With Variable Magnification Patents (Class 359/666)
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Patent number: 9588320Abstract: A six-piece optical lens for capturing image and a six-piece optical module for capturing image are provided. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis includes a first lens with refractive power, a second lens with refractive power, a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with refractive power, a fifth lens with refractive power and a sixth lens with refractive power. At least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the six lens elements is aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: ABILITY OPTO-ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.Inventors: Nai-Yuan Tang, Yeong-Ming Chang
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Patent number: 9575221Abstract: Systems and methods reduce temperature induced drift effects on a liquid lens used in a vision system. A feedback loop receives a temperature value from a temperature sensor, and based on the received temperature value, controls a power to the heating element based on a difference between the measured temperature of the liquid lens and a predetermined control temperature to maintain the temperature value within a predetermined control temperature range to reduce the effects of drift. A processor can also control a bias signal applied to the lens or a lens actuator to control temperature variations and the associated induced drift effects. An image sharpness can also be determined over a series of images, alone or in combination with controlling the temperature of the liquid lens, to adjust a focal distance of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATIONInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Mario Jouβen
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Patent number: 9500782Abstract: A fluidic lens may include an optical surface configured for deflection dominated by bending stress. An adjustable concentric load may be applied to the optical surface to cause a clear aperture region of the optical surface to deflect with generally spherical curvature. Adjusting the concentric load controls the radius of curvature. An adjustable uniformly-distributed load may be applied to the optical surface by fluid pressure that causes the clear aperture region to deflect with an aspheric shape. Adjusting the pressure controls the asphericity of curvature. First and second fluids having similar densities and different refractive indexes may be disposed on either side of a deflectable optical surface to help balance gravitational loading on either side of the optical surface, thereby reducing gravity-associated aberrations.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: HOLOCHIP CORPORATIONInventors: Robert G. Batchko, Andrei Szilagyi, Samuel T. Robinson
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Patent number: 9467604Abstract: A method and camera assembly for use in a machine vision system, the assembly comprising a support structure forming a mounting flange that is configured for coupling with any of a plurality of exchangeable electrically controllable adjustable focal length lens assemblies, a two dimensional image sensor supported by the support structure and forming a sensor plane spaced from the mounting flange by a flange focal distance and a processor programmed with a flange focal distance error and to use the flange focal distance error to generate lens control signals to compensate for the flange focal distance error when a lens is mounted to the mounting flange.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Michael Haardt, Rene Delasauce
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Patent number: 9442225Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a reservoir at least partially bounded by a first optical surface and a second optical surface. A fluid fills a volume of the reservoir. A piston is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the piston and the first or second optical surface. A rim is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the rim and the first or second optical surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: HOLOCHIP CORPORATIONInventors: Robert G. Batchko, Andrei Szilagyi
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Patent number: 9405045Abstract: An optical apparatus such as a varifocal fluidic lens is provided. Optical apparatus includes a spacer frame, optical fluid, an elastic membrane, an actuator, an actuator frame, and a thermally deformable frame. Spacer frame defines an internal space including a lens portion and a driving portion that connect to each other, and the driving portion is disposed to surround the lens portion disposed in the center area of the internal space. Optical fluid is filled in the internal space defined by the spacer frame. The elastic membrane is attached on a surface of the spacer frame, to cover a side of the internal space, and the thermally deformable plate is attached on the other surface of the spacer frame, to cover the other side of the internal space. The thermally deformable plate deforms to increase or decrease a volume of the internal space according to a change in temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jeong-Yub Lee, Kyu-Dong Jung, Seung-Wan Lee, Woon-Bae Kim
