MEMS Fast Focus Camera Module Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autofocus and fixed focus cameras struggle to accurately capture detail across varying distances and field of views, often resulting in suboptimal image quality and artifacts such as out-of-focus objects in scenes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a camera module with a MEMS actuator that moves one or more movable lenses along the optical axis, combined with a processor-based image processing system, allows for dynamic focus adjustment and zoom functionality, enabling precise focus control from 10 cm to infinity and adjustable field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional autofocus or fixed focus cameras are used, then the device complexity is low, but the image quality deteriorates when capturing objects at varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment by making the lens movable along the optical axis through a MEMS actuator. The lens position is dynamically changed based on the desired focus distance, allowing the camera to capture sharp images of objects at varying distances. This transforms the static lens system into a dynamic one that can adapt its focal plane position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical autofocus mechanisms with a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) actuator. This substitution reduces the overall device complexity and size while maintaining precise focus control capability. The MEMS actuator provides fine-grained positional control of the lens with minimal mechanical components.
2Productivity
If fast focus adjustment is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a MEMS actuator to replace traditional mechanical autofocus systems, enabling fast focus adjustment within a single frame cycle. The MEMS technology provides rapid response time and precise control without the complexity of conventional motor-driven mechanisms, achieving both high productivity and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements focus adjustment that occurs periodically within each frame cycle, allowing the lens to move to the correct position during the exposure time. This periodic action ensures that focus changes are completed rapidly and accurately without interfering with continuous image capture, maintaining high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If zoom functionality is added, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single lens system. The same movable lens that provides autofocus capability also enables zoom functionality by changing its position relative to the image sensor. This multi-functional approach allows the camera to adjust both focus distance and field of view without adding separate mechanical zoom mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If movable lenses are used for focus control, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a MEMS actuator to control lens position with high precision. The MEMS technology provides fine-grained control over the lens position along the optical axis, enabling accurate focus distance measurement and control. The actuator's small size and integration capability reduce the overall device complexity compared to traditional precision mechanical positioning 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
This solution provides improved image quality, reduced power consumption, and compact size, with fast and accurate focus adjustments within a single frame cycle, effectively eliminating artifacts and enhancing scene capture by ensuring objects are in focus, regardless of distance or zoom settings.
Implementation Method 1
A MEMS actuator is coupled to a movable lens group in an optical train
Data Source
AI summary
An auto focus camera module includes a camera module housing defining an aperture and an internal cavity to accommodate camera module components, an image sensor coupled to or within the housing, a lens barrel within the housing that contains an optical train including at least one movable lens disposed relative to the aperture and image sensor to focus images of scenes onto the image sensor along an optical path, and a fast focus MEMS actuator coupled to one or more lenses of the optical train including the at least one movable lens and configured to rapidly move said at least one movable lens relative to the image sensor to provide autofocus for the camera module in each frame of a preview or video sequence or both.