Apple eyeing ways to improve cameras in iOS devices

A new Apple patent (number 8000598) has appeared at the US Patent & Trademark Office that shows Apple is looking at ways of improving the cameras in its iOS devices.


The patent is for a lens baffle — a lens assembly that includes a brush-like baffle between the lens and a transparent cover. The baffle at least partially surrounds the lens to prevent stray light from entering and causing flare or other image artifacts. If the baffle does not entirely surround the lens structure, an adjustment mechanism may be provided to rotate the baffle so as to “tune” a flare reduction effect. Richard Tsai is the inventor.

Here’s Apple’s background and summary of the invention: “Cameras, and imaging systems generally, typically use sun shields, such as shades or hoods, for shielding the lens assembly from stray light. Such sun shields protrude from the imaging system, thereby adding both volume and weight. In addition to sun shields, imaging systems may use multiple baffles or vanes outside the optical path. Baffles are typically placed perpendicular to the optical path of an imaging system in order to block the propagation of stray light.

“Embodiments of the present invention employ a brush-like baffle between the lens assembly and a transparent cover. The baffle at least partially surrounds the lens to prevent stray light from entering and causing flare or other image artifacts. If the baffle does not entirely surround the lens structure, an adjustment mechanism may be provided to rotate the baffle so as to ‘tune’ the flare reduction effect.”

Also, another Apple patent (number 7997906) has appeared that involves techniques for coupling interface parts using moveable magnetic elements. Per the patent the electronic device includes a first sub assembly having a first housing component. The first housing component has an opening.

The electronic device also includes a second sub assembly having a second housing component. The second housing component cooperates with the first housing component to enclose components of an electronic device. The at least one internal component is accessible through the opening.

Then at least one internal component is also movable relative to the second sub assembly so as to properly align with the opening. Then at least one internal component is additionally magnetically attracted towards the first housing component near the opening. The inventors are Chris Ligtenberg, John DiFonzo, Brett William Degner and John Brock.

— Dennis Sellers