Gravity Sensor Lens Module for Miniature Projector Focus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional projector systems face challenges with large processor sizes that are not suitable for miniature projectors, and sensors like photoelectric or capacitive types require calibration and are prone to light and electrostatic interference.

Innovation Solution

A lens module incorporating a gravity sensor with a processor to detect the rotation angle and direction of an adjustment assembly, allowing for automatic focus adjustment without the need for large processors and minimizing interference from light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional photoelectric or capacitive sensors are used for focal adjustment, then the sensor can detect lens position, but the processor size becomes large and the system is prone to light and electrostatic interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal detection precisionVSAvoidprocessor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional photoelectric or capacitive sensors with a gravity sensor (accelerometer) to detect lens adjustment assembly rotation. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex processors and feedback mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection precision. The gravity sensor detects gravitational acceleration changes during lens adjustment, providing simple and reliable focal position information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional photoelectric or capacitive sensors are used for focal adjustment, then the sensor can detect lens position, but the system becomes susceptible to light and electrostatic interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal detection precisionVSAvoidlight and electrostatic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces photoelectric or capacitive sensors with a gravity sensor that detects gravitational acceleration changes. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to light interference (affecting photoelectric sensors) and electrostatic interference (affecting capacitive sensors), as the gravity sensor operates independently of these environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If a large processor is installed in the projector for focal control, then automatic focal adjustment can be achieved, but the projector size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic focal adjustmentVSAvoidprojector weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the large processor-based control system with a simplified gravity sensor-based detection system. The gravity sensor directly provides focal position information through gravitational acceleration detection, eliminating the need for complex processors and reducing projector weight while maintaining automatic focal adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gravity sensor-based system is inherently more compact and lightweight, allowing the projector to achieve automatic focal adjustment with minimal additional components. The system leverages the natural gravitational field for detection, requiring no additional power-intensive processing units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables precise focus adjustment in miniature projectors with small, lightweight gravity sensors that provide high-precision, digital signal feedback, resistant to light interference and noise.

Implementation Method 1

a first gravity sensor... configured to perform a detection at different time points... generates a first output at a first time point and a second output at a second time point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10133172B2Lens module and projector using the same

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 CORETRONIC CORPORATION

AI summary

A lens module includes a lens, a first gravity sensor and a processor. The lens includes an optical axis and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly rotates around the optical axis. The first gravity sensor is disposed on the adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly drives the first gravity sensor to rotate. The first gravity sensor is configured to perform detection at different time points. The first gravity sensor generates a first output at a first time point and a second output at a second time point. The processor calculates first and second angles of the first gravity sensor relative to a water level according to the first and second outputs respectively. The processor controls a focus adjustment of the lens according to the first angle and the second angle. A projector employing the aforementioned lens module is also provided.