Liquid Lens Camera Module Minimizing Wavefront Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules with multiple lenses face challenges in minimizing wavefront errors due to optical image stabilization (OIS), leading to increased size and power consumption, and existing liquid lens units suffer from errors caused by changes in wavefront curvature.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a liquid lens, image sensor, detection sensor, voltage controller, and driving unit that adjusts the interface of the liquid lens based on motion frequency to minimize wavefront errors, allowing for precise control of imaging timing and reducing the impact of OIS-induced errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a liquid lens unit is used to perform AF and OIS functions, then the size and power consumption are reduced, but wavefront errors occur due to interface changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the wavefront error that will occur due to liquid lens interface changes and compensating for it in advance. The processor calculates the predicted wavefront error based on the driving signal that will change the liquid lens interface, and then adjusts the imaging timing before the actual imaging occurs to minimize the impact of the wavefront error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the detected motion signal to adjust the imaging timing. The processor detects the motion signal from the detection sensor, calculates the appropriate imaging timing adjustment based on this motion information, and applies this adjustment to the image sensor's imaging timing, creating a closed-loop control system that compensates for OIS-induced wavefront errors.
2Reliability
If imaging timing is adjusted according to motion frequency, then wavefront error is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the processor perform multiple functions: it detects motion signals, calculates wavefront errors, determines imaging timing adjustments, and controls the image sensor timing. By consolidating these functions in the existing processor rather than adding separate dedicated components, the patent minimizes device complexity while achieving wavefront error minimization through motion-frequency-based imaging timing adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are combined and moved to implement zoom and OIS functions, then photographing functions are enhanced, but the size of the optical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the OIS function with the liquid lens interface adjustment mechanism. Instead of using a separate lens driving device to move multiple lenses for OIS, the patent utilizes the liquid lens interface changes (which are already being adjusted for zoom functions) to perform both zoom and OIS operations. This integration eliminates the need for additional lens driving mechanisms and reduces the overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by enabling the liquid lens to perform multiple functions: it provides both zoom capability (through interface curvature adjustment) and OIS function (through interface tilt adjustment). By making the liquid lens a multi-functional component that handles both focal length adjustment and stabilization, the patent eliminates the need for separate lens assemblies for each function, thereby reducing the overall optical device size.
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 minimizes wavefront errors and reduces the size and power consumption of camera modules by dynamically adjusting the liquid lens interface in response to motion frequencies, enhancing image quality and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid lens unit that performs the AF function and the OIS function by electrically adjusting a curvature of an interface between two liquids
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a camera module comprising: a lens assembly including a liquid lens; an image sensor for receiving light that has passed through the lens assembly; a detecting sensor for detecting the movement of the lens assembly to generate a motion signal; a voltage controller for generating a driving signal to control an interface of the liquid lens in response to the motion signal; a detecting unit for outputting a motion frequency from the motion signal; and a driving unit for changing an image-capture timing of the image sensor according to the motion frequency.