US 6,118,598 A · Method and apparatus for setting focus in an imaging device

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an improved lens focusing and holding arrangement for an imaging system of the type which may include a photosensor array. The lens may be in contact with a reference surface or surfaces formed within the imaging system housing and may be translatable along the surface in directions toward and away from the photosensor array in order to adjust the focus of the imaging system. A lens retention clip may be provided to secure the lens within the imaging system housing and to cause translational movement of the lens along the imaging system reference surface. When focusing the imaging system, the lens retention clip may be in a first operating condition in which the lens retention clip applies a relatively small force tending to hold the lens in contact with the housing reference surface. After the desired focus has been set, the lens retention clip may be placed in a second operating condition in which the lens retention clip applies a relatively high force tending to hold the lens in contact with the housing reference surface, thus locking the lens in place.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A method of focusing an imaging system comprising:

providing an imaging system housing having at least one surface formed thereon;
providing a lens in contact with said at least one surface;
providing a clip member;
contacting said lens with said clip member;
applying a first level of force to said lens with said clip member by retaining said clip member to said housing at at least a first location;
translating said lens relative to said surface while said first level of force is being applied;
substantially preventing translation of said lens relative to said surface by applying a second level of force to said lens with said clip member by retaining said clip member to said housing at at least a second location;
wherein said second level of force is greater than said first level of force;
wherein said second location is distinctly located from said first location.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for setting focus in an imaging device

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for setting focus in an imaging device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22