Camera Lens Light-Absorbing Layer for Inner Reflection Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing camera modules in electronic devices face challenges in reducing the size of the barrel member while minimizing the ineffective area to prevent unnecessary inner reflection, which affects image quality, and current methods for applying light-absorbing materials are complex and difficult to implement, especially on inclined surfaces and during mass production.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design with a lens structure that includes a first area for passing light to the image sensor and a second area with a light-absorbing layer formed through dipping or immersion, allowing for effective absorption of external light and reducing inner reflections, while maintaining a compact size and facilitating mass production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of lens elements is increased to correct color aberration, then color aberration correction is improved, but the length of the optical path increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor aberration correctionVSAvoidoptical path length
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lens elements (positive and negative meniscus lenses) into a single integrated optical assembly that corrects color aberration without requiring excessive optical path length. The merging of complementary positive and negative power elements allows chromatic correction within a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs lens elements with specific parameter specifications (refractive indices, curvature radii, focal lengths) to optimize the balance between color aberration correction and optical path length. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective chromatic correction while maintaining a compact optical path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the aperture is enlarged to improve light intake, then light intake is improved, but lens dust and scratches become more noticeable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intakeVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an aperture stop that limits the aperture to a moderate size rather than maximizing it. This partial action approach prevents excessive light intake that would reveal lens imperfections, while still providing sufficient illumination for normal imaging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture stop acts as an intermediary element that controls the cone of light passing through the lens system. By positioning and sizing the aperture stop appropriately, it filters out marginal rays that would expose lens dust and scratches, thereby protecting image quality while maintaining adequate light intake.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the optical path length is shortened to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but the number of lens elements must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical path lengthVSAvoidnumber of lens elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where the aperture stop is positioned within the optical path between lens elements, and multiple lens elements are closely spaced. This nesting allows the optical system to achieve a compact overall length while accommodating multiple functional elements without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a variable aperture mechanism that can dynamically adjust the aperture size based on imaging conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize performance for different scenarios, reducing the need for additional fixed optical elements and simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively suppresses inner reflections, improves image quality, and allows for flexible lens support structures and cost-effective mass production by simplifying the application of light-absorbing materials without complex mold structures.

Implementation Method 1

a second area including a light absorbing layer formed to absorb the at least a part of the external light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4005196B1Electronic device including camera module
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4005196B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4005196B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4005196B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, and a camera module disposed in an inner space of the housing, wherein the camera module includes an image sensor and a plurality of lenses aligned with the image sensor, and wherein at least one of the plurality of lenses includes a first area formed to transfer at least a part of an external light to the image sensor and a second area including a light absorbing layer formed to absorb the at least a part of the external light and to penetrate from an outer surface of the lens into an inner space with a predetermined depth.