Liquid Crystal Lens Optical Body Autofocus Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal lens systems for autofocus in small-scale devices like code scanners and mobile phones face challenges in achieving rapid response times and high imaging accuracy, particularly in handling large data processing tasks within a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal lens optical body comprising multiple liquid crystal lenses with distinct response characteristics, where the transition from high to low optical power and vice versa differs, allowing for rapid focus control and high accuracy imaging, integrated with an optical-information-reading apparatus that includes a varifocal lens, distance-measuring means, and control mechanisms for precise focus adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single liquid crystal lens is used for autofocus, then the device structure is simple and compact, but the response speed is insufficient for rapid focus transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single liquid crystal lens into multiple segments (first liquid crystal lens and second liquid crystal lens) arranged in series. Each segment has different response characteristics, allowing the system to achieve rapid focus transitions by coordinating the action of multiple segments rather than relying on a single slow-response lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control by applying different voltages to the first and second liquid crystal lenses based on the required focus transition direction. The control unit dynamically switches between using the first lens for upward focus transitions and the second lens for downward transitions, optimizing response speed for different operational scenarios.
2Productivity
If multiple liquid crystal lenses with different response characteristics are used, then rapid focus control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autofocus system is segmented into multiple liquid crystal lenses with distinct response characteristics. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for specific focus transition directions, improving overall focus control efficiency while maintaining a relatively compact structure suitable for mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by applying different voltages to different liquid crystal lenses based on the required focus transition. The control unit monitors the current focus position and dynamically adjusts which lens receives voltage input, optimizing the response time for each specific focus adjustment scenario.
3Speed
If the liquid crystal lens response time is reduced for rapid autofocus, then the imaging speed improves, but the imaging accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control where the control unit applies voltage to different liquid crystal lenses depending on the required focus transition direction. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve rapid focus transitions while maintaining imaging accuracy by selecting the appropriate lens based on real-time focus requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the control unit monitors the current focus position and determines the appropriate lens to activate based on whether the focus needs to transition upward or downward. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate focus positioning while maintaining rapid response times.
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 enables a compact, high-accuracy autofocus mechanism with rapid response times, suitable for small-scale devices, effectively handling large data processing tasks and optimizing focus control.
Implementation Method 1
each liquid crystal lens including a liquid crystal layer and electrodes holding the liquid crystal layer therebetween and changing optical power by controlling orientation condition of liquid crystal molecules based on an input signal to the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal lens optical body that is available to a rapid response, the liquid crystal lens optical body having a first liquid crystal lens in which a liquid crystal layer is held between first electrodes, the first liquid crystal lens changing optical power by controlling orientation condition of liquid crystal molecules based on an input signal to the electrodes, and a second liquid crystal lens in which a liquid crystal layer is held between second electrodes, the second liquid crystal lens changing optical power by controlling orientation condition of liquid crystal molecules based on the input signal to the electrodes, the first and second liquid crystal lenses provided on an optical axis. In each liquid crystal lens, a response characteristic when the optical power undergoes a transition from a large condition thereof to a small condition thereof is different from a response characteristic when the optical power undergoes a transition from a small condition thereof to a large condition thereof.