Liquid Crystal Lens Module for Diffraction Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature camera modules in devices like smartphones face image quality deterioration due to diffraction of incident light when using general apertures, which are not effective in reducing light diffraction and maintaining image sharpness.
Innovation Solution
A lens module with a first lens containing a light-absorptive fluid and a second lens that allows light passage, featuring a variable optical path with adjustable cross-sectional area, controlled by an electrode or piezoelectric element to manage optical transmittance and reduce diffraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a general aperture is used in a miniature camera module, then the structure is simple, but incident light is diffracted deteriorating image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid crystal layer as an intermediary substance between the aperture and the image sensor. This liquid crystal layer acts as a mediator that can dynamically control light transmission without causing diffraction, replacing the traditional fixed aperture structure while eliminating the harmful diffraction effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the aperture by using liquid crystal material that can alter its refractive index and optical properties through electrical control. This allows the aperture to dynamically adjust its transmission characteristics without the physical diffraction limitations of traditional fixed apertures.
2Ease of manufacture
If a general aperture is used, then manufacturing is easy, but image sharpness deteriorates due to diffraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical aperture structure with an electro-optical liquid crystal system. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical aperture fabrication while achieving superior image sharpness through electrical control of light transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and image quality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical path area is increased to reduce diffraction, then image quality improves, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs liquid crystal material that can be electrically actuated to change its optical state, analogous to how hydraulic systems use fluid pressure for control. This allows dynamic adjustment of the effective optical path area without physically increasing the device volume, maintaining compact size while optimizing diffraction reduction.
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
The solution effectively adjusts image brightness and reduces diffraction, enhancing image sharpness and quality by controlling the optical transmittance of the lens module, outperforming traditional aperture configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens, including a fluid to absorb incident light
Implementation Method 2
a second lens, forming an interface with a portion of the first lens, the second lens including a fluid to permit passage of the incident light therethrough
Implementation Method 3
an electrode for controlling the fluids between the first light transmission member and the second light transmission member
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a lens module includes a first lens including a fluid so as to absorb incident light; and a second lens forming an interface with a part of the first lens, the second lens including a fluid so as to permit passage of the incident light therethrough, wherein the second lens defines a first optic path in a center part thereof to permit passage of the incident light therethrough, and the first light path is changed in a cross-sectional area as the interface varies, and wherein a second optical path is formed at a portion of the first lens that is located adjacent to the first optical path.