Flexible lantern ring for camera lens

Abstract

Apparatus and system aspects for camera lens flexure collars are disclosed herein. An aspect includes an inner wall having one or more internal protrusions, an outer wall having one or more openings, a cam located between the inner wall and the outer wall, an actuation arm coupled to the cam and extending through the one or more openings of the outer wall, and two flexure members. The aspects are operated by manipulation of the actuation arm, where manipulation of the actuation arm moves the cam and generates a force through the one or more internal protrusions of the inner wall, thereby causing the inner wall to move in an axial direction within the stress limitation of the two flexure members. In this regard, movement of the inner wall in the axial direction can focus one or more camera lenses.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A camera is a device used to capture and record real-life images in the form of photographs and / or videos. To capture and record such images, a camera can consist of a camera body and a camera lens. The camera lens focuses light reflected from objects in the real world onto an image sensor in the camera body. The image sensor is an electronic device that converts the focused light into electronic signals representing a digital image. This image can then be used to generate frames in a photograph or a high-quality video stream. The camera body may also include controls, circuitry, and a processor to execute computer-readable instructions for controlling various operations of the camera, as well as memory storage devices for saving the digital images. Some cameras can receive power from an external power source (e.g., via a power cord to a power outlet), while others can receive power from an internal power source (e.g., a built-in or attachable battery pack).

[0002] A camera lens can be a single lens element or a lens assembly, wherein a lens assembly may contain one or more lens groups. A camera lens generally consists of convex and / or concave optical components designed to bend incoming light in a specific manner, such as toward a single focal point. Within the lens assembly, the cumulative effect of the various lens elements or lens groups allows light to bend in a specific way. The type of camera lens used can determine camera characteristics such as aperture range, depth of field, or focusing distance. Other camera components may include filters or focusing mechanisms.

[0003] A camera lens focusing mechanism moves a component within the camera lens or the camera lens itself to focus on an object. One type of focusing mechanism uses a cam and a follower. The cam and follower are used to convert rotational motion into linear motion. For example, a cam and follower focusing mechanism can take the form of a collar fastened around a cylindrical camera lens. As the cam rotates around the circumference of the cylindrical camera lens, the follower can be configured to move the camera lens in the axial direction. Current focusing mechanisms using cams and followers do not provide highly accurate movement and cannot limit undesirable movements of the camera lens in other directions (e.g., rotation). This is particularly detrimental in larger cameras that require precise focusing movement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Among the various aspects presented in this article, the camera, camera lens, and flexible collar can provide highly accurate camera focusing means in a way that restricts movement to the axial direction.

[0005] In one aspect, an example device for a flexible collar for a camera lens is described. The example device includes an inner wall having one or more internal protrusions, an outer wall having one or more openings, a cam located between the inner and outer walls, an actuating arm coupled to the cam and extending through one or more openings in the outer wall, and two flexible members. The example device is operated by manipulation of the actuating arm, wherein manipulation of the actuating arm causes the cam to move and generates force through one or more internal protrusions of the inner wall, thereby causing the inner wall to move in an axial direction within the stress constraints of the two flexible members.

[0006] In another aspect, an example system for a series of flexible ferrules for camera lenses is described. The example system includes one or more camera lenses, a first flexible ferrule, a second flexible ferrule, and a support structure coupled to the first and second flexible ferrules. Both the first and second flexible ferrules in this example system have at least one or more stacking mechanisms, an actuating arm, and an inner wall. The first and second flexible ferrules in this example system are coupled to each other via one or more stacking mechanisms, and the first and second flexible ferrules are coupled to one or more camera lenses via the inner wall. The example system is operated by manipulating the actuating arm, wherein manipulating the actuating arm can focus one or more camera lenses.

[0007] In another aspect, an example device for a flexible collar for a camera lens is described. The example device includes an inner wall, an outer wall, two flexible members, and a member for moving the inner wall in the axial direction within the stress constraints of the two flexible members.

[0008] Further features and advantages, as well as the structure and operation of each aspect, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the specific aspects described herein are not intended to be limiting. Such aspects are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the teachings contained herein. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various aspects of this disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of this disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to make and use this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 These are illustrations of an example camera system based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2A-2B This is an illustration of a camera lens without a lens housing and / or lens body, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] Figures 3A-3C This is a diagram of a flexible collar based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0013] Figures 4A-4C This is a diagram of a sub-component (including an inner wall, a cam, and an outer wall) of a flexible collar according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a flexible element based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram of a flexible collar without an outer wall, based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a block diagram of an example computer system that is useful for implementing various aspects.

[0017] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals generally indicate identical or similar elements. Furthermore, generally, the leftmost numeral of the reference numeral identifies the figure in which that reference numeral first appears.

