EP2223169A1 - Optical lens image stabilization systems - Google Patents
Optical lens image stabilization systemsInfo
- Publication number
- EP2223169A1 EP2223169A1 EP08860457A EP08860457A EP2223169A1 EP 2223169 A1 EP2223169 A1 EP 2223169A1 EP 08860457 A EP08860457 A EP 08860457A EP 08860457 A EP08860457 A EP 08860457A EP 2223169 A1 EP2223169 A1 EP 2223169A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- lens
- displacement system
- actuator
- unit
- lens unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/64—Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
- G02B27/646—Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image compensating for small deviations, e.g. due to vibration or shake
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B13/00—Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
- G02B13/001—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras
- G02B13/0015—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras characterised by the lens design
- G02B13/002—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras characterised by the lens design having at least one aspherical surface
- G02B13/004—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras characterised by the lens design having at least one aspherical surface having four lenses
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B13/00—Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
- G02B13/001—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras
- G02B13/0055—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras employing a special optical element
- G02B13/0075—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras employing a special optical element having an element with variable optical properties
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
- G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
- G02B7/04—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
- G02B7/10—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens
- G02B7/102—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens controlled by a microcomputer
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
- H04N23/55—Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/57—Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
- H04N23/68—Control of cameras or camera modules for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
- H04N23/682—Vibration or motion blur correction
- H04N23/685—Vibration or motion blur correction performed by mechanical compensation
- H04N23/687—Vibration or motion blur correction performed by mechanical compensation by shifting the lens or sensor position
Definitions
- the present invention i elates Jo apnea! lens systems and 5 « particular, i elates to such M 1 stems cmplo>i ⁇ g clectioactn c poh mei transdueeis Rt ad ⁇ ist the icns to provide auto-f ⁇ eustng, zoom, image stabilization and oi shuttci apei Hire capabilities
- zoom capability icquiies a combination of lens elements, a motcu, and a cam mechanism ⁇ or iransmitung the rotational mm ement of the motoi to hneai movement in order to adjust the relate c positions of the lenses and an associated image sensor in aider to obtain the desired magnification
- a plurality of reduction gears are is used to accurate H control the relative positioning of the lenses [0 ⁇ ⁇ 4
- lnc prov ides an iniegsated gvioscope using MEMS technology for image stabilization which offcib smaller sizing
- the pjesctif im cntion includes optical lens s ⁇ stems and tees and methods for usmu them lhc svstcms and pol ⁇ mer-based (I 4P) actuators tniegtated dieseui to a d
- the one or more BAP actuators include one oi more EAP transducers and one or more output members are incest atcd w ith one ot mote of a lens p ⁇ itsoti, a sensor portion and a iJuittei apcrtui c portion of the subject lens s ⁇ stems tees
- the lens portion (i e , the lens stack or batrei) includes at least one lens lrt ccrtasrt embodiments, the lens portion tvptcalh includes a iocii ⁇ ing lens component a» well as art afocal lens component
- the sensoi poiuon includes, an image se ⁇ s ⁇ i which teeeix es tlie image horn the lens portion of the deuce for digital processing bj image pioeesss ⁇ g eleeti omcs of the EAP actuators(s), i e
- ⁇ anatioru dt ⁇ actuator asscr ⁇ bh may be used to adjust the position of a poitio ⁇ of the lens stack along its longitudinal axis (/-axis) relative to the sensoi poi tion in oi der to change the focal length of the lens stack
- the same or different actuator mas be used to adjust the position of one or more lenses vuthm the stack relatn e to each othej al ⁇ s the I ⁇ gitudtnal axis (/-axis) to adsitst the magnification oi the lens sj stem boll jet, m atiorhci s anation, an ⁇ ctuatox may be used to e tlie sensoi portion of the system portion within a planar direction (X-axis and/or Y-axis) relative to the Sens portion, or visa- versa, in order to compensate for unwanted motion imposed on the
- EAP actuator to control the aperture size of a tens system ancl'or control the opening and closing of a shutter mechanism.
- An EAP actuator may provide only a single function (e.g., shutter control or image stabilization) or a combination of functions (e.g., auto-focus and zoom).
- J(RHO] The present invention also includes methods for using the subject devices and systems to focus and/or magnify an image, or to cancel out unwanted movement of the devices/systems. Other methods include methods of fabricating the subject devices and systems. 10011 ]
- Figs. 1 A and IB are a sectional perspective and exploded assembly views, respectively, of an optical lens system of the present invention employing an eiecfroactive polymer actuator configured to provide auto-focusing;
- Figs, 2 A and 2B provide schematic illustrations of an eleetroact ⁇ ve polymer film for use with the optica! systems of the present invention before and after application of a voltage;
- Fig. 3 is a sectional perspective view of another optical lens system of the present invention employing another type of electroactive polymer actuator for focus control.
- Figs. 4A and 4B are sectional perspective and exploded assembly views, respectively, of another optica! lens system employing an actuator combination to control each of zoom and auto-focus;
- FIGs. 5 A and 5B are perspective views showing an alternative means of control! ing zoom
- Figs. 6A-6C are perspective views showing progressive stages of actuation of the transducer arrangement in Figs. 5A and 5B:
- Figs. 7A and 7B are sectional perspective an ⁇ exploded assembly views, respectively, of another optical lens system of the present invention configured to provide auto- focusing and image stabilization capabilities;
- Fig. H is an exploded assembly view of the image stabilization cartridge of the Sens system of Figs. ⁇ A ancTB,
- Figs, 9 A and ⁇ B are top and bottom planar ⁇ lews, respectiv e.) , of the electrode configuration of the elcccroactive polymer transducer of the image stabilization cartridge of Fig ⁇ S;
- Figs. JO ⁇ and H ) B are top and bottom planar views, respective!)., of another embodiment of a framed electroactive polymer transducer usable vvrih the image stabilization cartridge of f ig. 8;
- Figs. IuC and 1OD are top and bottom planar views, respectively, of the eJcctroacme films employed in the transducer of Figs. IOA and 10B;
- Figs, I IA and I I B show the passne stiffness and load response, respectively, of the lens system of Figs. 7 A and 7B;
- Fi g. 12 A is a perspective view of a leaf spring biasing member usable for biasing an EAP auto-focus actuator of the present invention
- Figs I 2B and 12C are perspeetn c cioss-scctional and top ⁇ lews of an optical lens sj srem of the present invention m which the leaf spring biasing member of Fig. 12 A is m operative use.
- Fig. 13 is a pet speciiv e cross-sectional view of another optical lens, system of the present im entioii using an sntegtated leaf spting biasing member.
- Figs S 4A and S 4S are perspeetn e cross-sectional ⁇ tews of a lens srem housing with and without an associated lens barrel, respectively, having another type of integrated spring biasing member;
- Figs. ⁇ 5 ⁇ and ! 5B are perspectiv e and cross-sectional v ⁇ ews of an assembled lens barrel and flange assembly usable w ith the lens s> stems of the present invention where the assembly prov ides an adjustable barrel design for purposes of focus calibration;
- Fig. 15C illustrates use of a tool for cahbra ⁇ ng the infinity focus parameter of the lens ban el assembly of Figs. 15 A and 15B.
