Optical component and image pick-up device using the same
US6943966B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/555
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical component and an image pick-up device that uses the optical component is disclosed. The optical component is capable of driving an optical lens element that is mounted within a first aperture of the optical component. The optical component includes a frame which includes the first aperture. Flexible supports attach the frame to a fixed structure so that the frame may be moved axially, or moved axially as well as rotated, while being held at a fixed radial position along an axis. The optical component includes a base having a second aperture therein that is substantially aligned with the first aperture. First and second electrodes are positioned on the frame and the base, respectively, and a voltage source is provided for generating an electric field between the electrodes, so as to cause the frame to move axially with respect to the base. By subdividing one of the electrodes, a torque can be applied using electrostatic forces to cause the frame to move axially and rotate, while remaining fixed in radial position with respect to the axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.