Autofocus-zoom camera module integrating liquid crystal device as high speed shutter
AssigneeDigitalOptics Corporation
InventorsPrebesh Pavithran, Yeow Thiam Ooi, Haw Chyn Cheng, Hung Khin Wong, Khen Ming Goh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A camera module having a liquid crystal shutter that controls the time period during which the image sensor is exposed to light directed into the camera module. The shutter is located within the camera module housing, which may include EMI shielding and may include a lens actuator for moving a movable lens group. The shutter may be located before or after the movable lens group and before or after a fixed lens group that may also be included. The camera module may also include an IR filter for reducing the amount of IR light that reaches the image sensor.
Claims10
A camera module that is attached to and is a component in a mobile electronic device, the camera module comprising:
- an image sensor;
- a housing having an internal cavity within which the image sensor is located, the housing further having an opening at one end thereof to allow ambient light to pass into the housing;
- a liquid crystal shutter positioned in the housing between the opening and the image sensor, to selectively either allow light to pass therethrough or block light from passing therethrough;
- a lens positioned in the housing between the opening and the image sensor, the lens including a fixed lens group and a movable lens group;
- and
- an actuator to selectively move the movable lens group;
- and wherein
- the shutter is positioned between the fixed lens group and the movable lens group.
A camera module that is attached to and is a component in a mobile electronic device, the camera module comprising:
- an image sensor;
- a housing having an internal cavity within which the image sensor is located, the housing further having an opening at one end thereof to allow ambient light to pass into the housing;
- an outer housing surrounding the housing and being positioned such that an opening of the outer housing is above the opening of the housing;
- a lens positioned in the housing between the opening and the image sensor, wherein the lens further includes a movable lens group;
- an actuator to selectively move the movable lens group;
- and
- a liquid crystal shutter positioned between the opening of the housing and the opening of the outer housing, to selectively either allow light to pass therethrough or block light from passing therethrough;
- and wherein
- the liquid crystal shutter has a top surface in contact with the outer housing and a bottom surface in contact with the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.