Camera Module Beam Splitter Single Sensor Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules in portable electronic devices require multiple image sensors and lenses, increasing production costs and design complexity due to separate modules for different applications.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design utilizing a beam splitter and reflector to share components, allowing a single image sensor to capture image light beams from different directions, with adjustable lens configurations to function as both video and still camera modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple camera modules with separate image sensors are used for different applications, then functional versatility is improved, but production cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single camera module that can function as both a still camera and a video camera through optical component configuration. The beam splitter and reflector enable one image sensor to capture images from different directions, allowing the module to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated modules for different camera functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple camera modules into a single integrated module by sharing common components. Specifically, one image sensor is shared between still and video camera functions, and optical components like the beam splitter and reflector are used to direct light to the same sensor, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate camera modules are implemented, then application-specific optimization is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal camera module that can serve multiple applications (still photography and video recording) through a single image sensor and shared optical path. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate dedicated modules for each application, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining application-specific functionality through optical configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If separate camera modules with dedicated image sensors are used, then image quality for specific applications is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmodule size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical paths of multiple camera functions into a single compact module. By using a beam splitter and reflector to direct light from different directions to a single image sensor, the design achieves space efficiency while maintaining the image quality necessary for both still and video applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Reduces production costs and size by eliminating the need for multiple image sensors and lenses while maintaining image quality and functionality, allowing for cost-effective and compact camera modules in portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

a beam splitter having a first light input end, a second light input end and a light output end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam splitting:

Implementation Method 2

a reflector is positioned at the upstream of the first light input end of the beam splitter. A first lens unit is positioned at the upstream of the reflector to guide a first image light beam to the reflector. The reflector then redirects the first image light beam to the first light input end of the beam splitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

A second lens unit is positioned at the upstream of the second light input end of the beam splitter to guide a second image light beam to the second light input end of the beam splitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction and Focusing: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

An image sensor is positioned at the downstream of the light output end of the beam splitter to convert the image light beams outputted from the light output end into corresponding signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8390721B2Portable electronic device and camera module therefor

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 HTC CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a camera module for a portable electronic device. A beam splitter has a first light input end for receiving a first light beam, a second light input end for receiving a second light beam and a light output end for outputting the first or second light beams that enter from the first and second light input ends respectively. A reflector is positioned at the upstream of the first light input end of the beam splitter to redirect the first light beam to the first light input end of the beam splitter. An image sensor is positioned at the downstream of the light output end of the beam splitter to convert the first or second light beams outputted from the light output end into a corresponding signal.