Present patent application is the part continuation application of following two applications, promptly, on April 25th, 2008 submitted to, exercise question is the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/150 of " CAMERA BLADE SHUTTER MODULE ", 219, and submission on April 30th, 2008, exercise question is the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/150 of " MINIATURE CAMERA SHUTTER AND FILTER/APERTURE ", 874, the two all requires on May 7th, 2007 to submit to according to 35U.S.C. § 119 (c), exercise question is the right of priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application sequence number 60/928,135 of " MINIATURE CAMERASHUTTER AND FILTER/APERTURE ".At this by following all patents being incorporated into reference to its full content, as putting down in writing at this: on April 25th, 2008 submitted to, exercise question is the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/150 of " CAMERABLADE SHUTTER MODULE ", 219, on April 30th, 2008 submitted to, exercise question is the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/150 of " MINIATURE CAMERA SHUTTERAND FILTER/APERTURE ", 874, with on May 7th, 2007 submitted to, exercise question is the U.S. Provisional Patent Application sequence number 60/928,135 of " MINIATURE CAMERA SHUTTERAND FILTER/APERTURE ".
Summary of the invention
The present invention is the single compact camera module that design is used for being assembled to the micro-camera frame, and wherein this module makes the user to control amount, quality and the time shutter of the light on the imaging surface in the micro-camera application.In some applications, use a more than compact camera module, wherein each module is all less than conventional module.In addition, disclose a kind of method that is used to make compact camera module, it makes the user to control amount, quality and the time shutter of the light on the imaging surface in the micro-camera application.
In some embodiments of the present invention, compact camera module comprises and is used for the pipeline that passes through for light.At least one solenoid device is coupled to framework and can be controlled by the user.This solenoid device causes that at least one paddle response shelters this pipeline at least in part in this solenoidal actuating.In some embodiments of the present invention, this blade comprises the shutter that is used for stopping fully light.In other embodiments, this blade comprises aperture, neutral density filter, monochromatic filter etc.
In some embodiments, the solenoid device that is arranged in this framework one side is used to control at least one blade that is in the framework same side with this solenoid.In other embodiments, solenoid is controlled at least one blade of this framework opposite side.In some embodiments of the present invention, a solenoid response is in the more than blade of actuation control.
In some embodiments of the present invention, module device comprises framework, and wherein at least one solenoid device is arranged in each side, wherein at least one solenoidal each all have the ability that blade is positioned at the pipeline front.In some embodiments of the present invention, a more than solenoid is arranged in the same side of framework, and each controls at least one blade.
According to some embodiment of the present invention, except other annexes, can in the individual module framework, hold a plurality of shutters, aperture and light filter, and can control it.This has eliminated the demand of a plurality of modules of accurate aligning.In addition, the demand of eliminating a plurality of modules can allow whole camera frame littler.
In some embodiments of the present invention, be used for that one or more blade arrangement that light covers, covers or filters are had distinctive geometric configuration, make when solenoid reception during from user's signal, the solenoid arm only needs slight moving just to be enough to realize the result that expects, thereby allows to use less solenoid.Then, less solenoid allows camera model of the present invention is used in the very little camera frame.
In some embodiments of the present invention, compact camera module is positioned in the comparatively exquisite camera frame.In some embodiments of the present invention, compact camera module is positioned in the cellular frame with image recording ability, perhaps is positioned among other common consumer electronics now known or exploitation in the future.
In one aspect of the invention, provide a kind of compact camera module.This compact camera module comprises module frame, and it comprises the surface, and wherein pipeline passes through this surface, thereby allows light to pass through the surface via pipeline.First blade is coupled to module frame, and the configuration be used between open position and off-position, rotating with respect to first, wherein when first blade is shown in an open position, do not shelter pipeline fully, and when first blade is in the closed position, shelter pipeline at least in part.First solenoid is coupled to module frame.First pin (pin) is coupled to first solenoid, and wherein the first solenoidal actuating causes that first pin rotates to off-position with first blade from open position.
In some embodiments, this compact camera module further comprises the blade groove that is arranged in first blade, wherein first pin extends in the blade groove at least in part, the pin of winning is moved in blade groove in response to the first solenoidal actuating, and apply power to first blade.In some embodiments, this compact camera module further comprises the framework groove that is arranged in the module frame, and wherein first pin is furnished with first a solenoidal side by the framework groove from module frame and goes to the opposite side that module frame is furnished with first blade.First pin moves in the framework groove in response to the first solenoidal actuating.
In some embodiments, first blade comprises complete opaque shutter, and its configuration is used for stoping light to pass through pipeline fully when first blade is in the closed position.In some embodiments, this compact camera module further comprises second blade, it is coupled to module frame, and configuration is used for rotating between open position and off-position with respect to second, wherein when second blade is shown in an open position, do not shelter pipeline fully, and when second blade is in the closed position, shelter pipeline at least in part.In some embodiments, second blade comprises the lip-deep aperture that is arranged in second blade.The diameter of aperture makes when second blade is in the closed position that less than the diameter of pipeline second blade only part stops light to pass through pipeline.In some embodiments, second blade comprises light filter, and it is coupled to second blade, makes that light filter filters the light by pipeline at least in part when second blade is in the closed position.In some embodiments, light filter is the specific light filter of wavelength, and it is arranged to the part that has particular range of wavelengths in the light that filters out by pipeline; Or neutral density filter, it is arranged to the light that filters by all wavelengths of pipeline.In some embodiments, compact camera module comprises: second solenoid, and it is coupled to module frame; And second the pin, it is coupled to second solenoid, wherein the second solenoidal actuating cause second the pin second blade is rotated to off-position from open position.In some embodiments, first solenoid and second solenoid are arranged in the opposite side of module frame each other; And first blade and second blade be arranged in the opposite side of module frame each other.
