Camera Spacer With Screening Walls For Stray Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact cameras face challenges in manufacturing efficiency and stray light handling, particularly in thin designs where mechanical complexity and precision are high, and there is a demand for improved resolution and robustness against stray light.
Innovation Solution
A camera or optical module design featuring a first and second substrate with a spacer having a through hole, creating an interior space that can be hermetically closed, with a screen device blocking stray light, which can be a physical object separate from the substrates or coatings, providing effective stray light blocking and manufacturing advantages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera is made thinner and more compact, then the device size is reduced, but stray light paths to the sensor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interior space is divided into multiple sub-volumes by introducing screen devices with screening walls. These walls segment the space to block stray light paths from reaching the sensor, effectively addressing the stray light problem in thin camera designs without increasing overall device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Screen devices are introduced as intermediary elements between the optical devices and the sensor. These screen devices with their screening walls act as mediators that intercept and block stray light while allowing useful light to pass through to the sensor, solving the stray light issue without compromising image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of optical devices is implemented, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is pre-formed with built-in alignment features and through holes that define precise positions for optical devices. This preliminary preparation of alignment structures in the spacer reduces the need for complex post-assembly alignment procedures, making precise alignment more economical to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer serves as an intermediary component that provides a stable, pre-engineered mounting structure for optical devices. Its through holes and attachment surfaces enable precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical devices are integrated in a compact space, then device functionality is improved, but stray light cross-talk between devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
Screen devices with screening walls are introduced to segment the interior space into separate sub-volumes around each optical device. This segmentation prevents stray light from one device from reaching other devices, eliminating cross-talk while maintaining the compact integration of multiple functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Screen devices are positioned locally around each optical device to provide targeted stray light blocking. The screening walls are strategically placed to address stray light paths specific to each device's location and optical characteristics, effectively preventing cross-talk while preserving overall device 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 enables the creation of compact, economical, and robust cameras with improved stray light resistance, allowing for efficient manufacturing and high-resolution imaging without the need for complex mechanical parts, while maintaining precise alignment and tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the camera further comprising a screen device in the interior space, the screen device blocking off stray light portions
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the invention, a camera or optical module for a camera is provided, the camera or optical module comprising: —a first substrate with a plurality of first optical devices, —a second substrate with a plurality of second optical devices, —and a spacer between the first substrate and the second substrate, the spacer having a first and a second attachment surface, the first substrate attached to the first attachment surface and the second spacer attached to the second attachment surface, —the spacer having a through hole from the first attachment surface to the second attachment surface so that there is an interior space between the first substrate and the second substrate, the interior space being hermetically closed off, —the first optical devices and the second optical devices being mutually arranged so that light impinging, from an object side, on a first optical device is directed to an assigned second optical device through the interior space, —the camera further comprising a screen device in the interior space, the screen device comprising one screening wall or at a plurality of screening walls, the screening wall(s) blocking off light portions from a first device from getting to a second device other than the assigned second device.