Apple inc. (20240184080). Camera Actuator for Lens And Sensor Shifting simplified abstract

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Camera Actuator for Lens And Sensor Shifting

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Shashank Sharma of San Francisco CA (US)

Douglas S. Brodie of Los Gatos CA (US)

Scott W. Miller of Los Gatos CA (US)

Camera Actuator for Lens And Sensor Shifting - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240184080 titled 'Camera Actuator for Lens And Sensor Shifting

Simplified Explanation

Some embodiments of the patent application involve a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator designed to move a lens and/or an image sensor along multiple axes. The VCM actuator consists of a bottom flexure and a top flexure connecting dynamic members to static members, as well as stationary magnets and coils held by dynamic members. The actuator can shift the image sensor along the optical axis, in directions perpendicular to the optical axis, and/or tilt the image sensor relative to the orthogonal axis. It can also move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, shift the lens along the optical axis, and/or tilt the lens relative to the optical axis.

  • Camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for moving lens and image sensor along multiple axes
  • Bottom and top flexures connecting dynamic and static members
  • Stationary magnets and coils held by dynamic members
  • Movement of image sensor along optical axis, in directions orthogonal to optical axis, and tilting relative to orthogonal axis
  • Shifting image sensor in directions perpendicular to optical axis, moving lens along optical axis, and tilting lens relative to optical axis

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in:

  • Camera systems
  • Optical devices
  • Robotics
  • Medical imaging equipment

Problems Solved

  • Precise control of lens and image sensor movement
  • Enhanced image stabilization
  • Improved focus and depth of field

Benefits

  • Increased image quality
  • Versatile functionality
  • Compact design

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimized for use in:

  • Smartphones
  • Digital cameras
  • Surveillance systems
  • Drones

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art is the use of piezoelectric actuators in camera systems for fine-tuning focus and stabilization.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing image stabilization systems?

This technology offers more precise control over the movement of the lens and image sensor, leading to improved image stabilization compared to traditional systems.

What impact could this technology have on the development of future camera technologies?

This technology could pave the way for more advanced camera systems with enhanced functionality and improved image quality, setting a new standard for the industry.


Original Abstract Submitted

some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (vcm) actuator configured to shift a lens and/or an image sensor along multiple axes. the vcm actuator may include a bottom flexure and a top flexure that connect one or more dynamic members to one or more static members. the vcm actuator may include stationary magnets and coils held by dynamic members. in some cases, the vcm actuator may be configured to move the image sensor along an optical axis, to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, and/or to tilt the image sensor relative to the orthogonal axis. in some examples, the vcm actuator may be configured to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, to move the lens along the optical axis, and/or to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis.