Discrete variable focal length assembly and device

Abstract

The invention relates to discrete variable focal length assemblies and devices. Various embodiments described herein provide a discrete focusing lens assembly. Some embodiments are designed to enable repositioning of one or more components, such as a lens barrel assembly, to adjust the focal length of the discrete focusing lens assembly. Some example discrete focusing lens assemblies include a module base housing a lens barrel assembly having a pair of positioning magnets, a pair of positioning coil assemblies associated with the positioning magnets, and at least one module alignment pin to position and / or align some or all of the components. The positioning coil assembly, together with the positioning magnet, is configured to apply various magnetic fields to reposition the lens barrel assembly. Additional embodiments of an imaging device including at least one discrete focus lens assembly described herein are provided. In addition, embodiments of methods for assembling discrete focus lens assemblies described herein are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to lens focusing assemblies for imaging devices (such as barcode and / or other symbol scanners), and in particular, to variable focal length lens assemblies for small form factor imaging devices and configured for discrete focusing using electromagnetics. This application is a divisional application, the application number of the parent case is 202110156292.8, the application date is February 4, 2021, and the invention name is "Discrete variable focal length assembly and device". Background Art

[0002] Lenses are typically designed so that objects within a specific predetermined range appear in focus through the lens. In this regard, an imaging device may utilize a sensor to capture image data objects representing a field of view through the lens. A stationary lens is limited to a predetermined range of focus. Variable focus lenses advantageously provide the ability to change the predetermined range, and conventional implementations for variable focus remain bulky, slow, and / or susceptible to damage from one or more environmental effects. In this regard, conventional variable focus lenses are generally not suitable for small form factor mobile imaging devices, and / or cannot physically fit within such devices for use. Applicants have discovered problems with current implementations of variable focus lens assemblies and devices. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicants have solved many of these recognized problems by developing solutions embodied in the present disclosure, which are described in detail below. Summary of the invention

[0003] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include discrete focus lens assemblies and discrete focus imaging devices including one or more such assemblies. Other specific implementations of one or more discrete focus lens assemblies and / or discrete focus imaging devices will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art by inspection of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional specific implementations included within this specification are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure and are protected by the following claims.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a discrete focusing lens assembly is provided. The discrete focusing lens assembly is configured to position at least a lens barrel assembly to a predefined number of focal length positions and / or within a set of continuous focal length positions with a reduced form factor, so that the assembly can be fitted within a device base of a small form factor. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the exemplary discrete focusing lens assembly includes a positioning coil plate, the positioning coil plate including at least a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly. The exemplary discrete focusing lens also includes a lens barrel assembly. The exemplary discrete focusing lens also includes a module base, the module base defining an internal module space designed to fit the lens barrel assembly, wherein the module base is designed to support the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil position and support the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil position, the first coil position being opposite to the second coil position. The exemplary discrete focusing lens also includes at least one module alignment pin, the at least one module alignment pin being engaged with the module base, the positioning coil plate and the lens barrel assembly, wherein the first positioning coil assembly and the second positioning coil assembly together with the lens barrel assembly define the focal length position of the lens barrel assembly.

[0005] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the first positioning coil assembly includes a first positioning coil, wherein the first positioning coil is positioned around a first positioning pad, and wherein the second positioning coil assembly includes a second positioning coil, wherein the second positioning coil is positioned around a second positioning pad, and wherein the lens barrel assembly includes an imaging optical lens, a first positioning magnet positioned adjacent to the first positioning pad, and a second positioning magnet positioned adjacent to the second positioning pad, wherein the first positioning pad, the first positioning coil, and the first positioning magnet together with the second positioning pad, the second positioning coil, and the second positioning magnet define the focal length position of the lens barrel assembly. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some such embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the first positioning pad is located in a first coil interior region defined by the first positioning coil, and the second positioning pad is located in a second coil interior region defined by the second positioning coil. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some such embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the first positioning pad includes a first iron positioning pad, and wherein the second positioning pad includes a second iron positioning pad. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some such embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the focal position comprises a default focal position when the positioning coil plate is in a non-energized state, and at the default focal position, the first positioning pad is aligned with the first positioning magnet and the second positioning pad is aligned with the second positioning magnet. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some such embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the default focal position is based on a default focus range.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some such embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the first positioning magnet and the second positioning magnet each include a matte dark surface. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some such embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the matte dark surface includes a magnet surface epoxy.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the module base, the positioning coil plate, and the lens barrel assembly each include at least one alignment pin opening, each alignment pin opening being positioned so that the at least one module alignment pin can engage each of the module base, the positioning coil plate, and the lens barrel assembly through the at least one alignment pin opening.

[0008] In addition or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the module base, the positioning coil plate and the lens barrel assembly each include a first alignment pin opening and a second alignment pin opening, each of the first alignment pin openings is opposite to one of the second alignment pin openings, and the at least one module alignment pin includes a first alignment pin and a second alignment pin, wherein the first alignment pin is engaged with the module base, the positioning coil plate and the lens barrel assembly via each of the first alignment pin openings, and wherein the second alignment pin is engaged with the module base, the positioning coil and the lens barrel assembly via each of the second alignment pin openings.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the focal position includes a continuous focal position based on a value of an energization state of the positioning coil plate.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the discrete focusing lens assembly includes an assembly height of less than 7 mm.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a first focal position when the positioning coil plate is in a first energized state, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a second focal position when the positioning coil plate is in a second energized state, and the focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a default focal position when the positioning coil plate is in a non-energized state.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the discrete focusing lens assembly further comprises a coil power supply circuit connected to the positioning coil plate, the first positioning coil assembly, the second positioning coil assembly, or a combination thereof, wherein the coil power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the first positioning coil assembly, the second positioning coil assembly, or a combination thereof.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the module base includes a first positioning region for receiving the first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning region for receiving the second positioning coil assembly.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the at least one module alignment pin comprises a frictionless pin.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focusing lens assembly, the discrete focusing lens assembly further comprises a lens mount for mounting the discrete focusing lens assembly within an imaging device, wherein the lens mount is attached to the module base.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-sensor imaging device is provided. The multi-sensor imaging device is configured for discrete focusing as disclosed herein. The multi-sensor imaging device includes a device base, which is configured to accommodate at least a discrete focusing lens assembly and at least one additional lens assembly. The discrete focusing lens assembly of the multi-sensor imaging device includes a first positioning coil assembly including a first positioning coil, wherein the first positioning coil is positioned around a first positioning pad. The discrete focusing lens assembly of the multi-sensor imaging device also includes a second positioning coil assembly including a second positioning coil, wherein the second positioning coil is positioned around a second positioning pad; the discrete focusing lens assembly of the multi-sensor imaging device also includes a lens barrel assembly, the lens barrel assembly including an imaging optical lens, a first positioning magnet positioned adjacent to the first positioning pad, and a second positioning magnet positioned adjacent to the second positioning pad. The discrete focusing lens assembly of the multi-sensor imaging device also includes a module base, the module base defines an internal module space designed to fit the lens barrel assembly, and the module base is designed to support the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil position and the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil position, the first coil position being opposite to the second coil position. The discrete focusing lens assembly of the multi-sensor imaging device also includes at least one module alignment pin engaged with the module base, the positioning coil assembly and the lens barrel assembly, wherein the first positioning pad, the first positioning coil and the first positioning magnet together with the second positioning pad, the second positioning coil and the second positioning magnet define the focal length position of the lens barrel assembly.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a discrete focusing lens assembly is provided. The method may be performed by any of a plurality of actors, including one or more human actors, a computer-operated machine and / or a robotic system, etc. In at least one exemplary embodiment of the method, the method includes assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly, wherein the lens barrel assembly includes a first positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets, and the first positioning magnet is mounted opposite to a second positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets. The exemplary method also includes inserting the lens barrel assembly into a module space defined by a module base, the module base including at least one alignment pin opening. The exemplary method also includes engaging at least one module alignment pin with the lens barrel assembly through the at least one alignment pin opening of the module base. The exemplary method also includes assembling a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly. The exemplary method also includes attaching the first positioning coil assembly and the second positioning coil assembly on the module base, the first positioning coil assembly being positioned opposite to the second positioning coil assembly.

[0018] In addition or alternatively, in at least some exemplary embodiments of the method, the method also includes: inserting a first positioning pad into a first coil interior area defined by a first positioning coil to form a first coil-pad assembly; and attaching a flexible connector to the first coil-pad assembly to form the first positioning coil assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Having thus generally described embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0020] Figure 1A A first exemplary discrete focus lens assembly is shown in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 1B A second exemplary discrete focus lens assembly is shown in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E showing various views of an assembled exemplary discrete focus lens assembly according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary lens mount for mounting an exemplary discrete focus lens assembly to or within one or more devices is shown in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows design details of an exemplary lens barrel assembly according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5A and Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lens barrel assembly according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 shows various design details of an exemplary positioning coil plate according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B shows an exemplary visualization of light traversing through an exemplary discrete focusing lens assembly for capture by an associated image sensor in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C each showing an exemplary visualization of a lens barrel assembly positioned at different focal length positions according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C each showing a visualization of an image data object including representations of various visually encoded indicia captured by an image sensor using a discrete focus lens assembly having a lens barrel assembly positioned at different focal length positions according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 10A shows a magnetic force applied by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a discrete focus lens assembly when the pair of coil positioning assemblies are in a non-energized state according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 10B shows a magnetic force applied by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a discrete focus lens assembly with the pair of coil positioning assemblies in a first energized state according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig.11 illustrates an exemplary distribution of forces associated with displacement of a lens barrel assembly from a neutral focus position in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 12Aan exemplary graph illustrating displacement of an exemplary lens barrel assembly when a first force is applied to move the lens barrel assembly from a default focal length position to a telephoto focal length position according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 12B another exemplary graph illustrating displacement of an exemplary lens barrel assembly when a second force is applied to move the lens barrel assembly from a default focus position to a close focus position according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Various views of an exemplary discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine including a discrete focus lens assembly are shown in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C Various views of an exemplary discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 are shown, according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig.15 An exemplary imaging device including a device base modified to implement a housing for an exemplary discrete focus lens assembly is shown according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig.16 shows a perspective view of an exemplary mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device including at least one discrete focus lens assembly according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B shows various exemplary ranges of image data objects captured by various imagers of an exemplary discretely focused multi-sensor from which representations of visually coded indicia of different sizes may be successfully read, in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig.18 illustrates an exemplary visualization of a process of assembling various components to form a discrete focusing lens assembly and intermediate components formed thereby, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.19 A flow chart depicting exemplary operations of an exemplary process for assembling a discrete focusing lens assembly is shown in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig. 20A flow chart is shown that depicts exemplary additional operations of an exemplary process for assembling a discrete focus lens assembly, specifically an exemplary process for assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Fig.21 A flow chart depicting exemplary additional operations of an exemplary process for assembling a discrete focusing lens assembly, and in particular, an exemplary process for assembling a localization coil assembly, is shown in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Indeed, embodiments of the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Throughout the text, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0045] Overview

[0046] The image device is configured to enable one or more image processing tasks to be performed. For example, in at least some exemplary contexts, the image device is configured to enable reading of 2D symbols, such as one or more barcodes, QR codes, data matrices, etc. Typically, such an image device includes one or more imagers for capturing image data objects representing a specific field of view defined by the imager. For example, the imager may include one or more image capture optics (such as one or more lens assemblies) coupled to an image sensor, the image sensor being configured to capture light that passes through the image capture optics to interact with the image sensor. In this regard, the lens assembly may define a specific field of view to be captured by the associated image sensor, and / or may define a specific focus range so that the image sensor captures a clear and / or otherwise optimally processed image data object at and / or near the focus range. Such an imager may be associated with an illuminator of the imaging device and / or associated with the imaging device, for example including an illumination projection lens and an associated illumination source that provides light to illuminate the field of view to be captured.

[0047] The variable focal length lens assembly enables the focus range to be adjusted to one or more different focus ranges. By adjusting the focus range, the effective range over which the lens assembly can be used to capture image data objects that are sufficiently sharp and / or well defined to be successfully processed for a particular image processing task can be improved. For example, a variable focal length lens that can be adjusted between a first focus range and a second focus range can be used to capture image data objects sufficient for processing without repositioning the object to be scanned and / or the imaging device itself.

