TWI482993B - Zoom module using rotational actuator with anti-lock feature, even force distribution and shock damage prevention methods - Google Patents

Description

Use the anti-lock feature, uniform force distribution and vibration damage prevention method to rotate the actuator Release module [related application]

This patent application claims to be filed on August 8, 2006, in accordance with 35 USC 119(e), entitled "Using a Miniaturized Zoom Module with Rotary Actuator with Anti-Lock Feature, Uniform Power Distribution, and Vibration Damage Prevention" The present application is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, the present patent application is a continuation of the US Patent Application No. 11/514,811, filed on Sep. 1, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 35 USC 119(e), the priority of the co-pending application Serial No. 60/715,533, filed on Sep. Both are incorporated into this case for reference.

The present invention relates to camera optics, including camera optics. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an autofocus and zoom module.

There have been many recent advances in digital camera technology. One development has been the further miniaturization of optical and mechanical components to millimeter and sub-millimeter sizes. The reduced size of the moving parts of the camera has allowed modern digital cameras and optical technology to be implemented in numerous devices. These devices are also designed and constructed to form embodiments of increasingly smaller form factors. For example, typical personal electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and watches and/or pocket watches are commercially available in a format that includes a miniaturized digital camera. Again, larger form factor devices add additional features. For example, a typical hand-held camera typically has a full digital camera for still image photography along with mechanisms and circuitry for dynamic image recording built into the hand-held camera.

But in general, modern digital camera applications have many limitations. Some of these limitations include cost, size, characteristics, and complexity. For example, size reduction is often accompanied by an increase in cost, a reduction in features, and/or an increase in complexity.

An optical module includes a first optical component group, a second optical component group, and an image sensor. The first optical component group and the second optical component group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an optical component module includes a first optical component group coupled to a threaded portion of a first lead screw. Translation of the first lead screw causes the first optical member group to translate along an axis of the first lead screw. A first actuator rotates the first lead screw. A first sensing target is configured to permit detection of rotation of the first lead screw. The optical module further includes: a second optical component group coupled to a threaded portion of one of the second lead screws. Translation of the second lead screw causes the second optics group to translate along one of the axes of the second lead screw. A second actuator rotates the second lead screw. A second sensing device is configured to detect translation of the second lead screw.

In some embodiments, a housing is included to accommodate the first optic assembly, the second optic assembly, and the image sensor. The first optical component group and the second optical component group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. In some embodiments, the first actuator and/or the second actuator are constructed within the actuator module. Preferably, the axes substantially parallel to the first lead screw and the second lead screw are parallel to a first guide pin.

Preferably, the actuator module includes a vibration actuator oscillating in a standing wave pattern for driving a threaded shaft disposed therein to translate the threaded shaft. The actuator has a preferred standing wave pattern. The module further includes an actuator housing having an actuator retaining region therein and a flexible coupling structure. The flexible coupling structure is coupled to the vibration actuator at one of the preferred standing wave patterns and coupled to the actuator housing. The module is coupled to a lead screw including a threaded portion, a first end and a second end. In particular, the threaded portion is coupled to the vibration actuator.

In some embodiments, the actuator retention zone is a five-sided compartment with an opening on one side. The opening is sized to fit a parallelepiped containing the vibrating actuator such that one surface of the vibrating actuator is parallel to the opening.

Preferably, the first sensing target is configured to permit measurement of translation of the first optical component group along the first lead screw, and the second sensing target is configured to permit measurement of the second optical component The group is translated along the second lead screw. Preferably, the first sensing target permits a range of at least 10 mm measured by a resolution of 70 microns or less, while the second sensing target permits measurement of at least mm by a resolution of less than 10 microns. range.

The first optical component assembly can include a first lead screw having a threaded portion having a first external thread diameter, a first end, and a second end. The first optical component group is coupled to the first end of the first lead screw such that translation of the first lead screw causes translation of the first optical component group along the axis of the first lead screw. A first vibration actuator translates the first lead screw, which is bound to the housing by a flexible coupling member at a node. The first sensing device is configured to detect rotation of the first lead screw.

The second optical component assembly can include a second lead screw having a threaded portion, a first end, and a second end. The second optical component group is coupled to the second lead screw such that translation of the second lead screw causes translation of the second optical component group along the axis of the second lead screw. A second vibration actuator translates the second lead screw and is bound to the housing by a flexible coupling member at a node. The second sensing device is configured to detect rotation of the second lead screw.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to an autofocus and zoom module that includes a vibrating actuator oscillating in a standing wave pattern for driving a threaded shaft disposed therein to rotate the threaded shaft Pan. The vibration actuator is coupled to a threaded portion of one of the lead screws and is bound to the housing by a flexible coupling member at one of its preferred standing wave patterns. The vibrating actuator and the lead screw are constructed as part of an optical component assembly and also include an optical member group coupled to the lead screw. The coupling between the lead screw and the optical member group means that the translation of the lead screw causes translation of the optical member group. The assembly further includes a sensing device configured to detect rotation of the lead screw. Moreover, the module includes an image sensor. The optical component group is configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. The lead screw of the assembly has a first end and a second end in addition to the threaded portion.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an autofocus and zoom module includes a first guide pin, a second guide pin, a first optical component assembly, a second optical component assembly, and an image sensing device. The first optical component group and the second optical component group are configured to provide an image with a focus and a magnification to the image sensor.

In another aspect, a hard stop is applied to a body that is threaded along an axis that is orthogonally disposed along an axis. The method includes coupling a feature to the body to form an assembly having an area that is asymmetrical with respect to the axis. The body is threaded by an actuator. A movable element is coupled to a point that is fixed relative to the actuator. The movable element has a latch feature that is configured to match the asymmetric region. The movable element is disposed at a position that matches the latch feature to the asymmetric region and prevents the body from rotating.

In some embodiments, the step of disposing the movable element is performed in part by driving the body to move the movable element against the movable element. In some embodiments, the feature coupled to the body is a cam.

In the following description, numerous details and alternatives are set forth for explanation. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

1 and 2 illustrate an autofocus and zoom module 1000 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The module 1000 is shown in a state in which an external electromagnetic interference (EMI) barrier has been removed.

As shown, the module is built on an image sensor panel 10. The module 1000 includes a stiffener 1 disposed on a first side of the image sensor panel 10 and a pair of main structures 20 disposed on the stiffener 1 . Preferably, the stiffener 1 and the body 20 are coupled to each other and to the image sensor panel 10.

The main structure 20 includes a base guiding portion 22. The base guide portion 22 includes features that are configured to retain the guide pins 601 and 602. The end guide 2 is disposed opposite to the base guide portion 22. The holes 2a and 2b are interfaced with and held by the guide pins 601 and 602, respectively. The base guiding portion 22 further includes a hollow portion (not shown) configured to permit radiation (such as visible light) to pass through the lens structure of the module (see below) to the image sensor panel 10 Image sensor (see below). The base guide portion 22 includes a through hole 25 that is configured to permit passage of the image sensor panel extension 11.

The remainder of the body 20 and other components of the module 1000 are disposed between the base guide portion 22 and the end guide 2. The body 20 further includes an upper structure 24 and a lower structure 26. Both the lower structure 26 and the upper structure 24 include proprietary features that are configured to match the working components of the module 1000 or allow the passage of such working components. Therefore, the main body 20 provides a structural skeleton and functional support for the operation of the module 1000.

For example, the lower structure 26 includes a pivot hub 32 that is constructed as a fulcrum for the low-variation preloaded lever assembly (see below). Again, the lower structure 26 includes a through hole 27 that is configured to permit movement of the lever assembly through a desired range. Similarly, upper portion 24 includes a via that is configured to permit coupling between a main PCB and sensor 901, as described below.

Many components of the module 1000 are coupled to the body 20. Some of these components are immovable relative to the body 20. In addition to the guide pins 601 and 602, the actuator housings 1020 and 1030 are coupled to the body 20 in an immovable position. Thus, the actuator housings 1020 and 1030 are in a fixed position relative to the guide pins 601 and 602.

Figures 3 and 4 show the internal components of the module 1000. The main body 20 (shown in Figs. 1 and 2) is not shown. As shown in these figures, the module 1000 includes a front optical component group 400, a rear optical component group 500, and an image sensor 14. The front optics group 400 and the rear optics group 500 typically include one or more optical components, such as a lens group. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the complex and simple lens arrangement for the optical member groups 400 and 500.

One turn 40 is attached to the main body 20 and the end guide 2 as shown in Fig. 2 (shown in Fig. 2). The module 1000 preferably further includes a casing and a cover mechanism, and a EMI barrier. The cover mechanism preferably prevents light leakage and dust contaminants from affecting the internal components of the module, particularly the lens groups 400 and 500 and the image sensor 14. In some embodiments, the EMI barrier and the function of the cover mechanism are utilized by a single outer housing. An infrared (IR) filter and/or a low pass filter are attached to the image sensor panel 10 as needed.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate further details of the module 1000. Actuator housings 1020 and 1030 are coupled to body 20 as previously described. The coupling between the coupling and the main body 20, the end guide 2, and the guide pins 601 and 602 causes the components to be positioned and fixed relative to each other and to the target area 12 of the image sensor 14 as a targetable area. An autofocus and zoom module that provides an image with a magnification and a zoom ratio provides a chassis.

Image sensor

As shown, image sensor 14 is generally flat. The plane of the image sensor is perpendicular to the axes of the guide pins 601 and 701. In general, module 1000 is configured to provide an image to image sensor 14 along an image vector that is parallel to the axes.

Guide pin

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a guide pin arrangement for an autofocus and zoom module in accordance with the present invention. Some embodiments include a pair of guide pins, while other embodiments use a different number of guide pins. Regardless of the number, the guide pins 601 and 602 are typically mounted along one of the linear axes of the module 1000 to permit movement of the rear barrel 530 and the front barrel 430 relative to the image sensor 14. In the module 1000, the primary guide pin 601 and the secondary guide pin 602 are aligned such that their axes are substantially parallel to each other. Again, the lead screw assemblies 200 and 300 are also aligned such that their axes are generally parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the guide pins 601 and 602.

In general, the guide pins 601 and 602 are coupled to the body 20 and the end guide 2 as previously described. Preferably, the guide pins are coupled to opposite sides of the image vector of the image sensor 14. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other configurations are also possible. The lead screws 200 and 300 are generally parallel to one another, along one edge of the image sensor 14 and parallel to its optical axis.

In some embodiments, the range of motion provided by the guide pins 601 and 602 to the rear barrel 530 is approximately 7 millimeters. In some embodiments, the range of motion provided by the guide pins 601 and 602 to the front barrel 430 is approximately 2 millimeters. However, because of this range of motion, the guide pins 601 and 602 of some embodiments typically affect the form factor of the module 1000. Accordingly, some embodiments further include means for modifying and/or hiding the form factor of the module 1000.

稜鏡 characteristics

For example, some embodiments additionally include a feature, such as 40 of Figure 2. This feature allows the autofocus and zoom module to be set up and/or installed in a variety of orientations. For example, the size that can be used in a particular embodiment along the initial direction of an image vector is generally limited, such that the module is preferably disposed in a vertical plane of a enclosure in a lengthwise direction. This orientation allows the front and rear barrels to be implemented in a device having a small width and/or depth form factor along the range of motion of the guide pin as previously described. For example, in a mobile phone application where the user would like to use the screen as a viewfinder to aim a camera at a desired image, for practical purposes, the image vector is preferably perpendicular to the screen. However, the size of the device perpendicular to the screen is typically the thinnest size of the mobile phone.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the ankle feature 40 of some embodiments is mounted adjacent the front barrel 430. The crucible 40 redirects light from an image at an angle relative to the front barrel 430. As previously mentioned, the front barrel 430 typically houses a front lens group. The front lens group contains one or more front optical elements. Thus, the crucible 100 allows the module 1000 to be placed in a variety of orientations in a device that is generally at an angle to the object being viewed and/or photographed.

Lens system

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5A, the rear optics group 500 and the front optics group 400 have a special configuration. The rear optical member group 500 further includes a rear barrel 530, a rear guiding sleeve 510, and a rear guiding groove 520. The rear barrel typically houses one or more lenses or other optical components. As shown, the rear barrel 530 houses the rear lens 540. The rear barrel 530 is a generally cylindrical body having a central axis. Rear lens 540 is configured to direct light along a central axis of rear barrel 530. The rear guide sleeve 510 is an elongated, generally cylindrical body that is coupled to the rear barrel 530 such that the central axis of the rear barrel 530 is substantially parallel to an axis of the rear guide sleeve 510. Rear channel 520 is a slotted feature that is configured to interface with the cylinder.

The front optics group 400 further includes a front barrel 430, a front guiding sleeve 410, and a front guiding groove 420. The front barrel generally houses the front lens group 440. The front barrel 430 is a generally cylindrical body having a central axis. Front lens group 440 is configured to direct light along a central axis of front barrel 430. The front guide sleeve 410 (Fig. 6B) is an elongated, generally cylindrical body coupled to the front barrel 430 such that the central axis of the front barrel 430 is substantially parallel to one of the axes of the front guide sleeve 410. The leading channel 420 is a slotted feature that is configured to interface with the cylinder.

Lens-guide pin interface

Referring now to Figure 6B, the front optics group 400 includes a front guide sleeve 410 that is coupled to the main guide pin 601. As shown, the front guide sleeve 410 is generally elongated relative to the front barrel 430. Also, the front guide sleeve 410 is securely coupled to the front barrel 430. This configuration prevents the front optics group 400 from rotating about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the main guide pin 601, but permits rotation about the axis of the main guide pin 601. The rear optics group 500 includes a rear guide sleeve 510 that is also coupled to the main guide pin 601. As shown, the rear guide sleeve 510 is generally elongated relative to the rear barrel 530. Also, the rear guide sleeve 510 is preferably securely coupled to the rear barrel 530. This configuration prevents the rear optics group 500 from rotating about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the main guide pin 601, but permits rotation about the axis of the guide pin.

Referring now to Figure 4, the front optical assembly 400 also includes a leading channel 420 that is configured to couple with the secondary guide pin 602. The coupling between the guide slot 420 and the secondary guide pin 602 prevents the front optics group 400 from rotating about the axis of the main guide pin 601. The coupling between the front optics group 400 and the guide pins 601 and 602 permits the pre-optical optics group 400 to translate along an axis generally parallel to the two guide pins.

The rear optics group 500 also includes a rear channel 520 that is configured to couple with the secondary guide pin 602. The coupling between the guide slot 520 and the secondary guide pin 602 prevents the rear optical member group 500 from rotating about the axis of the main guide pin 601. The coupling between the rear optical member group 500 and the guide pins 601 and 602 permits the optical member group 500 to translate along an axis substantially parallel to the two guide pins.

