Method for packaging and driving electrowetting liquid lens with low power consumption and long service life
By acquiring the structural and environmental parameters of the lens, constructing a driving voltage model and generating a pulse driving signal, and employing a multi-layer sealing structure and real-time monitoring, the high power consumption and short lifespan issues of electrowetting liquid lenses were solved, achieving synergistic optimization of high performance, low power consumption, and long lifespan.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YUNNAN NORMAL UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrowetting liquid lenses suffer from problems such as high driving power consumption, short service life, insufficient packaging reliability, and lack of adaptive closed-loop control, making it difficult to maintain stable optical performance in complex application scenarios.
By acquiring the structural and environmental parameters of the lens, a driving voltage model is constructed and a pulse driving signal is generated. The lens is then encapsulated using a multi-layer sealing structure, and the deformation state of the liquid interface is monitored in real time. The driving parameters are then adjusted to achieve intelligent closed-loop control.
It significantly improves driving accuracy and environmental adaptability, extends lens life, reduces power consumption, and ensures the stability and repeatability of optical performance.
Smart Images

Figure CN121934259A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrowetting liquid lens technology, and more specifically, to a packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens. Background Technology
[0002] Electrowetting liquid lenses, as optical devices that achieve mechanical zoom by voltage-controlled curvature of the liquid-liquid interface, have significant application value in fields such as miniature cameras, medical endoscopes, and machine vision. However, their industrialization process still faces key challenges such as high driving power consumption, short service life, and insufficient intelligent control.
[0003] In terms of driving, existing solutions mostly adopt a fixed voltage driving mode based on static parameters, failing to fully consider the impact of changes in ambient temperature and humidity on liquid properties and material performance. This results in low driving efficiency, increased energy consumption, and accelerated aging of the dielectric or hydrophobic layer due to electrical stress mismatch. Regarding packaging, traditional sealing structures are insufficient in their ability to block moisture and oxygen, making it difficult to effectively prevent liquid evaporation within the cavity and external environmental penetration. They also have weak resistance to mechanical vibration and thermal stress, easily leading to seal failure or performance degradation. Furthermore, existing technologies generally lack real-time monitoring and closed-loop feedback mechanisms for interface deformation, making it impossible to automatically adjust driving parameters when performance drifts. This makes it difficult to maintain stable optical performance and optimize power consumption in complex application scenarios.
[0004] In summary, existing technologies struggle to systematically address the synergistic challenges of power consumption, lifespan, reliability, and adaptive control in electrowetting liquid lenses. Therefore, a comprehensive solution integrating long-lasting packaging, environmentally adaptable driving, and intelligent closed-loop control is urgently needed to improve its overall performance and practicality. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes a packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens, aiming to solve the problems of existing electrowetting liquid lenses in terms of high driving power consumption, short working life, insufficient packaging reliability, and lack of adaptive closed-loop control mechanism.
[0006] This invention proposes a packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens, comprising: The structural parameters and working environment parameters of the electrowetting liquid lens are obtained, and the target working state of the lens is determined based on the structural parameters and working environment parameters. The structural parameters include electrode structure, dielectric layer thickness, hydrophobic layer material parameters, and liquid interface parameters. A driving voltage model is constructed based on the target operating state, and a corresponding pulse driving signal is generated according to the driving voltage model. The pulse driving signal includes voltage amplitude, duty cycle and driving period parameters. A multi-layer sealing structure is used to encapsulate the electrowetting liquid lens to form a sealed cavity, and an inert protective medium is introduced into the sealed cavity. During the driving process, a voltage is applied to the electrowetting liquid lens based on the pulse driving signal, and the deformation state of the liquid interface is monitored in real time. When the liquid interface deformation state is detected to deviate from the target working state, at least one parameter of the pulse drive signal is adjusted to reduce drive power consumption and extend lens life.
[0007] Furthermore, the acquisition of working environment parameters includes: Acquire ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and external vibration parameters; The voltage threshold parameters in the driving voltage model are corrected based on ambient temperature and humidity.
[0008] Furthermore, the generation of the pulse drive signal includes: During the liquid interface conditioning phase, incremental or decremental step-pulse voltages are used, wherein the amplitude of the step change and the duration of voltage maintenance for a single step change are configured to allow the liquid interface to smoothly transition to the target state and suppress oscillations. After the liquid interface reaches the target working state and enters a stable phase, it switches to a low duty cycle sustaining pulse with a duty cycle between 5% and 30%.
