Filter for adjusting ND and GND through voltage

Abstract

The utility model provides a filter for adjusting ND and GND through voltage. The filter comprises a control unit and a filter unit. The filter unit comprises a first ITO conductive substrate and a second ITO conductive substrate, the first ITO conductive substrate and the second ITO conductive substrate are closely attached between the first ITO conductive substrate and the second ITO conductive substrate to form a closed cavity, a dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer is arranged in the closed cavity, and PI films are attached to the outer side of the first ITO conductive substrate and the outer side of the second ITO conductive substrate respectively. The control unit comprises at least one flexible circuit, and one end of one flexible circuit is clamped between the first ITO conductive substrate and the second ITO conductive substrate and applies an electric field. According to the utility model, the orientation of dichroic dye molecules is adjusted by adjusting the voltage and changing the intensity of an electric field, so that the transmittance is changed, the wide dynamic range, quick response, stepless transmittance control and intelligent adjustment of ND and GND filters are realized by using the electronic control liquid crystal technology, and the electronic control liquid crystal filter is a revolutionary alternative scheme of a traditional mechanical filter, and has a wide application prospect. The tedious step that the filter needs to be manually replaced when the scene and the light change in the shooting process is solved, and the shape is not limited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of filter technology, and in particular to a filter that adjusts ND and GND by voltage, which is suitable for photography, video recording, installation and other fields. Background Technology

[0002] Existing photographic ND filters (Neutral Density Filters, also known as neutral density filters, are filters used to reduce the amount of light entering a camera lens) and GND filters (Graduated Neutral Density Filters, also known as graduated neutral density filters) are made of simple optical glass or optical plastic. Each specification of ND and GND filter is made of a separate piece of glass (or plastic). When shooting different scenes, i.e., when the brightness of the light in the shooting or recording varies, different specifications of ND and GND filters are required to shoot or record the ideal image. Video recording differs from traditional shooting in that it limits the exposure time of each frame in the video. That is, when the external environment changes, especially when the brightness of the light changes, the recorded image may be very bright or very dark. In this case, it is necessary to manually change ND and GND filters. This requires carrying multiple filters of different levels to deal with different scenes, and frequently changing filters is very troublesome and inconvenient, and also requires interrupting shooting or recording.

[0003] VND filters (Variable Neutral Density Filters) typically consist of two glass panes and offer multiple adjustable levels, maintaining good image quality under varying lighting conditions. Unlike fixed-level ND filters, VND filters allow photographers to flexibly adjust the light output based on ambient lighting, avoiding the hassle of changing between different ND filters. However, adjusting a VND filter can take several seconds, and the range of levels is limited (generally only 4-5 levels). Color casts may differ between levels, and only circular filters can be used; square filters cannot currently be manufactured into VND filters. There is still significant room for improvement in their performance.

[0004] Against this background, the present invention proposes a new technical solution. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this utility model proposes a filter that adjusts ND and GND via voltage, and the technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0006] A filter that adjusts ND and GND via voltage includes a control unit and a filter unit. The filter unit includes a first ITO conductive substrate and a second ITO conductive substrate, which are sealed together to form a sealed cavity. A dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer is disposed within the sealed cavity. PI films are respectively coated on the outer sides of the first and second ITO conductive substrates. The control unit includes at least one flexible circuit, one end of which is clamped between the first and second ITO conductive substrates and an electric field is applied.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter with voltage-adjustable ND and GND is provided with a third ITO conductive substrate between the first ITO conductive substrate and the second ITO conductive substrate. The first ITO conductive substrate and the third ITO conductive substrate are sealed together to form a sealed cavity. A dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer is provided in the sealed cavity. Flexible circuits are respectively clamped between the first ITO conductive substrate and the third ITO conductive substrate, and between the second ITO conductive substrate and the third ITO conductive substrate, and an electric field is applied. PI films are respectively coated on the outer sides of the first ITO conductive substrate and the second ITO conductive substrate.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter that adjusts ND and GND by voltage includes a first ITO conductive substrate comprising a first glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer and a first ITO film arranged sequentially; and a second ITO conductive substrate comprising a second glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer and a second ITO film arranged sequentially.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter that adjusts ND and GND by voltage includes a third ITO conductive substrate comprising a left ITO conductive substrate and a right ITO conductive substrate, wherein both the left and right ITO conductive substrates comprise a third glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer, and a third ITO film disposed sequentially.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter that adjusts ND and GND by voltage has a spacer support column provided in a sealed cavity between a first ITO conductive substrate and a second ITO conductive substrate, the spacer support column connecting the first ITO conductive substrate and the second ITO conductive substrate.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter that adjusts ND and GND by voltage, the filter unit includes a front lens frame body and a rear lens frame body, the front lens frame body and the rear lens frame body are sandwiched together to form a filter cavity, and the first ITO conductive substrate and the second ITO conductive substrate are sandwiched in the filter cavity.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter that adjusts ND and GND by voltage, the control unit includes a control module and a battery connected to the control module, and the flexible circuit is connected to the control module and controlled by it to release voltage.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter that adjusts ND and GND by voltage, the control unit includes a front drive control board and a rear drive control board, and the control module, battery and flexible circuit are installed between the front drive control board and the rear drive control board.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This invention adjusts the orientation of dichroic dye molecules by changing the electric field strength through voltage regulation, thereby altering the transmittance. Utilizing electro-liquid crystal technology, it achieves wide dynamic range, fast response, stepless transmittance control, and intelligent adjustment for ND and GND filters. This is a revolutionary alternative to traditional mechanical filters, eliminating the cumbersome manual filter replacement process required when scenes or lighting change during shooting. Furthermore, the shape of the photographic filter provided by this invention can be processed into any shape according to actual needs (VND filters are generally circular), with no restrictions on shape. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 These are perspective schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the present utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the present utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the present utility model. Figure 3 ;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 .

[0022] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0023] 10. First ITO conductive substrate; 20. Second ITO conductive substrate; 30. Dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer; 40. PI film; 50. Flexible circuit; 60. Third ITO conductive substrate; 70. Front lens frame body; 80. Rear lens frame body; 90. Drive and control front board; 100. Drive and control rear board; 110. Control module; 120. Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0025] The orientation shown in the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this utility model, but is only for reference and understanding of preferred embodiments. The product components shown in the drawings can be changed in position, increased in number, or simplified in structure.

[0026] The “connection” described in the specification and the “connection” relationship between the components shown in the accompanying drawings can be understood as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or a connection that forms an integral unit; it can be a direct connection or a connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the connection relationship according to the specific circumstances and can derive different implementation methods such as screwing, riveting, welding, snap-fitting, or embedding to suitably replace the connection.

[0027] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, top, and bottom mentioned in the instruction manual and the directions shown in the attached drawings indicate that the components can directly contact each other or contact each other through other features; for example, "up" can mean directly above or diagonally above, or it simply means above other objects; other directions can be understood by analogy.

[0028] The materials used to manufacture solid-shaped parts as shown in the specification and drawings may be metallic, non-metallic, or other synthetic materials. The machining processes used for solid-shaped parts may include stamping, forging, wire cutting, laser cutting, casting, injection molding, CNC milling, 3D printing, machining, etc. Those skilled in the art may adapt or combine the above materials and manufacturing processes according to different processing conditions, costs, and precision requirements.

[0029] This invention provides a filter that adjusts the ND and GND via voltage, such as... Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figure 3, the device includes a control unit and a filter unit. The filter unit includes a first ITO conductive substrate 10 and a second ITO conductive substrate 20, which are sealed together to form a sealed cavity. A dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer 30 (composed of dichroic dye molecules and liquid crystal) is provided in the sealed cavity. PI films 40 are respectively attached to the outer sides of the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20. The control unit includes at least one flexible circuit 50, one end of which is clamped between the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20 and directly contacts the ITO conductive layers of the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20. The flexible circuit 50 provides PWM modulation drive and can adjust the electric field strength.

[0030] This invention achieves stepless adjustment of neutral density (ND, GND) by controlling the molecular arrangement direction of the dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer 30 through electric field modulation. In the initial state (no electric field), under the action of the PI film 40 (polyimide alignment layer), the molecules of the dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer 30 are horizontally aligned (parallel to the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20). The dichroic dye has strong absorption of light in a specific polarization direction, and the photographic filter exhibits low light transmittance (e.g., ND128). When an electric field is applied (voltage driven), a voltage is applied between the first ITO conductive substrate 10 (positive electrode) and the second ITO conductive substrate 20 (negative electrode) through the flexible circuit 50 (FPC), forming a vertical electric field. The electric field will uniformly pass through the middle dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer 30. Due to dielectric anisotropy (Δε>0), the liquid crystal molecules are vertically aligned along the direction of the electric field and will rotate under the action of the electric field, causing the dichroic dye molecules to rotate synchronously, changing the light absorption state. At this time, the absorption of light by the dichroic dye is weakened, and the light transmittance of the photographic filter is increased (e.g., adjusted to ND2). The flexible circuit can be driven by PWM (pulse width modulation) or variable DC voltage. Circuit 50 controls the electric field strength, achieving continuous adjustment from ND2 to ND128. The adjustable range of transmittance is large, basically covering the adjustable range of conventional VND. The stepless transmittance adjustment of the photographic filter is achieved by adjusting the duty cycle. This utility model has a color shift compensation design. By using dichroic dyes as objects and dissolving them in the oriented liquid crystal body, the inherent color shift of electrochromic materials (RBG less than 3) is eliminated, keeping the color shift of the filter at a high level, allowing photographers to capture higher quality images. A pulse width modulation (PWM) drive scheme is designed to regulate the electric field strength, with fast adjustment speed (within 100ms) and faster gear changes. The ITO substrate is patterned in zones, allowing independent control of different areas to achieve local dimming (such as ND64 in the upper half and ND8 in the lower half), replacing physical graduated filters and achieving the same effect as graduated filters (DND filters). (Graded filter specifications include, but are not limited to, "soft graduated", "hard graduated", and "reverse graduated", and the gear can be controlled separately by voltage as needed.)

