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03/07/2004 07:50:50 AM · #1 |
Philips' New Camera Lens Works Like Human Eye
Thu Mar 4,12:40 PM ET Add Technology
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Philips Electronics said on Thursday it had invented a tiny digital camera lens to fit inside a mobile phone that could focus on objects and create sharp pictures in ways that are similar to the human eye.
Unlike high-end digital cameras, the new lens does not require mechanical moving parts because it works by manipulating two fluids in a tiny transparent tube.
Philips said it will build a production line for the three millimeter lenses that are aimed at low-cost imaging products, such as digital cameras that fit inside a mobile phone or a home security system.
By charging the sides of the tube with an small electric current, one of the two fluids is drawn to the edges while the other fluid fills up the remaining space in the tube. The place where the two fluids meet, functions like a lens.
By changing the current, this lens can be shaped hollow, curvex or anything in between, so that it can focus on objects far away or as close as five centimeters.
The lens, on show at the CeBIT electronic trade fair in Hanover, Germany in two weeks time, is the first of its kind and the technology has been patented, Philips said.
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03/07/2004 07:59:57 AM · #2 |
I wonder how precise it is when they make a larger version. No doubt that the technology advances enough in 10 years time.
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03/07/2004 08:55:27 AM · #3 |
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03/07/2004 12:06:31 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by Azrifel:
I wonder how precise it is when they make a larger version. No doubt that the technology advances enough in 10 years time. |
I expect that larger versions might be somewhat problematic. Any density difference at all between the two fluids would cause severe "sag", e.g. non-spherical shape. Also, probably more importantly, the lens would tend to be flat in the center if the diameter exceeds twice the radius of curvature of the meniscus. This radius is typically quite small. As lens size increases, the response time would suffer greatly as well. Finally, for larger lenses, vibration would tend to disturb the surface of the interface.
All of these problems might be overcome, so I would not be incredibly surprised to see the technology eventually migrate upmarket to small-sensor digicams. I'd be very surprised if it ever reached SLR lenses.
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03/07/2004 01:03:33 PM · #5 |
Ever since I have gotten into photography, it has made me appreciate the human eye more and more. Think of how well it can focus on different object and balance light by "aperature" size. It has always amazed me.
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03/07/2004 02:42:46 PM · #6 |
lets not forget the effects of cold and heat to electricity AND fluids. that too needs to be overcome.
very interesting though. what about quality?
Message edited by author 2004-03-07 14:43:01.
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03/07/2004 03:44:23 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by goinskiing:
Ever since I have gotten into photography, it has made me appreciate the human eye more and more. Think of how well it can focus on different object and balance light by "aperature" size. It has always amazed me. |
True, you can't beat God's Engineering.
"The closer you look at Man's creations, they get less beautiful. The closer you look at God's creation, the more beautiful it gets." Something my Grandma said and took to heart. |
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03/07/2004 05:14:57 PM · #8 |
It is somewhat appropriate that this week's current challenge is about "Design and Engineering". Some of the best and most innovative designs that the world has known have been derived from the replication of other technologies, devices, and yes, even the human body into new products, designs, and engineered solutions. Borrowing from one model and applying the concepts to another model is a simple and safe method to invent new stuff.
Earlier this month, I wrote the cover story for a broadcast industry trade magazine on this very subjective. I used the world-famous actress, Hedy Lamarr, as an example of someone who successfully applied this re-purposing of conceptual ideas strategy.
If you are not already bored to tears, click on the link and have a peak at the story.
Structural Daydreaming and a Hollywood Beauty
I had the pleasure of restoring the image used on the cover too. After ten hours of Photoshop, it was ready for the press.
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