Independent Lens and Sensor Movement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras face issues with image instability and focus due to movement or misalignment of camera components, leading to suboptimal image quality, as existing systems lack independent control over lens and image sensor movement and alignment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optical devices with movable image sensors and lenses, utilizing a combination of magnets and coil structures to generate magnetic fields for independent movement and alignment, facilitating optimal image stabilization and autofocus functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera components are fixed in position, then manufacturing is simpler, but image stability and focus quality deteriorate when camera is moved or shaken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic movement control of the image sensor relative to the lens through electromagnetic actuators. The image sensor is positioned on a movable platform that can be independently actuated along optical and non-optical axes, allowing the system to adapt to camera movement and maintain image stability rather than relying on fixed component positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the camera system into independently controllable segments: the lens assembly, the image sensor assembly, and their respective mounting platforms. This segmentation allows independent movement control of each component, enabling the image sensor to be adjusted separately from the lens to compensate for camera movement and maintain optimal focus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lens and image sensor are fixed relative to each other, then device complexity is reduced, but autofocus capability and optimal optical path establishment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the image sensor to move independently relative to the lens along the optical axis for autofocus functionality. Electromagnetic actuators enable real-time positioning adjustments based on focus requirements, transforming the static sensor-lens relationship into a dynamic, adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable image sensor platform serves multiple functions: it enables autofocus by adjusting sensor position along the optical axis, provides image stabilization through perpendicular axis movements, and allows for optimal optical path establishment. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If image sensor is made movable relative to lens, then image stabilization and autofocus improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electromagnetic actuators (coil structures and magnets) to control image sensor movement. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, and manual alignment mechanisms, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the ability to achieve precise component positioning for optimal image quality.
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 enables improved image stabilization and autofocus capabilities, ensuring better image quality by allowing independent control of lens and image sensor movement, addressing the issues of instability and misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
When power is applied, the coil structures can generate magnetic fields that, in the presence of the magnets, cause relative movement of the coil structures and associated structures. The generated magnetic fields attract or repel the magnets, facilitating relative movement of the coil structures.
Implementation Method 2
the coil structures can generate magnetic fields that, in the presence of the magnets, cause relative movement of the coil structures and associated structures
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to optical devices and related methods that facilitate independent control of movement of lenses and image sensors in camera systems. In one example, an image sensor is movable independently of and relative to a lens, and the lens is movable independently of the image sensor. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, and an image sensor disposed below the lens. The image sensor is movable relative to the lens. The optical device includes a plurality of magnets disposed about the lens, a plurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one or more vertical planes, and one or more horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. The plurality of vertical coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the image sensor relative to the lens. The one or more horizontal coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the lens.