LV4522 uses proprietary technology to transform a liquid crystal cell into a variable focus lens, said to consume about 80% less power than the traditional mechanical lens currently used in mobile devices. Since the device does not use any moving parts, manufacturing LV4522 costs about half as much as it does to manufacture voice-coil motors and is inherently more reliable. Additionally, each module is seamlessly integrated into each smartphone, not requiring individual adjustment or tuning by the handset manufacturer.
LensVector has made initial shipments though its partnership with production partner Sunny Optical to Vital Mobile, which is currently selling LV4522-enabled phones in Taiwan, Bangladesh and India under the Karbonn brand.
As LV4522 ships, LensVector is preparing to ship its next-generation lens by year's end, which provides dramatically higher image resolution, twice the focusing speed of most mechanical lenses, and a minimum focus distance of just 5cm, half the distance of most existing lenses used in mobile devices.
The current lens and the next-generation lens are based on patented technology that transforms a liquid crystal cell into a variable focus lens using small electrical charges to dynamically change the refractive index of the lens material:
wonder if there is any optical limit for this type of sensor, will they introduce more noise?
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Congratulations to the team!
ReplyDeleteLong time hard work since more than 10 years: congratulation to LensVector team to make this technology successful and accessible in volume!
ReplyDeleteFunny this is that this will probably be called a 'solid state' lens!
ReplyDeleteCould you also use this technology to make a (graduated) nd-filter?
ReplyDeleteYou can already do that with any liquid crystal stack if you don't mind using polarized light.
Delete"We use Trailing Edge Technology", recycling at it's finest: http://lensvector.com/en/technology/manufacturing/
ReplyDeleteQuote: "Our solutions are manufactured using proven liquid crystal and semiconductor fabrication techniques and materials. This has allowed our manufacturing partner, Hosiden, to repurpose a “trailing edge” fully automated LCD fab to produce LVAFs.".
Sure would be great if this Lens could provide per pixel focusing and Image Stabilization, looks like it is much like a whole conventional Lens providing only 'whole Lens focusing' for the moment since it uses a "shaped field (and) a gradient of refractive index, hence a lens, is created".
It may be usable as a 'Mesmerizer Lens' a digital version) or to create 'depth enhanced Video' by rotating around the aperture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCPtvi4COPo&list=UUUH9y35fQqOKZQwmwOGYR0g&index=11