[0048] In some contexts, an imaging device and / or components therein are limited based on certain requirements and / or conditions of the operating environment in which it operates. In the context of a mobile imaging device, for example, the imaging device and each of its components must remain functional, perform quickly, and have a sufficiently small form factor for use in a mobile context. For example, in the context of an imaging device to be integrated within a cell phone or other limited form factor device, the imaging device is limited based on the limited height of the cell phone mobile device base (typically about 7 mm). Similarly, in this regard, in order to operate in such a context, the components of the imaging device are each limited by the even smaller form factor of the imaging device.

[0049] Conventional variable focus lens implementations each have limitations that are unsuitable for use in such a small form factor mobile device context. For example, conventional voice coil motor focusing is highly sensitive to vibration and shock, making it useful in the context of a mobile imaging device where such vibration and shock due to user handling and / or transportation are possible. Additionally, for example, liquid lens focusing is limited by large component sizes that are unsuitable for use in such a small form factor mobile imaging device context. Additionally, for example, linear piezo motor focusing suffers from slow response rates that are unsuitable for use in such a small form factor mobile imaging device. In this regard, each conventional implementation for variable lens focusing functionality cannot be reliably compressed into a sufficiently small form factor in the context of a mobile imaging device, and / or suffers from a low response rate.

[0050] Embodiments herein provide discrete focusing lens assemblies. Embodiments include discrete focusing lens assemblies, which include lens barrel assemblies positioned based on the interaction between one or more positioning magnets and one or more positioning pads. In some such embodiments, each positioning magnet in a pair of positioning magnets is associated with a positioning pad in a pair of positioning pads. Positioning pads are each associated with a positioning coil, which is configured to receive an electric charge that powers the positioning coil. The powered positioning coil is configured to generate a magnetic force that is applied to reposition the lens barrel assembly to a new focal length position. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly is positioned based on the power-on state of each positioning coil. Such specific implementations quickly reposition the lens barrel assembly so that the discrete focusing lens assembly is quickly refocused (e.g., within a desired threshold), is not susceptible to vibration, and can be implemented as having a sufficiently small form factor for use in a mobile context. Therefore, embodiments of an imaging device can utilize one or more discrete focusing lens assemblies, such as one or more lens assemblies in a multi-sensor environment.

[0051] Such embodiments of discrete focus lens assemblies provide sufficient reliability, compact size, and high speed response for use in small form factor imaging devices. In this regard, such discrete focus lens assemblies may be implemented in one or more imaging devices to improve the effective range over which the imaging device can capture image data objects for successful processing. It should be understood that while several embodiments are described with respect to mobile imaging devices, such embodiments may similarly be implemented in one or more non-mobile imaging devices. In some such embodiments, the embodiments may not be limited to small form factors, but may use structures similar to those described herein.

[0052] definition

[0053] The term "imaging device" refers to one or more hardware and / or software components configured to capture image data objects for processing. In some embodiments, the imaging device includes at least one illuminator source and / or corresponding optics configured to provide illumination onto the field for capture. A non-limiting example of an imaging device is a "multi-sensor imaging device," which refers to an imaging device that includes multiple image sensors, each configured to enable capture of image data.

[0054] The term "assembly height" refers to the maximum height of each subcomponent of the discrete focusing lens assembly. In some embodiments, the discrete focusing lens assembly is designed so that the assembly height is lower than the maximum height requirement. For example, the maximum height requirement may be imposed based on the height of the desired device base (such as a cell phone base).

[0055] The term "power" refers to providing electrical current to circuits, components and / or electrical conductors.

[0056] The term "locating coil" refers to an electrical conductor wound into a coil shape and configured to generate a magnetic field when the locating coil is powered. The locating coil defines a "coil interior area" which refers to the open area between the locating coils defined by the wound locating coils.

[0057] The term "locating coil assembly" refers to a locating coil connected to at least a flexible member for connecting the locating coil to a module base and / or a coil power supply circuit.

[0058] The term "coil power circuit" refers to hardware configured to provide electrical current to one or more locating coil assemblies. In some exemplary contexts, the coil power circuit includes at least one power source connected to the one or more locating coil assemblies.

[0059] The term "power-on state" refers to the value of the current that powers each of the pair of localization coil assemblies. In the exemplary context, the power-on state represents the value of the sign of the current that powers each of the pair of localization coil assemblies. The term "non-power-on state" refers to the value of the current that does not power each of the pair of localization coil assemblies.

[0060] The term "imaging optical lens" refers to one or more lenses and / or supporting optical components that define an aperture that enables light to be received by an image sensor associated with the imaging optical lens. In some embodiments, the imaging optical lens is formed entirely of glass, entirely of plastic, an optical liquid material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0061] The term "lens barrel assembly" refers to a component associated with a corresponding image sensor that includes at least an imaging optical lens and a lens housing. In some embodiments, as described herein, the lens barrel assembly includes one or more defined areas to support positioning magnets.

[0062] The term "locating magnet" refers to a magnet included in a lens barrel assembly to enable the focal position of the lens barrel assembly to be shifted. In some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly includes a pair of locating magnets designed to interact with one or more associated components (such as a pair of locating coil assemblies and / or locating pads) to change the focal position of the lens barrel lens assembly as described herein. Non-limiting examples of locating magnets include electroplated neodymium magnets, including but not limited to zinc-plated magnets, nickel-plated magnets, and / or other protective coatings.

[0063] The term "locating pad" refers to a magnetic material designed to fit within the coil interior area of ​​a locating coil. In an exemplary context, the locating pad is shaped as a cube. The locating coil assembly is positioned adjacent to a locating magnet associated with the locating pad. In this regard, in some contexts, a pair of symmetrical locating pads are positioned relative to each other, each of which is associated with a locating coil assembly in a pair of locating coil assemblies, and the pair of locating coil assemblies are positioned relative to each other so that when the locating coil assembly is in a non-energized state, the locating pad is aligned with the locating magnet. The term "iron locating pad" refers to a locating pad specifically formed of iron, including an iron coating, and / or formed mostly of iron.

[0064] The term "module base" refers to a housing configured to enable positioning and / or alignment of one or more components of a discrete focusing lens assembly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the module base enables one or more of the components to be connected to corresponding power circuits and / or processing circuits.

[0065] The term "coil position" refers to the position of the positioning coil relative to the lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, for example, a first positioning coil is positioned at a first coil position located on the top of the associated lens barrel assembly, and a second positioning coil is positioned at a second coil position located on the bottom of the associated lens barrel assembly, such that the first coil position is opposite the second coil position.

[0066] With respect to the positioning coil assembly, the term "positioning area" refers to a defined portion of the module base designed to support the positioning coil assembly, including a positioning pad within the coil interior area. In some embodiments, the module base includes a first coil position and a second coil position to support a pair of positioning coil assemblies, the first coil position being opposite to the second coil position so that the pair of coil assemblies generate a magnetic force to move the lens barrel assembly along the longitudinal axis.

[0067] The term "internal module space" refers to the void of the space defined by the inner wall of the module base and / or other supporting structures. In some embodiments, the internal module space is sufficiently defined to accommodate a lens barrel assembly and / or corresponding positioning and / or alignment features (such as at least one module alignment pin).

[0068] The term "alignment pin opening" refers to a space in a component defined by outer boundaries that is designed to receive and / or secure a module alignment pin. In at least one exemplary context, the alignment pin opening defines a cylindrical space configured to receive a cylindrical module alignment pin.

[0069] The term "module alignment pin" refers to a screw, pin, dowel, and / or other fastener designed to engage an alignment pin opening of a component. In at least one exemplary context, the module alignment pin is designed to engage the alignment pin opening by sliding into the alignment pin opening. The term "frictionless pin" refers to a module alignment pin designed to be associated with a coefficient of friction below a maximum friction threshold. In some embodiments, the frictionless pin is designed based on one or more materials, coatings, and / or combinations thereof.

[0070] The term "focal position" refers to the position of the lens barrel assembly within the internal module space of the module base. In this regard, in an exemplary context, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly refers to a displacement from a default position and / or an absolute position along a longitudinal axis defined by at least one module alignment pin. In an exemplary context, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly is changed based on the value of power applied to one or more positioning coil assemblies.

[0071] The term "front position limit" refers to the focal length position of the inner wall closest to the front of the module base. In some embodiments, the front position limit is defined by the inner wall of the front of the module base itself. In other embodiments, the front position limit is defined by one or more front limiting components.

[0072] The term "rear position limit" refers to the focal length position of the inner wall closest to the rear of the module base. In some embodiments, the rear position limit is defined by the inner wall of the rear of the module base itself. In other embodiments, the rear position limit is defined by one or more rear limiting components.

[0073] The term "focus range" refers to an optimal distance between a lens barrel assembly and / or imaging device and a field for bringing the field into focus. In at least one exemplary context, when the focal length position of the lens barrel assembly changes, the focus range also changes. The term "default focus range" refers to a specific focus range that is predetermined as the most likely distance between the lens barrel assembly and / or imaging device and a field for an intended use, such as for detecting, capturing, and / or decoding two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional symbols.

[0074] The term "default focal position" refers to the focal position of the lens barrel assembly when each of a pair of positioning coil assemblies is in a non-energized state. In an exemplary context, the default focal position aligns each positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly with an associated positioning pad.

[0075] The term "predetermined focal position" refers to a discrete value of a focal position from a set of possible focal positions. For example, in at least one exemplary context, a discrete focus lens assembly is designed based on a set of 3-state focal positions: a first focal position for a first power-on state (e.g., positive current), a second focal position for a second power-on state (e.g., negative current), and a third focal position for a non-power-on state (e.g., no current).

[0076] The term "continuous focus positions" refers to values ​​of focus positions from a continuous focus position range defined by a maximum focus position and a minimum focus position. In at least one exemplary context, the continuous focus positions reflect values ​​based on power values ​​provided to the pair of localization coil assemblies.

[0077] The term "near focal position" refers to the value of the focal position of the focusing lens barrel assembly for a predetermined focusing range below a predetermined threshold. The term "far focal position" refers to the value of the focal position of the focusing lens barrel assembly for a second predetermined focusing range above a predetermined threshold. The term "neutral focal position" refers to the value of the focal position of the focusing lens barrel assembly for a third predetermined focusing range equal to the predetermined threshold.

[0078] The term "matte dark surface" refers to a surface that reflects less than a predetermined threshold percentage of received light in a specular direction. In some embodiments, the matte dark surface has a sufficiently dark color to minimize specular light.

[0079] The term "magnet surface epoxy" refers to a coating for a positioning magnet that provides a matte dark surface along at least one surface of the positioning magnet.

[0080] The term "lens mount" refers to one or more structural components and / or hardware that secures the position and / or alignment of a discrete focusing lens within an imaging device. In some embodiments, a device base of the imaging device includes a defined space that engages the discrete focusing lens such that an outer wall of the defined space includes a lens mount.

[0081] The term "visually coded indicia" refers to a rendered, printed, and / or otherwise visible representation of one or more symbols configured for scanning by an imaging device. Non-limiting examples of visually coded indicia include 2D barcodes, UPCs, Quick Response Codes, Data Matrix, and custom coded images.

[0082] Exemplary Discrete Focus Lens Assemblies

[0083] Figure 1A A first exemplary discrete focus lens assembly is shown in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, Figure 1A An exploded view of a first exemplary discrete focusing lens assembly is shown. Specifically, Figure 1AA first exemplary discrete focus lens assembly is depicted from a rear perspective.

[0084] As shown in the figure, Figure 1A An exploded view of a discrete focusing lens assembly 100 is depicted. The discrete focusing lens assembly includes a lens barrel assembly 104, a module alignment pin 102, a module base 106, and a positioning coil plate 108. The module base 106 is specifically designed to define an internal module space. The internal module space is designed to fit the lens barrel assembly 104 so that the lens barrel assembly 104 can be positioned within the internal module space of the module base 106. The module base 106 also includes holes at the front and rear of the module base 106 to enable light to pass through the holes of the lens barrel assembly 104 and the lens elements.

[0085] The lens barrel assembly 104 includes an open frame lens barrel that accommodates one or more optical components (such as one or more image lenses and / or other lens elements) to define a specific field of view. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly 104 is designed to include a front hole and a rear hole to enable light to pass through the lens barrel assembly 104 to one or more other components (e.g., an image sensor as described herein). In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes one or more positioning magnets for positioning the lens barrel assembly 104, as described herein. For example, as shown, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes a top positioning magnet located on the top of the lens barrel assembly 104 and a bottom positioning magnet located on the bottom of the lens barrel assembly 104.

[0086] Positioning coil plate 108 comprises hardware and / or circuit configured to receive electric charge.Electric charge is one or more positioning coils of at least one positioning coil assembly of positioning coil plate 108 powered.In this regard, for example, as shown in the figure, positioning coil plate 108 comprises top positioning coil assembly and bottom positioning coil assembly, and this top positioning coil assembly and this bottom positioning coil assembly are positioned relative to each other.In some such embodiments, positioning coil plate 108 is designed to receive the electric current applied to power each positioning coil assembly thereof.As shown in the figure, positioning coil plate 108 is designed to extend the top positioning coil assembly of positioning coil plate 108 above at least a portion of the head space of module base 106, for example to interact with the top positioning magnet of lens barrel assembly 104.Similarly, as shown in the figure, positioning coil plate 108 is designed to extend the bottom positioning coil assembly of positioning coil plate 108 above at least a portion of the bottom space of module base 106.

[0087] The module alignment pins 102 include components designed to position and align each of the lens barrel assembly 104, the module base 106, and / or the positioning coil plate 108, such as with respect to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Depicted. Specifically, module alignment pin 102 is embodied as dowel, rod and / or pin respectively.As shown, each in parts 104,106 and 108 comprises the assembly alignment opening that is configured to engage with module alignment pin 102.In this regard, for example, the diameter of module alignment pin 102 can be roughly the same as each in assembly alignment opening respectively, so that module alignment pin 102 can engage by each in assembly alignment opening.In this regard, in some embodiments, module alignment pin 102 realizes the axial alignment of lens barrel assembly 104 and one or more additional parts (for example, module base 106 and / or positioning coil plate 108).In some embodiments, one or more parts do not include assembly alignment opening.For example, in at least one embodiment, positioning coil plate 108 does not include any assembly alignment opening. In some such embodiments, the module alignment pins 102 may not engage the locating coil plate 108, and / or may engage the locating coil plate 108 without engaging through the component alignment openings (e.g., where the locating coil plate is pressed upwardly against an end of one or more of the module alignment pins 102).

[0088] The lens barrel assembly 104 can be designed to traverse along the module alignment pins 102 to reposition the lens barrel assembly 104 within the internal module space defined by the module base 106. For example, in this regard, the positioning coil plate 108 can interact with the lens barrel assembly 104 so that the magnetic force obtained by powering is applied to the lens barrel assembly 104. In at least one exemplary context, the positioning coil assembly of the positioning coil plate 108 is powered to cause a magnetic force to be applied to the lens barrel assembly 104, which interacts with the default magnetic force between the lens barrel assembly 104 and the positioning coil plate 108. The magnetic force causes the lens barrel assembly 104 to translate along the module alignment pins 102 to a new focal length position, so that the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned in a different manner within the internal module space defined by the module base 106. In this regard, for the lens barrel assembly 104 within the module space defined by the module base 106 , the front of the module base 106 defines a front position limit, and the rear of the module base 106 defines a rear position limit.

[0089] like Figure 1B As shown, some embodiments include one or more additional components, and / or may modify one or more components to define position limits of the lens barrel assembly within the module base. In this regard, the components may define the most forward position to which the lens barrel assembly can move within the internal module space defined by the module base (e.g., a front position limit representing a position closest to the front of the module base), and / or the most rearward position to which the lens barrel assembly can move within the internal module space defined by the module base (e.g., a rear position limit representing a position closest to the rear of the module base). As shown, for example, Figure 1B A discrete focus lens assembly 150 is depicted having positional limits.

[0090] Discrete focus lens assembly 150 includes lens barrel assembly 154, module base 156 and positioning coil plate 158. Components 154-158 are similar to those described above with reference to Figure 1A The similarly named components are similarly designed. In this regard, for the sake of brevity, repeated disclosure to that effect is omitted. Each of the components 154-158 is modified to receive one or more position limiting components. For example, each of the components 154-158 may include one or more limiting component openings configured to engage one or more limiting components of the discrete focus lens assembly 150.

[0091] As shown, discrete focus lens assembly 150 includes front limit screw 160A and rear limit screw 160B. Front limit screw 160A engages at least the front limit component opening of module base 156. In this regard, front limit screw 160A can set the front position limit of lens barrel assembly 154 in the module space defined by module base 156. For example, can interact with front limit screw 160A along a first direction (e.g., along a clockwise direction) so that front limit screw 160A extends into the internal module space defined by module base 156. When front limit screw 160A further extends into the module space defined by module base 156, front limit screw 160A can block lens barrel assembly 154 from being positioned further forward than what front limit screw 160A allows, because screw will physically block such position. Therefore, by extending front limit screw 160A into the internal module space defined by module base 156, front position limit moves further from the front of module base 156.

[0092] Similarly, the front limit screw 160A may be interacted with in a second direction (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) to retract the front limit screw 160A from the interior module space defined by the module base 156. In this regard, when the front limit screw is retracted from the interior module space defined by the module base 156, the front limit screw 160A extends outwardly from the front of the module base 156. Thus, by retracting the front limit screw 160A, the front position limit is moved closer to or defined by the front of the module base 156.

[0093] Figure 1BSimilarly, rear limiting screw 160B is shown. Rear limiting screw 160B engages at least module base 156 and / or positioning coil plate 158 and / or lens barrel assembly 154 rear limiting component opening. It should be understood that rear limiting screw 160B can set the rear position limit of lens barrel assembly 154 in the module space defined by module base 156. Can similarly interact with rear limiting screw 160B to further extend into the module space defined by module base 156, for example, in response to the interaction along the first direction (which can be the same or opposite to the first direction of front limiting screw 160A), and can similarly interact with it to retract from the module space defined by module base 156, for example, in response to the interaction along the second direction (which can be the same or opposite to the second direction of front limiting screw 160A). In this regard, by extending rear limiting screw 160B into the internal module space defined by module base 156, rear position limit is further moved from the rear of module base 156. Similarly, by retracting the rear limit screw 160B from the interior module space defined by the module base 156, the rear position limit moves closer to or is defined by the rear of the module base 156. Thus, in some such embodiments, the limit screws implement adjustable front and / or rear position limits.

[0094] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Various views of the assembled discrete focusing lens assembly 100 are shown. Specifically, Figure 2A The discrete focus lens assembly 100 is depicted from a front perspective. Figure 2B The discrete focus lens assembly 100 is depicted from a rear perspective. Figure 2C A first orthogonal view of the front of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is depicted. Figure 2D A second orthogonal view of the top of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is depicted. Figure 2E A third orthogonal view of the side of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is depicted.

[0095] As shown, lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned in the internal module space limited by module base 106. Positioning coil plate 108 comprises a pair of positioning coil assemblies, and this pair of positioning coil assemblies is positioned at the opposite side (specifically, top and bottom) of module base 106 for interacting with lens barrel assembly 104. In this regard, lens barrel assembly 104 is engaged with module alignment pin 102, so that lens barrel assembly 104 can pass through or otherwise slide along module alignment pin 102. For example, lens barrel assembly 104 can be repositioned based on the magnetic force generated by positioning coil plate 108. When in power-on state, the top positioning coil assembly and the bottom positioning coil assembly of positioning coil plate 108 generate magnetic force, and the default magnetic force interaction between the positioning coil assembly of this magnetic force and lens barrel assembly and positioning coil plate 108 is to reposition lens barrel assembly 104 forward or backward from the default position.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments include one or more components for mounting the discrete focusing lens assembly within and / or connecting to one or more devices (such as one or more imaging devices, testing devices, etc.). Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown and described, some embodiments include a lens mount 302 for mounting the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to one or more associated devices. Figure 3A As shown, the lens mount 302 defines an internal mounting space 304. The lens mount 302 is designed so that a discrete focus lens assembly (such as a discrete focus lens assembly) can be placed within the internal mounting space 304 defined by the lens mount 302. In addition or alternatively, the lens mount 302 may include one or more components (such as pins, slot configurations, snap configurations, etc.) or other components to secure the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to the lens mount 302. In addition or alternatively, the lens mount 302 may include one or more elements for attaching to an imaging device, a test device, etc. Non-limiting examples of lens mounts include any of a number of known industrial cameras that accept an M12 threaded lens (such as a micro video lens). It should be understood that in other embodiments, a discrete focus lens assembly (such as the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or the discrete focus lens assembly 150) can be directly mounted to an imaging device, a test device, etc. without using the lens mount 302. For example, as described herein, an imaging device may be designed to directly couple a discrete focusing lens assembly to one or more other components (such as a processor, etc.) within a device chassis of the imaging device.

[0097] Exemplary details of discrete focusing lens assembly components

[0098] Having described exemplary discrete focusing lens assemblies and configurations at a high level, additional details of the components are provided herein. It should be understood that in the various embodiments described herein, the details of such components may be combined in any combination. For example, in one or more embodiments, one or more optional and / or additional components of each component may be included.

[0099] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Details of an exemplary lens barrel assembly, specifically lens barrel assembly 104 , are shown. Figure 4A An exploded view of lens barrel assembly 104 is depicted from a front perspective. Figure 4B The assembled view of lens barrel assembly 104 is depicted from a front perspective.

[0100] As shown, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes an open frame lens barrel 404. The open frame lens barrel 404 can be a single component, or multiple connected and / or otherwise combined components to form a housing for the various other components described. For example, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes a top magnet opening designed to receive a first locating magnet 406A that will be located on the top of the lens barrel assembly 104, and the open frame lens barrel 404 includes a bottom magnet opening designed to receive a second locating magnet 406B that will be located on the bottom of the lens barrel assembly 104. In some embodiments, the open frame lens barrel 404 is designed so that the first locating magnet 406A and / or the second locating magnet 406B snap, fit, and / or otherwise attach and / or position in place without the use of additional structures, components, etc. In still other embodiments, first locating magnet 406A and / or second locating magnet 406B are attached to open frame lens barrel 404 using one or more adhesives and / or other non-structural elements. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, locating magnets 406A and / or 406B are molded into open frame lens barrel 404 to lock into place, or are otherwise locked into open frame lens barrel 404 via one or more thermoplastic features. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of open frame lens barrel 404 is melted over one or more of locating magnets 406A and / or 406B to secure locating magnets 406A and / or 406B in place.

[0101] The open frame lens design includes a plurality of openings configured to enable engagement with one or more other components, such as discrete focusing lens assemblies. For example, in some embodiments, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes one or more alignment pin openings designed to receive one or more module alignment pins. As shown, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes a pair of second alignment pin openings 408B, one of which is in the front of the open frame lens barrel 404 and the other in the rear of the open frame lens barrel 404. In addition, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes a pair of first alignment pin openings 408A, which are positioned relative to the second alignment pin openings 408B. In this regard, the pair of first alignment pin openings 408A similarly include one of the first alignment pin openings 408A in the front of the open frame lens barrel 404 and the other of the first alignment pin openings 408A in the rear of the open frame lens barrel 404 (not depicted). In this regard, the second alignment pin openings 408B can be aligned with one another such that a straight module alignment pin, such as one of the module alignment pins 102, can engage each of the second alignment pin openings 408B. Similarly, the first alignment pin openings 408A can be aligned with one another such that a straight module alignment pin, such as one of the module alignment pins 102, can engage each of the first alignment pin openings 408A. The aligned nature of the openings enables the open frame lens barrel 404 to engage each of the module alignment pins to align the lens barrel assembly 104 relative to one or more other components while also enabling the open frame lens barrel 404 to traverse along the module alignment pins.

[0102] In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes one or more openings to enable access to one or more limit screws. For example, in this regard, the open frame lens barrel 404 may include one or more additional openings, such as alignment pin opening 408B, located in the opposite corners of the one or more alignment pin openings. The additional openings may be sufficiently sized to allow one or more instruments to pass through the openings to engage the one or more limit screws for adjustment. Exemplary instruments include screwdrivers, hex wrenches, etc. for engaging one or more limit screws and / or other positioning limit components. In some embodiments, the additional openings enable access to the rear limit screws and / or other rear positioning limit components from the front of the lens barrel assembly.

[0103] In addition, as shown, the open frame lens barrel 404 defines a front aperture and a rear aperture to enable light to pass through the open frame lens barrel 404. The aperture may define an internal barrel space that is defined to accommodate one or more optical elements. For example, as shown, the open frame lens barrel 404 defines a circular aperture associated with the imaging lens 402. In some embodiments, for example, as shown, one or more of the positioning magnets (such as the first positioning magnet 406A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B) are located within the optical path defined by the rear aperture of the open frame lens barrel 404.

[0104] The imaging lens 402 includes one or more optical components for focusing, refracting, and / or otherwise manipulating light entering the open frame lens barrel. In some embodiments, the imaging lens 402 includes a plurality of sub-lenses designed to manipulate light traversing through the aperture in a desired manner. For example, the imaging lens 402 may be designed to angle light for capture at one or more desired points, such as at the location of an associated image sensor. The imaging lens 402 may be constructed of any number of materials, such as glass, optical plastics, etc., or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the imaging lens 402 may be constructed of one or more lenses embodying any number of lens designs.

