Optics, Lens Shifting Patents (Class 348/208.11)
  • Patent number: 10972667
    Abstract: An optical image stabilization apparatus includes an image stabilization element, a movable member configured to hold the image stabilization element, a support member configured to movably support the movable member, a coil held by one of the movable member and the support member, and a magnet held by the other of the movable member and the support member and opposite to the coil. The optical image stabilization apparatus drives the movable member by electrifying the coil to correct an image blur, and further includes a nonmagnetic conductor configured to cover a surface different from a magnet opposing surface of the coil that faces the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinsuke Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10942419
    Abstract: A camera module includes a housing having an internal space, a first moving body movably disposed in the internal space, a second moving body movably disposed in an internal space of the first moving body, a driving member including optical image stabilization (OIS) driving wires formed of a shape memory alloy, a first board to which at least one end of each OIS driving wire is connected, and a second board, disposed internally of the first board, to which each OIS driving wire is connected, and an autofocusing (AF) driving member including AF driving wires formed of a shape memory alloy, a frame bar, and a mounting bar disposed in a central portion of the frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Ki Eom
  • Patent number: 10942422
    Abstract: A camera module includes a plastic carrier, an imaging lens assembly, a reflective element and a plurality of auto-focusing elements. The plastic carrier includes an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein an inner space is defined by the inner portion, and the outer portion includes at least one mounting structure. The imaging lens assembly is disposed in the inner space of the plastic carrier. The reflective element is for folding an image light by a reflective surface of the reflective element into the imaging lens assembly. The auto-focusing elements include at least two magnets and at least one wiring element, wherein the auto-focusing elements are for moving the plastic carrier along a second optical axis of the imaging lens assembly, and the magnets or the wiring element can be disposed on the mounting structure of the outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: LARGAN DIGITAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Te-Sheng Tseng, Ming-Ta Chou, Wen-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 10935808
    Abstract: An electromagnetic driving module is provided which includes a frame, a magnetic element, a base, and an OIS driving coil. The frame surrounds a main axis. The magnetic element is disposed on the frame and has an engaging surface in contact with the frame. The base is arranged to be adjacent to the frame. The OIS driving coil for driving the movement of the frame in a direction that is perpendicular to the main axis is disposed on the base and arranged to correspond to the magnetic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Yi-Ho Chen, Kuo-Chun Kao, Yi-Hsin Nieh
  • Patent number: 10931872
    Abstract: A method to maximize use of the field of view for an imaging system is provided herein. An imaging device can be part of the imaging system and include a detection unit and an alignment unit. The method includes capturing an initial image of an object and then calculating a rotational angle and zoom factor for the object in order to maximize the object's footprint within the field of view. Once the calculations are complete a computer can instruct the detection and alignment units to reconfigure their orientations relative to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignees: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS PTE LIMITED, PIERCE BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Yanpeng Cao, Suk Hong, Tiong Han Toh, Steven Yeo, Benyong Shi, Kok Siong Teo, Brian Webb
  • Patent number: 10921547
    Abstract: An embodiment comprises: a housing comprising a first protrusion and a second protrusion on the lower part; a bobbin disposed inside the housing; a first coil disposed on the bobbin; a magnet disposed in the housing and opposite from the first coil; a second coil disposed on the outer lateral surface of the housing; an upper elastic member coupled to the upper part of the bobbin; and a lower elastic member coupled to the lower part of the bobbin. The lower elastic member comprises a first spring, a second spring, a third spring and a fourth spring which are disposed away from each other. One part of the second coil is wound at least once around the first protrusion and is connected to the first spring. The other part of the second coil is wound at least once around the second protrusion and is connected to the second spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Cheol Kim, Kap Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 10904440
    Abstract: An image sensor driving mechanism includes a fixed assembly, a movable assembly, and a driving assembly. The movable assembly includes a circuit component. The circuit component includes a circuit main body and a movable suspension arm. The circuit main body is configured to hold an image sensor. The movable suspension arm is elastically connected to the circuit main body and the fixed assembly. The image sensor is electrically connected to the fixed assembly via the circuit component. The image sensor extends in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis. The drive assembly is configured to drive the movable assembly to move relative to the fixed assembly. The movable suspension arm includes a section that extends in a different direction than the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Chen-Chi Kuo, Yi-Ho Chen, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 10884258
    Abstract: A prism apparatus, and a camera and an image display apparatus including the same are disclosed. The prism apparatus includes: a first prism configured to reflect input light toward a first reflected direction, a first actuator configured to change an angle of the first prism about a first rotation axis to change the first reflected direction based on a first control signal, a second prism configured to reflect the light reflected from the first prism toward a second reflected direction, and a second actuator configured to change an angle of the second prism about a second rotation axis to change the second reflected direction based on a second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Dongryeol Lee, Jayong Lee, Hyungjoo Kang, Kwanhyung Kim, Jongwoo Jeong