In some embodiments, first blade comprises the lip-deep aperture that is arranged in first blade.The diameter of aperture makes when first blade is in the closed position that less than the diameter of pipeline first blade only part stops light to pass through pipeline.
In some embodiments, first blade comprises the light filter that is coupled to first blade, makes that light filter filters the light by pipeline at least in part when first blade is in the closed position.In some embodiments, light filter is the light filter specific to wavelength, and it is arranged to the part that has particular range of wavelengths in the light that filters out by pipeline; Or neutral density filter, it is arranged to the light that filters by all wavelengths of pipeline.
In some embodiments, this compact camera module further comprises second blade, it is coupled to module frame, and configuration is used for rotating between open position and off-position with respect to second, wherein when second blade is shown in an open position, do not shelter pipeline fully, and when second blade is in the closed position, shelter pipeline at least in part.First blade and second blade comprise complete opaque shutter, and wherein first blade and second blade are worked together to shelter pipeline fully in response to the first solenoidal actuating.
In some embodiments, first blade comprises first blade groove, wherein first pin extends in first blade groove at least in part, the pin of winning is moved in first blade groove in response to the first solenoidal actuating, and apply power to first blade; And second blade comprise second blade groove, wherein first pin extends in second blade groove at least in part, the pin of winning is moved in second blade groove in response to the first solenoidal actuating, and apply power to second blade.First blade groove and second blade groove dispose like this, make the pin of winning realize realizing moving of first blade before the moving of second blade.In some embodiments, second blade groove is straight path basically; And second blade dispose like this so that be shown in an open position and the moving when being realized in response to the first solenoidal actuating by first pin of first blade when second blade, second blade groove is parallel with the initial movable of first pin basically.
In some embodiments, this compact camera module further comprises the 3rd blade, it is coupled to module frame, and configuration is used for rotating between open position and off-position with respect to the 3rd, wherein when the 3rd blade is shown in an open position, do not shelter pipeline fully, and when the 3rd blade is in the closed position, shelter pipeline at least in part.Second solenoid is coupled to module frame.Second pin is coupled to second solenoid, and wherein the second solenoidal actuating causes that second pin rotates to off-position with the 3rd blade from open position.
In some embodiments, first solenoid and second solenoid are arranged in the same side of module frame each other; And first blade, second blade and the 3rd blade are arranged in the same side of module frame each other.In some embodiments, the 3rd blade comprises and is arranged in three-vaned lip-deep aperture.The diameter of aperture makes that less than the diameter of pipeline when the 3rd blade was in the closed position, only part stoped light to pass through described pipeline.In some embodiments, the 3rd blade comprises and is coupled to three-vaned light filter, makes when the 3rd blade is in the closed position, filters the light by pipeline at least in part.
In some embodiments, this compact camera module further comprises the micro-camera frame, and it comprises the shell with opening, and this opening configuration is used to allow light to enter the micro-camera frame; With opening optical device chain in line, the optical device chain comprises at least one camera lens that is used for the light that enters the micro-camera frame is focused on; And imaging surface.Module frame is positioned between optical device chain and the imaging surface, and at least a portion of the light that make to focus on is by the pipeline of module frame, and incides on the imaging surface, thereby produces recordable image.
In some embodiments, each of the pipeline and first part of vane has the substantial rectangular shape.
In some embodiments, module frame comprises sunk area; And first blade arrangement be used for rotating between open position in sunk area and the off-position.
In another aspect of this invention, provide a kind of method of making compact camera module.This method comprises provides micro-camera frame and compact camera module framework.This micro-camera frame comprises opening, and this opening configuration is used to allow light to enter the micro-camera frame; Camera lens external member and imaging surface.Provide the compact camera module framework to comprise the pipeline that forms by the micromodule framework, make that light can be from wherein passing through; And to module frame first blade that is coupled, wherein said first blade arrangement is used for rotating between open position and off-position with respect to first.When first blade is shown in an open position, does not shelter pipeline fully, and when first blade is in the closed position, shelter pipeline at least in part.First solenoid is coupled to module frame, and configuration is used for received signal.First pin is coupled to first solenoid, makes the solenoidal actuating of winning cause that first pin rotates to off-position with first blade from open position.The compact camera module framework is positioned between opening and the imaging surface, makes the light that enters opening be directed to imaging surface by pipeline.Compact camera module has the ability that signal is provided to first solenoid, and wherein this signal activates first blade, thereby causes that first blade shelters pipeline at least in part.First paddle response changes light by pipeline in the first solenoidal actuating.
In some embodiments, first paddle response stops light to pass through pipeline in the first solenoidal actuating fully.In some embodiments, first paddle response only partly stops light to pass through pipeline in the first solenoidal actuating.In some embodiments, first paddle response is filtered the light by pipeline in the first solenoidal actuating.In some embodiments, first blade has the substantial rectangular shape, uses to adapt to the micro-camera with substantial rectangular imaging surface.
