Lens Drive Circuit Or Motor Structure Patents (Class 396/133)
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Patent number: 12055844Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2023Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Hutchinson Technology IncorporatedInventors: Ryan N. Ruzicka, Yasushi Sakamoto, Mark A. Miller
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Patent number: 12052497Abstract: Example are described for combining optical image stabilization and electronic image stabilization for capture and processing of frames for video. An example device configured to perform electronic image stabilization in light of optical image stabilization performed may include a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to obtain optical image stabilization (OIS) information for OIS performed during capture of a sequence of frames by an image sensor and determine an electronic image stabilization (EIS) filter based on the OIS information. The one or more processors may also be configured to obtain camera position information, and the EIS filter may also be based on the camera position information. The one or more processors may also configure an image signal processor to perform EIS based on the EIS filter.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Ron Gaizman, Eliad Tsairi, Meir Tzur, Maksym Aslianskyi
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Patent number: 11982924Abstract: A camera module includes a housing, a lens holder configured to move in the housing in an optical axis direction, and a lens barrel coupled to the lens holder, wherein the lens holder includes a first support structure extending from one side surface in the optical axis direction and a second support structure located on a side surface opposite to the first support structure and extending in the optical axis direction, and the first support structure includes an extension protruding beyond the second support structure in the optical axis direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ah Hyeon Im, Ta Kyoung Lee, Jung Woo Kim, Kyeong Jun Kim, Jae Hyuk Kim, Do Seop Hwang
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Patent number: 11906811Abstract: A device for focusing a light beam comprises a optical assembly comprising at least one focusing lens and/or mirror, a support structure which supports the optical assembly, a magnetic actuator configured to move the optical assembly with respect to the support structure along a moving direction substantially parallel to an optical axis (X) of the optical assembly and at least one position sensor configured to provide an indication of the position of the optical assembly with respect to the support structure. The magnetic actuator comprises at least one permanent magnet integrally associated with the optical assembly and at least one first electrical winding integrally associated with the support structure and configured to cause flowing of an electric current within it, wherein the electrical current interacts with said at least one permanent magnet and causes the movement of the optical assembly along said moving direction until the optical assembly is brought to a desired focusing position.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Datalogic IP Tech, S.r.l.Inventor: Fabrizio Guastadini
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Patent number: 11899273Abstract: An imaging lens module with auto focus function includes an imaging lens assembly, an electromagnetic driving component assembly and a lens carrier. The imaging lens assembly has an optical axis. The electromagnetic driving component assembly drives the imaging lens assembly to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis by a Lorentz force. The imaging lens assembly is mounted to the lens carrier such that the imaging lens assembly can be wholly driven by the Lorentz force. The lens carrier includes an object-side part, a mounting structure and a plurality of plate portions. The object-side part includes a tip-end minimal aperture configured for light to travel through; and a tapered surface which surrounds an area tapered off from image side to object side. The mounting structure and the plate portions are configured for at least a part of the electromagnetic driving component assembly to be mounted thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: LARGAN DIGITAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Chun-Hua Tsai, Ming-Ta Chou, Ming-Shun Chang
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Patent number: 11880117Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: LARGAN DIGITAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Te-Sheng Tseng, Ming-Ta Chou, Wen-Hung Hsu
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Patent number: 11747715Abstract: A lens driving apparatus includes a housing; a bobbin; a coil disposed on the bobbin; a magnet facing the coil; a base disposed below the housing; a substrate disposed between the housing and the base; an elastic member disposed on the bobbin and coupled to the bobbin and the housing; and a support member coupled to the housing and the substrate. The elastic member includes an external part coupled to the housing, an internal part coupled to the bobbin, a connection part connecting the external part and the internal part. The bobbin includes a groove. The internal part of the elastic member includes a coupling hole. The coupling hole of the internal part includes a first area formed at a position corresponding to the groove, and a second area extending from the first area. An adhesive for fixing the elastic member to the bobbin is disposed in the coupling hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Jung Cheol Kim, Kyung Hwan Kim, Kap Jin Lee
