Liquid-Lens Camera Module for Temperature-Compensated Focusing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules with multiple lenses increase in size due to the need for a lens driving device and cover glass, and liquid lenses suffer from accuracy issues due to temperature-dependent interface deformation, affecting resolution and auto-focusing performance.

Innovation Solution

A camera module with a liquid lens that adjusts the interface position between two liquids using electrical energy, incorporating a gyro sensor and controller to compensate for temperature-induced changes in spatial frequency response and lens curvature, and applying weighted driving signals to maintain focus and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a liquid lens is used to reduce device size, then the overall camera module size is reduced, but the interface deformation due to temperature changes affects focusing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidfocusing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller receives temperature information from the temperature sensor, calculates the expected interface deformation based on stored reference data, and adjusts the driving signal to compensate for the deformation. This closed-loop feedback system maintains focusing accuracy despite temperature-induced interface changes in the liquid lens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the liquid lens by adjusting the driving signal based on temperature information. The controller modifies the voltage or current supplied to the liquid lens electrodes to compensate for temperature-induced deformation, thereby maintaining optimal focusing performance across different temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lenses are combined to achieve various photographing functions, then the photographing functionality is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotographing functionsVSAvoidoptical device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a single liquid lens that can perform multiple functions including auto-focusing, hand-tremor compensation, and optical zooming by electrically adjusting its interface curvature. This multi-functional liquid lens replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate lenses and their corresponding driving mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall device size while maintaining versatile photographing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical lens assemblies with a liquid lens that uses electrical fields to control its optical properties. Instead of mechanically moving multiple lenses to achieve focusing and zooming functions, the liquid lens uses electrical signals to dynamically adjust its interface curvature, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drive systems and reducing device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a lens driving device is added to enable auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation, then the photographing performance is improved, but the device size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauto-focusing performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical lens driving devices with an electrically-controlled liquid lens system. The liquid lens uses electrical fields to dynamically adjust its optical properties for auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators and reducing power consumption compared to traditional mechanical lens drive systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 maintains lens resolution and accuracy by compensating for temperature-induced deformations, reducing the module's size and power consumption, and enhancing auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid lens having a first liquid and a second liquid that form an interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

a gyro sensor configured to output inclination information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscopic effect: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS12411335B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a camera module comprising: a lens assembly comprising a liquid lens which comprises a first liquid and a second liquid forming the surface; a gyro sensor for outputting inclination information; and a controller for adjusting the surface by applying a driving signal to the liquid lens on the basis of focal information and the inclination information, wherein the controller applies different weights to the driving signal in accordance with the angular velocity of the liquid lens obtained on the basis of the inclination information.