Multi-Lens Camera Module with Tilted Lens Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional single-lens camera modules are inadequate due to size limitations and poor image quality, while conventional multi-lens modules are cumbersome to assemble and limited to single optical behaviors, failing to meet modern camera function requirements.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a circuit board, image sensor, and a lens stack array comprising multiple lens stacks with different fields of view, including ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto micro-lenses, which can be tilted or rotated to enhance field of view and image processing capabilities, integrated with an IR cut filter and neural network processing for composite image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lens barrel is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality and photosensitive element size are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens stacks (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) into a single integrated lens module, merging the functions of what would traditionally require separate modules. This allows the system to achieve high image quality with multiple optical functions while maintaining a unified structure that reduces overall complexity compared to using multiple separate lens modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens module is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating lens stacks with different fields of view (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) within a single module. This universal design allows the module to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lens modules for different shooting scenarios.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple dedicated lens modules are used, then the image quality and optical functions are improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated lens modules (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) into a single integrated lens module, reducing the total number of components. This consolidation maintains the high image quality and optical functions of each lens type while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens module achieves universality by incorporating multiple lens stacks with different optical characteristics (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) within a single module. This multi-functional design allows the system to perform various optical functions without requiring separate dedicated modules, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated lens modules are used, then the optical functions are improved, but the assembly convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens stacks into a single integrated lens module, which significantly improves assembly convenience. Instead of assembling and aligning multiple separate lens modules, the integrated design allows for a single assembly operation, reducing the complexity and time required for manufacturing while maintaining diverse optical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens module achieves versatility in optical functions (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) through a unified multi-functional design. This universal structure simplifies the manufacturing process by requiring only one assembly procedure for all optical functions, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining adaptability across different shooting scenarios.
4Device complexity
If a single lens stack is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view and image processing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens stacks with different fields of view (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) into a single integrated configuration. This combination allows the system to achieve a broad range of field of view capabilities while maintaining a unified lens stack structure that does not significantly increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens stack array achieves universality by incorporating lens stacks with different optical characteristics (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) within a single module. This multi-functional design allows the system to perform various optical functions with different fields of view without requiring separate dedicated lens stacks, thereby maintaining relatively simple device complexity while maximizing adaptability.
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
Enables a compact, high-resolution camera module that combines multiple optical functions in a single unit, improving image quality and assembly convenience, allowing for simultaneous wide and zoom capabilities, and enabling stereoscopic 3D imaging without the need for multiple modules.
Implementation Method 1
a lens stack array mounted to the barrel and spaced from the image sensor, the lens stack array comprising a plurality of first lens stacks and second lens stacks, each of the lens stacks corresponding to one of the focal planes
Implementation Method 2
the camera module further comprises an IR cut filter located between the image sensor and the lens stack array
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a circuit board; an image sensor mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected with the circuit boards, the image sensor comprising an array of focal planes; a barrel mounted on the circuit board with a cavity formed between the barrel and the circuit board, the image sensor being received in the cavity; and a lens stack array mounted to the barrel and spaced from the image sensor, the lens stack array comprising a plurality of first lens stacks, second lens stacks, third lens stacks, each of the lens stacks corresponding to one of the focal planes. The first lens stacks, the second lens stacks and the third lens stacks have different field of view and are combined in a single camera module, which enables a compact solution in a form of single camera module that traditionally requires multiple camera modules.