Miniature auto focus piezo actuator system
First Claim
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1. An imaging apparatus comprising:
- an image sensor for producing electronic signals corresponding to optical information representative of a target image;
a lens assembly for focusing the target image on the image sensor; and
at least two piezo actuator assemblies configured in opposing directions and in contact with a longitudinal flange extending from the lens assembly such that movement of tips of the piezo actuator assemblies causes movement of the lens assembly via the flange, wherein the at least two piezo actuator assemblies are configured to each receive a control signal for causing movement of the tips.
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Abstract
Actuator systems are provided for automatically focusing an optical image reader. Techniques are also provided which are applicable to the design of imaging engines and imaging lens systems associated with image readers of various types. More specifically, the present invention relates to lens guidance assemblies and actuator systems for automatically focusing an objective lens associated with an imaging system of an optical image reader. The optical image reader is preferably an optical code image reader for imaging optical codes, such as bar codes.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An imaging apparatus comprising:
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an image sensor for producing electronic signals corresponding to optical information representative of a target image; a lens assembly for focusing the target image on the image sensor; and at least two piezo actuator assemblies configured in opposing directions and in contact with a longitudinal flange extending from the lens assembly such that movement of tips of the piezo actuator assemblies causes movement of the lens assembly via the flange, wherein the at least two piezo actuator assemblies are configured to each receive a control signal for causing movement of the tips. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of focusing an image with an imaging apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a distance between the imaging apparatus and a target image; correlating the determined distance to the target image to a position of a lens guidance assembly; determining a current position of a lens assembly with respect to the position of the lens guidance assembly; determining an amount of distance that the lens assembly needs to be moved to focus the target image on an image sensor, and moving the lens assembly the determined amount of distance, to focus the target image on the image sensor, wherein the lens assembly is moved a determined distance via a piezo actuator assembly to focus the target image on the image sensor.
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Specification