Camera Module Lens and Sensor Segmentation for Autofocus Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules with auto focusing and image stabilization functions often compromise image quality as the lens moves or rotates, with the image sensor fixed, leading to deteriorated image quality.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design that enables the lens to move in the optical axis direction and rotate about at least two axes, incorporating a lens assembly, image stabilizer, and image signal processor to maintain image quality during both auto focusing and image stabilization operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lens moves in optical axis direction for auto focusing, then auto focusing function is achieved, but image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauto focusing functionVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module separates the lens assembly and image sensor onto different carriers. The lens is mounted on an autofocus carrier that can move independently along the optical axis, while the image sensor remains fixed on a separate stabilizing carrier. This segmentation allows the lens to move for focusing without affecting image sensor stability, resolving the contradiction between auto focusing capability and image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lens rotates and moves about at least two axes for image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but image quality deteriorates when image sensor is fixed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the camera module into a lens assembly on a movable autofocus carrier and an image sensor on a separate stabilizing carrier. The stabilizing carrier can rotate and move about at least two axes independently from the lens assembly, allowing image stabilization without compromising the fixed position of the image sensor, thus maintaining image quality while achieving stabilization functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multi-axis movement capability for the stabilizing carrier, allowing it to compensate for vibrations and stabilize the image sensor in multiple dimensions (at least two axes) while the lens assembly operates independently. This dimensional independence resolves the contradiction by enabling stabilization without fixing the image sensor rigidly, thereby maintaining image quality.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4059211B1Camera module and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4059211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4059211B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP4059211B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

A portable communication device is provided. The device includes a camera assembly comprising a lens and an image sensor, a printed circuit board (PCB) surrounding at least a portion of the camera assembly, and a plurality of coils including a first, second, and third coils respectively disposed on first, second, and third areas of the PCB, and a control circuit electrically connected to the PCB, the first coil, the second coil, and the third coil. The control circuit performs a first function related to the camera assembly by moving the camera assembly, by using the first coil, in a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis of the lens, and a second function related to the camera assembly by rotating the camera assembly about at least one rotation shaft, which is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, using at least one of the second coil or the third coil.