Curved Surface Focusing Unit for Compact Image Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CMOS image-sensing modules are bulky and costly due to their complex lens structures, making them unsuitable for small electronic devices and requiring lengthy assembly times, which hinders their productivity and integration in compact applications.
Innovation Solution
The image-sensing module features a substrate with integrated image-sensing units and micro lenses, covered by a focusing unit with a curved surface, which is directly formed on the substrate using thermal curing or press molding, reducing material costs and assembly time, and allowing for a compact design with adjustable focal lengths for zoom functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional lens group with multiple components is used, then the image quality is improved, but the volume and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens components into a single integrated focusing unit with a curved surface. Instead of using separate lens elements that require individual mounting and alignment, the invention combines their focusing function into one monolithic structure that is directly formed on the substrate, thereby reducing volume while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The focusing unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the lens element for focusing light and the structural component for mounting. The curved surface of the focusing unit provides the optical focusing function while its base integrates with the substrate to provide mechanical support, eliminating the need for separate lens mounts and barrels
2Manufacturing precision
If a conventional lens group with multiple components is used, then the image quality is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens components into a single integrated focusing unit with a curved surface. Instead of using separate lens elements that require individual mounting and alignment, the invention combines their focusing function into one monolithic structure that is directly formed on the substrate, thereby reducing volume while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The focusing unit is directly formed on the substrate through injection molding or similar processes, making it self-supporting and self-aligning. The structure serves its own mounting function through its integrated base, eliminating the need for separate lens mounts, barrels, and alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing assembly steps and production cost
3Reliability
If a conventional lens group with multiple components is used, then the focusing performance is improved, but the assembling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens components into a single integrated focusing unit with a curved surface. Instead of using separate lens elements that require individual mounting and alignment, the invention combines their focusing function into one monolithic structure that is directly formed on the substrate, thereby reducing volume while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The focusing unit is pre-formed as an integrated structure with the curved surface already molded into place. This preliminary formation of the complete focusing assembly eliminates the need for subsequent assembly steps involving multiple lens elements, mounts, and alignment procedures, thereby reducing assembling time while maintaining focusing performance
4Ease of manufacture
If the lens group structure is simplified, then the production cost is reduced, but the zoom functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable base that can shift the image-sensing module relative to the fixed lens group. This dynamic positioning mechanism allows the module to achieve different focal lengths by changing its position, thereby providing zoom functionality without requiring multiple lens elements or complex optical mechanisms. The curved surface of the focusing unit works effectively at different object distances, enabling both wide-angle and telephoto shots
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 smaller, less expensive image-sensing module with increased productivity and the ability to achieve zoom functionality by varying the focal distances of the focusing units within the image capture apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A top surface of the focusing unit is a curved surface
Data Source
AI summary
An image-sensing module is provided. The image-sensing module includes a substrate, a plurality of image-sensing units, a plurality of micro lenses and a focusing unit. The image-sensing units are disposed on the substrate and the micro lenses are respectively disposed on one of the image-sensing units. The focusing unit is disposed on the substrate and covers the micro lenses. A top surface of the focusing unit is a curved surface. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing the image-sensing module and an image capture apparatus are provided.