Image capturing device and electronic device with image capturing function

Abstract

An image capturing device includes a liquid crystal aperture module including a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a driving module, and a photographing module. The first substrate and the second substrate are located between the first polaroid and the second polaroid, the liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, each liquid crystal molecule has an arrangement direction, and the liquid crystal aperture module has an aperture center. The driving module is electrically connected with the first substrate and the second substrate of the liquid crystal aperture module to control the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to change the arrangement direction. And the photographing module is positioned at the downstream of the light path of the liquid crystal aperture module and comprises a sensing module which is provided with a sensing optical axis, and the sensing optical axis is aligned with the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an image capturing device, in particular to an image capturing device with an aperture. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, image capture devices on electronic devices have evolved from simple low-pixel photography to multi-lens, high-resolution and multi-functional photography. However, there is still a need to effectively control multiple shooting parameters such as aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity, focal length, exposure compensation, etc. during shooting.

[0003] The aperture affects the amount of light entering, depth of field, image sharpness, and flexibility of exposure control. When adjusting the aperture size, photographic devices often rely on mechanical control of the opening and closing of blades to adjust the aperture size. Therefore, when designing and using the aperture, more attention should be paid to the size, durability, high-precision control, and assembly accuracy of the aperture.

[0004] Specifically, advanced electronic devices are designed to be thin, and mechanically controlling the aperture blades can easily increase the aperture thickness, and may cause inevitable mechanical wear after increased use. In addition, it is also easy for the image capture device to interfere with the image quality when it leaves the factory or after a period of use due to inaccurate assembly. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, an image capture device includes: a liquid crystal aperture module, a driving module and a photographing module, the liquid crystal aperture module includes a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are located between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, the liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, each of which has an arrangement direction, and the liquid crystal aperture module has an aperture center. The driving module is electrically connected to the first substrate and the second substrate of the liquid crystal aperture module to control each liquid crystal molecule in the liquid crystal layer to change the arrangement direction. The photographing module is located downstream of the optical path of the liquid crystal aperture module, and the photographing module includes a sensing module having a sensing optical axis, and the sensing optical axis is aligned with the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module.

[0006] In one embodiment, the arrangement direction of each liquid crystal molecule in the liquid crystal layer includes a first direction and a second direction. The driving module controls part of the liquid crystal molecules to be arranged in the first direction, and each liquid crystal molecule arranged in the first direction forms a light-transmitting area to allow imaging light to pass through and enter the photographic module. The driving module controls part of the liquid crystal molecules to be arranged in the second direction, and each liquid crystal molecule arranged in the second direction forms a light-opaque area to prevent imaging light from passing through and entering the photographic module.

[0007] In one embodiment, the photographing module further includes a lens module located between the liquid crystal aperture module and the sensing module. The side of the lens module facing the liquid crystal aperture module has a lens diameter. The liquid crystal aperture module has a maximum aperture diameter that is greater than or equal to the lens diameter.

[0008] In one embodiment, the driving module includes a driving circuit and a controller, the controller is electrically connected to the photographing module, and the controller controls the driving circuit to apply voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module to change the arrangement direction of each liquid crystal molecule of the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal aperture module.

[0009] In one embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules may be twisted nematic liquid crystals, vertically aligned liquid crystals or in-plane switching liquid crystals.

[0010] In one embodiment, it further includes a base and a circuit board, the camera module and the driving module are arranged on the circuit board, the base is fixed to the camera module and electrically connected to the driving module via the circuit, and the liquid crystal aperture module is arranged on the base and electrically connected to the base.

[0011] In one embodiment, the circuit is formed on the substrate by laser direct structuring.

[0012] In one embodiment, the circuit is a metal conductor, and the metal conductor is embedded in the base by injection molding (Insert Molding).

[0013] In one embodiment, the base includes a plurality of contacts, each contact is coated with conductive glue, and the first substrate and the second substrate are electrically connected to each contact via the conductive glue.

[0014] In one embodiment, it further includes a circuit board, which includes a first board, a second board and a third board. The first board and the third board are connected via the second board. The photographic module and the driving module are arranged on the first board, and the liquid crystal aperture module is arranged on the third board. The second board can be bent so that the liquid crystal aperture module is located on the photographic module and the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module is aligned with the sensing optical axis of the sensing module of the photographic module.

[0015] In one embodiment, it further includes a base, the base is fixed to the camera module, and the liquid crystal aperture module is disposed on the base.

