Piezo-Actuated MEMS Platform for Image Sensor Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held cameras are susceptible to movement during image capture, leading to image blur due to camera shake and hand jitter, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A camera module incorporating piezoelectric actuators that stabilize the image sensor by providing a counter mechanical response to movements sensed by a motion sensor, using piezoelectric-actuated MEMS platforms and an actuation circuit to generate actuation signals for the actuators, allowing the image sensor to maintain a stable position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-held cameras are used for image capture, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to camera shake and hand jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs piezoelectric actuators to generate counter-forces that oppose and neutralize the effects of camera shake and hand jitter. The motion sensor detects unwanted movements, and the piezoelectric actuators produce equal and opposite mechanical responses to stabilize the image sensor, effectively canceling out the disturbing forces while maintaining handheld portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where motion sensors continuously monitor camera movements, and the actuation circuit processes this information to generate real-time correction signals. The piezoelectric actuators respond dynamically to these signals, creating a feedback loop that actively compensates for hand jitter and maintains image stability during capture.
2Manufacturing precision
If piezoelectric actuators are added to stabilize the image sensor, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuators serve multiple functions within the camera module: they act as both sensors (detecting platform movements) and actuators (generating counter-forces to stabilize the image sensor). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate stabilization components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective image stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable substrate as an intermediary platform that couples the image sensor to the piezoelectric actuators. This substrate serves as a mechanical interface that translates the small displacements generated by the piezoelectric elements into effective stabilization movements, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a unified mounting platform for both sensing and actuation functions.
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 effectively reduces or prevents image blur by stabilizing the image sensor, ensuring clearer image capture despite camera movements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric actuator coupled to the piezoelectric-actuated MEMS platform, wherein the at least one piezoelectric actuator is configured to provide a counter mechanical response to the piezoelectric-actuated MEMS platform
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a movable substrate comprising a first main surface and a second main surface arranged opposite to the first main surface; an image sensor mechanically coupled to the first main surface and configured to capture image data; a piezoelectric-actuated micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) platform mechanically coupled to the second main surface such that the movable substrate and the piezoelectric-actuated MEMS platform are configured to move in unison; at least one piezoelectric actuator coupled to the piezoelectric-actuated MEMS platform; and an actuation circuit configured to receive a motion sensor signal corresponding to a movement, generate at least one actuation signal based on the motion sensor signal, and provide the at least one actuation signal to the at least one piezoelectric actuator to produce a counter mechanical response at the piezoelectric-actuated MEMS platform in response to the movement indicated by the motion sensor signal.