With Axial Adjustment (e.g., Adjustable Focus, Etc.) Patents (Class 359/823)
-
Patent number: 11977271Abstract: A cam for applying movement to a lens system. The cam may include a body configured to couple to the lens system. The body may have slots that are configured to receive lens followers. The slots may extend in directions that are convergent relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Panavision International, L.P.Inventor: Scott Jason Berkowitz
-
Patent number: 11960141Abstract: Provided is a lens assembly driving module including a photographing lens assembly, a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism. The photographing lens assembly includes N lens elements and has an optical axis passing through the N lens elements. The first driving mechanism drives at least N/2 said lens elements to move along the optical axis of the photographing lens assembly. The second driving mechanism enables a relative distance along the optical axis of two adjacent ones of the N lens elements to vary. Therefore, any specific one of the lens elements is capable of being driven to optimize optical imaging resolution of various fields of view independently within a real shot at different object distances.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: LARGAN DIGITAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Heng-Yi Su, Hao-Jan Chen, Ming-Ta Chou, Te-Sheng Tseng
-
Patent number: 11956544Abstract: A camera includes a camera actuator having autofocus (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) with a lens carrier mounting attachment moveably mounted to a base, magnets mounted to the base, and an AF coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachment for producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of an optical axis of a lens of the lens carrier. The magnets may include a pair of first magnets laterally spaced along a first side of the camera and a pair of second magnets laterally spaced along a second side of the camera opposite the first side. The optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM includes an image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the base, and OIS coils moveably mounted to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic fields of the magnets, for producing forces for moving the image sensor carrier in directions orthogonal to the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Seyed Mohammad Javid Mahmoudzadeh, Aurelien R Hubert, Phillip R Sommer
-
Patent number: 11953672Abstract: An optical unit includes a first barrel, a second barrel, a third barrel, and a position detection unit. Eight magnets including first and second magnets are fixed to the first barrel. A first and second coils are fixed to the second barrel. The position detection unit includes a magnetic sensor configured to detect magnetic fields generated by the first and second magnets and to generate a detection signal having a corresponding relation with a position of the first barrel. The third barrel includes a position defining surface parallel to a moving direction of the first barrel. The position detection unit is fixed to the position defining surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Jun Shinzato, Masaru Inamura, Takehiko Iguchi
-
Patent number: 11940806Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a line laser module and an autonomous mobile device. The line laser module includes a fixed base, and a camera and a line laser emitter arranged on the fixed base. The line laser emitter is provided at one or more sides of the camera, and configured to emit a laser with a linear projection. The camera is configured to operate in conjunction with the line laser emitter, and to capture an environmental image. An infrared filter is arranged in front of the camera, and configured to allow only infrared light to enter the camera. The autonomous mobile device includes an infrared flashlight. The camera is configured to capture, at different time points, a first environmental image for distance measurement and a second environmental image for object identification.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Beijing Roborock Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Guang Yu, Mingchuan Wang, Yongji Long
-
Patent number: 11934031Abstract: A lens apparatus includes a lens holding member configured to hold a lens, a base member including an adhesive holding portion opened in an optical axis direction of the lens to hold an adhesive, the base member being provided on an outer periphery side of the lens holding member, an annular member arranged inside the base member to protrude at least in part from an outer peripheral surface of the lens holding member toward an inner peripheral surface of the base member and intersect with the optical axis direction, and a holding member configured to hold the lens holding member, wherein the annular member is held by the lens holding member and the holding member.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehiko Sato
-
Patent number: 11927181Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus (1) comprises a support structure (2) and a movable element (3) supported thereon by a suspension system (8, 10) that supports the movable element on the support structure and guides movement of the movable element along a movement axis. Two closely spaced lengths of SMA wire (4) that are close to parallel and inclined at the same acute angle with respect to a plane normal to the movement axis are connected to the support structure and to the movable element so as to apply respective forces to the movable element with respective components parallel to the movement axis that are in opposite directions. The two lengths of shape memory alloy wire apply a couple to the movable element perpendicular to the movement axis and the suspension system includes a pair of flexures or bearings that resist the resultant couple applied to the movable element by the lengths of SMA wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2019Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Brown, Andreas Flouris, James Howarth
