Abstract

Pop-out lens systems for compact digital cameras, comprising an image sensor and a lens with a field of view FOV>60 deg and having i lens elements L1-Li starting with L1 from an object side toward an image side, each lens element Li having a respective focal length fi,, the lens elements divided into two lens groups G1 and G2 separated by a big gap (BG), the lens having a pop-out total track length TTL<20 mm in a pop-out state and a collapsed total track length c-TTL in a collapsed state, wherein BG>0.25×TTL, wherein either G1 can move relative to G2 and to the image sensor for focusing or G1 and G2 can move together relative to the image sensor for focusing, and wherein a ratio c-TTL/TTL<0.7.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

A dual-aperture zoom camera comprising a Wide camera with a respective Wide lens and a Tele camera with a respective Tele lens, the Wide and Tele cameras mounted directly on a single printed circuit board, wherein the Wide and Tele lenses have respective effective focal lengths EFLW and EFLT and respective total track lengths TTLW and TTLT and wherein TTLW/EFLW>1.1 and TTLT/EFLT<1.0. Optionally, the dual-aperture zoom camera may further comprise an optical OIS controller configured to provide a compensation lens movement according to a user-defined zoom factor (ZF) and a camera tilt (CT) through LMV=CT*EFLZF, where EFLZF is a zoom-factor dependent effective focal length.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G02B 1/04 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of organic materials, e.g. plastics
• G02B 5/00 - Optical elements other than lenses
• G02B 9/00 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or –
• G02B 9/12 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having three components only
• G02B 9/60 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having five components only
• G02B 9/62 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having six components only
• G02B 9/64 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having more than six components
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 13/18 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below with lenses having one or more non-spherical faces, e.g. for reducing geometrical aberration
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
• H04N 23/16 - Optical arrangements associated therewith, e.g. for beam-splitting or for colour correction
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 101/00 - Still video cameras

Abstract

F-FOVZ-FOVZ-FOVF-FOVZ-FOVF-FOVF-FOV/SD.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects

Abstract

Actuators for carrying and actuating a lens having a first optical axis, the lens receiving light folded from a second optical axis substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis, comprising first and second VCM engines coupled to the lens and first and second linear ball-guided rails operative to create movement of the lens in two substantially orthogonal directions upon actuation by respective VCM engines.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Lens assemblies comprising, from an object side to an image side, a positive first lens element L1 with a first optical axis and a first lens width W1, a light folding element, a negative second lens element L2 and a plurality of additional lens elements L3-LN with a common second optical axis, and an image sensor having a sensor diagonal length (SDL), wherein the light folding element is configured to fold light from the first optical axis to the second optical axis, wherein the folded lens has an optical height OH, wherein SDL/OH>0.7 and wherein OH/W1<1.1.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 9/60 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having five components only
• G02B 17/08 - Catadioptric systems
• G03B 13/32 - Means for focusing
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera

Abstract

Dual-aperture digital cameras with auto-focus (AF) and related methods for obtaining a focused and, optionally optically stabilized color image of an object or scene. A dual-aperture camera includes a first sub-camera having a first optics bloc and a color image sensor for providing a color image, a second sub-camera having a second optics bloc and a clear image sensor for providing a luminance image, the first and second sub-cameras having substantially the same field of view, an AF mechanism coupled mechanically at least to the first optics bloc, and a camera controller coupled to the AF mechanism and to the two image sensors and configured to control the AF mechanism, to calculate a scaling difference and a sharpness difference between the color and luminance images, the scaling and sharpness differences being due to the AF mechanism, and to process the color and luminance images into a fused color image using the calculated differences.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• G02B 7/36 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals using image sharpness techniques
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 5/33 - Transforming infrared radiation
• H04N 9/64 - Circuits for processing colour signals
• H04N 23/13 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths with multiple sensors
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/84 - Camera processing pipelinesComponents thereof for processing colour signals
• H04N 23/951 - Computational photography systems, e.g. light-field imaging systems by using two or more images to influence resolution, frame rate or aspect ratio
• H04N 25/13 - Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements
• H04N 25/133 - Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements including elements passing panchromatic light, e.g. filters passing white light

Abstract

T, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens for focusing along a third axis, and wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the third axis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 26/10 - Scanning systems
• G03B 13/36 - Autofocus systems
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils

Abstract

Cameras with OIS capable of performing multi zoom super macro photography and handheld electronic devices comprising such cameras. A camera may include a lens comprising N lens elements L1-LN divided into two or more lens groups arranged along a lens optical axis starting with L1 on an object side and ending with LN on an image side, adjacent lens groups separated by a respective air-gap d1 along the lens optical axis; an image sensor with a sensor diagonal SD between 7 and 20 mm separated from lens element LN by an air-gap d2 along the lens optical axis; and an actuator for controlling air-gaps d1 and d2 to switch the camera between M≥1 operative pop-out states and a collapsed state and to focus the camera on an object at an object-lens distance of less than 30 cm.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/04 - Bodies collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• G03B 5/02 - Lateral adjustment of lens
• G03B 13/36 - Autofocus systems
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations

Abstract

Systems and methods for obtaining a seamless, smooth transition between a Wide field of view (FOV) camera and a scanning Tele camera by correcting prism aberrations, matching Tele and Wide FOVs, localizing the associated Tele FOV. and zooming a Wide frame towards the localized Tele FOV.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/268 - Signal distribution or switching
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/63 - Control of cameras or camera modules by using electronic viewfinders
• H04N 23/667 - Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high and low resolution modes
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/80 - Camera processing pipelinesComponents thereof

Abstract

Compact folded camera modules having auto-focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) capabilities and multi-aperture cameras including such modules. In an embodiment, a folded camera module includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding light from a first optical path with a first optical axis to a second optical path with a second optical axis perpendicular to the first optical axis, an image sensor and a lens module carrying a lens with a symmetry axis parallel to the second optical axis. The lens module can be actuated to move in first and second orthogonal directions in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis, the movement in the first direction being for auto-focus and the movement in the second direction being for OIS. The OPFE can be actuated to tilt for OIS.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G02B 7/08 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted to co-operate with a remote control mechanism
• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/16 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below for use in conjunction with image converters or intensifiers
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light

Abstract

Voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating an optical path folding element (OPFE) over an extended scanning range relative to a scanning/rotation range needed for optical image stabilization (OIS).

