Zoom Flash Liquid Crystal Lens Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for adjusting flash illumination angles in photography require mechanical movement, which is not suitable for compact cameras and lacks a cost-effective, robust solution for varying scene coverage angles.

Innovation Solution

A camera zoom flash apparatus utilizing a liquid crystal lens with electrodes and an electronic controller to automatically adjust the flash illumination angle based on zoom settings, employing a cylindrical variable focal liquid crystal lens that changes refractive index distribution with applied voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical movement is used to adjust flash illumination angle, then the flash illumination angle can be changed, but the device becomes more complex and less suitable for compact cameras

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash illumination angle adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical movement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical movement mechanisms with a liquid crystal lens that uses electrical control to adjust illumination angle. The liquid crystal element changes its refractive index distribution in response to applied voltage, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same functional goal of variable flash illumination angle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the liquid crystal material by applying voltage, which alters its refractive index and consequently the illumination angle. This parameter-based control mechanism allows for smooth, continuous adjustment of flash illumination angle without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical movement is used to adjust flash illumination angle, then the flash illumination angle can be changed, but the device becomes less robust and more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash illumination angle adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical movement robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts by using a liquid crystal lens, thereby improving reliability and robustness. Without mechanical components, there are no wear, friction, or mechanical failure modes, making the device more suitable for compact cameras with limited space and higher reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If lens positioning mechanism is used to change scene coverage angle, then the flash illumination angle can be adjusted, but sufficient clearance and additional mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescene coverage angle adjustmentVSAvoidlens positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces lens positioning mechanisms with a fixed lens and variable liquid crystal element. This eliminates the need for mechanical positioning clearance and additional support mechanisms, allowing for a more compact design suitable for integrated camera systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 automatic adjustment of flash illumination angles without manual manipulation, providing a compact, robust, and cost-effective solution for varying scene coverage angles, suitable for a range of camera types including compact digital and film-based cameras.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid crystal element; an electronic controller for applying a voltage across the first and second electrodes; wherein an optical power of the liquid crystal element changes according to the voltage applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal effect: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

employing a cylindrical variable focal liquid crystal lens that changes refractive index distribution with applied voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefractive index distribution change: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS7616881B2Zoom flash with liquid crystal lens

Publication Date: 2009.11.10 APPLE INC

AI summary

A camera apparatus (10) has a zoom lens (12) having a zoom focus setting that is adjustable over a range of focus values and control circuitry for generating a variable voltage potential according to the zoom focus setting. A flash illumination apparatus (20) has a light source (32) and a variable focus liquid crystal lens (24), the variable focus liquid crystal lens (24) having a first and a second solid optical element (40, 50), chamber (44), the two electrodes (42, 48) and liquid crystal material (46). A variable voltage is applied to the liquid crystal material (46) for the lens power according to the zoom focus setting.