  • Patent number: 10873702
    Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods for adaptive image processing in an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV). In various embodiments, an image sensor may capture an image, while a processor of the UAV obtains attitude information from one or more attitude sensors. Such information may include the relative attitude of the UAV and changes in attitude. The processor of the UAV may determine a UAV motion mode based, at least in part, on the obtained attitude information. The UAV motion mode may result in the modification of yaw correction parameters. The processor of the UAV may further execute yaw filtering on the image based, at least in part, on the determined motion mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Yin Huang, Liang Zhang, Xiaoyi Zhu, Ruowei Wang, Jiangtao Ren
  • Patent number: 10873701
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of compositing a plurality of continuously captured images is provided that includes a first detection unit configured to detect shake of the image pickup apparatus; a second detection unit configured to detect a moving amount of a captured image captured by an imaging unit; a correction unit configured to correct image blur of an image caused by shake of the image pickup apparatus; a control unit configured to calculate a blur amount of a background in the captured image from a shake detection signal detected by the first detection unit and the moving amount detected by the second detection unit and to control image blur correction performed by the correction unit; and a combining unit configured to combine a plurality of captured images with corrected image blur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hitoshi Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 10819908
    Abstract: An image sensor that obtains an image in which shake is corrected, while at the same time suppresses an increase in the circuit size, is disclosed. The image sensor has a plurality of pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a light-sensitive element that detects the incidence of single photons; and a counter that counts a pulse contained in a signal. The image sensor further comprises a control unit that, on the basis of detected shake, switches a signal of the light-sensitive element supplied to the counter in a pixel, or replaces a count value of the counter of the pixel with a count value of the counter in another pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Kumaki, Hirokazu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10791271
    Abstract: Implementations of the present application provide a solution for obtaining a stable frame. In the solution, a video stream is obtained, from which a first and second stable frame are determined using at least position-based offset values between one or more frames. The first and second stable frames correspond to a first time interval and second time interval, respectively. The first time interval corresponds to a time before a first vibration is generated by opening a door of a visual vending machine. The second time interval corresponds to a time after the first vibration and before a second vibration generated by closing the door. The two stable frames can be used for image recognition within the visual vending machine to improve accuracy of product recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Genggeng Liao, Qiheng Song, Quanshui Ming, Jian Zhou, Hui Zheng, Qinzhong Wang
  • Patent number: 10783646
    Abstract: A method for detecting motion in a video sequence comprising distorted image frames is provided. The method comprises determining (101) a spatial resolution distribution for the distorted image frames; determining (102) a motion detection sensitivity map for the distorted image frames, the motion detection sensitivity map comprising areas having different motion detection sensitivity levels, wherein the motion detection sensitivity map is determined based on the spatial resolution distribution; and detecting (103) motion in the video sequence based on the motion detection sensitivity map. A motion detecting component and a camera including such a component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventors: Axel Keskikangas, Song Yuan
  • Patent number: 10771702
    Abstract: A movable support device includes: a movable unit that includes an imager, a first flexible substrate including wirings connected to terminals other than a power supply terminal and a ground terminal among terminals of the imager, and a second flexible substrate including wirings connected to the power supply terminal and the ground terminal; and a support member that supports the movable unit to be movable in a longitudinal direction of a light receiving surface of the imager and a short direction of the light receiving surface, the first flexible substrate includes a first portion extending in one direction of the short direction and a folded portion folded at an end portion of the first portion in other direction of the short direction, and the second flexible substrate includes a second portion and a folded portion as defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kouhei Awazu
  • Patent number: 10768438
    Abstract: An optical element driving device is provided, including a fixed part including a base; a movable part including a holder for carrying an optical element, a first driving mechanism configured to drive the holder to move along a first direction with respect to the base, and a position sensing assembly including a magnetic element and a magnetic field sensing element in corresponding positions and configured to sense the amount of displacement of the holder along the first direction with respect to the base, wherein the position sensing assembly and the magnetic element do not overlap with each other when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Ichitai Moto, Yi-Liang Chan
  • Patent number: 10761338
    Abstract: An image shake correction device includes: a base member; a lens frame that holds an image shake correction lens, and is mounted on the base member so as to be movable in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction within a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image shake correction lens; a plurality of expandable and contractible mooring members that moors the lens frame to the base member such that the lens frame is able to move in the first direction and the second direction; a bracket that is supported by the base member so as to be swingable around a first axis parallel to the first direction; and a driving unit that drives the lens frame in the first direction and the second direction, as defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Fukushima
  • Patent number: 10663751
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gimbal adjustment system and an associated method for adjusting the position of an object. The system comprises a base, a plate and a shaft including a pivot attached to the plate. The pivot has a point of contact with the plate in a joint about which the plate is rotatable. Magnetic elements are positioned on the base and the plate to stabilize or rotate the plate. The object may be an optical unit attached to the plate. A combination comprising the plate, optical unit and magnetic elements may form a gimbaled assembly having a center of mass in the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventor: Piotr Stec
  • Patent number: 10591705
    Abstract: A lens driving device includes: a lens carrier for fixing a lens barrel to the inside thereof; a driving unit for moving the lens carrier along an optical axis direction of the lens barrel; and an elastic supporter for supporting the lens carrier so as to move freely along the optical axis direction of the lens barrel; wherein the lens carrier has an opening which opens toward a direction intersecting the optical axis direction of the lens barrel and through which opening the lens barrel is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: New Shicoh Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 10594941
    Abstract: An image processing method includes obtaining an acquired image captured by an image acquisition device and obtaining vibration information associated with the acquired image and generated while the image acquisition device capturing the acquired image. The vibration information includes an angle of vibration. The method further includes performing a distortion correction to the acquired image to obtain a distortion-corrected image based upon the vibration information and a preset distortion correction parameter, and determining a target image from the distortion-corrected image based upon the vibration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lifu Yu, Zefei Li, Zisheng Cao, Mingyu Wang
  • Patent number: 10571647
    Abstract: A lens drive device includes a movable portion, a fixed portion, and a nonmagnetic case. The movable portion includes a double-pole magnet having two pairs of magnetic poles, a first coil opposing to the double-pole magnet in a perpendicular direction to a light axis, and a lens holder being movable to the double-pole magnet in a direction of the light axis. The fixed portion includes a second coil arranged so as to oppose to the double-pole magnet in the direction of the light axis. The nonmagnetic case is attached to the fixed portion so as to cover the movable portion. The double-pole magnet includes a first section and a second section. L1/L2 is 1.1 to 2.0, where L1 and L2 are respectively a length of the first and second sections in the direction of the light axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shusuke Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 10520699
    Abstract: A lens driving device is provided, including: a holder member; a first driving unit disposed at the holder member; a base disposed at a lower side of the holder member and spaced apart from the holder member; a first circuit board disposed at an upper surface of the base; a second circuit board including a second driving unit facing the first driving unit, and disposed at an upper surface of the first circuit board; a support member supporting the holder member with respect to the base; and a guide portion protruded from an upper surface of the base, wherein the guide portion supports the second circuit board. In an embodiment, a coil at the second circuit board and a magnet at the holder member may be assembled at a predetermined interval, such that reliability of the product with respect to performance of handshake compensation device can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Bong Park, Hee Se Lee, Jin Suk Han
  • Patent number: 10502924
    Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a lens driving device comprising: a first housing; a second housing disposed at an inner side of the first housing; a bobbin disposed a an inner side of the second housing; a first coil disposed on the bobbin; a magnet disposed on the second housing, and facing the first coil; a second coil facing the magnet; a first support member coupled to the bobbin and the second housing; and a second support member coupled to the first housing and the second housing, wherein the second coil is disposed to be spaced apart from the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kap Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 10462344
    Abstract: An imaging system having a plurality of imaging sensors, each imaging sensor comprising a plurality of pixels or sensing elements configured to detect incident radiation and output a signal representative thereof. Each imaging sensor is operable to sample different subsets of pixels or sensing elements at different times to collect output signals representative of radiation incident thereon. The imaging system is configured to sample one or more of the subsets of pixels or sensing elements of one or more or each imaging sensor that are towards and/or closest to at least one or each neighboring or adjacent sensor whilst collecting output signals from one or more subsets of pixels or sensing elements of the at least one or each neighboring or adjacent imaging sensor that are towards and/or closest to the imaging sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: NCTech Ltd
    Inventors: Neil Tocher, Cameron Ure, Mansour Ahmadian
  • Patent number: 10462370
