Rotational Lens and Sensor Actuator for Ultra-Wide OIS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving effective optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) due to distortion issues, particularly in ultra-wide modules with small focal lengths, where linear stroke OIS mechanisms fail to provide adequate compensation.
Innovation Solution
The camera system employs a three-degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) actuator arrangement that rotates the lens group and image sensor as a pair about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis, combined with a suspension arrangement like a ball bearing suspension, to achieve large compensation angle OIS and provide AF capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If linear stroke OIS mechanisms are used in small form factor cameras, then the device size is kept compact, but distortion compensation is inadequate particularly in ultra-wide modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear stroke OIS to rotational movement of the lens group and image sensor. The actuator arrangement rotates the lens group and image sensor together about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis, enabling dynamic compensation for large angle distortion while maintaining compact form factor. This rotational mechanism provides larger compensation angles compared to linear translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational degrees of freedom to the traditional linear OIS mechanism. By rotating the lens group and image sensor about multiple axes (pitch and roll axes), the system compensates for distortion in multiple dimensions simultaneously, addressing the limitations of single-axis linear stroke mechanisms in ultra-wide angle applications.
2Manufacturing precision
If lens group and image sensor are rotated together about multiple axes, then large compensation angle OIS is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OIS and AF functions into a single integrated actuator arrangement. The same actuator system that rotates the lens group and image sensor for OIS also provides the axial movement needed for autofocus, reducing the number of separate mechanisms and simplifying the overall device architecture despite the rotational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: optical image stabilization through rotation about orthogonal axes and autofocus through axial displacement. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate OIS and AF mechanisms, making the system more versatile despite the sophisticated motion requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three-degrees-of-freedom actuator arrangement is implemented, then both OIS and AF capabilities are provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuator arrangement into distinct functional components: voice coil motors for rotational OIS movement and separate mechanisms for axial AF movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently, then assembled into the integrated three-degrees-of-freedom system, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the image sensor is positioned within the lens group assembly, and both are mounted on a common movable platform. This nested arrangement allows the three-degrees-of-freedom actuator system to control both components simultaneously, simplifying the mechanical structure and reducing the number of separate mounting mechanisms needed.
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 design architecture enables improved image quality by effectively correcting distortion in small form factor cameras, particularly in ultra-wide modules, while maintaining a compact size and scalable to larger strokes/compensation angles.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension arrangement like a ball bearing suspension, to achieve large compensation angle OIS
Implementation Method 2
one or more actuators configured to: rotate the lens group and the image sensor together about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a camera system having an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group together with an image sensor to provide optical image stabilization (OIS). For example, the actuator arrangement may be used to rotate the lens group and the image sensor, as a pair, about multiple axes orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera system, to implement OIS. According to various embodiments, the actuator arrangement may also be configured to move the lens group or the image sensor to provide autofocus (AF). For example, the actuator arrangement may be used to move the lens group or the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis, to implement AF. Furthermore, the camera system may include a suspension arrangement configured to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and to allow motion enabled by the actuator arrangement.