Samsung’s new mobile phone patent exposed: replaceable lens assembly

A new patent from Samsung explores a modular mobile phone design equipped with a replaceable lens assembly. The patent includes a device housing, a replaceable lens assembly, an image sensor, and a driver .

The actuator is responsible for moving the lens or sensor forward and backward along the first optical axis for focus or zoom, and can also move it up and down for anti-shake or alignment functions.

In this design, the driver is mounted on the device housing rather than the lens assembly, saving space and simplifying the structure.

Devices may have multiple independently operating actuators that adjust the lens position based on factors such as subject distance or device angular velocity.

In addition, the device can identify the type of lens connected in a variety of ways, such as reading the magnets and RFID tags inside the lens. Once the lens type is confirmed, the processor will automatically adjust parameters such as the aperture value and the initial lens or sensor position .

In addition to the lens assembly, the device’s casing may also support other replaceable accessory modules, such as additional displays, flashes, batteries, fans, compasses, and even watch modules.

At present, all designs are still in the conceptual stage and the actual application effects are still unclear, but Samsung’s move shows its strong interest in modular devices. Whether it can be launched on the market in the future remains to be seen.