U.S. patent application number 13/862877 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-05 for optimized designs for embedding webcam modules with superior image quality in electronics displays.
This patent application is currently assigned to Logitech Europe S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is LOGITECH EUROPE S.A.. Invention is credited to Philippe Depallens, Kenneth Ling, Mark Martinez, Ali Moayer.
Application Number | 20130229571 13/862877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48146097 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130229571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martinez; Mark ; et
al. |
September 5, 2013 |
OPTIMIZED DESIGNS FOR EMBEDDING WEBCAM MODULES WITH SUPERIOR IMAGE
QUALITY IN ELECTRONICS DISPLAYS
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.
Inventors: |
Martinez; Mark; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Moayer; Ali; (Castro Valley, CA)
; Ling; Kenneth; (San Francisco, CA) ; Depallens;
Philippe; (Mouintain View, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LOGITECH EUROPE S.A. |
Morges |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
Logitech Europe S.A.
Morges
CH
|
Family ID: |
48146097 |
Appl. No.: |
13/862877 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12338602 |
Dec 18, 2008 |
8432485 |
|
|
13862877 |
|
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|
61046629 |
Apr 21, 2008 |
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61015112 |
Dec 19, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/374 ;
29/829 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 17/04 20130101;
H04N 5/2254 20130101; H04N 5/2257 20130101; Y10T 29/49124
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/374 ;
29/829 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. An image capturing module, comprising: an optics module
comprising a sensor and a lens for directing light onto the sensor;
and a stepped substrate coupled to the optics module, wherein the
stepped substrate comprises a thin portion and a thick portion,
wherein the optics module is mounted onto the thin portion, and
wherein the thick portion is disposed opposite at least two sides
of the optics module.
20. The image capturing module of claim 19, wherein the stepped
substrate is a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a plurality
of layers.
21. The image capturing module of claim 20, wherein the thin
portion is comprised of a plurality of PCB layers.
22. The image capturing module of claim 20, wherein the thick
portion is comprised of at least one layer of the thin portion and
at least one additional layer.
23. The image capturing module of claim 22, wherein the sensor is
disposed over the at least one layer of the thin portion and
between portions of the at least one additional layer.
24. The image capturing module of claim 22, further comprising a
metal stiffener between the at least one layer of the thin portion
and the at least one additional layer.
25. The image capturing module of claim 20, wherein the lens and
sensor are disposed over the plurality of PCB layers.
26. The image capturing module of claim 19, wherein the thin
portion is approximately 0.2 mm thick and the thick portion is
approximately 0.8 mm thick.
27. The image capturing module of claim 19, wherein the mounting of
the optics module does not overlap the thick portion of the
substrate.
28. A method of manufacturing an image capture module, the method
comprising: laminating a plurality of layers to form a first
portion of a substrate, adding at least one additional layer to
form a second portion of the substrate; and mounting an optics
module onto the first portion of the substrate and with the second
portion opposite at least two sides of the optics module.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the optics module comprises a
sensor, a lens, and a lens holder, and mounting the optics module
onto the first portion of the substrate further includes disposing
the sensor over the first portion of the substrate and at least
partially between parts of the second portion.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein the substrate is a printed
circuit board.
31. The method of claim 28, wherein the mounting of the optics
module does not overlap the second portion of the substrate.
32. A method of manufacturing an image capture module including an
optics module and a substrate having a plurality of printed circuit
board (PCB) layers, which form a first portion of the substrate and
at least one additional PCB layer partially covering the first
portion, the method comprising: mounting the optics module onto the
first portion of the substrate and with the at least one additional
PCB layer opposite at least two sides of the optics module.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the optics module comprises a
sensor, a lens, and a lens holder, and the sensor is disposed over
the first portion of the substrate and at least partially between
parts of the second portion.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein the mounting of the optics
module does not overlap the at least one additional PCB layer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to,
U.S. provisional application No. 61/015,112, entitled "Optimized
Designs for Embedding Webcam Modules in Electronic Displays", filed
on Dec. 19, 2007, and is hereby incorporated herein in its
entirety,
[0002] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to,
U.S. Provisional application No. 61/046,629, entitled "Use of flex
cables for embedding webcam modules in electronics displays", filed
on Apr. 21, 2008, and is hereby incorporated herein in its
entirety.
[0003] This application is related to co-pending application Ser.
