Camera device methods, apparatus and components
First Claim
1. A camera device, comprising:
- a first optical chain including;
a first moveable mirror assembly including a first mirror;
a first mirror support;
a mirror pivot hinge supporting the first moveable mirror assembly in the first mirror support, the mirror pivot hinge having a mirror pivot axis which extends parallel to a face of the first mirror, the mirror pivot hinge including a first pivot shaft inserted into said first mirror support allowing the first mirror included in the first moveable mirror assembly to rotate with respect to said first mirror support around the mirror pivot axis thereby changing an amount of tilt of the first mirror; and
a first linear actuator for exerting a linear force on a first portion of said first moveable mirror assembly to control rotation of said first moveable mirror assembly around the mirror pivot axis and thus changing of the amount of tilt of the first mirror.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for implementing optical chains, e.g., camera modules, which can be used in a camera device are described as well as camera devices including multiple camera modules. In various embodiments one or more camera modules include mirror assemblies which support a movable mirror. The mirror is driven in some embodiments by a linear actuator, e.g., piezo electric actuator with the linear motion of the actuator'"'"'s push rod being converted into angular mirror rotation by use of hinge, e.g., pivot on which the mirror is mounted. A return spring provide a force contrary to that provided by the actuator. A recess is included in a mounting board to allow the bottom of the mirror or a portion of the mirror mounting hinge to be placed below the surface of the mounting board to which the camera module is secured.
167 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A camera device, comprising:
a first optical chain including; a first moveable mirror assembly including a first mirror; a first mirror support; a mirror pivot hinge supporting the first moveable mirror assembly in the first mirror support, the mirror pivot hinge having a mirror pivot axis which extends parallel to a face of the first mirror, the mirror pivot hinge including a first pivot shaft inserted into said first mirror support allowing the first mirror included in the first moveable mirror assembly to rotate with respect to said first mirror support around the mirror pivot axis thereby changing an amount of tilt of the first mirror; and a first linear actuator for exerting a linear force on a first portion of said first moveable mirror assembly to control rotation of said first moveable mirror assembly around the mirror pivot axis and thus changing of the amount of tilt of the first mirror. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A camera device, comprising:
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a first optical chain including; a first moveable mirror assembly; a first mirror support; a first pivot attached to said first moveable mirror assembly and inserted into said first mirror support allowing said first moveable mirror assembly to rotate with respect to said first mirror support; a first linear actuator for exerting a linear force on a first portion of said first moveable mirror assembly to control rotation of said first moveable mirror assembly; and a first drive rod for transferring linear force generated by said first linear actuator onto said first portion of the first moveable mirror assembly, wherein the first drive rod makes contact with said first portion of said first moveable mirror assembly and presses against said first portion of said first moveable mirror assembly but is not attached to said first portion of said first moveable mirror assembly. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An assembly for use in a camera device, the assembly including:
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a mirror; a mirror support device to which said mirror is secured; a linear actuator; a mirror pivot hinge supporting the mirror support device, the mirror pivot hinge having a mirror pivot axis which extends parallel to a face of the mirror, the mirror pivot hinge including a first pivot shaft allowing the mirror to rotate with respect to the mirror pivot axis thereby changing an amount of tilt of the mirror; and a drive rod in contact with said actuator for driving said mirror support device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A camera module comprising:
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a mirror assembly including; a linear actuator; a mirror support mounted on a pivot and a drive rod connected to said linear actuator for driving said mirror support; a lens barrel; and a rigid mounting board to which said mirror assembly is mounted, said rigid mounting board including a recess allowing a portion of said mirror to extend below the surface of said mounting board, said recess corresponding to a thin area of said rigid mounting board adjacent a hole through which light can pass through said rigid mounting board and be reflected by the mirror into said lens barrel.
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Specification