CN101632030A

CN101632030A - The apparatus and method that comprise deformable lens element

Info

Publication number: CN101632030A
Application number: CN200780051404A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 元军·P·王; 晨·冯; 威廉·H·海温斯; 李建华
Original assignee: Hand Held Products Inc
Current assignee: Hand Held Products Inc
Priority date: 2006-12-15
Filing date: 2007-12-14
Publication date: 2010-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2027-12-14
Also published as: JP2010513952A; EP2092378A2; CN101632030B; WO2008076399A2; CN102436018A; WO2008076399A3

Abstract

Be applied in the device in the lens subassembly, this device comprises deformable lens element, described deformable lens element has axle and deformable surface, at least a portion images of described deformable surface is to form light, comprise that also power applies structural elements, described power is set applies structural elements, wherein regulate this device so that described power applies at least one in can pushing or pulling of structural elements to this deformable surface to be used for applying power to described deformable surface.

Description

The apparatus and method that comprise deformable lens element

The cross reference of related application

Application No. 60/875,245, exercise question that this PCT application has required to submit on Dec 15th, 2006 are the right of priority of " focus module and element with the control of drive unit condensate " (Focus Module andComponents With Actuator Polymer Control); Application No. 60/901,036, exercise question that on July 18th, 2007 submitted to are the right of priority of " variable lens element and module " (VariableLens Elements And Modules); The Application No. 11/781 that on July 23rd, 2007 submitted to, 901, exercise question is the right of priority of " focus module and element with the control of drive unit condensate " (Focus Module and Components With Actuator Polymer Control), and Application No. 11/781,901 have required described Application No. 60/875,245 right of priority, and on August 31st, 2007 submit to 11/897924, exercise question is the right of priority of " apparatus and method that comprise deformable camera lens element " (Apparatus and Method Comprising Deformable Lens Element), and Application No. 11/897924 has required described Application No. 60/875,245 and the right of priority of Application No. 60/901,036.All above-mentioned patented claims are merged in as quoting at this with their full contents.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of lens element that is used to be combined in the optical imaging system, and specially refer to a kind of apparatus and method that comprise deformable lens element.

Background technology

The variable lens of for example many focal length lenses and zoom lens has been used one or more non deformable (just, as glass and the same rigidity of polycarbonate) lens element traditionally, and it is moved along imaging axis by the power that is generally provided by motor.

In recent years, no motor electric field response lens element has caused Research on Optical System person and the growing concern of deviser.A kind of type of not having motor electric field response lens element is " fluid lens " lens element, and it comprises that generally filling up one or more has rigidity or the elastic film of refractive index greater than 1 fluid.The fluid lens components technology has caused many Design for optical system persons' concern, and they it is generally acknowledged that the system of conventional solid lens element and motor assembling is heaviness and catabiotic.Along with the proposal of convection cell lens element, advised that the whole bag of tricks changes the optical property that is used to be combined into the fluid lens components in the optical system.No matter where advised fluid lens components, the options that is proposed that is used to change the optical characteristics of this lens element can have been classified as two main kinds: the moistening and fluid of electricity injects.

The processing procedure moistening according to electricity provides to have at least two kinds of not fluid lens components of fused fluid, and voltage is applied on this fluid lens components.As the result who applies voltage, the surface tension of this fluid lens components changes, and causes that the interfacial curvature between these at least two kinds of fluids changes.

According to the processing procedure that fluid injects, the pump of adjacent fluid lens element is provided, its pump in this lens element advances and extracts fluid out.Along with fluid pump being advanced and extract this lens element out, the optical characteristics of this lens element changes.

Moistening and the problem fluid method for implanting all is noted about the described electricity of the optical characteristics that is used for changing fluid lens components.Moistening about electricity, a problem that has been noted is the past along with the time, and electric current repeatedly flows through the characteristic that this lens element is easy to change this lens element, and it is unreliable and unsettled causing any system that has used this lens element therein.Be that electricity moistening relating to routinely provides two kinds of fluids about relating to the another one problem noted of the moistening suggestion of electricity.When the reference coefficient difference between these two kinds of fluids was little, the multiplying power of these lens was lowered.

About described fluid method for implanting, the described pump that is used to provide this fluid injection is absolutely necessary.Its complicated system and acceptable miniaturization that makes that manufacturing cost is suitable hard to understand is difficult to obtain.

Because the described electricity about the optical characteristics that is used for changing deformable lens element that is noted is moistening and the two problem of fluid method for implanting, the coml deviser almost all continues to rely on conventional motor driven rigidity lens elements to dispose optical system in Design for optical system.Yet, remain limited with accessible the minimizing of motor driven rigidity lens element that is assemblied in the optical system with energy-conservation.

In brief, fluid lens sometimes is also referred to as the adaptability lens, is included in the interface between two kinds of fluids with different optical refractive index.By using external force can change the shape at this interface, can be directed into the direction of expectation and propagated so that pass the light at this interface.Therefore,, the optical characteristics of fluid lens, for example these lens are as divergent lens or as convergent lens, and its focal length, can be changed in response to this externally applied forces.

Use fluid lens technology that electric signal controls this fluid lens operation to be described in No. the 2062468th, the US patent of Matz by title with differing; No. the 6369954th, people's such as Berge US patent; No. the 6449081st, people's such as Onuki US patent; No. the 6702483rd, people's such as Tsuboi US patent; No. the 6806988th, people's such as Onuki US patent; No. the 2004/0218283rd, people's such as Nagaoka US patented claim; No. the 2004/0228003rd, people's such as Takeyama US patent patented claim; In No. the 2005/0002113rd, the US patented claim of Berge and international patent application WO 99/18546, WO 00/58763 and WO03/069380 number.

The additive method of control fluid lens operation comprises use liquid crystal material (No. the 6437925th, the US patent of Nishioka), working pressure (No. the 6081388th, the US patent of Widl), uses elastomeric material (No. the 4514048th, the US patent of Rogers) and use MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) (being also referred to as MEMS according to initial) (No. the 6747806th, the US patent of Gelbart) in reconfigurable lens.

Other trials of exploitation fluid lens control module can referring to, for example No. the 6936809th, the US patent of No. the 4289379th, the US patent of No. the 2005/0218231st, the US patented claim of people's such as people's such as people's such as people's such as people's such as Sasaya No. the 6188526th, US patent, de Luca No. the 3161718th, US patent, Flint No. the 2300251st, US patent, Yao No. the 2005/0014306th, US patented claim, O`Connor No. the 2005/0100270th, US patented claim, Massieu, Michelet, Viinikanoja; European patent application EP 1674892A1; British patent specification GB1327503; Jap.P. JP2002243918 number (application of Olympus Optical JP20010037454 number); In international application published WO03/071335 number.

Other examples comprise the US patent 5389222 of Shahinpoor; People's such as Shahinpoor US patent 6109852; The US patent 6542309 of Guy; People's such as Pelrine US patent 6376971; Ren H., Fox D., Anderson A., Wu B. and Wu S-T are at " Tunable-focus liquid lenscontrolled using a servo motor " in 2006, Optics Express 14 (18) 8031-8036; Santiago-Alvarado A., Gonazalez-Garcia J, Garcia-Luna J, Fernandez-MorenoA, Vera-Diaz W are at " Analysis and design of an adaptive lens " in 2006, Proceedings of SPIE Optics and Photonics 6288 62880S-1-62880S-8; Ghosh TK, Kotek R and Much J are at " Development of layered functionalfiber based micro-tubes " in 2005, National Textile Center Annua l Report 19; Pelrine R, Kornbluh RD, Pei Q, Stanford S, Oh S, Eckerle J, Full RJ, Rosenthal MA and Meijer K are at " Dielectric elastomer artificialmuscle actuators toward biomimetic motion " in 2002, Proc SPIE 4695126-137; Chronis N, Liu GL, Jeong K-H and Lee LP are at " Tunable liquid-filledmicrolens array integrated with microfluidic network " in 2003, Optics Express11 (19) 2370-2378; Each piece of writing here all is merged in as quoting at this with its full content.

Yet, in present system, use the system and method for fluid lens that lasting demand is arranged to improving.

Lens and lens combination can be that fix or transformable, and lens combination can comprise fixing and/or transformable lens.Fixing lens combination and fixing lens have fixing and static focus, that is to say that the direction of focal length and optical axis does not change.For example, the non-deformable solid lens that is connected to optical system rigidly will naturally and understandably be fixed.And if these lens do not comprise that any other can change the element of the optical axis direction of this lens combination focal length and/or this lens combination, this lens combination will be fixed equally.

The fixed lens system that one secondary common spectacles comes to this.Each lens in glasses are lens of fixing, because it can not change its focal length or its optical axis direction.Because these glasses do not comprise any supplementary lens or the additive method of realizing this change.These glasses itself are the fixed lens systems.

This can do a contrast with the simple and easy telescope that comprises two sheet glass lens.Every all is connected to the different dwell of cam of telescope shell rigidly, there can by this shell dwell of cam relative to each other that slides move these lens near each other or mutually away from.Each independent lens is fixed, and they naturally and understandably can not change the direction of focal length and optical axis.Yet this telescope integral body is a variable lens combination, because this shell dwell of cam relative to each other that slides has changed focal length by the distance that changes between these two fixed lenss.

By contrast, deformable lens is deformable in essence, and any lens combination that comprises it is deformable in essence equally.Fixed lens generally is made up of non-deformable material, for example glass or plastics; Perhaps, if fixed lens form by flexible or deformable material, its be do not comprise anyly be used to cause that their prolong, the part of the lens combination of the method for compression, crooked or other changes shapes or distortion.Deformable lens can be made up of flexible or deformable material, and, being extended, compressing, can recover after crooked or other distortion the situation of its original state at the expectation lens, it is made up of one or more elastically deformable elements.

Can use the power element of some types that the required power of interface shape that changes deformable lens is provided.The fluid lens application technology of using the operation of electric signal control fluid lens has been described in the US patent the 2nd of Matz, 062, No. 468, people's such as Berge US patent the 6th, 369, No. 954, people's such as Onuki US patent the 6th, 449, No. 081, people's such as Tsuboi US patent the 6th, 702, No. 483, people's such as Onuki US patent the 6th, 806, No. 988, people's such as Nagaoka US patented claim discloses No. 2004/0218283, people's such as Takeyama US patented claim discloses No. 2004/0228003, No. the 2005/0002113rd, the patent disclosure of Berge, international patent application discloses WO 99/18546, WO 00/58763, disclose in No. 20070063048 with people's such as WO03/069380 number and Havens US patented claim.For example, being applied in contact area contacts with each other and is positioned at the first indoor dielectric fluid of insulated cavity and second conductive fluid and form fluid lens.Arrange the outside surface of first electrode at the wall of this insulation chamber, it is positioned at this above dielectric fluid.Second electrode connects described conductive fluid.When between first and second electrodes, having set up voltage, produced electric field, it has changed the wet characteristic with respect to the described conductive fluid of dielectric fluid vessel surface according to the moistening principle of described electricity, to such an extent as to described conductive fluid moves described dielectric fluid and is out of shape.Because the interface shape between two kinds of fluids is changed, obtained the variation of focal length, this lens focus or optical axis direction.

Also can use the micropump control system to control fluid lens, the US patented claim that for example is described in people such as Havens discloses in No. 20070080280.Such system can comprise and strong fluid chamber or the container that transmits of deformable films.Can have single such chamber, it comprises mechanical component or by the mechanical component effect, and for example, piston is used for propelling fluid to described film or from described film it to be drawn back.Alternatively, one or more second chambers can be arranged, can use it to increase fluid and draw back fluid to main chamber or from main chamber, this main chamber and described film are strong transmission; And can use mechanical component to influence fluid moving between main and less important chamber.In these systems, when mechanical component can be by driven by power, actual being applied on the interface so that change the power of its shape was mechanical.

The additive method of control fluid lens operation comprises use liquid crystal material (No. the 6437925th, the US patent of Nishioka), working pressure (No. the 6081388th, the US patent of Widl), uses resilient material (No. the 4514048th, the US patent of Rogers) and use MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) (being also referred to as MEMS according to initial) (No. the 6747806th, the US patent of Gelbart) in reconfigurable lens.

Other examples comprise the US patent 5389222 of Shahinpoor; People's such as Shahinpoor US patent 6109852; The US patent 6542309 of Guy; People's such as Pelrine US patent 6376971; The US patent 2 of Flint, 300,251, the US patent the 3rd of DeLuca, be signed and issued to the US patent the 3rd, 305 of Alvarez on February 21st, 161, No. 718 1, No. 294, the US patent the 3rd of Baker, 583, No. 790, RenH., Fox D., Anderson A., Wu B. and Wu S-T are at " Tunable-focus liquidlens controlled using a servo motor " in 2006, Optics Express 14 (18) 8031-8036; Santiago-Alvarado A., Gonazalez-Garcia J, Garcia-Luna J, Fernandez-MorenoA, Vera-Diaz W are at " Analysis and design of an adaptive lens " in 2006, Proceedings of SPIE Optics and Photonics 6288 62880S-1-62880S-8; Ghosh TK, Kotek R and Much J are at " Development of layered functionalfiber based micro-tubes " in 2005, National Textile Center Annual Report 19; Pelrine R, Kornbluh RD, Pei Q, Stanford S, Oh S, Eckerle J, Full RJ, Rosenthal MA and Meijer K are at " Dielectric elastomer artificialmuscle actuators toward biomimetic motion " in 2002, Proc SPIE 4695 126-137; Chronis N, Liu GL, Jeong K-H and Lee LP are at " Tunable liquid-filledmicrolens array integrated with microfluidic network " in 2003, Optics Express11 (19) 2370-2378.

Here all above-mentioned references all are merged in as quoting at this with their full contents.

Summary of the invention

A kind of device that comprises deformable lens element can be provided, thereby wherein can to described deformable lens element, make deformable lens element distortion change optical characteristics wherein by application of force.

Description of drawings

By with reference to the accompanying drawing that describes below, can understand feature described herein better.These accompanying drawings are used for setting forth prevailingly the mark of inventive principle and emphasize optional for replacement.In the accompanying drawings, use identical numeral to indicate identical part among each view.

Fig. 1 is the decomposition and combination assembled view of focalizer (focus module), and this focalizer (focus module) comprises with described deformable lens element and can be deformed so that change the deformable lens that this mode of the optical characteristics of described lens element is arranged;

Fig. 2 is the assembled view of the described focalizer of Fig. 1, represents that described deformable lens element comprises the described device under the state of convex lens surface;

Fig. 3 is the assembled view of the described focalizer of Fig. 1, comprises the described device under the state of plane surface nominally represent described deformable lens element;

Fig. 4 is the cut-open view of the optional embodiment of the described deformable lens element of presentation graphs 1-3;

Fig. 5 is the cut-open view of the optional embodiment of the described deformable lens element of presentation graphs 1-3;

Fig. 6 is the exploded perspective combination assembled view that activates the focalizer of polymer-driven device in conjunction with insulated electro;

Fig. 7 is the exploded perspective view in conjunction with the focalizer of deformable lens element and hollow step motor;

Fig. 8 is the cut-open view of focalizer shown in Figure 7;

Fig. 9 is a skeleton view of representing hollow step motor operation in one embodiment;

Figure 10 is the exploded perspective combination assembled view of deformable lens element in one embodiment;

Figure 11 is a combination cross sectional side view of setting forth described deformable lens element shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a detailed cross sectional side view of setting forth described deformable lens element outshot as shown in figure 10;

Figure 13 is the combined side view of setting forth deformable lens element, and this deformable lens element has a pair of mutually reflective incident and the light exit lens surface of deformable films separately of comprising;

Figure 14 is the combined side view in conjunction with the focalizer of deformable lens element as shown in figure 13, first drive unit is used for being out of shape the first deformable lens surface of described deformable lens element, and second drive unit is used for being out of shape the second deformable lens surface of described deformable lens element;

Figure 15 is the combined side view in conjunction with the deformable lens element of elastic deformable material member;

Figure 16 is the combined side view in conjunction with another embodiment of deformable lens element of elastic deformable material member;

Figure 17 comprises the elastic deformable material member and the lateral plan of the deformable lens element of protective finish thereon;

Figure 18 is the combined side view with focalizer of deformable lens element and pair of flexible member driving device, and wherein said flexible member is to be fit to that the shape with described deformable lens element is consistent fully;

Figure 19 is the exploded perspective combination assembled view of focalizer shown in Figure 180;

Figure 20 and Figure 21 set forth the power that applies the position for deformable lens member typical case external force to apply figure, the front view of the deformable lens element that expression is seen with the imaging axis direction;

Figure 22-the 24th sets forth the side schematic diagram in conjunction with the various combination of lenses combinations of at least one deformable lens element;

Figure 25 is can be in conjunction with the electronic block diagram of the typical imaging terminal of deformable lens element;

Figure 26 is the sequential chart that is used for setting forth the typical aspect of imaging terminal operation in one embodiment;

Figure 27 is the process flow diagram of setting forth in one embodiment the automatic focus algorithm that can be carried out by imaging terminal;

Figure 28 is the front perspective view with hand-held mobile terminal of hand-held housing, thereon can in conjunction with and as shown in figure 25 element of supporting;

[below be text, it comprises the text as fully introducing in No. the 60/875245th, US patented claim] as fully introducing in No. the 11/781901st, US patented claim

Figure 29 is the cut-open view of an embodiment of focus module;

Figure 30 is a focus module of seeing Figure 29 from right flank;

Figure 31 is a focus module of seeing Figure 29 from left surface;

Figure 32 and 33 is illustrated in the effect that is applied to the pressure on the described focusing film on the abundant direction perpendicular to described focusing thin film planar;

Figure 34 and 35 is illustrated in the effect that is applied to the pressure on the described focusing film on the direction that fully is parallel to described focusing thin film planar;

Figure 36 is the figure of this deformation element;

Figure 37 represents to have asymmetric meniscal focusing fluid;

Figure 38 represents the cylindrical elements of described focus module;

The side perspective view of Figure 39 bulging deformation that to be the cylinder upper surface of expression with fluid internal volume reduce corresponding to this cylinder height;

The side perspective view of Figure 40 bulging deformation that to be the cylinder upper surface of expression with fluid internal volume reduce corresponding to this body diameter;

Figure 41 and the 42 described deformation elements of setting forth when it is deformed by vertical compression/horizontal stretch by Figure 41 and original shape shown in Figure 42;

Figure 43 represents to show as the funnel shaped described deformation element of picture;

The various range of movement and the direction of the described deformation element of Figure 44-47 expression;

Figure 48 and 49 expression biconvexs play electric actuation polymer thin films lens;

Figure 50 represents to focus in conjunction with a plurality of deformables the compound lens combination of film;

Figure 51 and 52 expressions have the conventional lenses of electric actuation condensate deformation element;

Figure 53 is the figure of expression reader;

Figure 54 is the more detailed figure of the reader control circuit of expression Figure 53;

Figure 55 is the block scheme that shows the optical reader of general effect microprocessor system, and this system is useful for various embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 56 is the process flow diagram that expression is used to operate the processing of the system with the adjustable focus system that comprises feedback;

Figure 57 is the process flow diagram that expression is used to operate the processing of the system with the adjustable focus system that does not comprise feedback;

Figure 58 is the circuit diagram that expression is used for the rectifier power source of fluid lens system;

Figure 59 is the sequential chart of mode of operation of the rectifier power source of expression Figure 58;

Figure 60 and 61 is figure of handheld reader;

Figure 62 is the figure with the handheld reader of compunication;

Figure 63 is the process flow diagram that is used to have the calibrating installation calibration process of feature of the present invention;

Figure 64 is the figure of expression corresponding to the calibration curve of a plurality of handheld readers;

Figure 65 is the figure that expression is suitable for the embodiment of the power supply that uses with handheld reader;

Figure 66 is the sequential chart of setting forth the mode of operation of handheld reader;

Figure 67-the 69th, expression is used for the sectional view that comprise the fluid lens of elastomeric base having of handheld reader;

Figure 70 is the figure that sets forth the deformable angle prism of prior art;

Figure 71 describes when the moistening phenomenon of electricity consumption is operated the sectional view of the fluid lens of prior art;

Figure 72 is the sectional view 2400 that expression is configured to allow regulate the fluid lens embodiment of optical axis;

Figure 73 is the plane principle view of this same fluid lens;

Figure 74 is that the principle schematic that concerns between the element of optical axis direction is regulated in expression fluid lens and various permission;

Figure 75 is the schematic diagram of the optional embodiment of fluid lens;

Figure 76 is the schematic diagram of the optional embodiment of distributor module;

Figure 77 is the principle schematic that concerns between expression fluid lens and a pair of angular-rate sensor;

Figure 78-the 82nd, the sectional view of the fluid lens of other prior aries that are suitable for using according to the principle of the invention;

Figure 83 represents the functional-block diagram of typical driving circuit;

Figure 84 and 85 expression forwards pass the figure of the LED mould emitted energy of fluid lens;

Figure 86,87 and 88 is illustrated in the figure of the laser scanning that comprises laser instrument 3110, collimation lens 3120 and fluid lens 3130 in the various configurations;

[as the end of text of fully introducing in No. the 11/781901st, US patented claim]

Figure 89 has the schematic diagram of the device of film;

Figure 90 is the schematic diagram of device after being convex shape of Figure 89;

Figure 91 is the schematic diagram with device of container and flow element;

Figure 92 is the schematic diagram of the device of Figure 89 under optional situation;

The principle view of Figure 93-96 deformable member is set forth in the location of the power element in the optional embodiment;

Figure 97 has the schematic diagram of the device of pressure elements;

Figure 98 is the schematic diagram of the device of Figure 97 under optional situation;

Figure 99 is the schematic diagram of optional embodiment that expression has the device of pressure elements;

Figure 100 is the schematic diagram of optional embodiment that expression has the device of pressure elements;

Figure 101 is the schematic diagram with device of piston;

Figure 102 is the schematic diagram that has the device of piston in optional embodiment;

Figure 103 is the schematic diagram with main fluid container and secondaiy fluidic container;

Figure 104 is the schematic diagram that has the device of secondaiy fluidic container in another embodiment;

Figure 105 is the schematic diagram of setting forth the direction of the power in the device that can be applied in;

Figure 106 is the schematic diagram of setting forth the pressure elements shape;

Figure 107-the 110th, the schematic diagram of the optional shape of pressure elements;

Figure 111 is the schematic diagram that expression has the device of pressure elements;

Figure 112 is the schematic diagram that expression has the device of pressure elements in optional embodiment;

Figure 113 is the schematic diagram that is set forth in the device of Figure 110 under the optional situation;

Figure 114 is the schematic diagram that is set forth in the device of Figure 113 under the optional situation;

Figure 115 is that expression has the schematic diagram of device that applies the pressure elements of power with direction radially outward;

Figure 116 is the schematic diagram of the device of Figure 115 under optional situation;

Figure 117 is the schematic diagram that expression has the device of the pressure elements that especially can use reacting force;

Figure 118 is the schematic diagram with device of deformable member;

Figure 119 is the schematic diagram with device of optional flow element;

Figure 120 is the schematic diagram with device of a plurality of separating force elements;

Figure 121 is the schematic diagram that has the device of sound coil in one embodiment;

Figure 122 is the schematic diagram that has the device of sound coil in another embodiment;

Figure 123 is the schematic diagram that has the device of sound coil in another embodiment;

Figure 124 is the schematic diagram that has the device of sound coil in another embodiment;

Figure 125 is the schematic diagram of the device of Figure 124 under first kind of situation;

Figure 126 is the schematic diagram of the device of Figure 124 under second kind of situation;

Figure 127 is the schematic diagram that has the device of a plurality of deformable surfaces in one embodiment;

Figure 128 is the schematic diagram that has the device of a plurality of deformable surfaces in another embodiment;

Figure 129 is the schematic diagram with device of boundary element;

Figure 130 is the schematic diagram that has the device of boundary element in another element;

Figure 131 is the schematic diagram with device of convex surfaces;

Figure 132 is the schematic diagram with device of shell;

Figure 133 and 134 is the figure that use the handheld reader of parts of the present invention;

Figure 135 represents according to principle of the present invention, the schematic diagram of the relation between the element of deformable lens and various permission adjusting optical axis direction;

Figure 136 represents according to principle of the present invention the schematic diagram of the relation between deformable lens and a pair of angular-rate sensor.

Embodiment

Here describe the deformable lens element that is used to be combined in the optical imaging system in one embodiment, the surface that wherein can apply force to described deformable lens element changes the optical characteristics of described lens element.Correspondingly also describe a kind of method that changes the optical characteristics of optical imaging system here, comprise deformable lens element is combined into step in the optical imaging system; The surface that applies force to described lens element changes the step of the optical characteristics of described lens element.About described apparatus and method, deformable lens element little change in shape can cause the very big change of optical characteristics of deformable lens element.

Described deformable lens element apparatus and method provide lot of advantages.For example, with respect to the present available optical system that only combines non-deformable (rigidity) lens element, when the amount of movement that requires to reduce significantly lens element produced the variation of optical characteristics expectation, present described apparatus and method provided important change on optical characteristics.The amount of movement of the lens element by reducing the variation be used for producing the optical characteristics expectation significantly, described apparatus and method are convenient to the further miniaturization of imaging system, and reduce the energy consumption of the optical system of design.Above-mentioned advantage is provided in optical system high reliability, that make easily, and it does not show with aforementioned based on the electric moistening of optical system reliability and the manufacturing complicacy shortcoming relevant with fluid injecting fluid lens.

Here described and had the various devices that the power that can be applied to its outside surface produces the deformable lens element of distortion.Fig. 1 shows the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus and method of description.In the embodiment in figure 1, combination by deformable films 3, isolated component 2 and boundary element 1 provides deformable lens element 10, it can and focus on the fluid (not shown) or other have refractive index and provide greater than 1 deformable material (for example, elastic variable annular volume) by the non-deformable glass of a slice.This focusing fluid or other deformable materials can be placed on by in the recess 8 that limits as the combination at the deformable films seen in Fig. 2 and 33, isolated component 2 and transparent boundary element 1 (seen in Fig. 2 and 3).About all the other elements of Fig. 1, provide these all the other elements to apply force on the outside surface of lens element 10.With reference to the special embodiment of figure 1, provide pressure elements 4 (its special embodiment is meant " thrust ring ") to be used for connecting deformable films 3 here, and driving element (drive unit) 20 is used for driving pressure element 4.Drive unit 20 in Fig. 1 embodiment is provided by ionic conduction electric actuation condensate (EAP).Drive unit 20 in Fig. 1 embodiment comprise the first transport element 6a, the second transport element 6b and be inserted in the first transport element 6a and the second transport element 6b between comprise the Crumple element 5 of a plurality of label-like element 5a.The first transport element 6a comprises electric connection (see and be hidden) from the view of Fig. 1, the second transport element 6b also comprises electric connection 6c.The device of Fig. 1, it is applied to an image focusing on imaging plane, can be called as " focus module " or " focalizer ", may further include shell 7 and is used for receiving element 10,4,20.The Crumple element 5 of referenced drive device 20 again, Crumple element 5 can comprise one or more layers conducting polymer material, so that label-like element 5a response is applied to the electric signal of transport element 6a and 6b, on the direction of axle 15, bend towards deformable lens element 10 substantially.The array configuration side view of the device 100 of Fig. 1 description has been shown among Fig. 2 and 3.

In order to change the optical characteristics of deformable lens element 10, can apply voltage and cause label-like element 5a bending to the electric connection of the first transport element 6a and the second transport element 6b.As the array configuration side view in Fig. 2 and 3 indication, in the time of label-like element 5a activating pressure element 4 can be set bend towards deformable films 3 with convenient label-like element 5a, pressure elements 4 applies force to the outside surface of deformable films 3.As what indicate at the view of Fig. 1-3, deformable lens element 10 can comprise the circular surface substantially that is provided among the embodiment shown in the deformable films 3 and can comprise the axle 15 at the center of running through inverted lens surface (being provided among the embodiment shown in film 3 outside surfaces and the boundary element 1).In addition, pressure elements 4 can be annular, so as pressure elements 4 can be on the direction of extending with axle 15 isospaces of lens element 10 a plurality of spatially away from axle 15 and be arranged in a plurality of somes application of force of axle 15 outsides.When can regulating device 100 bending towards deformable films 3 with convenient label-like element 5a, film 3 with the reverse direction of the power that applies on protrude and the definition convex lens surface, as shown in Figure 2.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2 and 3, device 100 has two states, be called, " shutoff " state, wherein label-like element 5a to film 3, defines convex lens surface and " unlatching " state that is described in Fig. 3 with pressure elements 4 bias voltages so that cause film 3 to protrude, wherein label-like element 5a is pulled away from out deformable films 3 with pressure elements 4, so that allow deformable films 3 to be rendered as just in time in flat and non-protruding substantially structure seen in Figure 3.In order to provide as Fig. 2 and 3 described controls, when the voltage that can provide electric actuation polymer-driven device 20 to determine with box lunch is applied to the electric connection of electric actuation polymer-driven device 20, under the voltage condition of the joint that has drive unit 20, label-like element 5a normally is partial to deformable films 3, and when just in time as in the seen planar structure of Fig. 3 the time, be with the parallel plane direction of film 3 on (vertical with axle 15 substantially) deflection.In Fig. 2 and 3 embodiment that describe, cause label-like element 5a to push pressure elements 4 to film 3 from transport element 6a and 6b removal voltage, near the there optical characteristics that changes deformable lens element 10 of protruding of indication film 3.

Further about the embodiment of Fig. 1-3, deformable lens element 10 is shown comprises the axle 15 that laterally runs through extension, and drive unit 20 is to apply force to the surface of deformable lens element 10 on the direction of extending with axle 15 isospaces substantially.On the other hand, illustrate the pressure elements 4 of Fig. 1-3 embodiment will be spatially away from axle 15 and be arranged in contact deformable lens element 10 on a plurality of contact positions of axle 15 outsides.With reference to the embodiment of Figure 4 and 5, in the embodiment of Figure 4 and 5, the transparent boundary element 1 shown in Fig. 2 and 3 and first and second plane surfaces 110 and 111 are replaced with the boundary element 1 with light intensity.The boundary element 1 of Fig. 4 embodiment has (plane) first surface 112 of non-curved surface and protrudes second surface 113.The boundary element 1 of Fig. 5 embodiment has depression first surface 114 and protrudes second surface 115.

In Fig. 1-3, described by applying force to first device that described lens element outside surface comes mobile deformable lens element 10, describe here now can application of force to deformable lens element 10 so that cause the option means of optical characteristics (for example, lenticular element surfaces curvature, the focal length) change of deformable lens element.

With reference now to the decomposition and combination assembled view of Fig. 6,, shows and described the optional embodiment of focalizer 100.In the embodiment of Fig. 6, here the modular combination by more detailed comprehensive description provides deformable lens element 10, and in the embodiment of Fig. 6 by insulated electro activate polymer-driven device 20 provide drive unit 20 (shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1-3 for providing by ionic conduction electric actuation polymer-driven device).

With reference to the drive unit 20 of figure 6 embodiment, drive unit 20 can comprise flexible member 21, spring 23, retainer 25 and be used for supplying the flexible PCB 27 that voltage is given flexible member 21.With reference to flexible member 21, flexible member 21 can comprise the insulating film material that is inserted between the flexible electrode, and described flexible electrode can be provided by the conducting carbon particle that for example is suspended on the polymeric matrix.When providing voltage to arrive this flexible electrode, flexible member 21 extends on the direction perpendicular to electric field line.Spring 23 is with the direction bias voltage flexible member 21 of deflection deformable lens element 10.Shown in the spring 23 that provides by routine coiling spring can replace by for example compression fluid or flexible foam.About retainer 25, when crooked circuit 27 provides voltage when having the flexible member 21 at top, retainer 25 runnings remain on spring 23 with respect to flexible member 21 allocation really.Give crooked circuit 27 when power supply, its running here is described more fully, and flexible member 21 expands so that promote flexible member 21 on the direction of lens element 10.More particularly, give crooked circuit 27 when power supply, flexible member 21 is pushed pressure elements 4 to deformable lens element 10.Thereby the pressure rings 4 that is driven by drive unit 20 makes the optical characteristics of deformable lens element 10 distortion change deformable lens element 10 there.As in the embodiment of Fig. 1-3, can regulate pressure elements 4 (be depicted as by ring structure produce) and come a plurality of positions contact deformable lens elements 10 at deformable lens element 10 peripherals.These a plurality of contact positions are restricted on axle 15 peripherals of deformable lens element 10 and space away from axle 15.As in the embodiment of Fig. 1-3, be adjusted in Fig. 6 embodiment device 100 in case by substantially on the direction of axle 15, a plurality of contact points of being limited on the deformable lens element 10 of axle 15 peripherals apply power, change the optical characteristics of deformable lens element 10.

With reference to other aspects of the focalizer of figure 6, can use the customization size and dimension to hold the shell 17 of deformable lens element 10 of modular combination array configuration shown in Fig. 6 embodiment and the lid 18 that can be suitable for being buckled in suddenly on screw 19a, 19b, 19c and the 19d encapsulates focalizer 100.Shell 17 can have a plurality of as directed threaded holes that mate with the hole of element 21,25 and flexible circuit 27.Screw 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d can be pierced and pass the coupling through hole, and the threaded hole of shell shown in the precession 17 is with apparatus for assembling 100.Can regulate focalizer 100 so that one or more screw 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d conduction current between flexible PCB 27 and flexible member 21.For example, can regulate flexible PCB 27 and flexible member 21 so that screw 19b is connected to first flexible electrode of flexible member 21 with the voltage terminal of flexible PCB 27, and flexible PCB 27 and flexible member 21 can be conditioned further so that screw 19c finishes conducting path between second flexible electrode of flexible member 21 and flexible circuit 27.

With reference now to the embodiment of Fig. 7-9,, drive unit 20 is provided by the hollow stepper motor in Fig. 7-9 embodiment.Running with reference to the drive unit 20 that in Fig. 7-9 embodiment, provides by the hollow stepper motor, cause the hollow rotor 35 that can be contained in stationary barrel 37 to rotate by this way by coil 31 or coil 33 one of them or the two supply of current with being threaded, according to the signal that is applied to coil 31 and coil 33 with along the either direction of axle 15 rotor 35 forward.With in the mode shown in Fig. 1-6 embodiment, the rotor 35 of can finalizing the design is so that rotor 35 terminal or the structural detail that transmits the power that is produced by rotor 35 are being placed on axle 15 peripherals and are touching the surface of deformable lens element 10 therein on the space away from a plurality of positions of axle 15.When rotor 35 rotation that causes Fig. 7-9 embodiment, when rotor 35 contacts with deformable lens element 10 in such position, rotor 35 substantially on the direction of axle 15 application of force so that the change of the optical characteristics of deformable lens element 10.Shown in Fig. 7-8, the power that drive unit 20 produces can be transferred to lens element 10 by pressure elements 4.In Fig. 7-9 embodiment, pressure elements 4 can have opposite pin 4a, and it is inserted in the moulding that is formed in the barrel 37 fully and elongates on the finedraw 39, so that the rotation of restriction pressure elements 4.Further about the focalizer 100 of Fig. 7-9 embodiment, shown in may further include, focalizer 100 is contained in cap 38 in the barrel 35 spirally.Cap 38 has the transparent interior (not shown) to be passed through therefrom to allow light, and forms when impelling rotor 35 to apply force to the outside surface of deformable lens element 10 and limit the retainer that deformable lens element 10 moves.

Further describe the running of the drive unit 20 in the hollow stepper motor embodiment of Fig. 7-9 now.In one embodiment, the hollow stepper motor is characterized in that having the inside barrel of permanent magnet assembling usually, forms the rotor portion of this motor.In one embodiment, its feature of hollow stepper motor further is to have coil and assembles outside barrel, supports this inside barrel (rotor).The hollow stepper motor shows as size decreases with respect to the other types motor, and allows the accurate adjustment of lens element locations.In one embodiment, the inside barrel part of hollow stepper motor can comprise screw thread, and it can be contained in the screw thread of outside barrel spirally.Have such screw threaded arrangement, this motor can be with respect to keeping high impulsive force based on the electric machine of gear.In one embodiment, be used for relevant with outside barrel admits the screw thread of inner barrel can comprise the screw thread of additional configurations, maintains position about outside barrel 37 so that the mode and need not of inner barrel by friction force applied external energy.Therefore, can be by simply by avoiding supplying current to the lens drive coil, the control lens layout maintains definite position.By comparing, gratifying in certain embodiments optional drive unit needs power input to keep fixed lens and arranges.Therefore, in one embodiment, the major advantage of hollow stepper motor is to reduce power consumption.