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Patent number: 9335448Abstract: Liquid lens (100) including two liquids (104, 105) being adjacent to each other in a container (101, 102, 103) with a flexible member (106) interposed between them wherein at least a part of the flexible member (106) functions as refractive surface and characterized in that the elastic strain energy per unit area Y [N/m] of the flexible member satisfies the inequality ??5.16×105×??×??1×3.4, where •?? [kg/m 3] is the density difference between the two liquids arranged adjacent to the flexible member; •? [?] is the surface accuracy of the refractive surface; and •? [m] is the inner diameter of the liquid lens.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Minoru Tsuji
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Patent number: 9285511Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a compound variable power optical system that forms an intermediate image between the object and the final image. A first variable power optical component is located between the object and an intermediate real image. The first variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the intermediate real image. A second variable power optical component is located between the intermediate real image and the final image. The second variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the final image. At least one of the first and second variable power optical components is stationary on the optical axis and comprises at least two liquids with different refractive properties and at least one variable shape contact surface between the two liquids, with variations in the shape of the contact surface producing a change of optical power in the optical system.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLCInventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
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Patent number: 9250367Abstract: A fluidic variable focal length optical lens has a sealed housing having a first fluidic chamber filled with a first fluidic medium and a second fluidic chamber filled with a second fluidic medium, the first and the second fluidic chamber being separated from each other by an elastic membrane, wherein the first and the second fluidic medium have different refractive indices, and a deformator configured to deform the membrane laterally within a pump zone, thereby laterally displacing the first fluidic medium from the pump zone to a lens zone and the second fluidic medium from the lens zone to the pump zone, so that the membrane also deforms in the lens zone and changes a focal length of the lens zone along a normal direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Florenta Costache, Harald Schenk, Kirstin Bornhorst, Christian Schirrmann
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Patent number: 9244203Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a high-efficiency Electrowetting saline solution formulation. Specific embodiments include high-efficiency Electrowetting saline formulations that maximize the electrical performance of an arcuate liquid meniscus lens incorporated in an ophthalmic lens and operated using direct current.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Daniel B. Otts, Katherine Hardy, Sharika Snook, Adam Toner, James Daniel Riall, Randall B. Pugh
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Patent number: 9207450Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to arrangements and techniques that provide for controlling motion of an electrowetting oil within an electrowetting display device. An electrowetting display device comprises a substrate, an electrode on the substrate, a dielectric layer on a first portion of the electrode. The electrode extends along the substrate one of either entirely from a first end of a pixel area to a second end of the pixel area, or from the first end of the pixel area to the second end of the pixel area such that a portion of the substrate is an electrode free portion to thereby define a notch. A first fluid is disposed on a hydrophobic layer and a second fluid is disposed on the first fluid, the second fluid being immiscible with the first fluid. A dielectric constant of the dielectric layer is greater than a dielectric constant of the first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gor Manukyan, Daniel Figura
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Patent number: 9201175Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a variable power optical system. In one embodiment, the variable power optical system includes three liquid lens cell groups, wherein at least two of the lens cell groups are configured to provide a zoom function and at least one of the lens cell groups is configured to control an incident angle of light rays on an image surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLC.Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
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Patent number: 9176262Abstract: The invention discloses liquid combination for liquid lens. The liquid combination comprises an oil phase liquid and an aqueous phase liquid. The oil phase liquid comprises a silicon oil polymerized by siloxane. The aqueous phase liquid comprises a solution mixed with alcohol and water. Due to the liquid lens atomized and opaque by emulsion, the recovering time of the liquid lens from the emulsion will affect the performance of the liquid lens hugely. Accordingly, the recovering time is a performance index of the liquid lens. The liquid combination of the invention for the liquid lens can meet the specification and have the fast speed which is recovered from the emulsion.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITYInventor: Jer-Liang Yeh
