Camera Module Lens Carrier Serial Bus Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules face limitations in adding new features like aperture control and optical zoom due to mechanical constraints on the number of wires in the optical image stabilization (OIS) suspension mechanism, making it impractical to rapidly incorporate new features without redesigning the mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A camera module architecture that uses OIS suspension wires for both suspension and serial bus communications, with a printed circuit assembly on the lens carrier equipped with a serial bus communications interface and translation circuit to translate commands into control signals for optical path modifiers, allowing additional features to be added without increasing the number of wires or redesigning the suspension mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more wires are added to the OIS suspension mechanism to support additional features, then the camera module can incorporate more features like aperture control and optical zoom, but the mechanical constraints of the suspension mechanism are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The OIS suspension wires are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their original purpose of suspending the lens carrier and providing electrical connectivity for controlling optical path modifiers. The wires act as both mechanical support elements and communication conduits, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for additional mechanical wires with a wireless communication approach. A controller outside the lens carrier communicates with optical path modifiers on the lens carrier through wireless signals, substituting physical wire connections with electromagnetic communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the OIS suspension mechanism is redesigned to accommodate more wires, then additional features can be added, but the redesign and reconstruction is not practical for rapid feature addition
Solution Approach 1:
The system is made dynamic and adaptable by allowing features to be added or modified through software control rather than hardware redesign. The controller can be programmed to support different optical path modifiers without changing the physical suspension mechanism, enabling rapid feature updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The OIS suspension mechanism is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple types of optical path modifiers through wireless communication. The same suspension wires and controller infrastructure support various features like aperture control, optical zoom, and focus adjustment without requiring feature-specific wiring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of wires in the OIS suspension mechanism is increased, then more electrical components can be controlled, but mechanical constraints limit the number of wires that can be added
Solution Approach 1:
Physical wire connections are replaced with wireless communication between the controller and optical path modifiers. This substitution eliminates the mechanical constraint of wire quantity while maintaining full electrical control capability, allowing unlimited features to be controlled through the same suspension structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing suspension wires are made universal by enabling them to carry control signals for multiple types of optical path modifiers simultaneously. The wires serve as both mechanical suspension elements and communication channels, maximizing the utility of the existing structural components.
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 the camera module to easily scale with additional features by using existing OIS suspension wires for communication, allowing any number of optical path modifiers to be added, limited only by space and heat considerations, while maintaining the existing OIS suspension mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
flexible suspension wires that sway so as to allow the lens carrier to move in directions orthogonal to an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
The lens carrier can be moved using a force generated by a magnet and a coil carrying electric current (e.g., a Lorentz force)
Implementation Method 3
A printed circuit assembly positioned on the lens carrier that is electrically coupled to the suspension wires. The printed circuit assembly includes a printed circuit that has installed thereon a serial bus communications interface (SBCI) circuit that is to receive the commands from the controller through one or more of the suspension wires
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a lens carrier that houses a lens, electrical components of optical path modifiers positioned on the lens carrier, an image sensor, and a controller that is to generate commands for operating the optical path modifiers. A printed circuit assembly positioned on the lens carrier is electrically coupled to suspension wires. The printed circuit assembly includes a printed circuit that has installed thereon a serial bus communications interface circuit that is to receive the commands from the controller through one of the suspension wires, and a translation circuit that is to translate the commands into control signals that are to operate or drive the optical path modifiers via the electrical components and according to the commands, respectively. Other embodiments are also described.