About outside barrel 37, outside barrel 37 can comprise that one group of 32, one groups of coil 32 of coil corresponding to inner barrel 35 comprises first coil 31 and second coil 33.

In addition, outside barrel 37 comprises tooth 41, is used for meshing the tooth 43 of inner barrel 35.When causing inner barrel 35 to rotate, the combination of internal tooth 41 and tooth 43 provides inner barrel 35 moving along axle 15.

Further describe the running of exemplary hollow stepper motor with reference to figure 9.The permanent magnet 45 that inner barrel 35 can have the mutual polarity in north and south, it alternately is formed on around the circumference of inner barrel 35.First coil 31 can have the

mutual tooth

47,49 by breach 51 definition.When electric current with positive dirction flowing through coil 31, the magnetic field of opposite polarity is formed on the tooth of continuous adjacent, for example the

tooth

47,49 of coil 31.When electric current flowing through coil 31 in the opposite direction, the magnetic field of opposite polarity is formed on the tooth of coil 31 continuous adjacent once more, except the polarity in magnetic field is opposite with its polarity during forward current flows through.Similarly, second coil 33 can have the

mutual tooth

55,57 by breach 59 definition.When electric current with positive dirction flowing through coil 33, the magnetic field of opposite polarity is formed on the tooth of continuous adjacent.When electric current flowing through coil 33 in the opposite direction, the magnetic field of opposite polarity is formed on the tooth of coil 33 continuous adjacent once more, except the polarity in magnetic field is opposite with its polarity during forward current flows through.

In order to rotate inner barrel 35, can be in first and

second coils

31,33 at forward with oppositely apply electric current in the timing coordination mode, come to make inner barrel 35, up to the position that reaches inner barrel 35 expectations in the direction of expectation.When the tooth of coil 31 and coil 33 has definite polarity, can find that inner barrel 35 will have with respect to outside barrel 37 allocation really, so that permanent magnet is wherein aimed at the tooth of coil 31 and coil 33.Therefore, use the drive unit 20 among Fig. 7-9, the accurate location that can realize lens element.Be called as the hollow stepper motor about the motor of describing with reference to figure 7-9, because can realize the discrete steps position of inner barrel 35 with respect to outside barrel 37, wherein the permanent magnet of this barrel is aimed at the coil tooth with definite polarity.

Can operate in the mode of Fig. 1-3 and Fig. 6 embodiment fully about inside barrel 35 ends that the mode with pressure elements 4, drive unit 20 shown in Fig. 7-9 embodiment is finalized the design substantially annularly.That is to say, can on the direction of axle 15, apply power substantially at the drive unit shown in Fig. 7-9 20.About applying of this power, deformable lens element shown in Figure 5 10 can be connected to be limited to deformable lens element 10 outside surfaces spatially away from axle 15 and be arranged in a plurality of contact positions of a plurality of points of axle 15 peripherals.

Here described the special example of the various structures of deformable lens element 10 in conjunction with Figure 10-17, it can be replaced by any one embodiment of the focalizer of having described 100.

In Figure 10 embodiment, deformable lens element 10 comprises first clamping element 63, second clamping element 65, and deformable films 3 is inserted between first clamping element 63 and second clamping element 65.Each of first clamping element 63 and second clamping element 65 can as directedly be transparent (optically transparent) and plate-like, and can comprise the interlockable teeth of circular arrangement separately.Especially in the embodiment shown, as just in time seeing at Figure 11-12, clamping element 63 comprises three circular ring gears 64, and clamping element 65 comprises a pair of circular arrangement ring gear 66, and it is engaged to the tooth of clamping element 63.When on each of clamping element 63 and clamping element 65, providing a plurality of circular rings shown in the present embodiment, the existence that can find less number ring gear will be assisted the holding power between clamping element 63 and the clamping element 65, for example at one of clamping element single circular ring gear only be arranged.In this manner, film 3 is clamped between clamping element 63 and the clamping element 65.

About the combination of the deformable lens element of Figure 10-12, clamping element 65 can by coupling be pressed on the clamping element 63, and can be used ultrasonic soldering there then.Clamping element 63 and clamping element 65 can have complete tongue and groove mating surface on the other hand, can form ultrasonic soldering there.At the embodiment of Figure 10-12, clamping element 63 comprises that circular trough 71 (Figure 10-12) and clamping element 65 comprise circular tongue 73 (Figure 10-12).Yet, in optional embodiment, can change the position of this tongue and groove.Can replenish or be substituted in the ultrasonic soldering of interface between tongue and the groove with the bonding agent of the material that for example is applicable to this clamping element.Can replace plane optics transparent window 67 shown in Figure 11 embodiment with curved surface member with light amplification coefficient.Here be used for to have for example curved surface of element 1 shown in Fig. 4 (surface 112 and 113) and Fig. 5 (surface 114 and 115) with the optional window that the deformable lens element shown in Figure 10-12 uses.

On the other hand, clamping element 63 can have and allows the transparent wall 67 that light passes through therefrom and can have thickness sufficient to be defined for and to hold the recess 8 that focuses on fluid or another kind of deformable material.After clamping element 63 and clamping element 65 are by ultrasonic soldering, can will have refractive index by hole 75 and be injected into recess 8 greater than 1 focusing fluid (deformable lens element combines and focuses on fluid there).After filling up recess, can be with hole 75 sealings.About clamping element 63 and clamping element 65, each of clamping element 63 and clamping element 6 can be formed by fixing non-deformable material.In addition, clamping element 65 can define hole 77 and provide element (for example pressure elements 4, if perhaps delete drive unit 20 under pressure elements 4 situations) contact membrane 3 with permission power.

Figure 13 has illustrated and has described another embodiment of deformable lens element 10.In Figure 13 embodiment, deformable lens element 10 has a pair of deformable lens surface, is called: first surface that is limited by first deformable films 3 and the second surface that is limited by the second deformable films 3`.Construct the deformable lens element 10 of Figure 13 embodiment in deformable lens element 10 modes of Figure 10-12, except but the clamping element 63 that support to become shape film 3 is repeated and clamping element 63 is modified and is used for holding deformable films 3`, and second clamping element 65 opposition side therein.In Figure 13 embodiment, can find that deformable lens element 10 has the tooth of support film securely that is used for as describing about Figure 10-12 embodiment, and be formed at wherein the circular tongue and the groove button that are used for supporting securely the clamping element related with clamping element.Window 67` about center clamping element 63`, and deformable lens element 10 is incorporated into the position that focuses on fluid, can form window 67` and be limited in the deformable lens element 10 of Figure 13 so that will be used for keeping focusing on the first and second fluid-tight recesses of fluid.Alternatively, this first and second fluid recess can be for example to carry out the fluid transmission by the form that is formed at the hole on the window 67`.And can delete window 67` and recess can be by carrying out the fluid transmission by the hole of center clamping element 63` penetralia knuckle-tooth ring definition.

About Figure 14, Figure 14 illustrates and is incorporated into the embodiment of the focalizer 100 of deformable lens element 10 as shown in figure 13, and wherein the light incident of deformable lens element 10 and light exit surface all are deformable.About the embodiment of Figure 14, focalizer 100 can have a pair of drive unit 20 that is arranged in deformable lens element 10 both sides that comprise deformable films 3 and deformable films 3`.Can arrange as shown that first drive unit 20 applies force to can define on the outside surface of deformable films 3 that deformable lens element 10 light enter the surface, and can arrange as shown that second drive unit 20 applies force to and can define on the outside surface of deformable films 3` that deformable lens element 10 light penetrate the surface.In the embodiment of Figure 14, first and second drive units 20 can have the feature of describing with reference to figure 1-3 embodiment.For example can arrange two drive units 20 so that the hole 16 of drive unit 20 is arranged in around the axle 15 of deformable lens element 10.Can further arrange each drive unit 20 so as substantially applying the power that produces by drive unit 20 to lens element 10 with the common directions of extending of axle 15, and further so as on the deformable surface attaching space of deformable lens element 10 away from axle 15 and be arranged in a plurality of contact positions of 15 peripheral.In an embodiment of the optical system of the lens element 10 that is incorporated into Figure 13, light incident surface and film 3` that film 3 can form this lens element can form light exit surface.In another embodiment, lens blooming 3` forms the light incident surface of this lens element and the light exit surface that lens blooming 3 forms this lens element.

Further about focalizer 100, in one embodiment, can find that first and second drive units 20 have the axle 15 pericentral holes 16 that in fact are arranged in deformable lens element 10 by this way: first of drive unit applies force to the light incident deformable lens surface of this lens element in the direction of extending in the same way with axle 15 substantially, and second of drive unit apply force to the light exit surface of deformable lens element 10 in spools 15 direction substantially.

Can find Be Controlled to show multiple lenticular element arrangement, for example plane-convex, plane-concavity, biconvex shape, concave-concave shape, recessed-convex, recessed-convex lens, biconvex shape with unequal surperficial amplification coefficient with the deformable lens element 10 of the Figure 13 that arranges at the suitable drive unit shown in Figure 14.

About deformable films 3 in the various embodiment of deformable lens element 10 and film 3`, this deformable films can comprise atresia optics transparent elastic material.A kind of suitable material that is used for film 3 and film 3` is SYLGARD 184 silicone elastomers that can come from DOW CORNING type.

Recess 8 about describing in various embodiments can focus on fluid filled recess 8 with optical clear.The focusing fluid that selection has a relative high index of refraction will reduce and obtain predetermined focal distance and change needed deflection.In an example, suitable refractive index will be in about scope of 1.3 to 1.7.Have increased access to the place that predetermined focal distance changes required deflection in expectation, the focusing fluid that selection has littler refractive index is favourable.For example, in certain embodiments, produce the place of moving, can select to have the focusing fluid of low-refraction relative to roughly at selected drive unit 20.An example of suitable focusing fluid (optical fluid) is can be from the SL-5267 OPTICAL FLUID of SANTOLIGHT acquisition, and refractive index is 1.67.

Further about the recess 8 of various embodiment, can fill described recess greater than 1 deformable optical clear material with fluid form with optionally having refractive index, it is not rendered as the shape of its recess separately 8 when recess 8 has bigger volume than this material.For example, the deformable shape that can keep its not pressurized shape in its whole serviceable life fully can be kept material arrangements in the recess 8 in each of the various embodiment of deformable lens element 10.

In an example, can provide the silicon gel as the elastically deformable shape-retaining substance that keeps its not pressurized shape whole serviceable life in the process fully at it.Elastically deformable silicon gel can be arranged in the recess 8 of any described embodiment.In order to make the suitable silicon gel that uses with deformable lens element described herein 10, liquid silicon can be filled in the container of final gel member and be cured subsequently with intended shape.In an example, liquid silicon can be filled in the mould of recess 8 shapes, therein layout be advanced silicon gel member, and be cured subsequently and form up to the silicon gel.

In addition, about the manufacturing of elastically deformable member, can prepare core rod with the aluminium and the electronickelling of the turning of adamas single-point.Described recess can have the opposite shape with this manufactured elastically deformable lens element.Next, can prepared silicon gel mixture, for example DOW CORNING JCR 6115, two parts HeatCure silicon gel.JCR 6115 CLEAR A and JCR 6115 CLEAR B two parts are mixed the formation potpourri.Can be formed at wherein bubble with minimizing to this potpourri extracting vacuum.With this ready fluid silicon gel, can be with this fluid silicon gel injection-moulding to described core rod.At high temperature this fluid silicon gel can be cured then.Wherein when use came from the liquid silicon of JCR 6115 of DOW CORNING, this liquid silicon was heated 5 minutes at 175 degree and can be cured.Can check then these silicon gel lens of finishing with determine its whether zero defect and in the door zone around additional materials can be removed.Alternatively, this final elastically deformable member can be coated the membraneous material of the SYLGARD 184 that for example comes from DOW CORNING to improve permanance with being rotated.Summarized the multiple material that can be used to form in the Table A below as the elastically deformable member in deformable lens element or part.In each exemplary embodiment, the material of the main body (comprising in some example it being whole elastically deformable lens element) of formation deformable lens element has the hardness level less than Shore A 60.

Table A

In each exemplary embodiment, the material that forms the elastically deformable member provides by having the optical clear silicon elastomer gel of refractive index greater than 1.Yet, should be appreciated that, in the manufacturing of deformable lens element, can use to have refractive index arbitrarily greater than 1 optical clear elastic deformable material.

When in the silicon gel forms, the silicon gel member of moulding can be disposed in the recess 8.Yet can find that fill fluid and sealing can be the final steps in the normal lens manufacturing method, lens element is incorporated into fluid here, arranges that in recess gel molecular is the intermediate steps during normal silica-based deformable lens element is made.

With reference to Figure 15, illustrated another embodiment of deformable lens element 10.The embodiment of Figure 15 has similar in appearance to the structure of the embodiment of Figure 10-12, wherein replaces focusing on fluid with the elastically deformable lens component 80 (for example comprising the silicon gel) that is disposed in the recess that is limited by clamping element 63 and clamping element 65.Further referring to the embodiment about Figure 15, will be mechanically connected to clamping element 65 by the pressure elements 4 that thrust ring provides, purpose is combining of assist pressure element 4 and deformable films 3.

Be incorporated into the place that the deformable shape that can be provided by for example silicon gel keeps material at deformable lens element, can optionally delete the parts of the deformable lens element 10 that is used for sealing recess 8.In the embodiment of Figure 16, the deleted and deformable lens element 10 of recess 8 by comprise elastic deformable material member 80, deformable films 3, backboard 81 and be suitable for being mechanically connected to shown in the stack layer structure of header board 82 of pressure elements 4 form.

The shape that is incorporated at deformable lens element 10 keeps the place of elastically deformable member, for example comprises the deformable member of silicon gel as described herein, can optionally delete deformable films 3.But, have film 3, can more advantageously protect elastically deformable member 80, and can reduce scratch incident on elastically deformable member 80 surfaces.Additionally or alternatively in order to protect elastically deformable member 80; member 80 can be subjected to coating and handle; wherein the optical clear protective coating 84, for example can comprise the SYLGARD 184 that comes from DOWCORNING, can be applied to as on the gel member of having described here 80.Figure 17 shows the example that deformable lens element 10 comprises elastically deformable member 80 and surface protection coating 84.

Mention, make technology that shape keeps elastically deformable optical clear member and can comprise the container of filling final member intended shape and curing subsequently.In an example, keep the elastically deformable member to be formed as shape described herein and have original light amplification multiple.In an example, can form shape keeps the elastically deformable member so that this deformable member has at least one convex lens surface under the not subjected to pressure state.

In the embodiment of as shown in figure 18 focalizer 100, elastically deformable member 80 can be formed has original light amplification multiple, and disposed especially, so that elastically deformable member 80 has first normal (not subjected to pressure state) convex surfaces 85 and second normal (not subjected to pressure state) convex surfaces 86 under the not subjected to pressure state.One of

lens surface

85 and 86 can be taken as to be light incident surface, and another is a light exit surface.Further, can arrange that the first and second electric actuation polymer-driven devices 20 make each generation distortion of the first and second normal convex surfaces about the focalizer 100 of Figure 18.In the embodiment of Figure 18, show that lens element 10 is provided as the member that a slice is made of elastically deformable member 80.In the embodiment of Figure 18, also in the restriction embodiment that describes, wherein the main body of deformable lens element 10 comprises the elastic deformable material member, and deformable lens element 10 can not focus on fluid.

In Figure 18 exemplary embodiment, be used for making the drive unit 20 of deformable lens element 10 distortion can comprise the insulated electro actuating polymer-driven device of describing in conjunction with Fig. 6 embodiment as the front 20.In the embodiment shown in Figure 18-19, flexible member 21 is by elastically deformable member 80 outside bias voltage normally, and therefore do not comprise spring 23 in the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19.And, in the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19, deleted pressure elements 4, and the power in the embodiment of Figure 18 and Figure 19 applies structural detail and is provided by drive unit 20.Can pass through a slice elastically deformable member, comprise the silicon gel in one embodiment, each flexible member 21 is arranged as with the deformable lens element 10 that provides in Figure 18 and Figure 19 embodiment contacts.Especially about the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19, thus can regulate each flexible member 21 fully with the not pressurized form fit of deformable lens element, deformable lens element is provided by a slice elastically deformable member 80 among the embodiment shown in this.As in the embodiment of Figure 18, each flexible member 21 can comprise the insulating film material layer 90 that is inserted between pair of flexible electrode layer 91 and 92, so that by changing the voltage between this flexible electrode layer, this flexible member expansion or contraction.In another embodiment, single insulation course 90 can be replaced by a plurality of insulation courses.Further about the focalizer 100 of Figure 18, each flexible member 21 can comprise that being arranged in axle 15 no coating area 116 on every side passes through deformable lens element 10 to allow light.

No coating area 116 in Figure 18 embodiment is the zones that do not have the flexible electrode coating, and this coating can cover the remainder of the interior and outside surface of flexible member 21 except no coating area 116.For providing insulation course 90, the form with light transparent materials passes therefrom to allow light, insulation course 90 can comprise suitable light transparent materials, and the example comprises that the model that can obtain from 3M be the acrylic acid (Acrylie) of the VHB4910 and the CF19-2186 that can obtain from NUSIL.In order to make the flexible member 21 shown in Figure 18 embodiment, the rotation of optical clear elastomeric insulating material can be cured to carrying substrate (glass substrate) thus form single film.Can at high temperature solidify this film.After solidifying, unless this film and this substrate and electrochemical coating can be separated to form the flexible electrical coating outside coating area 116.The flexible member of this formation can be cut into suitable dimension and installation.On the other hand, shrink flexible member 21 when applying voltage, to cause on the direction of axle 15 sensing lens elements 10, being applied to deformable lens element 10 in such a way substantially in the power that axle 15 peripheral direction produce substantially at first, and make the convexity of lens element become big.Utilize the annular typing and be arranged in the hole 16 around the axle 15 and utilize the flexible member 21 that is suitable for the deformable lens element form fit, it is to be applied on the peripheral that is arranged in axle 15 and the space away from a plurality of points of axle 15 that the contraction of flexible member 21 will cause substantially in the power of pointing to deformable lens element on axle 15 directions.When will be in Figure 18 embodiment drive unit 20 be applied to power on the lens element 10 be described as be substantially on lens element axle 15 directions in, be appreciated that if the power that applies is decomposed into normal direction (axially) and tangential (square with the axis), can be desirably in the tangential composition force vector that has higher number percent here among the embodiment that each composition force vector ratio of components among Figure 18 embodiment described with reference to figure 1-9 so.

Further the focalizer 100 about describing in Figure 18 can provide voltage jointer by this way, and the

flexible electrode layer

91 and 92 of first and second flexible members 21 separately shown in striding across is rightly supplied voltage.Also the voltage jointer that will describe in the exemplary embodiment can be provided as with lens element 10 and flexible electrode 21 relevant allocations really structurally supporting flexible member 21 with support elastic deformable lens element 10 in turn.It is two that the dummy line (first flexible member 21 is connected to

conductive rings

94 and 98 there, and second flexible member 21 is connected to conductive rings 98 and 96) that connects terminal linkage interface 125 and interface 127 can be divided deformable lens element 10 equally.By this way, when being controlled as when trending towards deflated state, flexible member 21 in the embodiment shown can apply force to lens element 10 substantially on the direction of axle 15.

Referential expression has further described the parts of the embodiment of Figure 18 according to the decomposition and combination assembled view of Figure 19 of Figure 18 embodiment.The view of Figure 19 of reference, further find that focalizer 100 comprises that biconvex plays elasticity (shape keeps) deformable lens element 10, its by be inserted in be adjusted to fully under the not subjected to pressure state and the pair of flexible member 21 of first and second drive units 20 of deformable lens element 10 form fit between a slice lens element 80 provide.With reference to other aspects of focalizer 100 shown in Figure 19, focalizer 100 may further include crust component 93, conductive rings 96 and 94, insulation sleeve 97 and center conductive rings 98.Conductive rings 94, center ring 98 and conductive rings 96 are installed in the insulation sleeve 97, its be arranged be used for stoping between crust component 93 and the conductive rings 94, short circuit between crust component 93 and the center conductive rings 98.On the other hand, conductive rings 96 can contact with conductive can element 93 with conducting.In order to activate first and second drive units 20, can stride across shell 93 (contacting) and conductive rings 94 and come applied voltage with conductive rings 96 conduction with first and second flexible members 21.In illustrated embodiment, center conductive rings 98 is to come work as the node in the series circuit of the insulation course separately that comprises first flexible member 21 and second flexible member 21, and wherein this node is connected to the element of mentioning.Stride across shell 93 (just encircling 96) and conductive rings 94 and apply voltage can cause activating simultaneously first (being arranged between the ring 94 and 98) and second flexible member 21 (be arranged in and encircle between 96 and 98).In another embodiment, center conductive rings 98 can reference voltage be electrically connected, and between can and encircling 98 in conductive rings 96, and ring 94 and encircle 98 between apply voltage, with first and second flexible members 21 of independent control first and second drive units 20.Can make each element of Figure 18 and 19 so that frictionally installed by size, intactly during apparatus for assembling 100, these elements are relative positions of determining with box lunch.

In another embodiment, the insulated electro shown in Figure 18-19 activate the polymer-driven device can by as here before the ionic conduction electric actuation polymer-driven device described replace.Ionic conduction polymer-driven device can have the structure of the drive unit of describing in Figure 18-19, except transparent insulating layer 90 can replace with one or more optical ion conducting polymer layers.

When the drive unit shown in Figure 18-19 20 is expressed as insulated electro actuating polymer-driven device, this drive unit is generation power (by the contraction of this drive unit) on axle 15 peripheral direction substantially, and this power is applied to the deformable surface of lens element 10 substantially on the direction of axle 15.When the drive unit shown in Figure 18-19 20 is expressed as ionic conduction polymer-driven device, this drive unit is generation power (by the bending of ionic conduction layer) on axle 15 directions substantially, and this power is applied to the deformable surface of lens element substantially on the direction of axle 15.By selecting ionic conduction electric actuation polymer-driven device can reduce voltage request (for example less than 10 volts) to focalizer 100.

In the embodiment with the electric actuation polymer-driven device 20 (for example type of insulation or ionic conduction type) with non-coating area 116, non-coating area 116 can replace so that drive unit 20 is worked in the mode that the power with hole 16 described here applies structural detail with hole 16.

Here have the embodiment that power applies element and also comprise the hole, hole 16 can be filled with the optically transparent material member and be worked in the mode of the drive unit of Figure 18-19 so that power applies structural detail.As describing here, the described drive unit in the embodiment that has described arbitrarily can be replaced by the drive unit of any remaining embodiment.Described deformable lens element 10 in the embodiment that has described arbitrarily can be replaced by the deformable lens element of any remaining embodiment equally.

Play the drive unit that lens element and being used for makes each distortion of a pair of lens surface when the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19 comprises the deformable biconvex, the flat-protruding elastically deformable shape of can finding that focalizer 100 can comprise alternatively keeps lens element and is used for making the single drive unit of normal convex lens surface distortion.

In the embodiment that has described arbitrarily, wherein the power that is produced by drive unit 20 is transferred on the deformable lens element 10 by pressure elements 4.Be appreciated that the power that can delete pressure elements 4 and be produced by drive unit 20 can be applied directly on the deformable lens element 10 by driven device 20.In order to apply force on the deformable lens element 10, described the structural detail that is called pressure elements 4 and drive unit 20 (if this focalizer does not have pressure elements 4) and can " contact " deformable lens element 10, perhaps applied force to deformable lens element in a plurality of power application point at a plurality of contact positions.

As an embodiment concerning of the structural detail described here and " contact " between the deformable lens element in, it can be to contact with this deformable lens element discretely that power applies structural detail, means that the power of granting this structural detail can freely separate with this deformable lens element.Among another embodiment of " contact " relation of here having described, power applies structural detail and can be and contact with this deformable lens element reliably, mean it be adhere to, welding, bias voltage to or otherwise be connected to this deformable lens element.

In another embodiment, this power applies structural detail (for example this drive unit or pressure elements) and the integrated formation of this deformable lens element, mean that this power applies the part that structural detail is a sheet element, the part of one sheet element forms this power and applies structural detail, and the part of a sheet element forms at least a portion of deformable lens element 10.

When this power apply structural detail be with the deformable surface of this deformable lens element for the relation that reliably contacts or with the integrated formation of this deformable surface, the pulling force that drive unit 20 produces (that is, at axle 15 but on the direction away from deformable lens element 10) can be operating as and make this deformable lens element distortion.Can expect to be applied to the concavity that the pulling force that is arranged on the deformable lens element surface on axle 15 peripherals and the space away from a plurality of points of axle 15 reduces the convexity of this deformable surface or increases this deformable surface, it is annular moulding that said power applies structural detail.When described power as described herein applies structural detail (member) is annular moulding, and described power applies structural detail and can be spatially applies force on the deformable lens element away from axle 15 and a plurality of points of being arranged in axle 15 peripherals.Described power applies structural detail and can be spatially applies power away from axle 15 and a plurality of points of being arranged in axle 15 peripherals, no matter described power apply element whether be contact discretely, contact reliably, be integrated formation whether also with described deformable lens element no matter described power applies structural detail.Can apply force to the deformable surface of deformable lens element having a plurality of power application point that applies the feature of structural detail change of shape with described power.When described power applies structural detail is annular, and a plurality of power application point can be formed in axle 15 circular pattern on every side.Applying element as annular power described herein and be shown as circle, also can be oval, asymmetric bow, polygonal but annular power applies element.When power applies element is annular, and the power application point that the transmission of its at least a portion forms the deformable surface of image light is not included in the point in the 2 dimensional region that a plurality of power application point by being arranged in axle 15 peripheral circular patterns around the axle 15 limits.

In the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19, drive unit can apply force to the deformable surface of deformable lens element substantially on the direction of axle 15, yet in the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19, the application point of power is formed on and is not included in around the axle 15 point in the 2 dimensional region on interior circular pattern.In the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19, the application point of power is included in the point in the 2 dimensional region around the axle 15 of deformable surface, and at least a portion transmission of deformable surface forms the light of image.In one embodiment, the application point of power can be the point of the surface of deformable lens element 10 towards deformable lens element 10 outsides.The application point of the power in the various examples has been described in Figure 20 and 21, wherein Figure 20 represents to be defined within a plurality of points and is arranged on the axle 15 peripheral union spaces explanatory view away from 202 power application point in the circular pattern of axle 15, and Figure 21 represents to be defined in the schematic description of the power application point in the zone map 204, and wherein the power application point comprises the point that is defined in axle 15 2 dimensional region on every side.Contacts list B has further described the feature that schematic force applies profile.To apply element be annular to power there, the thrust that is applied to the deformable surface of deformable lens element 10 on the direction of element 10 can increase the convexity on described surface by encouraging described surface along axial outer lug, and can make thickness reduce away from axle 15 and in many dummy line of axle 15 peripherals on the space along being parallel to axle 15.For example use that the regional power shown in Figure 18 and 19 embodiment applies element applied thrust on the direction of deformable lens element 10, this Crumple element normally caves in, and applied force causes flattening or the convexity on described surface reduces.In table B, summarized and had other features that described exemplary force applies the embodiment of profile.

Table B

Power applies profile	Schematic embodiment	The direction of schematic force	The power application point	" push away " result of power	" draw " result (wherein power apply structural detail be adhered to deformable surface or form) of power with deformable surface
Power applies profile	Schematic embodiment	The direction of schematic force	The power application point	" push away " result of power		On the space away from axle 15 and be arranged in the annular of axle 15 peripheral	Fig. 1-9,14	Substantially along axle 15	Be defined in layout spatially away from axle 15 and be arranged in a plurality of positions of the formation circular pattern of axle 15 peripheral	Projection can be formed so that increase the convexity of deformable lens element surface in the central area that limits by this annular in axle 15 peripheral regions	Can reduce convexity, and if pulling force enough big, can form the concavees lens element surface
Be arranged in axle 15 zone on every side	Figure 18-19	Substantially along axle, here drive unit is an insulation EAP drive unit, and the tangential composition force vector of bigger number percent will be provided than the embodiment that provides power to apply structural detail by thrust ring force vector	Be defined in a plurality of positions that are arranged in axle 15 formation zone map on every side	Deformable lens element " flattening " has perhaps reduced the thickness of deformable lens element along axle 15 to such an extent as to reduced convexity	The thickness of deformable surface can become big along axle 15, so that increase the convexity of deformable lens element in axle 15 peripheral regions		Fig. 1-9,14	Substantially along axle 15

In the embodiment of Fig. 1-19, can regulate focalizer 100 and bring in conjunction with the great change on the optical imaging system focal position of motion device 100 so that drive unit 20 locational deniers change.By with reference to following example, the property feature that the use by focalizer 100 can realize has been described here.

From the embodiment of Fig. 1-19, can find and this drive unit and lens element can be able to be integrated in the combination in any of these embodiment.

Example 1

Having constructed the focalizer that is used for focusing on and the focalizer that have fully according to structure shown in Figure 6 is installed in and can be IT5000 Image Engine, has the three lens imaging combination of lensess of 5.88mm focal length, 6.6F# and small 36 inches small fixedly pinpointed focuses from the model that Hand Held Products company obtains.Used the drive unit that comes from ARTIFICIAL MUSCLE INCORPORATED (" AMI "), it is based on focus the automatically design of elastic body drive unit of the MLP-95 that can obtain from AMI or MSP-95.After having constructed this concentrating element, use the flexible electrode of various voltages to drive unit, following table C has summarized this result:

Table C

Voltage (volt)	The distance of drive unit (20) and pressure elements (4) moves	The optimum focusing distance
Voltage (volt)		The optimum focusing distance	??0	??0	??36″
??600	??0.025mm	??8″	??0	??0	??36″
??600	??0.025mm	??8″	??790	??0.050mm	??6″
??896	??0.075mm	??3″	??790	??0.050mm	??6″

Can find that the moving of denier of the drive unit by applying force to deformable lens element can realize the big variation of optimum focusing distance.

Example 1 finishes.

Be described in the various arrangements of the deformable lens element described in the various imaging systems now.

Can with comprise be applied in power to its outside surface mode movably the device 100 of deformable lens element 10 can be incorporated in the optical imaging system (it can be called as combination of lenses) of the supplementary lens element that includes device 100 and one or more and this device arranged in series.Described one or more supplementary lens element can comprise deformable or non-deformable lens element.Be arranged to the focal imaging lens element (not shown) far away that focuses on infinity and connect when installing 100, the state of for example describing in Fig. 3 (lens that do not have bending or plane) will be finished focusing far away, and the state of describing in Fig. 2 (convex lens) will be finished proximity focused.

In the embodiment of Figure 22, the combination of lenses 500 (also it can be carried and be " optical imaging system ") that is used for transmitting the light that forms image comprises the single deformable lens element 10 that is arranged in according in the focalizer 100 of any one embodiment that had discussed here.In order to improve the optical magnification of the imaging len combination that comprises single deformable lens element, can provide this lens element with form that can double convex configuration.In the embodiment of Figure 23, the combination of lenses 500 that is used for transmitting the light that forms image comprises and being arranged in according to single deformable lens element in the focalizer 100 of any one embodiment that had discussed here 10 and zygote combination 502.More particularly, will be arranged as with the lens sub-portfolio 502 that comprises the non-deformable lens element 11 of one or more (representing) rigidity at the focalizer shown in Figure 23 100 and connect by the dotted line in the element.About at the combination of lenses shown in Figure 23 500, focalizer 100 can be the insertion unit that can be received in dividually on the lens sub-portfolio 502.In the embodiment of Figure 24, combination of lenses 500 comprises a plurality of deformable lens elements 10 that are arranged among the focalizer 100` that is modified, and the focalizer 100` that is modified is modified to and comprises the drive unit that is used for driving a plurality of deformable lens elements 10.Combination of lenses 500 in Figure 24 embodiment further comprises the non-deformable lens element 11 of a plurality of rigidity.To be arranged at the combination of lenses 500 among each embodiment among Figure 22,23 and 24 and object plane 540 and related by the imaging plane 550 of imaging sensor 1032 definition.Cover 560 can protect imaging sensor 1032 to avoid fragmentary light, and cover 560 can be integrated with the shell of combination of lenses 500.Surpass a deformable lens element 10 when combination of lenses 500 comprises, lens element that can these are additional is arranged so that be identical with the axle of these add ons with spools 15.In addition, when combination of lenses 500 comprises a plurality of lens elements,, axle 15 can be regarded as the optics or the imaging axis of combination of lenses 500 as shown in Figure 23 and 24.

Turn to Figure 25 now, illustrated and described the block scheme of the schematic imaging terminal 1000 that is incorporated into the combination of lenses of having described 500 here.Combination of lenses 500 can be combined in the imaging terminal 1000.

Figure 25 shows the electronic component circuit diagram of supporting imaging terminal 1000 operations.Imageing sensor 1032 may be provided in have image sensor pixel array 1033 (image sensor array), on the integrated circuit of column circuits 1034, row circuit 1035, gain module, analog to digital converter (ADC) 1037 and time-sequence control module.Image sensor array 1033 can be to have the two-dimensional image sensor array that is formed on a plurality of photoinduction pixels on a plurality of row and columns.Each sensor element of image sensor array 1033 can be converted to light and the proportional voltage signal of brightness.This analog voltage signal can be transferred to ADC1037 then, and it can convert the fluctuation of voltage signal to digital form.The output of the numeral of ADC1037 can be transferred to digital signal processor (DSP) 1070, and it can be before delivering to storer is non-compression RGB image file and/or standard or particular image form with image transitions.Imaging terminal 1000 may further include processor 1060, illumination control circuit 1062, combination of lenses control circuit 1064, imaging len combination 500, direct memory access (DMA) unit (not shown), easily lose system storage 1080 (for example RAM), non-volatile system storage 1082 (for example EPROM), access memory 1084, circuit input/output interface 1090 (for example Ethernet), short distance RF transceiver interface 1092 (for example IEEE802.11) and long apart from wireless transceiver interface 1093 (GPRS for example, CDMA) to be used for for example providing the cell phone data communication.About illumination control circuit 1062, illumination control circuit 1062 can from processor 1060 receive illumination control signals and correspondingly power distribution give one or more lighting sources for example lighting source 604, and one or more aiming light sources lighting source 610 for example.Can regulate terminal 1000 and be irradiated onto on the object in the field range of terminal 1000 so that come from the light of light source 604 and 610.Terminal 1000 also can comprise keyboard 1094, trigger button 1095 and the indicator controller 1096 that is used for importing data and the various controls of initialization, and is used for output information and gives operator's display 1097.Terminal 1000 also can comprise the system bus 1098 of communication between each parts that are used to provide processor 1060 and terminal 1000.

In one embodiment, imaging terminal 1000 can have the software and hardware of terminal of making 1000 as mobile phone work.For example, terminal 1000 can comprise through microphone 1077 and the microphone 1078 of system bus 1098 with processor 1060 communications.Terminal 1000 also can have be connected to system bus 1098 length apart from wireless transceiver interface 1093, make it possible on the cellular data communication network, transmit and receive packets of voice

DSP1079 can be encoded to the analog voice signal that receives from microphone 1077 audio digital signals and be transferred to processor 1060.DSP1079 also can decode from the voice signal that is transferred to processor 1060 receptions and be transferred to microphone 1078.In one embodiment, DSP1079 can have the basic function of speech signal coding and decoding.In another embodiment, at least some these audio coding/decoding functions can be carried out by the software of operation on processor 1060.

Also can regulate terminal 1000 and be used as video camera work.For as video camera work, DSP1070 can be regulated and the video flowing of standard or proprietary video stream format (for example MJPEG, MPEG-4 or RealVideo) will be before sending volatile memory 1080 or access memory 1084 to, be converted to by imageing sensor 1032 video captured frame sequences.Can be with the video file recorded via display 1097 playback or send outer computer to.