-
Patent number: 11921347Abstract: An embodiment comprises: a housing comprising side parts, a first corner part, a second corner part, a third corner part, and a fourth corner part, in which each of the first corner part, the second corner part, the third corner part and the fourth corner is disposed between two adjacent side parts; a bobbin disposed in the housing; a first coil disposed on an outer surface of the bobbin; first magnets disposed on the side parts of the housing; a first circuit board disposed on the first corner part and comprising a first pad, a second pad, a third pad, a fourth pad, a fifth pad and a sixth pad; a first location sensor disposed on the first circuit board and electrically connected to the first pad, the second pad, the third pad, the fourth pad, the fifth pad and the sixth pad; first, second, third and fourth upper springs disposed apart from each other on the housing; and first and second lower springs coupled to a lower portion of the housing, electrically connected with the first coil, and coupled to the fiType: GrantFiled: June 29, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Ok Park, Sang Jun Min, Byung Wook Son
-
Patent number: 11874523Abstract: A lens moving apparatus can include a housing; a base disposed below the housing; a bobbin disposed inside the housing and configured to move in a first direction along or parallel with an optical axis within the housing; driving magnets disposed on the housing; a coil provided at an outer surface of the bobbin; an elastic member coupled to the bobbin and supporting the bobbin; a sensing magnet coupled to the bobbin; and a position sensor coupled to a printed circuit board, wherein the position sensor is configured to sense a displacement of the sensing magnet in the first direction, in which the bobbin includes a reception recess formed on the outer surface of the bobbin such that at least a part of the reception recess is located at an inside of the coil, the sensing magnet is disposed in the reception recess, and the position sensor is disposed on another side of the housing than sides on which the driving magnets are disposed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Seong Min Lee, Sang Ok Park, Hyune O Yoo, Byung Wook Son, Jun Taek Lee
-
Patent number: 11821410Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprises a first part, including a surface, a second part which moves relative to the first part across the surface and a resilient biasing element that biases the second part into contact with the first part so as to generate frictional forces therebetween for retaining the second part on the surface. At least one shape memory alloy actuator wire is connected between the first part and the second part and arranged to, on contraction thereof, apply a force to the second part with a component parallel to the surface that drives movement of the second part relative to the first part across the surface. Thus, the second part is retained on the surface when no power is applied to the shape memory alloy wire, and movement is achieved when power is applied.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Peter Van Wyk
-
Patent number: 11815792Abstract: A lens barrel is provided to be attached to a camera body that can reduce an outer diameter of a back end section of the lens barrel even when a member moving in an optical axis direction is disposed on the back end section of the lens barrel. A lens barrel includes a fixed cylinder, a lens holding frame that is disposed on an inner circumferential side of the fixed cylinder and can move in an optical axis direction relative to the fixed cylinder, a guide cylinder that is disposed on an outer circumferential side of the fixed cylinder and can move, together with the lens holding frame, in the optical axis direction relative to the fixed cylinder, and a rotary cylinder that is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the fixed cylinder and can rotate relative to the fixed cylinder. A front end section of the guide cylinder and the rotary cylinder are disposed further on a front side than a connection part that connects the lens holding frame and the guide cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Inventor: Junichi Endo
-
Patent number: 11774742Abstract: An optical unit for endoscope includes: a moving barrel which is a soft magnetic body, configured to hold a lens; a fixed barrel which is a non-magnetic body, configured to movably hold the moving barrel on an inner circumferential face; a pair of yokes arranged on an outer face of the fixed barrel; a coil wound around the outer face of the fixed barrel and a magnet arranged on a part in the circumferential direction, between the pair of yokes; and a magnetic body member with magnetism stronger than magnetism of the moving barrel, the magnetic body member being arranged on a part of the moving barrel in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Shun Ogi
-
Patent number: 11771248Abstract: A drinking dramatization glass includes: a glass body being a bottomed cylinder body having a curved part that curves in the horizontal direction as well as a top opening; a fixing mechanism for fixing a video display device on the glass body; and an image aspect ratio control part for changing the aspect ratio of an image on the video display device. The drinking dramatization glass is configured to compensate for a horizontal distortion of images viewed through the drink in the glass.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: NETAPPLI CO., LTD.Inventor: Makoto Nishida
-
