Stabilization Assembly for Image Sensor

Abstract

The sensor stabilization assembly includes a housing including a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly, the housing defining a housing opening, a first frame having a first guide enabling relative motion between the first frame and the housing and defining a first frame opening, and a second frame having a second guide enabling relative motion between the second frame and the first frame. The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact with the first portion to move the first frame and the second frame relative to the housing, and a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact with the first portion to move the second frame relative to the first frame and the housing. A sensor is coupled to the second frame and captures light through the housing opening and the first frame opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Technical Field This specification generally relates to Optical Image Stabilizers (OIS).

Background Art

[0002] Background An electronic device may include a camera system. The camera system can use optical image stabilization technology to correct for shakes and vibrations. Optical image stabilization may include moving a lens to counteract unwanted movement of the electronic device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In the case of a camera system having a larger and heavier camera lens, it becomes more difficult to move the lens.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Summary An actuator assembly used to stabilize an image sensor is disclosed. The assembly can be incorporated into an electronic device including an imaging system such as a camera system. The disclosed technology can be used to counteract unwanted movement of the electronic device in order to stabilize video images captured by the image sensor and improve the sharpness of the captured images. The disclosed technology stabilizes videos and images captured by the image sensor by moving the image sensor relative to a housing and a lens.

[0005] Optical image stabilization can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the relative position between a camera lens and an image sensor to counter the movement of the camera due to camera shake. Instead of moving the lens relative to the image sensor, the image sensor can be moved relative to the lens to correct for camera shake. The image sensor can be made lighter than the lens. Therefore, by moving the image sensor instead of the lens, power consumption can be reduced, the moving speed can be increased, thereby improving quality stabilization and the reliability of the camera system.

[0006] As a supplement to the embodiments described below, the present disclosure will describe the following embodiments. Embodiment 1 is directed to a sensor stabilization assembly that includes a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly, a housing that defines a housing opening, and a plurality of first guides movably attached to the lower side of the housing and enabling relative movement between a first frame along a first direction and the housing, a first frame that defines a first frame opening, and a second frame movably attached to the lower side of the first frame and having a plurality of second guides enabling relative movement between the second frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction and the first frame. The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing. The second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing. The sensor stabilization assembly further includes a sensor coupled to the second frame, and the sensor is configured to move in the first and second directions together with the second frame and capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening.

[0007] Embodiment 2 is the assembly described in Embodiment 1, wherein the lower side of the housing defines a plurality of first troughs oriented along a first direction, and each of the plurality of first guides includes a first protrusion extending into a corresponding first trough among the plurality of first troughs defined by the lower side of the housing from the upper side of the first frame.

[0008] Embodiment 3 is the assembly described in Embodiment 2, wherein each of the plurality of first troughs defines a first wedge, and the shape of the first protrusion of each of the plurality of first guides conforms to the first wedge defined by the corresponding first trough.

[0009] Embodiment 4 is the assembly described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the lower side of the first frame defines a plurality of second troughs oriented along a second direction, and each of the plurality of second guides includes a second protrusion extending into a corresponding second trough among the plurality of second troughs defined by the lower side of the first frame from the upper side of the second frame.

[0010] Embodiment 5 is the assembly described in Embodiment 4, wherein each of the plurality of second troughs defines a second wedge, and the shape of the second protrusion of each of the plurality of second guides conforms to the second wedge defined by the corresponding second trough.

[0011] Embodiment 6 is the assembly described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of first guides prevent relative movement along the second direction between the first frame and the housing.

[0012] Embodiment 7 is the assembly described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of second guides prevent relative movement along the first direction between the second frame and the first frame.

[0013] Embodiment 8 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7. The outer periphery of the first frame forms a first rectangle in a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction. The plurality of first guides includes four first guides, and each of the four first guides is disposed at each of the four corners of the first rectangle.

[0014] Embodiment 9 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8. The outer periphery of the second frame forms a second rectangle in a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction. The plurality of second guides includes four second guides, and each of the four second guides is disposed at each of the four corners of the second rectangle.

[0015] Embodiment 10 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9. The outer peripheries of the first frame and the second frame have the same size and shape.

[0016] Embodiment 11 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10. The housing opening is defined by the inner periphery of the housing, the first frame opening is defined by the inner periphery of the first frame, and the inner peripheries of the housing and the first frame have the same size and shape.

[0017] Embodiment 12 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11. The first part of the first electromagnetic assembly and the first part of the second electromagnetic assembly each include a magnet, and the second part of the first electromagnetic assembly and the second part of the second electromagnetic assembly each include a coil.

[0018] Embodiment 13 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12. The first part of the first electromagnetic assembly crosses the first part of the second electromagnetic assembly, and the second part of the first electromagnetic assembly crosses the second part of the second electromagnetic assembly.

[0019] Embodiment 14 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, the housing opening forms a rectangle in a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction, the first part of the first electromagnetic assembly and the first part of the second electromagnetic assembly are adjacent to different sides of the housing opening, the outer periphery of the second frame forms a rectangle in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, and the second part of the first electromagnetic assembly and the second part of the second electromagnetic assembly are adjacent to different sides of the second frame.

[0020] Embodiment 15 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, and each of the plurality of first guides and each of the plurality of second guides includes a rolling bearing.

[0021] Embodiment 16 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, and the housing supports an autofocus carrier that moves up and down along a third direction transverse to the first direction and the second direction.