[0016] In one embodiment, an optical deflection element is further included, which is located between the liquid crystal aperture module and the camera module. The optical deflection element has an incident surface, a reflective surface and an exit surface. The liquid crystal aperture module is attached to the incident surface so that the imaging light passing through the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module can pass through the incident surface, be reflected at the reflective surface, and pass through the exit surface to enter the sensing optical axis of the sensing module.

[0017] The present invention further provides an electronic device with image capture, comprising an input interface, an image capture device, a mainboard and a display. The input interface is used to receive input instructions. The image capture device is connected to the input interface, and the image capture device comprises a liquid crystal aperture module, a driving module and a photographing module. The liquid crystal aperture module comprises a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are located between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, the liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, each of which has an arrangement direction, and the liquid crystal aperture module has an aperture center. The driving module is electrically connected to the input interface, the first substrate and the second substrate to control each liquid crystal molecule of the liquid crystal layer to change its arrangement direction according to the input instruction. The photographing module is located downstream of the optical path of the liquid crystal aperture module, the photographing module comprises a sensing module, having a sensing optical axis, the sensing optical axis is aligned with the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module, and the sensing module captures the image of the target object according to the input instruction and converts it into an image signal. The mainboard is connected to the image capture device, and the mainboard receives the image signal from the image capture device. The display is connected to the mainboard, the display has an opening, the liquid crystal aperture module is located in the opening, and the display receives the image signal through the mainboard and displays the image according to the image signal.

[0018] The present invention also provides an electronic device with image capture, comprising an input interface, an image capture device, a mainboard, a display and a housing. The input interface is used to receive input instructions. The image capture device is connected to the input interface, and the image capture device comprises a liquid crystal aperture module, a driving module and a photographing module. The liquid crystal aperture module comprises a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are located between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, the liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, the liquid crystal molecules respectively have an arrangement direction, and the liquid crystal aperture module has an aperture center. The driving module is electrically connected to the input interface, the first substrate and the second substrate to control each liquid crystal molecule of the liquid crystal layer to change the arrangement direction according to the input instruction. The photographing module is located downstream of the optical path of the liquid crystal aperture module, the photographing module comprises a sensing module, having a sensing optical axis, the sensing optical axis is aligned with the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module, and the sensing module captures the image of the target object according to the input instruction and converts it into an image signal. The mainboard is connected to the image capture device, and the mainboard receives the image signal from the image capture device. The display receives the image signal through the mainboard and displays the image according to the image signal. The shell has a window, the mainboard and the camera module are arranged in the shell and the display, and the liquid crystal aperture module is arranged in the window.

[0019] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but is not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of an image capture device according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective exploded view of the image capture device of an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an image capture device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal aperture module and a driving module according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5a FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal aperture module according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5b for Figure 5a A schematic top view of a liquid crystal aperture module in an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6a FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal aperture module according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6b for Figure 6a A schematic top view of a liquid crystal aperture module in an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7a FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal aperture module according to yet another embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7b for Figure 7a A schematic top view of a liquid crystal aperture module in an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a driving module applying voltage to a liquid crystal aperture module according to an embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a driving module applying voltage to a liquid crystal aperture module according to another embodiment.

[0032] Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a driving module applying voltage to a liquid crystal aperture module according to yet another embodiment.

[0033] Fig.11 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal aperture module and a driving module according to another embodiment.

[0034] Fig.12 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal aperture module and a driving module according to yet another embodiment.

[0035] Fig.13 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal aperture module and a driving module according to yet another embodiment.

[0036] Fig.14 FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of an image capture device according to another embodiment.

[0037] Fig.15 FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional exploded view of an image capture device according to another embodiment.

[0038] Fig.16 for Fig.15 A three-dimensional image of the image capture device showing the circuit board unfolded.

[0039] Fig.17 for Fig.16 A three-dimensional image of the image capture device showing the bending state of the circuit board.

[0040] Fig.18 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an image capture device according to another embodiment.

[0041] Fig.19 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device with image capture function according to an embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 20 for Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of an electronic device with image capture function.

[0043] Fig.21 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device with image capture function according to another embodiment.