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for video stabilization. In some implementations, a computer system obtains frames of a video captured by a recording device using an optical image stabilization (OIS) system. The computing system receives (i) OIS position data indicating positions of the OIS system during capture of the frames, and (ii) device position data indicating positions of the recording device during capture of the frames. The computing system determines a first transformation for a particular frame based on the OIS position data for the particular frame and device position data for the particular frame. The computing system determines a second transformation for the particular frame based on the first transformation and positions of the recording device occurring after capture of the particular frame. The computing system generates a stabilized version of the particular frame using the second transformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Fuhao Shi, Chia-Kai Liang, Xue Tu
  • Patent number: 10423003
    Abstract: A photographing optical device may include a movable module including a movable body and a holding body; a support body to hold the movable module; a lens drive coil attached to the movable body; a shake correction coil attached to the support body, and a plurality of drive magnets attached to the holding body. The holding body may include a first magnet fixing member and a second magnet fixing member. The first magnet fixing member and the second magnet fixing member may be formed in a frame shape. The movable body may be disposed on inner peripheral sides of the first magnet fixing member and the second magnet fixing member. The support body may include a case body structuring an outer peripheral face of the support body. An object side end of the case body may include a facing part which faces an end face of the movable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hamada, Tatsuki Wade
  • Patent number: 10416473
    Abstract: A camera module includes: a housing having an internal space; a reflecting module including a reflecting member and including a moving holder movably supported by an inner wall of the housing disposed in the internal space; and a lens module disposed behind the reflecting module disposed in the internal space and including a lens barrel including lenses aligned in an optical axis direction so that light reflected from the reflecting member is incident thereto, wherein the moving holder is provided to be movable in one axis direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis direction with respect to the housing, and the lens module is provided with a carrier to which the lens barrel is supported, configured to be movable in the other axis direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the one axis direction with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ta Kyoung Lee, Ah Hyeon Im
  • Patent number: 10409085
    Abstract: An X-axis movable object holding portion to hold an X-axis movable object is provided at a position facing an X-axis actuator in a base member. A Y-axis movable object holding portion to hold a Y-axis movable object is provided at a position facing a Y-axis actuator in the X-axis movable object. An X-axis stopper mechanism for restricting a movement range of the X-axis movable object is provided in the base member. A Y-axis stopper mechanism for restricting a movement range of the Y-axis movable object is provided in the X-axis movable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Hosokawa, Takuto Horii, Naoki Yusa
  • Patent number: 10401590
    Abstract: Implementations of the subject matter described herein include an actuator for adjusting focus in a camera. The actuator can include a carrier module that slides within a central opening of a housing and that carries a lens assembly of the camera. A magnet is located on a first lateral side of the carrier module. A wire coil is located on or along a first lateral side of the housing and faces the magnet on the first lateral side of the carrier module. A driver circuit is located on or along a second lateral side of the housing opposite the first lateral side of the housing. A connector component extends from a first region proximate the first lateral side of the housing to a second region proximate the second lateral side of the housing, the connector component including a conductor that electrically couples the driver circuit to the wire coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Chung Chun Wan, Jamyuen Ko
  • Patent number: 10313593
    Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus comprises: an identification unit that, based on an angular velocity signal outputted from a shake detection unit, a motion vector calculated from a difference between frames of images outputted from an image sensor, and a position signal indicating a position of a correction unit that corrects a shake optically, identifies an output variation of the shake detection unit; and a conversion unit that converts the angular velocity signal into a shake correction amount by correcting the angular velocity signal based on the output variation identified by the identification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shimpei Miyahara
  • Patent number: 10310290
    Abstract: A method and a camera including a stabilizer are provided. The camera includes a lens, at least one autofocus (AF) actuator for moving the lens in a first direction, and at least one optical image stabilization (OIS) stabilizer for moving the lens in at least one direction. The OIS stabilizer may be connected with the AF actuator and arranged not to be stacked over the AF actuator in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Bok Yu, Hyung-Jin Rho, Joong-Wan Park, Hyun-Ho Ryoo
  • Patent number: 10284780
    Abstract: Folded digital camera module comprising an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding light from a first optical path with a first optical axis to a second optical path with a second optical axis perpendicular to the first optical axis, an image sensor, and a lens module carrying a lens with a symmetry axis parallel to the second optical axis. The camera module is adapted to perform optical image stabilization (OIS) involving at least one tilt motion of the OPFE tilt around an axis such that the OPFE tilt creates an image Roll movement and a shift movement, the OPFE tilt-created image Roll movement compensating for a folded camera module-induced Roll movement and the shift movement cancelable by a movement of the lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Corephotonics Ltd.
    Inventors: Ephraim Goldenberg, Gil Bachar, Itay Jerby, Gal Shabtay
  • Patent number: 10261284
    Abstract: An electromagnetic driving assembly is provided, including a movable member, a fixed member, a plurality of suspension wires, an electromagnetic component, a conductive layer, and a terminal. The fixed member is spaced apart from the movable member, wherein the movable member and the fixed member are arranged along the main axis. The plurality of suspension wires are elastically connecting the movable member and the fixed member. The electromagnetic component is for driving the movable member to move relative to the fixed member. The conductive layer is formed in the fixed member and electrically connected to the electromagnetic component through the suspension wires. The terminal is exposed by and partially embedded in the fixed member, and electrically connected to the conductive layer, wherein one end of each of the suspension wires is positioned in a recess of the fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: TDK Taiwan Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Ting Huang, Yu-Huai Liao, Yi-Liang Chan, Ichitai Moto
  • Patent number: 10247953
    Abstract: A camera module according to the embodiment includes a housing; a lens barrel disposed in the housing to receive a lens; and an elastic member connecting the housing to the lens barrel, and comprising a first elastic part and a second elastic part bent from the first elastic part to have a height from a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, which is different from a height of the first elastic part. Therefore, the camera module may automatically correct a shake and may adjust a focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In Jae Yeo
  • Patent number: 10215972
    Abstract: An optical system includes an aperture stop, and a focus lens unit arranged on an image side of the aperture stop, the focus lens unit having a negative refractive power and moving during focusing. The focus lens unit moves toward the image side during focusing from infinity to close distance. The focus lens unit includes a positive lens PL and a negative lens NL. An Abbe number ?dNL of the material of the negative lens NL, a refractive index NdNL of the material of the negative lens NL at d-line, and an Abbe number ?dPL of the material of the positive lens PL are set appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Gyoda, Kohei Kimura
  • Patent number: 10185117
    Abstract: A VCM (voice coil motor) is disclosed, the VCM including: a rotor including a lens-accommodating, both ends opened cylindrical bobbin and a coil block including a coil wound on a periphery of the bobbin; a stator including a cylindrical yoke formed with a lens-exposing opening, a plurality of magnets disposed inside the yoke and opposite to the coil block, and a housing disposed inside the yoke to fix the plurality of magnets; and an elastic member elastically supporting the bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seongmin Lee, Sangok Park, Sangjun Min, Kyoungho Yoo, Taejin Jung, Taemin Ha, Seungki Kim
  • Patent number: 10178317
    Abstract: Provided is an imaging device module including: an imaging device including a first optical element on which a first light is incident and an image sensor; and a first optical image stabilization (OIS) operator configured to move back and forth along an optical axis direction of a second light reflected from the first optical system, wherein a third light having an optical path adjusted by the first OIS operator may be incident on the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin-won Lee, Chong-sam Chung
  • Patent number: 10175471
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to drive a mirror in a wide driving range and at a fast response speed. An imaging device 100 includes an imaging element 103, a mirror 102, a lens 101, and a mirror tilt actuator 110. The imaging element 103 images subject light that is reflected light from a subject. The mirror 102 reflects the subject light, and makes the subject light incident on the imaging element 103. The lens 101 collects the subject light on the mirror 102. The mirror tilt actuator 110 drives the mirror 102 so as to change an optical axis of the lens OAL. The optical axis of the lens OAL is an optical axis to be incident on the central part C of the imaging element 103 in the subject light exited from the lens 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isamu Kumihashi, Kazuyuki Egashira, Kazuhiko Aoki, Hidehiko Kuroda
  • Patent number: 10148859
    Abstract: An array imaging module includes a molded photosensitive assembly which includes a supporting member, at least a circuit board, at least two photosensitive units, at least two lead wires, and a mold sealer. The photosensitive units are coupled at the chip coupling area of the circuit board. The lead wires are electrically connected the photosensitive units at the chip coupling area of the circuit board. The mold sealer includes a main mold body and has two optical windows. When the main mold body is formed, the lead wires, the circuit board and the photosensitive units are sealed and molded by the main mold body of the mold sealer, such that after the main mold body is formed, the main mold body and at least a portion of the circuit board are integrally formed together at a position that the photosensitive units are aligned with the optical windows respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ningbo Sunny Opotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mingzhu Wang, Bojie Zhao, Takehiko Tanaka, Nan Guo, Zhenyu Chen, Heng Jiang, Zhongyu Luan, Fengsheng Xi, Feifan Chen, Liang Ding