Patent number: 11754801Abstract: An optical driving apparatus includes an actuator configured to drive an optical element holder in an optical axis direction, a first rolling member and a second rolling member each fixed rollably to the optical element holder, a first guide member configured to guide the optical element holder in the optical axis direction, a second guide member configured to restrict the optical element holder from rotating around the first guide member, a first biasing member configured to generate a first biasing force to press the first rolling member against the first guide member, and a second biasing member configured to generate a second biasing force to press the second rolling member against the second guide member. The first biasing member generates the first biasing force as a magnetic force. A reaction force of the second biasing force acts on the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Ryo Abe
-
Patent number: 11719904Abstract: Optical arrangements for small size wide angle auto focus imaging lens for high resolution sensors are disclosed herein. An example optical assembly includes a first lens holder, a second lens holder, a first lens group, a biasing element, and a variable focus optical element. The first lens holder includes a collar having an internal flange forming a spring seat and the first lens group is disposed within the first lens holder. The second lens holder includes a collar defining a chamber and is coupled to the collar of the first lens holder. The variable focus optical element is disposed within the chamber of the second lens holder and the biasing element is disposed within the chamber of the second lens holder between the spring seat and the variable focus optical element and configured to apply a threshold force to the variable focus optical element.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Alexander J. Naney, Igor Vinogradov
-
Patent number: 11681119Abstract: An optical driving apparatus includes a holder configured to hold an optical element and including a first contact portion and a second contact portion that are spaced from each other in an optical axis direction, a guide member configured to contact the first contact portion and the second contact portion and to guide the holder in the optical axis direction, and a biasing member configured to generate a biasing force serving as a magnetic force configured to bias the holder so that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are pressed against the guide member. The biasing member is disposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion in the optical axis direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Makoto Oikawa
-
Patent number: 11668949Abstract: An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, and a driving assembly. The fixed part has a main axis. The fixed part includes a case made of non-metal material and a bottom. The case and the bottom are arranged along the main axis. The movable part moves relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed part.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Meng-Ting Lin, Sin-Jhong Song
-
Patent number: 11650394Abstract: An embodiment comprises: a housing comprising a plurality of protrusions arranged on the upper surface thereof; a magnet arranged on a side portion of the housing; a bobbin having a first coil arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the bobbin being configured to move by means of an interaction between the magnet and the first coil; an upper elastic member coupled to the bobbin and to the housing; and a sensing coil arranged on the side portion of the housing between the protrusions and the magnet, the sensing coil being configured to generate an induction voltage by means of an interaction with the first coil, wherein at least a part of the upper elastic member is arranged on the upper surface of the housing between the protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Seung Taek Shin, Jin Suk Han
-
Patent number: 11638067Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to a system for adjusting a focus of an image. A system includes a phased metalens configured to adjust a focus of an image detected by an imaging substrate of an image sensor to compensate for warpage of the imaging substrate. The phased metalens can achieve a near-diffraction-limited focusing over incoming light wavelengths using precisely defined nanoscale subwavelength resolution structures.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Aptiv Technologies LimitedInventors: Ronald M. Taylor, James Nicholas Nickolaou
-
Patent number: 11616899Abstract: A camera system may include one or more controllers to perform in-field monitoring of autofocus performance and instability mitigation. The controllers may monitor one or more parameters associated with adjustment of a relative position between a lens group and an image sensor and/or one or more images. The controllers may analyze the parameters and/or images to calculate various metrics. The controllers may evaluate the metrics with respect to corresponding thresholds. The controllers may detect, based at least in part of the evaluation the metrics, one or more instability events associated with controller performance degradation. In response to detecting the instability events, the controllers may perform one or more remedial actions to mitigate the controller performance degradation.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Abhishek Dhanda, Yunfeng Li, Santiago Alban, Andrew D. Fernandez
-
Patent number: 11614613Abstract: Embodiments of video inspection systems with moveably dockable camera control units (CCUs) which may include a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, a video inspection system includes two frame elements which each have a handle. The frame elements may be moved into multiple positions and orientations relative to each other and provide a secure stand for a CCU. The CCU may be attached and detached from the frame elements. The handles may be used to carry the frame elements with or without the CCU attached. The handles may be slip resistant to provide a stable support for a CCU when the frame elements are positioned on a surface. Docking apparatus are provided to allow a CCU, tablet, pad, laptop, or smartphone to be attached to the frame elements and put in a variety of positions or orientations to make viewing convenient for a user.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: SEESCAN, INCInventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael J. Martin, Alexander L. Warren, Garrett A. Newby, Gina M. Hartman