Further describe the processing of the running feature and its picture signal of exemplary imaging terminal now.The control signal that response receives from processor 1060, sequential control circuit 1038 can send the image sensor array clock signal to array 1033, for example resets, exposure signal and read clock signal.After an exposure cycle, a frame image data can be read out.Can be amplified and simulated digital quantizer 1037 by gain module 1036 by the analog picture signal of reading from array 1033 is converted to digital form and is sent to digital signal processor (DSP), it can be non-compression RGB picture format or standard or proprietary picture format (for example JPEG) with this image transitions before it is sent to volatile memory 1080.In another embodiment, ADC1037 can send to original image storer 1080, and processor 1060 can to finish this image transitions be standard or proprietary picture format.Processor 1060 can addressing be kept at the interior image data frame of RAM1080 so that the decodable code symbol that decoding wherein is expressed.

Figure 26 illustrates the sequential chart of further setting forth terminal 1000 runnings in one embodiment.Timeline 1202 expression trigger pip states, it can activate by pushing trigger button 1095.Can regulate terminal 1000, so that object has been moved into the terminal induction in its visual field or can have activated trigger pip from the reception of the serial command of outer computer.Also can regulate terminal 1000 so that powering on of terminal 1000 can activate trigger pip.For example, in one embodiment, can be supported on terminal 1000 on the scan table and be used for reading image.In this embodiment, can regulate terminal 1000 so that the trigger pip of being represented by timeline 1202 is activated in the whole period that terminal 1000 powers on.Can regulate terminal 1000 and when depressed position, trigger pip 1202 can be maintained activation read state (remaining height by signal 1202 indicates) so that keep trigger button 1095.Regulating terminal 1000 at one is applicable among the embodiment that reads decoding symbols, can regulate terminal 1000 and be state of activation so that squeezing trigger 1095 drives trigger pip 1202, it is kept up to trigger button 1095 always and is discharged previously, or the decodable code symbol is successfully decoded.

Further, can regulate terminal 1000 during the cycle very first time so that after the times 1220, the place activated trigger pip, the first exposure cycle EXP took place image sensor pixel 1032 with reference to the sequential chart of Figure 26 ₁The second exposure cycle EXP takes place in exposure subsequently during second time cycle ₂, the 3rd exposure cycle EXP took place during the 3rd time cycle ₃, or the like (after the time 1220 and at the first exposure cycle EXP ₁Before, determine exposure cycle, can catch the parameter that is used for the definite processing of parameter alternatively and determine frame that it does not illustrate in Figure 26) in parameter subsequently.With reference to the sequential chart of Figure 26, terminal 1000 is in that successfully decode can EXP corresponding to exposure cycle _NBefore, the view data of N-I frame is attempted in the decoding that can expose, catches and get nowhere.In one embodiment, exposure control signal is by times 1024 expression of Figure 26.

Can regulate terminal 1000 so that after the pixel of image sensor array 1033 is exposed during exposure cycle, use and to read control signal and come to read the aanalogvoltage that is illustrated on each pixel of a series of pixels that light during the previous exposure cycle is incident on array 1033 from sensor 1032 to array 1033.Timeline 1206 expressions are applied in the sequential of reading gating pulse of image sensor array 1033.At each exposure cycle EXP ₁, EXP ₂, EXP ₃, EXP _N-1, EXP _NCan use afterwards and read gating pulse to image sensor array 1033.Can use and read control signal 1232 and read out in the first exposure cycle EXP ₁Bao Guang image data frame during this time can be used and read control signal 1234 and read out in the second exposure cycle EXP ₂Bao Guang image data frame during this time can be used and read control signal 1236 and read out in the 3rd exposure cycle EXP ₃Bao Guang image data frame during this time can be used and read control signal 1238 and read out in exposure cycle EXP _N-1Bao Guang image data frame during this time can be used and read control signal 1240 and read out in exposure cycle EXP _NBao Guang image data frame during this time.

Read corresponding to the aanalogvoltage of the pixel of image sensor array 1033 and by analog to digital converter 1037 digitizings after, DSP1070 can receive corresponding to the digitized pixel value of this voltage and be converted to standard or proprietary picture format (for example JEPG).In another embodiment, the digitized pixel value of being caught by image sensor array 1033 can be received in the system volatile memory 1080.Can regulate terminal 1000 so that terminal 1000 can format image data frame.For example, can regulate terminal 1000 so that processor 1060 will be at the selected frame formatting of the view data in the compressed image file form of for example JPEG.In another embodiment, also can regulate terminal 1000 so that terminal 1000 is formatted as video stream format (for example, MJPEG, MPEG-4 or RealVideo with image data frame ^TM) be transferred to outer computer or be used for the digital movie imprinting being used for.

Also can regulate terminal 1000 so that processor 1060 can be to being kept at the trial of decoding of image data frame in the storer 1080.For example, in the ID bar code symbol that the trial decoding is represented by image data frame, processor 1060 can be carried out following operation.The first, processor 1060 can send sweep trace in image data frame, for example, and in the centre of frame, or at the coordinate position of determining to comprise the decodable code symbolic representation.The second, processor 1060 can be carried out the second derivative rim detection and detect the edge, and after finishing rim detection, processor 1060 can be determined the data indication width between the edge.Processor 1060 can be searched for beginning/termination character element sequence then, if find, by with the character of character set form more character by character from derivation element sequence character.For some symbol symbol, processor 1060 also can be done check code and calculate.If processor 1060 is successfully determined all characters between beginning/termination character sequence, and calculation check sign indicating number (if applicable words) successfully, processor 1060 can output decoder message.When output decoder message, processor 1060 can be carried out following one or more: (a) this decode messages of initialization is labelled and (d) this decode messages is write on the address of long term memory to the decode messages of being determined by processor 1060 that is buffered at the demonstration on the display 1097 of terminal 1000, (c) to the transmission of external unit, (b) initialization decode messages, and processor 1060 can send a signal to the instantaneous speech power 1078 of terminal 1000 to send too sound.

In one embodiment, the number of times of the decodable code symbol of terminal 1000 trial solution representation in image data frame was represented by the

cycle

4332,4334,4336,4338 and 4340 of the timeline in the sequential chart that is presented at Figure 26 1208.About timeline 1208, cycles 4332 expression terminal 1000 is attempted decoding and is had relevant exposure cycle EXP ₁Cycle of first frame image data, cycles 4334 expression terminals 1000 are attempted decoding and are had relevant exposure cycle EXP ₂Cycle of second frame image data, cycles 4336 expression terminals 1000 are attempted decoding and are had relevant exposure cycle EXP ₃Cycle of the 3rd frame image data, cycles 1338 expression terminals 1000 are attempted decoding and are had relevant exposure cycle EXP _N-1Cycle of a frame image data, cycles 1340 expression terminals 1000 are attempted decoding and are had relevant exposure cycle EXP _NCycle of N frame image data.Can find during terminal 1000 " decode time " of attempting the decoding image data frames can change with frame.

Can adjust terminal 1000 so that combination of lenses 500 has a plurality of lens settings, describe the various lens settings of combination of lenses 500 and can realize to one or more deformable lens elements by application of force.In a special example, terminal 1000 can have 7 lens settings.Be provided with at each lens, combination of lenses 500 can have the Different Plane and different visual fields of optical focus (pinpointed focus) with the terminal 1000 that draws thus, is typically expressed by parameter " half FOV " angle.In a special example, this terminal can be provided by following at the pinpointed focus that seven lens are provided with each: L1=2 ", L1=5 ", L1=9 ", L1=14 ", L1=20 ", L1=27 ", L1=35 ", wherein " L1-L7 " is that lens are established set to " 7 ".Each different lens setting can have different related focal lengths half FOV angle and nominal focussing plane.On the one hand, when trigger pip keep to activate, can regulate terminal 1000 with according to preassigned pattern between various lens are provided with " circulation ".On the other hand, when trigger pip keeps activating, can regulate terminal 1000 between various definite lens settings, to change setting according to adaptive model.For example, when trigger pip kept activating, terminal 1000 can change the lens setting of combination 500 according to the pattern that will make terminal 1000 can set up the focus level of focusing aligning lens setting rather than each order lens setting of simple test.

On the other hand, the sequential that moves of deformable lens element 10 can be and exposure cycle EXP ₁, EXP ₂... EXP _N, so that deformable lens element 10 is not except being moved described exposure cycle interlude.With reference to sequential 1210, can regulate terminal 1000 and move by this way to cause drive unit 20 and deformable lens element 10 to drive unit 20 so that apply electric signal: deformable lens element 10 is only at exposure cycle EXP ₁, EXP ₂... EXP _NBe in mobile status during the middle cycle 1432,1434,1436,1438,1440.When sequential chart control deformable lens element 10, can find that deformable lens element 10 is at each exposure cycle EXP according to Figure 26 ₁, EXP ₂... EXP _NTo be to be in static, non-moving state during this time.

With reference to the flow chart description of following Figure 27 exemplary auto-focusing algorithm.Terminal 1000 can determine that first frame just has exposure cycle EXP in square frame 1502 ₁Frame whether focus on aligning.Determine whether frame focuses on " flatness " that aligning can comprise the check image Frame.By the mapping of the frame in histogram pixel value, relative " smooth " pixel intensity value that the frame of focusing misalignment will have in certain strength range distributes and relative level and smooth intensity distributions.On the other hand, the frame that can expect to focus on aligning can have a large amount of pixel value incident with respect to the frame that focuses on misalignment in some intensity, and can have fully few incident in other intensity.If terminal 1000 determines that at square frame 1502 present frames are to focus on to aim at, terminal 1000 may be advanced to square frame 1512 and is defined as focusing in being provided with of aligning so that this lens setting is remained on so, and can handle this frame.This processing can comprise, for example this frame is carried out symbol decoding and attempts maybe may exporting as formatted single frames, or as the output frame of formatted video streaming image to display.

If the frame that detects at square frame 1502 is not to focus on to aim at, can detect frame with focusing setting different with the image data frame that detects at square frame 1502 in the terminal 1000 of square frame 1506.For frame, during being arranged on the exposure cycle related with this frame, the focusing that means combination of lenses 500 is set as this certain lenses setting with " certain lenses setting ".If determine at square frame 1504 detected frames it is to focus on to aim in square frame 1504 terminals 1000, terminal 1000 can proceed to square frame 1512 combination of lenses 500 being remained on current setting (this setting submits to the frame of determine to focus on aiming at) so, and handles in the focusing of determining and aim at a frame or the multiframe that is provided with combination of lenses 500 exposures.

Further with reference to the sequential chart of Figure 27, if the frame that detects at square frame 1506 is confirmed as at square frame 1508 that out-focus aims at, terminal 1000 can proceed to square frame 1510 with based on detecting first frames at square frame 1502 and determining to focus on the setting of aiming in the processing that square frame 1504 detects second frame so.This processing can comprise and to the influence of the flatness of frame (for example assesses change that lens are provided with, can move algorithm, if so that being set to be provided with than first from first by the mobile lens setting has the frame of being caught when second of shorter pinpointed focus is provided with and become more smooth [less focusing is aimed at], corresponding to described processing this lens setting is made as than first so certain setting with shorter pinpointed focus is set).Be provided with when having determined to focus on to aim at, terminal 1000 is located at definite focusing with combination of lenses 500 and aims at and be provided with, and may be advanced to square frame 1512 and handle to have with this lens setting and be set as the frame that consistent exposure cycle of time of being provided with is aimed in definite focusing.If the frame that detects at square frame 1506 is confirmed as focusing on aligning at square frame 1508, terminal 1000 can proceed to square frame 1512 and is provided with so that combination of lenses 500 is remained on current lens so, and aims in the focusing of determining and to handle a frame or the multiframes of 500 exposures with combination of lenses in being provided with.

Forward the view of Figure 28 now to, show and described the ambulatory handheld shell 1091 of the parts that are used for being attached to and supporting Figure 25.The brandless form factor of Figure 28 is represented the common form key element of this mobile phone, for example cell phone or be used in the portable digital acquisition terminal of data acquisition in using.Terminal 1000 also can be incorporated into a shell with other similar type, for example digital camera or camcorder form factor.

The display menu of display 1097 as shown in Figure 28 is indicated, and terminal 1000 can have the configuration of a plurality of operator selectables.Every kind of configuration can have with lens related different control algolithms are set.Just, terminal 1000 is provided with the method that changes according to institute's arrangement in response to the lens of the trigger pip control combination of lenses 500 that just is being activated.

Table D has below summarized the configuration of various operator selectables.In configuration 1, terminal 1000 is according to preassigned pattern circulation between various lens are provided with.Especially, in configuration 1, terminal 1000 changes to next lens setting from a lens setting each exposure cycle after, and then with after focusing setting (L7) has captured frame farthest, with 1 this lens setting of successively decreasing.In configuration 2, terminal 1000 changes the lens setting of terminal 1000 corresponding to the trigger pip 1202 that just is being activated according to suitable pattern.In table D, this row's project of configuration 2 represents that the lens that can show are provided with changing pattern when terminal 1000 is carried out auto-focusing algorithm.For frame 1 and frame 2 (having related exposure cycle 1 and 2), the lens setting is advanced.Yet, after frame 1 and frame 2 are processed,, the processing list exposed installation of frame 1 and frame 2 focuses on to aim at if putting L2, and so follow-up frame is for example corresponding to EXP ₄Frame 4, can have the lens setting of L2.In configuration 3, terminal 1000 does not change the lens setting, and the lens setting of terminal 1000 is maintained fixing short focal position.For example know and when using terminal 1000, can select to dispose 3 near the fixed position of view symbol decoding when.In configuration 4, terminal 1000 does not change the lens setting in response to the trigger pip that just is maintained at state of activation, and the lens setting of terminal 1000 is maintained fixing focal position far away.For example when will use terminal 1000 to catch image data frame corresponding to far field scenery body, configuration 4 is useful.In configuration 5, terminal 1000 changes the lens setting adaptively, up to having determined to focus on lens setting of aiming at and the frame that captures predetermined number subsequently with this focusing setting.For example when using terminal 1000 to catch the rest image of image data frame, configuration 5 is useful.From among table D, finding corresponding to the horizontally-arranged data of configuration 5, terminal 1000 can processed frame 1 and frame 2 be provided with to determine to focus on to aim at, move these lens and be set to definite focusing aligning setting, at this focusing of determining aligning a plurality of frames of seizure are set, handle these frames, and then make trigger pip invalid.Aim in the focusing of determining and a plurality of frames of catching down to be set to be used for reducing noise by average or processed in addition.About disposing 6, configuration 6 is similar to configuration 1, except when according to configuration 6 operations, terminal 1000 is skipped the combination of lenses setting, and before advancing to next setting, keeps this lens setting in each continuous placement that is used for a plurality of frames.About disposing 7, the operation of configuration 7 expressions when terminal 1000 is carried out the auto-focusing algorithm of simplifying, be to terminal 1000 simple in-order the described lens setting of each new frame stepping therein, test the focus level of each frame that obtains, and keep this frame at the first frame place that is defined as focusing on aligning.Attention is about exposure cycle EXP ₄, when processing has exposure cycle EXP ₃Frame the time, terminal 1000 this lens that can advance are set to the setting that out-focus is aimed at.

Table D

[below be the text that fully presents for No. 11/781901 as the US patented claim, it comprises the text that fully presents for No. 60/875245 as the US patented claim]

The focus module that comprises boundary element and concentrating element.Described concentrating element comprises fluid and deformable films, and described fluid is clamped between described boundary element and the described deformable films.Described focus module also comprises

Pressure elements, it can make described concentrating element distortion by push deformable films on the direction of described boundary element.

The invention provides focus module to be used in the fluid lens, it has movable part seldom, and does not require and have a plurality of chamber or liquid reservoirs that are used for the fluidic component of these lens.

More particularly, the present invention is absorbed in the focus module that can comprise following element:

1) boundary element, it can be (for example glass or plastics) deformable (for example elastic body) of rigidity;

2) isolated component, it is inserted between described boundary element and the concentrating element;

3) concentrating element, deformable at least one direction (for example fluid or elastic body);

4) pressure elements, its from described deformation element to described concentrating element transmit force;

5) act on distortion or drive unit element (for example syntheitic elastomers or electric actuation condensate) on the described concentrating element;

6) transport element is used for conducting electrical signals or be activated to described Crumple element;

7) crust component is for combination provides physical enclosure or stilt; And

8) power source is positioned at the outside of described focus module substantially, is used for providing energy to described transport element.

As what will further explain here, these all elements not all are essential for can operating focus module.For example, described Crumple element also can have the effect as described isolated component, described isolated component can omit, when by use element as unique fill fluid of hereinafter discussing provide as described in during lens, described pressure elements also can omit, act directly on the described concentrating element by described deformation element, and described crust component is important container, other those elements can be placed within it, perhaps can be within it with their assemblings, and the device that can be worked therein by focalizer of its function or other structural details in the equipment provide.

Described boundary element can be a rigidity, for example glass or plastics, or deformable, for example elastic body.When expectation is applied to the described boundary element of result on the described concentrating element when not bearing any distortion as deformation force, if the elasticity of described boundary element be following promptly be enough like this, both when described concentrating element be during at maximum distortion, described boundary element is in response to the power that will be transferred to it or energy and can not be out of shape.For example, if described focus module comprises boundary element, isolated component and concentrating element, and described concentrating element comprises fluid and deformable films, wherein said fluid is clamped between described boundary element and the described film, the working pressure element makes described concentrating element distortion by applying pressure on the described fluid so, no matter be by on the direction of described boundary element, pushing described film, still by reducing described fluid thickness of (for example, fastening) between described boundary element and described film by annular.If expect that described boundary element is indeformable, apply maximum pressure to described fluid the time when described pressure elements so, it should be enough to keep smooth rigidly.In other words, indeformable when the described boundary element of expectation at the focus module duration of work, only need described boundary element indeformable in this case, be maybe can not being out of shape of perfect rigidity and do not need it.

As described, can use glass, and multiple optical glass material is commercially available, for example, can obtains from the Corning Display Technologies of USA New York Corning

EAGLE2000 Display Grade glass and N-BK 7 glass that can obtain from the Schott North America company limited of Pennsylvania, America Duryea.Described boundary element can be to be fit to thickness, comprises from about 0.1mm to about 1mm, for example 0.2,0.3,0.4mm.

Described isolated component can be any one material, comprises metal, plastics and ceramic, depends on the function of its expectation.When described function is restricted to when isolating described boundary element and described concentrating element, can be with it with any material that the other materials that contact coexists, comprise the focusing fluid, for example stainless steel.When expecting that also it provides sealing between itself and described boundary element and/or concentrating element, described isolated component can be the band of bilateral.When expecting it as described distortion or driving element work, it can be syntheitic elastomers or the electric actuation condensate of further discussing as here.When the described isolated component of expectation had both sealed described border and/or concentrating element, during also as described distortion or driving element work, it can be additional providing in response to the distortion of electric excitation and the bilateral band of driving function, for example, can be from comprising the 3M VHB band that obtains from a plurality of suppliers of the Hillas Packaging company limited of Texas, USA FortWorth, as Double Coated Acrylic Tape 4910.

Focus in order to make that fluid is easier to be filled into described fluid chamber, described isolated component can have slit or port, element 2a as shown in figure 29.After described fluid chamber is filled up with the focusing fluid, can be by will stoping any method that fluid flows out described chamber with this slit or port sealing, and when in response to the driving of described deformation element, will withstand described focusing fluid applied pressure fully.For example, can use epoxy adhesive that described sealing is provided.

Described concentrating element can be single parts, for example fills up elastic body, condensate or the plastics of fluid, for example has the transparent elastomer material that fills up oil of elasticity of plastics nerve.Alternatively, described concentrating element can be to have two or more parts of being clamped or being clamped in the focusing fluid (for example water or oil) between described boundary element and the described deformable focusing film, will form described concentrating element together at focusing fluid described in its configuration and described focusing film.When using film, suitable material will comprise dimethyl silicone polymer, or PDMS, and what for example can obtain from the Dow Corning company at Michigan, USA middle part is complete 184 silicone elastomers.Can select the thickness of described film based on the size factor that for example described focus module needs, for example can be to about 1mm, for example 0.2,0.3,0.4mm from about 0.1mm.

When use focusing on fluid, should by with the compatibility of other materials, under using stability, will be used in the performance that patience under the desired temperature and similar factor are selected it.Can use optical fluid and optical grade oil, for example optical grade mineral oil.A kind of suitable optical fluid is that the A type that can obtain from the Cargille-Sacher Laboratories company limited of N.J. Cedar Grove immerses oil.Another kind of suitable optical fluid is can be from Missouri, USA St, the Arch TechnologyHolding company limited of Charles obtain based on

The optical fluid SL-5267 of polyphenylene oxide.Also can make water, for example deionized water.

Notice that as the front described boundary element and described concentrating element must be optically transparent, a part at least wherein is used for images information.Therefore, when making and assembling in order to simplify, each element integral body is normally optically transparent, at least a portion of one of them of described boundary element and concentrating element or two s' outer ring portion be translucent or opaque also be possible, it is around optically transparent inside.

When because refraction loss, expectation makes the minimization of loss of light by described focus module transmission, and described boundary element should have similar refractive index with the material that concentrating element is selected.For example, when described focus module comprises the glass boundary element, focuses on fluid and focuses on film, we should consider the different of different, the described focusing fluid of described focusing fluid and described boundary element refractive index and described focusing film refractive index.Refractive index is different more, is used for reflection when smooth rabbet figure will lose more light during to another kind of material (for example immersing oil) by a kind of material (for example glass).On the contrary, refractive index the closer to, will lose still less light and be used for reflection.Described in this article refractive index will idealize ground identical, and preferably within approximately+/-0.001 to 0.1, for example about 0.002.Yet, also this situation can be arranged, the refractive index difference may be advantageous, for example reduces the aberration of some type.

Also can change the thickness of the described focusing film on deformed region, when keeping the changeability of the present invention's activation, it has formation the structure of aspheric surface feature.

The focusing fluid that selection has relative high index of refraction will be reduced to the given focal length variations of acquisition and essential deflection.For example, suitable refractive index can be in about 1.3 or about 1.5 to about 1.6 or about 1.7 scope, for example about 1.5 or about 1.6 refractive index.

Similarly, described pressure elements also can be any various material, comprises metal, plastics and ceramic.The selection of material can according to the compatible and response desired of other materials according to the power that described deformation element is applied.Do not make the itself distortion if expect described pressure elements, it should be an inelastic materials, for example metal, ceramic or plastics.Yet if expectation or need described pressure elements to change its shape or configuration in response to described deformation element, it should be made of deformable material, for example elastic body.

Described deformation element be by with indirectly (for example by described pressure elements) or directly change be applied to the power on the described concentrating element and parts that control signal is responded.What be especially suitable for use as described deformation element is electric actuation or conductivity polymer-driven device.An example is the Electroactive PolymerArtificial Muscle and/or the Universal Muscle Actuator platform that can obtain by the Artificial Muscle company limited of California, USA Menlo Park, and another example is can be by the conducting polymer body drive of Osaka, Japan EA MEX company acquisition.

When described deformation element is syntheitic elastomers or electric actuation condensate, it is perhaps possible that described deformation element is provided as the two-layer or multilayer that is similar to the muscle fibre layer.And when each layer was out of shape in response to electric excitation on specific direction, this effect can be utilized for this whole layering combination selection and give motion orientation.Like this, can require to obtain for example to have installed therein the deformation element of the artificial elastomeric polymer of each layer to as shown in figure 44 rectangular solid shaped, yet in response to electric excitation, even the use of nonelastic structure has limited one or more directions of motion, or influence motion in special mode, and this rectangular solid also can scroll up as shown in figure 45, and extend the side as shown in figure 46, be bent downwardly as shown in figure 47, perhaps in addition the distortion.Figure 45 and 47 has described the inhomogeneous curved surface of rectangular solid, its can by for example use framework or other external structure (not shown) limit the part of this rectangular solid, by with a part of grappling of this solid or be fixed on the inelastic component or the appropriate configuration of layer by comprising this solid or select to realize.Alternatively, this rectangular solid can show the constant radius-of-curvature along its length, and for example, the bending that a longer side forms can be represented along the arc of the circumference of circle.When a plurality of electronic circuits were present in the described Crumple element, electric excitation can comprise supply voltage to being less than whole circuit, and/or the supply voltage opposite with these circuit polarities.

These changes in shape can further realize by described layering, use the combination of each layer or these layers with it or they electronic control circuit; Perhaps, described deformation element can be limited in it mobile on one or more directions, and therefore force the framework or other structures that move on the direction of expectation to limit.Can realize similar effects by each layer of making size inequality, for example, in double-layer structure, if one deck than another layer long size necessarily, will on the direction of that shorter layer, produce crooked substantially to this two-layer driving subsequently.By with reference at the deformation element 5 shown in Figure 29,30 and 36, can understand this mode of action better.In Figure 36, for example, finger-like or ribbon element 5a be by comprising two-layer or multilayer polymer works, and wherein the layer of more close described focusing film is than those layer shorter near described boundary elements.When deformation element 5 is driven, the difference of this each layer on size or size will cause each finger 5a to curl or be crooked to described pressure elements, with its compressing to the direction of described focusing film, and this to move making described focusing deformation of thin membrane successively be convex lens shape.Alternatively, in this structure, can comprise non-deformation layer, in this case, described deformation layer or each layer will be substantially to or direction at described non-deformation layer on crooked or move.

Figure 48 and 49 expression biconvex electric actuation polymer thin films lens.In this embodiment, when two surfaces all were deformable films, the structure biconvex lens was possible.And because different film diameters, two surfaces of described film can have different surface curvatures.Different aspect the material of described film and thickness also can be used to make the different surfaces shape.

Figure 50 represents a plurality of deformable films combination of lensess, and should be noted that zoom lens can use two (or a plurality of) and be realized by the lens of electric actuation polymer-driven and other retaining elements.

Figure 51 and 52 expressions are by being arranged in ordinary lens in the electric actuation condensate mechanical hook-up, add that the additional fastening element can be produced to be used for the variable positioning lens element that compact automatic focus and zoom are used.

As noted, described deformation element can act directly on the described concentrating element, resembles directly to contact with it.Alternatively, the power of described deformation element generation can be transferred to described concentrating element by one or more intermediate equipments or element.As an example, pressure elements can be connected to described concentrating element or contact with described concentrating element, and described deformation element can be pressed on the described pressure elements, and its transmit force is to described concentrating element.In one embodiment, described pressure elements can be circular, or cast, and can directly or indirectly contact with the outer ring portion of described concentrating element.

Described conductor element transmits described control signal gives described deformation element.Under described deformation element response electric signal situation, as under electric actuation condensate situation, it plays the conductor effect basically and is used for from described power source conduct electricity power to described deformation element.Therefore it should be an electric conductivity, and preferably high conductivity at least in relative part, and can comprise conductive material, comprises conducting metal for example copper, conductive plastics or by with the carbon stopping off or be coated with material to produce the elastic body of its electric conductivity.Special example comprises that flexible PCB and spraying plating or precipitation conductive metal are to described deformation element surface.

As in Figure 29, describing, described conductor element comprises two parts, each is in a side of described deformation element, and each element has the port of electrically contacting 6c and is used for connecting power source, described in this embodiment deformation element will or not exist and activated equably or stop in response to the existence of electric signal, and will be symmetrical by the described protruding meniscus that concentrating element forms.

Yet, should be appreciated that also described conductor element can comprise a plurality of circuit of the one or more part selective excitations that make described deformation element, thereby allow the adjustable operation of described concentrating element, can be by making described protruding meniscus for optionally asymmetric.For example, by reference Figure 36, described deformation element is shown as single conducting element.Alternatively, can be by for example between flexible circuit, using the described deformation element of insulation construction, so that each finger piece (also being shown as the element 5a of Figure 30), or combination wherein, provide and separate and the circuit of drive.

By selecting which circuit to control voltage, or provide how many control signals, described system not only can control the formation and the size of described meniscus, also can control its deflection.In this article, deflection is meant that can be used to dispose described meniscus has and be different from rotational symmetry perpendicular to described boundary element with in the inclination of shape and may the making up of skew of central authorities of described fluid chamber.Figure 37 illustrates simplified example, wherein focus on fluid 3b and further be expressed as meniscus element 3c, be shown as the asymmetrical shape that has in response to the control signal selection application of multicircuit conductor element (not shown).

Conductor element is connected to selected release and is used to drive described deformation element and runs through its needed voltage range of whole expection moving range and the power supply of polarity.

Can quoted figures with further for above-mentioned discussion provides the background context, should be appreciated that the convenience of purpose being discussed for this, they only represent the special construction of described focus module.

Especially, Figure 29 provides the exploded view of an embodiment of described focus module.In this embodiment, isolated component 2 has been set up the relation of isolation between boundary element 1 and concentrating element 3.Pressure elements 4 is leaning on concentrating element 3, and is deformed element 5 effects, and itself is acted on by conductor element 6 again.In an embodiment who shows, conductor element 6 comprises two sub-element 6a and 6b, and they are conductive element, is used for transmitting electric control signal and gives deformation element 5.Element 6c is the port that electrically contacts of conductor element 6.On element 6a, have additional electrical contact port, but be sightless in Figure 29.Element 7 is crust components, and is used to described focus module that the object environment is provided.

Figure 30 and 31 has shown the assembling form of the focus module embodiment of Figure 29, and wherein crust component 7, electric contacts 6c, deformation element 5 and pressure elements 4 all are most of observable.At the skeleton view of Figure 30, this focus module that assembles is to see from the right side of Figure 29 in the past, the most close person with the aid of pictures of promptly described boundary element, and in Figure 31, this focus module that assembles is to see from the left side of Figure 29 in the past.

The whole dimension of the focus module that this assembles is not strict, and can be changed according to the size of available unit, equipment that it will be arranged or assemble into and user's demand.Generally speaking, substantially as Figure 30 with cylindrical shown in 31 as described in focus module will have from about 5,7,9mm to about 11,13,15 or the same big diameter d of 20mm.Can select its size in order to maximize or to reach with the compatibility of existing device, for example in the cell phone that can take a picture, preferably approximately 9,9.5 or the diameter of 10mm.

For the purpose of example, Figure 32 and 34 each description comprise boundary element 1, focus on the combination of fluid 3b, focusing film 3a and deformation element 5.In Figure 32 and 34, minimum pressure is applied to and focuses on the fluid 3b, is corresponding smooth and focus on film 3a.In Figure 33 and 35, deformation element 5 applies pressure to and focuses on the fluid 3b, and the result focuses on film formation convex lens or meniscus.In Figure 32, the power that deformation element 5 applies fully is being applied on the direction perpendicular to direction that focuses on the represented plane of film 3a and boundary element 1, the described chamber that has reduced to comprise described focusing fluid on its circumference height and therefore force fluid to flow to central authorities from the circumference of described chamber; This effect produces the recessed meniscus that can see from Figure 33.

Notice that as the front described deformation element can affact on the described focusing fluid directly or indirectly.Indicate as the front equally, directly effect can comprise that the described deformation element of layout is directly connected to described focusing fluid.For example, directly contact described focusing film, focus on film and be clamped in fluid between described focusing film and the described boundary element, have the isolated component of the wall that is defined as the chamber that holds described focusing fluid when described concentrating element comprises.In optional embodiment, described deformation element itself comprises the described wall that is independent of described boundary element and described focusing film.Such embodiment is presented among Figure 34, and wherein deformation element 5 also focuses on the wall use of the cylindrical chamber of fluid 3b as restriction, and that chamber has " top " wall that is formed by focusing film 3a and " end " wall that is formed by boundary element 1.

Be deformed in this embodiment ,/power that isolated component 5 applies is to focus on the represented in-plane of film 3a and be applied on the direction of central authorities of fluid chamber fully being parallel to.According to the material behavior that is used for described deformation element, this pressure cannot be attended by any variation on described fluid chamber height, and described deformation element can increase its thickness simply along radius.Alternatively, extending internally along radius of described deformation element can be attended by described deformation element height or thickness upcountry reduces, as shown in figure 35, effectively will focus on film 3a and boundary element 1 presses to each other and helps to form described focusing meniscus, be not only described deformation element inwardly along radius move and force the more right cylinder of minor diameter of described focusing fluid filled, and the gathering of described focusing film and boundary element has also reduced cylindrical height.

More generally, with reference to Figure 38, affiliated focus module can comprise the right cylinder 4100 with at least one upper surface 4101, lower surface 4102, outer wall 4103, fluid internal volume 4104, and this right cylinder has diameter d and height h.When described driving element during this structure outside, in order to make height h and diameter d one or all to reduce, it will be exerted pressure at least one of upper surface, lower surface or outer wall.Because the capacity of this fluid internal volume is incoercible, this reducing and to compensate by corresponding expansion at height and/or diameter in certain direction upper volume, under the situation of described focus module, it will cause one or whole distortion of upper surface 4101 and lower surface 4102.Figure 39 and 40 provides the simple and clear vertical side view of this effect.Especially Figure 39 provides and highly reduces to cause the view that is out of shape, and this right cylinder has identical diameter d now, but height h`＜h.And Figure 40 provides diameter to reduce to cause the view that is out of shape, and this right cylinder has identical height h now, but diameter d `＜d.These two views do not need pro rata.If the bulging deformation by upper surface 4101 compensates, in the middle of these, all set forth corresponding deformation and change in one direction.In these embodiments, described distortion or driving element can apply pressure on the internal flow shown in Figure 29-35.Certainly, the two can be changed described diameter and described height simultaneously, and can be used to produce big relatively semilune like this, and/or reduces the formation required time of this semilune.

Alternatively, described distortion or driving element can comprise the part or all of of outer wall 4103, shown in Figure 41 and 42.Here this right cylinder is shown as sectional view to set forth the annularity of deformation element 5.In Figure 41, last deformable surface (not shown) will be flat, and at deformation element described in Figure 42 by extending or elongate response has been made in driving in vertical or " h " direction compression and in level or " d " direction.In Figure 42, will go up and lower surface is drawn on their the whole surf zone equally together and demonstrates effect by described deformation element, its excircle that requires one or two be vertical movably or that slide rather than fixing or grappling.(in this is discussed, the direction reference example as " level ", " vertical " or the like be used in relative rather than sensuously absolute, for example, about vertical reference by perpendicular to the defined direction of straight line that all is the upper and lower surface on plane, and horizontal reference is by the defined direction of straight line that is parallel to the upper and lower surface that all is the plane).Yet, also can expect at least one surface or marginal surface will be fix or grappling, when described deformation element changes it big or small, it will cause different effects.For example, by reference Figure 42, if upper surface is deformable and lower surface is constant, and this cylindrical excircle and being limited, for example be comprised in the ring of metal, pottery or other rigid materials, moving that so described deformable material shrinks in vertical direction or compresses and extend in the horizontal direction or elongates will can not be all even symmetry, but will cause for example shown in Figure 43 resemble funnel shaped.

Should be noted that constructing described focus module, to generate concavees lens also be same possible.For example, described pressure rings and deformation element can be positioned under the described focusing film, between that film and described isolated component, and the activation of described deformation element can increase rather than reduce described fluid chamber around its circumference or the height of periphery.If described deformation element also uses as described isolated component, will reach same effect so.Described pressure elements not necessarily will exist, and its described in this case deformation element will act directly on the described focusing film.

Can be with reference to about preparing and fill the example of another concavees lens of ad hoc approach of described fluid chamber.The first, with one or more boundary elements, glass plate for example is held in place in the recess in the supporting construction of sheet metal for example.The second, PDMS film or layer are placed in the described glass plate isolated component combination, can be for example by utilizing known technology that the thickness that described PDMS is coated onto expectation is rotatably prepared described film.Then the final combination with glass plate boundary element, isolated component and PDMS thin-film component is placed under the vacuum, adds to focus on fluid, and discharges described vacuum so that with the described fluid chamber of described focusing fluid inspiration.If stopped this filling process before described fluid chamber is filled fully, the original shapes of described focusing film will be recessed.According to the degree of selected depression be the selected parameter of residual capacity of described focus module, described final module can only work by the sinking degree that changes described concentrating element, perhaps can make described film be deformed to flat condition, and even make its distortion surpass flat condition to the convex attitude from etat lacunaire.

Whether be applied in according to control signal, described deformation element, and have continuous transition between these two states, preferably linearly in response to the length of control signal if having and activate and state of activation not.The state of described deformation element when control signal is zero or minimum the input is described with " it is invalid to make ", and use " activation " to describe the state of described deformation element when control signal is employed, can be with this system configuration for one of them so that described to make invalid be to use maximum power time the described concentrating element, or when using the power of minimum.

