Scalable Actuator Driver System for Camera Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera systems lack a scalable actuator driver system that can efficiently manage multiple actuators for various motion functions, such as autofocus, optical image stabilization, and tilt, especially in mobile multipurpose devices, where complexity and cost-effectiveness are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A scalable actuator driver system comprising multiple drivers, where a primary driver communicates with a host and a secondary driver to regulate current for coils, enabling seamless operation of multiple coils to perform complex movements, allowing for the use of simple and low-cost driver chips and easy integration with legacy components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera uses multiple actuators to implement various motion functions (autofocus, OIS, tilt), then the functionality and versatility of the camera are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal driver system where a single driver circuit can control multiple actuators (autofocus, OIS, tilt) through a standardized interface. The driver uses a unified control protocol that can address different actuator types, allowing one driver to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated drivers for each motion control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the actuator control system into modular components: a master control unit that manages multiple actuators, individual actuator modules that can be independently controlled, and a standardized communication interface. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding or removing actuator modules without redesigning the entire driver system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camera incorporates multiple actuators for different motion mechanisms, then the functional capabilities are enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver system employs a universal control architecture that can manage multiple actuator types (voice coil motors for autofocus, magnetic levitation for OIS, rotation mechanisms for tilt) through a single integrated circuit. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized driver chips, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining full functionality across all motion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for autofocus, optical image stabilization, and tilt into a single integrated driver system. By combining what would traditionally be separate control circuits into one unified driver, the system reduces bill of materials costs, simplifies assembly, and lowers overall manufacturing complexity while preserving all individual motion control capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a scalable driver system is implemented to manage multiple coils, then the system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver system implements dynamic configuration capabilities where actuators and coils can be added, removed, or reconfigured at runtime without requiring system redesign. The control architecture dynamically allocates resources and adjusts control parameters based on the current configuration, allowing the system to adapt to different camera designs and actuator combinations while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated resource management.
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
This solution enables efficient and cost-effective implementation of complex movement functions, providing great scalability and flexibility to fit different design complexities, while appearing as a single driver to the host, thus enhancing the functionality of camera systems in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
The multiple coils may be able to electromagnetically interact with corresponding magnets to generate motive force (e.g., Lorentz force) to move the image sensor relative to the lens in different directions
Data Source
AI summary
A camera may include an actuator driver system comprising at least two drivers to generate current for individual coils of one or more actuators of the camera. One driver may act as a primary driver, whilst the other may serve as a secondary driver. The primary driver may receive at last one command signal from a host and at last one measurement signal from a sensor. The primary driver may determine command current for the individual coils according to the command and measurement signals. The primary driver may distribute between the two drivers signals indicative of the determined current for the coils. Accordingly, the first and second drivers may respectively generate the current for the corresponding coils connected with the drivers to move at least one lens and/or an image sensor of the camera.