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Microchip maker Intel is getting serious about digital imaging—and it
is now patenting its camera ideas in 125 countries (WO 99/12345). Patents WO
99/23817 and 99/28779 reveal that the company is working on a digital camera
with a compact lens. Instead of using the usual six lens elements, Intel uses
four—with a microscopic ripple etched on the surface to avoid moiré
patterns, the fringing effects that can occur when the lens resolves fine
detail. The camera can be used either to capture still snapshots or moving video
for teleconferencing.