Actuator module

Preferably, the actuator used in the embodiment of the present invention is a vibration actuator. Most preferably, the vibratory actuators are of a type that oscillates in a standing wave pattern to drive a threaded shaft disposed therein to translate the threaded shaft. Embodiments of the invention include a particular preferred standing wave pattern for driving the vibration actuators. However, various standing wave patterns are envisioned.

The present invention encompasses a variety of actuator configurations. The actuators of the present invention include a vibrating actuator disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,966,248, issued toK. It also includes an actuator such as shown in Figures 10A through 10C. Actuator 700' includes a flexible body surrounded by a plurality of piezoelectric strips 701, 702, and 704. A fourth strip, not shown, is placed opposite the strip 701. The strips are symmetrically disposed about a flexible body having a plurality of threaded interface features disposed therein. These threaded interface features are configured to match the threads of the lead screw 360'. The piezoelectric strips drive an oscillating motion within the flexible body during operation. Such actuators typically require a working preload. Preferably, this preload is applied to the lead screw via techniques disclosed elsewhere in this document.

To effectively drive a threaded shaft by using a preferred vibration actuator, some embodiments of the present invention include a special actuator housing that is designed to restrain the actuator only to the extent necessary and The actuator provides vibration protection. Again, such actuator housings permit the actuator to be positioned relatively close to the guide pin and optics group. In general, each actuator within this embodiment is combined with an actuator housing to form an actuator module.

Some embodiments of the invention include actuator modules such as illustrated in Figures 10A through 10C. As shown, a typical actuator module includes an actuator 700', an actuator housing 1030', and a flexible coupling member 710.

The flexible linkage 710 binds a portion of the actuator 700' relative to the actuator housing 1030' in a generally fixed position. This permits the actuator to drive a lead screw to translate relative to the actuator housing 1030'. For example, contact pad 710 prevents actuator 700' from rotating relative to the housing.

However, this embodiment permits the actuator 700' to vibrate relatively freely to impart movement to a lead screw, such as 360', since only one portion of the actuator 700' is tethered. Again, since the flexible coupling member 710 preferably binds the actuator 700' to one of the preferred standing wave patterns of the actuator 700', the effect of this restraint on the efficiency of the actuator is reduced. Preferably, the fixed position is selected as one of a plurality of standing wave patterns, thereby permitting the actuator to operate effectively under various conditions.

As shown, the actuator housing 1030' includes openings 1034 and 1036 to allow the lead screw 360' to enter. Again, the housing includes openings 1032 and 1038 that are configured to allow electrical connection to a main PCB board (not shown). Further, the actuator housing 1030' is tailored to prevent shock damage to the actuator 700'. The actuator housing 1030' is preferably a five-sided compartment in which a parallelepiped is formed. This parallelepiped, referred to as the actuator retention zone, has a larger volume than the actuator 700'. Again, the actuator retention zone is larger than the corresponding dimension of the actuator 700' along each dimension. Moreover, when the actuator 700' is bound by the flexible coupling member 710 within the actuator retaining region, preferably one surface of the actuator 700' and the parallelepiped do not include an actuator housing The surface of a part of the body is parallel. Moreover, the ends of the actuators 700' are preferably approximately equidistant from the ports 1034 and 1036. Thus, the actuator 700' is suspended within the retention zone with a buffer distance between it and each adjacent surface of the actuator housing 1030'.

Again, the parallelepiped actuator retaining zone and actuator 700' are sized to match each other and to the type of flexible coupling 710 used to hold the actuator. Preferably, the buffer distance between the actuator 700' and the housing 1030' adjacent the inner surfaces of the openings 1034 and 1036 is selected relative to the maximum amount of displacement allowed before the flexible coupling member 710 fails. Thus, during a mechanical shock, the actuator 700' encounters the inner surface of the housing 1030' before stretching the flexible coupling 710 to failure. Again, similar stretching along the axis perpendicular to the lead screw 360' can be prevented by the coupling between the lead screw 360' and the actuator 700'.

The actuator housings 1030 and 1020 permit the actuators 700 and 500 to be positioned relatively close relative to the primary guide pin 601. As shown in Fig. 9, such close positioning is permitted because the open ends of the actuator housings 1020 and 1030 allow the actuators 500 and 700 to be disposed on one surface of the actuator module. Thus, the actuators 500 and 700 are placed in close proximity to the primary guide pin 601, leaving a distance between the guide sleeves 410 and 510 for use.

The close positioning improves accuracy by minimizing the torque effects when the actuators 200 and 300 drive the optics modules 400 and 500. The centroids of the optics modules 400 and 500 are interposed between the guide pins 601 and 602. The lead screw coupling face 480 is off center. Therefore, driving the optics modules 400 and 500 by the coupling faces 480 and 570 tends to induce a torque. The guide pin, including the main guide pin 601, counteracts the torque effect. In any event, constructing the module such that the actuators 500 and 700 and the coupling faces are closely aligned with the guide pins 601 reduces the amount of torque on the guide pins.

Lead screw assembly

Referring now to Figures 10A through 10C, the example lead screw assembly 300' is shown coupled to the actuator housing 1030'. The lead screw assembly 300' is constructed centering on the lead screw 360'. The assembly includes a cam 320' and a reference cap 340. The lead screw 360' includes a threaded region 5, a first end and a second end. The first end of the lead screw 360' is integrally formed with the reference cap 340.

Lead screw-optical component group interface

Referring now to Figure 8A, front optics group 400 and rear optics group 500 are coupled to lead screws that pass through lead screw coupling faces 480 and 570, respectively. Both main guide sleeves 410 and 510 are coupled to the main guide pin 601.

In a preferred configuration, the movement of the lead screw transfers power through its opposing lead screw coupling faces. Since these coupling faces are respectively one of the optical groups, the translation of the coupling surface causes displacement of the relative optical component group. A simple rigid connection between a coupling surface and a lead screw achieves this function. The exemplified configuration provides an additional benefit by isolating the optics group from the non-translational movement of the lead screw. Preferably, a reference cap coupled to the first end of the lead screw contacts the coupling face, see for example the reference cap 340 of FIG. 10C.

The small contact area between the reference cap and the coupling face is used to reduce friction, permitting the coupling face to move relative to the reference cap and the lead screw about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the lead screw. This configuration isolates most of the mechanical vibration or disturbance of the lead screw from the optics. Again, this isolation means that only the translational freedom of the lead screw needs to be controlled to achieve the necessary accuracy required for positioning the optics. While the non-translational movement of the lead screw does not occur in the preferred embodiment, these features permit embodiments of the present invention to cope with such sway in the presence of such non-translational movements.

To maintain coupling between a coupling face and a lead screw, some embodiments of the present invention rely on the actuator to accurately operate the preload springs that would otherwise be needed.

Preloaded spring

In addition to the foregoing features, actuators used in embodiments of the present invention typically require a low variation preload force. This preload is provided by a spring with a low force constant. This method works well in small displacement applications.

Some embodiments of the present invention rely on spring forces acting on the optics to provide preloading to the lead screws used to drive the groups. So to some extent, the necessary displacement of the optics group determines the type of spring force transmission mechanism required.

