Abstract: In accordance with the disclosure, a MEMS substrate is provided that includes: a central planar portion configured to support a MEMS device; and a first electrical pad coplanar with the central planar portion, the first pad being connected to the central planar portion through a first flexure, wherein the first flexure is configured to substantially mechanically isolate the first electrical pad from the central planar portion.

Abstract: A positioning system for a miniature electronic device. The positioning system has a first portion including a damper and a second portion connected to the first portion. The second portion positions a payload of the miniature electronic device. The miniature electronic device may be a miniature camera, or other device.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly for a miniature camera, such as those used in cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices, is disclosed. One or more lenses of the zoom lens assembly are moved in and/or out of the optical path of the zoom lens assembly to change the magnification of the lens. Since the magnification does not necessarily require movement of lenses along the optical path of the camera, the length of the zoom lens assembly, and consequently of the camera as well, is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing the resolution of a camera are disclosed. For example, a single lens can be placed at a predetermined position and the position of a lens assembly can be adjusted so as to enhance the resolution of the camera. The single lens can then be moved so as to effect focusing of the camera while the position of the lens assembly tends to maintain enhanced resolution thereof.

Abstract: An autofocus method can include moving a lens and reading out first image data associated with a plurality of image pixels during a first low light interval, modifying camera parameters to provide autofocus image light received during an autofocus light interval, acquiring second image data associated with the plurality of image pixels during the autofocus light interval, modifying camera parameters to substantially reduce image light received during a second low light interval, reading out the second image data during the second low light interval, and analyzing at least the first image data and the second image data to determine a focus position of the lens.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a planar member having a first planar surface, a hollow body having first and second end openings, and a window. The planar member is configured to receive a device mounted on the first planar surface and surrounded by at least a track of a first material having a first hardness affixed to the first planar surface. The hollow body has a sharp edge at the second end along a planar section of the hollow body. The hollow body comprises a second material with a second hardness equal to or greater than the first hardness. The window encloses the hollow body first end forming an enclosure interior region configured to surround the device. The window provides the transmission of light into or out of the interior region. The hollow body second end is urged against the first material to form a hermetically sealed enclosure around the device.

Abstract: An improved approach to focusing a camera is provided. In one embodiment, a method of adjusting a focus of a camera includes translating a lens to a first position. The lens is vibrated relative to the first position, and a first image is captured on an image sensor while the lens is vibrated relative to the first position. A first sharpness score associated with the first image is calculated. The method also includes translating the lens to a second position. The lens is vibrated relative to the second position, and a second image is captured on the image sensor while the lens is vibrated relative to the second position. A second sharpness score associated with the second image is calculated. The first and second sharpness scores may be compared, and one of the first or second positions may be selected based on the comparison.

Abstract: In a method and system for focusing a camera focus can be repeatedly alternated between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions. An image can be displayed when the focus position is the original focus position. The image can be suppressed at other focus positions when the images are out of focus. The image can be displayed at one of the other focus position when the image is in focus. In this manner, the display of annoying and distracting unfocused images is mitigated.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for electro-magnetic damping in a stage system. An excitation waveform for one or more actuators includes one or more frequency components with associated amplitudes. Frequency components at a resonance frequency of the stage system have associated amplitudes that are substantially zero.

Abstract: A method and system provides a series of images having different focuses. The method can include storing at least one image in a buffer while an autofocus mechanism is determining a focus of the camera. Then, at least one image can be stored in the buffer after the autofocus mechanism has determined the focus of the camera. Images in the buffer can be transferred to a flash memory. In this manner, a plurality of images, each generally having a different focus, can be provided and the user can select an image having a desired focus.

Abstract: An optical system for a miniature camera is disclosed. The optical system can have a lens holder including mounting features to position a plurality of lenses. The mounting features can include mounting features that are configured to position a first plastic lens proximate an aperture end portion of the lens holder and/or mounting features that are configured to position a glass plano-convex lens along an optical path through an interior of the lens holder with a substantially planar surface of the glass plano-convex lens positioned toward the aperture end portion of the lens holder.

