Handheld electronic device

Abstract

The invention discloses a handheld electronic device. The handheld electronic device comprises a photosensitive element, a lens group and a light beam adjusting element, the lens group receives the light beam and is arranged between the photosensitive element and the light beam adjusting element. When the light beam adjusting element is in the open state, the light beam is imaged on the photosensitive element through the light beam adjusting element and the lens group. When the light beam adjusting element is in the closed state, the light transmittance of the light beam adjusting element is lower than a threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to a handheld electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] As the public places greater emphasis on privacy rights, electronic devices must be mindful of whether they infringe upon the privacy of others when taking photos. Therefore, when using electronic devices to take photos, the user must ensure that others are aware that they are being photographed and are being filmed. This act of disclosure will be referred to as "photo disclosure" in the following text.

[0003] Traditional methods of revealing information through filming typically involve informing others via indicator lights on the filming side or audio prompts from electronic devices. However, indicator lights are easily circumvented by covering them or disassembling the circuitry and adding a load (meaning filming can still be done even when the indicator light is off). Audio prompts, on the other hand, are unsuitable for situations where electronic devices record video (i.e., there is no audio prompt during recording). Therefore, finding a more intuitive and effective way to reveal information through filming remains a challenge for privacy-conscious manufacturers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a handheld electronic device that allows the subject to directly know that they are being filmed, and the filming and disclosure are difficult to avoid, effectively protecting the privacy of the subject and preventing the photographer from infringing on the privacy of others.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a handheld electronic device includes a photosensitive element, a lens group, and a beam adjustment element. The lens group is adapted to receive a light beam and is disposed between the photosensitive element and the beam adjustment element. When the beam adjustment element is in an on state, it is adapted to image the light beam onto the photosensitive element; when the beam adjustment element is in a off state, it is adapted to prevent the light beam from imaged onto the photosensitive element, and the transmittance of the beam adjustment element is reduced.

[0006] Based on the above, when the handheld electronic device is taking a picture, the beam adjustment element is activated. At this time, the beam of the subject's image can pass through the beam adjustment element and be imaged onto the photosensitive element to obtain a clear image. The subject can observe the lens outline (e.g., the outer outline of the lens group) of the handheld electronic device from its appearance, and can know that the lens is activated. The subject can know that they are being photographed, and the photographing and disclosure have been achieved.

[0007] Conversely, when the handheld electronic device is not taking a picture, the beam adjustment element is off. At this time, the beam of light from the subject cannot pass through the beam adjustment element, and the photosensitive element cannot produce a clear image. The light transmittance of the beam adjustment element decreases, so the subject can observe from the appearance of the handheld electronic device that the lens is noticeably darker, fogged, or has a color change, indicating that the photographer is not taking a picture. Therefore, the handheld electronic device of this embodiment can more intuitively indicate whether it is taking a picture, and it cannot be avoided by using an indicator light to prevent being photographed, eliminating the need for an indicator light element and its power consumption. Furthermore, when the beam adjustment element is off, it also prevents the photosensitive element from forming an image, making it difficult for the photographer to avoid being photographed. This allows the handheld electronic device to effectively protect the privacy of the subject and prevent the photographer from infringing on the privacy of others.

[0008] To make the above-described contents of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below, along with detailed descriptions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to further illustrate the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2A and Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the optical principle of the handheld electronic device in the embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2C and Figure 2D Corresponding to Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram showing the changes in the appearance of a handheld electronic device;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the optical principle of the handheld electronic device in the embodiment;

[0015] Figure 4C and Figure 4D Corresponding to Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram showing the changes in the appearance of a handheld electronic device;

[0016] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the optical principle of the handheld electronic device in the embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6C and Figure 6D Corresponding to Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic diagram showing the changes in the appearance of a handheld electronic device;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of icon numbers

[0022] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E: Handheld electronic devices;

[0023] 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E: Beam adjustment elements;

[0024] 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E: Electrochromic materials;

