Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A camera assembly, preferably a cinematographic camera assembly, comprises a camera housing and a plurality of interchangeable lenses which can be attached to the camera housing for capturing an image. Each lens has a body and a lens system comprising at least one lens element that is movable relative to the lens body to alter the focus distance of the lens, the lens having a focal length that differs from the focal length of the each other lenses. Each lens has a focus scale on one of the lens system and the lens body that comprises a plurality of focus distance marks, and a focus index mark on the other of the lens system and the lens body.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength band imaging system including a beam splitter is provided, allowing image capturing means adapted to specific wavelength bands to be used such as from visible to near infrared, intermediate infrared and far infrared. The system may have a field of view of substantially (360) degrees about an optical axis of the system and may fit into a golf ball sized housing. The imaging system includes a first convex mirror and a second concave mirror. Some embodiments for imaging single or close wavelength bands and not requiring a beam splitter are equally provided. Also provided is a self-righting housing for an imaging system, for example as described above, which self-rights under the action of gravity, thereby disposing the imaging system in an appropriate orientation.

Abstract: A high performance fixed focal length optical imaging system for example for a cine camera is operable to receive radiation from an object space and deliver the received radiation through the optical system so as to form an image at an image surface in an image space. The imaging system has the advantage of providing high relative illumination and high contrast at elevated spatial frequencies even when using a fast aperture.

Abstract: An efficient image capture system is disclosed that integrates functions to control a lens including one or more of focus or object distance, zoom, temperature compensation, and stabilization within an image signal processor (ISP) with appropriate algorithms. In particular, the integrated ISP circuitry may control the motion of the focus and zoom optics of an optical assembly, control stabilization, control the flash, provide enhanced functions and features for controlling the zoom and focus lenses to enable enhanced image capture sequences and/or tracking lens data, provide a set of algorithms within the ISP to alter the aspect ratio (both height and width of an image) of the image, for example to compensate for the addition of an anamorphic lens, and integrate an anamorphic lens into the module to alter an image's projected aspect ratio onto the focal plane array.

Abstract: A lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The lens system employs liquid optics to provide stabilization of an image. A pair of liquid lens cells provides stabilization of the image. A second pair of liquid lens cells may provide stabilization in another direction. The two pairs of liquid cells may provide stabilization in any direction.

Abstract: A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems employs redirection of the radiation axis, 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An anamorphic imaging system is disclosed which maximizes the use of available image area to minimize display magnification and image degradation due to display magnification, reduces the amount of anamorphic squeeze or stretch during photography to lower image degradation due to anamorphosis, and in film applications, utilizes a film frame that is only three perforations in height to reduce the amount of original film needed. The frame for either film or digital applications has an aspect ratio of approximately 16:9, is contained within the total available frame area of a three-perforation frame or digital imager, and is sized to maximize image area. In preferred embodiments, the image capture area is approximately 0.900 inches wide by approximately 0.506 inches tall.

Abstract: A zoom lens is disclosed having a zoom ratio larger than four with a field of view at the short focal length position larger than 85 degrees and with a minimal number of moving groups. The zoom lens utilizes a compound zoom structure comprising an NP or NPP zoom kernel followed by a P or PP zoom relay, with only two or three moving groups that can be used for both zooming, focusing and athermalization. An overall compact package size is achieved by the use of prisms to fold the optical path in strategic locations. An optional variable power liquid cell can provide close focusing with little or no focus breathing.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed. The zoom lens system forms a final image of an object and a first intermediate real image between the object and the final image. The zoom lens system includes a first optical unit located between the object and the first intermediate real image. The first optical unit comprises at least one optical subunit which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the first intermediate real image. The zoom lens system also includes a second optical unit located between the first intermediate real image and the final image, at least a portion of which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the final image. The zoom lens system provides a wide zoom range of focal lengths with continuous zooming between the focal lengths.

Abstract: A compact high performance objective zoom lens system is disclosed that provides optimum optical performance over the entire zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system comprises, from object space to image space, one focusing objective lens group (comprising a focus lens group and a stationary lens group) and three zoom lens groups aligned on the optical axis. The focus lens group and the zoom lens groups are axially movable along the optical axis for focusing and zooming. In one embodiment, the system has a focal length zoom region from about 19 mm to 90 mm, an aperture of F/2.7 and substantially the same optical performance as high quality fixed objective lenses of the same range. The performance characteristics of this system makes it suitable for use with both film and electronic detector cameras.

