With Variable Magnification Patents (Class 359/666)
-
Patent number: 8282004Abstract: There is described a focusing apparatus having a deformable membrane that at least partially defines a cavity and an optical fluid disposed in the cavity. An actuator assembly can be provided for imparting a force to the deformable membrane. In one embodiment, the actuator assembly can include a piezoelectric actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Ynjiun P. Wang, Donald Anderson, Samuel Bingo, Robert Bowker, James A. Cairns, Chen Feng, Colleen P. Gannon, Jeffery Gilfus, William H. Havens, Robert John Hennick, Robert Hunsinger, Michael Sterling
-
Publication number: 20120248195Abstract: A focus module containing 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL SCANNING AND MOBILITYInventors: Chen Feng, Ynjiun P. Wang, William H. Havens, Jianhua Li
-
Patent number: 8279528Abstract: An optical element includes a container including first and second end face walls, a side face wall, and an accommodating chamber inside the walls; first and second liquids enclosed in the chamber; a first electrode provided on a surface of the first end face wall; a second electrode provided on a surface of the second end face wall; an insulating film provided on a surface of the second electrode; and a unit configured to apply a voltage. The shape of an interface between the liquids is changed by a voltage application, and a light transmission path, the center of which is a virtual axis passing through the end face walls in the thickness direction of the container, is formed in a portion of the second liquid. An opening having a diameter the same as or larger than the maximum diameter of the transmission path is provided in the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Tanaka, Keita Kaifu, Yukihiro Sano, Yukihiro Mitsuda
-
Patent number: 8264778Abstract: A display substrate includes a base substrate, a reflection-polarization member, a first electrode, an insulation layer and a pixel wall. The reflection-polarization member is disposed on the base substrate to reflect and polarize incident light. The first electrode is disposed in a unit pixel area of the reflection-polarization member. The insulation layer is disposed on the first electrode. The pixel wall is disposed on the insulation layer and defines the unit pixel area. Therefore, the entire area of a unit pixel may be used as a reflective area or a transmissive area, and thus an aperture ratio may be improved in a reflection mode or a transmission mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyang-Yul Kim, Hee-Seop Kim, Joo-Nyung Jang, Hwa-Sung Woo, Cheol Shin, Dong-Chul Shin, Yong-Hwan Shin
-
Patent number: 8264777Abstract: A portable electronic device (510) having a self illuminating display (200, 202, 204, 206, 300, 512) that reduces both the thickness of known displays and processing steps in the fabrication thereof is provided. The portable electronic device (510) includes an electrowetting display (200, 202, 204, 206, 300, 512) having a plurality of transparent layers defining a cavity (219). A combination of a first fluid (218, 236) and a second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254) are positioned in the cavity. First circuitry (224) is configured to be coupled to a first voltage source (222) for selectively repositioning the second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254) in relation to the first fluid (218, 236). A plurality of quantum dots (208, 360) is positioned within the second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254), and a light source (209, 309) is disposed contiguous to the plurality of layers.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: QD Vision, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Skipor, Marc K. Chason, William F. Hoffman, Krishna Kalyanasundaram, George T. Valliath
-
Patent number: 8238034Abstract: Provided are a varifocal lens having a focal length that may be electrically controlled, and an imaging apparatus including focal length. Varifocal lens includes fluid sealed between two transparent flexible layers. An upper flexible layer is supported by support plate having opening having a lens shape, and vacuum is maintained on upper flexible layer. Portion of lower flexible layer, which faces opening having a lens shape, is fixed by a fixation plate, and a chamber having a predetermined space is formed below the lower flexible layer so as to surround a portion corresponding to the opening having the lens shape. Charged particles are positioned in the chamber. In the varifocal lens, when the charged particles are moved by an electrical field generated in the chamber to compress the lower flexible layer, a lens region of the upper flexible layer protrudes in an upper direction so as to obtain refractive power.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sung Nae Cho
-