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Patent number: 9164272Abstract: An electrowetting optical device is provided comprising a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, the liquids being non miscible, having different refractive indices and forming an interface, wherein the conductive liquid comprises from 5% by weight of a fluorinated salt, based the total weight of the conductive liquid. An apparatus comprising said electrowetting optical device is described as well.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: PARROTInventors: Mathieu Maillard, Geraldine Malet, Matthias Stefan Ober, Daniel L. Dermody
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Patent number: 9158090Abstract: A camera module includes an image sensor having a first threaded portion. A lens assembly includes an electro-active polymer (EAP) structure having a frusto-conical shape with an opening formed in the tip. A lens is secured to a lens holder that is attached to the EAP structure surrounding the opening. A first electrode is attached to a rear face of the EAP structure and extends along a side. A second electrode is attached to the rear face of the EAP structure along the tip. A base frame is attached to the base of the EAP structure. The base frame includes a second threaded portion that engages the first threaded portion, joining the lens assembly to the image sensor assembly and allowing the lens assembly to be rotated relative to the image sensor to adjust the distance between the lens assembly and the image sensor to establish a default focal distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Aurelien Hubert
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Patent number: 9151945Abstract: Provided are a micro electric liquid device and an apparatus including the device. The micro electric liquid device includes a first fluid that is opaque, a second fluid that is transparent a first channel configured to have the first and second fluid flow therein without mixing, a second channel overlapped and spaced apart from the first channel, wherein the second channel is configured to have the first and second fluids flow therein, and a connection part connecting the first and second channels, wherein an aperture is adjusted by a positional change of an interface between the first and second fluids in the first and second channels, and wherein the second channel includes a first sub channel configured to have the first and second fluids flow therein and having a non-uniform height and a second sub channel configured to have the second fluid to flow therein and having a uniform height.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jong-hyeon Chang, Woon-bae Kim, Seung-wan Lee, Eun-sung Lee, Min-seog Choi
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Patent number: 9134464Abstract: A focus module contains a boundary element and a focus element. The focus element includes a fluid and a deformable membrane, with the fluid being entrapped between the boundary element and the deformable membrane. The focus module also includes a pressure element, which is capable of deforming the focus element by pressing on the deformable membrane in the direction of the boundary element.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Chen Feng, Ynjiun P. Wang, William H. Havens, Jianhua Li
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Patent number: 9042028Abstract: Provided are an electrowetting prism device which has increased an aperture ratio by simplifying an electrode and wiring structure, and a 3D image display apparatus capable of providing a super multi-view 3D image using the electrowetting prism device. The electrowetting prism device includes lower and upper transparent substrates disposed against each other, a vertical wall mounted on the lower transparent substrate so as to form a diamond-shaped space, a first electrode arranged along two adjacent sidewalls of the vertical wall, a second electrode arranged along the other remaining two adjacent sidewalls of the vertical wall to be disposed against the first electrode, and a non-polarized liquid and a polarized liquid arranged within a space surrounded by the vertical wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kyu-hwan Choi, Jung-mok Bae, Yong-joo Kwon, Yun-hee Kim, Yoon-sun Choi
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Patent number: 9042027Abstract: An actuator assembly for an adjustable fluid-filled lens is provided. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly includes a clamp configured to adjust the optical power of the fluid lens module when the clamp is compressed. In some embodiments, a magnetic element is configured to adjust the optical power of the fluid-filled lens. In some embodiments, a plunger changes the optical power of the fluid lens module. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured such that deformation of the reservoir changes the optical power of the fluid-filled lens. In some embodiments, a balloon is configured to deform the reservoir. In some embodiments, an adjustable fluid-filled lens includes a septum configured to be pierceable by a needle and automatically and fluidly seal a fluid chamber after withdrawal of the needle. In some embodiments, a thermal element can heat fluid within a fluid chamber to change an optical power of the lens module.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.Inventors: William Egan, Karim Haroud, Lisa Nibauer, Matthew Peterson, Urban Schnell, Daniel Senatore
