Camera Module Reflector Folded Light Path Narrow Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional camera module structure in display devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, is limited by the size of the photoelectric sensor, making it difficult to reduce the frame width due to the straight down configuration, which restricts the miniaturization of the camera module.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that includes a lighting lens, a photoelectric sensor, and a reflector, where the lighting lens collects light and the reflector reflects it to the photoelectric sensor, allowing the sensor to be partially overlapped by the display module, reducing the frame size without increasing thickness, and incorporating a filter for wavelength selection and a circuit board for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the camera module uses a conventional straight down configuration with the photoelectric sensor directly below the lighting lens, then the imaging function is simple and reliable, but the frame width cannot be reduced due to the size of the photoelectric sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light path from a straight vertical configuration to a folded path using a reflector, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to redirect light. This allows the photoelectric sensor to be positioned in a different spatial relationship to the lighting lens, enabling narrower frames while maintaining sensor size requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary optical element that redirects light from the lighting lens to the photoelectric sensor. This intermediary component enables the decoupling of the horizontal positioning of the sensor from the lens position, allowing frame narrowing without compromising imaging functionality
2Area of stationary object
If the photoelectric sensor size is reduced to achieve a narrower frame, then the frame width decreases, but the imaging quality and light collection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the light path through the use of a reflector, the patent allows the photoelectric sensor to maintain its optimal size for image quality while the overall frame width is reduced. The spatial reconfiguration enables the sensor to be positioned such that it does not directly constrain the frame dimensions
3Area of stationary object
If the camera module is reconfigured with a reflector to narrow the frame, then the frame size is reduced, but the device thickness increases due to the folded light path
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves multiple functions: it redirects the light path to enable frame narrowing, maintains optical alignment between the lighting lens and photoelectric sensor, and can be integrated into the existing device structure without requiring significant additional space. The filter also serves dual purposes of wavelength selection and structural integration
4Area of stationary object
If the lighting lens is positioned to avoid overlapping the display surface, then the display visibility is improved, but the light collection efficiency for the camera module decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector acts as an intermediary that redirects light from the lighting lens to the photoelectric sensor, enabling the lighting lens to be positioned in an area that does not overlap with the display surface. This intermediary component preserves light collection efficiency by ensuring proper optical alignment despite the separated positioning of the lens and sensor
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 narrower frame size for display devices while maintaining imaging functionality by decoupling the frame size from the sensor size and optimizing light path geometry, and allowing for compact and efficient imaging without thickness penalties.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting lens configured to collect light; and a reflector arranged to be capable of reflecting the light from the lighting lens towards the photoelectric sensor
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric sensor configured to convert the light collected by the lighting lens into a corresponding electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
a filter disposed between the lighting lens and the reflector for filtering out the light in a particular wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a camera module mounted in a display device, comprising: a lighting lens configured to collect light; a photoelectric sensor configured to convert the light collected by the lighting lens into a corresponding electrical signal; and a reflector arranged to be capable of reflecting the light from the lighting lens towards the photoelectric sensor.