Thin compact lens optical image stabilization

Abstract

An optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanism comprising: a moving frame comprising a first slot; a static frame comprising a second slot; an OIS actuator; and first, second, and third bearings defining an OIS plane, wherein the first ball bearing is located in a track formed by the first slot and the second slot, wherein the ball bearing is located between the moving frame and the static frame and allows a first movement and a second movement of the moving frame relative to the static frame, wherein the first movement is a rotational movement performed about an axis of rotation coinciding with the location of the first ball bearing and perpendicular to the OIS plane, and wherein the second movement is a linear movement along the track.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 323,271, filed March 24, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 327,954, filed April 6, 2022; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 408,642, filed September 21, 2022, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to digital cameras, and more particularly to digital cameras with optical image stabilization (OIS). Background Technology

[0004] Camera modules in modern mobile devices (such as smartphones and tablets) typically need to be thin or low in height to fit into the casing of the mobile device.

[0005] To improve image quality, modern camera modules typically include Optical Image Sensor (OIS). During exposure of the image sensor, OIS eliminates (or reduces) unwanted motion in the image at the image sensor plane. Without OIS, unwanted motion would cause image blurring. This unwanted motion can be caused, for example, by a user unintentionally moving or shaking the mobile device during image capture (“hand movement” or “shaky hands”).

[0006] In most current smartphones, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) corrects for hand shake about two of the device's three axes of rotation. Specifically, OIS corrects for hand shake about two axes of rotation perpendicular to the normal to the image sensor included in the camera, or in other words, perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens included in the camera. To achieve this, movement of the lens (relative to the image sensor), movement of the image sensor (relative to the lens), or movement of the entire camera (relative to the mobile device) is performed linearly in two directions perpendicular to the camera's optical axis. Performing these movements causes them to cancel out (or mitigate) hand shake, so that the image on the image sensor plane does not move (or only moves slightly) relative to the image sensor, i.e., the image is stabilized. If the lens moves relative to the image sensor (and relative to the smartphone including the camera), it is called "lens-shift OIS".

[0007] The OIS module (or "OIS assembly") includes all the mechanical components required to perform the movement. The OIS module used to perform lens shift OIS is called a lens shift OIS module.

[0008] Figure 1A is a top view of a lens-shifting OIS module known in the art for moving lens 102. An image sensor (not shown) may be oriented parallel to the xy-plane shown. The optical axis (not shown) of lens 102 is oriented perpendicular to the xy-plane shown. To mitigate user hand shakiness (i.e., for OIS), lens 102 is moved from its initial center position (“X”) of lens 102. I The initial position represented by "104" is moved to the final center position ("X"). F 106. To perform this movement of lens 102, lens 102 moves linearly in the x-direction, as shown by arrow 112, and also moves linearly in the y-direction, as shown by arrow 114. These two movements can be performed simultaneously.

[0009] Figure 1B schematically illustrates a camera 150 in a side view, which includes a lens 152 with a lens optical axis 154, an image sensor 156, and a lens-shifting OIS module 160, as known in the art. The lens-shifting OIS module 160 has an OIS module height H. M and OIS module width W M It is operable to perform lens shift OIS, as described in FIG1A. The lens shift OIS module 160 includes a first OIS frame 162 having a first OIS frame height (“H1”) and a first OIS frame width (“W1”), a second OIS frame 164 having a second OIS frame height (“H2”) and a second OIS frame width (“W2”), and a third OIS frame 166 having a third OIS frame height (“H3”) and a third OIS frame width (“W3”). Here, H M =H1+H2+H3 and W M =W3. Note that a larger number of OIS boxes results in a larger module height H. M .

[0010] In the xy-plane (i.e., radially relative to the optical axis 154), lens 152 does not move relative to the first OIS frame 162. Therefore, any movement applied to the xy-plane of the first OIS frame 162, particularly any movement in the xy-plane used to perform OIS, causes the lens to follow the movement of the first OIS frame 162. In the z-direction (i.e., axially relative to the optical axis 154), the lens can move relative to the first OIS frame 162 and the image sensor 156 for focusing. The third OIS frame 166 is static, meaning it does not move relative to the image sensor 156. The image sensor 156 does not move relative to the mobile device including the camera 150. H1, H2, and H3 can be in the range of 0.25 to 2.5 mm. M It can be within the range of 0.5 to 10 mm. W1, W2, and W3 can be within the range of 5 to 50 mm. In particular, W...i+1 =W i +0.5 to 5 mm (where i = 1, 2, 3, etc.), that is, given the same W1, a larger number of OIS boxes results in a larger module width W. M .

