Folded Camera Lens-OPFE Coupling for Focus and Tilt Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folded digital cameras face challenges in providing effective focus and optical image stabilization, particularly in dual-folded cameras, due to limitations in the movement and alignment of optical path folding elements and lenses.
Innovation Solution
A dual-folded camera design incorporating a first and second optical path folding element (OPFE) with a lens that moves in parallel and perpendicular directions to provide focus and compensate for camera tilts, utilizing a combined motion of the lens and second OPFE to achieve three degrees of freedom for optical image stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual-folded camera design is used to achieve optical image stabilization, then the stabilization capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the focus adjustment function and optical image stabilization function into a single integrated mechanism. The lens and second optical path folding element are coupled to move together in a coordinated manner, allowing both functions to be achieved through a unified structure rather than separate independent mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stabilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled lens-OPFE assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides focus adjustment through movement along the optical axis, optical image stabilization through coordinated movement to compensate for camera tilts, and maintains the folded optical path geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the camera module.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lens and second OPFE move independently to provide focus and stabilization, then the optical performance is improved, but the alignment precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens and second optical path folding element into a coupled assembly that moves together as a unified structure. This coupling ensures that the relative positions and alignments between the lens and OPFE are maintained automatically during movement, eliminating the need for complex independent positioning mechanisms while preserving optical alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled lens-OPFE assembly enables dynamic movement that adapts to different operational requirements. The assembly can move along the optical axis for focus adjustment and can also move perpendicular to the optical axis for stabilization, with the coupling ensuring proper alignment is maintained throughout the range of motion.
3Reliability
If three degrees of freedom are implemented for optical image stabilization, then the stabilization effectiveness is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines focus adjustment and optical image stabilization into a single coupled movement mechanism. The lens and second OPFE move together in coordination, providing three degrees of freedom (focus along optical axis, and two perpendicular directions for stabilization) through one integrated system rather than three separate mechanisms, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled lens-OPFE assembly performs multiple functions: focus adjustment through axial movement and optical image stabilization through perpendicular movements to compensate for camera tilts. This multi-functional design achieves three degrees of freedom control without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Folded digital camera comprising a lens having a lens optical axis, an image sensor and first and second optical path folding elements (OPFEs), in which the second OPFE is closest to the image sensor, wherein the lens is operative to move in a first direction substantially parallel to the lens optical axis and in a second direction substantially perpendicular to first and second optical paths, wherein the second OPFE is operative to move in the first direction, and wherein the combined motion of the lens and of the second OPFE is operative to provide focus and to compensate for tilts of the camera around the first and second directions.