Liquid Lens Interface Control for Optical Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for liquid lenses are inadequate in addressing dynamic wavefront errors and optical image stabilization, particularly due to tilting and shaking, which result in optical aberrations like coma.
Innovation Solution
A liquid lens system with a chamber containing immiscible fluids, where a controller generates shaped voltage signals based on motion or orientation data from sensors like gyroscopes, applying these signals to electrodes to tilt the fluid interface, reducing dynamic wavefront errors through input shaping waveforms that cancel deformations and phase lag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage signals are applied to tilt the fluid interface for optical image stabilization, then image stabilization is improved, but dynamic wavefront errors and optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using input shaping waveforms that pre-compensate for the expected dynamic wavefront errors and optical aberrations. The controller generates shaped voltage signals that anticipate and counteract the harmful effects before they fully manifest, thereby maintaining image stabilization while reducing optical aberrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the voltage signal characteristics through input shaping. The controller adjusts the temporal and spectral parameters of the voltage signals applied to the electrodes, transforming the signal profile to minimize dynamic wavefront errors while maintaining the necessary tilting action for optical image stabilization.
2Speed
If the fluid interface is tilted rapidly to respond to motion, then response speed is improved, but deformations and oscillations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the use of input shaping waveforms that incorporate oscillatory components. These shaped voltage signals use periodic variations to counteract the interface deformations and oscillations that occur during rapid tilting, allowing fast response while maintaining interface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration principles by using vibrational input shaping waveforms to suppress unwanted interface oscillations. The controller applies vibrational signals at specific frequencies that counteract the natural oscillations of the fluid interface during rapid tilting, enabling faster response without excessive deformations.
3Device complexity
If conventional voltage signals are used to control the liquid lens, then device complexity is reduced, but optical precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical control approaches with signal processing-based control. Instead of using complex mechanical mechanisms to achieve precise optical control, the system uses input shaping waveforms and digital signal processing to achieve high optical precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 system effectively reduces dynamic wavefront errors and improves optical image stabilization by tilting the fluid interface with reduced deformations and oscillations, maintaining focus during tilting or shaking.
Implementation Method 1
a position of the fluid interface can be based at least in part on voltage differentials applied between the plurality of driving electrodes and the common electrode
Implementation Method 2
deformations in the fluid interface produced by a first portion of the shaped voltage signals can be at least partially canceled by a second portion of the shaped voltage signals
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid lens can tilt a fluid interface, such as for optical image stabilization or off-axis focus. Tilting the interface can cause coma aberration or other dynamic wavefront error. The liquid lens can be driven to reduce the coma aberration or other dynamic wavefront error. For example, input shaped signals can be used. In some cases, the signals can be overdriven and/or underdriven, which can increase response time, and/or encourage settling of the interface.