[0018] Various aspects of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This document provides means, apparatus and / or systems, and / or combinations and sub-combinations thereof for flexible collars for camera lenses, which can provide a highly accurate means of focusing a camera lens in a manner that restricts movement in the axial direction.

[0020] A camera lens's focusing mechanism needs to move precisely and in a restricted direction to properly focus the camera lens onto an object. Some focusing mechanisms use cams and followers, where the rotational motion of the cam is converted into the linear motion of the follower. In the context of a camera lens, a cam can be coupled around a portion of the camera lens. As the cam moves (e.g., rotates) around the camera lens, it can then cause the follower to move the camera lens in a linear direction (such as axially). This is achieved through contact between the cam and the follower. While this type of focusing mechanism can achieve proper focusing of the camera lens, the movement of the cam and follower is not highly accurate and undesirable movements of the focusing mechanism or the camera lens (e.g., rotation, etc.) can occur, both of which can lead to defocusing due to positional errors. Larger cameras often cannot use current cam and follower focusing mechanisms because larger cameras require lower tolerances of movement, and the increased weight of components makes achieving tighter tolerances more difficult.

[0021] There are two technical problems associated with implementing certain focusing mechanisms for camera lenses, such as cam and follower focusing mechanisms. First, it is difficult to achieve highly accurate focusing because there is no precision mechanism to restrict the range of axial movement of the camera lens. Second, even if the axial movement of the camera lens can be properly controlled to accurately focus the camera lens, undesirable movements can occur that cause the camera lens to go out of focus. For example, components of the cam and follower focusing mechanism may allow rotational movement of the entire focusing mechanism or the camera lens, or the focusing mechanism may move in a skewed manner, where the movement on one side of the camera lens differs from the movement on the other side. Furthermore, components of the cam and follower focusing mechanism may translate, causing lens eccentricity, yaw, or pitch differences, ultimately leading to a decrease in image quality or an increase in aberrations.

[0022] This paper addresses this technical problem using an innovative flexible collar for camera lenses, which implements a flexible element with a cam and follower focusing mechanism. A flexible element is a material that is machined to be flexible in one or more directions and restricts movement in all other directions. For example, a flexible element coupled to a collar would allow movement of the camera lens in the axial direction (e.g., machined to be flexible in one direction), but would prevent movement in all other directions (e.g., rotation, etc.).

[0023] This paper offers various benefits. For example, camera lens flexible collars utilize a flexible element machined to be flexible in the axial direction to provide highly accurate movement in that direction. In other words, the flexible element is machined to have certain stress constraints (e.g., resistance) in the axial direction, where the movement (e.g., rotation) of the cam now results in a smaller movement of the follower in the axial direction. In another example, camera lens flexible collars are machined to be rigid in all other directions to provide stability for the focusing mechanism and camera lens. In other words, focusing can occur in the axial direction, but the flexible element will prevent rotation, linearity, or other movements of the focusing mechanism and camera lens, thus preventing positional errors that cause defocusing. Therefore, the innovative method of implementing a flexible camera lens flexible collar with a cam and follower focusing mechanism solves the aforementioned technical problems by providing highly accurate focusing of the camera lens in a way that restricts movement to the axial direction. This solution will prove particularly useful in larger cameras with lower tolerance focusing requirements.

[0024] Figure 1This is an illustration of an example camera system 100 according to some aspects of this disclosure. The camera system 100 may include a camera body 102, a handle 104, a power supply 106, a camera lens 108, and various other camera system components such as a mounting plate 114. The camera lens 108 may include a camera lens housing 110, one or more camera lens groups 112, and various other camera lens components such as one or more focusing mechanisms for focusing one or more camera lens groups 112.

[0025] The camera body 102 may include an image sensor used to convert light 116 into electronic signals representing a digital image after it has been reflected from a real-world object through one or more camera lens groups 112. The camera body 102 of the camera system 100 may be a large image sensor with an effective photosensitive area larger than that of a medium format film.

[0026] The camera body 102 may include a handle 104 that allows a user to support, carry, or otherwise physically manipulate the camera system 100. In some aspects, a power supply 106 may be detachably coupled to the camera body 102 and configured to provide sufficient voltage to power the operation of the camera body 102. For example, the power supply 106 may be a removable battery pack that provides DC voltage to the camera body 102. In another example, the power supply 106 may be a power outlet that provides AC voltage via a plug and wire that can be connected to the camera body 102. In other aspects, the power supply 106 may be integrated into the camera body 102 and not removable by the user. For example, the power supply 106 may be a disposable or rechargeable battery located within the camera body 102. The camera lens housing 110 may provide mechanical and / or protective support to components inside the camera lens 108, such as one or more camera lens assemblies 112. (Reference: Camera lens assembly 112) Figure 2A-2B Further description.

