image sensor rearwardly along the lens optical axis between a collapsed state, when the cover window is in the retracted position, and an operative state when the cover window is in the extended position; and

[0021] wherein the image sensor is configured to capture an image within a field of view defined by the lens arrangement when the pop-out camera module is in the operative state.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the actuator comprises a voice-coil motor (VCM).

[0023] According to some embodiments, the VCM comprises one or more coils, one or more magnets, and a position sensor.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the VCM comprises two coils and two magnets.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the SD is in the range between 15 mm and 17 mm.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the SD is in the range between 9.5 mm and 11 mm. According to some embodiments, the SD is in the range between 11.5 mm and 13.5 mm. According to some embodiments, in the collapsed state, the pop-out camera module has a collapsed total track length (c-TTL), and c-TTL / SD is less than 0.7.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the actuator is disposed on a rear side of the sensor module and is configured to move the cover window rearwardly, thereby causing rearward displacement of the image sensor along the lens optical axis.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the pop-out camera module further comprises a flexible sealing membrane surrounding the cover window, the flexible sealing membrane being configured to allow axial motion of the cover window while preventing liquids and particles from entering the camera module or an associated mobile device. According to some embodiments, the pop-out camera module is incorporated in a mobile device having a housing thickness T, and in the operative state the pop-out camera module has a total track length (TTL) greater than T.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the mobile device is a smartphone.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the lens arrangement comprises a first, object-side lens group and a second, image-side lens group, the second lens group being mechanically coupled to the sensor module and configured to move axially together with the sensor module and the image sensor between the collapsed state and the operative (pop-out) state along the lens optical axis.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the lens arrangement comprises a first, object-side lens group and a second, image-side lens group, wherein the first lens group remains stationary relative to the device housing while the second lens group and the image sensor move rearwardly together along the lens optical axis when the camera module is in the operative state.

[0032] According to a second broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a pop-out camera module comprising:

[0033] a lens arrangement defining a lens optical axis and comprising a first, object-side lens group (Gl) and a second, image-side lens group (G2);

[0034] a sensor-G2 module fixedly holding an image sensor and the second, image-side lens group (G2), the image sensor having a full image sensor diagonal (SD) in a range between 5 mm and 30 mm;

[0035] a cover window disposed on a side of the sensor-G2 module opposite the lens arrangement, the cover window covering a rear-facing portion of the sensor-G2 module and being configured to move axially between a retracted position and an extended position;

[0036] an actuator comprising at least one motor coupled to the cover window, actuation of the actuator being operative to move the cover window between the retracted and extended positions;

[0037] wherein the sensor-G2 module comprises a pop-out assembly configured to displace the sensor-G2 module rearwardly along the lens optical axis between a collapsed state, when the cover window is in the retracted position, and an operative (pop-out) state, when the cover window is in the extended position; and

[0038] wherein the image sensor is configured to capture an image within a field of view defined by the lens arrangement when the pop-out camera module is in the operative state. According to a third broad aspect, the present disclosure provides an electronic device comprising:

[0039] a housing having a user-facing front surface and an opposite rear surface;

[0040] a display arranged at the front surface; and

[0041] a pop-out camera module positioned within the housing and configured as a front-facing camera, the pop-out camera module comprising:

[0042] a lens arrangement defining a lens optical axis and configured to collect light from in front of the housing and direct the light toward an image sensor;

[0043] a sensor module fixedly holding an image sensor;

[0044] a cover window disposed on a side of the sensor module opposite the lens arrangement, the cover window covering and mechanically coupled to a rear-facing portion of the sensor module and being configured to move axially between a retracted position and an extended position; an actuator comprising at least one motor coupled to the cover window and operable to move the cover window between the retracted and extended positions;

[0045] wherein the sensor module comprises a pop-out assembly configured to displace the sensor module rearwardly along the lens optical axis between a collapsed state, when the cover window is in the retracted position, and an operative (pop-out) state, when the cover window is in the extended position;

[0046] wherein, in the operative (pop-out) state, the image sensor is configured to capture an image within a field of view defined by the lens arrangement while the lens arrangement remains stationary relative to the housing; and

[0047] wherein, in the operative (pop-out) state, the cover window extends outward beyond a surface of the housing.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the image sensor has a full image sensor diagonal (SD) in a range between 5 mm and 30 mm.

