Multi-lens imaging apparatus with actuator
AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing, LLC
InventorMarko Eromäki
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The imaging system has two lenses coupled together, wherein both lenses face different sides of the device body. Each lens has a separate image sensor; for example, the first lens is for the front side camera and the second lens is for the back side camera. A single actuator moves both lenses simultaneously. Depending on the imaging direction, either the front side image sensor or the back side image sensor is activated and an image is received through the corresponding lens system. The actuator generates autofocus or image stabilization functions for both cameras.
Claims20
An imaging apparatus comprising:
- a body having a first side facing a first direction and a second side facing an opposite direction of the first direction;
- a lens carrier;
- a first lens mounted to the lens carrier and configured to receive light from the first side of the body from the first direction;
- a second lens mounted to the lens carrier and configured to receive light from the second side of the body from the opposite direction of the first direction;
- magnets mounted to the lens carrier in between the first lens and the second lens;
- an electromagnetic coil mounted to the body and positioned in between the first lens and the second lens and
- an optical control element configured to move the first lens in the first direction and the second lens in the opposite direction through supplying the electromagnetic coil with current to create electromagnetic forces with the magnets.
An apparatus comprising a body having a first side and a second side and a lens carrier, the apparatus comprising:
- a first lens mounted to the lens carrier, facing a first direction, and configured to receive light from a first optical axis to allow light to travel to a first image sensor;
- a second lens mounted to the carrier, facing an opposite direction of the first direction, and configured to receive light from a second optical axis to travel to a second image sensor;
- magnets mounted to the lens carrier in between the first lens and the second lens;
- an electromagnetic coil mounted to the body and positioned in between the magnets;
- and
- an optical control element configured to move the first lens in the first direction and the second lens in the opposite direction through supplying the electromagnetic coil with current to create electromagnetic forces with the magnets.
A system comprising:
- a body having a first side and a second side;
- a lens carrier;
- a first lens mounted to the lens carrier, facing a first direction, and configured to receive light from a first side of the body;
- a second lens mounted in the lens carrier, facing an opposite direction of the first direction, and configured to receive light from a second side of the body;
- magnets mounted to the lens carrier in between the first lens and the second lens;
- an electromagnetic coil mounted to the body between the first lens and the second lens;
- and
- an optical control element configured to move the first lens in the first direction and the second lens in the opposite direction through supplying the electromagnetic coil with current to create electromagnetic forces with the magnets.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.