Micro Mirror Array Autofocus for Slim Camera Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera technologies face challenges in miniaturization, particularly in implementing autofocusing and image stabilization functions in mobile devices, where the lens structure and prism systems are bulky, leading to thickness issues and reduced accuracy in hand tremor compensation.
Innovation Solution
A camera and terminal design utilizing a micro mirror array with a dual prism system, where the micro mirror array adjusts its tilting angles based on curvature control signals to vary focus, and the dual prism system independently rotates to compensate for hand tremors, allowing for a slim camera form factor and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens structure including multiple lenses is used for autofocusing, then the autofocusing function is achieved, but the camera thickness increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical lens shifting method with a micro mirror array that uses optical reflection to achieve focusing. The micro mirror array includes multiple micro mirrors arranged in an array, where each micro mirror can be independently tilted to reflect light at different angles, thereby achieving focus adjustment without mechanical lens movement, thus reducing camera thickness while maintaining autofocusing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the focusing function into multiple independent micro mirrors arranged in an array. Each micro mirror can be independently controlled to tilt at different angles, creating a segmented approach to focus adjustment. This segmentation allows for precise focus control while using fewer components than conventional multi-lens systems, addressing the thickness issue
2Reliability
If image stabilization function is added to the miniaturized camera, then the hand tremor compensation is achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the autofocusing and image stabilization functions into a single integrated optical system. The micro mirror array serves dual purposes: adjusting focus by tilting micro mirrors and compensating for hand tremors by collectively adjusting the reflection angles of multiple micro mirrors. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The micro mirror array is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both autofocusing and image stabilization. By controlling the tilting angles of different groups of micro mirrors, the system can achieve focus adjustment and hand tremor compensation simultaneously, making the component universal and reducing overall system complexity
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
Enables continuous focus variation and effective hand tremor compensation, resulting in a thinner camera design with enhanced accuracy and convenience, suitable for mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first tilting angle of a first micro mirror and a second tilting angle of a second micro mirror among the plurality of micro mirrors are changed based on the curvature control signal
Implementation Method 2
a first prism for reflecting incident light in a first reflection direction; and a first actuator for changing the first reflection direction by changing an angle of the first prism around a first rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera and a terminal comprising same. A camera and a terminal comprising same according to an embodiment of the present invention comprise: a lens device including a micromirror array; and a processor for outputting, to the micromirror array in the lens device, a curvature control signal for curvature change, wherein the micromirror array includes a plurality of micromirrors including a first micromirror and a second micromirror, and the second micromirror is closer to the outer periphery thereof than the first micromirror and has a larger tilting angle according to the control signal than the first micromirror. Accordingly, focus can be changed using the micromirror array.