[0044] Wherein, the reference numerals are:

[0045] 10: Image capture device

[0046] 100: LCD aperture module

[0047] 102: First polarizer

[0048] 104: Second polarizer

[0049] 106 first substrate

[0050] 108: Second substrate

[0051] 110: Liquid crystal layer

[0052] 112,112a,112b: Liquid crystal molecules

[0053] 113a: light transmission area

[0054] 113b: opaque area

[0055] 114: Frame glue

[0056] 120:Driver module

[0057] 122: Driving circuit

[0058] 124: Controller

[0059] 126: Carrier board

[0060] 130: Photography module

[0061] 132: Sensing module

[0062] 134: Lens module

[0063] 140: Base

[0064] 142: Inner wall

[0065] 144:Contact

[0066] 150: Circuit board

[0067] 152: Circuit

[0068] 154: First Board

[0069] 156: Second board

[0070] 158: Third Plate

[0071] 160: Optical steering element

[0072] 162: Incident surface

[0073] 164: Reflective surface

[0074] 166:Ejection surface

[0075] 20: Input interface

[0076] 30: Motherboard

[0077] 40: Display

[0078] 42: Opening

[0079] 50: Shell

[0080] 52: Window

[0081] As: Sensing optical axis

[0082] CA: Aperture Center

[0083] dAmax: Maximum aperture diameter

[0084] dA: aperture diameter

[0085] dl: lens diameter

[0086] IL: Imaging Ray

[0087] V1, V2, V3: voltage DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of an image capture device according to an embodiment, Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional exploded view of the image capture device of the embodiment, Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an image capture device of an embodiment. The image capture device 10 comprises a liquid crystal aperture module 100, a driving module 120 and a photographing module 130, wherein the driving module 120 is electrically connected to the liquid crystal aperture module 100, the photographing module 130 is located downstream of the optical path of the liquid crystal aperture module 100, the photographing module 130 comprises a sensing module 132, the sensing module 132 has a sensing optical axis As, the liquid crystal aperture module 100 has an aperture center CA, and the sensing optical axis As of the sensing module 132 is aligned with the aperture center CA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100.

[0089] In some embodiments, the photographic module 130 is used to capture images of objects or environments. When the photographic module 130 is shooting, light from the object or environment to be captured will enter the photographic module 130 and be captured by the sensor module 132 in the photographic module 130 to form an image.

[0090] When the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is disposed upstream of the optical path of the camera module 130, the light from the object or the environment will first pass through the liquid crystal aperture module 100. Figure 4 , Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal aperture module and a driving module according to an embodiment. The liquid crystal aperture module 100 comprises a first polarizer 102, a second polarizer 104, a first substrate 106, a second substrate 108 and a liquid crystal layer 110, wherein the liquid crystal layer 110 is located between the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108, and the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108 are located between the first polarizer 102 and the second polarizer 104, that is, the elements between the first polarizer 102 and the second polarizer 104 of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 are the first polarizer 102, the first substrate 106, the liquid crystal layer 110, the second substrate 108 and the second polarizer 104 in sequence.

[0091] The liquid crystal layer 110 includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 112, each of which has an arrangement direction. The driving module 120 is electrically connected to the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108 of the liquid crystal aperture module 100. When the driving module 120 applies a voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal layer 110 changes, thereby allowing or not allowing light to pass through the liquid crystal layer 110, thereby controlling the amount of light entering the sensing module 132 of the camera module 130, thereby affecting the exposure, depth of field effect, image quality, etc. of the image captured by the camera module 130.

[0092] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal molecules 112 may be twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN), vertical alignment liquid crystal (VA), or in-plane switching liquid crystal (IPS), etc., without limitation herein.

[0093] For reference Figure 4 , Figure 5a ,and Figure 5b , Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal aperture module according to an embodiment, Figure 5b for Figure 5a A schematic top view of a liquid crystal aperture module in an embodiment. Figure 5a The liquid crystal molecules 112 take vertically aligned liquid crystal (VA) as an example. In some embodiments, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal layer 110 includes a first direction and a second direction. Here, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 112a is used as the first direction, and the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 112b is used as the second direction. The driving module 120 can control the liquid crystal molecules 112 to be partially arranged in the first direction and partially arranged in the second direction.

[0094] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal molecules 112 (eg, Figure 5a The liquid crystal molecules 112a shown in the figure form a light-transmitting area 113a to allow light (hereinafter referred to as imaging light IL) from an object or environment entering the image capture device 10 to pass through and enter the camera module 130. The liquid crystal molecules 112 (such as Figure 5a The liquid crystal molecules 112 b shown in the figure form a light-proof area 113 b that does not allow the imaging light IL entering the image capture device 10 to pass through.

[0095] In the embodiment where the liquid crystal molecules 112 are vertically aligned liquid crystals, the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal layer 110 are arranged in the second direction in an initial state when no voltage is applied. When the driving module 120 applies a voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100, the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal layer 110 affected by the external voltage will change their arrangement direction from the aperture center CA to the first direction to allow the imaging light IL to pass through.

