What is the Auto Focus and how to realize by VCM?

Auto Focus is to move the position of the entire lens by a small distance, control the focal length of the lens, and achieve a clear image, it is a commonly used method in a mobile phone cameras, and the autofocus is achieved by the working of VCM. The technology behind autofocus has evolved over the years, and one of the most popular methods of achieving autofocus in cameras is through the use of Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at autofocus and VCM, how they work together to achieve quick and accurate focusing, and their advantages and limitations.

Introduction

Autofocus is a technology that allows cameras to automatically adjust the focus on a subject or scene, rather than requiring the user to manually adjust the focus. Autofocus is particularly useful in situations where the subject is moving or where the distance between the camera and subject is changing. By automating the focus, photographers can capture sharp images quickly and efficiently.

One of the key components of autofocus is the use of motors to adjust the position of the lens elements. There are several types of motors used in cameras, including stepper motors, ultrasonic motors, and Voice Coil Motors (VCMs). Of these, VCMs are becoming increasingly popular due to their speed, accuracy, and low power consumption.

II. What is Autofocus

Autofocus, commonly abbreviated as AF, is a feature that can be found in cameras and enables them to automatically adjust the focus of the lens to ensure that the subject is sharp and in focus. This feature has significantly transformed photography and has made it more accessible to both amateur and professional photographers.

Prior to the invention of autofocus, photographers had to focus their lenses manually, which was a tedious and time-consuming process that often resulted in blurry images, particularly when capturing moving subjects. However, with the introduction of autofocus, the camera takes care of focusing the lens, making it easier for photographers to capture clear and sharp images.

How does Autofocus Work?

Autofocus is a feature commonly found in cameras that allows them to automatically adjust the focus of the lens to ensure that the subject is sharp and in focus. The autofocus mechanism in a camera works by measuring the distance between the camera and the subject and adjusting the position of the lens elements until the subject is in focus. There are several types of autofocus mechanisms, including contrast detection, phase detection, and hybrid autofocus.

• Contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast in the image and adjusting the focus until the contrast is maximized. This method is commonly used in mirrorless cameras and point-and-shoot cameras.
• Phase detection autofocus, on the other hand, works by splitting the incoming light into two images and comparing the phase difference between them. This method is commonly used in DSLR cameras and provides fast and accurate focusing.
• Hybrid autofocus combines both contrast detection and phase detection autofocus to achieve faster and more accurate focusing. This method is commonly used in mirrorless cameras.

The VCM of the mobile phone camera needs the driver IC to complete the focusing. The driver IC controls the power supply current of the VCM to determine the moving distance of the lens mounted on the VCM, so as to adjust to the appropriate position to capture a clear image.

After entering the auto-focusing mode, the Driver moves from 0 to the maximum value, so that the lens moves from the original position to the maximum displacement. At this time, the sensor imaging surface automatically captures pictures and saves them in the DSP. The DSP calculates each picture through these pictures. MTF (Modulation transfer function) value, so as to find the maximum value in this MTF curve, and through the algorithm, get the current size corresponding to this point, once again instruct the Driver to provide this current to the voice coil, and stabilize the lens on this imaging surface , so that automatic focus is achieved.

III. VCM Technology

Voice Coil Motor (VCM) is a type of motor that uses a magnetic field to move a coil back and forth. In a camera lens, the VCM is used to adjust the position of the lens elements, which changes the focus of the lens. Compared to other motor types, VCMs are faster, more precise, and consume less power.

The VCM system in a camera lens consists of two main components: the voice coil and the permanent magnet. Voice Coil Montor working principle is that in a permanent magnetic field, the stretching position of the spring is controlled by changing the DC current of the coil in the motor, thereby driving the lens up and down movement.The voice coil is attached to the lens elements, and the permanent magnet is fixed in place inside the lens barrel. When a current is passed through the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, causing the coil to move back and forth. This movement of the voice coil changes the position of the lens elements, which changes the focus of the lens.

