Liquid lens device and method of controlling the same, controller, optical system

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid lens device and a control method, a controller and an optical system thereof, and belongs to the technical field of optics. The liquid lens device comprises a shell, a connecting pipe, a controller and an adjusting structure. The connecting pipe is communicated with a first chamber and a second chamber of the shell. The first chamber, the second chamber and the connecting pipe all contain liquid. The controller is used for controlling the adjusting structure to adjust the liquid in the connecting pipe, so as to adjust the volume of the liquid in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber. The adjusting structure is communicated with the connecting pipe and can absorb the liquid in the connecting pipe and input the liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller. Alternatively, the adjusting structure comprises at least one barrier. The barrier blocks the liquid in the connecting pipe on both sides of the barrier and can move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe under the control of the controller. The application can solve the problems of complex structure and large volume of the optical system, and is used for the optical system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical technology, and in particular to a liquid lens device and its control method, controller, and optical system. Background Technology

[0002] Lenses are an indispensable component of optical systems (such as cameras). Lenses are used to determine the focal length at which the optical system captures images.

[0003] Currently, optical systems consist of a photosensitive structure and multiple lens groups. Each lens group corresponds to a specific focal length, and multiple lens groups correspond to various focal lengths. When acquiring images, the optical system can select the lens group corresponding to the required focal length from among these multiple lens groups and acquire the image through that lens group.

[0004] However, because optical systems need to include multiple sets of lenses, their structure is relatively complex and their size is relatively large. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a liquid lens device and its control method, controller, and optical system, which can solve the problems of complex structure and large size of optical systems. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, a liquid lens device is provided, comprising: a housing, a connecting tube, a controller, and an adjustment structure; the housing has a first chamber and a second chamber, and the connecting tube connects the first chamber and the second chamber; each of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the connecting tube contains liquid, and the liquid in the first chamber forms a first liquid lens, and the liquid in the second chamber forms a second liquid lens. The controller is used to control the adjustment structure to adjust the liquid in the connecting tube to adjust the volume of the liquid in at least one of the first and second chambers.

[0007] The adjusting structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid in the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller; or, the adjusting structure includes at least one barrier that blocks liquid located on both sides of the barrier in the connecting pipe and can move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe under the control of the controller.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, in the liquid lens device provided in this application, the controller can control the liquid in the adjustment connecting tube of the adjustment structure to change the focal length of the liquid lens device. Thus, when a shorter focal length is needed, the controller can control the liquid in the adjustment connecting tube of the adjustment structure to shorten the focal length of the liquid lens device. When a longer focal length is needed, the controller can control the liquid in the adjustment connecting tube of the adjustment structure to lengthen the focal length of the liquid lens device. When this liquid lens device is applied to an optical system, the optical system does not need to include multiple sets of lenses corresponding to different focal lengths, making the structure of the optical system simpler.

[0009] Furthermore, when the aforementioned at least one chamber includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the present application can simultaneously adjust the volume of the liquid in both chambers using a single adjustment structure. Therefore, it eliminates the need for separate adjustment structures to adjust the liquid volume in both chambers, simplifying the components for adjusting the liquid volume and further simplifying the structure of the optical system.

[0010] There are various ways to implement the adjustment structure in a liquid lens device. The following will explain some of these implementation methods as examples.

[0011] In a first possible implementation of the adjustment structure, the adjustment structure is connected to the connecting pipe and is capable of absorbing liquid within the connecting pipe and inputting liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller. In this case, the controller controls the adjustment structure to absorb liquid from a target segment of the connecting pipe or input liquid into the target segment of the connecting pipe to adjust the volume of liquid in the at least one chamber. The target segment includes a pipe segment in the connecting pipe located between the adjustment structure and the at least one chamber. For example, assuming the at least one chamber includes a first chamber and a second chamber, then the target segment includes a pipe segment in the connecting pipe located between the adjustment structure and the first chamber, and a pipe segment located between the adjustment structure and the second chamber. As another example, assuming the at least one chamber includes a first chamber, then the target segment includes a pipe segment in the connecting pipe located between the adjustment structure and the first chamber. Yet another example, assuming the at least one chamber includes a second chamber, then the target segment includes a pipe segment in the connecting pipe located between the adjustment structure and the second chamber.

[0012] In a second possible implementation of the adjustment structure, the adjustment structure includes the at least one barrier; the controller is used to control at least a portion of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe to allow liquid flow within the connecting pipe, thereby adjusting the volume of liquid within the at least one chamber.

[0013] In a second possible implementation of the adjustment structure, the adjustment structure may include a barrier sleeved outside the connecting pipe, such as a peristaltic pump or retaining ring that is sleeved outside the connecting pipe and used to block the flow of liquid inside the connecting pipe. Alternatively, the adjustment structure may include a barrier located inside the connecting pipe, such as a baffle plate, baffle block, or pump that is located inside the connecting pipe and used to block the flow of liquid. Alternatively, when the adjustment structure includes multiple barriers, the adjustment structure includes not only a barrier sleeved outside the connecting pipe but also a barrier located inside the connecting pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, in this second possible implementation, the material of the barrier in the adjustment structure can be a magnetic material. When the controller moves the barrier along the extension direction of the connecting pipe, it can use magnetic force to control the movement of the barrier along the extension direction of the connecting pipe. In this way, the controller does not need to be wired to the barrier. Therefore, the barrier can move as a whole along the extension direction of the connecting pipe, thereby improving the degree of adjustment of the barrier to the liquid in the connecting pipe and increasing the adjustment range of the focal length of the liquid lens device.

[0015] Furthermore, regardless of the method used to implement the aforementioned adjustment structure, the adjustment structure can block the liquid located on both sides of the adjustment structure within the connecting pipe. At this time, the density difference between the liquid in the first chamber and the liquid in the second chamber is less than the density threshold. Of course, the density difference between the liquid in the first chamber and the liquid in the second chamber can also be greater than or equal to this density threshold.

[0016] It should be noted that if the two chambers are in contact and the liquid densities in the two chambers are similar, then the degree of sloshing of the liquid in the two chambers will be low when the two chambers are shaken. In this application, when the density difference between the liquid in the first chamber and the liquid in the second chamber is less than a density threshold, if the first chamber and the second chamber are in contact, the sloshing of the liquid in the first chamber and the liquid in the second chamber can be reduced when the liquid lens device is shaken because the densities of the liquid in the first chamber and the liquid in the second chamber are relatively similar.

[0017] Furthermore, the liquid in the first chamber forms a first liquid lens, and the liquid in the second chamber forms a second liquid lens. The aperture of the first liquid lens is different from that of the second liquid lens (e.g., the aperture of the first liquid lens may be larger than that of the second liquid lens, or the aperture of the second liquid lens may be larger than that of the first liquid lens). Alternatively, the apertures of the first and second liquid lenses may be the same; this application does not limit this.

[0018] Furthermore, the housing in the liquid lens device provided in this application can be implemented in various ways, and several of these implementations will be explained below.

