Optical image stabilization comprising shape memory alloy actuators
US8848064B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B2205/0076
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A camera apparatus capable of providing optical image stabilization comprises: a support structure; a camera unit comprising an image sensor and a lens system; a suspension system comprising a plurality of flexure elements supporting the camera unit on the support structure in a manner allowing the camera unit to tilt; and a plurality of SMA actuators each formed as SMA wire connected between the camera unit and the support structure and arranged on contraction to drive tilting of the camera unit. The SMA wire may be fixed to the camera unit at its ends and hooked over an element of the support structure. A vibration sensor, whose output is used as the basis for generating drive signals, may be mounted on the camera unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.