Claims:We claim:

1. An imaging system (100), comprising:
a rotatable mirror (136) and an imaging sensor (139); and
a rotatable mechanism (102) adapted to rotate the rotatable mirror (136) to a first rotated position (137) and to a second rotated position (138) for operating the imaging system (100) in a first imaging mode and in a second imaging mode, respectively, wherein the rotating mechanism (102) comprises:
a coil (114) coupled to a magnetic core (112);
a magnet (116) disposed at a distal end (113) of the magnetic core (112) such that a first end (117) of the magnet (116) having a designated polarity state is positioned closer to the distal end (113) than a second end (118) of the magnet (116);
a shaft (123) coupled to the second end (118) of the magnet (116);
a rotating cylinder (121) coupled to the shaft (123) and that holds the mirror (136);
a controller (110) operatively coupled to the coil (114) and that switches polarity of the magnetic core (112) between a first polarity state and a second polarity state by regulating a direction of flow of current to the coil (114), wherein the first polarity state is same as the designated polarity state, wherein the second polarity state is opposite to the designated polarity state;
wherein switching the polarity of the magnetic core (112) to the first polarity state by the controller (110) repels the magnet (116), thereby linearly moving the shaft (123) coupled to the magnet (116) away from the magnetic core (112), wherein the linear movement of the shaft (123) rotates the rotating cylinder (121) in a first direction and positions the rotatable mirror (136) in the first rotated position (137) to operate the imaging system (100) in the first imaging mode, and
wherein switching the polarity of the magnetic core (112) to the second polarity state by the controller (110) attracts the magnet (116), thereby linearly moving the shaft (123) coupled to the magnet (116) towards the magnetic core (112), wherein the linear movement of the shaft (123) rotates the rotating cylinder (121) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and positions the rotatable mirror (136) in the second rotated position to operate the imaging system (100) in the second imaging mode.

2. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating cylinder (121) comprises a slot (127) disposed on an outer surface (122) of the rotating cylinder (121), wherein the slot (127) comprises a first end (128) and a second end (129).

3. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shaft (123) comprises an upper protrusion (126) and a lower protrusion (130), wherein the upper protrusion (126) is positioned in the first end (128) of the slot (127) in the first imaging mode and in the second end (129) of the slot (127) in the second imaging mode.

4. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the upper protrusion (126) slides from the first end (128) to the second end (129) of the slot (127) when the shaft (123) moves linearly away from the magnetic core (112), wherein the sliding movement of the upper protrusion (126) to the second end (129) rotates the rotating cylinder (121) in the first direction and positions the rotatable mirror (136) in the first rotated position (137).

5. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the upper protrusion (126) slides from the second end (129) to the first end (128) of the slot (127) when the shaft (123) moves linearly towards the magnetic core (112), wherein the sliding movement of the upper protrusion (126) to the first end (128) rotates the rotating cylinder (121) in the second direction and positions the rotatable mirror (136) in the second rotated position (138).

6. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rotatable mechanism (102) comprises a base frame (134), wherein the base frame (134) comprises a groove (131) and a plurality of support structures (135) for supporting the magnetic core (112), the magnet (116), the shaft (123), and the rotating cylinder (121), wherein the lower protrusion (130) of the shaft (123) is positioned in a distal end (132) of the groove (131) in the first imaging mode and in a proximal end (133) of the groove (131) in the second imaging mode.

7. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first and the designated polarities correspond to North and the second polarity corresponds to South when the first and second imaging modes correspond to rear camera and front camera modes, wherein the first and the designated polarities correspond to South and the second polarity corresponds to North when the first and second imaging modes correspond to front camera and rear camera modes.

8. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imaging system (100) is a subsystem deployed in one or more of a mobile device, a vehicle camera, a surveillance camera, a drone camera, and a system comprising a mirror and an image sensor for capturing images.

9. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the imaging system (100) comprises an imaging mode selection switch (109), wherein the selection switch (109) is one or more of a touch input available on an associated display or a hardware switch.

10. The imaging system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein a selection of the first imaging mode via the selection switch (109) configures the controller (110) to switch the polarity of the magnetic core (112) to North to rotate the rotatable mirror (136) to the first rotated position and a selection of the second imaging mode via the selection switch configures the controller (110) to switch the polarity of the magnetic core (112) to South to rotate the rotatable mirror (136) to the second rotated position when the designated polarity corresponds to North, wherein a selection of the first imaging mode via the selection switch (109) configures the controller (110) to switch the polarity of the magnetic core (112) to South to rotate the rotatable mirror (136) to the first rotated position and a selection of the second imaging mode via the selection switch configures the controller (110) to switch the polarity of the magnetic core (112) to North to rotate the rotatable mirror (136) to the second rotated position when the designated polarity corresponds to South.