  • Patent number: 10146030
    Abstract: A zoom lens including a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group is provided. The first lens group is disposed between an object side and an image side and has at least one aspheric surface. The second lens group has a positive refractive power and is disposed between the first lens group and the image side. The third lens group has a positive refractive power and is disposed between the second lens group and the image side. The third lens group has at least one aspheric surface. The third lens group is suitable to move relative to the second lens group for focusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Young Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Yuan-Long Cai, Chien-Hsiung Tseng, Yu-Hung Chou
  • Patent number: 10136040
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an electrically conductive capacitor plate mounted to a chassis supporting an actuator using one or more suspension wires. In some embodiments, the first electrically conductive capacitor plate is electrically connected with an electrically conductive coil of the actuator. Some embodiments include the electrically conductive coil. In some embodiments, a capacitance between the first electrically conductive capacitor plate and the electrically conductive coil varies as function of the position of the electrically conductive coil relative to the first electrically conductive capacitor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Richard H. Tsai
  • Patent number: 10133087
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a lens moving apparatus including a bobbin in which a lens is mounted, a first coil and a magnet configured to electromagnetically interact with each other so as to move the bobbin, a housing configured to accommodate the bobbin therein, an elastic member including an inner frame coupled to the bobbin, an outer frame coupled to the housing, and a frame connection portion configured to connect the inner frame and the outer frame to each other, and a support member connected to the elastic member and configured to support the housing, and the outer frame includes a first coupling portion coupled to the housing, a second coupling portion coupled to the support member, the second coupling portion being spaced apart from the first coupling portion, and a single connection portion configured to connect the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Ok Park, Sang Jun Min
  • Patent number: 10091425
    Abstract: An image stabilization mechanism for a camera is provided. The mechanism comprises a movement sensor capable of sensing motion of the camera, an element in an optical path of the camera, a ball and a plate acting as a bearing allowing for the element to move in a plane orthogonal to the optical path, an actuator mechanism capable of moving the element in the plane, and a processor configured to control the actuator to move the element as a response to motion of the camera as detected by the movement sensor, thereby stabilizing images from the camera. Furthermore, the processor further is configured to move the element along a secondary motion path so as to distribute wear on the plate created by the ball, and the processor is further capable of compensating for an image shift created by the secondary motion path by other means for shifting the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventor: Björn Ardö
  • Patent number: 10048462
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an imaging module and an imaging module manufacturing apparatus capable of performing positioning of an imaging element unit and a lens unit with high accuracy are provided. A manufacturing apparatus 200 holds a lens unit 10 and an imaging element unit 20 on a Z axis, and images a measurement chart by an imaging element 27 in a state where a probe 113a comes into contact with each of terminals 14A to 14F electrically connected to an x-direction VCM 16A, a y-direction VCM 16C, and a z-direction VCM 16E of the lens unit 10 and electricity flows to a lens drive unit 16 inside the lens unit 10. A contactor of the probe 113a is configured of a non-magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Mitsuyasu
  • Patent number: 10042178
    Abstract: A lens moving apparatus includes a bobbin including a first coil disposed therearound, a first magnet disposed to face the first coil, a housing for supporting the first magnet, upper and lower elastic members each coupled to both the bobbin and the housing, a base disposed to be spaced apart from the housing by a predetermined distance, a second coil disposed to face the first magnet, a printed circuit board on which the second coil is mounted, a plurality of support members, which support the housing such that the housing is movable in second and/or third directions and which connect at least one of the upper and lower elastic members to the printed circuit board, and a conductive member for conductively connecting the upper and lower elastic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Ok Park, Sang Jun Min