[0096] refer to Figure 6a and Figure 7a , Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal aperture module according to another embodiment, Figure 7aFIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal aperture module according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, the driving module 120 controls the area size of the region where the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal aperture module 100, so that the area size of the light-transmitting area 113a and the light-impermeable area 113b can be adjusted, thereby achieving the effect of adjusting the aperture size of the liquid crystal aperture module 100.

[0097] Taking the embodiment in which the liquid crystal molecules 112 are vertically aligned liquid crystals and are arranged in the second direction in the initial state when no voltage is applied as an example, when the driving module 120 applies voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100, the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules 112 changes from the second direction to the first direction starting from the aperture center CA to form a light-transmitting area 113a. When the area of ​​the region where the driving module 120 applies voltage to the liquid crystal molecules 112 is larger, the area of ​​the light-transmitting area 113a is larger. In some embodiments, the size of the light-transmitting area 113a can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the area of ​​the liquid crystal layer 110 controlled by the patterned ITO electrode voltage, thereby achieving the aperture effect.

[0098] Combination Figure 5a , 6a and 7a, and refer to Figure 5b , 6b and 7b, Figure 6b for Figure 6a A schematic top view of a liquid crystal aperture module in an embodiment, Figure 7b for Figure 7a A schematic top view of the liquid crystal aperture module in the embodiment, in the above embodiment, when the light-transmitting area 113a is larger, the aperture diameter dA formed by the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is larger. Conversely, when the light-transmitting area 113a is smaller, the aperture diameter dA formed by the liquid crystal aperture module is smaller.

[0099] In some other embodiments, if the liquid crystal molecules 112 are arranged in the second direction in the initial state without applying voltage, when the driving module 120 does not apply voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100, the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules 112 maintains the second direction, and the liquid crystal layer 110 does not have a light-transmitting area 113a, but is completely a light-impermeable area 113b. At this time, the liquid crystal aperture module 100 can also be used as a closed shutter of the camera module 130 to achieve an electronically controlled shading effect to shield the imaging light IL from entering the camera module 130.

[0100] Re-reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the photographic module 130 includes a lens module 134, which is located between the sensing module 132 and the liquid crystal aperture module 100. The side of the lens module 134 facing the liquid crystal aperture module 100 has a lens diameter dl, and the liquid crystal aperture module 100 has a maximum aperture diameter dAmax, wherein the maximum aperture diameter dAmax is greater than or equal to the lens diameter dl.

[0101] In the aforementioned embodiment where the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal layer 110 are vertically aligned liquid crystals arranged in the second direction in the initial state without voltage applied, if the driving module 120 applies voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100, the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal layer 110 are all arranged in the first direction, at which time the liquid crystal layer 110 of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 does not have the opaque region 113b, and the aperture diameter dA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is the maximum aperture diameter dAmax. The maximum aperture diameter dAmax of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is greater than or equal to the lens diameter d1, which can prevent the aperture of the camera module 130 from being limited by the maximum aperture diameter dAmax of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 when the aperture requirement of the camera module 130 is the maximum.

[0102] In some embodiments, the transparent area 113a and the opaque area 113b are concentric circles with the aperture center CA as the center. When the driving module 120 applies voltage to the liquid crystal layer 110 to change the direction of the liquid crystal molecules 112, the transparent area 113a will be formed starting from the aperture center CA.

[0103] In some embodiments, when the liquid crystal aperture module 100 and the camera module 130 are integrated into the image capture device 10, the sensing optical axis As of the camera module 130 can be confirmed first, and then the position of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 corresponding to the sensing optical axis As is used as the aperture center CA, and the control method of the driving module 120 is set based on the aperture center CA.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first polarizer 102 and the second polarizer 104 are used to make the imaging light IL generate linear polarized light to cooperate with the liquid crystal layer 110 to achieve an aperture effect. The first polarizer 102 and the second polarizer 104 can be adjusted according to the type of the liquid crystal molecules 112. For example, when the liquid crystal molecules 112 are twisted nematic liquid crystals, the polarization angles of the first polarizer 102 and the second polarizer 104 can be perpendicular to each other.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108 are indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive glass respectively and have patterned ITO electrodes. The driving module 120 is electrically connected to the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108 to provide an electric field required to control the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 112 .

[0106] In some embodiments, the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108 are coated with alignment films to control the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 112 when the driving module 120 does not apply a voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100 .

[0107] Re-reference Figure 4In some embodiments, the liquid crystal aperture module 100 includes a sealant 114 for sealing the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal layer 110 and fixing the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108 .