No. 11/478,898, filed on Jun. 30, 2006, entitled "Computer Monitor
with Detachable Module", which is owned by the assignee of the
present invention, and which is hereby incorporated herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates generally to embedded cameras, and
more particularly, to thin webcams which do not compromise on image
quality.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] It is becoming increasingly common for webcams (or other
image capture devices) to be integrated into laptops or other
electronic displays. Such integration of webcams into laptops etc.
provides significant advantages (such as ease of portability,
etc.). However, there are several issues associated with such
integration as well. In particular, laptops are becoming
increasingly thinner, and as a result, any webcam integrated into
the laptop also needs to be very thin. However, a webcam that is
very thin necessarily has a small depth of focus, thus compromising
image quality.
[0008] Thus consumers are currently forced to choose between a
larger webcam embedded in a device which is thicker and bulkier,
and a thinner webcam embedded in an easier to handle device where
the thinner webcam provides poorer image quality. Current webcam
modules in displays (e.g., in laptop/notebook computers) have poor
image quality. An indication of the extent to which current
notebook webcam module image quality is suffering is offered by the
fact that some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are
retreating back from 1.3 Mega Pixel designs to VGA solutions,
because the higher quality solutions are not viable in image
capturing modules embedded in the increasingly popular thinner
display panels.
[0009] In conventional webcam modules, an inherent tradeoff is
necessary, because sleek notebook/display designs call for thin
display bezels, while high quality webcam optics call for longer
optics paths. As mentioned above, in several cases, current size
restrictions for embedded webcam modules cause significant
compromise in image quality.
[0010] There is thus a need for a webcam module which can fit into
small spaces, but provide better image quality than anything
currently available. Further, there is a need for a webcam module
which has a form factor thin enough to be accommodated into a thin
device, while still providing a sufficient focal length to provide
good image quality. Further still, there is a need for an embedded
webcam module which can easily switch from one position to another,
where one position provides for a thin form factor, and the second
position provides for improved image quality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Various embodiments of the present invention provide for
image capturing modules which can be embedded into thin displays
(e.g., in laptop computers) and which provide 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. For instance, in one
embodiment, this is the position of the webcam module when a laptop
into which the webcam module is integrated, is closed. 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. This can be achieved in some embodiments, for instance, by
increasing the distance between a lens and a sensor in the webcam
module. In other embodiments, there is no change in the relative
position of the lens and the sensor--instead, the webcam module has
a closed (or park) position in which the webcam is not used, and at
least one open (or view) position. In such embodiments, the closed
configuration allows for a more compact configuration of the webcam
module integrated into the display, while the open configuration
allows for good image quality.
[0012] Various different mechanisms can be used to facilitate the
different positions of the webcam module. For instance, in one
embodiment, the webcam module can be popped out by pushing upon it
so that it protrudes from the display. In another embodiment, the
webcam module is attached to the display from only one side (e.g.,
using a swivel joint), and can be pulled out from the plane of the
display. In some such embodiments, the lens is at the other end of
the webcam module. In some embodiments, the webcam module can also
be rotated to change its orientation. In some such embodiments, the
webcam module is detachable from the display, and can be replaced
with other modules. In some such embodiments, an electrical
connection (e.g., a USB or mini-USB connector) is also provided to
connect the webcam module to the display.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the webcam module is rotatable
around an axis in the plane of the display In some such
embodiments, the bottom portion of the webcam module in the park
position becomes the front portion of the webcam module when it is
in use. That is, in one embodiment, the webcam module is rotated 90
degrees around the axis, so as to make the lens face the image to
be captured. Such embodiments utilize the fact that the vertical
space available around a webcam module in a thin display is
sometimes greater than the thickness of the display.
[0014] In still another embodiment, a stepped printed circuit board
(PCB) is used. Such a stepped PCB has a thin portion and some
thicker portions. The optical module is mounted upon the thin
portion so as to accommodate the optical module, while the rest of
the substrate is thicker to provide additional stability. Such
embodiments allow for a more compact form factor for the webcam
module, while still maintaining a high image quality.
[0015] The features and advantages described in this summary and
the following detailed description are not all-inclusive, and
particularly, many additional features and advantages will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be
noted that the language used in the specification has been
principally selected for readability and instructional purposes,
and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the
inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to
determine such inventive subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention has other advantages and features which will
be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of
the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1A, illustrates a laptop computer in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, where the embedded webcam
module protrudes beyond the display.
[0018] FIG. 1B shows a closer view of the relief area on the bottom
case of the laptop computer shown in FIG. 1A, for accommodating the
webcam module when the laptop is closed.
