Electronic camera filter

Abstract

An optical filter for a camera lens includes an electronic display configured to be coupled to an object side of the camera lens and configured to filter an image on the object side of the electronic display for the camera lens. The controller is configured to electronically control filtering of the electronic display. The input device is for receiving control for controlling the controller.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Camera filters are used to reduce the amount of light entering the camera or to create other optical effects (e.g., changing the color of an image). These filters need to be manually changed to change the optical effect created by the filter. In film productions, manual replacement of filters is not possible during filming. In addition, the time and effort spent on replacing filters between each shot can increase the cost of film production. For example, if the camera is located in a crane high in the air, the crane needs to be lowered to manually change the filter.

[0002] Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient way to change the light filter of a camera without having to manually change the filter. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure meets the above needs by providing an optical filter with an electronic display whose optical filtering can be varied dynamically and on a pixel-by-pixel basis, depending on the particular type of electronic technology used.

[0004] In one embodiment, a filter for a camera lens is disclosed, the filter comprising an electronic display configured to be coupled to an object side of the camera lens and configured to filter an image on the object side of the electronic display for the camera lens. A controller is configured to electronically control the filtering of the electronic display. An input device is used to receive a control for controlling the controller.

[0005] In one embodiment, a filter for a camera system is disclosed, the filter comprising an electronic display configured to be coupled to a portion of the camera system in an optical path of the camera system and configured to filter an image on an object side of the electronic display for the camera system. The electronic display comprises one or more organic light emitting diodes. A controller is configured to electronically control the filtering of the electronic display. An input device is used to receive a control for controlling the controller.

[0006] In one embodiment, a camera system is disclosed, the camera system including a camera including a camera lens. An electronic display is configured to be coupled to an object side of the camera lens and configured to filter an image on the object side of the electronic display for the camera lens. A controller is configured to electronically control the filtering of the electronic display. An input device is used to receive a control for controlling the controller.

[0007] In one embodiment, a filter for a camera system is disclosed, the filter comprising a camera, the camera comprising a camera lens. An electronic display is configured to be coupled to a portion of the camera system in an optical path of the camera system and configured to filter an image on an object side of an electronic display for the camera system, the electronic display comprising one or more organic light emitting diodes. A controller is configured to electronically control the filtering of the electronic display. An input device is used to receive a control for controlling the controller.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of filtering an image for a camera lens is disclosed, the method comprising filtering an image on an object side of a camera lens for the camera lens using an electronic display located on the object side of the camera lens.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method of filtering an image for a camera system is disclosed, the method comprising filtering an image on an object side of an electronic display for the camera system using an electronic display located in an optical path of the camera system, the electronic display comprising one or more organic light emitting diodes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The features and advantages of the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein will be better understood with reference to the specification, claims and drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A front view of an optical filter according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The filter is shown in the front view, but has the same Figure 1 Different filters are shown.

[0013] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 The filter is shown in the front view, but has the same Figure 1 Different filters are shown.

[0014] Figure 4 A main view of a control interface of a control terminal according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0015] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C Each shows a close-up view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Fig. 6A A front perspective exploded view of a portion of an electronic display according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, in which liquid crystal is used.

[0017] Figure 6BA front perspective exploded view of a portion of an electronic display according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, in which an organic light emitting diode is used.

[0018] Figure 6C A front view of an electronic display according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, in which liquid crystal is used, wherein the liquid crystal is in an operating state.

[0019] Fig.6D An embodiment according to the present application is shown Figure 6C The front view of the electronic display, Figure 6C Liquid crystal is used in an electronic display, wherein the liquid crystal is in a second operating state.

[0020] Fig. 7A A front perspective view of an electronic display performing light filtering according to one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0021] Figure 7B A front perspective view of an electronic display performing light filtering according to one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0022] Figure 7C A front perspective view of a liquid crystal panel used in combination with one or more organic light emitting diode panels according to one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0023] Figure 8 A side view of a camera system according to one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0024] Fig. 9 A front perspective view of a camera system according to one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0025] Fig.10 A side view of a camera system according to one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0026] Fig.11 A close-up view of an electronic display for use in conjunction with a camera of a mobile device is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 An optical filter 10 according to one embodiment of the present application is shown. Preferably, the optical filter 10 is used with a camera lens as part of a camera system. The optical filter 10 may include an electronic display 12, and may include a housing 14. The optical filter 10 may include a controller 16, a power supply 18, and an input device 20.