- Figs, 16A and 16S are perspective and eross-scetkmal view s of another lens barrel assembly hav ing an adjustable flange design for purposes of focus calibration;
- Figs. J 7 ⁇ and PB are cross-sectional v iews of lens systems having single-phase and two- phase actuator configurations, respectively, which prov ide a very compact, low-profile form factor.
- Figs. 18A and 188 are perspcctrv e and cross-sectional uews of an exemplary FAP actuator-based lens displacement mechanism of the present inv ention; Figs. I9A and WB aic perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of another E ⁇ P lens displacement mechanism useable with the piesent invention.
- Figs 20A and 2UB are peispcctixc and cross-sectional v iews, rcspeefa eh , of another iens displacement mechanism which cmplo>s CAP actuators and mechanical linkages,
- Fig 21 is a ci oss-seetiOJw! v iew of anothei hv bnd lens displacement svstem of the ptesent ention.
- Figs 22A and 22B arc perspective and cross-seetional v ievx s, respectiv ely, of an rvpe of ICON displacement mechanism of Ae ptes ⁇ it invention.
- Figs. 23 ⁇ and 23B are perspective and cioiss-secttonal ely, of a multi-stage
- Fig 24A is a schematic illustration of cross-section of an actuator carts idge of the lens displacement mechanism of Figs 23 ⁇ and 23B,
- Figs 24B-24F schematically illustrate satious portions of the actu ⁇ t ⁇ i and dss ⁇ cidfcd !c»s guide rail during an actuation cycle.
- Figs 25A-2 S C aie crciss-sectional ⁇ lews of a multi-actuatot lens displacement system of the present sm ention, tigs 26 ⁇ and 26B are ctoss-sectionat ⁇ iew s of inactive and active states of lens image stabilization system of the present invention,
- Figs 27A-27C arc cross-scettnnal ⁇ ⁇ ev>>s of anothei lens image stabilization sv stem of the present inv ention m unions acin ation states.
- Fig 2S is an evpl ⁇ ded v iew of an apcrtute shutter mechanism of the picsent imention which is suitable for use with the subject lens s ⁇ stems as well as other known lens sv stems
- Fig 284 is a side view of the rotating collar of the shutter aperture mechanism of Fig 28,
- Figs 2 Q -W Q O shou the aperture shutter mechanism of Fig 2H in fulh opened, pa ⁇ ully ⁇ pen and full ⁇ closed states, respeetn elv,
- Figs 3 ⁇ and ⁇ )B are etoss-sectiona! ⁇ tews of a unimorph aetuatot film lni use m the lens displacement mechanisms of the present invention.
- Figs 31 A and 3 IR illusjrate side ⁇ ie ⁇ vs of another lens displacement mechanism of ⁇ he present inv ention in inactive and activ e states respectively, empkmng the umm ⁇ iph aeatafos 01m of Figs 30 ⁇ and 30B,
- Figs 32A and 32B illusttate side ⁇ icvx s of anothet lens displacement mechanism of the ptesent imenuon which employs- a iinitnoiph jctuatoi.
- Figs 33A and 33B iiiustiate the use of F ⁇ P actuator features, which function to address cfirain eonihtioos e g hmnidiry, ut the ambiftit env ironment m which the lens sj stem is operated in Oider to optimize perfotmancc.
- Fig 34 shows a cross-seettona! v iew of a lens displacement svstem of the present invention employing anothet configuration foi addtcssmg ambient conditions, Fsgs 34 ⁇ and 34B arc pcispective and top v iew* of a the ambient condition conttol mechanism of the system of
- Fig U Fig. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of another lens displacement sy stem of the present imcntion ing a lens position sensor.
- Fig 36A is a perspective ⁇ sew of another variation the mechanical componentry of a shutter ''aperture mechanism of the present i mention.
- Figs. 36B and 36C illustrate the shutter aperture of Fig 36A m fully open and full ⁇ closed states, respectively.
- Fig 36D is a perspective ⁇ iew of the mechanism of Fig. 36A operate el> coupled with an
- Figs 1 ⁇ and IB illustrate an optical lens system of the present i mention ha ⁇ ing auto-focus capabilities '
- the figures detail a lens module I 00 has ing a lens barrel 108 holding one OF more lenses (not shown)
- Positioned distalK' of aperture 106 is an eiectroactive polymer (EAP) actuator 102 ing an electroact ⁇ c polymer film 12 ( K Film 120 sandv.
- EAP eiectroactive polymer
- electroactn e film 2 comprises a composite of materials which includes a thin polymeric dielectric layer 4 sandwiched between compliant electrode plates or layers 6. thereby forming a capaotn c structure.
- this deflection mav be used to produce mechanical work.
- the electroaet ⁇ c film 2 ma> be pre-straincd within flic frame to improv e conv crsion between electrical and mechanical energy, i.e., the prc-strain allows the film to deflect more and provide gx eater mechanical work
- the elcctroactnc film 2 continues * to deflect until mechanical forces balance the electrostatic forces tiriv mg the deflection.
- the mechanical forces include elastic restoring forces of the dielectric layer 4, the compliance of the electrodes 6 and any external resistance prov ided by a de% ice and or load coupled to film 2
- the resultant deflection of die film as a result of the applied voltage may also depend on a number of other factors such as the dielcct ⁇ c constant of the elastome ⁇ c material and its Size and stiffness. Remov al of the v oltage difference and the induced charge causes the reverse effects, with a return to the itiacm c state as illustrated in Fig. 2A.
- the length L and width W of electroacf ivc polymer film 2 are much greater than its thickness t.
- the dielectric 4 has a thickness m ranye from about 1 ⁇ m to about KMi ⁇ m and is ⁇ ikelj thicker than each of the electrodes It ts desirable to select the elastic modulus and thickness of electrodes 6 such that the additional stiffness they contribute to the actuator is generally less than the stiffness of the dielectric layer, which has a relatively Sov. modulus of elasticity, i.e., less than about 100 MPa.
- [001 Sj Classes of electroactive polymer materials suitable for use ⁇ ith the subject optical stems include but are not limited to dielectric elastomers, eleetrostrietive polymers, electronic electroaetive polymers, and ionic cleetroactrvc polymers, and some copolv rners.
- Suitable dielectric materials include but are not limited to silicone, acrylic, poiyurethane, flourosilieone, etc blectJOstrictive poljmers are characterized b> the non-linear reaction of electroactiv e polymers.
- Electronic electroactive polymers typically change shape or dimensions due to migration of electrons in response to electric field (usually dry).
- Ionic electroactix e polymers are polymers that ehanye shape or dimensions due to migration of ions m x espouse to electric field (usually wet and contains electrolyte).
