Optimized designs for embedding webcam modules with superior image quality in electronics displays
First Claim
1. An image capturing module embedded in a display, the image capturing module comprising:
- a sensor; and
a lens for directing light onto the sensor;
wherein the display is part of a laptop computer;
wherein the lens is movable from a first position to a second position,wherein the image capturing module provides for a longer optical path between the sensor and the lens when the lens is in the second position than when the lens is in the first position; and
the image capturing module is configured to automatically move the lens to the first position when the laptop computer is closed.
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Abstract
The present invention is an apparatus and method of manufacture for providing image capturing modules which can be embedded into thin displays (e.g., in laptop computers) while providing for improved image quality. In accordance with several embodiments, a webcam module embedded in a display has multiple positions. A first position (or a “rest” or “park” position) is the position of the webcam module when it is not in use. In this first position of the webcam module, it is in its most compact configuration, and lends itself to integration into a very thin display. In other positions, the webcam module has a more expanded configuration, thus leading to better image quality. Such an expanded configuration leads, amongst other things, to a larger depth of focus. In one embodiment, a stepped PCB is used to provide good image quality while maintaining a compact form factor as well as structural rigidity.
83 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An image capturing module embedded in a display, the image capturing module comprising:
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a sensor; and a lens for directing light onto the sensor; wherein the display is part of a laptop computer; wherein the lens is movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the image capturing module provides for a longer optical path between the sensor and the lens when the lens is in the second position than when the lens is in the first position; and the image capturing module is configured to automatically move the lens to the first position when the laptop computer is closed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of operating an image capturing module embedded in a display of a laptop computer, the image capturing module including a sensor and a lens for directing light onto the sensor, the method comprising:
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moving the lens from a pre-configured first position to a pre-configured second position, wherein the image capturing module provides for a longer optical path between the sensor and the lens when the lens is in the second position than when the lens is in the first position; capturing image data with the sensor while the lens is in the second position; and automatically moving the lens to the first position by closing the laptop computer. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification