Camera Module Liquid Crystal Panel Aperture Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules with image sensors on the rear surface of a liquid crystal panel face challenges in ensuring light entry, which affects the accuracy of distance calculation using coded aperture technology due to the size and arrangement of light transmitting regions and pads.
Innovation Solution
The camera module incorporates a liquid crystal panel with multiple light transmitting regions and corresponding drive electrodes, where pads are strategically arranged to connect to a driver via a flexible circuit board, allowing for efficient light transmission and improving the accuracy of distance calculation by utilizing multiple blur patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the liquid crystal panel is driven to transmit light through the aperture portion, then light entry to the image sensor is enabled, but the non-aperture area increases reducing the effective aperture size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pads in the non-aperture portion at coordinates that project onto the aperture portion when viewed from the front, effectively utilizing the depth dimension to separate pad placement from aperture occlusion. This allows pads to be routed without reducing the effective aperture area.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture portion is divided into multiple regions with different drive electrode configurations, allowing selective light transmission. The non-aperture portion is segmented to accommodate multiple pads in different locations, enabling independent control of light transmission paths while routing electrical connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple pads are arranged in the non-aperture portion to connect drive electrodes, then electrical connection to driver is achieved, but the effective aperture area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (depth from front surface) to position pads in the non-aperture portion while maintaining their functional association with the aperture region. This spatial separation in the depth dimension allows pad routing without compromising the effective aperture area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liquid crystal panel are assigned different functions: the aperture portion handles light transmission with specific drive electrode patterns, while the non-aperture portion handles electrical connections with pad arrangements optimized for driver connectivity. Each region is optimized for its specific function without interfering with the other.
3Measurement precision
If the aperture portion is optimized for light transmission, then distance calculation accuracy is improved, but the complexity of driving the liquid crystal panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal panel is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions within the aperture portion, each with its own drive electrode and pad configuration. This allows selective activation of different aperture regions for different distance ranges, enabling accurate distance measurement while simplifying the driving control through region-based addressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the liquid crystal panel by switching between different drive electrode patterns in the aperture portion based on the desired measurement range. The system can dynamically reconfigure which aperture regions are active, allowing adaptation to different distance measurement requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the accuracy of distance calculation and reduces the non-aperture area, allowing more light to enter the image sensor, thereby improving the precision of depth mapping and subject distance determination.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer disposed in a position overlapping the aperture portion
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a camera module includes an image sensor and a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes an aperture portion in which first and second regions are formed, a liquid crystal layer disposed in a position overlapping the aperture portion, a first electrode disposed in a position overlapping the first region and a second electrode disposed in a position overlapping the second region, a driver which drives the liquid crystal layer, a non-aperture portion which surrounds the aperture portion, a first pad that electrically connects the first electrode to the driver and a second pad that electrically connects the second electrode to the driver.