[0011] Lens shifting OIS in the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis 154 is performed by (1) linearly moving the second OIS frame 164 relative to the third OIS frame 166 in the first direction, while (2) not moving the first OIS frame 162 relative to the second OIS frame 164. In other words, for lens shifting OIS in the first direction, the first OIS frame 162 "rides" on (or is carried by) the second OIS frame 164. Since the lens 152 does not move relative to the first OIS frame 162 in the xy plane, this results in linear movement of the lens 152 in the first direction. Lens shifting OIS in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the optical axis 154 is performed by (1) linearly moving the first OIS frame 162 relative to the second OIS frame 164 in the second direction, while (2) not moving the second OIS frame 164 relative to the third OIS frame 166. This results in linear movement of the lens 152 in the second direction.

[0012] In some examples, for instance, such as those shown in the jointly owned international patent application PCT / IB2022 / 052194, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, actuation for lens displacement OIS in a first direction is transmitted via a "ball bearing" mechanism known in the art. To transmit this actuation, one or more balls of the ball bearing are enclosed in and move within a linear track formed by two grooves in a gap, each groove being included in a different assembly (or component). An example of a ball bearing mechanism is a pin-groove mechanism 310. Figure 3B ).

[0013] For example, OIS actuation can be provided by a voice coil motor (VCM). To transmit actuation for lens-shifting OIS in the first direction, the second OIS frame 164 includes one or more slots oriented parallel to the first direction, and the third OIS frame 166 includes one or more slots facing one or more slots included in the second OIS frame 164. One or more moving balls are enclosed (or confined) in one or more tracks formed by the slots included in the second OIS frame 164 and the third OIS frame 166. Actuation for lens-shifting OIS in the second direction can be transmitted in the same manner.

[0014] The motion required by the OIS in the xy plane is entirely confined to a certain OIS range, that is, within the OIS range, the lens 152 can move from any X...I Move to any X F Assume X I and X F Included within the OIS. We noted that lens shift OIS in the first linear direction and lens shift OIS in the second linear direction cannot be conveyed using only two OIS frames. Therefore, three OIS frames were used, which added extra height and width (i.e., resulting in height and width "penalties").

[0015] A thin and compact lens shift OIS module, featuring low H M and low W M An OIS lens shifting module would be beneficial for achieving a thin and compact camera module. Therefore, a thin and compact OIS module is needed, and this would be advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0016] In various exemplary embodiments, an OIS mechanism is provided, comprising: a movable frame including a first groove; a static frame including a second groove; an OIS actuator; and first, second, and third ball bearings defining an OIS plane and located between the movable frame and the static frame to allow a first movement and a second movement of the movable frame relative to the static frame, wherein the first ball bearing is located in a track formed by the first groove and the second groove, wherein the first movement is a rotational movement of the movable frame about a rotation axis aligned with the position of the first ball bearing and perpendicular to the OIS plane, and wherein the second movement is a linear movement of the movable frame along the track.

[0017] In some examples, the moving frame includes a first pool and a third pool, while the static frame includes a second pool and a fourth pool, wherein a second ball bearing is located in the volume formed by the first and second pools, and wherein a third ball bearing is located in the volume formed by the third and fourth pools.

[0018] In some examples, the OIS mechanism can be operated to provide OIS in both OIS directions.

[0019] In some examples, the OIS actuator is a conventional voice coil motor (VCM). In some examples, the conventional VCM includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to a static frame. In some examples, the conventional VCM includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to a moving frame.

[0020] In some examples, the OIS actuator is a push-pull VCM. In some examples, the push-pull VCM includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to the static frame. In some examples, the push-pull VCM includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to the moving frame.

[0021] In some examples, the OIS mechanism is operable to provide OIS within a range of less than 2 mm in a first direction of movement and less than 2 mm in a second direction of movement.

[0022] In some examples, the movebox has a movebox height H. MF And the static box has a static box height H SF H MF Within the range of 0.25mm to 1.5mm, and where H SF Within the range of 0.25mm to 1.5mm.