[0108] Re-reference Figure 1 or Figure 4 In some embodiments, the driving module 120 includes a driving circuit 122 and a controller 124. The controller 124 is electrically connected to the photographing module 130. The controller 124 controls the driving circuit 122 to apply voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100 to adjust the size of the light-transmitting area 113a or the opaque area 113b in the liquid crystal layer 110 according to the requirements of the photographing module 130 when the user uses the image capture device 10 to take pictures.

[0109] In some embodiments, in addition to controlling the aperture diameter dA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 by the driving module 120, the transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 may also be controlled. In some embodiments, taking the liquid crystal molecules 112 as a vertically aligned liquid crystal as an example, when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal molecules 112 is greater, the liquid crystal molecules 112 allow more imaging light IL to pass through, and the transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is higher. In other embodiments, taking the liquid crystal molecules 112 as a twisted nematic liquid crystal as an example, when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal molecules 112 is smaller, the liquid crystal molecules 112 allow more imaging light IL to pass through, and the transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is higher.

[0110] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a driving module applying voltage to a liquid crystal aperture module according to an embodiment, Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a driving module applying voltage to a liquid crystal aperture module according to another embodiment. Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a driving module applying voltage to a liquid crystal aperture module according to yet another embodiment. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 The liquid crystal molecules 112 of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 of the embodiment are twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN) as an example, and Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 The driving module 120 applies voltages V1, V2, and V3 to the liquid crystal aperture module 100. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the voltage V1 = 0V, the liquid crystal molecules 112 are arranged in the first direction when not subjected to voltage and allow the imaging light IL to pass through, and the light transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is 100%; Fig.10 In the embodiment, the voltage V3> the voltage V1, the liquid crystal molecules 112 are affected by the voltage V3 and change their arrangement direction to the second direction so that the imaging light IL cannot pass through the liquid crystal layer 110, and the transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is 0%; and Fig. 9 In the embodiment, voltage V3>voltage V2>voltage V1, the liquid crystal molecules 112 are affected by the voltage V2 and change their arrangement direction to between the first direction and the second direction, so that part of the imaging light IL can pass through the liquid crystal layer 110, and the transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 can be between 0% and 100%, for example, 75%.

[0111] In these embodiments, the lower the transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100, the lower the amount of imaging light IL passing through the liquid crystal aperture module 100 and entering the camera module 130. When the image capture device 10 is used, the controller 124 of the driving module 120 can control the voltage applied to the liquid crystal aperture module 100 by the driving circuit 122 according to the requirements of the camera module 130 when the user uses the image capture device 10 to adjust the transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100.

[0112] refer to Fig.11 , Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal aperture module and a driving module according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, the driving circuit 122 and the controller 124 of the driving module 120 may be disposed on the second substrate 108 to be electrically connected to the second substrate 108 .

[0113] Continued reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, only the driving circuit 122 is disposed on the second substrate 108 to be electrically connected to the second substrate 108, and the controller 124 is disposed on a circuit board 150. The circuit board 150 may be a circuit board 150 for supplying power to the camera module 130, which is not limited here, and a carrier board 126 is electrically connected between the controller 124 and the driving circuit 122. In some embodiments, the carrier board 126 is a chip-on-film (COF) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0114] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 , Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal aperture module and a driving module according to yet another embodiment. Fig.131 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal aperture module and a driving module according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, the driving circuit 122 and the controller 124 may be both disposed on the circuit board 150, and electrically connected to the liquid crystal aperture module 100 via the carrier board 126. In other embodiments, one of the driving circuit 122 and the controller 124 may be disposed on the circuit board 150, and the other may be disposed on the carrier board 126, and electrically connected to the liquid crystal aperture module 100 via the carrier board 126. In this way, the driving module 120 and the liquid crystal aperture module 100 may be electrically connected, so that the driving circuit 122 can apply a voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100 to control the aperture diameter dA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 or the light transmittance of the liquid crystal aperture module 100.

[0115] Re-reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the image capture device 10 further includes a base 140 and a circuit board 150, the photographic module 130 and the driving module 120 are disposed on the circuit board 150, the base 140 is fixed to the photographic module 130 and is electrically connected to the driving module 120 via the circuit 152, and the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is disposed on the base 140 and is electrically connected to the base 140.

[0116] In some embodiments, the base 140 includes a plurality of contacts 144, and conductive glue can be applied to each contact 144 to electrically connect the liquid crystal aperture module 100 to the base 140. The base 140 has an inner wall 142, and a glue such as a light-curing resin can be applied to the inner wall 142 to fix the liquid crystal aperture module 100 to the base 140. The base 140 and the camera module 130 can be fixed by gluing or other methods.

