Exterior Optical Module for Mobile Close-Up Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals, such as smartphones, are limited in taking close-up pictures due to their minimum focal length and shortest photographing distance, which results in unclear images when trying to capture skin tissues or other close subjects, and external lighting can interfere with image quality.
Innovation Solution
An exterior optical module is mounted on the mobile terminal, comprising a macro lens and a light guide that decreases the shortest photographing distance and provides controlled illumination, using the embedded LED illumination to illuminate the subject directly, preventing external light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a macro lens is attached to the outside of a mobile terminal to photograph close subjects, then the shortest photographing distance is decreased, but external light interferes with image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the macro lens and LED illumination into a single integrated exterior optical module that attaches to the mobile terminal. This merging allows the illumination source to be positioned in optimal proximity to the subject while the lens captures the magnified image, solving both the close-distance photographing requirement and the external light interference problem through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The LED illumination acts as an intermediary light source positioned between the camera and subject. By providing controlled artificial lighting through the optical module, it mediates the lighting conditions to eliminate reliance on external light sources that cause interference, while enabling clear illumination of close subjects at reduced photographing distances
2Length of stationary object
If digital zoom is used to photograph close subjects, then the photographing distance can be maintained, but image contrast is remarkably decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the digital zoom method with an optical solution using a macro lens. Instead of using digital image processing to magnify the subject (which degrades image quality), the macro lens provides true optical magnification that maintains image contrast and quality while enabling close-distance photographing
3Length of stationary object
If the camera is designed to embed various lenses to decrease the shortest photographing distance, then close-up photographing capability is improved, but the product price is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the close-up photographing function from the main camera body by using a detachable exterior optical module. This allows the macro lens capability to be added only when needed, rather than integrating multiple lenses into the permanent camera structure, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and product price while maintaining the close-up photographing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable camera system where the exterior optical module can be attached or detached as needed. This dynamic approach allows the device to transform from a standard camera to a macro photography device only when required, avoiding the permanent cost of integrated multi-lens systems while providing the same functional capability
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
Enables clear, magnified images of close subjects, such as skin tissues, by reducing the minimum focal length and using internal LED illumination, improving image quality and convenience compared to external lighting methods.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide formed of a transparent material, receives the light emitted from the LED illumination, and emits the received light in the direction of the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
The macro lens is vertically disposed on an optical axis of the camera part to decrease a shortest photographing distance of the camera part
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for taking close-up pictures using a mobile terminal equipped with a camera and an exterior optical module for taking close-up pictures. The exterior optical module according to the present invention is characterized in that it is possible to take close-up pictures of even subjects within the shortest photographing distance of a camera part embedded in a typical mobile terminal, and the light source embedded in the mobile terminal is used without using a separate external light source. By providing an optical zoom through a separate exterior lens, it is possible to apply the present invention in cases where a magnified image is required, such as for the inspection of the skin tissues, in a portable microscope function, or the like. The mobile terminal becomes an apparatus for taking close-up pictures through an exterior optical module mounted thereon.