Oppo, a renowned smartphone manufacturer, is recognized for its innovative and eye-catching designs. In 2018, Oppo unveiled the Find X model, notable for its unique periscope pop-up camera design. The following year, in 2019, Oppo introduced the Reno series, characterized by its distinctive shark-fin design. Recently, the company showcased a new rolling design concept. A revolutionary rolling display that eliminates bezels and expands your viewing experience like never before. Oppo, staying true to its design philosophy, aims to avoid incorporating a notch into its camera designs.
Moving Mirrors in Oppo Smartphones
LetsGoDigital recently revealed a patent for an Oppo smartphone featuring a distinctive pop-up camera design. The pop-up mechanism houses hidden sensors and uses prisms to redirect light, potentially allowing for thinner phones and larger screens. The patent, showcasing this innovative camera design, was filed with the World Intellectual Property Office in October 2020. The patent details suggest a dual-camera pop-up box, a concept previously introduced by models such as the Vivo V17 Pro.
Upon closer inspection of the patent application, it’s evident that the pop-up housing exists, but surprisingly, it lacks any camera sensors. Instead, the two sensors are located within the body of the phone, directed towards the pop-up module. This arrangement suggests a prism camera system. Furthermore, the configuration of the prism sensor within the camera module indicates the presence of a mirror in the module, adding another layer of complexity to the camera design.
How would the Oppo Prism Camera work?
The patent illustrations showcase the pop-up housing of the smartphone. This housing is designed with two movable prisms, each positioned above a sensor, capable of directing light forwards or backwards. This innovative design allows the same camera to function for both selfie and rear-facing photography. As per leaked renders, the camera module is likely to house both an ultra-wide lens and a primary lens.
LetsGoDigital also proposes that people can take pictures in 360 degrees conveniently on their smartphones. The patent also suggests other ways in which the user can use the mechanism. The user can use it as a side button to help transition between the normal mode and selfie mode. Also Read: The Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch launched in India with Wear OS
Earlier, the likes of the Samsung Galaxy A80 and Asus Zenfone series are using a motorized mechanism for main cameras too. Whether for longevity and efficiency the Oppo approach is stronger, is uncertain. However, Chinese smartphone manufacturers are providing a unique camera design without any needless camera bumps or screen cutouts.
