Optical Assembly Carrier for Vibration Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image stabilization methods in photography and videography, such as software stabilization, lens stabilization, and overall imaging device stabilization, are ineffective in eliminating large amplitude and high-frequency vibrations, particularly in compact forms, and are either cumbersome, energy-intensive, or limited in effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a carrier system that actively stabilizes the optical assembly within the camera housing, allowing for rotation about multiple axes, using motors and sensors to control the orientation and attitude of the optical assembly based on sensory data, thereby reducing the size and weight of the stabilized device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overall imaging device stabilization is performed with large rotation range, then vibration stabilization effectiveness is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging device into two parts: the optical assembly (lens and sensor) and the body/housing. The carrier system selectively stabilizes only the optical assembly rather than the entire device, reducing the mass that needs to be stabilized and thus reducing overall device weight while maintaining stabilization effectiveness for the critical imaging components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the optical assembly from the body housing and mounts it on a separate carrier system. This allows the stabilization mechanism to focus solely on the optical components, eliminating the need to stabilize the entire device including non-critical components like batteries and processors, thereby reducing device weight.
2Reliability
If overall imaging device stabilization is performed, then vibration stabilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is segmented to stabilize only the optical assembly rather than the entire device. Since the optical assembly represents a small fraction of the total device mass, the energy required to counteract vibrations is significantly reduced while still achieving effective image stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the optical assembly from the body housing and stabilizes it independently. This extraction allows the stabilization system to ignore the much heavier body components (battery, processor, housing), thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining image stability.
3Volume of moving object
If lens stabilization or sensor stabilization is used, then device size is reduced, but stabilization effectiveness for large amplitude vibrations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic carrier system with multiple degrees of freedom that can actively adapt to various vibration conditions. The carrier includes rotational joints and actuators that dynamically adjust to compensate for large amplitude vibrations, overcoming the limitations of static lens or sensor stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional lens or sensor movement to three-dimensional carrier-based optical assembly stabilization. The carrier system provides rotational stabilization about multiple axes (pitch, yaw, roll), enabling effective compensation for large amplitude vibrations in all directions while maintaining a compact form factor.
4Device complexity
If software stabilization is used, then device complexity is reduced, but stabilization effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary (the carrier system) between the optical assembly and the body housing. This physical intermediary actively counteracts vibrations through mechanical movement, providing superior stabilization effectiveness compared to software-only solutions while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 provides effective image stabilization in a compact form, reducing the mass volume and energy requirements, enabling stable image capture in various environments and motion conditions, while allowing for real-time stabilization during image capture.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier arranged within the housing, wherein the carrier comprises one or more frame components that are configured to rotate relative to the housing about one or more axes of rotation
Implementation Method 2
The carrier may be controlled to stabilize the optical assembly based on sensory data
Implementation Method 3
an optical assembly supported by the carrier within the camera housing, wherein the optical assembly comprises one or more lenses and an image sensor, and wherein the optical assembly is movable relative to the housing via the carrier about the one or more axes of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a housing, a carrier arranged within the housing, an optical assembly supported by the carrier within the housing, and a plurality of non-optical components arranged within the housing. The carrier includes one or more frame components that are configured to rotate relative to the housing about one or more axes of rotation. The optical assembly includes one or more lenses and an image sensor. The optical assembly is movable relative to the housing via the carrier about the one or more axes of rotation. At least one of the non-optical components is (1) operably coupled to the optical assembly and (2) not supported by the carrier.