[0027] Figure 2A-2B This is an illustration of a camera lens 108 without the camera lens housing 110 and / or camera lens body 208, according to some aspects of this disclosure. Similar to the camera lens housing 110, the camera lens body 208 may provide mechanical and / or protective support to components within the camera lens 108, such as one or more camera lens assemblies 112. The camera lens 108 is a system configured to direct light 116 toward various components of an image sensor within the camera body 102. For example, the camera lens 108 may include one or more focusing mechanisms, such as a flexible collar 202 for focusing one or more lens assemblies 112 (described below with reference to Figures 3-6). The camera lens 108 may also include a motor 204 and a support structure 206.

[0028] Each camera lens assembly 112 may include one or more lens elements, such as convex and / or concave optical components for bending light 116 in a particular manner. Each camera lens assembly 112 may be surrounded by a cover. One or more focusing mechanisms (such as flexible collars 202) may be attached (via the cover) to the camera lens assembly 112 to focus light 116 toward an image sensor in the camera body 102. The one or more focusing mechanisms (such as flexible collars 202) may move each camera lens assembly 112 forward or backward independently of the other camera lens assemblies 112 for focusing or zooming, or the camera lens assemblies 112 may move together. For example, a first flexible collar 202 may be coupled (via the cover) to a first camera lens assembly 112. In this example, a second flexible collar 202 may be coupled (via the cover) to the same or a different (e.g., a second) camera lens assembly 112.

[0029] Focusing of the camera lens assembly 112 can be achieved by manual operation of one or more focusing mechanisms (such as flexible collar 202) or by automatic operation of the motorized device 204. For example, the motorized device 204 can be directly coupled to the first or second flexible collar 202, or it can be coupled to the support structure 206. The motorized device 204 may include a motor, coupling to a power supply 106, and a computing device. The motor may be an electric motor configured to convert electrical energy from the power supply 106 into motion of one or more focusing mechanisms. The power supply 106 can be coupled to the motor via a wired connection. The computing device can be coupled to a linear encoder of one or more focusing mechanisms. The computing device can also be coupled to the power supply 106. The computing device can be connected to... Figure 7 The computing device 700 described herein is the same as or similar to that described above. The computing device may include a processor and a memory, wherein the memory contains instructions stored thereon that can be executed by the processor. When executed, the instructions cause the computing device to receive position information from the linear encoder. Based on this position information, the instructions can then cause the computing device to supply a certain amount of power to the motor via power supply 106, thereby causing manipulation of one or more focusing mechanisms (such as the first flexible collar 202 or the second flexible collar 202). The manipulation of one or more focusing mechanisms by the motor 708 may occur simultaneously or separately from each other.

[0030] Support structure 206 may be one or more surrounding bands configured to provide structural support to one or more focusing mechanisms (such as flexible collar 202) and other components within camera lens 108. Support structure 206 may have the same geometry as one or more focusing mechanisms. Support structure 206 may be coupled to one or more focusing mechanisms, such as a first flexible collar 202 and a second flexible collar 202. Support structure 206 may be coupled to one or more focusing mechanisms via one or more threaded screws and threaded holes, adhesives, or any other fastening mechanism as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Support structure 206 may be made of metal, metal alloys, plastics, or any other material that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0031] The support structure 206 can be coupled to the mounting plate 114, such as Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. The support structure 206 can be coupled to the mounting plate 114 via one or more threaded screws and threaded holes, adhesive, or any other fastening mechanism as will be recognized by a person skilled in the art. The mounting plate 114 can be configured to provide further stability to the camera lens 108, such as by changing the center of gravity of the camera lens 108 or by allowing the user to manipulate the camera lens 108. The mounting plate 114 can also be configured to be attached to a mounting device, such as a tripod.

[0032] Figures 3A-3C This is a diagram of a flexible collar 202 based on some aspects of this disclosure. The flexible collar 202 can be... Figure 2A-2B One or more focusing mechanisms of the camera lens 108 system shown in the figure. Figure 3A This is an isometric view of the flexible collar 202. Figure 3B This is a left-side view of the flexible collar 202. Figure 3C This is a right-side view of the flexible collar 202. The flexible collar 202 may include an inner wall 302, an outer wall 304, an actuating arm 306, at least one flexible element 308, one or more stacking mechanisms 310-n, one or more internal protrusions 312-n, one or more openings 314-n, a cam 316, and a linear encoder 318. The various components of the flexible collar 202 are described with reference to Figures 4-6.

[0033] Figures 4A-4C This is a diagram of a sub-component (including inner wall 302, cam 316 and outer wall 304) of a flexible collar 202 according to some aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4A This is a diagram of the inner wall 302. Figure 4B This is a diagram of cam 316. Figure 4C This is a diagram of the 304 stainless steel outer wall.

