Apple inc. (20240107144). Sensor Shift Camera Module with Five Degrees of Freedom simplified abstract

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Sensor Shift Camera Module with Five Degrees of Freedom

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Scott W. Miller of Los Gatos CA (US)

Alfred N. Mireault of San Francisco CA (US)

Vito Lisma of Munich (DE)

Hao Zheng of Cupertino CA (US)

Sensor Shift Camera Module with Five Degrees of Freedom - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240107144 titled 'Sensor Shift Camera Module with Five Degrees of Freedom

Simplified Explanation

The actuator assembly for a camera module includes a transversal actuator for motion of an image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, an axial actuator for motion in directions parallel to the optical axis, and a shared magnet for operation of both actuators.

  • Transversal actuator for motion of image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis
  • Axial actuator for motion of image sensor in directions parallel to the optical axis
  • Shared magnet for operation of both actuators
  • Portions of actuators move with the image sensor
  • Shared magnet is static relative to motion of the image sensor

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in:

  • Camera modules for smartphones
  • Surveillance cameras
  • Automotive cameras

Problems Solved

This technology solves the following problems:

  • Precise control of image sensor motion in multiple directions
  • Compact design for camera modules
  • Efficient operation with shared magnet

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

  • Improved image stabilization
  • Enhanced autofocus capabilities
  • Compact and cost-effective design

Potential Commercial Applications

The potential commercial applications of this technology include:

  • Smartphone manufacturers
  • Camera module suppliers
  • Surveillance camera companies

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of separate actuators for transversal and axial motion in camera modules.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing image sensor actuator assemblies in terms of size and performance?

This article does not provide a direct comparison with existing image sensor actuator assemblies in terms of size and performance.

What are the potential challenges in implementing this technology in different types of camera modules?

This article does not address the potential challenges in implementing this technology in different types of camera modules.


Original Abstract Submitted

an actuator assembly for a camera module includes a transversal actuator for motion of an image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera module. the actuator assembly also includes an axial actuator for motion of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis of the camera module. the actuator assembly further includes a shared magnet for operation of the transversal actuator for motion of the image sensor in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis and for operation of the axial actuator for motion of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis. a portion of the transversal actuator and a portion of the axial actuator are configured to move with the image sensor. the shared magnet is static relative to motion of the image sensor.