[0019] In a first possible implementation of the housing, the housing includes a first sub-shell and a second sub-shell, the first sub-shell having a first chamber and the second sub-shell having a second chamber. In other words, in the first possible implementation of the housing, the housing can be composed of two sub-shells, both of which have chambers, and the two chambers of the two sub-shells are the aforementioned first chamber and second chamber.

[0020] In this first possible implementation, the first sub-shell can be arranged alternately with the second sub-shell. When the first and second sub-shells are arranged alternately, for each sub-shell, the side of the sub-shell closest to and / or furthest from the other sub-shell is flexible, so that even if the volume of liquid within the sub-shell's cavity changes, the liquid can still fill the entire cavity. In this application, an example is taken where the side of the first sub-shell furthest from the second sub-shell is flexible, and the side of the second sub-shell closest to the first sub-shell is flexible.

[0021] In this first feasible method, the first sub-shell can also be in contact with the second sub-shell, without any gap between them. In this case, the adjusting structure blocks the liquid located on both sides of the adjusting structure in the connecting tube, and the refractive index of the liquid in the first chamber is different from that of the liquid in the second chamber, so that the liquid in the first chamber and the liquid in the second chamber form two liquid lenses.

[0022] In a second possible implementation of the housing, the housing includes a third sub-shell and a soft membrane; the soft membrane is located within the third sub-shell and isolates the space within the third sub-shell into a first chamber and a second chamber; the adjustment structure blocks liquids located on both sides of the adjustment structure within the connecting pipe, and the refractive index of the liquid in the first chamber is different from that of the liquid in the second chamber, so that the liquids in the first chamber and the second chamber form two liquid lenses. When the housing includes the third sub-shell and the soft membrane, the soft membrane is flexible so that the liquid can still fill the entire chamber when the volume of the liquid in the chamber (such as the first chamber and / or the second chamber) changes.

[0023] Furthermore, in the liquid lens device provided in this application, the adjusting device has a strong ability to adjust the volume of the liquid in the first and second chambers. For example, when the adjusting structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid in the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller, the amount of liquid absorbed and input by the adjusting structure is not limited. Therefore, the adjusting device has a strong ability to adjust the volume of the liquid. When the adjusting structure includes a barrier, the barrier can move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe to allow the liquid in the connecting pipe to flow, thereby adjusting the volume of the liquid in the chamber. The range of movement of the barrier within the connecting pipe is not limited, therefore, the barrier has a strong ability to adjust the volume of the liquid. Therefore, the focal length adjustment range of the liquid lens device in this application is large. Moreover, the volume of the liquid in the chamber of this liquid lens device can be set to be large, and the aperture of the liquid lens in this liquid lens device can be set to be large. In addition, this liquid lens device is not based on the principle of electrowetting, therefore, the voltage required by this liquid lens device is relatively small.

[0024] In addition, in the liquid lens device provided in this application, after the adjustment structure adjusts the liquid in the connecting tube, it is possible to maintain the adjusted focal length of the liquid lens device without applying power. Therefore, the power consumption of the liquid lens device can be low.

[0025] Secondly, an optical system is provided, comprising: a liquid lens device as described in any of the designs in the first aspect and a photosensitive structure, the photosensitive structure being used to receive light from the liquid lens device. In some optical systems, when the focal length needs to be changed, the lens in the optical system usually needs to be manually replaced. However, in the optical system provided in this application, the focal length of the liquid lens device is adjustable, therefore, manual lens replacement is not required.

[0026] Optionally, the photosensitive structure can generate an image based on the received light to achieve the acquisition of images required for photography or machine vision.

[0027] Furthermore, the optical system provided in this application also includes a cylindrical body. The liquid lens device and the photosensitive structure can be disposed on the cylindrical body.

[0028] For example, in the liquid lens device, the housing is secured inside the cylinder wall; the connecting tube and adjustment structure in the liquid lens device are both embedded inside the cylinder wall; and the photosensitive structure is located at one end of the cylinder.

[0029] As another example, the housing in the liquid lens device is fitted inside the cylinder wall; the cylinder wall has a through hole through which the connecting tube in the liquid lens device passes, and the adjustment structure in the liquid lens device is located outside the cylinder wall; the photosensitive structure is located at one end of the cylinder.

[0030] Furthermore, the optical system provided in this application may also include other lenses, such as solid glass lenses or plastic lenses, and all lenses in the optical system are arranged coaxially (i.e., sharing the same optical axis), which is not limited in this application.

[0031] Thirdly, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising the optical system described in any of the designs of the second aspect.

[0032] Fourthly, a method for controlling a liquid lens is provided, the method being executed by a controller in a liquid lens device according to any design of the first aspect; the method comprising: the controller controlling an adjustment structure to adjust the liquid in an adjustment connecting tube to adjust the volume of the liquid in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0033] On one hand, when the adjusting structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid from the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller, the controller can control the adjusting structure to absorb liquid from the target section of the connecting pipe or input liquid into the target section of the connecting pipe, thereby adjusting the volume of liquid in at least one chamber. The target section includes: a pipe segment in the connecting pipe located between the adjusting structure and at least one chamber.

[0034] On the other hand, when the adjustment structure includes at least one barrier, the controller can control at least a portion of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe when controlling the adjustment structure to adjust the liquid in the connecting pipe, so as to allow the liquid in the connecting pipe to flow and adjust the volume of the liquid in at least one chamber.

[0035] For example, the material of the barrier is a magnetic material; when the controller controls at least part of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe, it can control at least part of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe by magnetic force.

[0036] Before controlling the liquid in the adjusting structure's adjusting connecting pipe, the controller can also determine the target focal length to which the liquid lens device needs to be adjusted, and control the liquid in the adjusting structure's adjusting connecting pipe according to the target focal length so that the liquid lens device has the target focal length.

[0037] Fifthly, a controller is provided, the controller belonging to any of the designs of the first aspect of the liquid lens device; the controller is used to execute the control method of the liquid lens according to any of the designs of the fifth aspect.

[0038] The controller can be implemented in several ways. In a first implementation, the controller includes a processing unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a program. The processing unit is used to call the program stored in the storage unit so that the controller executes the control method for the liquid lens described in any of the designs in the fifth aspect. In a second implementation, the controller is a chip.

[0039] The chip includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is executed, are used to implement the control method of the liquid lens as described in any of the designs in the fifth aspect. Alternatively, the chip may also include a processing unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a program; the processing unit is used to invoke the program stored in the storage unit so that the controller executes the control method of the liquid lens as described in any of the designs in the fifth aspect.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein instructions are stored therein, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the control method of the liquid lens as described in any of the designs in the fifth aspect.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when the computer program product is run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the control method of the liquid lens as described in any of the designs in the fifth aspect.

[0042] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects two through seven can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding design methods in aspect one, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the focal length of a lens provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the focal length of another lens provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a focal plane provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another focal plane provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid lens device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of focal length adjustment of a liquid lens device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0050] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0051] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0052] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0053] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0054] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0055] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0056] Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0057] Figure 15 A schematic diagram illustrating the focal length adjustment of another liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment;

[0058] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the structure of a shell provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another housing structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of another housing structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of another optical system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 21 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an optical system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 22This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another optical system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 23 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another optical system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 24 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another optical system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the principles and technical solutions of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Lenses are an indispensable component of optical systems such as cameras.

