Abstract: A camera optical lens is provided. The camera optical lens includes, from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, a seventh lens, an eighth lens, and a ninth lens. The camera optical lens satisfies following conditions: 4.00?f1/f?7.00, and 3.00?d5/d6?12.00, where f denotes a focal length of the camera optical lens, f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens, d5 denotes an on-axis thickness of the third lens, and d6 denotes an on-axis distance from an image side surface of the third lens to an object side surface of the fourth lens. The camera optical leans according to the present disclosure has better optical performance while satisfying design requirements for ultra-thin, wide-angle lenses having large apertures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a camera optical lens including eight lenses which are, from an object side to an image side in sequence: a first lens having a positive refractive power, a second lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a positive refractive power, a fourth lens having a negative refractive power, a fifth lens having a positive refractive power, a sixth lens having a positive refractive power, a seventh lens having a negative refractive power, and an eighth lens having a negative refractive power; the camera optical lens satisfies conditions of: 0.95?f/TTL; 3.00?f2/f?5.00; and 3.50?(R9+R10)/(R9?R10)?30.00. The camera optical lens can achieve good optical performance while meeting the design requirements for large aperture, long focal length and ultra-thinness.

Abstract: Control systems for liquid lenses can use feedback control using one or more measured parameters indicative of a position of the fluid interface in the liquid lens. Capacitance between a fluid and an electrode in the liquid lens can vary depending on the position of the fluid interface. Current mirrors can be used for making measurements indicative of the capacitance and/or the fluid interface position. The liquid lens can be calibrated using the measurements indicative of capacitance and/or fluid interface position as the voltage is driven across an operational range. A control system can use pulse width modulation (PWM) for driving a liquid lens, and a carrier frequency for the PWM signals can be varied to control power consumption in the liquid lens. The slew rate can be adjustable to control power consumption in the liquid lens.

Abstract: An imaging module, including a substrate, a sensor assembly, a lens assembly and an adjustable lens assembly. The sensor assembly is arranged on the substrate and is configured to receive light passing through the adjustable lens assembly and the lens assembly. The adjustable lens assembly includes a piezoelectric actuator and an adjustable lens, and the piezoelectric actuator is configured to deform the adjustable lens through the action of an electrical signal and change a focal length of the imaging module.

Abstract: A varifocal lens includes a substrate having an inclined region, a primary electrode disposed over the inclined region of the substrate, a dielectric layer disposed over the primary electrode, a deformable membrane disposed over and at least partially spaced away from the dielectric layer, a secondary electrode disposed over a surface of the deformable membrane facing toward or away from the dielectric layer and overlying at least a portion of the primary electrode, and a fluid between the membrane and the substrate, wherein a surface of the dielectric layer facing the secondary electrode comprises a textured surface.

Abstract: Examples include a device including a fluid lens having a membrane, a substrate, and a fluid at least partially enclosed between the membrane and the substrate. One or more support structures may be configured to provide a guide path for an edge portion of the membrane, which may be an elastic membrane in tension. In some examples, a membrane includes a membrane polymer, such as a thermoplastic urethane polymer, and a polymer additive, such as an acrylate polymer. The polymer additive may reduce or substantially eliminate diffusion of the fluid into the membrane, which may increase the stability and performance of the fluid lens.

Abstract: There is disclosed a spherical optical lens formed in a liquid or a gas, the spherical optical lens is formed by refractive index modulations associated with an acoustic wave, wherein a spherical aberration and focal length of the acoustic wave are controllable. Also disclosed is a method of forming an acousto-optic spherical lens in a homogeneous medium, comprising the steps of introducing an alteration in a refractive index of the medium using acoustic field of a spherical wave, thereby forming a shape of the acousto-optic spherical lens, passing an optical beam through the altered or perturbed medium, exposing the optical beam to a modulated refractive index owing to an inner most wave front of the altered or perturbed medium being accompanied with high pressure modulation, thereby resulting in bending of the optical beam.