-
Patent number: 11582388Abstract: In some embodiments, a camera actuator includes an actuator base, an autofocus voice coil motor, and an optical image stabilization voice coil motor. In some embodiments, the autofocus voice coil motor includes a lens carrier mounting attachment moveably mounted to the actuator base, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base, and an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachment for producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of an optical axis of one or more lenses of the lens carrier. In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization voice coil motor includes an image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the actuator base, and optical image stabilization coils moveably mounted to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic fields of the shared magnets, for producing forces for moving the image sensor carrier in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Qiang Yang, Douglas S. Brodie, Scott W. Miller, Shashank Sharma
-
Patent number: 11573393Abstract: Various embodiments include a camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement. For example, the position sensing arrangement may be used to determine a position of a moveable lens group and/or a moveable image sensor. According to some embodiments, a base structure of the camera may include a cutout that allows for a protrusion of a lens carrier to extend (e.g., in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the camera) past at least a portion of the base structure. A probe magnet may be attached to the protrusion of the lens carrier, and a position sensor for sensing magnetic fields of the probe magnet may be attached to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zachary W. Birnbaum, Nicholas D. Smyth
-
Patent number: 11555978Abstract: The proposed invention relates to a camera module with an optical image stabilization function. A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrically connected to an image sensor is implemented to serve as an electrical path and at the same time, serve to provide an elastic restoring force in directions of a plurality of axes, thereby further miniaturizing and lightening the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: MCNEX CO., LTD.Inventors: Jang Ho Lim, Jae Hoon Kim, Chang Il Jang, Jae Hun Jo, Ki Sung Yoo, Jeong Won No, Tae Youn Hwang
-
Patent number: 11543620Abstract: Provided are a lens barrel and an imaging device, with which it is possible to lock an optical member of which the movement in an optical axis direction is made free in a case where there is no electrification, particularly to hold the optical member in a locked state without use of electric power. A movable frame that holds a focus lens is driven in the optical axis direction by a linear motor. In a case where the movable frame is to be locked with the linear motor being not electrified, the movable frame (engagement portion) is caused to abut onto a restriction portion at an end portion of the movable range of the movable frame and a locking ring is caused to rotationally move to a locking position by an electric actuator. Accordingly, the movable frame is fixed by the restriction portion and a locking portion of the locking ring to become unable to move.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Takeya Abe, Kenji Hoshino, Hideo Kobayashi, Yuichi Kawanabe
-
Patent number: 11525979Abstract: A focus-adjustment apparatus which can be applied during manufacture of camera modules includes a rotation mechanism, a drive mechanism, an elevating mechanism, an optoelectronic chip, and a lens module. The rotation mechanism includes a container and movable latch rods therein. The drive mechanism can rotate the rotation mechanism, and the elevating mechanism with optoelectronic chip attached is under the rotation mechanism. The lens module includes a support element adjacent to the optoelectronic chip, an adjustment structure rotatably disposed on the support element, and a lens above the optoelectronic chip in the adjustment structure. When the elevating mechanism raises the lens module and the drive mechanism rotates the rotation mechanism, at least one of the latch rods rotates the adjustment structure, so as to change the distance between the lens and the optoelectronic chip and achieve correct focus.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Nanning FuLian FuGui Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chan-Shen Liu, Heng-Peng Liu
-
Patent number: 11522472Abstract: A multi-axis MEMS assembly includes: a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator configured to provide linear three-axis movement, the micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator including: an in-plane MEMS actuator, and an out-of-plane MEMS actuator including a multi-morph piezoelectric actuator; an optoelectronic device coupled to the in-plane MEMS actuator; and a lens barrel assembly coupled to the out-of-plane MEMS actuator.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: MEMS Drive (Nanjing) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Guiqin Wang, Xiaolei Liu
-