[0069] A lens has a focal length, also known as a focal point, which is a parameter that measures whether light converges or diverges. The focal length of a lens is the distance along the optical axis from the center of the lens to the focal point where light converges. When parallel light rays are incident on a lens, the point where they converge is called the focal point.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, after parallel light is incident on lens 1, it will converge at focal point A1. On the optical axis of lens 1, the distance from the center of lens 1 to focal point A1 is the focal length B1 of lens 1.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, after parallel light is incident on lens 2, it will converge at focal point A2. On the optical axis of lens 2, the distance from the center of lens 2 to focal point A2 is the focal length B2 of lens 2.

[0072] It can be seen that different lenses may have different focal lengths (e.g., focal length B1 is less than focal length B2).

[0073] For a lens, parallel light incident at different angles will have different focal points, but all focal points will be on the same plane, which is called the focal plane.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, for lens 1, parallel light rays parallel to the optical axis of lens 1 converge at focal point A1 after entering lens 1; parallel light rays with an angle F1 to the optical axis of lens 1 converge at focal point A3 after entering lens 1. The plane containing focal points A1 and A3 is the focal plane of lens 1.

[0075] like Figure 4As shown, for lens 2, parallel light rays parallel to the optical axis of lens 2 converge at focal point A2 after entering lens 2; parallel light rays with an angle F1 to the optical axis of lens 2 converge at focal point A4 after entering lens 2. The plane containing focal points A2 and A4 is the focal plane of lens 2.

[0076] The focal length *f* of a lens is related to its field of view (FOV) and image height (*h*), a relationship expressed as tan(FOV / 2) = h / f. It can be seen that the shorter the focal length, the larger the field of view. With a fixed focal length, the larger the image size, the larger the field of view.

[0077] Furthermore, an optical system includes not only lenses but also photosensitive structures such as films, charge-coupled devices (CCDs), or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices. The focal plane of the lens lies on the photosensitive structure, which receives light from the lens. The focal length of the lens determines the focal length of the entire optical system; optical systems with shorter focal lengths have a stronger ability to focus light than those with longer focal lengths. Moreover, according to tan(FOV / 2) = h / f, the shorter the focal length of an optical system, the larger its field of view.

[0078] Currently, optical systems typically consist of a set of lenses, the focal length of which is also the focal length of the optical system. This focal length is fixed. As user demands increase, optical systems sometimes require shorter focal lengths to capture wide-angle (larger field of view) images, and sometimes longer focal lengths to capture distant (smaller field of view) images. In such cases, the optical system can include two sets of lenses, one with a longer focal length and the other with a shorter focal length. When acquiring images, the optical system can select one set of lenses from these two sets based on the required focal length and acquire the image through that set.

[0079] However, because optical systems require multiple lenses, their structure is relatively complex and their size is large. Furthermore, when the optical system is part of an electronic device, if it includes multiple lenses, corresponding light-receiving holes need to be made on the device's casing, affecting the device's aesthetics and stability.

[0080] This application provides a liquid lens device whose focal length can be changed. Therefore, it eliminates the need for multiple lenses in the optical system, resulting in a simpler structure, smaller size, and improved aesthetics and stability of the electronic device. Furthermore, the components controlling the focal length change of the liquid lens device in this application are relatively simple, further simplifying the overall structure and reducing the size of the optical system, thus enhancing the aesthetics and stability of the electronic device.

[0081] For example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid lens device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the liquid lens device includes: a housing 051, a connecting pipe 052, a controller 054, and an adjustment structure 055.

[0082] The housing 051 has a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512;

[0083] Connecting pipe 052 connects the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512;

[0084] The first chamber 0511, the second chamber 0512, and the connecting pipe 052 all contain liquid 053. The liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 forms a first liquid lens, and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 forms a second liquid lens. Optionally, the optical axes of the first liquid lens and the second liquid lens can be collinear.

[0085] The controller 054 controls the adjustment structure 055 to adjust the liquid 053 in the adjustment connecting pipe 052, thereby adjusting the volume of the liquid 053 in at least one of the first chambers 0511 and the second chamber 0512. When the volume of the liquid 053 in the at least one chamber changes, the focal length of the liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the at least one chamber changes, and the focal length of the entire liquid lens device can be changed.

[0086] There are various ways to adjust the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 and adjust the structure 055.

[0087] For example, adjusting structure 055 can drive the liquid 053 in connecting pipe 052 to move into one of the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512. At this time, the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511, the second chamber 0512, and the connecting pipe 052 all move into the one chamber, increasing the amount of liquid 053 in that chamber and decreasing the amount of liquid 053 in the other chamber. The focal length of the liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in both chambers changes.

[0088] For example, the adjustment structure 055 can absorb the liquid 053 in the connecting tube 052. At this time, the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511, the second chamber 0512 and the connecting tube 052 all move toward the adjustment structure 055, the amount of liquid 053 in these two chambers decreases, and the focal length of the liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in these two chambers changes.

[0089] For example, adjusting structure 055 can introduce liquid 053 into connecting pipe 052. At this time, the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511, the second chamber 0512 and the connecting pipe 052 moves to these two chambers respectively, increasing the amount of liquid 053 in both chambers, and changing the focal length of the liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in these two chambers.

[0090] The above three examples all use the adjustment structure 055 to adjust the volume of liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and the volume of liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512. Of course, the adjustment structure 055 can also adjust only the volume of liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511, or only the volume of liquid 053 in the second chamber 0511. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0091] When the focal length of the liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in at least one of the first chambers 0511 and 0512 changes, the focal length of the liquid lens device changes. The amount of change in the focal length of the liquid lens device can be large or small. When the change in focal length is large, it can be used to achieve optical zoom; when the change in focal length is small, it can be used to achieve autofocus.

[0092] As can be seen from the above, in the liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment, the controller 054 can control the adjustment structure 055 to adjust the liquid in the connecting tube 052, thereby changing the focal length of the liquid lens device. In this way, when a shorter focal length is needed, the controller 054 can control the adjustment structure 055 to adjust the liquid in the connecting tube 052, thus shortening the focal length of the liquid lens device. When a longer focal length is needed, the controller 054 can control the adjustment structure 055 to adjust the liquid in the connecting tube 052, thus lengthening the focal length of the liquid lens device. When this liquid lens device is applied to an optical system, the optical system does not need to include multiple sets of lenses corresponding to different focal lengths, making the structure of the optical system simpler.

[0093] Furthermore, when the aforementioned at least one chamber includes a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512, in this embodiment, an adjustment structure 055 can simultaneously adjust the volume of the liquid in the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512. Therefore, it is unnecessary to adjust the volume of the liquid in the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512 separately using two adjustment structures, simplifying the components for adjusting the liquid volume and further simplifying the structure of the optical system.

[0094] Furthermore, there are various ways to implement the adjustment structure 055 in the liquid lens device. The following will explain some of these implementation methods as examples.

[0095] (1) In the first possible implementation of the adjustment structure 055, the adjustment structure 055 is connected to the connecting pipe 052 and is able to absorb liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 and input liquid 053 into the connecting pipe 052 under the control of the controller.

[0096] At this time, when the controller 054 controls the adjustment structure 055 to adjust the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052, it can control the adjustment structure to absorb the liquid 053 in the target section of the connecting pipe 052, or input the liquid 053 into the target section of the connecting pipe 052, so as to adjust the volume of the liquid 053 in the at least one chamber. The target section includes: a pipe segment in the connecting pipe 052 located between the adjustment structure 055 and the at least one chamber.

[0097] For example, assuming that the above-mentioned at least one chamber includes a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512, then the target segment includes the pipe segment in the connecting pipe 052 located between the adjustment structure 055 and the first chamber 0511, and the pipe segment located between the adjustment structure 055 and the second chamber 0512.

[0098] For example, assuming that at least one of the above chambers includes a first chamber 0511, then the target segment includes the pipe segment in the connecting pipe 052 located between the adjustment structure 055 and the first chamber 0511.

[0099] For example, assuming that at least one of the above chambers includes a second chamber 0512, then the target segment includes the pipe segment in the connecting pipe 052 located between the adjustment structure 055 and the second chamber 0512.

[0100] The first implementation method will be explained by example below.

[0101] Example 1: The at least one chamber mentioned above includes a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512. The adjusting structure 055 can be a pump, such as a diaphragm pump. Please refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7The diaphragm pump includes an adjustment chamber 0551 and a piston 0552. The adjustment chamber 0551 is connected to a connecting pipe 052, and the piston 0552 can move within the adjustment chamber 0551 under the control of a controller 054 to change the size of the space in the adjustment chamber 0551 that is connected to the connecting pipe 052.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 6 The piston 0552 in the diaphragm pump, under the control of the controller 054, can move away from the connecting pipe 052 to increase the space in the adjustment chamber 0551 that communicates with the connecting pipe 052. At this time, the liquid 053 in both the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512 flows into the adjustment chamber 0551 of the diaphragm pump, causing the diaphragm pump to absorb the liquid 053 in the target sections located on both sides of the diaphragm pump within the connecting pipe 052. This reduces the volume of liquid 053 in both the first and second chambers 0511 and 0512. The first liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 is a concave lens, and the second liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 is also a concave lens.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 7 The piston 0552 in the diaphragm pump, under the control of the controller 054, can move closer to the connecting pipe 052 to reduce the space in the adjustment chamber 0551 that communicates with the connecting pipe 052. At this time, the liquid 053 in both the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512 flows from the adjustment chamber 0551 into the target sections on both sides of the diaphragm pump, causing the diaphragm pump to input liquid 053 into the target sections on both sides of the diaphragm pump within the connecting pipe 052. This increases the volume of liquid 053 in both the first and second chambers 0511 and 0512. At this time, the first liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 is a convex lens, and the second liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 is also a convex lens.

[0104] (2) In a second possible implementation of the adjustment structure 055, the adjustment structure 055 includes at least one barrier that blocks the liquid 053 located on both sides of the connecting pipe 052, and the barrier can move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052 under the control of the controller 054. It should be noted that the movement of the barrier along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052 means that the entire barrier moves along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052. During the movement, each position within the barrier is displaced relative to the connecting pipe 052.

[0105] In this case, when the controller 054 controls the adjustment structure 055 to adjust the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052, it can control at least a portion of the blockers in the adjustment structure 055 to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052 so that the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 flows, thereby adjusting the volume of the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and the volume of the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512.

[0106] For example, assume that the above-mentioned at least one chamber includes a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512.

[0107] On the one hand, if the adjustment structure 055 includes a barrier, then the controller 054 can control the barrier in the adjustment structure 055 to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052 toward the first chamber 0511 or the second chamber 0512. At this time, the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 can flow as a whole toward the first chamber 0511 or the second chamber 0512.

[0108] On the other hand, if the adjustment structure 055 includes multiple baffles, then the controller 054 can control the baffles near the first chamber 0511 to move towards the first chamber 0511 along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052, and control the baffles near the second chamber 0512 to move towards the second chamber 0512 along the same extension direction. At this time, the liquid in the connecting pipe 052 near the first chamber 0511 flows towards the first chamber 0511, and the liquid near the second chamber 0512 flows towards the second chamber 0512.

[0109] Alternatively, if the adjustment structure 055 includes multiple baffles, then the controller 054 can control the baffles near the first chamber 0511 to move away from the first chamber 0511 along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052, and control the baffles near the second chamber 0512 to move away from the second chamber 0512 along the same extension direction. In this case, the liquid in the connecting pipe 052 near the first chamber 0511 flows away from the first chamber 0511, and the liquid near the second chamber 0512 flows away from the second chamber 0512.

[0110] As another example, suppose that at least one of the above chambers includes a first chamber 0511. The adjustment structure 055 includes a plurality of baffles, and the controller 054 can control the baffles in the adjustment structure 055 near the first chamber 0511 to move towards or away from the first chamber 0511 along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052. At this time, the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 near the first chamber 0511 can flow towards or away from the first chamber 0511. Furthermore, the liquid in the connecting pipe 052 near the second chamber 0512 will not flow.

[0111] As another example, suppose that at least one of the chambers mentioned above includes a second chamber 0512. The adjustment structure 055 includes a plurality of baffles, and the controller 054 can control the baffles in the adjustment structure 055 near the second chamber 0512 to move closer to or away from the second chamber 0512 along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052. At this time, the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 near the second chamber 0512 can flow closer to or away from the second chamber 0512. Furthermore, the liquid in the connecting pipe 052 near the first chamber 0511 will not flow.

[0112] In a second possible implementation of the adjustment structure 055, the adjustment structure 055 may include a barrier sleeved outside the connecting pipe 052, such as a peristaltic pump or retaining ring sleeved outside the connecting pipe 052 to prevent the flow of liquid 053 within the connecting pipe 052. Alternatively, the adjustment structure 055 may include a barrier located inside the connecting pipe 052, such as a blocking plate, blocking block, or pump located inside the connecting pipe 052 to prevent the flow of liquid 053. Alternatively, when the adjustment structure 055 includes multiple barrier devices, the adjustment structure 055 includes not only barrier devices sleeved outside the connecting pipe 052 but also barrier devices located inside the connecting pipe 052.

[0113] The second implementation method will be explained in two examples below.

[0114] Example 1: The at least one chamber mentioned above includes a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512. The adjustment structure 055 includes an isolator, which is a pump, such as the peristaltic pump described above. The peristaltic pump is capable of moving along the extension direction of the connecting tube under the control of the controller 054.

[0115] Please refer to Figure 8 Under the control of the controller 054, the peristaltic pump moves along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052 towards the first chamber 0511, driving the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 to flow into the first chamber 0511, thereby increasing the volume of the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and decreasing the volume of the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512. At this time, the first liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 is a convex lens, and the second liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 is a concave lens.

