Imaging Device Lens Actuator PWM Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices face challenges in achieving miniaturization, low power consumption, and noise reduction due to the need for Hall elements and metal plates, which increase costs and complexity, and are not compatible with modern actuator structures.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a lens, imaging element, and actuator that uses PWM waveform driving and position detection coils to detect magnetic fields, allowing for accurate lens position control and noise reduction without the need for Hall elements or bulky metal plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Hall elements are mounted on the actuator for position detection, then lens position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Hall element-based position detection system with an electromagnetic detection system using coils and magnetic fields. The actuator includes a first coil that generates a magnetic field, and a second coil that detects the magnetic field to determine lens position. This substitution eliminates the need for Hall elements while achieving accurate position detection through electromagnetic interaction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If metal plates are used for cutting off magnetic field to reduce noise, then noise contamination is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field shielding plate as an intermediary element positioned between the first coil (magnetic field generator) and the imaging element. This shielding plate selectively blocks magnetic field lines from reaching the imaging element, thereby reducing noise contamination while allowing the PWM-driven actuator to function. The shielding plate acts as a mediator that manages the interaction between the magnetic field and the imaging element.
3Use of energy by moving object
If PWM waveform is used for actuator driving to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but magnetic field interference with imaging element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful magnetic field generated by PWM-driven actuator coils into a useful detection signal. The system uses the magnetic field produced by the first coil to drive the lens, and simultaneously utilizes this same magnetic field (detected by the second coil) to determine lens position. By synchronizing the PWM driving waveform with the position detection, the system achieves both power savings from PWM operation and accurate position feedback without requiring separate detection coils or Hall elements.
4Reliability
If high-pixelization imaging elements are used to improve performance, then imaging performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous synchronized operation between the actuator driving and position detection systems. The PWM driving waveform and position detection are synchronized to occur simultaneously and continuously, ensuring that the lens position is always accurately known while maintaining efficient PWM-driven operation. This continuous coordinated operation allows the high-performance imaging element to function at optimal settings without excessive power consumption.
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 performance improvement, low power consumption, and miniaturization of imaging devices while reducing noise and costs, making it suitable for modern actuator structures.
Implementation Method 1
plural detection units that are so disposed as to face plural first coils included in the actuator, and detect magnetic fields generated by the first coils
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an imaging device and an electronic apparatus capable of adjusting a focus position and an image stabilization position with high accuracy. There are provided a lens that converges object light, an imaging element that photoelectrically converts the object light received from the lens, a circuit base that includes a circuit configured to output a signal received from the imaging element to an outside, an actuator that drives the lens with a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) waveform in at least either one of an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, and plural detection units that are so disposed as to face plural first coils included in the actuator, and detect magnetic fields generated by the first coils. The present technology is applicable to an imaging device.