[0019] FIG. 1C shows a closer view of the keyboard anon features on
the bottom of the protruding webcam module shown in FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 2A shows a display bezel of a laptop computer with a
pop-out webcam module in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2B shows a closer view of the keyboard illumination
features on the bottom of the pop-up webcam module shown in FIG.
2A.
[0022] FIG. 2C shows features on the bottom portion of the laptop
computer shown in FIG. 2A, which interact with the pop-up webcam
module.
[0023] FIG. 2D shows the lens positioned proximate to the sensor in
a closed position of the webcam module, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2E shows the lens positioned away from the sensor in an
open position of the webcam module, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention,
[0025] FIG. 3A shows a conventional prior art webcam module.
[0026] FIG. 3B shows an embedded webcam module in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, showing both the parked and
extended position.
[0027] FIG. 3C shows a first view of an attachment mechanism for
attaching a webcam module to a display in which it is embedded in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3D shows a second view of an attachment mechanism for
attaching a webcam module to a display in which it is embedded in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3E shows a third view of an attachment mechanism for
attaching a webcam module to a display in which it is embedded in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3F shows an example of an attachment mechanism for
attaching a webcam module to a display in Which it is embedded in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 3G shows a rotatable and/or detachable webcam module
embedded in a display in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 3H shows the webcam module in FIG. 3G swinging out of
the plane of the display, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3I is another view of the rotation of the webcam module
in FIG. 3G.
[0034] FIG. 3J shows an electrical connection between a webcam
module and a display in which it is embedded, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 4A is a view of a laptop computer with an embedded
webcam module in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, where the webcam module needs to be turned around a
rotation axis so as to be used.
[0036] FIG. 4B illustrates the webcam module in FIG. 4A when not in
use,
[0037] FIG. 4C illustrates that the height of the webcam module is
greater than its depth when not in use, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 4D shows a webcam module with an elongated shape in a
closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 4E illustrates an embodiment in accordance with the
present invention where the rotation axis for the webcam module is
vertically centered on the webcam module.
[0040] FIG. 4F shows a front view of a webcam module shown in FIG.
4E, rotated out so that the webcam can be used.
[0041] FIG. 4G shows a side view of the display with the webcam
module shown in FIG. 4F.
[0042] FIG. 4H shows an embodiment in accordance with the present
invention where the rotation axis for the webcam module is not
vertically centered on the webcam module.
[0043] FIG. 4I shows a front view of a webcam module shown in FIG.
4H, rotated out so that the webcam can be used.
[0044] FIG. 4J shows a side view of the display with the webcam
module shown in FIG. 4I.
[0045] FIG. 5A illustrates a conventional multi-layered PCB used in
a webcam module.
[0046] FIG. 5B is a closer view of the PCB shown in FIG. 5A.
[0047] FIG. 5C is a stepped PCB used in a webcam module in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 5D is a closer view of the PCB shown in FIG. 5C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The figures (or drawings) depict a preferred embodiment of
the present invention for purposes of illustration only. It is
noted that similar or like reference numbers in the figures may
indicate similar or like functionality. One of skill in the art
will readily recognize from the following discussion that
alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed
herein may he employed without departing from the principles of the
invention(s) herein. It is to be noted that the following
discussion relates to video, audio and/or still image data. For
convenience, in some places "image" or other similar terms may be
used in this application. Where applicable, these are to be
construed as including any such data capturable by an image capture
device. Further, it is to be noted that the terms "camera" and
"webcam" are used various times in this discussion. Where
applicable, these term includes various image capture devices such
as, but not limited to, digital still cameras, video cameras, a
combination of the two, webcams, wireless webcams, Personal Digital
Assistants (PDAs), cell phones with image capturing abilities,
portable media players, and so on. It is to be noted that various
embodiments of the present invention could be used in the context
of any such image capturing devices.
[0050] In addition, it is to be noted that various embodiments of
the present invention can be used for such image capturing devices
embedded (or embeddable) in any device, such as the display of a
laptop/notebook, a display used with a desktop computer, a Personal
Digital Assistants, a cell-phone, and so on. While most of the
ensuing discussion mentions a webcam embedded in the bezel of a
display of a laptop, the various embodiments described herein are
not limited to such implementations. It is also to be noted that a
webcam in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may
be embedded in the display housing or display itself, rather than
in the bezel of the display. The various embodiments of the present
invention relate to ways to package webcam modules in a small space
while still providing for the key dimensions that drive optics
performance of the webcam. A webcam module in accordance with the
present invention includes a housing, sensor, and a lens which
captures the light and delivers it onto the sensor. Webcam modules
in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention
increase quality of the captured images. As an example, embodiments
in accordance with this invention allow for high performance and
longer optics while also allowing for thin notebook display bezels.
