Shared Magnet Actuation for Mobile Optical Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in mobile devices is to provide a zoom function without increasing complexity, cost, and space, while maintaining high image quality, as traditional mechanical parts used for zoom functions are cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with multiple camera units, each having a different focal length, uses a shared magnet to generate magnetic fields for actuator motion, allowing for optical zoom without mechanical parts, thus reducing complexity and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical parts are used for zoom functions, then zoom capability is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical zoom components (movable lenses, focus rings, extension tubes) with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A permanent magnet generates magnetic fields that interact with coil assemblies to move optical elements, eliminating the need for mechanical gears, springs, and manual adjustment mechanisms while achieving the same zoom functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic actuator system serves multiple functions: it provides both autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) capabilities, as well as zoom control, through a single integrated magnetic field generation system. This multi-functional approach reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate mechanical systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical parts are used for zoom functions, then zoom capability is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing bulky mechanical zoom mechanisms with compact magnetic actuators, the patent significantly reduces the volume required for zoom functionality. The magnetic field-based system requires minimal space compared to traditional mechanical components, enabling zoom capability in smaller camera units suitable for mobile devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical parts are used for zoom functions, then zoom capability is achieved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical wear and tear by using magnetic field-based actuation instead of mechanical contact components. This contactless actuation method removes friction, wear, and mechanical failure modes, significantly improving reliability while maintaining zoom functionality.
4Measurement precision
If multiple cameras with different focal lengths are used, then optical zoom quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera units with different focal lengths into an integrated system where a single shared magnet provides magnetic field actuation for all camera modules. This merging approach maintains the image quality benefits of multiple focal lengths while reducing overall system complexity through shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared magnet system provides universal actuation functionality across multiple camera units, serving as a multi-functional component that controls focus, stabilization, and potentially zoom for all cameras. This eliminates the need for separate actuators for each camera, reducing complexity.
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 portable optical zoom in mobile devices by simultaneously capturing images with different focal lengths, enhancing image quality and reducing device size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator
Implementation Method 2
generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length. A second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second visual field includes a second actuator for moving a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and the camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate magnetic fields usable in creating motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.