1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 lllll lllll 111111111111111 11111 1111111111 11111111
`(19)United States
`
`
`(12)Patent Application Publication
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`(10)Pub. No.:
`( 43)Pub. Date: Sep. 4, 2003
`
`Viinikanoja et al.
`
`US 20030164895Al
`
`(54)MOBILE TERMANAL DEVICE HAVING
`CAMERA SYSTEM
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(76)
`Inventors: Jarkko Viinikanoja, Tampere (FI);
`
`
`
`
`
`Jukka Yrjanainen, Ylojarvi (FI)
`
`(51)Int. CI.7 ..................................................... H04N 5/225
`
`348/211.2; 348/340; (52)U.S. Cl. ...................... 348/375;
`
`
`
`348/360
`
`Correspondence Address:
`
`ANTONELLI TERRY STOUT AND KRAUS
`SUITE 1800
`
`1300 NORTH SEVENTEENTH STREET
`
`ARLINGTON, VA 22209
`
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 09/987,849
`
`
`(22)
`
`Filed: Nov. 16, 2001
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention is a camera system which is usable
`
`
`
`
`
`with a mobile terminal. The camera system includes a lens
`
`
`module and at least one mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`properties by interacting with the lens module. The camera
`
`system may be built into the mobile terminal or attached
`
`
`thereto as an external module.
`
`�1
`
`41
`
`Exhibit 1020
`Apple v. Qualcomm
`IPR2018-01279
`
`1
`
`

`

`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`Sep. 4, 2003 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`10
`
`1
`
`;12
`c
`
`14
`
`········►
`
`,t
`
`Fig. 1
`
`2
`
`

`

`of 6 US 2003/0164895
`Al
`Application Publication
`Patent
`Sep. 4, 2003 Sheet 2
`
`000
`000
`
`000
`000
`CillBD)
`
`41
`
`Fig. 2a
`
`Fig. 2b
`
`3
`
`

`

`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`Sep. 4, 2003
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`33
`
`r
`
`Fig. 2c
`
`Fig. 2d
`
`4
`
`

`

`
`
`Sep. 4, 2003 Sheet 4 of 6
`Patent Application Publication
`
`
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`34
`
`70
`
`70
`\
`__ ,,/'-------._
`
`71
`\
`
`Fig. 3a
`(side view)
`
`Fig. 3b
`(back view)
`
`35
`51
`
`52 53
`
`Fig. 4a
`(side view)
`
`Fig. 4b
`(back view)
`
`35
`�
`
`C
`
`5
`
`

`

`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`Sep. 4, 2003 Sheet 5 of 6
`Patent Application Publication
`
`
`
`36
`�
`
`37\
`
`81
`
`( �·· ,·,,
`
`�20
`
`Fig. Sa
`(side view)
`
`36
`60
`
`37 80
`
`Fig. Sb
`(back view)
`
`C'.-c20
`
`Fig. 6a
`(side view)
`
`Fig. 6b
`(back view)
`
`6
`
`

`

`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`Sep. 4, 2003 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`42
`
`\
`\
`
`'
`' \
`
`'
`' \
`
`'
`
`'
`
`' \
`
`'
`
`\ ( ◄--·--'
`
`/_
`
`Fig. 7
`
`7
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`Sep.4,2003
`
`1
`
`SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`optics known from prior stand-alone digital cameras can not
`
`
`
`
`MOBILE TERMANAL DEVICE HAVING CAMERA
`
`
`
`be used for digital cameras built into mobile terminals. Size
`
`
`
`and weight of advanced optics will exceed the restrictions.
`
`
`
`
`Therefore, the digital cameras are equipped with fixed focus
`
`
`
`imaging optics which limits the distance for sharp imaging
`[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
`
`
`
`
`to a imaging distance resulting from the design of the fixed
`
`
`
`
`focus imaging optics. Often the imaging is limited from
`[0002] The present invention relates to a device, method
`
`
`
`
`
`
`about 50 cm to infinity. Moreover the (horizontal as well as
`
`
`
`and system for enhancing optical properties of a camera
`
`
`
`also vertical) field of view is fixed to a pre-defined value.
