Dual Camera Magnet Arrangement for Parasitic Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature cameras face challenges in achieving high image quality due to parasitic motion in degrees of freedom other than the optical axis, and there is a need for smaller, more reliable actuator mechanisms to accommodate larger lenses and image sensors while maintaining autofocus and image stabilization functions.
Innovation Solution
A camera system utilizing a Lorentz actuator mechanism with a plurality of magnets generating magnetic fields at specific angles to control the motion of optical packages, including a first camera unit with autofocus and a second camera unit with optical image stabilization, using flat coil assemblies to generate Lorentz forces for precise motion control of optics components relative to image sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the whole optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis for autofocus, then the autofocus function is achieved, but parasitic motion in other degrees of freedom occurs which degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The optical lens system is divided into multiple independent lens elements rather than moving as a single rigid body. Each lens element can be positioned independently by dedicated actuators, allowing precise focus control without introducing parasitic motion from rigid body movement. This segmentation enables selective adjustment of individual elements to achieve focus while maintaining optical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical rigid body movement is replaced with independent actuator mechanisms for each lens element. These actuators use controlled mechanical or electromagnetic systems to move individual elements along the optical axis without the parasitic tilting or lateral motion that occurs with rigid body movement, thereby substituting the mechanical approach to eliminate harmful side effects.
2Measurement precision
If larger lenses and image sensors are used to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but the size of the camera device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical lens elements are arranged in a nested or compact configuration where smaller lens elements are positioned within the overall optical path. This allows larger effective aperture and sensor size for improved image quality while maintaining a compact form factor through efficient spatial arrangement of optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explores alternative optical path configurations that utilize different spatial dimensions or angles to achieve the optical performance of larger lenses without increasing the front-to-back depth or overall volume of the camera device. This may include tilted optical paths or folded optical designs.
3Volume of moving object
If small-sized components are used in actuator mechanisms to reduce camera size, then device size is reduced, but assembly complexity increases and vulnerability to failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuator functions are merged into integrated actuator assemblies where drive mechanisms, positioning elements, and support structures are combined into unified components. This reduces the number of separate small parts that need to be assembled, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining compact size. The merging of functions into integrated units also improves reliability by reducing potential failure points.
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 precise autofocus and optical image stabilization with reduced parasitic motion, allowing for the integration of larger lenses and image sensors in a compact form factor, improving image quality and simplifying the assembly of actuator mechanisms by using flat coil assemblies that are less vulnerable to damage.
Implementation Method 1
control of the motion of mobile components, relative to static components, based at least in part upon a linear actuator mechanism using Lorentz forces
Implementation Method 2
The first plurality of magnets is positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned in parallel with a first magnetic axis at a right angle to the optical axis of the first optical package
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a camera system having a first camera unit and a second camera unit. The first camera unit includes an autofocus actuator. The autofocus actuator includes a first plurality of magnets for autofocus motion control of components of a first optical package. The first plurality of magnets is positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned in parallel with a first magnetic axis at a right angle to the optical axis of the first optical package. The second camera unit includes an optical image stabilization and autofocus actuator. The optical image stabilization and autofocus actuator includes a second plurality of magnets positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned along a second magnet axis at 45-degrees to the first magnetic axis. The second camera unit includes a third plurality of magnets positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned along a third magnetic axis at 135-degrees to the first magnetic axis.