, Description:
RELATED ART

[0001] Embodiments of the present specification relate generally to an imaging system. More particularly, the present specification relates to a two-way imaging module for use in a mobile device.
[0002] With the advent of miniaturization technology, portable mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets that combine the functionalities of multiple devices in one device are the personal device of choice for most people. A key attraction of these devices is the in-built camera assembly including precision lenses and image sensors. With each successive generation, device manufacturers have been increasing the number and resolution of smartphone cameras to rival professional imaging equipment.
[0003] However, the increasing number of camera modules not only results in a significant increase in cost, but also constrains the space available inside the phone for other modules. Accordingly, certain mobile devices have attempted to use a rotatable camera module that can capture images in multiple directions. For example, US patent application US20090002797A1 discloses a rotatable camera mechanism. The mechanism includes a motor that oscillates the mirror in the mobile device assembly so that the light rays entering the phone are deflected according to the usage of front and the rear camera. However, accommodating a separate motor in the phone increases the size of the phone, which may not be desirable for most users.
[0004] Therefore, it may be desirable to develop an improved inbuilt camera module that is simple, cost effective and occupies less space, while providing similar imaging functionality as is available in present day phones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the present imaging system for use in a mobile device for providing bi-directional imaging, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the imaging system of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an assembled view of the imaging system of FIG. 1 corresponding to a first imaging mode of the mobile device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an assembled view of the imaging system of FIG. 1 corresponding to a second imaging mode of the mobile device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary views at a front side and a rear side of a user holding the mobile device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a camera application on the mobile device of FIG. 1 for capturing images using the imaging system of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary image generated on a display associated with the mobile device of FIG. 1 when the first imaging mode is activated, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface of the camera application including a camera swap icon, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary image generated on the display associated with the mobile device of FIG. 1 when the second imaging mode is activated, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the imaging system of FIG. 1 when the mobile device operates in the first imaging mode, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the imaging system of FIG. 1 when the mobile device operates in the second imaging mode, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0016] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a two-way imaging system is presented. The imaging system includes a rotatable mirror, an imaging sensor, and a rotatable mechanism adapted to rotate the rotatable mirror to a first rotated position and to a second rotated position for operating the imaging system in a first imaging mode and in a second imaging mode, respectively. The rotating mechanism includes a coil coupled to a magnetic core, a magnet disposed at a distal end of the magnetic core such that a first end of the magnet having a designated polarity state is positioned closer to the distal end than a second end of the magnet. The rotating mechanism further includes a shaft coupled to the second end of the magnet, a rotating cylinder coupled to the shaft that holds the mirror and a controller operatively connected to the coil. The controller switches polarity of the magnetic core between a first polarity state and a second polarity state by regulating a direction of flow of current to the coil. The first polarity state is same as the designated polarity state of the magnet and the second polarity state is opposite to the designated polarity state of the magnet. Switching the polarity of the magnetic core to the first polarity state by the controller repels the magnet, thereby linearly moving the shaft coupled to the magnet away from the magnetic core. The linear movement of the shaft rotates the rotating cylinder in a first direction and positions the rotatable mirror in to operate the imaging system in the first imaging mode. Further, switching the polarity of the magnetic core to the second polarity state by the controller attracts the magnet, thereby linearly moving the shaft coupled to the magnet towards the magnetic core. The linear movement of the shaft rotates the rotating cylinder in a second direction opposite to the first direction and positions the rotatable mirror in the second rotated position such that the imaging system is operated in the second imaging mode.
[0017] The rotating cylinder of the imaging system further includes a slot disposed on an outer surface of the rotating cylinder. The slot further includes a first end and a second end.
[0018] The shaft of the imaging system includes an upper protrusion and a lower protrusion, such that the upper protrusion is positioned in the first end of the slot in the first imaging mode and in the second end of the slot in the second imaging mode.
[0019] The upper protrusion of the shaft slides from the first end to the second end of the slot when the shaft moves linearly away from the magnetic core. The sliding movement of the upper protrusion to the second end of the slot rotates the rotating cylinder in the first direction and positions the rotatable mirror in the first rotated position.
[0020] Further, the upper protrusion of the shaft slides from the second end to the first end of the slot when the shaft moves linearly towards the magnetic core. The sliding movement of the upper protrusion to the first end rotates the rotating cylinder in the second direction and positions the rotatable mirror in the second rotated position.
[0021] The rotatable mechanism of the imaging system further includes a base frame with a groove and support structures for supporting the magnetic core, the magnet, the shaft and the rotating cylinder. The lower protrusion of the shaft is positioned in a distal end of the groove in the first imaging mode and in a proximal end of the groove in the second imaging mode.