In various different ways, a longer optics path (also called the "Z
distance" or the "Z height") is provided, thus leading to better
image quality, while still allowing for the embedding device (e.g.,
laptop) to maintain a thin appearance. An increased Z distance or Z
height allows for the light rays received by the sensor in the
webcam module to be more parallel, since they don't need to bend a
lot as they would in a small Z distance. In one embodiment, this is
done by increasing the distance between the lens and the sensor. In
one embodiment, this is done by having a webcam with a longer
optical length embedded in a display in a storage position, which
can then be opened up to a viewing position. In one embodiment,
such a webcam has a longer lens, which again can be accommodated in
a storage position in the display.
Locally Raised Areas at Webcam Module that Provide Increased Z
Height While Maintaining Overall Panel Thinness
[0051] In some embodiments, the webcam module is raised, or is
thicker than the rest of the panel in which it is embedded.
[0052] In one embodiment, the extra thickness of the webcam module
is accommodated into the laptop in some way. FIG. 1A illustrates a
laptop computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The laptop computer has a lower portion 110 (comprised
mainly of the keyboard etc.) and an upper portion 120 (comprised
mainly of the display 122). The display 122 is surrounded by a thin
bezel 124. A webcam module is embedded in the bezel 124. The lens
126 of the webcam module is visible. Additionally, two lights 128
are also visible underneath the webcam module.
[0053] As can be seen from FIG. 1A, the webcam module is thicker
than the rest of the bezel 124. The relatively larger thickness of
the webcam module provides increased Z height for the optics in the
webcam. With this design, the webcam module protrudes from the
front of the notebook's thin display bezel 124. However, this
protruding webcam module is accommodated, in one embodiment, by a
recessed portion/relief 114 in front of the touchpad where the
webcam is located when the notebook display is closed. The relief
area 114 near the touchpad also provides the benefit of improved
touch-feel for the left/right input buttons. That is, it is easier
to operate these buttons in a no-look situation. A closer view of
the relief area 114 can be seen in FIG. 1B.
[0054] In one embodiment, two lights (e.g., LEDs) 128, are hidden
under the webcam module protrusion provide for keyboard
illumination. A closer view of these lights can be seen in FIG.
1C.
[0055] In some embodiments, the increased thickness of the webcam
module is only temporary--such as when the webcam is operational.
FIG. 2A illustrates one such embodiment of the present invention,
which shows a display bezel 124 with a pop-out webcam module 220.
In one embodiment, when the webcam 220 is not in use and/or when
the laptop case is closed, the webcam 220 is pushed in and thus
does not have additional thickness. When the webcam 220 is to be
used, it is popped out, and thus provides for a longer optical
path.
[0056] In one embodiment, with this design, the webcam optics
module is broken into two different sub-assemblies. One
sub-assembly is mounted to the display bezel, the other to the pop
out module. In one embodiment, the optics path is complete and
correct when the webcam is placed in its outermost position--this
brings the outermost lens elements into their correct position. In
one embodiment, the webcam module 220 is spring loaded with a
"push-push" latch mechanism. Pushing on the retracted module will
cause it to extend. Once extended, the module is closed by pushing
it into the display until the spring is latched into place. In one
embodiment, as discussed above, keyboard illumination features 128
are placed on the underside of the webcam module 220. This can be
seen in FIG. 2B.
[0057] In one embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 2C, there are two
small bump features 210 on either side of the notebook touchpad.
These features push the webcam module 220 into the closed position
if the notebook display is closed while the module 220 is extended.
In one embodiment, the design of these bumps 210 is such that they
make the module 220 partially closed, but not fully latched into
the retracted position. As a result, the spring-loaded module will
open automatically once the display is opened.
[0058] In one embodiment, a longer optical path is created by
increasing the distance between the lens 126 and the sensor 228. A
certain distance between lens and sensor (called "back focal
length") exists for each webcam module, where the resultant image
is properly focused. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2D, the lens
126 is physically touching (or almost touching) the top of the
sensor 228 in the closed position--and the resulting image is out
of focus. When the module is popped-out/moved to the second
position, the sensor 228 and PCB 225 remain fixed (no movement from
the closed position), while the lens 126 moves with the front
module housing. This movement of the lens increases the distance
between lens 126 and sensor 228 such that the correct back focal
length is achieved and the resultant image is in focus. This can be
seen in FIGS. 2D and 2E.