[0023] In some examples, the movebox has a movebox width W. MF And the static frame has a static frame width W SF W MF Within the range of 10mm to 40mm, and where W SF Within the range of 10mm to 40mm.

[0024] In some examples, the OIS mechanism is included within the OIS module, and the OIS module has a height H ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. M .

[0025] In some examples, the OIS mechanism is included within the OIS module, and the OIS module has a width W ranging from 10mm to 40mm. M .

[0026] In some examples, the OIS mechanism is included in a digital camera that includes a lens, and the lens moves together with a moving frame for OIS. In some examples, the lens moves relative to the moving frame to focus. In some examples, the digital camera includes an image sensor, and the first ball bearing is located at the center of the image sensor. In some examples, the digital camera is a pop-up camera. In some examples, the digital camera is included in a smartphone.

[0027] In various exemplary embodiments, a method is provided in a mobile device including a digital camera, the digital camera including a lens and an image sensor, the method comprising: providing a lens-shifting OIS module in the digital camera, the lens-shifting OIS module including only a first moving frame and a second static frame; and actuating the moving frame to move the lens relative to the image sensor in a manner of a first rotational movement and a second linear movement to provide OIS, wherein the lens has an effective focal length (EFL) in the range of 2.5 mm to 50 mm. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of prior art lens shift OIS (optical image stabilization) with a moving lens in a top view;

[0029] Figure 1B shows a camera, schematically illustrated in a side view, including a lens with an image sensor and a lens-shifting OIS module known in the art;

[0030] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of lens displacement OIS with a movable lens as disclosed herein is shown in top view;

[0031] Figure 2B A camera, including a lens, an image sensor, and a lens-shifting OIS module, is shown schematically in a side view.

[0032] Figure 3A The components of a camera module, including a lens-shifting OIS module as disclosed herein, are shown in perspective.

[0033] Figure 3B Shown in another perspective view Figure 3A Components of the camera module;

[0034] Figure 3C Shown in side view Figures 3A to 3B Components of the camera module;

[0035] Figure 4A Shown from another side view Figures 3A to 3B Components of the camera module;

[0036] Figure 4B With Figure 4A The same side view shown illustrates components of another camera module disclosed herein;

[0037] Figure 5A A camera including a lens and another lens-shifting OIS module is schematically shown in a top view;

[0038] Figure 5B A camera including a lens and another lens-shifting OIS module is schematically shown in a top view. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of lens-shifted OIS with a movable lens 202 as disclosed herein is shown in top view. The image sensor (not shown) can be oriented parallel to the xy-plane shown. The optical axis (not shown) of lens 202 is oriented perpendicular to the xy-plane shown. For OIS, lens 202 is positioned from its initial center position (“X”) of lens 202. I The initial position represented by “)204 is moved to its final center position (“X”). F206. In order to move lens 202, lens 202 can be moved about an axis that is substantially parallel to the optical axis of lens 202. Figures 3A to 3B And as indicated by arc 212, it can rotate; in addition, lens 202 can move linearly in the y-direction as indicated by arrow 214.

[0040] Figure 2B An embodiment of a camera, designated 250, is schematically shown. This camera 250 includes a lens 252 with a lens optical axis 254, an image sensor 256, and a lens-shifting OIS module 260, as disclosed herein in the side view. The lens-shifting OIS module 260 has an OIS module height H. M OIS module width W M And it is operable to perform such Figure 2A The described lens-shifting OIS. The lens-shifting OIS module 260 includes a first OIS frame 262 having a first OIS frame height H1 and a first OIS frame width W1, and a second OIS frame 264 having a second OIS frame height H2 and a second OIS frame width W2. Here, H... M =H1+H2 and W M =W2. Compared to the known OIS module 160, the OIS module 260 does not require a third OIS box, thus avoiding the additional height and width penalties associated with a third OIS box. This allows for a thin and compact OIS module, i.e., one with a low H... M and Little W M The OIS module is advantageous for use in cameras included in mobile devices such as smartphones. For clarity, all embodiments disclosed herein are advantageous for use in cameras included in mobile devices such as smartphones. The camera may include a lens having a lens optical axis and an effective focal length (“EFL”) in the range of 2.5 mm to 50 mm, and preferably in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. The camera may also include an image sensor having an image sensor diagonal (“SD”) in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, and preferably in the range of 7.5 mm to 25 mm. In some examples, such a camera may be a sub-camera that, together with other sub-cameras, forms a multi-camera (e.g., dual-camera) setup for a mobile device, as known in the art.