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations

Abstract

Systems and methods for correcting point of view (POV) aberrations in scanning folded cameras and multi-cameras including such scanning folded cameras. In a Tele folded camera that includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) and an image sensor, the OPFE is tilted in one or two directions to direct the Tele folded camera towards a POV of a scene, a Tele image or a stream of Tele images is captured from the POV, the Tele image having POV aberrations and the POV aberrations are digitally corrected to obtain an aberration-corrected image or stream of images.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• G02B 7/18 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G03B 5/00 - Adjustment of optical system relative to image or object surface other than for focusing of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• G06T 3/40 - Scaling of whole images or parts thereof, e.g. expanding or contracting
• G06T 5/80 - Geometric correction
• G06T 7/80 - Analysis of captured images to determine intrinsic or extrinsic camera parameters, i.e. camera calibration
• H04N 17/00 - Diagnosis, testing or measuring for television systems or their details
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/81 - Camera processing pipelinesComponents thereof for suppressing or minimising disturbance in the image signal generation

Abstract

Folded Tele camera (FTC) systems, comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having an active PCB area; a folded Tele camera module comprising an image sensor, a lens having an optical axis perpendicular to a height axis and at least one lens motion axis, and an optical path folding element (OPFE); and a lens actuator, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens along the at least one lens motion axis, and wherein an area occupied by the lens actuator overlaps along the height axis with an active PCB area to achieve a large active PCB area.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04M 1/02 - Constructional features of telephone sets
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices

Abstract

Actuators for rotating an optical-path-folding-element with two, first and second, degrees of freedom in an extended rotation range around two respective rotation axes, folded cameras including such actuators and dual-cameras including a folded camera as above together with an upright camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
• G01P 13/00 - Indicating or recording presence or absence of movementIndicating or recording of direction of movement
• G02B 7/18 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors
• G02B 7/182 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors for mirrors
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H01F 7/02 - Permanent magnets
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a camera module for use in a portable electronic device. The camera module comprises a shiftable lens barrel comprising an objective assembly holding coaxially one or more lens elements defining an optical axis. The camera module has a retractable cover window. The lens barrel has an operative state and a collapsed state and the cover window has a corresponding extended and retracted position. The camera further comprises an actuator including a driving motor; a pop-out assembly actuatable by the actuator. The pop-out assembly includes a driving cam configured to be driven rotationally by the actuator, a carrier configured to receive the lens barrel and an image sensor configured to image a field of view of the objective assembly when the lens barrel is in the operative state.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G03B 17/04 - Bodies collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type
• H04N 23/52 - Elements optimising image sensor operation, e.g. for electromagnetic interference [EMI] protection or temperature control by heat transfer or cooling elements
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals

Abstract

Scanning Tele cameras (STCs) based on two optical path folding element (OPFE) field-of-view scanning and mobile devices including such STCs. A STC may comprise a first OPFE (O-OPFE) for folding a first optical path OP1 to a second optical path OP2, an O-OPFE actuator, a second OPFE (I-OPFE) for folding OP2 to a third optical path OP3, an I-OPFE actuator, a lens, a lens actuator and an image sensor, wherein the STC has a STC native field-of-view (n-FOVT), wherein the O-OPFE actuator is configured to rotate the O-OPFE around a first axis and the I-OPFE actuator rotates the I-OPFE around a second axis for scanning a scene with the n-FOVT, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens for focusing along a third axis, and wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the third axis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 37/02 - Panoramic or wide-screen photographyPhotographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveyingPhotographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe with scanning movement of lens or camera
• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
• G02B 26/10 - Scanning systems
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Folded digital cameras comprising a lens system with a lens and an image sensor, the lens having N≥6 lens elements Li, an effective focal length (EFL) and a total track length (TTL), wherein each lens element has a respective focal length fi and wherein a first lens element L1 faces an object side, and an optical path folding element (OPFE) for providing a folded optical path between an object and the lens. In some embodiments, the lens system has a focusing range that covers object-lens distances from infinity to a minimal object distance (MIOD), wherein MIOD/EFL is smaller than 20 or even 7. In some embodiments, the ratio of a maximal chief ray angle to a field of view of the folded camera Max CRA/FOV is smaller than 0.25 or even 0.15 when the camera is focused at infinity.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below

Abstract

Mobile handheld electronic devices such as smartphones, comprising a Wide camera for capturing Wide images with respective Wide fields of view (FOVW), a Tele camera for capturing Tele images with respective Tele fields of view (FOVT) smaller than FOVW, and a processor configured to stitch a plurality of Wide images into a panorama image with a field of view FOVP>FOVW and to pin a Tele image to a given location within the panorama image to obtain a smart panorama image.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/611 - Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
• G06T 7/20 - Analysis of motion
• G06V 40/18 - Eye characteristics, e.g. of the iris
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Abstract

A dual-aperture zoom digital camera operable in both still and video modes. The camera includes Wide and Tele imaging sections with respective lens/sensor combinations and image signal processors and a camera controller operatively coupled to the Wide and Tele imaging sections. The Wide and Tele imaging sections provide respective image data. The controller is configured to combine in still mode at least some of the Wide and Tele image data to provide a fused output image from a particular point of view, and to provide without fusion continuous zoom video mode output images, each output image having a given output resolution, wherein the video mode output images are provided with a smooth transition when switching between a lower zoom factor (ZF) value and a higher ZF value or vice versa, and wherein at the lower ZF the output resolution is determined by the Wide sensor while at the higher ZF value the output resolution is determined by the Tele sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
• H04N 23/00 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• H04N 23/667 - Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high and low resolution modes
• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• H04N 23/951 - Computational photography systems, e.g. light-field imaging systems by using two or more images to influence resolution, frame rate or aspect ratio

Abstract

Digital cameras comprising a lens assembly comprising N lens elements L1-LN starting with L1 on an object side, wherein N is ≥4, an image sensor having a sensor diagonal SD, and a pop-out mechanism that controls a largest air-gap d between two consecutive lens elements within lens elements L1 and LN to bring the camera to an operative pop-out state and a collapsed state, wherein the lens assembly has a total track length TTL in the operative pop-out state and a collapsed total track length cTTL in the collapsed state, wherein SD is in the range of 7-20 mm and wherein cTTL/SD<0.6.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/04 - Bodies collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type
• G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 13/06 - Panoramic objectivesSo-called "sky lenses"
• G03B 17/12 - Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices

Abstract

Mobile devices comprising a display, a short wave infrared (SWIR) illuminator configured and operational to illuminate a scene with light of at least two SWIR wavelength bands (SWIR- WBs), a SWIR under-display-camera (UDC) configured and operational to capture SWIR images in the at least two SWIR-WBs and to capture at least one SWIR image of a user, and an application processor configured to analyse the at least one SWIR image to identify an owner of the mobile device, to perform human skin detection and to unlock the mobile device if the owner is identified and if human skin is detected.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/32 - User authentication using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• G06V 10/143 - Sensing or illuminating at different wavelengths
• G06V 10/10 - Image acquisition
• G06V 40/16 - Human faces, e.g. facial parts, sketches or expressions
• G06V 40/19 - Sensors therefor
• G06V 40/40 - Spoof detection, e.g. liveness detection
• H04N 5/33 - Transforming infrared radiation
• H04N 23/11 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths for generating image signals from visible and infrared light wavelengths
• H04N 23/56 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof provided with illuminating means

Abstract

Mobile devices comprising a privacy camera configured and operational to capture privacy-preserving image data of a scene, wherein the privacy camera is a pop-out camera or a regular camera covered with an optical element or a coded aperture mask, wherein the mobile device is configured to transfer the captured privacy-preserving image data to a communication network, and wherein the privacy of a person present in the scene is not violated by transferring the privacy-preserving image data to the communication network. In some examples, the communication network is the Internet.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
• G02B 7/00 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
• G03B 17/04 - Bodies collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04M 1/02 - Constructional features of telephone sets
• H04N 23/50 - Constructional details
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming

Abstract

Folded cameras with a total track length (TTL), f numbers smaller than 1.2 and large fields of view, e.g. of at least 60 degrees. Such folded cameras may comprise a lens with N≥7 lens elements, an image sensor and an optical path folding element for providing a folded optical path between an object and the lens, wherein an aperture stop of the lens is located closer to a first surface of the first lens element facing the object than a distance d that fulfills d/TTL=0.2.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 9/64 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having more than six components

Abstract

Tmin.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• G03B 3/10 - Power-operated focusing
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Folded cameras comprising a movable lens having a lens optical axis and positioned in an optical path between an optical path folding element (OPFE) and an image sensor, wherein the OPFE folds light from a first direction to a second direction, the second direction being substantially along the lens optical axis, and an actuator for controlled lens movement, the actuator including or being attached to a shield partially surrounding the lens, the shield having an opening positioned and dimensioned to enable installation of the lens into the shield from an insertion direction substantially parallel to the first direction. A folded camera disclosed herein may be included together with an upright camera in a dual-camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/04 - Bodies collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G03B 3/02 - Focusing arrangements of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers moving lens along baseboard

Abstract

1/EFL<0.95.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 9/64 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having more than six components

Abstract

Rotation mechanisms for rotating a payload in two, first and second degrees of freedom (DOF), comprising a static base, a first rotation arm coupled mechanically to the static base through a first rotation joint and used for rotating the payload relative to the static base around a first rotation axis that passes through the first rotation joint, a second rotation arm coupled mechanically to the static base through a second rotation joint and used for rotating the payload relative to the static base around a second rotation axis that passes through the second rotation joint, and a follower member rigidly coupled to the payload and arranged to keep a constant distance from the second rotation arm, wherein the rotation of the first arm rotates the payload around the first DOF and the rotation of the second arm rotate the payload around the second DOF.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16M 11/12 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
• F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
• F16M 11/06 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
• F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• F16M 11/20 - Undercarriages with or without wheels
• G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
• G02B 7/18 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors
• G03B 17/56 - Accessories
• G12B 5/00 - Adjusting position or attitude, e.g. level, of instruments or other apparatus, or of parts thereofCompensating for the effects of tilting or acceleration, e.g. for optical apparatus

Abstract

Actuators for actuating a lens in a folded camera, folded cameras including such actuators and dual-cameras including such folded cameras. The actuators actuate a lens having a lens optical axis for auto-focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) and comprise a stationary sub-assembly that includes an OIS coil having an OIS coil plane and an AF coil having an AF coil plane, and a lens actuating sub-assembly movable relative to the stationary sub-assembly with a lens holder holding the lens, wherein the OIS coil plane is perpendicular to the AF coil plane and wherein the lens optical axis lies between the OIS coil plane and the AF coil plane. Some actuators have a design using VCM actuation and a reduced height due to top and/or bottom openings in actuator envelopes.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G03B 13/36 - Autofocus systems
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices

Abstract

A dual-aperture zoom digital camera operable in both still and video modes. The camera includes Wide and Tele imaging sections with respective lens/sensor combinations and image signal processors and a camera controller operatively coupled to the Wide and Tele imaging sections. The Wide and Tele imaging sections provide respective image data. The controller is configured to output, in a zoom-in operation between a lower zoom factor (ZF) value and a higher ZF value, a zoom video output image that includes only Wide image data or only Tele image data, depending on whether a no-switching criterion is fulfilled or not.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/62 - Control of parameters via user interfaces
• H04N 23/667 - Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high and low resolution modes

Abstract

In some embodiments there are disclosed folded camera modules comprising a lens with 6 lens elements divided into two lens groups G1 and G2 and an effective focal length EFL, an object side-optical path folding element O-OPFE, an image side-optical path folding element I-OPFE and an image sensor, wherein GI is located at an object side of the O-OPFE and G2 is located at an image side of the O-OPFE, wherein 8 mm0.9. In some embodiments, there are disclosed folded camera modules comprising a lens with N=4 lens elements having a lens thickness TLens and a total track length TTL, an I-OPFE and an O-OPFE, wherein the EFL is in the range of 8 mm

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length

Abstract

Folded cameras and dual folded-upright cameras that reduce a mobile electronic device and specifically a smartphone bump footprint and height. In some examples, the bump footprint is reduced by reducing the height of a back focal plane section of the folded camera. In some examples, the bump footprint is reduced by reducing the height of a back focal plane section and a lens subsection of the folded camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• G03B 15/03 - Combinations of cameras with lighting apparatusFlash units
• H04M 1/02 - Constructional features of telephone sets

Abstract

MIN>1.5.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera

Abstract

Systems comprising a Wide/Ultra-Wide camera, a folded Tele camera comprising an optical path folding element and a Tele lens module, a lens actuator for moving the Tele lens module for focusing to object-lens distances between 3.0 cm and 35 cm with an object-to-image magnification between 1:5 and 25:1, and an application processor (AP), wherein the AP is configured to analyze image data from the UW camera to define a Tele capture strategy for a sequence of Macro images with a focal plane slightly shifted from one captured Macro image to another and to generate a new Macro image from this sequence, and wherein the focal plane and a depth of field of the new Macro image can be controlled continuously.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/12 - Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets
• G03B 5/00 - Adjustment of optical system relative to image or object surface other than for focusing of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/695 - Control of camera direction for changing a field of view, e.g. pan, tilt or based on tracking of objects
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Abstract

Mobile electronic devices comprising a first camera with a first field of view FOV1, a second, Macro camera with a Macro field of view FOVM smaller than FOV1, and a device screen that includes a first screen section configured to display first image data from the first camera and a second screen section configured to display second image data from the Macro camera when both cameras are focused to a distance equal to or smaller than 30 cm.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 13/02 - Viewfinders
• G03B 37/04 - Panoramic or wide-screen photographyPhotographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveyingPhotographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe with cameras or projectors providing touching or overlapping fields of view
• G06V 10/147 - Details of sensors, e.g. sensor lenses
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/63 - Control of cameras or camera modules by using electronic viewfinders
• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter includes a mobile electronic comprising an integrated camera, comprising a Wide camera unit comprising a Wide lens unit, and a Telephoto camera unit comprising a telephoto lens unit, the telephoto lens unit and the wide lens unit having respectively TTL/EFL ratios smaller and larger than 1 and defining separate telephoto and wide optical paths.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
• G02B 9/60 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having five components only
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 13/06 - Panoramic objectivesSo-called "sky lenses"
• G03B 17/00 - Details of cameras or camera bodiesAccessories therefor
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/50 - Constructional details
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• G02B 1/04 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of organic materials, e.g. plastics

Abstract

MAX by moving G1 and G3 together relative to the image sensor and by moving G2 and G4 together relative to the image sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 7/10 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming

Abstract

Actuators for rotating or tilting an optical element, for example an optical path folding element, comprising a voice coil motor (VCM) and a curved ball-guided mechanism operative to create a rotation or tilt movement of the optical element around a rotation axis upon actuation by the VCM. In some embodiments, an actuator includes two, first and second VCMs, and two curved ball-guided mechanisms operative to create rotation or tilt around respective first and second rotation axes.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 7/00 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
• G02B 7/18 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors
• G02B 7/182 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors for mirrors
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• H02K 41/035 - DC motorsUnipolar motors
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming

Abstract

Actuators for carrying and actuating a lens having a first optical axis, the lens receiving light folded from a second optical axis substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis, comprising first and second VCM engines coupled to the lens and first and second linear ball-guided rails operative to create movement of the lens in two substantially orthogonal directions upon actuation by respective VCM engines.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Zoom digital cameras comprising a Wide sub-camera and a folded fixed Tele sub-camera. The folded Tele sub-camera may be auto-focused by moving either its lens or a reflecting element inserted in an optical path between its lens and a respective image sensor. The folded Tele sub-camera is configured to have a low profile to enable its integration within a portable electronic device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 7/10 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 13/04 - Reversed telephoto objectives
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Abstract

MMMMinMinMinMMINMinMinMM ≤ 0.25.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below

Abstract

MAX by moving the G2 carrier relative to the G13 carrier and by moving the G13 carrier relative to the image sensor, and wherein an effective focal length (EFL) is 7.5 mm

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/12 - Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming

Abstract

Indirect time-of-flight (i-ToF) image sensor pixels, i-ToF image sensors including such pixels, stereo cameras including such image sensors, and sensing methods to obtain i-ToF detection and phase detection information using such image sensors and stereo cameras. An i-ToF image sensor pixel may comprise a plurality of sub-pixels, each sub-pixel including a photodiode, a single microlens covering the plurality of sub-pixels and a read-out circuit for extracting i-ToF phase signals of each sub-pixel individually.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 25/705 - Pixels for depth measurement, e.g. RGBZ
• G06T 7/593 - Depth or shape recovery from multiple images from stereo images
• H04N 13/207 - Image signal generators using stereoscopic image cameras using a single 2D image sensor
• H04N 13/271 - Image signal generators wherein the generated image signals comprise depth maps or disparity maps
• H04N 25/75 - Circuitry for providing, modifying or processing image signals from the pixel array

Abstract

Mobile devices comprising a first camera having a first camera field-of-view (FOV1) and including a first image sensor configured to operate a first segment of the first image sensor in a full resolution-mode for capturing full resolution image data and to operate a second segment of the first image sensor in a binning resolution mode for capturing binning resolution image data and a processor for analyzing image data of the first camera to select a region of interest (ROI) in a scene and for configuring the first image sensor so that the selected ROI is captured in full resolution. In some examples, a mobile device further comprises a second camera having a second FOV (FOV2) and including a second image sensor configured to capture FOV2, wherein the analysis of image data to select a ROI is performed by analysing image data of the second camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• G06V 10/25 - Determination of region of interest [ROI] or a volume of interest [VOI]
• G06V 40/16 - Human faces, e.g. facial parts, sketches or expressions
• H04N 23/611 - Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
• H04N 23/63 - Control of cameras or camera modules by using electronic viewfinders
• H04N 23/667 - Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high and low resolution modes
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
• H04N 25/443 - Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled by partially reading an SSIS array by reading pixels from selected 2D regions of the array, e.g. for windowing or digital zooming
• H04N 25/46 - Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled by combining or binning pixels

Abstract

Dual-aperture digital cameras with auto-focus (AF) and related methods for obtaining a focused and, optionally optically stabilized color image of an object or scene. A dual-aperture camera includes a first sub-camera having a first optics bloc and a color image sensor for providing a color image, a second sub-camera having a second optics bloc and a clear image sensor for providing a luminance image, the first and second sub-cameras having substantially the same field of view, an AF mechanism coupled mechanically at least to the first optics bloc, and a camera controller coupled to the AF mechanism and to the two image sensors and configured to control the AF mechanism, to calculate a scaling difference and a sharpness difference between the color and luminance images, the scaling and sharpness differences being due to the AF mechanism, and to process the color and luminance images into a fused color image using the calculated differences.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• G02B 7/36 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals using image sharpness techniques
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 5/33 - Transforming infrared radiation
• H04N 9/64 - Circuits for processing colour signals
• H04N 23/13 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths with multiple sensors
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/84 - Camera processing pipelinesComponents thereof for processing colour signals
• H04N 23/951 - Computational photography systems, e.g. light-field imaging systems by using two or more images to influence resolution, frame rate or aspect ratio
• H04N 25/13 - Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements
• H04N 25/133 - Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements including elements passing panchromatic light, e.g. filters passing white light

Abstract

12 122; using the SCP camera to capture a SCP image of a user; analysing the captured SCP image to determine whether the user is the owner of the mobile device; and if the user is identified as the owner, unlocking the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/32 - User authentication using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• H04W 12/06 - Authentication
• G02B 5/20 - Filters
• G02B 5/30 - Polarising elements
• H04N 23/00 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof
• G02B 1/00 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements

Abstract

Position sensing units (PSUs) that include one or more magnets having one or more respective magnetic polarizations (MPs) and respective dead zones (DZ) between two MPs, and a magnetic flux measuring device (MFMD), the MFMD configured to measure a magnetic flux B, wherein the one or more magnets are operational to move relatively to the MFMD along a first direction within a linear range L that fulfils 1mm ≤ L ≤ 25mm, wherein the MFMD is positioned at a distance D away from the one or more magnets the magnet along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the DZ forms an angle α with an axis parallel to a third direction perpendicular to the first and the second direction, and wherein α = 10 - 80 degrees.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
• G03B 5/00 - Adjustment of optical system relative to image or object surface other than for focusing of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers

Abstract

Actuators for rotating an optical-path-folding-element with two, first and second, degrees of freedom in an extended rotation range around two respective rotation axes, folded cameras including such actuators and dual-cameras including a folded camera as above together with an upright camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
• G01P 13/00 - Indicating or recording presence or absence of movementIndicating or recording of direction of movement
• G02B 7/18 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors
• G02B 7/182 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors for mirrors
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H01F 7/02 - Permanent magnets
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Systems comprising a folded camera that includes a lens module with a native aperture, the lens module having a height HM, an adaptive aperture located between the native aperture and an optical path folding element, and an adaptive aperture forming mechanism for forming the adaptive aperture, wherein the adaptive aperture forming mechanism has a height HAA not larger than HM, and methods of using same. In various embodiments, the adaptive aperture forming mechanism includes an actuator and at least one pair of blades operative to be moved by the actuator to a plurality of positions to form the adaptive aperture.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Position sensing units, comprising a magnetic assembly (MA) having a width W measured along a first direction and a height H measured along a second direction and including at least three magnets having respective magnetic polarizations that define along the first direction at least a left MA domain, a middle MA domain and a right MA domain, wherein the magnetic polarizations of each MA domain are different, and a magnetic flux measuring device (MFMD) for measuring a magnetic flux B, wherein the MA moves relative to the MFMD along the first direction within a stroke L that fulfils 1 mm≤L≤100 mm, stroke L beginning at a first point x0 and ending at a final point xmax, and wherein a minimum value Dmin of an orthogonal distance D, measured along the second direction between a particular MA domain and the MFMD, fulfills L/Dmin>10.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage

Abstract

Systems comprising a Wide/Ultra-Wide camera, a folded Tele camera comprising an optical path folding element and a Tele lens module, a lens actuator for moving the Tele lens module for focusing to object-lens distances between 3.0 cm and 35 cm with an object-to-image magnification between 1:5 and 25:1, and an application processor (AP), wherein the AP is configured to analyze image data from the UW camera to define a Tele capture strategy for a sequence of Macro images with a focus plane slightly shifted from one captured Macro image to another and to generate a new Macro image from this sequence, and wherein the focus plane and a depth of field of the new Macro image can be controlled continuously.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• G02B 3/14 - Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length
• G03B 13/36 - Autofocus systems
• G06T 7/50 - Depth or shape recovery
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture

Abstract

A Tele folded camera operative to compensate for an undesired rotational motion of a handheld electronic device that includes such a camera, wherein the compensation depends on the undesired rotational motion and on a point of view of the Tele folded camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 13/246 - Calibration of cameras
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• H04N 23/61 - Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture

Abstract

Mobile handheld electronic devices such as smartphones, comprising a Wide camera for capturing Wide images with respective Wide fields of view (FOVW), a Tele camera for capturing Tele images with respective Tele fields of view (FOVT) smaller than FOVW, and a processor configured to stitch a plurality of Wide images into a panorama image with a field of view FOVP>FOVW and to pin a Tele image to a given location within the panorama image to obtain a smart panorama image.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/611 - Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
• G06T 7/20 - Analysis of motion
• G06V 40/18 - Eye characteristics, e.g. of the iris
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Abstract

2 to switch the camera between M≥1 operative pop-out states and a collapsed state and to focus the camera on an object at an object-lens distance of less than 30 cm.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/04 - Bodies collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• G03B 5/02 - Lateral adjustment of lens
• G03B 13/36 - Autofocus systems
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations

Abstract

An optical lens assembly includes five lens elements and provides a TTL/EFL<1.0. In an embodiment, the focal length of the first lens element f1

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 1/04 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of organic materials, e.g. plastics
• G02B 9/60 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having five components only
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G02B 5/00 - Optical elements other than lenses
• G02B 9/00 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or –
• H04N 101/00 - Still video cameras

Abstract

Actuators for providing an extended two-degree of freedom rotation range to an optical path folding element (OPFE) such as a prism or mirror in mobile devices such as smartphones, comprising a yaw sub-assembly having a yaw rotation axis, a pitch sub-assembly carrying the OPFE, the pitch sub-assembly including a pivot rotation mechanism and having a pitch rotation axis; and a stationary sub-assembly, wherein the actuator is operative to rotate the OPFE in two rotation directions, a first rotation for yaw around the yaw rotation axis and a second rotation for pitch around the pitch rotation axis, and wherein the rotation for pitch includes rotation using the pivot rotation mechanism.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• G02B 7/18 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors
• G02B 7/182 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors for mirrors
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles

Abstract

Folded digital cameras for use in mobile devices such as smartphones and comprising a lens with N ≥ 4 lens elements, an effective focal length (EFL) and a f-number f/#, an optical path folding elements (OPFE), and an image sensor with a sensor diagonal SD. Some of the lenses may be metalenses or include metalens elements. In some cameras, the lens is located at an object side of the OPFE, 8mm0.4, and f/# < 2.75. In some cameras in which M ≥ 1 of the lens elements are metalens elements and O = N - M of the lens elements are refractive lenses, 8mm0.3.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• G02B 9/34 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having four components only

Abstract

i, the lens elements divided into two lens groups G1 and G2 separated by a big gap (BG), the lens having a pop-out total track length TTL<20 mm in a pop-out state and a collapsed total track length c-TTL in a collapsed state, wherein BG>0.25×TTL, wherein either G1 can move relative to G2 and to the image sensor for focusing or G1 and G2 can move together relative to the image sensor for focusing, and wherein a ratio c-TTL/TTL<0.7.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

MAX by moving the G2 carrier relative to the G13 carrier and by moving the G13 carrier relative to the image sensor, and wherein an effective focal length (EFL) is 7.5 mm

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/12 - Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming

Abstract

Passive pop-out cameras for incorporation in foldable mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, lens systems for such cameras, and pop-out actuators, in some examples passive and in some examples based on shape memory alloys, for actuating the lens systems and other components in such cameras.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
• G02B 13/06 - Panoramic objectivesSo-called "sky lenses"
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below

Abstract

1 faces an object side, and an optical path folding element (OPFE) for providing a folded optical path between an object and the lens. In some embodiments, the lens system has a focusing range that covers object-lens distances from infinity to a minimal object distance (MIOD), wherein MIOD/EFL is smaller than 20 or even 7. In some embodiments, the ratio of a maximal chief ray angle to a field of view of the folded camera Max CRA/FOV is smaller than 0.25 or even 0.15 when the camera is focused at infinity.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below

Abstract

A folded-camera module for a mobile device. The folded-camera module includes a lens having an effective focal length in the range of 8mm to 50mm and having a f/# lesser than 3.5. The lens is comprising a first lens group (G1l) and a second lens group (G2). The folded-camera module includes an optical path folding element (OPFE). The first lens group is positioned at an object side of the OPFE, and the second lens group is positioned at an image side of the OPFE. The folded-camera module is further configured for spatially adjusting at least one of the first lens group, the second lens group, and the OPFE, so as to compensate for an optical path shift of light entering into the folded camera module due to movements of the camera module, thereby providing optical image stabilization.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• G02B 7/04 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
• G03B 17/12 - Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils

Abstract

Folded digital cameras, comprising a lens with N≥3 lens elements Li and having an EFL, an aperture diameter DA, a f-number f/#, a TTL, and a BFL, wherein each lens element has a respective focal length fi and wherein a first lens element L1 faces an object side and a last lens element LN faces an image side; an image sensor having a sensor diagonal (SD); and an optical path folding element (OPI-B) for providing a folded optical path between an object and the image sensor, wherein the lens is located at an object side of the OPFE, wherein the EFL is in the range of 8 mm0.75.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 9/34 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having four components only

