Multi-Lens Camera Module Automatic Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with single lens camera modules face challenges in focusing speed and precision, especially when capturing close-up or distant images, requiring manual lens switching which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a lens module comprising a standard, macro, and telephoto lens, along with a focusing module using a voice coil motor and a processor-driven method to automatically switch between lenses based on focusing distances and image quality analysis, ensuring optimal lens selection for capturing images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single original lens is used in the camera module, then the device structure remains simple, but the focusing speed is slow and focusing precision is not high
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is segmented into multiple independent lens units (standard lens, macro lens, telephoto lens), each optimized for specific focusing ranges. This segmentation allows each lens to specialize in particular distance ranges, achieving high focusing precision without requiring a single complex lens to handle all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple lenses that can be switched based on capturing requirements. The system can function as a standard camera, macro camera, or telephoto camera by selecting the appropriate lens, providing universal imaging capability across different scenarios while maintaining simple individual lens structures.
2Device complexity
If manual lens switching is required for close-up images, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The processor continuously monitors capturing requirements and automatically determines which lens should be used based on object distance and image quality analysis. This feedback mechanism eliminates manual intervention, allowing the system to automatically switch between lenses in real-time, significantly improving image capture efficiency while keeping the switching mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module performs self-service by automatically selecting and switching between lenses based on its own detection of capturing conditions. The processor analyzes the scene and autonomously decides which lens to activate, making the system self-sufficient without requiring user intervention for lens selection, thereby improving operational productivity.
3Device complexity
If the original lens is used for all capturing distances, then the device structure remains simple, but the image quality varies and is not optimal for all scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens in the multi-lens configuration is optimized for specific local capturing conditions: the standard lens for normal distances, the macro lens for close-up shots, and the telephoto lens for distant subjects. This local quality optimization ensures that each lens delivers optimal image quality for its designated range, maintaining consistent high-quality images across all scenarios without requiring a complex single-lens design.
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 faster and more precise image capture by automatically switching between lenses, improving focusing speed and precision, and ensuring better image quality by selecting the appropriate lens based on user requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing module using a voice coil motor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device able to automatically select one of a plurality of lenses includes a lens module, an image sensor, a focusing module, and a processor. The lens module includes a standard lens, a macro lens, and a telephoto lens. The image sensor captures images and the focusing module controls the lenses to automatically focus on the object. The processor selects the standard lens as a current lens, obtains a first focusing distance at a first moment and a second focusing distance at a second moment, and determines to switch the current lens or not to switch according to a comparison of the first and second focusing distances. The second moment is later than the first moment. A lens switching method is also provided.