[0117] In some embodiments, the circuit 152 for electrically connecting the base 140 and the driving module 120 is a metal guide. The metal guide can be embedded in the base 140 by an insert molding process to form an integral body with the base 140, and the metal guide is pin-welded with the signal pins of the camera module 130 and the driving module 120 disposed on the circuit board 150, so that the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is electrically connected to the driving module 120 and the aperture diameter dA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 can be controlled via the driving module 120.

[0118] refer to Fig.14 , Fig.14FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of an image capture device according to another embodiment. In other embodiments, the circuit 152 that electrically connects the base 140 and the driving module 120 is formed on the base 140 by laser direct structuring, and when the base 140 is fixed to the camera module 130, the circuit 152 is pin-welded with the signal pins of the camera module 130 and the driving module 120 on the circuit board 150, so that the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is electrically connected to the driving module 120.

[0119] refer to Figures 15 to 17 , Fig.15 is a three-dimensional exploded view of an image capture device according to another embodiment; Fig.16 for Fig.15 A three-dimensional image of the image capture device showing the circuit board in an unfolded state; Fig.17 for Fig.16 A three-dimensional view of an image capture device, showing a circuit board in a bent state. In some embodiments, the circuit board 150 of the image capture device 10 includes a first board 154, a second board 156, and a third board 158, wherein the first board 154 and the third board 158 are connected via the second board 156, wherein the camera module 130 and the driving module 120 are disposed on the first board 154, and the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is disposed on the third board 158. When the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is disposed on the third board 158, it can be fixed to the third board 158 by conductive adhesive, and then the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is connected to the driving module 120 through electrical connections among the first board 154, the second board 156, and the third board 158. The second board 156 can be bent and after bending, the aperture center CA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 is aligned with the sensing optical axis As of the sensing module 132 of the camera module 130.

[0120] In this embodiment, the circuit board 150 may be a printed circuit board made by a printed circuit board process, wherein the first board 154 and the third board 158 may be rigid-flex PCBs, and the second board 156 may be a flexible circuit board, so that the liquid crystal aperture module 100 and the driving module 120 are electrically connected and the flexibility of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 when being disposed upstream of the optical path of the camera module 130 is increased.

[0121] In some embodiments, the base 140 is fixed to the camera module 130 by gluing. After the second plate 156 is bent to align the aperture center CA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 with the sensing optical axis As of the sensing module 132 of the camera module 130, the colloid can be solidified between the third plate 158 and the base 140, thereby enhancing the stability of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 disposed upstream of the optical path of the camera module 130.

[0122] refer to Fig.18 , Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image capture device according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, the image capture device 10 includes an optical deflection element 160 , and the optical deflection element 160 is located between the liquid crystal aperture module 100 and the camera module 130 , so that the image capture device 10 forms a periscope camera device.

[0123] Specifically, the optical deflection element 160 includes an incident surface 162, a reflective surface 164, and an emitting surface 166. The incident surface 162 and the emitting surface 166 are mirror surfaces that allow light to pass through, and the reflective surface 164 is a mirror surface that can reflect the light incident on the optical deflection element 160 at a certain angle. The liquid crystal aperture module 100 is attached to the incident surface 162. When the image capture device 10 is used to shoot, the imaging light IL of the object or environment to be photographed that passes through the aperture center CA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 will pass through the incident surface 162, and after being reflected by the reflective surface 164, pass through the emitting surface 166 and enter the sensing optical axis As of the sensing module 132.

[0124] In some embodiments, a lens, a filter, etc. may be further disposed between the optical deflection element 160 and the camera module 130 .

[0125] refer to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 , Fig.19 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device with image capture function according to an embodiment. Fig. 20 for Fig.19 The electronic device with image capture comprises an input interface 20, an image capture device 10, a mainboard 30 and a display 40. The input interface 20 is used to receive input commands from a user. The image capture device 10 is connected to the input interface 20.

[0126] Re-reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The image capture device 10 includes a liquid crystal aperture module 100, a driving module 120 and a camera module 130. The liquid crystal aperture module 100 includes a first polarizer 102, a second polarizer 104, a first substrate 106, a second substrate 108 and a liquid crystal layer 110, wherein the liquid crystal layer 110 is located between the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108, and the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108 are located between the first polarizer 102 and the second polarizer 104.

[0127] The driving module 120 is electrically connected to the liquid crystal aperture module 100. The liquid crystal layer 110 of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 112. The liquid crystal molecules 112 each have an arrangement direction. When the driving module 120 applies a voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module 100 by electrically connecting the first substrate 106 and the second substrate 108, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal layer 110 will change, thereby allowing or not allowing light to pass through the liquid crystal layer 110.