[0022] The first and the designated polarities correspond to North and the second polarity corresponds to South when the first and second imaging modes correspond to rear camera and front camera modes. The first and the designated polarities correspond to South and the second polarity corresponds to North when the first and second imaging modes correspond to front camera and rear camera modes.
[0023] The imaging system is a subsystem deployed in one or more of a mobile device, a vehicle camera, a surveillance camera, a drone camera, and a system comprising a mirror and an image sensor for capturing images.
[0024] The imaging system further includes an imaging mode selection switch, which is one or more of a touch input available on an associated display or a hardware switch.
[0025] The selection of the first imaging mode via the selection switch configures the controller to switch the polarity of the magnetic core to North to rotate the rotatable mirror to the first rotated position and selection of the second imaging mode via the selection switch configures the controller to switch the polarity of the magnetic core to South to rotate the rotatable mirror to the second rotated position when the designated polarity corresponds to North. The selection of the first imaging mode via the selection switch configures the controller to switch the polarity of the magnetic core to South to rotate the rotatable mirror to the first rotated position and selection of the second imaging mode via the selection switch configures the controller to switch the polarity of the magnetic core to North to rotate the rotatable mirror to the second rotated position when the designated polarity corresponds to South.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description presents a novel bidirectional imaging system for use in various applications such as for capturing images for use in navigation and driver assistance in automobiles, and monitoring areas in malls and airports. The imaging system can use be used in other mobile devices, for example, including but not limited to, a smart phone, tablet, handheld device, computer, laptop and other similar devices. Generally, a mobile device such as a smartphone includes multiple camera modules located on a front and a rear side of the mobile device. Each of these camera modules is equipped with a separate set of lens assembly and image sensors. Thus, a conventional mobile device having multiple camera modules located at the front side and the rear side requires multiple lens assemblies and image sensors as per the number of camera modules. However, multiple lens assemblies and image sensors increase the cost of the mobile device. Additionally, accommodating multiple sets of lens assemblies and image sensors is challenging because of the space constraints in the mobile device. Inclusion of all of the camera modules and respective internal components would make the mobile device bulky and difficult to carry, and therefore less desirable to the users at large.
[0027] Unlike such conventional camera modules, the present disclosure describes use of a compact and cost-effective camera module that operates as both the front and rear camera for the mobile device. The camera module can be implemented using only a lens assembly having one or more lenses and only a single image sensor to capture images in more than one direction. In particular, the present camera module combines the functionalities of front camera and rear camera in to a single camera module that enables a user to capture images and video recordings both in front and at the rear of the mobile device.
[0028] For clarity, the embodiments of the present invention are described herein below in the context of a mobile device such as a smartphone. However, the present invention may also be used in other devices and systems such as in camera modules used in vehicles, submarines, supermarkets, airports, medical applications, surveillance cameras and other suitable imaging applications. In particular, the structure and functioning of the camera module that combines the functionalities of front camera and rear camera in to a single camera module for bidirectional imaging is described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1-11.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an imaging system 100 including a rotatable mechanism 102 that enables operation of a single imaging module 104 as both the front camera and the rear camera in a mobile device 106. To that end, the rotatable mechanism 102 includes a camera swap button 109, a controller 110, a magnetic core 112, a coil 114, a magnet 116, a rotating cylinder 121, and a shaft 123. Further, the imaging module 104 includes a rotatable mirror 136 and an imaging sensor 139. The camera swap button 109 is operatively connected to the controller 110, which is electrically connected to the coil 114 and is configured to regulate the flow of electric current in the coil 114 wound around the magnetic core 112. In certain embodiments, the magnet 116 is coupled to the shaft 123 at one end. Particularly, in one embodiment, the magnet 116 is securely connected to the shaft 123 by means of fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, and other suitable means. In another embodiment, the magnet 116 is connected to the shaft 123 by a welded joint, riveting, casting, molding, a snap fit joint, threaded joint and other similar means.
[0030] In certain embodiments, the shaft 123 is further connected to the rotating cylinder 121 at another end that is opposite to the end connected to the magnet 116. The rotating cylinder 121, in turn, is connected to the rotatable mirror 136. In one embodiment, the rotatable mirror 136 is attached to the rotating cylinder 121 by means of fasteners, adhesives, snap fit, press fit, and other suitable means. Additionally, various components of the rotatable mechanism 102 such as the magnetic core 112, the magnet 116, the shaft 123, and the rotating cylinder 121 are supported on a base frame 134 (shown in FIG. 2) provided in the mobile device 106.