`
`
`
`
`system of a mobile terminal device. Particularly, the inven­
`
`
`
`tion relates to a device, method and system for enhancing
`
`
`
`optics of a mobile terminal device having a variable camera
`
`
`
`system employing a cover that integrates variable lenses.
`[0009] Nevertheless, the need of enhanced optics for digi­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`tal cameras for mobile terminals, especially mobile phone,
`
`
`
`
`
`enabling taking of pictures at short distances or pictures of
`
`
`
`[0004] The second generation mobile phone systems, such
`
`
`
`
`different fields of view will arise for the user of the camera
`
`
`
`
`as GSM, have significantly increased over the last years. The
`
`
`
`system and will be solved by the present invention.
`
`
`
`
`penetration of mobile phones exceeds 80% in countries with
`[0010] The present invention provides a device, a system
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`advanced wireless markets. The second generation mobile
`
`
`
`and a method to overcome the limitations of a fixed focus
`
`
`
`communication systems are optimized for voice traffic. The
`
`
`
`camera system, especially of camera systems built in mobile
`
`
`
`coming third generation mobile communication system
`phones.
`
`
`
`
`enables not only the intermediate standards of the second
`
`
`
`generation mobile communication system but also the han­
`[0011] The invention provides a mobile terminal device,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`dling of high data rate services and will provide for voice
`
`
`
`
`particularly a mobile phone, equipped with a camera system
`
`
`
`traffic as an additional service. Wireless communication will
`
`
`
`
`comprising a lens module for imaging, and a mechanism for
`
`
`
`
`
`be extended to further services which are limited by the low
`
`
`
`
`changing optical properties of the lens module to adapt the
`
`
`data rate of the second generation mobile communication
`
`
`optical properties of the whole camera system to a user's
`systems.
`requirements.
`[0005] One of the services requiring high data rates will be
`
`
`
`[0012] The invention also is a part of a housing, such as
`
`
`
`
`
`the possibility to transmit and receive high quality images
`
`front or back cover or part of the respective covers, with
`
`
`
`and videos. The capability of high data rates allows provid­
`
`
`
`
`
`integrated mechanism for changing the optical properties of
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ing this service within acceptable transmission duration and
`
`
`
`
`a lens module, wherein the lens module operates a camera
`
`acceptable costs.
`
`
`system of a camera system of a mobile terminal device.
`[0006] Therefore, coming mobile phones will include
`
`[0013] The invention is also a mechanism for changing
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`digital cameras to take pictures which may be transmitted to
`
`
`
`optical properties of a camera system comprising a lens
`
`
`
`other participants of the mobile communication system, like
`
`
`module and operated as a camera system of a mobile
`
`
`
`
`
`friends or colleagues or suitable recipients connected in any
`
`
`
`
`
`terminal device wherein the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`way to the mobile communication system. For example, a
`
`
`
`properties is integrated into a part of a housing.
`
`
`
`
`built-in digital camera will provide the possibility to operate
`
`
`video telephony. The number of applications using built-in
`[0014] The invention is also a method for changing the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`digital cameras and also camera modules plugged into a
`
`
`optical properties of a camera system of a mobile terminal
`
`mobile phone are numerous and the possibility of transmit­
`
`
`
`
`
`device, wherein optical properties of a lens module of the
`
`
`
`ting pictures will improve the performance of communica­
`
`
`camera system are changed by using a mechanism for
`
`
`tion in an advantageous way. The success of messages
`
`
`
`
`changing optical properties. The mechanism for changing
`
`
`according to the short message service (SMS) standard
`
`
`
`
`
`
`optical properties is integrated into a part of a housing
`
`
`
`which enables the transmission of simple low resolution
`
`
`
`
`enclosing the camera system of the mobile terminal device.
`
`
`
`pictures may give a hint to the coming success of video and
`[0015] The invention is also a system comprising a camera
`
`
`
`
`
`
`picture transmission with high resolution.
