CAMERA BLADE SHUTTER MODULE RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application claims priority under 35 U.S. C. §119 (e) of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/928,135, filed May 7, 2007, and entitled, "MINIATURE CAMERA SHUTTER AND FILTER/ APERTURE". The Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/928,135, filed May 7, 2007, and entitled, "MINIATURE CAMERA SHUTTER AND FILTER/ APERTURE" is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

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 a imaging surface by utilizing filters. For example, it may be desirable to reduce the intensity of the light passing through to a imaging surface. Neutral density filters reduce light of all relevant wavelengths from entering a 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 axis, wherein the axis 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. IA illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera chassis with a miniature camera shutter module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. IB illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera housing with a miniature camera shutter module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2A illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera shutter module with an unimpeded conduit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2B illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera shutter module with an impeded conduit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic isometric view of an alternative miniature camera chassis with an alternative miniature camera shutter module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic isometric view of an alternative miniature camera shutter module with a blade frame and a filter according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3C illustrates a schematic isometric view of an alternative miniature camera shutter module with a blade frame and a filter impeding a conduit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3D illustrates a schematic isometric view of the alternative miniature camera shutter module with a shutter blade in an "open" position.

Fig. 3E illustrates a schematic isometric view of the alternative miniature camera shutter module with a shutter blade in an "closed" position.

Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera chassis housing a miniature camera shutter module with two solenoids according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic isometric view of a first side of a miniature camera shutter module with more than one solenoid and with an unimpeded conduit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4C illustrates a schematic isometric view of a second side of a miniature camera

shutter module with more than one solenoid and with an unimpeded conduit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4D illustrates a schematic isometric view of a first side of a miniature camera shutter module with more than one solenoid and with an impeded conduit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4E illustrates a schematic isometric view of a second side of a miniature camera shutter module with more than one solenoid and with an impeded conduit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4F illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera shutter module with a cover according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4G illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera shutter module with a cover according to some embodiments of the present invention.

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.

Figure IA illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera chassis 100 with a miniature camera shutter module 199 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The camera chassis 100 also comprises a first optics group 145 and a second optics

group 185 Typically, the optics groups 145, 185 compπse one or more optical elements, such as a lenses. Preferably, the miniature camera shutter module 199 is located between the first optics group 145 and the second optics group 185 and the miniature camera shutter module 199 is coupled to the first optics group 145 The miniature camera shutter module 199 contains a conduit 175 passing through its surface and is configured such that light passing through the second optics group 185, travels through the conduit 175 on the miniature camera shutter module 199, passes through the first optics group 145 and then falls incident upon a recording surface 105. In some embodiments of the present invention, a field flattener 130 is positioned in front of the recording surface 105. A field flattener 130 is used to cause light passing therethrough to fall substantially perpendicularly incident upon the recording surface 105

The miniature camera chassis 100 is also configured with a first guide post 164 and a second guide post 163. A back element 165 and a front element 166 are slidably coupled to the first guide post 164. The back element 165 is coupled with the second optics group 185 and the front element 166 is coupled with the first optics group 145. As such, the second optics group 185, the first optics group 145 and the miniature camera shutter module 199 are able to move along the first guide post 164 and the second guide post 163 in 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 chassis 100 compπses an auto-focus camera chassis. Examples of such an auto-focus module are further descπbed in United States Patent Application Number 11/514,811 filed on September 01, 2006 and entitled "AUTO-FOCUS AND ZOOM MODULE", which is incorporated herein by reference

In some embodiment of the present invention, the miniature camera chassis 101 fits 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 group 185 and the first optics group 145 must 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 module 199 also 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 conduit 175 upon actuation of the one or more solenoids (discussed below), further affecting image processing.

Figure IB illustrates a schematic isometric view of a housing 99 comprising a miniature camera chassis 100 within a chassis frame 101 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The housing 99 comprises the chassis frame 101, an opening 102 for allowing light into the housing, a first optics group 145 coupled to a miniature camera shutter module 199, a second optics group 185, a first position sensor 110, a second position sensor 111, a field flattener 130 and an imaging surface 105 (indicated with dashed lines) positioned behind the field flattener 130.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface 105 is a photographic film or plate. In other embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface 105 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 105 can be used in conjunction with the present invention. In some embodiment of the present invention, the camera chassis 100 also contains the other devices utilized in photography applications, now known or later developed.

