Camera Module with Beam Splitting Component for Dual Lens Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules in devices like notebook computers and mobile phones require multiple cameras to achieve two-way image-capturing functions, leading to increased production costs and bulkier designs due to the need for two lenses and image sensors, with inferior image quality from the secondary camera module when cost-cutting measures are taken.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a single image sensor and two lenses, with a beam splitting and combining component such as a TIR prism, X-prism, or reflection mirror, allowing both lenses to image onto the same sensor through different optical paths, eliminating the need for two image sensors and enabling consistent image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two camera modules are used to achieve two-way image-capturing function, then the image-capturing capability is improved, but the production cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate camera modules into a single integrated camera module by combining two lenses and one image sensor. The beam splitting and combining component directs light from two different directions onto the same image sensor, enabling two-way image capturing while reducing the number of components from two sensors to one, thereby decreasing device size and production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to serve multiple functions by receiving light from two different lenses that capture images from different directions. The single image sensor performs the work of two separate sensors, achieving multi-functionality while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If cost-cutting measures are taken by using an image sensor with lower effective pixels for the first camera module, then production cost is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the imaging functions of two camera modules into a single module with one high-quality image sensor, the patent eliminates the need to use lower-quality sensors for cost reduction. Both imaging paths share the same high-performance sensor, ensuring consistent image quality while reducing the total number of sensors required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a swiveling device is added to enable the camera module to change focus direction, then the two-way image-capturing capability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light paths from two different directions and directs them separately through the beam splitting and combining component onto the image sensor. This optical segmentation allows simultaneous or selective capture from two directions without requiring mechanical movement of the entire camera module, thereby avoiding the complexity of swiveling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical swiveling system with an optical beam splitting and combining system. Instead of mechanically rotating the camera module to change focus direction, the invention uses optical components to direct light from two different directions onto the sensor, eliminating moving parts and mechanical complexity.
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
This design reduces production costs and device size while maintaining image quality by allowing both lenses to capture images onto a single sensor, addressing the inefficiencies of dual-camera setups.
Implementation Method 1
The beam splitting and combining component can be a total internal reflection prism (TIR prism) with a total reflection surface, and the first lens and the second lens are respectively located at two adjacent side surfaces of the beam splitting and combining component, wherein the first light beam is suitable for imaging onto the image sensor by taking an optical path passing through the total reflection surface
Implementation Method 2
The beam splitting and combining component can also be an X-prism. The X-prism has a first reflection surface and a second reflection surface intersecting each other at the middle thereof, wherein the first lens and the second lens are respectively located at two side surfaces opposite to each other of the X-prism, wherein the first light beam is suitable for imaging onto the image sensor by taking an optical path reflected by the first reflection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes an image sensor, a first lens, a second lens and a beam splitting and combining component. The beam splitting and combining component is disposed between the first lens, the second lens and the image sensor. The first lens is suitable for imaging a first light beam of a first object onto the image sensor, while the second lens is suitable for imaging a second light beam of a second object onto the image sensor. In addition, both the first light beam and the second light beam are imaging onto the image sensor through the beam splitting and combining component. Therefore, the camera module is able to provide a two-way image-capturing function.