Patent Description:
Compact multi-aperture and in particular dual-aperture (also referred to as "dual-lens" or "dual-camera") digital cameras are known. Miniaturization technologies allow incorporation of such cameras in compact portable electronic devices such as tablets and mobile phones (the latter referred to hereinafter generically as "smartphones"), where they provide advanced imaging capabilities such as zoom, see e.g. co-owned PCT patent applications No.<CIT>, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such cameras and/or cameras disclosed herein are cameras with strict height limitation, normally of less than <NUM>, the thinner the better.

Dual-aperture zoom cameras in which one camera has a wide field of view FOVw (referred to as "Wide camera") and the other has a narrower, "telephoto" FOVT (referred to as "Tele camera") are known. A Tele camera is required to have dimensions as small as possible in order to fit the thickness of the device in which the camera is installed (preferably without protruding from the device's casing), while being suitable to operate with commonly used image sensors. This problem is even more crucial when using a Tele lens with a long (Tele) effective focal length (EFL) to obtain a relatively high zooming effect. As known, the term "EFL" as applied to a lens refers to the distance from a rear principal plane to a paraxial focal plane. The rear principal plane is calculated by tracing an on-axis parabasal ray from infinity and determined using the parabasal's image space marginal ray angle.

Dual-aperture zoom cameras comprising an upright Wide camera and a folded Tele camera are also known, see. e.g. co-owned US patent No. <CIT>. The Wide camera is an "upright" camera comprising a Wide image sensor (or simply "sensor") and a Wide lens module that includes a Wide fixed focus lens assembly (or simply "lens") with a Wide lens symmetry axis. The folded Tele camera comprises a Tele image sensor and a Tele lens module that includes a Tele fixed focus lens with a Tele lens symmetry axis. The dual-aperture zoom camera further comprises a reflecting element (also referred to as optical path folding element or "OPFE") that folds light arriving from an object or scene along a first optical path to a second optical path toward the Tele image sensor. The first and second optical paths are perpendicular to each other. The Wide lens symmetry axis is along (parallel to) the first optical path and the Tele lens symmetry axis is along the second optical path. The reflecting element has a reflecting element symmetry axis inclined substantially at <NUM> degrees to both the Wide lens symmetry axis and the Tele lens symmetry axis and is operative to provide a folded optical path between the object and the Tele image sensor.

The Wide lens has a Wide field of view (FOVw) and the Tele lens has a Tele field of view (FOVT) narrower than FOVw. In an example, the Tele camera provides a X5 zooming effect, compared to the Wide camera.

Compact folded cameras with lens assemblies that include a plurality of lens elements divided into two or more groups, with one or more ("group") of lens elements movable relative to another lens element or group of lens elements, are also known. Actuators (motors) used for the relative motion include step motors with screws or piezoelectric actuators. However, a general problem with such cameras is that their structure dictates a rather large F number (F#) of <NUM> and more, with F# increasing with the zoom factor. Their actuators are slow and noisy (piezoelectric) or bulky (stepper motors), have reliability problems and are expensive. Known optical designs also require a large lens assembly height for a given F# for the two extreme zoom states obtained in such cameras.

<CIT> discloses a digital camera including a first image sensor, a first wide angle lens for forming a first image of a scene on the first image sensor; a second image sensor, a zoom lens for forming a second image of the same scene on the second image sensor, a control element for selecting either a first sensor output from the first image sensor or a second sensor output from the second image sensor, and a processing section for producing the output image from the selected sensor output. In one variation of this embodiment, the first lens is also a zoom lens, where the maximum focal length of the first lens is less than or equal to the minimum focal length of the second zoom lens.

<CIT> discloses a zoom lens system including a positive first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a negative third lens group. Zooming is performed by moving the first, second and third lens groups in the optical axis direction. The positive first lens group is constituted by a negative lens element and a positive lens element.

The invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>, while advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

Non-limiting examples of embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to figures attached hereto that are listed following this paragraph. Identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with a same numeral in all the figures in which they appear. If identical elements are shown but numbered in only one figure, it is assumed that they have the same number in all figures in which they appear. The drawings and descriptions are meant to illuminate and clarify embodiments disclosed herein and should not be considered limiting in any way. In the drawings:.

<FIG> shows schematically a general perspective view of an embodiment of a dual-camera numbered <NUM>, comprising an upright Wide camera <NUM>, and a folded Tele camera <NUM> comprising an OPFE <NUM> (e.g. a prism), and a zoom folded Tele camera lens and sensor module (or simply "module") <NUM>. Wide camera includes a Wide lens <NUM> with a fixed effective focal length EFLw. For example, EFLW may be <NUM>-<NUM>. In Tele camera <NUM>, OPFE <NUM> is held in a prism holder <NUM>. Module <NUM> includes a shield <NUM>. Shield <NUM> may cover some or all elements of module <NUM> or camera <NUM>. <FIG> shows dual-camera <NUM> with shield <NUM> removed and with more details. Module <NUM> further includes a Tele lens <NUM> with a Tele lens optical axis <NUM>, a Tele sensor <NUM>, and, optionally, a glass window <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>). Glass window <NUM> may be used for filtering light at infra-red (IR) wavelengths, for mechanical protection of sensor <NUM> and/or for protection of sensor <NUM> from dust. For simplicity, the word "Tele" used with reference to the camera, lens or image sensor may be dropped henceforth. In some embodiments, the lens and image sensor modules are separated, such that the Tele sensor has its own module, while other functionalities and parts described below (in particular lens actuator structure <NUM> of <FIG>) remain in a Tele camera lens module only. The entire description below refers to such embodiments as well. In other embodiments, a system described herein may comprise one or mode additional cameras, forming e.g. a triple-camera system. Besides a Wide and a Tele camera, a triple-camera may include also an Ultra-Wide camera, wherein an Ultra-Wide camera EFL, EFLUW < <NUM> × EFLW.

Dual-camera <NUM> further comprises, or is coupled to, a controller (not shown) that controls various camera functions, including the movement of lens groups and elements described below.

