Camera Lens Actuator Alignment for Accessory Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small format factor camera systems in mobile devices face challenges in achieving optimal image quality when using accessory lenses due to manufacturing constraints, which make it difficult to align the optical axis and maintain correct spacing between the camera lens and accessory lens.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera system that includes a lens system, photosensor, camera control, image analysis, and image processing software, along with an actuator component that mechanically or optically adjusts the camera lens to align the optical axis and adjust spacing with the accessory lens, using sensing technologies or image metric analysis to optimize image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessory lenses are mounted in front of the camera lens, then focal length adjustment and macro capabilities are enabled, but optical axis alignment and spacing between lenses become difficult to achieve correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The camera lens is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator mechanism that can shift the lens position and tilt angle in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to compensate for misalignment introduced by accessory lenses, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision by enabling post-assembly optimization of optical alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory lenses are attached to the camera, then macro capabilities and focal length variation are achieved, but correct spacing between lenses is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism provides dynamic control over the spacing between the camera lens and accessory lens by adjusting the camera lens position along the optical axis. This enables the system to maintain optimal spacing for macro capabilities while accommodating different accessory lens configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precise length control.
Data Source
AI summary
A small format factor camera system for mobile devices that provides improved image quality when using accessory lenses. The system may detect an accessory lens attached to the camera, either via sensing technology or by analyzing captured images. The system may analyze image data to determine current alignment (e.g., optical axis alignment, spacing, and/or tilt) of the accessory lens relative to the camera lens, and may shift the camera lens on one or more axes using a mechanical or optical actuator, for example to align the camera lens optical axis with the accessory lens optical axis. The system may also determine optical characteristics of the accessory lens, either via sensing technology or by analyzing captured images, and may apply one or more image processing functions to images captured using the accessory lens according to the determined optical characteristics of the accessory lens.