- Suitable electrode materials include carbon, gold, platinum, aluminum, etc.
- Suitable films and materials for use with the diaphragm cartridges of the present invention are disclosed m the following U S. pate ⁇ ts. 6.37&.971. 6,583,533, 6,664,7 UH, which are herein incorporated by reference.
- a biasing member m the form of leaf spring mechanism 1 Ui is opcrathc ⁇ y engaged between lens barrel IW and frame 122 to pre-load or bias disc 104 in the direction of arrow 125 to ide a frustum-shaped architecture.
- frusmm-rvpe actuators ate described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos, i 1 085,798. 1 1 085,804 and 1 1/6 ⁇ 8,577, each incorporated by reference iti its entirety Pre-loading or basing insures that aetuatot WZ actuates in the desired duection rather than simph wrinkle upon electrode actu ation.
- housing 1 14 may be prm ide with wall recesses J 32 or the like TO accommodate and operath civ position one or more leaf springs reiafh e to the actuator 102.
- Other biasing means such as simple positive rate springs (e g , coil spring) as shown in Fig. 7 A may aUcrnatrvelv be used.
- an image sensor detector S 16 (such as a charge-couple tee (CCO)) w hich recedes the image for digital processing by control electronics 128 (shown in Fig. 1 B only).
- the focal length of Sens stack 108 is adjustable by the selective actuation of EAP actuator 102 (where the axial position of one or more lenses is adjusted reiatn c to the other lenses) Sensor 1 16 as well as actuatox 102 ma> be powered ⁇ ia electrical coupling to power supplj 130.
- a completed camera assembh w ill include at least a shroud or eo ⁇ er I J 2.
- Other component such an infrared (IR) filter (not shown), commonly used with com entional lens systems, may also be operatrv el> incorporated into system 100.
- Fig. 3 illustrates another lens module 140 of the present ind ention. Cylindrical! ⁇ '- shaped lens barrel 142. bal ing one or more lenses 144.
- Actuator 152 has a double-frustum architecture w ith each frustum defined bj a film 154a.
- the distal film 154a of the double frustum structure ptm ides the preload fot actuator 152 in the ducciion of at tow 155. thereby rum mg Sens barrel 142 in the same dirccnon to adjust the focal lens 144.
- rhe biased film 154a need not be, and may simply be an eiastorne ⁇ e webbing.
- film 154a comprise an electroacttve polymer material, however, it may be employed for sensing position by capacitance change or ma ⁇ , eoliccc ⁇ cly with film 154b, prov ide a t ⁇ o-phase actuatox In the latter ease, when film 1 *>4b is actuated, it causes Sens bairel 142 to roo ⁇ e in the dneetion of anow 1 ⁇ 7.
- adjusting the focal length of lens 144 m die opposite direction [0023 j m another ⁇ an at ion of the imendon, tigs 44 and 4B show an optical s ⁇ stem 160 cm ⁇ loj ing an actuatoi combination to contiol each of focus and zoom
- the s; stem has a focus singe housed vuthm housing 1 S2 and includes focusing lens 164 held vuthtn tens barrel 162 and dm en by a diapluagm actuatoi lbb Focusing is ad ⁇ usted by ⁇ Irving the distance butw een lens IM and image sensot 180 m a ma ⁇ nei similar io dial descubcd w uh tcspcct to Figb I - ⁇ and 1 B ides a /corn stage includes a zoom lens 16?* held w ithm lens f sxtui c 1 "0 and undes lens co ⁇ er
- thcte is shown anothci optical lenb system 3(K) of the picsent uiventi ⁇ n Lens module ⁇ % shown to e four lenses ⁇ 14a, 314b, 314e and 314d but few er or more lenses ma ⁇ be employed f ,ens assembh film >2 ⁇ extending bcmecn an outer hamc 322 and an itinei disc m cap membci is between bottom housing 324 and top housing 326 A teassng membci m the foim of c ⁇ il spttng 332 is positioned about lens barrel.
- a bushing wall 31 S extends upward from the back cod 334 of housing 324 and is seated between coil spring 332 and the outer surface of lens barrel 312.
- Bushing 31 S acts as a linear guide for Sens barrel 352 and, together with flange 336, provides a travel stop at a maximum ''macro" (near) focus position. Having a bui ⁇ t-in travel or hard stop is also useful upon initial calibration of the barret's position during manufacturing assembly of system 300.
- the rigidity of bushing wall 318 also provides added crush protection to the Sens assembly during normal use. Additionally, the overall structure of the EAP actuator 320 provides some shock absorbency for the lens barrel.
- the EAP actuator, the bias spring, the bushing and the overall barrel design provide a uniform radial alignment for optimal performance of the Sens system. 10029 j
- the frustum architecture of the EAP actuator may be provided by other types of biasing members, such as the leaf spring biasing mechanism 390 illustrated in Fig. 12A. which configuration provides a particularly low profile.
- Biasing mechanism 390 includes an annular base 392 having radially-extending, forked tabs 394 spaced about and angled upward from the circumference of base 392 at flexure points 396. Figs.
- leaf spring biasing mechanism 390 operatively employed as a biasing member within an optical lens system having a coustRtct similar to that of system 300 of Figs. 7A and 7B.
- the base portion 392 of the leaf spring encircles lens barrel 312 under flange 336 and each of the forked tabs 394 engage the underside of outer frame 322 which acts as a bearing surface.
- the leaf spring mechanism preferably provides at least three, evenly-spaced tabs 394. Further, to prevent unintentional rotational movement of leaf spring 390, the tines or legs of the forked tabs 394 within slots located at each corner of the housing.
- An inner housing block 398 acts as a linear bushing or backstop to lens barrel 312 when in the "infinity' ' ' (i.e., most proximal) position.
- the biasing member may also be integrated into the Sens ban-el and/or housing structure of the optical lens system.
- Fig. 13 illustrates an example of such where a structural portion 410 of a Sens system of the present invention includes a lens barrel 412 concentrically positioned within a housing component 414, A bias member 416 is positioned in between and straddles across the lens barrel and bousing, where the biasing member may be formed vuth these component?
- annular diaphragm 4 i 8 having a com ex configuration (from a top or outside ⁇ erspeetn e), how e ⁇ er, a concave configuration ma ⁇ alternatively be employed Silicone, polyurcthanc, J-PDM. other elastomers or any low elastomer is a suitable material for diaphragm 418.
- the diaphragm extends between inner and outer side walls 42Ua, 42Ub which brace against ihe outer Sens barrel w ail arid mner housing wall, respectively Die curved diaphragm 418 provides a spring mechanism which has a negafiv e rate bias
- Other examples of EAP actuators hav ing a negative rate bias are disclosed in pre ⁇ iouslv referenced I ' .S. Patera Application Serial No. 1 1 65 S, 57 " .
- Figs 14A and 148 illustrate other ways of integrating the actuator ' s spring bias into the subicct iens systems In V ig. ! 4A.