[0028] The electronic display 12 may be transparent (light-transmissive) and may allow visible light to pass therethrough. The electronic display 12 may be configured such that filtering of the electronic display 12 is electronically controlled. The electronic display 12 may be configured to filter an image on the object side of the electronic display 12 for a camera lens. Filtering may be performed by a variety of methods and may include reducing the amount of light transmitted through the electronic display 12, or changing the color of light that passes through the electronic display 12, or changing the characteristics of light that passes through the electronic display 12. For example, filtering may be performed by filtering an image on the object side of the electronic display 12 by, among other effects, scattering light transmitted through the electronic display 12, or by causing light transmitted through the electronic display 12 to flare in multiple directions. Filtering may be performed by emitting light from the electronic display 12 that is superimposed on the image on the object side of the electronic display 12. The emitted light may change the color or amount (intensity) of light received by the camera lens.

[0029] Electronic display 12 may include one or more pixels (in Fig. 6A Indicated as reference numeral 22, Figure 6B denoted as reference numeral 24 in the figure). If multiple pixels are used, an array of pixels may be provided. In other embodiments, a single pixel (or a 1x1 pixel arrangement) may be utilized. The electronic display 12 may use liquid crystal contained in the electronic display 12 to perform image filtering. The electronic display 12 may also use organic light emitting diodes contained in the electronic display 12 to filter the image. In other embodiments, other forms of electronic filtering may be used. For example, the electronic display disclosed herein may utilize quantum dots, etc. It will be understood that all forms of electronic technology, as long as they can be adjusted to filter images for use with a camera, are within the scope of the electronic display disclosed herein.

[0030] Electronic display 12 may have a front surface 26, a rear surface (opposite the front surface), and may include one or more side surfaces 28. Figure 1 1. Housing 14 may be located at a side surface of electronic display 12 and may form a boundary of filter 10. In one embodiment, the boundary may extend around the entirety of electronic display 12 and may form a frame for electronic display 12. Housing 14 may include a portion of the frame, and the frame may extend around all or a portion of electronic display 12.

[0031] The filter 10 may be sized so that the filter can fit in a standard filter slot of a matte box. The filter 10 may be sized for use with a camera or for use with a movie camera. The filter 10 may have a rectangular shape. In one embodiment, the filter 10 may be sized to be approximately 4 inches in the vertical dimension and approximately 5.65 inches in the horizontal dimension. In one embodiment, the filter 10 may be sized to be approximately 6 inches in the vertical dimension and approximately 6 inches in the horizontal dimension. The filter 10 may be sized to be approximately 4 millimeters thick. In other embodiments, the size of the filter 10 may vary. In one embodiment, the filter 10 may be sized to be no more than 7 inches in the horizontal dimension or the vertical dimension. In one embodiment, the filter 10 may be sized to be no more than 6.5 inches in the horizontal dimension or the vertical dimension. In one embodiment, the filter 10 may be sized to be no more than 10 millimeters thick. In one embodiment, the electronic display 12 may be sized to be no more than 7 inches in the horizontal dimension or the vertical dimension, or may be sized to be no more than 6.5 inches in the horizontal dimension or the vertical dimension. In one embodiment, the size of the electronic display 12 may not exceed 140 mm in either the horizontal or vertical dimensions. Preferably, the size of the filter 10 and the electronic display 12 is set in consideration of the size of the camera lens, since the filter 10 is preferably used with a camera lens, and it is understood that these dimensions will vary depending on the specific type of camera and the application in which the camera is used.

[0032] In one embodiment, the shape of the filter 10 and the electronic display 12 can be similar to Figure 1 The shapes shown are different. For example, a ring or circle, square or other shape may be used.

[0033] Electronic display 12 includes a portion of filter 10 through which light passes. Preferably, housing 14 and other electrical components of filter 10 are located outside of the viewfinder aperture of filter 10 so that housing 14 and other electrical components do not obstruct the view of the image imaged by the camera lens. However, in other embodiments, housing 14 and electrical components may be located within the viewfinder aperture. For example, housing 14 and / or electrical components may be transparent so that the view of the image is not obstructed by their presence.

[0034] The controller 16 may be used to electronically control the filtering of the electronic display 12. The controller 16 may be electrically coupled to the electronic display 12. The controller 16 may include a microprocessor for controlling the filtering of the electronic display 12. The controller 16 may electronically control the filtering by changing a characteristic of the electronic display 12. For example, the controller 16 may cause the amount of light transmitted through the electronic display 12 to change, or may cause the color of the light to change, or may cause light emitted from the electronic display 12 to change an image. It will be appreciated that the controller will be configured differently depending on use, for the purpose of changing one or more characteristics of the electronic display depending on the particular type of electronic technology being used. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 16 may be located within the housing 14. However, in other embodiments, the controller 16 may be located at a location separate from the electronic display 12. For example, the controller may be part of the lens system, and when the electronic display 12 is coupled to the lens system, the controller may be inserted into the electronic display 12. The controller 16 may also be located remote from the lens system, and further may communicate with and control the electronic display 12. The controller 16 may be electrically connected to the electronic display 12 via an electrical conduit (not shown). The electrical conduit may be transparent to avoid obscuring the image through the electronic display 12.