Patent number: 8233221Abstract: An adjustable fluid type lens system is provided that allows e.g. ultrasound imaging through the lens during adjustment of the lens. The lens includes a container enclosing two immiscible fluids, e.g. water and oil, being in contact with each other at an interface. Incoming waves are then refracted at this interface. The shape of the interface, and thereby the refraction property, is adjustable by adjusting a voltage applied to the lens. The two fluids are selected such that they together exhibit a mechanical damping which is critical or near critical. A control circuit generates the electric voltage for adjusting the refraction from one value to another, the control circuit being arranged to change the electric voltage such that a rate of voltage change is limited to avoid oscillation of the interface, thereby adjusting refraction of incoming waves at the interface in a continuous manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jan Frederik Suijver, Christopher Stephen Hall, Anna Teresa Fernandez, Stein Kuiper, Yan Shi
-
Publication number: 20120176530Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus having a variable focal length is disclosed. The optical imaging apparatus includes a first double-liquid variable focal lens and a second double-liquid variable focal lens. The first and second double-liquid variable focal lenses are aligned on a common axis and operable to have opposite varying curvatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Songlin Zhuang, Jiabi Chen, Runling Peng
-
Publication number: 20120170134Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALTInventors: Sébastien Bolis, Stéphane Moreau
-
Publication number: 20120170920Abstract: An optical device with a deformable membrane (2) including an anchor area (2.3) on a support (1) entrapping a liquid or gas fluid, a central area (2.1) reversibly deformable from a rest position, actuating means for moving the fluid (4) biasing the membrane (2) into an intermediate area between the anchor area (2.3) and the central area (2.1), the actuating means include a piezoelectric continuous crown accommodating several actuators (5.1), this crown surrounding the central area (2.1), the actuating means (5) being anchored to the membrane (2) in at least the intermediate area (2.2), the actuating means (5) and the membrane (2) to which they are anchored, forming at least one piezoelectric bimorph (B), the actuating means (5) radially contracting or extending upon actuation so as to generate a movement of said fluid (4) from the intermediate area (2.2) to the central area (2.1) of the membrane (2) or vice versa, aiming at deforming the central area (2.1) with respect to its rest position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux ene altInventors: Stephane Moreau, Sebastien Bolis
-
Patent number: 8212915Abstract: A relay lens assembly (100) for use with a microscope (1400), telescope or binocular (1500), comprises a lens element (300) that is responsive to commands, conveyed from a control unit (400), via a conduit (410) between the control unit and the lens element. A computing device (810) controls operation of the lens assembly and a digital camera (805) that has an image sensor (125). The control unit causes the lens assembly to assume any of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths so that different depths of an object being imaged can be rendered in-focus on the sensor. A series of images can be taken at predetermined, computer-controlled focal depths. These images can be processed in order to create a photomontage that is in focus at a plurality of predetermined depths in a process commonly called focus-stacking. The addition of a plurality of data input and analysis units (1105) and a combiner (1115) makes rapid processing of individual images possible for photomontage at video rates.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventors: Lloyd Douglas Clark, Brian A. Brown, William T. Davids
-
Patent number: 8213090Abstract: An electrowetting pixel structure includes a substrate, a hydrophobic dielectric layer, a non-polar liquid, a polar liquid, at least one electrode, and at least one contact hole. The hydrophobic dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, the non-polar liquid covers one surface of the hydrophobic dielectric layer, and the polar liquid is provided on the hydrophobic dielectric layer where the non-polar liquid and the polar liquid are immiscible. The electrode is formed on the substrate and divides the substrate into an electrode section and a non-electrode section. When a voltage is applied to the electrowetting pixel structure, the non-polar liquid contracts on the hydrophobic dielectric layer and is confined to an area substantially overlapping the non-electrode section. The contact hole is formed on the substrate at a position away from the non-electrode section of the electrowetting pixel structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignees: Wintek Corporation, Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chih-Yuan Wang, Hsi-Rong Han, Chien-Ting Chan, Wan-Jen Tsai, Wei-Yuan Cheng, Kuo-Lung Lo
-
Publication number: 20120154925Abstract: A non-round fluid lens assembly includes a non-round rigid lens and a flexible membrane attached to the non-round rigid lens, such that a cavity is formed between the non-round rigid lens and the flexible membrane. A reservoir in fluid communication with the cavity allows a fluid to be transferred into and out of the cavity so as to change the optical power of the fluid lens assembly. In an embodiment, a front surface of the non-round rigid lens is aspheric. Additionally or alternatively, a thickness of the flexible membrane may be contoured so that it changes shape in a spheric manner when fluid is transferred between the cavity and the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger
-
Publication number: 20120154924Abstract: A varifocal lens structure and a method of manufacturing the same, the varifocal lens structure including: a frame having a fluid chamber filled with an optical fluid and formed of polymethylsiloxane (PDMS) containing a predetermined fluid; a transparent cover disposed on a top surface of the frame so as to cover the fluid chamber; a transparent elastic membrane disposed on a bottom surface of the frame so as to form a lower wall of the fluid chamber; and an actuator disposed on the elastic membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seung-wan LEE, Woon-bae KIM, Kyu-dong JUNG, Jeong-yub LEE
-
Publication number: 20120147478Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jeong-yub LEE, Seung-tae CHOI, Seung-wan LEE
-
Patent number: 8199409Abstract: The present invention relates to reducing backflow in an electrowetting element for modifying a radiation beam characteristic. The electrowetting element comprises a first and a second fluid which are immiscible with each other and are switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration by application of a voltage across at least one of the first and second fluids. There is a tendency for backflow of the second fluid from the first configuration to the second configuration when the second fluid is switched to be provided in the first configuration. The electrowetting element comprises a backflow reducer arranged for reducing the backflow of the second fluid from the first configuration to the second configuration when the second fluid is switched to be provided in the first configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Samsung LCD Netherlands R&D Center B.V.Inventors: Robert Hayes, Romaric Massard, Melanie Maria Hubertina Van De Weijer-Wagemans
-
Patent number: 8199410Abstract: The invention relates to an optical element having adjustable focal length, and a method for producing an optical element. The optical element comprising a first transparent layer and a transparent soft polymer having a chosen refractive index situated thereon, said layer being made from a material having a chosen flexibility, e.g. a thin glass layer, the optical element also being provided with an actuator for applying a force upon said flexible layer, said force being essentially symmetric relative to said axis thus bending the layer providing a lens surface and providing a curved refractive surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: poLight ASInventors: Karl H. Haugholt, Dag Thorstein Wang, Frode Tyholdt, Wilfred E. Booij, Ib-Rune Johansen
-
Publication number: 20120138121Abstract: A solar cell assembly, including an electric-optically transducing layer, an electrically conducting layer, and an electrically insulating layer positioned between the electric-optically transducing layer and the electrically conducting layer. The assembly includes a hydrophobic layer, a dielectric layer positioned between the electrically conducting layer and the hydrophobic layer, and a liquid microdroplet lens positioned in contact with the hydrophobic layer. The electrically conducting layer, the electrically conducting layer, the hydrophobic layer and the dielectric layer are substantially optically transparent.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: Afshin Izadian
-
Patent number: 8194328Abstract: The invention relates to optics comprising adjustable optical elements and, if desired, lenses of fixed focal lens. By use of an appropriate controller for the adjustable optical elements, characteristics of the optics can be advantageously varied. For this purpose, systems are provided which are suitable for use as surgical stereo-microscope, objective, ocular or zoom. A zoomable imaging optics comprises lenses and of variable optical power, which are oppositely controlled by means of a controller to change an imaging ratio, so that the optical power of the one lens is increased and the optical power of the other lens is decreased. Moreover, the imaging optics may comprise still further assemblies of fixed optical power.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventors: Andreas Obrebski, Fritz Strahle
-
Patent number: 8194248Abstract: Methods of optimizing optical alignment in an optical package are provided. In one embodiment, the optical package includes a laser diode, a wavelength conversion device, coupling optics positioned along an optical path extending from the laser diode to the wavelength conversion device, and one or more adaptive actuators. The method involves adjusting the optical alignment of the wavelength conversion device in a non-adaptive degree of freedom by referring to a thermally-dependent output intensity profile of the laser diode and a thermally-dependent coupling efficiency profile of the optical package.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignees: Corning Incorporated, Konica-MinoltaInventors: Vikram Bhatia, Steven Joseph Gregorski, Fumio Nagai, Yukihiro Ozeki
-
