Electronically switching microlenses between optical states
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorMikko Ollila
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An example electronic apparatus for switching microlenses includes a microlens including a plurality of microstructures to bend light. The electronic apparatus also includes a chamber coupled to the microlens to receive a liquid with an optical index that matches an optical index of the microlens. The electronic apparatus further includes an electronic device coupled to the chamber to manipulate the liquid to achieve a target optical state of the microlens.
Claims25
An electronic apparatus for switching microlenses, comprising:
- a microlens comprising a plurality of microstructures to bend light;
- a chamber coupled to the microlens to receive a liquid with an optical index that matches an optical index of the microlens;
- and
- an electronic device coupled to the chamber to manipulate the liquid to achieve a target optical state of the microlens.
A method for switching an electronic device between two optical states, comprising:
- detecting an input to switch the electronic device from a first optical state to a second optical state;
- and
- powering a microlens apparatus in the electronic device to cause a liquid to cover a portion of a microlens to achieve the second optical state, wherein the liquid comprises an optical index that matches an optical index of the microlens.
An imaging device for plenoptic photography, comprising:
- a sensor to capture light information;
- a main lens to guide light towards a microlens;
- a microlens comprising a plurality of microstructures to bend light towards the sensor;
- a chamber coupled to the microlens to receive a liquid with an optical index that matches an optical index of the microlens;
- and
- an electronic device coupled to the chamber to manipulate the liquid to achieve a target optical state of the microlens.
An electronic device, comprising:
- a light source to illuminate a target object;
- a microlens coupled to the light source, the microlens comprising a plurality of microstructures to bend light;
- a chamber coupled to the microlens to receive a liquid with an optical index that matches an optical index of the microlens;
- and
- a lens switching device coupled to the chamber to manipulate the liquid to achieve a target state of the electronic device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.