[0049] According to some embodiments, in the extended position, the cover window extends outward beyond the rear surface of the housing.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the actuator comprises a voice-coil motor (VCM).

[0051] According to some embodiments, the voice-coil motor comprises one or more coils, one or more magnets, and a position sensor.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the voice-coil motor comprises two coils and two magnets. According to some embodiments, the electronic device further comprises a flexible sealing membrane surrounding the cover window, the flexible sealing membrane being configured to allow axial motion of the cover window while preventing liquids and particles from entering the housing.

[0053] According to some embodiments, in the collapsed state, the pop-out camera module has a collapsed total track length (c-TTL) such that a ratio c-TTL / SD is less than 0.7.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the lens arrangement remains stationary relative to the housing when the pop-out camera module moves between the collapsed and operative states.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the electronic device is a smartphone or a tablet.

[0056] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Non-limiting examples of examples disclosed herein are described below with reference to figures attached hereto that are listed following this paragraph. Identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with a same numeral in all the figures in which they appear. If identical elements are shown but numbered in only one figure, it is assumed that they have the same number in all figures in which they appear. The drawings and descriptions are meant to illuminate and clarify examples disclosed herein and should not be considered limiting in any way. In the drawings:

[0058] Figs. 1A and IB schematically illustrate a mobile device including a known pop-out camera (POC), Fig. 1 A showing the device in a pop-out (PO) state and Fig. IB showing the device in a collapsed state, both in cross-sectional side views;

[0059] Figs. 2A to 2D schematically illustrate a mobile device including a POC according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 2A showing the POC in a collapsed state and Fig. 2B showing the POC in a pop-out (operative) state, both in cross-sectional side views Fig. 2C showing the POC in a collapsed state and Fig. 2D showing the POC in a pop-out state, both in cross-sectional side views;

[0060] Figs. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate yet another mobile device including a POC according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 3A showing the POC in a collapsed state and Fig. 3B showing the POC in a pop-out state, both in cross-sectional side views;

[0061] Figs. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a further mobile device including a POC according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 4A showing the POC in a collapsed state and Fig. 4B showing the POC in a pop-out state, both in cross-sectional side views;

[0062] Figs. 5A-5C schematically illustrate yet another mobile device including a POC according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 5 A showing the POC in a pop-out state in a perspective view, Fig. 5B showing the POC in a collapsed state in a cross-sectional side view, and Fig. 5C showing the POC in a pop-out state in a cross-sectional side view; and

[0063] Figs. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an electronic device including a pop-out camera (POC) positioned within a housing, Fig. 6A showing the POC in a collapsed state and Fig. 6B showing the POC in an operative (pop-out) state, both in simplified side views.

[0064] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Various pop-out camera modules are known and have been used in mobile devices. For example, Figs. 1 A and IB illustrate a mobile device including a pop-out camera module as known in the art. FIG. 1A shows a mobile device 100 having a rear surface 102 generally facingted towards a scene, and a front surface 104, which is generally facing towards a user. In some examples, front surface 104 may include a screen (not shown). Rear surface 102 includes a pop-out camera (POC) 106. POC 106 includes a lens 108 and an image sensor 110. POC 106 is in a Pop-out (PO) state or operative state, where POC 106 has a total track length (TTL) measured along a height axis perpendicular to rear surface 102 and is operational to image (or capture) a scene in high resolution. In the PO state, POC 106 protrudes (or pops out) out of rear surface 102 by a protrusion P, as shown. Typically, a mobile device has a thickness T (or height) in the range of 5mm - 20mm, as marked. In the PO state, POC 106 may protrude from mobile device 100 by about 1mm - 15mm. An aperture 112 of POC 106 is pointed towards the scene.

[0066] FIG. IB shows the mobile device 100 of FIG. 1A with POC 106 in a collapsed state, where POC 106 has a collapsed TTL (c-TTL) < TTL. In the collapsed state, POC 106 may not protrude from mobile device 100, or it may protrude significantly less than in the PO state. In POC 106, to switch between the PO state and the collapsed state, a back focal length BEL is collapsed to a c-BFL < BFL. In other POCs, to switch an air gap between different lens elements may collapse. In conclusion, POCs allow for both high IQ and slim mobile devices. Such pop-out mechanisms have been described and implemented in various commercial devices.

