A patent reveals Huawei’s drive to develop a movable periscope camera.
Huawei recently received approval for a novel “movable camera” patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office Publication (USPTO), following an application submitted in May 2023.
The patent details a smartphone design that features a unique movable camera system. This system allows the periscope lens to adjust its position—moving closer or further away from the image sensor—to achieve improved zoom performance without adding bulk to the device.
Traditional periscope cameras use prisms or mirrors to bend the light path at 90 degrees, enabling a longer lens assembly to be accommodated within a smartphone. While adding more prisms or mirrors can boost zoom capabilities, it typically results in a thicker device. Huawei’s design addresses this challenge by incorporating a motorized mechanism that adjusts the camera’s position on demand.
When activated, the mechanism shifts the camera assembly closer to or further from the sensor, enabling high-quality, long-range zoom shots. If the enhanced zoom function is not needed, the mechanism stays retracted, allowing the phone to maintain a slim profile. Additionally, the design may include a manually controlled rotating ring that lets users adjust the lens position as desired.
The overall mechanism is said to be cost-effective over implementing a new periscope lens into the device. Huawei’s latest camera patent suggests these positive points:
- Enhanced Zooming: The movable camera sensor will provide longer zoom ranges, prioritizing image quality.
- Thin Design: Smartphones will get a thin and more trendy appearance as the movable camera system gets back into the device.
- Manual/Automatic: Users can either manually control the zoom via a ring and enjoy a professional photography feel.
- Cost-effective: Mechanism parts can be easier to maintain and cheaper.
Huawei introduced a retractable camera system with the Pura 70 Ultra. The primary lens can pop-out to camera precise and high-definition images and tucks away after the use. Looks like the company is now exploring a similar mechanism.
The patent doesn’t confirm whether this new technology will make its way to the user ground. Though Pura 80 series seems the right choice for this tech at present.