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Patent number: 11647271Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera module, the module including: a PCB; an image sensor mounted on the PCB and formed with an image pickup device; a base mounted on the PCB and including a plated portion formed at a lower center with an opening mounted with an IR filter; a lower spring plate formed with a conductive material; a spacer arranged on an upper surface of the lower spring plate and forming a staircase structure by a rib wrapping a periphery of the lower spring plate to supportively apply a pressure to the lower spring plate; a lens actuator including a bobbin, and a yoke; an upper spring plate coupled to an upper surface of the lens actuator; and a cover attached to an upper surface of the upper spring plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Jungsik Lee
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Patent number: 11550117Abstract: A lens position adjustment device includes a lens holder, a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire and a second SMA wire. The lens holder holds a lens. The first SMA wire is configured to move the lens holder in a first direction along an optical axis of lens. The second SMA wire is configured to move the lens holder in a second direction along the optical axis. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The lens holder is moved in the first or second direction along the optical axis through energizing the first SMA wire and the second SMA wire and controlling a force that moves the lens holder.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Masaru Uno, Atsushi Yoneyama
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Patent number: 11528394Abstract: An optical element driving module is provided, including a movable portion, a fixed portion, and a driving assembly. The movable portion is used for connecting an optical element. The fixed portion is movably connected to the movable portion, wherein the fixed portion includes a base and a casing. The casing is arranged with the base along a main axis, the casing includes a top wall and a side wall extended from edges of the top wall along the main axis, and the top wall includes a first surface facing the movable portion, a second surface and a third surface facing away from the first surface. The driving assembly is used for moving the movable portion relative to the fixed portion, a minimum distance between the first surface and the second surface is different from a minimum distance between the second surface and the third surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Shou-Jen Liu, Chia-Pin Hsu, Shang-Yu Hsu, Sin-Jhong Song
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Patent number: 11506861Abstract: An imaging lens module with auto focus function includes an imaging lens assembly, an electromagnetic driving component assembly and a lens carrier. The imaging lens assembly has an optical axis. The electromagnetic driving component assembly drives the imaging lens assembly to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis by a Lorentz force. The imaging lens assembly is mounted to the lens carrier such that the imaging lens assembly can be wholly driven by the Lorentz force. The lens carrier includes an object-side part, a mounting structure and a plurality of plate portions. The object-side part includes a tip-end minimal aperture configured for light to travel through; and a tapered surface which surrounds an area tapered off from image side to object side. The mounting structure and the plate portions are configured for at least a part of the electromagnetic driving component assembly to be mounted thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: LARGAN DIGITAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Chun-Hua Tsai, Ming-Ta Chou, Ming-Shun Chang
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Patent number: 11445126Abstract: An image capture device includes an image capture module and a base module. The image capture module is releasably connectable to the base module. The image capture module includes an integrated image sensor and optical component for capturing image data. The base module includes a processor. The processor is configured and the base module is calibrated based on identification data provided by the image capture module when releasably connected to the base module. The image information and identification data may be wirelessly transferred from the image capture module to the base module.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: GoPro, Inc.Inventors: Ingrid A. Cotoros, Nicholas D. Woodman, Sandor Lee Barna, Jonathan Stern
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Patent number: 11439051Abstract: A grounding includes a photoelectric sensor that emits light to a detection region in which the detection target portion moves in conjunction with the grounding of the electronic component to a board and receives light from the detection region, and a grounding discrimination section that discriminates between the presence or absence of the grounding based on a signal from the photoelectric sensor. The detection target portion is disposed in the detection region in the ungrounded state.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: FUJI CORPORATIONInventor: Kenzo Ishikawa
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Patent number: 11385523Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical assembly driving apparatus, an imaging apparatus and a portable electronic device, including an actuator unit and a lifting unit configured to support an optical assembly. The actuator unit includes an electromagnetic motor serving as a driving source and a transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force to the lifting unit. The transmission mechanism includes a spindle and a connecting plate sleeved on the spindle and movable along an axial direction of the spindle. The connecting plate is connected with the lifting unit, and the driving force generated by the electromagnetic motor controls lifting of the lifting unit through the connecting plate. Compared with a bending optical system in the existing technology, the optical assembly driving apparatus of the present disclosure can save a three-dimensional space of the imaging apparatus and enable a lens group to have high-resolution optical system performance in the photographing state.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: AAC Optics Solutions Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Hirokazu Tanaka