[0067] As illustrated in Figs. 1A and IB, POC 106 utilizes shifting of the lens 108 (or lens arrangement thereof) toward the scene being imaged to allow switching between PO and collapsed states. Other configurations have been proposed for extending or retracting the lens assembly to change the total track length. However, such arrangements are generally limited to rear-facing cameras.

[0068] Figs. 2A to 2D schematically illustrate a mobile device 200 including a pop-out camera (POC) 206 adapted for front-facing imaging. Fig. 2A shows POC 206 in a collapsed state having a collapsed c-BFL and c-TTL; Fig. 2B shows POC 206 in an operative PO state, where POC 206 has a TTL > c-TTL and a BFL > c-BFL; Figs. 2C and 2D illustrate device 250 including POC 256 shown in operative and collapsed states where the lens arrangement is separated to first and second lens groups. In the PO state, POC 206 and 256 protrudes from the rear surface 202 by a protrusion P. Mobile device 200 has a rear surface 202 generally facing towards a scene and a front surface 204 facing towards a user and may include a screen (not shown). POC 206 includes a lens arrangement 208 including one or more lenses and an image sensor 210. An aperture 212 of POC 206 is typically pointed towards the user and may be formed in or adjacent to a display area of the device. Accordingly, contrary to mobile device 100 of Figs. 1A and IB, in mobile device 200, POC 206 is included in front surface 204, so it represents a front camera or Selfie camera.

[0069] It should be noted that it is generally desirable to maximize the portion of the front surface 204 occupied by the display, thereby providing the largest possible usable screen area. Several known configurations enable the use of a front-facing camera, while maximizing screen area within a given housing. One such known approach is an “under-display Selfie cameras”, in which the camera aperture is covered by a screen area / display region. More specifically, the screen has a small aperture, and the camera collects images through the aperture. Certain other configurations relate to the use of a notch region in the screen, used for the front facing camera. In all of these configurations, the screen portion of the device prevents the use of conventional pop-out cameras that move one or more lenses toward the scene being imaged due to the presence of the screen in the front surface of the device.

[0070] Rear-facing cameras in mobile devices are often positioned in a raised region of the rear housing, commonly referred to as a camera bump. The elevated height of the camera bump area allows for the incorporation of cameras having a larger camera height (longer TTL) and thus permits the use of larger lenses and image sensors, which is beneficial for achieving a relatively high image quality (IQ). However, the presence of a screen limits the ability to use a front camera bump, limiting the optical characteristics available for a front facing camera.

[0071] By contrast, conventional pop-out cameras integrated into the front surface of a device are undesirable because they occupy valuable display area and can interfere with the usability of the screen. The mechanical movement of such cameras across the display region may also reduce durability and complicate sealing or mechanical reliability.

[0072] In conclusion, existing solutions that enable relatively high image quality for rear-facing cameras are not directly applicable to cameras integrated into a front surface 204. At the same time, the demand for high-quality front-facing cameras continues to increase, driven by applications such as video calls and self-portrait photography. Accordingly, there remains a need for compact front-facing pop-out camera architectures capable of providing large sensor formats and improved image quality without adversely affecting the display area or user experience.

[0073] As indicated above, POC 206 utilizes a generally stationary lens arrangement, and switches states by shifting location of the sensor, typically using a sensor module as described further below. Figs. 2C and 2D schematically illustrate another mobile device 250 including a POC 256 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. POC 256 includes a lens arrangement formed of a first lens group 258 and second lens groups 259. The first lens group 258 is generally stationary, while the second lens group 259 is located closer to the image sensor 260 and configured to move with the sensor module so as to maintain a predetermined spacing relative to the image sensor 260.

[0074] Accordingly, when switching to the PO state the POC 256 increases its TTL as well as a gap (or air gap) G between two neighboring lens elements, namely the rearmost lens of the first lens group 258 and the front lens of the second lens group 259.

