Camera Module Periscope Lens Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera devices with optical image stabilization methods face challenges in minimizing device shaking, particularly due to the complexity and high manufacturing costs of the module tilt method, and require improved measurement accuracy for auto-focusing in high-magnification devices.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a periscope-type optical axis with a reflective unit, utilizing rotational and translational movement mechanisms for image stabilization, and a magnetic and bearing ball system for lens movement, along with a hall IC for precise sensing, to minimize thickness and friction while enhancing design freedom and measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the module tilt method is used for optical image stabilization, then image stabilization effect is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization effectVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image stabilization function into two independent parts: a fixed lens barrel for focusing and a movable reflective unit for stabilization. This segmentation allows the reflective unit to compensate for shaking without requiring the entire lens module to move, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the lens barrel in the optical axis direction (one dimension), the patent introduces a reflective unit that moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (another dimension). This dimensional change enables image stabilization through rotational movement of the reflective unit, avoiding the complexity of moving the entire lens assembly.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lens movement range is increased for high-magnification auto-focusing, then auto-focusing capability is improved, but measurement accuracy requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauto-focusing capabilityVSAvoidmovement distance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hall IC as an intermediary measurement device between the lens barrel and the control system. This hall IC provides precise measurement of the lens barrel's movement distance through magnetic field detection, enabling accurate control even when the movement range is increased for high-magnification auto-focusing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If bearing balls are used to support lens case movement, then friction is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens case movement smoothnessVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the lens case and support structure with magnetic field interaction. The hall IC detects the position of the lens case through magnetic field changes without physical contact, eliminating the need for precision mechanical assemblies like bearing balls while still achieving smooth movement and accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution effectively minimizes device shaking, reduces frictional forces, and increases measurement accuracy for auto-focusing, allowing for more compact and stable camera designs with improved image stabilization and auto-focusing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a hall IC for precise sensing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a periscope-type optical axis with a reflective unit, utilizing rotational and translational movement mechanisms for image stabilization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a magnetic and bearing ball system for lens movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 4

reduces frictional forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3571832B1Camera module and camera device
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3571832B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3571832B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3571832B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Disclosed is a camera module capable of overcoming a design limitation on a structure for auto-focusing and handshake compensation attributable to the thickness of the camera module provided in a small-sized camera device. The camera module includes a refractive unit including at least one lens, which has an optical axis oriented in a first direction, a lens case for supporting the refractive unit mounted thereto, a focusing-driving magnet secured to the lens case, a focusing-driving coil configured to accommodate at least a portion of the focusing-driving magnet inserted thereinto and to receive first current and generate driving force for allowing the focusing-driving magnet to perform first relative displacement in the first direction, a compensatory case configured to support the focusing-driving coil fixedly mounted thereto, and a focusing-sensing coil fixedly provided in the compensatory case and wherein second current is electromagnetically induced at the focusing-sensing coil by the first relative displacement.