[0025] 111A: First dielectric layer;

[0026] 111B: Second dielectric layer;

[0027] 112: Dispersed liquid crystal;

[0028] 113: Dye liquid crystal;

[0029] 120: Refractive lens group;

[0030] 130: Electronically controlled zoom lens;

[0031] 140: Piezoelectric materials;

[0032] 151,152: Transparent substrate;

[0033] 200: Lens group;

[0034] 300: Image sensor;

[0035] A1: Object side;

[0036] A2: Image side;

[0037] I: optical axis;

[0038] L: Beam;

[0039] SW, SW1, SW2, SW3: Switches;

[0040] V, V1, V2, V3: Voltage sources. Detailed Implementation

[0041] As used herein, “about,” “approximately,” “essentially,” or “substantially” includes the value and the average value within an acceptable range of deviations from a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement under discussion and a particular number of errors associated with the measurement (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations of the value, or, for example, within ±30%, ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, ±5%. Furthermore, the use of “about,” “approximately,” “essentially,” or “substantially” herein may be chosen to select a more acceptable range of deviations or standard deviations depending on the nature of the measurement, the cutting nature, or other properties, and may not require a single standard deviation to apply to all properties.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are enlarged for clarity. It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly on or connected to the other element, or intermediate elements may also be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected" to another element, no intermediate elements are present. As used herein, "connection" can refer to a physical and / or electrical connection. Furthermore, an "electrical connection" may mean the presence of other elements between two elements.

[0043] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same element references are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 1This invention provides a handheld electronic device 1A, which can be an electronic device with image-capturing function, such as a smartphone, digital camera, recognition device, or camcorder, etc., but is not limited thereto. The handheld electronic device 1A includes a beam adjustment element 100A, a lens group 200, and a photosensitive element 300. In this embodiment, the handheld electronic device 1A may have an optical axis I, an object side A1, and an image side A2. The beam adjustment element 100A, the lens group 200, and the photosensitive element 300 may all be disposed on the optical axis I and arranged sequentially from the object side A1 to the image side A2. Alternatively, the lens group 200 may be disposed on the object side A1 of the photosensitive element 300, and the lens group 200 may be disposed between the photosensitive element 300 and the beam adjustment element 100A. A light beam L emitted by an object (e.g., the subject, the person being photographed, or the object being sensed) can enter the handheld electronic device 1A via the beam adjustment element 100A, and then be transmitted to the photosensitive element 300 through the lens group 200 to form an image.

[0045] The lens group 200 may include multiple condenser lenses, astigmatic lenses, apertures, focusing elements, or fixing components (not shown). The materials of each lens in the lens group 200 may be plastic or glass, and the invention is not limited thereto. The lens group 200 as a whole may have a positive refractive index to converge the light beam L onto the photosensitive element 300. The invention does not limit the type and number of optical elements in the lens group 200. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the handheld electronic device 1A is a smartphone, the lens group 200 can be considered as the lens module of the smartphone.

[0046] On the other hand, the photosensitive element 300 can be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor active pixel sensor (CMOS Active Pixel Sensor) to convert the image formed by the light beam L into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to a connected circuit or memory (not shown) for storage, transmission, or processing. The present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the photosensitive element 300 can also be a conventional film.

[0047] It is worth mentioning that the beam adjustment element 100A can be electrically adjusted to adjust the refractive index, thereby controlling whether the light beam L can be clearly imaged on the photosensitive element 300. Specifically, when the beam adjustment element 100A is in the on state, it is suitable for ensuring that the light beam L is clearly imaged on the photosensitive element 300, and at this time, the beam adjustment element 100A has normal light transmittance. When the beam adjustment element 100A is in the off state, it is suitable for ensuring that the light beam L cannot be clearly imaged on the photosensitive element 300 (i.e., defocused), and the light transmittance of the beam adjustment element 100A is below a threshold value.