Swing-Out Webcam Module with Lens Positioned Along the Long Axis
and Potential Connection Via Standard USB Plug
[0059] As mentioned above, laptop computers and their embedded
webcams are designed to be very thin. In conventional embedded
webcams, the Z axis for the camera module lens is restricted by the
shape and size requirements of the embedding device. The resulting
lens assembly is thus restricted to fewer lens elements and also
provides less than the ideal amount of light to the image sensor
(which may be a CMOS sensor).
[0060] In accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, these optical problems are addressed so as to
significantly enhance image quality for embedded webcams, by
increasing the possible length of the optical path, the number and
size of optical elements (e.g., lenses etc.) can be increased, and
so on.
[0061] FIG. 3A shows a conventional embedded webcam module. It can
be seen that the z-distance here is limited by the thickness of the
display in which the webcam module is embedded. It can be seen in
the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3B-3J, that the z-axis length can be
significantly longer than in conventional embedded webcams, and
thus an optimal z-axis length can easily be implemented. FIG. 3B
shows an embedded webcam module in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention, where the webcam module has a park position
(when it is not in use) and a view position (when it can be used).
It can be seen that a webcam module 310 is embedded in the bezel
124 of the display. As can be seen from FIG. 3B, the park position
of the webcam module 310 is when it is flush with the bezel 124,
while the view position is when the webcam 310 is pulled out front
the plane of the display. In one embodiment, the view position is
when the webcam module 310 is pulled out to a position
approximately perpendicular to the plane of bezel 124.
[0062] FIGS. 3C-3E further show an example of one way in which the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B can be implemented. In one
embodiment, a swivel joint 312 is used to attach the webcam module
310 to the bezel 124. The webcam 310 can be used at several viewing
angles in such an embodiment. In one embodiment, a ball joint is
used to attached the webcam module to the bezel 124.
[0063] FIGS. 3F -3J show other examples of ways in which the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B can be implemented. It is to
be noted that several other types of joints/connections could also
be used. In many of these embodiments, the webcam module is
detachable, as can be seen in FIG. 3G. In such embodiments, the
webcam module can be replaced by another webcam module, thus
allowing replacement/upgrade to the module. In one embodiment, the
webcam module is replaced by another module altogether (for
instance, a module with a speaker and/or microphone, a module with
lights, etc.). Such detachable modules are described in greater
detail in co-pending application Ser. No. 11/478,898, filed on Jun.
30, 2006, entitled "Computer Monitor with Detachable Module", which
is owned by the assignee of the present invention.
[0064] It can be seen from several of these figures (e.g., FIG. 3H)
that in one embodiment, the lens 126 is at one end of the webcam
module 310. Thus the lens 126 is protected when in the park
position. Additionally, such an embedded webcam is secure for
shipment. Also, when in the park position, a privacy shade is
automatically implemented--image data is not captured and/or
transmitted when the webcam 310 is in a park position.
[0065] FIG. 3I shows that in one embodiment, the camera 310 can be
rotated to switch lens orientations--for example, between portrait
and landscape. In one embodiment, other orientations (e.g.,
diagonal) are also implemented. In one embodiment, such a rotation
could be manual. In one embodiment, such a rotation could be
automatic (e.g., based upon the image data being captured).
[0066] FIG. 3J shows that in one embodiment, the camera module 310
attaches to the rotating arm via a connector 340. It can be seen
that in one embodiment, an electrical connector is combined with/is
part of the mechanical connector. For instance, a mini-USB cable is
part of connector 340. It is to be noted that the mechanical and/or
electrical connectors are not limited to the ones described above,
but that the examples above are merely illustrative.
Rotating Webcam Module with Oblong Shape that Provides thin Profile
when Closed, Increased Z Height when Open
[0067] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the integrated camera 410 can be embedded into the display bezel
124 on its side. In other words, the z-axis of the lens lies along
the height (rather than the width) of the camera 410, and the
camera 410 needs to be turned around a rotation axis so as to use
it. Again, as above, the z-axis length of the camera 410 is
increased significantly without increasing the thickness of the
display in which it is embedded. Such embodiments are shown in
FIGS. 4A-4J. FIG. 4A shows the camera 410 in a working position.
FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C show that when the camera 410 is not being
used, the height of the lens is greater than its width.
