Silver Halide Optical Member for Camera Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile cameras face challenges in capturing high-quality images in bright environments due to the constraint of mechanical stop size, which limits light control and results in image saturation.
Innovation Solution
An optical member with a base material layer and a halide layer, where the distribution of silver halide (AgX) increases from the center to the edge, acting as a stop to adjust light incidence and prevent diffraction, allowing for effective light control in a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical stop is used to control light, then light control is achieved, but the camera module size increases due to the thickness of the stop and spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stop system with a photochromic material layer that automatically adjusts light transmission based on ambient light intensity. The photochromic layer undergoes reversible chemical changes when exposed to UV light, transforming from a transparent state to a darker state that blocks excess light, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and reducing overall camera module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the stop by using a photochromic material whose light transmission properties dynamically change in response to UV light exposure. The material's optical density varies with environmental conditions, allowing the system to adapt light control without physical movement or additional spacing, thus miniaturizing the camera module.
2Ease of operation
If the stop and lens are spaced apart to accommodate mechanical stop thickness, then mechanical stop function is maintained, but the camera module becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical stop system entirely and replaces it with a photochromic material layer that can be positioned directly on or near the lens without requiring spacing for mechanical operation. The photochromic layer responds automatically to light intensity changes, maintaining effective light control while minimizing the optical path length and overall camera module dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If electronic shutter control is used, then light control is achieved within controlled ranges, but image saturation occurs in very bright environments beyond control range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photochromic material whose optical transmission parameter dynamically changes in response to UV light exposure. In very bright environments with high UV content, the material automatically darkens to block excess light, extending the effective control range beyond what electronic shutters can achieve alone and preventing image saturation in conditions that would otherwise overwhelm the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the photochromic material as an intermediary layer between the external environment and the image sensor. This intermediary automatically modulates light intensity before it reaches the lens and sensor, providing preliminary light control that complements electronic shutter operation and protects against saturation in extremely bright conditions.
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 optical member effectively controls light transmission based on environmental conditions, preventing image saturation and maintaining lens resolution, enabling high-quality image capture in various lighting conditions while minimizing the camera module's size.
Implementation Method 1
a halide layer which is disposed on the base material layer. In the halide layer, a distribution amount of a silver halide (AgX) is gradually increased from the center of the base material layer toward an edge thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An optical member and a camera module comprising the same are disclosed. The optical member comprises a base material layer and a halide layer which is arranged on the base material layer, and in which the distribution amount of silver halide in the direction toward the edge of the base material layer is equal to or greater than the distribution amount of silver halide in the direction toward the center of the base material layer.