Camera Lens Flash Barrier for Crosstalk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The interference of light from camera flashes with the image sensor in electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, causes crosstalk, which negatively affects the quality of captured images or videos.

Innovation Solution

A lens with a barrier is used between the flash and image sensor to inhibit light from passing through, mitigating the interference and improving image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a flash is used to illuminate the subject, then the subject is properly illuminated for capture, but light from the flash interferes with the image sensor causing crosstalk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubject illuminationVSAvoidcrosstalk interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into multiple sections: a first lens section for transmitting flash light to the subject, a second lens section for transmitting subject light to the sensor, and a light barrier positioned between them. This segmentation allows the flash light path and subject light path to be separated, preventing crosstalk while maintaining proper subject illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A light barrier is extracted and positioned within the lens assembly between the flash light path and the image sensor. This barrier selectively blocks stray flash light from reaching the sensor while allowing the main flash illumination to reach the subject, thereby removing the harmful crosstalk effect without affecting the primary illumination function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a light barrier is added to the lens assembly, then crosstalk is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk interferenceVSAvoidlens assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light barrier is merged with the lens assembly as an integrated component rather than a separate add-on. The barrier is positioned within the lens structure itself, combining the functions of light transmission and crosstalk prevention into a single unified assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the first lens section transmits flash light, the second lens section transmits subject light, and the light barrier prevents crosstalk. This multi-functional design consolidates several optical functions into one component system, reducing the need for additional separate elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The barrier effectively reduces crosstalk, enhancing the quality of images and videos captured by preventing reflected light from the flash from interfering with the image sensor.

Implementation Method 1

a lens with a barrier is used between the flash and image sensor to inhibit light from passing through

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2730975B1A light barrier for the lens of a camera with flash
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2730975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2730975B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2730975B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Described is a lens (280) for a camera (253), the camera having a flash (255)and an image sensor, the lens (280) comprising a flash portion for covering the flash (255); an image sensor portion for covering the image sensor; and a barrier (402) between the image sensor portion and the flash portion to prevent light emanating from the flash to cause interference (or "crosstalk") with the camera's image sensor.