Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US5150234?dq=5,987,610
Timestamp: 2014-03-17 20:03:18
Document Index: 197734056

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 63', 'art 63', 'art 63', 'art 56', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'application No. 07']

Patent US5150234 - Imaging apparatus having electrooptic devices comprising a variable focal ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsAn imaging apparatus is provided with a negative lens, a variable focussing lens unit including a material with an electrooptic effect, a light blocking unit, including the material with the electrooptic effect, capable of changing an aperture diameter, and a switch, interlocked with each other, capable...http://www.google.com/patents/US5150234?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5150234 - Imaging apparatus having electrooptic devices comprising a variable focal length lensAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS5150234 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 07/787,139Publication dateSep 22, 1992Filing dateNov 4, 1991Priority dateAug 8, 1988Fee statusPaidPublication number07787139, 787139, US 5150234 A, US 5150234A, US-A-5150234, US5150234 A, US5150234AInventorsHirofumi Miyanaga, Kimihiko Nishioka, Hisanari Shimazu, Masaru Shiraiwa, Susumu Takahashi, Akira Takano, Akira Taniguchi, Akitoshi TodaOriginal AssigneeOlympus Optical Co., Ltd.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (10), Referenced by (93), Classifications (17), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetImaging apparatus having electrooptic devices comprising a variable focal length lensUS 5150234 AAbstract An imaging apparatus is provided with a negative lens, a variable focussing lens unit including a material with an electrooptic effect, a light blocking unit, including the material with the electrooptic effect, capable of changing an aperture diameter, and a switch, interlocked with each other, capable of supplying electric power to the variable focussing lens unit and the light blocking unit which are arranged in order on an optical axis from an object side to an image side. When the switch is turned off, the variable focussing lens unit is set to bring an object at a far point into focus and the light blocking unit is set so that an aperture is determined by an aperture stop, while on the other hand, when the swtich is turned on, the variable focussing lens unit is set so that an object at a near point is in focus and the light blocking unit is set to be smaller in aperture. Apertures different in size are determined by a plurality of annular transparent electrodes incorporated in the light blocking unit and configured concentrically. Thus the imaging apparatus can be constructed to be small or compact in size and is easy in manufacturing.
What is claimed is: 1. An imaging apparatus having electrooptic devices, comprising:first and second circularly polarizing means having first and second states of operation and disposed on an optical axis, said first and second circularly polarizing means in spaced relation having a space therebetween, in said first state circularly polarized light of one direction is transmitted and in said second state all circularly polarized light is transmitted; first and second 1/4 wave plates disposed on said optical axis in said space between said first and second circularly polarizing means; a variable focal length lens containing a material having an electrooptic effect, disposed on said optical axis between said first and second 1/4 wave plates; a light blocking member having an aperture on said optical axis; and power source means for actuating in synchronization said first and second circularly polarizing means and said variable focal length lens, one of said first and second circularly polarizing means being provided with a central transparent part smaller in diameter than said aperture of said light blocking member, said first circularly polarizing means, said first 1/4 wave plate, said light blocking member, said second 1/4 wave plate and said second circularly polarizing means functioning as light blocking means for changing an aperture thereof to different sizes. 2. An imaging apparatus having electrooptic devices, comprising:circularly polarizing means having two states of operation, in a first state circularly polarized light of one direction is transmitted and in a second state all circularly polarized light is transmitted; a polarizing plate spaced away from said circularly polarizing means; a variable focal length lens containing a material having an electrooptic effect and disposed on an optical axis between said circularly polarizing means and said polarizing plate; a 1/4 wave plate disposed on said optical axis between said variable focal length lens and said circularly polarizing means; a light blocking member having an aperture on said optical axis; and power source means for actuating in synchronization said circularly polarizing means and said variable focal length lens, one of said circularly polarizing means and said polarizing plate being provided with a center area smaller in diameter than said aperture of said light blocking member, said circularly polarizing means, said 1/4 wave plate, said light blocking means and said polarizing plate functioning as light blocking means for changing an aperture thereof to different sizes. 3. An imaging apparatus having electrooptic devices, comprising:a variable focal length lens containing a material having an electrooptic effect and having two states different in refracting power for transmitting all light in one state and only circularly polarized light in a first direction in another state; a light blocking member having an aperture in a central area thereof; circularly polarizing means, having a light transmitting part at a center thereof, and two states of operation, in a first state only circularly polarized light in a direction opposite to said first direction is transmitted and in a second state all circularly polarized light is transmitted; and power source means for actuating in synchronization said variable focal length lens and said circularly polarizing means. 4. An imaging apparatus according to any one of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein said variable focal length lens is a liquid crystal lens containing a liquid crystal enclosed in a transparent cell.
5. An imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein one of both sides of said transparent cell is configured as a stepwise Fresnel lens-shaped surface.
