CN101632030B

CN101632030B - Apparatus and method comprising deformable lens element

Info

Publication number: CN101632030B
Application number: CN2007800514041A
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: 2012-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2027-12-14
Also published as: EP2092378A2; JP2010513952A; CN102436018A; CN101632030A; WO2008076399A3; WO2008076399A2

Abstract

An apparatus for use in a lens assembly, the apparatus comprising a deformable lens element having an axis and a deformable surface, at least part of which transmits image forming ligth rays, and a force imparting structural member disposed to impart a force to said deformable surface, wherein the apparatus is adapted so that said force imparting structural member is capable of imparting at least one of a pushing force or a pulling force to the deformable surface.

Description

The apparatus and method that comprise deformable lens element

The cross reference of related application

Patent 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); Patent 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 Patent 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 Patent Application No. 11/781; 901 have required said Patent Application No. 60/875; 245 right of priority, and submitted on August 31st, 2007 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 Patent Application No. 11/897924 has required said Patent Application No. 60/875; 245 with the right of priority of Patent 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, comprises that filling up one or more has rigidity or the elastic film of refractive index greater than 1 fluid as the one of which.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, can the options that be proposed of the optical characteristics that is used to change this lens element have been classified as two main kinds: electricity is moistening to be injected with fluid.

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.

All be noted with the problem fluid method for implanting about the said electricity of the optical characteristics that is used for changing fluid lens components is moistening.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 said fluid method for implanting, the said 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.

Since the said electricity that is noted about the optical characteristics that is used for changing deformable lens element moistening with 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 also is called as the adaptability lens, is included in the interface between two kinds of fluids with different optical refractive index.Through using external force can change the shape at this interface, can be directed into the direction of expectation and propagate 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.

The fluid lens technology of using this fluid lens operation of electric signal control has been described in No. the 2062468th, the US patent of Matz with differing by title; 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), in reconfigurable lens, uses elastomeric material (No. the 4514048th, the US patent of Rogers) and uses MEMS (also being called as MEMS according to initial) (No. the 6747806th, the US patent of Gelbart).

Other trials of exploitation fluid lens control module can be referring to, 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 for example; 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 through 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 through 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; People's such as people's such as No. 468, Berge No. the 6th, 369,954, US patent, Onuki US patent the 6th; 449; People's such as people's such as No. 081, Tsuboi No. the 6th, 702,483, US patent, Onuki US patent the 6th; The US patented claim that people's such as 806, No. 988, Nagaoka US patented claim discloses people such as No. 2004/0218283, Takeyama discloses No. 2004/0228003, the patent of Berge and discloses the US patented claim that No. 2005/0002113, international patent application disclose people such as WO 99/18546, WO 00/58763 and WO03/069380 number and Havens and disclose in No. 20070063048.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 said 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 said conductive fluid of dielectric fluid vessel surface according to the moistening principle of said electricity, to such an extent as to said conductive fluid moves said 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 said film or from said 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 said 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), in reconfigurable lens, uses resilient material (No. the 4514048th, the US patent of Rogers) and uses MEMS (also being called as MEMS according to initial) (No. the 6747806th, the US patent of Gelbart).

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 2,300,251 of Flint, 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 Express 11 (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 said deformable lens element, make the deformable lens element distortion change optical characteristics wherein through application of force.

Description of drawings

Through with reference to the accompanying drawing that describes below, can understand characteristic described herein better.These accompanying drawings are used for setting forth the mark of inventive principle prevailingly and stressing 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 can be by distortion so that change the deformable lens that this mode of the optical characteristics of said lens element is arranged with said deformable lens element;

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

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

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

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

Fig. 6 combines insulated electro to activate the exploded perspective combination assembled view of the focalizer of polymer-driven device;

Fig. 7 is the exploded perspective view that combines 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 the skeleton view that is illustrated in a hollow step motor operation in the 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 said deformable lens element shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a detailed cross sectional side view of setting forth said deformable lens element outshot 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 of the focalizer of combination deformable lens element shown in figure 13; First drive unit is used for being out of shape first deformable lens surface of said deformable lens element, and second drive unit is used for being out of shape second deformable lens surface of said deformable lens element;

Figure 15 is the combined side view that combines the deformable lens element of elastic deformable material member;

Figure 16 is the combined side view that combines 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 above that;

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 said 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, elaboration combines the side schematic diagram of the various combination of lensess combinations of at least one deformable lens element;

Figure 25 is the electronic block diagram that can combine the typical imaging terminal of deformable lens element;

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

Figure 27 is the process flow diagram that is set forth in the 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, can combine and support element shown in figure 25 above that;

[below be the text of fully introducing as in No. the 11/781901st, US patented claim, it comprises the text of fully introducing as in No. the 60/875245th, 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 said focusing film on the abundant direction perpendicular to said focusing thin film planar;

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

Figure 36 is the figure of this deformation element;

Figure 37 representes to have asymmetric meniscal focusing fluid;

Figure 38 representes the cylindrical elements of said 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;

The said deformation element that Figure 41 and 42 sets forth when it is deformed through vertical compression/horizontal stretch by Figure 41 and original shape shown in Figure 42;

Figure 43 representes to show as the funnel shaped said deformation element of picture;

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

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

Figure 50 representes that the compound lens that combines a plurality of deformables to focus on film makes up;

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 characteristic 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 of the embodiment of the expression power supply that is suitable for using 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 representes 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;

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

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 in optional embodiment, has the device of piston;

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 in another element, has the device of boundary 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 representes 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 representes 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 description in one embodiment is used to be combined into the deformable lens element in the optical imaging system, and the surface that wherein can apply force to said deformable lens element changes the optical characteristics of said 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 the step in the optical imaging system; The surface that applies force to said lens element changes the step of the optical characteristics of said 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 has only combined 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 through 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 the optical system reliability and 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 through 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) through the non-deformable glass of a slice.Can with this focusing fluid or other deformable materials be placed on as the combination of being seen deformable films 3, isolated component 2 and transparent boundary element 1 limits in Fig. 2 and 3 recess 8 in (as being 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 (from the view of Fig. 1, see and hidden), and 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 crooked to the electric connection of the first transport element 6a and the second transport element 6b.Like 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.Like what indicate at the view of Fig. 1-3, deformable lens element 10 can comprise circular surface substantially that is provided among the embodiment shown in the deformable films 3 and the axle 15 that can comprise 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 protrusion and the definition convex lens surface is as shown in Figure 2.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2 and 3, device 100 has two states, is called; " shutoff " state; Wherein label-like element 5a to film 3, defines convex lens surface and " unlatching " state of being described in Fig. 3 so that cause film 3 protrusions with pressure elements 4 bias voltages; 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 as just in time in the flat and non-protruding substantially structure that arrives seen in fig. 3.In order to provide like Fig. 2 and 3 described controls; When the voltage that can provide electric actuation polymer-driven device 20 to confirm 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 the embodiment that Fig. 2 and 3 describes, cause label-like element 5a to push pressure elements 4 to film 3 from

transport element

6a and 6b removal voltage, near the there protrusion of indication film 3 changes the optical characteristics of deformable lens element 10.

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 and protrusion second surface 113 of non-curved surface.The boundary element 1 of Fig. 5 embodiment has depression first surface 114 and protrusion second surface 115.

In Fig. 1-3; Described through applying force to first device that said lens element outside surface moves 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 through the modular combination of describing more in detail comprehensively deformable lens element 10 is provided, and in the embodiment of Fig. 6, drive unit 20 (being to be provided by ionic conduction electric actuation polymer-driven device shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1-3) is provided through insulated electro actuating polymer-driven device 20.

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 said 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 on the direction of lens element 10, promote flexible member 21.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 there makes the optical characteristics of deformable lens element 10 distortion change deformable lens element 10.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 through 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, the shell 17 that can use sized and shape to hold the deformable lens element 10 of modular combination array configuration shown in Fig. 6 embodiment encapsulates focalizer 100 with the lid 18 that can be suitable for being buckled in suddenly on

screw

19a, 19b, 19c and the 19d.Shell 17 can have a plurality of as directed threaded holes that mate with the hole of

element

21,25 and flexible circuit 27.Can screw 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d 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 with 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 further be conditioned so that screw 19c accomplishes 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 through 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 arbitrary 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 the rotor that causes Fig. 7-9 embodiment 35 rotation, 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 element 4.Further about the focalizer 100 of Fig. 7-9 embodiment, shown in may further include, focalizer 100 is contained in the cap 38 in the barrel 35 spirally.Cap 38 has the transparent interior (not shown) to be passed through to allow light therefrom, and when impelling rotor 35 to apply force to the outside surface of deformable lens element 10, forms 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 characteristic of hollow stepper motor further is to have coil and assembles outside barrel, and support should 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, so as with inner barrel through friction force mode and need not to apply external energy and maintain position about outside barrel 37.Therefore, can be through simply through avoiding supplying current to the lens drive coil, the control lens layout maintains definite position.Through 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 and forward current flow through during its polarity be opposite.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 and forward current flow through during its polarity be opposite.

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

second coils

31,33 at forward with oppositely apply electric current with 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.Motor about describing with reference to figure 7-9 is called as the hollow stepper motor, 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.

The mode with pressure elements 4, drive unit 20 about shown in Fig. 7-9 embodiment can be operated with the mode of Fig. 1-3 and Fig. 6 embodiment by inside barrel 35 ends of finalizing the design annularly substantially fully.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, can be connected at the deformable lens element shown in Fig. 5 10 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 combine Figure 10-17 to describe the special instance of the various structures of deformable lens element 10, it can be replaced by any 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, like what just in time see 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, a plurality of circular rings shown in the present embodiment being provided; Can find that the existence of less number ring gear will assist the holding power between clamping element 63 and the clamping element 65, for example single circular ring gear only arranged at one of clamping element.Under this mode, 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 can have complete tongue and groove mating surface with clamping element 65 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 the plane optics transparent window 67 shown in Figure 11 embodiment with curved surface member with light amplification coefficient.Here be used for to have the 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 through hole 75 and be injected into recess 8 greater than 1 focusing fluid (deformable lens element has combined the focusing 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 with permission power element (for example pressure elements 4, if perhaps delete drive unit 20 under pressure elements 4 situation) contact membrane 3 is provided.

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 first deformable films 3 and the second surface that is limited the second deformable films 3`.Construct the deformable lens element 10 of Figure 13 embodiment with 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 through the form that is formed at the hole on the window 67`.And can delete window 67` and recess can be through carrying out the fluid transmission by the hole of center clamping element 63` penetralia knuckle-tooth ring definition.

About Figure 14, Figure 14 illustrates the embodiment of the focalizer 100 that is incorporated into deformable lens element 10 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 as shown in arrange that first drive unit 20 applies force to and can define on the outside surface of deformable films 3 that deformable lens element 10 light get into the surface, and can as shown in arrange 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 characteristic 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 that is incorporated into Figure 13 10, 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 in the various embodiment of deformable lens element 10 3 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 instance 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 said recess greater than 1 deformable optical clear material with fluid form with the optional refractive index that has, it is not rendered as the shape of its recess separately 8 when recess 8 has bigger volume than this material.For example, can keep material arrangements in the recess 8 in each of the various embodiment of deformable lens element 10 deformable shape of the not pressurized shape that can in its whole serviceable life, keep it fully.