According to these embodiments, amount, quality and the time shutter of the light on the imaging surface during the user can use micro-camera are controlled.
Embodiment
Provide following description so that make those skilled in the art can make and use the present invention, and this description is to provide in the context of patented claim and requirement thereof.Those skilled in the art make various modifications to the embodiment of describing easily, and general principle herein can be applied to other embodiments.Thus, the embodiment that the present invention is not limited to illustrate, but according to the wide region consistent with principle described here and feature.
Improved device and improved technology are used for covering, creating and adjust aperture size and filter light at the micro-camera device.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that of the present invention the following specifically describes only is illustrative, be not used for the present invention of requirement for restriction protection.Benefit from technician of the present disclosure and expect other embodiments of the present invention easily.Should be appreciated that when any this reality of exploitation realizes, must make the specific decision-making of numerous realizations, so that reach developer's specific objective.The realization of the present invention shown in reference to the accompanying drawings now in detail.Will accompanying drawing with the following specifically describes in use identical Reference numeral to refer to identical or similar part.
For the purpose of this disclosure, point out unless the context of this instructions is clear and definite or implicit, otherwise term " pipeline " should be understood to the opening in the camera shutter module, it is designed to allow light therefrom to pass through.Equally, term " aperture " should be understood to be used to allow to be less than 100% the light quantity opening by pipeline.
The disclosure provides plurality of embodiments of the present invention.Should be appreciated that any feature from any embodiment can combine with any feature from any other embodiment, unless otherwise stated.In this way, the mixed configuration of illustrated embodiment also falls within the scope of the invention.
Figure 1A shows the perspective illustration of first side of the camera model 100 of some embodiment according to the present invention.Camera model 100 comprises module frame 110.Pipeline 175 is arranged in the surface of module frame 110, and by this surface, thereby allow light to go to opposite side from a side by module frame 110.First solenoid device 120 is coupled to module frame 110.In some embodiments, first solenoid device 120 comprises the transducer that converts the electrical signal to mechanical force.First solenoid device 120 is coupled to the first arm 122 and first pin 124.The mechanical force that first solenoid device 120 is created moves the first arm 122 and first pin 124.First pin 124 is coupled to first blade 151 on function, make moving of the pin 124 of winning handle first blade 151 physically.Will be hereinafter in some embodiment discussed in detail, this functional coupling and physical manipulation are realized like this: in first pin, 124 grooves or groove that are arranged at least in part in first blade, make the pin 124 of winning can be when first solenoid 122 activates and 151 interactions of first blade.
In some embodiments of the present invention, first blade 151 is coupled to module frame 110 by axle 141.In some embodiments, first blade 151 is in the same plane with module frame 110 basically.According to these embodiments, first solenoid device 120 receives electric signal, causes that then first pin 124 rotates first blade 151 with respect to axle 141.
As shown, the first arm 122 extends to point on first blade 151 from first solenoid device 120, and then, first pin 124 turns to first blade 151 and module frame 110.In some embodiments, first pin 124 extends to module frame 110 with vertical with the length of the first arm 122 basically angle.In some embodiments of the present invention, groove 161 (by dotted line indication) is arranged in the module frame 110, and the moving of groove 161 guiding first pin 124, can be for the space and the border of moving thereby provide to first pin.According to these embodiments, first pin 124 is by the grooves 181 in first blade 151, and is assemblied in the groove 161 in the module frame, and it is along with solenoid device 120 transfer arms 122 come moving of directing pin 124.First pin 124, first groove 161 and first blade 151 dispose like this, makes when first solenoid 120 switches, and first blade 151 replaces blocking pipeline 175 and do not block between the pipeline 175.As shown, first blade 151 is in " opening " state, this means that first blade 151 can not block pipeline 175 by any way.
Shown in Figure 1A, first blade 151 is opaque shutters.When first blade 151 was in " closing " position, opaque shutter blocked pipeline 175 (following explanation) fully.Although first blade 151 is depicted as opaque shutter, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that first blade 151 can comprise a plurality of camera accessory, includes but not limited to: aperture, monochromatic filter and neutral density filter and other.
In operation, the user initiates to be used for the order of sending electric signal to first solenoid 120.First solenoid device 120 activates the first arm 122 and first pin 124, makes the blade 151 of winning with respect to axle 141 rotations.Since the orientation of the groove 161 on the module frame 110 and the orientation of the groove 181 on first blade 151 be out-of-alignment (for example, basically be perpendicular to one another, wherein the length perpendicular of groove 161 is extended, and the length substantial horizontal of groove 181 is extended), when first blade is in " opening " position, first pin 124 along with its in framework groove 161 move and with the borderline phase interaction of blade groove 181, and apply mechanical force to first blade 151.Along with first blade 151 rotates with respect to axle 141, pipeline 175 becomes masked.In some embodiments of the present invention, solenoid device 120 is decontroled the first arm 122 and first pin 124 automatically after preset time, make the blade 151 of winning reopen pipeline 175.In other embodiments of the present invention,, must send another electric signal to first solenoid device 120 in order to decontrol first blade 151.
In some embodiments of the present invention, module frame 110 disposes sunk area 115.This sunk area 115 has surface area and thickness, and the blade 151 of winning is accommodated in the sunk area 115 basically, and can not give prominence to from sunk area 115 during it moves.Yet, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that first blade 151, the second blade (not shown) or additional blade (not shown) can have a plurality of configurations, shape and with respect to the position of camera model miscellaneous part, still can realize purpose of the present invention.