[0105] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of the lens barrel assembly 104 is shown. Specifically, Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of lens barrel assembly 104 is shown from a first side of the assembly. Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of lens barrel assembly 104 is shown from the rear of the assembly.

[0106] like Figure 5B As shown, the first alignment pin opening 408A is presented as a single opening because they are perfectly aligned or nearly perfectly aligned with each other (e.g., within a desired error range). Similarly, the second alignment pin opening 408B is presented as a single opening because they are perfectly aligned or nearly perfectly aligned with each other. As described, this alignment enables the lens barrel assembly to be fully supported by one or more module alignment pins through engagement with the first alignment pin opening 408A and / or the second alignment pin opening 408B for alignment and / or positioning. In addition, the alignment design of the alignment pin opening enables the lens barrel assembly 104 to traverse along the module alignment pins.

[0107] like Figure 5A and / or Figure 5BAs shown, one or more of the positioning magnets may be located within the optical path defined by the hole of the open frame lens barrel 404. In this regard, the overall size of the lens barrel assembly 104 can be minimized by ensuring that the positioning magnets do not need to be placed above the open frame lens barrel 404. For example, in some embodiments, the positioning magnets may each have a specific height equal to and / or less than the thickness of the open frame lens barrel 404, so that the positioning magnets do not increase the overall height of the lens barrel assembly. In one or more embodiments, the open frame lens barrel 404 is designed and / or modified to include one or more defined spaces for supporting the positioning magnets. For example, as shown, the first positioning magnet 406A is positioned at the top of the open frame lens barrel 404, and the second positioning magnet 406B is positioned at the bottom of the open frame lens barrel 404. In this regard, the positioning magnets 406A and 406B may be located relative to each other in the lens barrel assembly 104 to evenly affect the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 without increasing the overall size of the lens barrel assembly 104.

[0108] In addition or alternatively, one or more of the positioning magnets 406A and / or 406B may be specifically designed to minimize the influence of the positioning magnets in the optical path. As shown, the first positioning magnet 406A and the second positioning magnet 406B are each positioned in the optical path to minimize the form factor of the assembly, which can result in reducing unwanted light reflections from one or more of the positioning magnets 406A and / or 406B for improved functionality. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the first positioning magnet 406A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B includes a matte dark surface. The matte dark surface can minimize the influence of light reflections from the first positioning magnet 406A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B that affect one or more associated image sensors. It should be understood that the matte dark surface of one or more of the positioning magnets may be obtained in any of a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the first locating magnet 406A and / or the second locating magnet 406B includes a magnet surface epoxy. The magnet surface epoxy can be applied to the locating magnets to cause such locating magnets to have a matte dark surface without significantly increasing the size of the locating magnets and / or affecting the functionality of such locating magnets. In at least one exemplary embodiment in which one or more of the locating magnets includes a glossy and / or reflective material (e.g., zinc and / or nickel plating), the magnet surface epoxy can cover the glossy and / or reflective surface without affecting the form factor and / or functionality of the locating magnets. In some embodiments, one or more of the locating magnets can be constructed of a matte dark material so that the locating magnets include a matte dark surface during manufacture and / or otherwise without the need for additional steps.

[0109] Figure 6Various design details of an exemplary positioning coil plate according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Specifically, Figure 6 A first perspective view of the positioning coil plate 158 is depicted. It should be appreciated that similar details may be present in one or more other implementations of the positioning coil plate (eg, the positioning coil plate 108 as described herein).

[0110] The positioning coil board 158 includes a coil connection board 602. The coil connection board 602 embodies hardware, circuitry, etc. for connecting one or more subassemblies of the positioning coil board 158. In this regard, the coil connection board 602 can be embodied by a conductive material that is configured to receive an electrical current to power one or more subassemblies (such as one or more positioning coil assemblies and / or components thereof) of the positioning coil board 158. For example, the coil connection board 602 receives an electrical current to power the first positioning coil 604A and / or the second positioning coil 604B.

[0111] As shown in the figure, coil connection plate 602 comprises first alignment pin opening 610A and second alignment pin opening 610B (collectively referred to as " alignment pin opening 610 ").First alignment pin opening 610A is positioned relatively with second alignment pin opening 610B.Each in alignment pin opening can be designed to engage module alignment pin, for example when positioning coil plate 158 is positioned and / or when aligning with one or more other parts of discrete focusing lens assembly.In this regard, for example, when parts are suitably aligned for operation, first alignment pin opening 610A can align with first alignment pin opening of module base and / or lens barrel assembly, and / or second alignment pin opening 610B can align with second alignment pin opening of module base and / or lens barrel assembly.Should be understood that in other embodiments, positioning coil plate does not comprise any alignment pin opening.For example, in this regard, positioning coil plate can be fixedly attached to module base, and is not fixed and / or otherwise engaged with one or more module alignment pins by one or more module alignment pins.

[0112] Coil connecting plate 602 also includes first limiting component opening 608. First limiting component opening 608 can be positioned relatively with second limiting component opening (not depicted). In this regard, first limiting component opening and / or second limiting component opening can be designed to engage with one or more limiting components, for example, together with the associated limiting component opening of one or more other components (such as module base). For example, as described, first limiting component opening 608 can engage one of the rear limiting screw 160B (as described with respect to Fig. 1) for setting the rear position limit of the associated lens barrel assembly. Similarly, second limiting component opening can engage another of the rear limiting screw 160B. In this regard, limiting components can extend through the limiting component opening of both positioning coil plate 158 and associated module base.

[0113] The positioning coil plate 158 also includes a first positioning coil 604A and a second positioning coil 604B (collectively referred to as "positioning coils 604"). Each of the positioning coils 604 may include a certain length of wound conductive wire. In this regard, each of the positioning coils 604 may be powered to an energized state based on the current of the positioning coil passing through the positioning coil 604. It should be understood that each of the positioning coils 604 may include the same material, such as copper wire, electroplated copper wire, tinned wire, etc. It should be understood that in some embodiments, each of the positioning coils 604 is designed to generate a magnetic field of the same strength as another of the positioning coils 604 when the coils are set to the same energized state.

[0114] As shown in the figure, each of the locating coils 604 defines a coil interior area, and the coil interior area includes the open space between the coils. In this regard, the locating coil plate 157 may include a locating pad in the coil interior area of ​​each of the locating coils 604. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the first locating pad 606A is located in the first coil interior area of ​​the first locating coil 604A. In addition, the second locating pad 606B is located in the coil interior area of ​​the second locating coil 604B. In this regard, each of the first locating pad 606A and the second locating pad 606B (collectively referred to as "locating pad 606") may include a specific volume size, which is specific to being fitted in the internal area defined by the corresponding locating coil.

[0115] In some embodiments, each of the positioning pads 606 includes a component of a magnetic material. For example, in some embodiments, each of the positioning pads 606 includes a large amount of iron or a large portion of iron designed to fit within the coil interior region of the corresponding positioning coil. In this regard, each of the positioning pads 606 can be configured to interact with one or more magnets of the discrete focus lens assembly when assembled, such as when the discrete focus lens assembly is assembled for operation and when each of the positioning coils 604 is in a non-energized state, the positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly are aligned with each of the positioning pads 606. For example, the first positioning pad 606A can interact with the first positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly. Similarly, the second positioning pad 606B can interact with the second positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly.

[0116] In some embodiments, each of the locating pads 606 is fixed in the coil internal area using any of a variety of methods. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the locating pads 606 are fixed using one or more adhesives. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, each internal coil area is limited by a coil frame. In some such embodiments, each coil frame can be molded around the corresponding locating pad in the locating pad 606 completely and / or partially to fix the corresponding locating pad. In some such embodiments, the winding wire is wound around the coil frame.

[0117] As shown, the first locating coil 604A is positioned relative to the second locating coil 604B. In this regard, similarly, the first locating pad 606A is positioned relative to the second locating pad 606B. Therefore, the first locating pad 606A can interact with the first locating magnet of the lens barrel assembly, and the second locating pad 606B can interact with the second locating magnet of the lens barrel assembly to maintain and / or cause the adjustment of the position of the lens barrel assembly in the module base. For example, in at least one exemplary context, the first locating pad 606A, the first locating magnet of the lens barrel assembly, the second locating pad 606B and the second locating magnet of the lens barrel assembly are all aligned in the default state based on the default magnetic force between the corresponding locating pads in the locating magnet and the locating pad 606A, such as when each of the locating coil 604 is in a non-powered state.

[0118] The first positioning coil 604A can be powered to a first power-on state to generate a first magnetic field, and the second positioning coil 604B can be powered to generate a second magnetic field that is symmetrical to the first magnetic field. Therefore, the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field can cancel each other out relative to one or more directions that are opposite to each other. In this regard, the interaction of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field can cause the resulting magnetic field to provide a force in only one direction, such as a lateral direction relative to one or more module alignment pins of the lens barrel assembly. The resulting magnetic force can further interact with the default magnetic force between the positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly and the positioning pad 606A to move the lens barrel assembly to a new focal length position based on the resulting magnetic force, as described herein.

[0119] Example of image capture and focal length relationship

[0120] Having described exemplary assemblies and component details of various components of the assemblies, additional descriptions are provided with respect to the operation of discrete focus lens assemblies for image capture. Additionally or alternatively, additional descriptions are provided with respect to the focal length positions of discrete focus lens assemblies for image capture purposes. It should be understood that, based on the above disclosure, one or more of the described lens assemblies may be used for image capture in any of the described contexts.

[0121] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The passage of light through a discrete focusing lens assembly for capture by an associated image sensor is illustrated in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 7A A side cross-sectional view of a discrete focusing lens assembly and corresponding image sensor is depicted via a light trace visualization. Figure 7B A front perspective view of a discrete focusing lens assembly and corresponding image sensor is depicted through light trace visualization. In some embodiments, for example, the depicted components can be integrated into an imaging device as described herein.

[0122] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An image sensor 702 is included. In some embodiments, the image sensor 702 is configured to capture an image data object representing incident light interacting with the image sensor 702. Specifically, as shown, the light may pass through one or more optical components, such as a discrete focus lens assembly 100. In this regard, the image sensor may convert the light waves interacting with the image sensor 702 into data represented in a corresponding captured image data object.

[0123] As shown, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is located in front of the image sensor 702. In this regard, light reaching the image sensor 702 can pass through one or more apertures defined by the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or optical elements positioned therein. For example, as shown, incident light can enter the front of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and interact with one or more imaging lenses of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 before exiting the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and interacting with the image sensor 702. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or its various subcomponents can manipulate the incident light to redirect the light toward the image sensor 702 and / or one or more target portions of the image sensor 702.

[0124] Light trace 704 represents an exemplary visualization of the manipulation of light rays passing through a discrete focus lens assembly. As shown, light trace 704 depicts incident light reflected, refracted, and / or otherwise manipulated by a discrete focus lens assembly for capture by an image sensor 702. Specifically, as shown, the incident light may interact with one or more imaging lenses of a lens barrel assembly of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or one or more components of a lens barrel assembly (such as an open frame lens barrel that accommodates such image lenses). In this regard, as shown in light trace 704, at least some of the incident light may be reflected toward the image sensor 702 when interacting with the open frame lens barrel. Similarly, at least some of the incident light may be angled toward one or more specific portions of the image sensor 702 to enable capture of an image data object representing the incident light.

[0125] The light trace 704 may be changed based on one or more changes in aspects of the discrete focus lens assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 changes the manipulation of light by the discrete focus lens assembly 100 such that incident light at a particular point may interact with the image sensor 702 at a different point based on the focal position of the lens barrel assembly. Thus, by repositioning the lens barrel assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly 100, an image data object captured by the image sensor 702 may be changed to reflect the adjusted focal position. In some such embodiments, repositioning the lens barrel assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 causes objects within a particular focus range corresponding to the focal position to be more clearly reflected within the captured image data object, e.g., as described herein with respect to an image data object including a representation of one or more visually encoded indicia.

[0126] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C An exemplary visualization of a lens barrel assembly positioned at different focal length positions within a module base of a discrete focus lens assembly is shown. Specifically, Figure 8B The lens barrel assembly is depicted at a first focal length position, which is used for neutral field focusing. Figure 8B The lens barrel assembly is depicted at a second focal length position, which is used for far-field focusing. Figure 8C The lens barrel assembly is depicted in a third focal length position, which is used for near-field focusing.

