Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining, adjusting and/or accurately determining the position of a moveable element, e.g., a moveable shaft mounted component are described. The moveable component may be, for example, a mirror or mirror support of a camera module. A hall sensor is used to measure distance to the moveable component. To facilitate the distance measurement a magnet is secured to the moveable component. The hall sensor is used to determine the distance between the magnet and sensor. A metal plate is placed along a side of one of the supports used to support the shaft to which the moveable component is attached. The magnet which facilitates distance measurement is attracted to the plate reducing the risk of side to side movement even when the shaft fits loosely in the supports and is rotated. The magnet facilitates distance measurements and reliable control of position relative to the sidewall plate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to a camera including one or more optical chains with a light redirection device, e.g., mirror, and an outer protective cover are described. The cover maybe a flat or sloped surface or a lens. Features avoid stray light rays from reaching an image sensor of an optical chain. In some but not all embodiments a 2-sided anti-reflection coating is used on the cover to avoid or reduce back reflections from the cover into the optical system. In some embodiments mirror angles are limited to a range in which stray light reflections are directed away from the camera module. In some embodiments a tilted cover configuration is used where the cover is sloped relative to a face of the camera and/or camera module. Different features such as the sloped cover glass, control of mirror angle, and/or antireflective coating can be used alone or in combination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing optical chains, e.g., camera modules, which can be used in a camera device are described as well as camera devices including multiple camera modules. In various embodiments one or more camera modules include mirror assemblies which support a movable mirror. The mirror is driven in some embodiments by a linear actuator, e.g., piezo electric actuator with the linear motion of the actuator's push rod being converted into angular mirror rotation by use of hinge, e.g., pivot on which the mirror is mounted. A return spring provide a force contrary to that provided by the actuator. A recess is included in a mounting board to allow the bottom of the mirror or a portion of the mirror mounting hinge to be placed below the surface of the mounting board to which the camera module is secured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining, adjusting and/or accurately determining the position of a moveable element, e.g., a moveable shaft mounted component are described. The moveable component may be, for example, a mirror or mirror support of a camera module. A hall sensor is used to measure distance to the moveable component. To facilitate the distance measurement a magnet is secured to the moveable component. The hall sensor is used to determine the distance between the magnet and sensor. A metal plate is placed along a side of one of the supports used to support the shaft to which the moveable component is attached. The magnet which facilitates distance measurement is attracted to the plate reducing the risk of side to side movement even when the shaft fits loosely in the supports and is rotated. The magnet facilitates distance measurements and reliable control of position relative to the sidewall plate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing optical chains, e.g., camera modules, which can be used in a camera device are described as well as camera devices including multiple camera modules. In various embodiments one or more camera modules include mirror assemblies which support a movable mirror. The mirror is driven in some embodiments by a linear actuator, e.g., piezo electric actuator with the linear motion of the actuator's push rod being converted into angular mirror rotation by use of hinge, e.g., pivot on which the mirror is mounted. A return spring provide a force contrary to that provided by the actuator. A recess is included in a mounting board to allow the bottom of the mirror or a portion of the mirror mounting hinge to be placed below the surface of the mounting board to which the camera module is secured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, for mounting and using a filter over an image sensor are described as well as camera modules and apparatus incorporating the filter mount. Also described is a sensor and filter assembly which can be formed by combining the sensor, filter, filter mount, and a mounting board which can be shipped and integrated into a camera module and/or camera. A filter is placed in a filter well of a filter mount. By using a well to support the filter over a sensor, the top of the filter can be level or below the top of sidewalls of the filter mount. Use of a well to mount the filter reduces the risk of stray or unintentionally reflected light reaching the sensor and degrading captured images while protecting the filter from downward pressure or sideways contact.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing optical chains, e.g., camera modules, which can be used in a camera device are described as well as camera devices including multiple camera modules. In various embodiments one or more camera modules include mirror assemblies which support a movable mirror. The mirror is driven in some embodiments by a linear actuator, e.g., piezo electric actuator with the linear motion of the actuator's push rod being converted into angular mirror rotation by use of hinge, e.g., pivot on which the mirror is mounted. A return spring provide a force contrary to that provided by the actuator. A recess is included in a mounting board to allow the bottom of the mirror or a portion of the mirror mounting hinge to be placed below the surface of the mounting board to which the camera module is secured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to a camera including one or more optical chains with a light redirection device, e.g., mirror, and an outer protective cover are described. The cover maybe a flat or sloped surface or a lens. Features avoid stray light rays from reaching an image sensor of an optical chain. In some but not all embodiments a 2-sided anti-reflection coating is used on the cover to avoid or reduce back reflections from the cover into the optical system. In some embodiments mirror angles are limited to a range in which stray light reflections are directed away from the camera module. In some embodiments a tilted cover configuration is used where the cover is sloped relative to a face of the camera and/or camera module. Different features such as the sloped cover glass, control of mirror angle, and/or antireflective coating can be used alone or in combination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, for mounting and using a filter over an image sensor are described as well as camera modules and apparatus incorporating the filter mount. Also described is a sensor and filter assembly which can be formed by combining the sensor, filter, filter mount, and a mounting board which can be shipped and integrated into a camera module and/or camera. A filter is placed in a filter well of a filter mount. By using a well to support the filter over a sensor, the top of the filter can be level or below the top of sidewalls of the filter mount. Use of a well to mount the filter reduces the risk of stray or unintentionally reflected light reaching the sensor and degrading captured images while protecting the filter from downward pressure or sideways contact.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing optical chains, e.g., camera modules, which can be used in a camera device are described as well as camera devices including multiple camera modules. In various embodiments one or more camera modules include mirror assemblies which support a movable mirror. The mirror is driven in some embodiments by a linear actuator, e.g., piezo electric actuator with the linear motion of the actuator's push rod being converted into angular mirror rotation by use of hinge, e.g., pivot on which the mirror is mounted. A return spring provide a force contrary to that provided by the actuator. A recess is included in a mounting board to allow the bottom of the mirror or a portion of the mirror mounting hinge to be placed below the surface of the mounting board to which the camera module is secured.

