Liquid Crystal Optical Detection Device for Visual Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical detection devices, such as cameras and ambient light sensors, face challenges in being discreetly integrated into surfaces without compromising visual appearance or privacy, and mechanical diaphragms are expensive and prone to vibration, limiting their use in compact devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid crystal device with electronically controllable light transmission regions between the lens and sensor, allowing for adjustable light blocking or transmission to conceal the device and control display brightness, enabling visual concealment and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a mechanical shutter is used to conceal the camera device, then the visual appearance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and vibration susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with a liquid crystal device that uses electro-optic effects to control light transmission. The liquid crystal device switches between transparent and opaque states through voltage application, eliminating moving mechanical parts while achieving the same concealment function. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and eliminates vibration issues inherent in mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the liquid crystal material by applying voltage to alter its light transmission properties. By controlling the electrical parameters (voltage) of the liquid crystal device, the system achieves dynamic switching between transparent and opaque states without mechanical movement. This parameter-based control enables precise control of light transmission while avoiding mechanical complexity.
2Shape
If a mechanical shutter is used to conceal the camera device, then the visual appearance is improved, but the device becomes more susceptible to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts by using a liquid crystal device that controls light transmission through electro-optic effects. Without mechanical shutters or diaphragms, the system removes the source of vibration and mechanical wear, thereby improving reliability and eliminating vibration susceptibility while maintaining the ability to conceal the camera device.
3Ease of operation
If the camera device is made visible to allow control, then the ease of operation is improved, but privacy and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic light transmission control system using the liquid crystal device that can switch between transparent and opaque states based on operational requirements. The system dynamically adjusts its state to enable or disable image capture functionality, allowing operators to control the device without exposing it to unwanted observation. This dynamic control mechanism balances operational accessibility with privacy and safety protection.
4Measurement precision
If a mechanical diaphragm is used to control light amount, then the image quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical diaphragm system with a liquid crystal variable neutral density filter that controls light amount through electro-optic effects. The liquid crystal device adjusts light transmission by changing its molecular orientation in response to voltage, providing precise control over light quantity without mechanical blades. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment while maintaining image quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the light transmission properties of the liquid crystal material by changing electrical parameters (voltage) rather than mechanical dimensions. By applying voltage to alter the liquid crystal's refractive index and light transmission characteristics, the system achieves precise control over light amount entering the sensor. This parameter-based control provides smooth, continuous adjustment without the discrete steps and mechanical complexity of traditional diaphragms.
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 allows for visually seamless integration of optical detection devices, enhances privacy by preventing unwanted image capture, and improves signal-to-noise ratio through controlled light transmission, while being cost-effective and robust against vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid crystal device comprises at least one region whose light transmission is electronically controllable
Implementation Method 2
The light which passes through the light inlet opening (optionally focused by a lens or lens group) strikes the optical sensor
Implementation Method 3
The optical sensor converts the incident light into electrical signals for further evaluation by an evaluation unit
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is described. The device has a sensor having a light incident side, wherein the sensor is designed to convert light that is incident upon the light incident side into an electrical signal. In one embodiment, the device further has at least one lens and a liquid crystal device which is arranged in front of the light incident side of the sensor in such a manner that the at least one lens is situated between the liquid crystal device and the sensor, wherein the liquid crystal device comprises at least one region whose light transmission is electronically controllable. There are further described an electronic device, a method of controlling an optical device, and a computer program.