Variable focus assembly and device having crossed bearing balls - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a variable focus lens assembly.SOLUTION: A variable focus lens assembly 100 comprises: a module base 102, a lens barrel assembly 104, a pair of front surface bearing balls 108A, a pair of rear surface bearing balls 108B, a holder cover 110, and a positioning coil substrate 114. The lens barrel assembly includes a pair of magnets on upper and lower sides, the positioning coil substrate includes an upper positioning coil assembly 116A and a lower positioning coil assembly 116B, the module base including a plurality of bearing ball slots having a slot opening configured to receive a bearing ball, the bearing ball movably supports the lens barrel assembly, and a coil assembly of the positioning coil substrate generates magnetic force interacting with the magnet of the lens barrel assembly and repositions the lens barrel assembly when in a power supply state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a lens focusing assembly for an imaging device, and more particularly to a lens focusing assembly for an imaging device. A variable gain control circuit for use in small form factor imaging devices and using electromagnetic The present invention relates to a variable focus lens assembly configured for focusing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] In imaging devices, lenses are often used to focus objects within a certain, predefined range. The image sensor is designed and arranged to look in focus through the lens. A camera is used to capture image data representative of the field of view through a If the elephant is out of focus of the lens, move the lens to one or more other focus positions, The subject needs to be in focus.

[0003] In general, the embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include an optical assembly, a variable focus lens, and variable focus imaging devices including one or more such assemblies. Other implementations of one or more of the variable focus lens assemblies and / or variable focus imaging devices include These will be apparent or will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional implementations are included herein within the scope of this disclosure. It is intended to be protected by the following claims.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an optical assembly is provided. The optical assembly includes a housing. The optical member includes a first pair of bearing balls, and a second pair of bearing balls. The optical member is configured to move within the housing and has two front tubular slots and two Each ball bearing of the first pair of bearing balls has two front tubular slots. a first side of the optical member and a second side of the optical member, the first side of the optical member being accommodated in the housing; Each ball bearing of the second pair of bearing balls is configured to movably support two and a second side of the optical member is disposed within the housing. The optical member is configured to be movably supported.

