Camera Stage Apparatus for Rotational Image Stabilization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image movement correction apparatuses for cameras cannot effectively correct camera shake that includes rotational movement, as adding a mechanism to correct rotational movement makes the system large and heavy.

Innovation Solution

A stage apparatus with Y-direction and X-direction magnetic flux generating devices and moving coils, along with displacement detection sensors, is used to support an image pickup device that can move linearly and rotate, allowing for correction of camera shake in both directions while maintaining a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanism for correcting rotational movement is additionally provided, then image movement correction capability is improved, but the apparatus becomes large and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage movement correction capabilityVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The voice coil motors are configured to perform both linear movement and rotational correction functions. The same actuators that move the stage member linearly in X and Y directions are also used to correct rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate correction mechanisms and reducing overall apparatus weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system. The stage member and voice coil motors serve dual purposes: providing linear positioning and rotational stabilization. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing apparatus size and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanism for correcting rotational movement is additionally provided, then image movement correction capability is improved, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage movement correction capabilityVSAvoidapparatus volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The voice coil motors are configured to perform both linear movement and rotational correction functions. The same actuators that move the stage member linearly in X and Y directions are also used to correct rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate correction mechanisms and reducing overall apparatus weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system. The stage member and voice coil motors serve dual purposes: providing linear positioning and rotational stabilization. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing apparatus size and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If Y-direction moving coils and magnetic flux generating devices overlap in X-direction, then driving force efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving force efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different spatial arrangements to different functional requirements. Y-direction moving coils overlap with magnetic flux generating devices in the X-direction to maximize driving force efficiency, while X-direction components are arranged separately to maintain manufacturing simplicity. This localized optimization balances performance and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables effective correction of camera shake in both linear and rotational directions without increasing the size and weight of the system, ensuring stable image capture.

Implementation Method 1

Y-direction moving coils receiving magnetic flux from the Y-direction magnetic flux generating devices so as to generate a driving force in a specific Y-direction parallel with the reference plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

X-direction moving coil receiving magnetic flux from the X-direction magnetic flux generating device so as to generate a driving force in the X-direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS7826732B2Stage apparatus and image movement correction apparatus for camera using stage apparatus

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 RICOH IMAGING COMPANY

AI summary

A stage apparatus includes a stationary support plate; a stage member provided on the stationary support plate so as to move on a reference plane parallel with the stationary support plate; Y-direction magnetic flux generating devices secured to one of the stationary support plate and the stage member; and Y-direction moving coils secured to the other of the stationary support plate and the stage member, the Y-direction moving coils receiving magnetic flux from the Y-direction magnetic flux generating devices so as to generate a driving force in a specific Y-direction between the Y-direction magnetic flux generating devices and the Y-direction moving coils. The Y-direction moving coils are secured to the stage member so that the Y-direction moving coils at least partly overlap each other in an X-direction, which is parallel with the reference plane and perpendicular to the Y-direction, and do not overlap in the Y-direction.