[0075] As shown in Figs. 2C and 2D, mobile device 250 has a rear surface 252 generally facing away from the user and a front surface 254 generally facing the user, front surface 254 may optionally include a screen (not shown). POC 256 includes a lens arrangement formed of the first lens group 258 and the second lens group 259 and an image sensor 260. In the PO state, POC 256 protrudes from the rear surface 252 by a protrusion P. Aperture 262 of POC 256 is pointed towards the user. Accordingly, POC 256 is configured to collect image data facing the front surface 254, representing a front camera or Selfie camera. Fig. 2D schematically shows the mobile device 250 with POC 256 in the collapsed state, where POC 256 has a c-TTL < TTL and a collapsed gap c-G < G. Generally, POC 256 as well as POC 206 described above, is configured to be held in the collapsed state when idle, and switch to the PO state in response to user operation activating the POC 256 (or 206) for collecting images. In the collapsed state, gap G of the lens arrangement reduces to the collapsed value c-G.

[0076] Typically, a mobile device such as devices 250 and 250 shown in Figs. 2A to 2D has a thickness T in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. In the PO state, POC 206 and POC 256 may protrude by approximately 1 mm to 15 mm beyond their respective housing surfaces.

[0077] In the conventional pop-out cameras such as POC 106, one or more lens elements are displaced to transition between the pop-out and collapsed states. In contrast, in the arrangements of POC 206 and POC 256, the image sensors 210 and 260, respectively, are moved axially to accomplish this transition, presenting distinct mechanical and electrical design considerations compared with lens-moving systems. The image sensor may be held by a sensor module supporting the move of the sensor and maintaining required electrical connections thereto.

[0078] In some examples, an aperture such as aperture 212 and aperture 262 may be covered by a transparent cover glass. In other examples, an aperture such as aperture 212 and aperture 262 may be covered by a screen, so that the respective POC 206 or POC 256 operates as an under-display camera arrangement of the type known in the art.

[0079] Reference is made to Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-sectional side views of an additional mobile device including a POC according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 3A shows the POC in a collapsed state and Fig. 3B shows the POC in a pop-out state.

[0080] Fig. 3A schematically shows a mobile device 300 including a pop-out camera (POC) 306. POC 306 is shown in a collapsed state having a collapsed c-BFL and c-TTL. Mobile device 300 has a rear surface 302 generally facing away from a user and a front surface 304 typically facing the user and optionally including a screen (not shown). POC 306 includes a lens arrangement 308 and an image sensor 310 carried by a sensor module 311. The sensor module 311 may include a holder or carriage that supports the image sensor 310 and provides flexible electrical connectivity, such as by using a flexible printed circuit (FPC), allowing the image sensor to move axially without mechanical damage or cable strain. An aperture 312 of POC 306 is pointed towards the user. I.e., POC 306 is included in front surface 304 and represents a Selfie camera. POC 306 includes a cover window 314 movable by an actuator 318 and fixedly coupled to a first side of a flexible sealing membrane 316. A second side of flexible sealing membrane 316 is fixedly coupled to rear surface 302.

[0081] Fig. 3B schematically shows mobile device 300 with POC 306 in a PO state having a BFL > c-BFL and a TTL > c-TTL. In the PO state, cover window 314 protrudes by P from rear surface 302. For switching POC 306 between the PO state and the collapsed state, actuator 318 actuates a movement of cover window 314 in a direction parallel to an optical axis of lens arrangement 308 (parallel to the y-axis).

[0082] For switching POC 306 from the PO state to the collapsed state, cover window 314 is moved towards lens 308. As a result of this movement, cover window 314 pushes on sensor module 311 and moves the image sensor 310 towards the lens arrangement 308. For switching POC 306 from the collapsed state to the PO state, cover window 314 is moved away from lens arrangement 308.

[0083] In some examples, actuator 318 includes a spring mechanism that, as cover window 314 moves, is released and pushes sensor module 311 and image sensor 310 away from lens arrangement 308.

[0084] In other examples, another actuation mechanism may be used to provide the axial motion. For example, a shaped memory alloy (SMA) actuator, a voice-coil motor (VCM) or a stepper motor may be used.