Lens <NUM> includes three groups of lens elements G1, G2 and G3, housed respectively in a first group (G1) lens housing (or "holder") <NUM>, a second group (G2) lens housing <NUM> and a third group (G3) lens housing <NUM>. Details of three different lens designs for lens element groups G1, G2 and G3 are provided below with reference to <FIG>. In various embodiments described in detail next, at least one lens element group moves relative to another lens element group along lens optical axis <NUM> to provide at least two Tele lens effective focal lengths EFLT: a minimum EFLTmin and a maximum EFLTmax. For example, EFLTmin may be <NUM>-<NUM> and EFLTmax may be <NUM>-<NUM>. This provides zoom capability between two large EFLs while keeping a small Tele lens f-number (F#T). In addition, EFLTmin is larger than the EFLw, for example by <NUM> times or more, such that optical zoom may be provided by dual-camera <NUM> between EFLw and EFLTmax. In addition for EFL, for each zoom state a Tele lens total track length (TTLT) is defined as the distance along the optical axis from the first surface of the first lens element toward the object side (S<NUM>, see below) to the image sensor surface, when the lens is focused at infinity, and including all lens elements and the glass window. TTLTmin is defined for the first zoom state and TTLTmax is defined for the second zoom state. TTLTmin and TTLTmax are marked for example in <FIG>, <FIG>, but the definitions apply for all embodiments in this application.

<FIG> shows a zoom folded Tele camera <NUM>' like camera <NUM> with OPFE <NUM> (e.g. prism), a lens <NUM>' like lens <NUM>, and image sensor <NUM> with a first exemplary optical design of a Tele lens <NUM>' and with ray tracing, where the Tele lens is in a first zoom state, i.e. with EFL=EFLTmin. In addition, a glass window <NUM> may be positioned between all lens elements and image sensor <NUM>. <FIG> shows folded Tele camera <NUM>' in a second zoom state, i.e. with EFL=EFLTmax. <FIG> shows details of a lens <NUM>' of the first optical design in the first zoom state, and <FIG> shows details of lens <NUM>' in the second zoom state.

Lens <NUM>' has a first exemplary optical design, represented by Tables <NUM>-<NUM> and includes eight lens elements marked L1-L8, starting with L1 on an object side facing the prism ("object side") and ending with L8 on an image side toward the image sensor. Table <NUM> provides optical data for each of the surfaces in the optical lens design. The optical data of the OPFE (prism or mirror) is omitted from Table <NUM>, as many OPFE designs known in the art can be used between the object and S<NUM>. Non-limiting examples of such OPFEs include: a prism made of glass or plastic, such that the refractive index of the prism may change (e.g. in a range of <NUM>-<NUM>); an OPFE that limits stray light (e.g. as disclosed in co-owned international patent application<CIT>); a low profile prism (see e.g. co-owned <CIT>); a scanning OPFE (see e.g. co-owned international patent applications<CIT> and <CIT>/); an OPFE with OIS mechanism (see e.g. co-owned <CIT>); and a mirror.

Table <NUM> provides zoom data, which is additional data for distances between surfaces in Table <NUM>, as well as changing parameters for various zoom positions. Table <NUM> provides aspheric data, which is additional optical data for surfaces in Table <NUM> that are not spherical. Table <NUM> provides lens elements and lens elements groups focal lengths in mm. Similar Tables exist for a second exemplary optical design (Tables <NUM>-<NUM>), a third exemplary optical design (Tables <NUM>-<NUM>) a fourth exemplary optical design (Tables <NUM>-<NUM>) and a fifth exemplary optical design (Tables <NUM>-<NUM>) below.

Lenses disclosed in various exemplary embodiments below comprise several lens groups (G1, G2, G3, etc.) of lens elements, each group including a plurality of lens elements marked Li. Each lens element Li has a respective front surface S2i-<NUM> and a respective rear surface S2i where "i" is an integer between <NUM> and N. As used herein, the term "front surface" of each lens element refers to the surface of a lens element located closer to the entrance of the camera (camera object side) and the term "rear surface" refers to the surface of a lens element located closer to the image sensor (camera image side). The front surface and/or the rear surface can be in some cases aspherical. The front surface and/or the rear surface can be in some cases spherical. These options are, however, not limiting. Lens elements L1 to LN may be made from various materials, for example plastic or glass. Some lens elements may be made of different materials than other lens elements. The notations "Gi", "Li", "Si" are shown in several figures as an example (see <FIG> for "Gi" notations, <FIG> for "Li" notations and <FIG> for "Si" notations), however these notations apply for all embodiments in this application.

In this specification, "height" of a part, an element, or of a group of parts or elements is defined as a distance in the direction of the first optical axis (Y direction in an exemplary coordinate system) between the lowermost point of the part/element/group and the upper-most point of the part/element/group. The term "upper" or "top" refers to a section of any part/element/group that is closer to and facing an imaged (photographed) object along Y relative to other sections of the same part/element or group. The term "lower" or "bottom" refers to a section of any part/element/group that is farthest from and facing away from an imaged object along Y relative to other sections of the same part/element or group.

In Table <NUM> (as well as in Tables <NUM> and <NUM>), R is the radius of curvature of a surface and T is the distance from the surface to the next surface parallel to an optical axis. Since the distance between some lens elements change with zooming and focusing, additional thickness data is given in Tables <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> for various zoom and focus positions. Note that the TTLT is the sum of all T values starting from S<NUM> and to the image sensor, when additional data from Tables <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is used with the object set at infinity. D is the optical diameter of the surface. D/<NUM> expresses a "semi-diameter" or half of the diameter. The units of R, T, and D are millimeters (mm). Nd and Vd are the refraction index and Abbe number of the lens element material residing between the surface and the next surface, respectively.

Surface types are defined in Tables <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> and the coefficients for the surfaces are in Tables <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>:.

The diameter D of the image sensor as presented in the tables below refers to a possible size of the image sensor diagonal.

In a first example ("Example <NUM>"), lens elements L1-L8 are grouped into three groups: a first group G1 comprising lens elements L1 and L2, a second group G2 comprising lens elements L3 and L4 and a third group comprising lens elements L5-L8. Note that the lens or group focal lengths listed in Table <NUM> have positive or negative values, which indicate respective positive or negative refractive powers of the associates lens elements or groups. Thus, in Table <NUM>, L1, L3, L5 and L8 have positive refractive powers and L2, L4, L6 and L7 have negative refractive powers Similarly, G1 and G2 have positive refractive powers and G3 has negative refractive power. This applies also to Tables <NUM> and <NUM>.