[0035] The power supply 18 may be used to power the electrical components of the filter 10. Figure 1 As shown, the power source 18 may be located within the housing 14, or in other embodiments, the power source may be located remotely from the filter 10. For example, the power source 18 may be part of the lens system, and when the filter 10 is coupled to the lens system, the power source 18 may be inserted into the filter 10. In other embodiments, the power source 18 may be located remotely from the lens system. The power source 18 may include a battery, a capacitor, a solar cell, an AC or DC power source, a plug for receiving external energy, and other forms of power sources. In one embodiment, the power source 18 may include an inductive receiver (e.g., an inductive coil or other form of receiver) for receiving inductive energy from an inductive transmitter (e.g., an inductive coil or other form of transmitter). In one embodiment, the power source 18 may include an inductive receiver (e.g., an inductive coil or other form of receiver) for receiving inductive energy from an inductive transmitter (e.g., an inductive coil or other form of transmitter). In one embodiment, for example, in an embodiment where the power source 18 is transparent, the power source 18 may be located within a viewfinder of the electronic display 12.

[0036] The input device 20 may be used to receive commands for controlling the controller 16. Figure 1As shown, the input device 20 may be located within the housing 14, or may be remote from the housing 14 in a manner similar to the controller 16 or power supply 18. For example, the input device 20 may be part of the lens system, and when the filter 10 is coupled to the lens system, the input device 20 may be inserted into the filter 10. In other embodiments, the input device 20 is located remote from the lens system. The input device 20 may include a wireless signal receiver. The input device 20 may operate to receive wireless signals via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, peer-to-peer connection, cellular connection, radio connection, or other forms of wireless signal communication. In one embodiment, the input device 20 may include a physically connected wired connection to receive controls. For example, the wired connection may allow an operator of the camera system to control the electronic display 12. The wired connection may include a plug or other wired connection to receive controls. In one embodiment, the input device 20 may include a manual input device (e.g., a knob, button, slider, or other form of input device) that allows a user to provide controls. Other forms of input devices 20 may also be utilized. The control received by the input device 20 can take many forms and can include control signals, manual input or other forms of control. The control can be provided wirelessly (or through a wired connection). The control can include commands for controlling the controller 16.

[0037] The input device 20 may be connected to a control terminal 30. The control terminal 30 may include a remote terminal that may wirelessly communicate with the input device 20. The control terminal 30 may be configured to transmit control to the input device 20, and may also receive information about the state of the filter 10 from the input device 20. In this manner, the input device 20 may include a transmitter as well as a receiver. In one embodiment, the control terminal 30 may communicate with the input device 20 via a wired connection. The control terminal 30 may include a computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, or may include other forms of terminal devices. The control terminal 30 may include a dedicated controller for the filter 10. For example, the control terminal 30 may be part of a lens system or a camera system used with the filter 10.

[0038] The control terminal 30 may be used to set or control the filtering of the electronic display 12. The control terminal 30 may have a control interface that a user may utilize to set or control the filtering of the electronic display 12. For example, the control interface may be part of a software application (or "app") for setting or controlling the filtering of the electronic display 12. The control interface may also display received information about the status of the filter 10. For example, Figure 4A control terminal 30 in the form of a tablet computer is shown. A display 31 can display an image received by the camera. The control terminal 30 can utilize a control interface in the form of a touch screen. The control interface can include interface controls 33 such as an interface slider that can change the color, brightness, or filtering of the color filter 10 or other forms of filters. In one embodiment, a user can touch certain parts of the control interface to indicate the location of the image that should be filtered. For example, a user can surround or otherwise touch a cloud 34 to select filtering for only the cloud that should be changed. A user can select an entire image or a portion of an image to filter or different types of filtering. Other forms of control interfaces and interface controls 33 can be utilized.

[0039] In other embodiments, other forms of software may be used to set or control the filtering of the electronic display 12. Other control interfaces may be utilized. For example, a standard keyboard or a series of buttons or knobs may be used as a control interface. Together with other forms of controls, a user may set the desired characteristics of the filtering of the electronic display, or may select a series of varying filters for the electronic display 12 to follow.

[0040] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Other forms of input devices that can be used with the filters disclosed herein are shown. Figure 5A In FIG. 1 , an input device 35 in the form of a button may be provided on the body of the filter. The user may press the button to allow the input device 35 to receive a control for controlling the controller. Figure 5B As shown, an input device 37 in the form of a slider may be provided on the body of the filter. A user may slide the slider to allow the input device 37 to receive control for controlling the controller. Figure 5C In the embodiment of the present invention, an input device in the form of a cable 39 connected to a control terminal 41 can be connected to the filter. A user can input controls via the control terminal 41 to control the operation of the controller and the filter.

