Camera blade shutter module

The present invention is a miniature camera shutter module for use in miniature camera applications. It is an object of the present invention to provide the miniature camera shutter module with solenoid controlled blades in order to alter the amount and quality of light passing through a conduit disposed on the surface of the module. In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade comprises a shutter to completely block light. In other embodiments, the blade comprises an aperture, a neutral-density filter, a monochromatic filter, and the like. In some embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module is positioned within a more elaborate miniature camera chassis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of image capture systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to shuttering, adjusting aperture size and filtering optical exposures in a camera system having restrictive size limitations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

For the purpose of this application, unless otherwise indicated expressly or impliedly by the context of the description, the term “conduit” shall mean an opening in a camera shutter module designed to allow the passage of light therethrough. Likewise, the term “aperture” shall mean an apparatus for allowing less than 100% of an amount of light through a conduit.

Also, the terms “camera shutter module” and “miniature camera shutter module” shall mean an apparatus incorporated within a camera optics system used to affect the amount and/or quality of light passing through the optics system to an imaging surface whether or not the apparatus is configured for shuttering light. For example, a miniature camera shutter module may refer to an apparatus configured for shuttering light, or for an apparatus configured for affecting the amount and/or quality of light without actually shuttering light. Of course, a miniature camera shutter module may also refer to an apparatus configured for shuttering, filtering and for providing an aperture for light in a camera optics system.

Cameras commonly include mechanical structures for shuttering light, adjusting an amount of light and adjusting the quality of light that is able to pass through a conduit and fall incident upon an imaging surface.

The camera shutter is a device that alternatively allows light to pass through a conduit to an imaging surface for a certain period of time and blocks the light so as to limit the time light falls incident upon the imaging surface. It is advantageous to have the ability to control the shutter speed, or the time the imaging surface is exposed to light. Furthermore, in digital camera applications, it is important to shutter light in order to allow an imaging surface to process an exposure of light.

It is also advantageous to control the percentage of an amount of light that is exposed to an imaging surface. An aperture is a device which can be used to limit the total amount of light able to pass through a conduit onto an imaging surface. For example, a smaller aperture lets less light onto the imaging surface so that bright images may be processed, whereas a larger aperture allows more light onto the imaging surface to expose darker images. It is also advantageous to control the quality of light falling incident upon an imaging surface by utilizing filters. For example, it may be desirable to reduce the intensity of the light passing through to an imaging surface. Neutral density filters reduce light of all relevant wavelengths from entering an imaging surface. Using a neutral density filter allows a user to reduce a portion of light while maintaining a constant aperture setting. Neutral density filters are particularly useful in preventing overexposure during bright conditions. Also, in some instances it is desirable to filter particular wavelengths of light. For example, ultraviolet filters are used to reduce haziness in images created by ultraviolet light. In other camera applications, color filters are used to compensate for the effects of lighting or for contrast enhancement.

Notwithstanding the advantages provided by utilizing shutters, apertures and filters in photography applications, their use has not been adequately utilized in miniature camera applications such as cameras incorporated into cellular phones, personal digital assistant devices, and the like. This is because, it is oftentimes the case that the camera lens chassis of such devices are designed such that it is extremely impracticable to include shutters, apertures and filter modules. For example, digital camera applications typically require the use of sensitive position sensors to track the position of certain components in the optical train and to adjust the system setting as those components move in relation to an image sensor, such as an array of charge-coupled devices (CCD) or a CMOS sensors. In such applications, it is important not to crowd the sensor or else the image will not be processed correctly. Known techniques do not adequately address this problem.

Furthermore, it is often the case that a shutter should be placed as close to the plane of a conduit as possible for calibration and image processing purposes. As such, the problems associated with sensor crowding are not able to be obviated simply by placing a shutter at a more convenient place along an optical train, but at a distance from the conduit.

