Key Takeaways
1. Samsung has filed a patent for a modular smartphone design that supports interchangeable lens accessories.
2. The patent outlines four main components: device housing, lens assembly, image sensor, and motor/actuator.
3. The phone can recognize attached lenses using methods like magnets or RFID tags, allowing automatic camera setting adjustments.
4. Additional accessories like flash units and batteries could also be accommodated in the phone’s design.
5. While the patent reveals interesting concepts, it’s uncertain if these features will be available to consumers in the future.
With the recent launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, featuring external lens accessories, it appears that Samsung also has a similar idea in development. A newly discovered Samsung patent reveals a modular phone design that supports replaceable accessories, especially lenses. The patent outlines four key components that would, in theory, let users attach various lenses to their phone’s internal camera system.
Patent Insights
According to a report by 91mobiles, this patent was submitted to WIPO by Samsung Electronics last year and became public on April 24 this year. The drawings illustrate a standard Samsung flagship smartphone that includes a square external housing positioned above the camera lenses. The patent identifies four main components: a device housing, lens assembly, image sensor, and a motor or actuator.
Functionality of Components
The device housing is the square part that holds all the other components together. The lens assembly includes the interchangeable lenses that connect to the housing, while the image sensor gathers data from these lenses. The motor or actuator is likely responsible for enabling zoom and focus features by adjusting either the lens assembly or the sensor.
The report states that the device must recognize which lens is connected, potentially using magnets, RFID tags, or resistors for this purpose. This capability would enable the device to automatically change various settings in the camera application. It also mentions that this housing could accommodate additional accessories like flash units, batteries, and extra displays.
Market Viability
It’s important to understand that these are just concepts at this stage, and it’s uncertain if they will ever reach consumers. However, given the CMF Phone 2 Pro with its interchangeable lenses, it wouldn’t be surprising if other companies begin to explore similar modular designs. The Phone 2 Pro features a detachable back panel that allows users to easily swap in different lenses.
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