`
`
`
`system of a mobile terminal device, a part of a housing and
`[0007] A digital camera built within a mobile phone or
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`a mechanism for changing optical properties of the lens
`
`
`
`
`
`provided as an external digital camera module plugged to a
`
`
`
`module of the camera system, wherein the mechanism for
`
`
`
`mobile phone will fulfil its function although several restric­
`
`
`
`
`changing optical properties of the lens module is integrated
`
`
`
`tions have to be imposed on the digital cameras, such as size,
`
`into a part of the housing.
`
`
`
`weight, power consumption, and the like. Small mobile
`[0016] Overall, the present invention provides the equip­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`sized phones of low weight fulfil the demands of the market
`
`
`
`ping of mobile terminal devices with standard camera sys­
`
`
`
`
`and the consumer. Accordingly, additional built-in equip­
`
`
`
`tems enabling the user thereof to take pictures. These
`
`
`ment or plugged-on equipment will have to fulfil the same
`
`
`
`standard camera systems fulfil the basic requirements of low
`
`
`
`demands to be acceptable by the users.
`
`
`
`cost systems of small size and low weight with overall cost
`[0008] Preferably, CMOS sensors are used as detector
`
`
`
`
`
`efficiency according to the demand of the market segment.
`
`
`
`
`system for digital cameras. The size of charged coupled
`
`
`The standard camera system provides a kind of standard
`
`
`
`
`
`devices (CCD) allows designing digital cameras of small
`
`
`
`imaging covering a major part of user's requirement for
`
`
`
`
`size and low weight. According to size and weight of mobile
`
`
`
`taking pictures or scenes with a camera system. Further
`
`
`devices, the optics of the digital camera system have to be
`
`
`
`
`requirements of the lens system of the camera will be met by
`
`
`subject to the same restrictions. That means that advanced
`
`
`
`
`the mechanism for changing optical properties of the lens
`
`8
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`Sep.4,2003
`
`2
`
`module of the camera. The mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`changing optical properties may be performed by exchang­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`properties may be integrated into the detachably connected
`
`
`
`
`ing the part of the housing comprising the respective mecha­
`
`
`
`
`housing or part of a housing to be connected to the camera
`
`
`
`nisms for changing optical properties.
`
`
`system in case of the user's needs. This optional extension
`[0021] Preferably, the part of a housing comprises not only
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`of the camera system provides the possibility to adapt the
`
`
`
`
`
`a mechanism for changing optical properties but an assem­
`
`
`
`camera to the respective requirements. The extension is
`
`
`
`
`bly of a plurality of mechanisms for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`
`rapidly exchangeable. Moreover, different extensions may
`
`
`
`properties of different characteristics. The assembly com­
`
`
`
`be able to adapt to different requirements and the user may
`
`
`
`prised by the part of the housing may be changed upon
`
`be able to decide which size and weight may be acceptable
`
`
`
`
`actuation in order to enable the co-operating of the different
`
`
`
`with respect to individual requirements, since advanced
`
`
`
`
`mechanisms for changing optical properties with the lens
`
`optics may not meet the need of size and weight of a
`
`
`module of the camera system. The assembly may also
`
`standard camera system.
`
`
`
`comprise additional elements like a simple protecting cover
`
`
`
`
`for the lens module or a simple plane of glass protecting the
`[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention, a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`lens module during without modifying its optical properties.
`
`
`mobile terminal device is provided. The mobile terminal
`
`device has a camera system comprising a lens module a
`
`
`
`[0022] Conveniently, the actuation of the assembly may be
`
`mechanism for changing optical properties thereof, wherein
`
`
`
`a manual actuation or a motorized actuation or any other
`
`
`
`
`
`the mechanism for changing optical properties is adapted to
`
`electrically controlled actuation, e.g. of an assembly of
`
`
`
`cooperate with the lens module. The lens module operates as
`
`
`
`
`variable lenses, by which at least one of the lenses is put into
`
`
`
`
`
`a standard imaging optics to reproduce images detected by
`
`
`
`an operative position. In order to control electrically the
`
`
`a detector system included in the camera system. Preferably,
`
`
`
`
`mechanisms for changing optical properties additional elec­
`
`
`
`the camera system comprises a charged coupled device
`
`
`
`
`trical connections may be provided which connect the
`
`
`
`(CCD) for reproducing images which are focused by the lens
`
`
`
`
`
`electronics of the camera system to the mechanism for
`
`
`module on the CCD. Typically, the lens module may be a
`
`
`
`
`
`changing optical properties. Moreover, the electrical con­
`
`
`
`fixed focus objective permanently integrated in the camera
`
`
`
`nections may comprise a power supply connection for
`
`
`
`
`system of the mobile terminal device. Conveniently, fixed
`
`
`
`
`motorized functions of the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`focus objectives have a limited distance range for focusing
`properties.