As explained above, it is difficult to house a module for controlling shutters, apertures and filters, among other components, within a miniature camera chassis. However, the use of these components if oftentimes crucial in camera applications. For example, shutters are required to block light as a imaging sensor processes an exposure. Also, apertures and filters are oftentimes needed to reduce and filter light so that an image does not become overexposed or washed out.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a single miniature camera shutter module is designed to fit into a miniature camera chassis, wherein the module gives the user the ability able to control the amount, quality and exposure time of light on an imaging surface in miniature camera applications. In some embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module is specifically designed to accommodate particular camera chassis designs. According to these embodiments, the module size and shape, solenoid placement, axis placement, guide orientation, among other design features are custom designed to accommodate the unique chassis.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module comprises a frame with a conduit for the passage of light therethrough. At least one solenoid device is coupled to the frame and is actuated in response to a signal. The solenoid device causes at least one blade to at least partially eclipse the conduit upon actuation of the solenoid. In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade comprises a shutter to completely block light. In other embodiments, the blade comprises an aperture, a neutral-density filter, a monochromatic filter, or the like.

Furthermore, a method of manufacturing a miniature camera shutter module is disclosed which gives the user the ability able to control the amount, quality and exposure time of light on a imaging surface in miniature camera applications.

In some embodiments, a solenoid device disposed on one side of the frame is used to control at least one blade on the same side of the frame as the solenoid. In other embodiments, a solenoid controls at least one blade on the opposite side of the frame. In some embodiments of the present invention, one solenoid controls more than one blade upon actuation. According to these embodiments, the solenoids, pins, guides, etc are precisely placed such that the module does not crowd the other components of a camera chassis (i.e. a position sensor).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the module device comprises a frame with at least one solenoid device displaced on each side wherein each at least one solenoid has the ability to position a blade in front of a conduit.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a number of shutter blades, aperture blades and filters, among other accessories, are able to be housed and are controllable on a single module frame. In some other embodiments of the present invention, methods of configuring the one or more blades used to shutter, aperture or filter light with a unique geometry in order to accomplish design goals are disclosed. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, solenoid is configured to actuate a blade about an axle, wherein the axle is positioned very close to the conduit, allowing the module to be more compact.

According to these embodiments, a user is able to control the amount, quality and exposure time of light on a imaging surface in miniature camera applications. In some embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module is positioned within the chassis of a cellular telephone having image recording capabilities or within other common consumer electronic devices now known or those developed in the future.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed is an improved apparatus as well as improved techniques used for shuttering, adjusting aperture size and filtering light in a miniature camera apparatus. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the same. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the present invention is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the claimed invention. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1Aillustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera chassis100with a miniature camera shutter module199according to some embodiments of the present invention. The camera chassis100also comprises a first optics group145and a second optics group185. Typically, the optics groups145,185comprise one or more optical elements, such as a lenses. Preferably, the miniature camera shutter module199is located between the first optics group145and the second optics group185and the miniature camera shutter module199is coupled to the first optics group145. The miniature camera shutter module199contains a conduit175passing through its surface and is configured such that light passing through the second optics group185, travels through the conduit175on the miniature camera shutter module199, passes through the first optics group145and then falls incident upon a recording surface105. In some embodiments of the present invention, a field flattener130is positioned in front of the recording surface105. A field flattener130is used to cause light passing therethrough to fall substantially perpendicularly incident upon the recording surface105.

The miniature camera chassis100is also configured with a first guide post164and a second guide post163. A back element165and a front element166are slidably coupled to the first guide post164. The back element165is coupled with the second optics group185and the front element166is coupled with the first optics group145. As such, the second optics group185, the first optics group145and the miniature camera shutter module199are able to move along the first guide post164and the second guide post163in the y-direction, thereby affecting the light properties such as the focal point, depth of field, etc. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the miniature camera chassis100comprises an auto-focus camera chassis. Examples of such an auto-focus module are further described in U.S. patent Ser. No. 7,531,773, entitled “AUTO-FOCUS AND ZOOM MODULE”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiment of the present invention, the miniature camera chassis100fits within a miniature housing (not shown) and incorporated into a number of consumer electronic devices such as cellular telephones, personal data assistants, etc. According to these embodiments, the relative positions of the second optics group185and the first optics group145must be tracked in order to communicate information to a processor (not shown) for image processing purposes. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module199also contains one or more solenoids (not shown) used to control one or more blades (not shown). The one or more blades are configured to at least partially eclipse the conduit175upon actuation of the one or more solenoids (discussed below), further affecting image processing.