In some embodiments of the present invention, module frame 110 is positioned in the camera frame (not shown), and it also comprises other necessarieses with the known method utilization of photography.According to these embodiments, pipeline 175 and imaging surface (not shown) alinement.In some embodiments of the present invention, imaging surface is photographic film or film.In other embodiments of the present invention, imaging surface is the array of charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or CMOS sensor.Yet various equivalent modifications should be appreciated that any imaging surface can use in conjunction with the present invention.
Figure 1B shows the perspective schematic view of camera model shown in Figure 1A 100, and wherein first blade 151 is in " closing " position, thereby has covered pipeline 175 (by the dotted line indication).Shown in Figure 1B, first solenoid device 120 is coupled to module frame 110, and the first arm 122 extends to point on first blade 151 from first solenoid device 120, and then, first pin 124 extends towards module frame 110.First pin 124 is by first blade 151, and is assemblied in (part is by the dotted line indication) in the groove 161.In response to the actuating of first solenoid device 120, first pin 124 moves to the top of groove 161 from the bottom of groove 161, thus with respect to axle 141 rotation first blades 151 and shelter pipeline 175.As shown, first blade 151 remains on during it moves in the sunk area 115.
In some embodiments of the present invention, a more than solenoid device is arranged on the module frame, so that handle blade.Fig. 2 A-Fig. 2 B shows the perspective schematic view of the compact camera module 200 of some embodiment according to the present invention, wherein has a plurality of solenoid device 120 and 230.Compact camera module 200 is variants of compact camera module shown in Figure 1A-Figure 1B 100 shown in Fig. 2 A-Fig. 2 B.Thus, camera model 200 comprises first solenoid 120 that is coupled to module frame 210.First solenoid 120 is the mobile the first arm (not shown) and first pin 124 in first groove 161, so that handle the first blade (not shown).In addition, second solenoid device 230 is coupled to the opposite side of module frame 210.
Camera model 200 comprises second blade 252 that is coupled to module frame 210.The configuration of second blade 252 and manipulation are similar to the configuration and the manipulation of above-mentioned first blade 151.Second arm 232 extends from the point of second solenoid device 230 on second blade 252, then, and second pin, 234 steering module frameworks 210.In some embodiments of the present invention, second pin 234 is by the grooves 282 in second blade 252, and is assemblied in the groove 261 in the module frame 210 (by the dotted line indication).Moving of groove 261 guiding second pins 234 in the module frame 210.
In some embodiments, second solenoid device 230 comprises transducer, and it converts the electrical signal to power, so that move second arm 232 and second pin 234, thereby handles second blade 252.Second blade 252 is coupled to module frame 210 by axle 242, and can be along with the mobile of second arm 232 and second pin 234 with respect to axle 242 rotations.Thus, second blade 252 in masking block framework 210 pipeline 272 and do not block between the pipeline 275 alternately.
Fig. 2 A shows second blade 252 that is in " opening " position, this means that second blade 252 do not shelter pipeline 275.As shown, second blade 252 is aperture blades, and it comprises aperture 277 in second blade 252.Aperture 277 is such pipelines, and it is at least in part less than pipeline 275, and when second blade 252 was in " closing " position, the partial occlusion pipeline 272 at least, shown in following Fig. 2 B.
Although second blade 252 is depicted as aperture blades, second blade 252 can comprise a plurality of camera accessories, includes but not limited to: shutter, monochromatic light light filter and neutral density filter, Dynamic Radius aperture etc.
As known, first solenoid 120 disposes like this, makes the pin 124 of winning pass through module frame 210 near frame module 210 bottoms; Second solenoid 230 disposes like this, makes second pin 234 pass through module frame 210 near the top of module frame 210.This configuration allows first solenoid 120 and second solenoid 230 to realize the full breadth of blade movement, and can be not interfering with each other.Like this, this configuration need not used a plurality of modules in order to realize identical result in the camera frame, thereby has realized one object of the present invention,, keeps very undersized camera model that is.
In some embodiments of the present invention, module 210 disposes sunk area 215.Sunk area 215 has surface area and thickness, makes second blade 252 be contained in the sunk area 215, and can be not outstanding from sunk area 215 during it moves.Yet, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that second blade 252 or additional blade (not shown) can have a plurality of configurations, shape and with respect to the position of the miscellaneous part of camera model, but still can realize purpose of the present invention.
In operation, the user initiates to send to second solenoid device 230 order of electric signal.Second solenoid device 230 moves from the top of groove 261 second pin 234 to the bottom of groove 261, thereby causes that second pin 234 applies power via blade groove 282 to second blade 252, and thus with respect to axle 242 rotations second blade 252.Along with second blade 252 rotates with respect to axle 242, pipeline 275 becomes masked at least in part.In some embodiments of the present invention, second solenoid device 230 is decontroled second arm 232 and second pin 234 automatically, makes second blade 252 reopen the complete circle size of pipeline 275.In other embodiments of the present invention, must send another electric signal to second solenoid device 230, could decontrol second blade 252.
In some embodiments of the present invention, a signal can be realized the actuating of two solenoids 120 and 230.In some embodiments, a signal realizes that the staggered of blade 151 and 252 moves.Move when in other embodiments, a signal is realized blade 151 and 252.
Fig. 2 B shows the compact camera module 200 that blade 252 is in " closing " position.As shown, activated second arm 232, thereby second pin 234 is moved to the bottom of groove 261 from the top of groove 261, realized of the rotation of second blade 252 thus with respect to axle 242.In " closing " position, shelter pipeline 275 as second blade, 252 parts of aperture blades, the aperture 277 that only stays reduced size is for opening.Also can see first groove 161 among Fig. 2 B.As shown, first groove 161 comprises first pin 124.
Fig. 3 A-Fig. 3 B shows the alternate embodiment of the compact camera module 300 of some embodiment according to the present invention.Camera model 300 comprises: module frame 310 rotatably is coupled to the blade 351 of module frame 310 via axle 341, and is arranged on the module frame 310 and the pipeline 375 by module frame 310.The solenoid device (not shown) is arranged on the opposite side of module frame 310.Solenoid device is coupled to arm (not shown) and pin (not shown).Module frame 310 also disposes by its surperficial groove (not shown).Blade 351 disposes guide rod 381.
The configuration of blade 351 and manipulation are similar to above at Figure 1A-first blade 151 of Fig. 2 B discussion and the configuration and the operation of second blade 252.Similar with arm, pin and the arrangements of grooves above discussed at Figure 1A-Fig. 2 B, guide rod 381 among Fig. 3 A-Fig. 3 B and groove guide moving of arm and pin.When solenoid device activated, this arm was along the groove moving pin, and applied power to the border of guide rod 381, thereby caused that blade 351 shelters pipeline 375 at least in part.
In some embodiments of the present invention, blade 351 comprises the blade frame 354 that accommodates light filter 355.Blade frame 354 is used to hold light filter 355, and this is because light filter is sometimes too little, to such an extent as to be difficult to couple directly to arm and pin under the situation injury-free after repeating to move its part.
Blade 351, light filter 355 and pipeline 375 shown in Fig. 3 A-Fig. 3 B are depicted as rectangular shape basically.This configuration has been held those micro-cameras with substantial rectangular imaging surface and has been used.
In some embodiments of the present invention, light filter 355 is neutral density filters.Neutral density filter filters out the moiety by the extensive wavelength coverage of this light filter.In other embodiments of the present invention, light filter 355 is monochromatic filters or specific to the light filter of wavelength.Monochromatic filter filters out the light of less wavelength coverage.Although disclose neutral density filter and monochromatic filter especially, can use any suitable light filter equally.
In some embodiments of the present invention, module frame 310 is positioned in the camera frame (not shown).According to these embodiments, pipeline 375 is arranged in a straight line with the imaging surface (not shown).In some embodiments of the present invention, imaging surface is photographic film or film.In other embodiments of the present invention, imaging surface is the array of charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or CMOS sensor.Yet, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that any imaging surface can use in conjunction with the present invention.The camera frame also comprises other necessary devices that use with known method for imaging.The camera model of describing among Fig. 3 A 300 is in " opening " position.When blade 351 was in " opening " position, pipeline 375 was not blocked by blade 351.Like this, the light that is incident on the pipeline 375 is not changed by blade 351.
Fig. 3 B shows the alternative compact camera module 300 that blade 351 is in " closing " position.Blade 351 moves to " closing " position on the pipeline 375 (dotted line indication) by the second solenoid device (not shown).Thus, incide the filtration that light on the pipeline has passed through light filter 355.In some embodiments of the present invention, Fu Jia solenoid device (not shown) and/or additional blade (not shown) are positioned on the camera model 300.
In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one solenoid device is positioned on the side of module frame, and at least one blade on the opposite side of at least one solenoid device control module framework.Fig. 4 A shows the perspective schematic view of camera model equipment 400, and wherein solenoid device 420 is positioned on the side of module frame 410.Module frame 410 disposes pipeline 475 in its surface, and feasible light from light source can pass through this pipeline 475.Solenoid device 420 is coupled to arm 422 and pin 424.Groove 461 is arranged on the module frame 410, and pin 424 is configured to go to by groove 461 opposite side of module frame 410.On the opposite side of module frame 410, pin 424 is coupled at least one blade 452 on function.According to some embodiment of the present invention, pin 424 is coupled to one or more additional blade (not shown).In response to actuating, solenoid device 420 will be sold 424 and be moved to the top of groove 461 from the bottom of groove 461.
Fig. 4 B shows the perspective schematic view of the opposite side of camera model shown in Fig. 4 A.Fig. 4 B shows the drift angle of the solenoid device 420 that is coupled to 410 1 sides of module frame shown in Fig. 4 A.As mentioned above, solenoid device 420 pin 424 that is coupled to arm 422 (not shown among Fig. 4 B) and extends to groove 461 (part by dotted line indication).Pin 424 further extends to guide rod 481 and 482 (part is by the dotted line indication), and these guide rods lay respectively on blade 451 and 452. Guide rod 481 and 482 is the grooves that are similar to above-mentioned groove 181 and 282.