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Publication number: 20150138648Abstract: An optical zoom probe is disclosed. The optical zoom probe includes: at least one liquid lens having a focus which is configured to be adjusted according to a flow of a fluid through a flow path; and a barrel provided to form the flow path and including a narrowed first end part including a first opening through which an image is captured, the at least one liquid lens being provided inside the barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eun-sung LEE, Woon-bae KIM, Seung-wan LEE, Jong-hyeon CHANG, Min-seog CHOI
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Patent number: 9036264Abstract: A fluid lens assembly including a front rigid lens, a semi-flexible membrane that is adapted to be expanded from a minimum inflation level to a maximum inflation level, and a fluid layer therebetween. The front lens of the fluid lens assembly is configured to have a negative optical power. In an embodiment, the fluid lens assembly may be configured to have an overall negative optical power when the membrane is expanded to the maximum inflation level. In an embodiment, the fluid lens assembly can be configured to have an overall negative optical power when the membrane is expanded between the minimum inflation level and the maximum inflation level.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.Inventors: Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Frank Stangota, Bruce Decker, Thomas M. McGuire, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Daniel Senatore
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Publication number: 20150131161Abstract: A variable liquid lens system is provided. The variable liquid lens system includes a lens barrel comprising a wall and first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends are substantially transparent, at least one liquid lens disposed in the lens barrel and contacting the wall, the at least one liquid lens comprising a droplet, and a plurality of spaces containing fluid positioned on opposite sides of the at least one liquid lens inside the lens barrel. A plurality of first holes are provided in the wall at a position corresponding to the plurality of spaces. The at least one liquid lens is configured so that a position of the at least one liquid lens within the lens barrel is adjustable by adjusting amounts of the fluid contained in the plurality of spaces via the plurality of first holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eun-sung LEE, Woon-bae KIM, Seung-wan LEE, Jong-hyeon CHANG, Min-seog CHOI
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Patent number: 9030751Abstract: A vari-focal fluidic lens is provided. The fluidic lens includes a frame, an first membrane, a second membrane, and an optical fluid. The frame defines an inner space of the fluidic lens including a driving portion and a lens portion that are connected to each other. The elastic membrane is attached to one side of the frame to cover at least the lens portion. The second membrane is attached to an opposite side of the frame to cover at least the driving portion and is deformable in response to temperature change to vary a volume of the inner space. Optical fluid is contained in the inner space.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seung-Tae Choi, Min-Seog Choi, Eun-Sung Lee, Kyu-Dong Jung
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Publication number: 20150116656Abstract: A deformable membrane assembly 1 comprising a fixed support; a fluid-filled envelope, one wall of which is formed by an elastic membrane 8 that is held under tension around its edge by a flexible membrane supporting member 2, 10, the membrane supporting member being coupled to the fixed support at a plurality of discrete control points 120 round the supporting member by respective engaging members for controlling the position of the membrane edge relative to the fixed support at the control points, and the member being unconstrained between said control points; and a selectively operable pressure adjuster for adjusting the pressure of the fluid within the envelope, thereby to adjust the shape of the membrane; wherein at least three control points are provided which are situated round the membrane edge at spaced locations on the member that are selected to increase the energy of the lowest order out-of-plane bending modes of the supporting member in response to loading through tension in the membrane that do nType: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: ADLENS LTD.Inventors: Robert Edward Stevens, Alex Edginton, Benjamin Thomas Tristam Holland, Daniel Paul Rhodes, Dijon Pietropinto
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Patent number: 9004725Abstract: A lighting device capable of changing light patterns, includes: (a) a heat dissipating substrate; (b) a light source, located on the heat dissipating substrate; (c) a first dielectric liquid, covering the light source and having a first dielectric constant; (d) a second dielectric liquid, covering the first dielectric liquid and having a second dielectric constant; and (e) an enclosing wall, located on the heat dissipating substrate for containing the first dielectric liquid and the second dielectric liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Lustrous Technology Ltd.Inventors: Jer-Liang Yeh, Chun-Wen Chen