[0127] Fig. 8AThe lens barrel assembly 104 is depicted within the module base 106 at a first focal position for neutral field focusing. In some such embodiments, the focal position is defined based on an offset of the lens barrel assembly 104 relative to a default position. The default position can be defined by the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 when one or more coil positioning assemblies of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 are in a non-powered state or in a default powered state in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 is located at an intermediate focal position in the non-powered state, and the intermediate focal position is defined as the default focal position when in the non-powered state (e.g., via zero current to the positioning coil assembly). In some such embodiments in which the coil positioning assembly is in the non-powered state, the lens barrel assembly 104 can be positioned within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 based on a default magnetic force between one or more positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 and one or more positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0128] For purposes of illustration, a focal length position associated with lens barrel assembly 104 may be defined for one or more offsets relative to one or more specific axes associated with locating pads of discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or locating magnets of lens barrel assembly 104, and corresponding offsets for the front and rear of module base 106 within which lens barrel assembly 104 is aligned. For example, Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C Each includes: a pad front axis 802A, which depicts the front axis of the pair of positioning pads of the discrete focusing lens assembly 100; a pad center axis 802B, which depicts the center axis of the pair of positioning pads of the discrete focusing lens assembly 100; and a pad rear axis 802C, which represents the rear axis of the pair of positioning pads of the discrete focusing lens assembly 100.

[0129] like Fig. 8A As shown, in at least one exemplary embodiment, at the neutral focal length position, the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned so that the locating magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 are aligned with various axes associated with the pair of locating pads. In this regard, the front of the locating magnet is aligned with the pad front axis 802A, the rear of the locating magnet is aligned with the pad rear axis 802C, and the center of the locating magnet is aligned with the pad center axis 802B. In other embodiments, at the neutral focal length position, the center of the locating magnet is aligned with the pad center axis 802B, but the front of the locating magnet is not aligned with the pad front axis 802A and / or the rear of the locating magnet is not aligned with the pad rear axis 802C. For example, in some such embodiments, the locating magnets are each larger and / or smaller than the locating pads in width, such that when the center of the locating magnet is aligned with the center of the locating pad, the front and / or rear of the locating magnet are not aligned with the locating pad.

[0130] As shown, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the neutral focal length position, the front of the lens barrel assembly 104 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the front of the module base 106 by a first offset. Specifically, as shown, the inner wall of the front of the module base 106 is spaced apart from the front of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 by a neutral focal length front position offset 806A. The neutral focal length front position offset 806A can be designed to be a predetermined distance between the front of the lens barrel assembly 104 and the inner wall of the front of the module base 106 when the lens barrel assembly 104 is in the neutral focal length position. In some embodiments, the neutral focal length front position offset 806A represents the maximum distance that the lens barrel assembly 104 can be moved forward from the neutral focal length position to, for example, focus the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to improve near-field focus.

[0131] In addition, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the neutral focal length position, the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the rear of the module base 106 by a second offset. Specifically, as shown, the inner wall of the rear of the module base 106 is spaced apart from the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104 by a neutral focal length rear position offset 808A. The neutral focal length rear position offset 808A can be designed to be a predetermined distance between the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104 and the inner wall of the rear of the module base 106 when the lens barrel assembly 104 is in the neutral focal length position. In some embodiments, the neutral focal length rear position offset 808A represents the maximum distance that the lens barrel assembly 104 can be moved backward from the neutral focal length position to, for example, focus the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to improve far field focus.

[0132] like Figure 8B As shown, in at least one exemplary embodiment, at the far focus position, the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned such that the locating magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 are offset by the far position magnetic offset 804B relative to various axes associated with the pair of locating pads. In this regard, the front of the locating magnet is displaced rearwardly from the pad front axis 802A by the far position magnetic offset 804B, the rear of the locating magnet is displaced rearwardly from the pad rear axis 802C by the near position magnetic offset 804B, and the center of the locating magnet is displaced rearwardly from the pad center axis 802B by the near position magnetic offset 804B. In other embodiments, for example, where the locating magnet is larger and / or smaller than the locating pad, only the center of the locating magnet is displaced by the far position magnetic offset 804B from the pad center axis 802B.

[0133] The far focus position may be defined by the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 when the one or more coil positioning assemblies of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 are in a first powered state (e.g., the far focus powered state). In some such embodiments where the coil positioning assemblies are in the far focus powered state, the lens barrel assembly 104 may be positioned within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 based on the magnetic forces generated by the coil positioning assemblies in the far focus powered state and the default magnetic forces between the one or more positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 and the one or more positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100. For example, in this regard, the interaction between the magnetic forces may result in a resulting magnetic force that defines the far focus position.

[0134] As shown, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the telephoto position, the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned as far back as possible within the module base 106. In this regard, there is no rear position offset between the inner wall of the rear of the module base 106 and the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104. In some such embodiments, the inner wall of the rear of the module base 106 may contact the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104 to prevent the lens barrel assembly 104 from moving further backward. In other embodiments, at the telephoto position, the lens barrel assembly 104 may contact one or more rear limiting components (such as the rear limiting screws described with respect to the discrete focus lens assembly 150). It should be understood that, as shown, the telephoto position may be positioned backward from the neutral focal position by a distance represented by the neutral focal rear position offset, as described above with respect to 808A.

[0135] In addition, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the far focal length position, the front of the lens barrel assembly 104 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the front of the module base 106 by a second offset. Specifically, as shown, the inner wall of the front of the module base 106 is spaced apart from the front of the lens barrel assembly 104 by a far focal length front position offset 806B. The far focal length front position offset 806B may represent a distance equal to the neutral focal length rear position offset 808A added to the neutral focal length front position offset 806A. In other words, in some such embodiments, the far focal length front position offset 806B represents the maximum distance that the front of the lens barrel assembly 104 can be positioned relative to the inner wall of the front of the module base 106. It should be understood that in order to move the lens barrel assembly 104 to the far focal length position, the magnetic offset 804B may match the neutral focal length rear position offset 808A, as described above. It should be understood that moving the lens barrel assembly 104 may improve the far field focus of the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0136] like Figure 8CAs shown, in at least one exemplary embodiment, at the near focus position, the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned such that the locating magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 are offset by the near position magnetic offset 804C relative to various axes associated with the pair of locating pads. In this regard, the front of the locating magnet is displaced forward from the pad front axis 802A by the near position magnetic offset 804C, the rear of the locating magnet is displaced forward from the pad rear axis 802C by the near position magnetic offset 804C, and the center of the locating magnet is displaced forward from the pad center axis 802B by the near position magnetic offset 804C. In other embodiments, for example, where the locating magnet is larger and / or smaller than the locating pad, only the center of the locating magnet is displaced by the near position magnetic offset 804C from the pad center axis 802B.

[0137] The near focus position may be defined by the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 when the one or more coil positioning assemblies of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 are in a second energized state (e.g., the near focus energized state). In some such embodiments where the coil positioning assemblies are in the near focus energized state, the lens barrel assembly 104 may be positioned within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 based on the magnetic forces generated by the coil positioning assemblies in the near focus energized state and the default magnetic forces between the one or more positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 and the one or more positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100. For example, in this regard, the interaction between the magnetic forces may result in a resulting magnetic force that defines the near focus position.

[0138] As shown, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned in the near focus position, the front of the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned as far forward as possible in the module base 106. In this regard, there is no front position offset between the inner wall of the front of the module base 106 and the front of the lens barrel assembly 104. In some such embodiments, the module base 106 may contact the lens barrel assembly 104 to prevent the lens barrel assembly 104 from moving forward. In other embodiments, at the near focus position, the lens barrel assembly 104 may contact one or more front limiting components (such as the front limiting screws described with respect to the discrete focus lens assembly 150). It should be understood that, as shown, the near focus position can be positioned forward from the neutral focus position by a distance represented by the neutral focus front position offset, as described above with respect to 806A.

[0139] In addition, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the near focus position, the rear of the lens assembly 104 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the rear of the module base 106 by a second offset. Specifically, as shown, the inner wall of the rear of the module base 106 is spaced apart from the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104 by a near focus rear position offset 808C. The near focus rear position offset 808C may represent a distance equal to the neutral focus rear position offset 808A added to the neutral focus front position offset 806A. In other words, in some such embodiments, the near focus rear position offset 808C represents the maximum distance that the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104 can be positioned relative to the inner wall of the module base 106. It should be understood that in order to move the lens barrel assembly 104 to the near focus position, the magnetic offset 804C may match the neutral focus front position offset 806A, as described above. It should be understood that moving the lens barrel assembly 104 may improve the near field focus of the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0140] It should be understood that the above-mentioned focal length positions are exemplary only for the purpose of description and illustration. In other embodiments, the lens barrel assembly can be continuously positioned in the module base. In this regard, for example, the positioning coil assembly of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can be powered to any number of power-on states. Each of the power-on states can correspond to the resulting magnetic force that defines different focal length positions. In some such embodiments, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned more forward in the module base 106 along the continuous focal length position spectrum, the near-field focus of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is improved. Similarly, in some such embodiments, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned more backward in the module base 106 along the continuous focal length position spectrum, the far-field focus of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is improved.

[0141] Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C Each shows a visualization of an image data object including representations of various visually coded indicia captured by an image sensor using a discrete focusing lens assembly having a lens barrel assembly at different focal length positions. Specifically, Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9CEach of the illustrative embodiments depicts a near field marker at a first distance from a discrete focus lens assembly, a neutral field marker at a second distance from the discrete focus lens assembly, and a far field marker at a third distance from the discrete focus lens assembly. In one exemplary context, for example, as shown, the near field marker may be positioned at 1 meter from the discrete focus lens assembly, the neutral field marker may be positioned at 1.8 meters from the discrete focus lens assembly, and the far field marker may be positioned at 6 meters from the discrete focus lens assembly. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the near field marker, the neutral field marker, and / or the far field marker may be positioned at alternative distances to those described above, for example, where the far field marker is positioned farther than the neutral field marker, which is positioned farther than the near field marker.

[0142] Fig.9A Depicts an image data object representing various visually encoded indicia captured using a lens barrel assembly at a default focal length position, such as relative to Fig. 8A In this regard, the lens barrel assembly may be positioned to enable capture of visually encoded indicia at an intermediate or determined intermediate range, better in-focus distance (e.g., 1.8 meters and / or about that distance from the lens barrel assembly).

[0143] Fig.9A The first representation of the far field mark 902A, the first representation of the neutral field mark 904A and the first representation of the near field mark 906A are included. As shown, the first representation of the far field mark 902A is not in focus, so that the captured representation is blurred due to not being close to the distance of the focus range associated with the neutral focus position of the lens barrel assembly. Similarly, the first representation of the near field mark 906A is also not in focus, so that the captured representation is blurred due to not being close to the distance of the focus range associated with the neutral focus position of the lens barrel assembly. However, in this regard, the near field mark 906A is closer to the focus range associated with the near focus position of the lens barrel assembly, and is therefore better focused than the representation of the far field mark 902A. The first representation of the neutral field mark 904A is the best focus, because the focus range of the neutral focus position matches and / or is closest to the distance at which the neutral field mark is positioned. Therefore, the object at this distance is most clearly represented in the captured image data object. Thus, when the lens barrel assembly is positioned at a neutral focus position, visually encoded indicia at a focus range associated with the neutral focus position of the lens barrel assembly (eg, 1.8 meters) may most likely be successfully detected and / or successfully decoded from an image data object.

[0144] Fig. 9BAn image data object is depicted that represents various visually coded indicia captured using a lens barrel assembly at a close focus position. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly can be positioned to enable the visually coded indicia to be captured at a close distance (e.g., 1 meter and / or about that distance from the lens barrel assembly) for better focus. Fig. 9B A second representation including a far field mark 902B, a second representation of a neutral field mark 904B, and a third representation of a near field mark 906B. As shown, the second representation of the far field mark 902B is the least focused, so that the captured representation is blurred due to the focus range farthest from the near focus position corresponding to the lens barrel assembly. In addition, in this regard, the second representation of the neutral field mark 904B is more focused than the far field mark 902B, however, the neutral field mark 904B remains partially blurred due to the focus range of the neutral focus position not being equal to the distance at which the neutral field mark is positioned. Therefore, the second representation of the near field mark 906B is the most focused, such as to make the data represented in the image data object most clearly represent the visual coding mark. In this regard, the focus range of the near focus position can match or most closely match the distance of the near field mark, so that the object at this distance is most clearly represented in the captured image data object. Thus, visually encoded indicia at a close focus range associated with a close focus position of the lens barrel assembly (eg, 1 meter) may be most likely to be successfully detected and / or successfully decoded from an image data object.