[0009] Furthermore, the multi-layer sealing structure includes: The first elastic sealing layer located around the lens is used to absorb mechanical and thermal stress; A high-barrier layer covering the first elastic sealing layer is used to prevent the evaporation and ion migration of the liquid medium inside the cavity; And the outermost rigid encapsulation housing, which provides mechanical support and interfaces with the external optical module.
[0010] Furthermore, the inert protective medium includes: Inert gas or low-polarity insulating liquid, and the dielectric constant of the inert protective medium is lower than the preset dielectric constant threshold.
[0011] Furthermore, the real-time monitoring of liquid interface deformation includes: Obtain information on the curvature change of the liquid interface; And calculate the current optical focal length offset based on the curvature change information.
[0012] Furthermore, at least one parameter of the adjusted pulse drive signal includes: Adjust the voltage amplitude of the pulse drive signal, wherein the adjustment amount of the voltage amplitude is determined based on the deviation between the liquid interface deformation state monitored in real time and the target working state; Adjust the duty cycle of the pulse drive signal to minimize the average drive power consumption while maintaining the stability of the liquid interface; Adjust the driving cycle of the pulse drive signal to maximize the sleep time of the drive circuit and reduce the overall power consumption of the system while meeting the requirements of liquid interface deformation response speed.
[0013] Furthermore, the reduction in drive power consumption includes: After the liquid interface reaches a stable state, switch to voltage sustaining mode; The sustaining voltage is lower than the initial driving voltage in the driving voltage model.
[0014] Furthermore, it also includes: The degree of lens aging is assessed based on cumulative driving time and number of driving cycles. And when the aging degree exceeds the preset threshold, the safe operating range in the drive voltage model is adjusted.
[0015] Furthermore, the driving voltage model is a neural network model trained based on historical data of liquid interface deformation and driving response data; The neural network model can adaptively optimize the parameter combination of the pulse drive signal based on the deviation between the real-time monitored deformation state and the target state.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By acquiring the structural and operating environment parameters of the electrowetting liquid lens, and constructing a driving voltage model and generating pulse driving signals based on these parameters, accurate modeling and adaptive matching of the driving conditions can be achieved. The resulting benefits include significantly improved driving accuracy and environmental adaptability, enabling the lens to quickly and accurately reach the target optical state under different temperature, humidity, and vibration conditions, thereby reducing performance fluctuations and additional energy consumption caused by driving mismatch. Secondly, a multi-layered sealed structure is used for encapsulation, and an inert protective medium is introduced into the cavity, achieving reliable physical isolation and chemical protection of the lens's internal working environment. This technology effectively prevents the evaporation, oxidation, and ion migration of the liquid medium, significantly slowing down the aging rate of the dielectric and hydrophobic layers, thus significantly extending the lens's lifespan and improving its long-term operational stability from a physical perspective. Thirdly, during the driving process, applying voltage based on the pulse driving signal and monitoring the liquid interface deformation state in real time enables dynamic sensing of the lens's operating state. This allows the system to acquire key information such as optical focal length shift in real time, providing precise feedback for subsequent closed-loop control and ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the zoom process. Finally, when the liquid interface deformation state deviates from the target, the system can automatically adjust parameters such as the voltage amplitude, duty cycle, or driving period of the pulse drive signal. The beneficial effect of this mechanism is that it enables the entire driving process to have intelligent closed-loop optimization capabilities, dynamically minimizing driving power consumption while maintaining stable optical performance, and adaptively adjusting the safe operating range when the lens ages. This fundamentally solves the problems of high power consumption and short lifespan, achieving synergistic optimization of high performance, low power consumption, and long lifespan. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0019] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, this embodiment provides a packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens, including: Step S100: Obtain the structural parameters and working environment parameters of the electrowetting liquid lens, and determine the target working state of the lens based on the structural parameters and working environment parameters.
[0020] Specifically, step S100 includes: importing the structural parameters and working environment parameters of the electrowetting liquid lens based on the interactive module or the preset data acquisition system, analyzing and processing these parameters to construct an initial state model of the lens; on this basis, combining structural parameters such as electrode structure, dielectric layer thickness, hydrophobic layer material parameters and liquid interface parameters with working environment parameters such as ambient temperature, ambient humidity and external vibration parameters, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, thereby determining the target working state of the lens, including key indicators such as target optical focal length, liquid interface curvature and stable response time.
[0021] In specific implementation, preferably, the structural parameters of the electrowetting liquid lens are imported into the interactive module via sensors or design documents. This interactive module can integrate various parameter processing tools, such as threshold filtering, machine learning classification models, and semi-automatic analysis algorithms based on parameter matching. The operator can select automatic or semi-automatic processing methods according to the design complexity and application scenario of different lenses to separate electrode structures (e.g., ring electrodes or multi-segment electrodes), dielectric layer thickness (e.g., 1 to 10 micrometers), hydrophobic layer material parameters (e.g., contact angle, surface energy), and liquid interface parameters (e.g., liquid density, viscosity, dielectric constant) from the raw data, and automatically generate corresponding parameter label results. By smoothing and consistency checks on the boundaries of each parameter, the processing results are ensured to maintain continuity and rationality in physical properties, thereby improving the credibility of subsequent driving voltage model construction.
[0022] Understandably, compared to an average model built solely based on a standard lens template, a target operating state determined by actual structural parameters and operating environment parameters can more realistically reflect the specific design characteristics and external influencing factors of the lens. For example, design variations such as local asymmetry in the electrode structure or uneven dielectric layer thickness can be directly reflected in the target operating state model through the numerical information of the parameter labels, thus ensuring that the liquid interface deformation obtained during subsequent driving processes closely matches the actual application scenario. Furthermore, the inclusion of operating environment parameters allows the system to consider the effects of temperature on liquid viscosity, such as viscosity reduction at high temperatures leading to accelerated response, and the effects of humidity on the stability of the hydrophobic layer, such as high humidity potentially inducing ion migration and vibration interference with interface stability. This makes the target operating state more environmentally adaptable and avoids performance drift under complex conditions.
[0023] After obtaining the multi-parameter processing results, the system further extracts the core indicators corresponding to the structural parameters and converts them into quantitative vector forms. Subsequently, based on a preset environmental correction model (e.g., a temperature-humidity joint correction function), weight allocation and fusion operations are performed on the working environment parameters to generate a comprehensive influence factor, which is then applied to the calculation of the target working state. To avoid model distortion caused by excessive parameter fusion, the correction function is limited to a numerical range that matches actual physical laws, and an adaptive weighting strategy can be adopted to adapt to extreme environments such as high temperature, high humidity, or high vibration when local parameters are abnormal. Through the above processing, a target working state highly consistent with actual working conditions can be formed based on the initial lens model, providing an accurate reference benchmark for the subsequent construction of the driving voltage model.
[0024] In a specific embodiment of this application, the above steps are implemented as follows: For an electrowetting liquid lens used in a miniature camera, its design specifications are first collected, including the annular electrode structure (inner diameter 5mm, outer diameter 10mm), dielectric layer thickness (2 micrometers), hydrophobic layer material parameters (initial contact angle 150°), and liquid interface parameters (oil phase density 0.9g / cm³). 3The system acquires real-time operating environmental parameters, such as ambient temperature (25°C), humidity (50%RH), and external vibration amplitude (0.1g), using an environmental sensor. This data is imported into the interactive module. The system automatically identifies and labels structural parameters using a machine learning classification model, and allows the operator to manually correct abnormal parameters (such as vibration peaks) through the interactive interface when necessary. After quality control, the system calculates a comprehensive influence factor based on a temperature-humidity correction function (e.g., correcting the voltage threshold by 0.5V for every 1°C increase in temperature), and determines the target operating state as an optical focal length of 10mm, a liquid interface curvature radius of 8mm, and a response time of less than 50ms. By displaying the difference between the calculated results and the initial parameters, the consistency of the influence of environmental parameters on the target state can be visually verified. Finally, a lens target operating state model determined by both structural and environmental parameters is obtained, preparing for the subsequent generation of pulse drive signals.
[0025] The above scenarios are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0026] Step S200: Construct a driving voltage model based on the target working state, and generate the corresponding pulse driving signal according to the driving voltage model.