[0041] In one embodiment, the filter can be operated by coupling the filter to a lens controller of a camera system. For example, the input device can be configured to cause the filtering of the filter to change according to changes in the iris or focus of the camera, or other optical characteristics of the camera. This can be achieved through a wired connection or other form of connection (e.g., wireless) to the lens controller of the camera system.

[0042] In one embodiment, the filter can operate autonomously based on an image received or provided to the camera. A sensor can be used to detect the image provided to the camera, and controls can be provided to the filter input device to automatically change the filter based on the received image. For example, if the scene is bright, the filter can be configured to automatically reduce the brightness of the image. The sensor can be placed with the camera or located elsewhere. In one embodiment, the camera can be configured to provide controls to the filter input device based on the image received by the camera. For example, if the camera (e.g., the camera's digital image sensor) detects that a bright scene is being framed, controls can be provided to the filter input device to reduce the brightness. Therefore, the filter can operate in an image-based feedback loop.

[0043] The electronic display 12, controller 16, power supply 18 and / or input device 20 may include a unit that is detachably coupled to the lens system. The unit may include the electronic display 12 and housing 14 connected together, such as Figure 1 As shown. The unit can be sized so that the size and shape of the unit is similar to current non-electronic filters, so the unit can replace these non-electronic filters, and the unit can be used with similar matte boxes or other methods of attaching filters to lenses. In one embodiment, filter 10 and its components can be integrated with the lens system and can be non-detachable. In other embodiments, certain components can be separated from the lens system and certain components can be integrated with the lens system. In other embodiments, certain components disclosed herein can be completely excluded.

[0044] Electronic display 12 may filter the image to a desired amount or in some other manner. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, electronic display 12 is filtering the entire image framed by electronic display 12. The image includes person 32, cloud 34, and tree 36. The entirety of tree 36, the entirety of cloud 34, and a portion of person 32 are filtered (filtering is performed at Figure 1 12). The filtering may be performed by reducing the amount of light from the image transmitted through the electronic display 12, or by changing the color of light from the image that passes through the electronic display 12, or by changing the characteristics of the light that passes through the electronic display 12 (e.g., by scattering the image, or by providing flare). The filtering also includes emitting light from the electronic display 12 that is superimposed on the image on the object side of the electronic display 12. The emitted light may change the color or amount (intensity) of the light received by the camera lens.

[0045] In embodiments where light from an image transmitted through electronic display 12 is reduced, the reduction in light can take various forms. For example, the reduction in light can be similar to a neutral density filter (ND filter), which can filter all colors of an image substantially equally. However, the amount of light filtered can be electronically varied, allowing the electronic display to function as an electronically variable neutral density filter. In one example, the reduction in light can be caused by liquid crystal in electronic display 12 not passing a desired amount of light through electronic display 12. The light transmittance of the liquid crystal can be electronically varied. The transmittance can range from about 50% (similar to a 0.3ND filter), to about 25% (similar to a 0.6ND filter), to about 12.5% ​​(similar to a 0.9ND filter), to about 6.25% (similar to a 1.2ND filter), to about 3.125% (similar to a 1.5ND filter), to about 1.5625% (similar to a 1.8ND filter), to about 0.78125% (similar to a 2.1ND filter), and all transmittances above, below, and between these ranges. Additionally, in embodiments where color filters are used with the electronic display 12, the color of light passing through individual pixels of the electronic display 12 can be varied. The transmittance (or density of the filtered light) can be electronically changed to any amount (e.g., 99%, 65%, etc.) as desired. The color of the light passing through the electronic display 12 can be changed to any desired color in the spectrum.

[0046] In embodiments utilizing organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), the OLEDs may be configured to emit light at various brightness levels, and in embodiments utilizing color filtering, the OLEDs may be configured to emit light at various color levels. Electronic display 12 may filter an image by adding light from the OLEDs to the light from the image at certain brightness and color (in embodiments utilizing color filtering). Light from the image may pass through electronic display 12 and be modified by the added light from the OLEDs. The modification may be performed across the entire image (e.g., Figure 1 ), or it can be done on a pixel-by-pixel basis. In one embodiment, the OLED can be configured to emit a certain brightness of light, the brightness of which can be reduced to effectively reduce the brightness of the image.

[0047] Due to the electronic nature of the electronic display 12, one or more portions of the electronic display 12 may have varying filtering characteristics. The variation may be performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis. For example, Figure 2An electronic display 12 is shown having a portion 38 of the electronic display 12 with a filtered image, while another portion 40 of the display does not have a filtered image. Thus, the electronic display 12 acts as a gradient filter. The transition between the filtered portion and the unfiltered portion can be abrupt or smooth as desired.

