MEMS Electrostatic Tangential Actuators for Lens Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing megapixel density and zoom capabilities in cell phone cameras lead to image degradation due to human hand tremors, which existing MEMS-based motion sensors struggle to effectively mitigate using conventional actuators.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS-based image stabilization system utilizing electrostatic tangential actuators symmetrically disposed about a lens, capable of tangential actuation to stabilize the camera lens by translating and rotating it in response to camera motion, driven by an optical image stabilization algorithm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional actuators are used in MEMS-based image stabilization systems, then the system can compensate for camera motion, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuators with electrostatic MEMS actuators that use electrostatic fields instead of mechanical linkages. The electrostatic actuators comprise fixed electrodes and movable electrodes that deflect a proof mass without mechanical contact, eliminating complex mechanical transmission components while maintaining stabilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical force application to electrostatic field-based deflection. By controlling the voltage applied to electrostatic actuators, the system achieves precise control over lens or sensor position with simpler device architecture and reduced power consumption compared to conventional motor-based actuators
2Reliability
If conventional actuators are used for lens actuation, then motion compensation is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrostatic actuation for conventional mechanical actuation systems. The electrostatic actuators consume power only during actuation events rather than requiring continuous power for maintaining position, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective motion compensation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic sensing of camera motion followed by periodic actuation corrections. The electrostatic actuators are activated only when motion compensation is needed, rather than operating continuously, which reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable image stabilization
3Productivity
If megapixel density and zoom capabilities are increased, then camera features improve, but image quality deteriorates due to hand tremor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting camera motion before it causes significant image blur and applying compensatory actuation in the opposite direction. The MEMS-based system senses hand tremor movements and pre-compensates by moving the lens or sensor in the opposite direction, counteracting the harmful effects of hand-held camera shake on image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously sensing camera motion with MEMS sensors and using this information to drive electrostatic actuators that compensate for detected movements. The closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains image quality by constantly adjusting the optical system position based on real-time motion detection
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 efficiently minimizes image blur caused by camera jitter, providing effective image stabilization with reduced power consumption and precise control, enabling improved image quality in handheld devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrostatic actuators; and an optical image stabilization (OIS) algorithm module operable to command the plurality of actuators to actuate the at least one lens responsive to motion of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a camera is provided that includes: a plurality of MEMS electrostatic comb actuators, each actuator operable to exert a force on at least one lens; and an optical image stabilization (OIS) algorithm module operable to command the plurality of actuators to actuate the at least one lens responsive to motion of the camera.