Nested Reflective Camera Module Layout for Stray Light Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturizing electronic devices while maintaining good optical performance and reducing stray light or flare in integrated camera modules is challenging due to limited design freedom and increased reflections or refractions in miniaturized devices.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating optical members that reflect or refract light guided to an image sensor at least once, allowing for miniaturization and improved telephoto performance while suppressing stray light or flare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera module is miniaturized to reduce device size, then the overall device dimensions are reduced, but the optical path design freedom is limited and stray light or flare increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second reflective member is partially accommodated within the receiving groove of the first reflective member, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows two optical members to be integrated in a compact space, enabling miniaturization of the camera module while maintaining sufficient optical path design freedom to control stray light and flare.
2Reliability
If multiple reflective members are integrated to improve optical performance, then telephoto performance is enhanced, but the number of reflections increases causing more stray light or flare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of multiple reflections into a beneficial outcome by strategically designing the nested reflective members. The second reflective member is positioned within the receiving groove to reflect light that would otherwise become stray light, converting harmful reflections into useful optical paths that enhance telephoto performance while reducing flare.
3Volume of moving object
If the camera module is miniaturized, then device portability is improved, but the field of view and imaging quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of reflective members enables the optical system to achieve extended field of view and telephoto capabilities by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement rather than simple linear scaling. The second reflective member is disposed at a specific angle within the receiving groove, allowing light to traverse multiple dimensions and achieve both wide-angle and telephoto imaging functions in a compact form factor.
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 facilitates miniaturization of electronic devices by enhancing optical path design freedom and reducing stray light or flare, ensuring high-quality imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
A camera module may include 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
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AI summary
According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a camera module and/or an electronic device including the camera module may comprise: a first reflective member including an accommodation groove, which is formed on one surface, and a first optical surface, which is provided in a region provided by the accommodation groove; a second reflective member including a protrusion, which protrudes from one surface and is at least partially accommodated in the accommodation groove, and a second optical surface, which is provided on one surface of the protrusion and faces 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. In an embodiment, the accommodation groove may be configured such that, in a plane parallel to the first optical surface or the second optical surface, the protrusion is allowed to move in a first extension direction and prevented from moving in a second extension direction intersecting the first extension direction. Other embodiments are possible.