MEMS Micro-Actuator Zoomable Camera for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable digital electronic devices with integrated cameras lack the space and power to accommodate conventional zooming and auto-focusing mechanisms, rendering them ineffective as real cameras.
Innovation Solution
A compact zoomable camera device utilizing a microelectronic mechanism system (MEMS) micro-actuator, comprising an optical module with intersecting lens groups and a light directing unit, and an image sensor module, where the MEMS micro-actuator moves the image sensor along the optical axis to dynamically position it at the focal plane of the second lens group, enabling zooming and auto-focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional zooming and auto-focusing mechanisms are used in portable digital electronic devices, then zooming and auto-focusing functions are achieved, but the device size and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical zooming and auto-focusing mechanisms with a MEMS micro-actuator system. The MEMS actuator uses micro-electromechanical components to precisely control the position of the image sensor, enabling auto-focusing and zooming functions with significantly reduced mechanical complexity and smaller form factor compared to traditional lens-driven systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a MEMS micro-actuator that can dynamically adjust the image sensor position along the optical axis. This allows for continuous focusing and zooming control through parameter modulation rather than discrete mechanical steps, achieving versatile functionality in a compact package.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional zooming and auto-focusing mechanisms are used in portable digital electronic devices, then zooming and auto-focusing functions are achieved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical motors and gear systems with low-power MEMS micro-actuators. The MEMS technology uses micro-scale components that consume significantly less power to achieve the same focusing and zooming functions, making the features viable for portable devices with limited battery capacity.
3Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced for portable applications, then portability is improved, but space for zooming and auto-focusing driving devices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the image sensor, optical elements, and MEMS micro-actuator are integrated within a compact housing. The MEMS actuator is positioned to directly manipulate the image sensor within the limited space, allowing zooming and auto-focusing capabilities to coexist with a reduced overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes bulky mechanical driving devices with compact MEMS micro-actuators that fit within the constrained space of portable devices. The MEMS technology provides the necessary focusing and zooming mechanisms in a form factor that matches the limited available volume.
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 allows for compact integration of zooming and auto-focusing capabilities in portable devices, enhancing their functionality without significant size or power compromises, making them more practical as real cameras.
Implementation Method 1
The microelectronic mechanism system (MEMS) micro-actuator is configured for moving the image sensor along the second optical axis, so as to dynamically position the image sensor at the second focal plane of the second lens group
Implementation Method 2
The light directing unit is configured for directing light beams from the first lens group to the second lens group
Implementation Method 3
The first lens group defines a first optical axis, and the second lens group defines a second optical axis and a second focal plane associated therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A compact zoomable camera device includes an optical module, an image sensor module and a microelectronic mechanism system (MEMS) micro-actuator. The optical module includes a first lens group, a second lens group and a light directing unit. The first lens group defines a first optical axis, and the second lens group defines a second optical axis and a second focal plane associated therewith. The second lens group is arranged in a manner such that the second optical axis intersects the first optical axis. The light directing unit is configured for directing light beams from the first lens group to the second lens group. The image sensor module includes an image sensor positioned at the second focal plane of the second lens group. The microelectronic mechanism system (MEMS) micro-actuator is configured for moving the image sensor along the second optical axis, so as to dynamically position the image sensor at the second focal plane of the second lens group.