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Publication number: 20150094599Abstract: A varifocal-type optical scanning probe including an optical fiber scanner and a varifocal lens is provided. The varifocal lens includes: a first membrane lens comprising a first lens surface with a variable curvature and a first pressure surface configured to induce a curvature variation of the first lens surface; a second membrane lens including a second lens surface with a variable curvature and a second pressure surface configured to induce a curvature variation of the second lens surface; a first pressure member disposed to apply a pressure to the first pressure surface; a second pressure member disposed to apply a pressure to the second pressure surface; and a motor configured to transmit a driving force to at least one of the first pressure member and the second pressure member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Woon-bae KIM, Seung-wan LEE, Eun-sung LEE, Min-seog CHOI
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Patent number: 8995063Abstract: An adjustable optical device comprising at least a deformable optical surface activated by linear fluidic actuators comprising: a material layer comprising an upper surface on which the optical surface is provided and a bottom surface; an actuator layer comprising a plurality of linear fluidic actuators separated by at least one cavity, where at least one linear fluidic actuator is a pillar extending in the actuation direction (L) which is non parallel to the bottom surface of the material layer, said pillar comprising a wall delimiting an internal cavity and where an upper surface of said pillar is continuously linked to a zone of the bottom surface of the material layer; fluidic inlets suitable for introducing a fluid in at least one internal cavity of a pillar linear fluidic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D'Optique)Inventors: Benjamin Rousseau, Thierry Bonnin, Jean Taboury, Raymond Mercier, Sylvain Perrot
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Patent number: 8980075Abstract: A digital microfluidic platform utilizes dual active matrix circuitry to actuate and heat liquid droplets on a biochip. Liquid droplets are introduced into a droplet handling area of the biochip where they can be actuated by electrodes residing in pixels of an actuating active matrix array according to the electrowetting on dielectric phenomenon and heated by heating elements residing in pixels of a heating active matrix array. Pixels of the actuating active matrix array and the heating active matrix array are independently addressable such that droplets in the droplet handling area can be selectively heated and actuated according to their location. The actuating active matrix array and heating active matrix array can be formed on the same or different substrates with the droplet handling area disposed above or between the substrates.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: The Texas A & M University SystemInventors: Xing Cheng, Kamran Entesari
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Publication number: 20150060550Abstract: A modular focus system for image based code readers includes swappable lens attachments enables fixed focus, manual focus, and variable focus operation from a single reader. A manual focus lens cap includes a manually adjustable focus ring to change the focus of the reader. A variable focus lens module includes a liquid lens that is manipulated by a voltage delivered via a pair of electrodes to adjust the focus of the reader. The lens attachments can be swapped out and replaced as needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: COGNEX CORPORATIONInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Richard Reuter
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Patent number: 8967797Abstract: Adjustable focus eyeglasses where the range of adjustment can be moved. That is, if a pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses have a range of 0 diopters to 2.75 diopters (to provide a 2.75 D ADD for reading for an emmetrope), this invention could, for example, permit the user to move the range from 0 D to 2.75 D to 2.00 D to 4.75 D so as to accommodate a short term change in the user's distance vision requirement. Each eye can be adjusted independently.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Superfocus Holdings LLCInventor: Stephen Kurtin
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Publication number: 20150055084Abstract: The present invention provides a deformable membrane assembly 1 comprising an elastic membrane 8 that is held under tension around its edge by a bendable membrane supporting member 2,10, a body of fluid in contact with one face of the membrane, the pressure of the fluid being controllable for adjusting the shape of the membrane, and one or more bending controllers 24 acting on the supporting member 2, 10 to control the bending of the supporting member in response to loading through tension in the membrane. The bending stiffness of the membrane-supporting member 2, 10 varies round its extent to control the profile of the edge of the membrane 8; etc. upon actuation. A variety of different types of bending controllers are disclosed which permit out-of-plane bending of the supporting member 2, 10 but prevent or control in-plane bending or deformation of the supporting member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Adlens Ltd.Inventors: Robert Edward Stevens, Alex Edginton, Benjamin Thomas Tristam Holland, Daniel Paul Rhodes, Dijon Pietropinto, Derek Paul Forbes Bean, Roger Brian Minchin Clarke, Peter Lee Crossley, Richard Leefe Douglas Murray, Edwin James Stone
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Publication number: 20150055224Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a variable power optical system. In one embodiment, the variable power optical system includes three liquid lens cell groups, wherein at least two of the lens cell groups are configured to provide a zoom function and at least one of the lens cell groups is configured to control an incident angle of light rays on an image surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: JAMES H. JANNARD, IAIN A. NEIL
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Publication number: 20150055078Abstract: A variable beam expander, including: a first lens having a first focal length that is adjustable by a control circuit; a second lens having a second focal length that is adjustable by the control circuit; wherein the first lens and the second lens are separated by a fixed distance; and wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the first and second focal lengths such that the sum of the first and second focal lengths is equal to the fixed distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Ross Johnstone, Paulo Chaves, Eric Lieser, Jeffrey S. Brooker
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Publication number: 20150049391Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid lens for controlled adjustment of a variable focal length for a light transmitted through the liquid lens, comprising: a carrier having a light transmission portion for the light; a liquid drop which is highly transparent to the light and arranged on the carrier above the light transmission portion as part of a lens function; a ferrofluid which is arranged above the liquid drop so that it surrounds and contacts the liquid drop at least at those surfaces which are not directly in contact with the carrier; a magnet means arranged below the carrier and around the light transmission portion so as to draw the ferrofluid arranged on the carrier towards the carrier and keep it in its position on the carrier in all possible spatial positions of the liquid lens, which causes the liquid drop to be kept in its position on the carrier as well; and a temperature element arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the liquid drop in order to bring the liquid drop to a specific temType: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: Markus DEPFENHART
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Publication number: 20150043085Abstract: Liquid lens (100) including two liquids (104, 105) being adjacent to each other in a container (101, 102, 103) with a flexible member (106) interposed between them wherein at least a part of the flexible member (106) functions as refractive surface and characterized in that the elastic strain energy per unit area Y [N/m] of the flexible member satisfies the inequality ??5.16×105×??×??1×3.4, where ?? [kg/m 3] is the density difference between the two liquids arranged adjacent to the flexible member; ? [?] is the surface accuracy of the refractive surface; and ? [m] is the inner diameter of the liquid lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventor: Minoru Tsuji
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Publication number: 20150036474Abstract: An optical read/write device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a lens portion configured to irradiate light emitted from a light source to an optical recording medium, and the lens portion includes: a flexible shape-variable lens; and an electrode portion provided on the shape-variable lens. The shape of the shape-variable lens can be changed when voltage is applied to the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Sae-Kwang NAM, Ki-Uk KYUNG, Sung-Ryul YUN, Sun-Tak PARK, Bong-Je PARK
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Patent number: 8947784Abstract: A variable focus lens has a housing (1) and an actuator (8) which are mutually displaceable along an optical axis (A) of the lens. A primary membrane (15) is arranged between a first chamber (24, 26) and a second chamber (30, 32), with the first and second chambers being filled with liquids of similar density but different indices of refraction. First and second auxiliary membranes (19, 17) are provided for volume compensation. The first auxiliary membrane (19) forms a wall section of the first chamber (24, 26), and the second auxiliary membrane (17) forms a wall section of the second chamber (30, 32), at least one or both of the auxiliary membranes facing environmental air at its outer side.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Optotune AGInventor: Thomas Kern
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Publication number: 20150028195Abstract: A deformable optical lens with a lens membrane having an optically active portion that is configured to be shaped over an air-membrane interface according to a spherical cap and Zernike polynomials is provided. The spherical cap and the Zernike polynomials comprise a Zernike[4,0], (Noll[11]) polynomial and are sufficient to model the deformable optical lens to within approximately 2 micrometers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Charles King, Chauncey Graetzel, Laurent Davoine, Christopher Monti, Thomas Schmidhaeusler, MIchael Bueeler, Martin Salt, Natalia Kukaleva, Peter Liebetraut