[0005] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include two each of the front tubular slots are diagonally opposite one another on the first side of the optical member. Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include two Each of the rear tubular slots are diagonally opposite one another on the second side of the optical member.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include an optical The assembly further comprises a wired coil substrate configured to generate a magnetic flux when energized. Additionally or alternatively, the optical element may have at least one of: As one permanent magnet is in interconnected proximity to the magnetic flux generated by the wired coil substrate, At least a portion of the optical member further comprises at least one permanent magnet.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include a wired The coil substrate is configured to generate a current for the wired coil assembly based on a first current supplied to the wired coil assembly. configured to move at least a portion of the optical element within a recess defined by the plate. A wired coil assembly is provided.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include a wired The coil substrate is configured to generate a current to the wired coil assembly based on a second current supplied to the wired coil assembly. configured to displace at least a portion of the optical element from a recess defined by the plate. A wired coil assembly is provided.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include a housing. The first end of the housing is toward the front side of the optical assembly facing the scene to be imaged. The second end of the housing is toward the rear end of the optical assembly facing the image sensor. The wireline coil substrate is positioned toward the rear end of the optical assembly.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include a wired The coil substrate includes a wired coil assembly configured to move the optical member when energized. The optical member is moved to change the focus of the optical assembly.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include a wired The coil assembly exerts an electromagnetic force on the optical member to align the optical member with the optical axis of the optical assembly. The actuator is configured to move the actuator along a direction parallel to the axis of the actuator.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include an optical The assembly further comprises a wired coil substrate having a first set of windings and a second set of windings. Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include The first set of windings and the second set of windings define a recess therebetween to form an optical section. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the optical assemblies may include a rear portion of the optical assembly. In this embodiment, the first plane containing the first set of windings is spaced apart from the second plane containing the second set of windings. The optical axis of the optical assembly is parallel to the first plane and the second plane. Divide your heart in two.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the optical assembly include an optical The member includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet disposed diagonally opposite the first permanent magnet. The magnetic head further comprises a magnet.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a variable focus lens assembly. The assembly includes at least one lens barrel assembly for a predefined number of focal positions and and / or within a continuous set of focus positions, the assembly being a small form factor device. The device is configured for positioning in a reduced form factor to fit within a chassis. In at least one exemplary embodiment, an exemplary variable focus lens assembly includes: At least a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly. The exemplary variable focus lens includes a lens barrel assembly. The exemplary variable focus lens is designed to fit into a lens barrel assembly. The module further comprises a module base defining an internal module space, the module base comprising: a first to support the first positioning coil assembly at the coil position and the second coil position The first coil position is designed to support a second positioning coil assembly at the The exemplary variable focus lens is a module base and a lens. The barrel assembly further includes at least one pair of bearing balls engaged with the barrel assembly, a coil assembly, a second positioning coil assembly, and at least a pair of bearing balls together with the lens barrel assembly define the focal position of the lens barrel assembly.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, at least some embodiments of the variable focus lens assembly In the first positioning coil assembly, a first positioning coil is provided. The positioning coil is positioned around the first positioning pad and the second positioning coil assembly The assembly includes a second positioning coil, the second positioning coil being connected to a second positioning pad. The lens barrel assembly is positioned adjacent to the first positioning pad. a first positioning magnet located adjacent to the second positioning pad; a first positioning pad, a first positioning coil, and an imaging optical lens. and a first positioning magnet, a second positioning pad, a second positioning coil, and a second positioning The positioning magnet and at least one pair of bearing balls are arranged to position the focal point of the lens barrel assembly. Define.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, at least some of such variable focus lens assemblies In one embodiment, the at least one pair of bearing balls includes a first pair of bearing balls and a second pair of bearing balls. Additionally or alternatively, the module base and the lens barrel assembly include a bearing ball. Each bearing includes at least two bearing slots, each bearing slot being adapted to accommodate a corresponding pair of bearings. The ball bearings of the balls are attached to the module base and the lens barrel through corresponding bearing slots. The locking mechanism is designed to allow engagement with each of the assemblies.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, at least some of such variable focus lens assemblies In one embodiment, the module base and the lens barrel assembly each include a first bearing slot. and a second bearing slot, each of the first bearing slots being spaced apart from the second bearing slot. Additionally or alternatively, at least one pair of bearing balls are located on opposite sides of the bearing balls. , a first pair of bearing balls and a second pair of bearing balls. The ball bearings are inserted into the module base and the lens barrel assembly through each of the first bearing slots. the second pair of bearing balls are engaged with the second bearing slots, and each of the second pair of bearing balls is engaged with the second bearing slots. The lens barrel assembly is engaged with the module base via a lens barrel assembly.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, at least some of such variable focus lens assemblies In one embodiment, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly is determined by a positioning coil substrate. A first focal position when the positioning coil board is in a powered state and a second focal position when the positioning coil board is in a powered state. and the second focal position in a situation where the positioning coil board is in a non-powered state. and a default focus position.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, at least some of such variable focus lens assemblies In one embodiment, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly is determined by the positioning coil substrate being unpowered. a first positioning pad including a default focus position in a first state; The second positioning pad is aligned with the focus magnet and the second positioning pad is aligned with the focus magnet and the second position is aligned with the focus magnet and the second position is aligned with the focus magnet. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the variable focus lens assemblies is aligned with the magnet. In at least some such embodiments, the default focus position is a default focus range Based on.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a multi-sensor imaging device. The device is configured for variable focus as disclosed herein. The device includes a variable focus lens assembly, at least one additional lens assembly, and at least one The lens assembly includes at least one variable focus lens assembly and at least one additional lens assembly. and a device chassis configured to mount the variable focus lens assembly of the multi-sensor imaging device. The assembly includes a first positioning coil assembly including a first positioning coil, The first positioning coil is positioned around the first positioning pad. The variable focus lens assembly of the imaging device includes a second positioning coil. The coil assembly further includes a second positioning coil positioned about the second positioning pad. The variable focus lens assembly of the multi-sensor imaging device is aligned with the first positioning plate. a first positioning magnet located adjacent to the first positioning pad; a second positioning magnet located adjacent to the second positioning pad; a lens barrel assembly including a second positioning magnet and an imaging optical lens. The variable focus lens assembly of the multi-sensor imaging device is housed in a lens barrel assembly. The module further comprises a module base defining an interior module space designed to receive the module. The coil base is adapted to support a first positioning coil assembly at a first coil position. a first coil positioning coil assembly and a second coil positioning coil assembly; The first coil position is opposite to the second coil position, and the first coil position is opposite to the second coil position. The variable focus lens assembly of the multi-sensor imager is located diagonally opposite the At least one pair of bearing balls engaged with the module base and the lens barrel assembly are provided. The first positioning coil assembly and the first positioning magnet are provided with a second positioning coil assembly. Together with the coil assembly and the second positioning magnet, and at least one pair of bearing balls , which defines the focal position of the lens barrel assembly.