[0116] Please refer to Figure 9The peristaltic pump, under the control of the controller 054, can also move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052 towards the second chamber 0512, driving the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 to flow into the second chamber 0512, thereby reducing the volume of liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and increasing the volume of liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512. At this time, the first liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 is a concave lens, and the second liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 is a convex lens.

[0117] Example 2, the above-mentioned at least one chamber includes a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512, and the adjustment structure 055 includes a barrier, and the barrier is the above-mentioned blocking plate.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 10 Under the control of the controller 054, the blocking plate can move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052 towards the first chamber 0511, thereby driving the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 to flow into the first chamber 0511, increasing the volume of the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and decreasing the volume of the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512. At this time, the first liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 is a convex lens, and the second liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 is a concave lens.

[0119] Please refer to Figure 11 The blocking plate, under the control of the controller 054, can also move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052 towards the second chamber 0512, driving the liquid 053 in the connecting pipe 052 to flow into the second chamber 0512, thereby reducing the volume of liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and increasing the volume of liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512. At this time, the first liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 is a concave lens, and the second liquid lens formed by the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 is a convex lens.

[0120] Furthermore, in this second possible implementation, the material of the blocker in the adjustment structure 055 can be a magnetic material. When the controller 054 controls the blocker to move along the extension direction of the connecting tube 052, it can control the blocker to move along the extension direction of the connecting tube 052 by magnetic force. In this way, the controller 054 does not need to be wired to the blocker.

[0121] Assuming that when the blocker is located inside the connecting pipe 052, the controller 054 is wired to the blocker, and the connecting wire between the blocker and the controller 054 passes through the connecting pipe 052. In this case, the end of the blocker near the connecting wire cannot move relative to the connecting pipe 052. Therefore, the blocker cannot move as a whole along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052, resulting in a low degree of adjustment of the liquid 053 within the connecting pipe 052 and a small adjustment range for the focal length of the liquid lens device. However, in this embodiment, when the blocker is located inside the connecting pipe 052, the controller 054 does not need to be wired to the blocker. Therefore, the blocker can move as a whole along the extension direction of the connecting pipe 052, increasing the degree of adjustment of the liquid 053 within the connecting pipe 052 and resulting in a larger adjustment range for the focal length of the liquid lens device.

[0122] The controller 054 can also be wired to the isolator. Furthermore, when the controller 054 is wired to the isolator, if the isolator is located inside the connecting tube 052, then the controller 054 can also be placed inside the connecting tube 052, and the connecting wire between the isolator and the controller 054 is also located inside the connecting tube 052. If the isolator is located outside the connecting tube 052, then the controller 054 can also be placed outside the connecting tube 052, and the connecting wire between the isolator and the controller 054 is also located outside the connecting tube 052. This ensures that the isolator can move as a whole along the extension direction of the connecting tube 052, thereby increasing the degree of adjustment of the liquid 053 within the connecting tube 052 by the isolator, and expanding the focal length adjustment range of the liquid lens device.

[0123] Furthermore, regardless of the method used to implement the aforementioned adjustment structure 055, the adjustment structure 055 can block the liquid 053 located on both sides of the adjustment structure 055 within the connecting pipe 052. At this time, the density difference between the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 is less than the density threshold. Of course, the density difference between the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 can also be greater than or equal to this density threshold.

[0124] It should be noted that if the two chambers are in contact and the densities of the liquids in these two chambers are similar, then the degree of sloshing of the liquids in these two chambers will be low when the two chambers are shaken. In the embodiments of this application, when the density difference between the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 is less than the density threshold, if the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512 are in contact, then because the densities of the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 are relatively close, the sloshing of the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 can be reduced when the liquid lens device is shaken.

[0125] Furthermore, the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 forms a first liquid lens, and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 forms a second liquid lens. The aperture of the first liquid lens is different from that of the second liquid lens (e.g., the aperture of the first liquid lens can be larger than that of the second liquid lens, or the aperture of the second liquid lens can be larger than that of the first liquid lens). Alternatively, the apertures of the first and second liquid lenses can be the same; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0126] For example, the aforementioned Figures 6 to 11 In the examples shown, the diameters of the first and second liquid lenses are the same. In this case, if the liquid increase or decrease in the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512 is the same, then the curvatures of the first and second liquid lenses will be consistent. If, in the first chamber 0511 and the second chamber 0512, the liquid increase in one chamber is the same as the liquid decrease in the other chamber, then the curvatures of the first and second liquid lenses will be opposite.

[0127] Please refer to Figure 12 ,exist Figure 6 Based on this, the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 forms a first liquid lens, and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 forms a second liquid lens. The aperture of the first liquid lens can be larger than the aperture of the second liquid lens. At this time, the curvature of the first liquid lens is different from that of the second liquid lens. When the liquid lens system is in... Figure 12 In this state, the liquid in the connecting pipe is adjusted by the controller through the adjusting device, which can increase the liquid in the first chamber 0511 and the liquid in the second chamber 0512, presenting... Figure 13 The state shown. But Figure 12 and Figure 13 The curvature of the first liquid lens is different from that of the second liquid lens.

[0128] Please refer to Figure 14 ,exist Figure 8 Based on this, the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 forms a first liquid lens, and the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512 forms a second liquid lens. The aperture of the first liquid lens is larger than that of the second liquid lens. At this point, the curvatures of the first liquid lens and the second liquid lens are different. When the liquid lens system is in... Figure 14 In this state, the liquid in the connecting pipe is adjusted by the controller through the adjusting device, which can reduce the liquid in the first chamber 0511 and increase the liquid in the second chamber 0512, presenting... Figure 15 The state shown. But Figure 14 and Figure 15The curvature of the first liquid lens is different from that of the second liquid lens.

[0129] Furthermore, in the liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment, the housing 051 can be implemented in various ways, and several of these implementations will be explained below.

[0130] In a first possible implementation of housing 051, housing 051 includes: a first sub-shell and a second sub-shell, the first sub-shell having a first chamber 0511 and the second sub-shell having a second chamber 0512. In other words, in the first possible implementation of housing 051, housing 051 can be composed of two sub-shells, both of which have chambers, and the two chambers of the two sub-shells are the aforementioned first chamber 0511 and second chamber 0512.

[0131] In this first feasible approach, the first subshell can be arranged alternately with the second subshell.

[0132] For example, please refer to Figure 16 In the aforementioned Figure 8 Based on this, the housing 051 includes a first sub-housing 061 and a second sub-housing 062. The first sub-housing 061 has a first chamber 0511, and the second sub-housing 062 has the aforementioned second chamber 0512. Furthermore, the first sub-housing 061 and the second sub-housing 062 are arranged at intervals.

[0133] When the first sub-shell 061 and the second sub-shell 062 are arranged at intervals, for each sub-shell, the side of the sub-shell that is near and / or far from the other sub-shell is flexible, so that when the volume of liquid in the cavity of the sub-shell changes, the liquid can still fill the entire cavity. In the embodiment of this application, the side of the first sub-shell 061 that is far from the second sub-shell 062 is flexible, and the side of the second sub-shell 062 that is near the first sub-shell 061 is flexible, is an example.