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.Can elastically deformable silicon gel be arranged in the recess 8 of any said embodiment.In order to make the suitable silicon gel that uses with deformable lens element described herein 10, can liquid silicon be filled in the container of the final gel member with intended shape and be cured subsequently.In an example, can liquid silicon 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.Said recess can have the opposite shape with this elastically deformable lens element of being made.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 bubble wherein with minimizing to this potpourri extracting vacuum.With this ready fluid silicon gel, can be with this fluid silicon gel injection-moulding to said core rod.At high temperature can this fluid silicon gel 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.The silicon gel lens that can check this completion then with confirm its whether zero defect and in the door zone around additional materials can be removed.Alternatively, this final elastically deformable member can coat the SYLGARD 184 that for example comes from DOW CORNING with being rotated membraneous material to improve permanance.Summarized in the Table A below and can be used to form multiple material as the elastically deformable member in deformable lens element or part.In each exemplary embodiment, the material that constitutes the main body (comprising in some instance it being whole elastically deformable lens element) of 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 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, recess 8 by deletion and deformable lens element 10 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 described silicon gel here, 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 imposed coating and handled; 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 property 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 like 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 focalizer shown in figure 18 100; Elastically deformable member 80 can be formed has original light amplification multiple; And by configuration 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.Can one of

lens surface

85 and 86 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 up 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 that the insulated electro that combines Fig. 6 embodiment to describe like the front activates polymer-driven device 20.In the embodiment shown in Figure 18-19, flexible member 21 is by elastically deformable member 80 outside bias voltage normally, and therefore in the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19, do not comprise spring 23.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 in Figure 18 and Figure 19 embodiment, provides 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 through 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 it can be VHB4910 from the model that 3M obtains and the acrylic acid (Acrylie) of the CF19-2186 that can obtain from NUSIL that the example comprises.In order to make the flexible member 21 shown in Figure 18 embodiment, can with the rotation of optical clear elastomeric insulating material be cured to carry substrate (glass substrate) thus form single film.Can at high temperature solidify this film.After solidifying, only if can this film and this substrate and electrochemical coating be separated outside coating area 116, to form the flexible electrical coating.Can the flexible member of this formation 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 greatly.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 in Figure 18, describing 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 can with the voltage jointer that will describe in the exemplary embodiment be provided as with lens element 10 and flexible electrode 21 relevant allocations really structurally supporting flexible member 21 to take turns support elastic deformable lens element 10.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 be by each elements of sized Figure 18 and 19 so that be frictionally installed, intactly during apparatus for assembling 100, these elements are relative positions of confirming with box lunch.

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

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 (through 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 (through 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.Through 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 with 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 worked with the mode of the drive unit of Figure 18-19 so that power applies structural detail.As described here, the said drive unit in the embodiment that has described arbitrarily can be replaced by the drive unit of any remaining embodiment.Said 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 of lens element and each distortion that is used for making a pair of lens surface when the embodiment of Figure 18 and 19 comprises the deformable biconvex, flat-protruding elastically deformable shape keeps lens element and the single drive unit that is used for making normal convex lens surface distortion can to find that focalizer 100 can comprise alternatively.

In the embodiment that has described arbitrarily, the power that is wherein 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 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 apply structural detail (member) like described said power here is annular moulding, and said 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.Said 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 said power apply element whether be contact discretely, contact reliably, be integrated formation whether also with said deformable lens element no matter said 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 characteristic of structural detail change in shape with said power.When said power applies structural detail is annular, and a plurality of power application point can be formed in the circular pattern around the axle 15.Applying element like annular power described herein and be shown as circle, also can be oval, asymmetric bow property, 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 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 instances has been described in Figure 20 and 21; Wherein Figure 20 representes to be defined within a plurality of points and is arranged on the axle 15 peripheral union spaces explanatory view away from the power application point in the circular pattern 202 of axle 15; And Figure 21 representes 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 characteristic that schematic force applies profile.To apply element be annular to power there; The thrust that on the direction of element 10, is applied to the deformable surface of deformable lens element 10 can increase the convexity on said surface through encouraging said 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 said surface reduces.In table B, summarized and had other characteristics that said 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 adhered to deformable surface or form) of power with deformable surface
						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	Convexity can be formed so that increase the convexity of deformable lens element surface in the central area that limits 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	Along axle, drive unit is an insulation EAP drive unit here substantially, and force vector will include the tangential composition force vector of bigger number percent than the embodiment that provides power to apply structural detail by thrust ring	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

In the embodiment of Fig. 1-19, can regulate focalizer 100 so that drive unit 20 locational deniers change the great change that has brought on the optical imaging system focal position that combines motion device 100.Through with reference to following instance, the property characteristic that the use through focalizer 100 can realize has been described here.

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

Instance 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 the MLP-95 that can obtain from AMI or the MSP-95 elastic body Design on driving device of focusing automatically.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
			0	0	36″
600	0.025mm	8″
			790	0.050mm	6″
896	0.075mm	3″

Can find that the moving of denier of the drive unit through 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 with the power of being applied in 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.Said 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 in Fig. 3, describing (lens that do not have bending or plane) will be accomplished far away focusing, and the state of in Fig. 2 (convex lens), describing will be accomplished proximity focused.

In the embodiment of Figure 22, the combination of lenses 500 (also can it 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 this lens element be provided 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 combination 502 that comprises the non-deformable lens element 11 of one or more (dotted line by in the element is represented) rigidity at the focalizer shown in Figure 23 100 and connect.About at the combination of lenses shown in Figure 23 500, focalizer 100 can be the insertion unit that can be received in dividually in the lens combination 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,, can axle 15 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.Can combination of lenses 500 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 convert light and the proportional voltage signal of brightness into.This analog voltage signal can be transferred to ADC1037 then, and it can convert the fluctuation of voltage signal to digital form.The numeral output of ADC1037 can be transferred to digital signal processor (DSP) 1070, and it can be non-compression RGB image file and/or standard or particular image form with image transitions delivering to storer before.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); Be prone to 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 that the cell phone data communication for example is provided.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 at 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 and makes the software and hardware of terminal 1000 as mobile phone work.For example, terminal 1000 can comprise through the microphone 1077 and 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 by the software executing of operation on processor 1060.

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

Further describe the processing of the running characteristic and its picture signal of exemplary imaging terminal now.The control signal that response receives from processor 1060, sequential control circuit 1038 can be sent the image sensor array clock signal and given array 1033, for example reset, exposure signal and read clock signal.After an exposure cycle, a frame image data can be read.Can be amplified and converted into digital form and be sent out by gain module 1036 by the analog picture signal of reading from array 1033 to digital signal processor (DSP) by analog-digital converter 1037; 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 storer 1080 with original image, and processor 1060 can to accomplish 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.

The sequential chart of further setting forth terminal 1000 runnings in one embodiment has been shown in Figure 26.Timeline 1202 expression trigger pip states, it can activate through 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 terminal 1000 be supported 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, can trigger pip 1202 be maintained activation read state (remaining height through 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 by previous, or the decodable code symbol is by successfully decoding.

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, confirm exposure cycle, can catch the parameter that is used for the definite processing of parameter alternatively and confirm 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 make public, 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 made public 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 ₁The image data frame of exposure can be used and read control signal 1234 and read out in the second exposure cycle EXP during this time ₂The image data frame of exposure can be used and read control signal 1236 and read out in the 3rd exposure cycle EXP during this time ₃The image data frame of exposure can be used and read control signal 1238 and read out in exposure cycle EXP during this time _N-1The image data frame of exposure can be used and read control signal 1240 and read out in exposure cycle EXP during this time _NThe image data frame that makes public 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 convert standard into or proprietary picture format (for example JEPG).The digitized pixel value of being caught by image sensor array 1033 in another embodiment, can be received in the system volatile memory 1080.Can regulate terminal 1000 so that terminal 1000 can be formatd 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 confirming to comprise the decodable code symbolic representation.The second, processor 1060 can be carried out the second derivative rim detection and detect the edge, after accomplishing rim detection, and the data indication width between processor 1060 can be confirmed on the edge of.Processor 1060 can be searched for beginning/termination character element sequence then, if find, through with the character of character set form more one by one character ground from derivation element sequence character.For some symbol symbol, processor 1060 also can be done check code and calculate.If processor 1060 is successfully confirmed 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 confirmed by processor 1060 that is buffered at the demonstration on the display 1097 at terminal 1000, (c) to the transmission of external unit, (b) initialization decode messages, and processor 1060 can send instantaneous speech power 1078 that signal gives 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 through application of force.In a special instance, 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 that draws thus 1000, is typically expressed by parameter " half FOV " angle.In a special instance; 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 said 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 confirm that first frame just has exposure cycle EXP in square frame 1502 ₁Frame whether focus on aligning.Confirm whether frame focuses on " flatness " that aligning can comprise the check image Frame.Through the mapping of the frame in histogram pixel value, the frame that focuses on misalignment will have relative " smooth " pixel intensity value distribution and level and smooth relatively intensity distributions in certain strength range.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 confirms that at square frame 1502 present frames are to focus on to aim at, terminal 1000 may be advanced to square frame 1512 and focuses in being provided with of aiming at this lens setting is remained on confirm as so, and can handle this frame.This processing can comprise, for example this frame is carried out symbol decoding and attempts maybe possibly exporting as by formative single frames, or as by the output frame of formative 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 at the terminal 1000 of square frame 1506 with focusing setting different with the image data frame that detects at square frame 1502.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 confirm at square frame 1504 frames to be detected it is to focus on to aim at 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 confirm to focus on aiming at) so, and handles to aim in the focusing of confirming a frame or the multiframe of making public with combination of lenses 500 is set.

Further with reference to the sequential chart of Figure 27; Out-focus aims at if the frame that detects at square frame 1506 is confirmed as at square frame 1508, and terminal 1000 can proceed to square frame 1510 and detects first frames and confirm to focus on the setting of aiming in the processing that square frame 1504 detects second frame to be based on square frame 1502 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 through 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 said processing this lens setting is made as than first so certain setting with shorter pinpointed focus is set).Be provided with when having confirmed 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 to focus at square frame 1508 and aims at; 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 confirming and to handle a frame or the multiframe 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.

As indicated at the display menu of the display shown in Figure 28 1097, 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 at terminal 1000 corresponding to the trigger pip that just is being activated 1202 according to suitable pattern.In table D, this row's project of configuration 2 representes that the lens that when auto-focusing algorithm is carried out at terminal 1000, can show are provided with changing pattern.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 at 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 at terminal 1000 is maintained fixing focal position far away.For example when will use terminal 1000 to catch the 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 confirmed 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 be provided with to confirm to focus on to aim at frame 2 by processed frame 1; Move these lens and be set to definite focusing aligning setting; At this focusing of confirming aligning a plurality of frames of seizure are set, handle these frames, and then make trigger pip invalid.Aim at a plurality of frames that seizure down is set in definite focusing and can be used for reducing noise by average perhaps being processed in addition.About disposing 6, configuration 6 is similar with configuration 1, except when according to configuration 6 operations, the combination of lenses setting is skipped at terminal 1000, 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 the auto-focusing algorithm of simplifying is carried out at terminal 1000; Be to terminal 1000 simple in-order the said 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 confirms as the focusing 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 appears for No. 11/781901 like the US patented claim, it comprises the text that fully appears for No. 60/875245 like the US patented claim]

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

Pressure elements, it can make said concentrating element distortion through on the direction of said boundary element, pushing deformable films.

The present invention provides focus module to be used in the fluid lens, and 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 said 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 said deformation element to said concentrating element transmit force;

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

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

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

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

As what will further explain here, these all elements not all are essential for can operating focus module.For example; Said Crumple element also can have the effect as said isolated component, and said isolated component can omit, when when using element like unique fill fluid of hereinafter discussion that said lens are provided; Said pressure elements also can omit; Act directly on the said concentrating element through said deformation element, and said crust component is important container that 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.

Said boundary element can be a rigidity, for example glass or plastics, or deformable, for example elastic body.When expectation is applied to the said boundary element of result on the said concentrating element when not bearing any distortion as deformation force; If the elasticity of said boundary element be following promptly be enough like this; Both when said concentrating element be during at maximum distortion, said 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 said focus module comprises boundary element, isolated component and concentrating element; And said concentrating element comprises fluid and deformable films; Wherein said fluid is clamped between said boundary element and the said film, and the working pressure element makes said concentrating element distortion through applying pressure on the said fluid so, no matter be through on the direction of said boundary element, pushing said film; Still through reducing said fluid thickness of (for example, fastening) between said boundary element and said film through annular.If expect that said boundary element is indeformable, apply maximum pressure to said fluid the time when said pressure elements so, it should be enough to keep smooth rigidly.In other words, indeformable when the said boundary element of expectation at the focus module duration of work, only need said 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 commercial obtainable; For example; Can be from the USA New York

the EAGLE2000 Display Grade glass that obtains of the Corning Display Technologies of Corning and N-BK 7 glass that can obtain from the Schott North America company limited of Pennsylvania, America Duryea.Said 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.

Said isolated component can be any one material, comprises metal, plastics and ceramic, depends on the function of its expectation.When said function is restricted to when isolating said boundary element and said concentrating element, can be and 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 said boundary element and/or concentrating element, said isolated component can be the band of bilateral.When expecting it as said distortion or driving element work, it can be syntheitic elastomers or the electric actuation condensate of further discussing as here.When the said isolated component of expectation had both sealed said border and/or concentrating element; During also as said 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 Fort Worth, as Double Coated Acrylic Tape 4910.

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

Said 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; Said 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 said boundary element and the said deformable focusing film, will form said concentrating element together at focusing fluid described in its configuration and said focusing film.When using film; Suitable material will comprise dimethyl silicone polymer; Or PDMS, complete

184 silicone elastomers that for example can obtain from the Dow Corning company at Michigan, USA middle part.Can select the thickness of said film based on the size factor that for example said 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 through with the compatibility of other materials, under using stability, will be used in the performance that patience and similar factor under the desired temperature 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, and the Arch TechnologyHolding company limited of Charles obtains the optical fluid SL-5267 based on polyphenylene oxide.Also can make water, for example deionized water.

Notice that like the front said boundary element and said 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 said 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 through said focus module transmission, and said boundary element should have similar refractive index with the material of concentrating element selection.For example, when said focus module comprises the glass boundary element, focuses on fluid and focuses on film, we should consider different, said focusing fluid and said focusing film refractive index different of said focusing fluid and said boundary element refractive index.Refractive index is more different, is used for reflection when smooth rabbet figure will lose more light during to another kind of material (for example immersing oil) through 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.Said 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 possibly have advantage, for example reduces the aberration of some type.

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

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

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

When said deformation element is syntheitic elastomers or electric actuation condensate, it is perhaps possible that said 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 rectangular solid shaped shown in figure 44, yet in response to electric excitation; Even the use of nonelastic structure has limited one or more directions of motion; Or influence motion with special mode, and this rectangular solid also can shown in figure 45ly upwards be rolled, and extend side shown in figure 46; Downwarping shown in figure 47, perhaps in addition the distortion.Figure 45 and 47 has described the inhomogeneous curved surface of rectangular solid, its can through for example use framework or other external structure (not shown) limit the part of this rectangular solid, through with a part of grappling of this solid or be fixed on the inelastic component or the appropriate configuration of layer through 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 said 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 through said layering, use the combination of each layer or these layers with it or they electronic control circuit; Perhaps, said deformation element can be limited in it mobile on one or more directions, and therefore force the framework or other structures that on the direction of expectation, move to limit.Each layer through making size inequality can be realized similar effects, 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.Through with reference at Figure 29, the deformation element 5 shown in 30 and 36, can understand this mode of action better.In Figure 36, for example, finger-like or ribbon element 5a be through comprising two-layer or multilayer polymer works, wherein more near the layer of said focusing film than those layer shorter near said boundary element.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 said pressure elements; With its compressing to the direction of said focusing film, and this to move making said focusing deformation of thin membrane successively be convex lens shape.Alternatively, in this structure, can comprise non-deformation layer, in this case, said deformation layer or each layer will be substantially to or direction at said 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 said film can have different surface curvature.Different aspect the material of said film and thickness also can be used to make the different surfaces shape.

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

Figure 51 and 52 expressions are through being arranged in ordinary lens in the electric actuation condensate mechanical hook-up, add that the additional fastening element can produce the variable positioning lens element that is used for the application of compact automatic focus and zoom.

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

Said conductor element transmits said control signal gives said deformation element.Under said deformation element response electric signal situation, as under electric actuation condensate situation, it plays the conductor effect basically and is used for from said power source conduct electricity power to said deformation element.Therefore it should be an electric conductivity, and preferably high conductivity at least in relative part, and can comprise conductive material, comprise 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 deposition conductive metal are to said deformation element surface.

Like what in Figure 29, describe; Said conductor element comprises two parts; Each is in a side of said deformation element; And each element has the port of electrically contacting 6c and is used for connecting power source, and said 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 said protruding meniscus that concentrating element forms.

Yet, should be appreciated that also said conductor element can comprise a plurality of circuit of the one or more part selective excitations that make said deformation element, thereby allow the adjustable operation of said concentrating element, can be asymmetric through making said protruding meniscus for optionally.For example, through with reference to Figure 36, said deformation element is shown as single conducting element.Alternatively, can be through for example between flexible circuit, using the said 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.

Through selecting which circuit to control voltage, or how many control signals are provided, said system not only can control the formation and the size of said meniscus, also can control its deflection.In this article, deflection is meant that can be used to dispose said meniscus has and be different from rotational symmetry perpendicular to said boundary element with in the inclination of shape and possibly the making up of skew of central authorities of said fluid chamber.Simplified example has been shown in Figure 37, has wherein focused 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 said deformation element and runs through its needed voltage range of whole expection moving range and the power supply of polarity.

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

Especially, Figure 29 provides the exploded view of an embodiment of said 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 by deformation element 5 effects, itself is again by conductor element 6 effects.In an embodiment who shows, conductor element 6 comprises two

sub-elements

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 said focus module 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, and promptly said boundary element is near person with the aid of pictures, 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, will have from about 5,7,9mm to about 11,13,15 or the same big diameter d of 20mm like Figure 30 and cylindrical said focus module shown in 31 substantially.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 said chamber that has reduced to comprise said focusing fluid on its circumference height and so force fluid to flow to central authorities from the circumference of said chamber; This effect produces the recessed meniscus that can see from Figure 33.

Notice that like the front said deformation element can affact on the said focusing fluid directly or indirectly.Same as the front indication, directly effect can comprise that the said deformation element of layout is directly connected to said focusing fluid.For example, directly contact said focusing film, focus on film and be clamped in the fluid between said focusing film and the said boundary element, have the isolated component of the wall that is defined as the chamber that holds said focusing fluid when said concentrating element comprises.In optional embodiment, said deformation element itself comprises the said wall that is independent of said boundary element and said 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 out of shape in this embodiment ,/power that isolated component 5 applies is to focus on the represented in-plane of film 3a and on the central direction of fluid chamber, be applied in fully being parallel to.According to the material behavior that is used for said deformation element, this pressure cannot be attended by any variation on said fluid chamber height, and said deformation element can increase its thickness simply along radius.Alternatively; Extending internally along radius of said deformation element can be attended by said deformation element height or thickness upcountry reduces; Shown in figure 35; Effectively will focus on film 3a and boundary element 1 and press to each other and help to form said focusing meniscus, be not only said deformation element inside along radius move and force the more right cylinder of minor diameter of said focusing fluid filled, and the gathering of said 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 said 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 said 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 embodiment, said distortion or driving element can apply pressure on the internal flow shown in Figure 29-35.Certainly, the two can be changed said diameter and said height simultaneously, and can be used to produce big relatively semilune like this, and/or reduces the formation required time of this semilune.

Alternatively, said 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 put down, and at deformation element described in Figure 42 through 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 through said deformation element, its excircle that requires one or the 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 said deformation element changes it big or small, it will cause different effects.For example; Through with reference to 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 said 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 said focus module, to generate concavees lens also be same possible.For example; Said pressure rings and deformation element can be positioned under the said focusing film, between that film and said isolated component, and the activation of said deformation element can increase rather than reduce said fluid chamber around its circumference or the height of periphery.If said deformation element also uses as said isolated component, will reach same effect so.Said pressure elements not necessarily will exist, and its said in this case deformation element will act directly on the said focusing film.

Can be with reference to about preparing and fill the instance of another concavees lens of ad hoc approach of said 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 said glass plate isolated component combination, can be for example through utilizing known technology that the thickness that said PDMS is coated onto expectation is rotatably prepared said 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 said vacuum so that with the said fluid chamber of said focusing fluid inspiration.If before said fluid chamber is filled fully, stop this filling process, the original shapes of said focusing film will be recessed.According to the degree of selected depression be the selected parameter of residual capacity of said focus module; Said final module can only work through the sinking degree that changes said concentrating element; Perhaps can make said 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, said deformation element, and between these two states, have continuous transition, preferably linearly in response to the length of control signal if having and activate and state of activation not.The state of said 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 said deformation element when control signal is employed; Can be with this system configuration for one of them so that said to make invalid be to use maximum power time the said concentrating element, or when using the power of minimum.

Therefore, can Figure 32 and 34 be called expression and make disarmed state, when disposing this system and not using control signal with box lunch, the minimum power of said deformation element transmission is given said focusing fluid.And Figure 33 and 35 can represent state of activation, and wherein control signal just is being used to the said 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 said control signal just is being employed, and Figure 33 and 35 expressions its state when said control signal is zero or minimum intensity.More clearly, said deformation element can be when power remove, to be released (as in Figure 32 and 34) or when power remove, to be elongated or by expansion (as in Figure 33 and 35), otherwise and right.The state that this expectation " static " state that is converted into said focus module substantially should be in.When said focusing film when being smooth, said focusing is set to infinity, and when it be recessed; Said 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.Whether this state that therefore disposes said system can hope that " normally " or " static " state is focused at infinity according to the user, or nearer.

Comprise and focusing under fluid and the situation that focuses on film that it also is to be applicable to that at said concentrating element be the 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 said focusing provides the function of said focusing film, and the elastomeric inside surface of said focusing provides the function of said focusing fluid.

Said deformation element and correlation combiner of the present invention also can be used to control conventional moving, and are not only fluid, lens.Further maybe be with said 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 are further described in the appendix of compiling simultaneously with this exposure with related notion.

Said 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.Said 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.

Like a special and nonrestrictive instance; The present invention can be applied to and be used for forming images, catch, decoding and use in the apparatus and method of the information of being 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.Said apparatus and method comprise uses one or more focus module and data reader; For example be used to accomplish and resemble the form images hand-held bar code reader of this task of bar code and other optical readable informations; Comprise image of interest is focused on, and the human factor of the shake that brings through the user who for example eliminates by manual operation reader of the present invention improves picture quality.

Said equipment that has been described and the said 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 stressing 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 said light beam with sound frequency, and in it should imputedly be claimed, uses such explanation here.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 characteristic with electromotive force substantially; But be used for controlling the electric signal of said 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 through application; Control said focus module; And especially said deformation element (when by through said conductor element effect), this electric signal is through 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 characteristic 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; It 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 be carried out to picture.Figure 53 is the figure that the reader 900 of characteristic 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 by the image of reader 900 acquisitions.Figure 54 is the figure of control circuit that representes 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, like 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 the source that comprises for the one or more light sources that illuminate the object that its image will be obtained substantially, the lamp or the LED of illumination for example is provided, for example redness or green illumination with conventional wavelength.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.Through suitable image optics device this slit is imaged on the object 914 subsequently.Alternatively, aiming source (LED) 906 with light source 904 different wavelengths work (for example, said light source can be the redness that is used for throwing light on, and said aiming source can be the green that is used for said aiming symbol) so that distinguish easily mutually.What the operator of reader 900 used that aiming source 906 confirms 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 can in Figure 53, see, it is on the object plane 916 of q1 that the target 914 that will be formed images is held in place from reader 900 distances.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 reader 900 bigger terrium quid body plane 916` apart from q2.Plane 916,916` are preferably come from, and light or aiming light or their combination of light source 914 illuminate.As can in Figure 53, see; Aiming source 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 said reflection object comes out; Light in said object generation) caught with lens 920 by said reader; It comprises fluid lens and the one or more fixed lenss of possibility in certain embodiments, and is transferred to imager 922 through said 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, said 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 through 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 through the cable 907 that comprises conductor.Sequential and the operation of imager controller 934 with control imager 922 are provided; For example but through the clock signal that is provided for operating said 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 through 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 through 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; Any one of illumination control 931, aiming control 932, imager controller 934, A/D 936 and DMA 948 perhaps 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; Any or whole following equipment can be provided: 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 other information that the indicator 960 of LED for example is used for indicating status or gives 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, through using in the middle of power supply supply 970, battery 972 and the charger 974 one or mostly electric power is provided 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 inserted through 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 through 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 point 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 sends light beam there and all focus on the same section with the said bar code pattern that is scanned.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 also expects.

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

Focal length for the special geometric position can be confirmed through this equation:

1/f＝1/p+1/q

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

Consider to be positioned at from said 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 said lens apart from q1 object is carried out to picture, we can be positioned at from said lens apart from q2 object is carried out to picture, 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 the for example problem of the field domain degree of depth when the special focal length of said lens is provided with.As an example, q1 can be short-range, and for example 4 inches (near 10cm) is so that we can be carried out to picture to the target object (for example high-density bar code) with more details through being present in the conversion of all details or the decoding on the object.On the other hand; Q2 can be longer distance; For example 12 inches (near 30cm) or more, thus reader can be carried out to picture to the object that less dense (for example, the lower pixel resolution of every element length on said target object or zone) is arranged in longer distance.Accordingly; Can the reader of the present invention that comprise special imaging sensor be configured to carry out extremely high density/short distance or one of low-density/length distance (or as far as these two ultimate values variable intermediate state) arbitrarily extremely; Through the focus controlling of simple favourable said 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 said 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 said lens and measures the size at CCD or the above blur circle of cmos imager, the pixel quantity that promptly said blur circle is filled.At said blur circle focal length hour is that optimum focusing and lens are maintained at that position.If some thing in the visual field changes, it is farther from said lens that for example said object becomes, and so said microprocessor will detect the variation and the size of said blur circle, and control automatic focus program.