[0041] In the xy-plane, lens 252 does not move relative to the first OIS frame 262. Therefore, any movement applied to the first OIS frame 262 in the xy-plane, particularly any movement in the xy-plane for performing OIS, causes lens 252 to follow the movement of the first OIS frame 262. Therefore, the first OIS frame 262 is also referred to as the "moving frame". In the z-direction, lens 252 can move relative to the first OIS frame 262 and image sensor 256 for focusing. The second OIS frame 264 is static and does not move relative to image sensor 256. Therefore, the second OIS frame 264 is also referred to as the "static frame". Image sensor 256 does not move relative to the mobile device including camera 250. This is valid for all embodiments disclosed herein. Hereinafter, when referring to an OIS component that does not move (or is stationary) relative to a mobile device including the OIS mechanism disclosed herein, we state "OIS component does not move relative to image sensor". M Determined by W2, i.e., W M =W2. Specifically, W i+1 =W i +0.5 to 5 mm, meaning for the same W1, a smaller number of OIS frames results in a smaller module width W. M This is advantageous for cameras included in mobile devices such as smartphones. In some embodiments, the lens-shifting OIS module disclosed herein may be advantageous for use in "pop-up cameras," such as, for example, those disclosed in International Patent Application PCT / IB2020 / 058697, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Lens shifting OIS in the xy-plane (i.e., perpendicular to the optical axis 254) is performed by: (1) rotating the first OIS frame 262 relative to the second OIS frame 264 in the rotational direction as indicated by arc 212, and (2) additionally moving the first OIS frame 262 linearly relative to the second OIS frame 264 as indicated by arrow 214. Since the lens 252 does not move relative to the first OIS frame 262 in the xy-plane, this results in a superposition of rotation and linear movement of the lens 252 in the xy-plane. Note that these two movements can be performed sequentially or simultaneously. Figures 3A to 3C , Figures 4A to 4B and Figures 5A to 5B An example of actuation and transmission for this actuation used in lens shifting OIS is described in the document.

[0043] The motion required for OIS within a certain OIS range in the xy plane is fully defined; that is, within the OIS range, lens 252 can move from any X... I Move to any X F Assume X I and XF It is included within the OIS range. We note that lens-shifting OIS can be performed across the entire OIS range in the xy plane using two OIS frames. This prevents height and width penalties associated with a third OIS frame. Typically, the OIS range covers areas smaller than 10mm × 10mm. It can typically cover areas smaller than 2mm × 2mm or even smaller than 1mm × 1mm.

[0044] Figure 3A Components of an embodiment of camera module 350, numbered 350, are shown in perspective view. This camera module 350 includes the lens-shifting OIS module 360 ​​disclosed herein. An image sensor (not visible) may be oriented parallel to the xy-plane shown. Camera module 350 includes a lens carrier 351, which includes a lens (not shown) having a lens optical axis 354. The orientation of the lens optical axis 354 is perpendicular to the xy-plane, i.e., parallel to the z-axis. In the xy-plane, the lens does not move relative to the lens carrier 351, such that xy movement applied to the lens carrier 351 causes the lens to follow the movement of the lens carrier 351. In particular, any movement applied to the lens carrier 351 for OIS is also performed by the lens.

[0045] The lens shifting OIS module 360 ​​has an OIS module height H M OIS module width W M and OIS module length L M The lens shifting OIS module 360 ​​includes a first OIS frame height (H1, see below). Figure 3C ) and the width of the first OIS frame (W1, see Figure 3C The first OIS frame 362 and the second OIS frame with height (H2, see) Figure 3C ) and the second OIS frame width (W2, see Figure 3C The second OIS frame 364. H1 and H2 can be in the range of H1,H2 = 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably in the range of H1,H2 = 0.25 to 1.5 mm. M Determined by H1 and H2, i.e., H M =H1 + H2. H M It can be found in H M Within the range of 0.25 to 10 mm, H is preferred. M It can be found in H M =In the range of 0.5 to 5 mm. W M and L M Largely determined by the dimensions of the image sensor 358, namely its width and height (e.g., H). S Limited to L. M =W M±50%. W1 and W2 can be in the range of 5 to 75 mm, preferably in the range of 10 to 40 mm. M Determined by W2, i.e., W M =W2. Specifically, W2 = W1 + 0.5 to 5 mm, meaning that for the same W1, a smaller number of OIS frames results in a smaller module width W. M This is advantageous for cameras included in mobile devices such as smartphones. The external dimensions of the OIS module 360 ​​in the xy plane allow it to fit within a circle with a diameter between 5 and 75 mm (i.e., it can be surrounded by a circle). The lens shifting OIS module 360 ​​includes a linear pin-slot mechanism 310, a first pin-pool mechanism 320, a second pin-pool mechanism 330, a first OIS VCM, and a second OIS VCM, as described below. The first and second OIS VCMs function as OIS actuators, meaning their role (or function) in the lens shifting OIS module 360 ​​is to actuate OIS movement in two directions. For bidirectional (or two-dimensional) OIS movement, the first OIS VCM actuates OIS movement in the first direction, while the second OIS VCM actuates OIS movement in the second direction. The linear pin-slot mechanism 310, the first pin-pool mechanism 320, and the second pin-pool mechanism 330 function to transmit and guide the OIS movement.

