Image Sensor Shifting VCM for Compact Camera OIS and Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small form factor cameras face challenges in achieving high-resolution image stabilization and autofocus due to limited space, where existing mechanisms often compromise on performance or complexity.
Innovation Solution
A camera design incorporating a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator with a magnet and coil arrangement that allows for image sensor shifting along multiple axes, utilizing a flexure arrangement and position sensing for precise control, enabling both optical image stabilization and autofocus functions within a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voice coil motor actuator with magnet and coil arrangement is used to shift the image sensor along multiple axes, then optical image stabilization and autofocus performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) functions into a single voice coil motor actuator system. The magnet and coil arrangement integrates multiple coils (first coil for OIS, second coil for AF) that work together to move the image sensor along multiple axes, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor actuator is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both optical image stabilization and autofocus operations. The same actuator structure with its magnet and coil arrangement can shift the image sensor to compensate for hand shake (OIS) and to adjust focus distance (AF), making a single component serve multiple purposes.
2Reliability
If a voice coil motor actuator with magnet and coil arrangement is used to shift the image sensor along multiple axes, then autofocus performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) functions into a single voice coil motor actuator system. The magnet and coil arrangement integrates multiple coils (first coil for OIS, second coil for AF) that work together to move the image sensor along multiple axes, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor actuator is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both optical image stabilization and autofocus operations. The same actuator structure with its magnet and coil arrangement can shift the image sensor to compensate for hand shake (OIS) and to adjust focus distance (AF), making a single component serve multiple purposes.
3Volume of moving object
If the camera is designed with a compact form factor, then portability is improved, but image stabilization and autofocus performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts from moving the lens (conventional approach) to moving the image sensor for optical image stabilization. This dimensional change in the stabilization mechanism allows for a more compact lens assembly while maintaining stabilization performance. The image sensor is mounted on a movable platform that can shift along X, Y, and Z axes within the compact camera body.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is divided into functionally independent modules: a fixed lens assembly and a movable image sensor platform. This segmentation allows the lens to remain compact and stationary while the image sensor handles both stabilization and autofocus functions through controlled movement along multiple axes.
4Volume of moving object
If the camera is designed with a compact form factor, then portability is improved, but autofocus performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts from moving the lens (conventional approach) to moving the image sensor for optical image stabilization. This dimensional change in the stabilization mechanism allows for a more compact lens assembly while maintaining stabilization performance. The image sensor is mounted on a movable platform that can shift along X, Y, and Z axes within the compact camera body.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is divided into functionally independent modules: a fixed lens assembly and a movable image sensor platform. This segmentation allows the lens to remain compact and stationary while the image sensor handles both stabilization and autofocus functions through controlled movement along multiple axes.
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 enables effective optical image stabilization and autofocus in a compact camera module, improving image quality by allowing precise movement of the image sensor along multiple axes while maintaining a small form factor, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet and coil arrangement of the VCM actuator may include multiple magnets with a respective optical image stabilization (OIS) coil proximate each magnet and an autofocus (AF) coil(s) above and/or below the magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to shift an image sensor along multiple axes. Some embodiments include a magnet and coil arrangement. Some embodiments include a position sensing arrangement. Some embodiments include a flexure arrangement. Some embodiments include a coil structure and coil carrier assembly.