Rotatable Lens Group Optical Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in achieving a large optical vibration isolation function with a small size and low power consumption, particularly in wearable and action cameras, due to the need for a large rotational angle and heavy drive mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The imaging unit and apparatus feature a first lens group and a second lens group, where only the second lens group and imaging device are rotationally moved with respect to the first lens group's optical axis, allowing for a large correction angle while maintaining a compact size and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire lens system and imaging device are rotated integrally to achieve optical vibration isolation with large correction angle, then the correction angle is improved, but the drive mechanism size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection angleVSAvoiddrive mechanism weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is divided into a first lens group (fixed) and a second lens group (movable). Only the second lens group and imaging device are rotated integrally, segmenting the heavy entire lens system from the movable portion. This reduces the weight of the moving object while maintaining the ability to achieve large correction angles for optical vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a meniscus lens is used for tilt correction in PTL 1, then the tilt correction function is achieved, but the rotational angle of the correcting lens becomes large and the lens system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilt correction functionVSAvoidlens system volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is segmented into fixed first lens group and movable second lens group. The second lens group contains the correcting lens that performs tilt correction with a smaller rotational angle, while the first lens group remains fixed to provide structural support and reduce the volume of the movable portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tilt correction function is merged into the second lens group that is already designed to be movable for vibration isolation. This integration allows the correcting lens to operate with a smaller rotational angle since it moves together with the second lens group, reducing the overall lens system volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If a correcting lens group is used in PTL 2 to ensure image-forming performance, then the image quality is maintained, but the rotational angle of the correcting lens group is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage-forming performanceVSAvoidcorrection angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is divided into fixed first lens group and movable second lens group. The second lens group is specifically designed with image-forming capability and is rotated integrally with the imaging device, enabling both large correction angles for vibration isolation and maintained image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second lens group serves multiple functions: it acts as both the image-forming lens group and the vibration isolation actuator. By making the second lens group movable and integrating it with the imaging device, it simultaneously achieves large correction angles and maintains image-forming performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enables effective optical vibration isolation and visual field variation with a large correction angle, achieving a smaller size and lower power consumption, suitable for wearable and action cameras.

Implementation Method 1

the second lens group and the imaging device are rotationally moved integrally to allow the second lens group and the imaging device to be tilted with respect to an optical axis of the first lens group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Data Source

PatentUS10491825B2Imaging unit and imaging apparatus with rotatable lens group for optical vibration isolation

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An imaging unit of the disclosure includes an imaging lens including a first lens group and a second lens group that are disposed in order from object side toward image side, and an imaging device that converts an optical image formed by the imaging lens into an electric signal. The second lens group and the imaging device are rotationally moved integrally to allow the second lens group and the imaging device to be tilted with respect to an optical axis of the first lens group.