[0022] Embodiment 17 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 16, the assembly is located inside an electronic device, and the housing does not move relative to the electronic device.

[0023] Embodiment 18 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 17, the sensor is connected to a fixed circuit board by a flexible conductor in order to receive an electrical signal from the fixed circuit board via the flexible conductor, and the fixed circuit board is fixed to the housing.

[0024] Embodiment 19 is the assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, and the sensor includes an image sensor.

[0025] Embodiment 20 is directed to a sensor stabilization assembly, which includes a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly, a housing that defines a housing opening, and a plurality of first guides movably attached to the lower side of the housing and enabling relative movement between a first frame along a first direction and the housing. The first frame defines a first frame opening. The second frame is movably attached to the lower side of the first frame and includes a plurality of second guides enabling relative movement between the second frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction and the first frame. The outer periphery of the first frame forms a first rectangle within a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, and each of the plurality of first guides is disposed at each corner of the first rectangle. The outer periphery of the second frame forms a second rectangle within a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, and each of the plurality of second guides is disposed at each corner of the second rectangle. The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing. The second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing. The sensor stabilization assembly further includes a sensor coupled to the second frame. The sensor is configured to move in the first and second directions together with the second frame and capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening.

[0026] Among other advantages, embodiments feature increased reliability, improved quality stabilization due to high moving speeds, and reduced power consumption. In some examples, the weight of the movable sensor base is about three times lighter than that of the movable lens carrier. Adjusting the lens position to perform optical image stabilization in a camera system with a heavy lens can lead to decreased reliability and increased power consumption. Thus, reliability, power consumption, resonant frequency, and moving speed can all benefit from the movement of lightweight components such as image sensors rather than heavy components such as lenses.

[0027] Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary sensor stabilization assembly. In some examples, assembly 100 is located inside an electronic device and housing 102 does not move relative to the electronic device. In some examples, assembly 100 is part of a camera system of an electronic device. Assembly 100 can be used to focus and stabilize the image sensor of the camera system.

[0030] A Cartesian coordinate system is shown in FIG. 1 for reference. The Cartesian coordinate system defines a first direction (x - direction) and a second direction (y - direction) that is transverse, e.g., orthogonal or perpendicular, to the first direction. The Cartesian coordinate system also defines a third direction (z - direction) that is transverse, e.g., orthogonal or perpendicular, to both the first and second directions. The x - direction and y - direction define an xy - plane that is transverse to the z - direction. The xy - plane can be considered as any plane parallel to both the x - axis and y - axis of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0031] In the present disclosure, movement along the z direction can be movement in the positive or negative z direction and is referred to as up and down. Movement along the x direction or the y direction can be movement in the positive or negative direction and is referred to as left and right. The bottom of the assembly can be defined by the z-direction position of the bottom surface of the assembly base 136. The top of the assembly can be defined by the upper surface of the housing 102 on the side opposite to the bottom of the assembly in the z direction. The lower side of the components of the assembly can be defined as the surface of the components facing the assembly base 136 in the z direction.

[0032] The sensor stabilization assembly 100 includes a housing 102 that supports an autofocus carrier 104. The housing can have an outer periphery that forms a polygon in the xy plane. For example, the outer periphery of the housing can have a shape such as a rectangle or a square. An exemplary housing has a rectangular shape with the length of each side of the rectangle being 40 millimeters (mm) or less. In some examples, each side of the rectangle can have a length of, for example, 36 mm or less, 24 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, etc.

[0033] The housing 102 has an inner periphery that defines a housing opening 106. The inner periphery is concentric with the outer periphery in the xy plane. In an exemplary assembly 100, the housing opening 106 forms a rectangular shape in the plane defined by the x direction and the y direction. The autofocus carrier 104 defines a carrier opening 103. In an exemplary assembly 100, the carrier opening 103 forms a circular shape in the plane defined by the x direction and the y direction. The carrier opening 103 is narrower than the housing opening 106. For example, the carrier opening 103 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the housing opening 106. The carrier opening 103 and the housing opening 106 are substantially aligned with each other in the xy plane.

[0034] During operation of the assembly 100, the autofocus carrier 104 can move up and down, for example, in the z-direction within the housing opening 106. The autofocus carrier 104 can support an optical lens, such as a camera lens. For example, the camera lens can be attached to the autofocus carrier 104 such that the lens bears on the carrier opening 103. The autofocus carrier 104 can move the lens up and down in the z-direction to adjust the focus of the camera.

[0035] The assembly 100 also includes a first frame 110 and a second frame 120. The assembly 100 includes a sensor coupled to the second frame 120. During operation of the sensor stabilization assembly 100, the housing 102 remains rigid or substantially stationary with respect to the electronic device. The autofocus carrier 104, the first frame 110, and the second frame 120 can each be movable with respect to the housing 102 and with respect to the electronic device.

[0036] The assembly also includes an assembly base 136 that does not move with respect to the housing 102. The assembly base 136 supports a base circuit board for generating control signals for at least a portion of the assembly 100. The base circuit board can be coupled to the underside of the assembly base 136. The autofocus circuit board 116 electrically connects the autofocus carrier 104 to the base circuit board supported by the assembly base 136. The autofocus circuit board 116 can be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0037] Figure 1 shows an assembly 100 in which each of a first frame 110 and a second frame 120 is in a central position. The central position can be the rest position of the assembly 100, for example, the position of the assembly when no current is applied to drive the position of the first frame or the second frame. At the central position, the edges of the housing 102, the first frame 110, and the second frame 120 can be substantially aligned in the z direction.

[0038] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the sensor stabilization assembly of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, during operation of the assembly 100, light passes through the lens, through the housing opening 106 and the carrier opening 103, through the first frame opening 119, through the filter 126, and is captured by the sensor 130. The sensor 130 can be, for example, an image sensor. The sensor 130 may not move relative to the second frame 120 of the assembly.

[0039] The autofocus carrier 104 supports the bipolar autofocus magnet 105. The autofocus circuit board 116 includes an autofocus coil and an autofocus hall sensor supported by the inside of the autofocus circuit board 116. The autofocus magnet 105 is substantially aligned with the autofocus coil and the autofocus hall sensor in the xy plane.

[0040] The autofocus coil and the autofocus magnet 105 can interact electromagnetically to drive the movement of the autofocus carrier 104 up and down in the z direction. For example, a current flowing through the autofocus coil in a first direction can induce a magnetic field that interacts electromagnetically with the autofocus magnet 105 to move the autofocus carrier 104 upward, while a current flowing through the autofocus coil in a second direction opposite to the first direction can induce a magnetic field that interacts electromagnetically with the autofocus magnet 105 to move the autofocus carrier 104 downward.

[0041] A Hall sensor, or Hall effect sensor, is a type of sensor that uses the Hall effect to detect the presence and magnitude of a magnetic field. The output voltage of a Hall sensor is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. An autofocus Hall sensor can be used to measure the displacement of the autofocus carrier 104 in the z direction.

[0042] The autofocus circuit board 116 is coupled to the assembly base 136 and transmits an autofocus drive signal between the base circuit board 135 and the autofocus coil. The autofocus circuit board 116 also transmits an autofocus sensing signal between the autofocus Hall sensor and the base circuit board 135. The autofocus circuit board 116 can be soldered to the assembly base 136.

[0043] When the autofocus carrier 104 moves up and down, the autofocus bearing 112 reduces the friction between the autofocus carrier and the housing 102. The autofocus bearing 112 can be located at each corner of the autofocus carrier 104. The autofocus bearing 112 can include a rolling bearing, such as a ball bearing.

[0044] The housing 102 supports a portion of the electromagnetic assembly used to drive the second frame 120 to move in the x and y directions, for example, by transporting the sensor 130. For example, the assembly 100 includes a first electromagnetic assembly including a magnet 109 and a coil 129, and a second electromagnetic assembly including a magnet 108 and a coil 128.

[0045] The housing 102 includes a first part of a first magnetic assembly, such as magnet 109. The housing 102 also includes a first part of a second magnetic assembly, such as magnet 108. Magnet 108 crosses magnet 109. Magnets 108 and 109 can be firmly coupled to the housing 102. The housing opening 106 can form a polygon, such as a rectangle, in the xy plane. Magnets 108 and 109 can be adjacent to different sides of the housing opening 106.

[0046] The lower side of the housing 102 defines a plurality of first troughs 113 oriented along a first direction, such as the x direction. In an exemplary assembly 100, the lower side of the housing 102 defines a first trough 113 at each corner of the housing 102.

[0047] The first frame 110 is movably attached to the lower side of the housing 102. The first frame 110 has an outer perimeter that forms a polygon, such as a rectangle, in the xy plane. The first frame 110 has an inner perimeter that defines a first frame opening 119. In some examples, the inner perimeter of the first frame 110 and the inner perimeter of the housing 102 have the same size and shape. The first frame opening 119 is substantially aligned with the housing opening 106 in the z direction.

[0048] The first frame 110 includes a plurality of first guides 118. In an exemplary assembly 100, the plurality of first guides 118 includes four first guides. The first frame 110 forms a first rectangle in the xy plane, and each of the four first guides 118 is disposed at a respective corner of the four corners of the first rectangle. The guides 118 of the first frame enable relative movement along the x direction between the first frame 110 and the housing 102. The guides 118 can prevent relative movement along the y direction between the first frame 110 and the housing 102.

[0049] Each of the plurality of first guides 118 includes a first protrusion 117 extending from the upper side of the first frame 110. The first protrusion 117 extends into the corresponding first trough 113. In some examples, each of the plurality of first troughs 113 defines a first wedge shape, and the shape of the first protrusion 117 of each of the plurality of first guides 118 conforms to the first wedge shape defined by the corresponding first trough 113. For example, the trough 113 has a shape similar to a wedge or a triangular prism. The first protrusion 117 has a substantially wedge-shaped or triangular shape. The first protrusion 117 conforms to the shape of the trough 113 such that the gap between the edge of the first protrusion 117 and the side surface of the trough 113 is minimized and the first protrusion 117 fits into the trough 113.

[0050] Each of the plurality of first guides 118 can include a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing can include rolling elements such as the first balls 114. The first balls 114 reduce the friction between the housing 102 and the first frame 110. During the operation of the assembly 100, the first frame 110 can move left and right in the x direction with respect to the housing 102. When the first frame 110 moves left and right, the first protrusion 117 slides in the x direction along the trough 113. The first balls 114 rotate to reduce the friction between the housing 102 and the first frame 110.

