Flexible suspension for image stabilization

#This application is related to the following applications, all of which are filed on the same date as this application, and all of which are assigned to the assignee of this application: Ferrofluid suspension for image stabilization (U.S. application Ser. No. 10/896,566), which was published on Jan. 26, 2006 as pending U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2006/0018645; Apparatus and method for heat sinking a sensor (U.S. application Ser. No. 10/896,565), which was published on Jan. 26, 2006 as pending U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2006/0018644; Method of compensating for an effect of temperature on a control system (U.S. application Ser. No. 10/896,568), which was published on Jan. 26, 2006 as pending U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2006/0018646; and Magnet configuration for image stabilization (U.S. application Ser. No. 10/896,526), which was published on Jan. 26, 2006 as pending U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2006/0018643.

#The present invention relates generally to photography, and more specifically to image stabilization.

#Image blur caused by camera shake is a common problem in photography. The problem is especially acute when a lens of relatively long focal length is used, because the effects of camera motion are magnified in proportion to the lens focal length. Many cameras, including models designed for casual “point and shoot” photographers, are available with zoom lenses that provide quite long focal lengths. Especially at the longer focal length settings, camera shake may become a limiting factor in a photographer's ability to take an unblurred photograph, unless corrective measures are taken.

#FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a digital camera.

#FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a digital camera, and illustrates a coordinate system convenient for describing motions of the camera.

#FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of the camera of FIG. 2, and illustrates how camera rotation can cause image blur.

#FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a digital camera. A lens 101 gathers light emanating from a scene, and redirects the light 102 such that an image of the scene is projected onto an electronic array light sensor 103. Electronic array light sensor 103 may be an array of charge coupled devices, commonly called a “CCD array”, a “CCD sensor”, or simply a “CCD”. Alternatively, electronic array light sensor 103 may be an array of active pixels constructed using complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. Such a sensor may be called an “active pixel array sensor”, a “CMOS sensor”, or another similar name. Other sensor technologies are possible. The light-sensitive elements on electronic array light sensor 103 are generally arranged in an ordered rectangular array, so that each element, or “pixel”, corresponds to a scene location.

#Image data signals 104 are passed to logic 110. Logic 110 interprets the image data signals 104, converting them to a numerical representation, called a “digital image.” Logic 110 may perform other functions as well, such as analyzing digital images taken by the camera for proper exposure, adjusting camera settings, performing digital manipulations on digital images, managing the storage, retrieval, and display of digital images, accepting inputs from a user of the camera, and other functions. Logic 110 also controls electronic array light sensor 103 through control signals 105. Logic 110 may comprise a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, dedicated logic, or a combination of these.

#Storage 111 comprises memory for storing digital images taken by the camera, as well as camera setting information, program instructions for logic 110, and other items. User controls 112 enable a user of the camera to configure and operate the camera, and may comprise buttons, dials, switches, or other control devices. A display 109 may be provided for displaying digital images taken by the camera, as well as for use in conjunction with user controls 112 in the camera's user interface. A flash or strobe light 106 may provide supplemental light 107 to the scene, under control of strobe electronics 108, which are in turn controlled by logic 110. Logic 110 may also provide control signals 113 to control lens 101. For example, logic 110 may adjust the focus of the lens 101, and, if lens 101 is a zoom lens, may control the zoom position of lens 101.