[0034] refer to Figure 4AThe inner wall 302 is configured to couple to the outer surface (e.g., a cover) of one or more camera lens assemblies 112 via its inner surface. The inner wall 302 can be coupled to the outer surface (e.g., a cover) of one or more camera lens assemblies 112 via one or more threaded screws and threaded holes, adhesives, or any other fastening mechanism as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Because the inner wall 302 is coupled to the outer surface (e.g., a cover) of one or more camera lens assemblies 112, movement of the inner wall 302 moves one or more camera lens assemblies 112. The inner wall 302 can be cylindrical, a right-angled prism, or any other geometry as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The geometry of the inner wall 302 is the same as that of the outer surface (e.g., a cover) of one or more camera lens assemblies 112 and has the same cross-sectional dimensions. For example, if the outer surface (e.g., a cover) of one or more camera lens assemblies 112 is a cylinder with a diameter of 75 mm, then the inner wall 302 is a cylinder with an inner diameter of 75 mm. The inner wall 302 can have a length ranging from 35 to 45 mm. For example, the inner wall 302 can be a cylinder with an inner diameter of 75 mm and a height (e.g., length) of 38 mm. The inner wall 302 can be made of metal, metal alloy, plastic, or any other material as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The inner wall 302 is coupled to one or more internal protrusions 312-n (i.e., followers). The inner wall 302 can be coupled to the internal protrusions 312-n by one or more threaded screws and threaded holes, adhesives, any other fastening mechanism as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, or it can be machined as a single component. The inner wall 302 has a main surface and two ends (e.g., edges, surfaces, etc.), a first end and a second end. The first end can be considered as... Figure 1 One of the ends closer to the camera body 102, or Figure 1 -2 is the end closer to light 116. The second end can be considered as the end opposite to the first end.

[0035] The internal protrusion 312-n can be the follower of the cam 316 (see below). Figure 4B (Description follows). The shape of the internal protrusion 312-n can be circular, elliptical, or any other curved geometry as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The internal protrusion 312-n is a curved geometry, so it can interact with the angled surface of the wedge cam 402-n (see below). Figure 4B(Description to follow). The internal protrusions 312-n can be fixed to the inner wall 302 and cannot move independently of the inner wall 302 in any direction. The number of internal protrusions 312-n can be the same as the number of wedge cams 402-n, and the position of the internal protrusions 312-n around the inner wall 302 can be aligned with the position of the wedge cams 402-n around the cam 316. The internal protrusions 312-n can contact the wedge cams 402-n such that when the cam 316 moves (e.g., rotated by the actuating arm 306 about a center point), the angled surface of the wedge cams 402-n causes the internal protrusions 312-n to rise and fall with the angle of the angled surface. Because the internal protrusions 312-n are coupled to the inner wall 302, the rising and falling of the internal protrusions 312-n causes the inner wall 302 to move in the same direction (e.g., axially) and by the same distance.

[0036] refer to Figure 4C The outer wall 304 can be a cylinder, a right-angled prism, or any other geometry as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The outer wall 304 can have the same or different shape as the inner wall 302, and therefore have the same or different shape as the outer surface (e.g., cover) of one or more camera lens assemblies 112. The outer wall 304 can have a length between 35 and 45 mm. For example, the outer wall 304 can be a cylinder with an inner diameter of 98 mm and a height (e.g., length) of 38 mm. The outer wall 304 can be made of metal, a metal alloy, plastic, or any other material as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The outer wall 304 has a main surface and two ends (e.g., edges, surfaces, etc.), a first end and a second end. The first end can be considered as... Figure 1 The middle is closer to the end of the camera body 102, or Figure 1 -2 is one of the ends closer to light 116. The second end can be considered as the end opposite to the first end. The outer wall 304 may be exposed to the environment outside the camera lens 108, or may be surrounded by the camera lens housing 110 or the camera lens body 208. The outer wall 304 may include various other components, such as one or more openings 314-n, one or more stacking mechanisms 310-n, and a linear encoder 318.

[0037] When the flexible collar 202 is assembled, the opening 314-n allows external access to components inside the outer wall 304, such as the cam 316 (see below). Figure 4B Description). Opening 314-n allows external components (such as actuator arm 306 (see below)) to be inserted. Figure 4B (Description) Contacts internal components (such as cam 316). The opening 314-n can be circular, slotted, or any other geometry that a person skilled in the art will recognize. For example, at least one opening 314-n can be circular to allow viewing Figure 4A The contact between the cam 316 and the internal protrusion 312-n (e.g., a follower). In another example, at least one opening 314-n may be a slot opening that allows the actuator arm 306 to couple to the cam 316. This slot opening may be configured to allow the actuator arm 306 to move about the outer wall 304 such that the movement of the actuator arm 306 within the slot opening is perpendicular to the final movement of the inner wall 302. In other words, the movement of the actuator arm 306 about the outer wall 304 causes the cam 316 to move with the same motion; the wedge-shaped cam 402-n of the cam 316 (see below) Figure 4B (Description) Then, force is generated through the internal protrusions 312-n, resulting in axial movement of the inner wall 302.