[0031] In certain embodiments, upon selection of a camera activation button 108, the mobile device 106 activates a desired imaging mode by disposing the rotatable mirror 136 in a suitable position using the rotatable mechanism 102. In one embodiment, the camera activation button 108 is a camera application icon 601 (shown in FIG. 6) that is selected via a touch input available on an associated display of the mobile device 106 to activate the imaging system 100 in the mobile device 106. In certain other embodiments, the camera activation button 108 may include one or more hardware switches that are provided on the mobile device 106 to activate the imaging system 100. In certain further embodiments, the mobile device 106 includes a microphone (not shown) and an audio processing device (not shown) to process voice commands received from a user for activating the imaging system 100. In certain embodiments, the camera activation button 108 also corresponds to the camera swap button 109, or a camera swap icon 703 (as shown in FIG. 7). The camera swap button 109, therefore, may similarly include one or more of a touch-based input, audio input, and one or more hardware switches provided on the mobile device 106.
[0032] Upon activating the camera swap button 109, the controller 110 draws electric current from a power source (not shown) of the mobile device 106 and passes the current to the coil 114 wound around the magnetic core 112. The controller 110, operatively connected to the coil 114, switches polarity of the magnetic core 112 between a first polarity state and a second polarity state by regulating a direction of flow of current to the coil 114. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, switching the polarity of the magnetic core 112 causes a resulting movement of the magnet 116, resulting in rotation of the rotatable mirror 136 to a suitable position to configure the imaging module 104 to switch to a desired imaging mode.
[0033] To that end, in one embodiment, the magnet 116 is positioned at a distal end 113 (shown in FIG. 2) of the magnetic core 112. Furthermore, the magnet 116 includes a first end 117 and a second end 118 such that the first end 117 of the magnet 116 having a designated polarity state is positioned closer to the distal end 113 than the second end 118 of the magnet 116. The flow of electric current in the electromagnetic coil 114 generates a particular magnetic polarity on the magnetic core 112. As used herein, the term “magnetic core” refers to a ferromagnetic metal core on which magnetic polarity is generated when electric current is passed as per Faraday’s laws of electromagnetism.
[0034] In an embodiment, switching the polarity of the ferromagnetic core 112 to the first polarity state by the controller 110 repels the magnet 116, thereby linearly moving the shaft 123 coupled to the magnet 116 away from the magnetic core 112. The linear movement of the shaft 123 rotates the rotating cylinder 121 in a first direction and positions the rotatable mirror 136 in a first rotated position 137 (shown in FIG. 3) to operate the imaging system 100 in the first imaging mode, for example, corresponding to the rear camera mode. Furthermore, switching the polarity of the ferromagnetic core 112 to the second polarity state by the controller 110 attracts the magnet 116, thereby linearly moving the shaft 123 coupled to the magnet 116 towards the magnetic core 112. The linear movement of the shaft 123 rotates the rotating cylinder 121 in a second direction opposite to the first direction and positions the rotatable mirror 136 in a second rotated position 138 (shown in FIG. 4) to operate the imaging system 100 in the second imaging mode, for example, corresponding to the front camera mode. In an alternate embodiment, the first end 117 of the magnet 116 having the second polarity state is positioned closer to the distal end 113. In such a scenario, switching the polarity of the ferromagnetic core 112 to the first polarity state opposite to the second polarity state by the controller attracts the magnet 116 towards the ferromagnetic core 112 and switching the polarity of the ferromagnetic core 112 to the second polarity state repels the magnet away from the ferromagnetic core 112.
[0035] In particular, in one implementation, the designated polarity state at the first end 117 of the magnet 116 proximal to the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 corresponds to north polarity. The passage of electric current through the electromagnetic coil 114 induces the first polarity state corresponding to the north polarity on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112. In another embodiment, the designated polarity state at the first end 117 of the magnet 116 positioned proximal the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 corresponds to south polarity. The same polarity on the first end 117 of the magnet 116 and on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 causes the magnet to repel away from the ferromagnetic core 112, thereby causing the shaft 123 to move away from the ferromagnetic core 112, as shown in FIG. 3. The repulsion of the magnet 116 away from the ferromagnetic core 112 causes the shaft 123 connected to the magnet 116 to move away from the ferromagnetic core 112, causing the rotating cylinder 121, attached thereto, to rotate. The rotating cylinder 121, in turn, causes the rotatable mirror 136 to rotate in a first direction, thereby switching the imaging module 104 to a first imaging mode and deflecting the light rays striking the rotatable mirror 136. The deflected light rays fall on the imaging sensor 139 of the imaging module 104 to enable the imaging module 104 to record the image in the first imaging mode, for example, of objects positioned in front of the user.