FIG. 1Billustrates a schematic isometric view of a housing99comprising a miniature camera chassis100within a chassis frame101according to some embodiments of the present invention. The housing99comprises the chassis frame101, an opening102for allowing light into the housing, a first optics group145coupled to a miniature camera shutter module199, a second optics group185, a first position sensor110, a second position sensor111, a field flattener130and an imaging surface105(indicated with dashed lines) positioned behind the field flattener130.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface105is a photographic film or plate. In other embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface105is an array of charge-coupled devices (CCD) or CMOS sensors. However, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that any imaging surface105can be used in conjunction with the present invention. In some embodiment of the present invention, the camera chassis100also contains the other devices utilized in photography applications, now known or later developed.

The miniature camera shutter module199contains a conduit175configured to allow light to pass from the opening102, through the second optics group185, through the conduit175, through the first optics group145, through the field flattener130and finally to fall incident upon the imaging surface105. The miniature camera shutter module199is configured with one or more controllable blades (not shown) and a solenoid device125. The solenoid device125is controllable and is configured to actuate at least one of the one or more blades. When actuated, these blades are configured to at partially eclipse the conduit175, thus altering the amount and/or quality of light passing through the conduit175. For instance, in some embodiments of the present invention, a shutter blade (not shown) is used to completely eclipse the conduit175, thus allowing the imaging surface105time to process an image without exposure to additional light.

Furthermore, the first optics group145and the second optics group185are configured to move in the y-direction. According to these embodiments, the position sensor110tracks the movement of the second optics group and the position sensor111tracks the movement of the first optics group145. The position sensor111must be able to accurately track the position of the first optics group145as its moves in order to deliver precise positional information to the processor (not shown). Therefore, it is very important that the space around the position sensor111is not congested with other parts. Due to this space constraint, the miniature camera shutter module199of the present invention is designed such that the space around the position sensor111is not obstructed while maintaining control of the one or more blades. The prior is achieved by mounting the solenoid device125on the miniature camera shutter module199away from the position sensor111in the z-direction. This placement allows the position sensor111to track the position of the first optics group145without physical interference from the solenoid device125.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module has height and width dimensions from five (5) millimeters to ten (10) millimeters and have a conduit diameter of approximately two (2) millimeters. In other embodiments of the present invention, miniature camera shutter module frames are custom-made for any given miniature camera applications.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a schematic isometric view of the miniature camera shutter module199, as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The miniature camera shutter module199inFIGS. 2A and 2Bis rotated about the x-axis from itsFIGS. 1A and 1Bposition in order to show detail. The miniature camera shutter module199comprises a module frame122coupled to a solenoid device125. The conduit175passes through the module frame122. The solenoid device125comprises a transducer which converts an electric signal into a mechanical force. The solenoid device125is coupled to an arm139and a pin140and creates a mechanical force (when provided with an electric signal) which moves the arm139and the pin140. The pin140is coupled to a blade150, and movement of the pin140manipulates the blade150. A guide152is disposed in the blade150to facilitate movement of the pin140. In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade150is coupled to the module frame122by an axle146. According to these embodiments, the solenoid device125receives an electric signal, and causes the pin140to rotate the blade150about the axle146.

As shown, the arm139extends from the solenoid device125to a point above the first blade150and then the pin140angles toward the module frame122. In some embodiments of the present invention, a channel142(indicated with dashed lines) is disposed in the module frame102. According to these embodiments, the pin140passes through the blade150and fits within the channel142which accepts the movement of the pin140as the solenoid device125moves the arm139. The pin140, the channel142and the blade150are configured such that the blade150alternatively eclipses the conduit175and leaves the conduit175un-impeded as the solenoid is switched. As shown, the blade150is in the “open” position, meaning the blade150is not eclipsing the conduit175.

As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the blade150is an opaque shutter. The opaque shutter completely blocks the conduit175when the blade150is in a “closed” position (explained below). Although the blade150is shown as an opaque shutter, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the blade150may comprise a number of camera accessories including, but not limited to: apertures, monochromatic filters and neutral-density filters, among others.

In operation, a command delivers an electric signal to the solenoid device125. The solenoid device125actuates the arm139and the pin140such that the blade150rotates about the axle146. As the blade150rotates about the axle146, the conduit175becomes eclipsed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the solenoid device125automatically disengages the arm139and the pin140after a given time such that the blade150re-opens the conduit175. In other embodiments of the present invention, another electric signal must be delivered to the solenoid device125in order to disengage the blade150.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the module frame122is configured with a recessed area151. The recessed area151has a surface area and thickness such that the blade150is substantially housed within the recessed area151and does not protrude from the recessed area151during its movement. However, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that the blade150and the module frame122can have a number of configurations, shapes, and positions in relation to the other components of the camera shutter module while still achieving the objects of the present invention.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a cover (not shown) is placed over the miniature camera shutter module199(explained below).