[0068] FIG. 4D shows a webcam 410 with an elongated shape--the
module 410 here is in the closed position. FIG. 4E illustrates an
embodiment where the rotation axis 420a for the webcam module 410
is vertically centered on the module 410. FIG. 4F shows a front
view of the module 410 rotated out so that the webcam can be
used--the lens 126 is on the bottom surface of the camera module
410 when it is in the closed position. Such a placement of the lens
126 protects the lens when the camera module 410 is in the closed
position. However, it is to be noted that the lens 126 can be
placed elsewhere in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention (e.g., at the top surface of the module 410). FIG. 4G
shows a side view of the display with the module 410 rotated out.
It can be seen that there is a protrusion on the backside of the
display in which the webcam 410 is embedded, because the rotation
axis is centered on the module 410.
[0069] FIG. 4H shows an embodiment where the rotation axis 420b is
not centered on the webcam module 410. Instead, the rotation axis
420b for the webcam module 410 is located higher than the center,
so that the module 410 does not protrude from the rear of the
display when rotated, as can be seen in FIG. 4J. FIG. 4I shows a
front view of the module 410 rotated out so that the webcam can be
used--the lens 126 is on the bottom surface of the module 410 when
it is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the rotation is
located lower than the center, such that the open module does not
protrude from the front of the display. In this embodiment, the
notebook display may be closed without having to rotate the webcam
module to the closed position.
[0070] In various embodiments it is possible for the webcam module
to rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise--allowing the lens to
point to the from or rear of the notebook display.
Webcam Module on Stepped PCB Substrate--Thick PCB Area Used for SMT
Assembly, Thin Area Used for Sensor/Optics
[0071] In conventional PCB fabrication, uniform layers of substrate
material are laminated together to form a multi-layer printed
circuit board. An example of a webcam module with a conventional 4
layer PCB is shown in FIG. 5A. In this example, the board is a
laminate of 4 layers of PCB material, each layer being 0.2 mm
thick. A cross section of this module is shown in FIG. 5B. If the
thickness of the PCB is too small, the structural rigidity of the
webcam module is compromised. However, having a thick PCB under the
optics module leads to increased thickness of the webcam module,
which is often undesirable and/or unacceptable for thinner and
sleeker displays.
[0072] As discussed above, for webcam module designs, total module
thickness is a key parameter to be minimized. In order to reduce
the total height of a webcam module 500, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention, a PCB 520 is built that
contains multiple, thin layers 525 of PCB material under the optics
module 510 (including, for example, the sensor 228, lens 126, and
lens holder 522) as well as additional, thicker layers of PCB
material on either side of the optics module. FIG. 5C shows an
example of such a PCB, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5C, there are 4
layers of very thin PCB material under the optics module 510, and 2
additional layers 530 of thicker PCB material on either side. This
can be more clearly seen in FIG. 5, which shows the cross-section
of the substrate shown in FIG. 5C.
[0073] In the specific example discussed above with reference to
FIGS. 5A-5D, the optics module 510 gets an extra 0.60 mm. (The
total PCB thickness is 0.80 mm, but it is only 0.20 mm in the area
of the optics module.) This construction still provides a rigid PCB
(since the thicker PCB layers 530 will provide good structural
rigidity), while also improving image quality by increasing the
space available for the optics module 510, thus allowing for an
increased z-distance. In an alternate embodiment, the total height
of the webcam module 500 is reduced, thus lending itself to
embedding in a thinner display/laptop.
[0074] An added benefit is provided by the fact that the thin PCB
layers 525 in the above example will have low rigidity. Thus, these
thin layers 525 will provide vibration isolation that will protect
the delicate die on the sensor in the optics module 510. Vibration
will propagate efficiently across the thick, rigid PCB layers 530,
but will be significantly dampened across the thin, flexible PCB
layers 525.
[0075] In one embodiment, an additional stiffener piece (e.g. 0.10
mm thick steel plate) is added to the bottom of the PCB 520 to
increase rigidity of the total system. In one embodiment, this
stiffener is made of metal, and provides the additional benefits of
increased heat dissipation and reduced electromagnetic emissions.
In this case, the vibration dampening effect of the thin PCB layers
will be reduced.
[0076] While particular embodiments and applications of the present
invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to the precise
construction and components disclosed herein. For example, as
mentioned earlier, in any of the above embodiments, the embedded
webcam module may be detachable from the device in which it is
embedded. As another example, different types of connectors,
materials, etc. can be used. As still another example, the various
embodiments discussed above arc applicable not only to laptops, but
also to various other devices in which cameras may be embedded,
such as cell phones, PDA's, media players, etc. Various other
modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to
those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation
and details of the method and apparatus of the present invention
disclosed herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined in the following claims.
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