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Patent number: 11381727Abstract: An imaging apparatus that provides, between itself and an accessory device, a notification channel used for notification from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used in data transmission from the accessory device to the imaging apparatus, and a second data communication channel used in data transmission from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device. An accessory control unit transmits data via the first data communication channel in response to having received a transmission request signal via the notification channel, and selectively adds, to the data, a communication standby request for keeping a transmission request signal from being transmitted from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutoshi Kawada
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Patent number: 11228698Abstract: A camera module is provided, including a lens driving mechanism, a lens unit, a circuit board, and an image sensor. The lens unit is disposed on the lens driving mechanism. The image sensor is disposed on the circuit board. The circuit board includes a metal member, an insulation layer, and a metal wire. The insulation layer is disposed between the metal member and the metal wire, and the metal wire is electrically connected to the image sensor. The lens driving module can drive the lens unit to move relative to the image sensor. The image sensor can catch the light through the lens unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Chen-Hsien Fan
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Patent number: 11226469Abstract: An optical driving mechanism is provided, configured to drive an optical element, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, a frame assembly, and a biasing element. The fixed portion includes a base which has a central axis. The movable portion is configured to sustain the optical element and is movable relative to the fixed portion. The frame assembly connects the fixed portion and the movable portion and includes a plurality of string arms, wherein the string arms form at least one V-shaped structure. The biasing element is disposed on the frame assembly and is configured to drive the movable portion to move along a central axis direction relative to the fixed portion, wherein the string arms surround the biasing element and the biasing element is connected to at least one end portion of the V-shaped structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chen-Hsien Fan, Chao-Chang Hu
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Patent number: 11196910Abstract: An imaging apparatus that provides, between itself and an accessory device, a notification channel used for notification from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used in data transmission from the accessory device to the imaging apparatus, and a second data communication channel used in data transmission from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device. An accessory control unit executes switching of communication methods while notifying the imaging apparatus of a communication standby request for keeping data communication from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device from being performed, via the notification channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutoshi Kawada
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Patent number: 11119294Abstract: An optical system includes a fixed module, a movable module and a driving assembly. The movable module moves relative to the fixed module, and the movable module includes a lens unit which includes a first lens, a second lens, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall has a first surface, which directly contacts the second lens, and the second side wall directly contacts the first lens. A portion of the driving assembly is directly disposed on the lens unit, configured to drive the lens unit to move along an optical axis of the first lens. The first side wall further has a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second surface directly contacts the portion of the driving assembly. The thickness of the first side wall is different from the thickness of the second side wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chih-Wei Weng, Chia-Pin Hsu, Shao-Kuang Huang, Kun-Shih Lin, Shou-Jen Liu, Sin-Jhong Song
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Patent number: 11099458Abstract: A VCM is disclosed, the motor including a stator including a first driving unit, a rotor arranged inside the stator, including a second driving unit responding to the first driving unit and mounted therein with a lens, a base fixing the stator, and an elastic member coupled to the rotor to float the rotor from the base in a case a driving signal for driving the first and second driving units is not applied to the first and second driving units.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Ok Park, Seong Min Lee
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Patent number: 11082602Abstract: Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that includes an additive coil structure for shifting a lens along one or multiple axes. The additive coil structure may include a base portion configured to couple with a lens carrier and at least partially surround a perimeter of the lens carrier. In various examples, the additive coil structure may include folded portions that individually include a respective coil that is located proximate a respective magnet. According to various embodiments, the additive coil structure may be formed using an additive process.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Brodie, Aurelien R. Hubert, Scott W. Miller, Shashank Sharma