[0145] Fig. 9C An image data object is depicted that represents various visually coded indicia captured using a lens barrel assembly at a far focal length position. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly may be positioned to enable the visually coded indicia to be captured at a far distance (e.g., 6 meters and / or about or exceeding that distance from the lens barrel assembly) that is better in focus. Fig. 9CThe third representation of the far field mark 902C, the third representation of the neutral field mark 904C and the third representation of the near field mark 906C are included. As shown, the third representation of the near field mark 906C is the least focused, so that the captured representation is blurred due to the focus range farthest from the far focus position corresponding to the lens barrel assembly. In addition, in this regard, the third representation of the neutral field mark 904B is more focused than the third representation of the near field mark 906C, however, the third representation of the neutral field mark 904C remains partially blurred due to the focus range of the far focus position not being equal to the distance at which the neutral field mark is positioned. Therefore, the third representation of the far field mark 902C is the most focused, such as to make the data represented in the image data object most clearly represent the visual coding mark. In this regard, the focus range of the far focus position can match or most closely match the distance of the far field mark, so that the object at this distance is most clearly represented in the captured image data object. Thus, visually encoded indicia at a far focus range associated with a far focus position of the lens barrel assembly (eg, 6 meters) may be most likely to be successfully detected and / or successfully decoded from an image data object.

[0146] It should be understood that the representations shown are exemplary only. In other embodiments, such representations may be brought into better focus by positioning the lens barrel assembly at one or more other focal length positions. For example, in some other embodiments, a representation of the visually coded indicia at 3 meters may be brought into focus at additional focal length positions between the neutral focal length position and the far focal length position along a continuous focal length position spectrum.

[0147] Example magnetic and functional details of a tube lens assembly

[0148] Having described the physical configuration of the focal length position of the lens barrel assembly, details are now provided regarding the magnetic forces that cause the repositioning of the lens barrel assembly and the functional details associated with the discrete focus lens assembly. It should be understood that the specific details and / or specific implementation values ​​described are merely exemplary. In fact, in other embodiments, similar implementations similar to those described and depicted may be utilized. In this regard, the depicted and / or described specific implementations should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0149] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Magnetic forces applied by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a discrete focusing lens assembly are shown according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 10A Depicted are magnetic forces exerted by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a discrete focusing lens assembly when the pair of coil positioning assemblies are in a non-energized state. Fig. 10BDepicted are magnetic forces exerted by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a discrete focusing lens assembly when the pair of coil positioning assemblies are in a first energized state.

[0150] like Fig. 10A As shown, a first locating magnet in combination with a first locating coil assembly applies a first magnet-coil force 1002. For example, in this regard, the first locating magnet and the first locating coil assembly can be positioned toward the top of the discrete focus lens assembly. Similarly, a second locating magnet in combination with a second locating coil assembly applies a second magnet-coil force 1004. For example, the second locating magnet and the second locating coil assembly can be positioned toward the top of the discrete focus lens assembly.

[0151] The first magnet-coil force 1002 may be symmetrical with respect to the second magnet-coil force 1004. The magnetic forces 1002 and 1004 may be generated relative to each other so that the first magnet-coil force 1002 and the second magnet-coil force 1004 are combined along the desired direction of movement (e.g., forward or backward) to improve the efficiency of moving the lens barrel assembly in the desired direction, and cancel in one or more orthogonal directions (e.g., toward one or more positioning pads) where such movement is not required. In this regard, in some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly may remain at a default focal length position despite the presence of the first magnet-coil force 1002 and the second magnet-coil force 1004. In some such embodiments, the first magnet-coil force 1002 and the second magnet-coil force 1004 may move the lens barrel assembly to the default focal length position, and / or move the lens barrel assembly to another focal length position along the movement axis based on the current direction and current intensity of the current flowing through each of a pair of positioning coil assemblies. In this way, the combination of first magnet-coil force 1002 and second magnet-coil force 1004 can define a default focal position of the lens barrel assembly within the module base.

[0152] Fig. 10BThe third magnet-coil force 1052 and the fourth magnet-coil force 1054 are shown. The third magnet-coil force 1052 can be applied by the top positioning magnet and the top positioning coil assembly powered to the first power-on state. Similarly, the fourth magnet-coil force 1054 can be applied by the bottom positioning magnet and the bottom positioning coil assembly powered to the first power-on state. As shown in the figure, the third magnet-coil force 1052 includes at least some magnetic forces symmetrical but opposite to at least some magnetic forces applied by the fourth magnet-coil force 1054. Such opposite magnetic forces can offset so that there is no net magnetic force in such directions, such as orthogonal to the moving direction realized by the engagement of the lens barrel assembly with one or more module alignment pins. In addition, the third magnet-coil force 1052 and the fourth magnet-coil force 1054 each apply magnetic forces in the same direction parallel to the moving direction realized by the engagement of the lens barrel assembly with one or more module alignment pins (e.g., toward the front of the module base). These magnetic forces can be applied to the lens barrel assembly to reposition the lens barrel assembly to a new focal length position along the module alignment pins. It should be understood that where the positioning coil assembly is powered to a different power-on state (e.g., powered to a negative state compared to the first power-on state), the generated magnetic forces can be in an opposite direction parallel to the module alignment pins, such as causing the magnetic forces to be applied to the lens barrel assembly to cause movement in another direction (e.g., toward the rear of the module base).

[0153] Fig.11 Shown is an exemplary distribution of force relative to displacement. Specifically, as shown in the figure, distribution includes a graph 1150 of the displacement of the lens barrel assembly compared with the applied magnetic force. In this regard, the front portion of the module base can be associated with a positive displacement, and the rear portion of the module base can be associated with a negative displacement. Specifically, as shown in the figure, at a default and / or in other words neutral focal length position (e.g., 0.00um), the magnetic force is about 22mN. When the displacement increases in the positive direction (i.e., toward the front portion of the module base), the required force decreases and approaches zero. Similarly, when the displacement decreases in the negative direction (i.e., toward the rear portion of the module base), the required force further increases, thereby approaches 39mN.

[0154] The focal length position can be defined based on the current direction and intensity in one or more positioning coil assemblies (such as a pair of positioning coil assemblies). For example, in this regard, the lens barrel assembly can be positioned at a default position without the current (e.g., in a non-powered state) leading to the pair of positioning coil assemblies. In addition, in this regard, when the first maximum current intensity in the first direction is applied to the pair of positioning coil assemblies (e.g., the first powered state), the lens barrel assembly can be positioned at the maximum forward position. Similarly, in this regard, when the second maximum current intensity in the second direction is applied to the pair of positioning coil assemblies (e.g., the second powered state), the lens barrel assembly can be positioned at the maximum backward position.

[0155] By allocating various required forces to position the lens barrel assembly at the front focal length position, the rear focal length position or the neutral focal length position in the module base, the discrete focusing lens assembly is designed to quickly position the lens barrel assembly to the extreme position by quickly changing the applied magnetic force. In this regard, for example, one or more positioning coil assemblies can be manipulated to apply zero or near-zero magnetic force (such as the lowest possible magnetic force) to position the lens barrel assembly at the front of the module base as close as possible and, for example, the near focal length position farthest from the image sensor. Similarly, one or more positioning coil assemblies can be manipulated to apply the maximum magnetic force or the magnetic force close to the maximum to position the lens barrel assembly at the rear of the module base as close as possible and, for example, the far focal length position closest to the corresponding image sensor. In addition, one or more positioning coil assemblies can be manipulated to apply the intermediate target magnetic force so that the lens barrel assembly is positioned at the neutral focal length position toward the middle of the module base. In this regard, the discrete focusing lens assembly can be designed to quickly apply the necessary force to achieve the displacement of the lens barrel assembly so as to translate to at least these three discrete focal length positions. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the discrete focus lens assemblies may be configured to apply the necessary force to effectuate displacement of the lens barrel assembly for translation to any number of other focal length positions.

[0156] For example, Fig. 12A An exemplary graph of the displacement of the lens barrel assembly when a first force is applied to move the lens barrel assembly from a default focus position to a telephoto position, such as from the middle of the module base to the rear of the module base closest to the associated image sensor, is shown. As shown, the lens barrel assembly reacts to the applied force such that the lens barrel assembly reaches the telephoto position at approximately position time 1202, e.g., within 2 milliseconds. Additionally, the lens barrel assembly stabilizes its position at position time 1204, e.g., within 10 milliseconds. In this regard, the magnetic force adequately repositions the lens barrel assembly to the telephoto position with a fast response time that may not be noticeable during human operation and / or otherwise does not interfere with the operation of the assembly and / or associated imaging device.

[0157] Fig. 12B Another exemplary graph of the displacement of the lens barrel assembly when a second force is applied to move the lens barrel assembly from a default focal length position to a near focal length position (such as from the middle of the module base to the front of the module base farthest from the associated image sensor) is shown. As shown, the lens barrel assembly reacts to the applied force so that the lens barrel assembly reaches the near focal length position at approximately position time 1252 (e.g., between 2 milliseconds and 2.5 milliseconds). In addition, the lens barrel assembly stabilizes its position at position time 1254, for example, again within 10 milliseconds. In this regard, the magnetic force also fully repositions the lens barrel assembly to the near focal length position with a fast response time that may not be noticeable during human operation and / or otherwise does not hinder the operation of the assembly and / or associated imaging device. For example, conventional variable focal length implementations (as described, many of which cannot fit in small form factor devices) achieve a stable focal length within 19-21 milliseconds, so that one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein respond faster than conventional implementations.

[0158] Exemplary apparatus including at least one discrete focusing lens assembly

[0159] Having described various possible implementations of discrete focusing lens assemblies and various details thereof, additional descriptions are provided regarding devices that integrate at least one discrete focusing lens assembly. It should be understood that in some embodiments, one or more of the devices described may include a discrete focusing lens assembly, for example to replace far-field imaging optics. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, one or more of the devices may include multiple discrete focusing lens assemblies, such as at least a first discrete focusing lens assembly to replace far-field imaging optics and a second discrete focusing lens assembly to replace near-field imaging optics. Therefore, the specific embodiments described and / or depicted herein should not limit the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0160] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B An exemplary discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine including a discrete focus lens assembly is shown. Specifically, Fig.13A A front perspective view of a discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 is depicted. Fig. 13B A rear perspective view of a discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 is depicted.

[0161] The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 includes various hardware configured to enable the capture, transmission and / or processing of one or more image data objects. For example, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 may be configured to capture a near-field image data object representing a near field of view, and to capture a far-field image data object representing a far field of view. In addition or alternatively, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 may be configured to generate one or more illuminations for capturing such image data objects. Specifically, as shown, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 includes a near-field lens assembly 1302 associated with a near-field image sensor 1304. The near-field lens assembly 1302 and the near-field image sensor 1304 can form a near-field imager that is configured to receive light from a specific near field of view and capture the light in the near-field image data object representing the near field of view from the perspective of the near-field imager.

[0162] Similarly, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 includes a discrete focus lens assembly 100 associated with a discrete focus image sensor 1306. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and the discrete focus image sensor 1306 form a far-field imager that is configured to receive light from a particular far field and capture the light in a far-field image data object representing the far field from the perspective of the far-field imager. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can be manipulated, for example, via one or more activation signals, to position the lens barrel assembly at various focal length positions when desired, such as to configure the discrete focus lens assembly 100 for focusing to capture representations of objects at a particular determined and / or predetermined focal range.

[0163] The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 also includes an integrated lighting aid optics 1308. In this regard, the integrated lighting aid optics can be designed to generate one or more illumination patterns based on incident light received from one or more illuminator sources (not depicted) of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. For example, the integrated lighting aid optics 1308 can be associated with illumination optics located below the integrated lighting aid optics 1308. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the integrated lighting aid optics 1308 is configured to receive aid illumination and project a corresponding aid pattern based on one or more aid subcomponents of the integrated lighting aid optics 1308.

[0164] The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 also includes an imaging board 1310. The imaging board 1310 includes hardware, circuitry, etc. configured to power and / or enable activation of one or more associated components connected to the imaging board 1310. For example, in some embodiments, the imaging board 1310 is connected to at least the near-field image sensor 1304, the image sensor 1306, one or more illuminator sources of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300, and / or one or more auxiliary sources of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. In this regard, the imaging board 1310 may enable activation of each of these components, such as to activate the near-field image sensor 1304 and / or 1306, thereby causing the capture of an image data object. In some such cases, the imaging board 1310 also transmits such captured image data objects from the image sensor 1306 and / or 1304 to one or more processors and / or other hardware connected to the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the imaging board 1310 is connected to at least the discrete focus lens assembly 100, for example to power one or more coil positioning subassemblies and / or otherwise activate them to a desired power-on state. In some embodiments, the imaging board 1310 is connected to one or more external processors and / or other circuits for performing such functions. In some embodiments, the imaging board 1310 is embodied by one or more printed circuit boards. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the imaging board 1310 includes a flexible printed circuit board that is configured to connect various layers on which one or more other components of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 can be mounted and / or otherwise connected.

