Meta-Optics Camera Assembly With Interposer for Thin Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refractive lens cameras in information handling systems are limited by thickness and cost due to multiple optical elements and complex assembly, which restricts the form factor and increases packaging complexity in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A meta-optics camera system with a meta-optic lens using patterned dielectrics for phase delay and a camera controller for reconstruction, combined with an interposer layer for uniform light distribution, reduces thickness and cost while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional refractive lens cameras are used, then image quality can be maintained, but thickness and device complexity increase due to multiple optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (focusing, color filtering, polarization control) into a single meta-optics layer with sub-wavelength structures, eliminating the need for multiple separate lens elements and reducing camera thickness while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses meta-optics structures with precisely controlled sub-wavelength dimensions to manipulate light properties (phase, amplitude, polarization) at the nanoscale, enabling thin-form-factor cameras to achieve optical performance previously requiring thick multi-element lens systems
2Reliability
If traditional refractive lens cameras are used, then optical performance can be achieved, but device complexity and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates color filters, polarization controllers, and focusing elements into a single planar meta-optics layer, reducing the number of discrete optical components from multiple layers to one integrated structure, thereby simplifying assembly and packaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens assemblies with planar meta-optics structures that achieve optical functionality through sub-wavelength pattern geometry rather than physical lens curvature, eliminating complex mechanical alignment and assembly requirements
3Length of stationary object
If meta-optics camera system is used, then thickness and cost are reduced, but light distribution uniformity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interposer layer between the meta-optics structure and the sensor to mediate light distribution, ensuring uniform illumination across the sensor surface while maintaining the thin profile enabled by the meta-optics 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
The meta-optics camera system achieves a more compact, lightweight design with improved depth of field and reduced sensitivity to packaging tolerances, offering equivalent or better image quality at lower costs compared to traditional refractive lens cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a meta-optic lens using patterned dielectrics for phase delay
Implementation Method 2
an interposer layer for uniform light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A camera for use with an information handling system. The camera includes a meta-optics portion; a sensor, and, an interposer layer positioned between the meta-optics portion and the sensor portion, the interposer layer being parallelly aligned between the meta-optics portion and the camera sensor.