6. An imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said liquid crystal lens comprises a pair of lens elements facing each other through a spacer with electrical insulation characteristics, transparent electrodes provided on inner surfaces, facing each other, of said pair of lens elements, and the liquid crystal charged in the cell produced by said spacer and said pair of lens elements, wherein cutting portions are configured in at least one of each of said lens elements and said spacer, and wherein lead wires for applying voltages to said transparent electrodes and connections with said transparent electrodes are constructed in said cutting portions.
7. An imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an opaque member is provided in a surface of one of said transparent electrode on an object side of said lens, of a transparent electrode on an image side of said lens, on an image side of said liquid crystal lens, and on the object side of said circularly polarizing means.
8. An imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said circularly polarizing means comprises a pair of transparent plates facing each other through a spacer with electrical insulation characteristics, transparent electrodes provided on inner surfaces, facing to each other, of said pair of transparent plates, and the liquid crystal charged in the cell produced by said spacer and said pair of transparent plates, cutting portions are configured in at least one of each of said transparent plates and said spacer, and lead wires for applying voltages to said transparent electrodes and connections with said transparent electrodes are constructed in said cutting portions.
9. An imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said circularly polarizing means comprises a pair of transparent plates facing to each other through a spacer with electrical insulation characteristics, transparent electrodes provided on inner surfaces, facing to each other, of said pair of transparent plates, and the liquid crystal charged in the cell produced by said spacer and said pair of transparent plates, cutting portions are configured in at least one of each of said transparent plates and said spacer, and lead wires for applying voltages to said transparent electrodes and connections with said transparent electrodes are constructed in said cutting portions.
10. An imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said circularly polarizing means comprises a pair of transparent plates facing to each other through a spacer with electrical insulating characteristics, transparent electrodes provided on inner surfaces, facing to each other, of said pair of transparent plates, and the liquid crystal charged in the cell produced by said spacer and said pair of transparent plates, cutting portions are configured in at least one of each of said transparent plates and said spacer, and lead wires for applying voltages to said transparent electrodes and connections with said transparent electrodes are constructed in said cutting portions.
11. An imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a birefringent plate disposed on said optical axis and located on an image side of said polarizing plate.
12. An imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said central area of said polarizing plate is transparent.
13. An imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said central area of said polarizing plate has a polarizing direction different from that of an area outside said central area.
14. An imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said central area of said polarizing plate has a polarizing direction different from that of an area outside said central area.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, which is constructed as an image pickup optical system for electronic endoscopes. On the end face of a distal end portion VS of the endoscope is provided a negative lens 1 also used as a cover glass and at the rear of the negative lens 1 are in turn arranged a polarizing plate 2, variable focal length lens 3 including a molecular liquid crystal as a material having an electrooptic effect, an aperture stop 4, an optically active plate 5, a polarizing plate 6 composed of a peripheral polarization part taking a polarizing direction normal to that of the polarizing plate 2 and a central transparent part of a diameter smaller than the opening of the aperture stop 4, a lens 7, and a solid-state image pickup element 8. The liquid crystal lens 3 is constructed in such a manner that a transparent electrode 10 and an orientation film 11 are covered on each of surfaces opposite to each other, of two lenses 9, 9 made from transparent materials such as glass and acrylic resin and a nematic liquid crystal 12 is enclosed in a negative-lens-shaped cell configured by the opposite surfaces. The optically active plate 5 is constructed in such a manner that a transparent electrode 14 and an orientation film 15 are coated on each of the surfaces, opposite to each other, of two parallel transparent plates 13, 13 made from transparent materials such as glass and acrylic resin and a twisted nematic liquid crystal 16 with an angle of torsion of 90 liquid crystal molecule is enclosed in a cell formed by the opposite surfaces. Alternating current power sources P1, P.sub.2 are connected to the transparent electrodes 10, 10 of the liquid crystal lens 3 and the transparent electrodes 14, 14 of the optically active plate 5 through synchronizing switches SW.sub.1, SW.sub.2, respectively, and in the case illustrated in FIG. 1 where the switches SW.sub.1, SW.sub.2 are off and voltages are not applied, molecules of the liquid crystals 12 and 16 exhibit the twist alignment and the homogeneous alignment, that is, the alignment that the direction of the longitudinal axis of the molecule is normal to an optical axis. These components constitute the image pickup optical system.
Since this embodiment is constructed as in the foregoing, light coming from an object, in FIG. 1, traverses the negative lens 1, followed by the polarizing plate 2, and turns to linearly polarized light vibrating in a vertical direction to pass through the liquid crystal lens 3. In this case, the direction of the longitudinal axis of the molecule (i.e., the direction in which refractive index is larger) of the liquid crystal 12 coincides with the direction in which the linearly polarized light vibrates, so that a liquid crystal cell functions as an intensive negative lens and consequently the focal length of the liquid crystal lens 3 is increased, which brings about the state that an object at a far point is in focus as the overall optical system. Next, the linearly polarized light emitted from the liquid crystal lens 3 passes through the aperture stop 4 and, after the vibrating direction of the light is turned by an angle of 90 polarizing plate 6. Since, in such an instance, the vibrating direction of the linearly polarized light coincides with the polarizing direction of the peripheral polarization part of the polarizing plate 6, the whole of the polarizing plate 6 behaves as a transparent body, resulting in the stat that the F-number of the overall optical system is defined by the opening of the aperture sop 4. The linearly polarized light emanating from the polarizing plate 6 is then formed as an image of the object through the positive lens 7 on the solid-state image pickup element 8.