[0036] Alternatively, when the polarities on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 and the first end 117 of the magnet 116 are different, then the magnet 116 is attracted towards the ferromagnetic core 112. For example, if the designated polarity state of the first end 117 of the magnet 116 corresponds to north polarity and the polarity on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 corresponds to south polarity, the magnet 116 is attracted towards the ferromagnetic core 112. The attraction of the magnet 116 towards the ferromagnetic core 112 causes the shaft 123 connected to the magnet 116 to move towards the ferromagnetic core 112. Movement of the shaft 123 rotates the rotating cylinder 121, in turn, rotating and positioning the rotatable mirror 136 in a second direction, thereby switching the imaging module 104 to the second imaging mode and deflecting the light rays striking the rotatable mirror 136. The deflected light rays fall on the imaging sensor 139 of the imaging module 104 to enable the imaging module 104 to record the image in a second imaging mode, for example, of the user and/or objects positioned behind the user. Certain exemplary methods for capturing images in the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode using the rotatable mechanism 102 of the imaging system 100 are described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 6-9. Further, certain exemplary functional arrangements of components of the imaging system 100 in the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode are described in greater in detail with reference to FIGS. 3-4.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view depicting certain exemplary components of the rotatable mechanism 102 in the imaging system 100. In particular, FIG. 2 depicts components of the rotatable mechanism 102 for rotating the rotatable mirror 136 in the imaging module 104 for switching operation of the imaging system 100 between the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode. In one embodiment, the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode correspond to rear camera mode and front camera mode of the mobile device 106, respectively. For clarity, the first imaging mode is referred as rear camera mode and the second imaging mode is referred as front camera mode in the subsequent description.
[0038] Further, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the rotatable mechanism 102 when the mobile device 106 is operating in the first imaging mode, that is, the rear camera mode. In an example scenario, the user of the mobile device 106 selects the camera activation button 108 that corresponds to the camera application icon 601 on the mobile device 106, as shown in FIG. 6. Selection of the camera activation button 108 activates the imaging system 100 and operates the mobile device 106 in the rear camera mode. In alternative embodiments, selection of the camera activation button 108 operates the mobile device in the second imaging mode corresponding to the front camera mode, in lieu of the rear camera mode. Swapping between the rear camera mode and the front camera mode is achieved by selecting the camera swap icon 703 (shown in FIG. 8). However, for simplicity, in the following embodiments, selection of the camera activation button 108 configures the rotatable mechanism 102 to operate the imaging system 100 of the mobile device 106 in the rear camera mode.
[0039] As previously noted, in one embodiment, the imaging system 100 includes the base frame 134 for securely mounting the components of the rotatable mechanism 102 in the imaging system 100. The base frame 134 includes a plurality of support structures 135 on which components of the rotatable mechanism 102, namely the ferromagnetic core 112, the magnet 116, the shaft 123, and the rotating cylinder 121 are positioned securely to prevent displacement during usage. As used herein, the term “rotatable mechanism” refers to one or more components adapted to rotate the rotatable mirror 136 of the imaging module 104 between the first rotated position 137 and the second rotated position 138. In certain embodiments, the rotatable mechanism 102 may include gears and other similar components for rotating the rotatable mirror 136. In a presently contemplated embodiment, the rotatable mechanism 102 includes the controller 110, the magnetic core 112, the electromagnetic coil 114, the magnet 116, the rotating cylinder 121, and the shaft 123.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the ends of the electromagnetic coil 114 are connected to the controller 110 of the mobile device 106. As used herein, the term “controller” refers to a processing subsystem such as a microprocessor, which regulates and controls the flow of electric current in the electromagnetic coil 114. In certain embodiments, in addition to regulating flow of electric current in the electromagnetic coil 114, the controller 110 may also regulate one or more other operations of the mobile device 106. In particular, when the user activates the rear camera mode, the controller 110 draws electric current from the battery (not shown) of the mobile device 106 and supplies the electric current to the electromagnetic coil 114. In one scenario, the flow of electric current in the electromagnetic coil 114 creates similar magnetic polarity on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 as that of the designated polarity state on the first end 117 of the magnet 116. Similar magnetic polarities lead to a repulsion of the magnet 116 from a first position 119 (shown in FIG. 4) to a second position 120 away from the ferromagnetic core 112, as shown in FIG. 3. In an embodiment, the designated polarity state on the first end 117 of the magnet 116 and the polarity on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 correspond to north polarity. The same polarity causes movement of the magnet 116 away from the ferromagnetic core 112 to the second position 120 and configures the rotatable mechanism 102 to rotate the associated rotatable mirror 136 to the first rotated position 137 corresponding to the rear camera mode.
