Compact image pickup module
US7050158B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V40/1324
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image pickup module made of clear polymer includes an imaging surface, a first mirror, and a second mirror. An object is placed on the imaging surface for imaging. Incident light reflects off the imaging surface. The first of the two mirrors directs the reflected light toward the second mirror. The second mirror directs the directed light toward an image sensor. The two mirrors focus the reflected light on the imaging sensor which converts the focused light to electronic signals to be processed by a microcontroller. The use of the mirrors to direct the reflected light (embodying the image information) has the effect of having a relatively long focal length within a relatively short image pickup module design thereby allowing the pickup module to be manufactured having reduced height compared to prior art pickup modules. The reduced height allows for manufacture of smaller, more convenient image pickup devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.