[0085] Flexible sealing membrane 316 allows the axial movement of cover window 314 while still preventing fluids and particles from entering the housing of the mobile device 300. The flexible sealing membrane 316 may be coupled to the cover window 314, with its outer edge coupled to the stationary rear surface 302 of the housing, so as to deform in response to the motion of cover window 314. In some examples, the flexible sealing membrane 316 may provide environmental sealing sufficient to prevent ingress of dust and to enable continuous immersion of the device under predefined pressure conditions, for example supporting an ingress-protection rating of IP68. This may facilitate completely preventing ingress of dust into a mobile device including POC 306 and enabling the mobile device to be continuously immersed in water under predefined pressure conditions. The membrane 316 may have a collapsible structure and, in response to actuator 318 lowering the cover window 314, flexible sealing membrane 316 may collapse into a peripheral bulge formed between its inner and outer edges. In response to actuator 318 raising cover window 314, the peripheral bulge may unfold.

[0086] In these embodiments, the lens arrangement 308 remains stationary, and the sensor module 311 moves axially to vary the back-focal length. Accordingly, POC 306 may be referred to as a single-group (1 -group) POC. In some examples, optical image stabilization (OIS) may be performed by moving image sensor 310 relative to lens arrangement 308 and rear surface 302, which remain stationary during OIS operation. In other examples, OIS may be implemented by moving lens 308 relative to image sensor 310, while the sensor module 311 remains fixed during OIS.

[0087] Figs. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate another mobile device 400 including a pop-out camera (POC) 406 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 4A showing POC 406 in a collapsed state and Fig. 4B showing POC 406 in a pop-out (PO) state. In the collapsed state, POC 406 has a collapsed gap (c-G) and a collapsed total track length (c-TTL).

[0088] Mobile device 400 has a rear surface 402 pointed towards a scene and a front surface 404 pointed towards a user and may include a screen (not shown). POC 406 includes a lens arrangement 408 and a sensor module 411 carrying an image sensor 410. Lens 408 is exemplified being formed of a plurality of N lens elements and divided in two lens groups, from an object side to an image side, a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2. Lens elements included in G1 and G2 respectively may or may not move with respect to each other, while the second lens group moves with the image sensor 410. The distance between G1 and G2 in the collapsed state shown in Fig. 4A is represented by c-GA.

[0089] POC 406 can collect image data through aperture 412 within the front surface 404 of the device 400, which may generally pointed towards the user representing a Selfie camera. POC 406 includes a cover window 414 movable by an actuator 418 and fixedly coupled to a first side of a flexible sealing membrane 416. A second side of flexible sealing membrane 416 is fixedly coupled to rear surface 402.

[0090] FIG. 4B schematically shows mobile device 400 with POC 406 in a PO state having a BFL>c-BFL and a TTL>c-TTL. In the PO state, cover window 414 protrudes by P from rear surface 402.

[0091] For switching POC 406 from the PO state to the collapsed state, cover window 414 is moved towards front surface 404. As a result of this movement, cover window 414 pushes or pulls on the sensor module 411 so that the image sensor 410 and the second lens groups G2 move together towards front surface 404. For switching POC 406 from the collapsed state to the PO state, cover window 414 is moved away from front surface 404 toward the rear surface 402. In some examples, actuator 418 includes a spring mechanism that, as cover window 414 moves, is released and pushes sensor module 411, together with the image sensor 410 and second lens group G2, away from the first lens group Gl. In other examples, another actuation mechanism may be used to actuate this movement, such as a shape-memory-alloy (SMA) actuator, a voice-coil motor (VCM), or a stepper motor.

[0092] Flexible sealing membrane 416 allows for the axial movement of cover window 414, while preventing fluids and particles from entering into the housing of mobile device 400. To clarify, when switching POC 406 between the PO state and a collapsed state, and vice versa, the image sensor 410 and the second lens groups G2 move together as one unit, while the first lens groups Gl remains stationary relative to the housing. The sensor module 411 maintains electrical connectivity to the image sensor 410 during this axial motion, for example through a flexible printed circuit or other compliant electrical interface. Because the second lens group G2 moves relative to the first lens groups Gl during operation, POC 406 may be referred to as a two-group (2-group) POC.