- the spring bias to be applied to the EAP actuator (not show n) is provided by two or more tabs 422 which are structurally integrated into the bottom housing 324 of, for example, lens % ⁇ stem 3W of Figs " A and 7B. and extend radially inward within the concentric gap betw ceo the outer wall of housing 324 and bushing w all 31 S.
- Tabs 422 are bent or molded in a manner so as to prov ide a spring bias when a load is applied.
- the lens barrel 312 maj also be integrally formed (such as by molding) with and fixed to tabs 422, as shown m Fig, !4B.
- top housing 326 has a transparent or translucent co ⁇ er 330 positioned theicm foi passing light rays Alternatively, the entirety of top housing 326 max be molded from the transparent translucent material.
- the cover may function as a filler which prevents infrared wav elengths of about 6 " O nm and greater from being transmitted through the lens assembly while allowing v isible w avelengths to be transmitted generally without loss.
- an IR filter 366 may be positioned proxtmnlly of ⁇ he Sens assembly j 0033 [ The lens ss stem of the present inv ention may also hav e image stabilization capabilities.
- positioned ⁇ roximalis of lens module 302 is an exemplar) embodiment of an image stabilization module 304, which includes an image sensor 306 fox receiv mg images focused onto it by lens module 302 and associated electronics for processing those images.
- Image stabilization module 304 also include an E ⁇ P actuator 310 which serves to compensate for any movement, i e , "shake", of image sensor 360 m the ⁇ - ⁇ plane in order to keep the focused image sharp /-axis correction maj also be idcd along w ith a sensor for sensing such motion.
- E ⁇ P actuator 310 which serves to compensate for any movement, i e , "shake", of image sensor 360 m the ⁇ - ⁇ plane in order to keep the focused image sharp /-axis correction maj also be idcd along w ith a sensor for sensing such motion.
- FAP actuator 310 has a planar configuration comprising a t ⁇ o-pl ⁇ EAP film transducer having "hot" and ground sides 338 and 348, best illustrated in the exploded assembly, v iew of Hy. S and the planar ⁇ tews of Figs.
- EAP film 338 comprises elastomerie layer 342 and electrically isolated electrodes 340 which each extend over a portion of elastomer 342 while ing a central portion 362a of laser 342 free of electrode material
- EAP film 348 includes clastomcric layer 352 and a stnylc gioimd electrode 350
- the annular shape of yroand electrode 350 enables apposition to each hot cleetiode 340 and leaves a central portion 362b free of electrode material which matches that of portion 362a of film 338
- the two films provide a transducer mu four aet ⁇ e quadrants ⁇ i.e., having four electrode pairs) to pros sde a four- phase aciuaior, however, more or fewer acm e portions may be employed, as discussed below with respect to Figs.
- Each quadrant is selectiv ely actuated, either or m tandem s ⁇ itb one or more of the other quadrants to provide a range of actuation motion in the ⁇ -> plane (i e , with two degrees of freedom), in response to and to compensate for shake undergone bv the svstcm.
- Sandwiched between the two films arc electrical tabs 344, one for each hot electrode.
- a pan' of grounded electrical tabs 346 is ided on opposing outer surfaces of HAS* films 338, 348.
- Tabs 334 and 348 are for coupling the EAP actuator to a power supply and control electronics (not shown*
- the two-ply transducer film is in turn sandwiched between top and bottom frame members 354a, 354b which hold the EAP films in stretched and strained conditions
- Actuator 310 also includes two disks 356, 358, one centralis positioned on each stde of the composite film structure
- Disk 356 acts as a el stop — ⁇ iting Gim 338 from contacting the back plate and acts as a supplemental bearing support to rhe sensor.
- Disk 358 ts pros ided on the outer side of film 348 and held in planar alignment within the annular space of cut-out of frame stde 354a bv front plate or cover 3ftQa which also has a cut-out portion through which disk 358 transfers mov ement of actuator 310 to image sensor 306.
- a linear bearing structure suspension member 30H is provided therebetween.
- Structure member 308 is in the form of a plaiiai substiate 362 ing a plurality of shock absorbing dements. 364, e.g., spring tabs extend my from the edges of substrate 362, which function as shock absorbers to optimize the output motion of actuator 310.
- Substrate 362 may be in the form of a flex ciicuit w ith the spring tabs 364 (when made of conductive materia?) providing electrical contact between image sensor 306 and its associated control electtonics to actuator 310.
- housing 316 is recessed on a distal side 368 to receh e lens module 302.
- housing 31 ft has notches or recesses 372 for accommodating electrical contact tabs 344, 346 of actuator 3 KS and or spring tabs 364 of hearing suspension member 308.
- the image stabilization actuators of the present invention may have any number of active areas which provide the desired phased actuation. Figs.
- 10A- JOD illustrate a three-phase EAP actuator 380 suitable for use with the subject optical lens, systems of die present invention for at ieast image stabilization Actuator 380 has a hot EAP film 384a having three electroded areas 386, each of which effects actuation of approximately one-third of the active area of actuator 380.
- Grounded EAP film 384b has a single annular ground electrode 388 which, when packaged with film 384a by frame sides 382a and 382b, provides the ground sale for each of the three active portions of actuator 380 While this three-phase design is more basic, both mechanically and electrically, than the four-phase design, more complex electronic control algorithms are necessary as a three-phase actuator may not alone provide discrete movement in cither the X or Y axes. 10038] Many manufactured hardware components have dimensions which fail within an acceptable tolerance range, whereby fractional dimensional variations amongst like components and between associated components do not affect production yields. However, with devices such as optical lenses, more precision is often necessary. More specifically, it is.
- the position of the lens assembly relative to the image sensor be set to optimize the focus of the lens. assembly when in the "infinity” position (i.e., when in an "off state) so as to ensure accurate focusing when in use by the end user.
- the infinity position is preferably calibrated during the fabrication process.
- Figs 15A and 15S illustrate an exemplary design configuration for calibrating the infinity position of the iens assembly, i.e., adjusting the distance between the image sensor and the lens assembly to establish an optimally focused infinity position, during the fabrication process.
- the lens barrel assembly 430 is comprised of lens barrel 432 and a separable flange 434.
- Flange 434 is internally threaded 439 to rotationally engage with externa! threads 43? of lens barrel 432.
- Flange 434 is provided with a radially extending tab 436 which, when placed within the system housing 442, as shown in Fig. 1 SO, protrudes from a designated opening 436, As such, the rotational position of flange 434 is fixed relative to lens barrel 432.
- the crest portion 438 of the top cov er 435 of the lens barrel 432 is provided with groov es or indentations 440 for receiv ing the working end 446 of a calibration too! 444, as shown in Fig. 15C.
- Tool 444 allows access to lens barrel 432 even after enclosed within housing 442. and is used to rotate the lens barrel 432 in either direction relative to the threadedly engaged Range 434, the position of which is fixed within the housing by means of" tab 436 and opening 436. This relative rotational movement, in turn.