The said object that is used to measure said 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 point 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 accomplishing optimum focusing comprises said image transformation for example uses Fourier transform to frequency domain, and regulates the focal length of said fluid lens subsequently so that the HFS result of converted image is minimized.Can use the wavelet transformation of said image with similar form.Frequency transformation or wavelet technique all are for accomplish the simple technique of optimum focusing through 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 the optical alignment that is used for giving prominence to the aiming pattern 4027 on object T.If confirming 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 on imageing sensor 4032, receiving and focusing on the image of object T with image optics combination 1034.

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 be sent local frame of ordering output image data or the imageing sensor that can be disposed by the pixel with independent addressing, realizes local frame clock output mode easily.Utilize the CMOS manufacturing technology; Easily the shop drawings image-position sensor is so that can be by optionally output 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.Through 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 all is a programmable control unit with ASIC 4044; 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 all is connected to common bus 4048 with ASIC 4044, can receive and router data and service data any circuit that also is connected to wherein through this bus two-wayly, comprises address date.Yet each other different of processor 4042 and ASIC 4044 are how they are made with them how to be used.Processing module is configured to extract by the coded identification information encoded; Some of its use processor 4042 and ASIC 4044 capacity or whole; 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 converts the necessary decoding task with the coded identification information encoded into.

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 is stored in the routine data 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.

The formed images speed of combination 4030 outputs of type, the view data of imageing sensor that real work between processor 4042 and the ASIC 4044 division of labor will depend on type, the use of the obtainable microprocessor that can be purchased off the shelf naturally, 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.General processor 4042 is enough fast and does all functions of having the ability to carry out the present invention's expection if this is, application specific processor 4044 can fully be removed so.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 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; Processing 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 gets into storer 4046 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, the universal serial bus of the RS-232 through comprising I/O interface 4037, for example Ethernet or other networks based on the packet communication technology, for example USB and/or wireless communication link (or other) send data to the outside processors of reader 4010 and receive data from reader 4010 outside processors.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 the for example LCD of display 4082.Output control, demonstration and I/O function also can be by sharing between processor 4042 and 4044; Like what advise; Perhaps can be repeated through bus driver I/O and output/display device 4037` and 4038; Like what advise, through microprocessor serial i/O mouth 4042A and 4042B and I/O and display device 4037`` and 4038`.As previous explanation, this special work division is unimportant for purposes of the invention.

Figure 56 is the process flow diagram 1100 that expression is used for operating the processing of the system with the adjustable focus system that comprises feedback, for example has the system like the parts described in Figure 53.This is handled from step 1110 beginning, wherein produces the order of catching image, for example sends the seizure image command through user's squeezing trigger or through automatic system in response to special circumstances, and the object of for example being responded to enters into image space.In case capture image in step 1110, image focusing is assessed, and indicates like step 1120.Focusing evaluation can comprise and picture quality and particular criteria or situation compared the for example acutance of the sensation of the characteristic 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 with handheld reader seizure image and with at least 2 bit resolutions or at least 4 these images of discrete value digitizing);

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 windowed frame, the image of being sampled so is exactly the image that is captured);

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

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

5, confirm 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 said 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 in the scope of whole gray level value, to have the average relatively incidence of gray-scale 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 said focusing evaluation compared, for example the specific quantity sharpness on the specific quantity pixel (or contrast variation).What the image that is digitized as higher digital resolution (for example, use by bigger data bit definition scope) can be supported to accept to focus on judges more accurately.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 the said focusing of adjustment, 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 like step 1160, can turn back to step 1 then and repeat this handling procedure once more by another image of command system acquisition.

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 of catching image in step 4210, for example pass through user's squeezing trigger, or automatically issue the picture catching order in specified conditions, for example sense object and get into position in order to imaging through 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, the information that inspection is given for change from the image of catching again is to determine whether to obtain effective decoding of bar code.If decoding is effectively, show in information and the data by decoded graphical representation of step 4260 pair report, and program stops, indicating like step 4270.Can provide be used for repeating this program with post command, when perhaps being that need or favourable.

If confirmed not reach good decoding in step 4225; Program proceeds to step 4230; The said 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, the information that inspection is given for change from the image of catching again 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 like step 4270.

If confirmed not reach good decoding in step 4240; Program proceeds to step 4245; The said 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, the information that inspection is given for change from the image of catching again is to determine whether to obtain effective decoding of bar code.If decoding is effectively, show in information and the data by decoded graphical representation of step 4260 pair report, and program stops, indicating like 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 through management and control equipment, it can be operated according to computer program in certain embodiments.If said alternatively trigger is released, said 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, and its mid-focal length is with predetermined distance or predetermined percentage 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 said 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 said lens operate in definite distance fully.In the laboratory, can accurate distance be set for experiment, but in practical application, 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 said focus module of for example lens 920 with correction of spherical, color or the error of high state more.In certain embodiments, the structured material that can select said supplementary lens is so that optics imperfection or the error that compensation is introduced by said fluid lens.

Figure 60 and 61 is the figure that use the handheld reader of characteristic of the present invention.Figure 60 representes 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, and the keyboard that for example uses to the user, it also can be used as trigger 4534 to allow the user one or more buttons of trigger pip is provided.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 the prompting on the display 4512, or uses any icon or graphical symbol input information or order, simulating keyboard or keyboard, or respond through 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.The image of the attention object that image engine 4514 obtains to read with handheld reader 4500.Said 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 use, 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 various embodiment.Can be from Skaneateles Falls, an instance 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 use the Micron imageing sensor to realize said cmos image array, 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 representes 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 like 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 said 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 the user's finger handled easily.Handheld reader 4550 comprises that also cable or electric wire 4570 are used for communicating through 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 instance 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 that comprises the 1D image sensor array 5600; 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 configuring fixed position, and it can be that the support of fixing also can be can be by the support of reorientation.The instance of this application is in commerce is arranged, for example in the point of sale, in the inlet of the 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 said 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 said decoding schema and image acquisition mode are at user option.For example; Can dispose said reader for comprising graphic user interface (GUI); For example on touch dish or keyboard, it all is the input and output device of describing as in Figure 60 and 61 that the user can be selected between said decoding schema and said image acquisition mode.In one embodiment, the icon that is presented at through click on the display of the display 4512 of Figure 60 is for example selected said decoding schema, thereby is decoding schema with said reader default configuration.Alternatively, can be through 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 said reader to operate in said decoding schema.At said 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 said image and output decoder output information.Can said decoding output information be exported to for example one or more storeies, display 4512 or give remote equipment, for example through wireless communication or through wire communication.

In one embodiment, select said " image acquisition mode " through 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 said 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 said image acquisition mode, handheld reader 4500 and 4550 to avoid the image of attempting decoding and catching.Be appreciated that and be used for the decoded image processing in response to receiving the trigger pip seizure; Handheld reader 4500 and 4550 can be caught a plurality of " test " frame; Create imaging parameters (for example make public, 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.Likewise; 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 said " image acquisition mode "; The image of catching can be used for analysis subsequently by file; Comprise can exist with said 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 when shipment in vendor to be on the safe side.Other instances 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 through 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 the 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 instance of the software of operation is a program 4632 on computing machine 4610; It provides fast browsing said image on the display 4614 of computing machine 4610; As " referring to " the said 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 said fluid lens and to observe wherein said fluid lens is for example when said fluid lens control signal changes; As diagrammatic representation, or as one or more graphical representations of reading by said reader.In Figure 62; A plurality of test targets 1620,1622,1624 have also been shown; 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 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 on webpage http//www.sinepatterns.com/i_Stdrds.htm, indicating.

The instance of in Figure 62, describing 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 along the discrete ground of 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 said 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 form images.Through being controlled at the action of the said fluid lens in the handheld reader 4550; Operation through writing down the said fluid lens of observed control signal (for example voltage or important electromotive force) demarcation is possible; 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 said target are necessary in each location or images of positions.

Figure 63 is used for the process flow diagram 1700 of calibration procedure of device of calibration application characteristic of the present invention.In Figure 63, said calibration is initialised, and like what show in step 1705, through 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, said target will be substantially with respect to the said handheld reader that comprises fluid lens set a distance and direction really.In step 1715, regulate said fluid lens control signal (it is voltage in certain embodiments) so that be the acceptable and preferably best focused condition of said target acquisition.In step 1720; For further use; With the distance of said target and direction and the said fluid lens control signal parameter (temporal aspect of the size of voltage and symbol, said 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 said target localization at the new position and the treatment step of direction times without number; Control is applied to the said fluid lens control signal of said fluid lens to obtain satisfied and preferably best focusing; And in storer, note information and said fluid lens control signal parameter, so that provide a cover more to accomplish 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 can be used to write down the storer of observed said calibration parameter limits.In the instance that Figure 62 appears, will comprise that according to the calibration of the process flow diagram of Figure 63 execution is as by to step 1710, the 1715 and 1720 described calibration steps of said target at three diverse locations.When through using said calibration information as being used to operate in initial setting up as under the described closed loop mode with reference to 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 said 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.As being seen in 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 move differently; 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 said first fluid lens and said second fluid lens with the relation between the said 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 said first lens and said 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 said first and second fluid lens; We can provide the fluid lens control signal that equals V1 to said first and the and fluid lens, and the differential signal that equals the symbol difference of V2-V1 is given said second fluid lens.Alternatively, we can use two power supplys, and they provide signal V1 and V2 to said first and second fluid lens separately.Change when being used for operating the needed optical magnification of said fluid lens, said 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 through measuring right optical parameter and the associated fluid lens control signal of discrete number; And to said data fitting curve; Perhaps, likewise can prepare out the appropriate calibration curve easily in the consecutive point interpolation.In some instances, each fluid lens module only has single calibration point to be obtained.Be better than for the different fluid lens and create curve, we can measure same fluid lens in different temperature.Under all temps, can confirm suitable operating point subsequently.Can be through extrapolation or the interior point of inserting, confirming other through suitable curve fitting relation or with equational form through the expression of the operation of deriving.

Figure 65 is the figure of the embodiment of the expression power supply 1900 that is suitable for using 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 said 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.Direct current with comprising 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 said switch) can improve said power source voltage to direct converter.Can induction end 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 said switch causes.Can control the first state output voltage of said 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 through voltage divider 1975 through oxide-semiconductor control transistors 1972.The adjusting of the voltage signal of controller 1984 to allow to be applied to said fluid lens is provided, thereby and the control of the focal length or the focussing plane of convection cell lens 1910 is provided.Can use the optional power supply that unipolarity output can be provided.Through 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 through 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 processed, and in the

electric contact piece

2114,2116 also occurs, and another contact chip can insulate with metal master 2112.In another embodiment, main body 2112 is processed 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 said fluid lens here.Said fluid lens main body 2112 is supported on suitable place by screw thread limit collar 2122, and it matees with the internal threaded surface 2130 of support member 2120 spirally.Support member 2120 is processed with limit collar 2122 usefulness insulating material.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 said fluid lens is supported, can not bear too much pressure or can be chaotic by the structure that resilient ring 2140 holds.In certain embodiments, single resilient ring 2140 or 2142 is provided at a side of said fluid lens main body 2120.In certain embodiments, a resilient ring 2140 is provided at a side of said fluid lens main body 2120, and another resilient ring 2142 is provided at the opposite side of said fluid lens main body.Electric contact piece with contact chip 2114 and 2116 is provided by line 2114` and 2116`, and their contacts contact chip and its separately withdraws from said support member.These lines and resilient material 2122 and 2140 closely electrically contact.As required, line 2114` and 2116` can insulate.Figure 69 representes 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 said electrically conductive elastic packing ring or encircles 2140 and with the characteristics 2134 that are defined in the support member 2120 support member 2120 is withdrawed from.In certain embodiments, line 2116` contacts the said electric contact piece of said fluid lens main body, and said 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 can be constructed by the material of any appropriate with screw thread limit collar 2122, 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 in picture catching is used, descends and the image that blurs.In some instances, to such an extent as to moving, hand shake or hand can cause the enough serious image that hinders 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 type optical system is widely used in hand-held video recording camera to proofread and correct the influence of said 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 narrated the operation of the described said variable angle triangular prism of `903 patent in below 11 sections.

It is a kind of phenomenon that camera rocks, and when the user takes pictures through in his or her hand, gripping the video camera execution, 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.

