Patent Description:
A camera is an apparatus for photographing an image. Recently, as the camera has been installed in a mobile terminal, researches on a compact camera are being conducted.

Along with the trend of a compact camera, an autofocusing function and a hand tremor preventing function are increasingly employed.

As such, as more functions are added in a camera of a mobile terminal, it may be more difficult to make the camera compact. In particular, if a camera has a plurality of optical structures and a lens structure, it is difficult to implement a camera with small thickness.

Prior art can be found in <CIT> which discloses an optical image recording system comprising a front lens group having a first optical axis, a back lens group consisting of one or more lenses having a second optical axis; and a reflective prism folding the first optical axis into the second optical axis in an angle of less than <NUM> degrees. The image formed by the lens system is then reflected by a second prism to the image recording device. Further, <CIT> discloses a camera comprising an incidence-side prism for reflecting incident light while folding it by about <NUM> degree and an image-surface side prism, wherein an image pickup device is placed near the emission surface of the image-surface side prism. Moreover, <CIT> generally relates to a periscope lens and terminal device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a camera with a reduced thickness and an image display apparatus including the same.

The present invention further provides an image display apparatus including a camera, the apparatus which has a reduced thickness.

The invention is set out in the independent claim.

According to a first aspect, we describe a camera comprising: a first optical structure configured to refract and reflect a first beam input from a first direction to output a second beam to a second direction with a width smaller than a width of the first beam; and a second optical structure configured to refract and reflect the second beam from the first optical structure to output a third beam to the first direction with a width greater than the width of the second beam, wherein a height of the first optical structure and a height of the second optical structure are the same, wherein a width of the first beam and a width of the third beam are the same, wherein the first optical structure comprises a first reflection surface configured to reflect the first input beam, wherein a first angle between the first reflection surface and the second beam and a second angle between an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the first beam and the first reflection surface are each greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°, wherein a third angle between between a second reflection surface of the second optical structure and the second beam is identical to a fourth angle formed by the first reflection surface of the first optical structure and the second beam, wherein the first beam is configured to be refracted by a first light incident surface of the first optical structure, configured to be reflected by the first reflection surface of the first optical structure, configured to be reflected by the a first light incident surface of the first optical structure, and then configured to be refracted by a first light exit surface of the first optical structure, and wherein the second beam is configured to be refracted by a second light incident surface of the second optical structure, configured to be reflected by a second reflection surface of the second optical structure, and configured to be refracted by a second light exit surface of the second optical structure.

Meanwhile, in some examples, a height of the first optical structure is based on the angle between the first reflection surface and the orthogonal surface, such that the height is increased as the angle approaches <NUM>° the height is decreased as the angle approaches <NUM>.

In some examples, a height of the first optical structure is smaller than the width of the first input beam.

In some examples, when the first beam is circular, the second beam is elliptical and the third beam is circular.

In some examples, a ratio of the width of the second beam to the width of the first input beam is greater than <NUM> and smaller than <NUM>.

In some examples, the camera may further include a lens structure disposed between the first optical structure and the second optical structure, wherein the lens structure comprises a plurality of lenses and at least one of the plurality of lenses is movable to achieve variable focus.

In some examples, the camera may further comprise an image sensor configured to convert light from the second optical structure into an electric signal corresponding to an image.

According to a second aspect, we describe an image display apparatus comprising: a case; a display; and the camera according to the first aspect.

As is apparent from the above description, a camera according to an embodiment of claim <NUM> comprises:.