In Example <NUM>, the camera is brought into two zoom states by moving groups G1 and G3 relative to image sensor <NUM> while keeping group G2 stationary relative to image sensor <NUM>. G3 is then further movable for focusing in each of the zoom states. Table <NUM> specifies the exact distances and relative positioning. In Example <NUM>, G1 and G3 are moved relatively to G2 (and the image sensor) to bring the camera into a first zoom state shown in <FIG> and <FIG> in which EFLT = EFLTmin = <NUM>, F#=F#Tmin = <NUM> and TTLT=TTLTmin = <NUM>, and into a second zoom state shown in <FIG> and <FIG> in which EFLT = EFLTmax =<NUM>, F#=F#Tmax = <NUM> and TTLT =TTLTmin = <NUM>. The range of movement may be for example <NUM>-<NUM>. In the first state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d8 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the focus distance) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM> to <NUM>, depending on the focus distance). In the second state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d8' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the focus distance) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM> to <NUM> depending on the focus distance).

<FIG> shows details of the lens elements of a second embodiment of an exemplary optical design in a folded Tele camera such as camera <NUM> in a first zoom state, while <FIG> shows details of the lens elements of the second optical design in a second zoom state. The figures show a lens <NUM>", image sensor <NUM> and optional window <NUM>. The second optical design is represented by Tables <NUM>-<NUM> and includes eight lens elements marked L1-L8, starting with L1 on an object side facing the prism and ending with L8 on an image side toward the image sensor. Table <NUM> provides optical data, Table <NUM> provides zoom data, Table <NUM> provides aspheric data and Table <NUM> provides lens or group focal length in mm.

In a second example ("Example <NUM>"), in lens <NUM>", lens elements L1-L8 are grouped into three groups: a first group G1 comprising lens elements L1 and L2, a second group G2 comprising lens elements L3-L5, and a third group comprising lens elements L6-L8.

In Example <NUM>, the camera is brought into two zoom states by moving groups G1 and G3 together relative to the image sensor in a given range R<NUM>,<NUM> while moving group G2 relative to the image sensor in a range R<NUM> smaller than R<NUM>,<NUM>. In Example <NUM>, R<NUM>,<NUM> = <NUM>, while R<NUM> = <NUM>. Group G2 is further movable at any zoom state relative to the image sensor in a range RAF for changing the focal distance of camera <NUM> from infinity down to <NUM> meter. RAF may be up to <NUM> micrometers (um), depending on zoom state. <FIG> shows Example <NUM> in the first zoom state in which EFLT = EFLTmin = <NUM>, F# =F#Tmin = <NUM> and TTLT =TTLTmin = <NUM>, and <FIG> shows Example <NUM> in the second zoom state in which EFLT = EFLTmax =<NUM>, F#=F#Tmax = <NUM>, and TTLT=TTLTmax = <NUM>.

In Example <NUM>, the following conditions are fulfilled:
R<NUM>,<NUM> and R<NUM> are smaller than <NUM> × (EFLTmax - EFLTmin) and of course smaller than <NUM> × (EFLTmax - EFLTmin). F#Tmin is smaller than <NUM> × F#Tmax × EFLTmin / EFLTmax, smaller than <NUM> × F#Tmax × EFLTmin / EFLTmax, smaller than <NUM> × F#Tmax × EFLTmin / EFLTmax and smaller than <NUM> × F#Tmax × EFLTmin / EFLTmax.

In the first state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM> to <NUM>, depending on the focus distance), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d10 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the focus distance) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>,). In the second state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM> to <NUM>, depending on the focus distance), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d10' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM> to <NUM>, depending on the focus distance) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>).

<FIG> shows details of the lens elements of a third embodiment of an exemplary optical design in a folded Tele camera such as camera <NUM> in a first zoom state, while <FIG> shows details of the lens elements of the third optical design in a second zoom state. The figures show a lens <NUM>‴, image sensor <NUM> and optional window <NUM>. The second optical design is represented by Tables <NUM>-<NUM> and includes eight lens elements marked L1-L8, starting with L1 on an object side facing the prism and ending with L8 on an image side toward the image sensor. Table <NUM> provides optical data, Table <NUM> provides zoom data, Table <NUM> provides aspheric data and Table <NUM> provides lens or group focal length in mm.

In lens <NUM>"', lens elements L1-L8 are grouped into three groups: a first group G1 comprising lens elements L1 and L2, a second group G2 comprising lens elements L3 and L4, and a third group comprising lens elements L5-L8.

In a third exemplary use ("Example <NUM>"), the camera is brought into two zoom states by moving groups G1 and G3 relative to the image sensor in a given range while keeping group G2 stationary. The range of movement may be for example <NUM>-<NUM>. G1 is further movable for focusing. In Example <NUM>, G1 and G3 are moved relatively to G2 (and the image sensor) to bring the camera into a first zoom state shown in <FIG> in which EFLT = EFLTmin = <NUM>, F#Tmin = <NUM> and TTLT =TTLTmin = <NUM>, and into a second zoom state shown in <FIG> in which EFLT = EFLTmax =<NUM>, F#= F#Tmax = <NUM> and TTLT =TTLTmax = <NUM>. In the first state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the focus distance), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d8 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>). In the second state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the focus distance), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d8 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>,) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, i.e. <NUM>).

<FIG> shows details of the lens elements of a fourth exemplary optical design in a folded Tele camera such as camera <NUM> in a first zoom state, while <FIG> shows details of the lens elements of the fourth optical design in a second zoom state. The figures show a lens 114ʺʺ, image sensor <NUM> and optional window <NUM>. The second optical design is represented by Tables <NUM>-<NUM> and includes eight lens elements marked L1-L8, starting with L1 on an object side facing the prism and ending with L8 on an image side toward the image sensor. Table <NUM> provides optical data, Table <NUM> provides zoom data, Table <NUM> provides aspheric data and Table <NUM> provides lens or group focal length in mm.

In a fourth example ("Example <NUM>"), in lens 114ʺʺ, lens elements L1-L8 are grouped into three groups: a first group G1 comprising lens elements L1 and L2, a second group G2 comprising lens elements L3-L5, and a third group comprising lens elements L6-L8.

In Example <NUM>, the camera is brought into two zoom states by moving groups G1 and G3 together (as one unit) relative to the image sensor in a given range R<NUM>,<NUM> while group G2 is stationary relative to the image sensor in the zoom process. In Example <NUM>, R<NUM>,<NUM> = <NUM>. While group G2 does not move when changing zoom state, group G2 is movable at any zoom state relative to the image sensor and groups G1 and G3 in a range RAF for changing the focal distance of camera <NUM> from infinity down to <NUM> meter. RAF may be up to <NUM>, depending on zoom state. <FIG> shows Example <NUM> in the first zoom state in which EFLT = EFLTmin = <NUM>, F# =F#Tmin = <NUM> and TTLT =TTLTmin = <NUM>, and <FIG> shows Example <NUM> in the second zoom state in which EFLT = EFLTmax =<NUM>, F#=F#Tmax = <NUM>, and TTLT =TTLTmax = <NUM>.

