Folded-Optics Camera Module Structure for Stray Light Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized electronic devices face challenges in integrating camera modules with good optical performance due to reduced design freedom and increased stray light or flare from additional optical members, which affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a first reflective member with a receiving groove and a protruding second reflective member, allowing movement in one direction while inhibiting movement in another, to improve optical path design and suppress stray light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical members are added to achieve telephoto function in miniaturized devices, then telephoto capability is improved, but stray light and flare increase affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the telephoto function from traditional multi-lens optical systems and implements it using a reflective member (prism or mirror) that folds the optical path. This removes unnecessary optical members that cause stray light while preserving the telephoto capability through optical path folding instead of multiple refractive elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path from a linear arrangement to a three-dimensional folded path using reflective members. By introducing vertical and lateral dimensions through optical folding, the system achieves telephoto function without adding more optical elements in the traditional linear sequence, thereby reducing stray light sources.
2Volume of moving object
If camera module size is reduced for miniaturization, then device portability is improved, but design freedom is reduced making it difficult to maintain optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional optical path folding to pack the telephoto optical path into a compact volume. By bending the light path vertically and laterally using reflective members, the system achieves long effective focal length in a short physical distance, maintaining design freedom despite miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the reflective member within the camera module housing, with the optical path folded back on itself. The light path is contained within the compact module volume by reflecting off surfaces that are integrated into the module structure, effectively nesting the optical system within a minimal footprint.
3Ease of manufacture
If reflective members are used to fold optical path for telephoto function, then optical path design is improved, but movement control of reflective members becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable reflective member that can dynamically adjust its position or angle to control the folded optical path. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to maintain reliable optical performance while enabling focus adjustment or optical path length modification through controlled movement of the reflective element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a support structure or guide mechanism as an intermediary between the movable reflective member and the camera module housing. This intermediary component provides precise movement control and positioning, ensuring reliable operation of the reflective member while maintaining the benefits of the folded optical path design.
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
Facilitates miniaturization while maintaining telephoto performance and reducing stray light, enhancing image quality by optimizing the optical path.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective member including a receiving groove formed on one surface thereof and a first optical surface provided within an area provided by the receiving groove, a second reflective member including a protrusion protruding from one surface thereof and at least partially accommodated in the receiving groove, and a second optical surface provided on one surface of the protrusion to be disposed to face the first optical surface
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a first reflective member including a receiving groove formed on one surface thereof and a first optical surface provided within an area provided by the receiving groove, a second reflective member including a protrusion protruding from one surface thereof and at least partially accommodated in the receiving groove, and a second optical surface provided on one surface of the protrusion to be disposed to face the first optical surface, and an image sensor configured to detect at least a portion of light guided via the first optical surface and the second optical surface, wherein the receiving groove is configured to allow the protrusion to move in a first extension direction in a plane parallel to the first optical surface or the second optical surface, and to inhibit a movement of the protrusion in a second extension direction crossing the first extension direction.