Meanwhile, a height of the first optical structure is based on the angle between the first reflection surface and the orthogonal surface, such that the height is increased as the angle approaches <NUM>° the height is decreased as the angle approaches <NUM>. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

A height of the first optical structure is smaller than the width of the first input beam. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

When the first beam is circular, the second beam is elliptical and the third beam is circular. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

A ratio of the width of the second beam to the width of the first input beam is greater than <NUM> and smaller than <NUM>. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

The first optical structure comprises a first prism which comprises the first reflection surface. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

The first beam is refracted by a first light incident surface of the first prism, and the first beam is refracted by a first light exit surface of the first prism. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

The second optical structure comprises a second reflection surface configured to reflect the second beam, and a third angle between the second reflection surface and the second beam and a fourth angle between an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the third beam and the second reflection surface are identical to the first angle between the first reflection surface and the second beam and the second angle between the orthogonal surface orthogonal to the first input beam and the first reflection surface. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

The second optical structure comprises a second prism, and a third angle between a second reflection surface of the second prism and the second beam and a fourth angle between an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the third beam and the second reflection surface of the second prism are each greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

The first optical structure may include a first convex lens, a first mirror, and a first concave lens, and the first mirror comprises the first reflection surface. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

The second optical structure may comprise a second convex lens, a second mirror, and a second concave lens, and a third angle between a second reflection surface of the second mirror and the second beam and a fourth angle between an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the third beam and the second reflection surface of the second mirror are each greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

The camera may further include a lens structure disposed between the first optical structure and the second optical structure, wherein the lens structure comprises a plurality of lenses and at least one of the plurality of lenses is movable to achieve variable focus. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera may be reduced.

An image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a case; a display; and the camera according to claim <NUM>. Accordingly, a thickness of the image display apparatus including the camera may be reduced.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The embodiments of <FIG> are not according to the present invention and are present for illustration purposes only.

With respect to constituent elements used in the following description, suffixes "module" and "unit" are given only in consideration of ease in the preparation of the specification, and do not have or serve as different meanings. Accordingly, the suffixes "module" and "unit" may be used interchangeably.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a mobile terminal as an example of an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a case forming an outer appearance of a mobile terminal <NUM> may be formed by a front case <NUM>-<NUM> and a rear case <NUM>-<NUM>. Various electronic components may be embedded in a space formed by the front case <NUM>-<NUM> and the rear case <NUM>-<NUM>.

Specifically, a display <NUM>, a first sound output module 153a, a first camera 195a, and a first to third user input units 130a, 130b, and 130c may be disposed in the front case <NUM>-<NUM>. Further, a fourth user input unit 130d, a fifth user input unit 130e, and a first to third microphones 123a, 123b, and 123c may be disposed on a lateral surface of the rear case <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the display <NUM>, a touchpad may be overlapped in a layer structure so that the display <NUM> may operate as a touch screen.

The first sound output module 153a may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker. The first camera 195a may be implemented in a form suitable for photographing an image or a moving image of a user, and the like. The microphone <NUM> may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The first to fifth user input units 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d and 130e and the sixth and seventh user input units 130f and <NUM> described below may be collectively referred to as a user input unit <NUM>.

The first microphone 123a and the second microphone 123b may be disposed in the upper side of the rear case <NUM>-<NUM>, i.e., in the upper side of the mobile terminal <NUM>, so as to collect an audio signal, and the third microphone 123c may be disposed in the lower side of the rear case <NUM>-<NUM>, i.e., in the lower side of the mobile terminal <NUM>, so as to collect an audio signal.

Referring to <FIG>, a second camera 195b, a third camera 195c, and a fourth microphone 123d may be additionally mounted on the rear surface of the rear case <NUM>-<NUM>, and a sixth and seventh user input units 130f and <NUM>, and an interface <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface of the rear case <NUM>- <NUM>.

The second camera 195b has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 195a, and may have different pixels from the first camera 195a. A flash (not shown) and a mirror (not shown) may be additionally disposed adjacent to the second camera 195b. In addition, another camera may be installed adjacent to the second camera 195b to be used for shooting a three-dimensional stereoscopic image.

The second camera 195b may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 195a, and may have different pixels from the first camera 195a. A flash (not shown) and a mirror (not shown) may be additionally disposed adjacent to the second camera 195b. In addition, another camera may be installed adjacent to the second camera 195b to be used for photographing a three-dimensional stereoscopic image.