For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the front optics cluster 400 is used for focusing and zooming operations and requires only one or two millimeters of displacement. Since the preferred range of motion of the front optics group 400 is less than two millimeters, selecting a low force constant spring and coupling it to apply a spring force directly on the optics group results in a lower variation preload.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the lead screw coupling face 480 abuts the first end of the lead screw 260. In order for the surface to be coupled to the lead screw and provide a preload, the preload spring must push the surface against the lead screw. Because of the small amount of movement involved in focusing, spring force can be directly provided in this example. Thus, the front preload spring 180 is coupled to the front optics cluster 400 via preloaded interface features 470 (FIG. 6B) and is configured to apply force directly on the optics cluster 400.

In another example, the rear optics cluster 500 is used for a zooming operation and needs to be displaced by a few millimeters or more. Since the preferred range of motion of the front optics group 500 is greater than four millimeters, selecting a low force constant spring and coupling it to apply a spring force directly on the optics group can result in large variations in the preload.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the trailing lead screw coupling surface 570 is adjacent to the lead screw 360. In order for the surface to be coupled to the lead screw and provide a preload, the preload spring must push the surface against the lead screw. However, in this case it is not desirable to provide preloading directly.

Therefore, the preload spring 110 is constructed on the opposite end of the preload lever 100. The zoom preload lever 100 includes a pivot hole 140 that is configured to mate with the pivot hub 32 of the body 20. Also, the preload lever 100 includes a preload spring hook 130 and a preload force transfer point 120.

The pivot hole 140 is skewed toward the preload spring hook 130 such that the movement at the hook end of the preload lever 100 is amplified at the force transfer point end. By the same mechanism, the large amount of movement at the force transfer point 120 of the zoom lever 100 translates into a relatively small movement at the end of the spring hook 130. Preferably, the position of the pivot hole 140 is selected to reduce the travel from the force transfer end to the spring hook end, in this example by a factor of five. Other embodiments employ a different factor.

The spring hook 130 is coupled to the preload spring 110, and the force transfer point 120 is coupled to one side of the rear lead screw coupling surface 570. The coupling surface 570 is also adjacent to the lead screw 360. In order to couple the surface to the lead screw and provide a preload, the preload spring must push the surface against the lead screw. Inter-grounding provides a spring force from the rear preload spring 110 through the lever 100 meaning that the stroke of the rear optics group 500 is indirectly converted to the elongation of the preload spring 110. The specific ratio of the group stroke to the spring elongation depends on the positioning of the lever pivot relative to the force transfer point and the spring hook. As mentioned earlier, the preferred ratio is one-fifth.

In either case of indirect or direct preload spring force application, the opposite end of the preload spring is preferably coupled to the body 20.

Sensing target

Some embodiments of the invention include sensing targets to provide feedback regarding positioning. In some embodiments, a sensing target is disposed on a lead screw. In some embodiments, a sensing target is disposed on an optical component group. Both linear and rotary targets can be used in the present invention.

A lead screw assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention includes a sensing target. Some of the lead screw assemblies, such as the assembly 300' of Figures 10A through 10C, do not contain sensing targets. However, the lead screw assembly 200, as shown in FIG. 8C, includes a sensing target 290 located adjacent the cam 220. In the exemplary embodiment, the target 290 is a rotary target. The use of a rotating target is preferred in situations where very fine positioning is required.

In general, the sensing target suitable for coupling to the lead screw includes a feature that interfaces with one of the lead screws. In some embodiments, the sensing target is interfaced with the threads of the lead screw. The position sensing target 290 is configured to engage the position sensor 902.

In some embodiments, the sensing target is included as part of a group of optics. For example, in Figures 8A through 8C, the sensing target 590 is constructed as part of the rear optical member group 500. Among them, the target 590 is constructed to constitute a body part of the optical member group 500. However, in some embodiments, the sensing target is modularized or coupled to only one optical component group.

Also, the sensing target 590 is a one-line sexy measurement. Linear targets are acceptable in lower precision positioning applications. Again, linear targets are preferred in applications where the target must move through a relatively large range. The linear label is used here in the rear optics cluster 500 because the cluster is used for zooming purposes.

In Figure 8A, the module is in an end stop position. In some embodiments, position sensors 901 and 902 are separated from sense targets 590 and 290, respectively, during end stop. In this position, as also shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lead screw position is being mechanically blocked by the device pair described elsewhere in this specification. Thus, since the lead screw position is associated with the optical group position in these embodiments, the alignment of the lead screw also defines the position of the optics group.

In Figures 8B and 8C, the modules are in the intermediate position and the remote position, respectively. Preferably, the sensing targets 590 and 290 engage the position sensors 901 and 902, respectively, in the intermediate and remote positions. Preferably, the position sensor and the sensing target are engaged throughout all zoom positioning.

Mechanical hard stop latch

Preferably, embodiments of the present invention include features configured to permit a group of optical components to be referenced via a mechanical hard stop.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, these embodiments include a hard stop latch spring 310 and a hard stop latch spring 410. The hard stop latch spring 310 is mounted to the body 20 on the spring hub 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hard stop latch spring 310 includes a generally rigid body portion and a movable spring 312. The rigid body portion includes a lens group interface surface 314, a pivot hole 318, and a latch 316. The lens group interface surface 314 and the latch 316 are each disposed on an individual arm positioned approximately 90 degrees apart from the pivot hole 318 and extend therefrom. The latch 316 arms are generally longer than the group interface surface 314 arms. At rest, the movable spring 312 is aligned with the latch 316 arm.

The pivot hole 318 mates with the spring hub 21 and is configured to pivot about the hub 21. The group interface surface 314 is configured to match the spring driver 580 of the rear lens group 500. At rest, the latch 316 is disposed out of alignment with the actuator housing 1030, such as Figure 5A. The hard stop latch spring 310 pivots about the aperture 318 as the spring driver 580 pushes the group interface surface 314 toward the image sensor, causing the movable spring 312 to flex. When pivoted, the latch 316 moves to a position that interfaces with the cam feature 322 of the cam 320. This provides a mechanical hard stop for the lead screw 360.

A hard stop latch spring 210 is mounted to the actuator housing 1020 on the spring hub 1028 as shown in FIG. 5B. The hard stop latch spring 210 includes a generally rigid body portion and a movable spring 212. The rigid body portion includes a lens group interface surface 214, a pivot hole 218, and a latch 216, such as FIG. Lens group interface surface 214 and latch 216 are each disposed on an individual arm positioned approximately 90 degrees apart from pivot hole 218 and extend therefrom. The latch 216 arm is generally longer than the group interface surface 214 arm. At rest, the movable spring 212 is aligned with the latch 216 arm.

The pivot bore 218 mates with the spring hub 1028 and is configured to pivot about the hub 1028. The group interface surface 214 is configured to mate with the spring driver 480 of the front lens group 400. At rest, the latch 216 is disposed out of alignment with the actuator housing 1020, such as Figure 5A. The hard stop latch spring 210 pivots about the hub 1028 as the spring driver 480 pushes the group interface surface 214 toward the image sensor, causing the movable spring 212 to flex. When pivoted, the latch 316 moves to a position that interfaces with the cam feature 222 of the cam 220. This provides a mechanical hard stop for the lead screw 260, as shown in Figure 8A.

Position sensing

Embodiments of the invention include position sensing elements that are configured to provide feedback to an actuator control system. These components permit the module to accurately locate functional groups, such as optical component groups, using a non-linear actuator motor.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a sensing target that moves with a functional group of the module, and a sensor that is configured to detect movement of the sensing target and encode data representative of movement of the sensing target . For example, some embodiments employ a reflective encoding of a mobile sensing target that includes regions of different reflectivity. An example position sensing system includes position sensing sensors 1030 and position sensing targets 250 and 350 of the first image module 1000.