- Ir is the distance between the lens assembly 448 (see Fig- ! 5B) and the image sensor that defines the infinity position of the system.
- Ir is the distance between the lens assembly 448 (see Fig- ! 5B) and the image sensor that defines the infinity position of the system.
- [0040J Figs 164 and 16B illustrate anothet Jc ⁇ .»* band eonfiguiation 4 ⁇ 0 tor purposes (at ⁇ ca>>t in purl) of calibrating a iens assembh
- the diffetenu: with respect Io the tonfiguiation of Figs 15A-1 *C is that flange is mov able ieiame to the lens bane!
- o othei cmbodimenti> it len ⁇ s ⁇ stems of the pi esent imcntion my mote simplistic and low ⁇ profile designs in which a lens 472 teithei a single lens or lhc distal most lctis amongst a plurakt ⁇ of lenses) is dtreetlv sntegiated w ith and seiecUx eh positioned by an CAP actiut ⁇ i
- Lens s> steni 470 of Fig P-V employs a single-phase attuatot computing snoei and outer frame members 474, 4 ⁇ 6, sespeetn eiv, w rth an FAP film 4 ⁇ H sts etched Therebetween Lens 4?2 is positioned and fixed concents icallv within mnes fiamc 4 7 4 such that the output mov ement the actuator is directh imposed on lens 472
- the single-phase actuator is biased in the dnection tow aid the fiont side 4 ⁇ 23 of the icns bj a eosnpaet coil spi ing 480 positioned within the frustum spaee defined betw eeti it ⁇ iei frame 4 " f> and a back plate 482 flic tattet acts as haid stop at a maximum * macro" (near focus) position
- the actuator is in lhc k off" stale
- the top or back actuator includes. E-VP fihn 494 extending between uinet and outet fjor ⁇ es 4M()a, 490b And the bottom oi fionr actuator includcs.
- each the bias foi the other and allow s phase oi bid-dii ectional mov ement of kns 4 7 2 Spe ⁇ f ⁇ ealiv , w hen the bottom actuator is aetn ated while the top actuatof is off, the has by the tup aetuatot moves lens 472 in the diieetum of a ⁇ ow *iO4 and, likew ise, when the top actuatoi is actuated while the bottom aetuat ⁇ t is oil, the bias b ⁇ the bottom actuator mov Cs lens 472 iti the direction of at row ⁇ 06 I his enables lens 472 to hav c double (2K) the trav el distance as that of the single-phase Rinm 47( )
- double diaphtagrn coofigmatioii can be made ⁇ funeuon as a sjngk-phase aetuatot making one OJ the othes of
- Lens eJ stroke, whelhei fos auto- foe using or zooming can be increased (as well as decreased) bx employing additional strut.
- dual compoufots winch enable leas movement ⁇ his moxement mav oh c absolute displacement cii
- ⁇ uv include one or more HAP acfuafois.
- aetuatot s units ⁇ 48 have an lnvetted configuration the traiisducet diaphiagms 544 hav e then c ⁇ ncav e ssdes facing inward with then outei frames 53$ ganged togethet in turn, die inner ftanies S36 of the actuators are ganged or coupled to an inner frame 536 of an adjacent aciiiaioi
- the distal most innei frame 536a serves to hold Jens ⁇ 22 conecntrscallv therein
- the pioximal oiobt snoei frame 536b is positioned distallv of an unage scnboi module (not shown) 10048] W ifh eithei design, the greatet the numbei of actuatoi les els.
- one or more the actuator lev els w ithin the stack ma ⁇ be used fot zoom applications w here additional lenses mav be integi ated with the ⁇ anous actuator lev els and coileetiv ely operated a* an afocal lens assembly os ahetnativelv , one OJ more of the transducei els may be setup foi sensing as opposed to actuation to facilitate aeriv e actuator control os opeiation verification. With am of these operations, any type of feedback approach such as a Pl or PiD controller may be employed in the s>ster ⁇ to control actuator position with very high accuracy and/or precision.
- a Pl or PiD controller may be employed in the s>ster ⁇ to control actuator position with very high accuracy and/or precision.
- FIG. 20 ⁇ and 2OB there is illustrated another lens displacement mechanism 550 ur ⁇ ii7ing F ⁇ P-bascd portion or components 552. in conjunction vvtth a mechanical tens dm ing portion or components 554, whereby the former us used to drive the latter EAP portion 552 includes; a double-frustum actuator in which the outer names 556a, 556b are held between bottom housing portions 55Sa, 55Sb with inner frames 555a. 555b of the coupled transducers being relatively translatable along the optical axis 576.
- die actuator may be configured as either a two-phase actuator which enables active movement m both directions along optical axis 576. or as a single-phase actuator movable u ⁇ the upward forward direction along the optical axis.
- Mechanical portion 554 of displacement svstem 550 includes first and second driver plates or platforms 560, 564 interconnected by linkage pairs 566a, 566b and 568a, 568b Hach of the plates has a centra! opening to hold and earn, a lens (not shown) which, collectively , proude an afocal lens assembl) which, when moved along the focal axis, adjusts the magnification of the focal lens (not shown), w hich is ccntralh -disposed in lens opening 578 within top housing 574 While only two zoom displacement plates are prm ided, any number of plates and corresponding lenses may be employed.
- the linkage pairs provide a scissor jack action to move the second d ⁇ ver plate 564 along the optical axis in response to a force enacted on the first driver plate 560
- a scissor jack action translates the second driver plate 564 at a greater rate than first driver plate 560, whcxe the translation ratio between the first plate and second plate to provide a telescoping effect
- Plates 560, 564 are slidably guided along and by linear guide xods 572 which extend between bottom housing portion 558a and top housing 574.
- cap 555a Upon actn ation of actuatot portion 552, cap 555a is displaced iheteby applying an upward force against the proximal end 562 of dmer plate 5M), This driv es first plate 560 which in turn moves the linkage pairs to driv e second plate 564 at a selected greater rate of translation.
- seissox jack linkages are illustrativ ely described, other types of linkages or mechanical arrangements maybe used to translate one plate at a proportionately greater translation rate and distance than the othet plate. [00521 Fig.
- Zi prov ides a cross-sectional ⁇ tew of another hybrid (actuatot -linkage) lens displacement mechanism 580 of the present invention in which the actuator portion 582 includes a single FAP transducer 584 biased upward along the optical axis 58H by a coil spring 586.
