Abstract: A differentially pumped mass spectrometer system comprises a mass spectrometer having first and second pressure chambers through which, during use, ions are conveyed along a path. A pump assembly (10) for differentially evacuating the chambers (62, 66, 68) is attached to the mass spectrometer. The pump assembly comprises a housing (12) attached to the mass spectrometer and a cartridge (14) inserted into the housing. The cartridge has a plurality of inlets (16, 18, 20) each for receiving fluid from a respective pressure chamber (62, 68, 66) and a pumping mechanism (30, 32, 34) for differentially pumping fluid from the chambers. The cartridge is inserted into the housing such that the pumping mechanism (10) is inclined relative to the ion path (76), but with the cartridge protruding into the mass spectrometer to such an extent that at least one of the inlets (16, 18) at least partially protrudes into its respective chamber (62, 68) without crossing the ion path.

Abstract: An imager apparatus and methods are described. An embodiment of an imager module includes a plurality of groups of optical lenses, a lens frame, and at least one associated lens barrel configured to position and hold the plurality of groups of optical lenses. At least one of the groups of optical lenses is movable with respect to at least one other group of optical lenses for achieving optical focus. The imager module includes an integrated circuit (IC) imager die in proximity to the plurality of lenses, the imager die containing at least one image capture microelectronic device. The imager module includes a modular frame assembly that contains a first portion that holds a plurality of lens barrels, each containing one or more focusing lenses, and a second portion that supports the first portion at a specific distance from the substrate being imaged. The lens barrels are each responsive to different wavelengths or bands of wavelengths.

Abstract: There are many inventions described herein. Some aspects are directed to methods and/or apparatus to provide relative movement between optics, or portion(s) thereof, and sensors, or portion(s) thereof, in a digital camera. The relative movement may be in any of various directions. In some aspects, relative movement between an optics portion, or portion(s) thereof, and a sensor portion, or portion(s) thereof, are used in providing any of various features and/or in the various applications disclosed herein, including, for example, but not limited to, increasing resolution, optical and electronic zoom, image stabilization, channel alignment, channel-channel alignment, image alignment, lens alignment, masking, image discrimination, range finding, 3D imaging, auto focus, mechanical shutter, mechanical iris, multi and hyperspectral imaging, and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: Digital camera systems and methods are described that provide digital cameras configured to simultaneously acquire image data via multiple channels having different fields of view. The digital cameras include multiple channels coupled to a processing component. Each channel includes an optics component and an array of sensors or photo-detectors integrated on a semiconductor substrate. The channels include a first channel having a first field of view (FOV) and a second channel having a second FOV, and the second FOV is different than the first FOV. The processing component is configured to independently control simultaneous data acquisition with each of the channels, and to combine data from at least one channel during a frame to provide a high resolution image.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a plurality of channels and a processing component operatively coupled to the plurality of channels. Each channel of the plurality of channels includes an optics component and a sensor that includes an array of photo-detectors. The processing component is configured to separately control an integration time of each channel, where a first integration time of a first channel is less than a second integration time of a second channel. The processing component is also configured to combine data from the plurality of channels to generate an image.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: Digital camera systems and methods are described that provide digital cameras with large effective single-frame dynamic exposure ranges. The digital camera systems include multiple channels. Each channel includes an optics component and sensor comprising an array of photo-detectors. The sensors of the camera channels are integrated on a semiconductor substrate. The camera systems include a processing component coupled to the channels. The processing component is configured to separately and simultaneously control an integration time of each channel. The integration time of at least one channel is controlled relative to the integration time of at least one other channel so that an image formed by combining data of a frame received simultaneously from the channels has a relatively large dynamic range.

Abstract: Digital camera systems and methods are described that provide digital cameras configured to simultaneously acquire image data via multiple channels having different fields of view. The digital cameras include multiple channels coupled to a processing component. Each channel includes an optics component and an array of sensors or photo-detectors integrated on a semiconductor substrate. The channels include a first channel having a first field of view (FOV) and a second channel having a second FOV, and the second FOV is different than the first FOV. The processing component is configured to independently control simultaneous data acquisition with each of the channels, and to combine data from at least one channel during a frame to provide a high resolution image.

Abstract: A differentially pumped mass spectrometer system comprises a mass spectrometer having first and second pressure chambers through which, during use, ions are conveyed along a path. A pump assembly (10) for differentially evacuating the chambers (62, 66, 68) is attached to the mass spectrometer. The pump assembly comprises a housing (12) attached to the mass spectrometer and a cartridge (14) inserted into the housing. The cartridge has a plurality of inlets (16, 18, 20) each for receiving fluid from a respective pressure chamber (62, 68, 66) and a pumping mechanism (30, 32, 34) for differentially pumping fluid from the chambers. The cartridge is inserted into the housing such that the pumping mechanism (10) is inclined relative to the ion path (76), but with the cartridge protruding into the mass spectrometer to such an extent that at least one of the inlets (16, 18) at least partially protrudes into its respective chamber (62, 68) without crossing the ion path.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for distributing image capture devices, images, and prints. One embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides cameras, such as digital cameras or film cameras, to consumers for free or at a discounted cost. In exchange, the consumer makes a commitment that a certain number of image reproduction or prints will be purchased by the consumer and/or by others. In another embodiment, a user receives prints with associated advertisements attached at a reduced price.

Abstract: A semiconductor component that receives incoming light includes an integrated circuit, a package and an optics unit. The optics unit may provide a pathway, either generally or selectively, for the incoming light to the photodetector circuitry of the integrated circuit and may modify the incoming light, as well. The optics unit may be either electrically active or passive. When active, the optics unit is coupled to the integrated circuit with a conductor. The optics unit may also include a liquid crystal device, a beamsplitter assembly, a lensing assembly or other filters, and/or apertures. The liquid crystal device can act as a shutter or a display and the optics unit may be a single module or a plurality of modules. The integrated circuit may also include shutter drive circuitry and image processing circuitry.

Abstract: The invention is an imaging device having a high fill factor. The high fill factor is achieved by constructing the light sensors in a vertical fashion in the imaging device. The control circuitry of the light sensor is then contained inside the integrated circuit chip, rather than taking up area that could otherwise be used for light collection. The majority of the area on the surface of the IC chip is made up of light sensing elements, since the control circuitry is embedded in the IC chip. The control circuitry is connected to the light sensing devices through vias in the IC chip. The control circuitry of the chip is mainly contained within the die, rather than on it.

Abstract: A camera system employs an electronic imager such as a Charged Couple Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) array that captures a first portion of light and reflects a second portion of light reflected from a target subject. The light reflected by the electronic imager may be reflected towards film media or a color filter, for example. The electronic imager may include an integrated circuit, or a dielectric reflecting coating that acts to partially reflect incoming light reflected from the target subject. A display, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), may be utilized to determine which images are desirable or to identify which films to develop. Film writing circuitry that allows various types of information to be written may be utilized. The camera system further features an electronic imager shutter, and a film shutter for shuttering purposes. The film shutter can provide exposure control.