Camera Module Autofocus Timing Using Sensor Synchronization Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in interoperability and compatibility due to differences in hardware and software features, requiring re-programming of controlling software when replacing camera modules, and accurate timing of lens movements is typically controlled by the host, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solution shifts the control of accurate timing of lens movements from the host to the camera module, specifically to the combination of an image sensor and a driving unit, using a standardized HW-SW interface for specifying lens movements and timing, allowing interchangeable actuator driving units with different operating principles, and utilizing synchronization pulses for precise timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the host controls the timing of lens movements, then the control structure is simple, but the timing accuracy and synchronization with image frames deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pulse generating unit as an intermediary component between the host and the driving unit. This unit generates synchronization pulses based on image frame timing, acting as a mediator that translates host control signals into precisely timed lens movement commands synchronized with the image sensor's frame rate, thereby improving timing accuracy without complicating the overall control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module performs self-timing by using the pulse generating unit to automatically generate synchronization pulses based on its own image frame timing. This eliminates the need for the host to provide complex timing control, allowing the system to self-regulate lens movement timing with high precision synchronized to the image capture rate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different camera modules use different hardware and software features, then each module can be optimized for specific functions, but interoperability and compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control interface through the standardized driving unit that can work with different image sensors and actuators. The driving unit serves multiple functions: it receives standardized control signals from the host, generates synchronization pulses for various image frame rates, and controls different types of actuators. This universal interface allows different camera modules to be interoperable while maintaining their specific optimizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves compatibility across different camera modules by parameterizing the control approach. The pulse generating unit can be configured with different parameters (frame rates, timing intervals, pulse frequencies) to adapt to various image sensors and actuators. This parameter-based configuration allows the same hardware interface to work reliably with diverse components without requiring structural changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If controlling software is re-programmed when replacing camera modules, then the software can be optimized for each module, but the time and cost of software development increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving unit acts as a software-friendly intermediary that provides a standardized interface between the host controlling software and the hardware components. This abstraction layer allows the controlling software to remain unchanged when replacing camera modules, as it always communicates through the same standardized interface. The driving unit handles the specific optimizations for each module internally, eliminating the need for software re-programming while preserving module-specific optimizations.
4Measurement precision
If the camera module shifts timing control from the host to itself, then timing accuracy and synchronization improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing control function with the existing image sensor and driving unit components. The pulse generating unit is integrated into the camera module's existing architecture, combining the timing generation, synchronization, and actuator control functions in a unified structure. This merging approach improves timing synchronization while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by reusing existing components and interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (500) comprises: an image detector (122) for capturing an image frame (FN), a driving unit (200) for adjusting focusing of light onto said image detector (122), and a pulse generating unit (120), wherein said pulse generating unit (120) is configured to generate one or more synchronization pulses (S11, S12) based on the timing of optical exposure of a predetermined portion (TRIGLN) of said image frame (FN), and said driving unit (200) is configured to perform said adjusting based on the timing of said one or more synchronization pulses (S11, S12).