[0051] The lower side of the first frame 110 defines a plurality of second troughs 115 oriented along a second direction, for example the y direction. In an exemplary assembly 100, the lower side of the first frame 110 defines second troughs 115 at each corner of the first frame 110.

[0052] The second frame 120 is movably attached to the lower side of the first frame 110. The second frame 120 has an outer periphery that forms a polygon, for example a rectangle, in the xy plane. In some examples, the outer periphery of the first frame 110 and the outer periphery of the second frame have the same size and shape.

[0053] The second frame 120 includes a plurality of second guides 121. In the exemplary assembly 100, the plurality of second guides 121 includes four second guides 121. The second frame 120 forms a rectangle in the xy plane, and each of the four second guides 121 is disposed at each of the four corners of the rectangle. The guides 121 of the second frame 120 enable relative movement along the y direction between the second frame 120 and the first frame 110. The guide 118 can prevent relative movement along the x direction between the second frame 120 and the first frame 110.

[0054] Each of the plurality of second guides 121 includes a second protrusion 127 extending from the upper side of the second frame 120. The second protrusion 127 extends into the corresponding second trough 115. In some examples, each of the plurality of second troughs 115 defines a second wedge, and the shape of the second protrusion 127 of each of the plurality of second guides 121 conforms to the second wedge defined by the corresponding second trough 115. For example, the trough 115 has a shape similar to a wedge or a triangular prism. The second protrusion 127 has a substantially wedge-shaped or triangular shape. The second protrusion 127 conforms to the shape of the trough 115 such that the gap between the edge of the second protrusion 127 and the side surface of the trough 115 is minimized and the second protrusion 127 fits into the trough 115.

[0055] Each of the plurality of second guides 121 can include a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing can include rolling elements such as the second balls 124. The second balls 124 reduce the friction between the first frame 110 and the second frame 120. During operation of the assembly 100, the second frame 120 can move left and right in the y direction with respect to the first frame 110. When the second frame 120 moves left and right, the second protrusion 127 slides in the y direction along the trough 115. The second balls 124 rotate to reduce the friction between the first frame 110 and the second frame 120.

[0056] The second frame 120 supports portions of the electromagnetic assembly that are used to drive the second frame 120 to move the sensor 130 in the x and y directions. For example, the second frame 120 includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly, e.g., coil 129. The second frame 120 also includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly, e.g., coil 128. The coil 128 and the coil 129 may be rigidly coupled to the second frame 120. The second frame 120 may form a polygon, e.g., a rectangle, in the xy plane. The coil 128 and the coil 129 may be adjacent to different sides of the second frame 120.

[0057] Coil 128 and coil 129 each form at least one loop (potentially multiple loops) in the xy plane. Each loop has a long dimension and a short dimension. The long dimension of coil 128 is transverse to the long dimension of coil 129. For example, the long dimension of coil 128 extends in the x direction and the long dimension of coil 129 extends in the y direction. [1] The coil 129 is adapted to electromagnetically interact with the magnet 109 when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 along the x-direction relative to the housing. For example, when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized, the coil 129 interacts with the magnet 109 to move the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 in unison along the x-direction.

[0058] The coil 128 is adapted to electromagnetically interact with the magnet 108 when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame 120 along the y direction relative to both the first frame 110 and the housing 102.

[0059] In some examples, the second frame supports a plurality of Hall sensors. A first Hall sensor (not shown) can be disposed adjacent to coil 128. A second Hall sensor 125 can be disposed adjacent to coil 129. The first Hall sensor can be used to measure displacement of the second frame 120 along the y direction. The second Hall sensor 125 can be used to measure displacement of the second frame 120 along the x direction. The Hall sensors can output voltage measurements proportional to the displacement of the second frame 120. Next, the base circuit board 135 can adjust the current to coils 128, 129 based on the voltages output from the respective Hall sensors.

[0060] Sensor 130 can be supported by sensor base 134. For example, sensor base 134 can be attached to the underside of sensor 130 by an adhesive material. Sensor base 134 is mechanically coupled to the second frame 120. Sensor base 134 can be mechanically coupled to the second frame 120, for example, by an adhesive material, soldering, etc. In some examples, sensor 130 is disposed between the second frame 120 and sensor base 134 in the z direction.

[0061] Sensor 130 has an outer perimeter that forms a rectangle in the xy plane. The size of the outer perimeter of sensor 130 in the xy plane can be smaller than the size of the outer perimeter of housing 102, smaller than the size of the outer perimeter of the first frame 110, smaller than the size of the outer perimeter of the second frame 120, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the outer perimeter of sensor 130 has the same size and shape as the inner perimeter of the first frame 110. Sensor 130 can be, for example, an image sensor having a diameter of 40 mm or less, 16 mm or less, 10 mm or less, etc.

[0062] Sensor 130 can capture light passing through the housing opening 106 and the first frame opening 119, for example, substantially along the z direction. The second frame 120 supports the filter 126. The filter 126 is aligned with the housing opening 106 and the first frame opening 119 in the z direction. The filter 126 may be a blue filter, for example, a blue glass filter. The blue glass filter can remove light of a specific wavelength such as infrared light. The blue glass filter can enable the transmission of red, green, and blue light to the sensor 130.

[0063] Sensor 130 is connected to a fixed circuit board, such as the base circuit board 135, using a flexible conductor 132. The flexible conductor 132 can be, for example, an FPCB, a conductive wire, etc. Sensor 130 can receive an electrical signal from the base circuit board 135 via the flexible conductor 132. Sensor 130 can transmit an image sensor signal to the base circuit board 135 via the flexible conductor 132.