[0048] In detail, in this embodiment, the beam adjustment element 100A further includes an electrochromic material 110A, a refractive lens group 120, and an electrically controlled zoom lens 130. These elements can be sequentially arranged from the object side A1 to the image side A2 along the optical axis I; however, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments not shown, based on the reversibility of light, the order of the refractive lens group 120 and the electrically controlled zoom lens 130 in the beam adjustment element 100A can be appropriately interchanged, as long as the optical effect is maintained. The electrically controlled zoom lens 130 can be a liquid lens whose refractive index is changed via an electrical signal, or a liquid crystal lens whose refractive index is controlled via an electrical signal, or other optical lenses known to those skilled in the art that can control their refractive index via an electrical signal; the invention is not limited thereto. The refractive lens group 120 can be one or more lenses with a refractive index (e.g., a negative refractive index); the invention is not limited thereto. The electrochromic material 110A can be, for example, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), a suspended particle device (SPD), or other optical materials known to those skilled in the art that can control transmittance, color, or haze via electrical signals; the present invention is not limited thereto. Through the optical action of the aforementioned components, the beam adjustment element 100A can achieve the aforementioned control effect.

[0049] Figure 2A and Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the optical principle of the handheld electronic device in the embodiment. Figure 2C and Figure 2D Corresponding to Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram showing the changes in the appearance of the handheld electronic device. The following will explain the working principle of the beam adjustment element 100A. Please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 2A When the beam adjustment element 100A is in the off state, the switch SW is open, causing the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic material 110A to decrease or the haze to increase (for example, the visible light transmittance becomes below 5%, and the haze becomes above 95%). This means that the transmittance threshold of the beam adjustment element 100A can be 5% at this time, but the invention is not limited to this. Figure 2CAs shown, at this time, others cannot observe the outline of the lens (e.g., they cannot observe the outline of the lens group 200), or the position of the lens is significantly darkened or blurred due to the obstruction of the electrochromic material 110A, thus indicating that the lens is not turned on; and others can also know that they are not being photographed, and that their privacy has not been violated. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can choose the corresponding type of electrochromic material 110A to select an appropriate threshold, as long as the appearance of the beam adjustment element 100A changes in color, transparency, or haze, so that others can observe that the outline of the lens group 200 is significantly darkened, and the lens group 200 cannot effectively receive the beam L, so that the photosensitive element 300 cannot form an image.

[0050] Furthermore, even if a small portion of the beam L penetrates the electrochromic material 110A, the refractive lens group 120, located on the image side A2 of the electrochromic material 110A, can further defocus the beam L due to its refractive index. At this time, the electronically controlled zoom lens 130 is not activated due to an open circuit, and its refractive index can be practically zero. For example, the sum of the refractive indices of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, the refractive lens group 120, and the lens group 200 can cause the imaging position of the beam L to be far away from the photosensitive element 300. Therefore, even after passing through the refractive lens group 120, the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, and the lens group 200, the beam L cannot be clearly imaged on the photosensitive element 300. Thus, when the beam adjustment element 100A is in the off state, the handheld electronic device 1A cannot obtain a clear image of the subject, ensuring that the user of the handheld electronic device 1A does not infringe on the privacy of others.

[0051] Please refer to the following: Figure 2B and Figure 2D On the other hand, when the voltage source V is turned on and the switch SW is turned on, putting the beam adjustment element 100A in the on state, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic material 110A increases or the haze decreases (for example, the visible light transmittance becomes above 80%, and the haze becomes below 5%), and the beam adjustment element 100A becomes noticeably transparent. Figure 2D As shown, at this time, others can observe the outline of the lens (e.g., the outline of lens group 200), thus knowing that the lens has been turned on; and the person being photographed can know that they are being photographed, thus achieving the aforementioned photographic disclosure.

[0052] On the other hand, at this time, the light beam L penetrates the electrochromic material 110A, and the electronically controlled zoom lens 130 is activated and has a refractive index (e.g., positive refractive index), so that the refractive index of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130 can partially or completely cancel the refractive index (e.g., negative refractive index) of the refractive lens group 120. Accordingly, the sum of the refractive indices of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, the refractive index of the refractive lens group 120, and the refractive index of the lens group 200 allows the imaging position of the light beam L to be substantially on the imaging plane of the photosensitive element 300. Therefore, when the beam adjustment element 100A is in the on state, the handheld electronic device 1A can obtain a clear image of the subject.

[0053] Using the above method, the handheld electronic device 1A does not require an indicator light. The subject can more intuitively know that they are being photographed (such as by observing the lens as mentioned above), and the indicator light setting and power consumption are eliminated. When the beam adjustment element 100A is off, the beam L cannot be imaged on the photosensitive element 300. The handheld electronic device 1A cannot avoid being photographed by covering the indicator light or changing the indicator light circuit, nor can it avoid being photographed by removing the lens cap, thus further protecting the privacy of others.

[0054] The following describes another embodiment to illustrate the present invention in detail. Identical components will be labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions of identical technical content will be omitted. For the omitted parts, please refer to the foregoing embodiments; they will not be repeated hereafter. It should be understood that the features in the following embodiments can be replaced, recombined, or mixed to complete other embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Features between embodiments can be arbitrarily mixed and combined as long as they do not violate the spirit of the invention or conflict with it.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 3 The handheld electronic device 1B in this embodiment and Figure 1 Similar to the handheld electronic device 1A, the main difference is that the electrochromic material 110B of the beam adjustment element 100B of the handheld electronic device 1B also includes a dye liquid crystal.

[0056] For example, the dye liquid crystal of the electrochromic material 110B can be a mixture of liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules. The dye molecules can exhibit dichroism. When the liquid crystal molecules change their arrangement, the dye molecules can also change their arrangement. Furthermore, the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules can be controlled by an electrical signal, thereby causing the dye molecules to deflect as well, so that the electrochromic material 110B can be in a dark state when it is off and in a bright state when it is on. Those skilled in the art can use existing types of dye liquid crystals as the electrochromic material 110B based on the above, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the optical principle of the handheld electronic device in the embodiment. Figure 4C and Figure 4D Corresponding to Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram illustrating the changes in the appearance of a handheld electronic device. Please refer to [the diagram first]. Figure 4A and Figure 4C Similar to Figure 2A The working principle of the handheld electronic device 1A is as follows: when the light beam L is transmitted to the beam adjustment element 100B in the off state, the electrochromic material 110B can be in a dark state and absorb most of the light beam L, such as... Figure 4C As shown, others cannot observe the outline of the lens (e.g., the outline of lens group 200) at this time, thus knowing that the lens is not turned on; and others can also know that they are not being filmed, and that their privacy has not been violated.

[0058] Next refer to Figure 4B and Figure 4D On the other hand, when the beam adjustment element 100B is in the on state, the switch SW is turned on, causing the electrochromic material 110B to turn on and be in a bright state, and the beam adjustment element 100B becomes noticeably transparent. For example... Figure 4D As shown, at this time, others can observe the outline of the lens (e.g., the outline of lens group 200), thus knowing that the lens is on; and the person being photographed can know that they are being photographed, thus achieving the aforementioned disclosure of the photograph. The relevant technical means can be referred to in the preceding paragraphs and will not be elaborated here.

