Liquid Lens Drive Voltage Circuit With Fewer Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules with liquid lenses face challenges in reducing size and power consumption while maintaining high resolution and focal control, as they require high drive voltages and complex switching circuits, leading to increased manufacturing costs and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A drive voltage control circuit that generates high voltages using a combination of positive and negative voltages applied to a common electrode and individual electrodes, reducing the number of switching elements and utilizing a ground voltage as a source, allowing for precise control and miniaturization of the control circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high drive voltage is generated using a conventional voltage generator, then the lens can be driven, but the size of the integrated circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines positive and negative voltage generation into a single integrated circuit, merging multiple voltage generation functions into one compact unit that drives the liquid lens electrodes, thereby achieving high drive voltage without increasing overall circuit size
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions including generating positive voltage, generating negative voltage, and selectively applying these voltages to different electrodes through switching elements, making it a multi-functional unit that reduces the need for separate voltage generation circuits
2Measurement precision
If a complex switching circuit is used to control voltage, then precise lens control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage control into separate switching elements for positive voltage and negative voltage, with each switching element independently controlling the application of its respective voltage to the electrodes, thereby achieving precise control through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements dynamically select and apply either positive voltage, negative voltage, or ground voltage to the electrodes based on control signals, enabling flexible and precise control of the liquid lens focal length through dynamic voltage switching
3Power
If multiple voltage generation circuits are used, then high voltage control is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges positive and negative voltage generation into a single integrated circuit, reducing the total number of voltage generation circuits and thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining the capability to generate both positive and negative voltages for precise lens control
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 enables a smaller, more efficient camera module with reduced power consumption and manufacturing costs, while maintaining high resolution and focal control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
research into a liquid lens performing autofocus and hand tremor correction functions through electrical adjustment of the curvature of an interface between two different liquids is being conducted
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a circuit for controlling a voltage for driving liquid lens including a first voltage generator for outputting a first voltage; a second voltage generator for outputting a second voltage having an opposite polarity to the first voltage; a first switch for selecting one of the first voltage and a ground voltage, and transmitting the selected voltage; a second switch for selecting one of the second voltage and the ground voltage, and transmitting the selected voltage; and a third switch for selecting one of a voltage selected by the first switch and the voltage selected by the second switch, and transmitting the selected voltage, wherein the third switches is plural in number, and the first switch is connected in common to the plurality of third switches.