- any spring bias means e g., leaf spring > mav be employ ed
- the actuator stack 608a ⁇ iu 22 ⁇ show s die eieermde la>ci patterns MOa and 612a, icspcetfuih , in the cutaway ⁇ icws of actuator stack M)8a ⁇ centra! hole or apeiture 616 extends throimh stack 608a to allow passage of the image focused upon to an image sensot/detectoi (not shown)
- EAP film 612 causes sail ends 604a to mo ⁇ e laterally m opposing directions, e g apart, fiom each other in a diicction 605 pcrpendicuias to the axial length of guide rails 604
- this mo ⁇ cmexit causes the guide rails f-> ⁇ J4 to beat against bcatmys 606 theieb ⁇ f ⁇ ctionally securing the posxtntn of lem barrel f-> ⁇ )2 on iaiis 604
- Deactiv ation of film 612 draws the rails back to ⁇ hor neutral ot right angle position with respect to film stack 6 ⁇ 8a
- Thickness mode actuation is then employed to tia ⁇ slate guide sails 604 xii an axial dncction 607 thcxeby ttanslating lens batJci 602,
- a (rsctional beating sutface (not shown) is positioned to engage the otitct bin face of the band wheicbv this fuctioiial engagement ⁇ gicatei than the fiictional engagement imposed bj the bat t ci bushings 606 on jails 604
- the ft tctio ⁇ al engagement of the bea ⁇ no surface on the walls of the basrel overcomes, that of the bushings on the guide rails, such that, when the thsckness mode F AP film 610 is deaetn atcd and the guide tails return to the ioactne positntn, the lens band ss tetamcd m the advanced position
- the ⁇ lan ⁇ x-tlnck.ncsi> mode actuation sequence just described may be rev ersed to translate the lens assembly in die opposite axial direction.
- a top actuation portion W)Kb may be empkryed to adjust the relative position or angle of rails 604 and or to increase the potential trav el distance of lens barrel 602 w either axial direction 607
- Actuator 60Sh in this example, is constructed to provide planar actuation for adjusting the position of the rails foi the purpose of i ⁇ etioiialfy engaging them against bushings 606.
- actuator stack 608a compiles a planar aetuauoo E ⁇ P film 618 sandw iched between layers 620a, 620b, which may be made of the same material as layers 614a- 614c of bottom actuator 608a.
- the composite structure has a hole OF aperture 622 extending therethrough to allow for the passage of Sight rays passed through a focusing Sens (not shown) to the zoom or afoeai Sens asscmbh 602.
- the planar sections of 60Sa and 608b actuate Simultaneously to maintain the guide rods 604 in a parallel relationship with each other.
- Top actuator 608b may be employed m iieii of the planar actuation of bottom actuator 60Ka to provide tSic angular displacement of the raiSs as described or it may be used in tandem ⁇ ith the planar actuation portion of bottom actuator 608a to lateral.) displace both ends of the rails.
- This tandem actuation can be controlled to precise.) adjust the angular disposition of the rails or, alternate civ, to maintain tSie rails at ⁇ gliJ angles with respect to the planar surfaces of the tcspeetive actuators (i.e.. the rails are maintained patalkl to each otSicr) but provide a sufficient lateral displacement (cither towards or away fiom lens barrel 6i)2) to effect frictional bearing against bushings 606
- Top actuator 60Kb may also be equipped with thickness mode actuation capabilities as described above to effect amplified axial mo ⁇ ement of tSie guide rails While translation of both rails has been described, the present invention also includes variations of Sens displacement mechanisms which are configured to mo ⁇ c on K a single rail or more than two.
- FIGs. 23 ⁇ and 23B illustrate another lens displacement mechanism 625 that cmplo) s an mehworm type of actuation motion.
- Mechanism 625 houses a lens assembly containing a phmilirv of lens stages 626a, 626b, 626c, 626d, each Slaving a cutout 627 for retaining a lens (not provided).
- stages 626a, 626b, 626c, 626d each Slaving a cutout 627 for retaining a lens (not provided).
- Those skilled m the art will appreciate that fewer or more stages than the four illustrated may be employed, and that the stages may retain Senses used for focusing, zooming, or mereh provide a pass through for light rays. Further, not all stages need to be translatable, and may he fixed to the mechanism housing or struts 628.
- the lust and fourth stages 626a, 626d are fixed, while the second and third stages 626b. 626c are translatable.
- the four lens stages are held m spaced parallel alignment with each other bj linear guide rails 642 which are fixed to and extend between the top to the bottom Sens stages 626a, 626d
- the mo ⁇ able lens stages 626b, 626c are linearly translatable along tSie guide rails 642 through bearings 64X.
- the actuation portion of the displacement mechanism 625 includes fust-'top and second bottom actuator eartridses 630a and 630b.
- the construct of eaitridsc 630a is illustrated in Fig 24A.
- each planar actuator 634 is dmded snto at least mo sepatateh actn atcable pousoiis 636a.
- each imeat actuatoi 632. in this ⁇ a ⁇ attoru has a monolithic EAP film 636c which is aetn ateabie in w hole ⁇ he tw o single-phase linear (from each of the top and bottom cartridges * ) actuators 632 colieetneh form a two-phase linear actuator, w heron the bottom linear actuator is biased bv lhe top linear actuates , and usa ⁇ ersa, b ⁇ means of pushrod 644 which holds the actuators in tension tciatne to one anothci
- each plana* actuator 634 has no out-of-planc FO ⁇ CC ⁇ applied to if when the corresponding linear actuator 632 ts paswe ⁇ he output motion of itioei rncrnb ⁇ s 638a (also referred to
- 646a 646b uhsch are selectn ely engageahle w ⁇ h pushrod 644 to fix the axsal position of a i espccm e tens ⁇ tage ⁇ he clutch mechanisms M6a, M6b may has c any suitable construct, including but not limited to A ft ictsonal bearitig sui facc Of a tooth foi coopci ⁇ tiv c engagement ⁇ ith a corresponding groove on pushrod 644
- a first portion M 6a of EAP film of each planai actuatoi 634 Ci e . top and bottom in Hgs 234 and 23B) is actn ⁇ ied. as" show ⁇ in t ig 24C, to pushi od 644 laterally from the neutral position Io engage dutch mechanism 646a ⁇ not shown in ⁇ his figure) Xcxt, as illustrated in Fig 24D, hiieai actuatoi 632 a, actn ated while first portion 636a of each planar acluator 634 icmauis actne to move the output membeis.
- the pt ocess is tepeated but vuth activating the second LAP pom on of planar actuator 634 instead of the Oi st fc ⁇ P portion 636a Sepaiateh aetn atcabte phases, i e .
