Patents by Inventor Douglas S. Brodie
Douglas S. Brodie has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9684184Abstract: Some embodiments provide an actuator module for optical image stabilization of a lens assembly relative to an image sensor in a camera. In some embodiments, the actuator module includes a coil mounting structure. One or more optical image stabilization (OIS) coils is mounted to the coil mounting structure. The actuator module further includes a lens assembly structure configured to hold a lens assembly. One or more autofocus coils is affixed to the lens assembly structure. The actuator module further includes a spring assembly for coupling the coil mounting structure to the lens assembly structure, such that the lens assembly structure is movable relative to the coil mounting structure. The actuator module further includes a plurality of trapezoidal magnets affixed to the lens assembly structure for magnetic interaction with one or more of the one or more optical image stabilization coils and the one or more autofocus coils.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott W. Miller, Douglas S. Brodie, Aurelien R. Hubert
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Patent number: 9681031Abstract: In some embodiments, the actuator module includes an voice coil motor base, a coil rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base, a lens movement mechanism suspended on the voice coil motor base by a suspension means configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera, and a plurality of magnets rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Brodie, Scott W. Miller
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Patent number: 9681053Abstract: In some embodiments, an image sensor mechanically coupled to a base of a camera module. A coil assembly is mechanically coupled to the base of the camera module. The coil assembly includes terminals for connections to respective ones of coils through leads routed through thin areas leading to coil housings. The coils include optical image stabilization coils mounted perpendicular to the image sensor on each of a plurality of faces of the camera actuator module.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott W. Miller, Douglas S. Brodie, Yoshiyuki Takase
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Patent number: 9634225Abstract: An artificial muscle structure has an electro-active polymer (EAP) layer having a frusto-conical shape and whose tip has an opening formed therein for use as a camera variable aperture. First, second and third electrode segments are formed on a rear face of the EAP layer. The second segment is positioned in a gap between the first and third segments so as to be electrically isolated from the first and third segments. The second segment has an opening formed therein that is aligned with the opening in the EAP layer. A complementary electrode is formed on a front face of the EAP layer. Other embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Douglas S. Brodie, Iain A. McAllister, Jeffrey N. Gleason
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Patent number: 9591221Abstract: An actuator module for optical image stabilization of a lens assembly relative to an image sensor in a camera includes a coil mounting structure. A plurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) coils is mounted to the coil mounting structure. Some embodiments include a lens assembly structure configured to hold a lens assembly. A plurality of magnets is affixed to the lens assembly structure. Some embodiments include a spring assembly for coupling the coil mounting structure to the lens assembly structure, such that the lens assembly structure is movable relative to the coil mounting structure in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens assembly. The lens assembly comprises a light input side and an opposing light exit side for providing light for an image to an image sensor. The plurality of OIS coils is mounted closer to the light input side than the plurality of magnets.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott W. Miller, David C. Beard, Douglas S. Brodie, Aurelien R. Hubert
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Publication number: 20170054883Abstract: A camera module includes a lens carrier that houses a lens, electrical components of optical path modifiers positioned on the lens carrier, an image sensor, and a controller that is to generate commands for operating the optical path modifiers. A printed circuit assembly positioned on the lens carrier is electrically coupled to suspension wires. The printed circuit assembly includes a printed circuit that has installed thereon a serial bus communications interface circuit that is to receive the commands from the controller through one of the suspension wires, and a translation circuit that is to translate the commands into control signals that are to operate or drive the optical path modifiers via the electrical components and according to the commands, respectively. Other embodiments are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2015Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventors: Shashank Sharma, Douglas S. Brodie
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Publication number: 20160334600Abstract: A compact optic design is disclosed in which an image capture device's cover glass (or other transparent material) is imbued with optic power and affixed directly to the device's housing. A lens barrel, in which one or more additional lens elements are mounted, may be aligned with the optical lens formed by the cover glass and an image sensor to provide a complete camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Douglas S. Brodie, Miodrag Scepanovic
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Patent number: 9420155Abstract: A compact optic design is disclosed in which an image capture device's cover glass (or other transparent material) is imbued with optic power and affixed directly to the device's housing. A lens barrel, in which one or more additional lens elements are mounted, may be aligned with the optical lens formed by the cover glass and an image sensor to provide a complete camera module.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Brodie, Miodrag Scepanovic
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Publication number: 20160070115Abstract: Some embodiments provide an actuator module for optical image stabilization of a lens assembly relative to an image sensor in a camera. In some embodiments, the actuator module includes a coil mounting structure. One or more optical image stabilization (OIS) coils is mounted to the coil mounting structure. The actuator module further includes a lens assembly structure configured to hold a lens assembly. One or more autofocus coils is affixed to the lens assembly structure. The actuator module further includes a spring assembly for coupling the coil mounting structure to the lens assembly structure, such that the lens assembly structure is movable relative to the coil mounting structure. The actuator module further includes a plurality of trapezoidal magnets affixed to the lens assembly structure for magnetic interaction with one or more of the one or more optical image stabilization coils and the one or more autofocus coils.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Scott W. Miller, Douglas S. Brodie, Aurelien R. Hubert
