Compact Optic Design for Digital Image Capture Devices

Abstract

A compact optic design is disclosed in which an image capture device's cover glass (or other transparent material) is imbued with optic power and affixed directly to the device's housing. A lens barrel, in which one or more additional lens elements are mounted, may be aligned with the optical lens formed by the cover glass and an image sensor to provide a complete camera module.

1 . An image capture system, comprising:
 an electronic device having an outer surface;   a first lens member that is a part of the outer surface of the electronic device;   one or more additional lens members in fixed relation to each other and in movable relation with the first lens member, wherein each of the first lens member and the outer surface is stationary in relation to each of the one or more additional lens members; and   a sensor having light sensitive elements on a first surface,
 wherein the one or more additional lens members are positioned between the first surface of the sensor and the first lens member. 
   
     
     
         2 . The image capture system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more additional lens members are mounted in a lens barrel. 
     
     
         3 . The image capture system of  claim 2 , further comprising an infrared cutoff filter (IRCF) juxtaposed between the lens barrel and the sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The image capture system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lens member has a focal length that is greater than an aggregate focal length of the one or more additional lens members. 
     
     
         5 . The image capture system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lens member does not have an aperture stop coincident with, or coupled to, any surface of the first lens member. 
     
     
         6 . The image capture system of  claim 5 , wherein the aperture stop is fixedly attached to an object side surface of a second lens member, the second lens member being one of the one or more additional lens members. 
     
     
         7 . The image capture system of  claim 6 , wherein the object side surface is closest to, and oriented toward, the first lens member. 
     
     
         8 . The image capture system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more additional lens members, the first surface, and the outer surface of the electronic device are substantially parallel. 
     
     
         9 . The image capture system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lens member comprises a support structure into which the first lens member has been insert-molded. 
     
     
         10 . The image capture system of  claim 1 , further comprising a mechanical element configured to prevent any one of the one or more additional lens members from physically contacting the first lens member. 
     
     
         11 . The image capture system of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more additional lens members are mounted in a lens barrel, the lens barrel having a top surface, the top surface of the lens barrel being oriented toward the first lens member, and wherein the mechanical element is affixed to the top surface of the lens barrel. 
     
     
         12 . The image capture system of  claim 1 , comprising one of a mobile telephone, a tablet computer system, a notebook computer system, a personal music player, and a desktop computer system. 
     
     
         13 . The image capture system of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the electronic device is flush with at least a portion of the first lens member. 
     
     
         14 . An image capture system, comprising:
 an electronic device having an outer surface;   a first lens member having a first surface that is a part of the outer surface of the electronic device;   a second lens member mounted in a lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly is in movable relation with the first lens member, wherein each of the first lens member and the outer surface is stationary in relation to the lens assembly;   an aperture stop fixedly attached to an object side surface of the second lens member; and
 a sensor having light sensitive elements on a third surface, wherein the second lens member is positioned between the third surface and the first lens member. 
   
     
     
         15 . The image capture system of  claim 14 , wherein the first lens member has a focal length that is greater than an aggregate focal length of the second lens member and the zero or more additional lens members housed in the lens assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The image capture system of  claim 14 , wherein the outer surface of the electronic device, the second lens member, and third surface are substantially parallel. 
     
     
         17 . The image capture system of  claim 14 , further comprising a mechanical stop configured to prevent any lens member mounted in the lens assembly from physically contacting the first lens member. 
     
     
         18 . The image capture system of  claim 17 , wherein the mechanical stop comprises a component affixed to, or made part of, the lens assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The image capture system of  claim 14 , comprising one of a mobile telephone, a tablet computer system, a notebook computer system, a personal music player, and a desktop computer system. 
     
     
         20 . The image capture system of  claim 14 , wherein the outer surface of the electronic device is flush with at least a portion of the first lens member.