Sensor Shifting Module for Multi-Axis Camera Shake Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current camera modules in mobile devices face challenges in providing effective optical image stabilization, especially in dynamic environments, as they primarily correct shaking only in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, limiting their ability to address more complex shaking scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A sensor shifting module with a fixed body, first, second, and third movable bodies, and corresponding drivers, including actuators with magnets and coils, allows the image sensor to move orthogonally, rotate about axes parallel and orthogonal to the optical axis, and tilt, enabling comprehensive shaking correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If an image sensor is used for optical image stabilization, then power consumption is reduced compared to lens barrel driving, but the correction capability is limited to directions orthogonal to the optical axis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcorrection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system is divided into two independent movable bodies: the first movable body moves the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, while the second movable body tilts the image sensor about an axis parallel to the optical axis. This segmentation allows each subsystem to handle specific correction tasks efficiently, expanding overall correction capability while maintaining low power consumption characteristics of sensor-based stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension of correction by enabling the image sensor to tilt about an axis parallel to the optical axis (longitudinal axis), in addition to the traditional orthogonal movements. This dimensional expansion transforms the correction capability from two-dimensional (orthogonal plane) to three-dimensional stabilization, addressing shaking in more dynamic environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a lens barrel is driven for optical image stabilization, then correction performance is excellent, but the device complexity and cost increase due to mechanical actuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the traditional mechanical lens barrel actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system that directly moves and tilts the image sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical lens barrel mechanisms, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining excellent correction performance through precise electromagnetic control of the sensor position and orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the image sensor moves in multiple directions for comprehensive shaking correction, then adaptability improves, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaking correction capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second movable body is disposed on the first movable body, creating a nested structure where the tilting mechanism is integrated within the translational movement mechanism. This nested arrangement enables multi-directional correction capability while minimizing the overall device volume, as the components are space-efficiently organized rather than requiring separate dedicated spaces for each movement degree.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution provides enhanced optical image stabilization by enabling the image sensor to move in multiple directions, effectively correcting shaking in various environments, even with limited size constraints, and achieving high-quality image stabilization with low power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a first driver configured to move the first movable body in a direction orthogonal to a first direction with respect to the fixed body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a second driver configured to rotate the first movable body about an axis parallel to the first direction with respect to the fixed body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12184978B2Sensor shifting module and camera module including the same

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A sensor shifting module is provided. The sensor shifting module includes a fixed body; a first movable body movably disposed in the fixed body; a second movable body movably disposed on the first movable body and coupled to an image sensor having an imaging plane oriented in a first direction; and a first driver configured to move the first movable body in a direction orthogonal to the first direction with respect to the fixed body; a second driver configured to rotate the first movable body about an axis parallel to the first direction with respect to the fixed body; and a third driver configured to rotate the second movable body to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the first direction with respect to the first movable body.