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Publication number: 20160070114Abstract: Passive dampers (e.g., a viscoelastic material such as a silicon gel) may be applied at one or more locations within an actuator module along wires suspending a moving component (an optics assembly) from a fixed component (e.g., a base of an actuator module). The passive dampers act to passively dampen the motion of the optics assembly on the XY plane within the actuator module during optical image stabilization (OIS) of the optics assembly when subjected to external excitation or disturbance, and may also provide Z (optical) axis damping and impact protection. Process control and automation manufacturing and assembly methods for an OIS voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module including passive dampers are described, as well as design elements that provide for the integrity and reliability of the passive dampers over the life cycle of the actuator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Steven Webster, Douglas S. Brodie
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Publication number: 20160014339Abstract: In some embodiments, an image sensor mechanically coupled to a base of a camera module. A coil assembly is mechanically coupled to the base of the camera module. The coil assembly includes terminals for connections to respective ones of coils through leads routed through thin areas leading to coil housings. The coils include optical image stabilization coils mounted perpendicular to the image sensor on each of a plurality of faces of the camera actuator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Scott W. Miller, Douglas S. Brodie, Yoshiyuki Takase
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Publication number: 20150365568Abstract: Some embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an actuator module. The actuator module includes a plurality of magnets. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet. The apparatus further includes a coil rigidly disposed around a lens. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: RIchard J. Topliss, Douglas S. Brodie, Anthony J. Rossetti, Richard H. Tsai, Richard L. Baer
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Publication number: 20150358528Abstract: In some embodiments, the actuator module includes an voice coil motor base, a coil rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base, a lens movement mechanism suspended on the voice coil motor base by a suspension means configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera, and a plurality of magnets rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Douglas S. Brodie, Scott W. Miller
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Patent number: 9179055Abstract: This application relates primarily to various apparatus and method for securing and protecting a camera module within a device housing. The securing and protecting elements are configured to take up minimal space within the device housing so that available space for the camera module is maximized. In some embodiments the securing elements can also include grounding features.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lee E. Hooton, Douglas S. Brodie, Matthew D. Hill, Nicholas G. Merz, Scott A. Myers, Terence N. Tam
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Publication number: 20150212336Abstract: Passive dampers (e.g., a viscoelastic material such as a silicon gel) may be applied at one or more locations within an actuator module between a moving component (an optics assembly) and a fixed component (e.g., a cover attached to a base). The passive dampers act to passively dampen the motion of the optics assembly on the XY plane within the actuator module during optical image stabilization (OIS) of the optics assembly when subjected to external excitation or disturbance, and may also provide Z (optical) axis damping and impact protection. Process control and automation manufacturing and assembly methods for an OIS voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module including passive dampers are described, as well as design elements that provide for the integrity and reliability of the passive dampers over the life cycle of the actuator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Douglas S. Brodie
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Publication number: 20150195439Abstract: An actuator module for optical image stabilization of a lens assembly relative to an image sensor in a camera includes a coil mounting structure. A plurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) coils is mounted to the coil mounting structure. Some embodiments include a lens assembly structure configured to hold a lens assembly. A plurality of magnets is affixed to the lens assembly structure. Some embodiments include a spring assembly for coupling the coil mounting structure to the lens assembly structure, such that the lens assembly structure is movable relative to the coil mounting structure in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens assembly. The lens assembly comprises a light input side and an opposing light exit side for providing light for an image to an image sensor. The plurality of OIS coils is mounted closer to the light input side than the plurality of magnets.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: July 9, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Scott W. Miller, David C. Beard, Douglas S. Brodie, Aurelien R. Hubert
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Publication number: 20150062419Abstract: This application relates primarily to various apparatus and method for securing and protecting a camera module within a device housing. The securing and protecting elements are configured to take up minimal space within the device housing so that available space for the camera module is maximized. In some embodiments the securing elements can also include grounding features.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lee E. Hooton, Douglas S. Brodie, Matthew D. Hill, Nicholas G. Merz, Scott A. Myers, Terence N. Tam
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Publication number: 20140168799Abstract: An artificial muscle structure has an electro-active polymer (EAP) layer having a frusto-conical shape and whose tip has an opening formed therein for use as a camera variable aperture. First, second and third electrode segments are formed on a rear face of the EAP layer. The second segment is positioned in a gap between the first and third segments so as to be electrically isolated from the first and third segments. The second segment has an opening formed therein that is aligned with the opening in the EAP layer. A complementary electrode is formed on a front face of the EAP layer. Other embodiments are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Douglas S. Brodie, Iain A. McAllister, Jeffrey N. Gleason
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Publication number: 20140071327Abstract: A compact optic design is disclosed in which an image capture device's cover glass (or other transparent material) is imbued with optic power and affixed directly to the device's housing. A lens barrel, in which one or more additional lens elements are mounted, may be aligned with the optical lens formed by the cover glass and an image sensor to provide a complete camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Brodie, Miodrag Scepanovic