Electrowetting Active Filter for Camera Mode Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera systems require filter changes to switch between visible light and infrared light capture modes, which is impractical for miniaturized camera modules like those in mobile phones, necessitating an active filter that can freely switch between visible light, infrared light, and visible light plus infrared light capture modes.
Innovation Solution
An active filter utilizing electrowetting technology with cavities and electrode plates, controlled by a voltage difference to selectively flow liquids that filter light within specific wavelength ranges, allowing seamless switching between capture modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical filters are changed to switch between visible light and infrared light capture modes, then capture mode switching is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the filter properties changeable through electrowetting. The liquid crystal material's optical properties are dynamically controlled by applying voltage to electrode plates, enabling real-time switching between visible light transmission and infrared light blocking states without physical filter changes. This resolves the contradiction by replacing static physical filter changes with dynamic electrical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the electrical state of the liquid crystal material. By changing the voltage parameter applied to the electrode plates, the liquid crystal transitions between different optical states (transparent to visible light vs. blocking infrared light). This parameter-based control eliminates the need for mechanical filter changes, reducing device complexity while maintaining capture mode versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical filters are changed to switch between capture modes, then different wavelength filtering is achieved, but the camera module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtering function from physical filter components and integrates it into the existing lens structure through electrowetting. The liquid crystal layer, controlled by electrode plates, performs the wavelength filtering function that would otherwise require separate physical filters. This extraction eliminates the need for additional filter components, reducing camera module size while maintaining wavelength filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making the liquid crystal layer serve multiple functions: it acts as both a visible light filter and an infrared light filter depending on the applied voltage state. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate physical filters, significantly reducing the camera module's volume while maintaining the ability to switch between different capture modes.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple physical filters are installed for different capture modes, then filtering precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to achieve precise filtering control through electrical means. The liquid crystal material's optical properties are precisely controlled by adjusting the voltage applied to the electrode plates, allowing accurate switching between filtering states. This dynamic electrical control provides filtering precision comparable to multiple physical filters but with significantly reduced system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If physical filter changes are implemented, then capture mode switching is achieved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter changing system with an electrical control system based on electrowetting. Instead of physically moving or changing filters (mechanical action), the system uses voltage applied to electrode plates to change the optical state of the liquid crystal (electrical action). This substitution dramatically reduces the response time for capture mode switching, as electrical changes occur much faster than mechanical movements.
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 flexible and efficient switching between visible light, infrared light, and visible light plus infrared light capture modes, meeting various capturing requirements without the need for physical filter changes, and improves image capture capabilities by assisting in focus and enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an active filter or an image capture system is needed, which is capable of freely switching between a visible light capture mode, an infrared light capture mode, and a visible light plus infrared light capture mode
Implementation Method 2
a second liquid capable of flowing into or drained out from the first cavity for filtering light within a second wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
An active filter includes a transparent area and a non-transparent area; a first cavity arranged in the transparent area and formed between a first pair of electrode plates; a second cavity arranged in the non-transparent area and formed between a second pair of electrode plates, wherein the second cavity connects to the first cavity through a first passage; a first liquid flowing between the first cavity and the second cavity for filtering light within a first wavelength range; and a controller for selectively applying a voltage difference to the first pair of electrode plates or the second pair of electrode plates to make the first liquid flow into one of the first cavity and the second cavity.