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Publication number: 20150029594Abstract: The present invention relates to a focus-adjustable device and a system thereof, wherein the focus-adjustable device is fabricated by forming a single closed flow channel in the internal of a transparent substrate, so as to make the substrate and the single closed flow channel together form a specific lens structure similar to the Fresnel lens. In the present invention, when a light illuminates on one side of the substrate, the light would be concentrated at a specific focus point distancing from the other side of the substrate after being deflected by the specific lens structure. Moreover, a fluid having a specific refractive index can be filled into the single closed flow channel by a flow channel opening, so as to carry out the purpose of adjusting the focus of the specific lens structure; or to make the light parallelly pass through the specific lens structure without any deflection.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Cheng-Huan Chen, Sheng-Rong Lin
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Patent number: 8922893Abstract: There is provided an optical element including first and second substrates that are disposed to face each other; a pair of wall portions that are erected on an inner surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate to be adjacent to each other in a first direction and extend in a second direction different from the first direction; first and second electrodes that are disposed on wall surfaces of the pair of wall portions to be insulated from each other and face each other and are provided to be apart from the first substrate; an insulating film that covers the first and second electrodes; a third electrode that is provided on an inner surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate; and a polar liquid and a non-polar liquid that are sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate and have different refractive indexes.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Ryo Koshiishi, Yuichi Takai, Hiroyuki Nagai
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Patent number: 8922902Abstract: A device and/or apparatus that comprises a dynamic optical lens is provided. A first apparatus includes a first lens component having a first surface and a second surface. The first apparatus further includes a second lens component that comprises a flexible element. The first apparatus also includes a fluid that may be applied between at least a portion of the first lens component and at least a portion of the second lens component. The flexible element of the second lens component is such that it conforms to the first surface of the first lens component when an amount of fluid between the first surface of the first lens component and the second lens component is sufficiently low. The flexible element of the second lens component is also such that it does not conform to the first surface of the first lens component when an amount of fluid between the first surface of the first lens component and the second lens component is sufficiently great.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Anthony Van Heugten
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Patent number: 8922901Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid lens array creates an array of through holes of axisymmetric cross-section through a central plate, forms conductive traces on the side walls of each of the through holes and on a portion of the top and bottom surfaces of the central plate contiguous with each through hole, and bonds the bottom surface of the central plate around each through hole to the top surface of a transparent base plate, forming an array of cavities. The method applies an insulating layer to the side walls of each cavity, portions of the top surface of the base plate lying within each cavity, and portions of the top surface of the transparent central plate surrounding each cavity, introduces a polar liquid and a non-polar liquid into each cavity; and bonds the top surface of the central plate to the bottom surface of a transparent top plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Invenios IncInventors: Raymond Miller Karam, Georges Roussos
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Publication number: 20140368789Abstract: An adaptive lens system comprises i) a lens compartment with a transparent cover; ii) a deformable transparent optical element mounted in the lens compartment which forms a sealed upper chamber in the lens compartment between the transparent cover and the upper surface of the optical element, and also defining a lower region external to the lower surface of the optical element; iii) a first transparent fluid medium in the upper chamber and a second transparent fluid medium in the lower region, the first and second fluid media having different refractive indices; iv) a structural element located in and movable in the upper chamber relative to the deformable optical element to mechanically engage the deformable optical element to thereby alter the curvature of the deformable optical element, thereby altering the refractive power or the prismatic effect of the adaptive lens system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: Garth T. WEBB
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Publication number: 20140355128Abstract: A liquid lens package structure includes a first light-transmitting element, a second light-transmitting element, a first elastic surrounding body, a second elastic surrounding body and a package unit. The first elastic surrounding body is disposed between the first and the second light-transmitting elements to form an enclosed space among the first light-transmitting element, the second light-transmitting element and the first elastic surrounding body for receiving and enclosing two unmingled predetermined liquids. The second elastic surrounding body is disposed on the second light-transmitting element. The package unit includes a first retaining seat and a second retaining seat mated with each other. The first retaining seat has a first opening, and the second retaining seat has a second opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: CHIH-WEI TSAI, JUN-YU CHUNG