[0128] The camera module 130 is located downstream of the optical path of the liquid crystal aperture module 100. The camera module 130 includes a sensing module 132. The sensing module 132 has a sensing optical axis As. The liquid crystal aperture module 100 has an aperture center CA. The sensing optical axis As of the sensing module 132 is aligned with the aperture center CA of the liquid crystal aperture module 100. The imaging light IL of the object or environment (hereinafter referred to as the target object) that the user wants to photograph passes through the liquid crystal aperture module 100 and enters the sensing module 132 of the camera module 130. The sensing module 132 captures the imaging light IL of the target object according to the input command obtained by the input interface 20, and converts the image of the target object into an image signal.

[0129] The mainboard 30 is connected to the sensor module 132 of the image capture device 10. In the embodiment where the camera module 130 is disposed on the circuit board 150, the circuit board 150 electrically connected to the sensor module 132 is electrically connected to the mainboard 30, and can obtain power from the mainboard 30. The sensor module 132 transmits the image signal to the mainboard 30, and the mainboard 30 receives it.

[0130] In some embodiments, after receiving the image signal, the mainboard 30 performs noise reduction, sharpening, contrast adjustment, white balance calibration and other operations on the image signal. The display 40 is connected to the mainboard 30, and the processed or unprocessed image signal is output from the mainboard 30 to the display 40, and the display 40 displays the target image according to the image signal.

[0131] In some embodiments, the display 40 has an opening 42, which is a region on the display 40 for imaging light IL to enter the image capture device 10. The image capture device 10 is disposed on the mainboard 30 and located inside the display 40, and the image capture device 10 has a liquid crystal aperture module 100 corresponding to the opening 42.

[0132] In other embodiments, the camera module 130 of the image capture device 10 is disposed in the display 40 and fixed to the opening 42 by the liquid crystal aperture module 100. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the first polarizer 102 of the liquid crystal aperture module 100 can be flush with the upper surface of the display 40 or protrude from the upper surface of the display 40.

[0133] In some embodiments, the image capture device 10 is used as a front lens of the electronic device. The display 40 can be, but is not limited to, a touch screen or a general display screen (i.e., it has no touch function). When the display 40 is a touch screen, the input interface 20 can be the display 40, or the input interface 20 can be a combination of one or more buttons on the electronic device.

[0134] In some other embodiments, the image capture device 10 is used as a rear camera of an electronic device. Fig.21 , Fig.21 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device with image capture according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a housing 50 having a window 52 , a mainboard 30 and an image capture device 10 are disposed in the housing 50 and a display 40 , and the image capture device 10 is located on the mainboard 30 with the liquid crystal aperture module 100 facing the window 52 .

[0135] In some other embodiments, the camera module 130 of the image capture device 10 is disposed in the housing 50 and the display 40 , and is fixed to the window 52 by the liquid crystal aperture module 100 .

[0136] In some embodiments, the optical deflection element 160 is implemented by a right-angled triangle prism, and the reflective surface 164 of the optical deflection element 160 can also be implemented by a plane mirror, a beam splitter, etc.

[0137] In some embodiments, the sensing module 132 of the camera module 130 may be a photosensitive device such as a CMOS photoreceptor (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor), a CCD photoreceptor (Charge-Coupled Device), or a BSI photoreceptor (Back Side Illuminated) that converts photons into electronic signals.

[0138] In some embodiments, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or the like.

[0139] In summary, by applying voltage to the liquid crystal molecules 112 in the liquid crystal aperture module 100 through the driving module 120, the liquid crystal aperture module 100 can form a light-transmitting area 113a and a light-impermeable area 113b to allow, not allow, or partially allow light to pass through, and control the transmittance of light when passing through, thereby controlling the amount of light entering the photographing module 130 when the image capture device 10 is taking a photo.

[0140] Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, technicians familiar with the field may make various corresponding changes and deformations based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and deformations should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An image capture device, characterized in that: Include: A liquid crystal aperture module, comprising: a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are located between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, the liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, each of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules has an arrangement direction, and the liquid crystal aperture module has an aperture center; a driving module electrically connected to the first substrate and the second substrate of the liquid crystal aperture module to control each of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to change the arrangement direction; and A photographing module is located downstream of the optical path of the liquid crystal aperture module. The photographing module includes a sensing module having a sensing optical axis, and the sensing optical axis is aligned with the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module.

