Combined Camera Flash Lens with Laser-Etched Void
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interference (crosstalk) between camera image sensors and flashes in electronic devices, such as smartphones, due to direct light paths through a single transparent lens, degrades image quality by causing reflections or glare.
Innovation Solution
A combined camera and flash lens with a laser-etched void space to separate the flash and image sensor portions, reducing optical interference by dispersing light and preventing direct paths between the flash and image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transparent lens is used to cover both flash and image sensor, then device complexity is reduced, but optical interference occurs between flash and image sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The single transparent lens is segmented into distinct flash portion and image sensor portion through laser etching, creating separate optical zones that prevent light from the flash from directly reaching the image sensor while maintaining a unified lens structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lens have different optical properties - the flash portion allows light transmission for the flash function, while the image sensor portion is modified with etching patterns to block direct flash light paths while maintaining imaging capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If laser etching is added to the lens, then optical interference is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical methods of creating optical barriers (such as physical partitions or multiple lens assemblies) are replaced with laser etching, which uses optical energy to directly modify the lens material and create the desired light-blocking patterns in a single integrated step
3Object-affected harmful factors
If void spaces are created in the lens, then light paths are blocked, but lens structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The laser etching creates a porous or cellular structure within the lens material at specific locations, forming void spaces that block direct light paths from the flash to the image sensor while the surrounding material maintains structural support and overall lens integrity
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
Minimizes optical interference, enhancing image quality by reducing unwanted reflections and glare, thereby improving the overall performance of camera systems in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
an etching for reducing optical interference at the image sensor from the flash; The etching is a laser etching defining a void space in the lens
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device, comprising an image sensor; a flash; a lens having a flash portion for covering the flash, an image sensor portion for covering the image sensor and an etching for reducing optical interference at the image sensor from the flash; and, a housing for housing the image sensor and the flash.