Patent number: 11519489Abstract: Gear drive systems used with a camera comprise a housing with an electric drive gear disposed outside of the housing. A host gear is engaged with the drive gear and is rotatably disposed on a stationary shaft extending from the housing. An adapter is attached to the host gear and extends axially outwardly therefrom. A secondary gear is attached to the adapter and comprises a plurality of teeth disposed along an outside diameter. The secondary gear is releasably attached to the adapter by retaining elements and is fixed rotatably to the adapter by registration elements. The secondary gear is attached to the adapter by a push on snap-fit, and is removed from the adapter by being pulled off, thereby avoiding the need for tools to interchange a secondary gear having a desired configuration of teeth to engage a camera optical adjustment element such as a lens ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Panavision International, L.P.Inventors: Daniel Aguinaldo, Christopher Michael Konash
-
Patent number: 11513310Abstract: A cylindrical actuator sub-assembly (100, 200, 300) comprising: an element (14, 24, 34) movable along a longitudinal axis (A), at least one actuating member and a guidance mechanism suitable for guiding the element, wherein aid guidance mechanism includes a first ring-shaped lever (11, 21, 31) and a second ring-shaped lever (11?, 21?, 31?) that are parallel to each other, at least two straight axial flexures (12, 12?; 22, 22?; 32, 32?), at least two flexures (16, 16?; 27, 27?; 36, 36?) and at least two bases (13, 13?; 23, 23?; 33, 33?), a first base carrying the movable element.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: ACTUATOR SOLUTIONS GMBHInventors: Neven Bobic, Tobias Schumm
-
Patent number: 11513334Abstract: A periscope lens module of a mobile terminal and the mobile terminal are disclosed. The periscope lens module includes a motor housing and a lens. The lens includes an enclosure, a first lens, and a second lens. The enclosure includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder connected to the first cylinder. At least one gap penetrating a sidewall of the first cylinder is disposed on the sidewall. The first lens is fastened in the first cylinder, and the second lens is fastened in the second cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: An Li, Qingping Wang, Kaicheng Zhou
-
Patent number: 11493825Abstract: A VCM is disclosed, the VCM including a rotor having a first driving unit and arranged therein with a lens, a stator having a second driving unit wrapping the first driving unit and being opposite to the first driving unit, a base supporting the stator and having an opening formed at a position corresponding to that of the lens, a connection terminal including a pair of first and second connection terminals arranged at an upper surface of the base, and an elastic member including a first elastic member coupled to the rotor and electrically connected the first connection terminal and a second elastic member coupled to the rotor and electrically connected the second connection terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Seong Min Lee, Sang Ok Park, Jun Taek Lee
-
Patent number: 11454778Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a lens module. The lens module includes a lens barrel, a lens, and a pressing ring abutted against the lens from an image side. The pressing ring includes an upper surface close to an object side, a lower surface, an inner connecting surface, and an outer connecting surface. The outer connecting surface is abutted against the lens barrel, the upper surface is provided with a boss extending towards the object side. The lens module provided by the present disclosure can ensure the assembly precision of the pressing ring and improve the yield rate of the lens module.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: AAC Optics Solutions Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Jie Ma
-
Patent number: 11457131Abstract: An actuator of a camera module includes: driving wires to drive a lens barrel in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis; a driver to provide a driving signal in the form of a pulse to the driving wires; and a controller to generate a control signal based on a target position of the lens barrel and a present position of the lens barrel, to control the driver, and to generate resistance offsets between the driving wires based on resistance slope of each of the driving wires.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gyu Won Kim
-
Patent number: 11448199Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprises a first part, including a surface, a second part which moves relative to the first part across the surface and a resilient biasing element that biases the second part into contact with the first part so as to generate frictional forces therebetween for retaining the second part on the surface. At least one shape memory alloy actuator wire is connected between the first part and the second part and arranged to, on contraction thereof, apply a force to the second part with a component parallel to the surface that drives movement of the second part relative to the first part across the surface. Thus, the second part is retained on the surface when no power is applied to the shape memory alloy wire, and movement is achieved when power is applied.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Cambridge Mechatronics LimitedInventors: Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Peter Van Wyk
-
Patent number: 11428894Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide a discrete focusing lens assembly. Some embodiments are designed to enable repositioning of one or more components, such as a lens barrel assembly, to adjust the focus of the discrete focusing lens assembly. Some example discrete focusing lens assemblies include a module base housing a lens barrel assembly having a pair of positioning magnets, a pair of positioning coil assemblies associated with the positioning magnets, and at least one module alignment pin positioning and/or aligning some or all of the components. The positioning coil assemblies together with the positioning magnets are configured to exert various magnetic fields to reposition the lens barrel assembly. Further embodiments are provided for imaging apparatus including at least one discrete focusing lens assembly described herein. Further, embodiments are provided for processes for assembling a discrete focusing lens assembly described herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Chen Feng, Tao Xian, Paul Poloniewicz, Scott Bracken
