OPTICAL SHUTTER FOR MINIATURE
CAMERAS
Inventors: Jorg Linke, Vuorentausta (FI); Pasi
Ryytty, Espoo (FI)
Assignee: Nokia Corporation, Espoo (FI)
Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 91 days.
Appl.No.: 11/255,763
Filed: Oct. 21, 2005
Prior Publication Data
US 2007/0090283 Al Apr. 26, 2007
Int. CI.
G01D 5/34 (2006.01)
H01J1/56 (2006.01)
U.S. CI 250/229; 359/228; 396/452;
396/457
Field of Classification Search 250/216,
250/229,208.1; 396/452; 359/228 See application file for complete search history.
References Cited
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FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
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* cited by examiner
Primary Examiner—Stephen Yam
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Ware, Fressola, Van Der Sluys & Adolphson, LLP
(57) ABSTRACT
The invention relates to a shutter for an optical imaging system, e.g. a digital camera. The shutter comprises an interface between a transparent body and a capillary space. Light rays introduced to the active area of the interface are reflected by total internal reflection when the capillary space is filled with a gas. The light rays are transmitted through the interface when the capillary space is rapidly filled with a liquid. Thus, the light rays are either absorbed or reflected towards an image sensor, depending on the state of the shutter. The liquid is delivered to the capillary space through at least one duct which is positioned opposite the active area.
13 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