[0038] The stacking mechanism 310-n can be coupled to the outer wall 304 via one or more threaded screws and threaded holes, adhesive, or any other fastening mechanism as will be recognized by a person skilled in the art, or it can be machined as a single component. The stacking mechanism 310-n can be equidistantly positioned around the outer wall 304. The stacking mechanism 310-n may include one or more fastening mechanisms. The stacking mechanism 310-n can be configured to allow more than one flexible collar 202 to be attached to each other via one or more fastening mechanisms. For example, a flexible collar 202 can be attached to a second flexible collar 202 via three stacking mechanisms 310-n consisting of threaded screws and threaded openings. The stacking mechanism 310-n can extend along the entire length of the outer wall 304. The stacking mechanism 310-n can be made of metal, metal alloy, plastic, or any other material as will be recognized by a person skilled in the art.

[0039] The linear encoder 318 can be coupled to the outer wall 304 via one or more threaded screws and threaded holes, adhesive, or any other fastening mechanism as will be recognized by a person skilled in the art. The linear encoder 318 can measure components inside the outer wall 304 (e.g., Figure 4A The linear encoder 318 measures the linear movement of the inner wall 302. Specifically, the linear encoder 318 can measure speed, distance, direction, position, or displacement. The linear encoder 318 can be coupled to a location on or adjacent to one of the openings 314-n on the outer wall 304, such that the linear encoder 318 can measure the linear movement of the internal protrusions 312-n or the inner wall 302. Information on the linear movement of the components inside the outer wall 304 is helpful in determining the actuator arm 306 (see below). Figure 4B(Description) and therefore how much the inner wall 302 must move to properly position one or more camera lens assemblies 112 in focus is useful. The linear encoder 318 can be considered a sensor or transducer. The linear encoder 318 may include components such as mounting elements, read heads, sliders, guide rails, cover strips, scales, and one or more reference points. Alternatively, the linear encoder 318 may be a ring encoder. The linear encoder 318 may be coupled to a computing device, such as... Figure 7 The computing device described herein. Linear encoder 318 can be coupled to computing device 700 via a wired channel, a wireless channel, or a combination thereof. Linear encoder 318 can detect linear movement and transmit it to computing device 700 so that the information undergoes further processing or is used to manipulate actuator arm 306. For example, position information from linear encoder 318 can be used by motorized device 204 (e.g., motor, power supply 106, and computing device) to cause computing device to provide a certain amount of power to motor via power supply 106, thereby resulting in automatic manipulation of actuator arm 306 of flexible collar 202.

[0040] refer to Figure 4B When the flexible collar 202 is assembled, a cam 316 is located between the inner wall 302 and the outer wall 304. The cam 316 can be secured to the inner wall 302 by one or more fastening mechanisms. For example, the cam 316 can be secured to the inner wall 302 by three pins, which hold it in place and allow rotational movement. The cam 316 can be a cylinder, a right-angled prism, or any other geometry as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The geometry of the cam 316 is related to... Figure 4A The inner wall 302 is the same. For example, if the inner wall 302 is a cylinder, then the cam 316 is a cylinder. When the flexible collar 202 is assembled, the cam 316 can be movable within the space between the inner wall 302 and the outer wall 304. For example, if the inner wall 302 and the outer wall 304 are cylinders, then the cam 316 is a cylinder that rotates within the space between the inner wall 302 and the outer wall 304. The cam 316 can be made of metal, metal alloy, plastic, or any other material as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The cam 316 can be a wedge cam, a translation cam, or any other type of cam as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. A wedge cam has an angled cam surface that allows the follower (e.g., the internal protrusion 312-n) to move in a specific linear motion at a rate corresponding to the tilt rate of the angled surface. For example, Figure 4B The illustration shows one or more wedge-shaped cams 402-n. The wedge-shaped cam 402-n is an angled cam surface that contacts... Figure 4AThe internal protrusions 312-n act as followers of the cam 316. The number of internal protrusions 312-n can be the same as the number of wedge cams 402-n, and the positions of the internal protrusions 312-n around the inner wall 302 can be aligned with the positions of the wedge cams 402-n around the cam 316. As the cam 316 moves around its center point, the wedge cam 402-n generates a force through the internal protrusions 312-n. This force causes the internal protrusions 312-n to rise and fall with the angle of the angled surface of the wedge cam 402-n. The wedge cam 402-n can have one or more stopping mechanisms to prevent the movement of the cam 316 beyond a certain point. The length of the wedge cam 402-n and the position of one or more stopping mechanisms along the movement path of the cam 316 can limit the amount of possible movement of the internal protrusions 312-n. The cam 316 can also be coupled to other components, such as the actuator arm 306.