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Patent number: 11073675Abstract: Camera module autofocus actuator comprising a movable lens carrier, one or more shape memory alloy wires, a first return elastic element, a second return elastic element substantially identical to the and symmetric to the first return elastic element, wherein one end of the one or more shape memory alloy is mounted to the first return elastic element and the other end to another return elastic element.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: ACTUATOR SOLUTIONS GMBHInventor: Markus Köpfer
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Patent number: 11039047Abstract: A camera module includes a housing having an internal space; a first moving body disposed in the internal space of the housing; a second moving body disposed in an internal space of the first moving body; a first driving member disposed in a space between the housing and the first moving body, and including a first driving wire formed of a shape memory alloy and a first curved elastic wire connected to both ends of the first driving wire; and a second driving member disposed in a space between the first moving body and the second moving body, and including a second driving wire formed of a shape memory alloy and a second curved elastic wire connected to both ends of the driving wire for AF. The first curved elastic wire is in contact with the first moving body and the second curved elastic wire is in contact with the second moving body.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyoung Joong Min
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Patent number: 11032464Abstract: A depth measuring apparatus includes a camera assembly, a position sensor, and a controller. The camera assembly is configured to capture a plurality of images of a target at a plurality of distances from the target. The position sensor is configured to capture, for each of the plurality of images, corresponding position data associated with a relative distance between the camera assembly and the target. The controller is configured to, for each of a plurality of regions within the plurality of images: determine corresponding gradient values within the plurality of images; determine a corresponding maximum gradient value from the corresponding gradient values; and determine a depth measurement for the region based on the corresponding maximum gradient and the corresponding position data captured for an image from the plurality of images that includes the corresponding maximum gradient.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Ozkan Celik, Patricia A. Schulze, Gregory J. Freeman, Paul Z. Wirth, Tommaso Vercesi
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Patent number: 11032487Abstract: The present technology relates to an interchangeable lens and a method for controlling the same capable of starting shooting in consideration of mechanical fluctuations after a diaphragm is driven, a shooting apparatus, and a camera system. An interchangeable lens includes: a diaphragm; a diaphragm driving unit configured to drive the diaphragm; and a lens control unit configured to transmit diaphragm driving information including stabilization time information of the diaphragm to a shooting apparatus when the diaphragm driving unit drives the diaphragm. The present technology is applicable to lens-interchangeable digital cameras, and the like, for example.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Nobuhiro Doi, Jun Aoyama, Syouei Hirasawa
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Patent number: 10985675Abstract: There is provided a drive controller including a determination part that compares a target stop position of a movable body, which is driven by a piezoelectric actuator driven by a piezoelectric element expanded and contracted in response to an applied voltage, with a real position of the movable body acquired on the basis of a position sensor, and determines whether or not the target stop position matches with the real position, and a drive control part that turns off energization of the piezoelectric actuator when the target stop position matches with the real position while the movable body is being driven by the piezoelectric actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoya Takei
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Patent number: 10983301Abstract: A lens driving device is provided, including: a holder member; a bobbin disposed at an inner side of the holder member; a magnet disposed at the holder member; a first coil unit disposed at the bobbin, and facing the magnet; a first support member coupled to the holder member and the bobbin; and a detection sensor disposed at the bobbin, and configured to detect magnetic force of the magnet, wherein the magnet includes a facing surface and an opposite surface disposed at an opposite side of the facing surface, wherein a polarity of the facing surface and a polarity of the opposite surface are different from each other, wherein a polarity of an upper portion of the facing surface and a polarity of a lower portion of the facing surface are different from each other. According to an embodiment, Hall output detected by the detection sensor can be enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Jun Taek Lee
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Patent number: 10930696Abstract: An image pickup unit includes: an image pickup device; a device laminate in which a plurality of semiconductor devices are laminated; and a signal cable having a lead wire and a shield lead wire. The plurality of semiconductor devices have cutouts. A groove in parallel with an optical axis direction is configured on a side surface of the device laminate by a plurality of the cutouts which communicate with one another. On cutout surfaces of the semiconductor devices, side electrodes are arranged. The lead wire and the shield lead wire are housed in the respective cutouts which have diameters in accordance with respective diameters of the lead wire and the shield lead wire. The lead wire is bonded to the side electrode and the shield lead wire is bonded to the side electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Takahiro Shimohata, Takatoshi Igarashi
