Lens Control Apparatus for Compact Autofocus and Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens control systems for compact imaging devices, such as smartphones, are bulky and impractical due to their complexity, making it difficult to implement autofocus (AF) and image stabilization (IS) functionalities effectively in small form factors.
Innovation Solution
A lens control apparatus with a casing, a lens carrier, focusing coils for linear motion along the optical axis, and actuating coils for pivoting in orthogonal directions, providing at least three degrees of freedom, along with magnetic elements and springs for precise control, and a control unit coupled with motion and position feedback sensors to manage the lens movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lens moving section with base plate, first slider, and second slider is used to implement image stabilization, then camera-shake correction can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and unsuitable for compact mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the autofocus and image stabilization functions into a single integrated lens moving section. The lens carrier simultaneously supports focusing coils for autofocus and actuating coils for image stabilization, merging two separate mechanisms into one compact unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate base plates and multiple sliders, significantly reducing the overall volume while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens carrier is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both autofocus and image stabilization operations. By incorporating multiple coil assemblies (focusing coils and actuating coils) within the same structural framework, the single lens moving section can execute multiple functions that would traditionally require separate mechanisms, thereby reducing device bulk.
2Illumination intensity
If lens aperture is increased to admit more light and improve dynamic range, then picture quality improves, but design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens control system into distinct functional modules: lens carrier, focusing coils, actuating coils, and magnetic elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, simplifying the design and manufacturing process while enabling the overall system to achieve larger effective aperture through coordinated operation of the modular components.
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 efficient autofocus and image stabilization in compact devices, providing a large image stabilization compensation angle without compromising peripheral image quality, and supports the formation of a spherically curved image plane for improved imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of focusing coils disposed within said casing and configured to enable linear motion of the lens carrier along an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a set of actuating coils disposed within said casing and configured to pivot the lens carrier in a first direction relative to the optical axis and a second direction relative to the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
the lens control apparatus further includes a pair of magnetic elements having opposite polarities, each magnetic element disposed within the casing on either side of the lens carrier
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure pertains to a lens control apparatus that can be implemented in an imaging device to provide autofocus (AF) and image stabilization (IS) functionalities. The lens control apparatus includes a casing, a lens carrier movable in said casing and configured to hold an imaging lens, a pair of focusing coils disposed within said casing and configured to enable linear motion of the lens carrier along an optical axis, and a set of actuating coils disposed within said casing and configured to pivot the lens carrier in a first direction relative to the optical axis and a second direction relative to the optical axis, said first direction and said second direction being orthogonal to each other, and wherein the lens control apparatus is capable of providing at least three degrees of freedom to the lens carrier.