In the first state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d10 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL, and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL. In the second state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d10' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL).

<FIG> shows details of the lens elements of a fifth exemplary optical design in a folded Tele camera such as camera <NUM> in a first zoom state, while <FIG> shows details of the lens elements of the fifth optical design in a second zoom state. The figures show a lens <NUM>‴ʺ, image sensor <NUM> and optional window <NUM>. The second optical design is represented by Tables <NUM>-<NUM> and includes eight lens elements marked L1-L8, starting with L1 on an object side facing the prism and ending with L8 on an image side toward the image sensor. Table <NUM> provides optical data, Table <NUM> provides zoom data, Table <NUM> provides aspheric data and Table <NUM> provides lens or group focal length in mm.

In the fifth example ("Example <NUM>"), in lens <NUM>‴ʺ, lens elements L1-L8 are grouped into three groups: a first group G1 comprising lens elements L1 and L2, a second group G2 comprising lens elements L3-L5, and a third group comprising lens elements L6-L8.

In Example <NUM>, the camera is brought into two zoom states by moving groups G1 and G3 together (as one unit) relative to the image sensor in a given range R<NUM>,<NUM> while group G2 is stationary relative to the image sensor. In Example <NUM>, R<NUM>,<NUM> = <NUM>. Groups G1+G3 is further movable together at any zoom state relative to the image sensor and group G2 in a range RAF for changing the focal distance of camera <NUM> from infinity down to <NUM> meter. RAF may be up to <NUM>, depending on zoom state. <FIG> shows Example <NUM> in the first zoom state in which EFLT = EFLTmin = <NUM>, F# =F#Tmin = <NUM> and TTLT=TTLTmin = <NUM>, and <FIG> shows Example <NUM> in the second zoom state in which EFLT = EFLTmax =<NUM>, F#=F#Tmax = <NUM>, and TTLT =TTLTmax = <NUM>.

In the first state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d10 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL). In the second state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d4' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d10' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL), and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d16' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL).

<FIG> shows details of the lens elements of a sixth embodiment of an exemplary optical design in a folded Tele camera such as camera <NUM> in a first zoom state, while <FIG> shows details of the lens elements of the sixth optical design in a second zoom state. The figures show a lens <NUM>‴‴, image sensor <NUM> and optional window <NUM>. The sixth optical design is represented by Tables <NUM>-<NUM> and includes eight lens elements marked L1-L8, starting with L1 on an object side facing the prism and ending with L8 on an image side toward the image sensor. Table <NUM> provides optical data, Table <NUM> provides zoom data, Table <NUM> provides aspheric data and Table <NUM> provides lens or group focal length in mm.

In lens <NUM>‴‴ lens elements L1-L8 are grouped into three groups: a first group G1 comprising lens elements L1, L2 and L3, a second group G2 comprising lens elements L4, L5 and L6, and a third group comprising lens elements L7 and L8.

In Example <NUM>, the camera is brought into two zoom states by moving groups G1 and G3 together (as one unit) relative to the image sensor in a given range R<NUM>,<NUM> while group G2 moves in a range R<NUM> relative to the image sensor, whereas R<NUM> < R<NUM>,<NUM>. In Example <NUM>, R<NUM>,<NUM> = <NUM> and R<NUM>=<NUM>. Groups G1+G2+G3 is further movable together at any zoom state relative to the image sensor and in a range RAF for changing the focal distance of camera <NUM> from infinity down to <NUM> meter or down to <NUM> meter. RAF may be up to <NUM>, depending on zoom state.

<FIG> shows Example <NUM> in the first zoom state in which EFLT = EFLTmin = <NUM>, F# =F#Tmin = <NUM> and TTLT =TTLTmin = <NUM>, and <FIG> shows Example <NUM> in the second zoom state in which EFLT = EFLTmax=<NUM>, F#=F#Tmax = <NUM>, and TTLT=TTLTmax = <NUM>.

In the first state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d7 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d13 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL) and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d17 (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL). In the second state, G1 is separated from G2 by a distance d7' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL), G2 is separated from G3 by a distance d13' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL), and G3 is separated from window <NUM> by a distance d17' (the distance between S<NUM> and S<NUM> in Table <NUM> for a case of <NUM> EFL).

<FIG> show schematically an example for Tele lens and sensor module (or simply "module") numbered <NUM>. The description of the figures continues with reference to a coordinate system XYZ shown in <FIG> as well as in a number of other figures. In an example, module <NUM> has the optical design of the second example. In module <NUM>, an example for an actuation method required for changing between zoom states and focus states of lenses <NUM>', <NUM>" and <NUM>‴ is provided. <FIG> shows schematically module <NUM> in an EFLTmin state from a top perspective view, and <FIG> shows schematically module <NUM> in the EFLTmin state from another top perspective view. <FIG> shows schematically module <NUM> in an EFLTmax state from one top perspective view, and <FIG> shows schematically module <NUM> in the EFLTmax state from another top perspective view. <FIG> shows an exploded view of module <NUM>. Module <NUM> comprises a G1+G3 lens sub-assembly <NUM>, a G2 lens sub-assembly <NUM>, a sensor sub-assembly <NUM>, an electro-magnetic (EM) sub-assembly <NUM>, a base sub-assembly <NUM>, a first magnet <NUM>, a first coil <NUM>, a second magnet <NUM>, a first set of (exemplarily <NUM>) balls <NUM> and a second set of (exemplarily <NUM>) balls <NUM>. Lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> share lens optical axis <NUM>.

