Rotatable Optical Image Connector for Dual-Direction Mobile Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile phones with dual cameras face mechanical faults due to harsh handling, and existing solutions are not robust enough to handle the demands of both rear and front imaging capabilities without increasing cost and weight.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an image sensor and optical inputs configured to receive images from different directions, utilizing an optical image connector with movable elements like exit pupil expanders and prisms to form digital images, allowing for interchangeable optical paths without obstructing the primary camera, and optionally including optical image stabilizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate front and rear cameras are used, then imaging capability in different directions is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to mechanical faults increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single camera module that can function as both front and rear camera by rotating the optical image connector 130 between two positions. In the first position, the optical connector directs light from the rear optical input to the image sensor for rear camera function. In the second position, it directs light from the front optical input through the first optical module to the image sensor for front camera function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate front and rear camera modules, reducing device complexity while maintaining dual-directional imaging capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate front and rear cameras are used, then imaging capability in different directions is improved, but reliability decreases due to harsh handling
Solution Approach 1:
The single camera module with rotatable optical image connector reduces the number of mechanical components exposed to harsh handling. Instead of two separate camera modules that could both fail independently, the system uses one robust module that performs both front and rear camera functions, improving reliability under harsh conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical image connector is added, then dual-directional imaging is enabled, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the front and rear camera systems into a single integrated camera module by merging the optical paths through the rotatable optical image connector. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate camera modules, reducing overall device weight while maintaining dual-directional imaging capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical image connector is added, then dual-directional imaging is enabled, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges front and rear camera functionalities into a single camera module, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces device cost despite the addition of the optical image connector, as it eliminates the need for two complete camera modules.
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 enables a robust, cost-effective, and lightweight dual-camera system that can handle different imaging directions without the need for expensive or fragile body structures, reducing mechanical faults and enhancing user tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
an optical image connector configured to receive a second optical image from the second optical input and to form a corresponding second optical image on the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The optical image connector may comprise or be formed of an exit pupil expander
Implementation Method 3
The optical image connector may comprise or be formed of one or more optical elements selected from the group of: prisms; mirrors; lenses; Fresnel lenses; and exit pupil expanders
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed in which an optical image connector is moved from a second position to a first position. Light is received from a first direction and accordingly forming of a first optical image on an image sensor is caused using a first optical input. The optical image connector is moved from the first position to the second position. Light is received by the optical image connector from a second optical input. The second optical input is in a direction at least 90 degrees different than the first direction. A second optical image corresponding to the received light is formed on the image sensor by the optical image connector.