Camera Module Iris Control Corrected by Lens Assembly Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable electronic devices have limited size and thickness, resulting in camera modules without iris diaphragm modules, which restrict light adjustment and degrade photography performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an iris diaphragm module into the camera module, featuring a lens assembly, iris diaphragm, magnet, coil, and Hall sensor, with control circuitry to adjust the iris diaphragm's aperture ratio for optimal light control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an iris diaphragm module is added to the camera module, then light adjustment capability is improved and photography performance is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotography performanceVSAvoidcamera module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the iris diaphragm module with the existing lens assembly into an integrated unit. The iris diaphragm is positioned within the lens assembly structure, sharing common mounting components and optical paths. This merging approach allows the camera module to gain light adjustment capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by reusing existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the optical focusing element and the mounting structure for the iris diaphragm module. The same mechanical components that support the lens also provide attachment points for the iris diaphragm blades and driving mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby improving photography performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

2Measurement precision

If an iris diaphragm module is incorporated into the camera module, then aperture control precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture control precisionVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The iris diaphragm module incorporates a feedback mechanism where the actual aperture position is detected and used to adjust the driving signal. The control circuitry monitors the aperture opening degree through position detection and automatically compensates for deviations from the target aperture value. This self-correction capability allows the system to achieve high aperture control precision even when manufacturing tolerances cause initial positioning variations, thereby reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a closed-loop control system where the aperture position is continuously monitored by position detection circuitry and fed back to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected position with the target position and adjusts the driving signal to the iris diaphragm motor accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the aperture reaches and maintains the precise opening degree regardless of manufacturing variations, achieving high measurement precision while being tolerant of manufacturing imprecision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If signal correction based on lens assembly position is implemented, then aperture positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture positioning accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry receives position information from the lens assembly position sensor and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the aperture opening degree signal. When the lens assembly moves to different positions (e.g., during focusing or optical image stabilization), the control unit automatically modifies the aperture control signal to maintain accurate aperture positioning. This feedback-based signal correction improves aperture positioning accuracy without requiring a completely separate complex control system, as it integrates with the existing lens control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the lens assembly positioning and the iris diaphragm aperture opening degree. By making the control system universal, the patent avoids adding a dedicated separate control unit for aperture positioning. The same control unit that manages lens movement also handles aperture control with position-based signal correction, thereby improving aperture positioning accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

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

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 seamless image capture with adjustable aperture ratios during preview, moving, and panoramic shots, enhancing photography performance by allowing precise light adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

a coil (250_1) disposed on one surface of the assembly housing (140) to face the iris diaphragm magnet member (251)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one Hall sensor (250_2) disposed on one surface of the assembly housing (140) to detect a position of the iris diaphragm magnet member (251)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3777126B1Camera module for controlling iris diaphragm using signal corrected according to position of lens assembly, electronic device including the camera module, and method for operating the electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3777126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3777126B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3777126B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a housing, a lens assembly including at least one lens, an iris diaphragm disposed over the lens and configured to adjust an amount of external light incident on the lens, an iris diaphragm magnet member disposed on a surface of the lens assembly for adjusting a movement of the iris diaphragm, a coil disposed on a surface of the housing facing the iris diaphragm magnet member, at least one sensor disposed on the surface and sensing a magnetic force of the iris diaphragm magnet member, a lens driving unit moving the lens assembly, and control circuitry configured to detect a magnetic force between the moved lens assembly and the surface by using the sensor, determine a position of the lens assembly relative to the surface based at least on the magnetic force, correct a signal for controlling an amount of electric current supplied to the coil according to the position, and adjust an aperture ratio of the iris diaphragm through the iris diaphragm magnet member by using an electromagnetic force output through the coil according to the corrected signal.