Petr Škuta According to the latest patent applications, Apple is working on a new lens system, which could lead not only to higher image quality, but also to a smaller protrusion on the back of the phone.
Cameras smartphones are becoming more and more popular and today they are the only camera at all for most users. Although image quality is constantly improving, standard cameras still have several advantages. One of them is the lenses and the space between them, which allow much more settings and, as a result, the quality of the photos. Of course, it also offers multiple optical zoom.
Smartphones, on the other hand, struggle with a lack of space, and the lenses themselves are based on the same designs except for minor differences. However, it seems that Apple wants to overhaul the current system.
The new patent application is entitled "Folded Lens System with Five Refractive Lenses" and there is another one talking about three refractive lenses. Both were approved by the relevant US patent office on Tuesday.
Working with refraction of light
Both patents similarly describe new angles of incidence of light when capturing an image at different lengths or widths of the iPhone. This gives Apple the ability to extend the distance between the lenses. Regardless of whether it is a five- or three-lens variant, the patent also includes a number of concave and convex elements that further reflect light.
Apple could thus use the refraction and reflection of light at 90 degrees. The cameras could be further apart, but still have a convex design. On the other hand, they could be more embedded in the body of the smartphone.
The five-element version will offer a 35mm focal length and a range of 35-80mm with a field of view of 28-41 degrees. Which is suitable for a wide angle camera. The three-element variant will offer a 35mm focal length of 80-200mm with a field of view of 17,8-28,5 degrees. This would be suitable for a telephoto lens.
Gallery
In other words, Apple can make use of the telephoto and wide-angle cameras while leaving room for the ultra-wide version.
It should be added that the company files patent applications practically every week. Although they are often approved, they may never come to fruition.
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Dan Pražák Source: AppleInsider
So, I like the Jablíčkář server, but this is not a good article in my opinion. Most of the sentences don't make sense to me, and the language isn't much better either. The only thing I took away from it is that Apple was approved for two specific patent applications. What does "Cameras could be further apart but still have a convex design" mean? I'm an (amateur) photographer, so for example I know what the conversion of the focal length to its equivalent for 35mm field size means, but I'm not sure about the author either.