Reflection coding

In an exemplary reflective coding system, the sensor includes a radiating element and a radiation detecting element. The subject matter includes, for example, a dark band and a bright band. The dark band tends to absorb a higher proportion of the emitted radiation than the bright band absorbs from the emitted radiation. The radiation reflected by the bands is detected by the sensor. As the target moves relative to the sensor, the absorbance and reflectance of the portion of the sensing target that is aligned with the sensor changes. The sensor encodes this variation. There are many coding algorithms and procedures in accordance with the present invention. For example, the sensor can simply detect each transition between the dark and bright bands.

System resolution

The resolution of the reflection coding system is determined by several factors. The distance between the transmitter/detector and the target, the beam dispersion of the radiation used, and the resolution of the inherent target all play an important role in determining the resolution of the system. These three factors do not act alone but interact, and each must be adjusted relative to the other.

The resolution of the intrinsic target is essentially a function of the size of the feature. The smaller the critical dimension of the feature (the dimension parallel to the dimension of the sensor's movement), the higher the resolution of the inherent target. For example, the target 250 of Figure 1 uses a stripe pair as a feature. The sensing system is configured to move the fringes through the field of view of a sensor along the narrow side dimension of the stripe. Therefore, one of the key dimensions of a stripe pair in the example configuration is its width along the narrow side dimension.

However, the position sensing system does not rely on the resolution of the high inherent standard to ensure high resolution. One of the highest resolutions allowed by a known feature size must be properly combined with one of the low beam dispersion radiation and one of the small emitter-to-target tolerances. Beam dispersion and tolerance specifications also have an effect: the reduction in beam dispersion and the moderate increase in tolerance can maintain a given resolution and vice versa.

For a given feature size, there is a maximum radiation beam dispersion beyond which the features cannot be resolved via reflection coding. Figure 11B illustrates the maximum beam dispersion for a series of light sources (white squares on the left) for emitting light towards a series of absorptive and reflective strips (right side). The detail shown in Figure 11C illustrates the pairing of a 20 micron wide source with a target of similar size. In this case, the maximum allowable dispersion is 10 microns.

Under the given diffusion conditions, the maximum allowable dispersion and the desired resolution determine the maximum distance between the source and the target. This spacing (distance d in Figure 11C) is proportional to the desired resolution and is proportional to the tangent function representing one of the angles of radiation diffusion. For example, a typical LED diffusion angle of 30 degrees is known, and to a resolution of 10 microns, the distance d should be less than 56.7 microns. Therefore, in order to achieve the inherent target resolution, one of the beam dispersion radiation and the spacing should be suitably combined.

Inherent target resolution

Some embodiments of the present invention use a position sensing system with beam dispersion and tolerance optimized to operate at inherent resolution. In reflection coding, there are many methods, strategies, and devices that can be used to achieve this goal.

Figure 12A illustrates a direct imaging scheme in which a radiation emitter (white rectangle), such as an LED, produces radiation that is sent directly to the target without additional processing. A portion of the reflected radiation of the target is detected by a detector (hatched rectangle). In such a scheme, the transmitter must produce features that have low beam dispersion to resolve the target.

tolerance

One way to achieve an inherently targeted resolution is to have the emitter/detector close together and scan the target. However, small tolerances increase the precision required to manufacture the target and the entire unit. For example, the cross-sectional roundness of a cylindrical target becomes more important as the spacing decreases. For these and other reasons, embodiments of the present invention preferably provide for separation of the transmitter/detector and scanning target by a distance within a generally achievable tolerance of mass production.

Active Area - Transmitter / Detector Modification

There are several combinations of features and methods that can be used to relax the tolerances required for spacing or to mitigate problems caused by diffuse radiation. In reflection coding, one portion of the sensing target is excited by radiation, and a detector receives a signal from the sensing target. The received signal represents the characteristics of one of the active areas of the sensing target. Preferably, the active area is sized and positioned to match a key feature size of the sensing target. For example, Figure 15 illustrates an active area of a sensory target.

The size and location of the active area is determined by the characteristics of both the transmitter and the detector. In some cases, the radiation is adjusted to limit the portion of the sensing target that is excited by the radiation. In some cases, the field of view of the detector is trimmed.

Some techniques involve radiation treatments that permit the use of higher resolution targets at the production pitch that are not possible when using more diffuse radiation. Figure 12B illustrates a system in which a lens is used to collimate radiation to a detector. Aligning the radiation will allow the target-sensor spacing to maintain the ability to resolve a given feature size as compared to direct imaging. The maximum spacing and the resolvable feature size are determined by the dispersion of the radiation after collimation.

Some techniques involve elements that are constructed to limit the field of view of the sensor to a portion of its natural field of view. Figure 12C illustrates a system in which a pinhole is used to prevent sputum from an adjacent area from overflowing, such that a transition process is not detected. In this case, the reflected radiation must reach the detector by centering the positive pinhole near the surface of the target. This system may require a higher intensity transmitter because only a relatively small amount of radiation can pass through the pinhole.

While certain embodiments of the present invention do employ active zone pruning strategies such as radiation conditioning, the additional equipment or features required to perform these strategies increase the cost and complexity of the modules produced. Preferably, embodiments of the present invention employ other means to achieve the desired resolution.

Beyond the inherent resolution

At certain thresholds, there must be radiation adjustment or tight spacing beginning with high intrinsic resolution resolution to achieve high system resolution. As mentioned earlier, these components increase the complexity of the module and the accuracy required in production. Therefore, in order to obtain a resolution that exceeds these thresholds, embodiments of the present invention preferably employ a lower intrinsic resolution with at least one of a number of strategies to achieve a system resolution that is higher than the resolution of the inherent target.

Activity area - target modification

The foregoing method of defining an active zone is for adjusting radiation from a transmitter, selecting a detector with an appropriate field of view, or modifying the field of view with an external device. An alternative method is to construct the sensing target to limit its portion that is excited by radiation at any one time, and thus trim the active area.

For example, the cross-sectional view of Figure 11A illustrates a configuration in which the feature size is paired with an arc of a cylindrical sensing target to limit the field of view of the detector. The field of view of the transmitter/detector 3030 versus the superscript 3350 contains one of the largest two transitions.

Preferably, the sensing target and the detector are constructed such that a single feature dominates the field of view. For example, as shown in Figure 15, an active area is sized to match the width of a stripe pair. In general, the feature size of the target is selected based on the field of view. However, the required resolution may also be a factor that determines the size of the feature.

Data processing

Preferably, embodiments of the present invention process data from a sensor to achieve resolution above the resolution of the intrinsic target. A number of processing techniques, methods, and components are used in various embodiments of the present invention, including signal conversion and interpolation based on threshold values.

Preferably, embodiments of the present invention encode a portion of the sensing target in the active region into a voltage. The voltage varies with the characteristic of the portion of the sensing target located in the active area as the encoding progresses.

Embodiments of the present invention preferably match the size of the active area to the critical dimension of the sensing target feature to produce a smooth varying signal. Figure 15 illustrates a preferred relationship between the active area and the feature size of the sensing target. The active area is large enough along the critical dimension so that it will not continuously encounter areas with the same light/dark characteristics. In the illustrated embodiment, the active zone is greater than one feature width along the critical dimension dimension and less than twice the width. This type of configuration generally prevents the flat shift point from occurring in the generated analog signal.