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, at least some such implementations of the multi-sensor imaging device In an embodiment, the module base and the lens barrel assembly each include a first bearing slot and and second bearing slots, each of the first bearing slots being one of the second bearing slots. Additionally or alternatively, at least one pair of bearing balls is located on one opposite side of the first The bearing includes a first pair of bearing balls and a second pair of bearing balls. The first pair of bearing balls includes a first the module base and the lens barrel assembly through each of the bearing slots, The second pair of bearing balls are inserted into each of the second bearing slots of the module base and the lens bar. The rod assembly is engaged with the rod holder.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, at least some such implementations of the multi-sensor imaging device In an embodiment, the multi-sensor imaging device includes a first image sensor and at least one second image sensor. The first image sensor is aligned along the optical axis of the variable focus lens assembly. and at least one second image sensor is positioned with at least one additional lens. It is positioned along the optical axis of the assembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] Having thus described in general terms embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: These are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0024] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary multi-sensor imaging system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary optical lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 2A] 2A-2D illustrate various views of an exemplary variable focus lens assembly when assembled, according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 2A and 2B illustrate various views of an example variable focus lens assembly when assembled, according to at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 2A-2C illustrate various views of an example variable focus lens assembly when assembled, according to at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] 2A-2D illustrate various views of an example variable focus lens assembly when assembled, according to at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A illustrates various cross-sectional views of the interior of an exemplary variable focus lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 3A-3B illustrate various cross-sectional views of the interior of an exemplary variable focus lens assembly, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] 3A-3C illustrate various cross-sectional views of the interior of an exemplary variable focus lens assembly, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A illustrates design details of an example optical element embodied as a lens barrel assembly in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B illustrates design details of an exemplary optical element embodied as a lens barrel assembly, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a modular base of an exemplary variable focus lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of a modular base of an exemplary variable focus lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of a modular base of an exemplary variable focus lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates various design details of an exemplary positioning coil substrate in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A illustrates an example visualization of light traversing through an example variable focus lens assembly for capture by an associated image sensor, in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B]FIG. 7B illustrates an example visualization of light traversing through an example variable focus lens assembly for capture by an associated image sensor, in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 8A] 8A-8D each illustrate an example visualization of a lens barrel assembly positioned at a different focal position, in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 8A and 8B each illustrate an example visualization of a lens barrel assembly positioned at a different focal position, in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] 8A-8C each illustrate an example visualization of a lens barrel assembly positioned at a different focal position, in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A illustrates a visualization of an image data object including a display of various visually encoded indicia captured by an image sensor using a variable focus lens assembly having a lens barrel assembly positioned at different focus positions, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B illustrates a visualization of an image data object including a display of various visually encoded indicia captured by an image sensor using a variable focus lens assembly having a lens barrel assembly positioned at different focus positions, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C illustrates a visualization of an image data object including a display of various visually encoded indicia captured by an image sensor using a variable focus lens assembly having a lens barrel assembly positioned at different focus positions, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A illustrates the magnetic forces exerted by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a variable focus lens assembly in a situation in which the pair of coil positioning assemblies are in an unpowered state, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B illustrates the magnetic forces exerted by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a variable focus lens assembly in a situation in which the pair of coil positioning assemblies are in a first powered state, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates an example distribution of forces versus displacement of a lens barrel assembly from a neutral focus position, in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine including a variable focus lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates another perspective view of an exemplary variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine including a variable focus lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A illustrates various views of an exemplary variable focus multi-sensor imaging device, according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] 14A and 14B illustrate various views of an exemplary variable focus multi-sensor imaging device, according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14C]14A-14C illustrate various views of an exemplary variable focus multi-sensor imaging device, according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates an example imaging device including a device chassis modified to allow accommodation of an example variable focus lens assembly, in accordance with at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary mobile variable focus multi-sensor imaging device including at least one variable focus lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart showing example operations of an exemplary process for assembling a variable focus lens assembly in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart showing example operations of an exemplary process for assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly, according to at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart showing example operations of an example process 1900 for assembling a positioner coil assembly, in accordance with at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are In practice, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, the following embodiments: may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments should not be construed as construing the full extent of the invention as construed in any manner that would be construed as being inconsistent with the legal requirements to which this disclosure pertains. It is provided to fulfill the requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0046] The imaging device is configured to enable performance of one or more image capture and processing tasks. For example, in at least some example contexts, the imaging device may capture one or more barcodes. Reading symbols such as IDs, QR codes, Data Matrix and / or similar In many cases, such imaging devices are configured to allow One or more image capture devices for capturing image data objects representing a particular field of view defined by the For example, the imager passes through image capture optics and interacts with the image sensor. one or more lens assemblies coupled to the image sensor configured to capture light for use with the In this regard, the lens assembly may include one or more image capture optics, such as a may define a particular field of view to be captured by an associated image sensor, and / or Or the image sensor is clear and / or clear for processing in and / or around the focus range. A particular focus range is chosen to capture the image data object that is optimal or otherwise. Such an imager may, for example, include an illumination projection lens and an associated illumination source. and / or associated with the imaging device to provide light for illuminating the field of view to be captured. The illuminator may be associated with a