Patent number: 8189266Abstract: An optical element includes a container including first and second end face walls, a side face wall, and an accommodating chamber inside the walls; first and second liquids enclosed in the chamber; a first electrode provided on a surface of the first end face wall; a second electrode provided on a surface of the second end face wall; an insulating film provided on a surface of the second electrode; and a unit configured to apply a voltage. The shape of an interface between the liquids is changed by a voltage application, and a light transmission path, the center of which is a virtual axis passing through the end face walls in the thickness direction of the container, is formed in a portion of the second liquid. An opening having a diameter the same as or larger than the maximum diameter of the transmission path is provided in the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Tanaka, Keita Kaifu, Yukihiro Sano, Yukihiro Mitsuda
-
Patent number: 8189267Abstract: The display device comprises a plurality of electrowetting elements. Each element comprises walls on a support plate for confining a first fluid to the space of the element. The walls of the electrowetting element cover a wall region of the support plate and the walls enclose a display region of the support plate. Each electrowetting element comprises an electrode arranged on the support plate, the electrodes of the electrowetting elements being coupled to reflective, strip-shaped signal lines, also arranged on the support plate. A first area of the signal lines is arranged in the wall region and a second area of the signal lines is arranged in the display region, where the first area is smaller than the second area.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Samsung LCD Netherlands R&D Center B.V.Inventors: Anthony John Slack, Roy VanDijk
-
Publication number: 20120127581Abstract: A method for compensating an aberration of a variable focus liquid lens is configured to compensate the aberration associated with a first lens surface and a second lens surface of the liquid lens. The first lens surface is of a first radius of curvature. The second lens surface is of a second radius of curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: NATIONAL TAIPEI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: YAOJUNG SHIAO, ERIC CHIWEI SHIAO
-
Patent number: 8184365Abstract: An optical system suitable for use in an optical instrument such as a handheld optical probe, the optical system including a scanning element and an objective, the objective including a variable focus lens that can be electronically controlled to change the focal length of the optical system. In some embodiments, the optical system can axially and laterally scan a subject material by sequentially focusing at an axial depth using the variable focus lens and laterally scanning the material at that depth using the scanning element.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Jannick P. Rolland, Kevin P. Thompson, Supraja Murali
-
Patent number: 8169709Abstract: A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems employs liquid optics and a movable lens group to provide optical performance over the zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system also provides compensation for undesirable thermally induced effects by adjustments of the zoom group and the variably shaped optical surface in the liquid lens cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Blackeye Optics, LLCInventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
-
Patent number: 8169713Abstract: Disclosed herein is a zoom lens, including: an object side lens group disposed on the object side and including a first variable lens having a deformation surface, the object side lens group having a focal length varied by deformation of the first variable lens; an image side lens group disposed on the image side with respect to the object side lens group with an aperture stop sandwiched therebetween and including a second variable lens having a deformation surface, the image side lens group having a focal length varied by deformation of the second variable lens; and a lens group disposed between the object side lens group and the image side lens group and including the aperture stop. The deformation of the first and second variable lenses is controlled to carry out power variation and carry out image surface movement compensation and focusing by the power variation.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Katsuhiro Seo, Yoshiki Okamoto, Mamoru Suzuki, Akira Suzuki
-
Patent number: 8164835Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive films to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device/system.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Jonathan R. Heim, Alireza Zarrabi
-
Publication number: 20120092775Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, transitioning an optical power of a fluidic lens over a substantially continuous range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: E-VISION, LLCInventors: Dwight Duston, Anthony Van Heugten
-