As depicted in FIG. 2, on the other hand, when the switches SW.sub.1, SW.sub.2 are turned on to apply the voltages, the molecules of the liquid crystals 12 and 16 assume virtually the homeotropic alignment, that is, the alignment that the direction of the longitudinal axis of the molecules is parallel with the optical axis. As a result, the negative lens function of the liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal lens 3 is weakened, so that the focal length of the liquid crystal lens 3 is reduced, which brings about the state that an object at a near point is in focus as the entire optical system. At the same time, the optical rotatory power of the optically active plate 5 also vanishes, with the result that the vibrating direction of the linearly polarized light traversing the optically active plate 5 is normal to the polarizing direction of the peripheral polarization part of the polarizing plate 6, and the peripheral polarization part behaves as a light blocking part. It follows from this that the linearly polarized light traverses only the central transparent part of the polarizing plate 6 and the F-number of the entire optical system becomes larger, so that the depth of field in the case where the object at the near point is in focus will increase and a picture image with favorable picture quality which is brought into focus will be available.
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment constructed as an image pickup optical system for electronic microscopes, which is provided with a double function lens 19 including a molecular liquid crystal exhibiting both the functions of the liquid crystal lens 3 and the optically active plate 5 of the first embodiment. The liquid crystal 19 is constructed in such a manner that a transparent electrode 21 and an orientation film 22 are coated on each of the surfaces of two lenses 20, 20 which are opposite to each other and a twisted nematic liquid crystal 23 with an angle of torsion of 90 axis of the liquid crystal molecule is enclosed in a positive-lens-shaped cell configured by the opposite faces. An alternating current power source P is connected to the transparent electrodes 21, 21 of the liquid crystal lens 19 through a switch SW, and in the case illustrated in FIG. 3 where the switch SW is off and a voltage is not applied, the molecules of the liquid crystal 23 exhibits the twist alignment. Also, the polarizing plates 2 and 6 coincide with each other in polarizing direction.
Since this embodiment is constructed as stated above, light coming from the object, in FIG. 3, travels through the negative lens 1, followed by the polarizing plate 2, and turns to linearly polarized light vibrating in a vertical direction to enter the liquid crystal lens 19. In such an instance, the direction of the longitudinal axis of the molecule of the liquid crystal 23 coincides with the vibrating direction of the linearly polarized light, so that the liquid crystal cell acts as an intensive positive lens and consequently the focal length of the liquid crystal lens 19 is reduced, which brings about the state that an object at a near point is in focus as the entire optical system. Further, after the vibrating direction is turned by 90 traverses the polarizing plate 6 through the stop 4. In this case, the vibrating direction of the linearly polarized light is normal to the polarizing direction of the peripheral polarization part of the polarizing plate 6 and therefore the peripheral polarization part acts as a light blocking part. It follows from this that the linearly polarized light traverses only the central transparent part of the polarizing plate 6 and the F-number of the entire optical system becomes larger, so that the depth of field in the case where the object at a near point is in focus will increase and the object image formed through the positive lens 7 on the solid-state image pickup element 8 by the linearly polarized light will be brought into focus and have good quality.
FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment, which does not cause the molecules of the liquid crystal 23 at the central curved surface part (positive lens part) of the liquid crystal lens 25 to assume the twist alignment, but mere homogeneous alignment. Specifically, rubbing treatment is applied in such a way that an orientation direction of the orientation film 22 formed on the concave surface of the lens 24 coincides with that of the orientation film 22 on the inside surface of the lens 20 and the orientation direction of the orientation film 22 on the flat surface of the lens 24 makes an angle of 90 surface of the lens 20. This embodiment, therefore, has the advantage that the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal 23 at the central curved surface part of the liquid crystal lens 25 can easily be controlled.
Since this embodiment is constructed as mentioned above, in the case where the voltage is not applied as in FIG. 9, light passing through the negative lens 1 and the infrared light blocking filter 26 is incident on the circularly polarizing plate 27 and then, for example, only the dextro-rotatory circularly polarized light traverses the circularly polarizing plate 27, while the levorotatory circularly polarized light is reflected therefrom. The dextro-rotatory circularly polarized light emanating from the circularly polarizing plate 27 turns to the linearly polarized light through the 1/4 λ plate 29, is subjected to strong positive refraction by the liquid crystal lens 3 assuming the homeotropic alignment, and changes into the levo-rotatory circularly polarized light through the 1/4 λ plate 30 to enter the circularly polarized plate 28. Then, the levo-rotatory circularly polarized light is reflected by the peripheral part of the circularly polarizing plate 28 and travels through only the central part thereof so as to be imaged on the solid-state image pickup element 8 via the negative lens 7. This causes the object at a near point to be in focus and makes the depth of field large.
