Tiltable Mirror for Optical Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical imaging systems in compact handheld devices face challenges in achieving efficient image stabilization with minimal energy consumption and wavefront aberrations, particularly when the field of view is small, as existing solutions require high actuation forces and larger spaces for tilting fold prisms.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable mirror with a rigid mirror substrate and a mirror frame, actuated around primary and secondary axes using a Lorentz force-based actuator, allowing for precise and rapid image stabilization with reduced energy consumption and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a fold prism is tilted for image stabilization, then light confinement and compactness are improved, but actuation force requirements and building space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reflective function from the solid fold prism and implements it using a separate reflective element (mirror or thin-film structure) that can be tilted independently. This separation allows the reflective component to be actuated with minimal force while the main prism structure remains stationary, resolving the contradiction between compact light confinement and high actuation force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tilting of a heavy fold prism with a lightweight reflective element actuated by electromagnetic forces (voice coil actuator). This substitution dramatically reduces the actuation force required while maintaining the optical folding function, addressing both the force and energy consumption issues.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fold prism is tilted for image stabilization, then light confinement is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tilting of heavy components with electromagnetic actuation of a lightweight reflective element. The voice coil actuator generates precise electromagnetic forces to tilt the thin reflective element, dramatically reducing both actuation force and energy consumption compared to tilting a solid fold prism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin-film reflective structure instead of a solid prism for the tilting element. This thin-film structure has minimal mass, requiring very little energy to actuate, while still providing the necessary optical reflection and folding functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If a fold prism is used for optical path folding, then compactness is improved, but wavefront aberrations are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reflective function from the bulk prism material and implements it using a separate reflective element positioned in the optical path. This allows the optical path to be folded without light propagating through thick glass, eliminating wavefront aberrations while maintaining compactness through the folded geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reflective element that replicates the light-folding function of the prism without requiring the light to pass through the prism material. The reflective surface creates the necessary optical path deviation while keeping the light path in air, avoiding the aberrations introduced by refractive materials.
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
The tiltable mirror enables efficient image stabilization with reduced energy consumption and minimal wavefront aberrations, suitable for small field of view applications, by allowing for precise control of the mirror's tilt without the need for large actuation forces, thus enhancing the compactness and performance of optical imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
actuated around primary and secondary axes using a Lorentz force-based actuator
Implementation Method 2
a rigid mirror substrate with a planar reflective layer on a front side for reflecting incident light towards an optical imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tiltable mirror (1) for optical image stabilization in an optical imaging system (100), the tiltable mirror (1) comprising—a rigid mirror substrate (1S) with a planar reflective layer (1R) on a front side of the mirror substrate (1S) for reflecting incident light (500) in an optical imaging system (100), —a mirror frame (1F), wherein the mirror substrate (1S) is arranged tiltably in the mirror frame (1F), —an actuator (2) for tilting the mirror substrate (1S) around a primary (x) and a secondary (y) tilt axis with respect to the mirror frame (1F). The invention further relates to an optical imaging system comprising a tiltable mirror (1) according to the invention.