Blade 451 is coupled to module frame 410 via axle 441, and blade 452 is coupled to module frame 410 via axle 442.As shown, two blades 451 and 452 are configuration like this, makes to activated and sell 424 in groove 461 when mobile when solenoid device 420, sells 424 and applies power to guide rod 481 and 482, thereby cause that blade 451 moves along clockwise direction, and cause that blade 452 moves in the counterclockwise direction.Thus, blade 451 moves for 452 times at blade, so that do not hinder moving of blade 452.Thus, blade 451 and 452 is sheltered pipeline 475 simultaneously in response to the actuating of solenoid device 420.Fig. 4 B shows pin 424 begun to move up groove 461 and guide rod 482, and blade 451 and 452 does not all begin to shelter pipeline 475.
Fig. 4 C-Fig. 4 E shows the camera model 400 that blade 451 and 452 is in starting stage, interstage and the stage of finishing of sheltering pipeline 475 respectively.As shown, blade 451 and 452 is sheltered pipeline 475 (dotted line indication) together fully.Blade 451 and 452 and the configuration assistant of guide rod 481 and 482 realize purpose of the present invention, that is, the size that minimizes module 400 keeps the full functionality of blade simultaneously.The reason that the size of module 400 is minimized is at least, and only needs to use a blade to compare usually, only needs less the moving of pin 424 just can shelter pipeline 475 fully.Move by the short of needs pin 424, can use less solenoid 420, support less module package thus.
In addition, guide rod 481 and 482 peculiar geometric configuration have limited the required workload of solenoid 420.Shown in Fig. 4 B, pin 424 is at first realized moving of blade 451, this be because guide rod 481 initial basically with pin 424 mobile vertical by groove 461, and be because of entering at pin 424 before it moves, pin 424 does not interact with guide rod 482 basically, shown in Fig. 4 C.In some embodiments, blade 451 and 452, guide rod 481 and 482, pin 424 and groove 461 disposes like this, make the important beginning parts that all move at pin 424, sell 424 arc and move basically parallel with the length of the guide rod 482 of blade 452.Thus, the workload of solenoid 420 needs spreads out.In some embodiments, pin 424 arc moves basically parallel with the length of the guide rod 482 of blade 452, accounts for 22% of pin 424 total movements greatly.
Equally, compare with mobile bigger and more thick and heavy blade, it is less to move the required work of two more not thick and heavy blades.Therefore, compare with using big sheltering of pipeline 475 of blade realization, the energy that arm and pin 424 need is less.Guide rod 481,482 and groove 461 peculiar disposed and helps to reduce the required workload of solenoid 420, makes module designer can select to use less solenoid thus.Thus, this improvement helps to reduce the overall dimensions of camera model 400.In addition, compare with using big blade, two less blades can be sheltered pipeline more quickly.Thus, the present invention can be configured to optimize shutter speed.
In some embodiments of the present invention, compact camera module has the substantial rectangular shape, and its elevation dimension and width dimensions be 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, and the pipeline radius is about 1 millimeter.In other embodiments of the present invention, the compact camera module framework is at any given micro-camera applied customization.In some embodiments, the radius of pipeline is about 2.2 millimeters, 2.6 millimeters or 3.5 millimeters in the module frame.
In Fig. 4 D, first blade 451 and second blade 452 are in the interstage of covering pipeline 475.At last, the mobile end of first pin 424 in groove 461 and guide rod 481,482, shown in Fig. 4 E, wherein blade 451 and 452 is in and covers finishing the stage of pipeline 475.
In some embodiments of the present invention, blade 451 and 452 is opaque surfaces.Opaque blade serves as shutter, and to stop light to pass through pipeline 475 fully in response to the actuating of solenoid device 420, this causes sheltering fully pipeline 475.In Fig. 4 E, blade 451 and 452 is worked together to stop any light by pipeline 475 fully.
In other embodiments, blade 451 and 452 is opaque, but only partly shelters pipeline 475.According to these embodiments, two blades are used for the aperture blades of partial occlusion light.In other embodiments of the present invention, blade 451 and 452 comprises light filter, is used for when blade 451 and 452 is sheltered pipeline 475 light being filtered.
Fig. 5 A-Fig. 5 E shows the feature of the compact camera module 500 of some embodiment according to the present invention.Fig. 5 A shows the blade 551,552 that uses and 553 perspective schematic view in the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 5 B-Fig. 5 E.Blade 553 (part is by the dotted line indication) comprising: have the support blade 554 of axle 543, and the groove 583 that passes through blade 554 surfaces.In addition, light filter 555 is coupled to the top of blade 554 via coupling mechanism 549.Sometimes wish light filter is coupled to blade rather than only uses light filter,, couple directly to axle or pin under its situation that is difficult to not damage standing solenoidal actuating because some light filter is to be formed by frangible material configuration.Yet various equivalent modifications can be understood, and light filter itself can use in some applications.
In some embodiments of the present invention, light filter 555 is neutral density filters.The moiety that has extensive wavelength coverage in the light of neutral density filter filtration by this light filter.In other embodiments of the present invention, light filter 555 is monochromatic filters.Monochromatic filter filters out the light with less wavelength coverage.Although disclose neutral density filter and monochromatic filter especially, can use any suitable light filter equally.
Blade 551 and 552 each have axle 541 and 542 respectively, and each of blade 551 and 552 has groove 581 and 582 respectively, wherein groove is used for moving of guide blades 551 and 552.