- fc AP film portions be added to each planar acKiaior 634 along w ith additional clutch mechanisms to enable the lens displacement mechanism to move both Sens stages, or n ⁇ ic stages as the ca ⁇ ma> be, m tandem J 0062] figs 25 ⁇ -25C iitusttate ⁇ nothci lens displacement s ⁇ stein 650 which has both focusing and zoom capabilities
- Sj stem 650 includes two integrated single phase spring biased actuatois - one hav ing a single fiustum diaphiagm configuration 6 ⁇ 2 and the other a double frustum diaphragm configuration 654
- Actuate* 652 includes a lens basrel structuse 656 housing a focusing lens assembh 6 ⁇ 8 Pjuximal to lens ⁇ iscmbl> 658 along the focal axis of the sy stem is aiocal lens assembly 660 housed w rthi ⁇ a ban cl st ⁇
- phase ot portions of mnlU-phased film are passn c and the output disc 694 is hori7onu5 ⁇ hen a selected poitioo Oi poitions (out of ao> number of sepaiateh actiuitable poition.s) of film 696a is aie actn j ted the biased film relaxes m the acin ated area 6%a causing as ⁇ mmet ⁇ y in the forces on the output plattorm 6V4 and causing it to tilt as shown m Fig 26B
- the ⁇ anous * activatable poition can be seleetueh actuated to provide three-dimensional displacement of an image sensor or minor (not shown but otherwise positioned atop the center disc or output member 694) in sesponse to s> stern shake
- J he displacement mechanism of Figs 26A and 26B can be furthci modified to compensate for undesirable an image sensor
- a displacement mechanism " OU is illustrated in Figs 2 " ⁇ -27( ⁇ where instead of pnotalh mounting the actuator's output memhet 704 to giouxid, a spring biasing mcchanism 708 is croplo ⁇ ed ⁇ tso using a niultf-phascd 01m 706, when one 706a.
- the actuator output disc 694 under goes asvminefnc tilting and axial translaUon Where all of the OSm portions 706 are actuated simultaneous!), os wheie some aie actuated to p ⁇ o ⁇ ⁇ le a iesp ⁇ nsc.
- output member 704 undcigoes a porel> ltneai displacement in the axial direction, as iHusttatcd in Fig 2C J he magnitude of this imeai displacement ma ⁇ be contiolled bj icgiilating the ⁇ okage applied to ail phases OF selecting the iclatn e mimbei of film portions that are actuated at the same time j 0066] ⁇ he ps esent foi use ⁇ tth imaging optica!
- sj stems such as those disclosed heicm, where if is necà ⁇ oi desirable to cl ⁇ se a lens apertuie (shuUer function) and ot to contiol the amount of light passing to an optical element Oi component (apeitufe function)
- Fig 2H illustrates one such shutter apeuurc system 7 U 1 of the present inv ention which cmplo>s an H ' ⁇ P actuator 7!
- a multiphase film may also be os.ed
- Blades 724 each have a cam follower slot 730 through which another set of cam pins 732 extend from the bottom side of a rotating collar 722 positioned on the opposing side of blades 724 (as illustrated in Fig. 28A).
- Cam follower slots 730 are curved to provide the desired arched travel path by cam pins 732 as collar 722 is rotated, which in turn, pivots curved blades 724 about their fulcrums.
- a pin 726 extending from the top or actuator -facing side of collar 722 protrudes through opening 725a of top cartridge plate 720a mates with a hole 717 within inner frame member 716 of actuator 712.
- Ftgs. 36A-36D illustrate another aperture/shutter mechanism 840 of the present invention.
- Mechanism 840 includes a planar base 842 on which a.n aperture/shutter blade 844 is pivotally mounted at one end to a pivot point 845. Pivotal movement of blade 844 moves its free end in a plane back and forth over light -passing image aperture 854, Movement of blade 844 is accomplished by pivotal movement of a lever arm 846 having a free end movably received within a notch 856 within the interior edge of blade 844.
- Lever ami 846 is pivotally mounted to base 842 at a pivot point 852a
- a flexure 848 integrally coupled or formed as a monolithic piece with lever arm 846 extends between first pivot point 852a and second pivot point 852b.
- a tab 850 extends from a central point on flexure 848 inward toward aperture 854, The blade, lever arm, and flexure may be adapted to provide aperture 854 in a normally open state or normally closed state. [00*59] Movement of tab 850 toward aperture 850 in the direction of arrow 860a deflects ⁇ flexure 848 in the same direction, as illustrated in Fig. 36C.
- Actuator 856 comprises a two-phase EAP film 860a, 860b configuration, similar to that actuator 710 of Fig. 28, extending between outer and inner frame members 858a. 858b, respectively.
- the free end of tab 850 is mechanically coupled to inner frame member 85Sb.
- mechanism 840 functions ⁇ nma ⁇ iy as a shuttei , with apcrtoic 854 being either open or closed Pi o ⁇ tding a hole S62 (shown m phantom in Fig 36A) ⁇ ithin blade 844 which aligns w ith apetture 854 w hen blade 844 is in the closed position, and W HICH has a diametei which is smaller ihan that of ap ⁇ tuse 8M, enables the mechanism to function as an jpeuure mechanism w tth tv ⁇ o settings - one w ifh the blade in an open position thcrebx letting more light pass thiough apertuse 8*>4 to a lens module, and another w ith the blade closed o ⁇ et aperture 8 vi, thereby passing light through smaller hole 862
- ⁇ thci lens displacement mechanisms mas impait movement to a lens m lens stack b> use of an actuator employing a 'Ximmniph" film oi composite figs M ⁇ A and ⁇ 0B show a cross-section of a segment of such a film structure 740
- Film structure comprises an efastome ⁇ e dielectric film 7 42 bonded to a film backing or substrate 744 which is suffer, i e , has a highei elastic modulus, than dielcctt ic film 742 f hoc tayci s arc sand w iched betw ecu a flexible elecimdc 746 on me exposed side of dielectttc film 742 and a stiffei clectiode 748 eithei on the inner or exposed side of stiff film backing 744 ⁇ s such the composite structure 740 is "biased ⁇ to deflect in onK one direction In patucuiar when the film stii
- Lens displacement s>i>teni 750 of Figs 31 ⁇ and 31 B includes a lens bai i cl or asscnibh 754 coupled to an actuatoi mechanism which utilizes a unimorph FAP film structuricture 74 »2 A selected atca os length of the film sUiictnre 752 extends between the lens, band 754 and a fixed base membcf 7 ⁇ f> ⁇ he film facilitateetuic may be a monnhthte piece which su ⁇ ounds the lens hatxel like a sksi t, which may coale a sinylc phase stt uct ⁇ tc or multiple addiessable aicas to ide muUi-phasc action Altcrnatrvch , the actuatoi ma ⁇ eomp ⁇ se multiple disctete segments of film which ma>
- Lens displacement mechanism 760 of Figs 32 A and 32B also employs a nmmorph film actuator.
- S>stcm "60 includes a lens barrel or assembly 762 mounted to lens carriage 764 u htch rides on guide rails 766
- Actuator 770 comprises folded or stacked unmiorph film sheets coupled together ni series fashion. Io the illisstiated embodiment each unimorph sheet is constructed with the more flexible side 772a facing ihe lens barrel and the stiffer side " "72b facing aw ay from the lens barrel, hut the re ⁇ erse orientation max be employed as well.
- the stack is at its most compressed to position, i.e., lens barrel 762 is in the most proximal position, as illustrated in Fig. 32 ⁇ .