Therefore, Figure 32 and 34 can be called expression and make disarmed state, when disposing this system and not using control signal with box lunch, the minimum power of described deformation element transmission is given described focusing fluid.And Figure 33 and 35 can represent state of activation, and wherein control signal just is being used to the described deformation element of excitation.Yet it also is possible disposing this system on the contrary, so that Figure 32 and 34 expressions state of these systems when described control signal just is being employed, and Figure 33 and 35 expressions its state when described control signal is zero or minimum strength.More clearly, described deformation element can be to be released (as in Figure 32 and 34) or to be elongated when power remove or by expansion (as in Figure 33 and 35) when power remove, otherwise and right.The state that this expectation " static " state that is converted into described focus module substantially should be in.When described focusing film when being smooth, described focusing is set to infinity, and when it be recessed, described focusing is in limited distance, for example from about 5mm to about 500mm, comprise all points between them, for example about 50,100,150 or 200mm.Therefore whether this state that disposes described system can wish that " normally " or " static " state is focused on infinity according to the user, or nearer.

Comprise and focus on fluid and focus under the situation of film that it also is to be applicable to that at described concentrating element be optional embodiment under the whole situation when the discussion of front being rendered as concentrating element, as filling up fluid/fill up under the elastomeric situation of oil.In this embodiment, the elastomeric outside surface of described focusing provides the function of described focusing film, and the elastomeric inside surface of described focusing provides the function of described focusing fluid.

Described deformation element and correlation combiner of the present invention also can be used to control conventional moving, and are not only fluid, lens.Further may be with described focus module of the present invention and one or more routine or fluid/adaptability lens and/or one or more other focus module combinations.By this way, can realize other functions such as for example zoom and autozoom etc.These and related notion are further described in the appendix of compiling simultaneously with this exposure.

Described focus module can be used in to be had or uses in the extensive plurality of devices of imaging function, comprise data acquisition equipment, for example barcode scanner, portable data terminals (PDT), portable data assistant (PDA), the cell phone that can take a picture, still camera, moving picture camera and similar device further comprise fixed installation and portable set.Described focus module can be used in this equipment of virtually any size and type, but because the minimum of its small size and movable part is used, it is under the situation that is particularly useful for expecting minimum usage space, and/or for anti-rock, shake and the robust situation of other environmental factors expectations under equipment, other environmental factors are meant the operation of the element that can influence has a plurality of and/or a plurality of trickle movable parts and/or the factor in serviceable life.

As a special and nonrestrictive example, the present invention can be applied to and be used in the apparatus and method of the information that imaging, seizure, decoding and use represented by coded identification, and wherein coded identification is bar code (for example 1D bar code, 2D bar code and multisection type bar code) for example, the recognizable character of optics (alphanumeric symbol that for example print, typewriting or hand-written, punctuation mark and other have the OCR symbol of predetermined meanings) and selected pictorial image for example icon, Label, pictograph.Described apparatus and method comprise uses one or more focus module and data reader, for example be used to finish the hand-held bar code reader that resembles bar code and this task of other optical readable information imagings, comprise image of interest is focused on, and the human factor of the shake that brings by the user who for example eliminates by manual operation reader of the present invention improves picture quality.

Described equipment that has been described and the described equipment that has been called as the variable focal length fluid lens have a lot of other application.For example can use it as electrostatic voltmeter, as changing, propagating bundle is the function of emphasizing field strength in the propagation bundle disperses or concentrates.What can be associated with the transmission of the sense of hearing on light beam or other signals uses this equipment.When related this equipment of using with the transmission of audible signal, it can be said so modulates described light beam with sound frequency, and uses such explanation here in it should imputedly be claimed.Its also be fit to use on motion-picture film SoundRec in.

Though focus module of the present invention can be by being driven as feature with electromotive force substantially, but be used for controlling the electric signal of described focus module and be activated on the term and can be called as voltage (electromotive force, or electric potential difference) and other electrical quantitys, for example electric current or electric charge (accumulated time of electric current).Purpose for this exposure, can be used for driving the electric signal of any kind fluid (or reconfigurable) lens by application, control described focus module, and especially described deformation element (when by by described conductor element effect), this electric signal is by presenting tunable performance in response to applied signal based on light and two or more interaction with fluid (or fluid and vacuum) of different optical coefficient.

We use the device and the method for operating of various feature of the present invention and aspect with the formal description of reader with the ability that obtains image and detection, analysis and this image of decoding now.Especially, in certain embodiments, reader of the present invention can be a handheld portable devices, its can to for example all kinds bar code (1D, 2D, sectional type 1D and other bar codes) coded markings and for example hand-written, print, the symbol of typewriting character (for example using optical character recognition method), and be easy to control the body surface that uses illumination optical to discern and carry out imaging.[00266] Figure 53 is the figure that the reader 900 of feature of the present invention is used in expression, for example barcode scanner.Reader 900 comprises various optical elements and is used for controlling the operation of reader 900 and is used for analyzing the hardware and software element of the image that is obtained by reader 900.Figure 54 is the figure of control circuit that represents the reader of Figure 53 in more detail.In Figure 53, shell 902 is represented with the point-like schematic profiles.Shell 902 can be to be used for supporting with the mutual bearings that is fit to any conventional packing or the framework of various elements on principle, and is the shell that is suitable for holding in user's hand in certain embodiments, as contact Figure 51 and 52 hereinafter in greater detail.Reader 900 comprises light source 904,906, and it can be operated to illuminate target and aiming symbol is provided under various environment.Light source 904 is to comprise in order to illuminate the source of its image with one or more light sources of obtained object substantially, for example provides the lamp or the LED of illumination with conventional wavelength, for example redness or green illumination.Aiming at source 906 in certain embodiments is the 2nd LED, and it is used to illuminate from behind the slit of creating aiming symbol.By suitable image optics device this slit is imaged on the object 914 subsequently.Alternatively, aiming source (LED) 906 with the wavelength work (for example, described light source can be the redness that be used for throw light on, described aiming source can be the green that be used for described aiming symbol) different with light source 904 so that distinguish mutually easily.What the operator of reader 900 used that aiming source 906 determines reader aiming is what.Provide optical device 908 to be used for from light source 904 to be used for illuminating the suitable mode assignments intensity of target 914.Illuminated best at object described in the first-selected embodiment.In one embodiment, provide finder lens 910 and diffraction element 912 to be used for calibrating the light that comes from laser aiming source 906 respectively alternatively and be used for propagating or diffraction comes from the light in laser aiming source 906 with preassigned pattern.As seeing in Figure 53, will be held in place from reader 900 distances by the target 914 of imaging be on the object plane 916 of q1.Target 914 is for example to be attached to the lip-deep bar code that is called object plane 916.For the purpose of discussing, in Figure 53, also have and be positioned at, and have target 914` (it also can be a bar code) on it from the reader 900 bigger second object plane 916` apart from q2.Plane 916,916` are preferably come from, and the light of light source 914 or aiming light or their combination illuminate.As can in Figure 53, seeing, aiming 906, finder lens 910 and diffraction element 912 provide location pattern 918 in combination, in Figure 53, comprise 5 key element 918a-918e, it confirms reader 900 aimings somewhere for the user, so that desired object is fallen in the aiming area of reader 900.(or optional from the light that described object reflects, light in described object generation) caught with lens 920 by described reader, it comprises fluid lens and the one or more fixed lenss of possibility in certain embodiments, and is transferred to imager 922 through described fluid lens.Imager 922 is 1D or 2D semiconductor array sensor, for example cmos sensor, ccd sensors or the like of using any conventional processing technical construction in various embodiments.The light signal that imager 922 receives its is converted into represent entire image, framework or the electric signal of each a part of pixel wherein.In various embodiments, described imager can be the cmos imager of any color CCD imager and any color.

Reader 900 also comprises various hardware componenies, is shown as at Figure 52 to be used for controlling reader 900 and to be used for from the single control element 930 of reader 900 picked up signal.The details that in Figure 54, has shown control element 930.The illumination intensity and the sequential that provide illumination control 931 to provide by light source 904 with control.Illumination control 931 is carried out electrical communication by the cable 905 that comprises conductor with light source 904.The illumination intensity, color and the sequential that provide aiming controller 932 to provide by aiming source 906 with control.Aiming control 932 is electrically connected with aiming source 906 by the cable 907 that comprises conductor.Sequential and the operation of imager controller 934 with control imager 922 are provided, for example but by the clock signal that is provided for operating described image, the synchronizing signal that is used to catch illumination, reset signal, beginning and end signal and is used to provide electricity to export the designation data of the illuminance that receives as any pixel at the imager array, wherein data may be provided in simulation or are numerical data.Imager controller 934 is electrically connected with imager 922 by the cable 923 that comprises conductor.The action of lens controller 938 with control fluid lens 920 is provided.Lens controller 938 is electrically connected by the cable 921 that comprises conductor with fluid lens 920.

Provide analogue-to-digital converters 936 to be used for the simulating signal output from imager 922 is converted into digital signal.In certain embodiments, provide dma controller 948 directly to be transferred to storer to preserve to allow numerical data.Basically, illumination is controlled 931, aims at any one of control 932, imager controller 934, A/D 936 and DMA 948 or all is connected to general application programmable calculator 942 by the mode with one or more buses 945, more convenient when more favourable when considering, this bus 945 can be universal serial bus or parallel bus.The general programmable calculator 942 of using comprises universal component, comprises CPU 943, and it can be microprocessor and storer 944 (for example semiconductor memory, for example RAM, ROM in certain embodiments; Magnetic store, for example dish; Or optical memory, for example CD-ROM).This general appliance computer also can be communicated by letter with the various input and output devices on a large scale via one or more buses 947.For example, can provide any or whole following equipment: input command or data the equipment that is used for of the output device 946 of display, loudspeaker 948 or other phonation units, for example keyboard 950, touch pad 952, microphone 954 for example to computing machine, and for example can (for example be connected by hardware, serial, parallel, USB, electric wire or the like) or can be by the bi-directional device of one or more I/O ports 956 of wireless connections (for example, electric wave, WiFi, infrared or the like).The general programmable calculator 942 of using also can comprise, or also can control example such as the indicator 960 of LED other information of being used to refer to state or giving the user.

As shown in Figure 53, reader 900 and/or general purpose programmable computer 942 (being presented among Figure 54) also can comprise one or more trigger switches 964, and it allows user's directive command or state to give reader 900.In addition, by using one or more in the middle of power supply supply 970, battery 972 and the charger 974 to provide electric power as total system.Any conventional electrodynamic source that can be used to operate reader 900 and related with it general purpose programmable computer 942 (being presented among Figure 54) is expected, comprise conventional electrical network (it can be access in by connecting latch on the common wall) and optional power supply, for example emergency generator, solar cell, wind wheel, waterpower power supply or the like.

Can realize laser bar code scanner by the handling lenses configuration.Figure 86-88 vide infra.Do not use and in barcode scanner, use scanning mirror or motor at present, can use easy-operating fluid lens to realize that this scanning is mobile.Laser spots position at arrow beam of light width of identical time can be owing to identical or different fluid lens is affected.This scanning system in fact also can be coaxial, receives and send the same section that light beam all focuses on the described bar code pattern that will be scanned there.This receives photosystem and does not show, but these all are known in the prior art.Cylindrical or spherical fluid lens can be used, and depends on that it still is the raster scanning line that the deviser is contemplated to be exploitation single sweep line.Also can envision, exploitation only can scan and not have the fluid lens of optical magnification also is possible.Such system is also expected.

As can seeing from Figure 53, the distance that reader of the present invention can be operated, or identical, the photosystem focal length of described reader can change, as from as described in lens to changing with the object to be imaged apart from q.

Focal length for the special geometric position can be determined by this equation:

1/f＝1/p+1/q

Wherein f is the focal length of lens, p be from described lens to the surface of observing desired images thereon the distance of (for example imaging sensor or optical film), and q is the distance between described lens and the observed object.

Consider to be positioned at from described reader lens q1 and farther two objects (q2＞q1) for example more closely apart from q2.In system not expensive and very conventional configurations, fix apart from p (from lens 920 to imaging sensor 922).Have given focal length 1/f1=1/p+1/q1, we can be positioned at from described lens apart from q1 object is carried out imaging, we can be positioned at from described lens apart from q2 object is carried out imaging, focal length is given 1/f2=1/p+1/q2.Because q2＞q1, and p is constant, so we draw f1＜f2.Especially, for comprise the reader that the fluid lens of minimum focus f1 and maximum focal length f2 can be provided under fixed value p situation, we can correctly observe at least from q1 to the q2 distance range and focus on object, and need not consider for example problem of the field domain degree of depth when the special focal length of described lens is provided with.As an example, q1 can be short-range, and for example 4 inches (near 10cm) is so that we can carry out imaging to the target object (for example high-density bar code) with more details by being present in all details conversion on the object or decoding.On the other hand, q2 can be longer distance, for example 12 inches (near 30cm) or more, thus reader can carry out imaging to the object that less dense (for example, the lower pixel resolution of every element length on described target object or zone) is arranged in longer distance.Accordingly, the reader of the present invention that comprises special imaging sensor can be configured to carry out extremely high density/short distance or one of low-density/length distance (or for these two ultimate values variable intermediate state) arbitrarily extremely, by the focus controlling of simple favourable described fluid lens, so that will be by correct imaging at the object of the desired distance d of q2 〉=d 〉=q1 scope.

Can cause focal length that described lens manually or automatically change it up to realizing optimum focusing for object in a given distance.A kind of method of carrying out this is that the so-called blur circle that is formed by the object in point or the visual field is minimized.This can automatically be carried out by microprocessor, and it changes the focal length of described lens and measures size at CCD or the above blur circle of cmos imager, the pixel quantity that promptly described blur circle is filled.At described blur circle focal length hour is that optimum focusing and lens are maintained at that position.If some thing in the visual field changes, for example described object becomes farther from described lens, and so described microprocessor will detect the variation and the size of described blur circle, and control automatic focus program.

The described object that is used to measure described blur circle can be a details intrinsic in the visual field, and perhaps it can be a stratified object in the visual field.As an example, we can throw the IR laser spots show up in (wavelength of this IR is the susceptibility that has surpassed eye, but is no more than the susceptibility of CCD or CMOS).The another kind of method of finishing optimum focusing comprises described image transformation for example uses Fourier transform to frequency domain, and regulates the focal length of described fluid lens subsequently so that the HFS result of converted image is minimized.Can use the wavelet transformation of described image with similar forms.Frequency transformation or wavelet technique all are for finish the simple technique of optimum focusing by the contrast of maximization among the pixel of CCD or cmos image sensor.These and similar processing for example maximize the intensity difference between the neighborhood pixels, are well known in the art and also are generally to be used in the passive focusing of digital camera.

Figure 55 is the block scheme of optical reader that expression is used for the general purpose microprocessor system of various embodiment of the present invention.Optical reader 4010 comprises and is used for illuminating target object T, for example 1D and 2D bar code symbol, illumination combination 4020; Be used for receiving the image of object T and be created in the imaging combination 4030 of the electrical output signal of wherein representing the optical encoding data; Illumination combination 4020 can comprise, for example, lighting source combination 4022, with the light optics combination 4024 of for example one or more lens, diffuser, voussoir, catoptron or these combination of elements from the direction guiding light of light source 4022 to target object T.Illumination is made up 4020 and can be comprised, for example, and laser or light emitting diode (LED), for example White LED or red LED.Illumination combination 4020 can comprise target illumination and be used for giving prominence to the optical alignment of the aiming pattern 4027 on object T.If determining the rank of ambient light is sufficiently high and the high quality graphic of permission acquisition object T, illumination combination 4020 also can be removed so.Imaging combination 4030 can comprise imageing sensor 4032, and for example 1D or 2D CDD, CMOS, NMOS, PMOS, CID or CMD solid state image sensor are used for receiving and focusing on the image of object T with image optics combination 1034 on imageing sensor 4032.

In also can be replaced by the imaging combination based on laser array based on the imaging of array combination shown in Figure 55, it comprises at least one lasing light emitter, scans machine, transmits and receives light, at least one photodetector and the signal processing circuit followed.Figure 86,87 and 88 associated description vide infra.

Utilization can the Be Controlled module send local frame of ordering output image data or the imageing sensor that can be disposed by the pixel with independent addressing, realize local frame clock output mode easily.Utilize the CMOS manufacturing technology, easily the shop drawings image-position sensor is so that can optionally be exported corresponding to the electric signal of some pixel of sensor, and do not export electric signal corresponding to the residual pixel of this sensor, therefore allow only to only analyzing with a part of related local data's frame of entire image visual field.Cmos image sensor can obtain from these manufacturers, for example Symagery, Omni, Vision, Sharp, Micron, ST microelectronics, Kodak, Toshiba and Mitsubishi.By from the ccd image sensor output image data image duration of Active Frame discharge signal optionally, also can realize local frame clock output mode.A/D1036 and signal processor 1035 can all be integrated on the single substrate with imageing sensor 1032 individually or alternatively together.

The optical reader of Figure 55 also comprises programmable control circuit (or control module) 1040, and it preferably includes integrated circuit microprocessor 4042 and special IC (ASIC 4044).The function of ASIC 4044 also can be provided by field programmable logic array (FPGA).Processor 4042 and ASIC 4044 are programmable control units, it can be according to the program that the is stored reception, output and the deal with data that are stored in memory cell 4045, and memory cell 4045 can comprise memory element for example read/write random access memory or RAM4046 and erasable read-only memory or EROM 4047.Other memory cells that can be used comprise EPROM and EEPROM.RAM 4046 typically comprises at least one volatile storage, but also can comprise one or more long-term nonvolatile storage devices.Processor 4042 and ASIC 4044 are connected to common bus 4048, can receive and router data and service data any circuit that also is connected to wherein by this bus two-wayly, comprise address date.Yet each other different of processor 4042 and ASIC 4044 are that how manufactured they be and how they are used.Processing module is configured to extract by the coded identification information encoded, it uses processor 4042 and ASIC 4044 capacity some or all, and comprise necessary hardware, software and or firmware, its this extraction required by task of realization is wanted, and the extraction task comprises that the raw data with image is converted to the necessary decoding task of using the coded identification information encoded.

Processor 4042 VLSI integrated circuit microprocessor preferably general, that can be purchased off the shelf more specifically, it has the integral body control of the circuit of Figure 55, but it spends its view data of most of the time decode stored in RAM4046 and the routine data that is stored among the EROM 4047.On the other hand, the VLSI integrated circuit that ASIC 4044 is preferably special-purpose, for example programmable logic array or gate array, it is programmed to its time is used for carrying out function operation rather than decode image data, and processor 4042 is discharged from the burden of carrying out these functions operations.

Real work between processor 4042 and the ASIC 4044 division of labor will depend on the type, view data of imageing sensor of type, use of the obtainable microprocessor that can be purchased off the shelf naturally by the speed of imaging combination 4030 outputs, or the like.Yet the work division between

processor

4042 and 4044 perhaps even fundamentally carries out such division of labor, has no requirement in principle.This is that application specific processor 4044 can fully be removed so because if general processor 4042 is enough fast and does all functions of having the ability to carry out the present invention's expection.Therefore the division of labor that is appreciated that the quantity of used processor and works between them is not among the basic importance of the object of the invention.

Use the processor architecture of Figure 55 shown type, the exemplary operation division of labor between the

processor

4042 and 4044 is as described below.Processor 4042 preferably mainly is absorbed in such task, decode image data for example, and these data have been stored among the RAM 4046; Be identified in the character of representing in the stored view data according to optical mask identification (OCR) principle; Handle that menu is selected and programing function again; Order and data that processing receives from control/data input cell 1039, control/data input cell 1039 can comprise and resemble the such element of trigger 1074 and keyboard 1078; And the coordination that the total system level is provided.

Processor 4044 preferably mainly is absorbed in control image acquisition process, A/D conversion process and image data storage, comprises the ability that enters storer 4047 and 4047 through the DMA passage.The A/D conversion process can comprise simulating signal is converted into the digital signal that is expressed as 8 (or gray scales) digital quantities.Along with the A/D converter technology improves, digital signal can be represented with surpassing 8.Processor 4044 also can be carried out many sequential and communication operation.For example, processor 4044 can be controlled the illumination of LED 4022, the sequential of imageing sensor 4032 and modulus (A/D) converter 4036, RS-232, for example Ethernet or other networks based on the packet communication technology by comprising I/O interface 4037, the universal serial bus of for example USB and/or wireless communication link (or other) send data to the processor of reader 4010 outsides and receive data from the processor of reader 4010 outsides.Processor 4044 also can be controlled output user conspicuous data to output device 4038, for example acoustical generator, high-quality red LED and/or the display monitor that can be provided by for example LCD of display 4082.Output control, demonstration and I/O function also can be by sharing between processor 4042 and 4044, as suggestion, perhaps can be repeated by bus driver I/O and output/display device 4037` and 4038, as suggestion, by microprocessor serial i/O mouth 4042A and 4042B and I/O and display device 4037`` and 4038`.Just as previously explained, this special work division is unimportant for purposes of the invention.

Figure 56 is the process flow diagram 1100 of processing that expression is used for operating the system with the adjustable focus system that comprises feedback, for example has the system as the parts described at Figure 53.This is handled from step 1110, wherein produces the order of catching image, for example sends the seizure image command by user's squeezing trigger or by automatic system in response to special circumstances, and for example sensed object enters into image space.In case capture image in step 1110, image focusing is evaluated, indicates as step 1120.Focusing evaluation can comprise and picture quality and particular criteria or situation compared for example acutance of the sensation of the feature in image contrast on border, or other standards.

The processing procedure that another kind utilizes plane tolerance to carry out the automatic focus operation comprises following step:

1, catches gray scales image (just catch image and with at least 2 bit resolutions or at least 4 these images of discrete value digitizing) with handheld reader;

2, this gray scales image of sampling alternatively (just extracts a line or series of points from this image, or alternatively, if it be comprise corresponding to the view data of the addressing pixel of selecting by the window frame, the image that is sampled so is exactly the image that is captured);

3, the measurement number of the data point incident by describing to have special gray scales value is created histogram, for example represents the gray scales value with X-axis, and Y-axis presentation of events frequency;

4, handle this histogram to provide plane surveying as output;

5, determine to focus on rank (or focusing quality) based on this plane surveying; And

6, when measuring definite focusing quality less than expection, change also repeating step 1-5 of focusing from this plane.

The described plane of image is meant the equilibrium degree that the different grey-scale value distributes in column.Plane distribution is that the many observed values in the different grey-scale value have very little variation.Usually, the image that focuses on difference will be more smooth than focusing on good image, that is to say to have the average relatively incidence of gray-scale value in the scope of whole gray level value.Substantially, has the low pixel of the high pixel of many gray-scale values, many gray-scale values and many gray-scale values pixel for the histogram of the image of well focussed in the centre.For the use of all kinds image history information, for example bar code comprises according to the look-up table information encoded, or the information of utilizing the fuzzy logic principle to provide, is expected.

In step 1130, the output and the acceptable standard of described focusing evaluation compared, for example the specific quantity sharpness on the specific quantity pixel (or contrast variation).The image that is digitized as higher digital resolution (for example, use by bigger data bit definition scope) can be supported the more accurate judgement that can accept to focus on.If the result of focusing evaluation negates, routine processes is to step 1140, and the focusing of the lens 920 of Figure 53 is modified there.After adjusting described focusing, the operation of program turns back to step 1110, and catches a new image, then assessment.When finding that the image of catching has suitable focusing, program moves on to step 1150 from step 1130, wherein handle and have the image of suitable focus characteristics, and obtain user or issue an order and catch the result that the instrument of image can obtain, and/or this result is stored in the storer.Alternatively, indicated as step 1160, can command system obtain another image and turn back to step 1 then and repeat this handling procedure once more.

Figure 57 is that expression is used for operating the program flow diagram of the system with the adjustable focus system that does not comprise feedback.Produce the order catch image in step 4210, automatically issue the picture catching order in specified conditions, for example sense object and enter position in order to imaging for example by user's squeezing trigger, or by system responses.In step 4215, use corresponding to first condition, implied terms for example, first fluid lens control signal drive lens 920, for example use to be used in the voltage that causes lens 920 to be operated on the lens 920 with q1 near 7 inches of focal positions.In a preferred embodiment, the applied voltage of 7 inches of focal point is 0 volt.Utilize this focused condition, catch and handle an image in step 4220.In step 4225, check that the information of giving for change again from the image of catching is to determine whether to obtain effective decoding of bar code.If decoding is effectively, show in the information and the data by decoded graphical representation of step 4260 pair report, and program stops, indicating as step 4270.Can provide be used for repeating this program with post command, when perhaps being that need or favourable.

If determined not reach good decoding in step 4225, program proceeds to step 4230, the described fluid lens control signal that will be applied to lens 920 there is adjusted to the first optional value, the voltage that for example causes lens 920 to focus on the q2 near focal position 30cm.Utilize this focused condition, catch and handle an image in step 4235.In step 4240, check that the information of giving for change again from the image of catching is to determine whether to obtain effective decoding of bar code.If decoding is effectively, show in the information and the data by decoded graphical representation of step 4260 pair report, and program stops, indicated as step 4270.

If determined not reach good decoding in step 4240, program proceeds to step 4245, the described fluid lens control signal that will be applied to lens 920 there is adjusted to the first optional value, the voltage that for example causes lens 920 to focus on the q3 near focal position 100cm.Utilize this focused condition, catch and handle an image in step 4250.In step 4255, check that the information of giving for change again from the image of catching is to determine whether to obtain effective decoding of bar code.If decoding is effectively, show in the information and the data by decoded graphical representation of step 4260 pair report, and program stops, indicating as step 4270.If effective decoding of bar code still is not done, program turns back to step 4215, and repeats this program to attempt the effective barcode value of identification.In other embodiments, after when specific or predetermined number iterative loop have taken place and do not have the output of success, or after specific or preset time, can stop this program by management and control equipment, it can be operated according to computer program in certain embodiments.If described alternatively trigger is released, described program can stop.Though the program that is described among Figure 57 has used three discrete conditions to drive lens 920 to search for suitable focused condition, as the part of this program, it is possible surpassing or being less than three predetermined drive conditions concerning the user.For example, we can define program, its mid-focal length within a predetermined distance or predetermined number percent change.Alternatively, we can define program, it is to focus on the information that obtains in the assessment of (or above-described) or from decoded quality of information (for example that wherein said adjusting is based on the image of whether being caught, whether described information is quoted a remark out of its context fully or is formatd improperly, or near effective) definite quantity.Usually, can obtain specific range to absolute accuracy (for example, cannot be the degree of accuracy of 30.000cm, and only be the 30cm that is accurate to decimetre 1/10th) with the range observation of 30cm.But test is so or rather, and described lens operate in definite distance fully.In the laboratory, can accurate distance be set for experiment, but in actual applications, the measurement of distance is not as so accurate in the laboratory.

Fluid lens can have error, for example spherical surface error and/or aberration.In focus module of the present invention, can use supplementary lens, for example positive lens or negative lens come to be connected with the described focus module of for example lens 920 with correction of spherical, color or the error of high state more.In certain embodiments, can select the structured material of described supplementary lens so that optics imperfection or the error that compensation is introduced by described fluid lens.

Figure 60 and 61 is the figure that use the handheld reader of feature of the present invention.Figure 60 represents to comprise the handheld reader 4500 of the shell with substantial linearity configuration.Handheld reader 4500 comprises the circuit of having described about Figure 55, comprises data-handling capacity and storer.Handheld reader 4500 comprises input equipment 4510, for example the keyboard that uses to the user, it also can be used as trigger 4534 provides one or more buttons of trigger pip to allow the user.Handheld reader 4500 comprises output device 4512, for example is used to provide the display that information is given the user.In certain embodiments, display 4512 comprises touch-screen and is used for allowing the user to respond and is presented at prompting on the display 4512, or uses any icon or graphical symbol input information or order, simulating keyboard or keyboard, or respond by the identification hand-written information.Handheld reader 4500 also can comprise its can display message as output or reception information touch dish or touch-screen as input, for example show that one or more icons give the user, and receive since the user with finger or with stylus 4508 touch touch dishes or touch-screen and to the activation of one of them icon.Handheld reader 4500 also comprises bar code image engine 4514, and it comprises fluid lens.Image engine 4514 obtains the image of the attention object that reads with handheld reader 4500.Described fluid lens provides the ability of focusing and regulates the optical axis of image engine 4514, as here in greater detail.Handheld reader 4500 also comprises card reader 4520, it is configured to be used for reading the card position information that is coded on the magnetic stripe that for example is set on the credit card in various embodiments, and is coded in the information in the semiconductor memory of for example finding in PC, PCMCIA or smart card.Handheld reader 4500 also comprises Wireless Telecom Equipment 4530, and for example wireless transceiver and/or infrared transceiver are used for and remote base stations, computer based data handling system, the second handheld reader 4500` or PDA devices communicating for example.Handheld reader 4500 also comprises the RFID transceiver 4532 that is used for the RFID label communication.As here using, term " RFID label " is used to represent radio frequency identification tag, no matter be activated or be not activated, also no matter operation still is to operate according to private communication protocol according to standard communication protocol.Can programme the RFID transceiver to operate according to various communications protocols widely.Figure 60 has also described card 4540, and it comprises the information that is coded at least one magnetic stripe, semiconductor memory, smart card and the RFID label in different embodiment.Can be from Skaneateles Falls, an example of the handheld reader 4500 that the PDT9500 that the Hand Held Products company limited of NY obtains is can use this fluid lens system therein.In one embodiment, can realize described cmos image array with the Micron imageing sensor, for example come from 8000 South Federal Way, Post Office Box 6, Boise, the Wide VGA MT9V022 imageing sensor of the Micron technology company limited of ID 83707-0006.MT9V022 imageing sensor with whole frame shutters is described on the product leaflet of the product MT9V099 that can obtain from Micron technology (www.micron.com), for example in http//download.micron.com/pdf/flyers/mt9v022_ (mi-0350) _ flyer.pdf in more detail.Can be from IC Media, 5201 Great America Pkwy, Suite 422, Santa Clara, the The ICM 105T CMOS modified imager that CA 95054 obtains also can be used.This imager is displayed on webpage http//www.ic-media.com/products/view.cfm9product=ICM%2D1 05T.This imager uses rotating shutter.Though two imagers of this that quote all are the imagers of lining by line scan, and know that in this area the staggered scanning imager also will work in these systems well.

Figure 61 represents another embodiment of handheld reader 4550, it comprises the parts of enumerating about handheld reader 4500, particularly including input 4510, output 4512, image engine and fluid lens 4514, card reader 4520, wireless 4530 and RFID transceiver 4532.Handheld reader 4550 comprises as the circuit of having described about Figure 55, comprises data-handling capacity and storer.For handheld reader 4550, shell 4560 comprises one " pistol grip " or becomes a part of arranging near the angle of 90 degree substantially with respect to the described image engine of reader 4550 and the optical axis of fluid lens.Handheld reader 4550 also comprises trigger 4534, for example is installed in the pistol grip part of reader 4550, and is positioned so that by user's finger handled easily.Handheld reader 4550 comprises that also cable or electric wire 4570 are used for communicating by a point of electric wire and base station, computer based data handling system or marketing system.Reader 4550 can be with internal radio (not shown) device and base station communication alternatively.The example that can use the reader 4550 of this fluid lens therein is the IT 4600 that comprises the 2D image sensor array, with the IT 5600 that comprises the 1D image sensor array, they can be from Skaneateles Falls, and the Hand Held Products Co., Ltd of NY obtains.

In certain embodiments,

handheld reader

4500 and 1550 quilts for example are movably mounted on the support with Be Controlled direction in the configuration fixed position, and it can be that the support of fixing also can be can be by the support of reorientation.The example of this application is in commerce is arranged, for example in the point of sale, in the inlet of for example buildings of office's building or warehouse or outlet or in the government buildings of for example school or law court.Can use described handheld reader of the present invention to confirm to have arbitrarily the object that comprises one or more indications in bar code, magnetic stripe, RFID label and the semiconductor memory.

In certain embodiments, can dispose handheld reader 4500 and 4550 and be configured to operate in one of " decoding schema " or " Image Acquisition " pattern.Can dispose handheld reader 4500 and 4550 so that described decoding schema and image acquisition mode are at user option.For example, can dispose described reader for comprising graphic user interface (GUI), for example on touch dish or keyboard, its all be as in Figure 60 and 61, describe make the user can as described in decoding schema and as described in the input and output device selected between the image acquisition mode.In one embodiment, the icon that is presented at by click on the display of the display 4512 of Figure 60 is for example selected described decoding schema, thereby is decoding schema with described reader default configuration.Alternatively, can be by coming setting operation pattern (decoding schema or image acquisition mode) from remote equipment communication, or when initial activation as the acquiescence of a boot sequence part.Therefore, when (subsequently) next time activation of trigger 4534 produces trigger pip, dispose described reader to operate in described decoding schema.At described decoding schema, handheld reader 4500 and 4550 generations in response to the flop signal of catching image utilize one or more bar code decoding algorithms decode described image and output decoder output information.Described decoding output information can be exported to for example one or more storeies, display 4512 or give remote equipment, for example by wireless communication or by wire communication.

In one embodiment, select described " image acquisition mode " by clickable icon (it can be a waved switch).

Handheld reader

4500 and 4550 is configured in " image acquisition mode " as default mode alternatively.Therefore, when (subsequently) next time activation of trigger 4534 produces trigger pip,

configuration handheld reader

4500 and 4550 described to operate in " image acquisition modes ".

Handheld reader

4500 and 4550 generations in response to the flop signal of catching image, output image is to one or more storeies, to display 4512 or to remote equipment.

Can dispose handheld reader 4500 and 4550 so that when having selected described image acquisition mode, handheld reader 4500 and 4550 to avoid the image of attempting decoding and catching.Be appreciated that and catching the Flame Image Process that is used for decoding in response to receiving trigger pip, handheld reader 4500 and 4550 can be caught a plurality of " test " frame, create imaging parameters (for example expose, gain, focusing, zoom) in order to be applied in, these can be whole frame as discussed above or only a part of frame, and after decoding is attempted not comprising decodable symbolic representation, can abandon definite frame.Similarly, in image acquisition mode, be used for the Flame Image Process that image is exported in response to receiving trigger pip, handheld reader 4500 and 4550 can be caught test frame, in order to be applied in the establishment imaging parameters, these can be whole frame as discussed above or only a part of frame, and can abandon and be confirmed to be the image that is not suitable for exporting.Also be appreciated that in described " image acquisition mode ", the image of catching can be used for subsequently analysis by file, comprise can exist with described image in bar code or the decoding of other coded markings, for example be used to provide the evidence (if this parcel is sent to by safety, that image can be not decoded) of parcel situation from the shipment of seller there the time to be on the safe side.Other examples of similar type can be the photos that loads truck, for example using the identification number or the similar indication of the licence plate of licence plate, loading truck is the main contents of this photo, comprise date and time alternatively, with possible other information that can be stored with image, the person's that for example do not take pictures identity (for example name, employee number or other person identifiers).

In optional embodiment,

handheld reader

4500 and 4550 shows a plurality of icons (at least one is used for decoding schema and and is used for image acquisition mode), wherein the activation of icon is configured to operate in selected operator scheme (decoding or Image Acquisition) with

handheld reader

4500 and 4550, and causes automatically producing trigger pip to begin to catch/decode (decoding schema) or image capturing/output image processing (image acquisition mode).Therefore, in this optional embodiment, after icon is activated, do not need activated trigger 4534 to begin picture catching.

Figure 62 is the Figure 46 00 with the handheld reader of the present invention of compunication.In Figure 62, the handheld reader 4550 of above-described type is connected to computing machine 4610 by the mode of cable 4570, and it is described to laptop computer or notebook in this embodiment.Computing machine 4610 comprises common machine element, comprise input 4612, it can comprise keyboard, keypad and for example pointing device of mouse 4608, by the output 4614 of user's use, for example display screen is recorded in the software 4630 that one or more machines are are just read and write media.The example of the software of operation is a program 4632 on computing machine 4610, it provides fast browsing described image on the display 4614 of computing machine 4610, as " referring to " the described image engine and the fluid lens of handheld reader 4550, and the interactive program 4634 that for example is provided at the machine readable medium (not shown), the reaction that it allows user's control to be applied to the signal (for example voltage or electromotive force) of described fluid lens and to observe wherein said fluid lens, for example when described fluid lens control signal changes, as diagrammatic representation, or as one or more graphical representations of reading by described reader.In Figure 62, a plurality of test targets 1620 have also been shown, 1622,1624, it is the optic test target of abideing by as at the known test target of USAF (USAF) nineteen fifty-one target (or 1951USAF draft resolution target) in certain embodiments, it is shown and is described on the webpage http//www.sinepatterns.com/USA.Fjabels.htm, and it is commercial by the SINEPATTERNS LLC of manufacturer of 1951 USAF targets and many other types targets and visual model, 1653 East Mam Street, Rochester, NY 14609 provides with various forms, as further by indicating on webpage http//www.sinepatterns.com/i_Stdrds.htm.