Abstract: A compact high performance objective zoom lens system is disclosed that provides optimum optical performance over the entire zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system comprises, from object space to image space, one focusing objective lens group (comprising a focus lens group and a stationary lens group) and three zoom lens groups aligned on the optical axis. The focus lens group and the zoom lens groups are axially movable along the optical axis for focusing and zooming. In one embodiment, the system has a focal length zoom region from about 19 mm to 90 mm, an aperture of F/2.7 and substantially the same optical performance as high quality fixed objective lenses of the same range. The performance characteristics of this system makes it suitable for use with both film and electronic detector cameras.

Abstract: A zoom lens is disclosed having a zoom ratio larger than four with a field of view at the short focal length position larger than 85 degrees and with a minimal number of moving groups. The zoom lens utilizes a compound zoom structure comprising an NP or NPP zoom kernel followed by a P or PP zoom relay, with only two or three moving groups that can be used for both zooming, focusing and athermalization. An overall compact package size is achieved by the use of prisms to fold the optical path in strategic locations. An optional variable power liquid cell can provide close focusing with little or no focus breathing.

Abstract: A rear anamorph is disclosed with at least two cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in one direction primarily for squeezing or stretching the image with a ratio of less than 2:1, and at least two cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in a second direction primarily for aberration control. The cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in one direction may be moved as a group along the optical axis, and the cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in the second direction may also be moved as a group along the optical axis. In addition, the entire rear anamorph may be moved together, and a lens unit attached to the rear anamorph may also be moved with respect to the rear anamorph. With these adjustments, the two image planes formed by the two focal lengths created by the cylindrically surfaced elements in the two directions may be aligned with each other and superimposed on the nominal image plane.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed. The zoom lens system forms a final image of an object and a first intermediate real image between the object and the final image. The zoom lens system includes a first optical unit located between the object and the first intermediate real image. The first optical unit comprises at least one optical subunit which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the first intermediate real image. The zoom lens system also includes a second optical unit located between the first intermediate real image and the final image, at least a portion of which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the final image. The zoom lens system provides a wide zoom range of focal lengths with continuous zooming between the focal lengths and optional image stabilization.

Abstract: A rear anamorph is disclosed with at least two cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in one direction primarily for squeezing or stretching the image with a ratio of less than 2:1, and at least two cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in a second direction primarily for aberration control. The cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in one direction may be moved as a group along the optical axis, and the cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in the second direction may also be moved as a group along the optical axis. In addition, the entire rear anamorph may be moved together, and a lens unit attached to the rear anamorph may also be moved with respect to the rear anamorph. With these adjustments, the two image planes formed by the two focal lengths created by the cylindrically surfaced elements in the two directions may be aligned with each other and superimposed on the nominal image plane.

Abstract: An efficient image capture system is disclosed that integrates functions to control a lens including one or more of focus or object distance, zoom, temperature compensation, and stabilization within an image signal processor (ISP) with appropriate algorithms. In particular, the integrated ISP circuitry may control the motion of the focus and zoom optics of an optical assembly, control stabilization, control the flash, provide enhanced functions and features for controlling the zoom and focus lenses to enable enhanced image capture sequences and/or tracking lens data, provide a set of algorithms within the ISP to alter the aspect ratio (both height and width of an image) of the image, for example to compensate for the addition of an anamorphic lens, and integrate an anamorphic lens into the module to alter an image's projected aspect ratio onto the focal plane array.

Abstract: A method for modifying the spectrum of light rays passing through an objective lens to an electronic camera that includes providing an interference type filter within the objective lens. The interference type filter may be a coating on a separate optical element added to the objective lens or on a normal optical component of the objective lens. The interference filter coating is located along the optical axis where the light rays are substantially collimated and have a minimum light ray incidence angle with respect to the coating surface, which angle should not exceed 15 degrees for any of the light rays passing therethrough.

Abstract: A method and lens system for modifying the modulation transfer function of the light passing through the lens system to a camera or other imaging system that includes providing a spatial frequency response modifying (SFRM) filter within the lens system. The SFRM filter may be a thin film(s) or other type of modifying filter, including any conventional diffusion filters. The SFRM filter is located along the optical axis where the on-axis, zero field angle light rays are collimated in any lens system and form light beam(s) of a substantially constant cross sectional area throughout the range of focusing of a prime objective lens or throughout the ranges of zooming and focusing of an objective zoom lens for providing a consistent modulation transfer function of the light reaching the camera or other imaging system.