[0059] Accordingly, the handheld electronic device 1B can also achieve a similar effect to the aforementioned handheld electronic device 1A. Furthermore, due to the effect of the dye liquid crystal in the electrochromic material 110B, the color change is more pronounced in the off state. In the on state, the dye liquid crystal is also affected by the electric field and deflected, so although it will absorb a very small amount of energy from the light beam L, the impact is minimal.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 5 The handheld electronic device 1C in this embodiment and Figure 1 Similar to the handheld electronic device 1A, the main difference lies in the slightly different architecture of the beam adjustment element 100C in the handheld electronic device 1C. Specifically, the electrochromic material 110C of the beam adjustment element 100C is disposed in the electrically controlled zoom lens 130. Furthermore, the electrically controlled zoom lens 130 includes a first dielectric layer 111A, a second dielectric layer 111B, and a piezoelectric material 140. The first dielectric layer 111A is disposed on the side of the electrically controlled zoom lens 130 away from the photosensitive element 300 (i.e., object side A1); the second dielectric layer 111B is disposed on the side of the electrically controlled zoom lens 130 closer to the photosensitive element 300 (i.e., image side A2); and the piezoelectric material 140 is disposed between the first dielectric layer 111A and the second dielectric layer 111B. On the other hand, a refractive lens group 120 is disposed between the electrically controlled zoom lens 130 and the lens group 200.

[0061] The first dielectric layer 111A and the second dielectric layer 111B may have different refractive indices and are disposed in the electrically controlled zoom lens 130 via a transparent substrate 151, a transparent substrate 152, and a sealing member (not shown). In this embodiment, the electrochromic material 110C may include the first dielectric layer 111A and a dispersed liquid crystal 112. On the other hand, the transparent substrates 151 and 152 may have patterned transparent conductive layers (such as ITO, not shown) and are provided with electrical signals via an externally connected voltage source V1. When the voltage source V1 is activated and the switch SW1 is turned on, an electric field can be generated between the transparent substrates 151 and 152 to drive the dispersed liquid crystal 112 of the electrochromic material 110C to deflect, thereby changing the refractive index of the dispersed liquid crystal 112. In detail, when no voltage is applied, the dispersed liquid crystal 112 will arrange itself randomly. The effective refractive index of the dispersed liquid crystal 112 is different from the refractive index of the first dielectric layer 111A of the polymer material. Therefore, when the light beam L is incident on the electrochromic material 110C, it is equivalent to the presence of many interfaces in the electrochromic material 110C, which are severely scattered, thus forming a scattering state (or opaque state, off state), giving the electrochromic material 110C a hazy white or grayish-white appearance. However, when the voltage source V1 is activated and the switch SW1 is turned on, an electric field is generated between the transparent substrate 151 and the transparent substrate 152. The dispersed liquid crystal 112 then aligns perpendicular to the light-incident surfaces of the transparent substrate 151 and the transparent substrate 152. At this time, the effective refractive index of the dispersed liquid crystal 112 is substantially the same as the refractive index of the first dielectric layer 111A. The incident light beam L does not have an interface in the mixture of the dispersed liquid crystal 112 and the first dielectric layer 111A, and the electrochromic material 110C thus forms a bright state or a transparent state (OnState).

[0062] On the other hand, the piezoelectric material 140 can control the shape or curvature of the first dielectric layer 111A and the second dielectric layer 111B by activating and deactivating voltage source V2 and switch SW2, and voltage source V3 and switch SW3. This allows control of the refractive index of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, determining whether the light beam L can be imaged in the photosensitive element 300 when the beam adjustment element 100C is in the on or off state.

[0063] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the optical principle of the handheld electronic device in the embodiment. Figure 6C and Figure 6D Corresponding to Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic diagram showing the changes in the appearance of the handheld electronic device. The following will explain the working principle of the beam adjustment element 100C. Please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 6A and Figure 6C When the beam adjustment element 100C is in the off state, the open circuit of switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 causes a decrease in the visible light transmittance or an increase in the haze of the electrochromic material 110C, resulting in a significant change in the color, transparency, or haze of the beam adjustment element 100C. For example... Figure 6C As shown, at this time, others cannot observe the outline of the lens (e.g., they cannot observe the outline of the lens group 200), or the position of the lens is obviously darkened or blurred due to the obstruction of the electrochromic material 110C, thus knowing that the lens is not turned on; and others can also know that they are not being photographed, and can know that their privacy has not been violated.