[0093] In some examples, sensor module 411 may include an image stabilization arrangement providing and performing optical image stabilization (OIS). This may be provided by lateral translation of the image sensor 410 relative to the lens arrangement 408 and the rear surface 402.

[0094] In some other examples, the lens arrangement 408 may be moved relative to image sensor 410 and rear surface 402, for performing OIS. In yet some other examples, the image sensor 410 together with the second lens group G2 may be moved relative to the first lens group Gl and the rear surface 402, which may remain stationary when performing OIS. In other examples, OIS operation may utilize movement od the second lens group Gl relative to the first lens group G2, while the image sensor 410 and rear surface 402 remain stationary.

[0095] Figs. 5A-5C schematically illustrate another mobile device 500 including a single-group (1-group) pop-out camera (POC) 506 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig.

[0096] 5A showing POC 506 in a perspective view and in a pop-out (PO) state, Fig. 5B showing mobile device 500 in a side view and in a collapsed state, and Fig. 5C showing mobile device 500 in a side view and in a PO state.

[0097] Mobile device 500 has a rear surface 504 generally facing away from s user and a front surface 502 generally facing the user. POC 506 includes a lens barrel 508 that houses and is fixedly coupled to a lens arrangement (not specifically shown), an image sensor 510 carried by a sensor module (not shown) and an optional optical filter 511. An aperture 512 of POC 506 enables light collection through the front surface 504 and may be pointed towards the user, or a selected scene. Thus, POC 506 is configured as a Selfie camera or front camera.

[0098] POC 506 further includes a cover window 514 movable by an actuator 518 and fixedly coupled to a first side of a flexible sealing membrane 516. A second side of flexible sealing membrane 516 is fixedly coupled to rear surface 502. Actuator 518 includes a sensor pop-out assembly 520, a first coil 522, a second coil 524, a first magnet 526 and a second magnet 528. Sensor pop-out assembly 520 is fixedly coupled to the sensor module and thus to the image sensor 510, and both the first 526 and second 528 magnets are fixedly coupled to the sensor pop-out assembly 520. The first 522 and second 524 coils are fixedly coupled to a static component in mobile device 500, i.e., to a component which does not move with respect to lens barrel 508.

[0099] In some examples, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) may be used to electrically connect image sensor 510 to other components in mobile device 500. The sensor module thus supports both the image sensor 510 and its electrical interface, allowing controlled axial movement without breaking electrical connections or inducing cable strain.

[0100] For switching POC 506 from the PO state to the collapsed state, the actuator 518 operates to move the cover window 514 towards the lens barrel 508. As a result of this movement, cover window 514 pushes onto the sensor module, and moves the image sensor 510 towards the lens barrel 508. For switching POC 506 from the collapsed state to the PO state, the actuator 518 operates to move the cover window 514 away from the lens barrel 508. In some embodiments, the actuator 518 includes a spring mechanism that, as of cover window 514 moves, is released and pushes sensor module and the image sensor 510 away from the lens barrel 508. In other examples, other actuation mechanisms may be used to provide this motion. For example, a shape- memoryalloy (SMA) actuator, a voice-coil motor (VCM), a stepper motor, or a piezoelectric actuator.

[0101] Flexible sealing membrane 516 allows for the axial movement of cover window 514, while preventing fluids and particles from entering the housing of the mobile device 500. The flexible sealing membrane 516 may deform to accommodate the movement of cover window 514 while maintaining an environmental seal, for example supporting an ingress-protection rating such as IP68.

[0102] In this embodiment, actuator 518 is implemented as a voice-coil motor (VCM) including the coils 522, 524 and magnets 526, 528. The VCM provides precise and controllable linear movement of the cover window 514 and the sensor module 511 along the lens optical axis. In other examples, actuator 518 may instead be implemented as a stepper motor, a piezoelectric actuator, or an SMA actuator.

[0103] As discussed above with reference to Figs. 3A to 5C, the pop-out camera modules disclosed herein may employ a variety of actuation mechanisms to drive the axial motion of the movable elements, such as the sensor module alone or the sensor module together with one or more lens groups. The selection of a suitable actuator may depend on factors such as required stroke length, precision, power efficiency, response time, and available space within the device housing. For clarity, Table 1 below summarizes several representative examples of actuator configurations and corresponding actuation methods that may be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure. These options may be applied interchangeably in different embodiments to achieve the desired pop-out and collapse motion of the camera module.