FIG. 2Billustrates a schematic isometric view of the camera shutter module199shown in2A, with the blade150in a “closed” position, covering the conduit175(indicated with dashed lines). As shown inFIG. 2B, the solenoid device125is coupled to the module frame122, the arm139extends from the solenoid device125to a point above the blade150and then the pin140extends toward the module frame122. The pin140passes through the blade150and fits within a channel142(partially indicated with dashed lines). Upon actuation of the solenoid device125, the pin140moves from the lower part of the channel142to the upper part of the channel142, thus rotating the blade150about the axle146and eclipsing the conduit175. As shown, the blade150remains within the recessed area151during its movement.

Referring again toFIG. 1B, light traversing through the first optics group145, the second optics group185, the miniature camera shutter module199and the field flattener130create an image circle (not shown). The image circle represents the recordable portion of the light. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first optics group145, the second optics group185, the miniature camera shutter module199and the field flattener130are configured such that the imaging surface105is completely saturated by the image circle.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a schematic isometric view of an alternative miniature camera chassis300with an alternative miniature camera shutter module399having a conduit375according to some embodiments of the present invention. The alternative miniature camera shutter module399shown inFIG. 3Ais shown without a solenoid device, blade or other details for clarity purposes only. It will be clear to those having ordinary skill in the art that these (and other) features may be included, in whole or in part, and in numerous configurations consistent with the modules described in other parts of this disclosure.

The alternative miniature camera chassis300also comprises a first optics group345and a second optics group385. According to some embodiments, the miniature camera shutter module399is kept stationary, while a first optics group345and a second optics group385are configured to move along a first guide post364and a second guide post363in the y-direction. The movement of the first optics group345and the second optics group385achieve functions of the miniature camera chassis300, such as zoom and auto-focus. Preferably, light traversing the second optics group385, the first optics group345and the miniature camera shutter module399preferably has an image circle (explained above) that completely saturates the imaging surface305.

The miniature camera chassis300also comprises a first position sensor310and a second position sensor311to track the movement of the first optics group345and the second optics group385. As such, the miniature camera shutter module399is configured with at least one solenoid device (not shown) positioned so as not to obstruct the “view” of the position sensors310,311.

FIG. 3Billustrates an alternative embodiment of a miniature camera shutter module399according to some embodiments of the present invention. The camera shutter module399illustrated inFIG. 3Ais configured to fit within the miniature camera chassis ofFIG. 3Aand comprises a module frame322, a blade350coupled to an axle346and a conduit375. A solenoid device (not shown) is coupled to the module frame322. The solenoid device is coupled to an arm (not shown) and a pin (not shown). The module frame322is also configured with a channel (not shown) passing through its surface. The blade350is also configured with a guide360. The guide360facilitates the movement of the arm and pin. When the solenoid device is actuated, the arm moves the pin through the channel and exerts a force on the guide360, causing the blade350to at least partially eclipse the conduit375.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade350comprises a blade frame351housing a filter352. A blade frame351is used to house the filter352because filters are often times too brittle to couple directly to the arm and the pin340without becoming damaged after repeated movement of the parts.

The blade350and filter352shown inFIG. 3Bis shown to be substantially rectangular in shape. This configuration easily accommodates those miniature camera applications having a substantially rectangular imaging surface.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the filter352is a neutral-density filter. A neutral-density filter filters out equal portions of a wide range of wavelengths of light passing therethrough and is a common photography device. In other embodiments of the present invention, the filter352is a monochromatic filter. Monochromatic filters filter out light having a small range of wavelengths. Although neutral-density filters and monochromatic filters are specifically disclosed, any appropriate filter is equally envisioned.

As explained above, in some embodiments of the present invention, the module frame322is positioned within the camera chassis ofFIG. 3A. According to these embodiments, the conduit375lines up with an imaging surface (not shown inFIG. 3B), and as explained above, the conduit375is configured such that an image circle passing through the conduit375substantially completely saturates the imaging surface.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface is a photographic film or plate. In other embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface is an array of charge-coupled devices (CCD) or CMOS sensors. However, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that any imaging surface can be used in conjunction with the present invention. The camera chassis also contains the other necessary devices utilized in known methods of photography. The camera shutter module399depicted inFIG. 3Bis in an “open” position. When the blade350is in an “open” position, the conduit375remains un-impeded by the blade350. As such, light incident on the conduit375is not altered by the blade350.

