Camera Actuator Lens Barrel Position Detection Using Oscillation Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera module actuators face challenges in precisely detecting the position of a lens barrel without using hall sensors, which affects autofocusing and optical image stabilization functions.
Innovation Solution
The actuator employs oscillation circuits with sensing coils and capacitors to generate oscillation signals based on the position of detection targets on the lens barrel, calculating the lens barrel's position from the frequency changes of these signals, allowing for precise detection without hall sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hall sensors are used to detect lens barrel position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hall sensor component from the actuator system. Instead of using external hall sensors to detect lens barrel position, the invention integrates oscillation circuits directly onto the lens barrel, making the lens barrel itself the oscillating element. This extraction removes the need for separate sensing components while maintaining position detection capability through the oscillation characteristics of the integrated circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens barrel is given multiple functions: it serves both as the mechanical component that holds and moves the lenses, and as the oscillating element that generates detectable oscillation signals. By integrating oscillation circuits onto the lens barrel, the system achieves position detection without requiring separate dedicated sensing components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If hall sensors are used for position detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hall sensor component from the bill of materials, directly reducing manufacturing cost. The oscillation circuits are integrated onto the lens barrel itself, eliminating the need to purchase and install separate hall sensor components, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillation circuits are merged with the lens barrel structure, combining the mechanical lens-holding function with the electrical oscillation-generating function in a single integrated component. This merging reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, sourced, and assembled, leading to lower manufacturing costs.
3Measurement precision
If hall sensors are installed in the actuator, then position detection capability is improved, but space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position detection functionality from separate hall sensor components and relocates it to the lens barrel itself. By removing the need for external hall sensors and their associated mounting space, the overall volume occupied by the actuator is reduced while maintaining full position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens barrel is designed to serve dual purposes: mechanically supporting the lenses and electrically generating oscillation signals for position detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensing components that would occupy additional space within the compact actuator structure.
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 solution enables precise detection of the lens barrel's position, improving autofocusing and optical image stabilization functions while reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing space efficiency by eliminating the need for hall sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillating unit including a first oscillation circuit unit including two or more oscillation circuits disposed to face the surface and a second oscillation circuit unit including two or more oscillation circuits disposed to face the other surface to output oscillation signals
Implementation Method 2
Each of the two or more oscillation circuits of the first oscillation circuit unit and the two or more oscillation circuits of the second oscillation circuit unit may include a sensing coil and a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator including two or more detection targets disposed on a surface and another surface of a lens barrel, respectively, an oscillating unit including a first oscillation circuit unit including two or more oscillation circuits disposed to face the surface and a second oscillation circuit unit including two or more oscillation circuits disposed to face the other surface to output oscillation signals, and a determining unit to calculate a position of the lens barrel from the oscillation signals output from the oscillating unit. A frequency range of an oscillation signal output from any one of the two or more oscillation circuits of the first oscillation circuit unit is different from that of an oscillation signal output from any one of the two or more oscillation circuits of the second oscillation circuit unit.