Abstract: A liquid lens unit according to one embodiment comprises: a first plate including a cavity for accommodating a conductive first liquid and a nonconductive second liquid; a first electrode arranged on the first plate; a second electrode arranged under the first plate; a second plate arranged on the first electrode; a third plate arranged under the second electrode; and an elastic member arranged between the first plate and the third plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods reduce temperature induced drift effects on a liquid lens used in a vision system. A feedback loop receives a temperature value from a temperature sensor, and based on the received temperature value, controls a power to the heating element based on a difference between the measured temperature of the liquid lens and a predetermined control temperature to maintain the temperature value within a predetermined control temperature range to reduce the effects of drift. A processor can also control a bias signal applied to the lens or a lens actuator to control temperature variations and the associated induced drift effects. An image sharpness can also be determined over a series of images, alone or in combination with controlling the temperature of the liquid lens, to adjust a focal distance of the lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) with a shape-changing optic is provided. The shape-changing optic includes an elastic anterior face located anterior to the equator. The anterior face has an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a periphery. The shape-changing optic also includes a posterior face having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a periphery. An elastic side wall can extend across the equator and extend from the anterior face to the posterior face. A chamber can be located between the anterior face and the posterior face. The IOL can further include at least one haptic extending from the periphery of the anterior face, the periphery of the posterior face, or both.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, vehicles, and methods that include adjusting a position of an image sensor with respect to a lens assembly. An example optical system includes a lens assembly having at least one lens. The at least one lens defines an optical axis, a focal distance, and a focal plane. The optical system also includes a lens holder coupled to the lens assembly and a substrate having a first surface. The optical system additionally includes an image sensor attached to the first surface of the substrate. Furthermore, the optical system includes an active compensation system having a piezoelectric structure coupled between the lens holder and the first surface of the substrate. The active compensation system is configured to maintain the image sensor at the focal plane over a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A liquid lens of the present invention includes a first plate including a cavity in which a conductive liquid and a nonconductive liquid are disposed; a first electrode disposed on the first plate; a second electrode disposed under the first plate; a second plate disposed on the first electrode; and a third plate disposed under the second electrode, wherein the second plate includes a first region having a first thickness, the first region encompassing an optical axis, and a second region extended from the first region and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and the location of the upper surface of the first region is lower than the location of the upper surface of the second region.

Abstract: A camera module of an embodiment includes: a liquid lens including a common electrode and a plurality of individual electrodes; and a control circuit electrically connected to the common electrode and the individual electrodes and configured to control the liquid lens, wherein, when a driving voltage for driving the liquid lens is changed, the control circuit floats at least one of the plurality individual electrode in a state in which a first voltage is applied to the common electrode.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) can be implanted either alone or as part of a two-part lens assembly. The IOL comprises an optic, a flexible membrane and a peripheral edge coupling the optic and the flexible membrane. The peripheral edge comprises an external circumferential surface having a height and a force transmitting area defined along a portion of the height of the external circumferential surface. A closed volume spaces apart the optic and the flexible membrane. The optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature about a central axis when a radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area. A volume defined by the closed volume remains fixed when the optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature and/or when the radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area.

Abstract: Electrowetting-actuated optical shutters based on total internal reflection or beam steering. An electrowetting cell contains a conducting liquid and a non-conducting liquid configured to form a liquid-liquid interface extending to the inner walls of the cell. A beam of light is directed to the liquid-liquid interface at an angle near the total internal reflection angle of the interface. Voltage changes the shape of the liquid-liquid interface, without separating it from the inner walls of the cell. Thus, when depending on the voltage applied, the beam is either transmitted in part or substantially totally internal reflected.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device includes an enclosure, two immiscible fluids, an electrode, a dielectric, and an anion getter material. The enclosure is configured to mount on or in an eye of a user. The two immiscible fluids, including a first fluid and a second fluid, are disposed within the enclosure. The electrode is separated from the two immiscible fluids by the dielectric. The electrode is capable of forming a barrier layer during an anodization process when a voltage is applied across the electrode and the first fluid. The anion getter material is disposed within the ophthalmic device and is capable of gettering anion contaminants that inhibit the anodization process from forming the barrier layer.

Abstract: A camera module includes a liquid lens unit; a lens holder in which the liquid lens unit is disposed; a main board configured to supply a driving signal to drive the liquid lens unit; and a base disposed on the main board, the base having an inner space in which the liquid lens unit is disposed, wherein the liquid lens unit includes: a liquid lens including upper electrodes and a lower electrode; and a lower connection substrate connected to the lower electrode, and wherein the base includes: an upper connection part configured to electrically connect the upper electrodes to the main board, the upper connection part being disposed adjacent to the upper electrodes in a plan view; and a lower connection part configured to electrically connect the lower connection substrate to the main board.

