Compound Eye Camera Module with Rotating Lens Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing compound eye camera modules face challenges in achieving sufficient thinness and reducing pixel wastage, leading to increased costs due to variations in assembly and the need for larger imaging elements.

Innovation Solution

A compound eye camera module design featuring a lens module with a light shielding block having independent openings, where the lens module rotates with respect to the light shielding block to ensure precise alignment, eliminating the need for additional optical filter arrays and minimizing imaging region coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an optical filter array is provided between the diaphragm member and the lens array, then light wavelength control is improved, but the camera module thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight wavelength controlVSAvoidcamera module thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the optical filter array with the lens array into a single integrated structure. The optical filters are formed directly on the lens array substrate, eliminating the need for a separate optical filter array component and reducing the overall camera module thickness while maintaining wavelength control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens array substrate serves multiple functions: it supports the lens elements and simultaneously serves as the substrate for forming the optical filters. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and decreases the camera module thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the imaging element size is enlarged to accommodate assembly variations, then assembly tolerance is improved, but pixel wastage increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly toleranceVSAvoidpixel wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary alignment actions during the assembly process, including precise positioning mechanisms and alignment marks that ensure accurate placement of components before final bonding. This preliminary precision work eliminates the need for oversized imaging elements as a tolerance buffer, reducing pixel wastage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical tolerance buffering (larger imaging elements) with precision positioning mechanisms and alignment systems. By using automated alignment and positioning technologies, the system achieves high assembly precision without requiring excess imaging area, thus reducing pixel wastage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple optical filter arrays are provided, then light wavelength control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight wavelength controlVSAvoidoptical filter array structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical filter arrays into a single integrated filter structure formed directly on the lens array substrate. This consolidation maintains the wavelength control functionality of multiple filters while eliminating the complexity of stacking and aligning separate filter arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens array substrate serves as a universal platform that simultaneously supports lens elements and integrated optical filters. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate filter array substrates and reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining spectral control capabilities.

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

This design results in a thinner, smaller, and cost-effective camera module with reduced pixel wastage, enabling precise image formation and efficient production.

Implementation Method 1

an optical filter array placed between the lens module and the plurality of imaging regions and having a plurality of optical filters, each transmitting light in a particular wavelength band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS8194169B2Compound eye camera module and method of producing the same

Publication Date: 2012.06.05 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

An optical filter array (2) having a plurality of optical filters (2a to 2d) and a light shielding block (6) having light shielding walls (61a to 61d) forming a plurality of openings (6a to 6d) independent from each other are placed between a lens module (7) integrally having a plurality of lenses (1a to 1d) arranged on a single plane and a plurality of imaging regions (4a to 4d). The light shielding block is provided with first sliding surfaces (66 to 69). The lens module is provided with second sliding surfaces (56 to 59) sliding on the first sliding surfaces so that the lens module can rotate with respect to the light shielding block with an axis normal to the plurality of imaging regions as a rotation center axis. Thus, a small, thin, and low-cost compound eye camera module can be realized.