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Patent number: 10816874Abstract: A lens driving mechanism is provided for moving a lens unit along a light axis, including a frame, a base, a lens holder, and a driving assembly. The frame has plastic material and forms an opening. The base is in contact with and fixed to the frame, wherein a space is formed between the base and the frame. The lens holder is movably disposed in the space for holding the lens unit, wherein an external light enters the space through the opening to the lens unit. The driving assembly is disposed in the space and is connected to the lens holder and the frame, to impel the lens unit to move along the light axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Shang-Yu Hsu, Shou-Jen Liu, Chia-Pin Hsu
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Patent number: 10819913Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for inhibiting AEC jump, and a terminal device. The method comprises: obtaining a target zoom multiple to which a camera apparatus is to be switched; determining whether the target zoom multiple is within a preset target range; if the target zoom multiple is within the target range, controlling to simultaneously open a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens; obtaining a first AEC value of the wide-angle lens and a second AEC value of the telephoto lens; and determining a target AEC value corresponding to the target zoom multiple according to the first AEC value and the second AEC value. In the embodiment of the method, when the target zoom multiple is within the set range, two lenses can be opened simultaneously, and the AEC values of the two lenses can be integrated in advance. Therefore, the problem of AEC brightness jump during lens switching is solved, the photographing effect is enhanced, and the user experience is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMUNNICATIONS CORP., LTD.Inventor: Quan Yuan
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Patent number: 10809483Abstract: Disclosed is a camera device, comprising a mounting member and support member used for mounting a camera; the mounting member is rotationally connected to the support member, and the rotational axis of the mounting member is perpendicular to the axial direction of the camera; the mounting member is provided with magnetic body, at the magnetic body side located on the rotational axis of the mounting member, the direction of the magnetic poles of the magnetic body is parallel to the axial direction of the camera; the support member is provided with an electromagnet, and the axial direction of the electromagnet is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the mounting member; the magnetic body is located at the end of the electromagnet that is in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.Inventor: Yi Wei
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Patent number: 10802376Abstract: An auto focus support section (13) of a lens driving device has a support body (41) and a reinforcing section (42). The support body has a fixed end (411) connected to an auto focus fixing section (12), free ends (413) connected to an auto focus movable section (11), and arms (412) connected to the fixed end and the free ends. The arms are made of an elastic material, with two hinge sections (412a, 412b) thinner than surrounding structures and axes orthogonal to the optical axis, that move together with the auto focus movable section towards the optical axis. The arms bend in opposite directions at the two hinge sections. The reinforcing sections are made of a material more rigid than the elastic material of the arms, and are disposed between the two hinge sections of the arms.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Masayoshi Sugawara
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Patent number: 10739550Abstract: A VCM (voice coil motor) is disclosed, the VCM including: a rotor including a cylindrical bobbin for accommodating a lens and protruded at a bottom end with a boss, and a coil block arranged at a periphery of the bobbin; a stator including a magnet facing the coil block and a yoke fixing the magnet; and an elastic member including a first elastic member formed with a through hole coupled to the boss of the bobbin and a second elastic member coupled to an upper end facing the bottom end of the bobbin; wherein the boss is formed with a disengagement prevention unit preventing the first elastic member from being disengaged from the boss, and the first elastic member is formed with a coupling unit contacting a joint where the disengagement prevention unit and the coupling unit meet.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Sangjun Min, Sanghee Lee, Hyuneo Yoo, Seungki Kim, Jinsuk Han
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Patent number: 10739610Abstract: A lens moving apparatus includes a bobbin adapted to move upward and downward in a first direction, a housing in which the bobbin is accommodated and which is movable upward and downward in the first direction, a cover member accommodating the bobbin and the housing, and a base to which a lower portion of the cover member is coupled, wherein the cover member has an opening formed in an upper face thereof, and is provided at an area thereof surrounding the opening with a first stopper for limiting a distance by which the bobbin moves upward.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Ok Park, Sang Jun Min
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Patent number: 10686974Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Shashank Sharma, Douglas S. Brodie
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Patent number: 10670878Abstract: An assembly includes a support structure including attach structures. The suspension assembly includes a moving structure including attach structures and flexure arms configured to couple the moving structure to the support structure, the flexure arms are configured to enable movement of the moving structure with respect to the support structure. The suspension assembly includes optical-image stabilizer shape memory alloy wires, each coupled with and extending between one of the attach structures and one of the moving wire attach structures. The suspension assembly includes a lens holder mounted to the moving structure and a first pair of attach structures; and auto focus shape memory alloy wires, each wire coupled to the lens holder and coupled to and extending between attach structures of the first pair of attach structures configured to actuate the lens holder with respect to the moving structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Hutchinson Technology IncorporatedInventors: Mark A. Miller, Donald M. Anderson, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Peter F. Ladwig
