Liquid optics image stabilization
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An image stabilization system configured to stabilize an image of an object at a focus position, comprising:
- a lens system configured to image the object at a plurality of focus positions, the lens system having a focal length range of between approximately 6 mm and 45 mm and an f-number range between approximately 2.8 and 4, the focal length and f-number ranges corresponding to the plurality of focus positions, the lens system comprising;
a first liquid lens cell offset from a primary optical axis in a first direction, the first liquid lens cell comprising first and second contacting liquids, wherein a contacting optical surface between the contacting liquids has a variable shape that is substantially symmetrical to an optical axis of the first liquid lens cell and is asymmetrical to the primary optical axis;
a second liquid lens cell offset from the primary optical axis in a second direction, the second liquid lens cell comprising first and second contacting liquids, wherein a contacting optical surface between the contacting liquids has a variable shape that is substantially symmetrical to an optical axis of the second liquid lens cell and is asymmetrical to the primary optical axis;
a third liquid lens cell substantially centered on the primary optical axis, the third liquid lens cell comprising first and second contacting liquids, wherein a contacting optical surface between the contacting liquids has a variable shape; and
a moveable lens cell substantially centered on the primary optical axis, the moveable lens being capable to axially move along the primary optical axis,wherein the first liquid lens cell and the offset of the first liquid lens cell from the primary optical axis provides image stabilization along an axis parallel to the first direction, the second liquid lens cell and the offset of the second liquid lens cell from the primary optical axis provides image stabilization along an axis parallel to the second direction, the third liquid lens cell compensates for changes in the focus position, and the moveable lens cell provides magnification during image stabilization having a magnification range of 7.5×
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Abstract
A lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The lens system employs liquid optics to provide stabilization of an image. A liquid lens cell provides stabilization of the image. A second liquid lens cell may provide stabilization in another direction. A third liquid lens cell may liquid lens cells may provide compensation for changes in the focus position.
79 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An image stabilization system configured to stabilize an image of an object at a focus position, comprising:
a lens system configured to image the object at a plurality of focus positions, the lens system having a focal length range of between approximately 6 mm and 45 mm and an f-number range between approximately 2.8 and 4, the focal length and f-number ranges corresponding to the plurality of focus positions, the lens system comprising; a first liquid lens cell offset from a primary optical axis in a first direction, the first liquid lens cell comprising first and second contacting liquids, wherein a contacting optical surface between the contacting liquids has a variable shape that is substantially symmetrical to an optical axis of the first liquid lens cell and is asymmetrical to the primary optical axis; a second liquid lens cell offset from the primary optical axis in a second direction, the second liquid lens cell comprising first and second contacting liquids, wherein a contacting optical surface between the contacting liquids has a variable shape that is substantially symmetrical to an optical axis of the second liquid lens cell and is asymmetrical to the primary optical axis; a third liquid lens cell substantially centered on the primary optical axis, the third liquid lens cell comprising first and second contacting liquids, wherein a contacting optical surface between the contacting liquids has a variable shape; and a moveable lens cell substantially centered on the primary optical axis, the moveable lens being capable to axially move along the primary optical axis, wherein the first liquid lens cell and the offset of the first liquid lens cell from the primary optical axis provides image stabilization along an axis parallel to the first direction, the second liquid lens cell and the offset of the second liquid lens cell from the primary optical axis provides image stabilization along an axis parallel to the second direction, the third liquid lens cell compensates for changes in the focus position, and the moveable lens cell provides magnification during image stabilization having a magnification range of 7.5×
.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An image stabilization system, comprising:
a lens system configured to image the object at a plurality of focus positions, the lens system having a focal length range of between approximately 6 mm and 45 mm and an f-number range between approximately 2.8 and 4, the focal length and f-number ranges corresponding to the plurality of focus positions, the lens system comprising; a first liquid lens cell offset from a primary optical axis in a first direction, the first liquid lens cell comprising first and second contacting liquids, wherein a contacting optical surface between the contacting liquids has a variable shape that is substantially symmetrical to an optical axis of the first liquid lens cell and is asymmetrical to the primary optical axis; a second liquid lens cell, the second liquid lens cell comprising first and second contacting liquids, wherein a contacting optical surface between the contacting liquids has a variable shape; and a moveable lens cell substantially centered on the primary optical axis, the moveable lens being capable to axially move along the primary optical axis, wherein the first liquid lens cell and the offset of the first liquid lens cell from the primary optical axis contributes to image stabilization along an axis parallel to the first direction, the second liquid lens cell contributes to focusing of radiation delivered to an image side space, and the moveable lens cell provides magnification during image stabilization having a magnification range of 7.5×
.- View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
Specification