[0064] In some examples, the flexible conductor 132 can be connected to two adjacent sides of the sensor 130. For example, the flexible conductor 132 can be connected to the first side of the sensor 130 to transmit a signal sent from a vertical continuous pad of the sensor, and can be connected to the second side of the sensor 130 to transmit a signal sent from a horizontal connection pad of the sensor.

[0065] The fixed circuit board can be fixed to the housing. For example, the fixed circuit board can be supported by an assembly base 136. By transmitting signals between the sensor 130 and the fixed circuit board via the flexible conductor 132, the movement of the sensor 130 relative to the fixed circuit board becomes possible. For example, the flexible conductor 132 can be bent or flexed to enable the movement of the sensor 130 in the x direction, y direction, or both.

[0066] The assembly base 136 can support a fixed circuit board. The assembly base 136 can also protect the movable parts of the assembly 100, such as the sensor 130, the first frame 110, and the second frame 120.

[0067] Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of an exemplary sensor stabilization assembly in which an autofocus carrier moves up and down.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3A, when a current is applied to the autofocus coil, the electromagnetic field generated by the autofocus coil interacts with the autofocus magnet 105 to exert a force in the z - direction on the autofocus carrier 104. Due to the force exerted on the autofocus carrier 104 in the z - direction, the autofocus carrier 104 is moved in the z - direction with respect to the housing 102.

[0069] Changing the direction of the current flowing through the autofocus coil can reverse the direction of movement of the autofocus carrier 104. For example, a current flowing in a first direction, such as clockwise, can raise the autofocus carrier 104 as shown in FIG. 3A. Changing the current to flow in a second direction, such as counterclockwise, can move the autofocus carrier 104 downward as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0070] Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of an exemplary sensor stabilization assembly having a second frame that moves left and right with respect to the first frame and housing of the assembly. The closed - loop control system includes adjusting the current flowing through the coil based on measurements from the hall sensors of the assembly.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4A, when a current is applied to coil 128, the electromagnetic field generated by coil 128 interacts with magnet 108 to exert a force in the y - direction on the second frame 120. The guides 121 of the second frame 120 allow for relative movement in the y - direction between the second frame 120 and the first frame 110. Thus, due to the force applied in the y - direction to the second frame 120, the second frame 120 is moved in the y - direction relative to the first frame 110 and the housing 102. The first frame 110 and the housing 102 remain stationary.

[0072] Changing the direction of the current flowing through coil 128 can reverse the direction of movement of the second frame 120. For example, a current flowing in a first direction, such as clockwise, can move the second frame 120 to the right as shown in FIG. 4A. Changing the current to a second direction, such as counterclockwise, can move the second frame 120 to the left as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0073] By changing the current amplitude, the amount of movement of the second frame 120 can be adjusted. For example, when the current amplitude flowing through coil 128 is large, the second frame 120 can be moved further in the y - direction from the center compared to when the current amplitude is small. In one example, the fixed circuit board can apply a current of 10.0 milliamperes (mA) to coil 128. The current applied to coil 128 can move the second frame 120 to a first position on the right side of the center in the y - direction. Then, the fixed circuit board can increase the current to coil 128 to 11.0 mA. The increase in the current to coil 128 causes the second frame 120 to move further to the right in the y - direction, so that the second frame 120 can move to a second position further to the right compared to the first position.

[0074] In some examples, the fixed circuit board can apply a constant current to coil 128 to maintain the stationary position of sensor 130 relative to the housing. In some examples, the fixed circuit board can adjust the current to coil 128 based on the movement of housing 102. For example, to counter the leftward movement of housing 102, the fixed circuit board can apply a current to coil 128 to move sensor 130 to the left. When sensor 130 is moved to the left, an object within the sensor's field of view can be maintained at the same or a similar position relative to sensor 130 as compared to the position of the object relative to the sensor prior to the movement of housing 102. This can reduce motion blur in the image when movement of the housing occurs and improve the image quality.

[0075] In some examples, the fixed circuit board can increase the current to coil 128 to move sensor 130 in the y direction and overcome the static and rotational friction of the rolling element bearing. Once sensor 130 has moved to the desired position in the y direction, the fixed circuit board can reduce the current to coil 128 to maintain the sensor in a stationary position relative to housing 102.

[0076] 5A and 5B are perspective views of an exemplary sensor stabilization assembly with a first frame and a second frame that move side to side relative to the housing of the assembly. Referring to FIG. 5A, when a current is applied to the coil 129, the electromagnetic field generated by the coil 129 interacts with the magnet 109 to exert a force on the second frame 120 in the x-direction. The guide 121 of the second frame 120 prevents relative motion in the x-direction between the second frame and the first frame. The guide 118 of the first frame allows relative motion in the x-direction between the first frame 110 and the housing 102. Thus, a force applied to the second frame 120 in the x-direction causes both the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 to move in the x-direction relative to the housing 102. The first frame 110 and the second frame 120 move in unison along the x-direction. For example, the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 can each move the same distance along the x-direction.

[0077] By changing the direction of the current through the coil 129, the direction of movement of the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 can be reversed. For example, a current flowing in a first direction, e.g., clockwise, can cause the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 to move outward in the x-direction, as shown in Figure 5A. Changing the current to flow in a second direction, e.g., counterclockwise, can cause the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 to move inward in the x-direction, as shown in Figure 5B.