`
`
`
`images, i.e. from a minimal distance up to infinity, for
`
`
`
`
`example 50 cm to infinity. Moreover, further properties like
`[0023] Additionally, the actuation may be a sliding actua­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`horizontal and vertical field of view (HFOV or VFOV,
`
`
`
`tion. The assembly of the mechanisms for changing optical
`
`
`
`respectively) underlie the same restrictions. The mechanism
`
`
`properties may be arranged straight in a row, e.g. by a row
`
`
`
`for changing optical properties of the lens module may
`
`
`
`
`of adjacent optical lenses which may be interchanged so that
`
`
`enable modifying the limited properties of the lens module,
`
`
`at least one of the lenses is put into an operative position at
`
`
`for example to shorter minimal distance or varying field of
`
`
`a time. The different mechanism for changing optical prop­
`view.
`
`
`erties may be suitably arranged with the camera system and
`
`
`
`
`the lens module thereof by sliding the whole assembly along
`[0018] Preferably, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`a corresponding supporting guide.
`
`
`
`properties may be connected detachably to mobile terminal
`
`
`
`
`devices or camera systems, respectively. A detachable con­
`[0024] Further, the actuation may be a rotating actuation
`
`
`
`
`
`
`nection may employ a different mechanism for changing
`
`
`with the assembly being arranged on a wheel. Correspond­
`
`
`
`optical properties according to the current requirements for
`
`
`
`
`
`ingly, the different mechanisms for changing optical prop­
`
`
`
`
`taking pictures. This detachable connection may be a special
`
`
`erties may be suitably arranged with the camera system and
`
`
`
`
`snap-in connection which receives and supports the mecha­
`
`
`
`the lens module thereof by rotating the wheel around an axis
`
`
`
`
`nism for changing optical properties in an appropriate way.
`
`
`
`
`of the wheel, e.g. rotating the wheel having a plurality of
`
`
`
`The snap-in connection may provide additional connections,
`
`
`
`
`circumferentially mounted lenses in its periphery along the
`
`
`
`particularly an electrical connection to the electronics of the
`circumference.
`
`
`
`camera system. The electrical connection may comprise
`[0025] Further, it may be advantageous to connect detach­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`signal connection for controlling signals and also power
`
`
`
`
`ably the assembly of the plurality of mechanism for chang­
`supply connection.
`
`
`
`ing optical properties. A fast and easy exchange of the
`
`
`
`[0019] Conveniently, a part of a housing enclosing the
`
`
`
`
`assembly may increase the possibility of usage. In case of
`
`
`camera system may comprise the mechanism for changing
`
`
`
`the arrangement of the mechanisms for changing optical
`
`
`
`optical properties. A part of a housing may be a front cover
`
`
`
`properties onto different wheels may be provided. For
`
`
`
`
`or a back cover. Moreover, a part of the housing may also be
`
`
`
`
`example, a wheel carrying macro and close-up lenses of
`
`
`
`a part of the front cover or a part of the back cover. The
`
`
`
`
`different imaging ratios, or a wheel carrying far-distance or
`
`
`
`
`mechanism for changing optical properties may be fixed to
`
`
`
`
`telephoto lenses of different magnifications. The number of
`
`
`
`
`the part of the housing but also detachably connected to the
`
`
`
`
`assemblies and the arrangement of different mechanisms for
`
`
`
`
`
`part of the housing. The part of the housing may additionally
`
`
`changing optical properties is not limited.