Abstract

Scanning Tele cameras (STCs) based on two optical path folding element (OPFE) field-of-view scanning and mobile devices including such STCs. A STC may comprise a first OPFE (O-OPFE) for folding a first optical path OP1 to a second optical path OP2, an O-OPFE actuator, a second OPFE (I-OPFE) for folding OP2 to a third optical path OP3, an I-OPFE actuator, a lens, a lens actuator and an image sensor, wherein the STC has a STC native field-of-view (n-FOVT), wherein the O-OPFE actuator is configured to rotate the O-OPFE around a first axis and the I-OPFE actuator rotates the I-OPFE around a second axis for scanning a scene with the n-FOVT, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens for focusing along a third axis, and wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the third axis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 37/02 - Panoramic or wide-screen photographyPhotographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveyingPhotographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe with scanning movement of lens or camera
• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
• G02B 26/10 - Scanning systems
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

WWUW UWWW TTT <32mm, and a collapsed lens state with a c-TTL < 20mm, wherein 7.5mm < SD < 30mm, and wherein c-TTL/SD < 1.3

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• G02B 15/22 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective with movable lens means specially adapted for focusing at close distances
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices

Abstract

ZF is a zoom-factor dependent effective focal length.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G02B 1/04 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of organic materials, e.g. plastics
• G02B 9/60 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having five components only
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
• H04N 23/16 - Optical arrangements associated therewith, e.g. for beam-splitting or for colour correction
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• G02B 5/00 - Optical elements other than lenses
• G02B 9/00 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or –
• G02B 9/12 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having three components only
• G02B 9/62 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having six components only
• G02B 9/64 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having more than six components
• G02B 13/18 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below with lenses having one or more non-spherical faces, e.g. for reducing geometrical aberration
• H04N 101/00 - Still video cameras

Abstract

M, and methods of using same. In various embodiments, the adaptive aperture forming mechanism includes an actuator and at least one pair of blades operative to be moved by the actuator to a plurality of positions to form the adaptive aperture.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/335 - Transforming light or analogous information into electric information using solid-state image sensors [SSIS]
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Actuators for rotating an optical-path-folding-element with two, first and second, degrees of freedom in an extended rotation range around two respective rotation axes, folded cameras including such actuators and dual-cameras including a folded camera as above together with an upright camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
• G01P 13/00 - Indicating or recording presence or absence of movementIndicating or recording of direction of movement
• G02B 7/18 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors
• G02B 7/182 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors for mirrors
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H01F 7/02 - Permanent magnets
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

A dual-aperture zoom digital camera operable in both still and video modes. The camera includes Wide and Tele imaging sections with respective lens/sensor combinations and image signal processors and a camera controller operatively coupled to the Wide and Tele imaging sections. The Wide and Tele imaging sections provide respective image data. The controller is configured to combine in still mode at least some of the Wide and Tele image data to provide a fused output image from a particular point of view, and to provide without fusion continuous zoom video mode output images, each output image having a given output resolution, wherein the video mode output images are provided with a smooth transition when switching between a lower zoom factor (ZF) value and a higher ZF value or vice versa, and wherein at the lower ZF the output resolution is determined by the Wide sensor while at the higher ZF value the output resolution is determined by the Tele sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
• H04N 23/00 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• H04N 23/667 - Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high and low resolution modes
• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• H04N 23/951 - Computational photography systems, e.g. light-field imaging systems by using two or more images to influence resolution, frame rate or aspect ratio

Abstract

A zoom camera comprising an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding the light from a first optical path to a second optical path, a first lens having a first optical axis and a first effective focal length EFLL1, the first optical axis being along the second optical path, a collimating lens having a second optical axis, and an image sensor located on the second optical path, wherein the collimating lens is movable between at least a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the collimating lens is positioned in the second optical path between the OPFE and the first lens such that light entering the first lens arrives only from the image side of the collimating lens, and wherein in the second state the collimating lens is positioned outside the first optical path such that light entering the first lens does not arrive from the image side of the collimating lens.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 7/04 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 15/06 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by changing, adding, or subtracting a part of the objective, e.g. convertible objective by changing a part by changing the front part
• G02B 27/30 - Collimators

Abstract

An optical lens assembly includes five lens elements and provides a TTL/EFL<1.0. In an embodiment, the focal length of the first lens element f1

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 1/04 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of organic materials, e.g. plastics
• G02B 9/60 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having five components only
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G02B 5/00 - Optical elements other than lenses
• G02B 9/00 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or –
• H04N 101/00 - Still video cameras

Abstract

Dual-aperture digital cameras with auto-focus (AF) and related methods for obtaining a focused and, optionally optically stabilized color image of an object or scene. A dual-aperture camera includes a first sub-camera having a first optics bloc and a color image sensor for providing a color image, a second sub-camera having a second optics bloc and a clear image sensor for providing a luminance image, the first and second sub-cameras having substantially the same field of view, an AF mechanism coupled mechanically at least to the first optics bloc, and a camera controller coupled to the AF mechanism and to the two image sensors and configured to control the AF mechanism, to calculate a scaling difference and a sharpness difference between the color and luminance images, the scaling and sharpness differences being due to the AF mechanism, and to process the color and luminance images into a fused color image using the calculated differences.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• G02B 7/36 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals using image sharpness techniques
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 5/33 - Transforming infrared radiation
• H04N 9/64 - Circuits for processing colour signals
• H04N 23/13 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths with multiple sensors
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/84 - Camera processing pipelinesComponents thereof for processing colour signals
• H04N 23/951 - Computational photography systems, e.g. light-field imaging systems by using two or more images to influence resolution, frame rate or aspect ratio
• H04N 25/13 - Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements
• H04N 25/133 - Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements including elements passing panchromatic light, e.g. filters passing white light

Abstract

Mobile devices such as smartphones, comprising a first camera having a first field of view F0V1 pointed towards a scene to be photographed, the first camera configured to capture first image data, a second camera having a second field of view F0V2 pointed towards a scene that includes eyes of a user, the second camera configured to capture second image data, and a processor including an object tracker and an eye tracker configured to use the first image data to perform object tracking and to use the second image data to perform gaze estimation, wherein the object tracker is configured to use gaze estimation to perform an action selected from the group consisting of selection of an object in the scene that is to be tracked by the object tracker, verification of a tracked object in the scene and re-identification of a tracked object in the scene.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/611 - Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
• G06V 10/422 - Global feature extraction by analysis of the whole pattern, e.g. using frequency domain transformations or autocorrelation for representing the structure of the pattern or shape of an object therefor
• G02B 27/01 - Head-up displays

Abstract

1222, wherein the analysis of image data to select a ROI is performed by analysing image data of the second camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 25/40 - Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled
• H04N 23/60 - Control of cameras or camera modules
• H04N 25/72 - Charge-coupled device [CCD] sensorsCharge-transfer registers specially adapted for CCD sensors using frame transfer [FT]

Abstract

Folded cameras comprising a movable lens having a lens optical axis and positioned in an optical path between an optical path folding element (OPFE) and an image sensor, wherein the OPFE folds light from a first direction to a second direction, the second direction being substantially along the lens optical axis, and an actuator for controlled lens movement, the actuator including or being attached to a shield partially surrounding the lens, the shield having an opening positioned and dimensioned to enable installation of the lens into the shield from an insertion direction substantially parallel to the first direction. A folded camera disclosed herein may be included together with an upright camera in a dual-camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/04 - Bodies collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G03B 3/02 - Focusing arrangements of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers moving lens along baseboard