[0041] Actuating arm 306 can be used to move cam 316. When flexible collar 202 is assembled, actuating arm 306 can be positioned outside outer wall 304, can extend through opening 314-n (such as a slot opening), and can be coupled to cam 316. Actuating arm 306 can be coupled to cam 316 by one or more threaded screws and threaded holes, adhesive, or any other fastening mechanism as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Actuating arm 306 can have a geometry with a large first dimension and a small subsequent dimension, such that actuating arm 306 can be easily positioned through opening 314-n and easily manipulated from a position outside outer wall 304. For example, actuating arm 306 can be a cylinder with a height dimension several times larger than its diameter dimension. This shape of actuating arm 306 allows for higher torque, especially when actuating arm 306 is capable of rotational movement within opening 314-n. Actuating arm 306 can be manipulated in a direction perpendicular to the final movement caused in inner wall 302.

[0042] Figure 5This is an illustration of a flexible member 308 according to some aspects of this disclosure. The flexible member 308 is a single component processed to be flexible in one direction and restrict movement in other directions. The flexible member 308 may include at least one slot opening 502. The flexible member 308 may include one or more slot openings 502. The slot opening 502 allows the flexible member 308 to move in only one direction. The slot opening 502 may be configured as layers of a fold-back structure 504 following the periphery of the flexible member 308. In this configuration, the innermost layer has the largest possible amount of movement in the flexible direction compared to the outermost fold-back structure layers. The total number of layers of the fold-back structure 504 and the width of each layer affect the total possible movement of the flexible member 308 in the flexible direction. The slot opening 502 may also include a circular opening 506 along the layers of the fold-back structure 504. The circular opening 506 affects the amount of stress relief provided to the flexible member 308 when it moves in the flexible direction. Therefore, the shape and frequency of the slot opening 502 affect how the flexible element 308 moves in the flexible direction.

[0043] Flexible member 308 may be coupled to inner wall 302 and outer wall 304 via one or more threaded screws and threaded holes, adhesive, or any other fastening mechanism as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. A first flexible member 308 may be coupled to a first end of inner wall 302 and a first end of outer wall 304. A second flexible member 308 may be coupled to a second end of inner wall 302 and a second end of outer wall 304. Flexible member 308 may be shaped such that its internal dimensions conform to the shape of inner wall 302 and its external dimensions conform to the shape of outer wall 304. Flexible member 308 may be made of metal, metal alloy, plastic, or any other material as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0044] The flexible element 308 on the inner wall 302 and outer wall 304 limits the possible amount of movement of the inner wall 302. For example, if the inner wall 302 were cylindrical and moved axially in response to rotational manipulation of the actuator arm 306, then the inner wall 302 would now only be able to move within the stress limit of the flexible element 308. This resistance allows for more accurate movement of the inner wall 302, and therefore allows for more accurate focusing of one or more camera lens assemblies 112. Furthermore, the flexible element 308 will prevent the inner wall 302 from moving in any direction other than axial. This stability provided by the flexible element 308 prevents positional errors that would cause defocusing. Other mechanisms in the flexible collar 202 can limit the movement of the inner wall 302 and provide stability, such as… Figure 4B The length of the wedge cam 402-n, the presence of the stop mechanism on the wedge cam 402-n, and the presence of the tension spring between the cam 316 and the flexible member 308.

[0045] The effect of manipulating the actuator arm 306 can be referenced. Figure 6 To understand. Figure 6 This is an illustration of a flexible collar 202 without an outer wall 304, according to some aspects of this disclosure. An actuating arm 306 can manipulate a cam 316, causing the cam 316 and wedge cam 402-n to interact with an inner protrusion 312-n. In an example where the component is cylindrical, the actuating arm 306 can rotate about the outer wall 304 (within the opening 314-n) to cause the cam 316 to rotate between the inner wall 302 and the outer wall 304. Due to the contact between the wedge cam 402-n and the inner protrusion 312-n, the rotational movement of the cam 316 and thus the wedge cam 402-n causes linear movement of the inner protrusion 312-n. Because the inner protrusion 312-n is coupled to the inner wall 302, this interaction can result in axial movement of the inner wall 302 within the stress constraints of the flexible members 308-1 and 308-2, and thus axial movement of one or more camera lens assemblies 112 coupled to the inner wall 302. Therefore, manipulation of the actuator arm 306 can be used to focus the camera lens 108. As previously mentioned, manipulation of the actuator arm 306 can be performed manually or via the motorized device 204.