A second sound output module (not shown) may be additionally disposed in the rear case <NUM>-<NUM>. The second sound output module may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output module 153a, and may be used for talking in a speakerphone mode.

A power supply unit <NUM> for supplying power to the mobile terminal <NUM> may be mounted in the rear case <NUM>-<NUM>. The power supply unit <NUM> may be, for example, a rechargeable battery and may be detachably coupled to the rear case <NUM>-<NUM> for charging or the like.

The fourth microphone 123d may be disposed in the front surface of the rear case <NUM>-<NUM>, i.e., in the rear surface of the mobile terminal <NUM> so as to collect an audio signal.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the mobile terminal of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the mobile terminal <NUM> may include a wireless communication unit <NUM>, an audio/video (A/V) input unit <NUM>, a user input unit <NUM>, a sensing unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>. When these components are implemented in an actual application, two or more components may be combined into one component if necessary, or one component may be divided into two or more components.

The wireless communication unit <NUM> may include a broadcast receiving module <NUM>, a mobile communication module <NUM>, a wireless Internet module <NUM>, a short-range communication module <NUM>, and a GPS module <NUM>.

The broadcast receiving module <NUM> may receive at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast signal and/or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM>.

The mobile communication module <NUM> may transmit and receive a wireless signal to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data in accordance with a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a character/multimedia message transmission/reception.

The wireless Internet module <NUM> refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and the wireless Internet module <NUM> may be embedded in the mobile terminal <NUM> or externally provided.

The short-range communication module <NUM> refers to a module for short-range communication. Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and Near Field Communication (NFC) may be used as a short-range communication technology.

The Global Position System (GPS) module <NUM> may receive position information from a plurality of GPS satellites.

The audio/video (A/V) input unit <NUM> may be used to input an audio signal or a video signal, and may include the camera <NUM>, the microphone <NUM>, and the like.

The camera <NUM> may process an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. Then, the processed image frame may be displayed on the display <NUM>.

The image frame processed by the camera <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit <NUM>. Two or more cameras <NUM> may be provided according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone <NUM> may receive an external audio signal by the microphone in a display off mode, e.g., a call mode, a recording mode, or a voice recognition mode, and may process the audio signal into an electrical voice data.

Meanwhile, a plurality of microphones <NUM> may be disposed in different positions. The audio signal received in each microphone may be audio-signal processed in the controller <NUM>, or the like.

The user input unit <NUM> may generate key input data that the user inputs for controlling the operation of the terminal. The user input unit <NUM> may include a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (static pressure scheme/capacitive scheme) capable of receiving a command or information by a user's pressing or touching operation. In particular, when the touch pad has a mutual layer structure with the display <NUM> described later, it may be referred to as a touch screen.

The sensing unit <NUM> may detect the current state of the mobile terminal <NUM> such as the open/close state of the mobile terminal <NUM>, the position of the mobile terminal <NUM>, the contact of the user, and the like, and may generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

The sensing unit <NUM> may include a proximity sensor <NUM>, a pressure sensor <NUM>, a motion sensor <NUM>, a touch sensor <NUM>, and the like.

The proximity sensor <NUM> may detect an object approaching the mobile terminal <NUM> or an object in the vicinity of the mobile terminal <NUM> without mechanical contact. In particular, the proximity sensor <NUM> may detect a nearby object by using a change in the alternating magnetic field or a change in the static magnetic field, or by using a change rate of the capacitance.

The pressure sensor <NUM> may detect whether a pressure is applied to the mobile terminal <NUM>, or detect the magnitude of the pressure, and the like.

The motion sensor <NUM> may detect the position or motion of the mobile terminal <NUM> by using an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like.

The touch sensor <NUM> may detect a touch input by a user's finger or a touch input by a specific pen. For example, when a touch screen panel is disposed on the display <NUM>, the touch screen panel may include a touch sensor <NUM> for detecting position information and intensity information of the touch input. A sensing signal detected by the touch sensor <NUM> may be transmitted to the controller <NUM>.