-
Patent number: 11415772Abstract: A motor for driving lenses is provided. The motor includes a case, a yoke fixed in the case, a magnet fixed in the yoke, a carrier equipped with lenses and installed in the magnet such that the carrier moves up and down within the magnet, a coil coupled with the carrier, in which the coil cooperates with the magnet to move up and down the carrier, a spring unit including first and second springs having arc shapes and being separated from each other while forming a ring shape as a whole a spacer supporting the outer peripheral surface of the spring unit, and a terminal provided on the spacer.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Ok Park, Sang Hee Lee
-
Patent number: 11397369Abstract: A driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, a driving assembly and a buffering element. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion for holding an optical element having a main axis. The driving assembly is disposed in the fixed portion for moving the movable portion relative to the fixed portion. The buffering element is disposed between the movable portion and the fixed portion, wherein a stopping assembly is disposed on the fixed portion and/or the movable portion to limit the range of motion of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion, the buffering element is not in contact with the movable portion or the fixed portion when the movable portion is static, and the hardness of the buffering element is less than the hardness of the stopping assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Fu-Yuan Wu, Sin-Jhong Song
-
Patent number: 11372235Abstract: A deformable mirror has a mirror front face and a mirror back exposed surface. An elastomeric support structure is connected to the mirror back exposed surface. The elastomeric support structure includes a multitude of microchannels wherein the microchannels have a closed end located proximate the mirror back exposed surface and an open end located away from the mirror back exposed surface. A fluid pressure source is connected to the open end of the microchannels. A power source and control system are connected to the fluid pressure source.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Andrew J. Pascall, Kerry G. Krauter
-
Patent number: 11372237Abstract: A projector includes a light outputting apparatus that outputs video light, a projection system that enlarges and projects the video light, and an optical device disposed between the light outputting apparatus and the projection system. The optical device includes a movable section including a glass plate (optical section) having a light incident surface on which the video light is incident, a shaft section that swingably supports the movable section around a first swing axis, and an actuator that causes the movable section to swing. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft section viewed in the direction along the first swing axis is a shape having a plurality of recesses recessed inward.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2021Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Shinichi Wakabayashi, Masatoshi Ito
-
Patent number: 11320626Abstract: A lens autofocus actuating device includes a fixing ring, which is disposed on an upper surface of a base; a plurality of position limiting members, which is stood on the fixing ring; a lens carrier, which is disposed above the base and located between the position limiting members, wherein an outer side surface has a plurality of protrusions and cavities and a disposing space is consisted of one of the cavities and the corresponding position limiting member; an actuating member, which is disposed on the upper surface of the base and has two electrode terminal pairs and two shape-memory alloy wire; a plurality of balls, which is positioned in the corresponding disposing space and contact to the surfaces of the position limiting member and the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventor: Chi-Wei Chiu
-
Patent number: 11313732Abstract: A Ti—Ni-based alloy, which has a torsion angle for Interface I that is a junction plane between habit plane variants of a martensitic phase, of less than 1.00°; a wire, an electrically conductive actuator, and a temperature sensor, each of which uses that alloy; and a method of producing the Ti—Ni-based alloy.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignees: FURUKAWA TECHNO MATERIAL CO., LTD., TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Sumio Kise, Fumiyoshi Yamashita, Misato Fujii, Tomonari Inamura, Hideki Hosoda, Yuri Shinohara, Masaki Tahara, Ryota Morishige, Keisuke Saito
-
Patent number: 11314035Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable optical element supporting structure comprising a first structure group, a second structure group, a third structure group and a fourth structure group. The second structure group is disposed on the first structure group, the third structure group is disposed on the second structure group, and the fourth structure group is disposed on the third structure group. Each of the first structure group, the second structure group and the third structure group includes a supporting beam and a node assemble, and the position of the node assemble can be adjusted along a radial or a tangential direction. The fourth structure group is a supporting member having three branches, and a supporting pad made by an elastic material is disposed on the supporting member for supporting an optical element. Accordingly, the present invention can evenly support the optical element having different sizes and structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIESInventor: Yi-Kai Huang
