Abstract: A method and system for effecting adaptive autofocusing, such as for a camera, are disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining focusing information, such as historic focusing information, storing the focusing information, and subsequently using the focusing information to facilitate a determination of a best position of a focusing lens during a focusing process. The use of such focusing information can result in a better choice for the next focusing lens position to be tested, such that the focusing process can be performed more rapidly.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for enhanced etch processes. For example, a substrate may be received in an etch chamber, where the substrate comprises a handle layer, a bonding layer in communication with the handle layer, and a device layer in communication with the bonding layer. The device layer may comprise a device layer patterned therein and having a bottom surface, where the bottom surface of the device is attached to the bonding layer. The bonding layer may comprise an oxide annealed at relatively low temperature. A dry etch process may be performed to release the bottom surface of the device from the bonding layer.

Abstract: An impulse actuated mechanism for, e.g., a digital camera shutter, includes a shutter blade disposed at a first end of a flexure having an opposite second end fixed so as to constrain the blade to move along a planar, relatively long, first trajectory between opposite initial and final blade positions, and a short-throw, high force blade actuator that includes a stator and a stage supported for movement relative to the stator and along a second trajectory intersecting the initial blade position, and a mechanism for accelerating the stage along the second trajectory and against the blade such that at least some of the momentum of the stage is imparted to the blade, causing the blade to move along the first trajectory from the initial blade position to the final blade position, where it blocks the passage of light through a light aperture of the camera.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating focusing of a miniature camera are disclosed. One or more lenses can be attached to a MEMS stage. The MEMS stage can be moved by a Lorentz actuator. The MEMS stage can be configured to limit movement of the lens(es) to a single degree of freedom to inhibit misalignment thereof with respect to an imaging sensor. The stage can be biased to a predefined position thereof, e.g., for focus at infinity. A metal cover can inhibit electromagnetic interference and can limit movement of the lens(es).

Abstract: A method and system for mitigating undesirable motion of the optics of a camera are disclosed. The system can include a stage and snubber assembly for defining motion of the camera optics. The stage and snubber assembly can include a stage assembly having a stage to which the optics are attachable, at least one wing formed upon the stage, and a snubber assembly configured to cooperate with the wing(s) so as to limit motion of the stage substantially to the desired direction of travel of the camera optics.

Abstract: Various lens barrels and lenses are provided which may be used in miniature cameras. In one example, a lens barrel assembly includes a substantially cylindrical lens barrel with a first end including a first aperture and a second end including a second aperture. The first end further includes a first substantially annular portion having a first diameter and a first external surface. The first end also includes a second substantially annular portion having a second diameter and a second external surface. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter and greater than a diameter of the first aperture. The first external surface of the first substantially annular portion is recessed in relation to the second external surface of the second substantially annular portion. The lens barrel assembly may also include a lens having a portion that protrudes from the second aperture of the second end of the housing.

Abstract: A lens system for a miniature camera includes an imager and four cylindrical lenses disposed concentrically on an optical axis of the lens system. The lenses include, in order from a front end of the lens system to a back end thereof, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens and a fourth lens. The first lens has a positive power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the second lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the third lens is made of glass, has a positive power, a plano front surface and a spherical convex back surface, and the fourth lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces.