Liquid Crystal Lens Array for Adjustable Zoom Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid crystal display panels are limited by a fixed depth of field, which restricts their imaging performance and requires bulky traditional lens systems for adjustable zoom functions, making them unsuitable for modern, lightweight, and compact applications.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an adjustable zoom image sensing module and a lens array on a TFT liquid crystal display panel, manufactured using wafer level technology, allowing for focal length adjustment without the constraints of a fixed depth of field, using a narrow bandgap light sensor and optical level materials like glass or PMMA for the lens array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional glass lens or plastic lens with fixed focal length is used, then the structure is simple, but the adjustable zoom function is lost and the depth of field is fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed focal length lens with a liquid crystal lens that can dynamically adjust its focal length. The liquid crystal layer's refractive index is changed by applying voltage, allowing real-time adjustment of the lens focal length to achieve variable zoom ratios without mechanical movement, thus providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the refractive index parameter of the liquid crystal material through voltage control. This parameter change enables the lens to adjust its focal length continuously, providing an adjustable zoom function. The relationship between voltage and refractive index is controlled to achieve precise focal length adjustment for different zoom ratios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a group of traditional lenses with adjustable zoom is used, then the adjustable zoom function is achieved, but the volume becomes large due to voice coil motor or piezoelectric actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing the mechanical actuation systems (voice coil motor or piezoelectric actuator) with an optical/electrical control system. Instead of mechanically moving lens groups to adjust focal length, the patent uses voltage-controlled liquid crystal refractive index changes to achieve the same optical effect, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components and significantly reducing the module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the optical parameter (refractive index) of the liquid crystal lens through voltage control, replacing the mechanical parameter (lens separation distance) adjustment. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical actuators and achieves compact design while maintaining the adjustable zoom function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed depth of field is used, then the imaging is simple, but the imaging performance is limited and cannot adapt to different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the focal length adjustable through voltage control of the liquid crystal layer. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the lens to adapt to different object distances and achieve optimal imaging performance across various depths, overcoming the limitation of fixed depth of field without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 improved imaging performance with adjustable zoom capabilities, overcoming depth of field limitations and achieving light, thin, and short characteristics, suitable for modern applications such as video conferencing and image recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array disposed on one side of the first substrate facing the second substrate and on a position corresponding to the image sensing module for focusing an image light on the image sensing module
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a display panel and a display apparatus using the same. The display panel comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; an image sensing module disposed on one side of the second substrate facing the first substrate; a lens array disposed on one side of the first substrate facing the second substrate and on a position corresponding to the image sensing module; and an active switch array disposed on the side of the second substrate facing the first substrate, wherein the image sensing module is configured to receive the focused image light.