Folded Camera With Dual OPFE Motion for Focus and Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folded cameras face challenges in providing effective focus and optical image stabilization due to limitations in the movement and alignment of optical path folding elements and lenses, particularly in compact digital cameras like those integrated in smartphones.

Innovation Solution

A dual folded-upright camera design with two optical path folding elements (OPFEs) and a movable lens system that allows for combined motion to achieve focus and optical image stabilization in two directions, utilizing prisms or mirrors for orthogonal path alignment and actuation in specific directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a folded camera design is used to reduce device size, then the compactness is improved, but the ability to provide effective focus and optical image stabilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidfocus and stabilization performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is divided into multiple lens elements (first lens element, second lens element, third lens element, fourth lens element) that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows each element to perform specific functions (focus adjustment and stabilization) separately, enabling effective focus and OIS capabilities within a compact folded camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic actuation mechanisms that enable the lens elements to move in multiple directions (axial movement for focus, lateral movement for stabilization). The optical path folding elements (prisms or mirrors) are also made movable to enable image stabilization, transforming the static folded optical path into a dynamic system capable of real-time correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If optical path folding elements are added to achieve compact folded camera design, then the device compactness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidoptical path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The lens elements serve both imaging and stabilization functions, while the optical path folding elements (prisms or mirrors) are integrated with the lens assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the folded optical path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical path folding elements serve multiple purposes: they fold the optical path to achieve compactness, and simultaneously serve as actuation points for image stabilization. The lens elements perform both focus adjustment and stabilization functions, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If lens elements are actuated in multiple directions for focus and stabilization, then the image quality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidlens actuation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with electromagnetic actuation mechanisms (such as voice coil motors or electromagnetic actuators). This substitution enables precise control of lens element positions in multiple directions through electromagnetic fields, achieving high actuation precision without complex mechanical linkages and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design provides enhanced focus control and stabilization against tilts in three degrees of freedom, improving image quality and stability in folded cameras, particularly in mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first OPFE for folding light arriving from an object in a first optical path to a second optical path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight folding: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second OPFE for folding light from the second optical path to a third optical path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight folding: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a lens having a lens optical axis... The lens forms an image on the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS20250306343A1Folded camera with optical image stabilization

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 COREPHOTONICS

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.