The miniature camera shutter module 199 contains a conduit 175 configured to allow light to pass from the opening 102, through the second optics group 185, through the conduit 175, through the first optics group 145, through the field flattener 130 and finally to fall incident upon the imaging surface 105. The miniature camera shutter module 199 is configured with one or more controllable blades (not shown) and a solenoid device 125. The solenoid device 125 is 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 conduit 175, thus altering the amount and/ or quality of light passing through the conduit 175. For instance, in some embodiments of the present invention, a shutter blade (not shown) is used to completely eclipse the conduit 175, thus allowing the imaging surface 105 time to process an image without exposure to additional light.

Furthermore, the first optics group 145 and the second optics group 185 are configured to move in the y-direction. According to these embodiments, the position sensor

110 tracks the movement of the second optics group and the position sensor 111 tracks the movement of the first optics group 145. The position sensor 110 must be able to accurately track the position of the first optics group 145 as 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 sensor 110 is not congested with other parts. Due to this space constraint, the miniature camera shutter module 199 of the present invention is designed such that the space around the position sensor 110 is not obstructed while maintaining control of the one or more blades. The prior is achieved by mounting the solenoid device 125 on the miniature camera shutter module 199 away from the position sensor 110 in the z-direction. This placement allows the position sensor 111 to track the position of the first optics group 145 without physical interference from the solenoid device 125.

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.

Figure 2A illustrates a schematic isometric view of the miniature camera shutter module 199, as shown in Figures IA and IB. The miniature camera shutter module 199 in Figures 2A and 2B is rotated about the x-axis from its Figures IA and IB position in order to show detail. The miniature camera shutter module 199 comprises a module frame 102 coupled to a solenoid device 125. The conduit 175 passes through the module frame 102. The solenoid device 125 comprises a transducer which converts an electric signal into a mechanical force. The solenoid device 125 is coupled to an arm 139 and a pin 140 and creates a mechanical force (when provided with an electric signal) which moves the arm 139 and the pin 140. The pin 140 is coupled to a blade 150, and movement of the pin 140 manipulates the blade 150. A guide 152 is disposed in the blade 150 to facilitate movement of the pin 140. In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade 150 is coupled to the module frame 100 by an axis 145. According to these embodiments, the solenoid device 125 receives an electric signal, and causes the pinl40 to rotate the blade 150 about the axis 145.

As shown, the arm 139 extends from the solenoid device 125 to a point above the first

blade 150 and then the pin 140 angles toward the module frame 102. In some embodiments of the present invention, a channel 142 (indicated with dashed lines) is disposed in the module frame 102. According to these embodiments, the pin 140 passes through the blade 150 and fits within the channel 142 which accepts the movement of the pin 140 as the solenoid device 125 moves the arm 139. The pin 140, the channel 142 and the blade 150 are configured such that the blade 150 alternatively eclipses the conduit 175 and leaves the conduit 175 un-impeded as the solenoid is switched. As shown, the blade 150 is in the "open" position, meaning the blade 150 is not eclipsing the conduit 175.

As illustrated in Figure 2A, the blade 150 is an opaque shutter. The opaque shutter completely blocks the conduit 175 when the blade 150 is in a "closed" position (explained below). Although the blade 150 is shown as a opaque shutter, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the blade 150 may 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 device 125. The solenoid device 125 actuates the arm 139 and the pin 140 such that the blade 150 rotates about the axis 145. As the blade 150 rotates about the axis 145, the conduit 175 becomes eclipsed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the solenoid device 125 automatically disengages the arm 139 and the pin 140 after a given time such that the blade 150 re-opens the conduit 175. In other embodiments of the present invention, another electric signal must be delivered to the solenoid device 125 in order to disengage the blade 150.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the module frame 102 is configured with a recessed area 151. The recessed area 151 has a surface area and thickness such that the blade 150 is substantially housed within the recessed area 151 and does not protrude from the recessed area 151 during its movement. However, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that the blade 150 and the module frame 102 can 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 module 199 (explained below).

Figure 2B illustrates a schematic isometric view of the camera shutter module 199 shown in 2A, with the blade 150 in a "closed" position, covering the conduit 175 (indicated with dashed lines). As shown in Figure 2B, the solenoid device 125 is coupled to the module frame 102, the arm 139 extends from the solenoid device 125 to a point above the blade 150 and then the pin 139 extends toward the module frame 102. The pin 140 passes through the blade 150 and fits within a channel 142 (partially indicated with dashed lines). Upon actuation of the solenoid device 125, the pin 140 moves from the lower part of the channel 142 to the upper part of the channel 142, thus rotating the blade 150 about the axis 145 and eclipsing the conduit 175. As shown, the blade 150 remains within the recessed area 151 during its movement.

Referring again to Figure IB, light traversing through the first optics group 145, the second optics group 185, the miniature camera shutter module 199 and the field flattener 130 create 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 group 145, the second optics group 185, the miniature camera shutter module 199 and the field flattener 130 are configured such that the imaging surface 105 is completely saturated by the image circle.