2. The image capture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The arrangement direction of each liquid crystal molecule in the liquid crystal layer includes a first direction and a second direction. The driving module controls part of the multiple liquid crystal molecules to be arranged in the first direction, and each of the liquid crystal molecules arranged in the first direction forms a light-transmitting area to allow an imaging light to pass through and enter the photographic module. The driving module controls part of the multiple liquid crystal molecules to be arranged in the second direction, and each of the liquid crystal molecules arranged in the second direction forms a light-impermeable area to prevent the imaging light from passing through and entering the photographic module.

3. The image capture device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The photographic module further includes a lens module located between the liquid crystal aperture module and the sensing module. The lens module has a lens diameter on a side facing the liquid crystal aperture module. The liquid crystal aperture module has a maximum aperture diameter that is greater than or equal to the lens diameter.

4. The image capture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving module includes a driving circuit and a controller. The controller is electrically connected to the photographing module. The controller controls the driving circuit to apply a voltage to the liquid crystal aperture module to change the arrangement direction of each liquid crystal molecule of the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal aperture module.

5. The image capture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of liquid crystal molecules are twisted nematic liquid crystals, vertically aligned liquid crystals or plane switching liquid crystals.

6. The image capture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It further comprises a base and a circuit board, the photographic module and the driving module are arranged on the circuit board, the base is fixed to the photographic module and is electrically connected to the driving module via a circuit, and the liquid crystal aperture module is arranged on the base and is electrically connected to the base.

7. The image capture device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The circuit is formed on the base by laser direct molding.

8. The image capture device according to claim 6, wherein: The circuit is a metal conductor, and the metal conductor is embedded in the base by injection molding.

9. The image capture device according to claim 6, wherein: The base includes a plurality of contacts, each of which is coated with a conductive glue, and the first substrate and the second substrate are electrically connected to each of the contacts via the conductive glue.

10. The image capture device according to claim 1, wherein: The invention further comprises a circuit board, which comprises a first board, a second board and a third board. The first board and the third board are connected via the second board. The photographic module and the driving module are arranged on the first board, and the liquid crystal aperture module is arranged on the third board. The second board can be bent so that the liquid crystal aperture module is located on the photographic module and the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module is aligned with the sensing optical axis of the sensing module of the photographic module.

11. The image capture device according to claim 10, characterized in that: It further comprises a base, which is fixed to the photographic module, and the liquid crystal aperture module is arranged on the base.

12. The image capture device according to claim 1, wherein: It further includes an optical deflection element, which is located between the liquid crystal aperture module and the camera module. The optical deflection element has an incident surface, a reflection surface and an exit surface. The liquid crystal aperture module is attached to the incident surface so that an imaging light passing through the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module can pass through the incident surface, be reflected at the reflection surface, pass through the exit surface and enter the sensing optical axis of the sensing module.

13. An electronic device with image capture function, characterized in that: Include: An input interface for receiving an input instruction; An image capture device connected to the input interface, the image capture device comprising: A liquid crystal aperture module, comprising: a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are located between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, the liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, each of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules has an arrangement direction, and the liquid crystal aperture module has an aperture center; a driving module electrically connected to the input interface, the first substrate and the second substrate to control each of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to change the arrangement direction according to the input command; and a camera module located downstream of the optical path of the liquid crystal aperture module, the camera module comprising a sensor module having a sensing optical axis, the sensing optical axis being aligned with the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module, the sensor module capturing an image of a target object according to the input command and converting it into an image signal; a mainboard connected to the image capturing device, the mainboard receiving the image signal from the image capturing device; and A display is connected to the mainboard. The display has an opening. The liquid crystal aperture module is located in the opening. The display receives the image signal through the mainboard and displays an image according to the image signal.

14. An electronic device with image capture function, characterized in that: Include: An input interface for receiving an input instruction; An image capture device connected to the input interface, the image capture device comprising: A liquid crystal aperture module, comprising: a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are located between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, the liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, each of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules has an arrangement direction, and the liquid crystal aperture module has an aperture center; a driving module electrically connected to the input interface, the first substrate and the second substrate to control each of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to change the arrangement direction according to the input command; and a camera module located downstream of the optical path of the liquid crystal aperture module, the camera module comprising a sensor module having a sensing optical axis, the sensing optical axis being aligned with the aperture center of the liquid crystal aperture module, the sensor module capturing an image of a target object according to the input command and converting it into an image signal; a mainboard connected to the image capturing device, the mainboard receiving the image signal from the image capturing device; a display connected to the mainboard, the display receiving the image signal through the mainboard and displaying an image according to the image signal; and A shell has a window, the mainboard and the camera module are arranged in the shell and the display, and the liquid crystal aperture module is arranged in the window.

Images