Abstract: An autofocus method for an intra-oral camera modulates the focus of a liquid lens in a cycle that has at least first, second, and third focus positions and obtains an image at each focus position, measuring focus of the obtained image. The position of the liquid lens is adjusted according to the measured focus. Steps of modulating the focus of the liquid lens in the cycle with at least first, second, and third focus positions, and obtaining the image at each focus position and measuring focus of the obtained image are repeated.

Abstract: An autofocus method for an intra-oral camera modulates the focus of a liquid lens in a cycle that has at least first, second, and third focus positions and obtains an image at each focus position, measuring focus of the obtained image. The position of the liquid lens is adjusted according to the measured focus. Steps of modulating the focus of the liquid lens in the cycle with at least first, second, and third focus positions, and obtaining the image at each focus position and measuring focus of the obtained image are repeated.

Abstract: An auto focus intraoral camera with liquid lens includes: a digital imaging sensor (304) for capturing a digital image of an object; a light source for illuminating the object; an imaging lens assembly (302) for directing the light from the object along an optical path toward the digital imaging sensor; a liquid lens (100) disposed in the optical path between the imaging lens assembly and the digital imaging sensor, where the liquid lens has an adjustable focal length; a driver (306) for applying a variable voltage to the liquid lens to control the focal length of the liquid lens; and a processor (308) for processing the digital image captured by the digital imaging sensor. Meanwhile, a continuously auto focusing method for an intraoral camera is disclosed.