Folded Optics Camera Stabilization for Telephoto Shake Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera shake in folded optics, particularly in smartphones, reduces image resolution, especially with longer focal lengths, and existing solutions like tripods or image stabilization techniques are either impractical or insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a first and second lens assembly, a mirror, and an image sensor, equipped with an optical image stabilization apparatus that adjusts the angles between the lens assemblies and the image sensor to compensate for shaking motions, using detectors and actuators to rotate the lens assemblies and sensor relative to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the focal length of the camera optics is increased to achieve telephoto capability, then the telephoto performance is improved, but camera shake has a greater negative effect on image resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic image stabilization system that actively adjusts the orientation of the image sensor or lens assembly in response to detected camera shake. Sensors detect angular deviations, and actuators dynamically reposition optical components to compensate for shake, allowing longer focal lengths to be used without sacrificing image resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary stabilization mechanism between the camera body and the optical path. This intermediate system (comprising sensors, actuators, and movable optical elements) acts as a mediator that isolates the imaging system from shake effects, enabling long focal length operation while maintaining image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If image stabilization techniques are implemented to reduce camera shake effects, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image stabilization function into separate modular components: detection sensors, control processing units, and actuation mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates integration into existing camera systems without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors and electronic control systems to detect and compensate for camera shake, replacing or supplementing purely mechanical stabilization approaches. This substitution of mechanical systems with sensor-based electronic control reduces the complexity of mechanical linkages while achieving effective stabilization.
3Manufacturing precision
If the camera is mounted on a tripod to eliminate camera shake, then image resolution is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service stabilization system where the camera automatically detects its own shake through onboard sensors and autonomously compensates for the motion using integrated actuators. This eliminates the need for external tripods while maintaining image resolution, preserving portability and ease of operation.
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
Achieves stable image quality with high-angle correction up to 5 degrees, comparable to a full field of view in tele cameras, without reducing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror is configured to receive light from the first lens assembly and to reflect the received light toward the second lens assembly
Data Source
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Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A camera for a portable electronic device is provided. The camera comprises a housing, a first lens assembly (101) having a first optical axis (A), a second lens assembly (105, 107) having a second optical axis (B), a mirror(103) placed at a point of intersection of the first and the second optical axis (A, B), and an image sensor (109) placed on the second optical axis (B). Furthermore, the camera comprises an image stabilization apparatus, comprising a first detector configured to generate a first signal in response to a rotation of the camera about an axis that is perpendicular to both the first and the second optical axis (A, B) and a first actuator configured to rotate the first lens assembly (101) and the mirror (103) in response to the first signal relative to the housing about a first rotation axis perpendicular to the first and second optical axis for compensating the rotation of the camera.