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Patent number: 8902509Abstract: A varifocal lens structure, a method of manufacturing the varifocal lens structure, an optical lens module, and a method of manufacturing the optical lens module. The varifocal lens structure includes a liquid lens unit including a silicone membrane that includes a first silicone elastomer, a polymer actuator disposed on an upper surface of the silicone membrane, and an adhesive silicone layer that is disposed between the silicone membrane and the polymer actuator and includes a second silicone elastomer.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeong-yub Lee, Seung-tae Choi, Seung-wan Lee
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Patent number: 8896928Abstract: Provided is an electrowetting device capable of performing bright and high-contrast color display. In addition, provided is an electrowetting device capable of performing high-quality display without unevenness. The electrowetting device is an electrowetting display in which each of a pair of substrate constituting one cell has a driving unit. A first substrate that stores a first hydrophobic liquid material in regions surrounded by a first pixel wall, and a second substrate that stores a second hydrophobic liquid material in regions surrounded by a second pixel wall are adhered to each other through a hydrophilic material.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Nakasuga, Takao Unate, Takeshi Wakiya, Shigeki Nomura
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Publication number: 20140340762Abstract: An electroactive optical device, in particular an electroactive lens, comprising an optical element (1) as well as an electroactive element (2) is described. The optical element (1) is an elastic solid, such as a gel or a polymer. The electroactive element (2) comprises a plurality of compliant electrodes (3a-3e) stacked on top of each other with an electroactive material (5) between them. The electroactive element (2) is surrounded by a rigid wall (4a, 4b), which provides two common contacts for the electrodes (3a-3e). In the absence of an applied electric voltage, the optical element (1) is in a mechanically relaxed state, which reduces undesired ageing effects. Upon application of a voltage to the electrodes (3a-3e) the optical element (2) is deformed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: Mark Blum
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Patent number: 8885261Abstract: An optical element array includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a plurality of first walls which is provided upright on an inner surface facing the second substrate of the first substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode which are respectively provided on facing wall surfaces of the adjacent first walls, a third electrode which is provided on an inner surface facing the first substrate of the second substrate, a second wall which partially covers the inner surface of the first substrate and the first walls to partially or entirely surround at least a part of a space which is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a polar liquid and a nonpolar liquid which are sealed in the space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate and the second wall and have different refractive indices.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporatonInventors: Yuichi Takai, Yasuhiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 8885272Abstract: A membrane and lens assembly includes a flexible membrane mounted with a supporting structure, such as a plurality of spacers, a frame, a ring, a plate or a surface plate. At least one first lens mounts with a first side of the membrane. At least one actuator varies a characteristic of the membrane, such as membrane shape, position or tautness, to reposition the lens. In a related method of lens replication, a flexible membrane is attached to a ring and stretched with the ring. Lenses are replicated on one or both sides of the stretched membrane.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Edwin E. Penniman
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Patent number: 8879160Abstract: An optical device with a deformable membrane including an anchor zone on a support contributing to trapping fluid, a central zone reversibly deforming from a rest position, and an actuating mechanism to displace fluid acting on the membrane in an intermediate zone between the anchor and central zones. The actuating mechanism includes a principal actuation mechanism and supplementary actuation mechanism each arranged in at least one ring mounted around the central zone, each ring including one or plural piezoelectric actuators, and being anchored on the intermediate zone, only the supplementary actuation mechanism may be anchored to the support, these actuation mechanisms and the membrane to which they are anchored forming at least one piezoelectric bimorph, such that they contract or expand in the radial direction during actuation such that when the fluid moves, it deforms the central zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventors: Sébastien Bolis, Stéphane Moreau