FIG. 3Cillustrates the alternative miniature camera shutter module399with the blade350in a “closed” position. The blade is moved to a “closed” position over the conduit375(indicated by dashed lines) by a solenoid device (not shown). As such, light falling incident on the conduit is filtered by the filter352. In some embodiments of the present invention, additional solenoid devices (not shown) and/or additional blades (not shown) are positioned on camera shutter module399.

FIGS. 3D and 3Eillustrate schematic isometric views of the opposite side of the alternative miniature camera shutter module399than those views shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C. The miniature camera shutter module399comprises a module frame322, a conduit375, and a blade357with an axle347and a guide361.FIG. 3Dis shown in the “open” position, meaning that the blade is not eclipsing the conduit375. In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade357is a opaque shutter used to completely block light from passing through the conduit375when the blade357is in the “closed” position.FIG. 3Eillustrates the miniature camera shutter module399in a “closed” position wherein the opaque shutter blade357is completely eclipsing the conduit375(indicated with dashed lines).

As explained above, it is desirable to provide a miniature camera shutter module with the ability to manipulate a blade to affect the light passing through a miniature camera shutter module. In other embodiments of the present invention, a miniature camera shutter module with at least two blades is disclosed, wherein the blades each accomplish a function and wherein the miniature camera shutter module is configured with a geometry which will not obstruct the position sensor.

FIGS. 4A-4Gillustrate examples of miniature camera shutter modules that are able manipulate light in more than one way. For example, it is oftentimes desirable to shutter light and also to allow light through a conduit, but to provide an aperture which is able to at least partially eclipse the conduit. Using an aperture allows less than 100% of the light through the aperture on to the imaging surface. Also, it is sometimes desirable to filter and shutter light. Therefore, it is another object of the present invention to provide a miniature camera shutter module that is able to actuate more than one blade while maintaining space saving aspects that allow the use of position sensors without obstruction.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera chassis400, housing a miniature camera shutter module499with a multiple solenoids,425and480according to some embodiments of the present invention. The camera chassis400comprises a chassis frame401, an opening402for letting light into the chassis400, a position sensor410, a position sensor411, a first optics group445, a second optics group485, the miniature camera shutter module499, a field flattener430, a first guide post464, a second guide post463and an imaging surface405(indicated with dashed lines). In some embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface405is a photographic film or plate. In other embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface405is an array of charge-coupled devices (CCD) or CMOS sensors. However, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that any imaging surface405can be used in conjunction with the present invention. The camera chassis400also contains the other necessary devices utilized in photography applications, now known or later developed.

The miniature camera shutter module499contains a conduit475configured to allow light to pass from the opening402, through the second optics group485, through the conduit475, through the first optics group445, through the field flattener430and then falls incident on the image surface405.

A front element466and a rear element465are slidably coupled to the first guide post464. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module499is coupled to the first optics group445and the second optics group485is coupled to the rear element465. According to these embodiments, the first optics group445, the miniature camera shutter module499and the second optics group485are configured to move along the first guide post464and the second guide post463in the y-direction. Accordingly, the position sensor411tracks the position of the miniature camera shutter module499and the position sensor410tracks the position of the second optics group485. As explained above, the position sensors410,411must not be congested with other parts in order to accurately track the parts. Due to this space constraint, the miniature camera shutter module499of the present invention is designed such that the space around the position sensor411is not obstructed. This is achieved by mounting the solenoid devices425,480on away from the position sensors410,411in the z-direction.

As explained above, the miniature camera shutter module499is configured with multiple solenoids devices425,480. The solenoid devices425,480are controllable and are configured to each actuate one or more blades (not shown). When actuated, these blades are configured to at least partially eclipse the conduit475, thus altering the amount and/or quality of light passing through the conduit475.