Patent number: 8154810Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive a lens adapter; a set of base optics positioned in the proximal end of the base; and adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base and optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Embodiments of a process including forming a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive any one of a plurality of lens adapters; positioning a set of base optics in the proximal end of the base; and positioning adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base such that they are optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Microscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Danny S. Barnes, Erik R. Stockinger, David P. Bajorins, Chace H. Fadlovich
-
Patent number: 8154804Abstract: A lens is presented in which the lens includes a substrate and an electrode layer. The electrode layer is positioned upon the substrate. The electrode layer has radially alternating rings of electrodes and resistive material. When voltage is applied across two adjacent electrodes the profile of the electric field therebetween is linear. When voltage is applied to the rings of electrodes, the optical phase profile of the lens closely approximates the optical phase of ideal spherical aberration correction.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Thomas McGinn, Dwight P. Duston, Anthony Van Heugten
-
Patent number: 8154805Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a variable power optical system. In one embodiment, a stop is located between a first lens group comprising at least a first liquid lens cell and a second lens group comprising at least a second liquid lens cell. In one embodiment, a liquid lens cell controls an incident angle of light rays on an image surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Blackeye Optics, LLCInventors: James H Jannard, Iain A Neil
-
Patent number: 8149513Abstract: The invention discloses a package structure of a liquid lens which includes a first substrate and an electrode on the first substrate. The package structure includes a second substrate, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a first circular member, and a second circular member. The first substrate is fixed at the first sleeve to form a holding chamber for receiving a first dielectric liquid and a second dielectric liquid. The second substrate is disposed on the liquid lens and fixed at the second sleeve. The first sleeve is fixedly connected inside the first sleeve and the second substrate. The second circular member is disposed on the first circular member. The first and second circular member are located and urged between the first sleeve and the second sleeve to form a reserved expansion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Pei-Jen Wang, Jer-Liang Andrew Yeh
-
Publication number: 20120063000Abstract: A fluidic optical device may include a first optical surface that includes an deformable material and a second optical surface that includes a rigid material. An optical fluid disposed between first and second optical surfaces and an actuator is disposed in communication with first optical surface. Activation of actuator results in a deformation of first optical surface and displacement of optical fluid. The deformation and displacement result in a change in an optical property of the device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Holochip CorporationInventors: Robert G. Batchko, Andrei Szilagyi
-
Patent number: 8132920Abstract: A video projector includes a reduced size spatial light modulator (400) that spatially modulates light from a light source (502) according to only a portion (e.g., ½) of a video frame at a time. A beam steerer (508, 600, 1600) steers spatially modulated light from the spatial light modulator to a correspond region (e.g., upper half, lower half) of a projection screen/surface (512) and one or more lenses (506, 510, 702, 802, 1002, 1008, 1100, 1300, 1502) insure that the spatially light modulator (400) is imaged onto the projection screen/surface (512).Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: Zili Li, Xiaodong Xun
-
Publication number: 20120057245Abstract: A valve device for a variable lens comprises: an inlet for receiving fluid from a reservoir; an outlet for passing fluid to a lens cavity; and a valve member, the valve member comprising a passageway for fluid communication between the inlet and outlet and a valve for closing the passageway; wherein the valve is actuated by turning the valve member about an axis of rotation and the passageway extends along the valve member in the axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: ADLENS LTDInventors: Gregor Storey, William Johnson
-
Patent number: 8130449Abstract: The invention relates to optics comprising adjustable optical elements and, if desired, lenses of fixed focal lens. By use of an appropriate controller for the adjustable optical elements, characteristics of the optics can be advantageously varied. For this purpose, systems are provided which are suitable for use as surgical stereo-microscope, objective, ocular or zoom. A zoomable imaging optics comprises lenses and of variable optical power, which are oppositely controlled by means of a controller to change an imaging ratio, so that the optical power of the one lens is increased and the optical power of the other lens is decreased. Moreover, the imaging optics may comprise still further assemblies of fixed optical power.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventors: Andreas Obrebski, Fritz Strahle
-
