Vehicle Camera Focus Compensation for Temperature Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in vehicles experience performance issues due to changes in focal length and optical characteristics caused by temperature variations, affecting the reliability of optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a temperature sensor and driving mechanism to adjust the optical axis distance between lenses and the image sensor, using actuators and magnets to compensate for temperature-induced changes in focal length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the camera module is exposed to the outside environment, then it can capture real-time images, but photographing quality deteriorates due to moisture and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction values for focal length changes at different temperatures. Before actual temperature-induced focal length drift occurs, the system has ready the compensation data needed to maintain image quality across varying thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of focal length by adjusting the optical axis distance between the lens and image sensor based on temperature. The driving portion mechanically adjusts the lens position along the optical axis to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of lens materials, thereby maintaining consistent focusing performance.
2Device complexity
If the optical axis distance is fixed, then the camera structure is simple, but focal length changes with temperature causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed optical axis distance into a dynamically adjustable parameter. The driving portion enables the lens or sensor to move along the optical axis in response to temperature changes, making the previously static distance variable to compensate for thermal effects on focal length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using temperature sensor data to determine appropriate compensation amounts. The system continuously monitors temperature and adjusts the optical axis distance accordingly, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that maintains optimal optical performance despite environmental variations.
3Reliability
If temperature compensation mechanisms are added, then focal length stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical compensation mechanisms with a simpler system combining a temperature sensor, lookup table storage, and minimal driving portion. Instead of using multiple moving parts or complex mechanical linkages to compensate for thermal effects, the system uses electronic temperature sensing combined with pre-calculated correction data and simple actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or position of optical components based on temperature parameters. By adjusting the optical axis distance as a function of temperature, the system compensates for focal length variations without requiring complex mechanical structures, achieving stability through controlled parameter variation.
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
Minimizes performance changes by predicting and compensating for temperature-induced focal length variations, ensuring consistent camera performance across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor that detects a ambient temperature of the camera module
Implementation Method 2
a driving portion that moves the second lens holder in the optical axis direction; a plurality of actuators having opposing coils and magnets
Implementation Method 3
a temperature compensation portion that drives the driving portion using the ambient temperature and a correction rate of the storage portion to adjust the optical axis distance between the first lens and the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system disclosed in an embodiment of the invention includes a camera module having an image sensor, a first lens holder having at least one lens, a second lens holder disposed between the image sensor and the first lens holder and having a first lens adjacent to the image sensor, and a driving portion that moves the second lens holder in the optical axis direction; a temperature sensor that detects a ambient temperature of the camera module; a storage portion storing a correction rate of an optical axis distance between the first lens and the image sensor according to the ambient temperature; a temperature compensation portion that drives the driving portion using the ambient temperature and a correction rate of the storage portion to adjust the optical axis distance between the first lens and the image sensor.