`
`
`
`
`comprise connections, particularly an electrical connection
`
`
`[0026] Preferably, the mechanisms for changing optical
`
`to the electronics of the camera system. The electrical
`
`
`
`properties of the lens system of the camera system of the
`
`
`
`connection may comprise signal connection for controlling
`
`
`mobile terminal device may be at least one lens. Lenses set
`
`
`signals and also power supply connection.
`
`in front of a lens module of a camera system enable
`
`
`
`
`[0020] Additionally, the part of a housing comprising the
`
`
`
`
`changing of optical properties of the lens module, like focus
`
`
`
`
`mechanism for changing optical properties may be detach­
`
`
`
`length, field of view, magnification or minimal imaging
`
`
`
`
`ably connected. An exchange of different mechanisms for
`
`
`
`
`distance. The manufacturing of the lenses may be based on
`
`9
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`Sep.4,2003
`
`3
`
`different lens materials. Common materials are polymers or
`
`
`
`
`bright days and reduce the part of coming in ultraviolet (UV)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`different glass substrates but the materials for the lenses is
`
`
`
`
`light or polarization filters may enable to reduce reflection
`
`
`not limited to the commonly used ones.
`
`
`
`
`
`and produce brighter colours. Also colored filters may
`
`
`
`
`
`improve pictures taken by camera systems of produce spe­
`
`
`[0027] Conveniently, at least one lens may be a macro
`cial effects.
`
`
`lens. Usually, the term macro describes an approximately
`[0037] Preferably, the camera system is built in the mobile
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1: 1 ( object size to image size) reproduction of an object by
`
`
`
`terminal device. The mobile terminal device and the camera
`
`
`
`an camera system on an imaging plane. Correspondingly, the
`
`
`
`system comprising the lens module are enclosed by the same
`
`
`
`
`magnification of the imaged object is 1 or higher.
`
`
`
`
`housing. The mechanism for changing optical properties of
`
`
`[0028] Additionally, lenses providing a magnification of
`
`
`
`the camera system may be integrated in the housing of the
`
`
`
`the imaged object higher than approximately 2 are termed as
`
`
`
`
`mobile terminal device comprising the camera system. The
`
`
`
`close-up lenses which means that the object size to image
`
`part of a housing may be a part of the housing of the mobile
`
`
`
`
`
`size of the object is 1:2 or smaller. Such a lens may also be
`
`
`
`terminal device including the camera system.
`
`
`
`
`
`provided as a mechanism for changing optical properties of
`[0038] Additionally, the camera system comprising the
`
`
`
`the lens module of the camera system.
`
`
`lens module may be a separate external module which may
`[0029] Moreover, at least one lens may be a far-distance
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`be plugged to the mobile terminal device for operation of the
`
`
`
`
`lens providing to possibility to image objects at a far
`
`
`camera system. The camera system is enclosed by its own
`distance.
`
`
`
`
`
`housing. The mechanism for changing optical properties of
`
`
`
`the camera system may be integrated in the housing of the
`
`
`
`[0030] Preferably, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`external module comprising the camera system. The part of
`
`
`
`properties may comprise a wide converter or more
`
`a housing may be a part of the housing of the external
`
`extremely a fisheye lens.
`
`module including the camera system
`
`[0031] Further preferably, at least one lens may be an
`[0039] Conveniently, the mobile terminal device may be a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`electrically variable lens. For example, electrical lenses may
`
`
`mobile phone according to the known standards of mobile
`
`
`
`provide the possibility to modify their focus length by
`
`
`
`communication, such as global system for mobile commu­
`
`
`
`
`applying different voltages. The modification of the optical
`
`
`
`nication (GSM), universal mobile telecommunication ser­
`
`
`properties of lenses may be preferable since mechanical
`
`
`vices (UMTS), digital communication system (DCS), wide­
`
`
`
`
`comparable solutions involving several lenses show many
`
`band code division multiple access (WCDMA), IS-136
`
`
`
`
`disadvantages like intricate mechanics of a relative high
`
`
`
`(mainly US wireless communication standard), IS-95
`weight.
`
`
`
`
`
`(mainly US wireless communication standard) or the like.