The example of describing in Figure 62 demonstrates with respect to the target on each of three distances of handheld reader 4550 or position.In one embodiment, these three targets are discharged with different distances discretely along single optical axis.In another embodiment, these three targets 1620,1622,1624 are discharged with identical distance along the different optical axises with respect to handheld reader 4550.In certain embodiments, handheld reader 4550 is different with distance between these targets, and the optical axis from handheld reader 4550 to described these targets also is different.Each target 1620,1622,1624 is represented an object, for example known test model with definition physical dimension, and it is that handheld reader 4550 can imaging.By being controlled at the action of the described fluid lens in the handheld reader 4550, to demarcate the operation of described fluid lens be possible by writing down observed control signal (for example voltage or important electromotive force), the control signal that need to obtain is that (for example, but the image in acceptance pattern picture element weight range or can correctly be decoded to give the image of the information that wherein is encoded for change) accepted and preferably best described target are necessary at the image of each location or position.

Figure 63 is used for the process flow diagram 1700 of calibration procedure of device of calibration application feature of the present invention.In Figure 63, described calibration is initialised, and as showing in step 1705, by this system of initialization, comprises that carrying out all sequential tests that power on correctly turns round to guarantee this system unit.In step 1710, the test target that will have pattern or coded identification is placed on first test position.When at first test position, described target will be substantially with respect to the described handheld reader that comprises fluid lens set a distance and direction really.In step 1715, regulate described fluid lens control signal (it is voltage in certain embodiments) so that be the acceptable and preferably best focused condition of described target acquisition.In step 1720, for further use, with the distance of described target and direction and the described fluid lens control signal parameter (temporal aspect of the size of voltage and symbol, described signal for example, for example duration of pulse, switching time and repetition rate) be recorded in the nonvolatile memory, for example in table.

We can repeat described target localization repeatedly at the new position and the treatment step of direction, control is applied to the described fluid lens control signal of described fluid lens to obtain satisfied and preferably best focusing, and in storer, note information and described fluid lens control signal parameter, so that provide a cover more to finish more detailed calibration parameter about order calibration bits and direction.The quantity that multiplicity is only expected to prolong the quantity of time of holding calibration steps and effort by us and be can be used to write down the storer of observed described calibration parameter is limited.In the example that Figure 62 presents, according to the calibration of the process flow diagram of Figure 63 will comprise execution as by at as described in target at step 1710, the 1715 and 1720 described calibration steps of three diverse locations.When by using described calibration information as the initial setting up that is used to operate in as under the described closed loop mode of reference Figure 56, or as be used for one as with reference to Figure 57 the fixing operation condition of discrete point operation under the described open loop mode, operate corresponding imager (or in certain embodiments, another imager of similar type) time, can use the information that in calibration testing, obtains.

Figure 64 is Figure 180 0 that expression is used for the calibration curve of a plurality of exemplary handheld readers.In Figure 64, transverse axis 1802 expression fluid lens control signal parameters, voltage for example, and the optical property of the described fluid lens of Z-axis 1804 expressions, for example optical magnification optical magnification.It also can represent fluid lens other optical properties corresponding to its operation, for example focal length, f number and with the skew of acquiescence optical axis (wherein give tacit consent to optical axis and can be considered the zero degree of expression relative height or the zero degree in orientation).In Figure 64, shown three curves 1810,1812,1814, every special fluid lens of curve representation is to the response (for example optical magnification) of the fluid lens control signal (for example voltage) used.Seen at Figure 64, curve 1810, the operation of expression first fluid lens reaches optical magnification P 1820 when applied voltage V1 1830.Yet, other fluid lens can gently differently move, so that obtain optical magnification P when the big a little voltage V2 1832, and obtain optical magnification P when the bigger voltage V3 1834 by the three-fluid lens of curve 1814 expressions by second fluid lens of curve 1812 expression.In addition, we can be applied to described first fluid lens and described second fluid lens with the relation between the described fluid lens control signal that obtains identical optical magnification P by the information extraction from Figure 64, for example in order to operate two handheld readers under fully similar condition, or in order to operate dual-purpose reader or other equipment that uses two fluid lens simultaneously, for example to produce the stereoscopic sensation view of target.In power P, between described first lens and described second lens, there is the difference that provides by V2-V1 aspect the driving voltage, wherein the absolute value that has by V2-V1 of this difference provides amplitude and symbol, if V2 is positive greater than its symbol of V1 on amplitude, V1 bears greater than its symbol of V2 on the amplitude, if its symbol of V2=V1 is zero.In operation in order all to obtain optical magnification at described first and second fluid lens, we can provide the fluid lens control signal that equals V1 to described first and the and fluid lens, and the differential signal that equals the symbol difference of V2-V1 is given described second fluid lens.Alternatively, we can be with two power supplys, and they provide signal V1 and V2 to described first and second fluid lens separately.Change when being used for operating the needed optical magnification of described fluid lens, described fluid lens control signal also changes, and can derive out or read out from the suitable profile of Figure 64.Since basically we do not measure fluid lens or other equipment in a scope the parameter value that might put, also can obtain for example 1810 curve by measuring right optical parameter and the associated fluid lens control signal of discrete number, and to described data fitting curve, perhaps, similarly can prepare out the appropriate calibration curve easily in the consecutive point interpolation.In some instances, each fluid lens module only has the single calibration point can be obtained.Be better than for the different fluid lens and create curve, we can be at the same fluid lens of different temperature surveys.Can determine suitable operating point at various temperatures subsequently.Can determine other point by extrapolation or interpolation, by suitable curve fitting relation or with equational form by the expression of the operation of deriving.

Figure 65 is the figure that expression is suitable for the embodiment of the power supply 1900 that uses together with handheld reader.Generally, the first state electrical equivalent circuit of fluid lens is simple electric capacity.In Figure 65, load 1910 is expressed as capacitive load basically for power supply 1920 in one embodiment.Because described load is a capacitive, network power consumption is very little basically.The power supply 1920 of Figure 65 is a kind of possible embodiment, and its output that at first is described this power supply in high level can be used as the input of the converter that comprises switch 4310,4312,4314 and 4316 shown in Figure 58.For example the power supply of 6 volts of batteries 1922 enough should the supply operation.Can improve described power source voltage with the direct current that comprises the switch IC 1930 with induction end, the controller (for example transistor) that is used for switch 1940 and inductor 1935 (it may be provided in the outside of described switch) to direct converter.Induction end can be connected to voltage divider 1955 in certain embodiments.Use rectifier 1945 that unipolarity output is provided, it comprises because the noise that the blocked operation of described switch causes.Can control the first state output voltage of described power supply, and will be ten volts rank, for example direct current 60V substantially.Wave filter 1960 is provided, and for example low pass RC wave filter is used for eliminating noise, because capacitive element is rendered as little impedance when frequency raises, and presents greatly the impedance of (unlimited in fact) for low frequency.Use accurate low noise series controller 1970 to come control output voltage, for example, provide the feedback loop usability should be input to this series controller by voltage divider 1975 by oxide-semiconductor control transistors 1972.The adjusting of the voltage signal of controller 1984 to allow to be applied to described fluid lens is provided, thereby and provides the control of the focal length or the focussing plane of convection cell lens 1910.Can use the optional power supply that unipolarity output can be provided.By using the inverter of a pair of power supply (for example, provides cathode voltage, and cathode voltage is provided), single power supply or suitable biasing, or by using single power supply and dual operational amplifier, we can provide a pair of output with respect to the ground symmetry.

Figure 67-the 69th, the cross-sectional view of expression exemplary fluid lens 2100, these lens have and comprise the elastic body that is used for handheld reader.This elastic body is by Chomerics North America, Parker HannifinCorp, and 77 Dragon Court, Woburn, MA 01801 makes.In Figure 67, the

electric contact piece

2114,2116 that fluid lens 2110 is shown as solid body 2112 and is arranged in its opposite both sides by the form with ring.In one embodiment, fluid lens main body 2112 usefulness metals are made, and in the

electric contact piece

2114,2116 one also occurs, another contact chip can with metal master 2112 insulation.In another embodiment, main body 2112 is made by the nonconductor substrate, or comprises the nonconductor substrate.

In Figure 68, fluid lens main body 2112 is shown as and is installed in the support member 2120.In one embodiment, support member 2120 is tubuloses, and internal threaded surface 2130 and part closed end 2132 are arranged, and it has defined the hole of the sufficient size of an optics live part that can not hinder described fluid lens here.Described fluid lens main body 2112 is supported on suitable place by screw thread limit collar 2122, and it mates with the internal threaded surface 2130 of support member 2120 spirally.Support member 2120 and limit collar 2122 usefulness insulating material are made.In certain embodiments, resilient material 2140,2142 is provided as " O " annular shape or rounded washers and lives an orientation that is supposed to so that described fluid lens is supported, the structure confusion that can not bear too much pressure or can be held by resilient ring 2140.In certain embodiments, single resilient ring 2140 or 2142 is provided at a side of described fluid lens main body 2120.In certain embodiments, a resilient ring 2140 is provided at a side of described fluid lens main body 2120, and another resilient ring 2142 is provided at the opposite side of described fluid lens main body.Electric contact piece with contact chip 2114 and 2116 is provided by line 2114` and 2116`, their the contact separately contact chip and its withdraw from described support member.These lines and resilient material 2122 and 2140 closely electrically contact.As required, line 2114` and 2116` can insulate.Figure 69 represents and fluid lens main body 2112 elastic washer 2140 that contacts of contact chip 2116 therein that it can conduct electricity in certain embodiments, and its fluid lens main body 2112 is supported in the support member 2120 by part closed end 2132 therein.Line 2116` contacts described electrically conductive elastic packing ring or encircles 2140 and with the features 2134 that are defined in the support member 2120 support member 2120 is withdrawed from.In certain embodiments, line 2116` contacts the described electric contact piece of described fluid lens main body, and described resilient ring or packing ring are positioned between the part closed end 2132 of online 2116` and support member 2120.In other embodiments, line 2116` is between elastic body 2140 and part closed end 2130.Support member 2120 and screw thread limit collar 2122 can be constructed by the material of any appropriate, and can be suitably non-conductive or conduction.

The present invention also handles because hand-held camerist or reader's hand shake or hand move and causes image blurring deleterious effect.Image blurring has been the one of the main reasons of image quality decrease.Image blurring and similar decline mechanism causes the decoding rate of decline in the barcode reading application, or contrast that descends in picture catching is used and the image that blurs.In some instances, to such an extent as to moving, hand shake or hand can cause the enough serious obstruction image of image decline correctly to be handled.

Figure 70 is illustrated in the figure of the prior art variable angle triangular prism of No. the 6734903rd, US patent issuing people such as Takeda.(being called the `903 patent below).The device of this exposure is used two angular-rate sensors, two angular transducers, two drivers and the variable angle triangular prism with lens and is formed the anti-jitter optical system.This class optical system is widely used in hand-held video recording camera to proofread and correct the influence of described hand shake.Yet this system has a lot of shortcomings, comprising: 1, because the higher cost that many parts bring; 2, because the long response time of using mechanical actuation device to bring; 3, because the lower reliability that moving-member brings; 4, owing to use the motor subsystem of independently focusing automatically further to increase cost and system complexity; And 5, use mechanical organ to increase the complicacy and the difficulty of assembling.

As having narrated the operation of variable angle triangular prism as described in the `903 patent is described in below 11 sections.

It is a kind of phenomenon that camera rocks, and when the user takes pictures by grip the video camera execution in his or her hand, is clapped image therein and moves horizontal or vertically, moves slightly because this user's hand or health are independent of user's consciousness.When on TV monitor etc., reproducing, can be given the people who sees very large uncomfortable by the image of photograph.

For fear of such camera shaking phenomenon, conventional video camera utilization is by for example variable angle triangular prism (being referred to as " VAP " hereinafter).

The structure example that description is comprised the normal image sensing device of the VAP that is used for camera rolling normal moveout correction below by reference Figure 29.

In Figure 70, VAP2204 is by connecting two

glass plate

2204a and 2204b and by these two glass plate 2204a and the 2204b space encapsulating optical transparent fluid 2204d with spring element 2204c encirclement via the spring element 2204c of bellows shape.Be provided at bar 2204e on glass plate 2204a and the 2204b and 2204f be connected respectively to be used for horizontal drive drive unit 2203 and be used on the drive unit 2208 of vertical drive.Therefore, glass plate 2204a horizontally rotates, and glass plate 2204b is vertical rotation.

Should note disclosing and describe VAP2204 among the 2-12518, therefore will omit detailed description here in Japanese Patent Laid.

Horizontal angle speed pickup 2201 detected image induction installations are because camera rocks the angular velocity that waits the tangential movement generation cause.Control module 2202 is carried out arithmetical operation so that this tangential movement of described image sensing apparatus is corrected for the detection signal that comes from angular-rate sensor 2201, and detects and use acceleration components to drive unit 2203.This drive unit 2203 flatly drives the glass plate 2204a of VAP2204.

Angular transducer 2205 can detect the rotation angle of the glass plate 2204a that driven device 2203 horizontally rotates.Control module 2202 is carried out arithmetical operation and the result is offered drive unit 2203 this detected anglec of rotation.

Vertical angle speed pickup 2206 detects because camera rocks and so on the angular velocity that causes described image sensing device vertical moving to produce.2207 pairs of control modules are carried out arithmetical operations from the detection signals of angular-rate sensor 2206, so that the vertical moving of described sensing device is corrected, and detect and the supply acceleration components is given drive unit 2208.The glass plate 2204b of this drive unit 2208 vertical drive VAP2204.

Angle transducer 2209 can detect the anglec of rotation of the glass plate 2204b of driven device 2208 vertical rotations.Control module 2207 is carried out arithmetical operation and the result is offered drive unit 2208 this detected anglec of rotation.

Image sensing optical system 2210 forms the subject image that will be imaged on the imageing sensor 2211.This imageing sensor 2211 is made up of for example CCD.In the normal image sensing device of for example video camera, use two-dimensional solid CCD.The output that comes from imageing sensor 2211 is outputed to pen recorder or TV monitor by the signal processing circuit (not shown).

In having the described normal image sensing device of above-mentioned layout, because that camera rocks the level and the vertical angle speed that cause is detected.On the detected basis of described angular velocity, described drive unit moves described VAP horizontally and vertically with the reflection incident light, thereby carries out control so that will can not moved on the image sensing plane of described imageing sensor by the subject image of imaging.The described camera of result rocks and is corrected.

In the present invention, be provided with that the fluid lens (preventing hand shake fluid lens) of offsetting the accidental optional feature that moves will be focused automatically and variable angle prism function is attached in the single low-cost parts of Tape movement parts not, and it provides fast response time.

Figure 71 is the prior art fluid lens cross-sectional view 2300 that is described to utilize electric moistening phenomenon work.Fluid lens 2300 is circular configurations in fact.Described fluid lens is included in the transparent window 2302,2304 on its two opposite sides.In Figure 71, arrange a conductive fluid 2360 (for example water) on the surface of for example window, it may comprise that the dissolving electrolyte is complementary with the density of the immiscible fluid 2370 (for example oil) of the density that strengthens electric conductivity or regulate described conductive fluid and another kind of and described conductive fluid.The ring that is made of metal 2310 that is covered by thin dielectric layer 2312 is near described water droplet., a voltage difference is used between electrode 2320 (it also can be a ring) and the insulating electrode 2310, as represented by battery 2330.In certain embodiments, dielectric isolation layer 2335 (not shown) are positioned between the ring 2310 and 2320.Described voltage difference changes the contact angle of described fluid drop.Described fluid lens uses two kinds of immiscible fluids of standard density, a kind of is (for example oil) of insulation the and be (water for example of conduction in another, may be dissolved with salt therein), wherein 2340 variations that contact with each other voltage cause the curved transition at the interface 2340 of fluid and fluid to fluid at the interface, and it causes described focal length successively or changes from the power of lens that a medium with first optical coefficient passes through to the second medium time refraction results with different second optical coefficients as working as it.In an illustrated embodiment, optical axis 2350 is by being positioned at fully along the dotted line indication of the turning axle of fluid lens 2300.Though the power of described fluid lens or its focal length can change by use appropriate signal on ring 2310 and 2320, the curvature at this effect of signals interface 2340, but in the embodiment shown in Figure 71, not have method easily so that described optical axis in a predefined manner or to expect the turning axle of the described fluid lens of angle deviating.

The present invention use between two kinds of fluids, change the principle of interface shape and another voltage (perhaps other suitable fluid lens control signals) is provided thus the light of controlling described fluid interface departs from adjusts the outgoing optical angle or with respect to the direction of described fluid lens.An application of this adjustment of described emergent light shaft angle provides compensation because hand shake or hand move the apparatus and method of the angular motion that causes.

Figure 72 is the embodiment sectional view 2400 that expression is configured to allow the fluid lens that optical axis regulates, and Figure 73 is the plane principle view of identical fluid lens.Figure 73 indication has been divided into a plurality of sections at two becket electrodes 2310,2320 of the fluid lens of prior art shown in Figure 71, for example four arc parts (2410a, 2420a), (2410b, 2420b), (2410c, 2420c) and (2410d, 2420d).A plurality of controllable signals source is provided, and for example voltage source V 1, V2, V3 and V4 apply a signal to a pair of selected electrode so that each controllable signal source can be independent of other electrode pairs that this signal is applied to.In order to be created in the desired curvature of the fluid interface 2440 in the fluid lens 2400, we can control all four Control of Voltage V1, V2, V3 and V4 for using unique focus voltage Vf.Under this operator scheme, fluid lens 2400 works in the mode as the prior art fluid lens in Figure 71 in fact.Yet, in order to use described fluid lens of the present invention to produce light tilt the optical axis of regulated fluid lens 2400 (or for), in one embodiment, horizontal tilt voltage dh and vertical bank voltage dv are gone up to focus voltage Vf by this tilt voltage that superposes and are applied on each of described control voltage according to following equation:

V1＝Vf+dv

V2＝Vf+dh

V3＝Vf-dv

V4＝Vf-dh

The two-dimensional migration fluid lens has been created in the application of these new signals V1, V2, V3 and V4, wherein determines level and vertical deviation angle according to amplitude and the symbol of control voltage dh and dv.We can use in Analog Circuit Design the known circuit that is called as " summation circuit ", and the Applied Digital design concept is by using digitial controller, for example based on the controller of microprocessor, produce such signal with digital to analog converter, comprise that superposed signal Vf and conditioning signal produce suitable fluid lens control signal.In Figure 72, fluid lens surface 2445 is shown in vertical direction and has the skew that the application owing to the signal dv that is designated as V1 and V3 causes.The optical axis 2450 of the fluid lens of non-migration is shown as in fact the turning axle along described fluid lens, and the optical axis that departs from or be conditioned shows that by dotted line 2455 it is asymmetric about turning axle.Notice that surface 2445 not providing focusing curvature so that the expectation optical magnification of focal length to be provided, is used for regulating optical axis to proofread and correct the device that described hand shake or hand move but be full of.In other embodiments, other application are expected.As an example, we described lens can be set focal length for very little value (for example operating described lens) and utilize the adjustment of described optical axis that the visual field is tilted so that will interested some feature take center, more close visual field in the visual field as " flake " lens with wide visual field and dark visual field.In fish-eye lens, has minimized optical distortion at feature edge with respect to the visual field when observed at center, visual field, so interested object can be observed with the distortion that reduces.In addition, fish-eye lens typically in field of view edge with object developing, to such an extent as to such operation can increase the quantity of the pixel that attention object occupies in image sensor plane, thereby improve the details that can be differentiated.

Figure 74 is that the synoptic diagram 2500 that concerns between the parts of optical axis direction is regulated in expression fluid lens and various permission.This optical axis control system comprises horizontal angle speed pickup 2510, is used for producing the control module 2512 of horizontal tilt voltage dh, vertical angle speed pickup 1520, be used for producing vertical bank voltage dv control module 2522, be used for producing focus voltage Vf automatic focusing control module 2530, be used for Comprehensive Control voltage and regulate or proofread and correct the dispenser module 2540 of hand shake with control fluid lens module 2400.Axle when this photosystem changes direction alternatively, and the image on described imageing sensor will move.Described processor can extract the amplitude and the direction of not wishing the movement of objects that moves.This can be used as the input to correcting circuit.

In certain embodiments, angular-

rate sensor

2510 and 2520 is to be with gyrostatic product on the commercially available low-cost solid-state chip, for example by One Post Street, Suite 2500 San Francisco, the GyroChips that the BEI Technologies company limited of CA 94104 makes, this GyroChips comprise whole a slice, be used for the quartz micro mechanical processing inertia sensing unit of measured angular rotational speed.The US patent has been described the rotation speed sensor that comprises the double end tuning fork of being made by for example quartzy piezoelectric for the 5th, 396, No. 144.These sensors produce and the proportional signal output of the rotational speed of sensing.This quartz inertial sensor utilizes lithoprinting worker micromachined, and is the forward position of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology.These technologies and those are used for producing every day the resemble process of up to a million quartz watchs.Described sensing element has been simplified in the use of piezoelectric quartz, has brought the extra stabilization of temperature and time, and has improved reliability and permanance.

In other embodiments, two beckets 2410 and 2420 of Figure 73 can be divided into and surpass four symmetrical arc to form more level and smooth inclination fluid lens.For example, one of them embodiment can have 12 symmetrical arc to being distributed on the clock numeral topological structure.All these system units that are presented among Figure 74 will be identical, and will to have 12 Control of Voltage outputs right with these 12 arcs that drive described fluid lens module except divider 2540 output.Voltage integration algorithm at divider 2540 is based on (dh, dv) gradient of vector.For example, it is a clock to regard this fluid lens as hypothesis, be positioned at 3 o ' clock positions in pair of electrodes, (dh, dv)=(2.5,0) will have ceiling voltage output, and be positioned at 9 o ' clock positions in pair of electrodes, minimum voltage output is arranged, and near 12 o'clock and 6 o ' clock positions will having superimposed voltage to be applied on the described electrode pair.Across being possible to inserting gradient so that use the fluid lens control signal of smooth change around any target of this circle.Substantially, we can make the circulation lens with many electrode pairs that can be provided as routine.In certain embodiments, if there is not other reasons, to install for convenience and assembling, one of these two ring electrodes can be that continuous ring thinks that all electrode pairs provide common reference voltage, each right element is this continuous loop, and it for example can be remained on earth potential fully.

Figure 75 is the synoptic diagram of the optional embodiment of fluid lens 2600, and Figure 76 is the synoptic diagram of the optional embodiment of dispenser module 2640.In Figure 75, shown with the ring 2610 of continuous loop 2620 coupling on the design numeral of symmetrical tie point, in application, divider 2640 will be selected a pair of tie point, for example 2612c and 2612i, (dh, dv) to tie point 2612c and 2612i, they are arranged about the center 2630 of described fluid lens using inclined voltage tv symmetrically to this according to vector.With the voltage signal that is employed be (Vf+tv, Vf-tv).Tilt voltage tv is (dh, function dv), and can being determined in advance by mathematical formulae or look-up table.By selecting to have suitable conductivity (resistance coefficient) material for ring 2610, can make electric voltage equalization ground along encircling 2610 from a 2612c and 2612i appearance, so that controlling, the formation voltage gradient has along (dh, the fluid lens of direction continuous tilt degree dv).Substantially, the resistance coefficient of described material should be high, so that do not have tangible electric current on ring 2610, makes heating minimize and allow to use low power supply supply or battery.Can to the non-conductive substrate of the combined crosswise shape that is supposed to, produce described ring by the thin layer of applying conductive material.For example, we can produce plastic hoop 2610, and it has interior diameter, and suitably, the taper of matching Design standard or other shape face, and want to place the thin layer that high resistivity is coated on the surface adjacent with fluid at this subsequently, for example carbon or tantalum, it uses usually as the sheet resistance device.In any case because there is insulation course to be arranged between described conductor and the described fluid, this insulation course can additionally provide mechanical protection for described thin conductive layer.

Figure 77 is the synoptic diagram that concerns between expression fluid lens 2700 and a pair of angular-rate sensor.In a preferred embodiment, two angular-rate sensors 2710 and 2720 can be integrally formed so that form integration module 2730 with fluid lens 2700.Angular-rate sensor 2710 and 2720 is arranged to vertical relation to detect two orthogonal angle speed.In certain embodiments, as also being integrated in the module 2730 at the The whole control circuit as shown in Figure 74.The advantage of this embodiment is easy installed module 2730.Do not need horizontal or vertical correction.This module will automatically be adjusted described lens tilt angle according to the output voltage dh and the dv that are provided by angular-rate sensor 2710 and 2720.

Figure 78-the 82nd can principle according to the present invention be conditioned the sectional view of another prior art fluid lens of use.Figure 78 is the cross sectional view that does not have control signal to be applied to the there and be rendered as the prior art fluid lens of dispersing by the light propagated.Figure 79 is the cross sectional view that has control signal to be applied to the there and be rendered as the prior art fluid lens of convergence by the light propagated.Figure 80,81 and 82 is cross-sectional images of observing the fluid lens with projection, plane, recessed interface surface around each lens as each.

In one embodiment, use the equipment that comprises fluid lens imageing sensor and suitable storer to note and under one or more operating conditionss, utilize the observed a plurality of frames of described fluid lens.This equipment can further comprise computing engines, and for example CPU and the relational storage that is suitable for recording instruction and data for example are used for handling the data in one or more frames.This equipment can additionally comprise one or more control circuits or unit, for example is used for controlling the operation of described fluid lens, is used for operating described imageing sensor and is used for controlling light source.In certain embodiments, having the DMA passage is used for transmitting data between described imageing sensor, described CPU and one or more storer.These data that are transmitted can be with original or processed form.In certain embodiments, this equipment further comprises one or more ports, and it is suitable for hardware wire communication, radio communication, employing is visual or infrared radiation communication is communicated by letter with application network, for example business telephone system, the Internet, LAN or WAN.

In this embodiment, by using suitable choice criteria, we can only use or show that good frame or the only alternatively frame in some frames is used for further data processing, Flame Image Process or demonstration.According to an aspect of the present invention, this equipment can obtain a plurality of Frames, and a frame is included in can be by the mass data in the signal that extracts from imager in single exposure cycle.This equipment can be assessed the quality of each frame with respect to choice criteria, and it can be relative standard or absolute standard.The example of choice criteria is the standard of on average exposing, extreme value exposure standard, contrast standard, color or color standard, shape criteria, the decoding degree standard of a frame internal symbol and image or wherein a part about the standard of standard dirigibility.Based on selected standard, this equipment of can programming to be selecting from a plurality of frames preferably or the frame of close the best, and makes this frame be used for effectively showing, being used for Flame Image Process and/or being used for data processing.In addition, the operating environment that described control circuit can surveillance equipment is so that can will reuse obtaining at frame and image at the observed environment of the frame of the best.

In optional embodiment, using a plurality of frames is that the most approaching respective focal focal or that observe described fluid lens is searched system as a scope by discerning which frame.In such embodiments, can observe described fluid lens so that on a focal range, change its focal length, from unlimited focal length to minimum focus.This equipment of focal length for each selection can obtain one or more Frames, has to relate to be recorded or by according to the definition algorithm or concern the information of computable each focal length, so that use the focal length on each image to be determined.About in the frame (or entire frame) of optimum focusing in being considered to be in a plurality of frames to the determining of attention object, can from the focal length configuration information of described fluid lens, determine distance in this frame from attention object to this equipment corresponding to that frame.In certain embodiments, if two consecutive frames are considered to be in suitable focusing, can obtain average as corresponding to two focal lengths of these two frames of described distance so, perhaps alternatively, can use the focal length of selection between these two consecutive frames to observe additional frame so that improve the precision of range observation.

In another embodiment, generator and method are offset the environmental change around the device that comprises fluid lens.In one embodiment, this device additionally comprises the temperature sensor that has retroaction (or feedback) control circuit, is used for correction being provided for the saturating operation signal of described fluid when the temperature of described fluid lens (or its environment) is observed variation.

Feedback system depends on reference signal (a for example set-point) or a plurality of signal (for example minimum value of temperature range or maximal value) of the operating parameter (for example temperature or pressure) that the suitable or expectation of definition is provided, and the principle that the measured value and the described expectation value of described parameter compared.Deviation between the parameter value of observed when measuring (or actual) and the desired parameter value, it is consistent with desired parameter value to take corrective action that observed or actual value is adjusted to so.In temperature example, can operate heater (for example electric resistance heater) or refrigeration plant (for example carrying for example refrigeration coil of the refrigerant of water) regulate actual temperature.Use feedback loop, make the set-point of this equipment operation in expectation, or within the scope of expectation.Can utilize numeral and/or analog signal processing and utilize one or more ratios, integration, differential (DIP) control that feedback is provided.

In certain embodiments, can use feedforward system, the parameter of measuring for example actual or observed temperature therein changes (or pace of change).Do not weaken if the variation of not using corrective action and described parameter to be observed is allowed to continue the more time when feeling and will obtain condition outside the acceptable operating conditions time, corrective action is taked.Can utilize numeral and/or analog signal processing to carry out feedforward system.In some systems, can use the combination of feedback system and feedforward system.In certain embodiments, can carry out many feedbacks and feedforward control.

In expected embodiment, comprise this device of fluid lens or operating parameter that it is installed in for example temperature of environment wherein and be monitored, and with observed to parameter and the comparison of one or more predetermined value.These one or more predetermined values can be (for example maximum tolerance temperature of fixing, object decomposes under an atmospheric pressure thereon) or these one or more predetermined values can depend on and surpass a parameter, the for example combination of pressure and temperature, (for example for example utilize in the relation of pressure-temperature-combinatorial phase figure, if pressure and temperature changes, material in described fluid lens or Chemical composition that also bear phase change, so that phase boundaries is intersected, or it is bear change from the covalency to the ion characteristic, or opposite).

Yet in another embodiment, the system that comprises fluid lens additionally comprises the non-adjustable lens element of the one or more limitation or the imperfection that are configured to proofread and correct described fluid lens, for example proofreaies and correct described fluid lens itself or color, sphere, fuzzy or other aberration of the described fluid lens that combines with one or more other optical elements.As an example, fluid lens can present dispersion characteristics or aberration.In one embodiment, increase the chromatic dispersion that second optical element provides the opposite in sign that presents with described fluid lens, so that proofread and correct the error dispersion that described fluid lens is introduced.In one embodiment, described dispersion element is a diffraction element, for example stripe grating or striped diffraction element.As it will be appreciated that the different optical material has different dispersion characteristics, and for example, two glass elements can have different chromatic dispersions, and perhaps the composition of glass and plastics can have different chromatic dispersions.In the present invention, material with the material of suitable chromatic dispersion or the physical dimension manufacturing by control material with suitable chromatic dispersion, for example in grating or in other dispersion elements, can be used to proofread and correct the described fluid lens in optical train and/or the error of miscellaneous part.

May have described aberration in described fluid lens can be any state substantially, as the aberration that may exist with described lens or eye cornea.Human eye and fluid lens all utilize the interface between two or more dissimilar fluids to operate.In human eye, have the muscular force of the signal controlling that generates by nervous system application, be used to the film of application of force to the described fluid adjacent with film.In fluid lens, have by electromagnetic signal in some instances and the power that is applied to the film that is connecting described fluid in certain embodiments is applied directly to the power of described fluid or a plurality of fluids.These two kinds of systems can be subjected to the influence of the variation of the variation of for example external force, extraneous power or the application of force of gravity and other accelerating forces and ambient temperature or application of temperature.

Still in another embodiment, provide truing tool, flow process or method to be used for the calibrating fluid lens.As an example, operation comprises the system of fluid lens, for example one or more enlargement ratios or one or more focal length under one or more known conditions.For each known operating conditions, observation or measure operating parameter, for example a driving voltage value.These data observed or that measure are stored in the storer.Data in the storer operational applications that is utilized for described fluid lens provides calibration data subsequently.

Even fluid lens identical in two or more nominals is provided, they itself can have difference these two fluid lens, explain as preamble.When the existence of the essential difference between fluid lens identical in two nominals, the application of essence same fluid lens control signal in these two lens can cause the different operating performance of each lens.Can provide the calibration of acquiescence, for example based on the calibration of under controlled or predetermined condition, carrying out.This acquiescence calibration data can be recorded and be used for operating in the time of back the described fluid lens of obtained its calibration.To use such calibration be effectively and be the high efficiency method that is used for operating in the predetermined fluid lens in the scheduled operation scope.For many purposes, such information is of great value, have and help to provide convenience the fluid lens can the expection mode to operate.Between calibration point, can use interpolation to finish the resolution of raising.The scope that similarly also can surmount the calibration data of measurement uses extrapolation method to estimate characteristic performance.

In addition, as being pointed out, difference can be to be introduced by the outside, the voltage that for example applies, on every side or applied pressure, on every side or temperature that applies and accelerating force.These power can cause a fluid lens than fluid lens identical in the nominal slightly different operation to be arranged with mixing respectively and.When this difference existence in operating conditions, the application of essence same fluid lens control signal in these two lens can cause the different operating performance of each lens.In addition, be the calibration steps that fluid lens provides simple or prepares to be employed, to so that can calibrate each lens and also be helpful under the special conditions of contract that belongs to that fluid lens for each lens provides suitable fluid lens control signal to operate in the mode of expectation.

Yet for the Another reason that rated capacity is provided relates in the predetermined fluid lens operation variation along with past time.The operation of each fluid lens depends on chemistry, machinery and electrical property one or more of the parts of described fluid lens, and its performance can and be used along with the time and change.For example, as noted above, operate in the galvanochemistry that the fluid lens in response to electric signal can bear in one or more fluids and drive retroaction.In addition, as the result who is subjected to thermal process, fluid can change performance along with the time, and for example the heating and cooling that repeat circulate or are exposed to external temperature.As will be understood, when the performance of one or more parts of fluid lens along with the time changes, it perhaps is favourable calibrating interested operating conditions.

Still in another embodiment, provide for example accelerometer of inertial equipment, determine the direction of fluid lens, its directional information is used to the described fluid lens of self-calibrating.Gravity and other accelerating forces can cause fluid to move in the border that free boundary or two kinds of fluids contact with each other and change shape.As an example, consider two kinds of fluid lens with slightly different density.Different densities means that two kinds of fluids of equal volume will have different quality pro rata, because density=mass/volume.Therefore, because power (F)=quality * acceleration, the equal volume of two kinds of fluids will stand slightly different power under the same acceleration situation, for example acceleration of gravity or be applied to the acceleration of the outside accelerating force on the container that supports these two kinds of fluids.This a kind of result who is subjected to acceleration can be a kind of variation of the relative position of consequent described fluid, the variation in shape at the interface of surface in contact definition between two kinds of fluids.In addition, the direction that applies of this acceleration also will have influence on the reaction of described fluid.For example, the acceleration ratio flat components parallel, that tangent is applied to interface between described two kinds of fluids that vertically is applied to the planar interface between described two kinds of fluids has influence still less.Because this accelerating force can be applied in any angle about the interface between these two kinds of fluids substantially, therefore depend on aspect the accurate direction of applied accelerating force in response, will have difference substantially.For example accelerometer and gyrostatic inertial sensor are being determined and can be useful following the trail of object along with the position of time.Though the application of this inertial sensor, the amplitude and the direction of the accelerating force that the direction of recognition object and measurement are used are possible.Direction by fluid lens and the knowledge that comprises the external force of gravity are calculated or modeling exist with described lens in described fluid will how to respond the power that operates on the described lens be possible.When the description that above presents can be understood that to describe for example gravity of linear accelerating force, carry out follow the trail of and fluid to power with non-linear component, calculating with response of the power of rotating composition or time dependent power also is possible.In certain embodiments, utilize the appropriate sensor be suitable for various power, we can determine the relative direction between applied power and the two kinds of fluids, and calculate which type of response and will expect.As result calculated, provide information to be used for using in time restoring force.For example, by revising the amplitude and/or the field direction of electric signal, as the function of time, the expectation distortion of described fluid interface can be cancelled if desired.In one embodiment, provide the solid state accelerometer sensor, it operates in amplitude and direction that abundant high speed is determined external force.Accelerometer with speed of response of 10000HZ can be from being positioned at 4145 N First Street, San Jose, the Crossbow Technology company limited acquisition of CA 95134.