Over time, as the sensing target moves through the active area, the system forms a signal representative of the portion of the sensing region that has passed through the region. As shown in Fig. 16, a sense target (Part 1) is associated with a change signal (Part 2) along a time axis t. The intensity of the signal in section 2 at a given point is determined by the characteristics of the active zone at that time, such as the ratio of bright streaks to dark streaks. As shown, the minimum value of the signal in section 2 corresponds in time to the central axis of the dark stripe. Similarly, the maximum value of the signal in section 2 corresponds in time to the central axis of the bright stripe.

In some embodiments, the signal is one of the voltages continuously encoded, and in other embodiments the signal is a series of discrete samples taken at a particular frequency. In either case, the signal preferably contains a plurality of samples of the sense target associated with each feature as it moves past the field of view of the sensor.

The encoding process produces a variable signal representative of the movement of the sensing target. The minimum and maximum values of the signal represent the movement of the sensing target at its inherent target resolution. Preferably, the variable signal is an analog voltage. In some embodiments, interpolation is employed to construct higher resolution data between the minimum and maximum values of the variable signal. Preferably, the interpolation error occurs only within a given period of one of the inherent target resolutions and is reset with each minimum or maximum value of the signal. This limits the error produced by the interpolation method to a substantially fixed percentage of one of the inherent resolutions.

A processing system receives a variable signal from the sensor and produces corrected motion data at a resolution that is higher than the resolution of the inherent target. For example, in some embodiments, the analog voltage signal is sent to an analog to digital converter (ADC). The analog signal produced by the sampling rate that would result in multiple samples per feature contains information sufficient to support ADC generation of the digital signal with a resolution higher than the resolution of the inherent target. In some embodiments, a class of analog signals is encoded into a higher resolution digital signal using an ADC program that uses multiple thresholds.

The corrected mobile data is then translated into location data representative of the location of one of the functional groups coupled to the sensing target. For example, in some embodiments digital data from an ADC is provided to a controller that is analyzed and translated into location data at the controller.

A method in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Figure 17. The method is intended to detect the location of a functional group coupled to a sensing target, the sensing target being constructed to express the movement of the functional group with a first resolution. This includes a step 5010 of detecting the movement of the functional group at the first resolution using the sensing target. The method further includes a step 5020 of encoding the original mobile data representing the measured movement. In another step 5030, the method includes processing the raw mobile data into corrected mobile data having a second resolution, wherein the second resolution is higher than the first resolution. Additionally, the method includes a step 5040 of translating the corrected mobile data into location data representative of the location of the functional group.

Preferably, embodiments include additional processing circuit calibration. In the preferred embodiment, an initial calibration is done automatically during power up. For example, in an ADC type system, self-calibration during power-on is better to determine the input range required for the data. Embodiments employing self-calibration do not require initial calibration during manufacturing or storage of fixed calibration parameters over their useful life. Again, the calibration preferably defines the initial position of each functional group. In some embodiments, these initial positions are determined by a hard reference block that is described in more detail elsewhere in this specification. In some embodiments, the location is referenced by the absence of interaction between the sensor and the sensing target.

In particular, referring to FIG. 14A, when the rear barrel 530, the sensing target 590, and the guiding sleeve 510 are moved along the guide pin 601, the sensing target 590 and the sensor 901 eventually become disengaged. At this time, the signal read by the sensor 901 is changed, and the permission system refers to the position of the sensing target 590, the rear cylinder 530 or the rear lens (not shown). In addition, during the same movement, the spring driver 580 contacts the lens group interface surface 314 of the hard stop latch spring 310, eventually reaching a mechanical hard stop that can also serve as a reference as previously described.

Referring now to Figure 14B, a similar procedure can be applied to the front lens position sensor. The front sensing target 290 and sensor 902 eventually become disengaged during movement of the lead screw 260. At this time, the signal read by the sensor 902 changes, and the permission system refers to the position of the front sensing target 290 or the front lens (not shown). Moreover, during the same movement, the cam feature 222 of the cam 220 contacts the lens group interface surface 216 of the hard stop latch spring 210, eventually reaching a mechanical hard stop, which can also be considered as a References.

However, some embodiments also include continuous calibration during sensing to cope with signals with cumbersome time variations. There are many configurations that produce a signal that is slightly unstable over time. For example, Section 3 of Figure 16 illustrates a signal having an average amplitude of one of the swaying ridges. Many design and manufacturing decisions can cause such signals, such as eccentric mounting of a cylindrical sensing target. In some embodiments it is offset and dynamically corrected for processing output using a calibration constant associated with restlessness. For example, experience an average amplitude over time or frequency period.

In some embodiments, non-volatile memory elements are included in the control or processing circuitry and are used to provide additional manufacturing and calibration data. Preferably, this additional information is used to adjust component variations and production tolerances.

Some embodiments that take interpolation use additional hardware and/or firmware (eg, a clock for timing and analysis). If the actuator is extremely non-linear, interpolation can cause positioning errors. Preferably, embodiments of the invention employ ADC techniques.

configuration

Embodiments of the present invention include position sensing systems that employ a variety of differently configured sensors and sensing targets. Some embodiments include a cylindrical sensing target, a closed surface that is configured to rotate with a lead screw or other rotary drive mechanism. Since the functional group is coupled to a lead screw having a known pitch, the rotation of the lead screw is proportional to the translation of the functional group along the axis of the lead screw. Moreover, some embodiments include a line sensing that is coupled to a functional group and that is configured to move with the functional group. The sensing system illustrated in the following examples is illustrated as having a cylindrical sensing target; however, the methods, strategies, and apparatus described herein also contemplate the use of linear indicia in some embodiments of the invention.

For example, a system using a rotational sensing target is illustrated in Figure 11A. As shown in this cross-sectional view, a position sensing system includes a cylindrical target 3350 positioned a distance d from the transmitter/detector 3030. The field of view of the transmitter/detector 3030 versus the superscript 3350 contains one of the largest two transitions. In some embodiments, the emitter/detector is a light reflector.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the transmitter/detector 4030 includes a sensor 4034 and a transmitter 4032. The transmitter/detector further includes a mask structure 4030' including a transmitter window 4032' and two sensor windows 4034' and 4034". In some embodiments the emitter is an LED .

The dark band of the sensing target 4350 absorbs the radiation emitted by the emitter, and the bright band of the sensing target reflects the radiation emitted by the emitter. The sensor detects changes in absorption and reflection as the strip moves relative to the sensor window. Preferably, sensor 4034 detects the transition separately in both sensor windows 4032' and 4034". In some embodiments, transmitter/detector 4030 is a light reflector.

In still another example, as shown in Figure 13A, a dual detector module is employed. The transmitter/detector 3030 includes a first sensor 3034A, a second sensor 3034B, and a transmitter 3032. The mask structure 3030' includes a transmitter window 3032' and four sensor windows 3034A', 3034A", 3034B', 3034B". In some embodiments, the transmitter/detector 3030 is a light reflector. In some embodiments the emitter is an LED.

Radiation from the emitter 3032 is substantially absorbed by the dark band of the sensing target 3350 and is substantially reflected by the bright band of the sensing target 3350. Sensors 3034A and 3034B detect changes in the absorption and reflection effects of the bands as they move relative to the sensor window. Both the first sensor 3034A and the second sensor 3034B detect a transition.