[0048] Figure 3 An electronic display 12 is shown with selected filtering portions. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , the tops of the trees 36 and the clouds 34 are filtered, while the rest are not filtered. This may result in a form of "burn and dodge" effect.

[0049] The type and location of filtering for electronic display 12 may be determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, various types and locations of filtering can be provided as needed. The changes in filtering can be based on the control of the input device provided to the filter. As disclosed herein, the control can take many forms.

[0050] The changes in the filtering of the electronic display 12 can be made dynamically. The type and location of the filtering can be changed dynamically. For example, a user can electronically control the electronic display 12 to quickly change the filtering of individual pixels to produce various filtering patterns (e.g., from Figure 1 The filter pattern shown changes dynamically to Figure 2 The pattern shown, transformed to Figure 3 The user can set any characteristics of the filtering through controls, which can be received from the control terminal 30 or the like. The filtering can be set on a pixel-by-pixel basis. For example, based on Figure 4 The control interface shown allows the user to select individual pixels to have desired filtering characteristics.

[0051] Filtering can be varied smoothly over a range of densities. Filtering can be used to form custom filter patterns. Filtering can be used in conjunction with camera controls. For example, a camera's iris and filter may be varied to bring background objects into or out of focus while foreground objects remain in focus (in the form of iris filtering).

[0052] An advantage of the electronic display 12 is that, typically, non-electronic filters used in camera systems need to be manually changed from the camera system. Furthermore, the filter may not be changed during filming. Furthermore, if the camera is on an elevated crane, the crane needs to be lowered so that a person can manually change the filter. The electronic display 12 can allow for variable filters that can be modified remotely. The filter can be changed dynamically during filming. The user does not need to physically touch the camera.

[0053] Fig. 6A An embodiment of a portion of an electronic display 12 in which liquid crystal is utilized is shown. The portion of the display 12 may include a front panel 42 and a rear panel 44, which may correspond to the front and rear surfaces of the display 12, respectively. The panels 42, 44 may be made of optical glass. The display 12 may include polarizing filter panels 46, 48, which are oriented orthogonal to each other. A control layer 50, which may include transistors and electrodes, may be utilized. Liquid crystal 52 is utilized and may be divided into an array of pixels 22. In embodiments where color filtering is required, a color filter 54 may be used. The color filter 54 may include red, green, and blue sub-pixels, which are combined to form color pixels. The light passing through the color sub-pixels determines the color of the light passing through the electronic display 12. According to the principles of liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal 52 may be changed to change the orientation of the crystal. A varying amount of light may be transmitted by the liquid crystal 52 based on the voltage applied to the crystal. However, in the electronic display 12, unlike standard LCD technology, there is no backlight. The image itself generates light that passes through the electronic display 12. In other embodiments, the electronic display 12 using liquid crystals can have different uses and structures than those shown. For example, in one embodiment, a single pixel (1×1 arrangement) can be utilized, and the brightness of the image can be changed to a desired amount using a single pixel. In one embodiment, the order of the inner layers 50, 52, 54 can be changed, or the presence or absence of 50, 52, 54 can be determined according to the desired structure of the electronic display 12. In one embodiment, the presence or structure of the polarizing filter panels 46, 48 can be changed as needed.

[0054] Figure 6B An embodiment of a portion of an electronic display 12 in which an OLED is utilized is shown. The portion of the display 12 may include a front panel 56 and a rear panel 58, which may correspond to the front and rear surfaces of the display 12, respectively. The panels 56, 58 may be made of optical glass. The display 12 may include a cathode 60 and an anode 62. An electronic controller 64 may be provided in the form of a transistor matrix. The organic layer 66 may be provided as an array divided into pixels 24. In an embodiment providing color filtering, the pixels 24 may be arranged as sub-pixels that emit a color. As Figure 6B As shown, three pixels 24 are shown, which are red, green and blue pixels. The pixels 24 can be arranged into sub-pixels that emit a color (e.g., an emission color of purple or orange). In other embodiments, the OLED may not provide a color. The OLED panel may be transparent and may allow light from an image to pass therethrough so that the light from the image is changed by the light from the OLED. The configuration of the OLED may be similar to Figure 6BThe configuration shown is different. In one embodiment, the configuration may be active matrix (AMOLED), or in other embodiments, may be passive (PMOLED). In one embodiment, a single OLED pixel may be provided (1×1 arrangement).

[0055] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D The panel shown may have a hard anti-reflection coating. Ravg may be less than 0.2% @ 400–700nm with an incident angle of 15 degrees. Preferably, the transmitted wavefront error may be less than 1 / 2λ.

