Camera Cover With Multiple Lens Stacks for Flexible Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices with single lens cameras face limitations in image characteristics, such as field of view, aperture size, and image quality in low light conditions, and require external devices or software solutions that are cumbersome or resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Integrate multiple lenses or lens stacks within a camera cover that can be manually or automatically adjusted to provide different image characteristics for a single camera sensor, using mechanisms like magnetic alignment, ratchet-based, or motor-driven systems for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lens camera system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image characteristics versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into multiple lens stacks (first lens stack, second lens stack, etc.) integrated within the camera cover, each providing different image characteristics such as wide-angle, normal, or telephoto views. This segmentation allows a single camera module to deliver multiple imaging capabilities without requiring separate camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera cover is designed to integrate multiple lens stacks that can be selectively positioned over a single camera sensor, enabling the system to perform multiple functions (different field of view, focal lengths, aperture sizes) using one camera module rather than requiring multiple dedicated camera systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera systems are integrated, then image characteristics versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lens stacks that would traditionally require separate camera systems are merged into a single camera cover assembly. The first lens stack, second lens stack, and additional lens stacks are integrated within the same cover structure, allowing them to share common components such as the camera sensor, housing, and alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lens stacks are nested within the camera cover structure, with each lens stack positioned to align with the camera sensor. The lens stacks are arranged in a compact configuration where they share the same optical path and mounting structure, effectively nesting multiple imaging functions within a single integrated unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external lens devices are used, then image characteristics versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple lens stacks are merged into the camera cover assembly, which is already attached to or integrated with the computing device. This eliminates the need for users to separately attach external lens devices, as all lens options are pre-integrated and can be selectively activated through software control or mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides multiple image characteristics at a lower cost than multi-camera systems, enhancing user experience by allowing flexible image options without the need for external devices and reducing compute resource demands.
Implementation Method 1
the camera cover comprises a set of second magnets of opposite polarity from the first magnets, the first magnets and second magnets arranged to align and attract with one another
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a camera sensor within a housing and a camera cover comprising a plurality of lenses coupled to the housing. The camera cover is moveably coupled to the housing to allow each respective lens of the plurality of lenses to be optically aligned with the camera sensor.