Abstract: An optical assembly has a lens element having a plurality of radially extending tabs and a mounting structure having a plurality of retaining members. The retaining members extend in a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis defined by the mounting structure and are positioned complementary to the radially extending tabs of the lens element. A portion of the mounting structure is in an interference fit with the a portion of the lens element.

Abstract: An optical system has a first lens element (L1) having an outer portion (36) and a first tapered surface (34). A second lens element (L2) has an outer portion (26) and a second tapered surface (24). The first lens element (L1) and the second lens element (L2) are spaced apart relative to each other and centered relative to the optical axis (O) by a portion of the first tapered surface (34) being in contact with a portion of the second tapered surface (24), the outer portion (36) of the first lens element (L1) being spaced apart from the outer portion (26) of the second lens element (L2).

Abstract: An optical system has a first lens element (L1) having an outer portion (36) and a first tapered surface (34). A second lens element (L2) has an outer portion (26) and a second tapered surface (24). The first lens element (L1) and the second lens element (L2) are spaced apart relative to each other and centered relative to the optical axis (O) by a portion of the first tapered surface (34) being in contact with a portion of the second tapered surface (24), the outer portion (36) of the first lens element (L1) being spaced apart from the outer portion (26) of the second lens element (L2).

Abstract: An optical assembly has a lens element having a plurality of radially extending tabs and a mounting structure having a plurality of retaining members. The retaining members extend in a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis defined by the mounting structure and are positioned complementary to the radially extending tabs of the lens element. A portion of the mounting structure is in an interference fit with the a portion of the lens element.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a very compact zoom assembly with a minimum number of parts. Another object of this invention is to provide a zoom assembly which does not require guide rods and utilizes with only one motor for both zooming and focusing. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a zoom assembly includes a zoom lens defining an optical axis. This zoom lens is capable of operating in a plurality of different zoom positions and of focus adjustment for different object distances in each of the zoom positions. The zoom positions are (i) two extreme zoom positions (a wide angle position and a telephoto position), and (ii) a plurality of intermediate zoom positions. The zoom lens includes at least a first movable lens group and a second movable lens group. These first and second lens group are separated from one another by a variable distance.

Abstract: Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a zoom assembly having a plurality of different zoom positions and focus adjustment for different object distances in each of the zoom positions includes: (i) a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups defining an optical axis and (ii) a cam barrel centered about the optical axis. The cam barrel has an inner peripheral surface with at least one cam groove for moving one of the lens groups relative to another one of the lens groups. The cam groove includes: (i) a set of primary zoom sections, each corresponding to one of the zoom positions and having a slope with respect to the optical axis, and (ii) a set of intermediate sections corresponding to transitions from one of the plurality of zoom positions to another one of the plurality of zoom positions. Each of the intermediate sections is has a slope with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: The first, movable encloses the front, middle and rear lens groups. The front and rear lens groups are supported by a front and a rear lens cell, respectively. At least one of the front and rear lens cells is an integral part of the front lens barrel. The front and rear lens cells are located at a fixed distance with respect to one another. The middle lens group is supported by a mid-lens cell. The mid-lens cell is slidably movable within the first, movable barrel and has at least three external cam followers. The second, movable barrel engages and at least partially encloses the first barrel and includes three cam grooves engaging the cam followers. The motor is operatively connected to the second, movable barrel. The motor rotates the second, movable, so that the second, movable barrel moves along the optical axis with respect to the first, movable barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for scanning photographic film includes a scan gate (14, 16, 18, 26-30) having a film track (14) to guide a filmstrip (50) longitudinally in a direction of travel, a film guide surface (26) in the film track, and an elongated scan aperture (28) through the guide surface, the scan aperture being extended transverse to the film track; an image scanning device (18) positioned opposite the scan aperture, the scanning device including a housing (20) with a window (36), the housing enclosing an elongated array (44)of sensors faced through the window toward the film track opposite the scan aperture, the array of sensors having a length (L) and being spaced from the film guide surface; the scanning device further having a transparent cover (42) between the sensors and the film guide surface; the array and the cover being extended transversely to the film track, whereby a passage (48) for a filmstrip (50) is defined between the cover and the film guide surface; a conduit (78, 80)for delivering pressuriz

Abstract: A photofinishing device for handling different format types of photographic film includes a work station with a film interface for photofinishing a respective format type of photographic film. The photofinishing device is provided With a first film deck interface utilized for containing a first format type of photographic film at the work station so that the first format type of photographic film may be photofinished while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to the work station. The first film deck interface is releasably secured to the work station and replaceable with a second film deck interface capable of containing a second format type of photographic film at the work station. In this manner, when the photographic film in the device is changed from the first format type to the second format, the film decks may be quickly changed so that the second format type of photographic film is maintained in a specified orientation relative to work station for photofinishing.