`[0032] All the aforementioned mechanisms for changing
`
`
`[0040] According to a second aspect of the invention, a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`optical properties may be designed of single lenses but may
`
`
`part of a housing comprising a mechanism for changing
`
`
`
`
`be also designed of several lenses wherein an adapted
`
`
`
`optical properties is provided. The means for changing
`
`
`
`
`
`combination of lenses provides respective optical properties.
`
`
`
`
`optical properties are adapted to cooperate with a lens
`
`
`
`[0033] Conveniently, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`module of a camera system. A mobile terminal device
`
`
`
`properties may include the usage of an objective usually
`
`
`
`comprises the camera system. The lens module operates as
`
`
`
`built-up of several lenses. The objective may be a zoom
`
`
`
`a standard imaging optics of the camera system. Preferably,
`
`
`
`
`objective providing a selective range of the field of view.
`
`the camera system may be a digital camera system com­
`
`
`
`
`Usually, field of view may be selected out of the provided
`
`
`prising a CCD chip for detecting the images. The lens
`
`
`
`range of the field of view by a user operation actuated
`
`
`module focuses the images on the CCD chip. Typically, the
`
`
`
`manually of electrically, for example by a motorized adjust­
`
`
`lens module may be a fixed focus objective permanently
`
`ment of the field of view.
`
`
`
`integrated in the camera system which is comprised by the
`
`
`
`
`
`mobile terminal device. Conveniently, fixed focus objectives
`
`
`[0034] Moreover, the objective may be a telephoto objec­
`
`
`
`have a limited distance range for focusing images, i.e. from
`
`
`
`
`tive comprising several lenses and providing telephoto pho­
`
`
`
`a minimal distance up to infinity, for example from 50 cm to
`
`
`
`
`tography. The telephoto objective may be designed as a
`
`
`
`
`
`infinity. Moreover, further properties like horizontal and
`
`
`
`
`zoom telephoto objective providing telephotography at dif­
`
`
`
`vertical field of view (HFOV or VFOV, respectively) under­
`
`ferent magnifications.
`
`
`lie the same restrictions. The mechanism for changing
`
`
`
`[0035] Additionally, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`optical properties of the lens module may be able to modify
`
`
`
`properties may include the usage of an auto-focusing objec­
`
`
`
`
`
`the limited properties of the lens module, for example to
`
`
`
`
`tive usually built-up of several lenses. Objectives compris­
`
`
`
`
`shorter minimal distance or varying field of view.
`
`
`
`
`ing several lenses to provide the desired optical properties
`[0041] Preferably, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`
`require often a focusing of the imaged object onto the image
`
`
`
`properties may be connected detachably to mobile terminal
`
`
`
`
`plane. The focusing may be motorized actuated or actuated
`
`
`device or camera system, respectively. A detachable con­
`
`
`
`by a comparable controllable mechanism. The automatic
`
`
`
`
`nection may allow employment of different mechanisms for
`
`
`
`actuation of the focusing of objective comprising several
`
`
`
`
`changing optical properties according to the current require­
`
`
`lenses may be a preferred solution.
`
`
`
`ments for taking pictures. This detachable connection may
`
`
`
`[0036] Conveniently, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`be a special snap-in connection which receive and support
`
`
`
`
`
`properties may comprise filters. The employment of filters is
`
`
`
`
`the mechanism for changing optical properties in an appro­
`
`
`
`well known in photography. Different filters may improve
`
`
`
`
`priate way. The snap-in connection may provide additional
`
`
`
`pictures taken by camera systems. For example skylight
`
`
`
`connections , particularly an electrical connection to the
`
`
`
`filter reduce the part of blue colour emerged by the sky on
`
`
`
`
`electronics of the camera system. The electrical connection
`
`10
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`Sep.4,2003
`
`4
`
`may comprise signal connection for controlling signals and
`
`
`
`
`
`changing of optical properties of the lens module, like focus
`
`
`
`
`
`
`also power supply connection.
`
`
`
`length, field of view, magnification or minimal imaging
`
`
`
`
`distance. The manufacturing of the lenses may be based on
`
`
`
`[0042] Additionally, the part of a housing comprising the
`
`
`
`different lens materials. Common materials are polymers or
`
`
`
`
`mechanism for changing optical properties may be detach­
`
`
`
`
`different glass substrates but the materials for the lenses is
`
`
`
`
`ably connected. A exchange of different mechanisms for
`
`
`not limited to the commonly used ones.