  • Patent number: 10038848
    Abstract: The image blur correction device is an image blur correction device that corrects a blur of an image of a subject to be captured, and includes a movable frame, a fixed frame, a plurality of connection members, a plurality of actuators, a pair of magnets, and a magnetic body. The movable frame is displaceable along a plane orthogonal to an optical axis. The fixed frame faces the movable frame. The plurality of connection members connects the fixed frame and the movable frame to each other, and supports the movable frame so as to be displaceable. The plurality of actuators changes the position of the movable frame according to displacement of the movable frame. The pair of magnets is mounted on one of the fixed frame and the movable frame, and includes a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. The magnetic body is mounted on the other of the fixed frame and the movable frame, and disposed to face the pair of magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dai Shintani
  • Patent number: 10031312
    Abstract: A small format factor camera system for mobile devices that provides improved image quality when using accessory lenses. The system may detect an accessory lens attached to the camera, either via sensing technology or by analyzing captured images. The system may analyze image data to determine current alignment (e.g., optical axis alignment, spacing, and/or tilt) of the accessory lens relative to the camera lens, and may shift the camera lens on one or more axes using a mechanical or optical actuator, for example to align the camera lens optical axis with the accessory lens optical axis. The system may also determine optical characteristics of the accessory lens, either via sensing technology or by analyzing captured images, and may apply one or more image processing functions to images captured using the accessory lens according to the determined optical characteristics of the accessory lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Gross, Richard L. Baer
  • Patent number: 10021280
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shashank Sharma, Douglas S. Brodie
  • Patent number: 10012296
    Abstract: An objective mount assembly includes a housing having a body and a drive assembly supported by the body. The drive assembly includes a drive shaft, a lead screw rotatably coupled to the drive shall, and a compensating drive nut assembly. The compensating drive nut assembly has an inner nut component threadably coupled to the lead screw and an outer nut component threadably coupled to the inner nut component. The objective mount assembly further includes an objective mount coupled to the drive assembly. Other aspects of the assembly are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: John Maxwell Connolly
  • Patent number: 9989726
    Abstract: An electromagnetic driving device is provided, which includes a movable member, a stationary member, a driving magnet, a driving coil, a conductive layer, and an external terminal. The movable member and the stationary member are arranged separate from each other along a main axis. The driving magnet is positioned on the movable member. The driving coils are arranged corresponding to the driving magnet and are disposed in the stationary member. The conductive layer is electrically connected to the driving coils and is disposed in the stationary member. The external terminal is exposed by the fixed member and electrically connected to the conductive layer. The thickness of the external terminal is different from the thickness of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: TDK Taiwan Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Ting Huang, Yu-Huai Liao, Yi-Liang Chan, Ichitai Moto
  • Patent number: 9967443
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first case having an opening; a substrate where a first terminal electrically connected with an imaging element is mounted, the substrate being provided in the first case; and a second case closing the opening. The second case includes an accommodation portion accommodating a second terminal designed to be electrically connected with the first terminal. A mating portion capable of being mated with the accommodation portion is secured to the substrate. Inside the mating portion, the first terminal extends along a mating direction of the accommodation portion and the mating portion. The first and second terminals are designed to come into contact with each other while sliding along the mating direction in a mating process of the accommodation portion and the mating portion, and to be elastically deformable in a first direction orthogonal to the mating direction upon contact with each other in the mating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: J.S.T. MFG. CO., LTD
    Inventors: Makoto Shiraishi, Hiroshi Yamada