FIG. 12 shows a sixth embodiment, which has a liquid crystal lens 33 including the cholesteric liquid crystal 31, enclosed therein, transmitting the dextrorotatory circularly polarized light and reflecting the levo-rotatory circularly polarized light and a rear lens 32 as a Fresnel lens, the circularly polarizing plate 28 enclosing a cholesteric liquid crystal 34 transmitting the levo-rotatory circularly polarized light and reflecting the dextro-rotatory circularly polarized light, a color filter 35 for correcting coloration caused by the liquid crystal, and an image guide fiber 36. The cholesteric liquid crystal used herein, unlike the nematic liquid crystal, have each the refractive index of a predetermined value with respect to the circularly polarized light. It is common that this value is higher (has an optically negative characteristic) in the case where the cholesteric liquid crystal assumes a layer spiral alignment than in the case where the spiral linkage is released into the homeotropic alignment.
This embodiment is constructed as in the foregoing, so that in the state that no voltage is applied as depicted in FIG. 12, light passing through the negative lens 1 and the color filter 35 is incident on the liquid crystal lens 33 and only the dextro-rotatory circularly polarized light traverses the liquid crystal lens 33, whereas the levo-rotatory circularly polarized light is reflected therefrom. The dextro-rotatory circularly polarized light is then reflected from the peripheral part of the circularly polarizing plate 28 and travels through only the central part thereof. Since the direction of the longitudinal axis of the molecule in the liquid crystal 31 of the liquid crystal lens 33 is normal to the optical axis, the dextro-rotatory circularly polarized light is inevitably subjected to strong positive refraction. Consequently, the object at near point will be in focus and the depth of field will be made larger. Also, illuminating light attained by internal illumination such as the light guide like the endoscope is so bright that no trouble arises even if the amount of light is reduced to 50% in the liquid crystal lens 33.
The embodiment has the advantages that the transmittance of light is higher than in the first embodiment and the arrangement is simple compared with the fifth embodiment. Also, because the rear lens 32 of the liquid crystal lens 33 is configured as the Fresnel lens, the liquid crystal cell is thinner and the results show the advantages that the response to the changeover of the switches SW.sub.1, SW.sub.2 becomes quick and the loss of light caused by absorption scattering in the liquid crystal layer is diminished. Further, there also is another advantage that since the color filter 35 is placed in front of the liquid crystal lens 33 and the circularly polarizing plate 28, their reflecting light is absorbed to reduce the flare.
The rear lens 32 of the liquid crystal lens 33 may also be an ordinary configuration. In addition, the solid-state image pickup element may well be used in place of the image guide fiber 36.
FIG. 16 shows a modified example of the liquid crystal 3 of the first embodiment or the fifth embodiment (FIG. 9), which makes use of a liquid crystal 40 having a negative birefringent characteristic. The negative birefringent characteristic means n.sub.z &lt;n.sub.x =n.sub.y in an ellipsoid shown in FIG. 18. That is to say, n.sub.x, n.sub.y and n.sub.z represent refractive indices of light vibrating in directions of x-axis, y-axis and z-axis, respectively, and since the direction of the longitudinal axis of the liquid crystal molecule coincides with that of the z-axis, light travelling along the z-axis is an ordinary ray and light normal thereto is an extraordinary ray, namely, n.sub.z =n.sub.e &lt;n.sub.x =n.sub.y =n.sub.o.
FIG. 19 shows an eighth embodiment, which is provided with a birefringent plate 41 such as calcite in front of the solid-state image pickup element 8 of the second embodiment. The birefringent plate 41 is arranged so that refractive index n.sub.e is large in relation to the polarized light whose vibrating direction is parallel to the plane of the figure and refractive index n.sub.o is small in relation to the polarized light whose vibrating direction is normal to the plane of the figure. Therefore, an air conversion optical path length of the birefringent plate 41 in the state that the object at a near point is in focus is 1/n.sub.o and that of the birefringent plate 41 in the state that the object at a far point is in focus is 1/n.sub.e. This result is equivalent to the fact that a focussing position of the solid-state image pickup element 8 is shifted by 1/n.sub.o -1/n.sub.e, so that the advantage is brought about that the difference between the far point and the near point is further made large compared with the second embodiment.
FIG. 20 shows a ninth embodiment, which is composed of a stop 42 constructed from an electrochromic element provided as a light blocking member variable in aperture size. In the case where the voltage is not applied as diagramed in this figure, the positive refracting power of the liquid crystal lens 3 is strong and the peripheral part of the stop 42 is in a light blocking state, with the result that the object at a near . point is in focus and the depth of field is increased. Contrary, in the case where the voltage is applied, the positive refracting power of the liquid crystal lens 3 is weakened and the stop 42 is fully opened, so that the object at a far point is in focus and a bright image is available.