`
`
`
`
`changing optical properties may be performed by exchang­
`
`
`
`
`ing the part of the housing comprising the respective mecha­
`[0049] Conveniently, at least one lens may be a macro
`
`
`
`
`nism for changing optical properties. The part of the housing
`
`
`lens. Usually, the term macro describes an approximately
`
`
`
`
`may additionally comprise connections, particularly an elec­
`
`
`
`
`1: 1 ( object size to image size) reproduction of an object by
`
`
`
`
`trical connection to the electronics of the camera system.
`
`
`
`
`an camera system on an imaging plane. Correspondingly, the
`
`
`
`The electrical connection may comprise signal connection
`
`
`magnification of the imaged object is 1 or higher.
`
`
`
`for controlling signals and also power supply connection.
`[0050] Additionally, lenses providing a magnification of
`
`
`
`
`
`[0043] Preferably, the part of a housing comprises not only
`
`
`the imaged object higher than approximately 2 are termed as
`
`
`
`
`a mechanism for changing optical properties but an assem­
`
`
`
`close-up lenses which means that the object size to image
`
`
`
`
`bly of a plurality of mechanisms for changing optical
`
`
`
`size of the object is 1:2 or smaller. Such a lens may also be
`
`
`
`
`properties of different characteristics. The assembly com­
`
`
`
`
`provided as a means for changing optical properties of the
`
`
`
`
`prised by the part of the housing may be changed upon
`
`lens module of the camera system.
`
`
`actuation in order to enable the co-operating of the different
`[0051] Moreover, at least one lens may be a far-distance
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mechanisms for changing optical properties with the lens
`
`
`
`lens providing to possibility to image objects at a far
`
`
`
`module of the camera system. The assembly may also
`distance.
`
`
`
`
`
`comprise additional elements like a simple protecting cover
`
`
`
`for the lens module or a simple plane of glass protecting the
`[0052] Preferably, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`
`lens module during without modifying its optical properties.
`
`
`
`properties may comprise a wide converter or more
`
`extremely a fisheye lens.
`
`
`
`[0044] Conveniently, the actuation of the assembly may be
`
`
`
`
`a manual actuation or a motorized actuation or any other
`[0053] Further preferably, at least one lens may be an
`
`
`
`
`
`
`electrically controlled actuation. In order to control electri­
`
`
`
`electrically activated lens. For example, electrical lenses
`
`
`
`
`cally the mechanism for changing optical properties, addi­
`
`
`
`may provide the possibility to modify their focus length by
`
`
`
`
`tional electrical connections may be provided which connect
`
`
`
`
`
`applying different voltages. The modification of the optical
`
`
`the electronics of the camera system to the mechanism for
`
`
`
`properties of lenses may be preferable since mechanical
`
`
`
`changing optical properties. Moreover, the electrical con­
`
`
`
`
`comparable solutions involving several lenses show many
`
`
`
`
`nections may comprise a power supply connection for
`
`
`
`
`disadvantages like intricate mechanics of a relative high
`
`
`motorized functions of the mechanism for changing optical
`weight.
`properties.
`
`[0054] All the aforementioned means for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`
`[0045] Additionally, the actuation may be a sliding actua­
`
`
`
`
`properties may be designed of single lenses but may be also
`
`
`
`tion. The assembly of mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`
`designed of several lenses wherein an adapted combination
`
`
`properties may be arranged straight in a row. The different
`
`of lenses provides respective optical properties.
`
`
`
`
`mechanisms for changing optical properties may be suitably
`[0055] Conveniently, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`arranged with the camera system and the lens module
`
`
`properties may include the usage of an objective usually
`
`
`
`
`thereof by sliding the whole assembly along a corresponding
`
`
`built-up of several lenses. The objective may be a zoom
`supporting guide.
`
`
`
`
`objective providing a selective range of the field of view.