First coil <NUM> is positioned next to first magnet <NUM> and is rigidly coupled to (not moving relative to) base sub-assembly <NUM>. First coil <NUM> may be soldered to a PCB such as PCB <NUM> (<FIG>), or routed to external circuitry (not shown) which allows sending input and output currents to first coil <NUM>, the currents carrying both power and electronic signals required for operation. Coil <NUM> has exemplarily a rectangular shape and typically includes a few tens of coil windings (i.e. in a non-limiting range of <NUM>-<NUM>), with a typical resistance of <NUM>-<NUM> ohm. First magnet <NUM> is a split magnet, such that a split line 512a in the middle separates it into two sides: in one side of split line 512a, magnet <NUM> has a north magnetic pole facing the positive X direction, and in the other side of split line 512a, magnet <NUM> has a south magnetic pole facing the positive X direction. Upon driving a current in first coil <NUM>, a first Lorentz force is created on first magnet <NUM>. In an example, a current flow through first coil <NUM> in a clockwise direction will induce a first Lorentz force in the positive Z direction on first magnet <NUM>, while a current flow through first coil <NUM> in a counter clockwise direction will induce a Lorentz force in the negative Z direction on first magnet <NUM>. In an example, first Lorentz force may be used to move bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> from the first zoom state to the second zoom state and vice-versa in an open loop control, i.e. actuate bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> between stops 720a-b and 722a-b (see below).

<FIG> provide two bottom perspective views of actuated parts of module <NUM>, showing a top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> and a bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> in the EFLTmin state. <FIG> shows top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> from a bottom perspective view. Top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> comprises G2 lens sub-assembly <NUM>, second magnet <NUM> and a plurality of stepping magnets <NUM>. Bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> comprises G1+G3 lens sub-assembly <NUM>, first magnet <NUM>, stepping magnets <NUM> and four yokes 602a-b (<FIG>) and 604a-b (<FIG>). <FIG> shows details of base sub-assembly <NUM>, which comprises guiding rails 710a and 710b and pull-stop magnets 702a-b and 704a-b. Note that in <FIG>, pull-stop magnets 702a-b and 704a-b are separated from stops 720a-b and 722a-b for illustration purposes. Arrows show the gluing position of pull-stop magnets 702a-b and 704a-b in stops 720a-b and 722a-b. Yokes 602a-b are pulled against pull-stop magnets 702a-b and yokes 604a-b are pulled against pull-stop magnets 704a-b. Each of guiding rails 710a-b comprises a respective groove 712a-b. Base sub-assembly <NUM> further comprises two mechanical stops <NUM> and <NUM>, which are exemplarily connected to guiding rail 710b. Mechanical stops <NUM> and <NUM> limit the stroke of top actuated sub-assembly <NUM>. <FIG> shows details of EM sub-assembly <NUM> on PCB <NUM>.

In an example, module <NUM> enables a relative motion of lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> in a direction along lens optical axis <NUM>. Module <NUM> has exemplary length/width/height dimensions in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, i.e. module <NUM> can be contained in a box with dimension of <NUM>×<NUM>×<NUM><NUM> to <NUM>×<NUM>×<NUM><NUM>. In an example, module <NUM> has a height (along Y axis) which is limited by the maximal clear apertures of lens elements L1. LN plus the plastic thickness of respective lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> (the plastic thickness is for example in the range <NUM>-<NUM>), plus the thickness of shield <NUM> (the shield thickness is for example in the range <NUM>-<NUM>), plus the thickness of two airgaps between respective lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> and shield <NUM> (each air gap thickness is for example in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>). The clear aperture of lens elements L1. LN may be a circular or cut-lens clear aperture, as described below.

In module <NUM>, the three lens groups (G1, G2 and G3) are held in two lens sub-assemblies: lens sub-assembly <NUM> that holds lens groups G1+G3 and lens sub-assembly <NUM> that holds lens group G2. Lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> are typically made of plastic. In some embodiments, lens sub-assembly <NUM> and lens groups G1+G3 may be a single part (and similarly lens sub-assembly <NUM> and G2 may be a single part). In some embodiments, they may be separate parts. Lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may be made, for example, by plastic molding, or alternatively by other methods. First and second magnets <NUM> and <NUM> are fixedly attached (e.g. glued) to lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, from two opposite sides across lens optical axis <NUM> (X direction).

Lens sub-assembly <NUM> includes several grooves, defining a mechanical ball-guided mechanism, allowing actuation in a linear rail for the zoom needs. In this example, six grooves are described, but another number of grooves may be used: two grooves 542a-b (<FIG>) on a top surface of lens sub-assembly <NUM> along the Z direction, and four grooves 624a-d (<FIG>) on a bottom surface of lens sub-assembly <NUM>, along the Z direction as well. Lens sub-assembly <NUM> includes several groves, mating with some of the grooves of lens sub-assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, lens sub-assembly <NUM> includes four grooves 642a-d, only three of which are seen in <FIG>. Grooves 642a-d are parallel to each other, are along the Z-axis (optical axis), and are used to guide top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> along the Z direction.

Top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> is positioned on top of bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> such that grooves 642a-b (642c-d) are right above and parallel to grooves 542a (542b).

In the embodiment shown, four balls <NUM> are positioned on top of grooves 542a-b (two balls on top of each groove) and below grooves 642a-d (<FIG>), such that balls <NUM> separate lens sub-assembly <NUM> and lens sub-assembly <NUM> and prevent the two parts from touching each other. In other embodiments, module <NUM> may have more than four balls between lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>, for example up to <NUM> balls per side or up to <NUM> balls in total. Balls <NUM> may be made from aluminum oxide or another ceramic material, from a metal or from a plastic material. Typical ball diameters may be in a non-limiting range of <NUM>-<NUM>. Other ball sizes and positioning considerations may be, as in co-owned international PCT patent application<CIT> titled "Rotational Ball Guided Voice Coil Motor".

Since lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> are exemplarily plastic molded, there is some tolerance allowed in part dimensions, typically a few tens of microns or less for each dimension. This tolerance may lead to positional misalignment between adjacent (facing) grooves 542a-b and 642a-d. To better align the grooves, some grooves (e.g. 542a-b and 642c-d) may be V-shaped, i.e. have a V cross section shape to ensure ball positioning, while grooves 642a-b may have a wider, trapezoid cross-section. Grooves 542b and 642c-d are aligned during assembly, while the alignment of grooves 542a and 642a-b have a small clearance due to the trapezoid cross section of the latter grooves. The trapezoid groove cross sections are just exemplary, and other groove cross section shapes may be used (e.g. rectangular, flat, etc.), such that one pair of grooves is well aligned by the groove shape and the other pair of grooves has clearance of alignment.

The design presented herein may allow accurate alignment of the three lens element groups. G1 and G3 are well aligned to each other since they are mechanically fixed to the same part and may maintain alignment during product lifecycle. In some embodiments, lens sub-assembly <NUM> is molded as one part and the alignment of G1 to G3 is based on the plastic molding tolerances. In some embodiments lens sub-assembly <NUM> is molded as several parts which are glued in the factory using active or passive alignment procedures. G2 is aligned to G1 and G3 using a single groove pair (542b and 642c and / or 642d), i.e. lens sub-assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned to each other without intermediate parts.