[0046] Lens carrier 351 is fixedly coupled to first OIS frame 362. First OIS frame 362 is a movable frame. Second OIS frame 364 is a static frame and does not move relative to image sensor 358 (see [link]). Figure 3B For the OIS, the first OIS frame 362 is rotated relative to the second OIS frame 364, as indicated by arc 372. The rotational movement is about a rotation axis 356 that is substantially parallel to the lens optical axis 354. The distance between the lens optical axis 354 and the rotation axis 356 is marked as "D". L-R ".D L-R You can be in D L-R =1 / 2H S Within the range of +0mm to 10mm, where H S This is the height of the image sensor 358. For D... L-R There is a trade-off in size: larger D L-R This is advantageous for performing rotational movements with large radii of curvature, as large radii of curvature are more akin to linear movements, and this is beneficial for simple actuation control. On the other hand, small D... L-R For compact lens shift OIS modules, i.e., those with small W... MThe lens-shifting OIS module is beneficial. Furthermore, the first OIS frame 362 moves linearly in the xy plane, as indicated by arrow 374.

[0047] Figure 3B Shown in another perspective view Figure 3A The camera module 350 is a component. Figure 3C Shown in side view Figures 3A to 3B The camera module 350 comprises components of an image sensor 358, a linear pin-groove mechanism 310 (“first ball bearing”), a first pin-pool mechanism 320 (“second ball bearing”), and a second pin-pool mechanism 330 (“third ball bearing”), for performing the rotational OIS movement and linear OIS movement described above and indicated by arc 372 and arrow 374, respectively. A lens-shift OIS module 360 ​​included in a mobile device provides OIS in two directions, i.e., it corrects for hand shakiness about two rotational axes. Specifically, the lens-shift OIS module 360 ​​corrects for hand shakiness about two rotational axes perpendicular to the normal of the image sensor 358, or in other words, two rotational axes perpendicular to the lens optical axis 354. This is effective for all lens-shift OIS modules disclosed herein. OIS is provided by moving two frames relative to each other, where the relative movement is rotational and linear.

[0048] The linear pin-groove mechanism 310 includes a first groove 312 included in a first OIS frame 362, a second groove 314 included in a second OIS frame 364, and balls of a ball bearing (or “bearing ball” or simply “ball”) 316. The first OIS VCM includes a coil 346, a magnet 348, and a position sensor 349 (e.g., a magnetic flux measurement device (“MFMD”) such as a Hall sensor) and actuates linear movement of the first OIS frame 362 relative to the second OIS frame 364. The magnet 348 is fixedly coupled to the first OIS frame 362. The coil 346 and the position sensor 349 are fixedly coupled to the second OIS frame 364. The linear movement is transmitted via the linear pin-groove mechanism 310, i.e., via the balls 316 enclosed in a track formed by the first groove 312 and the second groove 314. The first pin-pool mechanism 320 includes a first pool 322 (or "recess" or "notch") contained in a first OIS frame 362, a second pool 324 contained in a second OIS frame 364, and a ball 326. The second pin-pool mechanism 330 includes a first pool 332 contained in a first OIS frame 332, a second pool 334 contained in a second OIS frame 364, and a ball 336. The second OIS VCM includes a coil 342, a magnet 344, and a position sensor 345 (e.g., a Hall sensor), and actuates rotational movement of the first OIS frame 362 about a rotation axis 356 relative to the second OIS frame 364. The magnet 344 is fixedly coupled to the first OIS frame 362. The coil 342 and the position sensor 345 are fixedly coupled to the second OIS frame 364. Rotational motion is transmitted via a first pin pool mechanism 320 and a second pin pool mechanism 330 (i.e., balls 326 and 336), which are respectively enclosed in the volume (or space) formed by the first pool 322 and the second pool 324, and the first pool 332 and the second pool 334. The rotation axis 356 is aligned with the position of the balls 316, i.e., the balls 316 form the pivot point for rotation.