Patent number: 8130450Abstract: A liquid lens system comprises a liquid drop 10 whose shape can be influenced by electrical fields. A plurality of electrodes are arranged annularly around the liquid drop. The liquid lens system may be employed in an artificial eye, an accommodation measuring instrument and a dioptric telescope.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Wavelight AGInventors: Volker Gotzinger, Andreas Schnalke, Arthur Michling, Kurt Heiberger
-
Publication number: 20120050881Abstract: A liquid lens includes a vessel having an inner wall and configured to contain liquid, an electrolyte liquid and a non-electrolyte liquid forming an interface therebetween and being contained in the vessel, and a voltage applying unit which applies a voltage to the electrolyte liquid. A shape of the interface between the electrolyte liquid and the non-electrolyte liquid is changed by application of the voltage. The inner wall of the vessel has varying affinity with the non-electrolyte liquid depending on a position on the inner wall where an end of the interface contacts the inner wall; and the affinity on the side of the inner wall where the non-electrolyte liquid is situated is lower than the affinity on the side of the inner wall where the electrolyte liquid is situated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shoichi Yamazaki, Shintetsu Go, Ryo Ogawa
-
Publication number: 20120044574Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially a conical frustum and at least a portion of the conical frustum concave in relation to the optical axis. An application of an electrical current to the meniscus wall provides for a increase in negative power in an optical quality provided by the liquid meniscus lens. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
-
Patent number: 8120860Abstract: A conversion lens which includes a pair of transparent members is provided. At least one of the transparent members is formed of a deformable film; a connecting member for connecting the pair of transparent members so as to form a sealed space sandwiched between the pair of transparent members; a liquid filled in the sealed space; and a curvature changing mechanism for changing the curvature of the deformable film by moving the liquid filled in the sealed space. A conversion lens system and an imaging device, provided with the conversion lens are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Akira Suzuki, Fumisada Maeda, Masahiko Ito, Yoshiki Okamoto
-
Patent number: 8116011Abstract: An optical device including: at least one deformable membrane; a first support; and actuating unit for loading the membrane to deform it, the membrane being provided with a anchoring zone for anchoring to the support which surrounds a part of the membrane including a substantially central zone that is reversibly deformable, the support and the membrane contributing to imprison a constant volume of a first fluid in contact with a face of part of the membrane, wherein the actuating unit includes control-activated main actuating unit for loading the membrane in a peripheral zone and control-activated supplementary actuating unit anchored at least to the membrane for loading the membrane in the central zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Sébastien Bolis
-
Patent number: 8111447Abstract: An electronic device comprises an array of electro wetting cells, each cell comprising first and second liquids (14,18) which are immiscible in each other. An electrode arrangement (60a,60b) is used to control the position of the interface between the first and second liquids, and comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. Each cell comprises a first switching device (64a) for applying a cell drive voltage to the first electrode (60a), and a second switching device (64b) for simultaneously applying the same cell drive voltage to the second electrode (60b). The cell circuit can be produced without requiring any additional control lines to those required for a single electrode and associated switching device, but the use of two switching devices enables the ultimate signal applied to each electrode to be different as a result of different capacitive effects. This then enables control over the way the liquid interface moves in response to control voltages.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Samsung LCD Netherlands R&D Center B.V.Inventors: Peter Douglas Fairly, Steven Charles Deane, Carl Glasse
-
Patent number: 8111464Abstract: A liquid optical lens which changes a focus due to a change in a shape of a translucent elastic membrane according to a change in a fluid pressure of a lens chamber and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The liquid optical lens forms a dampproof coating membrane on the translucent elastic membrane to prevent a fluid from permeating through the translucent elastic membrane and a swelling phenomenon of the translucent elastic membrane.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeong-yub Lee, Seung-wan Lee, Seung-tae Choi, Woon-bae Kim, Jae-ho You, Che-heung Kim
-