Abstract: A liquid lens includes a first plate including a cavity in which a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid are disposed; a first electrode placed under the first plate; a second electrode placed on the first plate; a second plate on the second electrode; and a third plate under the first electrode, wherein a region of the second plate, which is disposed on the conductive liquid, includes a first region having a first thickness and including an optical axis, and a second region extending from the first region and having a second thickness, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) can be implanted either alone or as part of a two-part lens assembly. The IOL comprises an optic, a flexible membrane and a peripheral edge coupling the optic and the flexible membrane. The peripheral edge comprises an external circumferential surface having a height and a force transmitting area defined along a portion of the height of the external circumferential surface. A closed volume spaces apart the optic and the flexible membrane. The optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature about a central axis when a radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area. A volume defined by the closed volume remains fixed when the optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature and/or when the radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Optical device (1), comprising: a transparent and elastically expandable membrane (10), an optical element (20) facing the membrane (10), a wall member (300), wherein the optical element (20) and the membrane (10) are connected to the wall member (300) such that a container (2) with a volume (V) is formed, a fluid (F) residing in said volume (V), and a lens shaping part (11) that is in contact with the membrane (10) for defining a curvature adjustable area (10c) of the membrane (10), which area (10c) faces said optical element (20), and a circumferential lens barrel (50) that surrounds an opening (50c) in which at least one rigid lens (51) is arranged that is held by the lens barrel (50), and an actuator means (40) that is designed to move the optical element (20) in an axial direction (A) with respect to the lens shaping part (11), which axial direction (A) is oriented perpendicular to a plane along which the lens shaping part (11) extends, or to move the lens shaping part (1

Abstract: A liquid lens according to an embodiment includes a first plate comprising a cavity in which a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid are disposed, the cavity having an inclined surface; a first electrode disposed on the inclined surface; a second electrode disposed on the first plate; and a black insulation layer disposed between the first electrode and the conductive liquid, wherein the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid form an interface therebetween, and the interface moves along one surface of the black insulation layer.

Abstract: A variable focal length lens system includes a tunable acoustic gradient (TAG) lens; a TAG lens controller; and processor(s) configured to: (a) operate the TAG lens controller to drive a periodic modulation of the TAG lens optical power at a TAG lens resonant frequency, using a first amplitude driving signal that provides a first focal Z range extending between peak focus distances Z1max+ and Z1max?; and expose a first image using a first exposure increment approximately at the timing of Z1max+ or Z1max?; (b) adjust the TAG lens controller to drive the periodic modulation using a second amplitude driving signal that provides a second focal Z range extending between peak focus distances Z2max+ and Z2max?; and expose a second image using a second exposure increment approximately at the timing of Z2max+ or Z2max?; and (c) perform processing that includes determining focus metric values for the first and second images.

Abstract: A liquid lens includes a first plate including a cavity in which a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid are disposed; a first electrode placed under the first plate; a second electrode placed on the first plate; a second plate on the second electrode; and a third plate under the first electrode, wherein a region of the second plate, which is disposed on the conductive liquid, includes a first region having a first thickness and including an optical axis, and a second region extending from the first region and having a second thickness, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

Abstract: Wide-angle beam steering using two or more variable lenses to form a small-angle beam steering element, along with a numerical aperture converter and a wide-angle lens. The small-angle beam steering element might comprise either one- or two-dimensional beam steering with tunable liquid lenses.

Abstract: One embodiment of a lens module includes a first lens including a fluid so as to absorb incident light; and a second lens forming an interface with a part of the first lens, the second lens including a fluid so as to permit passage of the incident light therethrough, wherein the second lens defines a first optic path in a center part thereof to permit passage of the incident light therethrough, and the first light path is changed in a cross-sectional area as the interface varies, and wherein a second optical path is formed at a portion of the first lens that is located adjacent to the first optical path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens curvature variation apparatus using sensed temperature information. The lens curvature variation apparatus according to an embodiment is a lens curvature variation apparatus for varying a curvature of a liquid lens which is variable based on an applied electrical signal and includes a lens driver to apply an electrical signal to the liquid lens, a sensor unit to sense the curvature of the liquid lens formed based on the electrical signal, a temperature sensing unit to sense a temperature of a periphery of the liquid lens, and a controller to control the lens driver to form a target curvature of the liquid lens based on the sensed curvature, wherein the controller controls the lens driver to output a changed electrical signal to the liquid lens to form the target curvature, based on the sensed temperature. Thereby, the curvature of the lens can be sensed quickly and accurately using the sensed temperature information.

Abstract: A composition for forming a protective coating on an electronic device that is in the form of a non-Newtonian fluid that exhibits both viscous and elastic properties, and that forms at least one coating that is hydrophobic, oleophobic, or oleophilic is disclosed. The viscous and elastic properties associated with the non-Newtonian fluid allows the composition to redistribute after being applied as a coating an electronic device. Methods for protecting an electronic device from liquid contaminants by applying the disclosed composition and electronic devices comprising the composition are also disclosed. An electronic device, such as a printed circuit board, having a film made of the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid lens control circuit, which includes a liquid lens including a plurality of individual electrodes disposed in compartmental areas at the same level and a common electrode disposed at a different level from that of the individual electrodes, a voltage control circuit configured to supply voltages to the common electrode and at least one of the individual electrodes in the liquid lens in order to control an interface in the liquid lens, and a capacitance measuring circuit configured to calculate a capacitance between the common electrode and at least one of the individual electrodes in the liquid lens using a switched capacitor.

Abstract: A structured film comprises an optically transmissive surface including a plurality of walls, each wall being adjustable between a plurality of configurations including a default configuration. When attached to a display, the walls extend away from the display at different heights and surround a plurality of light emitters of the display. In a default configuration, the walls generate selected diffraction orders for each light emitter such that gaps between adjacent light emitters are at least partially covered. The film can be adjusted by varying a geometry of the walls in response to an electrical input. The brightness of a region of interest in an image to be formed on the display can be adjusted relative to a surrounding region by varying wall geometry, using contrast control, or a combination thereof. The optically transmissive surface comprises a solid membrane filled with a non-solid material having a specific index of refraction.

Abstract: A liquid lens module includes a first housing having a first hole formed therein to allow a first lens unit to be coupled thereto, a lower connection substrate coupled to the first housing, an upper connection substrate disposed on the lower connection substrate, the upper connection substrate being coupled to the first housing, and a liquid lens disposed between the lower connection substrate and the upper connection substrate, the liquid lens being configured to be electrically connected to the lower connection substrate and to the upper connection substrate. The upper connection substrate includes an opening that is larger than the liquid lens. The opening is disposed at a position corresponding to the first hole in an optical-axis direction.

Abstract: There is presented an optical element (100, 500, 600, 700) comprising a support structure (101, 501) with a sidewall (112, 512), a bendable cover member (102, 502, 702) attached to the sidewall (112, 512), one or more piezoelectric actuators (103, 104, 105) arranged for shaping said bendable cover member (102, 502, 702) into a desired shape, wherein said optical element (100, 500, 600, 700) comprises an optically active area (111, 511) with an optical axis (110, 510), wherein an outer edge (215A-E) of the one or more piezoelectric actuators (103, 104, 105) as observed in a direction being parallel with the optical axis (110, 510) defines a first line, and an inner edge (109) of the support structure (101, 501) at the interface between the support structure (101, 501) and the bendable cover member (102, 502, 702) as observed in the direction being parallel with the optical axis (110, 510) defines a second line, wherein the first line and the second line as observed in the direction being parallel with the opti

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) for implantation within a capsular bag of a patient's eye comprises first and second components coupled together to define an inner fluid chamber and an outer fluid chamber. The inner region of the AIOL provides optical power with one or more of the shaped fluid within the inner fluid chamber or the shape of the first or second components. A surface treatment or coating may be applied to one or more surfaces of the first and second components. The surface treatment is expected to decrease the roughness of the machined surfaces of the boundary surfaces of the first and second components, and thereby reduce the mass of water coalescing at such boundary surfaces. The disclosed surface treatments are also expected to increase the hydrophobicity (i.e., decrease the surface energy) of the corresponding surface(s), thereby decreasing the “wettability” of these surfaces.

