Optical Divider for Multi-Field Camera Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of manufacturing and assembling mobile computing devices with multiple cameras are increased due to the need for separate hardware components for each camera function, making it difficult to accommodate them within the device's housing.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device employs a single image sensor and lens assembly with an optical divider to direct light from multiple outer lenses to distinct capture regions on the sensor, allowing for multiple camera functions without the need for separate camera hardware components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate camera hardware components are used for each camera function, then multiple camera functions can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera functions into a single camera module by using a beam splitter to direct light from different outer lenses to different capture regions on one image sensor. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate camera hardware components while maintaining multiple camera capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera module is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing images from different directions (front, rear, side) simultaneously using the same image sensor and lens assembly, just configured to receive light from multiple outer lenses through the beam splitter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate camera hardware components are used for each camera function, then multiple camera functions can be achieved, but the manufacturing and assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple camera functions into a single module with shared components (one image sensor, one lens assembly, common processing circuitry), the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal camera module design allows a single standardized component to serve multiple camera functions, simplifying the supply chain and reducing per-unit costs through economies of scale in component manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate camera hardware components are used for each camera function, then multiple camera functions can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to accommodate them within the device housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple camera functions into a single compact module that occupies minimal space within the housing. By sharing the image sensor and processing components, the overall volume required is dramatically reduced compared to having separate camera modules for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The design effectively nests multiple optical paths and capture functions within a single camera module structure, allowing front, rear, and side camera functions to be contained within one integrated unit that fits efficiently within the device housing.
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
This solution reduces the quantity of camera-related hardware, simplifying the device's assembly and manufacturing while enabling multiple camera functions, such as forward- and rear-facing capabilities, within the same housing.
Implementation Method 1
an optical divider in the housing interior, the optical divider configured to (i) direct light from the first outer lens along a first optical path, and (ii) direct light from the second outer lens along a second optical path
Implementation Method 2
a lens assembly between the optical divider and the image sensor, the lens assembly configured to (i) focus light received along the first optical path onto the first capture region of the image sensor, and (ii) focus light received along the second optical path onto the second capture region of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device includes: a housing having a plurality of sides defining a housing interior; a first outer lens disposed on a first side of the housing; a second outer lens disposed on a second side of the housing; an image sensor in the housing interior, the image sensor having first and second capture regions; an optical divider in the housing interior, the optical divider configured to (i) direct light from the first outer lens along a first optical path, and (ii) direct light from the second outer lens along a second optical path; and a lens assembly between the optical divider and the image sensor, the lens assembly configured to (i) focus light received along the first optical path onto the first capture region of the image sensor, and (ii) focus light received along the second optical path onto the second capture region of the image sensor.