[0046] One or more computer systems (such as) can be used, for example. Figure 7 The computer system 700 shown herein implements various aspects. The computer system 700 can be used, for example, to implement a system for manipulating a flexible collar by a motorized device 204. For example, the computer system 700 can receive position information about the flexible collar from a linear encoder and can supply a certain amount of power to a motor via a power supply device to manipulate the flexible collar to a desired position. The computer system 700 can be any computer capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0047] The computer system 700 can be any well-known computer capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0048] Computer system 700 includes one or more processors (also called central processing units or CPUs), such as processor 704. Processor 704 is connected to communication infrastructure or bus 706.

[0049] One or more processors 704 may each be a graphics processing unit (GPU). In one respect, a GPU is a processor that is a special-purpose electronic circuit designed to handle mathematically intensive applications. GPUs can have parallel architectures that are efficient at parallel processing of large blocks of data, such as mathematically intensive data, images, videos, etc., common in computer graphics applications.

[0050] The computer system 700 also includes user input / output devices 716, such as monitors, keyboards, and pointers, that communicate with the communication infrastructure 706 via user input / output interface 802.

[0051] The computer system 700 also includes main memory or primary memory 708, such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory 708 may include one or more levels of cache. Main memory 708 stores control logic (i.e., computer software) and / or data therein.

[0052] The computer system 700 may also include one or more auxiliary storage devices or memories 710. Auxiliary storage 710 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 712 and / or a removable storage device or drive 714. The removable storage drive 714 may be a floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, optical storage device, backup device, and / or any other storage device / drive.

[0053] The removable storage drive 714 can interact with the removable storage unit 718. The removable storage unit 718 includes a computer-usable or readable storage device on which computer software (control logic) and / or data are stored. The removable storage unit 718 can be a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disc, DVD, optical storage disk, and / or any other computer data storage device. The removable storage drive 714 reads from and / or writes to the removable storage unit 718 in a well-known manner.

[0054] According to an exemplary aspect, auxiliary storage 710 may include other components, tools, or other methods for allowing computer programs and / or other instructions and / or data to be accessed by computer system 700. Such components, tools, or other methods may include, for example, removable storage unit 722 and interface 720. Examples of removable storage unit 722 and interface 720 may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as EPROM or PROM) and associated sockets, memory sticks and USB ports, memory cards and associated memory card slots, and / or any other removable storage unit and associated interface.

[0055] Computer system 700 may also include a communication or network interface 724. Communication interface 724 enables computer system 700 to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices, remote networks, remote entities, etc. (referred to individually and uniformly by reference numeral 728). For example, communication interface 724 may allow computer system 700 to communicate with remote device 728 via communication path 726, which may be wired and / or wireless, and may include any combination of LAN, WAN, Internet, etc. Control logic and / or data may be transmitted to and from computer system 700 via communication path 726.

[0056] In one aspect, tangible, non-transitory devices or articles of art, including tangible, non-transitory computer-usable or readable media having control logic (software) stored thereon, are also referred to herein as computer program products or program storage devices. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system 700, main memory 708, auxiliary memory 710, and removable storage units 718 and 722, as well as tangible articles of art implementing any combination thereof. This control logic, when executed by one or more data processing devices (such as computer system 700), causes such data processing devices to operate as described herein.

[0057] Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will clearly understand how to use [the following methods]: Figure 7 The data processing devices, computer systems, and / or computer architectures other than those shown herein may be used to make and use aspects of this disclosure. In particular, aspects may be operated using software, hardware, and / or operating system implementations different from those described herein.

[0058] It should be recognized that the detailed description section, and not any other section, is intended to interpret the claims. The other sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary aspects contemplated by the inventors, and are therefore not intended to limit this disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

[0059] While this disclosure describes exemplary aspects for exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto. Other aspects and modifications thereof are possible and are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, but without limiting the generality of this paragraph, the aspects are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and / or entities shown in the figures and / or described herein. Furthermore, the aspects (whether or not explicitly described herein) have significant utility for fields and applications beyond the examples described herein. Any dimension provided herein is exemplary, and other dimensions are possible, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0060] This document describes various aspects using functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation methods and relationships of specified functions. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined. Alternative boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or their equivalents) are performed appropriately. Moreover, alternative aspects may perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc., in an order different from that described herein.