[0027] Specifically, step S200 includes: based on the target working state determined in step S100, using it as input, parameterizing the driving voltage model, including defining key parameters such as voltage amplitude, duty cycle and driving cycle; subsequently, generating the corresponding pulse driving signal through model simulation and optimization algorithms to ensure that the signal can smoothly transition the liquid interface to the target state, while suppressing oscillation and excessive power consumption.
[0028] In practical implementation, the construction of the driving voltage model can employ an analytical model based on physical equations (such as the Young-Laplace equation combined with the electrowetting effect) or a neural network model based on historical data as a reference framework. The system first receives information about the target's operating state, such as the target curvature and response speed, and then maps it to the voltage model through parameter fitting. For each key parameter, such as voltage amplitude (e.g., 10V to 100V range), duty cycle (5% to 30%), and driving cycle (1ms to 100ms), initial values matching the actual liquid properties are automatically generated. For complex scenarios, environmental correction terms can be introduced into the model, and the boundary conditions and dependencies of each parameter are recorded in a parameter table, providing a foundation for subsequent signal generation.
[0029] For the generation of the pulse drive signal, this embodiment preferably uses an increasing or decreasing stepped pulse voltage during the liquid interface adjustment stage. The amplitude of the step change (e.g., 1V / step to 5V / step) and the voltage holding time of a single step change (e.g., 10ms to 50ms) are configured to allow the liquid interface to smoothly transition to the target state and suppress oscillations. After the liquid interface reaches the target operating state and enters a stable stage, a low duty cycle sustaining pulse is switched to minimize average power consumption. The generation of different signal forms is consistent with the drive voltage model to avoid inefficiency caused by parameter mismatch.
[0030] Understandably, by constructing a driving voltage model based on the target operating state and generating a pulse driving signal, sufficient flexibility and efficiency can be provided for the control of electrowetting liquid lenses. On the one hand, the voltage model can be flexibly adjusted according to the functional requirements and power consumption constraints of the target state, such as increasing the step amplitude to accelerate the response or reducing the duty cycle to extend the lifespan. On the other hand, the multi-stage design of the pulse signal provides a rich selection space for subsequent power consumption optimization, enabling the system to select the best combination that satisfies both response speed and low power consumption from various application schemes, thereby significantly improving the overall performance of the lens.
[0031] In a specific embodiment of this application, the above steps are implemented as follows: For the aforementioned miniature camera lens, the system constructs a driving voltage model based on the target working state (focal length 10mm, radius of curvature 8mm). First, a neural network model (trained based on historical deformation data) is imported, and the initial voltage amplitude is set to 50V, duty cycle to 20%, and driving cycle to 20ms. Subsequently, during the adjustment phase, the system generates incremental stepped pulses (increasing from 30V to 50V, 2V per step, with a duration of 30ms) to achieve a smooth transition; during the stabilization phase, it switches to a sustaining pulse with a duty cycle of 10%. Through simulation verification, when the temperature rises to 30°C, the model automatically corrects the voltage amplitude to 52V to compensate for viscosity changes. Finally, the generated pulse signal sequence is stored as a driving configuration file, providing a reference for the next packaging process.
[0032] Similarly, the above scenarios are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0033] Step S300: The electrowetting liquid lens is encapsulated using a multi-layer sealing structure to form a sealed cavity, and an inert protective medium is introduced into the sealed cavity.
[0034] Specifically, step S300 includes: assembling a multi-layer sealing structure for the core components of the electrowetting liquid lens, including a first elastic sealing layer, a high barrier layer, and a rigid encapsulation shell; subsequently, after forming a sealed cavity, an inert protective medium, such as an inert gas or a low-polarity insulating liquid, is introduced through an injection port to ensure that the dielectric constant of the medium is lower than a preset threshold, so as to enhance the long-term stability and resistance to environmental interference of the lens.
[0035] In practical implementation, a layered assembly process can be used. First, an elastic sealing layer, such as silicone rubber, is applied to the periphery of the lens to absorb mechanical and thermal stress. Then, a high-barrier layer, such as a polymer film, is applied to prevent liquid evaporation and ion migration. Finally, a rigid encapsulation housing, such as metal or engineering plastic, is installed to provide mechanical support and interface with the external optical module. To maintain both compactness and reliability, the system employs bonding or welding strategies at the interlayer interfaces: for example, chemical bonding is used between the elastic layer and the high-barrier layer to more precisely prevent penetration and failure. In the peripheral region far from the core cavity, the layer thickness can be appropriately optimized to reduce the overall volume.