The output unit <NUM> may be used to output an audio signal, a video signal, or an alarm signal. The output unit <NUM> may include a display <NUM>, an sound output module <NUM>, an alarm unit <NUM>, and a haptic module <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may display and output information processed by the mobile terminal <NUM>. For example, when the mobile terminal <NUM> is in the call mode, a user interface (UI) or graphic user interface (GUI) related with the call may be displayed. When the mobile terminal <NUM> is in the video call mode or the photographing mode, the photographed or received image may be displayed individually or simultaneously, and the UI and the GUI may be displayed.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the display <NUM> and the touch pad form a mutual layer structure to constitute a touch screen, the display <NUM> may be used as an input apparatus capable of inputting information by a user's touch in addition to an output apparatus.

The sound output module <NUM> may output the audio data received from the wireless communication unit <NUM> or stored in the memory <NUM> in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output module <NUM> may output an audio signal related to the function performed in the mobile terminal <NUM>, e.g., a call signal reception tone, a message reception tone, and the like. The sound output module <NUM> may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit <NUM> may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The alarm unit <NUM> may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than an audio signal or a video signal. For example, it is possible to output a signal in a form of vibration.

The haptic module <NUM> may generate various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module <NUM> may be a vibration effect. When the haptic module <NUM> generates vibration with a tactile effect, the intensity and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module <NUM> can be converted, and different vibrations may be synthesized and outputted or sequentially outputted.

The memory <NUM> may store a program for the processing and controlling of the controller <NUM>, and may serve to temporarily store inputted or outputted data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving image, or the like).

The interface <NUM> may serve as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may receive data from an external device or receive power from the external device to transmit to each component in the mobile terminal <NUM>, and allow the data in the mobile terminal <NUM> to be transmitted to the external device.

The controller <NUM> may control, in general, the operation of each unit to control the overall operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may perform relevant control and processing for voice call, data communication, video call, and the like. In addition, the controller <NUM> may include a multimedia play module <NUM> for playing multimedia. The multimedia play module <NUM> may be configured in hardware inside the controller <NUM> or may be configured in software separately from the controller <NUM>. Meanwhile, the controller <NUM> may include an application processor (not shown) for driving an application. Alternatively, the application processor (not shown) may be provided separately from the controller <NUM>.

The power supply unit <NUM> may receive external power or internal power under the control of the controller <NUM> to supply power required for operation of each component.

<FIG> is an internal cross-sectional view of the camera of <FIG>.

Referring to the drawing, <FIG> is an example of a cross-sectional view of a second camera 195b inside the camera <NUM>.

The second camera 195b may include an aperture 194b, a prism structure 192b, a lens structure 193b, and an image sensor 820b.

The aperture 194b may open and close the light incident on the lens structure 193b.

The image sensor 820b may include an RGB filter 915b, and a sensor array 911b for converting an optical signal into an electric signal, in order to sense RGB colors.

Accordingly, the image sensor 820b may sense and output RGB images, respectively.

<FIG> is an internal block diagram of the camera shown in <FIG>.

Referring to the drawing, <FIG> is an example of a block diagram of the second camera 195b in the camera <NUM>.

The second camera 195b may include a first optical structure 192ba, a lens structure 193b, a second optical structure 192bb, an image sensor 820b, and an image processor <NUM> according to a light transmitting order.

The image processor <NUM> may generate an RGB image based on an electric signal from the image sensor 820b.

Meanwhile, the image sensor 820b may adjust an exposure time based on the electric signal.

Meanwhile, the RGB image generated by the image processor <NUM> may be transferred to the controller <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the controller <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> may output a control signal to the lens structure 193b for movement of a lens in the lens structure 193b. For example, a control signal for autofocusing may be output to the lens structure 193b.

Meanwhile, a thickness of the camera is determined by how the first optical structure 192ba, the lens structure 193b, and the second optical structure 192bb are structured, and accordingly, various designs may be possible.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating an existing camera structure.

First, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an existing camera <NUM> may include a first prism OPTbax which reflects a first beam Rlax being input, a second prism OPTbx which reflects a second beam R1bx from the first prism OPTbax, and a lens structure 193x which is disposed between the first prism OPTbax and the second prism OPTbx and includes a plurality of lens, at least one of which is moved to achieve variable focus.

The first beam Rlax is incident on a light incident surface FRAx of the first prism OPTbax, the first beam Rlax is reflected by a reflection surface RFax of the first prism OPTbax, and the second beam R1bx is output from a light exit surface FRbx of the first prism OPTbax.

In this case, a width A of the first beam Rlax and a width of the second beam Rlbx are identical to each other.

Meanwhile, an angle θx formed by the reflection surface RFax of the first prism OPTbax and the second beam Rlbx, or an angle θx formed by an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlax and the first reflection surface RFax is approximately <NUM>°.

That is, as shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, if the first beam Rlax is a circular beam, the second beam Rlbx is maintained to be a circular beam as well.

Similarly, the second prism OPTbx reflects the second beam Rlbx on the reflection surface RFbx to output a third beam Rlcx. In this case, the width A of the second beam Rlbx and a width A of the third beam Rlcx are identical to each other.

Accordingly, as shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the first prism OPTbax, the second prism OPTbx, and the lens structure 193x may have the same thickness or height.

Meanwhile, <FIG> is a side view of a mobile terminal 100x, where BAkx indicates a rear case of the mobile terminal 100x and FRTx indicates a front case of the mobile terminal 100x.

A camera <NUM> disposed inside the mobile terminal 100x has a considerable thickness hx, as shown in <FIG>, and a thickness of the mobile terminal 100x is indicated as DDx.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, unlike the examples of <FIG>, a method of reducing a thickness of a camera is proposed. In particular, a method of reducing a thickness of a camera based on beam shaping is proposed. Regarding this, detailed description will be provided from <FIG>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating a camera structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure of a camera 600a according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a zoomed-in view of a first optical structure OPTaa shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a side view of a mobile terminal 100a including the camera shown in <FIG>.

Referring to the drawings, the camera 600a according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a first optical structure OPTaa which refracts and reflects a first beam Rlaa being input to output a second beam Rlba with a width smaller than a width of the first beam Rlaa; and a second optical structure OPTba which refracts and reflects the second beam Rlba from the first optical structure OPTaa to output a third beam Rlca with a width greater than the width of the second beam Rlba.

Meanwhile, the first optical structure OPTaa may include a first reflection surface RFaa which reflects the first beam Rlaa, and it is desirable that an angle θ1a formed by the first reflection surface RFaa and the second beam Rlba or an angle θ1a formed by an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlaa and the first reflection surface RFaa is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Unlike <FIG> in which the angle θx formed by the reflection surface RFax of the first prism OPTbax of the camera <NUM> and the second beam Rlbx or the angle θx formed by the orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlax and the first reflection surface RFax is approximately <NUM>°, the present invention is desired such that the angle θ1a formed by the first reflection surface RFaa and the second beam Rlba or the angle θ1a formed by the orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlaa and the first reflection surface RFaa is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

According to such a design, an angle between the first reflection surface RFaa of the first optical structure OPTAa and a rear surface of a rear case <NUM>-<NUM> is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°, and thus, not just a thickness of the first optical structure OPTaa but a thickness of a lens structure 693a may be reduced.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce a thickness ha of a camera 600a including the first optical structure OPTaa, the lens structure 693a, and the second optical structure OPTba.

In addition, according to a structure of the camera 600a, if the first beam Rlaa is a circular beam, beam shaping is performed such that the second beam Rlba is an elliptical beam. In particular, since a width of the second beam Rlba becomes smaller than a width of the first beam Rlaa, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the camera 600a.

In particular, the thickness ha of the camera 600a shown in <FIG> may be smaller than the thickness hx of the existing camera <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Thus, as shown in <FIG>, a thickness DDa of a mobile terminal including the camera 600a with a reduced thickness may be smaller than the thickness DDx shown in <FIG>. Thus, it is possible to implement a slim mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, the first optical structure OPTaa may be implemented as a prism, as shown in <FIG>.

