Folding Camera Module with Thin Lenses for Compact High-Light Intake
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device camera modules face limitations in image quality due to reduced pixel size, limited light intake, and increased noise, especially in low-light conditions, which cannot be effectively addressed by existing solutions such as multi-camera arrays, noise-reduction algorithms, or folding designs that compromise optical quality and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a simplified optical system using thin lenses or mirrors that can be adjusted into an exposure position and folded to minimize thickness, utilizing digital image-processing to correct aberrations and increase light intake, allowing for high-quality image capture without increasing device dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the inlet aperture of the optical system is increased to improve light transmission and image quality, then the amount of light reaching the sensor is improved, but the overall geometric dimensions of the camera module increase, violating mobility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a folding camera module where the optical system can be nested within the device body. The lens assembly is folded back into the device case, allowing the optical path to be contained within a compact form factor while maintaining a larger effective aperture for improved light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear optical path to a folded optical path by introducing reflective surfaces (mirrors) that redirect light at angles. This changes the dimensional arrangement of the optical system, allowing the light path to fold back on itself and fit within the device thickness constraints while maintaining a larger aperture diameter.
2Length of moving object
If conventional folding designs are used to reduce camera module thickness, then the device dimensions are improved, but optical quality deteriorates due to complexity and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into discrete modular components including the lens assembly, mirror elements, and sensor module. Each component can be independently manufactured and aligned, reducing the cumulative alignment errors that would occur in a monolithic folded optical system. The modular design allows for easier quality control and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces precision alignment mechanisms and mounting structures that act as intermediaries between optical components. These intermediary elements provide reference surfaces and adjustment capabilities that facilitate accurate alignment while simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing the skill level required for manufacturing.
3Area of stationary object
If pixel size is reduced to fit more pixels on the sensor, then sensor coverage is improved, but image resolution decreases due to proximity to the diffraction limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical vibration or dithering mechanisms that introduce controlled micro-movements to the optical system or sensor during exposure. This mechanical vibration allows smaller pixels to effectively sample a larger area by averaging multiple slightly different positions, thereby achieving higher effective resolution without increasing pixel size or aperture.
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
The solution significantly enhances light intake, reduces noise and exposure time, enables high-quality image capture in low-light conditions, and maintains a compact device size by using digital processing to correct optical distortions, allowing for larger photosensitive elements and improved image quality without the need for complex lens alignment.
Implementation Method 1
optical elements made as a set of thin lenses, mirrors, or both
Implementation Method 2
optical elements made as a set of thin lenses, mirrors, or both
Implementation Method 3
photosensitive elements (sensors consisting of photosensitive pixels)
Data Source
AI summary
A device having a camera module, installed on the housing of the device such that the position of the camera module relative to the housing can be changed. One of the positions, an exposure position, involves optical elements which are oriented so as to be able to project light onto light-sensitive elements in order to produce an image on one or more sensors. A second position involves being flush against, and as close as possible to, the housing of the mobile device, by means of folding. The overall thickness of the camera module is structurally limited by the thickness of the thickest optical or light-sensitive element. The device contains structural elements for processing a digital representation of an image obtained from the light-sensitive elements. The camera module includes optical elements in the form of a set of thin lenses and/or mirrors, and one or a plurality of light-sensitive elements, namely sensors consisting of light-sensitive pixels. If the camera module has a plurality of sensors and a plurality of groups of lenses, separate light flows are directed onto corresponding sensors, wherein means for processing the digital representation of the image unite the images obtained from the sensors so as to produce a single image of increased quality. The use of a mobile device having such a camera module allows for producing high-quality images, especially in low-light conditions, while maintaining small device dimensions.