[0036] When introducing an inert protective medium, the system allocates the corresponding injection volume and pressure according to the cavity volume and medium type. Preferably, nitrogen or silicone oil can be used as the medium, and the dielectric constant of the medium is limited to below 2 based on a parameter set similar to Gabriel's. By introducing the above-mentioned medium into the encapsulation model, its protective effect on the liquid interface, such as reducing oxidation and evaporation, can be more accurately reflected.
[0037] For the verification of multi-layer sealing structures, this embodiment uses cavity airtightness testing as the boundary. Under the premise of meeting vacuum requirements, it simulates Poisson-like equations to obtain the stress distribution after encapsulation and further calculates the stability index after dielectric filling. In the multi-medium encapsulation mode, the system can also evaluate the unit stress response of each layer separately and obtain the total protection effect under any combination by linear superposition, so as to quickly evaluate different encapsulation schemes in the subsequent optimization stage.
[0038] For the inert protective medium portion, the medium injection region is used as the protection source term, and the filling distribution is obtained by simulating the diffusion equation. In this embodiment, a uniform filling method can be used, with the medium parameters as the driving force, to calculate the protection level at each location inside the cavity. For each encapsulation configuration, the system can perform a separate simulation to obtain the corresponding stability distribution, and store these results in an encapsulation library to support subsequent integration of driving and monitoring.
[0039] Understandably, by employing a multi-layered sealing structure and introducing an inert protective medium, the different roles of each layer in mechanical, chemical, and thermal protection can be clearly distinguished. For example, the first elastic layer often provides cushioning to cope with vibration, while the high-barrier layer blocks penetration at the molecular level. Achieving multi-layered protection uniformly within the same packaging framework not only lays the foundation for subsequent lifespan extension but also provides application personnel with an intuitive understanding of the effect of each individual layer.
[0040] In a specific embodiment of this application, the above steps are implemented as follows: Based on the lens model formed in step S200, the system assembles a multi-layer seal using a stacking process: first, a 1mm thick silicone rubber elastic layer is applied to absorb stress; then, a 0.5mm polymer high-barrier layer is applied to block evaporation; finally, an aluminum alloy rigid shell is installed to provide support. Subsequently, nitrogen gas (dielectric constant 1.0) is filled through the injection port, with the injection volume being 95% of the cavity volume. Simulations show that the stress peak, permeability, and medium distribution under each layer can be directly extracted, providing encapsulation support for subsequent driving processes.
[0041] The above scenarios are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0042] Step S400: During the driving process, a voltage is applied to the electrowetting liquid lens based on the pulse driving signal, and the deformation state of the liquid interface is monitored in real time.
[0043] Specifically, step S400 includes: applying the pulse drive signal generated in step S200 to the packaged lens, applying voltage through the drive circuit, and simultaneously using a sensor or optical monitoring system to acquire information on the curvature change of the liquid interface in real time, and calculating the current optical focal length offset based on this to assess the deformation state.
[0044] In the specific implementation process, the system first applies the pulse signal in a time sequence to a three-dimensional lens model to obtain the instantaneous interface deformation under drive. To simplify the analysis, the deformation state can be defined as a function of curvature and focal length, and its changes can be statistically analyzed in the region of interest (ROI) and the entire cavity. Within the ROI, the average curvature, maximum offset, and the proportion of the region exceeding the threshold can be calculated to measure the response accuracy; in the peripheral region, the abnormal oscillation volume and stability near the boundary can be statistically analyzed to evaluate controllability.
[0045] Understandably, preset monitoring thresholds can be configured according to different application scenarios, such as referring to the limitations on curvature change rate, focal length deviation, and oscillation amplitude in existing electrowetting drive guidelines. In this embodiment, the system can automatically adjust the threshold parameters according to the liquid type and drive frequency. For example, a relatively low response threshold can be used for high-viscosity liquids, while a higher instantaneous offset is allowed in the low-viscosity region to avoid potential instability at critical interfaces. Simultaneously, the system can also appropriately reduce the local monitoring threshold in relevant areas based on encapsulation conditions, such as uneven dielectric filling.
[0046] To automatically maintain monitoring accuracy across numerous drive cycles, this embodiment preferably employs a closed-loop feedback criterion. Its objectives include, but are not limited to: minimizing focal length shift, suppressing oscillation amplitude, minimizing the proportion of abnormal regions, and limiting the total applied voltage to a safe value. The system can use a gradient-based feedback algorithm or a PID controller to adjust the signal based on real-time data and output corresponding monitoring reports.
[0047] In some embodiments of this application, step S400 further includes using a monitoring module to refine the process. The monitoring module can batch collect and extract indicators of deformation under different driving stages, and plan the voltage application timing based on this, such as adding a sustaining stage to reduce oscillation, or appropriately adjusting the cycle to make the interface more stable. The module can use "minimizing offset volume" and "keeping the response speed not lower than a preset value" as optimization objectives, and find a balance point through iterative updates.
[0048] In a specific embodiment of this application, the above steps are implemented as follows: For the aforementioned lens, the system applies a voltage using a pulse signal and collects curvature changes in real time via an optical sensor. With a focal length of 10mm as the target, the system sets thresholds of no more than 0.5mm offset and no more than 0.1mm oscillation amplitude. By comparing the driving cycles, the system finds that the average curvature change rate is 0.2mm / s in the stepped phase, while the offset in the stable phase is 0.3mm, meeting the conditions. Conversely, some cycles, although accelerating the response, exhibit oscillations exceeding 0.2mm, and are therefore adjusted. Finally, the monitoring data is recommended to the system as real-time feedback.
[0049] The above scenario illustrates that real-time monitoring can predict deformation before it is driven, reducing risks and improving reliability.
[0050] Step S500: When the liquid interface deformation state is detected to deviate from the target working state, adjust at least one parameter of the pulse drive signal to reduce drive power consumption and extend lens life.
[0051] Specifically, step S500 includes: calculating the deformation deviation based on the monitoring data obtained in step S400; if the deviation exceeds the threshold, adjusting the voltage amplitude, duty cycle, or drive cycle of the pulse signal; at the same time, assessing the aging degree based on the cumulative drive time, and updating the safe range when the aging exceeds the threshold, thereby minimizing power consumption and extending lifespan.
[0052] In the actual implementation, the main control module serves as the core, receiving monitoring data and deviation commands. The main control module can parse the adjusted parameters into control commands and send them to the drive circuit via communication.
[0053] The drive circuit and monitoring sensor provide voltage output and data acquisition for the system, respectively. The drive circuit is isolated from the power supply by an isolation module to prevent interference. The first isolation module can be achieved by combining a transformer and a chip.
[0054] The adjustment module is configured to generate a new signal, including amplitude adjustment (based on deviation), duty cycle optimization (minimizing power consumption), and period extension (maximizing sleep). The module connects its output to a lens to apply the adjustments.
[0055] The aging assessment module is configured to output cumulative time, supports neural network-based prediction, and uses an algorithm to provide interval adjustment.
[0056] The coordination module is used for coordinating adjustments and monitoring, enabling closed-loop control. For example, it can trigger optimization when deviations occur to achieve adaptive regulation. The coordination module can also form a closed loop: real-time data acquisition and parameter fine-tuning to respond to changes.
[0057] Understandably, by adjusting the parameters and sending them to the system, a closed loop can be achieved from "parameter acquisition - model building - driver encapsulation - monitoring and adjustment - aging optimization". Compared with traditional fixed-drive systems, this system not only predicts deviations but also fine-tunes parameters to improve accuracy.
[0058] In a specific embodiment of this application, the above steps are implemented as follows: For the lens, when the monitoring deviation is 0.4mm, the system adjusts the amplitude to 48V, the duty cycle to 15%, and the period to 25ms. Simultaneously, after accumulating 1000 hours of time and exceeding the aging threshold, the update range is 40V to 60V. During this process, the deviation is evaluated in conjunction with the deviation estimate; if it approaches the upper limit, the amplitude is reduced to ensure control.