[0134] In this first possible implementation, the first sub-shell 061 can also be not spaced from the second sub-shell 062, but rather the first sub-shell 061 and the second sub-shell 062 can be in contact. In this case, the adjustment structure 055 blocks the liquid 053 located on both sides of the adjustment structure 055 in the connecting pipe 052, and the refractive index of the liquid in the first chamber 0511 is different from the refractive index of the liquid in the second chamber 0512, so that the liquid in the first chamber 0511 and the liquid in the second chamber 0512 form two liquid lenses.

[0135] For example, please refer to Figure 17 In the aforementioned Figure 16 Based on this, the first subshell 061 and the second subshell 062 can come into contact.

[0136] When the first sub-shell 061 and the second sub-shell 062 are in contact, for each of the first sub-shells 061 and the second sub-shell 062, the side of the sub-shell closest to or furthest from the other sub-shell is flexible, so that even if the volume of the liquid inside the sub-shell changes, the liquid can still fill the entire chamber. In this embodiment, the side of the first sub-shell 061 closest to the second sub-shell 062 is flexible, and the side of the second sub-shell 062 closest to the first sub-shell 061 is flexible, as an example.

[0137] In a second possible implementation of housing 051, housing 051 includes: a third sub-shell and a soft membrane; the soft membrane is located inside the third sub-shell and isolates the space inside the third sub-shell into a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512; the refractive index of liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 is different from the refractive index of liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512, so that the liquid in the first chamber 0511 and the liquid in the second chamber 0512 form two liquid lenses.

[0138] For example, in the aforementioned Figure 17 Based on this, please refer to Figure 18 The housing 051 includes a third sub-shell 063 and a soft membrane 064; the soft membrane 064 is located inside the third sub-shell 063 and isolates the space inside the third sub-shell 063 into a first chamber 0511 and a second chamber 0512; the refractive index of the liquid 053 in the first chamber 0511 is different from the refractive index of the liquid 053 in the second chamber 0512.

[0139] When the housing 051 includes a third sub-shell 063 and a soft membrane 064, the soft membrane 064 is flexible so that the liquid can still fill the entire chamber when the volume of the liquid in the chamber (such as the first chamber and / or the second chamber) changes.

[0140] Regardless of how the housing 051 is implemented, the material of the housing 051 can be transparent so that the liquid 053 inside the cavity of the housing 051 can form a liquid lens.

[0141] In the related technologies, there are several types of liquid lens devices. The following will explain the differences between these liquid lens devices and the liquid lens device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0142] (1) A liquid lens device including a liquid chamber and a voice coil motor (VCM).

[0143] A VCM (Variable Motion Module) is a type of motor. It consists of a coil, a spring, and a washer. The VCM controls the spring's extension by changing the direct current in the coil, which in turn causes the washer to move up and down, increasing or decreasing the pressure on the liquid chamber. The liquid chamber contains liquid, and when it is compressed, the focal length of the liquid lens formed by the liquid inside changes.

[0144] However, the VCM's ability to compress the liquid chamber is limited, resulting in an insignificant zoom effect of the liquid lens formed by the liquid within the liquid chamber, and a small focal length adjustment range for the liquid lens.

[0145] In the liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment, the adjusting device has a strong ability to adjust the volume of liquid in the first and second chambers. For example, when the adjusting structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid in the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller, the amount of liquid absorbed and input by the adjusting structure is not limited. Therefore, the adjusting device has a strong ability to adjust the volume of liquid. When the adjusting structure includes a barrier, the barrier can move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe to allow the liquid in the connecting pipe to flow, thereby adjusting the volume of liquid in the chamber. The range of movement of the barrier within the connecting pipe is not limited; therefore, the barrier has a strong ability to adjust the volume of liquid. Therefore, the focal length adjustment range of the liquid lens device in this application embodiment is large.

[0146] (2) Liquid lens device based on the principle of electrowetting.

[0147] The liquid lens device includes an electrode plate and a liquid located on the electrode plate. By changing the voltage applied to the electrode plate, the liquid lens device alters the electric field around the electrode plate, causing the contact angle between the liquid and the electrode plate to change under the influence of this electric field and the liquid's surface tension, thereby changing the focal length of the liquid lens formed by the liquid.

[0148] However, the limited range of change in the contact angle between the liquid and the electrode plate results in a limited range of focal length adjustment for this liquid lens. Furthermore, because the relationship between liquid surface tension and electric field needs to be considered in this liquid lens device, the volume of liquid in the device is small, the size of the liquid lens itself is small, and the aperture of the liquid lens is small. Additionally, this type of liquid lens device often requires a relatively high voltage (hundreds of volts) to be applied to the electrode plate.

[0149] In the liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment, the adjusting device has a strong ability to adjust the volume of liquid in the first and second chambers. For example, when the adjusting structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid in the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller, the amount of liquid absorbed and input by the adjusting structure is not limited. Therefore, the adjusting device has a strong ability to adjust the volume of liquid. When the adjusting structure includes a barrier, the barrier can move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe to allow the liquid in the connecting pipe to flow, thereby adjusting the volume of liquid in the chamber. The range of movement of the barrier in the connecting pipe is not limited, therefore, the barrier has a strong ability to adjust the volume of liquid. Therefore, the focal length adjustment range of the liquid lens device in this application embodiment is large. Furthermore, the volume of liquid in the chamber of the liquid lens device can be set to be large, and the aperture of the liquid lens in the liquid lens device can be set to be large. In addition, this liquid lens device is not based on the principle of electrowetting, so the voltage required by this liquid lens device is relatively small.

[0150] Furthermore, various liquid lens devices in related technologies adjust the focal length of a liquid lens formed by liquid in a single liquid chamber using a single driving structure (such as the aforementioned VCM). When adjusting the focal length of multiple liquid lenses is required, multiple driving structures need to be configured in the liquid lens device, resulting in a complex structure and large size. However, in this embodiment, the volume of liquid in both the first and second chambers can be adjusted simultaneously using a single adjustment structure. Therefore, it is unnecessary to adjust the volume of liquid in the first and second chambers separately using two adjustment structures, simplifying the components for adjusting liquid volume and further simplifying the structure of the optical system.

[0151] Furthermore, some related technologies require continuous power to maintain the adjusted focal length of the liquid lens device, resulting in high power consumption. However, in the liquid lens device provided in this application, the adjustment structure can maintain the adjusted focal length without power after adjusting the liquid in the connecting tube, thus achieving lower power consumption.

[0152] Based on the liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment, this application embodiment provides an optical system including the liquid lens device. This optical system can be an automotive optical system, a camera module, a microscope, a machine vision system, etc. In some optical systems, when the focal length needs to be changed, the lens in the optical system usually needs to be manually replaced. However, in the optical system provided in this application embodiment, the focal length of the liquid lens device is adjustable, therefore, there is no need to manually replace the lens.

[0153] The optical system also includes a photosensitive structure. This photosensitive structure receives light from the liquid lens assembly, for example, it receives light passing through the individual liquid lenses within the assembly. Optionally, the photosensitive structure can generate an image based on the received light to achieve image acquisition for photography or machine vision.