[0064] Furthermore, even if a small portion of the beam L penetrates the electrochromic material 110C, the piezoelectric material 140 remains unenergized and does not bend, thus the overall refractive index of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130 can be essentially zero. The refractive lens group 120, located on the image side A2 of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, further defocuses the beam L. For example, the sum of the refractive indices of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, the refractive lens group 120, and the lens group 200 allows the imaging position of the beam L to be far away from the photosensitive element 300. Therefore, even after passing through the refractive lens group 120, the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, and the lens group 200, the beam L cannot be clearly imaged on the photosensitive element 300. Thus, when the beam adjustment element 100C is in the off state, the handheld electronic device 1C cannot obtain a clear image of the subject, ensuring that the user of the handheld electronic device 1C does not infringe on the privacy of others.

[0065] Please refer to the following: Figure 6B and Figure 6D On the other hand, when voltage sources V1, V2, and V3 are turned on, and switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are conducted, causing the beam adjustment element 100C to be in the on state, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic material 110C increases or the haze decreases, and the beam adjustment element 100C becomes noticeably transparent. For example... Figure 6D As shown, at this time, others can observe the outline of the lens (e.g., the outline of lens group 200), thus knowing that the lens has been turned on; and the person being photographed can know that they are being photographed, thus achieving the aforementioned photographic disclosure.

[0066] On the other hand, at this time, the light beam L penetrates the electrochromic material 110C and the piezoelectric material 140 is energized and bent, causing a change in the curvature of the first dielectric layer 111A and the second dielectric layer 111B. This results in the electronically controlled zoom lens 130 having an overall refractive index (e.g., positive refractive index), allowing the refractive index of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130 to partially or completely cancel out the refractive index (e.g., negative refractive index) of the refractive lens group 120. Accordingly, the sum of the refractive indices of the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, the refractive index of the refractive lens group 120, and the refractive index of the lens group 200 allows the imaging position of the light beam L to be substantially on the imaging plane of the photosensitive element 300. Therefore, when the beam adjustment element 100C is in the on state, the handheld electronic device 1C can obtain a clear image of the subject.

[0067] Therefore, the handheld electronic device 1C can also achieve a similar effect to the aforementioned handheld electronic device 1A. Moreover, since the electrochromic material 110C is placed in the electronically controlled zoom lens 130, it is more difficult for malicious individuals to disassemble or desolder the circuit of the beam adjustment element 100C to circumvent the shooting and revealing function of the handheld electronic device 1C, effectively protecting the privacy of bystanders or those being photographed.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 7 The handheld electronic device 1D in this embodiment and Figure 5 Similar to the handheld electronic device 1C, the main difference lies in the location of the electrochromic material. Specifically, in the beam adjustment element 100D of the handheld electronic device 1D, the electrochromic material 110D includes a second dielectric layer 111B and a dispersed liquid crystal 112. In other words, the electrochromic material 110D of the handheld electronic device 1D is disposed on the image side A2 of the piezoelectric material 140. In this embodiment, when no voltage is applied, the effective refractive index of the dispersed liquid crystal 112 is different from the refractive index of the second dielectric layer 111B of the polymer material. When the voltage source V1 is activated and the switch SW1 is turned on, an electric field is generated between the transparent substrate 151 and the transparent substrate 152. The dispersed liquid crystal 112 then aligns perpendicular to the light-incident surfaces of the transparent substrates 151 and 152. At this time, the effective refractive index of the dispersed liquid crystal 112 and the refractive index of the second dielectric layer 111B are substantially the same. Accordingly, the electrochromic material 110D can also achieve the effect of the aforementioned electrochromic material 110C, enabling the handheld electronic device 1D to achieve similar functions to the handheld electronic device 1C. (Relevant paragraphs can be found in the foregoing and...) Figures 6A to 6D This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0069] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 8 The handheld electronic device 1E in this embodiment and Figure 5 Similar to the handheld electronic device 1C, the main difference lies in that the electrochromic material 110E of the beam adjustment element 100E in this embodiment also includes a dye liquid crystal 113. Accordingly, similar to the effects described in the aforementioned handheld electronic devices 1B and 1C, the electrochromic material 110E of the beam adjustment element 100E can have enhanced light absorption and photographic revealing capabilities, and its appearance changes more noticeably, thus aiding the user in photographic revealing. Related paragraphs can be found in the preceding paragraphs and will not be repeated here.