Abstract: A micro electromechanical actuator has movable flaps formed on a base plate. The flaps are detached from the base plate on the ends and along one side, with the opposite side being partially attached to the base plate by flexures. The flaps can be moved upward, rotating or twisting along the axis of the flexure so that a one side contacts a movable element first, followed by the opposite side. As a result, the movable element is moved laterally with respect to the flaps. Movement of the flaps can be by application of a voltage to the flaps, followed by removal of the voltage to return the flaps to their original position. The cycle can continue to move the movable element the desired amount.

Abstract: An improved lens barrel and related methods are provided. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a lens barrel includes a housing comprising a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter. A first lens element having a diameter approximately equal to the first diameter of the first section is enclosed by the first section of the housing. A second lens element is provided having a diameter approximately equal to the second diameter of the second section.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting the motion of components such as the optics of a camera are disclosed. The system can comprise a stage and a snubber assembly for controlling motion of the stage in six degrees of freedom. For example, the snubber assembly can permit movement in one translational degree of freedom while substantially limiting motion in the other five degrees of motion so as to facilitate focusing and/or zooming of a camera while inhibiting misalignment of the optics and while providing some protection against shock and vibration. Such motion control can be achieved while mitigating costs associated with precision manufacturing of the snubber assembly.

Abstract: A micro-machined MEMS resonator gyroscope and accelerometer is fabricated from an epilayer semiconductor wafer to incorporate a substantially planar, H-shaped resonator mass suspended from a support plate by two opposed elongated springs that couple to the relatively short crossbar member of the H. The masses are harmonically oscillated relative to the support plate and a baseplate portion, and two orthogonal modes of the structure corresponding to the two nearly degenerate fundamental torsional modes thereof are used for sensing angular rate about one axis, and linear acceleration along two axes, of the sensor. The H-shaped mass advantageously incorporates a relatively high length-to-width aspect ratio, and in one embodiment, the springs may advantageously incorporate either a square cross-section, such that the structure can be tuned to substantially match the fundamental frequencies of the two resonance modes of the structure by removing, e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electrostatic actuator has a base having a plurality of base pillars formed thereon and has a stage having a plurality of stage pillars formed thereon. The controlled application of voltage signals to the base pillars and/or the stage pillars results in electrostatic force that effects movement of the stage with respect to the base.

Abstract: A vibrator for cellular telephones and the like uses components of a camera. Thus, the need for a dedicated vibrator, and the cost associated therewith, are mitigated. A component of the camera can be moved so as to provide vibration. For example, a lens of the camera can be move back and forth rapidly by an actuator. The vibration can be used to indicate that the phone is ringing, for example.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improved lens barrel tolerance in optical systems. In some embodiments, a lens barrel has a first end section configured to position a first lens with a first diameter and a second section configured to position a second lens with a second larger diameter. The first end section of the lens barrel may include an inner mating section configured to position the first lens and an outer thread section. One of more portions of the inner mating section and associated portions of the outer thread section may be separated by a gap.

Abstract: An improved lens mount and related lens and lens barrel positioning methods are provided. In one example, a lens mount for use with a miniature camera can include a ring member having a substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a substantially cylindrical interior space. A plurality of elongate ribs are disposed on the interior surface of the ring member and are adapted to exert pressure against an external surface of a lens barrel received by the ring member. In another example, a method of positioning a lens barrel includes inserting a lens barrel into a ring member having a substantially cylindrical interior surface. Pressure can be exerted against an external surface of the lens barrel from a plurality of elongate ribs disposed on the interior surface of the ring member. The pressure can prevent rotation of the lens barrel along at least three axes of rotational freedom.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly for a miniature camera, such as those used in cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices, is disclosed. One or more lenses of the zoom lens assembly are moved in and/or out of the optical path of the zoom lens assembly to change the magnification of the lens. Since the magnification does not necessarily require movement of lenses along the optical path of the camera, the length of the zoom lens assembly, and consequently of the camera as well, is substantially reduced.