[0078] Displacement of the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 in the x-direction can be controlled by adjusting the current amplitude, as described above with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. For example, the fixed circuit board can adjust the current to the coil 129 to control the movement of the sensor in the x-direction. The fixed circuit board can apply current to the coil 128, the coil 129, both, or neither. In some examples, the fixed circuit board can apply current to both the coil 129 and the coil 128 to counter movement of the housing in multiple directions.

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of a process 600 for operating a sensor stabilization assembly. The process 600 includes moving a sensor coupled to a second frame of the assembly in a first direction by energizing a first magnetic assembly, causing both the second frame and the first frame to move along the first direction relative to a housing of the assembly (602). For example, the sensor 130 is coupled to the second frame 120 of the assembly 100. The sensor 130 can be moved in a first direction, e.g., in the x-direction, by energizing a first magnetic assembly including a magnet 109 and a coil 129. Upon energizing the first magnetic assembly, the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 are moved in unison along the x-direction relative to the housing 102, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0080] Process 600 includes moving a sensor coupled to a second frame of the assembly in a second direction transverse to the first direction by energizing a second magnetic assembly, and moving the second frame along the second direction with respect to both the first frame and the housing (604). For example, sensor 130 is coupled to second frame 120 of assembly 100. Sensor 130 can be moved in a second direction, e.g., the y direction, by energizing a second magnetic assembly that includes magnet 108 and coil 128. When the second magnetic assembly is energized, second frame 120 is independently moved along the y direction with respect to first frame 110 and housing 102, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0081] The foregoing figures cover a particular embodiment of a sensor stabilization assembly, namely sensor stabilization assembly 100, but more generally, the principles embodied in this example can be applied to other designs. For example, sensor stabilization assembly 100 has a substantially square footprint (i.e., in the xy plane), but other shapes such as substantially rectangular, elliptical, or circular are also possible.

[0082] The magnets of sensor stabilization assembly 100 can be, for example, ferromagnetic, neodymium, or ferrite magnets composed of iron and nickel. In some embodiments, one or more of the magnets of sensor stabilization assembly 100 can be replaced with electromagnets. In some embodiments, sensor stabilization assembly 100 can include a highly permeable material.

[0083] Generally, the above-described sensor stabilization assembly can be used for various applications. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor stabilization assembly 100 can be used to stabilize the image sensor of a camera in an electronic device. Such an assembly can be integrated into a mobile device such as a mobile phone. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the mobile device 700 includes a device chassis 702 and a touch panel display 704 including a flat panel display (e.g., an OLED or LCD display panel) that integrates a panel audio speaker. The mobile device 700 interfaces with the user in various ways, including displaying images and receiving touch inputs via the touch panel display 704. Typically, the mobile device has a depth (in the z-direction) of about 10 mm or less, a width (in the x-direction) of 60 mm to 80 mm (e.g., 68 mm to 72 mm), and a height (in the y-direction) of 100 mm to 160 mm (e.g., 138 mm to 144 mm). Since a mobile phone is a portable device that is affected by various environmental conditions and user actions during image capture, stabilization is particularly difficult. A robust image stabilization system improves the user experience and satisfaction.

[0084] FIG. 7 also shows dashed lines corresponding to the cross-sectional direction shown in FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of the mobile device 700 shows the device chassis 702 and the touch panel display 704. The device chassis 702 has a depth measured along the z-direction and a width measured along the x-direction. The device chassis 702 also has a back panel formed by a portion of the device chassis 702 that mainly extends within the xy-plane. The mobile device 700 includes a sensor stabilization assembly 100 that is housed behind the display 704 within the chassis 702 and attached to the back of the display 704. For example, the PSA can attach the sensor stabilization assembly 100 to the display 704. Generally, the sensor stabilization assembly 100 is sized to fit within a volume constrained by other components housed within the chassis, including an electronic control module 820 and a battery 830.

[0085] Generally, the disclosed actuator is controlled by an electronic control module, such as electronic control module 820. Generally, the electronic control module is composed of one or more electronic components, which receive inputs from one or more sensors and / or signal receivers of a mobile phone, process the inputs, and generate and distribute signal waveforms that control the operation of the sensor stabilization assembly 100.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary electronic control module 820 of a mobile device, such as mobile device 700, includes a processor 910, a memory 920, a display driver 930, a signal generator 940, an input / output (I / O) module 950, and a network / communication module 960. These components communicate with each other (e.g., via signal bus 902) and also communicate electrically with the sensor stabilization assembly 100.

[0087] The processor 910 can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processor 910 can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination of such devices.

[0088] The memory 920 stores various instructions, computer programs, or other data. The instructions or computer programs can be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the mobile device. For example, the instructions can be configured to control or adjust the operation of the display of the device via one or more components of the display driver 930, the signal generator 940, the I / O module 950, one or more communication channels accessible via the network / communication module 960, one or more sensors (e.g., a biosensor, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a light sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, etc.), and / or the sensor stabilization assembly 100.

[0089] The signal generator 940 is configured to generate AC waveforms of various amplitudes, frequencies, and / or pulse profiles suitable for the sensor stabilization assembly 100. Although shown as a separate component, in some embodiments, the signal generator 940 can be part of the processor 910. In some embodiments, the signal generator 940 can include, for example, an amplifier, either as an integrated or separate component.