Below through description being comprised the structure example of the normal image sensing device of the VAP that is used for camera rolling NMO correction with reference to Figure 29.

In Figure 70, VAP2204 is through connecting two glass plate 2204a and 2204b and by the space encapsulating optical transparent fluid 2204d of these two glass plate 2204a and 2204b and spring element 2204c encirclement via the spring element 2204c of bellows shape.Be provided at

bar

2204e and 2204f on glass plate 2204a and the 2204b be connected respectively to be used for horizontal drive drive unit 2203 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 said 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 anglec of rotation to be detected.

Vertical angle speed pickup 2206 detects because camera rocks and so on the angular velocity that causes said 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 said 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 anglec of rotation to be detected.

Image sensing optical system 2210 forms and will be imaged at the subject image 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 through the signal processing circuit (not shown).

In having the said normal image sensing device of above-mentioned layout, because that camera rocks the level and the vertical angle speed that cause is to be detected.On said angular velocity basis to be detected, said drive unit moves said VAP horizontally and vertically with reflecting incident light, thereby carries out control so that the subject image that will be formed images can not move on the image sensing plane of said imageing sensor.The said 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.Said fluid lens is included in the transparent window 2302,2304 on its two opposite sides.In Figure 71; On the surface of for example window, arrange a conductive fluid 2360 (for example water), it possibly 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 said conductive fluid and another kind of and said conductive fluid.The ring that is made of metal 2310 that is covered by thin dielectric layer 2312 is near said 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.Said voltage difference changes the contact angle of said fluid drop.Said 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; Possibly be dissolved with salt therein); Wherein fluid at the interface 2340 contact with each other voltage variation cause the curved transition at the interface 2340 of fluid and fluid, it causes said focal length or successively as changing 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 when 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 said fluid lens or its focal length can change through on ring 2310 and 2320, using appropriate signal; The curvature at this effect of signals interface 2340, but in the embodiment shown in Figure 71, not have method easily so that said optical axis in a predefined manner or to expect the turning axle of the said 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 said fluid interface departs from adjustment outgoing optical angle or with respect to the direction of said fluid lens.An application of this adjustment of said 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) with (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 with the mode as the prior art fluid lens in Figure 71 in fact.Yet; In order to use said 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 through this tilt voltage that superposes and are applied on each of said 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 confirms 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 through 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 said 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 said hand shake or hand move but be full of.In other embodiments, other application are expected.As an example, we said lens can be set focal length for very little value (for example operating said lens) and utilize the adjustment of said optical axis that the visual field is tilted so that will in the visual field, interested some characteristic take to more near the center, visual field as having wide visual field " flake " lens with the dark visual field.In fish-eye lens, has minimized optical distortion at characteristic edge with respect to the visual field when being 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 said imageing sensor will move.Said processor can extract the amplitude and the direction of the movement of objects of not hoping to move.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 commercial obtainable 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.Said 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, can two beckets 2410 and 2420 of Figure 73 be divided into and surpass four symmetrical arc to form the fluid lens that more smoothly tilts.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 said 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, is 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 said 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 like routine.In certain embodiments; If there is not other reasons, to install for ease and assemble, 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 digital 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 said 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 confirmed in advance through mathematical formulae or look-up table.Through 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 said material should be high, so that on ring 2610, do not have tangible electric current, 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 said ring through 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 the thin layer of wanting to place high resistivity on the surfaces coated adjacent subsequently at this with fluid; For example carbon or tantalum, it uses as the sheet resistance device usually.In any case because there is insulation course to be arranged between said conductor and the said fluid, this insulation course can additionally provide mechanical protection for said 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 shown in Figure 74.The advantage of this embodiment is an easy mounting module 2730.Do not need horizontal or vertical correction.This module will automatically be adjusted said 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 the cross-sectional images that have the fluid lens on convexity, plane, recessed interface surface like each observation around each lens.

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 said 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 said fluid lens, is used for operating said imageing sensor and is used for controlling light source.In certain embodiments, having the DMA passage is used between said imageing sensor, said CPU and one or more storer, transmitting data.These data that are transmitted can be with form original or that be processed.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, through 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 making public, 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 near the frame of 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 said control circuit can surveillance equipment is so that the environment that can the frame in the best be observed reuses obtaining at frame and image.

In optional embodiment, using a plurality of frames is to search system near respective focal focal or that observe said fluid lens as a scope through discerning which frame.In such embodiment, can observe said 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 by record 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 confirming of attention object, can be provided with corresponding to the focal length of that frame from said fluid lens and confirm distance in this frame the information from attention object to this equipment.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 said 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 when the temperature of said fluid lens (or its environment) is observed variation, passes through operation signal for said fluid correction being provided.

Feedback system depends on reference signal (for example being provided with a little) or a plurality of signal (the 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 said expectation value of said 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 the for example refrigeration coil of the refrigerant of water) regulate actual temperature.Use feedback loop, this equipment operation is provided with a little what expect, or within desired range.Can utilize numeral and/or ASH and utilize one or more ratios, integration, differential (DIP) control that feedback is provided.

In certain embodiments, can use feedforward system, measure parameter for example actual or that be observed temperature therein and change (or pace of change).Do not weaken if the variation of not using corrective action and said parameter to be observed is allowed to continue the more time when feeling and will obtain the condition outside the acceptable operating conditions time, corrective action is taked.Can utilize numeral and/or ASH 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 the for example temperature of environment wherein and kept watch on, and with observed to parameter and the comparison of one or more predetermined value.These one or more predetermined values can be (the for example maximum tolerance temperature of fixing; Object decomposes under an atmospheric pressure above that) or these one or more predetermined values can depend on and surpass a parameter; The for example combination of pressure and temperature, the relation that for example is utilized in pressure-temperature-combinatorial phase figure is (for example, if pressure and temperature changes; Material in said fluid lens or Chemical composition that also bear phase change; So that phase boundaries is intersected, or bear the 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 that is configured the one or more limitation or the imperfection that are used for proofreading and correct said fluid lens, for example proofreaies and correct said fluid lens itself or color, sphere, fuzzy or other aberration of the said fluid lens that combines with one or more other optical elements.As an example, fluid lens can demonstrate dispersion characteristics or aberration.In one embodiment, increase the chromatic dispersion that second optical element provides the opposite in sign that demonstrates with said fluid lens, so that proofread and correct the error dispersion that said fluid lens is introduced.In one embodiment, said 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 through control material with suitable chromatic dispersion; For example in grating or in other dispersion elements, can be used to proofread and correct said fluid lens and/or the error of miscellaneous part in optical train.

In said fluid lens, possibly have said aberration can be any state substantially, as the aberration that possibly exist with said 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 through nervous system application, be used to the film of application of force to the said 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 said fluid in certain embodiments is applied directly to the power of said fluid or a plurality of fluids.These two kinds of systems can receive the influence of variation of variation and the ambient temperature or the application of temperature of for example external force, extraneous power or the application of force of gravity and other accelerating forces.

Still in another embodiment, provide truing tool, flow process or method to be used for the calibrating fluid lens.As an instance, 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 said 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, have explained like 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 each lens different operation performance.The calibration of acquiescence can be provided, for example be based on the calibration of carrying out under controlled or the predetermined condition.This acquiescence calibration data can be used for operating the said fluid lens that is obtained its calibration by record and in the time of back.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 accomplish 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, like what 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 each lens different operation performance.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 expecting.

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 said fluid lens, and its performance can change with using along with the time.For example, as noted above, the fluid lens that operates in response to electric signal can bear the galvanochemistry driving retroaction in one or more fluids.In addition, as the result who receives thermal process, fluid can change performance along with the time, and the heating and cooling that for example 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, to calibrate interested operating conditions perhaps be favourable.

Still in another embodiment, for example accelerometer of inertial equipment is provided, confirms the direction of fluid lens, its directional information is used to the said fluid lens of self-calibrating.Gravity and other accelerating forces can cause fluid in the border that free boundary or two kinds of fluids contact with each other, to move 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 imposed acceleration can be a kind of variation of the relative position of consequent said 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 said fluid.For example, the acceleration ratio flat components parallel, that tangent is applied to interface between said two kinds of fluids that vertically is applied to the planar interface between said 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 confirmed 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.The knowledge of direction through fluid lens and the external force that comprises gravity is calculated or modeling exist with said lens in said fluid will how to respond the power that operates on the said lens be possible.The description that appears when preceding text can be understood that to describe for example gravity of linear accelerating force, and execution tracking and fluid also are possible to the calculating of the response of the power with non-linear component, the power with rotation composition or time dependent power.In certain embodiments, utilize the appropriate sensor be suitable for various power, we can confirm 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, through revising the amplitude and/or the field direction of electric signal, as the function of time, the expectation distortion of said fluid interface can be cancelled if desired.In one embodiment, the solid state accelerometer sensor is provided, it operates in amplitude and direction that abundant high speed is confirmed 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 said 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 explained at preceding text, use accelerating force as an example, said fluid lens can bear various distortion powers in certain embodiments or cause that the operation of said fluid lens regresses, it is the power that is supposed in operation.In other instances, said 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 instances; 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, said optical element can be at frequency domain by modeling as transition function, wherein provide known be employed input signal I (s) and measure be observed output signal O (s).The transition function Hobs (s) that is observed=O (s)/I (s) is determined.Can the Hobs (s) and the transition function H (s) of expectation be compared subsequently; To confirm correction factor or to concern C (s); It should be applied to this system and as expectation, carry out C (s) Hobs (s)=H (s), or C (s) here=H (s)/Hobs (s) to cause it under test.In case confirmed correction factor or concerned C (s), it can be used to the drive fluid lens so that reduce imperfection or a plurality of imperfection that is observed at (or alternative in its equivalence of time domain).Circuit detection, analysis and calculating and that can be used to use corrective action that transition function notion, discrete time mathematical routine, digital filter and filtering method and can handling needs (comprise hardware with or software) is 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 accomplish these characteristics; 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,, reorientate for two and can accomplish level and vertical direction single re-orientation simultaneously an angle with optical axis for fluid lens.Use the such re-orientation of spherical geometry coordinate easy for calculation, but also can use the arbitrary coordinate system, comprise with three-dimensional coordinate being mapped to two-dimensional coordinate that kind of for example on X-ray crystallography, doing routinely as an example.A method of accomplishing all automatic focusings, translation, inclination and convergent-divergent is in individual equipment, to use a plurality of parts.Automatically focusing and zoom are described at preceding text.The electrode pair that contains more than first first electrode or at least one second electrode through 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 said fluid lens between applied voltage when measured; Cause the surface configuration at the interface between two kinds of fluids in said fluid lens that asymmetric measurement is changed; Can accomplish translation and inclination; Or more generally, optical axis is to not being the 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 in order to accomplish asymmetric providing.Have the said fluid of asymmetric voltage field in the said fluid lens through applying; Said fluid will react that to regulate the voltage gradient that strides across said interface balanced to as far as possible with a mode; Thereby cause said 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 for starting the example that fluid lens is useful power supply briefly now.In one embodiment, the suitable power source that is used for driving said 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 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; When using the biasing of increase+V1/2 volt; Cause this scope from 0 volt (=+ V1/2 volt biasing+[V1/2 volt] supply) to+V1 volt (=+ supply of V1/2 volt biasing+V1/2 volt) extend, during perhaps alternatively with the biasing of increases-V1/2 volt, cause this scope from-V1 volt (=-V1/2 volt biasing+[V1/2 volt] supply) to 0 volt (=-V1/2 lie prostrate biasing+V1/2 lie prostrate supply) extension.The addition of two voltages is to accomplish through 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 through 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 said 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.These electric routing battery supply 2900 power supplies typically run in 3 to 4.5 volts scope, though can design the circuit that is equipped with power supply supply operation with other voltage battery operations with from fixing wall.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 receives 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 commercial obtainable 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 that clock signal is provided 2960.Through appropriate signals from transmitting from external source 2962, can CONTROLLER DESIGN 2940 get into power down mode, 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 said output waveform through controller 2940, waveform generator 2945 is also synchronous with said 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 it is configured to 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 in an input voltage, load and range of environmental conditions, to keep this output voltage 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 the for example load of fluid lens 2995.

