Dual-Lens Actuator Sharing for Front Rear Camera Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device cameras, especially front cameras, often lack features like optical image stabilization and autofocus due to manufacturing cost constraints, resulting in suboptimal imaging performance compared to rear cameras.
Innovation Solution
A dual-lens imaging system where both lenses are coupled with a single actuator that moves both lenses simultaneously, enabling autofocus and image stabilization for both front and rear cameras, sharing the same actuator structure to reduce costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to move both lenses, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the reliability of independent lens control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators into a single actuator that controls both the front and rear lenses. This merging reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to perform autofocus and optical image stabilization for both cameras through shared mechanical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can move both lenses for autofocus operations and stabilize both lenses for optical image stabilization. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each lens while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
2Reliability
If separate actuators are used for each lens, then lens control independence is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators into a single actuator that controls both the front and rear lenses. This merging reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to perform autofocus and optical image stabilization for both cameras through shared mechanical control.
3Reliability
If separate mechanical solutions are used for front and rear cameras, then imaging performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can move both lenses for autofocus operations and stabilize both lenses for optical image stabilization. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each lens while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two separate actuators into a single actuator that controls both the front and rear lenses. This merging reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to perform autofocus and optical image stabilization for both cameras through shared mechanical control.
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
This solution allows for simultaneous autofocus and optical image stabilization in both front and rear cameras without the need for separate mechanical solutions, enhancing imaging performance while reducing costs and simplifying hardware design.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator coupled to the first lens and to the second lens, configured to move the first lens and the second lens
Data Source
AI summary
The imaging system has two lenses coupled together, wherein both lenses face different sides of the device body. Each lens has a separate image sensor; for example, the first lens is for the front side camera and the second lens is for the back side camera. A single actuator moves both lenses simultaneously. Depending on the imaging direction, either the front side image sensor or the back side image sensor is activated and an image is received through the corresponding lens system. The actuator generates autofocus or image stabilization functions for both cameras.