3D Camera Module Auto Focus Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D camera modules lack the capability to accurately perform auto focus in 3D mode due to the absence of a function to synchronize lens position information between left and right cameras, leading to limited 3D effect capture and increased camera size when using detection sensors like Hall sensors.
Innovation Solution
A 3D camera module with separate actuators for each lens unit, utilizing look-up tables with digital codes defined by Depth Of Field (DOF) steps to drive the actuators, ensuring precise auto focus alignment and operation, with the first actuator's steps non-overlapping and the second actuator's steps overlapping to optimize lens positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Hall sensor is used to detect lens position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lens position detection function from the physical Hall sensor and implements it through software algorithms processing data from existing sensors. This removes the need for additional detection sensors while maintaining the capability to determine lens position, thereby reducing device complexity and size while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic Hall sensor system with a computational approach using software algorithms that process electrical signals from existing sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for separate detection sensors and their associated mechanical components, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the same measurement objective.
2Ease of operation
If the same digital code is applied to both VCMs for auto focus, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to fine minute differences in operational ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different digital codes to each VCM based on their individual characteristics and operational ranges. Instead of using a uniform control approach, the system tailors the auto focus control parameters to each camera module's specific requirements, ensuring precise lens alignment while maintaining ease of operation through automated code assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the digital codes applied to each VCM according to their specific operational characteristics. By changing the control parameters (digital codes) to match each VCM's unique range and behavior, the system achieves precise lens alignment without requiring manual adjustment, thus maintaining both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lenses of two cameras are positioned on the same location, then adaptability is improved for 3D mode, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to precisely capture objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal digital codes for each VCM in lookup tables before auto focus operation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when 3D mode is activated, each camera module can immediately use pre-determined codes that account for their individual characteristics, achieving reliable object capture while maintaining the ability to operate in both 2D and 3D modes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables optimized auto focus for 3D camera modules by ensuring the lens positions of both camera units can be accurately aligned, enhancing the 3D effect capture and reducing camera size, while maintaining precise operational control.
Implementation Method 1
a VCM uses a detection sensor such as a Hall sensor
Implementation Method 2
an actuator driven by a piezoelectric force
Implementation Method 3
a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) actuator driven by electrostatic capacity method
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is such that an auto focus search section of a first actuator and an auto focus search section of a second actuator are different to thereby optimize an auto locus effect of the 3-D camera module.