Fig. 5 B-Fig. 5 E shows the compact camera module 500 that uses a plurality of blades.In Fig. 5 B, a plurality of blades 551,552 and 553 are coupled to a side of module frame 510. Blade 551 and 552 is used to cover pipeline 575, and blade 553 is used to utilize light filter 555 to shelter pipeline 575.Blade 553 is coupled to module frame 510 via axle 543, and blade 551 is coupled to module frame via axle 541, and blade 552 is coupled to module frame 510 via axle 542.In some embodiments of the present invention, sunk area 515 is arranged on the surface of blade-side of module frame 510, makes blade 551,552 and 553 be located substantially in the sunk area 515.Pipeline 575 also is arranged in module frame 510, is used to allow light therefrom to pass through.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the first solenoid (not shown) and second solenoid are positioned at the opposite side of module frame 510, that is, and and the solenoid side of module frame 510.According to these embodiments, the first arm (not shown) and first pin 524 are coupled to the first solenoid (not shown), and the second arm (not shown) and second pin 534 are coupled to the second solenoid (not shown).As described below, first pin 524 is solenoid-actuated by first, and second pin 534 is solenoid-actuated by second.
Groove 561 and 562 also is positioned on the module frame 510, and it allows pin 524 and 534 by module frame, and guide blades 551,552 and 553 is mobile.Pin 524 and 534 extends to the blade-side of module frame 510 from the solenoid side of module frame 510.Pin 534 extends to the guide rod 583 that is arranged on the blade 553, and pin 524 extends to the guide rod 581 that is arranged on the blade 551 and the guide rod 582 on the blade 552.Therefore, can moving blade 554 by moving pin 534, can moving blade 551 and 552 by moving pin 524.
In some embodiments of the present invention, guide rod 581 and 582 disposes like this, makes blade 551 and 552 move in response to the actuating of pin 524.Thus, two less blades can be finished identical covering than blade is the same greatly with single, thereby make module frame to be used in the miniature applications.
In some embodiments of the present invention, compact camera module has the substantial rectangular shape, and its elevation dimension and width dimensions be 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, and the pipeline radius is about 1 millimeter.In some embodiments of the present invention, the compact camera module framework is at any micro-camera applied customization.In some embodiments, the radius of pipeline is about 2.2 millimeters, 2.6 millimeters or 3.5 millimeters in the module frame.
Fig. 5 C shows the schematic side elevation of solenoid side of the module frame 510 of some embodiment according to the present invention.Fig. 5 C shows the opposite side of the module frame 510 that shows the place among Fig. 5 B.Thus, first solenoid 520 and second solenoid 530 are coupled to module frame 510.First solenoid is coupled to arm 522 and pin 524.Similarly, second solenoid 530 is coupled to arm 532 and pin 534.Also show groove 561,562 and pipeline 575 among Fig. 5 B.As mentioned above, solenoid 520 and 530 actuator pins 524 and 534, thereby cause blade 551 and 552 and light filter 555 shelter pipeline 575 at least in part.
Fig. 5 D shows after pin 534 is activated by solenoid 530, the schematic side elevation of the blade-side of module frame 510.Thus, blade 553 has rotated, and light filter 555 is sheltered pipeline 575 (by the dotted line indication).In Fig. 5 D, blade 551 and 552 does not activated, and is shown in an open position.
Fig. 5 E shows after pin 524 is activated by solenoid 520, the schematic side elevation of the blade-side of module frame 510.Therefore, along with pin 524 applies power to guide rod 581 and 582 at it during by groove 561, blade 551 and 552 is pushed into actuated position.Some embodiment according to the present invention, blade 551 and 552 is opaque, and thus, blade 551 and 552 serves as shutter, passes through pipeline 575 to stop light fully.In Fig. 5 E, filter blade 553 does not activated, and is shown in an open position.
Fig. 6 A-Fig. 6 B shows the schematic side elevation of the compact camera module 600 of some embodiment according to the present invention.Compact camera module 600 is similar to the compact camera module 500 among Fig. 5 A-Fig. 5 E, and difference is to utilize aperture blades to substitute filter blade.According to these embodiments, two blades 651 and 652 configurations are used to cover pipeline 675, the three blades 653 and are designed to have aperture 655 to be used for partial occlusion pipeline 675.Along with pin 634 moves and applies power via guide rod 683 to aperture blades 653 along groove 662, aperture blades 653 activated.When activateding, aperture blades 653 parts are sheltered pipeline 675, shown in Fig. 6 B.
According to the embodiment that Fig. 5 A-Fig. 6 B describes, a more than solenoid is used to provide the ability that twayblade covers of carrying out, and the use additional blades filters and/or provide to the micro-camera application ability of aperture.Twayblade covers and allows camera model to use in miniature applications, and causes the shutter speed optimized.In addition, to include for the zoom function camera model be useful to the additional blades that will be used to cover or filter incident light.
As mentioned above, the objective of the invention is to compact camera module is positioned in the camera frame, make the pipeline of compact camera module and image imaging surface in line.Fig. 7 shows the skeleton view some embodiment, that be contained in the compact camera module 710 in the camera frame 700 according to the present invention.As shown, camera frame 700 comprises and is used to receive light to form the opening 703 of image.Camera frame 700 also comprises the first optical device group 790 and the second optical device group 792.Typically, optical device group 790 and 792 comprises one or more optical elements, such as camera lens.In some embodiments, the compact camera module 710 contiguous second optical device groups 792, and between the first optical device group 790 and the second optical device group 792.Be appreciated that other optical device configuration set also fall into scope of the present invention.For example, in some embodiments, only use an optical device group, and in other embodiments, use three optical device groups.