The first beam Rlaa is refracted by the light incident surface FRaa of the first optical structure OPTaa, that is, the first prism OPTaa, the first beam Rlaa is reflected by the reflection surface FRaa of the first prism OPTaa, and the first beam Rlaa is refracted by the light exit surface FRab of the first prism OPTaa such that the second beam Rlba is output in a direction toward the lens structure 693a.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrates an example in which the first prism OPTaa is inclined such that an angle between the reflection surface RFaa of the first prism OPTaa and an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlaa is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Meanwhile, the first beam Rlaa is refracted by the light incident surface FRaa of the first prism OPTaa, reflected by the reflection surface RFaa of the first prism OPTaa, reflected by the light incident surface FRaa of the first prism OPTaa, and then refracted by the light exit surface FRab of the first prism OPTaa.

Accordingly, a width of the first beam Rlaa incident on the light incident surface FRaa of the first prism OPTaa is A, and a width of the second beam Rlba output from the light exit surface FRab of the first prism OPTaa is aa which is smaller than A.

In the present invention, in order to implement a slim camera, a ratio of a width aa of the second beam Rlba to the width A of the first beam Rlaa is designed to be greater than <NUM> and smaller than <NUM>. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera 600a may be reduced.

Meanwhile, if the first beam Rlaa is a circular beam, beam shaping may be performed such that the second beam Rlba is an elliptical beam and the third beam Rlca is a circular beam. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera 600a may be reduced.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, cos(θla) may be calculated as A/Araa, cos(θ2a) may be calculated as AraalArba, cos(θ3a) may be calculated as ArbalArca, cos(θ4a) may be calculated as ArcalArda, and cos(θ5a) may be calculated as Ardalaa.

Meanwhile, a height of the first optical structure OPTaa may be smaller than width A of the first beam Rlaa. Accordingly, a width of the camera 600a may be reduced based on beam shaping.

Meanwhile, similarly to the first optical structure OPTaa, the second optical structure OPTba includes a second reflection surface RFba which reflects the second beam Rlba.

In addition, the angle between the second reflection surface RFba of the second optical structure OPTba and the second beam Rlba or the angle between the orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the third beam Rlca is identical to the angle θ1a formed by the first reflection surface RFaa of the first optical structure OPTaa and the second beam Rlba or the angle θ1a formed by the orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the third beam Rlaa and the first reflection surface RFaa. Accordingly, a thickness of the camera 600a may be reduced with the first optical structure OPTaa and the second optical structure OPTba maintained at the same thickness.

Meanwhile, the second optical structure OPTba may be implemented as a prism, as shown in FIGG.

Accordingly, the angle between the second reflection surface RFba of the second prism OPTba and the second beam Rlba or the angle between the orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the third beam Rlca and the second reflection surface RFba of the second prism OPTba is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Meanwhile, the second beam Rlba is refracted by a light incident surface of the second optical structure OPTba, that is, the second prism OPTba, the second beam Rlba is reflected by a reflection surface RFba of the second prism OPTba, and the second beam Rlba is refracted by a light exit surface of the second prism OPTba such that the third beam Rlca is output in a direction toward the lens structure 693a.

In this case, the third beam Rlca is subject to beam shaping, and, if the second beam Rlba is an elliptical beam, the third beam Rlca may be a circular beam. Accordingly, the third beam Rlca from which beam distortion has been removed may be input to an image sensor <NUM>. Thus, it is possible to take a photograph without distortion.

Meanwhile, <FIG> is a side view of the mobile terminal 100a, where BAk indicates a rear case of the mobile terminal 100a (which corresponds to <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>) and FRTa indicates a front case of the mobile terminal 100a (which corresponds to <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>).

The camera 600a disposed in the mobile terminal 100a has a slim thickness of ha, as shown in <FIG>, and thus, even the mobile terminal 100a may be implemented with a slim thickness of DDa.

