Folded Camera Roll Compensation via OPFE Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-aperture and multi-aperture cameras with folded lens modules struggle to effectively compensate for image Roll movement, which is not adequately addressed by current optical image stabilization mechanisms that only correct for Pitch and Yaw movements.
Innovation Solution
The OIS functionality is split between the folded lens module and the optical path folding element (OPFE), with the OPFE tilting to create image Roll movement and the lens module moving to compensate for this shift, allowing for full OIS including Roll, Pitch, and Yaw compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the OIS mechanism only corrects for Pitch and Yaw movements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image stabilization performance deteriorates due to uncorrected Roll movement
Solution Approach 1:
The OIS functionality is segmented between two independent components: the OPFE that handles Roll compensation through tilting, and the lens module that handles Pitch and Yaw compensation through movement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific stabilization tasks, achieving full 3-axis stabilization without requiring a single complex mechanism to handle all movements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a new degree of freedom by allowing the OPFE to tilt around an axis perpendicular to both the first and second optical axes. This additional dimensional movement enables Roll compensation while maintaining the folded optical path structure, effectively adding Roll correction capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the OPFE is designed to tilt around an axis perpendicular to both optical axes, then Roll compensation is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The OPFE serves multiple functions: it folds the optical path (redirecting light from first optical axis to second optical axis) and simultaneously provides Roll compensation through tilting. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining optical path folding and stabilization functions in a single component rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The OPFE's tilting movement inherently creates both the desired Roll compensation and a shift movement. Rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function, the system utilizes the shift movement generated by the OPFE tilt and compensates for it through lens module movement, allowing the OPFE to serve its primary optical folding function while simultaneously providing stabilization.
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
This approach enables comprehensive image stabilization by compensating for all three movements (Roll, Pitch, and Yaw), enhancing image quality and reducing camera module-induced Roll movement, thereby improving the performance of dual-aperture and multi-aperture cameras in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path folding element (referred to hereinafter as 'OPFE') e.g. a prism or a mirror, is added to tilt the light propagation direction from a direction perpendicular to the phone back surface to a direction parallel to the phone back surface
Implementation Method 2
The optical component (also referred to as 'optics') refracts the incoming light rays and bends them to create an image of an object or scene on the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Folded digital camera module comprising an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding light from a first optical path with a first optical axis to a second optical path with a second optical axis perpendicular to the first optical axis, an image sensor, and a lens module carrying a lens with a symmetry axis parallel to the second optical axis. The camera module is adapted to perform optical image stabilization (OIS) involving at least one tilt motion of the OPFE tilt around an axis such that the OPFE tilt creates an image Roll movement and a shift movement, the OPFE tilt-created image Roll movement compensating for a folded camera module-induced Roll movement and the shift movement cancelable by a movement of the lens module.