[0041] To that end, the rotatable mechanism 102 further includes the shaft 123, which includes a first end 124 and a second end 125 (shown in FIG. 2). The first end 124 of the shaft 123 is proximal to the ferromagnetic core 112 and is attached to the second end 118 of the magnet 116. The second end 125 of the shaft 123 is coupled to the rotating cylinder 121 through an upper protrusion 126 (shown in FIG. 2) such that the upper protrusion 126 of the shaft 123 slides into a slot 127 on an outer surface 122 of the rotating cylinder 121. The slot 127 includes a first end 128 (shown in FIG. 2) and a second end 129 such that the upper protrusion 126 of the shaft 123 is positioned in the second end 129 of the slot 127 in the first imaging mode corresponding to the rear camera mode, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0042] In one embodiment, the first end 124 and the second end 125 of the shaft 123 rest on the support structure 135 of the base frame 134. The shaft 123 further includes a lower protrusion 130 for facilitating back and forth movement of the shaft 123 initiated by attractive and repulsive forces between the ferromagnetic core 112 and the magnet 116. The lower protrusion 130 of the shaft 123 runs into a groove 131 in the base frame 134. The groove 131, in turn, includes a distal end 132 and a proximal end 133 such that the lower protrusion 130 of the shaft 123 is positioned in the distal end 132 of the groove 131 in the first imaging mode corresponding to the rear camera mode as shown in FIG. 3.
[0043] As the shaft 123 moves linearly away from the ferromagnetic core 112, the upper protrusion 126 of the shaft 123 slides from the first end 128 to the second end 129 of the slot 127. Additionally, the lower protrusion 130 slides from the proximal end 133 to the distal end 132 of the groove 131 simultaneously, causing the rotating cylinder 121 to rotate. The rotation of the rotating cylinder 121 by the designated degree in a first direction 402 (shown in FIG. 4) rotates the rotatable mirror 136 coupled to the rotating cylinder 121 to the first rotated position 137. The rotatable mirror 136, thus rotated to the first rotated position 137, deflects incoming light rays on to the imaging sensor 139. The imaging sensor 139 processes the received light and transmits the corresponding output to the controller 110. The controller 110 generate an image and visualizes the generated image on a display 602 (as shown in FIG. 7) of the mobile device 106 such that the user is able to see the scene of a deer against a hilly background on the display 602 (as shown in FIG. 7) of the mobile device 106, when the mobile device 106 is operating in the rear camera mode.
[0044] Similarly, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the rotatable mechanism 102 when the mobile device 106 is operating in the front camera mode. When a user wishes to take a selfie, the user selects the front camera mode by pressing the camera swap icon 703 (shown in FIG. 8). Upon selecting the front camera mode, the controller 110 draws power from the power source of the mobile device 106 and transmits current to the electromagnetic coil 114 wound around the ferromagnetic core 112 in a particular direction. In one embodiment, the passage of electric current around the ferromagnetic core 112 generates the second polarity on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112, which is different from the designated polarity of the first end 117 of the magnet 116. In one scenario, the second polarity on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 corresponds to the south polarity. The designated polarity of the first end 117 of the magnet 116 corresponding to north polarity and the second polarity on the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 corresponding to south polarity creates an attractive force between the magnet 116 and the ferromagnetic core 112. The attractive force causes the magnet 116 to move from the second position 120 to the first position 119 towards the ferromagnetic core 112. The linear movement of the magnet 116 to the first position 119 causes the shaft 123 to move towards the ferromagnetic core 112. During the linear movement of the shaft 123 towards the ferromagnetic core 112, the upper protrusion 126 of the shaft 123 slides from the second end 129 to the first end 128 of the slot 127 on the outer surface 122 of the rotating cylinder 121. Simultaneously, the lower protrusion 130 of the shaft 123 slides from the distal end 132 to the proximal end 133 of the groove 131 in the base frame 134. The sliding of the upper protrusion 126 of the shaft 123 from the second end 129 to the first end 128 of the slot 127 causes the rotating cylinder 121 to rotate by the designated degree in a second direction 302 (shown in FIG. 3) opposite to the first direction. As the cylinder 121 rotates, the mirror 136 of the imaging module 104 also rotates to a second rotated position 138, as shown in FIG. 4, thus operating the imaging system 100 in the front camera mode. The conversion from the rear camera mode to the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 is described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 6-9.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary views present in front and back of the user. The front view, as seen by the user, corresponds to a deer against a hilly backdrop and the rear view includes a tree positioned behind the user. As shown in FIG. 5, the user of the mobile device 106 is seen standing between the deer against a hilly background and a tree behind him.
[0046] Further, FIG. 6 illustrates a graphics representation of an exemplary arrangement of application icons on the display 602 in the mobile device 106. The user activates the imaging module 104 of the imaging system 100 by selecting a camera application icon 601 on the mobile device 106. In one embodiment, when the camera application icon 601 on the mobile device 106 is selected, by default, the rear camera mode of the mobile device 106 is activated and the user is able to see the deer against the hilly backdrop on the display 602 of the mobile device 106, as shown in FIG. 7. In an alternative embodiment, the imaging module 104 is activated by pressing hardware keys provided on the mobile device 106.
