Electro-optic Variable Aperture Lens for Compact Camera Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable consumer electronics devices face challenges in optimizing the F number of camera lenses without increasing device profile or degrading image quality, as traditional designs often fix the aperture diameter, limiting the ability to adjust for varying light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optic variable aperture lens system is introduced, featuring a front lens, a rear lens, and an electro-optic aperture with an electrochromic element, allowing for adjustable pupil size between the lenses to control light transmission, while maintaining optical alignment and minimizing z-height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the aperture diameter is reduced to lower the F number, then image brightness is improved and image noise is reduced, but depth of field decreases and lens aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable aperture diameter that can be dynamically adjusted based on imaging conditions. The aperture transitions from a fixed value to a dynamic parameter that can be optimized for different scenes, allowing the system to achieve optimal balance between brightness, depth of field, and aberrations for each specific imaging situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the aperture diameter parameter from a fixed design value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted during operation. This allows optimization of the F number for different imaging conditions, enabling the system to achieve optimal image quality across varying light conditions and scene requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an iris diaphragm is used as a variable stop aperture, then F number adjustability is improved, but device profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the variable aperture function from the traditional iris diaphragm mechanical structure and implements it through an electro-optic aperture located between the lenses. This removes the need for complex mechanical moving parts that会增加 device thickness, while maintaining the ability to adjust the F number for different imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical iris diaphragm system with an electro-optic aperture that uses electrical control to adjust the effective aperture diameter. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts, reducing device thickness while maintaining F number adjustability through electrical actuation of the electro-optic element.
3Length of moving object
If the aperture diameter is fixed in the optical system, then device profile is minimized, but the ability to adjust F number for different scenes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the variable aperture function directly into the lens assembly by positioning the electro-optic aperture between the front and rear lenses. This integration allows the aperture control functionality to be combined with the optical system without adding separate mechanical components that would increase device thickness, maintaining compact profile while enabling F number adjustment.
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
Enables user-adjustable F number without increasing device thickness, reducing image noise, and maintaining image resolution by integrating an electrochromic aperture between the lenses, thus optimizing image quality across different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-optic aperture may include an electrochromic element coupled with a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A variable aperture lens and methods of forming such lenses are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the variable aperture lens include an electro-optic aperture sandwiched between a front lens and a rear lens along an optical axis. The front lens or the rear lens may include multiple lens layers having different optical properties to provide for a low z-height, optically aligned, variable aperture lens.