Samsung Patent Reveals New Sensor-Shift Optical Image Stabilisation Technology

Samsung is reportedly developing a new camera technology featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) using a unique approach. A recent patent application spotted at the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) suggests that Samsung is working on sensor-shift-like OIS technology, akin to what Apple has implemented in its latest iPhone models. Notably, Samsung has not yet incorporated sensor-shift OIS in its smartphones, making this development significant.

Samsung’s Sensor-Shift OIS Technology Patent

The patent application, filed by Samsung Electro-Mechanics, is titled “Actuator for Optical Image Stabilization and Camera Module Including the Same.” According to the description, the patent outlines an actuator designed to move the sensor base plate for image stabilization. This actuator is intended for “shaking correction,” utilizing a movable part attached to the sensor base plate, which is likely referring to the Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

The application details how the actuator will move the base plate on a moving frame, which will support the stabilization process. Multiple bridges are also fixed around the circumference of the movable part to support the entire system, ensuring effective image stabilization even when the camera experiences movement.

How Sensor-Shift OIS Differs from Traditional OIS

Traditional OIS in smartphones minimizes image blur caused by camera shake by using a small gyroscope and motor to adjust the lens in the opposite direction of the motion. In contrast, sensor-shift technology moves the image sensor itself rather than the lens, which can offer improved stabilization. This approach, seen in devices like the iPhone 12 and newer models, provides greater stabilization in a compact form factor, reducing the risk of lens distortion and aberration since the lens remains stationary.

Benefits of Sensor-Shift OIS

The sensor-shift OIS technology offers several advantages over traditional lens-based OIS. It reduces blur, especially in low-light conditions, as the stationary lens allows more light to reach the CMOS sensor, resulting in sharper images and videos. Additionally, this technology minimizes potential lens movement, which can reduce light intake and compromise image quality.

Samsung’s potential introduction of sensor-shift OIS technology could mark a significant enhancement in camera performance for its future smartphones, aligning it more closely with other leading smartphone manufacturers that have adopted similar technologies.

As Samsung continues to innovate in smartphone camera technology, this new sensor-shift OIS approach could be a game-changer, offering users enhanced image and video stabilization, particularly in challenging shooting conditions.