Yet in other embodiments, in comprising the device of fluid lens, operating described fluid lens provides the aberration that causes for the distortion that is for example caused by vibrations, position, the direction of lens, by high-order optics imperfection more, distortion and is changed by environmental factor, for example the performance of the correction of pressure change and the aberration that causes.As above explaining, use accelerating force as an example, described fluid lens can bear various distortion powers in certain embodiments or cause that the operation of described fluid lens regresses, it is the power that is supposed in operation.In other examples, described fluid lens can have intrinsic imperfection, for example aberration or more high-order imperfection.It is possible ining all sorts of ways and analyzing this optics imperfection, for example comprises source, at least one imageing sensor and hardware and/or configuration and is used for analyzing whether optical information exists the software of sum of errors imperfection in optics under test with assessment the use that is calibrated picture system.In other examples, the test macro that is calibrated is system or the device that is suitable for being applied in this field in certain embodiments, is calibrated with the method performance period easily and effectively so that can if necessary be unfamiliar with the personnel of combination optical tests all in testing laboratory arranges.

In one embodiment, described optical element can be modeled as transition function at frequency domain, wherein provides known and is employed input signal I (s) and measures observed output signal O (s).Observed transition function Hobs (s)=O (s)/I (s) is determined.The Hobs (s) and the transition function H (s) of expectation can be compared subsequently, to determine correction factor or to concern C (s), it should be applied to this system and carry out C (s) Hobs (s)=H (s), or C (s) here=H (s)/Hobs (s) to cause it as expectation under test.In case determined correction factor or concerned C (s), it can be used to the drive fluid lens so that reduce observed imperfection or a plurality of imperfection at (or alternative in its equivalence of time domain).Transition function notion, discrete time mathematical routine, digital filter and filtering method and can handle circuit detection, analysis and calculating and that can be used to use corrective action (comprising hardware and or software) that needs and be described in many articles of handling about real time digital signal.For example the hardware of digital signal processor can obtain from a lot of suppliers commercial.

The application of fluid lens comprises their uses in one or more type cameras, the camera in cell phone for example, use in the quality digital camera, for example those have the camera of high multiple zoom lens, and the use in the camera that automatic focusing and translation, inclination and convergent-divergent (" PTZ ") can be provided.Translation is to move mobile cameras with what sweep, typically flatly from a side to opposite side.Inclination is vertical camera movement, for example on the direction perpendicular to translation.The PTZ video or the digital camera of the mechanical commutation that commercial available use camera and its lens focus on again are known, and often are used in the monitoring.In order to finish these features, for example tilt or translation, we need make the interface between the dissimilar fluid of two optics adapt, so that optical axis is reorientated from its original level (translation) direction or original vertical (inclination) direction, for fluid lens, reorientate for two and can finish level and vertical direction single re-orientation simultaneously an angle with optical axis.Use the spherical geometry coordinate and calculate such re-orientation easily, but also can use the arbitrary coordinate system, comprise with three-dimensional coordinate being mapped to two-dimensional coordinate, for example on X-ray crystallography, do routinely like that as an example.A method of finishing all automatic focusings, translation, inclination and convergent-divergent is to use a plurality of parts in individual equipment.Automatically focusing and zoom are above being described.The electrode pair that contains more than first first electrode or at least one second electrode by bag, to such an extent as to and applied voltage to this at least one electrode of more than first and this at least one second electrode when about the optical axis of described fluid lens between applied voltage when measured, cause the surface configuration at the interface between two kinds of fluids in described fluid lens that asymmetric measurement is changed, can finish translation and inclination, or more generally, optical axis is to not being re-orientation with the new direction of former direction conllinear.Substantially,, apply voltage and will comprise asymmetric parts, and/or apply voltage and will be positioned in asymmetric geometry site to the electrode on it for asymmetric providing is provided.Have the described fluid of asymmetric voltage field in the described fluid lens by applying, described fluid will react in a mode regulates the voltage gradient that strides across described interface to balanced as far as possible, thereby cause described fluid to occupy the interface shape that comprises asymmetric composition, thereby and along with the optical axis new optical axis guiding light of conllinear not that is present in before the applied voltage.

We will describe briefly for starting the example that fluid lens is useful power supply now.In one embodiment, the suitable power source that is used for driving described fluid lens is a square wave power, and its deflection operates in 0 in V volt scope, and V is in the plus or minus voltage one here, and it also can be considered to the one pole power supply.An embodiment is to use bipolar power supply, it can be provided at+and V1/2 is to the voltage the between-V1/2, during with the biasing of increase+V1/2 volt, cause (=+ V1/2 volt biasing+V1/2 lie prostrate and the supply) extension of this scope from 0 volt (=+ V1/2 volt biasing+[V1/2 volt] supply) to+V1 volt, during perhaps alternatively with the biasing of increases-V1/2 volt, cause this scope from-V1 volt (=-supply of V1/2 volt biasing+[V1/2 volt]) to 0 volt (=-V1/2 volt biasing+V1/2 lie prostrate and supply) extension.The addition of two voltages is to finish by adding circuit easily, and its many distortion are known.In one embodiment, this bias voltage supply operates on the fixed voltage.In other embodiments, based on can be by being provided with that switch is provided or order under microprocessor control, this bias voltage supply be configured to provide a plurality of definition voltages.In certain embodiments, the Digital Signals that the voltage that is used can be provided, for example digital code control digital to analog converter definition output signal value.In another embodiment, utilize pulse train as control signal with controllable frequency, can the applied voltage supply, it utilizes frequency to arrive electric pressure converter control, and for example the LM2907 of National Semiconductor or LM2917 frequency are to electric pressure converter.Should believe that the electrochemical reaction in described fluid lens is exercisable under fully high applied voltage, thereby make that it is favourable using the single electrode supply in some instances.

In other embodiments, provide the power supply supply of the voltage signal of the positive and negative peak values voltage that has from one volt to last hectovolt rank to be provided.In certain embodiments, the square wave that is produced by driver IC provides output voltage, for example is used to the manipulation fields electroluminescent lamp usually, for example is set in the cell phone.

Figure 83 is the schematic block diagram of expression exemplary fluid lens drive circuit 2900.This electric routing battery supply 2900 power supplies typically run in 3 to 4.5 volts scope, though can design with other voltage battery operations and the circuit operated from fixing wall outfit power supply supply.Voltage Reference 2920 is provided, and it has related with the low pressure drop power regulator.Provide with the input signal and the numerical data line of clock signal (frequency or pulse train) form and be used for the control that this drive circuit is subjected to external unit for I2C serial line interface 2930, for example the microprocessor 4040 of Figure 55.Serial line interface 2930 communicate by letter with controller 2940 (for example commercially available microprocessor) be used for adjusting fluid lens drive circuit 2900, be used for being provided with output frequency oscillator 2960, be used for being provided with the activation of digital-to-analogue (DAC) converter 2950 of output voltage.Provide reference voltage from Voltage Reference 2920 to this DAC.In certain embodiments, this DAC is 10 DAC.

Controller 2940 is communicated by letter with the oscillator 2960 that clock signal is provided.Appropriate signals by from transmitting from external source 2962 can CONTROLLER DESIGN 2940 enter power down mode, and external source 2962 can be that the user also can be another controller in certain embodiments.Here expected controller is any controller based on microprocessor substantially, comprises microcontroller, microprocessor or the universal digital computer related with storer and programming instruction.Controller 2940 is also communicated by letter with the waveform generator 2945 that drives follower 2980 generation square-wave signals for bridge.Use described output waveform by controller 2940, waveform generator 2945 is also synchronous with described DAC converter.

The output of DAC2950 is provided with the output voltage rank of high voltage generator 2970 so that the ratio that is output into of this output voltage and DAC2920, thereby and is configured as by the digital source High Accuracy Control of for example computing machine.In certain embodiments, to be comprised in the part of this circuit be constant to keep this output voltage in an input voltage, load and range of environmental conditions for suitable feedback circuit.The high voltage that is produced by high voltage generator 2970 is input to bridge driver 2980.For Varioptic ASM-1000 fluid lens, this high voltage generator have a stable output area from 0V near 40V.This generator can use inductor 2972 and/or electric capacity to generate this high voltage.Yet also can use other circuit arrangement, for example the capacitive voltage amplifier.Bridge driver 2980 generates the high-voltage switch signal OUTP and the OUTM of drive fluid lens 2995.In certain embodiments, utilize the rectification circuit of Figure 58, this output can be employed to for example load of fluid lens 2995.

Giving the output of described fluid lens is voltage signal, and it is to be used to ripple from the waveform signal moulding of described waveform generator by bridge driver.Term " bridge driving " should followingly be understood.Described load is connected between two amplifier outputs (for example, its between two output terminals " bridging ").Such layout can make in described load voltage swing at double, than the load that is connected to ground.The ground connection load can have the hunting range of the output voltage from zero to amplifier.Bridge drives load can see two such swings, can drive-hold because amplifier can drive+hold also, and voltage swing is doubled.Because the voltage twice means four times of power, this is significant raising, uses in the place that the low electricity supply of battery sizes indication is pressed especially, for example automobile or handheld applications.

As already noted, our also can add up output of the circuit described with the reference signal of suitable amplitude and polarity, so that the described voltage swing that is born by described load is unipolar, but the negative or positive electrode voltage signal becomes twice with respect to the amplitude on ground.The described voltage advantage of just having mentioned shown in this example, because power supply P is by concerning that V2/R or V2/Z provide, V is a voltage here, and R is a resistance, and Z is impedance.Because voltage swing is identical v volt (for example, from-v/2 to+v/2, from 0 to+v, or from-v to 0) in two embodiment, so useful power does not change.Those people that know the electromechanical engineering principle are familiar with for the content of clearly narration, because the reference voltage of electrical system (for example earth potential) can be selected in random mode, only be referenced to another different reference transfer applied voltage and should be unable to change the electric power network of distributing to described fluid lens to described fluid lens from one.Yet, when the viewpoint from electrochemical principle is considered, should be realized that different electrochemical reactions can be configured generation (maybe can be under an embargo), depending on the voltage that whether is employed is anodal starting voltage with respect to described reference voltage, or negative pole starting voltage (can be very important feature at special chemical system Semi-polarity for example).

Figure 84 and 85 is that expression LED mould 3010 is with the figure of positive dirction emitted energy by fluid lens 3020.This is radiative disperses by with described fluid lens correction.In Figure 84, this radiative dispersing is corrected because the optical magnification of described fluid lens.Shown in example in launch described fluid lens light can be considered light near calibration, even only dispersing of penetrating.In the bigger position shown in ratio of curvature Figure 84 of described fluid lens, described light is not collected at a littler zone.In Figure 85, be not to be changed fully to such an extent as to the power of described fluid lens has been reduced near zero the dispersing of light of being launched by LED.Relatively indicating such system and can being used to control covering (on the zone) to interested target of light pattern in Figure 84 and 85 for example is used in the interested bar code of the reading of handheld reader or imager.In certain embodiments, also can use the one or more windows on reader or the scanner to come under the hostile environment condition, to protect the described optical system that comprises described fluid lens.

Can change though should be noted that details, this notion also can be applied on the encapsulated LED, also can be applied to comprise that for example the fluid lens of the additional optics of sphere, non-sphere, cylindrical lens makes up.

In one embodiment, the such system of expectation more effectively utilizes the radiative more parts of this LED.For example when near the bar code of the described imager of observation, in order to determine in its whole extension, have bigger bar code pattern to be illuminated, what expectation was more dispersed illuminates pattern, and when seeing bar code from the bigger distance of described imager, that more assembles illuminates pattern and can expect, so that illumination is by owing to the outside of falling smooth territory interested is wasted.

Figure 87,88 and 89 expressions comprise the figure of laser scanner in various configurations of laser 3110, calibration lens 3120 and fluid lens 3130.In Figure 86, described fluid lens is configured to have first optical magnification, first focal length and the first main beam direction.Is that the plane 3140 of first distance D 1 is focused to and has arrow beam of light width from fluid lens 3130 emitted light beams being positioned at from fluid lens 3130.In Figure 87, described fluid lens is configured to have second optical magnification, second focal length and the first main beam direction.In Figure 87,, the plane 3141 of second distance D2 has arrow beam of light width from fluid lens 3130 emitted light beams for being focused to being positioned at from fluid lens 3130, to such an extent as to D2 is greater than D1, and the first main beam direction is not changed when the focal length of described fluid lens 3130 is changed.In Figure 88, described fluid lens is configured to have first optical magnification, first focal length and the second main beam direction.In Figure 88,, the plane 3140 corresponding to first distance D 1 along the second main beam direction measurement of Figure 86 has arrow beam of light width from fluid lens 3130 emitted light beams for being focused to being positioned at from fluid lens 3130, but with an angular emission, the lateral separation of this light beam is the L1 of " off-axis " because of the light beam in Figure 88.Can realize other optical magnification, focal length and main beam direction by correctly configuration and motive fluid lens 3130.

The objective of the invention is to utilize the advantage of fluid lens varifocal optical system.The configuration of fluid zoom lens can be used in bar code scanning so that can be at various different apart from the imaging bar code from this barcode scanner.At the barcode scanner of nowadays making, the aperture by the reducing glass parts generally can obtain big operating distance to increase the degree of depth in light territory.Yet two shortcomings are arranged like this: the first, when these lens contract more for a short time,, this optical system point expanded function use the pattern of fillet shape element difficult more thereby increasing scanning.The second, when these lens become littler, thereby light still less enters into the ratio that these lens reduce the signal and the noise of this system.Low signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio) requires the operator to grip the longer time cycle of this reader still.This effect is that this barcode scanner adversary moves and has higher susceptibility.In addition, because need the macrocyclic time, it is tired that the user will more may become.

If the distance of the scope of described object or described object is known, can the Measuring Object distance.Can use fluid lens system realization scope to search system.In one embodiment, when being determined by any a plurality of metric systems, the position that described fluid lens will be focused on a plurality of focal positions and have an optimum focusing will be associated with that fluid lens position.Cause described fluid lens to have the described fluid lens driving voltage of optimum focusing image and use look-up table by knowing, can determine the correlation distance of system of distance for that special fluid lens operation voltage.By knowing described scope, enlargement ratio can be calculated and therefore be known or can be derived in the object width of the pixel association of given number on imager.For example the width of special object features, for example bar coded element width or package dimensions can be calculated by the system of bar code reader or imager in this case.

The fluid lens units of variance can be added in the bar code system.In certain embodiments, these parts will be used in the part of optical system, and this optical system receives light and will allow this system to exchange the some expanded function width and the degree of depth of visual field best for optical efficiency.When using little parts, this optical system will have the big depth of field, but disadvantageously the light throughput of this system is that (that is to say that light still less is by this system) and this expanded function (also the smallest elements size that can be differentiated is proportional) that reduces also reduces.In certain embodiments, expectation is configured to begin just have this optical system with bar code system and is provided with the optimal light throughput, if and not good the reading of realization, can can reduce this part dimension in the depth of field in the work of any bar code pattern in the described barcode scanner visual field in order to extend in decoding so.

In one embodiment, fluid lens is used as variable orifice.A kind of execution of this use of fluid lens comprise increase colorant at least one of fluid so that the sort of fluid is opaque at least one zone of interested electromagnetic spectrum scope, in the special scope of visible light spectrum, be opaque for example.Apply voltage from power supply and leaning against the special area of opposite window " bottom " absorption so that lack the described fluid of colorant, thereby formation is clear in that spectral range to described lens.Colorant can be added in the water section of profit fluid lens in an example.

In optional embodiment, its parallel effectively and bending water-oily interface can be configured to this fluid lens as variable filter in some instances if window is crooked.In such embodiments, described oil will can not lean against window in the bottom, but will produce the thickness of described water, and it is in essence consistently as the function that strides across the radius of this window part.The voltage that this thickness will be applied in by change and being changed.Thereby the Control of Voltage thickness of this light absorbing water will be determined the quantity by the light of described fluid filter.If this colorant has optical absorption characteristics at special wavelength, the amplitude of the described light by described fluid filter will be changed by changing this applied voltage in these wavelength so.

Surpass a lens element configuration as fluid lens by having, for example ternary lens because the combination of lens, can reduce and be present in the photochromic poor of discrete component, and this will produce more high quality optical image.Optimization triplets lens technologies is known in the lens design field.Yet representational example is to give fix-focus lens for given focal length system optimization is any.Typically, if for one of optical element combination the optimization lens, when changing one of this lens surface and change optical parametric when the single flow element of operation by chance, for example during focal length, it is not disposed best.By increasing by second fluid lens, the combination of described first fluid lens and described second fluid lens can be optimised to minimize total systematic error.For the difference setting of described first lens, can make in the corresponding change of being provided with of described second lens and obtain best of breed.Optimum relation between these two fluid lens surface curvatures, surface optics magnification for example, and therefore also have this control voltage, can be contained in the table that for example is recorded in the machine readable memory.Therefore for any given setting of desirable system optical magnification, can be designed for the appropriate drive voltage of these two fluid lens, and as one man be employed with the value of being recorded.In expectation or favourable place, by using linearity or more high-order interpolation and extrapolation can improve the advantage of described form resolution.

No. the 4th, 514,048, the US patent of utilizing mechanical force to operate to control other prior art fluid lens system of the shape of fluid lens and performance to be described in to award to Rogers, it is merged in as quoting at this with its full content.Other exposure of relevant variable focus lens are present in the following US patent: award to No. the 2nd, 300,251, the patent of Flint, open date 1942-10-17; Award to No. the 3rd, 161,718, the patent of DeLuca, open date 1964-12-15; Award to No. the 3rd, 305,294, the patent of Alvarez, open date 1967-2-21; Award to No. the 3rd, 583,790, the patent of Baker, open date 1971-6-8.All they all be merged in as quoting at this with their full contents.

Machinable medium of the present invention be can be used in and electricity, magnetic and/or optical storage media, for example magnetic floppy disk or hard disk comprised; DVD drives, CD drives, and it can use the DVD dish in certain embodiments, and the CD-ROM dish (just arbitrarily, read-only optical storage disc), the CD-R dish (just, once write, repeatedly read optical storage disc) and CD-RW dish (just, but rewritable optical storage dish); With the electrical storage medium, for example RAM, ROM, EPROM, compact flash cards, pcmcia card or SD or SDIO storer alternatively; With the electric parts that are used for holding and reading and/or write storage medium (for example, disk drive, DVD drive, CD/CD-R/CD/RW drives, or compact flash/PCMCIA/SD adapter).As these technology known in the machinable medium field, the new medium and the form that are used for data storage continuously are devised, and what will become and can obtain in the future is easily any, commercially available storage medium and corresponding read/write device may be fit to use, if special it several arbitrarily in bigger memory capacity, higher storage speed, littler size and every canned data more low-cost are provided.Known old machinable medium also is operable under situation about determining, for example punched tape or card, on tape or the light of the magnetic recording on the line, printed character or magnetic (for example read, OCR and magnetic coded identification) and machine-readable character, for example one dimension or two-dimensional bar.

Can be in hardware (for example hardware lines logic), in software (for example, be coded in the logic in the program of operating on the general processor), in firmware (for example, be coded in the logic in the nonvolatile memory, it is invoked on the processor when needing and operates) carry out many functions of electronics and electric device.Plan of the present invention uses the different a kind of another kind that replaces with said function of realizing with hardware, software, firmware of hardware, software, firmware to realize.In a sense, realization can be represented by transition function on the mathematics, just, special excitation for the input end that is used in black box, produce special response at output terminal, any execution that " black box " presents described transition function, this transition function comprises the combination in any of hardware, software, firmware, and here the execution of the part of described transition function or section is expected.

[being present in the end of text in No. the 11/781901st, the US patented claim fully]

[below be the text that is present in fully in No. the 60/961036th, the US patented claim]

The present invention relates to comprise the lens module of lens element and power element.Described lens element comprises the deformable member that comprises two surfaces, deformable films for example, and it can be an elastically deformable, has at least one and the fluid force transmission on two surfaces.Belong to " power transmission " can be used in be here because these two surfaces can contact with fluid, give described deformable films although only there is a described fluid can be used to transmit force, for the focal length and/or the direction of the optical axis that optionally changes described lens element.(this fluid also can be considered " work " fluid.) therefore, " power transmission " can have such implication, the power that is transferred to one of described deformable member or described fluid will produce abundant proportional response on another, wherein " fully proportional " meaned simply, and described fluid and described deformable member are the parts of closed system.For example, if the pin of big syringe can be inserted into the balloon of expansion, and it is broken, this syringe piston moves increase gas and enters, or from the inside extracting gases, this balloon is in the size of balloon and will produce abundant proportional change in shape, considers its elasticity and reality that the part of the power that produces from the air that increases or extract along with the change of the air pressure in this balloon is reflected.On the contrary, also can produce this balloon in the size of balloon and/or variation in shape in the change of external air pressure, but because this balloon and external atmosphere pressure are not the parts of closed system, therefore this variation will be accidental with nonselective.Air in syringe and in balloon is described working fluid, with respect to external atmosphere pressure.

Should be noted that, when the simple structure of this lens element comprises the fluid of closed volume and has the deformable member that a side that directly contact with described fluid reaches direct another side that contacts with environmental gas, many distortion about this basic structure are possible and fall within the scope of the invention.For example, two sides of described deformable member can contact with the encapsulation volume fluid, but only a side will be transmitted with workflow muscle power, and opposite side can be to touch or only be towards a fluid volume, it is used to be same as the purpose that makes the deformable member distortion, for focal length and/or the direction that changes described optical axis, for example prevent the pollutant of described film surface, or as filtrator or as additional optics.Perhaps described closed volume comprises fluid volume and gas headspace, directly contacts described film rather than described fluid with described gas, and possible itself and described fluid are isolated by another film.At this reason, in order to comprise those configurations that described deformable films does not directly contact described optical fluid, this side of the strong transmission of described film member and sealing fluid volume can also relate to as the side towards described fluid.

The present invention also can relate to " light path " aspect determining in description of the invention.In the imaging system that comprises optical system and imager, if optical axis is not closed (as by shutter, iris, lens cover or other), if and fully light can obtain, will be received in the image that certain object of this imaging system outside is represented at the described imager of any given time.When light path along any bar light of propagating from exterior object, by optical system, when arriving described imageing sensor, can limit this light path extensively.Yet this light path is not need boundary ground to comprise the light that all arrive described imageing sensor, but comprise wherein a part, up to and be included in any single ray of propagating between the induction region of described exterior object and described imageing sensor all along described path.

As previously stated, variable lens can be included in the deformable interface between two kinds of fluids with dissimilar optical coefficient.The shape at described interface can be changed by the application of the power that is provided by the power element, to such an extent as to can be by the direction guide propagation in expectation by the light at described interface.As a result of, can change the light characteristic of this lens, for example whether this optical lens operation is as divergent lens or as convergent lens, its focal length and its optical axis direction, by changing Crumple element, its work is as at least one face or the surface of the described lens in plane, projection and depression profile substantially.

Described lens element can be single parts, for example fills up elastic body, condensate or the plastics of fluid, for example has the transparent elastomer material that fills up oil of elasticity of plastics nerve.Alternatively, described concentrating element can be to have two or more parts of being clamped or remaining on the focusing fluid (for example water or oil) between described boundary element and the described deformable focusing film, will form described concentrating element together at focusing fluid described in its configuration and described focusing film.When using film, suitable material will comprise dimethyl silicone polymer, or PDMS, and what for example can obtain from the Dow Corning company at Michigan, USA middle part is complete

184 silicone elastomers.Can select the thickness of described film based on the size factor that for example described focus module needs, and for example can be to about 1mm, for example 0.2,0.3,0.4mm from about 0.1mm.

The whole dimension of the lens module that this assembles is undemanding, and can be changed according to the size of available unit, equipment that it will be arranged or assemble into and user's demand.Here the guide that provides for the size of described lens module is about when when described optical axis is seen, the key dimension in described lens module (being not only lens element) cross section.For example, when described lens module is the right cylinder of representing as Figure 132, have lens element 5802 and shell 5804, when cross section 5808 when optical axis 5810 is seen is circles, and bigger sectional dimension will be this diameter of a circle 5806 (being represented by dotted line), not have less sectional dimension.If this cross section is oval, when described lens element itself is that ellipse and shell are abideed by such shape, key dimension will be this oval main shaft so.Yet generally speaking, described lens module will have from about 5,7,9mm to about 11,13,15 or the main diameter of 20mm.Can select its size in order to maximize or to reach with the compatibility of existing device, for example in the cell phone that can take a picture, have about 9,9.5 or the cylindrical lens module of 10mm diameter be preferred.

When use focusing on fluid, should for other material compatibility, the stability under using, will be used in the performance that patience under the desired temperature and similar factor are selected it.Can use optical fluid and optical grade oil, for example optical grade mineral oil.A kind of suitable optical fluid is that the A type that can obtain from the Cargille-Sacher Laboratories company limited of N.J. CedarGrove immerses oil.Another kind of suitable optical fluid is can be from Missouri, USA St, the Arch Technology Holding company limited of Charles obtain based on The optical fluid SL-5267 of polyphenylene oxide.Also can make water, for example deionized water.

When because refraction loss, expectation makes the minimization of loss of light by described focus module transmission, and described boundary element should have similar refractive index with the material that concentrating element is selected.For example, when described focus module comprises the glass boundary element, focuses on fluid and focuses on film, we should consider the different of different, the described focusing fluid of described focusing fluid and described boundary element refractive index and described focusing film refractive index.Refractive index is different more, will lose more light during to another kind of material (for example immersing oil) by a kind of material (for example glass) when its attempt and be used for reflecting.On the contrary, refractive index the closer to, will lose still less light and be used for reflection.Described in this article refractive index will idealize ground identical, and preferably within approximately+/-0.001 to 0.1, for example about 0.002.Yet, also this condition can be arranged, the refractive index difference may be advantageous.

Also can change the thickness of the described deformable films on deformed region, when keeping the changeability of the present invention's activation, it has formation the structure of aspheric surface feature.

The described lens combination that comprises variable lens will comprise the power element that causes described lens distortion, when by answering electricity consumption, machinery, water, gas, heat, magnetic or other power directly or indirectly.In this article, by moving of solid body, for example the piston of being made up of metal or plastics provides mechanical force; Provide waterpower by moving of fluid; Provide strength by moving of gas; Provide heating power by changing temperature; Flow through moving of lead by electric current magnetic force can be provided.Described power can externally and/or internally be applied to described fluidic component, and it is used to transmit described power to described deformable member.For example in simple relatively internal forces configuration, comprise the fluid in the hydrostatic column that is at one end sealed by deformable member, this right cylinder can comprise piston, and it is tightly connected with this cylindrical wall and it can be come and gone the shape that moves with the described deformable member of influence change in described fluid.Alternatively, externally in the power configuration, cylindrical described wall can be deformable and the power element can be by squeezing it to compress described cylindrical at least a portion from the outside as squeezing toothpaste out of a tube.

Described power element enough power can be provided so that described deformable member distortion and be operatively coupled to that member for allow described power from described power element transmission to described deformable member.In relative easy configuration, described power element can act directly on the described deformable member, and perhaps on described fluid, it will act on the described deformable member subsequently, but is possible about this many distortion within the scope of the invention.Can have that other one or more elements are positioned between described power element and the described deformable member, between described power element and the described fluid and/or between described fluid and the described deformable member, for example additional deformable member, valve, be used for decaying be transferred to, from the structure of the power of described fluid, the transmission that is used for decaying from the structure of the power of described fluid, the structure of the power in described fluid, transmitted of being used for decaying, or the like.In a special embodiment, described power element acts on and is positioned at described deformable member one side on the pressure elements away from described working fluid, described pressure elements have substantially round shape and with the outside or the circumferential contact of described deformable member, as annular or washer-shaped, and described power element pushes away or draws described pressure elements, it pushes away successively or draws described deformable member, causes changing from Figure 91 to Figure 92 the distortion of appearance.

Described pressure elements can be various materials, comprises metal, plastics and ceramic.The selection of material can according to the comparison of other materials and the response desired according to the power that described deformation element is applied.Do not make the itself distortion if expect described pressure elements, it should be an inelastic materials, for example metal, ceramic or plastics.Yet if expectation or the described pressure elements of needs change its shape or configuration in response to described deformation element, it should be made of deformable material, for example elastic body.

Provide control system to control described power element.When this control system is started ground by electricity substantially, rather than for example mechanically, it may further include the kind of control assembly water, gas, machinery and/or magnetic according to the described power element that is used.For example, when described power element is made up of the electric actuation condensate, in order to control the distortion of described electric actuation condensate group, described control system can be an electric control system, and it will control this electric actuation condensate by rank or the quantity that controls this curtage.When described power element is sound coil, the electric control system that can use, the intensity and/or the direction in the magnetic field that in described sound coil, produces with the rank of this curtage or quantity and/or Polarity Control.Described power element be water or gas in, described control system can comprise piston, pump, valve, piezoelectric element and be used for calibrating the like of the volume of the fluid that for example is moved, power and these aspects of direction.

Described lens also can be configured to have a plurality of power elements.Each is energized on its circuit, perhaps has one or more power elements of the circuit of a plurality of independent actuation.By selecting which circuit of excitation and use how many control signals, described control system not only can be controlled at the nonreentrant surface on the described deformable member and the formation and the size on recessed surface, and can control the inclination on these surfaces.In this article, tilt to be meant may mixing of deflection and skew, it can be used to dispose the shape of described deformable member, not with perpendicular to the axisymmetric surface configuration on the surface of described deformable member that to have wherein this is to be smooth and to pass the axle at its center when the surface of described deformable member.Simple example has been shown in Figure 131, has focused on fluid 5702 therein and further be represented as and have convex surfaces 5704, be shown as in response to application and have symmetric shape, for example shown in Figure 120 the control signal of multicircuit power element.

In one embodiment, the present invention is absorbed in variable lens, lens combination, optical system that is aggregated the body driver drives and the equipment that comprises these variable lens.In another embodiment, the present invention is absorbed in by the variable lens of power element drives, and it is arranged to the rotational symmetry around these this lens, as will here further being explained.

But described limit lens comprise that at least one can change the focal length of the optical axis that passes it and/or the parts of direction, by being out of shape in response to the power that is employed.Described distortion can be or can not be flexible, turn back to its original configuration in some sense, if remove or stop the described power that is employed.Yet, can be expected in most the application and will expect that described parts return its original configuration, and additionally be elastically deformable.

The polymer-driven device comprises the electric actuation condensate, can be used as mechanical force to change described interface at corrected lens.Term " polymer-driven device " is used in and is meant a class polymer material here, and it is in response to the variation of electric excitation, and voltage for example is along with movement of objects.These comprise can be from Menlo Park, the electric actuation polymer material that the Artificial Muscle company limited of California obtains, the ionic conduction drive unit and the conducting polymer body drive that can obtain from the EAMEX company of Japanese Osaka, can be from Albuquerque, nanometer drive unit/transducer and artificial muscle that the Environmental Robots company limited of New Mexico obtains, can be from Micromuscle AB of Linkoping, the electric actuation condensate that Sweden obtains.

The example of electric actuation condensate and correlation technique is comprised in following publication application, patent and the article: people's such as Pelrine US patented claim the 10/393rd, No. 506, the applying date is 2003-3-18, be published as US20040008853 at 2004-1-15, title is " the electric actuation condensate device that is used for fluid " (Electroactive Polymer Devices for Moving Fluid); People's such as Pelrine US temporary patent application the 60/365th, 472 is good, and the applying date is 2002-3-18, and title is " the electric actuation condensate device that is used for fluid " (Electroactive Polymer Devices For Moving Fluid); No. the 09/792nd, 431, US patented claim, the applying date is 2001-2-23, people's such as present Pelrine US patent the 6th, 628, No. 040, title is " the thermoelectric drive unit of electric actuation condensate " (ElectroactivePolymer Thermal Electric Generators); No. the 60/184th, 217, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2000-2-23, title is " electric elastic body and they application in generating " (Electroelastomers and Their Use For Power Generation); No. the 60/190th, 713, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2000-3-17, title is " artificial muscle generator " (Artificial Muscle Generator); US patented claim the 10/154th, No. 449, the applying date is 2002-5-21, No. the 6th, 891,317, people's such as present Pei US patent, title is " rolled electric actuation condensate " (Rolled Electroactive Polymers), No. the 60/293rd, 003, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2001-5-21; No. the 10/053rd, 511, US patented claim, the applying date is 2002-1-16, people's such as present Kornbluh US patent the 6th, 882, No. 086, title is " variable durometer electric actuation polymer system " (Variable Stiffness Electroactive Polymer Systems); No. the 60/293rd, 005, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2001-5-22; No. the 60/327th, 846, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2001-10-5, title is " the multi-functional footwear of enhancing " (EnhancedMultifunctional Footwear); No. the 09/619th, 847, US patented claim, the applying date is 2000-6-20, No. the 6th, 812,624, people's such as present Pei US patent, title is " electric actuation condensate " (Electroactive Polymers); No. the 60/144th, 556, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 1999-6-20, title is " high speed electric actuation condensate and using method thereof " (High-speedElectrically Actuated Polymers and Method of Use "); No. the 60/153rd, 329, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 1999-9-10, title is " the electrostriction condensate is as little drive unit " (Electrostrictive Polymers As Microactuators); No. the 60/161st, 325, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 1999-9-25, title is " the little drive unit of artificial muscle " (Artificial Muscle Microactuators); No. the 60/181st, 404, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2000-2-9, title is " a driving elastomeric polymer " (Field ActuatedElastomeric Polymers); No. the 60/187th, 809, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2000-3-8, as the inventor, title is " polymer-driven device and material " (Polymer Actuators and Materials) with people such as R.E.Pelrine; No. the 60/192nd, 237, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2000-3-27, title is " polymer-driven device and material 2 " (PolymerActuators and Materials II); No. the 60/184th, 217, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2000-2-23, title is " electric elastic body and their application in generating " (Electroelastomers and their use for Power Generation); No. the 10/007th, 705, US patented claim, the applying date is 2001-12-6, No. the 6th, 809,462, people's such as present Pelrine US patent, title is " electric actuation condensate sensor " (Electroactive PolymerSensors); No. the 60/293rd, 004, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2001-5-22; No. the 09/828th, 496, US patented claim, No. the 6th, 586,859, people's such as present Kornbluh US patent, title is " electric actuation polymer-driven equipment " (Electroactive Polymer Animated Devices); US provisional application the 60/194th, 817, the applying date is 2000-4-5; US patented claim the 10/066th, No. 407, the applying date is 2002-1-31, and title is " using equipment and method that flexure strip deflection control fluid flows " (Devices and Methods for Controlling Fluid Flow Using Elastic SheetDeflection); No. the 09/779th, 203, US patented claim, No. the 6th, 664,718, people's such as present Pelrine US patent, the applying date is 2001-2-7, title is " monolithic electric actuation condensate " (MonolithicElectroactive Polymers); No. the 60/181st, 404, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2000-2-9; No. the 10/090th, 430, US patented claim, No. the 6th, 806,621, people's such as present Heim US patent, the applying date is 2002-2-28, title is " electric actuation condensate rotary motor " (ElectroactivePolymer Rotary Motors); No. the 60/273rd, 108, US temporary patent application, the applying date is 2001-3-2, title is " electric actuation condensate motor " (Electroactive Polymer Motors); People's such as Bensliman US patented claim the 11/592nd, No. 675, the applying date is 2006-11-3, announce at 2007-5-24 with No. the 20070116858th, US public announcement of a patent application, title be " synthetic multilayer and the method for making it " (Multilayer Composite and a Method of Making Such "); No. the 10/415th, 631, US patented claim, the applying date is 2003-8-12; No. the 10/499th, 429, US patented claim, the applying date is 2004-12-30; No. the 10/528th, 503, US patented claim, the applying date is 2005-3-27; No. the 10/523rd, 985, people's such as Zama US patented claim announces that at 2006-4-13 title is " technology of production conductive polymer " (Process forProducing Conductive Polymer ") with No. the 20060076540th, US public announcement of a patent application; No. the 11/080294th, people's such as Lee US patented claim, the applying date is 2005-3-15, announces at 2006-4-27 for No. 20060086596 with the US public announcement of a patent application; No. the 6th, 762,210, people's such as Oguro US patent, the applying date is 1999-2-19, title is " technology of production conductive polymer " (Process for Producing Polymeric Actuators); No. the 7th, 169,822, people's such as Oguro US patent, the applying date is 2004-6-14, title is " polymer-driven device " (Polymeric Actuator); No. the 7th, 224,106, people's such as Pei US patent, the applying date is 2006-1-18, title is " electric actuation condensate " (Electroactive polymers); No. the 6th, 475,639, US patent, the applying date is 1999-2-26, title is " ionic polymerization body sensor and drive unit " (Ionic Polymer Sensors and Actuators); And Arora, S., Ghosh, T. and Muth, J. " based on the prototype optical fiber drive unit of insulating elastomer " (Dielectric elastomerbased prototype fiber actuators), physics: sensor and drive unit A (Sensors andActuators A:Physical), 1361, the 321-328 pages or leaves (2007-5).All above-mentioned these reference list as their integral body by reference.