Four balls <NUM> are positioned on top of grooves 712a-b (two balls on top of each groove) and below grooves 624a-d such that balls <NUM> separate lens sub-assembly <NUM> from base sub-assembly <NUM> and prevent the two parts from touching each other. In other embodiments, module <NUM> may have more than four balls, for example up to <NUM> balls per side or up to <NUM> balls in total. The size, material and other considerations related to balls <NUM> are similar to those of balls <NUM>. Other considerations regarding grooves 712a-b and 624a-d are similar to those of grooves 542a-b and 642a-d as described above.

Module <NUM> further includes several ferromagnetic yokes <NUM> (<FIG>) fixedly attached (e.g. glued) to base sub-assembly <NUM> such that each yoke is positioned below (along Y direction) three of stepping magnets <NUM> and <NUM>. In other embodiments, ferromagnetic yokes <NUM> may be a fixedly part of shield <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, shield <NUM> by itself may be made from ferromagnetic material, or the bottom part of shield <NUM> may be made of ferromagnetic material, such that the yoke(s) is (are) part of the shield. Each ferromagnetic yoke <NUM> pulls some of stepping magnets <NUM> or <NUM> by magnetic force in the negative Y direction, and thus all yokes prevent both top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> and bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> from detaching from each other and from base <NUM> and shield <NUM>. Balls <NUM> prevent top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> from touching bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> and balls <NUM> prevent bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> from touching base sub-assembly <NUM>. Both top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> and bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> are thus confined along the Y-axis and do not move in the Y direction. The groove and ball structure further confines top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> and bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> to move only along lens optical axis <NUM> (Z-axis).

<FIG> shows details of base sub-assembly <NUM> and stationary rails in module <NUM>. Along the Z direction, top actuated sub-assembly <NUM> is limited to move between mechanical stops <NUM> and <NUM>, with a distance equal to the required stroke of G2 (about <NUM>-<NUM>) between them. Also, along the Z direction, bottom actuated sub-assembly <NUM> is limited to move between mechanical stops 720a-b and 722a-b, and / or pull-stop magnets 702a-b and 704a-b.

<FIG> shows details of EM sub-assembly <NUM> in module <NUM>. EM sub-assembly <NUM> includes second coil <NUM>, two Hall bar elements ("Hall sensors") 834a and 834b and a PCB <NUM>. Second Coil <NUM> and Hall bar elements 834a-b may be soldered (each one separately) to PCB <NUM>. Second Coil <NUM> has exemplarily a rectangular shape and typically includes a few tens of coil windings (e.g. in a non-limiting range of <NUM>-<NUM>), with a typical resistance of <NUM>-<NUM> ohms. PCB <NUM> allows sending input and output currents to second coil <NUM> and to Hall bar elements 834a-b, the currents carrying both power and electronic signals required for operation. PCB <NUM> may be connected electronically to the external camera by wires (not shown). In an example (<FIG>), EM sub-assembly <NUM> is positioned next to second magnet <NUM>. Second magnet <NUM> is a split magnet, separated by a split line 516a in the middle into two sides: in one side of split line 516a, magnet <NUM> has a north magnetic pole facing the positive X direction, and in the other side of split line 516a, magnet <NUM> has a south magnetic pole facing the positive X direction. Upon driving a current in second coil <NUM>, a Lorentz force is created on second magnet <NUM>. In an example, a current flow through second coil <NUM> in a clockwise direction will induce a Lorentz force in the positive Z direction on second magnet <NUM>, while a current flow through second coil <NUM> in a counter clockwise direction will induce a Lorentz force in the negative Z direction on second magnet <NUM>.

Hall bar elements 834a-b are designed to measure magnetic the field in the X direction (intensity and sign) in the center of each Hall bar element. Hall bar elements 834a-b can sense the intensity and direction of the magnetic field of second magnet <NUM>. In an example, the positioning of Hall bar element 834a on PCB <NUM> is such that:.

In such a positioning scheme, Hall bar element 834a can measure the respective position of second magnet <NUM> along the Z direction when the system is in the first zoom state, since in the first zoom state the X direction magnetic field has measurable gradient on Hall bar 834a trajectory along RAF between focus positions of infinity to <NUM> meter focus, and X direction magnetic field may be correlated to position. In addition Hall bar element 834b can measure the respective position of second magnet <NUM> along the Z direction when the system is in the second zoom state, since in the second zoom state the X direction magnetic field has measurable gradient on Hall bar 834b trajectory along RAF between focus positions of infinity to <NUM> meter focus, and X direction magnetic field may be correlated to position. A control circuit (not shown) may be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC) to control in closed loop the position of second magnet <NUM> relative to EM sub-assembly <NUM> (and to base sub-assembly <NUM> to which EM sub-assembly <NUM> is rigidly coupled) while operating in either zoom states, and in open loop while traveling between zoom state (see <FIG> and description below) In some cases, the IC may be combined with one or both Hall elements 834a-b. In other cases, the IC may be a separate chip, which can be located outside or inside module <NUM> (not shown). In exemplary embodiments, all electrical connections required by module <NUM> are connected to EM sub-assembly <NUM>, which is stationary relative to base sub-assembly <NUM> and to the external world. As such, there is no need to transfer electrical current to any moving part.

