Rotating Mirror Camera Module for Slim Pan-Tilt Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera technologies face challenges in providing a pan-tilt function in slim-sized electronic devices, as the module rotation scheme requires significant space and can cause image distortion, while the mirror rotation scheme struggles to maintain a slim camera module and corrects for image distortion effectively.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a mirror that rotates in at least one direction along a rotation axis, allowing for a smaller mirror size and image sensor configuration, enabling a multi-camera setup with shared components, and compensating for image distortion through processor-controlled rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a module rotation scheme is used to provide pan-tilt function, then the camera can track subjects by rotating the camera module, but a large mounting space is required since a rotation radius must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical module rotation scheme with an optical mirror rotation scheme. Instead of physically rotating the entire camera module to achieve pan-tilt functionality, a small mirror is rotated to redirect light to the image sensor, thereby achieving the same field-of-view change without requiring large mounting space or rotation radius.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by adding a mirror element that operates in a different spatial dimension than the module rotation. The mirror rotation axis is perpendicular to the module rotation axis, allowing pan-tilt functionality to be achieved through optical redirection rather than mechanical repositioning of the entire module.
2Length of stationary object
If a mirror rotation scheme is used to provide pan-tilt function, then the camera module can be made slimmer, but a rotation space must be secured for the mirror which prevents complete slimness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the mirror rotation mechanism within the existing camera module structure. The mirror is positioned and rotated within the confined space of the module, nesting the rotation mechanism inside rather than adding external rotation space, thereby maintaining a slim profile while enabling pan-tilt functionality.
3Length of stationary object
If only the mirror rotates without rotation of an image sensor in the mirror rotation scheme, then the camera module can be made slimmer, but an image distortion phenomenon occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements image distortion compensation by detecting the mirror rotation angle and applying corresponding correction algorithms to the captured image. The processing unit receives the rotation angle information and automatically adjusts the image geometry to compensate for distortion, maintaining image quality while preserving the slim module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image processing by applying distortion correction algorithms that adjust the image coordinates based on the mirror rotation angle. This parameter transformation compensates for the geometric distortion introduced by mirror rotation without requiring physical sensor rotation.
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 slim camera module with reduced mirror size, prevents image loss, provides hand shaking compensation and gimbal functions, and ensures proper panoramic capture by adjusting the mirror's rotation based on device movement.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror for transferring light incident from the outside to the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to an electronic device and a method of acquiring an image of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a first camera, a second camera which includes an image sensor, a mirror for transferring light incident from the outside to the image sensor, and a driving device capable of rotating the mirror in at least one direction along at least one rotation axis, and which has a view angle smaller than a view angle of the first camera, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to acquire a first image including one or more external objects by using the first camera, select at least some objects of the one or more external objects included in the first image or at least some regions of the first image, and acquire a second image in a state where the mirror is rotated by the driving device such that the view angle of the second camera is moved to a location corresponding to the selected at least some objects or at least some regions. Various other embodiments are also possible.