Magnetic Lens Tilt Actuation for Camera Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras often produce unstable or out-of-focus images due to movement or manufacturing misalignment, lacking sufficient image stabilization and autofocus capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a lens, image sensor, and a combination of vertical and horizontal coil structures and magnets that generate magnetic fields to facilitate lens movement and tilt, enabling optimal image stabilization and autofocus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional camera components are used without tilt capability, then the device complexity is low, but the image stabilization and autofocus performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tilt mechanisms with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Coils generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets in the lens assembly, enabling tilt and stabilization movements without complex mechanical linkages, gears, or motors. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving precise control over lens positioning and orientation for improved image stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic actuation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables both image stabilization (compensating for camera shake) and autofocus (adjusting lens position), as well as providing tilt capability. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified magnetic field control system that can selectively actuate different components based on operational requirements, reducing the need for separate mechanical systems for each function.
2Manufacturing precision
If camera components are made rigid and fixed, then the manufacturing precision requirements are lower, but the ability to correct misalignment and stabilize images is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed, rigid camera components into dynamically adjustable elements. The lens assembly and image sensor are mounted on movable platforms that can be repositioned using magnetic actuation. This dynamic configuration allows the system to compensate for manufacturing misalignments by actively adjusting component positions during operation, thereby reducing stringent requirements for initial manufacturing precision while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of camera components (lens, image sensor) in real-time through magnetic actuation. By varying the position and orientation parameters of these components, the system can correct for manufacturing tolerances and adapt to different shooting conditions, effectively decoupling manufacturing precision requirements from operational performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simple lens mounting is used, then the device complexity is low, but the tilt and angle of view adjustment capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tilt mechanisms with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Coils generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets in the lens assembly, enabling tilt and stabilization movements without complex mechanical linkages, gears, or motors. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving precise control over lens positioning and orientation for improved image 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
The solution effectively stabilizes images, adjusts for misalignment, and allows for a wider angle of view by using magnetic fields to move and tilt the lens and image sensor, improving overall camera system performance.
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
Implementation Method 2
The generated magnetic fields attract or repel the magnets, facilitating relative movement of the coil structures
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optical devices and related methods that facilitate tilt in camera systems, such as tilt of a lens. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, an image sensor disposed below the lens, a plurality of magnets disposed about the lens, and a plurality of: (1) vertical coil structures coiled in one or more vertical planes and (2) horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. 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 plurality of vertical coil structures are configured to horizontally move the lens. The plurality of horizontal coil structures are configured to tilt the lens when differing electrical power is applied to at least two of the plurality of horizontal coil structures.