Electrically-Controlled, Variable Focal Length Liquid-Based Optical Imaging Apparatus and Method
AssigneeOmniVision Technologies, Inc.
InventorsSonglin Zhuang, Jiabi Chen, Runling Peng
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An optical imaging apparatus having a variable focal length is disclosed. The optical imaging apparatus includes a first double-liquid variable focal lens and a second double-liquid variable focal lens. The first and second double-liquid variable focal lenses are aligned on a common axis and operable to have opposite varying curvatures.
Claims37
An optical imaging apparatus having a variable focal length, comprising:
- a first double-liquid variable focal lens;
- and
- a second double-liquid variable focal lens,
- the first and second double-liquid variable focal lenses aligned on a common axis and operable to have opposite varying curvatures.
A method for providing a plurality of focal lengths without mechanical movements, comprising:
- designing a first and a second double-liquid variable focal lenses operable to have opposite varying curvatures;
- and
- aligning the first and second double-liquid variable focal lenses on a common axis.
A method of fabrication of an optical imaging apparatus having a variable focal length, comprising:
- fabricating a first and a second double-liquid variable focal lenses;
- arranging the first and the second double-liquid variable focal lenses in a package;
- and
- providing a programmable controller in the package to apply a first voltage to the first double-liquid variable focal lens and a second voltage to the second double-liquid variable focal lens,
- the first voltage controlling a first curvature on the first double-liquid variable focal lens and the second voltage controlling a second curvature on the second double-liquid variable focal lens.
A programmable multi-focal camera, comprising:
- an image sensor to generate image data from an optical image;
- and
- a programmable optical assembly to capture the optical image, the programmable optical assembly comprising:
- a first and a second double-liquid variable focal lens;
- and
- a programmable controller configured to independently address a first voltage to the first double-liquid variable focal lens and a second voltage to the second double-liquid variable focal lens to provide a plurality of focal lengths and an invariable image plane at the image sensor.
A variable focal lens, comprising:
- a cylindrical chamber;
- a first and a second liquid layers enclosed within the cylindrical chamber and holding a liquid of a first type;
- and
- a third liquid layer in between the first and the second liquid layers and holding a liquid of a second type.
A method of fabrication of an optical imaging apparatus having a variable focal length, comprising:
- fabricating a triple-layer, double-liquid variable focal lens, having a first and a second liquid layers holding a liquid of a first type and a third liquid layer holding a liquid of a second type placed in between the first and the second liquid layers;
- arranging the triple-layer, double-liquid variable focal lens in a package;
- and
- providing a programmable controller in the package to apply voltages to the liquid layers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.