[0104] Table 1

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] The pop-out camera modules disclosed herein may employ various types of actuators to drive the axial movement of the movable components, such as the sensor module or a combination of the sensor module with one or more lens groups. The specific actuator configuration may be selected based on the desired travel distance, precision, power consumption, and mechanical packaging constraints.

[0108] Table 1 lists several non-limiting examples of actuation mechanisms that may be implemented in the pop-out camera modules described with reference to Figs. 3A to 5C. In some examples, a voice-coil motor (VCM) may be used to provide precise linear motion through electromagnetic force. In other examples, stepper motors may be utilized to enable discrete, repeatable positioning. Alternatively, compact shape-memory-alloy (SMA) actuators or piezoelectric actuators may be employed to achieve short-range or thermally driven displacements. The actuator may drive only the sensor module or a combined assembly including the image sensor and an image-side lens group (for example, the second lens group G2), depending on the optical configuration of the pop-out camera.

[0109] These examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and other actuator types or combinations may likewise be employed to produce the required axial movement of the sensor module and associated optical components. The actuator type does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0110] Further, reference is made to Figs. 6A and 6B schematically illustrating an electronic device 600 including a pop-out camera module (POC) 606 positioned within a housing having a front surface 602 and a rear surface 604.

[0111] Fig. 6 A shows the device 600 with POC 606 in a collapsed state, in which the camera module is fully, or almost fully, contained within the housing thickness T, and the outer surfaces remain substantially flush. Fig. 6A illustrates a small bump in the rear surface of the housing, which may be used for a rear-facing camera of the device. Fig. 6B shows the device 600 with POC 606 in an operative (pop-out) state, in which a cover window 614 of the POC 606 extends outward beyond the rear surface 604 by a protrusion P. In this state, a sensor module within POC 606 is displaced rearwardly along the lens optical axis, increasing the total track length (TTL) while the lens arrangement remains stationary relative to the housing. An aperture 612 is directed through the front surface 602 to provide front-facing imaging capability.

[0112] While this disclosure has been described in terms of certain examples and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of the examples and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific examples described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0113] It is appreciated that certain features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate examples, may also be provided in combination with a single example. Conversely, various features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single example, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0114] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the expression and / or between the last two members of a list of options for selection indicates that a selection of one or more of the listed options is appropriate and may be made.

[0115] It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element.

[0116] All patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated 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.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A pop-out camera module comprising:a lens arrangement defining a lens optical axis;a sensor module fixedly holding an image sensor, the image sensor having a full image sensor diagonal (SD) in a range between 5 mm and 30 mm;a cover window disposed on a side of the sensor module opposite the lens arrangement, the cover window covering a rear- facing portion of the sensor module and being configured to move axially between a retracted position and an extended position;an actuator comprising at least one motor coupled to the cover window, actuation of the actuator being operative to move the cover window between the retracted and extended positions;wherein the sensor module comprises a sensor pop-out assembly configured to displace the image sensor rearwardly along the lens optical axis between a collapsed state, when the cover window is in the retracted position, and an operative state when the cover window is in the extended position; andwherein the image sensor is configured to capture an image withing a field of view defined by the lens arrangement when the pop-out camera module is in the operative state.

2. The pop-out camera module of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM).

3. The pop-out camera module of claim 2, wherein the VCM comprises one or more coils, one or more magnets, and a position sensor.

4. The pop-out camera module of claim 3, wherein the VCM comprises two coils and two magnets.

5. The pop-out camera module of claim 1 , wherein the SD is in the range between 15 mm and6. The pop-out camera module of claim 1, wherein the SD is in the range between 9.5 mm and 11mm.

7. The pop-out camera module of claim 1, wherein the SD is in the range between 11.5mm and 13.5mm.

8. The pop-out camera module of claim 1, wherein in the collapsed state, the pop-out camera module has a collapsed total track length (c-TTL), and wherein c-TTL / SD is less than 0.7.