[0165] In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can provide variable focus to the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 within a range of focal length positions based on the design of the discrete focus lens assembly 100. For example, in at least some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is configured to be positioned at a near focus position, a neutral focus position, and a far focus position. In some such embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can include one or more activation signals for powering one or more coil positioning assemblies that are determined to be suitable for repositioning a lens barrel assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to a desired focal length position to capture one or more image data objects.

[0166] In some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 receives power from one or more components of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. For example, in some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is connected to a coil power circuit embodied in the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300, such that the coil power circuit provides power to the discrete focus lens assembly 100. In this regard, the coil power circuit can set the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to a powered state by providing a specific power value (e.g., current and / or voltage) to the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or its subcomponents (such as one or more positioning coil assemblies). In some embodiments, the coil power circuit is embodied by the imaging board 1310 or at least a portion thereof. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can be integrated with and / or otherwise connected to the imaging board 1310, which can receive one or more instructions from an included and / or associated processor to provide a determined power value to the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0167] In some embodiments, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 may be included in one or more imaging devices. For example, in this regard, Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C An exemplary discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 is shown according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig.14A The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 is depicted from a front perspective. Fig. 14B The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 is depicted from a top-down orthogonal view. Fig. 14C The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 is depicted from a front orthogonal view.

[0168] As shown, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 includes a discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 housed within a particular device base 1402. In this regard, the device base 1402 can be configured to accommodate each of the components described with respect to the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. For example, in this regard, the device base 1402 can be designed and / or modified to define a discrete focus lens assembly space 1404, such as Fig.15As shown. The discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 can be configured to fit a discrete focus lens barrel assembly (e.g., discrete focus lens barrel assembly 100) within the defined discrete focus lens assembly space 1404. In some embodiments, the device base 1402 includes an existing device base that is partially modified to define the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly can be implemented in a discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device without affecting other configurations of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device base 1402 is designed to enable the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to be removed and / or replaced without disassembling the entire discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400. For example, as Fig.15 As shown, in some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can be easily removed from and / or inserted into the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 for operation. In some such specific implementations, the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 includes one or more hardware support structures, protrusions, etc., which are configured to engage the discrete focus lens assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 and / or otherwise enable a connection between the discrete focus lens assembly and one or more components of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 (such as an imaging board).

[0169] In some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly is designed to fit into a minimal form factor device. For example, in this regard, in some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is designed to fit within a device base 1402 for use within a small form factor mobile imaging engine. The overlapping and compact nature of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 enables the assembly to fit within a highly constrained form factor typically associated with such mobile imaging environments. For example, in some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is designed to have a height of less than 7 millimeters, such that the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can fit within a variety of conventional mobile device bases.

[0170] Such imaging devices may also be integrated into any number of larger devices, housings, etc. For example, Fig.16A perspective view of an exemplary mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600 is shown. The mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600 includes a mobile device base designed to fit one or more sub-devices and / or sub-assemblies therein. For example, as shown, the mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600 includes a mobile phone mobile device base 1602. The mobile phone mobile device base 1602 can be a small form factor device base, such as such that the base is limited based on a limited device height. In some such embodiments, for example, the mobile phone mobile device base 1602 includes a conventional mobile device base associated with a device height of approximately 7 millimeters (e.g., 6.8-7.5 mm).

[0171] In addition, as shown, the mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600 includes the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400. In this regard, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 can be designed to have a sufficiently small form factor to fit within the mobile device base 1602 of the mobile phone, despite the device height limitation. For example, in this regard, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 can be designed to have a height of 6.8 mm. In addition, the discrete focus lens assembly therein includes a minimum profile sufficient to fit within the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400, and the specific design details enable the assembly to respond within the desired response rate and will not be affected by vibration and / or shock due to the fixation of the components (e.g., using one or more module alignment pins), and to achieve the minimum physical engagement components for moving the lens barrel assembly therein.

[0172] Fig.17A and Fig. 17BVarious exemplary ranges of image data objects captured by an imager of an exemplary discrete focus multi-sensor imaging 1400 (such as a discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1400) are shown from which representations of visually coded indicia of different sizes may be successfully read, for example, in the context of detecting and / or decoding the visually coded indicia. For example, in the exemplary context depicted, the illustrated graph includes such details for a near field imager (e.g., associated with a focus range of 0.31 meters) and a far field imager including a discrete focus lens assembly as described herein. Specifically, the graph includes a first curve 1702 for a near field imager associated with a focus range of 0.31 meters, a second curve 1704 for a far field imager having a focus range of 1 meter including a discrete focus lens assembly positioned at a near focus position, a third curve 1706 for a far field imager having a focus range of 1.8 meters including a discrete focus lens assembly positioned at a neutral focus position, and a fourth curve 1708 for a far field imager having a focus range of 6 meters including a discrete focus lens assembly positioned at a far focus position. It should be appreciated that the graph depicts successful reading (eg, detection and / or decoding) of the various visually encoded indicia as described.

[0173] As shown, curve 1702 indicates that the near-field imager captures an image data object representing a visual coding mark that successfully reads the visual coding mark from a range of about 100 mm to about 1500 mm from the visual coding mark. The visual coding marks read include a 13 mil code at the lowest range, a 4 mil visual representation mark at about 210 mm, and a 25 mil code at the maximum range of about 1500 mm. In this regard, the effective range of the near-field imager can be defined based on these parameters and the specific visual coding mark to be read.

[0174] A far-field imager including a discrete focusing lens assembly positioned for a focus range of 1 meter successfully reads visual coding marks from a range of approximately 460mm to approximately 1800mm. The visual coding marks read include a 25 mil visual coding mark at the minimum range, a 4.5 mil visual coding mark at approximately 1000m, and a 25 mil visual coding mark at a maximum range of approximately 1800mm. A far-field imager including a discrete focusing lens assembly positioned for a focus range of 1.8 meters successfully reads visual coding marks from a range of approximately 1140mm to 4450mm. The visual coding marks read include a 25 mil visual coding mark at approximately 1125mm, a 7 mil visual coding mark at approximately 1650mm, and a 25 mil visual coding mark at a maximum range of 4450mm. Within this range, conventional visual coding mark types of various sizes are successfully read to a specific maximum range. For example, range mark 1710 indicates the maximum range of successfully reading 10 mil C39 visual coding marks, specifically at 2500mm (2.5m / 8.2ft). In addition, range mark 1712 indicates the maximum range of successfully reading 13 mil UPC visual coding marks, specifically at 3200mm (3.2m / 10.5ft).

[0175] In addition, as shown, the far-field imager including a discrete focusing lens assembly positioned for a focus range of 6 meters reads at a much larger range. For example, as shown, the visual coding mark read includes a 25 mil visual coding mark at a minimum range of about 3190 mm, to about 16.5 mil visual coding marks at about 3600 mm, to about 21 mil visual coding marks at 5000 mm. Within this range, the range mark 1714 indicates the maximum range of successfully reading a 20 mil C39 visual coding mark, specifically at 4800 mm (4.8 m / 15.7 ft).

[0176] Fig. 17BA second graph across a larger range of scales (specifically 0mm to 26000mm) and for various larger-sized visual coding marks (specifically 0 mil to 100 mils) is shown. In this regard, the graph includes an extended curve 1752 of a far-field imager including a discrete focusing lens assembly positioned at a far focal length position and having a focus range of 6 meters. As shown, the visual coding mark read extends from the 21 mil visual coding marks at 5000mm to the 100 mil visual coding marks at 25000mm. Within this range, range mark 1754 indicates the maximum range of 50 mil C39 visual coding marks being successfully read, particularly at 14000mm (14m / 46ft). In addition, range mark 1756 indicates the maximum range of successfully reading 100 mil C39 visual coding marks, particularly at the maximum range of 25000mm (25m / 82ft).

[0177] In this regard, in some exemplary embodiments, the use of discrete focusing lens assemblies enables the effective range of a multi-sensor imaging device to be improved at a long-range range. Such long-range improvements can be obtained without affecting the close-range performance of the imaging device. For example, although a conventional far-field imager can be configured to successfully read a 100 mil code at about 10 meters, one or more embodiments described herein can be successfully read at 25 meters with the same close-range performance. In addition, as the size of the visual coding mark to be read increases, such improvements also enable the visual coding mark to be read from a few meters to tens of meters away. Therefore, in addition to improving resistance to vibration and / or impact and maintaining a sufficiently fast response time, some exemplary discrete focusing lens assemblies also provide such advantages within the effective reading range.

[0178] Exemplary Process for Discrete Focusing Lens Assemblies

[0179] Having described various aspects of discrete focus lens assemblies and associated apparatus, additional descriptions are provided with respect to components in one or more discrete focus lens assemblies according to at least some exemplary embodiments herein. It should be understood that, in this regard, the operations for assembling discrete focus lens assemblies as described herein provide specific processes that can be used to form a specific machine for utilization as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, it should be understood that one or more operations and / or sub-processes of the described processes can be implemented in any order, such that the processes of the embodiments may include one or more steps in an order other than the order described and / or depicted. Therefore, the specific implementations depicted and / or described should not limit the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0180] Fig.18Depicted is an exemplary visualization of a process of assembling various components to form a discrete focusing lens assembly according to at least one exemplary embodiment described herein. In this regard, Fig.18 Various components and corresponding intermediate components formed when assembling discrete focusing lens assembly 1828 are depicted. In some embodiments, such as with respect to Figures 19 to 21 Assemble the various depicted components as described in the depicted process.

[0181] As shown, one or more positioning magnets 1802 are mounted to an open frame lens barrel 1804 to form a barrel-magnet assembly 1806. As shown, for example, the barrel-magnet assembly 1806 includes a pair of positioning magnets that are mounted relative to each other in a defined space on the open frame lens barrel 1804. An imaging lens 1808 is inserted into the barrel-magnet assembly 1806 to form a lens barrel assembly 1810. The lens barrel assembly 1810 is inserted into the internal module space defined by the module base 1812, and the module alignment pins 1814 are inserted to position and / or align the lens barrel assembly 1810 within the module base 1812 to form a fixed module-lens barrel assembly 1816. In some embodiments, the module base 1812 and / or the open frame lens barrel 1804 include one or more module alignment pin openings designed to receive module alignment pins 1814 for positioning and / or aligning such components, and / or locking the position and / or alignment of such components.

[0182] After, before or at the same time as assembling the fixed module-lens barrel assembly 1816, assemble one or more positioning coil assemblies 1826. As shown, each positioning coil 1818 receives a positioning pad 1820, which is fixed to the internal coil area defined by the positioning coil 1818 to form a coil-pad assembly 1822. Coil-pad flexible connector 1824 is attached to coil-pad assembly 1822 to form a positioning coil assembly 1826. Such operations form a subroutine for forming a positioning coil assembly 1826, which can be repeated any number of times to assemble a desired number of positioning coil assemblies 1826. For example, as shown, the subroutine can be performed twice to assemble a pair of positioning coil assemblies 1826. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the positioning coil assembly is attached to a coil component plate (not depicted) for attachment to a module base, such as a module base 1812.

[0183] When the desired number of localization coil assemblies 1826 are assembled, the localization coil assemblies 1826 are attached to the fixed module-lens barrel assembly 1816 to form a discrete focus lens assembly 1828. In some embodiments, a pair of localization coil assemblies 1826 are attached. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, a first localization coil assembly 1826 is attached at the top coil position of the fixed module-lens barrel assembly 1816, and a second localization coil assembly 1826 is attached at the bottom coil position of the fixed module-lens barrel assembly 1816 opposite the top coil position. In some embodiments, each of the localization coil assemblies 1826 is attached to the fixed module-lens barrel assembly 1816 using a coil-pad flexible connector 1824. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, each of the positioning coil assemblies 1826 is attached to the positioning coil plate (e.g., at a first coil position opposite a second coil position) using coil-to-pad flexible connectors 1824, and the positioning coil plate is secured to the fixed module-lens barrel assembly 1816 using module alignment pins 1814. For example, the module alignment pins 1814 may engage with module alignment openings of the positioning coil plate.

[0184] Fig.19 A flow chart depicting exemplary operations of an exemplary process 1900 for assembling a discrete focusing lens assembly is shown in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a human operator may perform some or all of the depicted operations alone or in conjunction with one or more human-operated machines and / or tools. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a machine operator performs some or all of the depicted operations.

