Liquid Lens Control Apparatus Noise Reduction via Periodic Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with liquid lenses face challenges in size and power consumption due to the need for multiple lenses and separate lens-moving apparatus, and are sensitive to noise from gyro sensors used for optical image stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A liquid lens control apparatus that includes a liquid lens, a voltage booster, a controller, and a gyro sensor, where the controller acquires motion signals from the gyro sensor during the voltage booster's OFF state to control the driving voltage and minimize noise, allowing for improved optical image stabilization without increasing module size or power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gyro sensor is used to perform OIS function, then optical image stabilization is achieved, but noise sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating the voltage booster in alternating ON/OFF cycles and synchronizing gyro sensor signal acquisition with the OFF periods. The controller acquires gyro signals only during voltage booster OFF periods, creating a periodic measurement pattern that avoids noise contamination while maintaining continuous OIS functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-scheduling the acquisition of gyro sensor signals during predicted OFF periods of the voltage booster. The controller anticipates noise-free windows and proactively captures motion data during these intervals, ensuring clean signal acquisition before noise interference can occur.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses and lens-moving apparatus are used, then various photographing functions are achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a liquid lens that performs multiple functions (AF and OIS) through electrical control of a single interface, replacing the need for separate lens elements and mechanical moving apparatus. This multi-functional approach maintains photographing capabilities while reducing overall module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical lens-moving apparatus with an electrically-controlled liquid lens system. The liquid lens uses electrical signals to adjust interface curvature for AF and to respond to gyro inputs for OIS, eliminating mechanical actuators, lens holders, and associated moving mechanisms, thereby significantly reducing device volume.
3Reliability
If lens-moving apparatus is used, then AF and OIS functions are achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical lens-moving apparatus with an electrically-controlled liquid lens system. The liquid lens achieves AF through voltage-controlled interface curvature adjustment and OIS through electrically-responsive interface tilting based on gyro signals, eliminating the need for motors, gears, and other high-power mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces power consumption by operating the voltage booster periodically rather than continuously. By cycling the voltage booster ON/OFF and synchronizing measurements with OFF periods, the system maintains functional reliability while minimizing energy usage compared to continuous operation of mechanical actuation systems.
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 the optical image stabilization function by reducing noise interference, improving the suppression ratio of the liquid lens, and maintaining a compact camera module design.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage booster configured to increase a level of a supply voltage and output a voltage having a higher level than the supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
research has been conducted on a liquid lens configured to electrically adjust the curvature of an interface between two types of liquids
Implementation Method 3
a gyro sensor configured to sense the movement of the liquid lens and output a signal corresponding to the movement of the liquid lens
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a liquid lens control apparatus includes a liquid lens configured to control an interface between liquids in response to a driving voltage, a voltage booster configured to increase the level of a supply voltage and output a voltage having a higher level than the supply voltage, a controller configured to control the driving voltage, and a gyro sensor configured to sense the movement of the liquid lens and output a signal corresponding to the movement of the liquid lens. The controller acquires a signal corresponding to the movement of the liquid lens output from the gyro sensor during a period in which the voltage booster is in an OFF state, and controls the driving voltage using the signal corresponding to the movement of the liquid lens.