D-Cut Lens Module for Mobile Camera Flare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In camera modules, particularly in mobile devices, strong light incident at certain angles causes inner surface reflections from lens rib surfaces, leading to flare and ghost phenomena due to unwanted light reaching the image sensor, which is undesirable for image formation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a lens module with D-cut lenses and notches in the lens barrel, where the D-cut lenses have straight line portions overlapping the image sensor, and notches are strategically placed to minimize light reflection and prevent flare and ghost phenomena by directing incident light away from the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional lens barrel with cylindrical lenses is used, then the camera module can be compact, but inner surface reflection from lens rib surfaces causes flare and ghost phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful reflective surfaces (lens rib surfaces) from the optical path by using a lens barrel with a flat end surface instead of a cylindrical shape, thereby eliminating the source of inner surface reflection that causes flare and ghost phenomena
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the lens barrel end surface from a symmetric cylindrical shape to an asymmetric flat surface with a specific orientation, where the flat surface is positioned at an angle to the optical axis to prevent reflected light from reaching the image sensor
2Volume of moving object
If the camera module size is reduced for smaller mobile devices, then portability improves, but preventing flare and ghost becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful flat end surface of the lens barrel into a beneficial feature by orienting it at a specific angle to the optical axis, transforming what could be a reflective surface into a light-blocking surface that directs reflected light away from the image sensor, thereby preventing flare and ghost phenomena
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 configuration effectively reduces the occurrence of flare and ghost phenomena while allowing for a miniaturized camera module design, enhancing optical performance and reducing unwanted reflections, thus improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a straight line portion of a D-cut lens, of the one or more D-cut lenses, overlaps an image sensor for imaging light passing through the plurality of lenses
Implementation Method 2
notches are strategically placed to minimize light reflection and prevent flare and ghost phenomena by directing incident light away from the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device and lens module including a lens barrel and a plurality of lenses sequentially stacked from an object side to an image side in the lens barrel, wherein the plurality of lenses includes one or more D-cut lenses having respective straight line rim portions, and wherein a straight line portion of a D-cut lens, of the one or more D-cut lenses, overlaps an image sensor for imaging light passing through the plurality of lenses.