Liquid Lens Camera Module Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with multiple lenses face challenges in size increase due to the need for a separate lens driving unit for AF and OIS functions, which also suffer from resolution and accuracy issues due to temperature-induced changes in liquid lens curvature.
Innovation Solution
A camera module incorporating a liquid lens with a voltage-controlled interface between two liquids, featuring a temperature sensor, image sensor, sensing unit, and compensation unit to adjust the interface position and driving voltage, ensuring consistent spatial frequency response and resolution across temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a liquid lens is used to perform AF and OIS functions by electrically adjusting interface curvature, then the number of lenses is reduced and device size is decreased, but accuracy deteriorates due to temperature-induced interface deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensing unit detects the actual interface curvature of the liquid lens, a temperature sensor monitors temperature changes, and a compensation unit calculates corrected driving voltages based on detected deviations from target curvature. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously adjusts the liquid lens interface to maintain accurate curvature despite temperature variations, resolving the contradiction between reduced device size and maintained measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving voltage parameter dynamically based on temperature conditions. The compensation unit stores multiple sets of driving voltages corresponding to different temperatures and selects appropriate voltage values to compensate for temperature-induced curvature changes. By adjusting the electrical parameter (voltage) in response to environmental changes, the system maintains interface accuracy while using the compact liquid lens structure.
2Measurement precision
If driving voltage is increased to adjust interface position for resolution maintenance, then resolution is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the compensation unit multi-functional by enabling it to perform both temperature compensation and resolution optimization functions. The same unit that calculates temperature compensation voltages also optimizes driving voltages to maintain resolution across different operating conditions. This universal control unit handles multiple functions without requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby maintaining resolution while avoiding additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature compensation function and resolution optimization function into a single integrated control system. The sensing unit, temperature sensor, and compensation unit work together as a unified mechanism that simultaneously addresses both temperature-induced curvature changes and resolution maintenance, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are combined to achieve various image capturing functions, then image capturing capability is improved, but device size increases due to separate lens driving unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal liquid lens that can perform multiple image capturing functions including autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) by electrically adjusting its interface curvature. This single multi-functional liquid lens replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate lenses and their associated driving mechanisms, thereby maintaining versatile image capturing capability while significantly reducing camera module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple image capturing functions (AF, OIS, and variable focal length) into a single liquid lens device. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate lenses and driving units into one integrated liquid lens system, the patent achieves various image capturing capabilities while minimizing the overall camera module size and eliminating the need for separate lens driving mechanisms.
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 effectively maintains camera module resolution and accuracy by compensating for temperature-induced changes in the liquid lens interface, reducing the need for a separate lens driving unit and minimizing size increases, thus enhancing performance and portability.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid lens part which performs AF and OIS functions by electrically adjusting a curvature of an interface between two liquids
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in an embodiment is a camera module including a lens assembly including a liquid lens including a first liquid and a second liquid which form an interface therebetween, a voltage controller which applies a driving signal to the liquid lens to adjust the interface, a temperature sensor which detects temperature information of the liquid lens, an image sensor which receives light passing through the lens assembly, a sensing unit which detects information corresponding to the interface of the liquid lens, and a compensation unit which outputs feedback information to the voltage controller using the information corresponding to the interface of the liquid lens and the temperature information.