Giving the output of said fluid lens is voltage signal, and it is to be used to the ripple from the waveform signal moulding of said waveform generator by bridge driver.Term " bridge driving " should be understood as follows.Said load is connected between two amplifier outputs (for example, its between two output terminals " bridging ").Such layout can make in said 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 pointed out; Our also can add up output of the circuit described with the reference signal of suitable amplitude and polarity; So that the said voltage swing that is born by said load is unipolar, but the negative or positive electrode voltage signal becomes twice with respect to the amplitude on ground.The said voltage advantage of just having mentioned shown in this instance, 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 with 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 said fluid lens to said 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 said reference voltage, or negative pole starting voltage (can be very important characteristic 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 through fluid lens 3020.This is radiative disperses by with said fluid lens correction.In Figure 84, this radiative dispersing is revised because the optical magnification of said fluid lens.Shown in instance in launch said 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 said fluid lens, said 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 said fluid lens has been reduced near zero dispersing of light by the LED emission.Relatively indicating such system and can being used to control the 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 said optical system that comprises said 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 said imager of observation; In order to confirm 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 said 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, said 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 B 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, said 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 said fluid lens 3130 is changed.In Figure 88, said 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 B 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 through configuration correctly 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 the different bar code of various distance imagings from this barcode scanner.At the barcode scanner of nowadays making, the aperture through 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 possibly become.

If the distance of the scope of said object or said object is known, can the Measuring Object distance.Can use fluid lens system realization scope to search system.In one embodiment, when being confirmed by any a plurality of metric systems, said fluid lens will be focused at a plurality of focal positions and position with optimum focusing and will be associated with that fluid lens position.Cause said fluid lens to have the said fluid lens driving voltage of optimum focusing image and use look-up table through knowing, can confirm the correlation distance of system of distance for that special fluid lens operation voltage.Through knowing said scope, enlargement ratio can be calculated and therefore be known or can be derived in the pixel object associated width 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 disadvantageous is that the light of this system is that (that is to say that light still less is through this system) and this expanded function (the smallest elements size that also can be differentiated is proportional) that reduces also reduces through amount.In certain embodiments; Expectation is configured to begin just to have this optical system with bar code system and is provided with optimal light through amount; And if not good the reading of realization; Can reduce this part dimension in the depth of field in the work of any bar code pattern in the said 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 said fluid of colorant, thereby formation is clear in that spectral range to said 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 embodiment, said oil will can not lean against window in the bottom, but will produce the thickness of said water, and it is in essence consistently as the function that strides across a part of radius of this window.The voltage that this thickness will be applied in through change and being changed.Thereby the Control of Voltage thickness of this light absorbing water will be confirmed the quantity through the light of said fluid filter.If this colorant has optical absorption characteristics at special wavelength, the amplitude of the said light through said fluid filter will be changed through changing this applied voltage in these wavelength so.

Surpass a lens element configuration as fluid lens through 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 by configuration best.Through increasing by second fluid lens, the combination of said first fluid lens and said second fluid lens can be optimised to minimize total systematic error.For the difference setting of said first lens, can make in the corresponding change of being provided with of said 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 should 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 with as one man be employed by record value.In expectation or favourable place, through using linearity or more inserting the advantage that can improve said form resolution with extrapolation in the high-order.

No. the 4th, 514,048, the US patent of utilizing mechanical force to operate to control other prior art fluid lens system of shape and the performance of fluid lens 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).Like 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; Commercial obtainable storage medium and corresponding read/write device possibly be fit to use, if special it several arbitrarily in the more low cost of bigger memory capacity, higher storage speed, littler size and every canned data are provided.Known old machinable medium also is operable under situation about confirming; For example punched tape or card, with on or the light or the magnetic of magnetic recording on the line, printed character (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, for the special excitation of the input end that is used in black box, produce special response at output terminal; Any execution that " black box " presents said transition function, this transition function comprises the combination in any of hardware, software, firmware, and here the execution of the part of said 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.Said 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 said deformable films although only there is a said fluid can be used to transmit force, for the focal length and/or the direction of the optical axis that optionally changes said 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 said deformable member or said fluid will produce abundant proportional response on another, wherein " fully proportional " meaned simply, and said fluid and said 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 and increases 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, but because this balloon is not the part of closed system with external atmosphere pressure, so this variation will be accidental with nonselective in the change of external air pressure.Air in syringe and in balloon is said 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 said 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 said deformable member can contact with the encapsulation volume fluid, but only a side will with workflow muscle power transmission, 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 said optical axis, for example prevent the pollutant of said film surface, or as filtrator or as additional optics.Perhaps said closed volume comprises fluid volume and gas headspace, directly contacts said film rather than said fluid with said gas, and possible itself and said fluid are isolated through another film.To this reason, in order to comprise those configurations that said deformable films does not directly contact said optical fluid, this side of the strong transmission of said film member and sealing fluid volume can also relate to as the side towards said fluid.

The present invention also can relate to " light path " aspect confirming 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); And if light can obtain fully, will be received in the image that certain outside object of this imaging system is represented at the said imager of any given time.When light path along any bar light of propagating from exterior object, through optical system, when arriving said imageing sensor, can limit this light path extensively.Yet this light path is not need boundary ground to comprise the light that all arrive said imageing sensor; But comprise a part wherein, up to and be included in any single ray of propagating between the induction region of said exterior object and said imageing sensor all along said path.

Like preceding stated, variable lens can be included in the deformable interface between two kinds of fluids with dissimilar optical coefficient.The shape at said 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 through the light at said 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; Through changing Crumple element, its work is as at least one face or the surface of the said lens in plane, convexity and depression profile substantially.

Said 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; Said 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 said boundary element and the said deformable focusing film, will form said concentrating element together at focusing fluid described in its configuration and said focusing film.When using film; Suitable material will comprise dimethyl silicone polymer; Or PDMS, complete

184 silicone elastomers that for example can obtain from the Dow Corning company at Michigan, USA middle part.Can select the thickness of said film based on the size factor that for example said 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 said lens module is about when when said optical axis is seen, the key dimension in said lens module (being not only lens element) cross section.For example; When said lens module is the right cylinder of representing like 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 said 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, said 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 from and other material compatibility, the stability under using, will be used in the performance that patience and similar factor under the desired temperature 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, and the Arch Technology Holding company limited of Charles obtains the optical fluid SL-5267 based on

polyphenylene oxide.Also can make water, for example deionized water.

When because refraction loss, expectation makes the minimization of loss of light through said focus module transmission, and said boundary element should have similar refractive index with the material of concentrating element selection.For example, when said focus module comprises the glass boundary element, focuses on fluid and focuses on film, we should consider different, said focusing fluid and said focusing film refractive index different of said focusing fluid and said boundary element refractive index.Refractive index is more different, will lose more light during to another kind of material (for example immersing oil) through 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.Said 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 possibly have advantage.

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

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

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

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

Provide control system to control said 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 said power element that is used.For example, when said power element is made up of the electric actuation condensate, in order to control the distortion of said electric actuation condensate group, said control system can be an electric control system, and it will control this electric actuation condensate through rank or the quantity that controls this curtage.When said power element is sound coil, the electric control system that can use, the intensity and/or the direction in the magnetic field that the rank of this curtage of usefulness or quantity and/or Polarity Control produce in said sound coil.Said power element be water or gas in, said 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.

Said 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.Through selecting which circuit of excitation and use how many control signals, said control system not only can be controlled at nonreentrant surface and the formation and the size on recessed surface on the said deformable member, and can control these surperficial inclinations.In this article; Tilt to be meant possibly mixing of deflection and skew; It can be used to dispose the shape of said deformable member; Not with perpendicular to the axisymmetric surface configuration on the surface of said deformable member that to have wherein this is to be smooth and to pass the axle at its center when the surface of said 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, the optical system that is driven by the polymer-driven device and comprises the equipment of 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, like what will here further be explained.

But said 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, through being out of shape in response to the power that is employed.Said distortion can be or can not be flexible, turn back to its original configuration in a sense, if remove or stop the said power that is employed.Yet, can be expected in most the application and will expect that said 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 the said interface at corrected lens.Term " polymer-driven device " is used in and is meant one type of 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 instance 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); No. the 10/154th, 449, US patented claim, 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 method of application 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 " equipment and method that application of elastic sheet 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, " based on the prototype optical fiber drive unit of insulating elastomer " of J. (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 said deformable films also is optically transparent in fact.Said film comprises first and second surfaces, at least one of them towards or can directly contact said working fluid.

Put down at film described in Figure 89, and demonstrate convex shape at film described in Figure 90.This convex shape can be to result to apply positive pressure from said working fluid, and this pressure possibly be to result from the reducing of said fluid chamber volume, perhaps owing to introduce additive fluid to said fluid chamber.Yet, shown in Figure 91 and 92, it also can through on the direction of said fluid, be used in and carry the power that applies on the said side surface of thin film on opposite with said working fluid at a distance and push the part of said film or said 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.Said 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 said 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 said 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 said Crumple element returns to its driving of Figure 91 fully.The elaboration has here supposed that said Crumple element puts down by default; And the driving of said power element causes it curved surface to occur; But should notice easily, the structure of the driving and generating Figure 91 through said power element, Figure 92 can reappear described default conditions.

Notice that like the front two surfaces of said Crumple element can all be put down 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 said Crumple element can be faced or contact is relative with for example surrounding air.

Said power element imports power into and is out of shape in order to make said Crumple element, and therefore changes the direction of focal length and/or optical axis.Said power element of the present invention can be arranged to symmetrically and circumferentially around the central shaft of said Crumple element.In this article, symmetry is not to confirm through the object space of said power element or location, but how to be applied in about said Crumple element through said 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 said Crumple element; Represent like the moulding inner ring surface in Figure 93, maybe can apply regular discontinuous power on the space, advised like Figure 94-96 around circumference.Among each figure in Figure 93-96, the surface of the said deformable films of 5030 expressions, and 5032 expressions of typing zone are through applying power zone above that around the said power element of the circumference of that film (not shown).

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

Alternatively, said lens can be discrete components, rather than the combination of working fluid and Crumple element.In this embodiment, said 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 above that.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 said 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 by the power that under said Crumple element level, applies to drop-down.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.Through " 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 representes an embodiment, and wherein relative narrower, washer-shaped pressure elements 5046 extend around the outer wall of said Crumple element, and Figure 100 representes 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), convexity and (4c) of depression.In this structure, when piston 5102 when being supplied to motor and beginning with the electric flux (not shown) that drives this piston to move, produced initial mechanical force.The mechanical energy of this mobile piston is transferred to the said fluid that is in direct contact with it subsequently, and the power that is transferred to said fluid from said piston spreads all over said piston head immediately.Said power is propagated through said fluid successively, arrives deformable films up to it.Therefore, in this type system, cause the propagation of the mechanical force of said deformation of thin membrane through three fluid masses: the first area near the place that said mechanical force has just produced, is expressed as F in this instance ₁Second area is transmitted the said fluid of process and is arrived said film from said piston through its said power, in this instance, is expressed as F ₂And the 3rd zone, said fluid touches the place of said deformable films, is expressed as F ₃

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

Another configuration, said 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 said film.Be presented among Figure 102 at an instance, it is identical with Figure 101, and except additional containment member 5110, it merges 2 the tunnel, the self-sealing valve (not shown), and said fluid volume is divided into main fluid container 5112 and secondaiy fluidic container 5114.The mobile motion that causes the fluid between said main and less important container of piston 5102, and said fluid is added to said main container or from said main container is drawn into said 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 through 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 said deformable films is out of shape.The power that said 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 said deformable films; Subsequently when it from said interface through 5124 transmission of main container or propagate into said film, said power longitudinally is transferred to said deformable films.

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

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

Power can be horizontal to deformable films by the path of the absorption point of said deformable films absorption to it from the starting point of said power element from it, can be to deformable films longitudinally, perhaps two combination.In this article; Term " laterally " and " vertically " be used to refer to a line through and perpendicular to the surface of said deformable films; When said surface be put down (or, if it does not put down, at central point or axle perpendicular to its surface); " 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 said optical axis, and " laterally " power is vertical or abundant perpendicular to said optical axis, and longitudinal force is parallel or fully be parallel to said optical axis.The illustrative example of the such power in Figure 105, circular surface 5150, center line 5152 (its said 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 said deformable films, and longitudinal force L will be parallel or fully be parallel to said center line or optical axis, and it is perpendicular to said circle and passes its center.Any power that the people who knows art technology will recognize the surface that is applied to said 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 said deformable films with pressure elements with element transmission power in said; The size of said pressure elements, shape and synthetic can being changed to realize all types of target; The chemical compatibility that comprises the surfacing of said deformable films; It contacts with said deformable films, and the contact point between said pressure elements and said deformable films obtains minimum friction factor and comes minimize wear, cost, easy processing, machining precision.Contact said deformable films not have burrs on edges at said 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; Said pressure elements contact said deformable films all surface relevant be curve, whether no matter be circular, otherwise it will be two burr edges between the plane surface; Represent like Figure 106; Demonstrate, the cross part details of pressure elements 5200, plane surface 5202, plane surface 5204 and curved section surf zone 5206 is perhaps through providing said pressure elements to have the shape of circle, ellipse, egg type or parabolic cross-sectional shape fully; Represent separately like Figure 107,108,109 and 110, or other have the shape in the cross section that is not straight line.