[0090] The memory 920 can store electronic data that can be used by the mobile device. For example, the memory 920 can store electronic data or content such as audio files, video files, documents and applications, device settings and user selections, timing and control signals or data for various modules, data structures or databases. The memory 920 can also store instructions for reconstructing various types of waveforms that can be used by the signal generator 940 to generate signals for the sensor stabilization assembly 100. The memory 920 can be any type of memory, such as, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices.

[0091] As briefly described above, the electronic control module 820 can include various input and output components shown as the I / O module 950 in FIG. 9. The components of the I / O module 950 are represented as a single item in FIG. 9, but the mobile device can include a number of different input components, including buttons, microphones, switches, and dials for receiving user input. In some embodiments, the components of the I / O module 950 can include one or more touch sensors and / or force sensors. For example, the display of the mobile device may include one or more touch sensors and / or one or more force sensors that allow the user to provide input to the mobile device.

[0092] Each component of the I / O module 950 can include special circuitry for generating signals or data. In some cases, the component can generate or provide feedback for application-specific inputs corresponding to prompts or user interface objects displayed on a display.

[0093] As described above, the network / communication module 960 includes one or more communication channels. These communication channels can include one or more wireless interfaces that provide communication between the processor 910 and an external device or other electronic device. Generally, the communication channels can be configured to transmit and receive data and / or signals that can be interpreted by instructions executed on the processor 910. In some cases, the external device is part of an external communication network configured to exchange data with other devices. Generally, the wireless interface can include, without limitation, radio frequencies, optical signals, acoustic signals, and / or magnetic signals, and can be configured to operate over a wireless interface or protocol. Examples of wireless interfaces include radio frequency cellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetooth® interfaces, near field communication interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP / IP interfaces, network communication interfaces, or any conventional communication interface.

[0094] In some implementations, one or more of the communication channels of network / communication module 960 can include a wireless communication channel between the mobile device and another device such as another cell phone, tablet, computer, etc. In some cases, an output, an audio output, a tactile output, or a visual display element can be sent directly to another device for output. For example, an audible warning or a visual warning can be sent from mobile device 700 to a cell phone and output on that device, and vice versa. Similarly, network / communication module 960 can be configured to receive an input provided on another device to control the mobile device. For example, an audible alert, a visual notification, or a tactile alert (or an indication thereof) can be sent from an external device to the mobile device for presentation.

[0095] The actuator technology disclosed herein can be used in an image sensor system, such as a camera system. The camera system can be integrated with a panel. The panel can be, for example, a display system based on OLED or LCD technology. The panel can be part of a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a wearable device (e.g., a head-mounted device such as a smartwatch or smart glasses).

[0096] Other embodiments are described in the following claims. The claims are as follows.

Claims

1. A housing that includes a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly and defines a housing opening, a first frame movably attached to the image side of the housing and having a plurality of first guides that enable relative movement between the first frame along a first direction and the housing, the first frame defining a first frame opening, a second frame movably attached to the image side of the first frame and having a plurality of second guides that enable relative movement between the second frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction and the first frame, a sensor coupled to the second frame, wherein the second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing, wherein the second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing, the sensor moving along the first and second directions with the second frame, configured to capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening, the image side of the housing defining a plurality of first troughs oriented along the first direction, each of the plurality of first guides including a first protrusion extending into a corresponding one of the plurality of first troughs defined by the image side of the housing from the subject side of the first frame, a sensor stabilization assembly.

2. A housing that includes a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly and defines a housing opening, a first frame movably attached to the image side of the housing and having a plurality of first guides that enable relative movement between the first frame along a first direction and the housing, the first frame defining a first frame opening, A second frame movably attached to the image side of the first frame and having a plurality of second guides that enable relative movement between the second frame and the first frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction; A sensor coupled to the second frame; The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing; The second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing; The sensor moves in the first and second directions together with the second frame; Configured to capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening; The image side of the first frame defines a plurality of second troughs oriented along the second direction; Each of the plurality of second guides includes a second protrusion extending from the subject side of the second frame into a corresponding second trough of the plurality of second troughs defined by the image side of the first frame, a sensor stabilization assembly. **Claim 3**: A housing including a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly, defining a housing opening; A first frame movably attached to the image side of the housing and having a plurality of first guides that enable relative movement between the first frame and the housing along a first direction, the first frame defining a first frame opening; A second frame movably attached to the image side of the first frame and having a plurality of second guides that enable relative movement between the second frame and the first frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction; A sensor coupled to the second frame; The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing. The second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing. The sensor moves in the first and second directions together with the second frame. It is configured to capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening. An outer periphery of the first frame and an outer periphery of the second frame have the same size and shape, a sensor stabilization assembly. **Claim 4**: A housing defining a housing opening, including a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly, A first frame movably attached to the image side of the housing, having a plurality of first guides enabling relative movement between the first frame and the housing along a first direction, and the first frame defining a first frame opening, A second frame movably attached to the image side of the first frame, having a plurality of second guides enabling relative movement between the second frame and the first frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction, And a sensor coupled to the second frame, The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing. The second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing. The sensor moves in the first and second directions together with the second frame. The sensor is configured to capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening. The housing opening is defined by the inner circumference of the housing. The first frame opening is defined by the inner circumference of the first frame. The inner circumference of the housing and the inner circumference of the first frame have the same size and shape, a sensor stabilization assembly. **Claim 5**: A housing including a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly, defining a housing opening, A first frame movably attached to the image side of the housing, having a plurality of first guides allowing relative movement between the first frame and the housing along a first direction, the first frame defining a first frame opening, A second frame movably attached to the image side of the first frame, having a plurality of second guides allowing relative movement between the second frame and the first frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction, the second frame And a sensor coupled to the second frame. The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing. The second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing. The sensor moves in the first and second directions together with the second frame. configured to capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening, each of the plurality of first guides and each of the plurality of second guides is a sensor stabilization assembly including a rolling bearing. **Claim 6**: A housing including a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly, defining a housing opening, a first frame movably attached to the image side of the housing, having a plurality of first guides enabling relative movement between the first frame along a first direction and the housing, and the first frame defining a first frame opening, a second frame movably attached to the image side of the first frame, having a plurality of second guides enabling relative movement between the second frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction and the first frame, a sensor coupled to the second frame, wherein the second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing, wherein the second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing, the sensor moves in the first and second directions together with the second frame, configured to capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening, the housing is a sensor stabilization assembly supporting an autofocus carrier that moves vertically along a third direction transverse to the first and second directions. **Claim 7** The sensor stabilization assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first troughs defines a first wedge, and the shape of the first protrusion of each of the plurality of first guides conforms to the first wedge defined by the corresponding first trough. **Claim 8** Each of the plurality of second troughs defines a second wedge, and the shape of the second protrusion of each of the plurality of second guides conforms to the second wedge defined by the corresponding second trough. The sensor stabilization assembly according to claim 2.