Compact camera module 710 comprises by its surperficial pipeline 775 (being designated as the dotted line circle).Compact camera module 710 disposes like this, makes to advance by the pipeline on the compact camera module 710 775 by the light of the second optical device group 792, by the first optical device group 790, incides at last on the recording surface 705.In some embodiments of the present invention, the first optical device group 790 is positioned at before the recording surface 105.The first optical device group 790 is used to make the light by wherein substantially perpendicularly to incide recording surface 705.
In some embodiments, micro-camera frame 700 also disposes first guide pillar 794 and second guide pillar 796.The first optical device group 790 and the second optical device group 792 are coupled to first guide pillar 794 and second guide pillar 796 slidably.Thus, the first optical device group 790 and the second optical device group 792 can move in the Y direction along first guide pillar 794 and second guide pillar 796, thereby have realized such as light characteristics such as focus, the depth of field.In some embodiments, micro-camera frame 700 comprises the convergent-divergent/camera frame of focusing automatically.This convergent-divergent/example of Focusing module further is the U.S. Patent number 7 of " AUTO-FOCUS AND ZOOMMODULE HAVING A LEAD SCREW WITH ITS ROTATIONRESULTS IN TRANSLATION OF AN OPTICS GROUP " at exercise question automatically, 531, be described in 773, this by with reference to and it is incorporated into, as in this record.
In some embodiments, micro-camera frame 700 is assemblied in the miniature housing, and be comprised in a plurality of consumer electronics (such as, cell phone, personal digital assistant etc.) one of in.According to these embodiments, optical device group 790 and 792 relative position are tracked, are used for the Flame Image Process purpose so that convey a message to processor.In some embodiments, compact camera module 710 also comprises one or more solenoids, to be used to control one or more blades.One or more blade arrangement are used for sheltering pipeline 775 at least in part in response to one or more solenoidal actuatings as mentioned above, with further realization Flame Image Process.
In some embodiments of the present invention, imaging surface 705 is photographic film or film.In other embodiments of the present invention, imaging surface 705 is arrays of charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or CMOS sensor.Yet any imaging surface 705 can use in conjunction with the present invention.Camera frame 700 also comprises other equipment that use with known method for imaging.
In operation, compact camera module 710 changes amount and/or quality by the light of this module by utilizing one or more solenoids in the above-mentioned example and one or more blade.Camera frame 700 is by beam coupling and external unit coupling.In some embodiments of the present invention, compact camera module is integrated among a plurality of consumer electronics, includes but not limited to mobile phone and personal digital assistant.
Compact camera module of the present invention can be with various different modes manufacturings.Yet in preferred compact camera module manufacture method, this method comprises: micro-camera frame and compact camera module framework are provided.This micro-camera frame comprises opening, and this opening configuration is used to allow light to enter the micro-camera frame; Camera lens external member and imaging surface.Provide the compact camera module framework to comprise: to form pipeline, make that light can be from wherein passing through by the micromodule framework; And to module frame first blade that is coupled, wherein said first blade arrangement is used for rotating between open position and off-position with respect to first.When first blade is shown in an open position, does not shelter pipeline fully, and when first blade is in the closed position, shelter pipeline at least in part.First solenoid is coupled to module frame, and configuration is used for received signal.First pin is coupled to first solenoid, makes the solenoidal actuating of winning cause that first pin rotates to off-position with first blade from open position.The compact camera module framework is positioned between opening and the imaging surface, makes the light that enters opening be directed to imaging surface by pipeline.Compact camera module has the ability that signal is provided to first solenoid, and wherein this signal activates first blade, thereby causes that first blade shelters pipeline at least in part.First paddle response changes light by pipeline in the first solenoidal actuating.
In some embodiments, first paddle response stops light to pass through pipeline in the first solenoidal actuating fully.In some embodiments, first paddle response only partly stops light to pass through pipeline in the first solenoidal actuating.In some embodiments, first paddle response is filtered the light by pipeline in the first solenoidal actuating.In some embodiments, first blade has the substantial rectangular shape, uses to adapt to the micro-camera with substantial rectangular imaging surface.
As mentioned above, the invention solves some problem that exists in the existing micro-camera system.The present invention is directed to shield light, provide aperture and light filter to provide feasible mode so that change the quality of light in the micro-camera application.By using a more than blade to cover pipeline, compact camera module can be less, because the minimum dimension of each shutter is all less than the size of pipeline.In addition, compare, use more than one to cover pipeline than vanelets and can produce shutter speed faster with using big blade.
Owing to advantage of the present invention, compact camera module can be integrated in than among the consumer electronics on a small scale, includes but not limited to cell phone and personal digital assistant.And the present invention allows light filter and aperture are used in conjunction with blade, and is contained in simultaneously in the same compact camera module.Thus, compact camera module can use in the micro-camera that utilizes zoom feature is used.
In incorporating the specific implementations of details into, the present invention has been described, to promote to understand the structure of power amplification circuit and the principle of operation.Shown in the various accompanying drawings and the multiple parts of describing can exchange the result of use needing to realize, and will be understood that this instructions contained these exchanges.Thus, herein to the reference of specific implementations and details thereof and be not intended to the scope of restriction claims.Those skilled in the art can make improvement to the embodiment of selecting herein to be used to illustrate under the prerequisite that does not break away from the application's spirit and scope be obvious.