[0047] The variable focus lens assembly allows for adjustment of the focus range to one or more different focus ranges. By adjusting the focal range, the lens assembly can be used to achieve a specific image processing Image data that is sufficiently clear and / or well-defined to be successfully processed for processing tasks. The effective range in which the data object can be captured can be improved. For example, the first focus range and the second focus range can be improved. The object to be scanned and the object to be scanned are scanned using a variable focus lens that can be adjusted between a focus range of and / or enough image data objects to be processed without repositioning the imaging device itself. To provide the ability to change focus, conventional implementations of variable focus It is difficult to determine the exact cause of the problem, but it is possible that the problem is not solved. Variable focal length lenses are often used in small form factor and mobile imaging devices. and / or cannot be physically contained within such a device for use. I can't come.

[0048] In the context of a mobile imaging device, for example, the imaging device and each of its components may maintain functionality. It must be portable, perform quickly, and have a form factor small enough to be used in a mobile context. For example, if the imaging device is a mobile phone or other limited form factor In the context of being integrated into a device, the imaging device may be a mobile device shutter of a mobile phone. This is limited by the limited dimensions of the device (often around 7 mm). Similarly, to operate in this context, each of the components of the imaging device The technology is limited by the smaller form factor of the device.

[0049] Traditional variable focus lens implementations are unsuitable for use in small form factor devices For example, conventional voice coil motor focus is sensitive to user motion and and / or vibration, such as in the context of mobile imaging devices where vibration and shock due to transportation may occur. and is very sensitive to shock. In addition, for example, the liquid lens focus The large component parts make it unsuitable for use in the context of small form factor mobile imaging devices such as Additionally, for example, linear piezo motor focus is limited by the element size. The slow response speed makes it unsuitable for use in such small form factor mobile imaging devices. In this regard, in the context of mobile imaging devices, the variable lens focus feature Conventional implementations for this purpose are unreliable and cannot be compacted sufficiently into small form factors. and / or suffer from slow response times.