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Patent number: 10663753Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator arrangement for a movable element supporting a camera lens assembly comprises plural shape memory alloy actuator wires connected between a support structure and the movable element in an arrangement wherein the shape memory alloy actuator wires are arranged, on selective driving, to move the movable element relative to the support structure in any direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the at least one lens. At least one plain bearing bears the movable element on the support structure, allowing movement of the movable element relative to the support structure orthogonal to the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: James Howarth, Robin Eddington, Nicholas Henry Reddall
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Patent number: 10659671Abstract: An imaging apparatus that provides, between itself and an accessory device, a notification channel used for notification from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used in data transmission from the accessory device to the imaging apparatus, and a second data communication channel used in data transmission from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device. An accessory control unit executes switching of communication methods while notifying the imaging apparatus of a communication standby request for keeping data communication from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device from being performed, via the notification channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutoshi Kawada
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Patent number: 10634880Abstract: An imaging lens module includes an imaging lens assembly and a first optical component. The imaging lens assembly has an optical axis and includes a lens element. The lens element includes an effective optical portion, which is non-circular and disposed on a center of the lens element. The first optical component has a non-circular opening hole. The effective optical portion of the lens element of the imaging lens assembly is corresponded to the non-circular opening hole of the first optical component.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: LARGAN PRECISION CO., LTD.Inventors: Cheng-Feng Lin, Chun-Hua Tsai, Ming-Ta Chou
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Patent number: 10638031Abstract: Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that includes an additive coil structure for shifting a lens along one or multiple axes. The additive coil structure may include a base portion configured to couple with a lens carrier and at least partially surround a perimeter of the lens carrier. In various examples, the additive coil structure may include folded portions that individually include a respective coil that is located proximate a respective magnet. According to various embodiments, the additive coil structure may be formed using an additive process.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Brodie, Aurelien R. Hubert, Scott W. Miller, Shashank Sharma
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Patent number: 10571645Abstract: A multiple-lens camera system is provided, including a first lens driving module, a second lens driving module, and a shielding member. The first and second lens driving modules respectively include a frame, a lens holder movably disposed in the frame for holding a lens, a magnetic element disposed on a side of the lens holder and a driving board, wherein the driving board has a first coil corresponding to the magnetic element, to generate a magnetic force for moving the lens holder and the lens relative to the driving board. The shielding member is disposed in the first lens driving module and between the two magnetic elements of the first and second lens driving modules which are adjacent to each other, to suppress magnetic interference between the first and second lens driving modules.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Bing-Ru Song, Chih-Wei Weng, Shu-Shan Chen
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Patent number: 10516826Abstract: Some embodiments include a camera system having a first camera unit and a second camera unit. The first camera unit includes an autofocus actuator. The autofocus actuator includes a first plurality of magnets for autofocus motion control of components of a first optical package. The first plurality of magnets is positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned in parallel with a first magnetic axis at a right angle to the optical axis of the first optical package. The second camera unit includes an optical image stabilization and autofocus actuator. The optical image stabilization and autofocus actuator includes a second plurality of magnets positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned along a second magnet axis at 45-degrees to the first magnetic axis. The second camera unit includes a third plurality of magnets positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned along a third magnetic axis at 135-degrees to the first magnetic axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott W. Miller, Alfred N. Mireault, Simon S. Lee