The basic structure of variable lens element has been shown in Figure 89 and 90, and wherein said fluid is optically transparent in fact, and at least a portion of described deformable films also is optically transparent in fact.Described film comprises first and second surfaces, at least one of them towards or can directly contact described working fluid.

At film described in Figure 89 is flat, and presents convex shape at film described in Figure 90.This convex shape can be to result to apply positive pressure from described working fluid, and this pressure may be to result from the reducing of described fluid chamber volume, perhaps owing to introduce additive fluid to described fluid chamber.Yet, shown in Figure 91 and 92, it also can by on the direction of described fluid, be used in and carry the power that applies on the described side surface of thin film on opposite with described working fluid at a distance and push the part of described film or described film and realize.

Figure 91 is illustrated in the flow element 5002 in the container 5004, and it is successively placed in the shell 5006.Described lens element may further include and supports or boundary element 5008.Should be noted that all elements are present in given lens combination and the lens module, it is placed in be on the expectation optical path of optically transparent in fact described system at least.For example, in Figure 91, Crumple element 5010, flow element 5002, container 5004 and support or boundary element 5008 all should be optically transparent at least in fact at least one core corresponding to optical path at least a portion of described lens combination.

Crumple element 5010 is connected to working fluid element 5002.Power element 5014 is fixed on the lower part 5016, and connects pressure elements 5020 with high part 5018.Pressure elements 5020 is forms of ring, packing ring or similar annular, is shown as xsect here.Add driving, power element 5014 applies downward force on the pressure elements 5020 through part 5018.Pressure elements 5020 is depressed Crumple element 5010 on the direction of working fluid element 5002, be created in the distortion of the bossing 5022 shown in Figure 93.When power element 5014 is not driven, the flowability of the elasticity of Crumple element 5010 and/or flow element 5002 will cause the shape before described Crumple element returns to its driving of Figure 91 fully.The elaboration has here supposed that described Crumple element is flat by default, and the driving of described power element causes it curved surface to occur, but should notice easily that the driving by described power element produces the structure of Figure 91, Figure 92 can reappear described default conditions.

Notice that as the front two surfaces of described Crumple element can all be flat usually, and often be directly to contact with fluid.For example, a surface can contact with ambient air usually.Another surface can contact with working fluid, but in its both sides all using gases also be possible.In fact, combination in any all is possible: gas/gas, gas/fluid, fluid/fluid.Yet, the working fluid that at least one side of described Crumple element can be faced or contact is relative with for example surrounding air.

Described power element imports power into and is out of shape in order to make described Crumple element, and therefore changes the direction of focal length and/or optical axis.Described power element of the present invention can be arranged to symmetrically and circumferentially around the central shaft of described Crumple element.In this article, symmetry is not to determine by the object space of described power element or location, but how to be applied in about described Crumple element by described power itself.Take circular variable shape element as an example, the power element of symmetric arrangement is to apply continuous power around the circumference of described Crumple element, represent as the moulding inner ring surface in Figure 93, maybe can apply regular discontinuous power on the space, advise as Figure 94-96 around circumference.Among each figure in Figure 93-96, the surface of the described deformable films of 5030 expressions, and 5032 expressions of typing zone are by applying power zone thereon around the described power element of the circumference of that film (not shown).

Described power element can reside in described lens element inboard, and perhaps it can comprise one or more walls of described lens element, and perhaps it can reside in the outside of described lens element.The combination of these configurations also is possible.In addition, " circumference " is meant that described lens element will have closed perimeter and it can form the fact of finishing curve (for example circle, ellipse, egg type, hourglass shape or ellipse) or complete line segment (as triangle, rectangle or other rules or irregular polygon).Described girth also can comprise curve and line segment.

Alternatively, described lens can be discrete components, rather than the combination of working fluid and Crumple element.In this embodiment, described lens are deformable, optics elastically deformable, solid, for example the optically transparent silicon of at least a portion wherein.This embodiment has been described in Figure 97-98.Figure 97 describes the dish of deformable solid body 5040, is placing washer-shaped pressure elements 5042 thereon.In Figure 98, pressure has been applied on the pressure elements 5042, causes it to move down.Solid 5040 is can not be freely simple to be moved away from the direction of described power in proportion--for example, it can be placed on the glass surface, and by the compressing of sidewall circumference--and therefore pressure elements 5042 is pressed downwardly onto solid 5040, causes the distortion of convex surfaces 5044.

Figure 97 and 98 only is illustrative, and a lot of replacement scheme is operable.For example, replacement is pushed downwards, and pressure elements 5042 can be pulled down by the power that applies under described Crumple element level.Perhaps, pressure elements 2 can be around at least a portion of the circumference of solid 1, and its diameter is diminished to form bossing 5044.By " at least a portion of the circumference of solid 5040 ", mean that pressure elements 5042 will extend around circumference fully, can have the height less than solid 5040 outer wall height, although this is possible.

For example, Figure 99 represents an embodiment, and wherein relative narrower, washer-shaped pressure elements 5046 extend around the outer wall of described Crumple element, and Figure 100 represents an embodiment, has wherein used relative broad washer-shaped pressure elements 5048.

Following discussion illustrates lens element 5100, fluid 5104 and Crumple element 5108 with piston 5102 with reference to Figure 101, is expressed as three kinds of configurations: (4b) of flat (4a), projection and (4c) of depression.In this structure, when piston 5102 begins with the electric flux (not shown) that drives this piston to have produced initial mechanical force when mobile in response to being supplied to motor.The mechanical energy of this mobile piston is transferred to the described fluid that is in direct contact with it subsequently, and the power that is transferred to described fluid from described piston spreads all over described piston head immediately.Described power is propagated by described fluid successively, arrives deformable films up to it.Therefore, in this type system, cause the propagation of the mechanical force of described deformation of thin membrane by three fluid masses: the first area near the place that described mechanical force has just produced, is expressed as F in this example ₁Second area is transmitted the described fluid of process and is arrived described film from described piston by its described power, is expressed as F in this example ₂And the 3rd zone, described fluid touches the place of described deformable films, is expressed as F ₃

Figure 101 represents lens element, and described therein deformation force changes direction between described power element and described deformation element.As directed, initial power is propagated from 5102 face to the right, but must be from laterally to axial conversion during the described fluid chamber between the surface of passing piston face and deformation element 5108.

Another configuration, described therein power changes the use that direction comprises the secondaiy fluidic container, its be used to add fluid to the main fluid container, from the main fluid container withdrawn fluid, in order to influence the shape of described film.Be presented among Figure 102 at an example, it is identical with Figure 101, and except additional containment member 5110, it merges 2 the tunnel, the self-sealing valve (not shown), and described fluid volume is divided into main fluid container 5112 and secondaiy fluidic container 5114.The mobile motion that causes the fluid between described main and less important container of piston 5102, and described fluid is added to described main container or from described main container is drawn into described deformable films along radius ground.

Figure 103 has shown an analog configuration, expression deformable films 5120, main fluid container 5124 and secondaiy fluidic container 5126, the interface 5122 of interface by comprising sealable No. 2 valve (not shown) of itself and main fluid container 5124.The power that moves, piston for example is used for from less important container 5126 propelling fluids to main container 5124, and/or from main container 5124 withdrawn fluid to less important container 5126, thereby described deformable films is out of shape.The power that described film is out of shape once more has parts and the parts adjacent interface 5122 in main container 5124 in less important container 5126, it is horizontal with respect to described deformable films, subsequently when it from described interface by 5124 transmission of main container or propagate into described film, described power longitudinally is transferred to described deformable films.

In optional method, make the power of described deformation of thin membrane can be mainly for described film or fully be longitudinally, when it when the initial position that produces propagates into described film.In Figure 101 and 102, this can be presented out, by the horizontal component (as shown) of getting described lens, being rotated counterclockwise 90 degree, and calibrates it so that described valve directly 5122 directly exchanges at the interface with the main fluid container.Yet, this must be done in the mode that does not hinder optical axis, when by making described second container face than described first container on diameter or cross section little, described second container is connected with described first container, and with the described optical axis of described second container eccentricity at described first container.

During actual aspect when we consider to make this lens element and it is installed in support in the equipment of being applied in or shell, for example the irregularly shaped of the lens element shown in Figure 104 will not be best, may mean other processing for less important container, the placement of the relative complex of piston or other are used for the displacing force of between main container and less important container mobile fluid, or the like.Such structure also may cause described less important container at assembly process be easier to breakage during use, depend on the quantity of the power that described less important container can bear between moving, thereby damage or break and described main container between the interface, also about Figure 101 and 102, it is unconspicuous, and the horizontal part that we can the described lens element of simple rotation assigns to combine with described film is vertical, when described piston will be subsequently at least in part, if not fully, hinder described optical axis.

Power can be horizontal to deformable films from the path of the absorption point that it is absorbed by described deformable films to it from the starting point of described power element, can be to deformable films longitudinally, perhaps two combination.In this article, term " laterally " and " vertically " be used to refer to a line by and perpendicular to the surface of described deformable films, when described surface be flat (or, if it is not flat, on a central point or a surface) perpendicular to it, " laterally " power is vertical or abundant perpendicular to this line, and longitudinal force is parallel or fully be parallel to this line.Alternatively, a given deformable films with even curvature, term " laterally " and " vertically " are used about described optical axis, and " laterally " power is vertical or abundant perpendicular to described optical axis, and longitudinal force is parallel or fully be parallel to described optical axis.The illustrative example of the such power in Figure 105, circular surface 5150, center line 5152 (its described optical axis that can be considered is when circular surface 5150 has even curvature), transverse force T and the longitudinal force L of description right cylinder deformable films.In this expression, transverse force T will be radially for the circular surface of described deformable films, and longitudinal force L will be parallel or fully be parallel to described center line or optical axis, and it is perpendicular to described circle and passes its center.Any power that the people who knows art technology will recognize the surface that is applied to described deformable films easily is not pure horizontal or longitudinally pure for that can be divided into the surface of horizontal and vertical composition.

Contact the embodiment of described deformable films with pressure elements with element transmission power in described, the size of described pressure elements, shape and synthetic can being changed to realize all types of target, the chemical compatibility that comprises the surfacing of described deformable films, it contacts with described deformable films, and the contact point between described pressure elements and described deformable films obtains minimum friction factor and comes minimum wear, cost, easy processing, machining precision.Contact described deformable films not have burrs on edges at described pressure elements be preferred, just, this surface should not be to be represented by line, or this is not to produce to intersect with the direct of two surfaces, resembles the form with the edge of rectangular solid.Further, described pressure elements contact described deformable films all surface relevant be curve, no matter whether be circular, otherwise it will be two burr edges between the plane surface, represent as Figure 106, demonstrate, pressure elements 5200, plane surface 5202, plane surface 5204, cross part details with curved section surf zone 5206, perhaps by providing described pressure elements to have circle fully, oval, egg type, or the shape of parabolic cross-sectional shape, as Figure 107,108,109 and 110 expressions separately, or other have the shape in the cross section that is not straight line.

Described size and dimension also can be changed to influence described deformable films response speed and amplitude to change two relations between the element.For example, the use of Figure 111 and the relative narrow and relative wide pressure elements 5302 of 112 expressions is shown as here and encircles or gasket construction.Because at pressure elements described in Figure 112 than in the described deformable films of the covering of Figure 111 multilist face zone more, and because described film is deformable, to cause the described pressure elements of Figure 112 to produce obviously more protruding surface moving down of pressure elements equivalent amount described in Figure 111 and 112, as shown in Figure 113 and 114, alternatively, if expectation all generates same scalar curvature or convexity with two pressure elementss, the described pressure elements of Figure 112 can be moved littler distance than the described pressure elements of Figure 111 to realize same effect so.

How selecting heavy or light material to make described ring, also can to influence described lens element be the response of the input of giving determined number power being made, because they are than more light material can more difficult application in response to power.Similarly, described optical fluid component speeds and/or special weight can influence the response that system makes the input of giving determined number power.

When a plurality of embodiment discussed here describe the described power element that affacts described deformable films at first with vertical side, also be possible with tangential or radial effect to described deformable films at first for described power element.For example, do not resemble with pressure elements and be pressed in downwards on the smooth deformable member to form nonreentrant surface, not using any power constructs described deformable films to have a nonreentrant surface is possible, and apply radially outward power in order to reduce the convexity on described surface at described deformable films subsequently, as shown in Figure 115 and 116.Figure 115 has shown the nonreentrant surface 5312 of described lens element, and it is protruding and applied by pressure elements 5316 without any power.When being driven, the described upper surface of pressure elements 5304 moves radially outwardly or expansion has stretched described lens element and evened up nonreentrant surface 5312 as shown in Figure 116.

Pressure elements 5316 and realize that the connection between the required described Crumple element of this method can realize in many ways.For example, pressure rings 5316 can be adhered to the surface of described deformable member, or is placed on the inside of described deformable member, has extended the diameter of described deformable member as shown so that described pressure elements outwards moves along radius.Described pressure elements may be limited in the groove in the excircle of upper surface of described deformable member, rigidity by being looped around convex portion 5312 or at least partially conductive ring or grommet-type member supports on the position, described ring and grommet-type element are used as and electrically contact, or as being used for the conduction of one or more electrical connections, to encourage described pressure elements.

In another embodiment, described power element can apply at least in part reacting force and and can be used to, for example on described Crumple element, moving of the needed described object of given variation of minimizing generation distortion, or increase the speed that can finish the given deformation use.The version that this configuration is simplified is presented among Figure 117, comprises lens element 5400, and it comprises deformable member 5402, deformable member crust component 5408 and pivot point 5410.Described deformable member can be with described shell global formation or be attached thereto, for example, the surface of described deformable member can be a film, its edge is by sticking, folder, sealing or be attached on the described shell, as by as Figure 118 described from the film 5402 between top 5416 and lower part 5418 top and lower part and sealing the margin part 5412 structures as described in shell.

In this configuration, arranges a such power element, the mobile of it will be pressed in downwards on the described deformable films substantially, curved arrow is advised above by Figure 117, apply roughly downward power at described deformable films as by meeting at right angles shown in the arrow.Another power element is configured so that its low edge will cause described deformable films that moves outwards moves along radius, as by shown in following curved arrow and the vertical-horizontal arrow.These two kinds are moved and will have the cumulative effects that flattens described deformable films quickly than acting force individually.This also can be done and use single power element, as shown,, wherein upper arm is shifted onto downwards on the described deformable member around the described power element hinge of pivot point 5410 with the rocking bar configuration, and underarm along radius be pulled outwardly the external margin of described deformable films.Alternatively, described power element can be provided as two or more independent action elements, and it will allow mobile bigger control.If for example shown in Figure 117 as described in the upper arm of power element and underarm be independent drivable, described lens element will have three when the given voltage that response is employed may react rank, give last power element to being employed one of voltage responsive, give the element of exerting oneself to being employed second of voltage responsive, and give two power elements being employed the 3rd of voltage responsive.

As other places here noting, described power element can be the even element that extends around the circumference or the periphery of described deformable member fully, maybe can be a plurality of independent or elements of disperseing, Figure 119 be above described lens element when described optical axis is looked down, the even schematic representation of an embodiment of element.Here 5430 is upper surfaces of described deformable films, and 5420 representative rings are around the physical location of the circular power element of the periphery of described deformable films, shadow region 5434 expression is directly contacted described power element or from the zone on the surface of the described deformable films of described power element reception, for example by the top of described power element and the fine location of the surperficial (not shown) of described deformable films.

Figure 120 represents another embodiment, and described therein power element comprises a plurality of discrete power elements 5450 and is looped around on the circumference of spherical deformable member 5454, applies power on the continuous circular zone 5460 of the outside surface of described deformable member.This can be done by suitably disposing the part that each dispersancy element contacts the surface of described deformable member since in each such part with the form of the arc on the circle and described deformable member concentric and big or small so that very little slit is arranged between them or do not have the slit.In such configuration, permission has little slit between each such arc contact site be necessary, only rest on when them on the position of described deformable member and do not apply downward power, to such an extent as to when they be arc and when being pressed downwardly onto described deformable member, they do not dock mutually.Alternatively, these contact portions can be that each is relatively little, but not directly to contact described deformable member, their contact pressure elements of describing as other places here, and described pressure elements work is converted into the power that is applied relatively continuously by circumference or periphery around described deformable member for the power of the corresponding point type that will receive from each power element.

Should notice that many not all described power arrangements of components described herein can be conditioned to be placed on the inside of described lens element or deformable member.When described lens element comprises the optical fluid element, such layout can require or be impelled the use of non-conductive optical fluid, for example mineral matter and silicone oil, in addition, when about with the double acting of Figure 117 relevant discussion configuration, inside and outside power combination of elements can be used, its can be disposed like this in case independently of each other the effect, mutually simultaneously the effect or optionally with other patterns.

Evenly the adaptation of element can impel described deformable member to power response more even or symmetrical, when the absolutely wrong title distortion that the use of a plurality of dispersive elements can produce described deformable member, partly depend on the flexibility and the hardness of described deformable member.Hard relatively deformable member will be easy to than the deformable member of relative flexibility transmit and be used in widely and equably with respect to the power of a point of the described element of adjacent domain.For example, when being uniform and symmetrical response in the above target of whole deformable films, the use that produces the relative flexibility deformable material of described deformable films will be easy to support the use of uniform force element, for example have the ring or the element of gasket arrangements equably application of force around the circumference or the periphery of described Crumple element, otherwise, the use that produces the rigid relatively deformable material of described deformable films will be easy to support the use of two power elements, even in applied in any combination, the power that will apply is on the discontinuous zone of described deformable films.

Described drive unit condensate additionally is discussed here, and other structures or equipment can be used makes the power element.Piezoelectric element can be used for producing the displacing force that is used for transmitting, whether water-based ground by fluid, gas ground pass through gas, mechanically by one or more power transfer elements thrust ring for example.The sound coil structure can be used for producing and the variation magnetic field, and in order to make described deformable member distortion, it is with the magnetic element of described lens element.Figure 121 represents to have flow element 5501 at container 5502, and it is successively in shell 5503.Shell 5503 by sound coil 5504 around, it acts on and makes deformable films 5506 distortion on the magnetic pressure elements 5505.

In the embodiment of Figure 121, described pressure elements is a magnetic, and sound coil can be positioned and be activated with the described coil of box lunch, and described pressure elements makes described deformable member distortion, because it is pushed to or is pulled away from the magnetic field that is produced by described sound coil.Lens element has a lot of configuration parameters in conjunction with sound coil, for example

A, described sound coil can be fix or movably;

B, described coil itself can be moved in the magnetic field that described sound coil produces, or the other parts of the lens element of magnetic;

C, the element that move in the magnetic field that produces in response to described sound coil, described coil itself or some other element can directly or by one or more connections act on (for example through being positioned at the pressure elements at described deformable films top) on the described deformable films, perhaps act on the described optical fluid element, it acts on the described deformable films successively;

D, described sound coil can be positioned at the top, parallel of described deformable member or below, be included in below the described optical fluid element;

E, described sound coil can be positioned in the outside of the shell shown in Figure 121, the enclosure shown in Figure 122, but in described optical fluid element-external, perhaps shown in Figure 123 as described in the inside of optical fluid element;

F, described sound coil can be touched the bottom of the shell that comprises described optical fluid, so that the mobile compression of described sound coil or extend described fluid container, thereby make described deformable member in protruding or recessed direction distortion.This embodiment is presented on Figure 124, the expression lens element, and it has flow element 5501 in container 5502 and deformable member 5505, and container 5502 is successively in shell 5503.Sound coil 5504 contacts with the bottom of container 5502, and its at least one longitudinal direction (for example sidewall is flexible or fold) is flexible, and the lower part of sound coil 5504 is to be fixed to (not shown) on another crust component.The use of fixed magnet and voltage are to the application of described sound coil, for being pulled down, sound coil will cause the deformable films 5506a of the depression shown in Figure 125, when driving the deformable films 5506b that described sound coil upwards will cause the projection shown in Figure 126.

Alternatively, I can imagine the use of light fluid element, and it is the magneto-optic fluid, promptly am also magnetic response of light fluid.If the wall of container 5502 is fully flexible, and/or be configured to extend or compression (as by fold, folding fan shape for example), sound coil and magnet can be positioned to influence the extension or the compression of described container when response magnetic field changes, by the variation of motion effects on described deformable member of described container.

Described sound coil can be for example single or two sound coils.It can be positioned in the going up of order of described deformable member, wherein or down, and can be harmonious with one or more fixed magnets that are positioned at above and/or under the described sound coil order.Described sound coil can be the shell that is mechanically connected to described deformable member and/or is used for the container of described optical fluid, so that the distortion of the described deformable member of moving influence of described sound coil.Alternatively, described deformable member can keep relative fixed, and magnetic field that produces by described sound coil and magnetic cell on most of described lens module, for example magnetic pressure element or magnetic rocker arm, interaction can finish the distortion of described deformable member.

The present invention also can get in touch following equational context and come into question, and following equation sometimes is mentioned as the equation of lens maker.

\frac{1}{f} = (N - 1) [\frac{1}{R_{1}} - \frac{1}{R_{2}} + \frac{(N - 1)}{N} \frac{t}{R_{1} R_{2}}]

\frac{1}{f} = (N - 1) [\frac{1}{R_{1}} - \frac{1}{R_{2}}]

Thick lens focal length equation The focal distance of thin convex lens equation

In this equation,

F is the focal length of described lens;

N is the refractive index of described lens material;

R ₁It is the described lens surface radius-of-curvature of close described light source;

R ₂Be that described lens surface is away from the radius-of-curvature of described light source; And

T be described lens center thickness (between described two surperficial peaks along described lens the axle distance).

When the reference aforesaid equation, variable lens of the present invention makes by changing R ₁And R ₂Change f and be, focal length is possible.In certain embodiments, keep under the smooth situation in a side of described lens element, for example when glass or plastic plate or other boundary layers are used to define a side of described lens, R ₂Becoming is unlimited (sweep is the plane), so parameter

Near 0.If the overall lens element also can use also is the feature of described variable lens of the present invention.Whether described deformable solid body or fluid/deformable member structure, the center thickness t of wherein said lens is and R ₁Or R ₂Variation simultaneously reformed.

Notice as top, may have the situation that wherein said target is used for proofreading and correct or reducing to determine the error of type, and in this, changing thickness and/or the little layout of described deformable member on the whole deformed zone territory is fine, be different from by the present invention and activate, when keeping this changeability, produce and have the spherical structure that distributes.Consider the direction and the degree of the distortion that in use described deformable member is supposed to bear, this variation of surface structure can be implemented.And also can be used to proofread and correct the non-homogeneous attenuation of described deformable member, it can in use take place.For example, suppose the marginal portion of described deformable member or zone be fix and have only interior zone to bear distortion, when described deformable member by when relatively flat or horizontal arrangement are deformed to raised or sunken configuration, can be that the core of interior zone will experience the thinner adjacent area that compares.Use this phenomenon to expect, but can alternatively expect to make it to minimize or disappear.This can be implemented, profile by making described deformable member simply from the edge relatively thin change into thinner relatively at the center, so that these two zones thickness when distortion equates, perhaps, design or the microstructure that influences described deformable member with box lunch it from smooth to raised or sunken the time described deformable member optical characteristics suitably to keep constant be possible.

Described deformable solid body lens element and by the described lens element of fluid and deformable member combination when the both sides that are used in described lens or can be deformable when surperficial, shown in Figure 127 and 128.Deformable solid body lens element about Figure 127, the D score of deformable solid body 5601 surface 5602b can be supported by the rigid boundary element 5603 with central feature zone 5604 (being shown as the dotted line part) (only showing sectional view), allows lower surface 5602b when response comes from the power of described power element and change shape.For example, lower surface 5602b, it is shown as projection, can become more protruding when response is applied to power on the pressure elements (not shown) that contacts with upper surface 5602a periphery by described power element, and it is pressed on the described deformable solid body downwards and/or inwardly.Depend on lower surface 5602b many deformables or elasticity are arranged, the size of these parts and/or shape can be like this, without any power during from the input of described power element lower surface be fully smooth, lower surface 5602b also can independently be controlled by additional power element, can be independently and/or act in combination on the upper and lower surface by power element independently.Alternatively, rigid boundary element 5603 can be solid, have in other words, do not have central feature, thereby and will keep lower surface 5602b in predetermined configuration, it can be smooth, protruding or depression, and it will not change when the power that the described power element of response provides.

Described deformable solid body lens element and the described lens element that is made up by fluid and deformable member can be deformable, when both sides that are used in described lens or surface, shown in Figure 127 and 128.Deformable solid body lens element about Figure 127, the D score of deformable solid body 5601 surface 5602b can be supported by the rigid boundary element 5603 with central feature zone 5604 (being shown as the dotted line part) (only showing sectional view), allows lower surface 5602b when response comes from the power of described power element and change shape.For example, lower surface 5602b, it is shown as projection, can become more protruding when response is applied to power on the pressure elements (not shown) that contacts with upper surface 5602a periphery by described power element, and it is pressed on the described deformable solid body downwards and/or inwardly.Depend on lower surface 5602b many deformables or elasticity are arranged, the size of these parts and/or shape can be like this, without any power during from the input of described power element lower surface be fully smooth, lower surface 5602b also can independently be controlled by additional power element, can be independently and/or act in combination on the upper and lower surface by power element independently.Alternatively, rigid boundary element 5603 can be solid, have in other words, do not have central feature, thereby and will keep lower surface 5602b in predetermined configuration, it can be smooth, protruding or depression, and it will not change when the power that the described power element of response provides.

Similarly, the lower surface 5602b of the anamorphote element of Figure 128 can be deformable member rather than the rigid boundary element that adds, and can work to upper surface 5602a is similar, in response to the power element, it is to be same or additional with respect to the described power element that is used for influencing upper surface 5602a shape.Similar to the described deformable solid body configuration of paragraph discussion in front, following deformable surface 5602b can be by rigid boundary element (not shown) gauge or restriction, it remains on predetermined configurations with lower surface 5602b, it can be smooth, protruding or depression, and it will not change when the power that the described power element of response provides.

As further alternative, can provide described rigid boundary element with any lens shape, for example convex, biconvex shape, plane-convex, concavity, concave-concave shape, plane-concavity, recessed-convex lens or with meniscal shape.Therefore with reference to Figure 130, described lens element can comprise shell 5650 and optional boundary element 5654.Can provide one of shell 5650 or optional boundary element 5654 with arbitrary shape, comprise top listed, in that zone of each at least corresponding to described lens element light path.

Described boundary element can be a rigidity, for example glass or plastics, or deformable, for example elastic body.When not bearing any distortion when expecting described boundary element to be applied to the result on the described concentrating element as deformation force, if the elasticity of described boundary element is such, both when described concentrating element be during at maximum distortion, described boundary element is in response to the power that will be transferred to it or energy and can not be out of shape, and then condition is sufficient.For example, if described focus module comprises boundary element, isolated component and concentrating element, and described concentrating element comprises fluid and deformable films, wherein said fluid is clamped between described boundary element and the described film, the working pressure element makes described concentrating element distortion by applying pressure on the described fluid so, no matter be by on the direction of described boundary element, pushing described film, still by reducing described fluid thickness of (for example, fastening) between described boundary element and described film by annular.If expect that described boundary element is indeformable, apply maximum pressure to described fluid the time when described pressure elements so, it should be enough to keep smooth rigidly.In other words, when the expectation described boundary element indeformable at the focus module duration of work, only need described boundary element indeformable in this case, and do not need it be perfect rigidity can not or the distortion.

As described, can use glass, and multiple optical glass material is commercially available, comprises, for example, can obtain from the Corning DisplayTechnologies of USA New York Corning as described boundary element

EAGLE2000 Display Grade glass and N-BK 7 glass that can obtain from the Schott North America company limited of Pennsylvania, America Duryea.Described boundary element can be that thickness is suitable, comprises from about 0.1mm to about 1mm for example 0.2,0.3 or 0.4mm.

Also should be noted that; do not take place because the possible change on optical property that tired or other factors of described deformable member cause in order to protect; can expect in conjunction with various calibration affairs or ability in the equipment that uses described lens element, for example start the calibration affairs automatically and/or initiate to calibrate affairs based on order or user.

Calibration procedure can be the useful device that is used for calibration application feature of the present invention.In Figure 63, by this system of initialization, described calibration is initialised, and comprises that carrying out all sequential tests that power on correctly turns round to guarantee this system unit.The test target that will have pattern or coded identification is placed on first test position.When at first test position, described target will be substantially with respect to the described handheld reader that comprises variable lens set a distance and direction really.Regulate described variable lens control signal (it is voltage in certain embodiments) so that be the acceptable and preferably best focused condition of described target acquisition.For further use, with the distance of described target and direction and the described variable lens control signal parameter (temporal aspect of the size of voltage and symbol, described signal for example, for example duration of pulse, switching time and repetition rate) be recorded in the nonvolatile memory, for example in table.

We repeatedly the described target of resetting at the new position and the treatment step of direction, control is applied to the described variable lens control signal of described variable lens to obtain satisfied and preferably best focusing, and in storer, note information and described variable lens control signal parameter, so that provide a cover more to finish more detailed calibration parameter about order calibration bits and direction.The quantity that multiplicity is only expected to prolong the quantity of time of holding calibration steps and effort by us and be can be used to write down the storer of observed described calibration parameter is limited.When by using described calibration information as the initial setting up that is used under the closed loop mode, or as the fixing operation condition that is used for discrete point operation under open loop mode, operate corresponding imager (or in certain embodiments, another imager of similar type) time, can use the information that in calibration testing, obtains.

Thereby the present invention uses the light that changes the principle of interface shape and provide the control ability that described fluid interface light tilts to control described fluid interface between two kinds of fluids to depart from adjusts the outgoing optical angle or with respect to the direction of described variable lens.An application of this adjustment of described emergent light shaft angle provides compensation because hand shake or hand move the apparatus and method of the angular motion that causes.The present invention also handles because hand-held camerist or reader's hand shake or hand move and causes image blurring deleterious effect.Image blurring has been the one of the main reasons of image quality decrease.Image blurring and similar decline mechanism causes decoding rate or the contrast of decline and the image that blurs of decline in the barcode reading application in picture catching is used.In some instances, hand shake or hand move and can cause image to descend perhaps enough seriously hindering image correctly being handled.

In the present invention, be provided with that the variable lens (preventing hand shake variable lens) of offsetting the accidental optional feature that moves will be focused automatically and (for example presenting disclosing 2-12518 number in No. the 6734903rd, US patent and Japanese Patent Laid of people such as Takeda) variable angle prism function of using in the prior art is attached in the single low-cost parts of Tape movement parts not, and it provides fast response time.

Figure 135 is that the synoptic diagram 6500 that concerns between the parts of optical axis direction is regulated in expression variable lens and various permission.This optical axis control system comprises horizontal angle speed pickup 6510, is used for producing the control module 6512 of horizontal tilt voltage dh, vertical angle speed pickup 6520, be used for producing vertical bank voltage dv control module 6522, be used for producing focus voltage Vf automatic focusing control module 6530, be used for Comprehensive Control voltage and regulate or proofread and correct the dispenser module 6540 of hand shake with control variable lens module 6400.Axle when this photosystem changes direction alternatively, and the image on described imageing sensor will move.Described processor can analyze the amplitude and the direction of the movement of objects that is not supposed to move.This can be used as the input to correcting circuit.

In certain embodiments, angular-

rate sensor

6510 and 6520 is to be with gyrostatic product on the commercially available low-cost solid-state chip, for example by One Post Street, Suite 2500 San Francisco, the GyroChips that the BEI Technologies company limited of CA 94104 makes, this GyroChips comprise whole a slice, be used for the quartz micro mechanical processing inertia sensing unit of measured angular rotational speed.The US patent has been described the rotation speed sensor that comprises the double end tuning fork of being made by for example quartzy piezoelectric for the 5th, 396, No. 144.These sensors produce and the proportional signal output of the rotational speed of sensing.This quartz inertial sensor utilizes lithoprinting worker micromachined, and is the forward position of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology.These technologies and those are used for producing every day the resemble process of up to a million quartz watchs.Described sensing element has been simplified in the use of piezoelectric quartz, has brought the stable unusually of temperature and time, and has improved reliability and permanance.

Figure 136 is the synoptic diagram that concerns between expression variable lens 6700 and a pair of angular-rate sensor.In a preferred embodiment, two angular-rate sensors 6710 and 6720 can be with variable lens 6700 integrated shapings to form integration module 6730.Angular-rate sensor 6710 and 6720 is arranged to vertical relation to detect two orthogonal angle speed.In certain embodiments, as also being integrated in the module 6730 at the The whole control circuit as shown in Figure 135.The advantage of this embodiment is easy installed module 6730.Do not need horizontal or vertical correction.This module will automatically be adjusted described lens tilt angle according to the output voltage dh and the dv that are provided by angular-rate sensor 6710 and 6720.

In another embodiment, generator and method are offset the environmental change around the device that comprises variable lens.In one embodiment, this device additionally comprises the temperature sensor that has retroaction (or feedback) control circuit, is used for correction being provided for described variable lens operation signal when the temperature of described variable lens (or its environment) is observed variation.In another embodiment, described device comprises the pressure transducer that has retroaction (or feedback) control circuit, is used for correction being provided for described variable lens operation signal when the pressure of described external environment is observed variation.This can, for example make under the condition that pressure reduces for example high-temperature (or or even vacuum) or under pressure increase condition for example in pressure chamber or under water, the operation of described variable lens is easier.

Yet in another embodiment, the system that comprises variable lens additionally comprises the non-adjustable lens element of the one or more limitation or the imperfection that are configured to proofread and correct described variable lens, for example other aberration of correction of color, sphere, fuzzy or described variable lens itself or the described variable lens that is connected with one or more other optical elements.As an example, variable lens can present dispersion characteristics or aberration.In one embodiment, increase the chromatic dispersion that second optical element provides the opposite in sign that presents with described variable lens, so that proofread and correct the error dispersion that described variable lens is introduced.In one embodiment, described dispersion element is a diffraction element, for example stripe grating or striped diffraction element.As it will be appreciated that the different optical material has different dispersion characteristics, and for example, two glass elements can have different chromatic dispersions, and perhaps the composition of glass and plastics can have different chromatic dispersions.In the present invention, material with the material of suitable chromatic dispersion or the physical dimension manufacturing by control material with suitable chromatic dispersion, for example in grating or in other dispersion elements, can be used to proofread and correct the described variable lens in optical train and/or the error of miscellaneous part.

The application of variable lens comprises their uses in one or more type cameras, the camera in wireless telephone for example, use in the quality digital camera, for example those have high amplification coefficient zoom lens, and the use in the camera that automatic focus and translation, inclination and convergent-divergent (" PTZ ") can be provided.Translation is to move mobile cameras with what sweep, typically flatly from a side to opposite side.Inclination is vertical camera movement, for example on the direction perpendicular to translation.The PTZ video or the digital camera of the mechanical commutation that commercial available use camera and its lens focus on again are known, and often are used in the monitoring.In order to finish these features, for example tilt or translation, we need make the interface between the dissimilar fluid of two optics adapt, so that optical axis is reorientated from its original level (translation) direction or original vertical (inclination) direction, for variable lens, reorientate for two and can finish level and vertical direction single re-orientation simultaneously an angle with optical axis.Use the spherical geometry coordinate and calculate such re-orientation easily, but also can use the arbitrary coordinate system, comprise with three-dimensional coordinate being mapped to two-dimensional coordinate, for example on X-ray crystallography, do routinely like that as an example.A method of finishing all automatic focusings, translation, inclination and convergent-divergent is to use a plurality of parts in individual equipment.