In some embodiments, a detector encodes a given transition at different points in time. Moreover, in some embodiments, the detector includes means for encoding a transition in two data formats, the difference between the two data formats being a constant, such as a phase. In some embodiments (such as Figure 13A), two independent sensors encode the transitions out of phase with each other. In other embodiments, a single sensor observes transitions at two different points in the space, such as two windows 3034' and 3034" of Figure 13B. Preferably, in these embodiments a control system is combined with a different phase. Information, permitting it to detect a moving direction and its magnitude.

In one of the cylindrical sensing targets within the above configuration, each feature preferably covers 60 degrees of the circumference. Thus, in one embodiment, a cylindrical target having a circumference of 12 mm comprises six 2 mm stripes in an alternating reflection/absorption pattern. Again, the processing steps described above are preferably employed to increase the resolution beyond that of such targets.

A position sensing system provides information on the position of a lens group over its range of motion. In some embodiments of the invention, a position sensing system tracks the relative position of an optical component within 70 microns of a 10 mm range.

operating

The preferred system utilizes position sensor data to control the actuator. In some embodiments, the data is used to predict the movement of each cycle of the actuator. In some embodiments, the data is used to predict the movement per unit time that the actuator is connected and powered on. In some embodiments, the data is used in an instant manner with a correction cycle to increase accuracy. Preferably, the particular mode of action is determined depending on the particular actuator used.

Some embodiments of the present invention utilize positional data to accurately position and track an optical mass during zooming and autofocusing operations. Preferably, multiple lens groups are moved and tracked during the zooming operation. The actuator control circuit preferably interprets the position data accurately for tracking and movement. In some embodiments, the control circuitry uses tracking interpretation data stored in a table. In some embodiments, the control circuit uses tracking interpretation data stored as a mathematical function. Sometimes this data is defined in a calibration cycle. Preferably, this calibration cycle occurs during the process.

Moreover, the actuator control circuit preferably completes the zooming operation within a specified time frame. Preferably, in an embodiment involving photographic optics, the zooming operation is done in a manner that does not interfere with the recording. In some embodiments, the zoom range and the frame rate are utilized to determine an optimal step size. For example, the step size is obtained by dividing the full zoom range by the number of frames in the desired search time. Therefore, each segment of zoom can occur within a frame. Preferably, these step differences are synchronized with the frame rate when a scaling job occurs. Also, the movement of the plurality of groups during the zooming operation is preferably performed in an intersecting manner. Therefore, as each group moves, the remaining groups remain stationary. Crossover will reduce drive and instantaneous power requirements.

In addition, during an autofocus job, usually a single group is moved. Preferably, a group moves through a range of focus in small increments. Preferably, a precision position sensor and actuator control circuit is utilized to permit positioning in increments of less than 20 microns. Moreover, although many circuits and hardware are available for performing autofocus calculations, the preferred embodiment permits the group to reliably return to the position where the best focus effect is exhibited.

As previously mentioned, the optical components of some embodiments are divided into two groups, one in a front barrel and the other in a rear barrel. In general, the precise motion of these optical groups in a limited space is achieved using the aforementioned mechanisms.

The autofocus and zoom module of some embodiments has a form factor of 9 x 14 x 22 mm without twitch or 9 x 14 x 30 mm with one turn.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the details of the examples described above, but is defined by the accompanying claims.

1. . . Firmware

2. . . End guide

2a, 2b. . . hole

40. . .稜鏡

10. . . Image sensor board

12. . . Target area

20. . . Main structure

21, 1028. . . Spring hub

twenty two. . . Base guide

5. . . Threaded area

twenty four. . . Superstructure

26. . . Substructure

25, 27. . . Through hole

32. . . Pivot hub

14. . . Image sensor

100. . . Preload lever

130. . . Preloaded spring hook

120. . . Preloading force transfer point

110. . . Preloaded spring

180. . . Front preload spring

210. . . Hard stop spring

212. . . Moving spring

214. . . Lens group interface surface

290. . . Sensing target

310. . . Hard stop spring

312. . . Moving spring

314. . . Lens group interface surface

316. . . latch

318. . . Pivot hole

222, 322. . . Cam feature

420. . . Leading channel

440. . . Front lens group

430. . . Front barrel

510. . . Rear guiding sleeve

520. . . Rear guide

530. . . Rear barrel

540. . . Rear lens

580. . . Spring drive

1000. . . Module

901, 902. . . Position sensor

400. . . Front optics

500. . . Rear optics

410. . . Front guide sleeve

700’. . . Actuator

710. . . Flexible joint

340. . . Reference cap

480. . . Leading screw coupling surface

4034. . . Sensor

3350. . . Vision to superscript

3032. . . launcher

4330’. . . Mask structure

4350. . . Sensing target

3030’. . . Mask structure

3032’, 4032’. . . Transmitter window

4032, 3034A, 3034B. . . Sensor

3030, 4030. . . Transmitter/detector

470. . . Preloaded interface feature

140, 218. . . Pivot hole

320, 320', 220. . . Cam

480, 570. . . Coupling surface

200, 300. . . Close positioning

250, 350, 1030. . . Position sensing

1032, 1034, 1036, 1038. . . Opening

701, 702, 704. . . Piezoelectric strip

11. . . Licensed image sensor board extension

601, 602. . . Guide pin

1020, 1030, 1030’. . . Actuator housing

200, 260, 300, 300', 360, 360'. . . Lead screw

4034', 4034", 3034A', 3034A", 3034B', 3034B"... sensor window

The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the invention are shown in the following figures.

1 is an isometric perspective view of an autofocus and zoom module in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

2 is an isometric perspective view of an autofocus and zoom module in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an isometric perspective view of the internal components of an autofocus and zoom module in an end stop position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an isometric perspective view of another internal component of an autofocus and zoom module in an end stop position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 5A is an isometric perspective view of the internal components of an autofocus and zoom module in an intermediate position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 5B is a plan view of an internal spring element of an autofocus and zoom module in an intermediate position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 6A is a plan view of another internal spring element of an autofocus and zoom module in an intermediate position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 6B is an isometric perspective view of an internal spring element of an autofocus and zoom module in an intermediate position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 7A is a plan view of an internal spring element of an autofocus and zoom module in a remote position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 7B is an isometric perspective view of an internal spring element of an autofocus and zoom module in a remote position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 8A illustrates an autofocus and zoom module in an end stop position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 8B illustrates an autofocus and zoom module in an intermediate position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 8C illustrates an autofocus and zoom module in a remote position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a plan view of an optical axis along an autofocus and zoom module in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 10A is a plan view of an actuator assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 10B is an isometric perspective view of an actuator assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 10C is an isometric perspective view of an actuator assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 11A is a schematic illustration of a rotary sensor in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 11B is a schematic illustration of beam dispersion occurring during sensing in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 11C is a schematic illustration of beam dispersion occurring during sensing in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 12A is a schematic illustration of a direct imaging scheme for reflecting radiation from a radiation emitter toward a detector in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 12B is a schematic illustration of a lens-type imaging scheme for collimating radiation to a detector in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 12C is a schematic illustration of a pinhole type imaging scheme for preventing bleed over sputum in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 13A is an exploded isometric perspective view of one of the sensing positions in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 13B is an exploded isometric perspective view of an assembly for sensing a position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 14A is a detailed view of a position sensing portion of an optical module in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 14B is a detailed view of a position sensing portion of an optical module in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a detailed view of one of the active areas of the interface between the sensor and the sensor, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of one of the signals generated by a sense target consistent with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a flow diagram of a method of sensing a position consistent with some embodiments of the present invention.