The magneto-electrical design of module <NUM> allows the following method of operation for operating folded Tele camera <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates such an exemplary method in a flow chart. In step <NUM>, Tele camera <NUM> is positioned with lens <NUM> in one (e.g. a first) zoom state. A decision (by a user or an algorithm) to refocus Tele lens <NUM> is made in step <NUM>, and G2 lens sub-assembly <NUM> is moved in step <NUM> under closed loop control (by a controller - not shown) using inputs from Hall bar element 834a to bring Tele camera <NUM> into another focus position in the first zoom state. A decision (by a user or an algorithm) to change the zoom state of lens <NUM> of camera <NUM> to another (e.g. a second) zoom state is made in step <NUM>, and G1+G3 lens sub-assembly <NUM> is moved under open loop control to mechanical stop <NUM> in step <NUM>, followed by movement of G2 lens sub-assembly <NUM> under open loop control to mechanical stop <NUM> in step <NUM>. G2 lens sub-assembly <NUM> is then moved under closed loop control using inputs from Hall bar element 834b in step <NUM>, to bring Tele folded camera <NUM> into the second zoom state in yet another focus position in step <NUM>. A decision to refocus lens <NUM> is made in step <NUM>. The refocusing of lens <NUM> in the second zoom state is performed by moving G2 lens sub-assembly under closed loop control using inputs from Hall bar element 834b. A decision (by a user or an algorithm) to change the second zoom state of lens <NUM> of camera <NUM> to the first zoom state is made in step <NUM>, and G1+G3 lens sub-assembly <NUM> is moved under open loop control to mechanical stop <NUM> in step <NUM>, followed by movement of G2 lens sub-assembly <NUM> under open loop control to mechanical stop <NUM> in step <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the two surfaces S2i-<NUM>, S2i of any lens element Li may have two apertures that include two cuts (facets). In such a case, lens element Li is referred to as a "cut lens element". The cuts enable the lens assembly to be lower and/or shorter. In an example, <FIG> shows a lens element <NUM> having axial symmetry and a height H<NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cut lens element <NUM> with two cuts <NUM> and <NUM> and with height H<NUM>. Lens elements <NUM> and <NUM> have the same diameter D. Evidently H<NUM> < H<NUM>. In an example shown in <FIG>, the first two lens elements (L<NUM> and L<NUM>) are cut lens elements.

As explained below, a clear height value CH(Sk) can be defined for each surface Sk for <NUM> ≤ k ≤ 2N), and a clear aperture value CA(Sk) can be defined for each surface Sk for <NUM> ≤ k ≤ 2N). CA(Sk) and CH(Sk) define optical properties of each surface Sk of each lens element.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each optical ray that passes through a surface Sk (for <NUM> ≤ k ≤ 2N) impinges this surface on an impact point IP. Optical rays enter the lens module (e.g. <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>"') from surface S<NUM>, and pass through surfaces S<NUM> to S2N consecutively. Some optical rays can impinge on any surface Sk but cannot /will not reach image sensor <NUM>. For a given surface Sk, only optical rays that can form an image on image sensor <NUM> are considered forming a plurality of impact points IP are obtained. CH(Sk) is defined as the distance between two closest possible parallel lines (see lines <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> located on a plane P orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens elements (in the representation of <FIG>, plane P is parallel to plane X-Y and is orthogonal to optical axis <NUM>), such that the orthogonal projection IPorth of all impact points IP on plane P is located between the two parallel lines. CH(Sk) can be defined for each surface Sk (front and rear surfaces, with <NUM> ≤ k ≤ 2N).

The definition of CH(Sk) does not depend on the object currently imaged, since it refers to the optical rays that "can" form an image on the image sensor. Thus, even if the currently imaged object is located in a black background which does not produce light, the definition does not refer to this black background since it refers to any optical rays that "can" reach the image sensor to form an image (for example optical rays emitted by a background which would emit light, contrary to a black background).

For example, <FIG> illustrates the orthogonal projections IPorth,<NUM>, IPorth,<NUM> of two impact points IP<NUM> and IP<NUM> on plane P which is orthogonal to optical axis <NUM>. By way of example, in the representation of <FIG>, surface Sk is convex.

<FIG> illustrates the orthogonal projections IPorth,<NUM>, IPorth,<NUM> of two impact points IP<NUM> and IP<NUM> on plane P. By way of example, in the representation of <FIG>, surface Sk is concave.

In <FIG>, the orthogonal projection IPorth of all impact points IP of a surface Sk on plane P is located between parallel lines <NUM> and <NUM>. CH(Sk) is thus the distance between lines <NUM> and <NUM>.

Attention is drawn to <FIG>. According to the presently disclosed subject matter, a clear aperture CA(Sk) is defined for each given surface Sk (for <NUM> ≤ k ≤ 2N), as the diameter of a circle, wherein the circle is the smallest possible circle located in a plane P orthogonal to the optical axis <NUM> and encircling all orthogonal projections IPorth of all impact points on plane P. As mentioned above with respect to CH(Sk), it is noted that the definition of CA(Sk) also does not depend on the object which is currently imaged.

As shown in <FIG>, the circumscribed orthogonal projection IPorth of all impact points IP on plane P is circle <NUM>. The diameter of this circle <NUM> defines CA(Sk).

In conclusion, zoom cameras disclosed herein are designed to overcome certain optical challenges as follows:.

In terms of properties of lenses disclosed herein:.

Table <NUM> summarizes the movements in each Example, with exemplary movement ranges:.

Examples presented in Table <NUM> where more than one lens group is indicated as moving for focus may refer to a design where the lens groups defined in the table move together as one unit for focus. In some embodiments (e.g. Examples <NUM> and <NUM>), moving several lens groups together may be facilitated by coupling the respective lens groups rigidly.

The values given in G1 range, G2 range and G3 range refer to the maximal range of overall movement of the lens groups with respect to the image sensor.

The values given in row "AF max range" refer to the maximal range of movement of the lens groups with respect to the image sensor defined in row "Group moving for focus" required for focusing between infinity and <NUM> meter or <NUM> meter according to the respective relevant table of table <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> see above. In most embodiments, the AF max range is given by the lens group movement for the higher zoom state, i.e. the state with EFLTmax.

In some non-claimed examples, G1 and G3 may be in a stationary state, i.e. G1 and G3 do not move, whereas G2 may be moved in order to change zoom state.

<FIG> shows schematically an embodiment of an electronic device numbered <NUM> and including multi-aperture cameras with at least one multi-zoom state camera disclosed herein. Electronic device <NUM> comprises a first camera module <NUM> that includes an OPFE <NUM>, and a first lens module <NUM> that forms a first image recorded by a first image sensor <NUM>. A first lens actuator <NUM> may move lens module <NUM> for focusing and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) and/or for changing between two different zoom states. In some embodiments, electronic device <NUM> may further comprise an application processor (AP) <NUM>. In some embodiments, a first calibration data may be stored in a first memory <NUM> of a camera module, e.g. in an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). In other embodiments, a first calibration data may be stored in a third memory <NUM> such as a NVM (non-volatile memory) of the electronic device <NUM>. The first calibration data may include one or more subsets of calibration data, e.g. a first subset comprising calibration data between sensors of a Wide and a Tele camera in a first zoom state, and/or a second subset comprising calibration data between sensors of a Wide and a Tele camera in a second zoom state, and/or a third subset comprising calibration data between a sensor of a Tele camera in a first zoom state and the same sensor in a second zoom state. Electronic device <NUM> further comprises a second camera module <NUM> that includes a second lens module <NUM> that forms an image recorded by a second image sensor <NUM>. A second lens actuator <NUM> may move lens module <NUM> for focusing and/or OIS and/or for changing between two different zoom states. In some embodiments, second calibration data may be stored at a second memory <NUM> of a camera module. In other embodiments, the second calibration data may be stored in a third memory <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The second calibration data may include one or more subsets of calibration data, e.g. as described above.