[0056] although Fig. 6A The embodiments using liquid crystals shown in the drawings illustrate a certain type of liquid crystal display architecture, but it is understood that electronic devices utilizing liquid crystals for electronic display purposes as disclosed herein may have other types of architectures, wherein all such different architectures are within the scope of the present disclosure. FIG. 6C to FIG. 6D , where an embodiment of an electronic display 100 using liquid crystal is shown having Fig. 6A The architecture shown is different from the one shown. In this example, the liquid crystal is provided in a guest-host liquid crystal architecture, which includes a liquid crystal cell filled with two materials; namely, a dye material or "guest", and a liquid crystal material or "host". In one example, the shape of both the guest material and the host material is similar to the rod inside the battery cell. The transmission state of such an electronic display can be controlled by different orientations of the liquid crystal layer.

[0057] The transmission of light through an electronic display is controlled by a liquid crystal guest-host dye layer. By applying different voltages across this layer, the orientation of the director of the liquid crystal can be changed to different states. Since the chemical structure of the dye molecules is similar to that of the liquid crystal molecules, the dye molecules align themselves with the liquid crystal director. FIG. 6C to FIG. 6D An electronic display 100 is shown, and schematic diagrams of director structures for two representative states are provided. When unpolarized light is incident on a dye material, polarization-dependent absorption occurs. By introducing a twist in the liquid crystal guest-host dye layer, the orientation of the dye will be different throughout the liquid crystal layer, and thus the absorption becomes polarization-independent.

[0058] Figure 6C Electronic display 100 is shown in a first state in which the liquid crystal directors are aligned 102 to reduce transmission of light through electronic display 100 . Figure 6C The electronic display 100 is shown in a second state in which the liquid crystal directors are aligned 104 to increase transmission of light through the electronic display 100. The change in alignment of the liquid crystal directors changes based on an electric field applied to the electronic display.

[0059] In other embodiments, other forms of electronic displays may be used.

[0060] Fig. 7A An embodiment of an electronic panel 61 is shown in which liquid crystal 63 is used to filter an image by scattering light. The liquid crystal can be configured to randomly orient itself when a voltage or other form of energy is applied to or removed from the liquid crystal. When the orientation of the liquid crystal changes, a dispersion of light that produces scattering of light can result. The degree of scattering can be changed by changing the amount of voltage or other form of energy applied to or removed from the liquid crystal. Fig. 7A The rightmost image shows the random orientation of the liquid crystals.

[0061] Figure 7B An embodiment of an electronic panel 65 is shown, in which liquid crystal 67 or particles (e.g., glass fiber fragments) are used to filter images through glare. The liquid crystal or other particles can be configured to orient the liquid crystal or other particles themselves in a certain direction when a voltage or other form of energy is applied or removed. For example, the liquid crystal or other particles can be configured to orient themselves in a horizontal direction. When the orientation of the liquid crystal or particles is aligned horizontally, horizontal glare of the light passing through the panel 65 may occur, which is similar to the operation of a "stripe" filter. In other embodiments, other directions of alignment and glare can be provided. For example, vertical glare or diagonal glare can be provided, which is also similar to the operation of a "stripe" filter. In one embodiment, the liquid crystal or other particles can be configured to orient themselves radially, thereby generating radial glare. The degree of glare can be changed by changing the amount of voltage or other form of energy applied to or removed from the liquid crystal, which will change the orientation of the liquid crystal or particles accordingly. Figure 7B The rightmost image shows a horizontal orientation of the liquid crystals or particles, which results in a horizontal glare of light (although other orientations may also be provided).

[0062] In one embodiment, a combination of liquid crystals and OLEDs may be utilized. Figure 7C The construction of an electronic panel 69 is shown, where an electronic panel 71 including one or more OLEDs is used in combination with an electronic panel 73 including liquid crystals. The panels 71, 73 can be operated according to the methods disclosed herein for OLED panels and liquid crystal panels, respectively. The panels 71, 73 can be in a stacked directional configuration, where light passes through both panels 71, 73. Thus, the electronic panel 73 can darken or lighten an image (or produce other optical effects disclosed herein), and the electronic panel 71 can add overlay light on the resulting image to produce filtered light.

[0063] The electronic panels disclosed herein can be controlled by the devices, systems and methods disclosed herein. Combinations of panels and panel effects can be provided as desired.

[0064] Figure 8 A side view representation of a camera system 70 is shown. The camera system 70 may include a camera 72, and may include a lens system 74. The lens system 74 may include a camera lens 76, and may include a matte box 78. The matte box 78 may include a filter slot 80 for receiving the filter 10. The filter 10 may be located on an object side 82 (opposite to an image side, on which the camera receives an image) of the camera lens 76. The camera lens 76 may include one or more individual lens elements.

[0065] The filter 10 may be removably coupled to a matte box 78. The matte box 78 may be a conventional matte box used with a movie camera.

[0066] In other embodiments, other forms of connection of the filter 10 to the lens system 74 or camera system 70 may be used. For example, a threaded, snap-on or other form of mechanical connection for coupling may be provided.