Meanwhile, a height of the first optical structure OPTaa increases as the angle θ1a formed by the first reflection surface RFaa of the first optical structure OPTaa and the second beam Rlba or the angle θ1a formed by the orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlaa and the first reflection surface RFaa becomes closer to <NUM>°. The height of the first optical structure OPTaa decreases as the angle θ1a formed by the first reflection surface RFaa of the first optical structure OPTaa and the second beam Rlba or the angle θ1a formed by the orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlaa and the first reflection surface RFaa becomes closer to <NUM>°. Regarding this, detailed description will be provided with reference to <FIG>,.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating a camera structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

A camera 600b and a mobile terminal 100b including the same shown in <FIG> are similar to the camera 600a and the mobile terminal 100a shown in <FIG>, but <FIG> illustrates an example in which an angle θ1b formed by a first reflection surface RFab of a first optical structure OPTab and a second beam Rlbb or an angle θ1b formed by an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlab and the first reflection surface RFab is smaller than the angle θ1a in <FIG>.

Accordingly, a width of the first beam Rlab incident on a light incident surface FRba of a first prism OPTab is A, and a width of a second beam RLbb output from a light exit surface FRbb of the first prism OPTab is ab which is smaller than aa.

In particular, the width of the second beam Rlbb is ab which is smaller than aa in the example of <FIG> and <FIG>.

Thus, a width hb of the camera 600b in <FIG> is smaller than the thickness ha of the camera 600a in <FIG>.

As a result, a thickness DDb of the mobile terminal 100b is smaller than the thickness DDa of the mobile terminal 100a shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating a camera structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

A camera 600c and a mobile terminal 100c including the same in <FIG> are similar to the camera 600a and the mobile terminal 100a in <FIG>, but <FIG> illustrate an example in which an angle θ1c formed by a first reflection surface RFac of a first optical structure OPTac and a second beam Rlbc or an angle θ1c formed by an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to a first beam Rlac and the first reflection surface RFac is smaller than the angle θ1a in <FIG>.

Accordingly, a width of the first beam Rlac incident on a light incident surface FRca of the first prism OPTac is A, and a width of the second beam Rlbc output from a light exit surface FRcb of the first prism OPTac is ac which is smaller than A.

In particular, the width of the second beam Rlbc is ac which is smaller than aa in the example of <FIG>.

Thus, a thickness he of the camera 600c shown in <FIG> may be smaller than the thickness ha of the camera 600a shown in <FIG> or smaller than the thickness hx of the camera <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

As a result, a thickness DDc of the mobile terminal 100c is greater than the thickness DDa of the mobile terminal 100a shown in <FIG>, but smaller than the thickness DDx of the mobile terminal 100x shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating a camera structure which is not according to the claimed invention.

First, <FIG> illustrates an example in which a first optical structure OPTad includes, a first convex lens LNda, a first mirror Mrd, and a first concave lens LNdb, rather than including a prism.

A first beam Rlad is refracted by the first convex lens LNda, the first beam Rlad is reflected by the first mirror Mrd, and the first beam Rlad is refracted by the first concave lens LNdb such that a second beam Rlbd is output in a direction toward a lens structure 693d.

Meanwhile, it is desirable that an angle between the first mirror Mrd and the second beam Rlbd or an angle between an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the first beam Rlad and the first mirror Mrd is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Meanwhile, <FIG> illustrates an example in which a second optical structure OPTbd is implemented as a prism.

Accordingly, it is desirable that an angle between a second reflection surface RFbd of the second prism OPTbd and the second beam Rlbd or an angle between an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the third beam Rlcd and the second reflection surface RFbd of the second prism OPTbd is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Next, <FIG> illustrates an example in which a second optical structure OPTbe includes a second convex lens LNea, a second mirror Mre, and a second concave lens LNeb, rather than including a prism.

Meanwhile, <FIG> illustrates an example in which a first optical structure OPTae is implemented as a prism.

