Liquid Lens Camera Module Voltage Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in reducing power consumption and size while maintaining high-resolution and multi-functional optical devices, as increased lens numbers lead to larger device sizes and higher power consumption for lens movement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a liquid lens system that adjusts focal length using electrical energy, featuring a conductive and non-conductive liquid interface, a control unit that senses and adjusts driving voltage, and a feedback signal generating unit to refine voltage application, reducing noise and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are combined to achieve high resolution and various photographing functions, then the photographing functions (optical zoom, autofocus, image stabilization) are improved, but the size of the optical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions (autofocus, optical zoom, image stabilization) into a single integrated lens module that moves as one unit. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate lens modules for each function, thereby reducing the overall device size while maintaining all required photographing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - autofocus through axial movement, optical zoom through focal length adjustment, and image stabilization through tilting. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing device volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lens moving apparatus is added to move the lens module for autofocus and image stabilization, then the photographing functions are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid lens with a dynamically adjustable interface between conductive and non-conductive liquids. The focal length and curvature are controlled by applying voltage to change the liquid interface shape, enabling autofocus and zoom functions through electrical control rather than mechanical movement, thereby reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens moving apparatus with an electrically controlled liquid lens system. The liquid lens interface is deformed by applying voltage between electrodes, substituting mechanical drive mechanisms with an electrical field-based control system that consumes less power
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lens moving apparatus is added to move the lens module, then the photographing functions are improved, but the overall thickness increases due to additional cover glass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional cover glass by integrating the lens moving apparatus directly into the camera module structure. The liquid lens system is contained within the existing module boundaries, removing the requirement for separate protective cover glass that would increase overall thickness
4Ease of operation
If driving voltage is applied to the liquid lens to adjust focal length, then the autofocus function is improved, but voltage tolerance variation affects accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the control unit monitors the actual driving voltage applied to the liquid lens and compares it with the target voltage. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts subsequent voltage commands to compensate for tolerance variations, ensuring accurate and consistent focal length adjustment despite manufacturing variations in the liquid lens
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 minimizes voltage tolerance to less than 1% and accurately monitors driving voltage, reducing power consumption and size, enabling more precise autofocus and image stabilization functions.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid lens configured to electrically adjust the curvature of an interface between two kinds of liquid
Implementation Method 2
the control unit may sense the voltage applied between the common terminal and the individual terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first plate comprising a cavity in which a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid forming an interface are disposed; a common terminal disposed on the first plate; a plurality of individual terminals disposed below the first plate; a second plate disposed on the common terminal; a liquid lens comprising a third plate disposed below the individual terminals; a lens assembly comprising at least one solid lens and the liquid lens; a sensor substrate disposed below the lens assembly and having an image sensor disposed thereon; a connection substrate for electrically connecting the liquid lens and the sensor substrate; and a control unit for supplying a driving voltage applied to the common terminal and the individual terminals, wherein the control unit may sense the voltage applied between the common terminal and the individual terminals, and supply the compensated driving voltage to the common terminal and the individual terminals on the basis on the sensed voltage.