[0049] In the lens-shifting OIS module 360, and relative to the y-axis, the pivot point is located at the center of the image sensor 358. This center location defines the axis of symmetry of the image sensor 358. In other embodiments, and relative to the y-axis, the linear pin-groove mechanism 310 (and the pivot point) may be located at another position. That is, the pivot point may not be located on the axis of symmetry of the image sensor 358. In other embodiments, springs known in the art, instead of ball bearings, can transmit and guide the OIS movement.

[0050] Figure 4A Shown from another side view Figures 3A to 3C The camera module 350 components. All components and dimensions are consistent with... Figure 3CThe components of the camera module 350 shown are identical. Specifically, the components of the camera module 350 include the lens shift OIS module 360 ​​as described above. A first OIS VCM, including a coil 346, a magnet 348, and a position sensor 349, is visible. A VCM actuator for focusing a lens (“focusing actuator”) included in a lens carrier 351 may include a coil, a position sensor, and a magnet. The coil and position sensor of the focusing actuator may be fixedly coupled to the lens carrier 351, and the position (or location) of the coil and position sensor is marked 402. Specifically, this means that an electrical connection exists between the mobile device including the components of the camera module 350 and the lens carrier 351. The electrical connection is operable to provide power and control signals (and receive position signals) to the coil and the position sensor of the focusing actuator.

[0051] Figure 4B With Figure 4A The same side view shown illustrates components of another embodiment of the camera module 400 disclosed herein. The camera module 400 may be identical to the camera module 350 in terms of functionality and size. All components included in the parts of the camera module 400, and the dimensions of the parts of the camera module 400 (W1, W2, W3) are also shown. M The dimensions of the components included in the camera module 350 and the components of the camera module 350 are the same. However, the components of the camera module 400 include another lens shift OIS module 410. The lens shift OIS module 410 and the lens shift OIS module 360 ​​(see...) Figure 4A The difference lies in the positioning (or location) of the components included in the respective OIS actuators. The OIS actuators in the lens shift OIS module 410 include the third VCM and the fourth VCM. All components of the first and second OIS VCMs in the lens shift OIS module 360 ​​are also included in the third and fourth OIS VCMs of the lens shift OIS module 410. However, the inclusion of these components is reversed: all components of the first and second OIS VCMs in the second OIS frame 364, which are respectively included in the third and fourth OIS VCMs, are here included in the first OIS frame 362, and vice versa. Specifically, this means that the magnet 348 is fixedly coupled to the second OIS frame 364, and the coil 346 and the position sensor 349 are fixedly coupled to the first OIS frame 362, as shown. The magnet 344 is fixedly coupled to the second OIS frame 364, and the coil 342 and the position sensor 345 are fixedly coupled to the first OIS frame 362 (not shown). In camera module 350, magnet 348 is farther from image sensor 358 than position sensor 349. In camera module 400, magnet 348 is closer to image sensor 358 than position sensor 349.

[0052] In some examples, electrical connections to coil 342 and position sensor 345, as well as to coil 346 and position sensor 349, can be provided through very similar electrical connections between the mobile device including camera module 400 and lens carrier 351 (which is fixedly coupled to the second OIS frame 364) as described above.

[0053] For controlled motion, the VCM performs position sensing and actuation. Some advantages of the lens shift OIS module 410 over the lens shift OIS module 360 ​​may include (1) simpler position sensing, (2) simpler actuation control, and / or (3) faster actuation, as detailed below. Note that magnets 344 and 348 are used for OIS actuation (due to interaction with coils 342 and 346, respectively) and position sensing (due to interaction with position sensors 345 and 349, respectively), while position sensors 345 and 349 are used only for position sensing.