Abstract

Pop-out cameras brought to at least an extended operational position and a collapsed position by pop-out mechanisms that include shape-memory alloy (SMA) materials. A camera may comprise a lens including a plurality of lens elements, an image sensor, and a pop-out mechanism configured to control at least one air-gap between the lens elements or between a lens element and the image sensor to bring the camera to an operative pop-out state and to a collapsed state, wherein the pop-out mechanism includes at least one component made from a SMA material.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like

Abstract

Folded cameras and dual folded-upright cameras that reduce a mobile electronic device and specifically a smartphone bump footprint and height. In some examples, the bump footprint is reduced by reducing the height of a back focal plane section of the folded camera. In some examples, the bump footprint is reduced by reducing the height of a back focal plane section and a lens subsection of the folded camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• G02B 17/00 - Systems with reflecting surfaces, with or without refracting elements
• G03B 15/03 - Combinations of cameras with lighting apparatusFlash units
• H04M 1/02 - Constructional features of telephone sets

Abstract

Indirect time-of-flight (i-ToF) image sensor pixels, i-ToF image sensors including such pixels, stereo cameras including such image sensors, and sensing methods to obtain i-ToF detection and phase detection information using such image sensors and stereo cameras. An i-ToF image sensor pixel may comprise a plurality of sub-pixels, each sub-pixel including a photodiode, a single microlens covering the plurality of sub-pixels and a read-out circuit for extracting i-ToF phase signals of each sub-pixel individually.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 25/705 - Pixels for depth measurement, e.g. RGBZ
• G06T 7/593 - Depth or shape recovery from multiple images from stereo images
• H04N 13/207 - Image signal generators using stereoscopic image cameras using a single 2D image sensor
• H04N 13/271 - Image signal generators wherein the generated image signals comprise depth maps or disparity maps
• H04N 25/75 - Circuitry for providing, modifying or processing image signals from the pixel array

Abstract

T, analyzing the R image for defining an order of scanning positions according to which the folded Tele camera scans a scene to capture the plurality of Tele images, aligning the plurality of Tele images and the R image to obtain aligned Tele images, and composing the aligned Tele images into an output image. The output image may include at least parts of the R image and may be one of a stream of output images.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 5/265 - Mixing
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/81 - Camera processing pipelinesComponents thereof for suppressing or minimising disturbance in the image signal generation

Abstract

MIN>1.5.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera

Abstract

Systems having a Wide/Ultra-Wide camera, a folded Tele camera with an optical path folding element and a Tele lens module, a lens actuator for moving the Tele lens module for focusing to object-lens distances between 3.0 cm and 35 cm with an object-to-image magnification between 1:5 and 25:1, and an application processor (AP), wherein the AP is configured to analyze image data from the UW camera to define a Tele capture strategy for a sequence of Macro images with a focal plane slightly shifted from one captured Macro image to another and to generate a new Macro image from this sequence, and wherein the focal plane and a depth of field of the new Macro image can be controlled continuously.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/12 - Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets
• G03B 5/00 - Adjustment of optical system relative to image or object surface other than for focusing of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• G03B 30/00 - Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/695 - Control of camera direction for changing a field of view, e.g. pan, tilt or based on tracking of objects
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Abstract

MAX by moving G1 and G3 together relative to the image sensor and by moving G2 and G4 together relative to the image sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 7/10 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming

Abstract

A dual-aperture zoom digital camera operable in both still and video modes. The camera includes Wide and Tele imaging sections with respective lens/sensor combinations and image signal processors and a camera controller operatively coupled to the Wide and Tele imaging sections. The Wide and Tele imaging sections provide respective image data. The controller is configured to output, in a zoom-in operation between a lower zoom factor (ZF) value and a higher ZF value, a zoom video output image that includes only Wide image data or only Tele image data, depending on whether a no-switching criterion is fulfilled or not.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/62 - Control of parameters via user interfaces
• H04N 23/667 - Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high and low resolution modes

Abstract

Compact folded camera modules having auto-focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) capabilities and multi-aperture cameras including such modules. In an embodiment, a folded camera module includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding light from a first optical path with a first optical axis to a second optical path with a second optical axis perpendicular to the first optical axis, an image sensor and a lens module carrying a lens with a symmetry axis parallel to the second optical axis. The lens module can be actuated to move in first and second orthogonal directions in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis, the movement in the first direction being for auto-focus and the movement in the second direction being for OIS. The OPFE can be actuated to tilt for OIS.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G02B 7/08 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted to co-operate with a remote control mechanism
• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/16 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below for use in conjunction with image converters or intensifiers
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light

Abstract

W and to pin a Tele image to a given location within the panorama image to obtain a smart panorama image.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/611 - Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
• G06T 7/20 - Analysis of motion
• G06V 40/18 - Eye characteristics, e.g. of the iris
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Abstract

1/EFL<0.95.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 9/64 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having more than six components

Abstract

i, the lens elements divided into two lens groups G1 and G2 separated by a big gap (BG), the lens having a pop-out total track length TTL<20 mm in a pop-out state and a collapsed total track length c-TTL in a collapsed state, wherein BG>0.25×TTL, wherein either G1 can move relative to G2 and to the image sensor for focusing or G1 and G2 can move together relative to the image sensor for focusing, and wherein a ratio c-TTL/TTL<0.7.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices

Abstract

Systems comprising a Wide/Ultra-Wide camera, a folded Tele camera comprising an optical path folding element and a Tele lens module, a lens actuator for moving the Tele lens module for focusing to object-lens distances between 3.0 cm and 35 cm with an object-to-image magnification between 1:5 and 25:1, and an application processor (AP), wherein the AP is configured to analyze image data from the UW camera to define a Tele capture strategy for a sequence of Macro images with a focus plane slightly shifted from one captured Macro image to another and to generate a new Macro image from this sequence, and wherein the focus plane and a depth of field of the new Macro image can be controlled continuously.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• G02B 3/14 - Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length
• G03B 13/36 - Autofocus systems
• G06T 7/50 - Depth or shape recovery
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture

Abstract

1 have optical and/or mechanical properties, such as a clear aperture, a clear height and a mechanical height that are larger than respective properties of following lens elements and surfaces. This is done to achieve a camera with large aperture stop, given a lens and/or camera height.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
• G02B 7/08 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted to co-operate with a remote control mechanism
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 27/01 - Head-up displays
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors

Abstract

Tmin.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• G03B 3/10 - Power-operated focusing
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Pop-out cameras having pop-out lens modules that comprise an inner part, an outer part having an outer part diameter dO, a gap between the inner part and outer part having a maximum gap width WG-Max, a moving lens group fixedly coupled to the inner part, the moving lens group including a plurality of N lens elements and having an optical axis, wherein a maximum lens element diameter of all the moving lens elements is DAMax and actuators that include an open spring located in the gap, wherein the open spring is operative to move the inner part relative to the outer part in a first direction parallel to the optical axis to a pop-out state when no external forces are applied, wherein the inner part can move relative to the outer part in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a collapsed state under an external force, wherein do = DAMax + a penalty p, wherein 0.5mm< p <2.5mm, and wherein 3mm < DAMax < 15mm.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 17/04 - Bodies collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type
• G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
• G03B 17/12 - Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets

Abstract

Zoom digital cameras comprising a Wide sub-camera and a folded fixed Tele sub-camera. The folded Tele sub-camera may be auto-focused by moving either its lens or a reflecting element inserted in an optical path between its lens and a respective image sensor. The folded Tele sub-camera is configured to have a low profile to enable its integration within a portable electronic device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
• G02B 7/10 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• G02B 13/04 - Reversed telephoto objectives
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Abstract

Systems and methods for obtaining a seamless, smooth transition between a Wide field of view (FOV) camera and a scanning Tele camera by correcting prism aberrations, matching Tele and Wide FOVs, localizing the associated Tele FOV, and zooming a Wide frame towards the localized Tele FOV.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/268 - Signal distribution or switching
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/63 - Control of cameras or camera modules by using electronic viewfinders
• H04N 23/667 - Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high and low resolution modes
• H04N 23/68 - Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/80 - Camera processing pipelinesComponents thereof

Abstract

Multi-cameras in which two sub-cameras share a camera aperture. In some embodiments, a multi-camera comprises a first sub-camera including a first lens and a first image sensor, the first lens having a first optical axis, a second sub-camera including a second lens and a second image sensor, the second lens having a second optical axis, and an optical element that receives light arriving along a third optical axis into the single camera aperture and splits the light for transmission along the first and second optical axes.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 27/10 - Beam splitting or combining systems
• H04N 23/11 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths for generating image signals from visible and infrared light wavelengths
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Actuators for rotating an optical-path-folding-element with two, first and second, degrees of freedom in an extended rotation range around two respective rotation axes, folded cameras including such actuators and dual-cameras including a folded camera as above together with an upright camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• G01P 13/00 - Indicating or recording presence or absence of movementIndicating or recording of direction of movement
• H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/57 - Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• G02B 7/182 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors for mirrors
• H01F 7/02 - Permanent magnets
• G02B 7/18 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof

Abstract

Camera modules comprising two sub-cameras included in a camera housing and a spin-out actuator. The two sub-cameras are a first sub-camera with first field of view (FOV) FOV1≥180 deg oriented along a camera module optical axis and pointing in a first direction and a second sub-camera having a second FOV, FOV2≥180 deg, the second sub-camera being oriented along the camera module optical axis and pointing in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction. Such a camera module is operational to capture a 360 degree panoramic image or video stream by combining images obtained with the first sub-camera and the second sub-camera, where the spin-out actuator is operational to rotate the camera housing around an axis perpendicular to the camera module optical axis for switching the camera between a stowed position and a spun-out/operational position.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/53 - Constructional details of electronic viewfinders, e.g. rotatable or detachable
• H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils

Abstract

Dual-aperture digital cameras with auto-focus (AF) and related methods for obtaining a focused and, optionally optically stabilized color image of an object or scene. A dual-aperture camera includes a first sub-camera having a first optics bloc and a color image sensor for providing a color image, a second sub-camera having a second optics bloc and a clear image sensor for providing a luminance image, the first and second sub-cameras having substantially the same field of view, an AF mechanism coupled mechanically at least to the first optics bloc, and a camera controller coupled to the AF mechanism and to the two image sensors and configured to control the AF mechanism, to calculate a scaling difference and a sharpness difference between the color and luminance images, the scaling and sharpness differences being due to the AF mechanism, and to process the color and luminance images into a fused color image using the calculated differences.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 23/67 - Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• H04N 23/13 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths with multiple sensors
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/951 - Computational photography systems, e.g. light-field imaging systems by using two or more images to influence resolution, frame rate or aspect ratio
• H04N 25/133 - Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements including elements passing panchromatic light, e.g. filters passing white light
• H04N 25/13 - Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements
• G02B 7/36 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals using image sharpness techniques
• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• H04N 5/262 - Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects
• H04N 5/33 - Transforming infrared radiation
• H04N 9/64 - Circuits for processing colour signals
• H04N 23/84 - Camera processing pipelinesComponents thereof for processing colour signals

Abstract

Digital camera comprising an upright Wide camera configured to provide a Wide image with a Wide image resolution and a folded Tele camera configured to provide a Tele image with a Tele image resolution higher than the Wide image resolution, the Wide and Tele cameras having respective Wide and Tele fields of view FOVW and FOVT and respective Wide and Tele image sensors, the digital camera further comprising a rotating OPFE operative to provide a folded optical path between an object or scene and the Tele image sensor, wherein rotation of the OPFE moves FOVT relative to FOVW. In some embodiments, a rectangular FOVT is orthogonal to a rectangular FOVW. When included in a host device having a user interface that displays FOVT within FOVW, the user interface may be used to position FOVT relative to FOVW, scan FOVT across FOVW and acquire, store and display separate Wide and Tele images, composite Wide plus Tele images and stitched Tele images. The positioning of FOVT within FOVW, can be done automatically (autonomously) by continuously tracking an object of interest.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03B 3/06 - Focusing arrangements of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers adjusting position of image plane without moving lens using movable reflectors to alter length of light-path
• G03B 17/17 - Bodies with reflectors arranged in beam forming the photographic image, e.g. for reducing dimensions of camera
• H04N 3/08 - Scanning details of television systemsCombination thereof with generation of supply voltages by optical-mechanical means only having a moving reflector
• G02B 26/10 - Scanning systems
• H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof
• H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• H04N 23/63 - Control of cameras or camera modules by using electronic viewfinders
• H04N 23/69 - Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
• H04N 23/951 - Computational photography systems, e.g. light-field imaging systems by using two or more images to influence resolution, frame rate or aspect ratio

Abstract

min>10.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage

Abstract

Optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms, comprising a moving frame including a first groove, a static frame including a second groove, an OIS actuator, and first, second and third bearings that define an OIS plane, wherein the first ball bearing is located in a rail formed by the first groove and the second groove, wherein the ball-bearings are positioned between the moving frame and the static frame and allow a first movement and a second movement of the moving frame relative to the static frame, wherein the first movement is a rotational movement performed around a rotation axis that coincides with the position of the first ball bearing and is perpendicular to the OIS plane, and wherein the second movement is a linear movement along the rail.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 27/64 - Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
• G03B 5/02 - Lateral adjustment of lens
• G03B 5/04 - Vertical adjustment of lensRising fronts
• G03B 5/06 - Swinging lens about normal to the optical axis
• H04N 23/687 -

Abstract

Lens/TTL<0.4.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 9/62 - Optical objectives characterised both by the number of the components and their arrangements according to their sign, i.e. + or – having six components only
• G02B 13/00 - Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
• G02B 13/02 - Telephoto objectives, i.e. systems of the type + – in which the distance from the front vertex to the image plane is less than the equivalent focal length
• H04N 23/55 - Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensorsMounting thereof