Said size and dimension also can be changed to influence said deformable films response speed and amplitude to change two relations between the element.For example, Figure 111 and 112 representes the use of narrow relatively and wide relatively pressure elements 5302, is shown as ring or gasket construction here.More the multilist face is regional at the said deformable films of the covering of Figure 111 because at the ratio of pressure elements described in Figure 112; And because said film is deformable; To cause the said 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 said pressure elements of Figure 112 can be moved littler distance than the said pressure elements of Figure 111 to realize same effect so.

How selecting heavy or light material to make said ring, also can to influence said lens element be the response of the input of giving determined number power being made because they than light material more more difficulty in response to the application of power.Similarly, said 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 that discuss here describe the said power element that affacts said deformable films at first with vertical side, also be possible with tangential or radial effect to said deformable films at first for said 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 said deformable films to have a nonreentrant surface is possible; And apply radially outward power in order to reduce the convexity on said surface at said deformable films subsequently, as shown in Figure 115 and 116.Figure 115 has shown the nonreentrant surface 5312 of said lens element, and it is protruding and have no power to be applied by pressure elements 5316.When by being driven, the said upper surface of pressure elements 5304 moves radially outwardly or expansion has stretched said lens element with evened up nonreentrant surface 5312 as shown in Figure 116.

Pressure elements 5316 and realize that the connection between the required said Crumple element of this method can realize in many ways.For example, pressure rings 5316 can be adhered to the surface of said deformable member, or is placed on the inside of said deformable member, has extended the diameter like the said deformable member that illustrates so that said pressure elements outwards moves along radius.Said pressure elements may be limited in the groove in the excircle of upper surface of said deformable member; Rigidity through being looped around convex portion 5312 or at least partially conductive ring or grommet-type member supports on the position; Said 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 said pressure elements.

In another embodiment; Said power element can apply at least in part reacting force and on said Crumple element, and can be used to, for example; Moving of the needed said object of given variation of minimizing generation distortion, or increase the speed that can accomplish 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.Said deformable member can be with said shell global formation or be attached thereto; For example; The surface of said deformable member can be a film; Its edge is glued, is pressed from both sides, is sealed or is attached on the said shell, as passing through described top and lower part and the said shell of sealing the margin part 5412 structures from the film 5402 between top 5416 and lower part 5418 like Figure 118.

In this configuration, arranges a such power element, the mobile of it will be pressed in downwards on the said deformable films substantially, curved arrow is advised above by Figure 117, apply roughly downward power at said deformable films as by meeting at right angles shown in the arrow.Another power element is configured so that its low edge will cause said 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 said deformable films quickly than acting force individually.This also can be done and use single power element, as shown in, with the rocking bar configuration, wherein upper arm is shifted onto downwards on the said deformable member around the said power element hinge of pivot point 5410, and underarm along radius be pulled outwardly the external margin of said deformable films.Alternatively, said power element can be provided as two or more independent action elements, and it will allow mobile bigger control.If the upper arm of the said power element for example shown in Figure 117 and underarm are independent drivable; Said lens element will have three when the given voltage that response is employed possibly 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 here other places are noted; Said power element can be the even element that extends around the circumference or the periphery of said deformable member fully; Maybe can be a plurality of independent or elements of disperseing; Figure 119 be above said lens element when said optical axis is looked down, the even schematic representation of an embodiment of element.Here 5430 is upper surfaces of said deformable films; And 5420 representative rings are around the physical location of the circular power element of the periphery of said deformable films; Shadow region 5434 expression is directly contacted said power element or from the zone on the surface of the said deformable films of said power element reception, for example through the top of said power element and the fine location of the surperficial (not shown) of said deformable films.

Figure 120 representes another embodiment, and said therein power element comprises a plurality of discrete power elements 5450 and is looped around on the circumference of spherical deformable member 5454, on the continuous circular zone 5460 of the outside surface of said deformable member, applies power.This can be done through suitably disposing the part that each dispersancy element contacts the surface of said deformable member since in each such part with the form of the arc on the circle and said 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 said deformable member and do not apply downward power; To such an extent as to when they be arc and when being pressed downwardly onto said deformable member, they do not dock mutually.Alternatively; These contact portions can be that each is relatively little; But not directly to contact said deformable member; As their contact pressure elements of describing of other places here, and said pressure elements work is converted into the power that is applied relatively continuously by circumference or periphery around said deformable member for the power of the corresponding point type that will receive from each power element.

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

Evenly the adaptation of element can impel said 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 said deformable member, partly depend on the flexibility and the hardness of said 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 said 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 said 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 said Crumple element, otherwise the use that produces the rigid relatively deformable material of said deformable films will be easy to support the use of two power elements; Even in Combination application, the power that will apply is on the discontinuous zone of said deformable films.

Said 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 through fluid, gas property ground through gas, mechanically through 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 said deformable member distortion, it is with the magnetic element of said lens element.Figure 121 representes 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; Said pressure elements is a magnetic; And sound coil can be positioned and be activated with the said coil of box lunch, and said pressure elements makes said deformable member distortion, because it is pushed to or is pulled away from the magnetic field that is produced by said sound coil.Lens element combines sound coil to have a lot of configuration parameters, for example

A, said sound coil can be fix or movably;

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

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

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

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

F, said sound coil can be touched the bottom of the shell that comprises said optical fluid, so that the mobile compression of said sound coil or extend said fluid container, thereby make said 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 said sound coil; For with sound coil to the drop-down deformable films 5506a that will cause the depression shown in Figure 125; When driving the deformable films 5506b that said sound coil upwards will cause the convexity 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 extend or compression (as by fold; Folding fan shape for example); Sound coil and magnet can be positioned when response magnetic field changes, to influence the extension or the compression of said container, through the variation of motion effects on said deformable member of said container.

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

Equational context came into question below the present invention also can get in touch, and following equation is sometimes mentioned the equation as 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 said lens;

N is the refractive index of said lens material;

R ₁Be that said lens surface is near the radius-of-curvature of said light source;

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

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

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

Near 0.If the overall lens element also can use also is the characteristic of said variable lens of the present invention.Whether said 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; Possibly have the situation that wherein said target is used for proofreading and correct or reducing to confirm the error of type; And in this; Change thickness and/or the little layout of said deformable member on the whole deformed zone territory and be fine, be different from by the present invention and activate, when keeping this changeability, produce and have a spherical structure that distributes.Consider the direction and the degree of the distortion that in use said 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 said deformable member, it can in use take place.For example; Marginal portion or the zone of supposing said deformable member be fix and have only interior zone to bear distortion; When said 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 more to approach and compare adjacent area.Use this phenomenon to expect, but can alternatively expect to make it to minimize or disappear.This can be implemented; Profile through making said deformable member simply from the edge of 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 said deformable member with box lunch it from smooth to raised or sunken the time said deformable member optical characteristics suitably to keep constant be possible.

Said deformable solid body lens element and by the said lens element of fluid and deformable member combination when the both sides that are used in said 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 (only showing sectional view) with central feature zone 5604 (being shown as the dotted line part), allows lower surface 5602b when response comes from the power of said power element and change shape.For example; Lower surface 5602b; It is shown as protruding, when response is applied to the power on the pressure elements (not shown) that contacts with upper surface 5602a periphery by said power element, can become more protruding, and it is pressed on the said 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; Lower surface is fully smooth when having no power from the input of said power element; 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 through 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 said power element of response provides.

Said deformable solid body lens element and the said lens element that is made up by fluid and deformable member can be deformable, when both sides that are used in said 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 (only showing sectional view) with central feature zone 5604 (being shown as the dotted line part), allows lower surface 5602b when response comes from the power of said power element and change shape.For example, lower surface 5602b, it is shown as protruding, when response is applied to the power on the pressure elements (not shown) that contacts with upper surface 5602a periphery by said power element, can become more protruding, and it is pressed on the said 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; Lower surface is fully smooth when having no power from the input of said power element; 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 through 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 said 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 with upper surface 5602a is similar; In response to the power element, it is to be same or additional with respect to the said power element that is used for influencing upper surface 5602a shape.Similar with the said 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 said power element of response provides.

Optional as further, can said rigid boundary element be provided 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, said lens element can comprise shell 5650 and optional boundary element 5654.Can one of shell 5650 or optional boundary element 5654 be provided with arbitrary shape, comprise top listed, in that zone of each at least corresponding to said lens element light path.

Said boundary element can be a rigidity, for example glass or plastics, or deformable, for example elastic body.When not bearing any distortion when expecting said boundary element to be applied to the result on the said concentrating element as deformation force; If the elasticity of said boundary element is such; Both when said concentrating element be during at maximum distortion; Said 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 said focus module comprises boundary element, isolated component and concentrating element; And said concentrating element comprises fluid and deformable films; Wherein said fluid is clamped between said boundary element and the said film, and the working pressure element makes said concentrating element distortion through applying pressure on the said fluid so, no matter be through on the direction of said boundary element, pushing said film; Still through reducing said fluid thickness of (for example, fastening) between said boundary element and said film through annular.If expect that said boundary element is indeformable, apply maximum pressure to said fluid the time when said pressure elements so, it should be enough to keep smooth rigidly.In other words, indeformable when the said boundary element of expectation at the focus module duration of work, only need said boundary element indeformable in this case, and do not need it be perfect rigidity can not or distortion.

As described; Can use glass as said boundary element; And multiple optical glass material is commercial obtainable; Comprise; For example, can be from the USA New York

the EAGLE2000 Display Grade glass that obtains of the Corning DisplayTechnologies of Corning and N-BK 7 glass that can obtain from the Schott North America company limited of Pennsylvania, America Duryea.Said 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 said deformable member cause in order to protect; Can expect to combine various calibration affairs or ability in the equipment that uses said 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 characteristic of the present invention.In Figure 63, through this system of initialization, said 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, said target will be substantially with respect to the said handheld reader that comprises variable lens set a distance and direction really.Regulate said variable lens control signal (it is voltage in certain embodiments) so that be the acceptable and preferably best focused condition of said target acquisition.For further use; With the distance of said target and direction and the said variable lens control signal parameter (temporal aspect of the size of voltage and symbol, said signal for example; For example duration of pulse, switching time and repetition rate) be recorded in the nonvolatile memory, for example in table.

We times without number the said target of resetting at the new position and the treatment step of direction; Control is applied to the said variable lens control signal of said variable lens to obtain satisfied and preferably best focusing; And in storer, note information and said variable lens control signal parameter, so that provide a cover more to accomplish 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 can be used to write down the storer of observed said calibration parameter limits.When through using said calibration information as being used for the initial setting up 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 between two kinds of fluids, changes the principle of interface shape and provide the control ability that said fluid interface light tilts to control said fluid interface to depart from adjustment outgoing optical angle or with respect to the direction of said variable lens.An application of this adjustment of said 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 in picture catching is used, blurs of decline in the barcode reading application.In some instances, hand shake or hand move and can cause image decline perhaps enough seriously to hinder image by processing correctly.

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 with Japanese Patent Laid No. the 6734903rd, US patent 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 said imageing sensor will move.Said 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 commercial obtainable 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.Said 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 shown in Figure 135.The advantage of this embodiment is an easy mounting module 6730.Do not need horizontal or vertical correction.This module will automatically be adjusted said 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 when the temperature of said variable lens (or its environment) is observed variation, correction being provided for said variable lens operation signal.In another embodiment, said device comprises the pressure transducer that has retroaction (or feedback) control circuit, is used for when the pressure of said external environment is observed variation, correction being provided for said variable lens operation signal.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 said variable lens is easier.

Yet in another embodiment; The system that comprises variable lens additionally comprises the non-adjustable lens element that is configured the one or more limitation or the imperfection that are used for proofreading and correct said variable lens, for example other aberration of correction of color, sphere, fuzzy or said variable lens itself or the said variable lens that is connected with one or more other optical elements.As an example, variable lens can demonstrate dispersion characteristics or aberration.In one embodiment, increase the chromatic dispersion that second optical element provides the opposite in sign that demonstrates with said variable lens, so that proofread and correct the error dispersion that said variable lens is introduced.In one embodiment, said 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 through control material with suitable chromatic dispersion; For example in grating or in other dispersion elements, can be used to proofread and correct said variable lens and/or the error of miscellaneous part in optical train.