[0054] (1) Simpler position sensing

[0055] The axes of symmetry used for position sensing are defined by the relative orientations between magnet 344 and image sensor 358, and between magnet 348 and image sensor 358. When OIS is performed using lens-shift OIS module 360, both magnet 344 and magnet 348 move rotationally relative to image sensor 358. This means that the axes of symmetry used for position sensing rotate relative to image sensor 358. When OIS is performed using lens-shift OIS module 410, neither magnet 344 nor magnet 348 moves relative to image sensor 358. This means that the axes of symmetry used for position sensing do not rotate relative to image sensor 358, which is beneficial for sensing OIS movement.

[0056] (2) Simpler actuation control

[0057] The axes of symmetry of magnets 344 and 348 determine the direction of the actuation force of the corresponding VCM. When OIS is performed using the lens-shifting OIS module 410, neither magnet 344 nor magnet 348 moves relative to the image sensor 358. This means that the direction of the actuation force of the VCM does not rotate relative to the image sensor 358, which is beneficial for controlling OIS actuation.

[0058] (3) Rapid actuation

[0059] In the lens-shift OIS module 410, magnets 344 and 348 do not move relative to the image sensor 358; that is, magnets 344 and 348 are not actuated to perform OIS. In other words, magnets 344 and 348 are not included in the "moving mass" of the OIS module 410. Typically, magnets constitute a relatively large share (or portion) of the weight of the VCM. This means that the lens-shift OIS module 410 has a relatively small moving mass compared to the lens-shift OIS module 360, which is advantageous for fast (or low-power) actuation.

[0060] Figure 5A An embodiment of another camera module 550, designated 550, is schematically illustrated. This camera module 550 includes a lens 552 having a lens optical axis 554 and a lens shift OIS module 560, as disclosed herein. The lens shift OIS module 560 includes a first OIS frame 562 having a first OIS frame width W1 and a second OIS frame 564 having a second OIS frame width W2. The OIS module width W... M Determined by the second OIS frame 564, i.e., W M =W2. All the details of the movement of the first OIS frame 562, the second OIS frame 564, and the lens 552 are the same as those described above for OIS module 260, OIS module 360, etc.

[0061] Camera module 550 may be identical in functionality and size to camera modules 350 and 400. Lens-shifting OIS module 560 may be identical to lens-shifting OIS module 360, or, except that lens-shifting OIS module 560 includes a different OIS actuator, it may be identical in OIS functionality and size to lens-shifting OIS module 410. The OIS actuators included in lens-shifting OIS modules 360 and 410 are characterized by the fact that during operation of the VCM included in the OIS actuator, the distance between the coil (or position sensor, such as a magnetic flux measurement device (MFMD)) included in the VCM and the magnet included in the VCM does not change. In other words, a first plane parallel to the coil orientation and a second plane parallel to the magnet movement orientation are parallel to each other, and the distance between the first and second planes does not change. Hereinafter, we will refer to these VCMs as “conventional VCMs”. The OIS actuators included in lens shift OIS module 360 ​​and lens shift OIS module 410 are conventional VCMs. Conversely, the OIS actuator in lens shift OIS module 560 includes a different type of VCM, which we refer to as a "push-pull VCM". Specifically, lens shift OIS module 560 includes a first push-pull VCM 570 and a second push-pull VCM 580. The directions of the forces applied (or generated) by the first push-pull VCM 570 and the second push-pull VCM 580, respectively, are indicated by arrow F. 570 (parallel to the y-axis) and F 580 (Parallel to the x-axis) Indication. The forces of the first push-pull VCM 570 and the second push-pull VCM 580 are respectively transmitted to the OIS movement, as detailed above, for example, based on ball bearings. The first push-pull VCM 570 includes a coil 576, a magnet 578, and a position sensor 579. The second push-pull VCM 580 includes a coil 586, a magnet 588, and a position sensor 589. As shown, magnets 578 and 588 are fixedly coupled to the first OIS frame 562. The first OIS frame 562 is a moving frame. Coils 576 and position sensors 579 are also fixedly coupled to the second OIS frame 564. The second OIS frame 562 is a static frame.