Surpass a lens element and be configured to variable lens by having, for example ternary lens because the assembling of lens, can reduce and be present in the photochromic poor of discrete component, and this will produce more high quality optical image.Optimization triplets lens technologies is known in the lens design field.Yet representational example is to give fix-focus lens for given focal length system optimization is any.Typically, if for one of optical element combination the optimization lens, when changing one of this lens surface and change optical parametric when the single flow element of operation by chance, for example during focal length, it is not disposed best.By increasing by second variable lens, the combination of described first variable lens and described second variable lens can be optimised to minimize total systematic error.For the difference setting of described first lens, can make in the corresponding change of being provided with of described second lens and obtain best of breed.Optimum relation between these two variable lens surface curvatures, surface optics magnification for example, and therefore also have this control voltage, can be contained in the table that for example is recorded in the machine readable memory.Therefore for any given setting of desirable system optical magnification, can be designed for the appropriate drive voltage of these two variable lens, and as one man be employed with the value of being recorded.In expectation or favourable place, by using linearity or more high-order interpolation and extrapolation can improve the advantage of described form resolution.

Lens module of the present invention can be incorporated in polytype equipment.This equipment can be that fix or portable, and comprise data acquisition equipment, for example bar code scanning or portable data terminals, portable digital assistant, the portable computer that comprises notebook and kneetop computer, wireless and the mobile phone that comprises camera cellular phone, and babyphone, the latter comprises handheld device, its combining wireless call capacity and other function (the Internets of being connected of network for example, WLAN, WMAN, WWAN or other), the ability of playing back music and video file, the ability of display image sends and/or receives ability of Email or the like.These products upgrade apace, and the example of present this equipment comprises

Babyphone (Curve 8800, Pearl 8700 series or the like), Helio ^TM, Ocean, Heat, Drift equipment, and Apple iPhone ^TM

[as the end of text of fully introducing in No. the 60/961036th, US patented claim]

The little example of following system, apparatus and method has here been described:

A1, be used for the device of combination of lenses, described device comprises:

Deformable lens element with axle and deformable surface, its at least a portion is propagated the light that forms image; And

Be arranged the power that is used for applying force to described deformable surface and apply structural elements;

Wherein regulate described device so that described power applies at least one in can pushing or pulling of structural elements to described deformable surface.

A2, as the described device of claim A1, regulate wherein that described power applies structural elements so that apply force to described deformable surface in a plurality of power application point, a plurality of power application point is formed spatially away from described axle and is arranged on the circular pattern of described axle outside.

A3, as the described device of claim A1, regulate wherein that described power applies structural elements so that apply force to described deformable surface in a plurality of power application point, a plurality of power application point is formed on the described axial zone map.

A4, as the described device of claim A1, it is drive unit that wherein said power applies structural elements.

A5, as the described device of claim A1, the structural elements of the power that to be transmission produced by drive unit that wherein said power applies structural elements.

A6, as the described device of claim A1, wherein said power applies structural elements and applies power substantially on the direction of described axle.

A7, as the described device of claim A1, wherein said deformable surface partly defines the chamber that keep to focus on fluid.

A8, as the described device of claim A1, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element comprises the elastic deformable material member, and wherein said deformable lens element does not focus on fluid.

A9, as the described device of claim A1, regulate wherein that described device is conditioned so that described structural elements can the two all be applied to described deformable surface with thrust and pulling force.

A10, as the described device of claim A1, wherein regulate described device so that described structural elements can be applied to pulling force described deformable surface.

B1, a kind of device that is used for combination of lenses, described device comprises:

Wherein regulate described device and can arrive described deformable surface by applied thrust, cause the thickness of described deformable lens member to diminish gradually along many dummy line parallel with described imaging axis so that described power applies structural elements.

B2, as the described device of claim B1, wherein regulate described device with convenient applied thrust to described deformable surface, described deformable surface outwards protrudes in a zone of described axial described deformable surface.

B3, as the described device of claim B1, wherein regulate described device so that described many dummy line that the described thickness of described deformable lens member diminishes gradually along it does not comprise parallel with described imaging axis and on by the space away from described axle and be arranged in reach and many dummy line that described deformable surface crossing parallel in the zone that the circular pattern of described axle outside limits with described imaging axis.

B4, as the described device of claim B1, wherein said many dummy line comprise and are arranged in described axial dummy line.

C1, a kind of device that is used for combination of lenses, described device comprises:

Wherein regulate described device and can apply following one or more power to described deformable surface so that described power applies structural elements:

(a) thrust that causes a zone of described deformable surface described deformable surface around described axle outwards to be protruded.

(b) cause the pulling force of described deformable surface alteration of form.

C2, as the described device of claim C1, wherein said deformable surface can form the concavity that concave structure and wherein said pulling force make described deformable surface and become big.

C3, as the described device of claim C1, wherein said deformable surface can form the convexity that bulge-structure and wherein said thrust makes described deformable surface and become big.

C4, as the described device of claim C1, wherein said device be conditioned in case described power apply that member can apply described thrust and described pulling force each to described deformable surface.

C5, as the described device of claim C1, at least one of wherein said thrust and described pulling force produced by electric actuation polymer-driven device substantially.

C6, as the described device of claim C1, at least one of wherein said thrust and described pulling force is to be applied on the direction of described axle substantially.

C7, as the described device of claim C1, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element comprises the elastic deformable material member.

C8, as the described device of claim C1, wherein said deformable surface defines the chamber that fill to focus on fluid.

C9, as the described device of claim C1, the thickness that wherein said thrust causes described deformable lens element dummy line away from described axle on and the space parallel with described axle diminishes.

C10, as the described device of claim C1, the thickness that wherein said thrust causes described deformable lens element many dummy line away from described axle on and the space parallel with described axle diminish, described many dummy line are disposed in the outside of described axle.

D1, a kind of device that is used for combination of lenses, described device comprises:

Wherein regulate described device and can cause the thickness of described deformable lens element to diminish to described deformable surface by applied thrust along described axle so that described power applies structural elements.

D2, as the described device of claim D1, wherein dispose described power and apply member and apply described thrust to described deformable surface in a plurality of power application point that comprises described axle peripheral region, it is transparent to the propagation of the light that forms image that described power applies member.

D3, as the described device of claim D1, it normally is protruding that wherein said deformable lens element is not stressed under the situation therein.

D4, as the described device of claim D1, wherein said power applies a plurality of points that member limits and applies force to described deformable surface on the whole zone by described deformable surface fully.

D5, as the described device of claim D1, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element is provided by the elastic deformable material member.

D6, as the described device of claim D1, wherein said power is arranged in described axial electric actuation polymer-driven device with optical clear zone and produces by having.

D7, as the described device of claim D1, wherein said power is produced by the electric actuation polymer-driven device that comprises the flexible member that fully meets described deformable surface shape, this flexible member has and is arranged in described axial optical clear zone.

D8, as the described device of claim D1, wherein regulate described device so that described thrust is to be applied in substantially on the direction of described axle.

E1, a kind of method comprise:

Deformable lens element is incorporated into optical system, and described deformable lens element has deformable surface, and its at least a portion is propagated the light that forms image; And

The described deformable surface that applies force to described deformable lens element in a plurality of power application point on described surface changes the optical characteristics of described optical system, wherein applies step and comprises that the power that is used for applying described power applies the step of structural elements.

E2, as the described method of claim E1, the wherein said step that applies comprises the step of using electric actuation polymer-driven device.

E3, as the described method of claim E1, wherein said deformable lens element has an axle, and the wherein said step that applies comprises substantially the step that applies described power on the direction of described axle.

E4, as the described method of claim E1, wherein said a plurality of power application point is limited on the described surface spatially away from described axle and is arranged in the circular pattern of described axle outside.

E5, as the described method of claim E1, wherein said a plurality of power application point has defined at described axial 2 dimensional region.

E6, as the described method of claim E1, wherein said power is to point to the thrust of described deformable lens element direction.

E7, as the described method of claim E1, wherein said power is the pulling force that points to away from described deformable lens element direction.

F1, a kind of method comprise:

The deformable lens element that will have axle is incorporated into optical system, and described deformable lens element has the deformable lens surface, and its at least a portion is propagated the light that forms image; And

Apply pulling force and change the optical characteristics of described optical system to the described deformable surface of described deformable lens element, the wherein said step that applies comprises the step that applies described pulling force substantially on the direction of described axle.

F2, as the described method of claim F1, the wherein said step that applies comprises the step of using electric actuation polymer-driven device.

F3, as the described method of claim F1, the wherein said step that applies comprises spatially the step that applies described pulling force away from described axle and a plurality of points of being arranged in described axle outside.

F4, as the described method of claim F1, wherein saidly apply the step that step comprises the utilization structure member.

G1, a kind of optical imaging system comprise:

Deformable lens element with deformable surface, at least a portion with deformable surface is propagated the light that forms image;

The power corresponding with described surface applies structural elements; And

Wherein regulate described imaging system so that apply the optical characteristics that power that structural elements applies in a plurality of power application point of the described deformable surface of described deformable lens element is used for changing described imaging system by described power.

G2, as the described optical imaging system of claim G1, wherein said power application point is limited in the axial zone map of described deformable lens element.

G3, as the described optical imaging system of claim G1, wherein said power application point be limited at by on the space away from described axle and be arranged in the defined circular pattern in position of described axle outside.

H1, a kind of optical imaging system comprise:

The deformable lens element that comprises deformable films, the chamber that limits by described deformable films and be arranged in fluid in the described chamber, described fluid has the refractive index greater than 1, and described deformable lens element has axle; And

Can apply structural elements with the power that described deformable lens element contacts in the position that limits by described axle circumference on every side;

Wherein dispose described optical imaging system so as described power apply structural elements can be substantially on the direction of described axle, move to or away from described deformable lens element, so that the optical characteristics of described imaging system applies moving of structural elements along with described power and changes.

H2, as the described optical imaging system of claim H1, wherein said power applies structural elements and is provided by the annular pressure element and provides.

H3, as the described optical imaging system of claim H1, wherein said power applies a plurality of label-like elements that structural elements is provided by electric actuation polymer-driven device and provides.

H4, as the described optical imaging system of claim H1, wherein said power applies structural elements and is provided by the polymeric flexible member of electric actuation and provides.

I1, a kind of optical imaging system comprise:

The deformable lens element that comprises deformable films, the chamber that limits by described deformable films and be arranged in fluid in the described chamber, described fluid has the refractive index greater than 1, and described deformable lens element has axle; Contact and be arranged in circumferentially described axial annular pressure element with described deformable lens element; And

Be mechanically connected to the electric actuation polymer-driven device of described annular pressure element, dispose described optical imaging system and be configured to toilet and state electric actuation polymer-driven device and on the direction of described axle, move described annular pressure element substantially, so that the optical characteristics of described imaging system changes along with moving of described annular pressure element.

I2, as the described optical imaging system of claim I1, wherein said electric actuation polymer-driven device comprises the annular Crumple element of being made up of a plurality of label-like elements, described Crumple element be arranged in circumferentially described axle around, described a plurality of label-like elements engage described annular pressure element.

J1, a kind of optical imaging system comprise:

Have the deformable lens element of axle, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element is provided by the elastic deformable material member of hardness measurement less than Shao Shi (Shore) A 60; And

Wherein dispose described imaging system so that can application of force be used for changing the optical characteristics of described imaging system to the outside surface of described deformable lens.

J2, as the described optical imaging system of claim J1, wherein said optical imaging system comprises the flexible member drive unit that is used for applying described power, described drive unit has the flexible member of the shape that is suitable for fully meeting described deformable lens element.

K1, a kind of optical system that is applied to make object image-forming, described system comprises:

The deformable lens element that can be deformed, wherein said deformable lens element has deformable surface, and it is towards the outside of described deformable lens element, and described deformable lens element has axle;

Described system wherein regulates described optical system so that can apply force to described deformable surface with described direction towards described deformable lens element substantially, by this way, described power applies the optical characteristics that has changed described deformable lens element.

K2, as the described optical imaging system of claim K1, wherein regulate described optical system so that described system spatially applies described power away from described imaging axis and a plurality of positions of being arranged in described imaging axis outside.

K3, as the described optical imaging system of claim K1, wherein said optical system comprises drive unit, it comprises and is arranged in described axial hole, is used for applying described power substantially to described deformable lens element on the direction of described axle.

L1, a kind of optical system that is applied to make object image-forming, described system comprises:

Deformable lens element with deformable lens surface, its at least a portion is propagated the light that forms image, and it is towards the outside of described deformable lens element, described deformable lens surface is that normal raised surface maybe can show as convex curved, and described deformable lens element has axle; And

Be used for applying force to the drive unit of described deformable surface, this drive unit has and is arranged in described axial hole, thereby can regulate this optical system so that the driving of described drive unit causes power to be applied to the convexity that described deformable surface changes described deformable lens element.

L2, as the described optical system of claim L1, wherein said optical system comprises power that the described drive unit of transmission the produces pressure elements to described deformable lens element.

L3, as the described optical system of claim L1, wherein dispose described deformable lens element, in order to realize distortion therein, described deformable lens element is connected spatially away from described axle and is arranged in a plurality of positions of described axle outside.

L4, as the described optical system of claim L1, wherein said optical system comprises being used for applying the power that is produced by described drive unit and being used for applying the power that produced by described drive unit and applies structural elements to the power of described deformable surface.

L5, as the described optical system of claim L4, it is described drive unit that wherein said power applies structural detail.

M1, a kind of hand-held data gathering terminal comprise

The two-dimensional image sensor that a plurality of pixels that formed by a plurality of row and a plurality of row pixel are formed;

Comprise and be used for the imaging len combination of the deformable lens element of focusedimage on described two-dimensional image sensor, regulate described imaging len so that described deformable lens element can be out of shape with the use of putting forth effort to apply structural elements, regulate the combination of described imaging len so that be applied with the optical characteristics that power changes described deformable lens element at the outside surface of described deformable lens element, described imaging len setting has described therein deformable lens element and is in first lens setting of first state and the second lens setting that described therein deformable lens element is in second state; And

Be used for producing the trigger of trigger pip, regulate described data collection station so that described trigger pip can be maintained state of activation at pressing position by keeping described trigger;

Wherein regulate described data collection station and be maintained at described state of activation so that respond described trigger pip, described data collection station is caught the multiple image data continuously, each frame representative moment in time of described multiple image data is incident on the light on the described imageing sensor, wherein regulate described data collection station so that change the lens setting of described imaging len combination, when described trigger pip was maintained described state of activation by this way: described combination of lenses was in and is used for one section described first setting corresponding to the time shutter of at least one frame of described multiple image data, and described combination of lenses is in and is used for one section described second setting corresponding to the time shutter of at least one frame of described multiple image data.

M2, as the described hand-held data gathering terminal of claim M1, wherein regulate described data collection station so that described data collection station carries out attempting more than the decoding of the mark of a frame in the described multiple image data.

N1, a kind of focalizer comprise:

Have the deformable lens element of axle, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element comprises the elastically deformable member with at least one common convex lens surface; And

Be used for making the drive unit of described deformable lens element distortion, this drive unit have be applicable to be suitable for fully the flexible member that fully meets with described convex lens surface shape and have coating area or be positioned at described axial hole one of them, regulate this focalizer so that the voltage that is applied to described flexible member by change changes the convexity of described common convex lens surface.

N2, as the described focalizer of claim N1, wherein said elastically deformable member has less than the about hardness of Shao Shi (Shor) e A 60.

N3, as the described focalizer of claim N1, wherein said elastically deformable member has less than the about hardness of Shao Shi (Shore) A 20.

N4, as the described focalizer of claim N1, wherein said elastically deformable member comprises the silicon gel.

N5, as the described focalizer of claim N1, wherein said deformable lens element is a piece element of being made up of described elastically deformable member.

N6, as the described focalizer of claim N1, wherein said flexible member is the flexible member that inserts between the pair of flexible electrode.

O1, a kind of focalizer comprise:

Have the deformable lens element of axle, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element comprises the elastically deformable member with at least one convex lens surface; And

Be used for applying force to the drive unit that described deformable lens element makes described deformable lens element distortion and changes the optical characteristics of described deformable lens element.

O2, as the described focalizer of claim O1, wherein said drive unit has and is arranged in described axial hole, and described drive unit chooses from comprising that ionic conduction electric actuation polymer-driven device, insulated electro activate the group of polymer-driven device and hollow stepper motor.

O3, as the described focalizer of claim O1, wherein said deformable lens element has deformable surface, it forms the light of image to small part transmission, and wherein said focalizer comprises that applying the power that produced by described drive unit applies structural elements to the power of described deformable surface.

O4, as the described focalizer of claim O3, it is described drive unit that wherein said power applies structural elements.

P1, a kind of focalizer that is used in the optical imaging system, described focalizer comprises:

Deformable lens element with deformable light incidence surface and relative deformable beam projecting surface, this deformable lens element have and pass described deformable light incidence surface and the described relative deformable beam projecting surface axle at center separately;

Be used for making first drive unit of described deformable light incidence surface distortion with the optical characteristics that changes described deformable lens element;

Be used for making second drive unit of described relative deformable beam projecting surface deformation with the optical characteristics that changes described deformable lens element.

P2, as the described focalizer of claim P1, at least one of wherein said first and second drive units is electric actuation polymer-driven device.

P3, as the described focalizer of claim P1, at least one of wherein said first and second drive units has and is positioned at described axial hole.

P4, as the described focalizer of claim P1, wherein regulate described focalizer so that thrust ring will be transferred to described deformable lens element by the power of at least one generation in described first and second drive units.

P5, as the described focalizer of claim P1, wherein said deformable lens element comprises a slice elastically deformable member.

P6, as the described focalizer of claim P1, wherein said deformable lens element has recess and is placed on described recessed placement and focuses on fluid.

P7, as the described focalizer of claim P1, wherein said focalizer comprise first deformable films that defines described light incidence surface and define second deformable films of the described second light incidence surface, window, first recess that limits by described first deformable films and described window and second recess that limits by described second deformable films and described window and be placed on focusing fluid among each of described first and second recesses.

P8, as the described focalizer of claim P1, wherein regulate described focalizer so that discrete and point that be arranged on described axle outside applies power by at least one generation of described first and second drive units to described deformable lens element on a plurality of spaces.

Q1, a kind of deformable lens element comprise:

First clamping element, this first clamping element comprise having the rigidity transparent component that allows the optical surface that light therefrom passes through;

Deformable films;

Second clamping element, with described first clamping element back-to-back the described deformable films of clamping so that described deformable films and described rigidity transparent optical surface are staggered relatively;

The recess that limits by described deformable films and described first clamping element; And

Has the refractive index that is arranged in the described recess greater than 1 deformable material.

Q2, as the described deformable lens element of claim Q1, wherein said deformable substrate is by providing for the elastically deformable member.

Q3, as the described deformable lens element of claim Q1, wherein said deformable substrate comprises the focusing fluid.

Q4, as the described deformable lens element of claim Q1, wherein said optical surface is the curved surface with optical magnification.

Q5, as the described deformable lens element of claim Q1, wherein said optical surface is the optical surface on plane.

Q6, as the described deformable lens element of claim Q1, wherein said second clamping element is ultrasonically welded to described second clamping element.

Q7, as the described deformable lens element of claim Q1, at least one of wherein said clamping element have the annular ring gear, be used for increasing the detent force between described first and second clamping elements.

R1, a kind of focus module comprise:

Boundary element,

Concentrating element, described concentrating element further comprises:

(i) fluid and

(ii) deformable films,

Described fluid is sandwiched between described boundary element and the described deformable films; And

Pressure elements,

Wherein said pressure elements can make described concentrating element distortion by push described deformable films on the direction of described boundary element.

S1, a kind of focus module comprise:

Boundary element,

Focus on film,

Focus on fluid, be sandwiched between described boundary element and the described focusing film; And

Deformation element contacts described focusing film.

T1, a kind of focus module comprise:

Boundary element,

Isolated component,

Focus on film,

Deformation element contacts described focusing film.

U1, a kind of focus module comprise:

Right cylinder has:

(i) top surface,

(ii) basal surface,

(iii) outer wall and

(iv) fluid internal volume therein; And

The deformation element of described right cylinder outside, described deformation element can be exerted pressure on described top surface, thereby makes described top surface distortion.

V1, a kind of focus module comprise in order:

Boundary element,

Concentrating element and

Deformation element.

V2, as the described focus module of claim V1, wherein said deformation element directly contacts with described concentrating element.

V3, as the described focus module of claim V1, wherein said deformation element affacts on the described concentrating element by at least one intermediary element.

V4, as the described focus module of claim V3, wherein said at least one intermediary element comprises pressure elements.

V5, as the described focus module of claim V4, wherein said deformation element is pressed on the described pressure elements, and described pressure elements contacts with described concentrating element, thus transmit force is to described concentrating element.

W1, a kind of lens module comprise:

Lens element, described lens element comprises:

I. the working fluid element comprises optical clear fluid in fact; And

Ii. optics non-fluid optical component, comprise elastically deformable member with first and second surfaces and therein at least a portion be optically transparent in fact, a described surface is only arranged towards described working fluid element; And

Iii. optical axis passes described working fluid element and described optics non-fluid optical component;

The power element can provide acting force to make the described elastically deformable deformation of member fully, and is operably connected to described elastically deformable member, so that will be transferred to described elastically deformable member by the power that described power element provides at least in part;

Wherein the power that provides by described power element in order from described power element, arrive towards away from the surface of the described elastically deformable member of described working fluid element, arrive described working fluid element.

X1, a kind of lens module comprise:

Lens element, described lens element comprises:

I. working fluid element comprises optical clear fluid in fact;

Ii. optics non-fluid optical component, comprise the elastically deformable member and therein at least a portion be optically transparent in fact; And

Described power element is arranged to described elastically deformable member the circumference symmetric relation.

Y1, a kind of be used in can read the 1D bar code, read the 2D bar code and the data acquisition equipment of one of taking a picture at least in focus module, described focus module comprises:

Boundary element,

Deformable concentrating element at least one direction,

Be inserted in the separating element between described boundary element and the described concentrating element,

Be used for conveying capacity to the drive unit element of described concentrating element,

Be used for pressure elements from described drive unit element conveying capacity to described concentrating element,

Be used for guiding electric signal to arrive the conducting element of described drive unit element,

Be used to provide the power supply of drive signal to described drive unit element.

Though by having described the present invention with reference to many embodiment, being to be understood that should be with the true spirit invented and scope only in about the claim that can be supported by instructions of the present invention.And, though in many here situations, wherein system and apparatus and method are described to have the element that ascertains the number, are appreciated that with being less than the mentioned element that ascertains the number and can put into practice such system, apparatus and method.

Claims

1, a kind of device that is used for combination of lenses, described device comprises:

2, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power applies structural elements and is adjusted in a plurality of power application point and applies force to described deformable surface, and a plurality of power application point is formed spatially away from described axle and is arranged on the circular pattern of described axle outside.

3, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power apply structural elements and are adjusted in a plurality of power application point and apply force to described deformable surface, and a plurality of power application point is formed on the described axial zone map.

4, device as claimed in claim 1, it is drive unit that wherein said power applies structural elements.

5, it is the structural elements of transmission by the power of drive unit generation that device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power apply structural elements.

6, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power apply structural elements and apply power substantially on the direction of described axle.

7, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said deformable surface partly define the chamber that keeps focusing on fluid.

8, device as claimed in claim 1, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element comprises the elastic deformable material member, and wherein said deformable lens element does not focus on fluid.

9, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device are conditioned so that described structural elements can the two all be applied to described deformable surface with thrust and pulling force.

10, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device are conditioned so that described structural elements can be applied to pulling force described deformable surface.

11, a kind of device that is used for combination of lenses, described device comprises:

Wherein said device is conditioned so that described power applies structural elements can arrive described deformable surface by applied thrust, causes the thickness of described deformable lens member to diminish gradually along many dummy line parallel with described imaging axis.

12, device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said device are conditioned with convenient applied thrust and arrive described deformable surface, and described deformable surface outwards protrudes in a zone of described axial described deformable surface.

13, device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said device are conditioned so as described many dummy line that the described thickness of described deformable lens member diminishes gradually along it not to comprise parallel with described imaging axis and on by the space away from described axle and be arranged in the zone that the circular pattern of described axle outside limits and many crossing dummy line of described deformable surface.

14, device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said many dummy line comprise and are arranged in described axial dummy line.

15, a kind of device that is used for combination of lenses, described device comprises:

Wherein said device is conditioned so that described power applies structural elements can apply following one or more power to described deformable surface:

(b) cause the pulling force of described deformable surface alteration of form.

16, device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said deformable surface can form concave structure and wherein said pulling force makes the concavity of described deformable surface become big.

17, device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said deformable surface can form bulge-structure also

And wherein said thrust makes the convexity of described deformable surface become big.

18, device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said device be conditioned in case described power apply that member can apply described thrust and described pulling force each to described deformable surface.

19, device as claimed in claim 15, at least one of wherein said thrust and described pulling force produced by electric actuation polymer-driven device.

20, device as claimed in claim 15, at least one of wherein said thrust and described pulling force are to be applied on the direction of described axle.

21, device as claimed in claim 15, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element comprises the elastic deformable material member.

22, device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said deformable surface define fills the chamber that focuses on fluid.

23, the thickness that device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said thrust cause described deformable lens element dummy line away from described axle on and the space parallel with described axle diminishes.

24, the thickness that device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said thrust cause described deformable lens element many dummy line away from described axle on and the space parallel with described axle diminish, and described many dummy line are disposed in the outside of described axle.

25, a kind of device that is used for combination of lenses, described device comprises:

Wherein said device is conditioned so that described power applies structural elements and can causes the thickness of described deformable lens element to diminish along described axle to described deformable surface by applied thrust.

26, device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said power apply member be configured to comprise described axle peripheral region a plurality of power application point apply described thrust to described deformable surface, it is transparent to the propagation of the light that forms image that described power applies member.

27, it normally is protruding that device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said deformable lens element are not stressed under the situation therein.

28, device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said power apply a plurality of points that structural elements limits and apply force to described deformable surface on the whole zone by described deformable surface fully.

29, device as claimed in claim 25, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element is provided by the elastic deformable material member.

30, device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said power is arranged in described axial electric actuation polymer-driven device generation with optical clear zone by having.

31, device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said power is produced by the electric actuation polymer-driven device that comprises the flexible member that fully meets described deformable surface shape, and this flexible member has and is arranged in described axial optical clear zone.

32, device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said device are conditioned so that described thrust is to be applied on the direction of described axle.

33, a kind of method comprises:

34, method as claimed in claim 33, the wherein said step that applies comprises the step of using electric actuation polymer-driven device.

35, method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said deformable lens element have an axle, and the wherein said step that applies described power on the direction that step is included in described axle that applies.

36, method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said a plurality of power application point are limited on the described surface spatially away from described axle and are arranged in the circular pattern of described axle outside.

37, method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said a plurality of power application point has defined at described axial 2 dimensional region.

38, method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said power are to point to the thrust of described deformable lens element direction.

39, method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said power are the pulling force that points to away from described deformable lens element direction.

40, a kind of method comprises:

Apply pulling force and change the optical characteristics of described optical system, the wherein said step that applies described pulling force on the direction that step is included in described axle that applies to the described deformable surface of described deformable lens element.

41, method as claimed in claim 40, the wherein said step that applies comprises the step of using electric actuation polymer-driven device.

42, method as claimed in claim 40, the wherein said step that applies comprises spatially the step that applies described pulling force away from described axle and a plurality of points of being arranged in described axle outside.

43, method as claimed in claim 40 wherein saidly applies the step that step comprises the utilization structure member.

44, a kind of optical imaging system comprises:

The power corresponding with described surface applies structural elements; And

Wherein said imaging system be conditioned in case by described power apply structural elements in a plurality of power application point of the described deformable surface of described deformable lens element the power that can apply be used for changing the optical characteristics of described imaging system.

45, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 44, wherein said power application point is limited in the axial zone map of described deformable lens element.

46, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 44, wherein said power application point be limited at by on the space away from described axle and be arranged in the defined circular pattern in position of described axle outside.

47, a kind of optical imaging system comprises:

Wherein said optical imaging system be configured to toilet state power apply structural elements can on the direction of described axle, move to or away from described deformable lens element, so that the optical characteristics of described imaging system applies moving of structural elements along with described power and changes.

48, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 47, wherein said power applies structural elements and is provided by the annular pressure element.

49, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 47, wherein said power apply structural elements and are provided by a plurality of label-like elements of electric actuation polymer-driven device.

50, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 47, wherein said power apply structural elements and are provided by the polymeric flexible member of electric actuation.

51, a kind of optical imaging system comprises:

Be mechanically connected to the electric actuation polymer-driven device of described annular pressure element, described optical imaging system is configured to toilet and states electric actuation polymer-driven device mobile described annular pressure element on the direction of described axle, so that the optical characteristics of described imaging system changes along with moving of described annular pressure element.

52, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 51, wherein said electric actuation polymer-driven device comprises the annular Crumple element of being made up of a plurality of label-like elements, described Crumple element be arranged in circumferentially described axle around, described a plurality of label-like elements engage described annular pressure element.

53, a kind of optical imaging system comprises:

Have the deformable lens element of axle, the main body of wherein said deformable lens element is provided by the elastic deformable material member of hardness measurement less than Shao Shi A 60; And

Wherein said imaging system is configured so that can application of force be used for changing the optical characteristics of described imaging system to the outside surface of described deformable lens.

54, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 53, wherein said optical imaging system comprise the flexible member drive unit that is used for applying described power, and described drive unit has the flexible member of the shape that is suitable for fully meeting described deformable lens element.

55, a kind of optical system that is applied to make object image-forming, described system comprises:

Wherein said optical system is conditioned so that described system can apply force to described deformable surface with the direction towards the described axle of described deformable lens element, by this way, described power apply the optical characteristics that has changed described deformable lens element.

56, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 55, wherein said optical system are conditioned so that described system spatially applies described power away from described imaging axis and a plurality of positions of being arranged in described imaging axis outside.

57, optical imaging system as claimed in claim 55, wherein said optical system comprises drive unit, it comprises and is arranged in described axial hole, is used for applying described power to described deformable lens element on the direction of described axle.

58, a kind of optical system that is applied to make object image-forming, described system comprises:

59, optical system as claimed in claim 58, wherein said optical system comprise the pressure elements of the power of the described drive unit generation of transmission to described deformable lens element.

60, optical system as claimed in claim 58, wherein said deformable lens element are configured so that in order to realize distortion therein, described deformable lens element is connected spatially away from described axle and is arranged in a plurality of positions of described axle outside.

61, optical system as claimed in claim 58, wherein said optical system comprise being used for applying the power that is produced by described drive unit and being used for applying the power that produced by described drive unit and apply structural elements to the power of described deformable surface.

62, it is described drive unit that optical system as claimed in claim 61, wherein said power apply structural detail.

63, a kind of hand-held data gathering terminal comprises

Comprise and be used for the imaging len combination of the deformable lens element of focusedimage on described two-dimensional image sensor, described imaging len is conditioned so that described deformable lens element can be out of shape with the use of putting forth effort to apply structural elements, regulate the combination of described imaging len so that apply the optical characteristics that power changes described deformable lens element at the outside surface of described deformable lens element, described imaging len setting has described therein deformable lens element and is in first lens setting of first state and the second lens setting that described therein deformable lens element is in second state; And

64, as the described hand-held data gathering terminal of claim 63, wherein said data collection station is conditioned so that described data collection station carries out the mark decoding more than a frame in the described multiple image data is attempted.

65, a kind of focalizer comprises:

Be used for making the drive unit of described deformable lens element distortion, this drive unit have be applicable to the flexible member that fully meets with described convex lens surface shape and have coating area or be positioned at described axial hole one of them, regulate this focalizer so that the voltage that is applied to described flexible member by change changes the convexity of described common convex lens surface.

66, as the described focalizer of claim 65, wherein said elastically deformable member has the hardness less than about Shao Shi A 60.

67, as the described focalizer of claim 65, wherein said elastically deformable member has the hardness less than about Shao Shi A 20.

68, as the described focalizer of claim 65, wherein said elastically deformable member comprises the silicon gel.

69, as the described focalizer of claim 65, wherein said deformable lens element is a piece element of being made up of described elastically deformable member.

70, as the described focalizer of claim 65, wherein said flexible member is the flexible member that inserts between the pair of flexible electrode.

71, a kind of focalizer comprises:

72, as the described focalizer of claim 71, wherein said drive unit has and is arranged in described axial hole, and described drive unit chooses from comprising that ionic conduction electric actuation polymer-driven device, insulated electro activate the group of polymer-driven device and hollow stepper motor.

73, as the described focalizer of claim 71, wherein said deformable lens element has deformable surface, it forms the light of image to small part transmission, and wherein said focalizer comprises that applying the power that produced by described drive unit applies structural elements to the power of described deformable surface.

74, as the described focalizer of claim 73, it is described drive unit that wherein said power applies structural elements.

75, a kind of focalizer that is used in the optical imaging system, described focalizer comprises:

76, as the described focalizer of claim 75, at least one of wherein said first and second drive units is electric actuation polymer-driven device.

77, as the described focalizer of claim 75, at least one of wherein said first and second drive units has and is positioned at described axial hole.

78,, wherein regulate described focalizer so that thrust ring will be transferred to described deformable lens element by the power of at least one generation in described first and second drive units as the described focalizer of claim 75.

79, as the described focalizer of claim 75, wherein said deformable lens element comprises a slice elastically deformable member.

80, as the described focalizer of claim 75, wherein said deformable lens element has recess and is placed on the focusing fluid of described recess.

81, as the described focalizer of claim 75, wherein said focalizer comprise first deformable films that defines described light incidence surface and define second deformable films of the described second light incidence surface, window, first recess that limits by described first deformable films and described window and second recess that limits by described second deformable films and described window and be placed on focusing fluid among each of described first and second recesses.

82,, wherein regulate described focalizer so that discrete and point that be arranged on described axle outside applies power by at least one generation of described first and second drive units to described deformable lens element on a plurality of spaces as the described focalizer of claim 75.

83, a kind of deformable lens element comprises:

Deformable films;

84, as the described deformable lens element of claim 83, wherein said deformable substrate is provided by the elastically deformable member.

85, as the described deformable lens element of claim 83, wherein said deformable substrate comprises the focusing fluid.

86, as the described deformable lens element of claim 83, wherein said optical surface is the curved surface with optical magnification.

87, as the described deformable lens element of claim 83, wherein said optical surface is the optical surface on plane.

88, as the described deformable lens element of claim 83, wherein said second clamping element is ultrasonically welded to described second clamping element.

89, as the described deformable lens element of claim 83, at least one of wherein said clamping element has the ring gear of annular, is used for increasing the detent force between described first and second clamping elements.

90, a kind of focus module comprises:

Boundary element,

Concentrating element, described concentrating element further comprises:

(ii) fluid and

(ii) deformable films,

Pressure elements,

91, a kind of focus module comprises:

Boundary element,

Focus on film,

Deformation element contacts described focusing film.

92, a kind of focus module comprises:

Boundary element,

Isolated component,

Focus on film,

Deformation element contacts described focusing film.

93, a kind of focus module comprises:

Right cylinder has:

(i) top surface,

(ii) basal surface,

(iii) outer wall and

(iv) fluid internal volume therein; And

94, a kind of focus module comprises in order:

Boundary element,

Concentrating element and

Deformation element.

95, as the described focus module of claim 94, wherein said deformation element directly contacts with described concentrating element.

96, as the described focus module of claim 94, wherein said deformation element affacts on the described concentrating element by at least one intermediary element.

97, as the described focus module of claim 96, wherein said at least one intermediary element comprises pressure elements.

98, as the described focus module of claim 97, wherein said deformation element is pressed on the described pressure elements, and described pressure elements contacts with described concentrating element, thereby transmit force is to described concentrating element.

99, a kind of lens module comprises:

Lens element, described lens element comprises:

I. the working fluid element comprises optical clear fluid in fact; And

100, a kind of lens module comprises:

Lens element, described lens element comprises:

I. working fluid element comprises optical clear fluid in fact;

101, a kind of be used in can read the 1D bar code, read the 2D bar code and the data acquisition equipment of one of taking a picture at least in focus module, described focus module comprises:

Boundary element,

Deformable concentrating element at least one direction,