[0154] Furthermore, the optical system provided in this application embodiment also includes a cylindrical body. The liquid lens device and the photosensitive structure can be disposed on the cylindrical body.

[0155] For example, such as Figure 19 As shown, the housing 051 in the liquid lens device is locked inside the cylinder wall of the cylinder 07; the connecting pipe 052 and the adjustment structure 055 in the liquid lens device are both embedded inside the cylinder wall of the cylinder 07; the photosensitive structure 08 is located at one end of the cylinder 07.

[0156] For example, such as Figure 20 As shown, the housing 051 in the liquid lens device is locked inside the cylinder wall of the cylinder 07; the cylinder wall of the cylinder 07 has a through hole X, through which the connecting pipe 052 in the liquid lens device passes; the adjustment structure 055 in the liquid lens device is located outside the cylinder wall; and the photosensitive structure 08 is located at one end of the cylinder 07.

[0157] Furthermore, the optical system provided in this application embodiment may also include other lenses, such as solid glass lenses or plastic lenses. All lenses in the optical system are arranged coaxially (i.e., sharing the same optical axis), but this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0158] For example, optical systems also include Figure 19 or Figure 20 Lens 09 in the middle.

[0159] For example, optical systems also include Figure 21 , Figure 22 , Figure 23 or Figure 24 Lens 09 is shown. Figure 21 , Figure 22 , Figure 23 or Figure 24 The cylinder, adjustment structure, and controller of the optical system are not shown in the images, and... Figure 21 , Figure 22 , Figure 23 and Figure 24 Taking the housing as an example, which includes a first sub-shell 061 and a second sub-shell 062, the optical system also includes protective layers 10 on both sides of the first sub-shell 061 and protective layers 10 on both sides of the second sub-shell 062.

[0160] Figure 21The lens 09 includes a concave lens, a convex lens, a convex lens and a concave lens arranged in sequence. The first sub-shell 061 and the protective layers 10 on both sides are located between the first concave lens and the first convex lens. The second sub-shell 062 and the protective layers 10 on both sides are located between the first convex lens and the second convex lens.

[0161] Figure 22 The lens 09 includes a concave lens, a convex lens, a convex lens and a concave lens arranged in sequence. The first sub-shell 061 and the protective layers 10 on both sides are located on the side of the first concave lens away from the first convex lens. The second sub-shell 062 and the protective layers 10 on both sides are located between the first convex lens and the second convex lens.

[0162] Figure 23 The lens 09 in the middle includes: a concave lens, a concave lens, a convex lens and a concave lens arranged in sequence. The first sub-shell 061 and its protective layers 10 on both sides and the second sub-shell 062 and its protective layers 10 on both sides are located between the second concave lens and the first convex lens. The first sub-shell 061 is close to the second concave lens and the second sub-shell 062 is close to the first convex lens.

[0163] Figure 24 The lens 09 in the middle includes: a concave lens, a concave lens, a convex lens and a concave lens arranged in sequence. These lenses are all located between the first sub-shell 061 and the protective layers 10 on both sides and the second sub-shell 062 and the protective layers 10 on both sides, with the first concave lens being closer to the first sub-shell 061 and the last concave lens being closer to the second sub-shell 062.

[0164] The parameters of the optical system provided in this application embodiment can vary widely. The following description uses one such parameter range as an example. For instance, the parameters of this optical system include: radius of curvature ±9.617 mm; liquid lens aperture (effective working aperture) of 5 mm; focal length range of 8 mm to 16 mm; optical system length along the optical axis of 26.5 mm; half-image height of 2.1 mm; F-number (reciprocal of relative aperture) range of 3.6 to 7.2; FOV range of 26.4° to 12.84°; equivalent focal length range of 92 mm to 192 mm; and magnification of 3.8x to 8x (where 1x magnification corresponds to an equivalent focal length of 24 mm).

[0165] Optical systems include Figure 8 and Figure 9 Taking the liquid lens device shown as an example, in Figure 8 In the illustrated state, the focal length of the liquid lens device can be 16mm, at which point the focal length of the optical system is 192mm; Figure 9 In the illustrated state, the focal length of the liquid lens device can be 3.6mm, and the focal length of the optical system is 92mm. It can be seen that from... Figures 8 to 9 It enables the change from telephoto to short-focus mode.

[0166] Furthermore, in the liquid lens device, the liquid in the first chamber forms a first liquid lens, and the liquid in the second chamber forms a second liquid lens. The liquid lens farther from the photosensitive structure in the first and second liquid lenses can be classified as a zoom lens in the optical system, while the liquid lens closer to the photosensitive structure in the first and second liquid lenses can be classified as a compensation lens in the optical system. The lens located on the side of the liquid lens device farther from the photosensitive structure in the optical system can be classified as a front fixed lens, and the lens located on the side of the liquid lens device closer to the photosensitive structure can be classified as a rear fixed lens.

[0167] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the focal lengths of the zoom lens group and the compensation lens group in the optical system can be adjusted by adjusting the focal lengths of the first liquid lens and the second liquid lens, thereby adjusting the focal length of the optical system. After this adjustment, the focal length of the optical system can be changed from a long focal length state to a short focal length state. After the focal length of the optical system is adjusted, the way the optical system adjusts the incident light is different.

[0168] The optical system provided in this application embodiment may also include other structures, such as non-liquid lenses for use in conjunction with the liquid lens device provided in this application embodiment, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0169] Based on the optical system provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application provide an electronic device including the optical system, such as a mobile phone, camera, wearable device (such as liquid glasses), etc.

[0170] Based on the liquid lens provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application provide a control method for the liquid lens, which can be executed by a controller in the liquid lens device.

[0171] In this method, the controller can control the liquid in the adjusting structure adjusting the connecting pipe to adjust the volume of the liquid in at least one of the first and second chambers.

[0172] When the adjusting structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid in the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller, the controller can control the adjusting structure to absorb liquid in the target section of the connecting pipe or input liquid into the target section of the connecting pipe to adjust the volume of liquid in at least one chamber; the target section includes: a pipe section in the connecting pipe located between the adjusting structure and at least one chamber.

[0173] When the adjusting structure includes at least one barrier, the controller can control at least a portion of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe when controlling the adjusting structure to adjust the liquid in the connecting pipe, so as to allow the liquid in the connecting pipe to flow and adjust the volume of the liquid in at least one chamber.

[0174] For example, the material of the barrier is a magnetic material; when the controller controls at least part of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe, it can control at least part of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe by magnetic force.

[0175] Before controlling the liquid in the adjusting structure's adjusting connecting pipe, the controller can also determine the target focal length to which the liquid lens device needs to be adjusted, and control the liquid in the adjusting structure's adjusting connecting pipe according to the target focal length so that the liquid lens device has the target focal length.

[0176] Based on the control method of the liquid lens provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application provide a controller, which belongs to any of the liquid lens devices provided in the embodiments of this application; the controller is used to execute any of the control methods of the liquid lens provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0177] There are many ways to implement a controller.