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 accomplish these characteristics; 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,, reorientate for two and can accomplish level and vertical direction single re-orientation simultaneously an angle with optical axis for variable lens.Use the such re-orientation of spherical geometry coordinate easy for calculation, but also can use the arbitrary coordinate system, comprise with three-dimensional coordinate being mapped to two-dimensional coordinate that kind of for example on X-ray crystallography, doing routinely as an example.A method of accomplishing all automatic focusings, translation, inclination and convergent-divergent is in individual equipment, to use a plurality of parts.

Surpass a lens element and be configured to variable lens through 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 by configuration best.Through increasing by second variable lens, the combination of said first variable lens and said second variable lens can be optimised to minimize total systematic error.For the difference setting of said first lens, can make in the corresponding change of being provided with of said 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 should 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 with as one man be employed by record value.In expectation or favourable place, through using linearity or more inserting the advantage that can improve said form resolution with extrapolation in the high-order.

Lens module of the present invention can be incorporated in polytype equipment.This equipment can be that fix or portable, and comprises data acquisition equipment, for example bar code scanning or portable data terminals; Portable digital assistant comprises the portable computer of notebook and kneetop computer, comprises the wireless and mobile phone of camera cellular phone; And babyphone; The latter comprises handheld device, its combining wireless call capacity and other functions of being connected of network (the Internet, WLAN, WMAN, WWAN or other) for example, the ability of playing back music and video file; Ability of Email or the like is sent and/or received to the ability of display image.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

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

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

A1, be used for the device of combination of lenses, said 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 said deformable surface and apply structural elements;

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

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

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

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

A5, like 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, like the described device of claim A1, wherein said power applies structural elements and on the direction of said axle, applies power substantially.

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

A8, like 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, like the described device of claim A1, regulate wherein that said device is conditioned so that said structural elements can the two all be applied to said deformable surface with thrust and pulling force.

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

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

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

B2, like the described device of claim B1, wherein regulate said device with convenient applied thrust to said deformable surface, said deformable surface outside protrusion in a zone of said axial said deformable surface.

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

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

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

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

(a) zone that causes said deformable surface said deformable surface around said axle is the thrust of protrusion outwards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

D7, like 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 said deformable surface shape, this flexible member has and is arranged in said axial optical clear zone.

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

E1, a kind of method comprise:

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

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

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

E3, like 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 on the direction of said axle, applies said power.

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

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

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

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

F1, a kind of method comprise:

The deformable lens element that will have axle is incorporated into optical system, and said 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 said optical system to the said deformable surface of said deformable lens element, the wherein said step that applies comprises the step that on the direction of said axle, applies said pulling force substantially.

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

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

F4, like 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;

Apply structural elements with the corresponding power in said surface; And

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

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

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

H1, a kind of optical imaging system comprise:

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

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

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

H2, like 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, like 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, like 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 said deformable films and be arranged in the fluid in the said chamber, said fluid has the refractive index greater than 1, and said deformable lens element has axle; Contact and be arranged in circumferentially said axial annular pressure element with said deformable lens element; And

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

I2, like 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; Said Crumple element be arranged in circumferentially said axle around, said a plurality of label-like elements engage said 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 said imaging system so that can application of force be used for changing the optical characteristics of said imaging system to the outside surface of said deformable lens.

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

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

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

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

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

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

L1, a kind of optical system that is applied to make object image-forming, said 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 said deformable lens element; Said deformable lens surface is that normal raised surface maybe can show as convex curved, and said deformable lens element has axle; And

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

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

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

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

L5, like the described optical system of claim L4, it is said 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 said two-dimensional image sensor; Regulate said imaging len so that said deformable lens element can be out of shape with the use of putting forth effort to apply structural elements; Regulate said imaging len combination so that apply the optical characteristics that power changes said deformable lens element at the outside surface of said deformable lens element, said imaging len setting has said therein deformable lens element and is in first lens setting of first state and the second lens setting that said therein deformable lens element is in second state; And

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

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

M2, like the described hand-held data gathering terminal of claim M1, wherein regulate said data collection station so that said data collection station carries out attempting more than the decoding of the mark of a frame in the said 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 said deformable lens element distortion; This drive unit have be applicable to be suitable for fully the flexible member that fully meets with said convex lens surface shape and have coating area or be positioned at said axial hole one of them, regulate this focalizer so that the voltage that is applied to said flexible member through change changes the convexity of said common convex lens surface.

N2, like 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, like the described focalizer of claim N1, wherein said elastically deformable member has less than the about hardness of Shao Shi (Shore) A 20.

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

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

N6, like 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 said deformable lens element makes said deformable lens element distortion and changes the optical characteristics of said deformable lens element.

O2, like the described focalizer of claim O1; Wherein said drive unit has and is arranged in said axial hole, and said 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, like the described focalizer of claim O1; Wherein said deformable lens element has deformable surface; Its at least part transmission form the light of image, and wherein said focalizer comprises that applying the power that produced by said drive unit applies structural elements to the power of said deformable surface.

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

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

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

Be used for making said deformable light incidence surface to be out of shape first drive unit with the optical characteristics that changes said deformable lens element;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

P8, like the described focalizer of claim P1, wherein regulate said focalizer so that discrete and point that be arranged on said axle outside applies power by at least one generation of said first and second drive units to said 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 rigid transparent member that allows the optical surface that light therefrom passes through;

Deformable films;

Second clamping element, with said first clamping element back-to-back the said deformable films of clamping in case said deformable films and said rigid transparent optical surface place relatively;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q7, like 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 said first and second clamping elements.

R1, a kind of focus module comprise:

Boundary element,

Concentrating element, said concentrating element further comprises:

(i) fluid and

(ii) deformable films,

Said fluid is sandwiched between said boundary element and the said deformable films; And

Pressure elements,

Wherein said pressure elements can make said concentrating element distortion through on the direction of said boundary element, pushing said deformable films.

S1, a kind of focus module comprise:

Boundary element,

Focus on film,

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

Deformation element contacts said focusing film.

T1, a kind of focus module comprise:

Boundary element,

Isolated component,

Focus on film,

Deformation element contacts said focusing film.

U1, a kind of focus module comprise:

Right cylinder has:

(i) top surface,

(ii) basal surface,

(iii) outer wall and

(iv) therein fluid internal volume; And

The deformation element that said right cylinder is outside, said deformation element can be exerted pressure on said top surface, thereby makes said top surface distortion.

V1, a kind of focus module comprise in order:

Boundary element,

Concentrating element and

Deformation element.

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

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

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

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

W1, a kind of lens module comprise:

Lens element, said 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 said surface is only arranged towards said working fluid element; And

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

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

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

X1, a kind of lens module comprise:

Lens element, said 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

Said power element is arranged to said elastically deformable member has 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, said focus module comprises:

Boundary element,

Deformable concentrating element at least one direction,

Be inserted in the dividing element between said boundary element and the said concentrating element,

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

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

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

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

Though through having described the present invention with reference to many embodiment, being to be understood that should be with the true spirit of invention and scope only for about in can be by the claim of instructions support of the present invention.And, though in many here situation, 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. hand-held data gathering device comprises:

The two-dimensional image sensor that comprises a plurality of pixels that form a plurality of pixel row and columns;

Comprise and be used for the imaging len assembly of the deformable lens element of focusedimage on the said two-dimensional image sensor; Said imaging len assembly is conditioned so that can apply force on the said deformable lens element to change the optical characteristics of said deformable lens element; Said imaging len assembly has the first lens setting and the second lens setting; At said first lens the above deformable lens element is set and is in first state, at said second lens the above deformable lens element is set and is in second state;

Wherein said data collector is conditioned so that start the operator and reads between trial period; Said data collector is caught the multiple image data; Wherein said data collector is conditioned so that start the operator and reads between trial period; Change the lens setting of said imaging len assembly with following mode: the said first lens setting is activated for catching of first frame in the multiple image Frame, and the said further second lens setting is activated for catching of second frame in the multiple image Frame; And

Wherein said hand-held data gathering device can be operated at least one frame that is used for attempting the utilizing the multiple image data decodable mark of decoding.

2. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first lens setting activates during the exposure cycle of first frame that is used for the multiple image data.

3. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said deformable lens element comprises:

I. comprise the working fluid parts of optical clear fluid substantially;

Ii. optics nonfluid parts, it is optically transparent substantially comprising on elastically deformable member and at least a portion therein;

Iii. run through optical axis through said working fluid parts and said optics nonfluid parts;

Wherein said hand-held data gathering device comprises the power element; It can provide is enough to make the power that applies of the said elastically deformable deformation of member and operationally is connected to said elastically deformable member so that the power that is provided by said power element will be transferred to said elastically deformable member at least in part, and said power element is arranged to said elastically deformable member and is the circumference symmetric relation.

4. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1; Wherein said deformable lens element comprises boundary element and has the mode and the interconnected deformable films of said boundary element of the fluid chamber of optical axis with formation; Said fluid chamber has the focusing fluid that is arranged in wherein, and wherein said hand-held data gathering device comprises the deformation element in abutting connection with said fluid chamber.

5. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 4; Comprise that further at least one makes the inelastic component of said deformation element with respect to said deformable films location, wherein said deformation element comprises by the securing exterior section of said inelastic component with respect to said exterior section interior section movably.

6. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 4; Wherein said deformable lens element comprises the isolated component of mode between said boundary element and said deformable films that separates from said deformable films with said boundary element; And wherein said hand-held data gathering device comprises the pressure elements in abutting connection with said deformable films, and wherein said deformation element comprises that at least one is configured in response to said control signal at element crooked on the direction of said pressure elements.

7. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1; Wherein said deformable lens element has axle and deformable surface; At least a portion transmission of said deformable surface forms the image of light; And wherein said hand-held data gathering device comprises that being arranged the power that is used for applying force on the said deformable surface applies structural elements, and wherein said hand-held data gathering device be conditioned so as said power apply that structural elements can push or pull at least one to said deformable surface.

8. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 7, at least one of wherein said thrust or said pulling force produced by electric actuation polymer-driven device.

9. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1; At least one of wherein said thrust or said pulling force is to be produced by the drive unit of being arranged to said deformable surface adjacency and coplane, and said drive unit has said axle and passes central opening wherein.

10. hand-held data gathering 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.

11. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hand-held data gathering device is exercisable, so that produced the power of the optical characteristics be used for changing said lens element by sound coil.

12. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1; The chamber portion that wherein said deformable lens element comprises deformable films, limited said deformable films and be arranged in the fluid in the portion of said chamber; Said fluid has the refractive index greater than 1; Said deformable lens element has axle; Wherein said hand-held data gathering device comprises that the power that can contact with each other with the position that said deformable lens element limits applies structural elements around the circumference on said axle; And wherein dispose said optics hand-held data gathering device so that can be towards perhaps moving said power away from said deformable lens element applies structural elements, so that the optical characteristics of said deformable lens element applies moving of structural elements along with said power and changes on the direction of said axle.

13. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1; Wherein said deformable lens element has axle; And the main body of wherein said deformable lens element keeps the elastically deformable member to provide by having the shape of hardness measurement less than Shao Shi A60, and wherein disposes said hand-held data gathering device so that can apply force to the optical characteristics that the outside surface of said deformable lens element changes said deformable lens element.

14. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1; Comprise deformable lens element with axle; The main body of wherein said deformable lens element comprises the elastically deformable member with at least one conventional convex lens surface; And wherein said hand-held data gathering device comprises the drive unit that is used for making said deformable lens element distortion; Said drive unit has and is conditioned with the flexible member that meets said convex lens surface shape substantially and has one of them that is arranged on said axial no coating area or aperture, and said hand-held data gathering device is conditioned so that the voltage that is applied to said flexible member through change changes the convexity of said conventional convex lens surface.

15. hand-held data gathering device as claimed in claim 1; Wherein said deformable lens element has deformable light incident surface and relative deformable light exit surface; Said deformable lens element has the axle at the center separately of running through said deformable light incident surface and said relative deformable light exit surface; Wherein said hand-held data gathering device comprises and is used for making said deformable light incident surface distortion with first drive unit of the optical characteristics that changes said deformable lens element be used for making second drive unit of said deformable light exit surface distortion with the optical characteristics that changes said deformable lens element.