FIG. 22 shows an eleventh embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment in that both the variable focal length lens 3 and the optically active plate are made from PLZT, KDT, liquid crystal polymer and the like, in that polarizing directions of the polarizing plates 2 and 6 are the same, and in that the power sources P.sub.1, P.sub.2 are of direct current. When the switches SW.sub.1, SW.sub.2 are turned off as shown, no voltage is applied to each of the lens 3 and the optically active plate 5, so that the refracting power of the lens 3 is weak and the optically active plate 5 fails to exhibit the optical rotatory power. Since the entire optical system therefore results in the state that the object at a far point is in focus, all incident light passes through the polarizing plate 6 and a bright picture image is obtained. Contrary, when the switches SW.sub.1, SW.sub.2 are turned on, the voltage is applied to each of the lens 3 and the optically active plate 5, with the result that the refracting power of the lens 3 is increased and the optically active plate 5 allows its polarized plane to be rotated by an angle of 90 Thus, since the light passing through the marginal portion of the aperture stop 4 cannot traverse the polarizing plate 6, it follows that the beam of light is limited and the picture image of the object at a near point which is large in depth of field is available.
FIGS. 24 and 25 are views showing a thirteenth embodiment and a transparent electrode pattern of one of its cells, respectively. Reference numerals 44, 45 and 46 represent polarizing plates also used as three transparent substrates in which polarizing directions intersect alternately at right angles, among which transparent cells 47 and 48 comprising first and second liquid crystals enclosed, respectively, are configured. The first liquid crystal cell 47 has a transparent electrode 49 configured on the entire surface of one of its inner sides (i.e., the inner side of the polarizing plate) and as diagrammed in FIG. 25, includes transparent electrodes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d configured in the section corresponding to one of circumferential portions of plural concentric circles at every other segment of those virtually equally divided on the other side (i.e., the front side of the polarizing plate 45). It is, however, favorable that segments provided with the transparent electrodes are somewhat large as compared with those with no transparent electrodes. Further, on the transparent electrode 49 and the segmental transparent electrodes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d are laminated orientation films 51 and 52 whose orientation directions coincide with the polarizing directions of the polarizing plates 44 and 45, respectively, and on the inside thereof is enclosed a nematic liquid crystal 53 which is positive in dielectric anisotropy. That is, the liquid crystal cell 47 is the twisted nematic liquid crystal cell. As depicted in FIG. 25, lead-in electrodes 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d are connected to the transparent electrodes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, respectively, through segments which are not provided with any electrode, and individual lead-in electrodes 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d are connected with respect to all segments. The liquid crystal cell 48 is such that the cell of the same structure as the first liquid crystal cell 47 is merely arranged in a reverse direction and the segments in which the transparent electrodes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d are configured on the rear side of the polarizing plate 45 just cover those in which the transparent electrodes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d of the first liquid crystal cell 47 are not provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the lead-in electrodes 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, after individually connected with respect to the first and second liquid cells 47 and 48, are connected to the power source P.sub.2 through switches SW.sub.2a, SW.sub.2b, SW.sub.2c, SW.sub.2d, respectively, and a lead-in electrode 49a of the entirely transparent electrode 49, after also individually connected in relation to the first and second liquid cells 47 and 48, is connected to the power source P.sub.2. Also, individually connected states of the lead-in electrodes 53b, 53c, 54d and the switches SW.sub.2b, SW.sub.2c, SW.sub.2d are not shown for certain reasons of the drawing. Thus, as is obvious from the above explanation, the individual transparent electrodes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d of the first and second liquid cells 47 and 48 are formed with complete annular segments as a whole, which assume concentric circles.
Since the thirteenth embodiment is constructed as in the foregoing, when all the switches SW.sub.1, SW.sub.2a, SW.sub.2b, SW.sub.2c, SW.sub.2d are set at OFF as shown in FIG. 24, the liquid crystal lens 3 is in the state that the object at a far point is brought into focus as explained referring to FIG. 1 and, due to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal cells 47, 48 which assume the twist alignment, the linearly polarized light incident on the first liquid crystal cell 47 through the polarizing plate 44 traverses the polarizing plate 45 while the plane of polarization is rotated 90 passes through the polarizing plate 46 while the plane of polarization is further rotated 90 therefore, the stop is in a fully opened state.
Next, when only the switch SW.sub.2a is set at ON, only the liquid crystal molecules of the section corresponding to the transparent electrode 50a relative to the first and second liquid crystal cells 47 and 48 turn to the homeotropic alignment and are devoid of the action rotating the plane of polarization of the linearly polarized light. As such, the linearly polarized light traversing the section corresponding to the transparent electrode 50a of the first liquid crystal cell 47 through the polarizing plate 44 cannot pass through the polarizing plate 45 and, even though the linearly polarized light traversing the section devoid of the transparent electrode 50a of the first liquid crystal cell 47 through the polarizing plate 44 can pass through the polarizing plate 45, the light then travels through the section corresponding to the transparent electrode 50a of the second liquid crystal cell 48, so that it cannot pass through the polarizing plate 46. Also, except for those sections, the light can pass through, as stated above. Thus, only the sections of the annular segments configured by the transparent electrode 50a relative to the liquid crystal cells 47 and 48 block the light and the opening of the stop in this case comes up to the inside diameter of the annular segment.
