Rotating Optical Path Camera Module for Dual-Direction Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules on portable terminals require multiple modules to capture images of subjects in front and rear, which is impractical due to space constraints, leading to difficulties in design and increased size.

Innovation Solution

A camera module with a single lens module, an optical path converting component that rotates to change the direction of light from both sides to the lens, and a light-blocking member that selectively blocks unwanted light paths, allowing for dual-direction image capture using a single optical path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple camera modules are used to capture images from front and rear, then image capture capability from both directions is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A single camera module is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing images from both front and rear directions. The optical path converting component enables the same lens module and image sensor to image subjects located to the front and rear of the portable terminal, eliminating the need for separate camera modules for each direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical path converting component is configured to rotate with respect to the intersection point of the first optical path and the second or third optical paths. This rotational movement dynamically switches the optical path between front-facing and rear-facing modes, allowing a single static camera module to adapt to different imaging directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If a single lens module is used for both front and rear imaging, then device size is reduced, but light path interference and flare increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidflare and resolution impairment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light-blocking member extracts and removes harmful stray light from the optical system. It selectively blocks light incident along the non-active optical path (second or third optical path) while allowing light along the active path to reach the image sensor, thereby preventing flare and resolution impairment caused by unwanted light interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the optical path converting component and the image sensor. It mediates the light paths by selectively blocking stray light from the second and third optical paths while permitting light from the active optical path to pass through to the image sensor, thus preventing harmful light interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If optical path converting component rotates to switch between front and rear modes, then switching speed is improved, but mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speedVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light-blocking member is integrated with the optical path converting component, forming a combined assembly where both elements rotate together as a single unit. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate moving parts and simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining rapid switching capability between front and rear imaging modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables compact design by allowing a single lens module to capture images from both directions, reducing the size of portable terminals and minimizing flare and resolution impairment from non-use light paths, while enabling rapid and accurate switching between front and rear image capture modes.

Implementation Method 1

an optical path converting component configured to reflect or refract light incident on a second optical path and a third optical path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical path converting component configured to reflect or refract light incident on a second optical path and a third optical path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11785320B2Camera module and portable terminal having the same

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a lens module having a first optical path; an optical path converting component configured to reflect or refract light incident on a second optical path and a third optical path, intersecting the first optical path, to the lens module; a light-blocking member connected to the optical path converting component and configured to block light incident along the second optical path or the third optical path.