9. The plurality of first guides prevent relative movement between the first frame and the housing along the second direction. The sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The plurality of second guides prevent relative movement between the second frame and the first frame along the first direction. The sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The outer periphery of the first frame forms a first rectangle in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction. The plurality of first guides include four first guides. Each of the four first guides is disposed at each of the four corners of the first rectangle. The sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The outer periphery of the second frame forms a second rectangle in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction. The plurality of second guides include four second guides. Each of the four second guides is disposed at each of the four corners of the second rectangle. The sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly and the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly each include a magnet. The second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly and the second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly each include a coil. The sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly crosses the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly. The second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly crosses the second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly. The sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The housing opening forms a rectangle in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction. The first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly and the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly are adjacent to different sides of the housing opening. The outer periphery of the second frame forms a rectangle within the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction. The second part of the first electromagnetic assembly and the second part of the second electromagnetic assembly are adjacent to different sides of the second frame, the sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The assembly is located inside an electronic device, and the housing is immovable relative to the electronic device, the sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The sensor is connected to the fixed circuit board by the flexible conductor in order to receive an electrical signal from the fixed circuit board via the flexible conductor. The fixed circuit board is fixed relative to the housing, the sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The sensor includes an image sensor, the sensor stabilization assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. It includes a first part of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first part of a second electromagnetic assembly, a housing defining a housing opening, A first frame movably attached to the image side of the housing and having a plurality of first guides that allow relative movement between the first frame and the housing along the first direction, the first frame defining a first frame opening, A second frame movably attached to the image side of the first frame and having a plurality of second guides that allow relative movement between the second frame and the first frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction, the second frame, And a sensor coupled to the second frame. The outer periphery of the first frame forms a first rectangle within the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, and each of the plurality of first guides is disposed at each corner of the first rectangle. The outer periphery of the second frame forms a second rectangle within the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, and each of the plurality of second guides is disposed at each corner of the second rectangle. The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly that is adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing. The second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly that is adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing. The sensor moves in the first and second directions together with the second frame. It is configured to capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening. The image side of the housing defines a plurality of first troughs oriented along the first direction. Each of the plurality of first guides includes a first protrusion extending into a corresponding first trough of the plurality of first troughs defined by the image side of the housing from the subject side of the first frame, a sensor stabilization assembly.

20. A housing defining a housing opening and including a first portion of a first electromagnetic assembly and a first portion of a second electromagnetic assembly. A first frame movably attached to the image side of the housing and having a plurality of first guides that enable relative movement between the first frame and the housing along a first direction, the first frame defining a first frame opening. A second frame movably attached to the image side of the first frame and having a plurality of second guides that enable relative movement between the second frame and the first frame along a second direction transverse to the first direction. A sensor coupled to the second frame. The outer periphery of the first frame forms a first rectangle in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, and each of the plurality of first guides is disposed at each corner of the first rectangle. The outer periphery of the second frame forms a second rectangle in the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, and each of the plurality of second guides is disposed at each corner of the second rectangle. The second frame includes a second portion of the first electromagnetic assembly that is adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the first electromagnetic assembly when the first electromagnetic assembly is energized to move both the first frame and the second frame along the first direction relative to the housing. The second frame includes a second portion of the second electromagnetic assembly that is adapted to interact electromagnetically with the first portion of the second electromagnetic assembly when the second electromagnetic assembly is energized to move the second frame along the second direction relative to both the first frame and the housing. The sensor moves in the first and second directions together with the second frame. It is configured to capture light passing through the housing opening and the first frame opening. The housing is a sensor stabilization assembly that supports an autofocus carrier that moves vertically along a third direction transverse to the first and second directions.

Images