Camera Module Cover Glass Recess Design for Optical Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uneven surface of the window in electronic devices, caused by manufacturing processes, leads to image or video distortion due to the bending of light, which affects the field of view (FOV) of optical modules and compromises image quality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design that includes a housing with a transparent member, a masking layer, and a recess filled with a filling member, where the recess is formed to direct light to the camera module, and the filling member is designed to be flat at the center and curved at the edges to minimize distortion, ensuring a sufficient FOV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a window with a curved portion is mounted on the electronic device to provide user input or screen display function and enhance aesthetic appeal, then the aesthetic appeal and usability are improved, but the field of view (FOV) of the optical module is reduced and image distortion occurs due to the uneven surface
Solution Approach 1:
The masking layer is designed with different properties in different regions: a first opening with a first size in the curved portion region and a second opening with a second size (larger than the first size) in the flat portion region. This local differentiation allows the flat portion to provide sufficient FOV for the optical module while the curved portion maintains aesthetic appeal. The recess is also formed locally in the masking layer at the flat portion to further ensure adequate opening size for light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking layer is segmented into multiple regions corresponding to different functional areas: a curved portion region with smaller openings for aesthetic purposes and a flat portion region with larger openings for optical performance. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its function independently, resolving the contradiction between appearance and performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hole formed in the masking layer is filled with polymer to compensate for the uneven surface, then the surface uniformity is improved, but the polymer is fixed in a curved state due to surface tension effect causing light bending and image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is formed locally only in the flat portion region of the masking layer, not in the curved portion region. This localized approach allows the filling member to be applied only where needed for optical performance, while leaving the curved portion unchanged to maintain aesthetic appeal. The recess provides a controlled environment that prevents the filling member from adhering to the masking layer inner wall in a curved state.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary structure between the masking layer and the filling member. By providing this intermediate space, the recess prevents direct contact between the filling member and the curved inner wall of the masking layer opening, thereby eliminating the surface tension effect that would cause curved fixation and light distortion.
3Manufacturing precision
If a recess is formed in the masking layer and filled with a filling member to prevent image distortion, then the image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The recess formation process is merged with the existing masking layer manufacturing process. The recess is formed in the same masking layer that is already part of the device structure, combining multiple functions (masking and light guiding) into a single component. This reduces overall device complexity compared to adding a separate corrective element.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking layer serves multiple functions: it provides the opening structure for light transmission, guides light direction through the recess formation, and prevents polymer adhesion to its inner wall. By making the masking layer multi-functional, the invention avoids adding separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining image quality.
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 secures a stable and undistorted field of view for the camera module, enhancing image quality by compensating for the uneven surface and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the device.
Implementation Method 1
the traveling direction of light passing through the portion may be bent
Implementation Method 2
the polymer near the inner wall of the hole may be fixed in a curved state due to the effect of surface tension
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an electronic device comprising a camera module and, more specifically, to an electronic device configured to prevent the optical performance (for example, resolution) of a camera module from being degraded by an uneven surface of cover glass (for example, a window). According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, provided is an electronic device comprising: a housing comprising a first plate and a second plate disposed near a lateral or rear side of the first plate; a display disposed between the first plate and the second plate so as to display a screen through at least a part of the first plate; and a camera module for acquiring external information on the basis of light that has passed through at least a part of the first plate. The first plate comprises: a transparent member comprising a transparent area for displaying the screen of the display; a masking layer disposed on the back surface of the transparent member so as to form an opaque area near the transparent area of the transparent member; a recess formed on the masking layer such that light that has passed through at least a part of the first plate is directed towards the camera module; and a filling member filling the recess. Various other embodiments are applicable.