By the same principle as in the foregoing, when the switches SW.sub.2a and SW.sub.2b are ON, both the sections of two annular segments constructed by the transparent electrodes 50a and 50b of the liquid crystal cells 47 and 48 block the light so that the inside diameter of the segment configured by the transparent electrode 50b turns to the opening of the stop, while on the other hand, when the switches SW.sub.2a, SW.sub.2b and SW.sub.2c are ON, the sections of three annular segments constructed by the transparent electrodes 50a, 50b and 50c of the liquid and 48 block the light so that the inside diameter of the segment configured by the transparent electrode 50c serves as the opening of the stop. Further, when all the switches SW.sub.2a, SW.sub.2b, SW.sub.2c, SW.sub.2d are turned on, the sections of four annular segments constructed by all the transparent electrodes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d of the liquid crystal cells 47 and 48 block the light and the inside diameter of the segment configured by the transparent electrode 50d turns to the opening of the stop, namely, the stop exhibits the minimum opening.
As such if the switch SW.sub.1 is properly interlocked with the switches SW.sub.2a, SW.sub.2b, SW.sub.2c, SW.sub.2d in regard to ON-OFF operation, for instance, if the switch SW.sub.1 is interlocked so as to be an ON condition only when the switches SW.sub.2c, SW.sub.2d are ON, three kinds of the opening of the stop can be selected in the case where the object at a far point is in focus through the liquid lens 3 and two kinds of the opening of the stop in the case where the object at a near point is in focus.
Although the opening of the stop can thus be changed into five steps, all the segments assume complete annular configurations and consequently no light leaks in the state that the light is blocked. Further, since the electrode can be extended to the outside by using segmental section devoid of the transparent electrode and its area can be made large, the structure of the lead-in electrode is simplified.
FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a fourteenth embodiment, which is constructed from a twisted nematic liquid crystal cell 54 and two polarizing plates 55, 56 between which the liquid crystal 54 is sandwiched and whose polarizing directions are normal to each other. The liquid crystal cell 54 comprises two transparent substrates 57, 58; a transparent electrode 59a configured on the entire surface of the inner side of the transparent substrate 57; an annular transparent electrode 59b which is moderate in inside diameter, laminated through an insulating layer 60 on the transparent electrode 59a; an annular transparent electrode 59c which is small in inside diameter, configured on the inner side of the transparent substrate 58; an annular transparent electrode 59d which is large in inside diameter, laminated through an insulating layer 61 on the transparent electrode 59c; an orientation films 62, 63 laminated on the transparent electrode 59b and the insulating layer 60, and the transparent electrode 59d and the insulating layer 61, respectively, whose orientation directions are twisted by 90 crystal 64 enclosed between the orientation films 62, 63 which is positive in dielectric anisotropy. The transparent electrodes 59a, 59b, 59c, 59d are arranged as concentric circles and annuluses about the optical axis, and their peripheral edges coincide with that of the liquid crystal cell 54. As well, the transparent electrodes 59a, 59b, 59c, 59d are connected to the power source P.sub.2 through the switches SW.sub.2a, SW.sub.2b, SW.sub.2c, SW.sub.2d, respectively. Although, in fact, the liquid crystal lens 3 and the polarizing plate 2 are arranged on the object side of the liquid cell 54 and the lens 7 and the solid-state image pickup element 8 on the image side thereof, their figures are omitted.
This embodiment is constructed as in foregoing, so that when all the switches SW.sub.2a, SW.sub.2b, SW.sub.2c, SW.sub.2d are set at OFF as shown in FIG. 26, the stop assumes the fully opened state in accordance with the same principle as in the thirteenth embodiment (FIG. 24). When the switches SW.sub.2b and SW.sub.2d are turned on, only the sections corresponding to the transparent electrode 59d turn to the light blocking state and the opening of the stop in this case comes up to the inside diameter of the transparent electrode 59d. Further when the switches SW.sub.2b and SW.sub.2c are set at ON, only the sections corresponding to the transparent electrode 59b block the light and the opening of the stop in this case comes up to the inside diameter of the transparent electrode 59b. In addition, when the switches SW.sub.2a and SW.sub.2c are turned on, only the sections corresponding to the transparent electrode 59c causes the light blocking state and the opening of the stop comes up to the inside diameter of the transparent electrode 59c, namely, the stop exhibits the minimum opening.
Although the opening of the stop can thus be changed into four steps by interlocking with the switch SW.sub.1 in operation, in this embodiment, all the segments assume complete annular configurations and no space among the segments exists, with the result that the light does not entirely leak in the light blocking state. Further, since lead wires connected to all the electrodes can be taken out of the peripheral edge of the liquid crystal cell 54, the structure of the connection to the electrodes is simplified.
FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a sixteenth embodiment, in which the polarizing directions of the polarizing plates 55 and 56 coincide with each other, the orientation direction of a central part 63a of the orientation film 63 coincides with that of the orientation film 62, and the orientation direction of the other part is twisted by 90 respect thereto. Specifically, the molecules of the liquid crystal 64 assume the homogeneous alignment in the part corresponding to the central part 63a of the orientation film 63 and the twist alignment in the other part.
This embodiment is constructed as in the foregoing, so that when the switch SW.sub.2 is set to OFF as shown, light incident on the liquid crystal cell 54 through the polarizing plate 55 traverses the polarizing plate 56 because the plane of polarization is not rotated in the part corresponding to the central part 63a of the orientation film 63 and, contrary to this, in the other part, the light is blocked by the polarizing plate 56 because the plane of polarization is rotated by 90 in a stopping-down state. On the other hand, when the switch is set to ON, the molecule array of the liquid crystal 64 turns to the homeotropic alignment in all parts and, as result, the light entering the liquid crystal cell 54 through the polarizing plate 55 travels through the polarizing plate 56 since the plane of polarization is not rotated over the entire area. That is, the stop passes into the fully opened state. Hence, in this embodiment, interlocking operation is performed so that when the switch SW.sub.1 (not shown) is OFF, the switch SW.sub.2 is set at ON and when the switch SW.sub.1 is ON, the switch SW.sub.2 is set at OFF.
This embodiment is constructed as in the foregoing, so that when the switch SW.sub.2 is OFF, light incident on the liquid crystal cell 54 through the polarizing plate 55 traverses the polarizing plate 56 because the plane of polarization is not rotated in the area of the transparent member 65, while in the area of the liquid crystal 64, the light is blocked by the polarizing plate 56 because the plane of polarization is rotated by 90 hand, when the switch SW.sub.2 is set to ON, the molecules of the liquid crystal 64 assume the homeotropic alignment and consequently all the light incident on the liquid crystal cell 54 through the polarizing plate 55 traverses the polarizing plate 56 since the plane of polarization is not rotated over the entire area. That is, the stop turns to the fully opened state.
FIG. 30 is a schematic view of an eighteenth embodiment, which is constructed so that the polarizing directions of the polarizing plates 55 and 56 are twisted by 90 the polarizing plate 56 is made into ordinary glass devoid of the polarizing function. Also, the orientation directions of the orientation films 62, 63 are as shown by arrows.
This embodiment is constructed as stated now, so that when the switch SW.sub.2 is OFF as shown, light incident on the liquid crystal cell 64 through the polarizing plate 55 passes through the entire area of the polarizing plate 56 because the plane of polarization is rotated by 90 this, when the switch is turned on, the molecules of the liquid crystal 64 assume the homeotropic alignment, with the result that the light entering the liquid crystal cell 54 through the polarizing plate 55 traverses the central part 56a of the polarizing plate 56, but is blocked by the other part. That is, the stop turns to the stopping-down state.
FIGS. 31, 31A and 31B show a nineteenth embodiment. This embodiment is characterized by the structure of the connection between lead wires L.sub.1, L.sub.2 for connecting the transparent electrodes 10, 10 of the liquid crystal lens 3 to the power source P.sub.1 as well as the switch SW.sub.1 and the electrodes 10, 10 and the structure of the connection between lead wires L.sub.1, L.sub.2 for connecting the transparent electrodes 14, 14 of the optically active plate 5 to the power source P.sub.2 as well as the switch SW.sub.2 and the electrodes 14, 14. Specifically, the lenses 9, 9 in which the transparent electrodes 10, 10 and the orientation films 11, 11 are laminated on their inner surfaces positioned opposite to each other face mutually through an annular spacer 66 with electrical insulation characteristics and as clearly shown in FIG. 32A, cutting portions 66a, 66b are formed at opposite peripheral edges of the spacer 66. On the circumference of the one lens 9 (a right-hand lens in FIG. 31) corresponding to the cutting portion 66a is configured a cutting portion 9a with the same shape, and the end of the transparent electrode 10 provided on the other lens 9 (a left-hand lens in FIG. 31) comes into the cutting portion 66a. Further, a conductive adhesive 67 prepared from silver paste and the like is charged in each of the cutting portions 9a, 66a. As such, in the case where the adhesive 67 is charged, if, for example, an end of the lead wire L.sub.1 is inserted into the cutting portion 66a, the transparent electrode 10 of the other lens 9 and the lead wire L.sub.1 will electrically be connected through the adhesive 67 to each other. On the other hand, the cutting portion 9a assuming the same shape is configured on the circumference of the other lens 9 corresponding to the cutting portion 66b and the transparent electrode 10 provided on the one lens 9 penetrates into the cutting portion 66b. Thus, if an end of the lead wire L.sub.2 is inserted into the cutting portion 66b to charge the conductive adhesive 67 therein, the transparent electrode 10 of the one lens 9 and the lead wire L.sub.2 will electrically be connected through the adhesive 67 to each other. The cutting portions 66a, 66b can be each configured at a proper position of the periphery of a space for accommodating the liquid crystal and, in any case, each of them is merely provided in a portion of the periphery, so that an optical behavior of the liquid crystal will not be blocked and the connection between the transparent electrode 10 and the lead wires L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 will fail to protrude from the peripheral edge of the liquid crystal lens 3. As a consequence of the foregoing, if such connecting structure is adopted, the work is relatively facilitated even in the case where this particular imaging optical system is incorporated in an extremely narrow space as in the endoscope.