Patent number: 8111465Abstract: Electrofluidic devices, visual displays formed from the electrofluidic devices, and methods for making and operating such electrofluidic devices Each electrofluidic device has a fluid vessel with first and second regions that contain an electrically conductive polar fluid and a non-polar fluid The polar and/or the non-polar fluids are externally visible external through a viewable area of the second region A voltage source is electrically connected to a capacitor having a hydrophobic surface that contacts the polar fluid and provides a first principal radius of curvature of the polar fluid that is convex and smaller than a second principal radius of curvature of the polar fluid in the first region The voltage source applies an electromechanical force to the polar fluid, thereby transferring the polar fluid from the first region to the second region and causing a spectral property of light transferred through the viewable area to change.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignees: University of Cincinnati, Sun Chemical CorporationInventors: Jason Heikenfeld, Bo Sun, April Milarcik, George Robertson, Russell Schwartz
-
Patent number: 8111466Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and ResearchInventors: Isabel Rodríguez Fernández, Peter M. Moran, Aik Hau Khaw, Saman Dharmatilleke
-
Patent number: 8100592Abstract: The invention concerns A housing for a variable focus liquid lens (204) containing first and second immiscible liquids defining a liquid-liquid interface moveable by electrowetting by application of a voltage between first and second electrodes (206, 208) of the liquid lens, the housing comprising: a first portion (202) comprising a contact surface for contact with a circuit board (203); a second portion (211) for receiving the liquid lens, the second portion arranged to be moveable with respect to said first portion in a first direction parallel to an optical axis (?) of the liquid lens when said liquid lens is positioned in said housing; and first and second contacts (213, 216) for electrically coupling the circuit board to the first and second electrodes respectively of the liquid lens when said liquid lens is positioned in said housing, wherein each of the first and second contacts comprises a first conductive surface (215a, 218a) arranged to make contact with a second conductive surface (215b, 218b), saiType: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Varioptic, S.A.Inventors: Pierre Craen, Nicolas Tallaron, David Perennez
-
Publication number: 20120013990Abstract: The zoom lens of the present invention includes a variable focus lens and a stop. The variable focus lens is disposed on the light incident side of the stop, and where a distance from a first surface to an image plane of the zoom lens is defined as Ta, and a distance from a variable refractive power surface closest to the stop of the variable focus lens to the stop is defined as Tb, the condition of Tb/Ta<0.22 is satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Akira YAMAMOTO
-
Patent number: 8087778Abstract: A mechanism allows for changing the optical strength of a liquid-filled lens having a cavity filled with fluid. A reservoir contains additional fluid and is in fluid communication with the cavity, and the mechanism draws fluid from the reservoir into the cavity or pulls fluid from the cavity back into the reservoir, whereby a change in the amount of fluid within the lens cavity changes the lens's optical strength. A membrane seals the reservoir, and a plunger impinges upon the membrane. A movement device, such as a barrel screw or lever, moves the plunger in a controlled manner toward the membrane to increase pressure within the reservoir and thereby force fluid out of the reservoir into the lens cavity, and away from the membrane to decrease pressure within the reservoir and thereby withdraw fluid from the lens cavity and into the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Karim Haroud, Urban Schnell
-
Patent number: 8084116Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a top surface, a substantially regular array of raised structures located over the top surface, and a layer located on the top surface between the structures. Distal surfaces of the structures are farther from the top surface than remaining portions of the structures. The layer is able to contract such that the distal surfaces of the structures protrude through the layer. The layer is able to swell such that the distal surfaces of the structures are closer to the top surface of the substrate than one surface of the layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Joanna Aizenberg, Thomas Nikita Krupenkin, Oleksander Sydorenko, Joseph Ashley Taylor
-
Patent number: 8072689Abstract: An optical device with a deformable membrane including an anchoring area on a support helping to contain a constant volume of liquid in contact with one of its faces, a substantially central area, configured to be deformed reversibly from a rest position, and an actuation mechanism displacing the liquid in the central area, stressing the membrane in parts situated between the central area and the anchoring area. The actuation mechanism includes plural thermal or piezoelectric actuators of micro-beam type, distributed at the periphery of the membrane, the micro-beams including at least one fixed part joined to the support and at least one moving part coming into contact, on an actuation, with the membrane in an area situated between the central area and the anchoring area.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Sebastien Bolis