Image Detection Module Magnetic Actuation for Compact Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image stabilization methods for cameras, such as those using piezoelectric elements or lens adjustments, either reduce image quality or increase camera volume due to the need for large components to compensate for camera vibrations.

Innovation Solution

An image detection module with a base, a movable seat, and a system of coils, magnets, and metal elements that generate a magnetic force to move the image detection unit along orthogonal axes, allowing it to adjust position relative to the optical axis without altering the lens, thereby maintaining image quality and reducing camera size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lens is moved along a vertical optical axis to compensate for camera vibration, then image blur is suppressed, but the MTF value is reduced and image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilizationVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the lens to compensate for vibration, this patent moves the image detection unit (CCD) in the opposite direction of lens movement. This inversion approach maintains the optical path stability while achieving image stabilization, thereby preserving MTF values and image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lens driving mechanism with a magnetic field-based actuation system using piezoelectric elements to move the CCD. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and improves precision, allowing for finer adjustments that maintain image quality while achieving stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If piezoelectric elements are used to move the CCD in a vertical direction, then image blur is compensated, but the camera volume increases due to larger piezoelectric elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilizationVSAvoidcamera volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from vertical movement of the CCD to horizontal movement along the optical axis. This dimensional change allows for more compact piezoelectric element placement and reduces the overall camera volume while maintaining effective image stabilization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the movement direction parameter from vertical to horizontal, and adjusts the actuation mechanism parameters to use magnetic field-based piezoelectric elements. These parameter changes enable smaller component sizes and reduced camera volume while achieving the same stabilization effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If a large piezoelectric element is used to move the heavier CCD, then the CCD can be moved effectively, but the camera volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation forceVSAvoidcamera volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite actuation system combining piezoelectric elements with magnetic field mechanisms. This composite approach provides sufficient actuation force for the CCD using smaller components, reducing the required piezoelectric element size and overall camera volume while maintaining effective force output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution effectively stabilizes images without compromising quality and minimizes camera volume by moving the image detection unit rather than the lens, thus addressing the limitations of previous methods.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic force is generated between the first coil, the first magnet and the first metal element by a voltage provided to the first coil, moving the seat in the first axis along the first guide element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a first Hall element on either the base or the seat and adjacent to the first coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7480449B2Image detection module

Publication Date: 2009.01.20 ASIA OPTICAL INT LTD

AI summary

An image detection module comprises a base, a seat movably disposed on the base, an image detection unit on the seat, a first guide member by which the seat is joined to the base, moving relative to the base, a first coil on either the base or the seat, a first magnet on either the base or the seat and opposite to the first coil, a first metal element on either the base or the seat, corresponding to the first magnet and the first coil between the first magnet an the first metal element, and a first Hall element on either the base or the seat and adjacent to the first coil. A magnetic force is generated between the first coil, the first magnet and the first metal element by a voltage provided to the first coil, moving the seat along the first axis along the first guide element.