Apple Gets Two Patents For Interchangeable Lenses For IPhone

2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 08:36

This week, the US Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple two patents for interchangeable lenses for portable devices such as the iPhone.

The first one, numbered 8,638,369, describes a mobile digital device, for example an iPhone, containing a special imaging subsystem and a removable panel with optical components.

It is noteworthy that the Cupertinians filed an application for this patent in 2012, and the inventor Richard Tsai developed this technology back in 2010.

According to the description of the patent, the subsystem will be the basis for the camera of the device, including the matrix and lenses. The removable part includes components that can change the optical characteristics of the subsystem itself.

For example, the device will be equipped with a wide-angle lens, while image stabilization and zoom will provide more sophisticated options for electrical modules.

What's more, some components require a power connection to trigger sensors, OIS, and mechanical shutter functions.

The second patent describes a module that attaches to a camera using magnets and is designed to improve image transmission capabilities.

According to the document, the centering function built into the device allows you to connect a separate additional camera module and align the image in accordance with the built-in optical axis.

In addition, the patent describes two different ways to connect the module. In the first version, the alignment function is built into the aperture, as is the case with modern DSLRs. In the second, this function is part of the camera module.

In addition to the main mount, the module is equipped with magnets that provide additional support.

A single lens can include one or more movable elements. The coil wire in the VCM is wound around the lens while the permanent magnets surround the knot. When an electric current is passed through the coil, a controlled magnetic field is created and therefore the lens can move in relation to the static poles of the magnet.

When configured correctly, VCM can be used for a variety of purposes, including image stabilization, autofocus, zoom, and more.

In addition, the patent indicates that the removable lens can support various iterations, such as directing a light beam from a smartphone flashlight.

It is noteworthy that the technology described in the patent allows you to connect designs to the iPhone even with three lenses.

Apple first filed a patent application number 8,639,106 in 2012, naming Jeffrey Nathan Gleason and Misha Scepanovic as inventors.

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