[0059] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention also provides a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens packaging and driving system applying the above method, including a main control module, a power supply module, an isolation module, a driving module, a monitoring module, a packaging module, an aging assessment module, a coordination module, a communication module, and an interaction module. The connections and functions of each module correspond to steps S100 to S500. This system integrates parameter acquisition, model generation, packaging protection, driving monitoring, and parameter adjustment to achieve low-power, long-life control for different optical applications, giving the present invention practical value.
[0060] It is understood that the packaging and driving method and system for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens in the above embodiments have the same or similar beneficial effects. The differences between the aforementioned embodiments are mainly reflected in the specific implementation form and parameter settings. Any adjustments and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and substance of the present invention should be considered as falling within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0061] It is understood that the packaging and driving method of a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens in the above embodiments has the same beneficial effects, and will not be described in detail here.
[0062] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program goods. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program goods embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.
[0063] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program goods according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.
[0064] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.
[0065] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.
[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for packaging and driving a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The structural parameters and working environment parameters of the electrowetting liquid lens are obtained, and the target working state of the lens is determined based on the structural parameters and working environment parameters. The structural parameters include electrode structure, dielectric layer thickness, hydrophobic layer material parameters, and liquid interface parameters. A driving voltage model is constructed based on the target operating state, and a corresponding pulse driving signal is generated according to the driving voltage model. The pulse driving signal includes voltage amplitude, duty cycle and driving period parameters. A multi-layer sealing structure is used to encapsulate the electrowetting liquid lens to form a sealed cavity, and an inert protective medium is introduced into the sealed cavity. During the driving process, a voltage is applied to the electrowetting liquid lens based on the pulse driving signal, and the deformation state of the liquid interface is monitored in real time. When the liquid interface deformation state is detected to deviate from the target working state, at least one parameter of the pulse drive signal is adjusted to reduce drive power consumption and extend lens life.
2. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition of working environment parameters includes: Acquire ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and external vibration parameters; The voltage threshold parameters in the driving voltage model are corrected based on ambient temperature and humidity.
3. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The generation of the pulse drive signal includes: During the liquid interface conditioning phase, incremental or decremental step-pulse voltages are used, wherein the amplitude of the step change and the duration of voltage maintenance for a single step change are configured to allow the liquid interface to smoothly transition to the target state and suppress oscillations. After the liquid interface reaches the target working state and enters a stable phase, it switches to a low duty cycle sustaining pulse with a duty cycle between 5% and 30%.
4. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-layer sealing structure includes: The first elastic sealing layer located around the lens is used to absorb mechanical and thermal stress; A high-barrier layer covering the first elastic sealing layer is used to prevent the evaporation and ion migration of the liquid medium inside the cavity; And the outermost rigid encapsulation housing, which provides mechanical support and interfaces with the external optical module.
5. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inert protective medium includes: Inert gas or low-polarity insulating liquid, and the dielectric constant of the inert protective medium is lower than the preset dielectric constant threshold.
6. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The real-time monitoring of liquid interface deformation includes: Obtain information on the curvature change of the liquid interface; And calculate the current optical focal length offset based on the curvature change information.
7. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one parameter of the adjusted pulse drive signal includes: Adjust the voltage amplitude of the pulse drive signal, wherein the adjustment amount of the voltage amplitude is determined based on the deviation between the liquid interface deformation state monitored in real time and the target working state; Adjust the duty cycle of the pulse drive signal to minimize the average drive power consumption while maintaining the stability of the liquid interface; Adjust the driving cycle of the pulse drive signal to maximize the sleep time of the drive circuit and reduce the overall power consumption of the system while meeting the requirements of liquid interface deformation response speed.
8. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reduction of drive power consumption includes: After the liquid interface reaches a stable state, switch to voltage sustaining mode; The sustaining voltage is lower than the initial driving voltage in the driving voltage model.
9. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The degree of lens aging is assessed based on cumulative driving time and number of driving cycles. And when the aging degree exceeds the preset threshold, the safe operating range in the drive voltage model is adjusted.
10. The packaging and driving method for a low-power, long-life electrowetting liquid lens as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving voltage model is a neural network model trained based on historical data of liquid interface deformation and driving response data. The neural network model can adaptively optimize the parameter combination of the pulse drive signal based on the deviation between the real-time monitored deformation state and the target state.