Split-camera autoalignment

An electronic device comprising:

• an objective portion configured to collect light from a subject;
• a sensor portion separable from and re-alignable to the objective portion, the sensor portion including an array of optical sensor elements;
• an alignment-sensing system configured to sense a deviation from a predetermined relative positioning between the objective and sensor portions due to imprecise re-alignment of the objective and sensor portions, and to provide an output responsive to the deviation;
• a linear actuator configured to move the objective or sensor portion;
• a computer configured to control the linear actuator responsive to the output of the alignment-sensing system, so as to move the objective or sensor portion toward the predetermined relative positioning to reduce the deviation due to the imprecise re-alignment sensed by the alignment-sensing system;
• and
• a retaining member configured to couple the objective portion to the sensor portion when the objective and sensor portions are separated and when the objective and sensor portions are opposing each other.

A camera comprising:

• an objective portion configured to collect light from a subject;
• a sensor portion separable from and re-alignable to the objective portion, the sensor portion including an array of optical sensor elements;
• an alignment-sensing system configured to sense a deviation from a predetermined relative positioning between the objective and sensor portions due to imprecise re-alignment of the objective and sensor portions, and to provide an output responsive to the deviation;
• a translational linear actuator configured to shift the objective or sensor portion;
• a rotational linear actuator configured to tilt the objective or sensor portion;
• and
• a computer configured to control the translational and rotational linear actuators responsive to the output of the alignment-sensing system, so as to move the objective or sensor portion toward the predetermined relative positioning to reduce the deviation due to the imprecise re-alignment sensed by the alignment-sensing system.