In use, a processing unit such as AP <NUM> may receive respective first and second image data from camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> and supply camera control signals to the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, AP <NUM> may receive calibration data from a third memory <NUM>. In other embodiments, an AP <NUM> may receive calibration data stored respective in a first memory located on camera module <NUM> and in a second memory located on camera module <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, AP <NUM> may receive calibration data stored respective in a first memory located on camera module <NUM> and in a second memory located on camera module <NUM>, as well as from a third memory <NUM> of an electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, an electronic device like device <NUM> may comprise more than one camera module realized in a folded lens design and with an OPFE. In other embodiments, two or more camera modules may be realized without an OPFE and not with a folded lens design structure, but with another lens design structure. AP <NUM> may have access to data stored in third memory <NUM>. This data may comprise a third calibration data. An image generator <NUM> may be a processor configured to output images based on calibration data and-image data. Image generator <NUM> may process a calibration data and an image data in order to output an output image. Camera calibration data may comprise:.

<FIG> shows schematically an embodiment of a dual-aperture zoom camera with auto-focus AF and numbered <NUM>, in a general isometric view, and a sectioned isometric view. Camera <NUM> comprises two sub-cameras, labeled <NUM> and <NUM>, each sub-camera having its own optics. Thus, sub-camera <NUM> includes an optics bloc <NUM> with an aperture <NUM> and an optical lens module <NUM>, as well as a sensor <NUM>. Similarly, sub-camera <NUM> includes an optics bloc <NUM> with an aperture <NUM> and an optical lens module <NUM>, as well as a sensor <NUM>. Each optical lens module may include several lens elements as well as an Infra-Red (IR) filter 1522a and 1522b. Optionally, some or all of the lens elements belonging to different apertures may be formed on the same substrate. The two sub-cameras are positioned next to each other, with a baseline <NUM> between the center of the two apertures <NUM> and <NUM>. Each sub-camera can further include an AF mechanism and/or a mechanism for optical image stabilization (OIS), respectively <NUM> and <NUM>, controlled by a controller (not shown).

<FIG> shows schematically an embodiment of a zoom and auto-focus dual-aperture camera <NUM> with folded Tele lens in a sectioned isometric view related to a XYZ coordinate system. Camera <NUM> comprises two sub-cameras, a Wide sub-camera <NUM> and a Tele sub-camera <NUM>. Wide camera <NUM> includes a Wide optics bloc with a respective aperture <NUM> and a lens module <NUM> with a symmetry (and optical) axis <NUM> in the Y direction, as well as a Wide image sensor <NUM>. Tele camera <NUM> includes a Tele optics bloc with a respective aperture <NUM> and an optical lens module <NUM> with a Tele lens symmetry (and optical) axis 1552a, as well as a Tele sensor <NUM>. Camera <NUM> further comprises an OPFE <NUM>. The Tele optical path is extended from an object (not shown) through the Tele lens to the Tele sensor and marked by arrows 1552b and 1552a. Various camera elements may be mounted on a substrate <NUM> as shown here, e.g. a printed circuit board (PCB), or on different substrates (not shown).

<FIG> shows schematically an embodiment in a general isometric view of a zoom and auto-focus triple-aperture camera <NUM> with one folded Tele sub-camera <NUM>. Camera <NUM> includes for example elements and functionalities of camera <NUM>. That is, camera <NUM> includes a Wide sub-camera <NUM>, a Tele sub-camera <NUM> with an OPFE <NUM>. Camera <NUM> further includes a third sub-camera <NUM> which may be an Ultra-Wide camera with an Ultra-Wide lens <NUM> and an image sensor <NUM>. In other embodiments, third sub-camera <NUM> may have an EFLM and a FOVM intermediate to those of the Wide and Tele sub-cameras. A symmetry (and optical) axis <NUM> of the third sub-camera is substantially parallel to axis <NUM> sub-camera <NUM>. Note that while the first and the third sub-cameras are shown in a particular arrangement (with third sub-camera <NUM> closer to Tele sub-camera <NUM>), this order may be changed such that the Wide and the Ultra-Wide sub-cameras may exchange places.

Claim 1:
A dual-camera (<NUM>), comprising:
a) a Wide camera comprising a Wide lens (<NUM>) and a Wide image sensor, the Wide lens having a Wide effective focal length EFLw; and
b) a folded Tele camera (<NUM>) comprising a Tele lens (<NUM>), a Tele image sensor (<NUM>), an actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>), and an optical path folding element (OPFE) (<NUM>), wherein the OPFE folds light arriving from an object or scene along a first optical path (<NUM>) to a second optical path (<NUM>) toward the Tele image sensor, wherein the Tele lens has a symmetry axis along the second optical path, wherein the first and second optical paths are perpendicular to each other,
characterized in that the Tele lens is configured to include,
from an object side to an image side, a first lens element group G1, a second lens element group G2 and a third lens element group G3, wherein G1 and G3 are movable as one unit by the actuator in a given range R <NUM>,<NUM>, and wherein G2 is movable relative to the Tele image sensor in a range R <NUM>< R <NUM>,<NUM> along the symmetry axis to bring the Tele lens to two, first and second zoom states, wherein an effective focal length (EFL) of the Tele lens is changed from a value EFLT,min in the first zoom state to a value EFLT,max in the second zoom state, wherein EFLTmin > <NUM> × EFLw, wherein EFLTmax > <NUM> × EFLTmin and wherein for any lens element group, the movement from the first zoom state to the second zoom state has a range smaller than <NUM> × (EFLTmax - EFLTmin) wherein the Tele lens has a Tele lens f-number (F#T) and wherein a minimal value of F#T (F#Tmin) in the first zoom state and a maximal value of F#T (F#Tmax) in the second zoom state fulfill the condition F#Tmin < <NUM> × F#Tmax × EFLTmin / EFLTmax.