[0062] Figure 5BAn embodiment of another camera module, designated 590, is schematically illustrated. Camera module 590 includes a lens-shifting OIS module 592 as disclosed herein. Camera module 590 may be identical in functionality and size to camera modules 350, 400, and 55. The OIS actuator of lens-shifting OIS module 592 includes a third push-pull VCM and a fourth push-pull VCM. All components of the first and second push-pull VCMs of lens-shifting OIS module 560 are also included in the third and fourth push-pull VCMs of lens-shifting OIS module 592. However, the component inclusion is reversed: in camera module 590, magnets 578 and 588 are fixedly coupled to a second OIS frame 564, and coils 576 and position sensors 579 are fixedly coupled to the first OIS frame 562. The advantages of this embodiment are the same as those of the lens shift OIS module 410 over the lens shift OIS module 360 ​​as described above.

[0063] For clarity, the term "substantially" as used herein refers to the probability of a value varying within an acceptable range. By one example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible variation exceeding or falling below any specified value by up to 10%. By another example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible variation exceeding or falling below any specified value by up to 5%. By yet another example, the term "substantially" as used herein should be interpreted as implying a possible variation exceeding or falling below any specified value by up to 2.5%.

[0064] It should be noted that the various features described in the embodiments can be combined according to all possible combinations of technologies.

[0065] It should be understood that this disclosure, in its application, is not limited to the details set forth in the specification or shown in the accompanying drawings contained herein. This disclosure is capable of having other embodiments and can be practiced and implemented in various ways. Therefore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Consequently, those skilled in the art will understand that the concepts upon which this disclosure is based can readily be used as the basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for achieving several objectives of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanism, comprising: A movable frame, the movable frame including a first slot; A static frame, the static frame including a second slot; OIS actuator; and First, second, and third ball bearings, which define an OIS plane and are all located only between the moving frame and the static frame, to allow for a first and a second movement of the moving frame relative to the static frame. The first ball bearing is located in the track formed by the first groove and the second groove. Wherein, the first movement is the rotational movement of the moving frame about a rotation axis that is aligned with the position of the first ball bearing and perpendicular to the OIS plane, and The second movement is a linear movement of the moving frame along the track.

2. The OIS mechanism of claim 1, wherein the movable frame includes a first pool and a third pool, wherein the static frame includes a second pool and a fourth pool, wherein the second ball bearing is located in the volume formed by the first pool and the second pool, and wherein the third ball bearing is located in the volume formed by the third pool and the fourth pool.

3. The OIS mechanism of claim 1, wherein the OIS mechanism is operable to provide OIS along two OIS directions.

4. The OIS mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the OIS actuator is a conventional voice coil motor (VCM).

5. The OIS mechanism of claim 4, wherein the conventional VCM includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to the static frame.

6. The OIS mechanism of claim 4, wherein the conventional VCM includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to the movable frame.

7. The OIS mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the OIS actuator is a push-pull voice coil motor (VCM).

8. The OIS mechanism of claim 7, wherein the push-pull VCM includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to the static frame.

9. The OIS mechanism of claim 7, wherein the push-pull VCM includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to the movable frame.

10. The OIS mechanism of claim 1, wherein the OIS mechanism is operable to provide OIS within an OIS range of less than 2 mm in the first direction of movement and within an OIS range of less than 2 mm in the second direction of movement.

11. The OIS mechanism of claim 1, wherein the moving frame has a moving frame height H. MF And the static frame has a static frame height H SF H MF Within the range of 0.25mm to 1.5mm, and where H SF Within the range of 0.25mm to 1.5mm.

12. The OIS mechanism of claim 1, wherein the moving frame has a moving frame width W. MF And the static frame has a static frame width W SF W MF Within the range of 10mm to 40mm, and where W SF Within the range of 10mm to 40mm.

13. The OIS mechanism of claim 1, wherein the OIS mechanism is included in an OIS module, the OIS module having an OIS module height H in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. M .

14. The OIS mechanism of claim 1, wherein the OIS mechanism is included in an OIS module, the OIS module having an OIS module width W in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm. M .

15. The OIS mechanism of claim 1, wherein the OIS mechanism is included in a digital camera, the digital camera including a lens, and wherein the lens moves together with the moving frame for the OIS.

16. The OIS mechanism of claim 15, wherein the lens is moved relative to the moving frame to focus.

17. The OIS mechanism of claim 15, wherein the digital camera includes an image sensor, and wherein the first ball bearing is located at the center of the image sensor.

18. The OIS mechanism of claim 15, wherein the digital camera is a pop-up camera.

19. The OIS mechanism of claim 15, wherein the digital camera is included in a smartphone.

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