Apple patents camera sensor that moves in five directions
Apple has been granted a patent for a camera module that moves the image sensor in multiple directions to improve image quality. The design uses a single stationary magnet and two different coils to shift the sensor sideways, forward, or tilt it. This allows the camera to adjust its position precisely without needing separate motors for each movement.
In the filing’s own words
An actuator assembly for a camera module includes a transversal actuator for motion of an image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera module. The actuator assembly also includes an axial actuator for motion of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis of the camera module. The actuator assembly further includes a shared magnet for operation of the transversal actuator for motion of the image sensor in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis and for operation of the axial actuator for motion of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis. A portion of the transversal actuator and a portion of the axial actuator are configured to move with the image sensor. The shared magnet is static relative to motion of the image sensor.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A camera, comprising: an optical assembly having one or more lens defining an optical axis; an image sensor; an actuator assembly to move the image sensor relative to the optical assembly; and a flexure that suspends the image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera and that allows motion of the image sensor enabled by the actuator assembly; wherein the actuator assembly comprises: a stationary magnet, a transversal coil that, when receiving a magnetic field from the stationary magnet, moves the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis, and an axial coil that, when receiving a magnetic field from the stationary magnet, tilts the image sensor in one or more directions about an axis orthogonal to the optical axis.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Sensor shift camera module with five degrees of freedom
- Patent number
- US12764402B2
- Application number
- 18469419
- Filed
- Sep 18, 2023
- Granted
- Oct 13, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04N 23/54 Electricity & electronicsMore from Apple in Cameras & imaging
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.