[0067] Fig. 9 A front perspective view of the camera system 70 is shown. The filter 10 is mounted in a matte box 78.

[0068] exist Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment, the filter 10 is located between the camera lens 76 and the image receiver 69 of the camera 72. The image receiver 69 may include a digital sensor or film for receiving the camera image, or other forms of image receivers. The filter 10 can be configured to provide the filtering disclosed herein, but still be located on the image side of the camera lens 76 and the object side of the image receiver 69. A plurality of lens elements 73, 75 and 77 are shown as being included in the lens 76. The filter 10 is located in the optical path of the camera system 71. In certain embodiments, preferably, the filter 10 may include an OLED for providing the OLED filtering disclosed herein. The filter 10 may be removably or permanently coupled to the camera system 71.

[0069] In the embodiments herein, the camera 72 may be a camera for moving images (film camera or digital camera), or may be a static image camera, for example, a camera for still photography. The camera may be used for cinematic purposes (movie production), as well as for non-cinematographic or commercial purposes. In one embodiment, the camera may be a mobile device (smartphone or other form of mobile device).

[0070] For example, Fig.11A filter 79 including an electronic display 81 according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown. The filter 79 is to be coupled to the object side of a camera lens 83 of a camera of a mobile device 85. The filtering disclosed herein may be provided. The filter 79 may be removably coupled to the mobile device 85. The removable coupling may be achieved by adhesive, screws, or snap fits or other forms of coupling. In one embodiment, the filter 79 may be located on the image side of the camera lens 83 and may therefore be permanently coupled to the mobile device 85.

[0071] In one embodiment, the filters, electronic displays, and other devices, systems, and methods are not limited to use with cameras. The filters, electronic displays, and other devices, systems, and methods can be used in other optical implementations, such as augmented reality viewers (including headsets, handheld earpieces, etc.) and virtual reality viewers (including headsets, handheld earpieces, etc.).

[0072] The present application is not limited to the devices and systems disclosed herein, but also extends to all methods of using, providing or performing any of the devices and systems disclosed herein and their respective features.

[0073] Finally, it is understood that, although various aspects of this specification are highlighted by reference to specific embodiments, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that these disclosed embodiments are merely illustrations of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it is understood that the disclosed subject matter is by no means limited to the specific methods, schemes, and / or reagents described herein, etc. Thus, various modifications or changes or alternative configurations may be made to the disclosed subject matter according to the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of this specification. Finally, the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein, which scope is defined only by the claims. Accordingly, the systems, devices, and methods are not limited to being precisely as shown and described.

[0074] Certain embodiments of systems, devices and methods are described herein, including the best modes known to the inventor for performing the systems, devices and methods. Of course, after reading the foregoing description, variations of the described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The inventor expects that such variations will be appropriately adopted by those of ordinary skill in the art, and the inventor intends to practice the systems, devices and methods in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Therefore, the systems, devices and methods include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recorded in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. In addition, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is covered by the systems, devices and methods.

[0075] The grouping of alternative embodiments, elements or steps of systems, devices and methods should not be construed as limiting. Each grouping member may be cited and claimed individually or in any combination with other grouping members disclosed herein. It is contemplated that one or more members of a grouping may be included in or deleted from a grouping for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the modified grouping, thereby satisfying the written description of all Markush combinations used in the appended claims.

[0076] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing features, items, amounts, parameters, characteristics, terms, etc. used in the specification and claims are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means that the feature, item, amount, parameter, characteristic, or term so defined encompasses approximate values ​​that may vary but still be capable of performing the desired operation or process discussed herein.

[0077] The terms "one", "an", "the" and similar referents used in the context of describing systems, devices and methods (particularly in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted as covering both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the systems, devices and methods, and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the systems, devices and methods otherwise claimed for protection. Any language in the present specification should not be interpreted as indicating any unclaimed element that is essential to the practice of the systems, devices and methods.

[0078] All patents, patent publications and other publications cited and identified in this specification are incorporated herein by reference individually and explicitly in their entirety, for describing and disclosing, for example, components and methods described in these publications, which can be used in combination with systems, devices and methods. These publications are only provided for their disclosure before the filing date of this application. In this regard, nothing should be construed as admitting that the inventor has no right to precede such disclosure by prior invention or for any other reason. All statements about the date or content of these documents are based on the information available to the applicant and do not constitute an admission of the correctness of the date or content of these documents.

Claims

1. A filter for a camera lens, the filter comprising: an electronic display configured to be coupled to an object side of the camera lens and configured to filter an image on the object side of the electronic display for the camera lens; a controller configured to electronically control light filtering of the electronic display; and An input device is used to receive control for controlling the controller.

2. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display includes liquid crystal for filtering the image.

3. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display includes one or more organic light emitting diodes therein for filtering the image.

4. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a housing coupled to the electronic display, wherein the controller and the input device are located within the housing.

5. The optical filter according to claim 4, characterized in that The housing includes at least a portion of a frame for the electronic display.

6. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to be removably coupled to a matte box for coupling to the camera lens.

7. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display includes a front surface, a rear surface, and one or more side surfaces, and the housing is located at the one or more side surfaces.

8. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display includes one or more pixels.

9. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display includes an array of pixels.

10. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to filter the image on an object side of the electronic display by reducing an amount of light transmitted through the electronic display.

11. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to filter the image on an object side of the electronic display by scattering light transmitted through the electronic display.

12. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to filter the image on an object side of the electronic display by glaring light transmitted through the electronic display.

13. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to filter the image on an object side of the electronic display by emitting light superimposed on the image.

14. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to filter the image on an object side of the electronic display substantially equally for all colors of the image.

15. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic display includes a first portion and a second portion, both of which are configured to allow light to pass through, and the controller is configured to electronically control filtering of the electronic display so that while the first portion filters the image, the second portion does not filter the image.

16. The optical filter according to claim 15, characterized in that The controller is configured to electronically control filtering of the electronic display such that the first portion does not filter the image while the second portion filters the image.

17. The optical filter according to claim 1, characterized in that The input device includes a wireless signal receiver.

18. An optical filter for a camera system, the optical filter comprising: an electronic display configured to be coupled to a portion of the camera system in an optical path of the camera system and configured to filter an image on an object side of the electronic display for the camera system, the electronic display comprising one or more organic light emitting diodes; a controller configured to electronically control light filtering of the electronic display; and An input device is used to receive control for controlling the controller.

19. The optical filter according to claim 18, characterized in that The filter is configured to be coupled to the camera system between a camera lens of the camera system and an image receptor of the camera system.

20. The optical filter according to claim 18, characterized in that The filter is configured to be coupled to the camera system at an object side of a camera lens of the camera system.

21. The optical filter according to claim 18, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to filter the image on an object side of the electronic display by emitting light superimposed on the image.

22. A camera system comprising: Cameras, including camera lenses; an electronic display configured to be coupled to an object side of the camera lens and configured to filter an image on the object side of the electronic display for the camera lens; a controller configured to electronically control light filtering of the electronic display; and An input device is used to receive control for controlling the controller.

23. The camera system according to claim 22, characterized in that The camera includes a film camera or a digital camera.

24. The camera system according to claim 22, characterized in that Also included is a matte box, wherein the electronic display, the controller, and the input device are coupled together to form a unit, the unit being configured to be removably coupled to the matte box.

25. The camera system of claim 22, wherein: The electronic display includes one or more pixels.

26. The camera system of claim 22, wherein: The electronic display includes liquid crystal for filtering the image, or one or more organic light emitting diodes for filtering the image, or a combination of the liquid crystal and the one or more organic light emitting diodes.

27. The camera system of claim 22, wherein: Also included is a control terminal for wirelessly connecting to the input device to provide control to the input device.

28. A camera system comprising: a camera, including a camera lens; an electronic display configured to be coupled to a portion of the camera system in an optical path of the camera system and configured to filter an image for an object side of the electronic display of the camera system, the electronic display comprising one or more organic light emitting diodes; a controller configured to electronically control light filtering of the electronic display; and An input device is used to receive a control for controlling the controller.

29. The camera system according to claim 28, characterized in that The filter is configured to be coupled to the camera system between a camera lens and an image receiver of the camera system.

30. The camera system of claim 28, wherein: The filter is configured to be coupled to the camera system at an object side of the camera lens.

31. The optical filter according to claim 28, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to filter the image on an object side of the electronic display by emitting light superimposed on the image.

32. A method for filtering an image for a camera lens, comprising: An image on the object side of the camera lens for the camera lens is filtered using an electronic display located on the object side of the camera lens.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that Also included is changing the filtering of the electronic display.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that Also included is dynamically changing the filtering of the electronic display.

35. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The electronic display includes one or more pixels for filtering the image.

36. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The electronic display includes liquid crystal for filtering the image, or one or more organic light emitting diodes for filtering the image, or a combination of the liquid crystal and the one or more organic light emitting diodes.

37. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that Also included is wirelessly transmitting controls to the electronic display to change the light filtering of the electronic display.

38. A method for filtering an image in a camera system, comprising: An image on an object side of an electronic display for the camera system is filtered using an electronic display located in an optical path of the camera system, the electronic display including one or more organic light emitting diodes.

39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that Also included is changing the filtering of the electronic display.

40. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that Also included is dynamically changing the filtering of the electronic display.

41. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that The electronic display includes one or more pixels for filtering the image.

42. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that The electronic display is configured to filter the image on an object side of the electronic display by emitting light superimposed on the image.

Images