Figure 3A illustrates a schematic isometric view of an alternative miniature camera chassis 300 with an alternative miniature camera shutter module 399 having a conduit 375 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The alternative miniature camera shutter module 399 shown in Figure 3A is 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 chassis 300 also comprises a first optics group 345 and a second optics group 385. According to some embodiments, the miniature camera shutter module 399 is kept stationary, while a first optics group 345 and a second optics group 385 are configured to move along a first guide post 363 and a second guide post 364 in the y-direction. The movement of the first optics group 345 and the second optics group 385 achieve functions of the miniature camera chassis 300, such as zoom and auto-focus.

Preferably, light traversing the second optics group 385, the first optics group 345 and the miniature camera shutter module 399 preferably has an image circle (explained above) that completely saturates the imaging surface 305.

The miniature camera chassis 300 also comprises a first position sensor 311 and a second position sensor 310 to track the movement of the first optics group 345 and the second optics group 385. As such, the miniature camera shutter module 399 is configured with at least one solenoid device (not shown) positioned so as not to obstruct the "view" of the position sensors 310, 311.

Figure 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a miniature camera shutter module 399 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The camera shutter module 399 illustrated in Figure 3A is configured to fit within the miniature camera chassis of Figure 3A and comprises a module frame 300, a blade 350 coupled to an axis 345 and a conduit 375. A solenoid device (not shown) is coupled to the module frame 300. The solenoid device is coupled to an arm (not shown) and a pin (not shown). The module frame 300 is also configured with a channel (not shown) passing through its surface. The blade 350 is also configured with a guide 360. The guide 360 facilitates 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 guide 360, causing the blade 350 to at least partially eclipse the conduit 375.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade 350 comprises a blade frame 351 housing a filter 352. A blade frame 351 is used to house the filter 352 because filters are often times too brittle to couple directly to the arm and the pin 340 without becoming damaged after repeated movement of the parts.

The blade 350 and filter 352 shown in Figure 3B is 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 filter 352 is 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 filter 352 is 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 frame 300 is positioned within the camera chassis of Figure 3A. According to these embodiments, the conduit 375 lines up with an imaging surface (not shown in Figure 3B), and as explained above, the conduit 375 is configured such that an image circle passing through the conduit 375 substantially 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 module 399 depicted in Figure 3B is in an "open" position. When the blade 350 is in an "open" position, the conduit 375 remains un-impeded by the blade 350. As such, light incident on the conduit 375 is not altered by the blade 350.

Figure 3C illustrates the alternative miniature camera shutter module 399 with the blade 350 in a "closed" position. The blade is moved to a "closed" position over the conduit 375 (indicated by dashed lines) by a solenoid device (not shown). As such, light falling incident on the conduit is filtered by the filter 352. In some embodiments of the present invention, additional solenoid devices (not shown) and/or additional blades (not shown) are positioned on camera shutter module 399.

Figures 3D and 3E illustrate schematic isometric views of the opposite side of the alternative miniature camera shutter module 399 than those views shown in Figures 3B and 3C. The miniature camera shutter module 399 comprises a module frame 300, a conduit 375, and a blade 357 with an axis 346 and a guide 361. Figure 3D is shown in the "open" position, meaning that the blade is not eclipsing the conduit 375. In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade 357 is a opaque shutter used to completely block light from passing through the conduit 375 when the blade 357 is in the "closed" position. Figure 3E illustrates the miniature camera shutter module 399 in a "closed" position wherein the opaque shutter blade 357 is completely eclipsing the conduit 375 (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.

Figures 4A-4G illustrate 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.

Figure 4A illustrates a schematic isometric view of a miniature camera chassis 400, housing a miniature camera shutter module 499 with a multiple solenoids, 425 and 480 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The camera chassis 400 comprises a chassis frame 401, an opening 402 for letting light into the chassis 400, a position sensor 410, a position sensor 411, a first optics group 445, a second optics group 485, the miniature camera shutter module 499, a field flattener 430, a first guide post 464, a second guide post 463 and an imaging surface 405 (indicated with dashed lines). In some embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface 405 is a photographic film or plate. In other embodiments of the present invention, the imaging surface 405 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 405 can be used in conjunction with the present invention. The camera chassis 400 also contains the other necessary devices utilized in photography applications, now known or later developed.

The miniature camera shutter module 499 contains a conduit 475 configured to allow light to pass from the opening 402, through the second optics group 485, through the conduit 475, through the first optics group 445, through the field flattener 430 and then falls incident

on the image surface 405.