[0185] Process 1900 begins at block 1902. Block 1902 includes assembling a lens barrel, a pair of locating magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly. Additionally, in at least some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly includes a first locating magnet in the pair of locating magnets mounted opposite a second locating magnet in the pair of locating magnets. In some embodiments, each locating magnet is mounted using one or more adhesives and / or chemical fixings. In other embodiments, each locating magnet is physically fixed by engaging with the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the process for assembling the lens barrel, the pair of locating magnets, and the imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly includes one or more sub-processes, such as described below with respect to Fig. 20 The process 2000 described.

[0186] Block 1904 includes inserting the lens barrel assembly into a module space defined by the module base. The module space may be defined based on one or more external structures (e.g., one or more walls) of the module base, such that the module space defines an internal enclosure defined by the structures of the module base. In some embodiments, the module space is defined to have a sufficient volume size to enable the lens barrel assembly to fit within the defined module space. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the module base includes one or more alignment pin openings for positioning and / or aligning the lens barrel assembly within the module base, as described.

[0187] Frame 1906 comprises at least one module alignment pin being engaged with lens barrel assembly through at least one alignment pin opening of module base.In some embodiments, module alignment pin engages at least one alignment pin opening of module base and at least one module pin opening of lens barrel assembly.In this regard, lens barrel assembly can be engaged so that when force is applied to lens barrel assembly, lens barrel assembly can still slide along module alignment pin to be repositioned in module base.In this regard, module alignment pin can make the lens barrel lens assembly be able to keep appropriately positioned and / or aligned in module base while still being repositioned to desired focal length position.

[0188] Block 1908 includes assembling a first localization coil assembly and a second localization coil assembly. In this regard, each localization coil assembly may include at least a localization coil and a corresponding localization pad. The localization coil assemblies may be assembled for attachment to one or more other components as described. In some embodiments, the process for assembling the first localization coil assembly and / or the second localization coil assembly includes one or more sub-processes, such as described below with respect to Fig.21 The process 2100 described.

[0189] Frame 1910 includes attaching a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly on the module base. The first positioning coil assembly can be positioned relative to the second positioning coil assembly, for example, so that the first positioning coil assembly is located at a coil position on the top of the module base, and the second positioning coil is located at a second coil position on the bottom of the module base relative to the first coil position. In other embodiments, the first positioning coil assembly and / or the second positioning coil assembly are attached to the module base by attaching the first positioning coil assembly and / or the second positioning coil assembly to the positioning coil plate and attaching the positioning coil plate to the module base. For example, as described, in some embodiments, the module alignment pin engages one or more module positioning openings of the positioning coil plate to position the positioning coil plate and / or align it with the module base.

[0190] Fig. 20A flow chart is shown that depicts exemplary operations of an exemplary process 2000 for assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a human operator may perform some or all of the depicted operations alone or in conjunction with one or more human-operated machines and / or tools. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a machine operator performs some or all of the depicted operations.

[0191] Process 2000 begins at block 2002. Block 2002 includes mounting the pair of locating magnets to a lens barrel to form a barrel-magnet assembly. As described, the pair of locating magnets can be mounted relative to each other, such as with a first locating magnet located on a top portion of the lens barrel and a second locating magnet located on a bottom portion of the lens barrel. Further as described, each of the locating magnets can be mounted using physical means and / or chemical means, such as one or more epoxies, adhesives, etc.

[0192] Frame 2004 includes inserting an imaging lens into the barrel-magnet assembly to form a lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, the lens barrel is designed to include a front hole and a rear hole to enable light to pass through the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the imaging lens matches or substantially matches the hole shape, which is sufficient to maintain the position of the imaging lens in the imaging barrel. For example, in the exemplary context of a circular hole in which the lens barrel defines a specific diameter, the imaging lens may similarly include a diameter that matches the hole, or a circular and / or cylindrical design that is slightly smaller than the imaging lens to fit in the hole. In some embodiments, the imaging lens is fixed in the barrel-magnet assembly using one or more adhesives and / or physical means. For example, in some embodiments, the barrel lens defines a narrow slot that is configured to receive the imaging lens when the imaging lens is properly positioned and / or aligned.

[0193] Upon completion of block 2004, in some embodiments, the process returns to one or more other blocks of the process as described and / or shown. For example, in some embodiments, the process returns to block 1904 to continue the above with respect to Fig.19 Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the process ends when frame 2004 is completed.

[0194] Fig.21A flow chart is shown that depicts exemplary operations of an exemplary process 2100 for assembling a positioning coil assembly in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the process can be repeated for any number of positioning coil assemblies, such as for a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly. In some embodiments, a human operator can perform some or all of the depicted operations alone or in combination with a machine and / or tool operated by one or more people. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, a machine operator performs some or all of the depicted operations.

[0195] Process 2100 begins at block 2102. In some embodiments, block 2102 begins after one or more blocks as depicted and / or described with respect to other flowcharts herein, e.g., after Fig.19 The frame 1906 of description begins afterwards. Frame 2102 comprises inserting the locating pad into the coil interior area defined by the locating coil to form the coil-pad assembly. In some embodiments, the locating coil embodies one or more winding wires so that the winding wires surround the coil interior area. Therefore, the locating pad can have enough size to fit in the coil interior area defined by the locating coil. In some embodiments, the locating pad is fixed in the coil interior area by any of a plurality of known physical and / or chemical means.

[0196] Frame 2104 includes attaching a flexible connector to the coil-pad assembly to form a positioning coil assembly. In some embodiments, the flexible connector includes one or more printed circuit boards, hardware, and / or is configured to enable connection of the positioning coil to power the hardware and / or control other circuits of the hardware. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible connector includes a flexible printed circuit board so that the positioning coil assembly can be connected to one or more circuits, hardware, etc. configured to power the positioning coil to an energized state. In some embodiments, the flexible connector is attached to the lower side of the positioning coil by any of a variety of known physical and / or chemical means. In some such embodiments, the flexible connector can be used to connect the positioning coil assembly to the hardware for powering the positioning coil, and / or will be further connected to the associated hardware of such power supply hardware.

[0197] Upon completion of block 2104, in some embodiments, the process returns to one or more other blocks of the process as described and / or shown. For example, in some embodiments, the process returns to block 1910 to continue the above with respect to Fig.19 In addition or alternatively, in other embodiments, the process ends when box 2104 is completed.

[0198] in conclusion

[0199] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein are each non-limiting examples of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, one or more enhancements implemented in various embodiments may be provided in any combination. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more components modified as described herein may be provided.

[0200] For example, some embodiments may provide any number of focal length positions, and other embodiments may provide a limited number of discrete focal length positions (e.g., a far focal length position, a neutral focal length position, and a near focal length position). Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of an imaging device may include any number of discrete focus lens assemblies, each configured in any of a variety of ways, such as within different discrete focal length positions. Such specific implementations are intended to be encompassed by the disclosure herein and the scope of the appended claims provided herein.

[0201] The disclosed embodiments have been described in conjunction with certain exemplary configurations and / or specific implementation details. It should be understood that in other embodiments, for example, components may be embodied by other materials known in the art for forming such components and / or structural equivalents. In addition, it should be understood that embodiments may include any number of known structural elements or utilize known methods for securing components and / or subassemblies thereof (e.g., for securing one or more LEDs or other components to a circuit board or other printed circuit board) without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0202] Although this specification includes many specific implementation details, these details should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of any disclosed or claimable content, but should be interpreted as a description of specific features for a specific disclosed specific embodiment. Certain features described herein in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be for a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.

[0203] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all of the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel operation may be advantageous. Therefore, specific embodiments of the present subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions described in the claims can be performed in different orders and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the particular order shown or the sequential order to achieve the desired results described and / or claimed.

Claims

1. A discrete focusing lens assembly comprising: A lens barrel assembly, wherein the lens barrel assembly includes a lens barrel, a first positioning magnet, and a second positioning magnet; and wherein the first positioning magnet and the second positioning magnet are installed opposite to each other; A positioning coil plate, the positioning coil plate comprising at least a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly; a module base defining an internal module space designed to fit the lens barrel assembly, wherein the module base is designed to support the positioning coil plate; at least one module alignment pin that engages the module base, the positioning coil plate, and the lens barrel assembly, and At least one front limit screw is engaged with at least one front limit member of the module base; wherein the at least one front limit screw is configured to set a front position limit of movement of the lens barrel assembly within the internal module space.

2. The discrete focusing lens assembly of claim 1 further comprising: At least one rear limit screw, the at least one rear limit screw is engaged with at least one rear limit member of at least the module base; and wherein the at least one rear limit screw is configured to set a rear position limit for movement of the lens barrel assembly within the internal module space.

3. The discrete focus lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: The module base is designed to support the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil position and the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil position, the first coil position being opposite to the second coil position, and The first positioning coil assembly and the second positioning coil assembly together with the lens barrel assembly define a focal length position of the lens barrel assembly.

4. The discrete focus lens assembly of claim 3, wherein: The focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a first focal position when the positioning coil plate is in a first energized state, wherein the lens barrel assembly is in contact with at least one rear limit screw in the first energized state; wherein the focal position of the lens barrel assembly comprises a second focal position when the positioning coil plate is in a second energized state, wherein the lens barrel assembly is in contact with the at least one front limiting screw in the second energized state; and Wherein, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a default focal position when the positioning coil plate is in a non-powered state, and wherein, at the default focal position, the first positioning pad is aligned with the first positioning magnet and the second positioning pad is aligned with the second positioning magnet.

5. A multi-sensor imaging device, comprising: A device base configured to accommodate at least a discrete focusing lens assembly and at least one additional lens barrel assembly, wherein the discrete focusing lens assembly comprises: A lens barrel assembly, wherein the lens barrel assembly includes a lens barrel, a first positioning magnet, and a second positioning magnet; and wherein the first positioning magnet and the second positioning magnet are installed opposite to each other; A first locating coil assembly including a first locating coil, wherein the first locating coil is positioned around a first locating pad; a second locating coil assembly including a second locating coil, wherein the second locating coil is positioned around a second locating pad; a module base defining an interior module space designed to fit the lens barrel assembly, and wherein the module base is designed to support the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil position and the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil position, the first coil position being opposite the second coil position; at least one module alignment pin that engages the module base, the first locating coil assembly, the second locating coil assembly, and the lens barrel assembly, and At least one front limit screw is engaged with at least one front limit member of the module base; wherein the at least one front limit screw is configured to set a front position limit of movement of the lens barrel assembly within the internal module space.

6. The multi-sensor imaging device according to claim 5, further comprising: At least one rear limit screw is engaged with at least one rear limit member of at least the module base, and wherein the at least one rear limit screw is configured to set a rear position limit for movement of the lens barrel assembly within the internal module space.

7. The multi-sensor imaging device according to claim 5, wherein: The lens barrel assembly includes the first positioning magnet positioned adjacent to the first positioning pad, the second positioning magnet positioned adjacent to the second positioning pad, and The first positioning pad, the first positioning coil and the first positioning magnet together with the second positioning pad, the second positioning coil and the second positioning magnet define the focal length position of the lens barrel assembly.

8. A method of assembling a lens barrel assembly for a discrete focus lens assembly, the method comprising: Assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly, wherein the lens barrel assembly includes a first positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets, the first positioning magnet being mounted opposite to a second positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets; inserting the lens barrel assembly into an interior module space defined by a module base, the module base including at least one alignment pin opening; engaging at least one module alignment pin with the lens barrel assembly through the at least one alignment pin opening of the module base; engaging at least one front limit screw with at least one front limit member of the module base; wherein the at least one front limit screw is configured to set a front position limit for movement of the lens barrel assembly within the internal module space; assembling a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly; and The first and second positioning coil assemblies are attached to the module base, the first positioning coil assembly being positioned opposite to the second positioning coil assembly.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: engaging at least one rear limit screw with at least one rear limit feature of at least the module base, and wherein the at least one rear limit screw is configured to set a rear position limit for movement of the lens barrel assembly within the internal module space; and The position of the at least one front limiting screw or the at least one rear limiting screw within the internal module space is adjusted by interacting with the at least one front limiting screw along a first direction or interacting with the at least one rear limiting screw along a second direction, and wherein the first direction is clockwise and the second direction is counterclockwise.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein: Assembling the first positioning coil assembly comprises: inserting a first positioning pad into a first coil interior region defined by the first positioning coil to form a first coil-pad assembly; and A flexible connector is attached to the first coil-pad assembly to form the first positioning coil assembly.

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