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Patent number: 10488186Abstract: An electronic device comprises a camera and a retaining member. The camera includes an objective portion configured to collect light from a subject, a sensor portion reversibly separable from the objective portion, and a computer configured to return an indication of alignment of the objective and sensor portions based on output of one or more optical sensor elements of the sensor portion. The retaining member is configured to couple the objective portion to the sensor portion when the objective and sensor portions are aligned and also when the objective portion is separated from the sensor portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Eero Tuulos, Urho Konttori, Mikko Juhola, Marko Eromaki, Eero Salmelin
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Patent number: 10488642Abstract: A lens structure includes an elastomer formed as a lens. The lens has a planar surface and a curved surface opposed to the planar surface. The elastomer of the lens structure may be formed of a base polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. When the lens structure is applied proximate to a camera sensor array of an electronic device, such as a cell phone or a tablet, the combination can function as microscope. By altering parameters of the lens, such as the radius of curvature, it is possible to achieve a wide range of magnification.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Cell Focus, LLCInventor: Thomas Edward Larson
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Patent number: 10437133Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera module comprising: a printed circuit board having an image sensor mounted thereon; a holder member provided on the printed circuit board and having a lens barrel provided therein; an optical module arranged on the upper side of the holder member and performing an auto-focusing function and/or an image stabilization function; and an electric current applying unit for electrically connecting the printed circuit board and the optical module, wherein the electric current applying unit comprises: first and second conductive members connected to the printed circuit board; and first and second plate members which are arranged on the upper side of the holder member and are electrically connected to each of the first and second conductive members, and which are electrically connected through the optical module.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Tae Min Ha
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Patent number: 10432834Abstract: A lens driving module is provided, configured to drive an optical lens to move, including a holder, a casing, a base, an electromagnetic driving assembly and a glue. The optical lens is disposed in a receiving space of the holder. The holder is disposed between the casing and the base. The casing has a plastic material. The electromagnetic driving assembly for moving the holder is disposed between the holder and the casing. The base has a plurality of protrusions extending toward the casing, and each of the protrusions has a side surface. The glue is disposed between the side surfaces and the casing, wherein the side surfaces are parallel to the central axis of the optical lens.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2018Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: TDK Taiwan Corp.Inventors: Shou-Jen Liu, Chia-Pin Hsu, Shang-Yu Hsu, Sin-Jhong Song
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Patent number: 10432077Abstract: Disclosed is a voice coil motor, the motor including a mover having a bobbin equipped with a lens and a coil block secured to an outer circumference of the bobbin; a stator having a magnet that is disposed in such a way as to face the coil block; elastic members coupled to a lower end of the bobbin and connected to both ends of the coil block; a base supporting the elastic members and the stator; and a cover can covering the mover, the stator and the base, with an opening being formed in the cover can to expose the lens therethrough, wherein each of the elastic members includes a terminal portion that extends between the cover can and a side surface of the base, the terminal portion including a short-circuit prevention portion so as to inhibit a short-circuit between the terminal portion and the cover can.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Sanghee Lee
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Patent number: 10416532Abstract: 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: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: TDK Taiwan Corp.Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Chen-Hsien Fan, Yi-Liang Chan
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Patent number: 10401589Abstract: A lens driving device comprising: an autofocus driving unit in which an autofocus movable part is elastically supported by an autofocus fixed part due to an elastic support part; and an auxiliary magnet which, in a reference position of the autofocus movable part, has a movement direction action force of zero relative to the autofocus movable part and which generates the movement direction action force in the opposite direction to a restoring force of the elastic support part when the autofocus movable part has moved.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Tomoyuki Murakami
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Patent number: 10365121Abstract: Some embodiments include a method for measuring the position of a camera lens carrier moveable by an autofocus actuator. In some embodiments, the method includes generating a measurement of a magnetic field resulting at least in part from the one or more position sensor magnets. In some embodiments, the generating the measurement of the magnetic field includes measuring a magnetic field component created at least in part by the one or more position sensor magnets fixedly mounted to the camera lens carrier. In some embodiments, the camera lens carrier is moveably coupled to a substrate by the autofocus actuator to provide motion in a direction orthogonal to the substrate. In some embodiments, the generating the measurement of the magnetic field component includes measuring the magnetic field component at a sensor fixedly mounted to the substrate of the autofocus actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Calvin K. Wong, Ho Seop Jeong, Aurelien R. Hubert, Simon S. Lee