A front element 466 and a rear element 465 are slidably coupled to the first guide post 464. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module 499 is coupled to the first optics group 445 and the second optics group 485 is coupled to the rear element 465. According to these embodiments, the first optics group 445, the miniature camera shutter module 499 and the second optics group 485 are configured to move along the first guide post 464 and the second guide post 463 in the y-direction. Accordingly, the position sensor 411 tracks the position of the miniature camera shutter module 499 and the position sensor 410 tracks the position of the second optics group 485. As explained above, the position sensors 410, 411 must not be congested with other parts in order to accurately track the parts. Due to this space constraint, the miniature camera shutter module 499 of the present invention is designed such that the space around the position sensor 410 is not obstructed. This is achieved by mounting the solenoid devices 425, 480 on away from the position sensors 410, 411 in the z-direction.

As explained above, the miniature camera shutter module 499 is configured with multiple solenoids devices 425, 480. The solenoid devices 425, 480 are 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 conduit 475, thus altering the amount and/ or quality of light passing through the conduit 475.

Figure 4B illustrates a schematic isometric view of the miniature camera shutter module 499 with multiple solenoid devices 425 and 480 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The miniature camera shutter module 499 contains a first solenoid 425 coupled to the module frame 400. The first solenoid 425 moves a first arm 439 and a first pin 440 in a first channel 442 (partially indicated with dashed lines) to manipulate a first blade 450. The blade 450 is configured with a guide 452 used to facilitate the movement of the pin 440. Additionally, a second solenoid device 480 is coupled to the opposite side of the module frame 400. As shown in Figure 4A, the first blade 450 is a shutter.

Figure 4C illustrates a schematic isometric view of the opposite side of the miniature camera shutter module 499 than that shown in Figure 4B. As shown, the second solenoid device 480 comprises a transducer which converts an electric signal into a force in order to

move the second arm 459 and the second pin 460 thus manipulating the second blade 470. The second blade 470 is coupled to the module frame 400 by an axis 485 and is able to rotate about the axis 485 as the second arm 459 and a second pin 460 move. The blade 470 is configured with a guide 453 used to facilitate the movement of the pin 460. As such, the second blade 470 alternatively eclipses the conduit 475 and leaves the conduit 475 unimpeded.

According to Figure 4C, the second blade 470 is in the "open" position, meaning the second blade 470 is not eclipsing the conduit 475. As shown, the second blade 470 is an aperture blade, which comprises an aperture 477 in the second blade 470. The aperture 477 is a conduit which is at least partially smaller than the conduit 475 and at least partially blocks the conduit 475 when the second blade 470 is in a "closed" position.

Although the second blade 470 is shown as an aperture, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that the second blade 470 may 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 in Figure 4C, the second arm 459 extends from the second solenoid device 480 to a point above the second blade 470 and then the second pin 460 angles toward the module frame 400. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second pin 460 passes through the second blade 480 and fits within the channel 462 (indicated with dashed lines) which facilitates the movement of the second pin 460. The first solenoid 425 is configured such that the first pin 440 passes through the module frame 400 near the bottom of the module frame 400 and the second solenoid 480 is configured such that the second pin 460 passes through the module frame 400 near the top of the module frame 400. Such a configuration allows both the first solenoid 425 and the second solenoid 480 to 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 in Figure 4C).

In some embodiments of the present invention one signal effectuates actuation of both solenoids 425 and 480. In certain embodiments, one signal effectuates a staggered movement of the blades 450 and 470. In other embodiments, one signal effectuates simultaneous movement of blades 450 and 470.

Figure 4D illustrates a schematic isometric view of the camera shutter module 499, with the first blade 450 in a "closed" position, covering the conduit 475 (indicated with dashed lines). As explained above, the first solenoid device 425 is coupled to the module frame 400 and the first solenoid controls the first blade 450. Upon actuation of the first solenoid device 425, the first pin 440 moves from the lower part of the channel 442 to the upper part of the channel 442, thus rotating the first blade 450 about the axis 445 and eclipsing the conduit 475.

Figure 4E illustrates the miniature camera shutter module 499 with the blade 470 in a "closed" position. As shown, the second arm 459 has been actuated, moving the second pin 460 from the top part of the channel 462 to the lower part of the channel 462, thus effectuating rotation of the second blade 470 about the axis 485. In the "closed" position, the aperture 477 partially eclipses the conduit 475.

Figures 4F and 4G illustrate the miniature camera shutter module 499 configured with covers 402 and 403 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the covers 402 and 403 are configured to cover and protect the moving parts such as the blades 450 and 470, the guides 452, 453 and the channels 442, 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.