[0070] In summary, when a handheld electronic device is used for filming, the beam adjustment element is activated. At this time, the beam of the subject's image can pass through the beam adjustment element and be imaged onto the photosensitive element to obtain a clear image. The subject can observe the lens outline (e.g., the outer outline of the lens group) of the handheld electronic device from its appearance, thus knowing that the lens is activated; the subject can then know that they are being filmed, and the filming has been successfully completed.

[0071] Conversely, when the handheld electronic device is not taking a picture, the beam adjustment element is off. At this time, the beam of light from the subject cannot pass through the beam adjustment element, and the photosensitive element cannot produce a clear image. The light transmittance of the beam adjustment element decreases, so the subject can observe from the appearance of the handheld electronic device that the lens is noticeably darker, fogged, or has a color change, indicating that the photographer is not taking a picture. Therefore, the handheld electronic device of this embodiment can more intuitively indicate whether it is taking a picture, and it cannot be avoided by using an indicator light to prevent being photographed, eliminating the need for an indicator light element and its power consumption. Furthermore, when the beam adjustment element is off, it also prevents the photosensitive element from forming an image, making it difficult for the photographer to avoid being photographed. This allows the handheld electronic device to effectively protect the privacy of the subject and prevent the photographer from infringing on the privacy of others.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handheld electronic device, comprising: Photosensitive element; A lens group, which receives the light beam and is positioned on one side of the photosensitive element; as well as A beam adjustment element, wherein the lens group is disposed between the photosensitive element and the beam adjustment element. When the beam adjustment element is in the on state, the beam passes through the beam adjustment element and the lens group to image onto the photosensitive element. When the beam adjustment element is in the off state, the transmittance of the beam adjustment element is lower than a threshold.

2. The handheld electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that... The beam adjustment element also includes an electrochromic material, a refractive lens group, and an electronically controlled zoom lens. When in the open state, the electrochromic material allows the light beam to pass through, and the refractive index of the electronically controlled zoom lens, the refractive index of the refractive lens group, and the sum of the refractive indices of the lens group make the imaging position of the light beam substantially on the photosensitive element. When in the off state, the electrochromic material does not allow the light beam to pass through, and the sum of the refractive indices of the electronically controlled zoom lens, the refractive indices of the lens group, and the lens group causes the imaging position of the light beam to be far away from the photosensitive element.

3. The handheld electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that... The electronically controlled zoom lens includes a liquid lens or a liquid crystal lens.

4. The handheld electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that... The electrochromic material includes dispersed liquid crystal.

5. The handheld electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that... The electrochromic material includes dye liquid crystal.

6. The handheld electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that... The positions of the refractive lens group and the electronically controlled zoom lens can be interchanged.

7. The handheld electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that... The electronically controlled zoom lens also includes: A first dielectric layer is disposed on the side of the electronically controlled zoom lens away from the photosensitive element; A second dielectric layer is disposed in the electronically controlled zoom lens on the side closest to the photosensitive element; and A piezoelectric material is disposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The electrochromic material is disposed in the electronically controlled zoom lens, and the diopter lens group is disposed between the electronically controlled zoom lens and the lens group.

8. The handheld electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that... The electrochromic material also includes dye liquid crystal.

9. The handheld electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that... The electrochromic material comprises the first dielectric layer and a dispersed liquid crystal.

10. The handheld electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that... The electrochromic material includes the second dielectric layer and a dispersed liquid crystal.

Images