Multi-Aperture Camera Module With Switchable Reflective Light Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern smartphones require multiple cameras with different lenses, leading to increased cost and space usage due to the need for multiple sensors, which can be costly and complex to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design with multiple apertures and a single image sensor, utilizing reflective components that can switch between transmissive and reflective states to direct light to a shared imaging surface, allowing for multiple lenses without the need for large sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are used to accommodate multiple camera apertures, then the functionality and versatility of the camera module is improved, but the cost and area (especially thickness) increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoidcamera hardware area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple camera apertures and their corresponding optical pathways into a single image sensor by using reflective components to direct light from different apertures to the same sensor area. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining the ability to capture images through different lenses and apertures, thereby reducing the overall hardware area and thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single image sensor is designed to serve multiple functions by receiving light from multiple different apertures through the reflective component system. The sensor acts as a universal receiver that can process optical information from various lenses, replacing what would traditionally require multiple dedicated sensors, thus reducing cost and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are used to capture images from different lenses, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-aperture capabilityVSAvoidsensor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical pathways and apertures into a single sensor system using reflective components. This merging reduces the number of separate sensors from multiple to one, thereby simplifying the device configuration and manufacturing processes while maintaining multi-aperture functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Reflective components act as intermediaries between the multiple apertures and the single image sensor. These components redirect and route light from different apertures to the appropriate portions of the sensor, enabling a single sensor to function as if it were receiving light from multiple lenses without requiring multiple actual sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If light is reflected to a sensor placed deeper in the device, then space is minimized, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module volumeVSAvoidoptical pathway complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically controllable reflective components that can switch between transmissive and reflective states. This dynamic control allows the optical pathways to be reconfigured without changing the physical depth of the sensor, enabling space-efficient design while simplifying manufacturing by avoiding complex fixed deep-depth optical arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design reduces the size and cost of camera modules by using a single image sensor and minimizing mechanical parts, enabling slim and efficient image capture with multiple lenses.

Implementation Method 1

first and second reflective components independently electronically controllable to switch between a transmissive state and a reflective state... in their reflective states, the first and second reflective components are configured to direct light along the first and second optical pathways respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

in their transmissive states, the first and second reflective components are configured to transmit light through the reflective components respectively along optical pathways different from the first and second optical pathways

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12489962B2Camera module with reflective components independently electronically controllable to switch between a transmissive state and a reflective state

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide concepts for camera modules including multiple apertures but only one image sensor for sensing light received via the multiple apertures. In particular, embodiments may provide a camera module including electrically controllable reflective components able to switch between reflective and transmissive states such that light from the apertures may be directed towards the single image sensor or not.