Liquid Lens Switching for Stereoscopic Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera devices capable of obtaining both planar and stereoscopic images require separate lenses and mechanical mechanisms to adjust the gap between them, leading to increased complexity, size, weight, and cost, as well as reduced ease of use and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A camera device utilizing a liquid lens that can be switched between a single eye lens and a compound eye lens using an electromagnetic control unit, allowing for the capture of both planar and stereoscopic images without the need for multiple lenses or mechanical mechanisms, with the ability to change the number and position of optical axes and control light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate lenses and mechanical mechanisms are used to obtain both planar and stereoscopic images, then image capture capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions into a single liquid lens that can be dynamically reconfigured. The liquid lens integrates the functionality of separate lenses by changing its shape and refractive properties through electromagnetic control, eliminating the need for multiple discrete lenses and mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining both planar and stereoscopic image capture capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens is designed to perform multiple functions that were previously required separate lenses. By adjusting its refractive index and shape through voltage control, the single liquid lens can function as different types of lenses (convex, concave, cylindrical) to capture both two-dimensional planar images and three-dimensional stereoscopic images, making it a universal imaging solution
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate lenses and mechanical mechanisms are used to adjust gap between lenses, then image capture capability is improved, but size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple lenses and mechanical spacing mechanisms into a single liquid lens structure. This integration eliminates the need for physical separation and mechanical adjustment mechanisms, significantly reducing the overall device size while maintaining the capability to capture both planar and stereoscopic images
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate lenses and mechanical mechanisms are used to adjust gap between lenses, then image capture capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens components and mechanical structures into a single liquid lens system. This consolidation eliminates heavy mechanical parts such as motors, gears, and adjustable mounts, resulting in a significantly lighter device that maintains full imaging functionality for both planar and stereoscopic capture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electromagnetic control of the liquid lens. Instead of using motors and gears to physically move lenses and adjust gaps, the system uses voltage-induced changes in liquid refractive index and shape to achieve the same optical effects, dramatically reducing weight
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate lenses and mechanical mechanisms are used, then image capture capability is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple lens functions into a single liquid lens that has no moving parts. This eliminates mechanical wear, loose connections, and alignment issues associated with separate lenses and adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining versatile imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment systems with electromagnetic control. The liquid lens changes its optical properties through voltage-induced refractive index changes and shape modifications, eliminating mechanical components that would otherwise fail over time. This non-mechanical control approach significantly improves reliability
5Adaptability or versatility
If separate lenses and mechanical mechanisms are used, then image capture capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with simple electromagnetic control. Instead of requiring users to manually move lenses or adjust gaps through mechanical interfaces, the system uses electronic control to automatically change lens properties, simplifying operation while maintaining full imaging versatility
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 solution reduces power consumption, improves reliability, and enables a compact and lightweight camera capable of capturing high-quality two-dimensional and three-dimensional images without the need for multiple lenses or mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid lens switchable to a single eye lens and a compound eye lens; and a switching unit for switching the liquid lens to the single eye lens to take a planar image and switching the liquid lens to the compound eye lens to take a stereoscopic image
Implementation Method 2
liquid lens that can be switched between a single eye lens and a compound eye lens using an electromagnetic control unit, allowing for the capture of both planar and stereoscopic images
Data Source
AI summary
A camera device is provided which has a compound eye structure only by a liquid lens unit and a control unit without requiring a plurality of lenses to be mounted in advance and is capable of taking a three-dimensional stereoscopic video image. In addition, a compact and lightweight three-dimensional stereoscopic camera is provided which can be switched to take a two-dimensional planar image or to take a three-dimensional stereoscopic image only by an electronic control with no need for a movable mechanism and can reduce the power consumption and improve the reliability. A camera device comprises a liquid lens (182) switchable to a single eye lens and a compound eye lens; and a switching unit for switching the liquid lens (182) to the single eye lens to take a planar image and switching the liquid lens (182) to the compound eye lens to take a stereoscopic image.