Camera Module Liquid Crystal Panel Coded Aperture Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with liquid crystal panels face challenges in achieving high transmittance for light incidence while also being able to calculate distances to subjects using coded aperture technology, as the liquid crystal panel's transmittance needs to be high for normal camera functionality but must also display coded aperture patterns for distance calculation.
Innovation Solution
A camera module configuration that includes a liquid crystal panel with a guest-host liquid crystal layer and dichroic dye molecules, which can switch between transparent and absorption states, allowing for high transmittance when capturing images and forming coded aperture patterns for distance calculation by aligning liquid crystal and dichroic dye molecules in specific directions using protruding portions or slits, enabling accurate distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the liquid crystal panel uses high transmittance for normal camera functionality, then light incident amount on the image sensor is improved, but the ability to display coded aperture patterns for distance calculation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal panel dynamically changes its optical properties by switching between a high-transmittance state (for normal camera operation) and a coded aperture pattern state (for distance calculation). This dynamic adaptability allows the same panel to serve multiple functions depending on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the liquid crystal panel by adjusting the alignment and orientation of liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules. By controlling the molecular alignment in specific directions, the panel can switch between transparent and absorption states, thereby changing light transmittance parameters to suit different operational modes.
2Measurement precision
If the liquid crystal panel displays coded aperture patterns for distance calculation, then distance measurement capability is improved, but light transmittance for normal imaging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal panel operates in periodic cycles, alternating between normal imaging mode (high transmittance) and distance measurement mode (coded aperture pattern). This periodic switching allows the system to perform both functions sequentially, with the panel returning to high-transmittance state after distance calculation is completed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a polarizer is added to achieve coded aperture pattern display, then distance measurement function is improved, but device complexity and light loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coded aperture pattern display function directly into the liquid crystal panel structure by incorporating dichroic dye molecules alongside the liquid crystal molecules. This integration eliminates the need for separate polarizer components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the distance measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal panel uses a composite material system consisting of liquid crystal molecules combined with dichroic dye molecules. This composite structure enables the panel to display coded aperture patterns through molecular alignment control alone, without requiring additional polarizing filters or complex optical components.
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 allows for high-quality image capture and precise distance measurement by optimizing light transmittance and alignment of liquid crystal and dichroic dye molecules, improving the accuracy of distance calculation while maintaining high transmittance without the need for a polarizer.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules aligned following the liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 2
dichroic dye molecules aligned following the liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 3
The liquid crystal panel includes a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules aligned following the liquid crystal molecules
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a camera module includes a liquid crystal panel, an image sensor and an optical system. The liquid crystal panel is configured to display a coded aperture pattern. The optical system is interposed between the liquid crystal panel and the image sensor. The liquid crystal panel includes a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules aligned following the liquid crystal molecules.