FIG. 4Billustrates a schematic isometric view of the miniature camera shutter module499with multiple solenoid devices425and480according to some embodiments of the present invention. The miniature camera shutter module499contains a first solenoid425coupled to the module frame422. The first solenoid425moves a first arm439and a first pin440in a first channel442(partially indicated with dashed lines) to manipulate a first blade450. The blade450is configured with a guide452used to facilitate the movement of the pin440. Additionally, a second solenoid device480is coupled to the opposite side of the module frame422. As shown inFIG. 4A, the first blade450is a shutter.

FIG. 4Cillustrates a schematic isometric view of the opposite side of the miniature camera shutter module499than that shown inFIG. 4B. As shown, the second solenoid device480comprises a transducer which converts an electric signal into a force in order to move the second arm459and the second pin460thus manipulating the second blade470. The second blade470is coupled to the module frame422by an axle486and is able to rotate about the axle486as the second arm459and the second pin460move. The blade470is configured with a guide453used to facilitate the movement of the pin460. As such, the second blade470alternatively eclipses the conduit475and leaves the conduit475un-impeded.

According toFIG. 4C, the second blade470is in the “open” position, meaning the second blade470is not eclipsing the conduit475. As shown, the second blade470is an aperture blade, which comprises an aperture477in the second blade470. The aperture477is a conduit which is at least partially smaller than the conduit475and at least partially blocks the conduit475when the second blade470is in a “closed” position.

Although the second blade470is shown as an aperture, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that the second blade470may comprise a number of camera accessories including, but not limited to: shutters, monochromatic filters and neutral-density filters, dynamic radius apertures, among others.

Also shown inFIG. 4C, the second arm459extends from the second solenoid device480to a point above the second blade470and then the second pin460angles toward the module frame422. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second pin460passes through the second blade470and fits within the channel462(indicated with dashed lines) which facilitates the movement of the second pin460. The first solenoid425is configured such that the first pin440passes through the module frame422near the bottom of the module frame422and the second solenoid480is configured such that the second pin460passes through the module frame422near the top of the module frame422. Such a configuration allows both the first solenoid425and the second solenoid480to effectuate the full range of blade motion without interfering with each other. This configuration avoids the need to use multiple modules within a camera chassis to achieve the same results. As such, this configuration helps achieve at least two objects of the present invention: to maintain a very small size camera shutter module and to provide a module with at least two blades while maintaining an unobstructed view of the position of the miniature camera shutter module by the position sensor (not shown inFIG. 4C).

In some embodiments of the present invention one signal effectuates actuation of both solenoids425and480. In certain embodiments, one signal effectuates a staggered movement of the blades450and470. In other embodiments, one signal effectuates simultaneous movement of blades450and470.

FIG. 4Dillustrates a schematic isometric view of the camera shutter module499, with the first blade450in a “closed” position, covering the conduit475(indicated with dashed lines). As explained above, the first solenoid device425is coupled to the module frame422and the first solenoid controls the first blade450. Upon actuation of the first solenoid device425, the first pin440moves from the lower part of the channel442to the upper part of the channel442, thus rotating the first blade450about the axle446and eclipsing the conduit475.

FIG. 4Eillustrates the miniature camera shutter module499with the blade470in a “closed” position. As shown, the second arm459has been actuated, moving the second pin460from the top part of the channel462to the lower part of the channel462, thus effectuating rotation of the second blade470about the axle486. In the “closed” position, the aperture477partially eclipses the conduit475.

FIGS. 4F and 4Gillustrate the miniature camera shutter module499configured with covers406and407according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the covers406and407are configured to cover and protect the moving parts such as the blades450and470, the guides452,453and the channels442,462.

As described, the present invention solves problems present in existing miniature camera systems. The present invention provides a practical way to shutter light and to provide apertures and filters to alter the quality of light in miniature camera applications. By using more than one blade to shutter a conduit, the miniature camera shutter module is able to be smaller since the minimum size of each shutter is smaller than the size of the conduit.

Due to advantages of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module is able to be integrated within small scale consumer electronic devices including, but not limited to: cellular phones and personal digital assistants. Also, the present invention allows filters and apertures to be used in conjunction with the shutter blades while being housing within the same miniature camera shutter module. As such, the miniature camera shutter module is able to be used in miniature camera applications utilizing auto-focus and zoom features.

The present application has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the miniature camera shutter and filter/aperture apparatus. Many of the components shown and described in the various figures can be interchanged to achieve the results necessary, and this description should be read to encompass such interchange as well. As such, references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments chosen without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.