detachable camera patent Archives - Gizmochina

TCL patents smartphone with a detachable dual camera module

Sean — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 11:26:04 +0000

Detachable camera modules in smartphones appears to be an emerging trends in recent patent filings from multiple companies. Now, TCL has joined the bandwagon as well, with a smartphone with a detachable dual camera module that can be used as a rear and front facing shooter.

According to a LetsGoDigital report, the Chinese electronics brand filed a design patent with the CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration). The news as other brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Samsung also patenting detachable camera modules. Looking at the patent images from TCL, the device resembles a modern day handset with a dual camera module on the back. Although, this module can be detached from the main housing.

Notably, after detaching the camera, there is also a way to mount the module on to the side of the smartphone. Users can mount the module on the side thanks to two small connectors, which would allow one to take high resolution selfie shots as the camera module now faces the front. This would be especially useful for great shots as the dual camera system might also include a wide angle lens and the higher resolution might help with online video conferences as well.

As of right now, it is unknown if the detachable camera module can be used without being attached to the smartphone. To achieve this, it would have to have its own small power source and a communications module, which the patent does not describe. Furthermore, its still unknown if the company is actually working on such a product or covering all bases.

Vivo patents smartphone with detachable dual sided pop up camera

Sean — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:19:51 +0000

Vivo is apparently working on a new unique new smartphone. The company has patented a device that features a detachable pop up camera mechanism that houses camera sensors on the front and back.

According to LetsGoDigital, the Chinese smartphone maker filed a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that was published earlier this month. The patent describes a smartphone with a pop up camera mechanism on the top right corner. While pop up camera usually house a camera module for taking selfies, this version also houses dual cameras on the rear that function as the primary rear sensors. While this is already a notable aspect, the most highlighting part about the patent is the fact that the entire pop up module can be detached.

Once removed from the main body, the camera system can now be used independently and the users can even position the camera system in different manners thanks to a hinge mechanism built into the detachable pop up module. Furthermore, the cameras can even capture different field of views since it has a camera on either side. Notably, the company’s patent also details this detachable module, which houses a battery that enables it to function separately.

While users can detach the camera to use it independently, it can still communicate with the parent smartphone as it houses a Wi-Fi module as well. In other words, a possible application could be that the user detaches the module and places it at an angle to take a picture. The preview could be displayed on the smartphone’s display while also offering support for different functions like night node. Unfortunately, this is still just a patent and we have no way of confirming if the company is actually working on such a device.

Vivo patents phone with removable camera module with touch display

Sean — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 12:42:12 +0000

Smartphone brands have been working on innovative ways to make their handsets offer a full screen experience. While we have seen pop up cameras and in display cameras, Vivo might be working on a detachable camera solution.

According to a LetsGoDigital report, the Chinese smartphone maker filed a new patent with the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization). While the device resembles a usual modern day smartphone from the front, its unique aspect of a removable camera module. The module in question sports a touch enabled display on one side, while the other sports a dual cameras along with a flash in between the two image sensors.

This removable module is housed on the top center of the smartphone’s notch area and is magnetically held in place. Furthermore, the patent also describes three modes, with the first having the secondary display faces the front. This smaller display would have a pixel density, resolution, and refresh rate similar to the primary screen. So, when oriented towards the front it allows the device to offer a full screen experience. In the second mode, this module is placed on the other way around.

This would have the camera face the front and act as a selfie shooter while the display can be seen on the back. In other words, the smartphone’s selfie shots would also be able to offer a high quality experience. The module is attached by 10 connectors that are divided into two rows of 5 contact points. Arriving at the final mode, the module is separate from the main body of the handset and would allow users to place it anywhere to take pictures remotely. Keep in mind that this is still a patent and we have no way of knowing if the company is actually working on such a device.

Vivo patents phone with a detachable in-display camera module

Sean — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 12:44:05 +0000

Vivo has recently been granted a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The patent is for a new and innovative design that showcases a smartphone that features a detachable under display selfie camera module.

The Chinese smartphone maker’s patent (Via MySmartPrice) describes an in display camera module that can be removed from the body of the handset. This detachable camera odule will slot into one of the top corners of the smartphone, allowing it to be seamless with the body without any visible bulge. Furthermore, the device will still offer a full front screen experience with or without this module being attached with it. Under display camera technology is already a reality and has been available in the commercial market for a while now. So the design, while innovative, isn’t exactly outlandish.

Although, the patent is quite detailed with schematics revealing a release mechanism that allows users to detach the camera unit. Additionally, it also describes two moving procedures that lets the module rotate outwards to serve as a typical selfie shooter. The module itself will house its own lens element and will be independent from a lens attached to the display. In other words, it would work functionally similar to a pop up cameraWhile the design is interesting, its practicality and use is still questionable. Having a removable camera might be useful as it can act as a remote camera that one can place and take images from by controlling it from their smartphone. Although, it is unknown if the module supports any wireless receivers. Keep in mind that this is just a patent at the moment, and could just be the company’s attempt to cover all bases.

Xiaomi patents a Smartphone design with detachable rear camera layout

Balaji S — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 18:18:25 +0000

Xiaomi is known for patenting weird designs of smartphones. Lately, the company has been trying different designs when it comes to implementing the cameras. Recently, we saw one of the company’s patents having a pop-up camera with a reflective mirror. Today, 91Mobiles have found another one and this time it’s a detachable camera module.

According to the report published on WIPO(World Intellectual Property Organization), Xiaomi’s patent shows a smartphone with a full-display upfront. You might wonder where is the front camera right?. Well, Xiaomi seems to answer that with a detachable rear camera module.

Precisely, the layout could have multiple camera sensors on it. A cutout of one of the images shows how the phone would look like if the layout is removed. Moving on, a couple of attachments at the top of the phone shows a possible attachment for the selfies. That is, this detached layout could be used as front cameras too.

While there isn’t proper evidence for how this would fall in place, there is a possibility that Xiaomi will do it with the help of magnets. Anyway, this is not the first time we are seeing a detachable camera layout. Back in December 2020, we saw an OPPO’s patent with detachable cameras.

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Coming back, the layout of the cameras are in two shapes- One is a pill-shaped dual-camera layout while the other one is circular with a cut-out for four sensors. Still, a complete image of phone with a circular module isn’t available.

That said, just like any other patents, this could also end up as just a schematic and never make it to the final cut. However, what is almost certain is the arrival of a Xiaomi foldable smartphone finally in 2021. In fact, leaked images of the device have already appeared online.