[0031] This invention adjusts the orientation of dichroic dye molecules by changing the electric field strength through voltage regulation, thereby altering the transmittance. Utilizing electro-liquid crystal technology, it achieves wide dynamic range, fast response, stepless transmittance control, and intelligent adjustment for ND and GND filters. This is a revolutionary alternative to traditional mechanical filters, eliminating the cumbersome manual filter replacement process required when scenes or lighting change during shooting. Furthermore, the shape of the photographic filter provided by this invention can be processed into any shape according to actual needs (VND filters are generally circular), with no restrictions on shape.

[0032] In one embodiment of this utility model, the photographic filter provided by this utility model is made into a square photographic filter that can be applied to SLR cameras (such as...). Figure 1 (As shown), then install the square photographic filter in the slot at the front of the lens, adjust the voltage by pressing the button, or receive control signals through the Type-C interface. The voltage controls the light transmittance from 25% to 0.8% (ND4 to ND128), and the response time is less than 100ms across the entire switching range.

[0033] In one embodiment of this utility model, the photographic filter provided by this utility model is made into a circular filter that can be applied to an SLR camera. At the same time, the interface with the camera lens is adjusted and it is installed in the slot at the front of the lens. The voltage is adjusted by a button or the control signal is received through a Type-C interface. The voltage controls the light transmittance to 25%--0.8% (ND4--ND128), and the response time is less than 100ms across the entire range.

[0034] In one embodiment of this utility model, the photographic filter provided by this utility model is made into a circular filter that can be applied to an SLR camera. The circular filter is built into the camera CMOS and lens and connected to the camera system itself. The filter level is automatically adjusted according to the light intensity received by the CMOS.

[0035] In one embodiment of this utility model, the photographic filter provided by this utility model is made into an integrated filter for mobile phone cameras, which is directly encapsulated on top of the protective glass of the CMOS sensor, and the ND and GND intensities are wirelessly controlled via a mobile phone APP.

[0036] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this utility model application, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown, a third ITO conductive substrate 60 is disposed between the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20. The first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the third ITO conductive substrate 60 are sealed together to form a sealed cavity. A dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer 30 is disposed within the sealed cavity. Flexible circuits 50 are respectively clamped between the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the third ITO conductive substrate 60, and between the second ITO conductive substrate 20 and the third ITO conductive substrate 60, and an electric field is applied. PI films 40 are respectively attached to the outer sides of the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20.

[0037] In this embodiment, the present invention employs a stacked design of three-layer ITO conductive substrates to form a dual-cavity electrically controlled ND and GND system, which is divided into zones. Different voltages are used to control different zones to achieve the required transmittance for each zone. By independently controlling the transmittance of the two dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layers 30, a wider dynamic range (e.g., ND2×ND64=ND128) or finer gradient adjustment is achieved through multi-level electrochromic stacking technology. In addition, each layer only needs to adjust a portion of the ND value, reducing the single-layer driving voltage, reducing the single-layer electric field strength, and improving material lifespan. The complementary arrangement of the two dye layers further offsets color shift, optimizes color uniformity, and ensures continuous shooting even if one layer fails.

[0038] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this utility model application, the first ITO conductive substrate 10 includes a first glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer, and a first ITO film arranged sequentially; the second ITO conductive substrate 20 includes a second glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer, and a second ITO film arranged sequentially; the third ITO conductive substrate 60 includes a left ITO conductive substrate and a right ITO conductive substrate, both of which include a third glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer, and a third ITO film arranged sequentially. Here, the ITO conductive substrate adopts a three-layer composite design. The glass substrate provides mechanical support and environmental protection, the silicon dioxide layer provides optical anti-reflection (reducing reflection loss) and ion blocking (improving ITO stability), and the ITO film achieves transparent conductivity (forming an electric field) and zonal control (patterned design). This structural design is comprehensively optimized in three dimensions: light transmittance, durability, and driving accuracy.