[0047] In certain other embodiments, selecting the camera application icon 601 activates the front camera mode of the mobile device 106. In order to capture the scene displayed on the mobile device 106, the user presses shutter button 701. As the shutter button 701 is pressed, the imaging sensor 139 of the imaging module 104 records the image of deer against the hilly backdrop in the local memory of the mobile device 106. Until the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 is activated, the magnet 116 remains in the first position 119 away from the ferromagnetic core 112 due to the same magnetic polarities on the first end 117 of the magnet 116 and distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112, as shown in FIG. 3. In an embodiment, the same magnetic polarity corresponds to north pole on both the magnet 116 and the ferromagnetic core 112. In other embodiments, the same magnetic polarity corresponds to south polarity on both the first end 117 of the magnet 116 and the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 so that the magnet 116 is positioned away from the ferromagnetic core 112.
[0048] Similarly, the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 can be activated by pressing the camera swap icon 703, as shown in FIG. 8. When the camera swap icon 703 is selected, the imaging system 100 switches to the front camera mode and the user is able to see himself against the tree background, as shown in FIG. 9. Converting the rear camera mode of the mobile device 106 into the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 is achieved by selecting the camera swap icon 703 to change the position of the rotatable mirror 136 in the imaging module 104 from the first rotated position 137 to the second rotated position 138, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0049] In particular, when the camera swap icon 703 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 8, the controller 110 draws electric current from the battery (not shown) of the mobile device 106 and supplies the electric current to the associated electromagnetic coil 114. When the electric current passes through the electromagnetic coil 114 wound around the ferromagnetic core 112, the electric current induces a magnetic field having a specified polarity around the ferromagnetic core 112 as per Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction. In particular, upon selecting the front imaging mode, the controller 110 changes the direction of flow of electric current in the electromagnetic coil 114 resulting in the change in the magnetic polarity of the magnetic field induced around the ferromagnetic core 112. Inducing opposite magnetic polarities on the magnet 116 and the ferromagnetic core 112 creates an attractive force that causes the magnet 116 to move towards the ferromagnetic core 112.
[0050] In an example scenario, both the first end 117 of the magnet 116 proximal the ferromagnetic core 112 and the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112 have the same north polarity in the rear camera mode of the mobile device 106. When the rear camera mode is changed to front camera mode by selecting the camera swap icon 703 as shown in FIG. 8, the controller 110 reverses the direction of the flow of current in the electromagnetic coil 114. Reversing the direction of the flow of current induces a magnetic field having the second polarity state corresponding to south polarity at the distal end 113 of the ferromagnetic core 112. The magnetic field around the ferromagnetic core 112, having south polarity, attracts the first end 117 of the magnet 116 having the opposite north polarity. Movement of the magnet 116 due to the attractive forces causes the shaft 123 attached thereto to also move towards the ferromagnetic core 112.
[0051] As the shaft 123 moves towards the ferromagnetic core 112, the lower protrusion 130 of the shaft 123 slides from the distal end 132 to the proximal end 133 of the groove 131 in the base frame 134. As the shaft 123 moves further, the upper protrusion 126 of the shaft 123 slides from the second end 129 to the first end 128 of the slot 127 of the rotating cylinder 121 causing the rotating cylinder 121 to rotate in the second direction 302. The rotation of the rotating cylinder 121 repositions the mirror 136 attached to the rotating cylinder 121 to the second rotated position 138, as shown in FIG. 4. The mirror 136, in the second rotated position 138, deflects the light rays striking the mirror 136 on to the imaging sensor 139 in the imaging module 104, thereby activating the front camera mode of the mobile device 106. When the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 is activated, the user is able to see himself against a tree in the background, as shown in the FIG. 9. The user captures the image in the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 by pressing the shutter button 701.
[0052] Thus, the rotatable mechanism 102 enables conversion of the rear camera mode to the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 by changing the direction of the mirror 136 from the first rotated position 137 to the second rotated position 138. Certain examples of capturing images using the rear and front camera mode are described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 10-11.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary representation 1000 of the imaging system 100 in the mobile device 106. Additionally, FIG. 10 depicts an enlarged view 1001 of the first rotated position 137 of the mirror 136 and path of light entering the mobile device 106 post activating the rear camera mode of the mobile device 106. When the rear camera mode of the mobile device 106 is active, the light reflecting from the deer and the hilly background travels towards the mobile device 106 and enters a first lens assembly 1003 on the rear side 1005 of the mobile device 106. The light strikes the mirror 136 disposed in the first rotated position 137 and is deflected on to the imaging sensor 139 in the imaging module 104. The imaging sensor 139 subsequently generates an image of the deer with the hilly background on the mobile device 106, as shown in the FIG. 7. The user captures the image by pressing the icon for the shutter button 701. Further, when the camera swap icon 703 is selected by the user, as shown in FIG. 8, to change the rear camera mode to the front camera mode of the mobile device 106, the position of the mirror 136 changes from the first rotated position 137 to the second rotated position 138, as described previously with reference to FIGS. 3-4.