9. The pop-out camera module of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuator is disposed on a rear side of the sensor module and is configured to move the cover window rearwardly, thereby causing rearward displacement of the image sensor along the lens optical axis.

10. The pop-out camera module of claim 9, further comprising a flexible sealing membrane surrounding the cover window, the flexible sealing membrane being configured to allow axial motion of the cover window while preventing liquids and particles from entering the camera module or an associated mobile device.

11. The pop-out camera module of claim 1 , wherein the pop-out camera module is incorporated in a mobile device having a housing thickness T, and wherein, in the operative state, the pop-out camera module has a total track length (TTL) greater than T.

12. The pop-out camera of claim 11, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

13. The pop-out camera of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lens arrangement comprises a first, object-side lens group and a second, image-side lens group;the second lens group being mechanically coupled to the sensor module and configured to move axially together with the sensor module and the image sensor between the collapsed state and the operative (pop-out) state along the lens optical axis.

14. The pop-out camera of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lens arrangement comprises a first, object-side lens group and a second, image-side lens group; wherein the first lensgroup remains stationary relative to the device housing while the second lens group and the image sensor move rearwardly together along the lens optical axis when the camera module is in the operative state.

15. A pop-out camera module comprising:a lens arrangement defining a lens optical axis and comprising a first, object-side lens group (Gl) and a second, image-side lens group (G2);a sensor-G2 module fixedly holding an image sensor and the second, image-side lens group (G2), the image sensor having a full image sensor diagonal (SD) in a range between 5 mm and 30 mm;a cover window disposed on a side of the sensor-G2 module opposite the lens arrangement, the cover window covering a rear-facing portion of the sensor-G2 module and being configured to move axially between a retracted position and an extended position; an actuator comprising at least one motor coupled to the cover window, actuation of the actuator being operative to move the cover window between the retracted and extended positions;wherein the sensor-G2 module comprises a pop-out assembly configured to displace the sensor-G2 module rearwardly along the lens optical axis between a collapsed state, when the cover window is in the retracted position, and an operative (pop-out) state, when the cover window is in the extended position; andwherein the image sensor is configured to capture an image within a field of view defined by the lens arrangement when the pop-out camera module is in the operative state.

16. An electronic device comprising:a housing having a user-facing front surface and an opposite rear surface;a display arranged at the front surface; anda pop-out camera module positioned within the housing and configured as a front-facing camera, the pop-out camera module comprising:a lens arrangement defining a lens optical axis and configured to collect light from in front of the housing and direct the light toward an image sensor;a sensor module fixedly holding an image sensor;a cover window disposed on a side of the sensor module opposite the lens arrangement, the cover window covering and mechanically coupled to a rear- facing portion of the sensor module and being configured to move axially between a retracted position and an extended position;an actuator comprising at least one motor coupled to the cover window and operable to move the cover window between the retracted and extended positions;wherein the sensor module comprises a pop-out assembly configured to displace the sensor module rearwardly along the lens optical axis between a collapsed state, when the cover window is in the retracted position, and an operative (pop-out) state, when the cover window is in the extended position;wherein, in the operative (pop-out) state, the image sensor is configured to capture an image within a field of view defined by the lens arrangement while the lens arrangement remains stationary relative to the housing; andwherein, in the operative (pop-out) state, the cover window extends outward beyond a surface of the housing.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the image sensor has a full image sensor diagonal (SD) in a range between 5 mm and 30 mm.

18. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein, in the extended position, the cover window extends outward beyond the rear surface of the housing.

19. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the actuator comprises a voice-coil motor (VCM).

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the voice-coil motor comprises one or more coils, one or more magnets, and a position sensor.

21. The electronic device of claim 20, wherein the voice-coil motor comprises two coils and two magnets.

22. The electronic device of claim 16, further comprising a flexible sealing membrane surrounding the cover window, the flexible sealing membrane being configured to allowaxial motion of the cover window while preventing liquids and particles from entering the housing.

23. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein, in the collapsed state, the pop-out camera module has a collapsed total track length (c-TTL) such that a ratio c-TTL / SD is less than 0.7.

24. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the lens arrangement remains stationary relative to the housing when the pop-out camera module moves between the collapsed and operative states.

25. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the device is a smartphone or a tablet.

Images