Dual Camera Module With Shared Lens Driving Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual camera modules face challenges with electromagnetic interference and increased weight and manufacturing costs due to the need for two hardware devices to operate two cameras, which also limits the proximity of camera modules and affects image quality.

Innovation Solution

A dual camera module configuration using a single hardware to perform Auto Focus (AF) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) functions by incorporating a switching part between the driving part and two camera modules, allowing for a compact structure with overlapping image areas and improved image resolution through liquid lenses with varying focal lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate lens driving devices are used for two camera modules, then each camera can perform AF and OIS functions independently, but electromagnetic interference is generated between the devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAF and OIS function reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate lens driving devices into a single shared device. The driving device includes a common coil assembly that can generate magnetic fields to drive lenses in both camera modules simultaneously, eliminating electromagnetic interference while maintaining AF and OIS functionality for both cameras

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single lens driving device is designed with multi-functionality to serve both camera modules. It includes first and second lens driving assemblies that can independently control lenses in different camera modules, allowing one device to perform the functions previously requiring two separate devices

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

2Reliability

If two hardware devices are used to operate two cameras, then each camera can function independently, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera operation reliabilityVSAvoidcamera module weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate hardware devices into one integrated lens driving device. This single device contains all necessary components (coil assemblies, magnet assemblies, driving assemblies) to operate both camera modules, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining independent camera functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens driving device is designed as a universal device that can drive lenses in multiple camera modules. It includes configurable driving assemblies that can be selectively activated to serve different cameras, providing multi-functional capability in a single hardware unit

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

3Reliability

If two hardware devices are used to operate two cameras, then each camera can perform AF and OIS, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAF and OIS function reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate lens driving devices into one shared device, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This includes sharing common components like the coil assembly housing, control circuits, and power supply, thereby reducing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens driving device is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple camera modules. This standardized design allows for economies of scale in manufacturing and simplifies the assembly process, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining full AF and OIS functionality

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

4Reliability

If lens driving devices are assembled with lots of parts, then AF and OIS functions are achieved, but installation space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAF and OIS function reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components into an integrated lens driving device. By combining the coil assembly, magnet assembly, and driving mechanisms into a single compact unit, the installation space is significantly reduced compared to having separate devices for each camera module

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens driving device employs a nested structure where components are arranged in concentric or layered configurations. The coil assembly surrounds the magnet assembly, which in turn surrounds the lens driving mechanism, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining all necessary functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 generation of high-resolution composite images without electromagnetic interference, reduces hardware requirements, and minimizes manufacturing costs while maintaining image quality and enabling proximate camera module arrangement.

Implementation Method 1

a first liquid lens comprising two or more liquids to form a first interface and receive a voltage, and at least one solid lens; a second liquid lens comprising two or more liquids to form a second interface and receive a voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Data Source

PatentEP3515058B1Dual camera module
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3515058B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515058B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3515058B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present embodiment relates to a dual camera module comprising: a first camera module including a first liquid lens and capturing a first image; and a second camera module including a second liquid lens and capturing a second image, wherein a viewing angle of the first camera module is smaller than a viewing angle of the second camera module, at least a part of the viewing angle of the first camera module is included in the viewing angle of the second camera module such that there is an overlapping area between the first image and the second image so as to enable a composite image formed by combining the first image and the second image to be generated, and when the first camera module is focused, a focal length of the first liquid lens is varied according to the distance between the first liquid lens and a subject, and when the second camera module is focused, a focal length of the second liquid lens is varied according to the distance between the second liquid lens and the subject.