- this position provides the greatest focal length whereas, in the context of an afoeai lens assembly , the zoom lens is in the macro position Actuation of one or more sheets 772, Cither coiiecm eh or independently, displaces lens barrel 762 in the direction of arrow 765 to adjust the focus and or magnification of the lens system
- the performance of an EAP actuator may be affected.
- the present tin cation addresses such ambient conditions with the incorporation of a feature which may be integrated into the E ⁇ P actuator itself ot otherwise constructed within the system without in ⁇ casing the system's space tcquirements
- the EAP actuators arc configured wjfh a heating element to ge ⁇ eiate heat as necà j to maintain oi control the humidirj and 'or temperature of the EAP actuator and OF the immediately surrounding ambient ironment.
- the heating elements are resists c.
- Ftg. 33 A illustrates an exemplary FAP actuator 780 usable ⁇ ith the lens optical sj stems of the present invention cmplo> ing a series electrode arrangement for the heating function ihe ⁇ iew shows the ground side of the actuator with ground electrode pattern 782 and the high Lugs " ⁇ oa and 786b establish electrical connections, icspect ⁇ eiv. to the ground and high voltage inputs from the system ' s power supply (not show n) for operating the actuator.
- Arrows 78K show the annular current path provided by the electrode arrangement which uses the entire ground cicctiode " S2 as a resistne heating element [0076
- Fig. 33B illustrates another LAP actuator 7* ) 0 which empkn s a parallel electrode arrangement for the heating function.
- This view shows the ground side of the actuator with ground electrode pattern 7S>2 with the high v oltage electrode pattern 784 shown in phantom from the other side of actuator TsK).
- Lugs ?%a and 7 ⁇ >b establish electrical connections, respcct ⁇ cly, to the ground and high ⁇ nltagc inputs from ⁇ he s ⁇ stem's power supph (not shown) for operating the actuator
- Parallel bus bars ?°8a. ? ⁇ 8b are provided on the ground side of actuator ?W for connection to the ground and low ⁇ oltagc inputs, respecth eh, from the power supply (not shown)
- Arrow s KOO illustrate the radial path of the current established by the parallel electrode arrangement Using the electrode in a parallel as opposed to series fashion allows for the use of a lower voltage to achiex e the current flow necessary to induce heating of the film.
- Fig. 34 illustrates a lens displacement mechanism SlO employing FAP actuator having EAP film 852
- the spacing 816 defined between the top housing cover 853 and LAP film 812 pro ⁇ ides: sufficient space m which to position a heating element 814.
- the heating element has a profile and size that matches that of the fc ⁇ P film m this case, a frustum shape as illustrated in Fig. 34A, in order to minimize spacing requirements of the system and to ma ⁇ nnsze heat transfer between the heating clement K54 and EAP film 812.
- the heating element includes; a resisth e trace 815a on an insulating substrate 815b and electrical contact 818 to electrically couple the heating element to the system's power and sensing eleetiomes.
- lens displacement systems of the present im cntiort is the provision of a sensor to sense the position of a lens or lens assembh which ides closed loop control of the lens displacement, Hg. 35 illustrates an embodiment of such a position sensing arrangement incorporated into the tens displacement s> stems 820, having a similar construct to the lens displacement system of Fig 7A
- the sensing arrangement comprises a nested electrode pan cylindrical configurations.
- One electrode 822a e.g., the ground side electrode
- Ciround electrode 822a is electrically coupled to ground lead 83Oa through actuator biasing spring 830
- the other electrode 822b e.g., the active or power sensing electrode 822b. encircles the interior surface of a bushing wall X2d extends upwards from the back end of housing 828 and is seated between actuator biasing spring 830 and the outet surface of lens barrel 824
- Electrode 822b is electrically coupled to power sensing lead 83Ob.
- An insulating material adhered to the acm e electrode 822b may be ided in the gap defined between the two electrodes to provide a capa ⁇ tive structure.
- svstems, devices, components and element are contemplated FOJ example, such methods may include selective! ⁇ focusing a lens on an image, selective!) magnifying an image using a lens assemhh , and or seieetiv eh ing an image sensor to compensate fos unwanted shake undergone bv a lens or lens assembly
- the methods, mav comprise the act of providing a suitable device oi system in which the stsbiect inv entions are emplo>cd, which piousiun mav.
- the subject methods ma> include each of the mechanical activities associated with use of the deuces deset ibed as well as eleet ⁇ eai activifj
- a kit may include any numbes of optical s; stems according to the present invention
- a kit mav include vasio ⁇ s other components for use with the optica! sv stems including mechanical or electrical connect ⁇ !
- kits mav also include wi ittcn instructions fox use oi fee m then assemblj
- the iiistiuctioiis are present as an eieemmie stoiage data file present on a suitable compute!
- the actual mstiuctions are not ptese ⁇ t in the kit, but means foi obtaining the instructions fiom a remote soutce, e g via the Interact, are pun sded
- An example of this embodiment is a kit that includes a w licie the insti uetions can be viewed and oi fiom which the tnstt uctions can be downloaded Ab with the instructions this means foi obtammy the instructions is recorded on suitable media [0082]
- materials and alternate related configurations mav be employed as within the level of those uith skill in the relevant aU
- the invention has been dese ⁇ bed in
- ans optional feature of the imentne ⁇ anations descubed ⁇ ia> be set foith and claimed independcntK , 01 »i combination w ith anv o «e or moic of the featuies described heiem Refeience Io a singulai item, includes the possibilitv that there aic plural of the same items pjcsent Moie specifn.aU> , as uscti hctcin and in the appended claims the singular toims.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Lens Barrels (AREA)
- Adjustment Of Camera Lenses (AREA)
- Diaphragms For Cameras (AREA)
- Shutters For Cameras (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/953,789 US8842355B2 (en) | 2007-12-10 | 2007-12-10 | Lens shutter and aperture control devices |
US11/953,784 US7679839B2 (en) | 2007-12-10 | 2007-12-10 | Optical lens displacement systems |
US11/953,798 US8054566B2 (en) | 2005-03-21 | 2007-12-10 | Optical lens displacement systems |
PCT/US2008/086293 WO2009076477A1 (en) | 2007-12-10 | 2008-12-10 | Optical lens image stabilization systems |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2223169A1 true EP2223169A1 (en) | 2010-09-01 |
EP2223169A4 EP2223169A4 (en) | 2011-05-25 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP08860457A Withdrawn EP2223169A4 (en) | 2007-12-10 | 2008-12-10 | Optical lens image stabilization systems |
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EP (1) | EP2223169A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5697986B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20100116584A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101925836B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009076477A1 (en) |
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CN101925836A (en) | 2010-12-22 |
JP2011507036A (en) | 2011-03-03 |
JP5697986B2 (en) | 2015-04-08 |
EP2223169A4 (en) | 2011-05-25 |
WO2009076477A1 (en) | 2009-06-18 |
CN101925836B (en) | 2013-02-06 |
KR20100116584A (en) | 2010-11-01 |
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