[0061] References to “one aspect,” “aspect,” “example aspect,” or similar phrases herein indicate that the aspect described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every aspect need to include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases need not refer to the same aspect. Additionally, when an aspect is used to describe a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, incorporating that feature, structure, or characteristic into other aspects would be within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art, whether or not it is explicitly mentioned or described herein. Moreover, the expressions “coupling” and “connection,” along with their derivatives, may be used to describe aspects. These terms need not be synonyms. For example, the terms “connection” and / or “coupling” may be used to describe aspects indicating that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However, the term “coupling” may also indicate that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0062] The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary aspects described above, but should be defined solely by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: An inner wall having one or more internal protrusions, wherein the inner wall has a first end and a second end; An outer wall having one or more openings, wherein the outer wall has a first end and a second end; A cam located between an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the cam contacts one or more internal protrusions of the inner wall; An actuator arm, which is coupled to a cam and extends through one or more openings in the outer wall; as well as Two flexible elements, including: A first flexible element, the first flexible element being coupled to a first end of the inner wall and a first end of the outer wall; as well as The second flexible element is coupled to a second end of the inner wall and a second end of the outer wall. The actuator arm is configured to be manipulated to move the cam and generate force through one or more internal protrusions on the inner wall, thereby causing the inner wall to move in the axial direction within the stress constraints of the two flexible members.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises: One or more stacking mechanisms coupled to an outer wall, the one or more stacking mechanisms being configured to be attached to another device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises: A linear encoder coupled to an outer wall and configured to detect position information of an inner wall through one or more openings in the outer wall.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flexible member and the second flexible member include at least one slot opening.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are cylindrical.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator arm extends through a slot opening in the outer wall, the slot opening allowing the actuator arm to be manipulated in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the inner wall.

7. A system comprising: One or more camera lens groups; A first flexible collar, the first flexible collar having at least one or more stacking mechanisms, an actuating arm and an inner wall, wherein the first flexible collar is coupled to the one or more camera lens assemblies through the inner wall; A second flexible collar, the second flexible collar having at least one or more stacking mechanisms, an actuating arm and an inner wall, wherein the second flexible collar is coupled to a first flexible collar via the one or more stacking mechanisms and to the one or more camera lens assemblies via the inner wall; as well as A support structure, coupled to a first flexible collar and a second flexible collar, This manipulation of the actuator arm of the first flexible collar or the actuator arm of the second flexible collar can focus the one or more camera lens assemblies.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: Mounting plate, coupled to a support structure, configured to provide stability to the system.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first flexible collar is coupled to the first camera lens group and the second flexible collar is coupled to the second camera lens group.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the first flexible collar or the second flexible collar comprises: An inner wall having one or more internal protrusions, wherein the inner wall has a first end and a second end; An outer wall having one or more openings and the one or more stacking mechanisms, wherein the outer wall has a first end and a second end; A cam located between an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the cam contacts one or more internal protrusions of the inner wall; An actuator arm, which is coupled to a cam and extends through one or more openings in the outer wall; as well as Two flexible elements, including: A first flexible element, the first flexible element being coupled to a first end of the inner wall and a first end of the outer wall; as well as The second flexible element is coupled to a second end of the inner wall and a second end of the outer wall; The actuator arm is configured to be manipulated to move the cam and generate force through one or more internal protrusions on the inner wall, thereby causing the inner wall to move in the axial direction within the stress constraints of the two flexible members.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first flexible member and the second flexible member include at least one slot opening.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the actuator arm is operated by a motorized device, the motorized device comprising: A linear encoder configured to monitor an inner wall through one or more openings in the outer wall; A motor, which is coupled to an actuator arm; A power supply device coupled to a motor; as well as A computing device coupled to a linear encoder and a power supply device, the computing device comprising: Processor; and Memory, wherein the memory contains instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the computing device to: Receive position information from the linear encoder; and A certain amount of power is supplied to the motor through a power supply device so that the actuator arm can be manipulated to the desired position.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein the first flexible collar or the second flexible collar is cylindrical.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the first flexible collar or the second flexible collar is made of metal or a metal alloy.

15. An apparatus comprising: An inner wall, wherein the inner wall has a first end and a second end; An outer wall, wherein the outer wall has a first end and a second end; Two flexible elements, including: A first flexible element, the first flexible element being coupled to a first end of the inner wall and a first end of the outer wall; and A second flexible element, the second flexible element being coupled to a second end of the inner wall and a second end of the outer wall; and A component for moving the inner wall in the axial direction within the stress constraints of the two flexible members.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus further comprises: One or more stacking mechanisms coupled to an outer wall, the one or more stacking mechanisms being configured to be attached to another device.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus further comprises: A linear encoder coupled to an outer wall and configured to detect position information of an inner wall through one or more openings in the outer wall.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first flexible member and the second flexible member include at least one slot opening.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the stress limitation of the two flexible elements is predetermined based on the number of the at least one slot opening in the two flexible elements.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are cylindrical.

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