Abstract: A spectacle lens, which is manufactured by additive manufacturing, includes interspersing first volume elements and second volume elements. The first and second volume elements are arranged on the grid points of a geometric grid to form a first sub-grid and a second sub-grid, respectively. The first sub-grid forms the first part of the spectacle lens having a dioptric effect for vision for a first object distance and the second sub-grid forms the second part of the spectacle lens having a dioptric effect for vision for a second object distance, which differs from the first object distance.

Abstract: A lens system (100,200,300,400,500) that employs one or more liquids (130,230,340,350) to participate in correcting chromatic aberration. The liquids (130,230,340,350) are natural or having manually adjusted physical properties. The liquids (130,230,340,350) are filled in a chamber (430,540,550) formed by a frame and a lid (150,250,370,450,570) on a top surface of the frame, and a base (140,240,360,440,560) on a bottom surface of the frame.

Abstract: An optical system is provided, including a liquid optical module and a first optical module. The liquid optical module includes a liquid lens driving mechanism and a liquid lens assembly. The liquid lens driving mechanism includes a fixed portion, a movable portion and a first driving assembly configured to drive the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The liquid lens assembly includes a liquid lens element, a fixing member and a deforming member. The first optical module is disposed in a receiving space of the fixed portion and includes: a first optical element and a first optical driving mechanism. When the movable portion is driven by the driving assembly to move relative to the fixed portion, the liquid lens element is deformed via the deforming member, causing the optical properties of the liquid lens element to change.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of optical/electrical devices including a variable TIR lens assembly having a transducer, an optical lens and an electrowetting cell coupled to an exterior wall of the lens. The electrowetting cell contains two immiscible liquids having different optical and electrical properties. One liquid has a high index of refraction, and the other liquid has a low index of refraction. At least one liquid is electrically conductive. A signal causes the high index of refraction and the low index of refraction liquids to assume various positions within the electrowetting cell along the exterior wall. The properties of the optical lens, e.g. its total internal reflectivity, change depending upon the position of the respective liquids along the exterior wall. The light detection characteristics of the assembly change to receive an input light beam over a range of inputs or over a range of fields of view.

Abstract: The disclosed optical lens assemblies may include a deformable element, a structural support element, a substantially transparent deformable medium positioned between the deformable element and the structural support element, a compliant peripheral component positioned between peripheral portions of the deformable element and the structural support element, and an actuator configured to displace at least a portion of the compliant peripheral component to deform the deformable element and change at least one optical property of the optical lens assembly. Related head-mounted displays and methods of fabricating such optical lens assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus having an asymmetric adjustable lens with a deformable optical element. The apparatus may also include one or more actuators coupled to a deformable element of the asymmetric adjustable lens in a direct-drive configuration such that (1) mechanical action of the one or more actuators applies force to the deformable optical element and (2) the force applied by the mechanical action of the one or more actuators changes an optical property of the asymmetric adjustable lens by deforming the deformable optical element. Various other devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid optical module is provided, including a liquid lens driving mechanism and a liquid lens assembly. The liquid lens driving mechanism includes a fixed portion, a movable portion and a driving assembly. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion. The liquid lens assembly includes a liquid lens element, a fixing member and a deforming member. The fixing member is disposed on a first fixed portion surface of the fixed portion, and the deforming member is disposed on a movable portion surface of the movable portion. The movable portion surface and the first fixed portion surface face the same direction, and when the movable portion is driven by the driving assembly to move relative to the fixed portion, the liquid lens element is deformed by the deforming member, causing the optical properties of the liquid lens element to change.

Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient (TAG) lens includes an acoustic wave generating element and a refractive fluid in a casing cavity surrounded by a lens casing. The lens casing includes case ends which each include a window configuration, a case end rim portion and an enhanced axial compliance portion. The window configuration includes a window and a window mounting portion having an overall window mount dimension along the axial direction. The enhanced axial compliance portion is coupled between the window mounting portion and the case end rim portion and includes a reduced thickness region characterized by a material thickness that is at most 75% of the associated window mount dimension. The axial compliance portion is configured to enhance the axial deflection of the window mounting portion compared to the case end rim portion, when a periodic drive signal is applied to the acoustic wave generating element.

Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWoD) device including dual substrates with thin-film transistors (TFT) and capacitive sensing. As depicted herein the bottom substrate includes a first plurality of electrodes to propel various droplets through a microfluidic region, while the top substrate includes a second plurality of electrodes that are configured to interrogate the droplets with capacitive sensing. In some embodiments, the top substrate has zones of high-resolution sensing and zones of low-resolution sensing.

