Camera Module Spacer Geometry for Flare Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flare phenomena due to light scattering and reflection in camera modules, which negatively affect image quality, are not adequately addressed in existing camera modules.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a spacer with a non-circular hole on the object-side or sensor-side surface of lenses, combined with a reflective member and light-shielding member, to reflect, absorb, or scatter light traveling along abnormal paths and block unnecessary light from reaching the image sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple lenses are stacked to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but flare phenomena occur due to light scattering and reflection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidflare phenomena
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes harmful light paths from the optical system by introducing light-shielding members and spacers with non-circular holes. These components selectively block light traveling along abnormal paths between lenses, extracting only the harmful portion while allowing useful light to pass through the optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components (light-shielding members and spacers) between the lenses to control light paths. These intermediaries act as mediators that selectively block harmful light while allowing useful light to pass, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high resolution and preventing flare.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If light-shielding members are added to block flare, then flare is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflare intensityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light-shielding function with existing structural components. The spacers that already exist between lenses are modified to include non-circular holes that serve as light-shielding features, and light-shielding members are integrated into the reflective member structure. This combining approach reduces the need for separate, complex light-shielding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing components multi-functional. The spacers not only maintain lens spacing but also serve as light-shielding elements through their non-circular hole design. The reflective member simultaneously performs reflection and light-shielding functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining flare reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The design effectively reduces flare intensity by blocking and redirecting light, thereby improving image quality and reliability of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective member for reflecting, in a second direction, light incident from a first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

flare phenomena such as light scattering can occur due to reflection and scattering of light incident on the camera module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

A camera module design featuring a spacer with a non-circular hole on the object-side or sensor-side surface of lenses, combined with a reflective member and light-shielding member, to reflect, absorb, or scatter light traveling along abnormal paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

an imaging lens that forms an image, and an image sensor that converts the formed image into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4679144A1Camera module and electronic device having same
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4679144A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4679144A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4679144A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A camera module disclosed in an embodiment of the invention comprises: a reflective member for reflecting, in a second direction, light incident in a first direction; a lens holder having a plurality of lenses aligned along the second direction; an image sensor that converts light refracted through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal; and a plurality of spacers disposed on an outer periphery between adjacent two lenses, wherein the plurality of spacers include a first spacer arranged on a periphery of an object-side surface or a sensor-side surface of an n-th or n-1-th lens adjacent to the image sensor, and a shape of a hole of the first spacer may be non-circular.