-
Patent number: 11310406Abstract: A photographing module includes a metal cover, a base, a lens portion and a leaf spring. The lens portion is displaceably disposed in an inner space. The leaf spring is assembled with the lens portion and includes an inner fixing portion, an outer fixing portion and an elastic portion. The inner fixing portion is assembled with the lens portion. The outer fixing portion contacts and is fixedly disposed with the metal cover. The elastic portion connects the inner fixing portion and the outer fixing portion. The leaf spring further includes a plurality of contact portions and a plurality of auxiliary elastic portions. Each of the auxiliary elastic portions connects the outer fixing portion and one of the contact portions. For the leaf spring, only the contact portions thereof contact side plates of the metal cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2021Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: LARGAN DIGITAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Te-Sheng Tseng, Wen-Hung Hsu, Ming-Ta Chou
-
Patent number: 11256107Abstract: A lens driving apparatus with a lens portion having at least one lens, a base portion on which an image sensor detecting light coming through said lens portion can be fixed, a driving portion capable of relatively moving said lens portion in a vertical direction to a light axis of said lens portion and in a parallel direction to the light axis of said lens portion with respect to said base portion, and at least three suspension wires connecting a focus portion including said lens portion and said base portion so as to allow a relative movement. The suspension wires are arranged outside a magnet of said driving portion along the vertical direction to the light axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: TDK Taiwan CorporationInventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Fu-Yuan Wu, Yi-Lang Chan
-
Patent number: 11181713Abstract: A camera module is provided, including a holder, a base, a bottom, an image sensor, and a first biasing element. The holder holds an optical lens and is disposed on the base. The bottom supports the image sensor and connects to the base via the first biasing element. The bottom and the image sensor can be moved with respect to the base by the first biasing element.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Chen-Hsien Fan, Yi-Liang Chan
-
Patent number: 11115572Abstract: A camera device in or on a vehicle includes a lens module, a driving module having at least one shape memory alloy wire, and a converting module. The camera device is connected to a control device and receives control signals from the control device. The control signal drives the lens module to move for purpose of automatic focusing by applying heat to energize or de-energize the length or shape of the shape memory alloy wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: TRIPLE WIN TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO. LTD.Inventors: Yu-An Cho, Nai-Cyun Ke, Che-Ming Liu
-
Patent number: 11092876Abstract: A camera module includes a support structure having an internal space, a first movable body movably disposed inside the support structure, a second movable body elevatably disposed in an internal space of the first movable body, and a driving unit disposed in at least one of a space between the support structure and the first movable body and a space between the first movable body and the second movable body. The driving unit includes a driving wire, formed of a shape memory alloy, and a spring disposed to overlap the driving wire. The first and second movable bodies are moved by driving force applied in one direction by the driving wire, and driving force applied in another direction by the spring.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gyu Won Kim
-
Patent number: 11070152Abstract: An optical driving mechanism is provided, disposed in an electronic device, including a movable portion, a fixed portion, and a sensing assembly. The movable portion has a holder configured to sustain an optical element. The fixed portion is affixed in the electronic element and connects to the movable portion, wherein the movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion by applying a magnetic force. The sensing assembly has a coil and a magnetic element configured to sense the relative positions of the movable portion and the fixed portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventor: Yi-Liang Chan
-
Patent number: 11067768Abstract: An optical member driving mechanism is provided, including a first module, a second module, a driving module, and an electronic member module. The driving module can drive the second module to move relative to the first module. The electronic member module includes at least one electronic member, at least one lead frame, and a package member. The lead frame is connected to the electronic member and an external circuit outside the optical member driving mechanism. The package member has a single material and covers the electronic member and the lead frame. The lead frame is exposed from the package member, and the electronic member is not exposed therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Shao-Kuang Huang, Chih-Wei Weng, Sin-Jhong Song
-
Patent number: 11029453Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical system, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, an aperture unit and a first driving assembly. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion and used to hold an optical element. The aperture unit is disposed on the movable portion and corresponds to the optical element. The first driving assembly is disposed in the fixed portion to drive the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: TDK Taiwan Corp.Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Che-Wei Chang, Liang-Ting Ho, Sin-Jhong Song, Hsin-Yen Wu