Abstract: A device is provided that may be operated when implanted within a body, when mounted to a surface of an eye, or when immersed in a fluid or otherwise exposed to a humid environment. The device includes at least one conductor that includes a valve metal. The valve metal is disposed on an external surface of the conductor such that, when the conductor exhibits a positive voltage relative to its environment, the valve metal forms or maintains a self-limiting oxide layer. The device is operated such that the mean voltage of the conductor is positive or zero relative to the environment, e.g., relative to another electrode or other conductor of the device that is in contact with fluid in the environment. Such a device can be operated for a protracted period of time in a humid environment without a hermetic seal disposed between the conductor and the humid environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system (1) comprising: a first focus tunable lens (10), a curved image sensor (30) configured to receive light (L) focused by the first focus tunable lens (10); an optical path (P) extending through the first focus tunable lens and to the curved image sensor; wherein the optical system (1) is configured to tune the focal length of the first focus tunable lens (10) by applying an electrical signal to the first focus tunable lens (10) such that light (L) traversing said optical path (P) is focused onto the image sensor (30).

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device can be provided by forming an opening that exposes a surface of an elevated source/drain region. The size of the opening can be reduced and a pre-amorphization implant (PAI) can be performed into the elevated source/drain region, through the opening, to form an amorphized portion of the elevated source/drain region. A metal-silicide can be formed from a metal and the amorphized portion.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system that is arranged to compensate for optical drift that can occur in certain variable lens assemblies, including, but not limited to, liquid lens arrangements. The system includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor, and a variable lens assembly that is controlled (e.g. by the vision processor or another range-determining device) to vary a focal distance thereof. A positive lens assembly is configured to weaken an effect of the variable lens assembly over a predetermined operational range of the object from the positive lens assembly. The variable lens assembly is located adjacent to a front or rear focal point of the positive lens. The variable lens assembly illustratively comprises a liquid lens assembly that can be inherently variable over approximately 20 diopter. In an embodiment, the lens barrel has a C-mount lens base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for cleaning a camera lens unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lens unit cleaning device includes: a cover glass (substrate), a plurality of electrodes successively arranged on the upper surface of the cover glass, a dielectric layer laminated on the upper surface of the electrode, and a hydrophobic layer laminated on the dielectric layer and having droplets formed on the surface. As different DC voltages are applied to a plurality of electrodes, the droplets move outward from the center of the cover glass.

Abstract: A device includes a piezoelectric diaphragm positioned on a frame. A fixed portion of the diaphragm is fixed relative to the frame and an active portion of the diaphragm is not fixed relative to the frame. The active portion of the diaphragm surrounds the fixed portion of the diaphragm and/or has a boundary with a concave shape.

Abstract: An apparatus may include an adjustable fluid lens that includes a deformable element and a fluid that is substantially transparent and that is contained at least in part by the deformable element. The apparatus may additionally include a sensor that detects a property of the fluid that indicates a viscosity of the fluid. The apparatus may further include a control element that regulates, based at least in part on the property of the fluid, a speed with which to apply a deforming force to the deformable element. Additionally, the apparatus may include an actuator that adjusts an optical property of the adjustable fluid lens by applying the deforming force to the deformable element at the regulated speed. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods reduce temperature induced drift effects on a liquid lens used in a vision system. A feedback loop receives a temperature value from a temperature sensor, and based on the received temperature value, controls a power to the heating element based on a difference between the measured temperature of the liquid lens and a predetermined control temperature to maintain the temperature value within a predetermined control temperature range to reduce the effects of drift. A processor can also control a bias signal applied to the lens or a lens actuator to control temperature variations and the associated induced drift effects. An image sharpness can also be determined over a series of images, alone or in combination with controlling the temperature of the liquid lens, to adjust a focal distance of the lens.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying trending topics in a document corpus are provided. First, multiple topics are identified, some of which topics may be filtered or removed based on co-occurrence. Then, for each remaining topic, a frequency of the topic in the document corpus is determined, one or more frequencies of the topic in one or more other document corpora are determined, a trending score of the topic is generated based on the determined frequencies. Lastly, the remaining topics are ranked based on the generated trending scores.