FIG. 32B shows the connecting structure somewhat different from that of FIG. 32A, which is applied to the optically active plate 5. Specifically, two transparent plates 13, 13 which are identical in diameter and virtually circular are made to face each other through the annular spacer 66 with electrical insulation characteristics and the liquid crystal 16 is charged in an airspace surrounded with the spacer 66 and the transparent plates 13, 13. A pair of cutting portions 66a, 66b is configured in portions of the circumference of the spacer 66, and extensions 14a, 14a of the transparent electrodes 14, 14 penetrate into the cutting portions 66a, 66b correspondingly. Further, the conductive adhesive 67 prepared from silver paste and the like is charged in each of the cutting portions 66a, 66b. As such, the conductive adhesive 67 comes in electrical contact with the extension 14a of the transparent electrode 14 to configure the connection connecting each of the lead wires L.sub.1, L.sub.2 for applying the voltage to the electrode 14. In this modified example, although the conductive adhesive 67 somewhat protrudes beyond the peripheral surface of the spacer 66, the protrusion is slight in comparison with the size of the cutting portions 66a, 66b and the periphery assumes substantially a circular configuration, so that the same advantages as in the structural example shown in FIG. 32A are brought about.
FIGS. 33, 34A and 34B show a twentieth embodiment. This embodiment, like the nineteenth embodiment, is characterized by the structure of the connection between the lead wires L.sub.1, L.sub.2 for connecting the transparent electrodes 14, 14; 14, 14 of the circularly polarizing plates 27, 28 to the corresponding power sources and switches and the transparent electrodes. Although this embodiment has the same connecting structure as in the nineteenth embodiment with respect to the liquid crystal lens 3, it is different from the nineteenth embodiment in that the cutting portions 66a, 66b are configured in only the transparent plates 13, 13 in regard to the circularly polarizing plates 27, 28 so that the cutting portions assume V-shaped forms as depicted in FIGS. 34A and 34B and the extensions 14a, 14a of the corresponding transparent electrodes 14, 14 penetrate into the spaces of the cutting portions 66a, 66b. Also, while the embodiment has the same advantages as stated in connection with the nineteenth embodiment, due to the fact that the cutting portions 66a, 66b are configured in only the transparent plates 13, 13, the embodiment possesses the features that working and assembly are easier and an effective diameter of the space for accommodating the liquid crystal 31 can be increased.
FIG. 35 shows a modified example of the polarizing plate 6. That is, the polarizing plate 6 in each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 31 is such that its central part is configured as a light transmitting part, while in a polarizing plate 6' shown in FIG. 35, its central part 6'a is covered with a polarizing plate selected so that the planes of 5 polarization are normal to each other with respect to a peripheral part 6'b. For this reason, in the case where the vibration of incident light travels in the direction of arrows shown in the peripheral part 6'b, the amount of light is reduced since the light of the part corresponding to the central part 6'a is blocked, in comparison with the case where the central part is constructed as the light transmitting part. This, however, does not virtually cause problems because the area of the central part 6'a is relatively small. Accordingly, the polarizing plate 6 in each of the above embodiments may be replaced by the polarizing plate 6' shown in FIG. 35.
In the case of the optical system described in Sho 62-35090, however, it is substantially impossible, in view of a space, to accommodate the aperture stop variable mechanically in aperture size, the moving mechanism of the lens holding frame, and their interlocking mechanism in the non-flexible distal end portion of the endoscope of the distal end portion of a non-flexible endoscope. Further, in Sho 63-78119, problems have been encountered that it is considerably difficult that such a lens with a small diameter as used for the endoscope assumes multi-focus and an extremely small electrochromic stop is hard to make.
Also, in the case of the conventional example in the foregoing, problems have arisen that since each electrode is provided with the connection of a lead wire for power supply, the electrode fails to take a complete annular form and clearance thus occurs between the electrodes adjacent to each other, with the result that light leaks out though the clearance even in a light blocking state. In addition, another problem has also arise that the structure is complicated because the area occupied by the connection must be small to such extent as is possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus having electrooptic devices which is favorably usable, compact, easy to make and can interlock with the focusing adjustment of an imaging lens to change the stop diameter of the imaging lens.
This is a division of application No. 07/390,402, filed Aug. 7, 1989 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,229.
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