SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS

The actuator is a component that functions to secure focus or stabilize images by rapidly moving the lens within the camera module at high speed. Key functionality includes AF, OIS, and optical zoom.

The ball guide method is applied to Samsung Electro-Mechanics camera module products. Through this, AF, OIS operation is possible for high weight lens components compared to suspension or spring support methods. In addition, by applying a 2-axis ball guide by categorizing the support area into X, Y stages during OIS operations, we were able to remove the rolling phenomenon by eliminating cross-talk during the operation of each axis. Due to exceptional operation speed and accuracy, we were able to secure high reliability along with advantages in exceptional battery consumption savings.

Zoom Actuator

The zoom actuator is a component needed to provide optical zoom. The optical zoom is a function that controls various magnification rates by using various layers of lenses. As a result, unlike the digital zoom, you are able to obtain bright and clean photographs when magnifying distant subjects. In order to obtain the traditional module height and high magnification zoom, a folded method zoom actuator is available.

• Small and slim folded (curved optical system applied) high magnification zoom module
• Ease of securing of high magnification, high performance with prism tilt + ball guide structure
• Ease of performance expansion: Long stroke-applied multi-level zoom, 2D scanner application possible
• Heavier lens application possible by applying ball guide actuator
• Productivity improvement and failure mode optimization through process minimization
• Securing of high precision by implementing closed loop method control system

Vertical vs Folded

As a generally-used structure, in order to obtain the high magnification optical zoom for the vertical method, it is necessary to secure long focus distance, and therefore, the height of the camera module increases and results in a camera design that may undermine smartphone design. As a result, the camera module with vertical zoom method has limitations in obtaining high magnification optical zoom and typically can support up to 2-3x optical zoom only. The folded method applies a structure based on the principle of a periscope, folds light through a prism, and directs the folded light through horizontally aligned lens and sensors. Through this, there is no need to increase the thickness of the camera module when securing long focus distances, and high optical magnification.

The traditional vertical method of magnification requires the height of the camera module to increase as magnification increases, even up to such heights that make phone testing impossible at an optical zoom of 5X or more. The folded method allows slim design and high optical magnification without the protrusion of the camera module in the phone.