Mirror Tilt Actuation for Compact Optical Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature cameras in mobile devices face challenges in achieving high-quality images due to user hand motion, as existing optical image stabilization methods like lens barrel shift and camera tilt are not practical for these devices.
Innovation Solution
A mirror tilt actuation system is introduced, utilizing a folded optics arrangement with a moving magnet and stationary coils to generate Lorentz forces, allowing the mirror to tilt and stabilize the image path, thereby compensating for user hand motion and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lens barrel shift or camera tilt is used for optical image stabilization, then image stabilization is achieved, but device size increases and perspective distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical lens barrel shift or camera tilt mechanisms with a mirror tilt mechanism actuated by a voice coil motor. The mirror is positioned at a 45-degree angle to the optical axis and can be tilted independently without moving the entire lens assembly, thereby achieving image stabilization while maintaining a compact form factor and avoiding perspective distortion.
2Reliability
If lens barrel shift or camera tilt is used for optical image stabilization, then image stabilization is achieved, but perspective distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical lens barrel shift or camera tilt mechanisms with a mirror tilt mechanism actuated by a voice coil motor. The mirror is positioned at a 45-degree angle to the optical axis and can be tilted independently without moving the entire lens assembly, thereby achieving image stabilization while maintaining a compact form factor and avoiding perspective distortion.
3Volume of moving object
If a mirror tilt mechanism is used instead of lens barrel shift, then device size is reduced, but optical path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element positioned at a 45-degree angle to the optical axis. This mirror redirects light from the lens to the image sensor and can be tilted independently to achieve image stabilization. The voice coil motor acts as an intermediary actuator to control the mirror tilt, enabling compact design while managing optical path complexity through precise control mechanisms.
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 mirror tilt actuation system effectively stabilizes images by adjusting the optical path, reducing the space required for image stabilization and avoiding perspective distortion, thus enhancing image quality in miniature cameras.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a folded optics arrangement with a moving magnet and stationary coils to generate Lorentz forces, allowing the mirror to tilt and stabilize the image path
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.