Camera Actuator Sensor Integration for OIS Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultra-slim and ultra-small camera devices face challenges in implementing optical image stabilization (OIS) due to space constraints and magnetic field interference, especially when combined with auto focusing (AF) and zooming functions, leading to reduced image quality and increased noise.

Innovation Solution

A camera actuator design that includes a housing with a mover and a driving part comprising a driving magnet, coil, and sensor units, allowing for precise optical path adjustment without increasing device size, minimizing magnetic interference, and reducing noise exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an actuator for OIS is disposed near the lens in ultra-slim camera devices, then OIS function can be implemented, but the space for arranging the actuator is greatly limited and the lens size cannot be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOIS functionVSAvoidactuator space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the OIS actuator and the position sensor into a single integrated structure. The sensor unit is disposed on the mover that is driven by the driving coil and driving magnet, eliminating the need for separate sensor housing and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining both OIS functionality and position detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the sensor unit on the mover in a configuration where the sensor detects position along the optical axis while the actuator operates in perpendicular directions for OIS. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows compact integration without interference between the OIS actuation mechanism and position sensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnets for OIS and magnets for AF or zooming are arranged close to each other, then all functions can be included in the camera device, but magnetic field interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera functionsVSAvoidmagnetic field interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the position sensing function from a separate magnetic sensing system and integrates it directly onto the OIS mover. This eliminates the need for additional magnets and sensors that would be required for independent AF or zooming position detection, thereby reducing magnetic field interference while maintaining all camera functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor unit serves multiple functions: it detects the position of the mover for OIS control, and can also provide position information for AF and zooming operations. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate sensing systems and magnets, minimizing magnetic interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a Hall sensor is used for location detection, then position can be detected, but noise occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation detectionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the mover itself as an intermediary carrier for the sensor unit. By disposing the sensor on the mover rather than using a separate Hall sensor in the housing, the system reduces noise exposure while maintaining accurate position detection capability through the integrated sensing arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient OIS implementation in ultra-thin, high-resolution cameras with stable X-axis and Y-axis tilting, reduced power consumption, and minimized noise exposure, while maintaining accurate AF and zooming functions.

Implementation Method 1

a driving coil disposed to face the driving magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20230359108A1Camera actuator and camera device comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.11.09 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US20230359108A1 patent drawing
  • US20230359108A1 patent drawing
  • US20230359108A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a camera actuator comprising: a housing; a mover disposed in the housing and including an optical member, and a drive disposed in the housing so as to drive the mover, wherein: the drive comprises a drive magnet, a drive coil placed opposite to the drive magnet, a sensor unit for sensing the position of the mover, and a substrate unit connected to the sensor unit, and a second sensor unit opposite to and connected in series to the first sensor unit.