One of the advantages of VCM technology is its ability to move the lens elements quickly and accurately. This allows the camera to focus on the subject in a fraction of a second, making it easier for photographers to capture sharp images. VCM technology is also quieter than other motor types, which is especially important for photographers who work in quiet environments.

VCM Classification

Voice Coil Motors (VCMs) are classified based on their construction and design. Here are some of the commonly used classifications for VCMs:

1. Moving Magnet Type VCM: In this type of VCM, the permanent magnet is stationary, and the coil moves to change the position of the lens elements. This design is commonly used in autofocus lenses for digital cameras.
2. Moving Coil Type VCM: In this type of VCM, the coil is stationary, and the permanent magnet moves to change the position of the lens elements. This design is commonly used in actuators for hard disk drives and other industrial applications.
3. Flat Type VCM: In this type of VCM, the coil and magnet are both flat and are arranged parallel to each other. This design is used in applications where space is limited, such as in mobile phones and other portable devices.
4. Cylindrical Type VCM: In this type of VCM, the coil and magnet are cylindrical in shape and are arranged concentrically. This design is commonly used in autofocus lenses for digital cameras.
5. Linear Type VCM: In this type of VCM, the coil and magnet are arranged in a straight line, and the movement of the coil is linear. This design is commonly used in actuators for linear motion control.
6. Rotary Type VCM: In this type of VCM, the coil and magnet are arranged in a circular pattern, and the movement of the coil is rotational. This design is commonly used in actuators for rotary motion control.

IV. Realizing Autofocus with VCM

To achieve autofocus using VCM technology, the camera sends a signal to the lens to move the lens elements until the subject is in focus. The camera measures the distance to the subject using various sensors, such as contrast detection or phase detection, and uses this information to adjust the position of the lens elements. The VCM is used to move the lens elements back and forth until the subject is in focus.

The process of achieving autofocus using VCM technology happens very quickly, with most cameras achieving focus in less than a second. This is because VCMs are very responsive and can move the lens elements quickly and accurately.

Mobile phone cameras widely use VCM to achieve auto-focus function. Through VCM, the position of the lens can be adjusted to present a clear image.

V. Advantages and Limitations of VCM-based Autofocus

VCM-based autofocus has several advantages over other types of autofocus. One of the main advantages is its speed and accuracy. VCMs can move the lens elements quickly and precisely, allowing the camera to focus on the subject in a fraction of a second. This is especially useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or for taking photos in low light conditions.

Another advantage of VCM-based autofocus is its low power consumption. VCMs consume less power than other types of motors, which means that cameras with VCM-based autofocus can last longer on a single battery charge.

However, VCM-based autofocus also has some limitations. One of the main limitations is the noise generated by the VCM when it is in operation. Although VCMs are quieter than other motor types, they can still generate a noticeable amount of noise, especially in quiet environments. This can be a problem for photographers who need to work silently.

Another limitation of VCM-based autofocus is its ability to focus on certain types of subjects. Because VCMs rely on contrast or phase detection sensors to measure the distance to the subject, they may have difficulty focusing on subjects with low contrast or in low light conditions. In these situations, photographers may need to switch to manual focus or use a different autofocus mechanism.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, autofocus is an essential feature in modern cameras that allows to capture sharp images quickly and efficiently. Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology is one of the most popular methods of achieving autofocus in cameras due to its speed, accuracy, and low power consumption.

The VCM system in a camera lens consists of a voice coil and a permanent magnet, which work together to adjust the position of the lens elements and achieve focus on the subject. VCM-based autofocus has several advantages, including fast and accurate focusing and low power consumption. However, it also has some limitations, such as noise generation and difficulty focusing on certain types of subjects.

Overall, VCM-based autofocus is a powerful tool for photographers that can help them capture sharp images quickly and efficiently. As camera technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see further improvements in autofocus and VCM technology.

Supertekmodule Co.,Ltd focuses on the customization and manufacture of camera modules, with the cooperation of professional and technical personnel, to provide customers with differentiated product customization solutions in terms of pixels, functions, application scenarios and other aspects. Our Advantages: Free sample evaluation before customization, short development/tooling time, low development/processing cost, no MOQ.