Liquid Lens Camera Module for Auto-Focusing and Handshake Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules with increased lens numbers for auto-focusing and handshake compensation functions face challenges in size and power consumption due to the need for additional lens moving apparatus and cover glass, leading to thicker devices.
Innovation Solution
A camera module utilizing a liquid lens with a conductive and non-conductive liquid interface, controlled by a driving voltage applied through multiple electrodes, allowing for auto-focusing and handshake compensation without increasing the output voltage range, thus reducing power consumption and module size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are combined to achieve auto-focusing and handshake compensation functions, then the photographing functions are improved, but the size of the optical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions (auto-focusing and handshake compensation) into a single integrated lens module. The lens module includes multiple lenses fixed to a lens holder, where the entire assembly moves together along the optical axis for auto-focusing and perpendicular to the optical axis for handshake compensation, eliminating the need for separate lens moving apparatus for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens module performs multiple functions: it enables both auto-focusing (by moving along the optical axis) and handshake compensation (by moving perpendicular to the optical axis). This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining comprehensive photographing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional lens moving apparatus is used to move the lens module, then the auto-focusing and handshake compensation functions are achieved, but the power consumption increases and the overall thickness increases due to additional cover glass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive mechanisms for auto-focusing and handshake compensation into a single integrated system. The lens module is moved by a unified actuation mechanism that can control movement both along the optical axis (for auto-focusing) and perpendicular to it (for handshake compensation), reducing the need for multiple separate high-power motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens moving apparatus with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Magnets are positioned around the lens holder, and by controlling the magnetic fields (through current direction and magnitude), the lens module can be moved precisely in different directions without requiring complex mechanical transmission mechanisms, thereby reducing 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 enhances auto-focusing resolution within a constant voltage range, reducing power consumption and module size, while maintaining effective auto-focusing and handshake compensation functions.
Implementation Method 1
research has been conducted on a liquid lens configured to electrically adjust the curvature of an interface between two kinds of liquid in order to perform auto-focusing and handshake compensation functions
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid lens according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a conductive liquid and a nonconductive liquid which are received in a cavity and have a boundary surface therebetween; and a common electrode and n independent electrodes (n is an integer greater than or equal to two) for controlling the boundary surface, wherein a first driving voltage applied between the common electrode and one of the n independent electrodes is controlled by unit cycle comprising a first sub-cycle and a second sub-cycle, a level of the first driving voltage in the first sub-cycle may be a first voltage, and a level of the first driving voltage in the second sub-cycle may be a second voltage.