[0039] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this utility model application, spacer support pillars are provided in the sealed cavity between the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20. The spacer support pillars connect the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20, and are uniformly distributed in the sealed cavity between the first ITO substrate and the second ITO substrate, coexisting with the dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer 30. Spacer support pillars are also provided in the sealed cavities between the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the third ITO conductive substrate 60, and between the second ITO conductive substrate 20 and the third ITO conductive substrate 60, and are uniformly distributed in the sealed cavities between the first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the third ITO conductive substrate 60, and coexist with the dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer 30. Spacer support columns prevent the ITO conductive substrate from being deformed by pressure (such as during assembly or temperature changes), ensure a constant liquid crystal layer thickness, avoid optical non-uniformity, resist external impacts or vibrations, reduce the risk of substrate misalignment, prevent electric field distortion caused by local substrate collapse, and ensure consistent light transmittance adjustment.

[0040] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this utility model application, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the filter unit includes a front lens frame body 70 and a rear lens frame body 80, which are sandwiched together to form a filter cavity. The first ITO conductive substrate 10 and the second ITO conductive substrate 20 are sandwiched within the filter cavity.

[0041] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this utility model application, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the control unit includes a front drive control board 90 and a rear drive control board 100. The control unit includes a control module 110, a battery 120 and a flexible circuit 50 connected to the control module 110. The control module 110, the battery 120 and the flexible circuit 50 are installed between the front drive control board 90 and the rear drive control board 100.

[0042] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments in this disclosure is for explanation only and not for limiting the present invention, but rather the scope of protection is defined by the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A filter that adjusts the ND and GND via voltage, characterized in that, The system includes a control unit and a filter unit. The filter unit includes a first ITO conductive substrate (10) and a second ITO conductive substrate (20). The first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the second ITO conductive substrate (20) are sealed together to form a sealed cavity. A dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer (30) is provided in the sealed cavity. PI films (40) are respectively attached to the outer sides of the first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the second ITO conductive substrate (20). The control unit includes at least one flexible line (50), and one end of the flexible line (50) is clamped between the first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the second ITO conductive substrate (20) and an electric field is applied.

2. A filter for adjusting ND and GND by voltage according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third ITO conductive substrate (60) is provided between the first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the second ITO conductive substrate (20). The first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the third ITO conductive substrate (60) are sealed together to form a sealed cavity. The second ITO conductive substrate (20) and the third ITO conductive substrate (60) are sealed together to form a sealed cavity. A dichroic dye / liquid crystal composite layer (30) is provided in the sealed cavity. Flexible lines (50) are respectively clamped between the first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the third ITO conductive substrate (60), and between the second ITO conductive substrate (20) and the third ITO conductive substrate (60) and an electric field is applied. PI films (40) are respectively attached to the outer sides of the first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the second ITO conductive substrate (20).

3. A filter for adjusting ND and GND by voltage according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first ITO conductive substrate (10) includes a first glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer and a first ITO film arranged in sequence; the second ITO conductive substrate (20) includes a second glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer and a second ITO film arranged in sequence.

4. A filter for adjusting ND and GND by voltage according to claim 2 or above, characterized in that, The third ITO conductive substrate (60) includes a left ITO conductive substrate and a right ITO conductive substrate, and both the left ITO conductive substrate and the right ITO conductive substrate include a third glass substrate, a silicon dioxide layer and a third ITO film arranged sequentially.

5. A filter for adjusting ND and GND by voltage according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spacer support column is provided in a sealed cavity between the first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the second ITO conductive substrate (20), and the spacer support column connects the first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the second ITO conductive substrate (20).

6. A filter for adjusting ND and GND by voltage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter unit includes a front lens frame body (70) and a rear lens frame body (80), which are sandwiched together to form a filter cavity. The first ITO conductive substrate (10) and the second ITO conductive substrate (20) are sandwiched within the filter cavity.

7. A filter for adjusting ND and GND by voltage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit includes a control module (110) and a battery (120) connected to the control module (110). The flexible line (50) is connected to the control module (110) and is controlled by it to release voltage.

8. A filter for adjusting ND and GND by voltage according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit includes a front drive control board (90) and a rear drive control board (100), and the control module, battery and flexible circuit (50) are installed between the front drive control board (90) and the rear drive control board (100).

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