[0054] FIG. 11 is an exemplary representation 1000 of the imaging system 100 in the mobile device 106. Additionally, FIG. 11 depicts an enlarged view 1002 of the second rotated position 138 of the mirror 136 and path of light entering the mobile device 106 upon activation of the front camera mode of the mobile device 106. In the front camera mode of the mobile device 106, the light from the tree and the user travel towards the mobile device 106 and enters a second lens assembly 1009 on front side 1007 of the mobile device 106. The light entering the mobile device 106 strikes the mirror 136 disposed in the second rotated position 138 and is deflected on to the imaging sensor 139 in the imaging module 104. The imaging sensor 139 subsequently generates an image of the user against the tree background on the display 602 of the mobile device 106, as shown in FIG. 9. The user captures the image from the front camera mode by pressing the shutter button 701.
[0055] In certain embodiments, the rotatable mechanism 102 allows the user to record one or more videos in both the rear camera mode and the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 without pausing the video recording to switch modes. In an example scenario, the user starts recording a video in the rear camera mode of the mobile device 106. The user is able to capture the front view of the deer and the hilly background, as shown in the FIG. 7. While recording the video in the rear camera mode of the mobile device 106, the user presses the camera swap icon 703 to continue recording the rest of the video in the front camera mode of the mobile device 106. Pressing the camera swap icon 703 activates the rotatable mechanism 102 of the imaging system 100 for rotating the rotatable mirror 136 to the second rotated position 138. As the camera swap icon 703 is pressed, the rear camera mode is converted to the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 and the user is able to record the view of himself against the tree background without needing to pause the video to switch cameras, as is needed in conventional mobile camera systems. In an alternate embodiment, the user starts recording the video in the front camera mode of the mobile device 106 and activates the rear camera mode subsequently by pressing the camera swap icon 703 to continue recording of the video in the rear camera mode of the mobile device 106 without any interruption.
[0056] Embodiments presented herein describe the two-way imaging system 100 that uses a compact and cost-effective rotatable imaging module 104 that operates as both the front and rear camera for the mobile device 106. To that end, the imaging system 100 uses only a single image sensor, thus reducing an overall cost of the mobile device 106, while also reducing the space required for housing the imaging system 100 within the mobile device 106. Furthermore, rotating the mirror 136 allows the imaging system 100 to seamlessly switch from a front imaging mode to a rear imaging mode, and vice versa, without having to pause to switch to the rear camera when recording a video. The present imaging system 100, thus, can provide improved imaging functionality in systems such as smartphones, vehicle cameras, laptops, tablets, submarines, surveillance cameras, and drone cameras. The present imaging system 100 also finds use in medical applications such as endoscopy and other imaging systems that needs panning in different directions to capture images and videos.
[0057] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present systems and methods may be shown in and/or described with respect to some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. It is to be understood that the described features, structures, and/or characteristics may be combined and/or used interchangeably in any suitable manner in the various embodiments shown in the different figures.
[0058] While only certain features of the present systems and methods have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the claimed invention.

LIST OF NUMERAL REFERENCES:

100 Imaging System 130 Lower Protrusion
102 Rotatable Mechanism 131 Groove
104 Imaging Module 132 Groove Distal End
106 Mobile Device 133 Groove Proximal End
108 Camera Activation Button 134 Base Frame
109 Selection switch , Camera Swap Button 135 Support Structure
110 Controller 136 Rotatable Mirror
112 Core 137 Mirror First Position
113 Distal end of core 138 Mirror Second Position
114 Coil 139 Image Sensor
116 Magnet 601 Camera Application Icon
121 Rotating Cylinder 602 Display
122 Outer surface 701 Camera Shutter Button/Icon
123 Shaft 703 Camera Swap Icon
124 Shaft first end 1000 Imaging System
125 Shaft second end 1001 Enlarged view of Imaging system
126 Upper Protrusion 1002 Enlarged view of Imaging System
127 Slot 1003 First Lens Assembly
128 First End of the Slot 1005 Rear Side of the Mobile Device
129 Second End of the Slot 1007 Front Side of the Mobile Device
117 First End of the Magnet 1009 Second Lens Assembly
118 Second End of the Magnet
302, 402 Rotational Direction of the Rotating Cylinder