Accordingly, it is desirable that an angle between a first reflection surface RFae of the first prism OPTae and a second beam Rlbe or an angle between an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to a first beam Rlae and the first reflection surface RFae of the first prism OPTae is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Meanwhile, the second beam Rlbe is refracted by the second convex lens LNea, the second beam Rlbe is reflected by the second mirror Mre, and the second beam Rlbe is refracted by the second concave lens LNeb such that a third beam Rice is output in a direction toward an image sensor <NUM>.

Meanwhile, it is desirable that the angle between the second mirror Mre and the second beam Rlbe or an angle between an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the third beam Rice and the second mirror Mre is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Next, <FIG> illustrates an example in which a first optical structure OPTaf includes a first convex lens LNfa, a first mirror Mrfa, and a first concave lens LNfb, rather than including a prism, and a second optical structure OPTbf includes a second convex lens LNfc, a second mirror Mrfb, and a second concave lens LNfd, rather than including a prism.

A first beam Rlaf is refracted by the first convex lens LNfa, the first beam Rlaf is reflected by the first mirror Mrfa, and the first beam Rlaf is refracted by the first concave lens LNfb such that a second beam Rlbf is output in a direction toward a lens structure 693f.

Meanwhile, it is desirable that an angle between the first mirror Mrfa and the second beam Rlbf or an angle between an orthogonal surface Gf orthogonal to the first beam Rlaf and the first mirror Mrfa is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Meanwhile, the second beam Rlbf is refracted by the second convex lens LNfc, the second beam Rlbf is reflected by the second mirror Mrfb, and the second beam Rlbf is refracted by the second concave lens LNfd such that a third beam Rlcf is output in a direction toward an image sensor <NUM>.

Meanwhile, an angle between the second mirror Mrfb and the second beam Rlbf or an angle between an orthogonal surface GD orthogonal to the third beam Rlcf and the second mirror Mrfb is greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

Meanwhile, the cameras 600a to 600f described with references to <FIG> may be applied to various electronic devices including the mobile terminal <NUM> in <FIG>, a vehicle, a TV, a drone, a robot, a robot cleaner, etc..

Hereinabove, although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified and altered by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the scope of the present invention claimed in the following claims.

Claim 1:
A camera (600a) comprising:
a first optical structure (OPTaa) configured to refract and reflect a first beam (Rlaa) input from a first direction to output a second beam (Rlba) to a second direction with a width smaller than a width of the first beam (Rlaa); and
a second optical structure (OPTba) configured to refract and reflect the second beam (Rlba) from the first optical structure to output a third beam (Rlca) to the first direction with a width greater than the width of the second beam,
wherein a height of the first optical structure (OPTaa) and a height of the second optical structure (OPTba) are the same,
wherein a width of the first beam (Rlaa) and a width of the third beam (Rlca) are the same,
wherein the first optical structure (OPTaa) comprises a first reflection surface (RFaa) configured to reflect the first input beam,
wherein a first angle between the first reflection surface (RFaa) and the second beam (Rlba) and a second angle between an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the first beam (Rlaa) and the first reflection surface are each greater than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°,
wherein a third angle between a second reflection surface (RFba) of the second optical structure (OPTba) and the second beam (Rlba) is identical to a fourth angle (θ1a) formed by the first reflection surface (RFaa) of the first optical structure (OPTaa) and the second beam (Rlba),
wherein the first beam (Rlaa) is configured to be refracted by a first light incident surface (FRaa) of the first optical structure (OPTaa), configured to be reflected by the first reflection surface (RFaa) of the first optical structure (OPTaa), configured to be reflected by the a first light incident surface (FRaa) of the first optical structure (OPTaa), and then configured to be refracted by a first light exit surface (FRab) of the first optical structure (OPTaa), and
wherein the second beam (Rlba) is configured to be refracted by a second light incident surface (FRaa) of the second optical structure (OPTba), configured to be reflected by a second reflection surface (RFba) of the second optical structure (OPTba), and configured to be refracted by a second light exit surface of the second optical structure (OPTba).