`[0046] Further, the actuation may be a rotating actuation
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Usually, field of view may be selected out of the provided
`
`
`
`
`with the assembly arranged on a wheel. Correspondingly,
`
`
`range of the field of view by a user operation actuated
`
`
`
`
`
`the different mechanism for changing optical properties may
`
`
`
`
`manually of electrically, for example by a motorized adjust­
`
`
`be suitably arranged with the camera system and the lens
`
`ment of the field of view.
`
`
`module thereof by rotating the wheel around an axis of the
`[0056] Moreover, the objective may be a telephoto objec­
`
`
`
`wheel.
`
`
`
`
`tive comprising several lenses and providing telephoto pho­
`[0047] Further, it may be advantageous to connect detach­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`tography. The telephoto objective may be designed as a
`
`
`
`
`ably the assembly of the plurality of mechanisms for chang­
`
`
`
`
`zoom telephoto objective providing telephotography at dif­
`
`
`
`ing optical properties. A fast and easy exchange of the
`ferent magnifications.
`
`
`
`assembly may increase the possibility of usage. In case of
`[0057] Additionally, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`
`
`the arrangement of the mechanisms for changing optical
`
`
`
`properties may include the usage of an auto-focusing objec­
`
`
`properties onto a wheel, different wheels may be provided.
`
`
`
`
`
`tive usually built-up of several lenses. Objectives compris­
`
`
`
`
`For example, a wheel carrying macro and close-up lenses of
`
`
`
`
`ing several lenses to provide the desired optical properties
`
`
`
`
`different imaging ratios, or a wheel carrying far-distance or
`
`
`
`require often a focusing of the imaged object onto the image
`
`
`telephoto lenses of different magnifications. The number of
`
`
`
`
`plane. The focusing may be motorized actuated or actuated
`
`
`assemblies and the arrangement of different means for
`
`
`
`by comparable controllable means. The automatic actuation
`
`
`
`changing optical properties is not limited.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`of the focusing of objective comprising several lenses may
`[0048] Preferably, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`be a preferred solution.
`
`
`properties of the lens system of the camera system of the
`
`
`
`mobile terminal device may be at least one lens. Lenses set
`[0058] Conveniently, the mechanism for changing optical
`
`
`
`in front of a lens module of a camera system enable
`
`
`
`
`
`properties may comprise filters. The employment of filters is
`
`11
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/0164895 Al
`
`Sep.4,2003
`
`5
`
`well known in photography. Different filters may improve
`
`nections , particularly an electrical connection to the elec­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`pictures taken by camera systems. For example , a skylight
`
`
`
`
`tronics of the camera system. The electrical connection may
`
`filter reduces the part of blue color from the sky on bright
`
`
`
`comprise signal connection for controlling signals and also
`
`
`
`days and reduces ultraviolet (UV) light or polarization filters
`power supply connection.
`
`
`
`may enable reduction of reflection and produce brighter
`[0064] Conveniently, a part of a housing enclosing the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`colors. Also colored filters may improve pictures taken by
`
`
`
`camera system may comprise the mechanisms for changing
`
`
`
`camera systems of produce special effects.
`
`
`
`
`
`optical properties. A part of a housing may be a front cover
`
`
`[0059] Preferably, the camera system is built in the mobile
`
`or a back cover. Moreover, a part of the housing may also be
`
`
`
`
`terminal device. The mobile terminal device and the camera
`
`
`
`a part of the front cover or a part of the back cover. The
`
`
`
`system comprising the lens module are enclosed by the same
`
`
`
`
`mechanism for changing optical properties may be fixed to
`
`
`
`
`
`housing. The mechanism for changing optical properties of
`
`
`
`the part of the housing but also detachably connected to the
`
`
`
`the camera system may be integrated in the housing of the
`
`
`
`
`part of the housing. The part of the housing may additionally
`
`
`
`
`mobile terminal device comprising the camera system. The
`
`
`comprise connections , particularly an electrical connection
`
`
`
`part of a housing may be a part of the housing of the mobile
`
`
`
`
`to the electronics of the camera system. The electrical
`
`
`terminal device including the camera system.
`
`
`
`connection may comprise signal connection for controlling
`
`signals and also power supply connection.
`
`
`
`[0060] Additionally, the camera system comprising the
`
`
`
`lens module may be a separate external mod