1. . . Firmware

12. . . Target area

14. . . Image sensor

100. . .稜鏡

110. . . Preloaded spring

180. . . Front preload spring

310. . . Hard stop spring

312. . . Moving spring

314. . . Lens group interface surface

316. . . latch

318. . . Pivot hole

320. . . Cam

420. . . Leading channel

440. . . Front lens group

430. . . Front barrel

510. . . Rear guiding sleeve

520. . . Rear guide

530. . . Rear barrel

540. . . Rear lens

580. . . Spring drive

300, 360. . . Lead screw

601, 602. . . Guide pin

1020, 1030. . . Actuator housing

Claims (28)

An optical module comprising: a) a first optical component group coupled to a first lead screw, such that translation of the first lead screw causes the first optical component group to be parallel to the first lead screw Translation of one of the axes; b) a first actuator for translating the first lead screw; c) a first sensing target configured to permit detection of translation of the first lead screw; d) a second optical member group coupled to a second lead screw such that translation of the second lead screw causes translation of the second optical member group along an axis parallel to the second lead screw; e) a second actuator for translating the second lead screw; f) a second sensing target configured to permit detection of translation of the second lead screw; and g) an image sensor . The optical module of claim 1, wherein the first optical component group and the second optical component group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. The optical module of claim 1, wherein the image sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and a charge coupled device (CCD). The optical module of claim 1, further comprising a cymbal component coupled to the first optical component group, wherein the cymbal is at an angle to a plane of the module Image leads to the first Optical component group. The optical module of claim 1, wherein the first sensing target is configured to permit measurement of translation of the first optical member group along the first lead screw. The optical module of claim 5, wherein the first sensing target permits translation of the first optical member group in a range of at least 10 mm at a resolution of 70 microns or less. The optical module of claim 1, wherein the second sensing target is configured to permit measurement of translation of the second optical component group. The optical module of claim 7, wherein the second sensing target permits translation of the second optical component group in a range of at least 2 millimeters at a resolution of 10 micrometers or less. The optical module of claim 1, wherein the axis parallel to the first lead screw and the axis parallel to the second lead screw are both parallel to a first guide pin. An autofocus and zoom module comprising: a) a housing; b) a first optical component assembly comprising: i) a first lead screw comprising a threaded portion, a first end, and a second end; ii) a first optical member group coupled to the first end of the first lead screw, such that translation of the first lead screw causes the first optical member group to follow the first lead screw Translation of one of the axes; iii) a first actuator module including a first actuator for Translating the first lead screw with a threaded portion; and iv) a first sensing device configured to detect rotation of the first lead screw; c) a second optical member assembly comprising: i) a second lead screw comprising a threaded portion, a first end and a second end; ii) a second optical member group coupled to the first end of the second lead screw, such that the second Rotation of the lead screw causes translation of the second optics group along an axis of the second lead screw; iii) a second actuator module including a second actuator for translating the second guide a screw; and iv) a second sensing device configured to detect translation of the second optics group; and d) an image sensor. The autofocus and zoom module of claim 10, wherein the first optical component group is coupled to the first end of the first lead screw by a first spring, and the first spring is constructed The first optical member group is biased against the first end of the first lead screw. The autofocus and zoom module of claim 10, wherein the second optical component group is coupled to the first end of the second lead screw by a second spring, and the second spring is configured to The second optical member group is biased against the first end of the first lead screw. The autofocus and zoom module of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator is a cylindrical shape Vibration actuator. The autofocus and zoom module of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator is bound to a node by a flexible coupling. The autofocus and zoom module of claim 10, wherein the first optical component group and the second optical component group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. . The autofocus and zoom module of claim 10, wherein the image sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and a charge coupled device (CCD). The autofocus and zoom module of claim 10, wherein the axis of the first lead screw axis and the axis of the second lead screw axis are both parallel to a first guide pin. An autofocus and zoom module comprising: a) a first guide pin; b) a second guide pin; c) a first optics assembly comprising: i) a first lead screw, comprising a threaded portion, a first end and a second end; ii) a first optical member group coupled to the first guide pin and the second guide pin and including a drive target and a first spring interface a first spring coupled to the first spring interface feature and configured to push the first optical member of the first optical member to the first end of the first lead screw; Iv) a first actuator module comprising a first actuator for translating the first lead screw; and v) a first sensing device configured to detect the first lead a rotation of the screw; d) a second optical component assembly comprising: i) a second lead screw comprising a threaded portion, a first end and a second end; ii) a second optical member group The second guide pin and the second guide pin are coupled to the first guide pin and the second guide pin, and include a second spring interface coupled to the second spring interface feature and configured Pushing the drive target of the second optical component group against the first end of the second lead screw; iv) a second actuator module including a second actuator for translating the second a lead screw; and v) a second sensing device configured to detect translation of the second optics group; and e) an image sensor. The autofocus and zoom module of claim 18, wherein the first optical component group and the second optical component group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. . The autofocus and zoom module of claim 18, wherein the image sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and a charge coupled device (CCD). An autofocus and zoom module comprising: a) a housing; b) an optical component assembly comprising: i) a lead screw comprising a threaded portion, a first end and a second end; ii) an optical member group coupled The lead screw is such that translation of the lead screw causes translation of the optical member group along an axis parallel to one of the lead screws; iii) a vibration actuator that oscillates in a standing wave pattern to drive one of them The threaded shaft rotates to translate the threaded shaft, the vibration actuator is coupled to the threaded portion of the lead screw and is bound to the housing at one of its standing wave patterns by a flexible coupling member; And iv) a sensing device configured to detect rotation of the lead screw; and c) an image sensor, wherein the optical member group is configured to provide a focus to the image sensor And an image of magnification. An actuator module comprising: a) a vibration actuator oscillating in a standing wave pattern to drive a threaded shaft disposed therein to rotate the threaded shaft; b) a lead screw The utility model comprises a threaded portion, a first end and a second end, the threaded portion being coupled to the vibration actuator; c) an actuator housing having an actuator retaining region therein; and d a flexible coupling structure coupled to the vibration actuator at one of the standing wave patterns and coupled to the actuator housing. An actuator module according to claim 22, wherein the actuator The retaining zone is a five-sided compartment having an opening on one side that is sized to fit a parallelepiped that houses the vibrating actuator such that one surface of the vibrating actuator is parallel to the opening. A method of applying a hard stop on a body carried by a thread disposed orthogonally along an axis along the axis, the method comprising: a) coupling a feature to the body to form a relative to the axis An assembly of an asymmetrical region; b) utilizing the actuator to drive the body by the threads; c) coupling a movable element to a fixed point relative to the actuator, wherein the movable element has a latch feature configured to match the asymmetric region; and d) positioning the movable member in a position that matches the latch feature to the asymmetric region and prevents the body from rotating. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of disposing the movable element is performed in part by moving the movable element by driving the body against the movable element. The method of claim 24, wherein the feature coupled to the body is a cam. A device for implementing a hard stop, the device being driven along the axis by a plurality of threads disposed orthogonally to an axis, the device comprising: a feature coupled to the device to form with respect to the axis An assembly of an asymmetrical region; an actuator for driving the device by the plurality of threads; a movable member coupled to a fixed point relative to the actuator, Wherein the movable element has a latch feature configured to match the asymmetric region, wherein the movable member is disposed in a position that matches the latch feature to the asymmetric region and prevents rotation of the device. The device of claim 27, wherein the feature coupled to the device is a cam.