Folded Optics Camera with Tilt Actuator for Compact Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving high-resolution optical image stabilization and autofocus within compact designs, as existing mechanisms often require complex movements of optical lenses to compensate for unwanted motion and focus objects effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera with folded optics and a tilt actuator system, utilizing voice coil motor actuators, magnets, and a bearing suspension arrangement to provide optical image stabilization and autofocus capabilities, allowing for controlled movement of light path folding elements and lenses to stabilize images and focus objects efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical lenses are moved along the optical axis to achieve autofocus, then focusing capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple lens groups (first lens group, second lens group, third lens group) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each group to contribute to different aspects of focusing and stabilization, reducing the mechanical complexity of moving a single large lens assembly while maintaining precise focus control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movement in multiple dimensions beyond the traditional single-axis optical axis movement. Lens groups can move not only along the optical axis but also in lateral directions and with rotational components. This multi-dimensional movement capability enables both autofocus and optical image stabilization functions using the same mechanical structure, reducing overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If optical lenses are moved to compensate for unwanted motion to achieve optical image stabilization, then image stability is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same movable lens groups that enable autofocus functionality are also utilized for optical image stabilization. By designing the lens groups to move in multiple degrees of freedom, the system achieves both focusing and stabilization capabilities without requiring separate mechanical mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining image stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the autofocus mechanism and optical image stabilization mechanism into a single integrated system. The lens groups serve dual purposes: adjusting focal distance for focusing and compensating for hand shake or device motion for stabilization. This consolidation reduces the number of separate mechanical components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented to reduce device size, then portability is improved, but optical path length and image quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a folded optical path design where light reflects off mirrors or prisms to traverse a longer effective optical path within a compact physical footprint. This allows the optical system to achieve the necessary focal lengths and image quality while maintaining a small form factor suitable for mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic, movable lens groups that can adjust their positions and orientations to optimize optical performance at different focal distances and stabilization states. This dynamic configuration allows the compact optical system to maintain high image quality across varying operational conditions without requiring a larger fixed structure.
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 configuration enables compact, high-resolution cameras to effectively stabilize images and focus objects by allowing precise movement of optical elements, enhancing image quality and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first voice coil motor actuator configured to move the at least one light path folding element
Implementation Method 2
a bearing suspension arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a camera with folded optics and a tilt actuator. In some embodiments, the camera may include a folded optics arrangement that may include a prism and a lens group. In some embodiments, an actuator arrangement of the camera may include one or more actuators for tilting the prism about multiple axes. Furthermore, the actuator arrangement may include one or more actuators for translating the lens group along an axis. In some embodiments, the camera may include a bearing suspension arrangement that may allow for controlled movement of the prism and/or the lens group according to the motion enabled by the actuator arrangement.