[0178] In a first implementation, the controller includes a processing unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a program; the processing unit is used to call the program stored in the storage unit so that the controller executes any of the liquid lens control methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0179] In the second implementation, the controller is a chip. The chip includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, which, when running, are used to implement any of the liquid lens control methods provided in the embodiments of this application. Alternatively, the chip may also include a processing unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a program; the processing unit is used to call the program stored in the storage unit so that the controller executes any of the liquid lens control methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0180] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the liquid lens control methods provided in this application.

[0181] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute any of the liquid lens control methods provided in this application.

[0182] In the above embodiments, the controller can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented entirely or partially as a computer program product, which includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium, or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state drive), etc.

[0183] In this application, the terms "first" and "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined. The term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone.

[0184] The method embodiments and device embodiments provided in this application can be referenced interchangeably, and this application does not limit them. The order of operations in the method embodiments provided in this application can be appropriately adjusted, and operations can be added or removed as needed. Any variations that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application, and therefore will not be elaborated further.

[0185] The above description is merely an optional implementation of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid lens device, characterized in that, The liquid lens device includes: a housing, a connecting tube, a controller, and an adjustment structure; The housing has a first chamber and a second chamber; The connecting pipe connects the first chamber and the second chamber; The first chamber, the second chamber, and the connecting pipe all contain liquid. The liquid in the first chamber forms a first liquid lens, and the liquid in the second chamber forms a second liquid lens. The controller is used to control the adjustment structure to adjust the liquid in the connecting pipe, so as to adjust the volume of the liquid in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; The adjustment structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid in the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller. The liquid in the first chamber, the second chamber, and the connecting pipe is the same. Alternatively, the adjustment structure includes at least one barrier that blocks liquid located on both sides of the barrier in the connecting pipe and can move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe under the control of the controller. The barrier can move within a range between one end and the other end of the connecting pipe, and the density difference between the liquid in the first chamber and the liquid in the second chamber is less than a density threshold.

2. The liquid lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid in the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller; The controller is used to control the adjustment structure to absorb liquid in the target section of the connecting pipe, or to input liquid into the target section of the connecting pipe, so as to adjust the volume of liquid in the at least one chamber; the target section includes: a pipe section in the connecting pipe located between the adjustment structure and the at least one chamber.

3. The liquid lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment structure includes at least one of the barrier devices; The controller is used to control at least a portion of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe to allow liquid flow within the connecting pipe, thereby adjusting the volume of liquid in the at least one chamber.

4. The liquid lens device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The barrier is made of a magnetic material, and the controller is used to control at least a portion of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe by magnetic force.

5. The liquid lens device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The at least one barrier includes: the barrier located within the connecting pipe.

6. The liquid lens device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The at least one barrier includes: the barrier sleeved outside the connecting pipe.

7. The liquid lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The diameter of the first liquid lens is different from that of the second liquid lens.

8. The liquid lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing includes a first sub-shell and a second sub-shell, wherein the first sub-shell has the first chamber and the second sub-shell has the second chamber.

9. The liquid lens device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first subshell and the second subshell are arranged at intervals.

10. The liquid lens device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first sub-shell is in contact with the second sub-shell; the adjustment structure blocks the liquid located on both sides of the adjustment structure in the connecting pipe, and the refractive index of the liquid in the first chamber is different from that of the liquid in the second chamber.

11. The liquid lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The shell includes: a third subshell and a soft membrane; The soft membrane is located inside the third sub-shell and isolates the space inside the third sub-shell into the first chamber and the second chamber; the adjustment structure blocks the liquid located on both sides of the adjustment structure in the connecting pipe, and the refractive index of the liquid in the first chamber is different from that of the liquid in the second chamber.

12. An optical system, characterized in that, The optical system includes: a liquid lens device and a photosensitive structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, the photosensitive structure being used to receive light from the liquid lens device.

13. The optical system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The optical system also includes: a cylindrical body; The housing in the liquid lens device is secured inside the cylinder wall of the cylindrical body; The connecting pipe and adjustment structure in the liquid lens device are both embedded inside the cylinder wall; The photosensitive structure is located at one end of the cylinder.

14. The optical system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The optical system also includes: a cylindrical body; The housing in the liquid lens device is secured inside the cylinder wall of the cylindrical body; The cylindrical body has a through hole in its wall, and the connecting pipe in the liquid lens device passes through the through hole. The adjustment structure in the liquid lens device is located on the outside of the cylindrical body. The photosensitive structure is located at one end of the cylinder.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes the optical system according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. A method for controlling a liquid lens, characterized in that, The method is executed by a controller in a liquid lens device, which further includes: a housing, a connecting tube, and an adjustment structure; the housing has a first chamber and a second chamber; the connecting tube connects the first chamber and the second chamber; each of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the connecting tube contains liquid, the liquid in the first chamber forming a first liquid lens, and the liquid in the second chamber forming a second liquid lens; the adjustment structure is connected to the connecting tube and is capable of absorbing liquid in the connecting tube and inputting liquid into the connecting tube under the control of the controller; or, the adjustment structure includes at least one barrier, the barrier blocking liquid located on both sides of the barrier in the connecting tube, and is capable of moving along the extension direction of the connecting tube under the control of the controller, and the barrier is capable of moving within a range between one end and the other end of the connecting tube; the adjustment structure blocks liquid located on both sides of the adjustment structure in the connecting tube, and the density difference between the liquid in the first chamber and the liquid in the second chamber is less than a density threshold; The method includes: The adjustment structure is controlled to adjust the liquid in the connecting pipe to adjust the volume of the liquid in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The adjustment structure is connected to the connecting pipe and can absorb liquid in the connecting pipe and input liquid into the connecting pipe under the control of the controller; Controlling the adjustment structure to adjust the liquid in the connecting pipe includes: The adjustment structure is controlled to absorb liquid within the target section of the connecting pipe, or to input liquid into the target section of the connecting pipe, to adjust the volume of liquid in the at least one chamber; the target section includes: a pipe segment in the connecting pipe located between the adjustment structure and the at least one chamber.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The adjustment structure includes at least one of the barrier devices; Controlling the adjustment structure to adjust the liquid in the connecting pipe includes: Control at least a portion of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe to allow liquid flow within the connecting pipe, thereby adjusting the volume of liquid within the at least one chamber.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The barrier is made of a magnetic material; Controlling at least a portion of the barrier to move along the extension direction of the connecting pipe includes: At least a portion of the barrier is moved along the extension direction of the connecting tube by magnetic force.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, Controlling the adjustment structure to adjust the liquid in the connecting pipe includes: The liquid in the connecting tube is adjusted according to the target focal length to be adjusted by the liquid lens device.

21. A controller, characterized in that, The controller is a liquid lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; the controller is used to execute the control method of the liquid lens according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

22. The controller according to claim 21, characterized in that, The controller includes a processing unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a program; the processing unit is used to call the program stored in the storage unit so that the controller executes the control method of the liquid lens according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

23. The controller according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The controller is a chip.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the control method for the liquid lens as described in any one of claims 16 to 20.

25. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the control method of the liquid lens as described in any one of claims 16 to 20.

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