[0050] Seamless and fast, without incurring significant energy consumption, even with other imaging devices. It is necessary to move optical components that are configured to focus in a suitable manner. The imaging devices used for scanning are often battery powered. is scarce and needs to be used judiciously to support device operation over longer periods. Therefore, any and all power consumption in such battery-powered devices must be calculated based on the It should be optimized to improve battery life and reduce the requirement for frequent charging. Regarding the focusing assembly, as little power as possible should be dissipated in the moving focusing components. However, conventional movement mechanisms utilize rollers and similar bearings to move the However, such a movable mechanism They are damaged by inherent friction that increases with time and use. This can cause the lenses to wear out quickly. The response of fast focus adjustment is poor, and the object being imaged often remains out of focus. Therefore, the usefulness of such devices is limited and they require frequent maintenance. Requires maintenance and upgrades.

[0051] Embodiments herein provide a variable focus lens assembly. Positioned based on interaction between a positioning magnet on the Some such lens assemblies include a variable focus lens assembly including a lens barrel assembly. In one embodiment, each of the pair of positioning magnets is associated with one of the pair of positioning pads. The positioning pads are each adapted to receive an electric charge that powers a positioning coil. The powered positioning coil is associated with a lens barrel. to generate a magnetic force that is applied to reposition the lens assembly to a new focal position. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly is configured to supply each of the positioning coils. Such an implementation is advantageous in that the variable focus lens assembly is positioned based on the electrical state of the lens. Rapidly move the lens barrel assembly so that it is rapidly refocused (e.g., within a desired threshold). It is repositionable, vibration-resistant, and compact enough to be used in a mobile context. Thus, embodiments of the imaging device may be implemented in a multi-form factor. One or more variable focus lens assemblies as one or more lens assemblies in the sensor environment Li can be used.

[0052] Such an exemplary variable focus lens assembly is highly reliable, compact in size, and small, low power, and fast enough for use in small form factor imaging devices In this regard, such a variable focus lens assembly provides a response of to improve the coverage within which an image data object can be captured for successful processing. In some embodiments, the imaging device may be implemented in one or more imaging devices. Although described above, such embodiments may be implemented in one or more non-mobile imaging devices. It should be understood that the same may be implemented in some such embodiments. The present invention may be implemented in a variety of ways, including but not limited to a small form factor, as described herein. In some cases, the structure may be similar to that used for definition

[0053] The term "imaging device" refers to a device that captures image data objects for processing. Refers to one or more hardware and / or software components configured together. In an embodiment, the imaging device includes a small Non-limiting examples of imaging devices include: , "multi-sensor imaging device" which is adapted to enable capture of image data objects. It also refers to an imaging device that includes a plurality of image sensors each configured as a single unit.

[0054] The term "power" refers to the act of supplying electrical current to an electrical circuit, component, and / or electrical conductor. This refers to the following.

[0055] The term "positioning coil" refers to a coil wound into a coil shape and a coil that supplies power to the positioning coil. A positioning coil is an electrical conductor configured to generate a magnetic field within the coil. The positioning coil defines a "positioning area" defined by the wrapped positioning coil. This refers to the open area between the

[0056] The term "positioning coil assembly" refers to the assembly of a positioning coil on a module base and and / or a position connected to at least the flex component for connection to the coil power supply circuit. This refers to the positioning coil.

[0057] The term "coil power circuit" refers to a circuit that supplies current to one or more positioning coil assemblies. In some example contexts, coil power supply refers to hardware configured to supply power to the coil. The circuit includes at least one power source connected to the one or more positioning coil assemblies. include.

[0058] The term "powered state" refers to a state in which current is supplied to each of a pair of positioning coil assemblies. In the exemplary context, the power supply state refers to the value of each of the pair of positioning coil assemblies. The term "unpowered state" refers to the value of the code that is powering the pair of positioning This refers to the value when no current is supplied to each of the coil assemblies.

[0059] The term "imager" or "imaging module" refers to a device that captures an image representing a particular field of view. In at least one exemplary context, The imager includes at least one optical component (e.g., a lens and Additionally or alternatively, at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include at least one In this context, an imager is a device that detects an image based on light that engages an image sensor, such as via optical components. The imaging device includes an image sensor configured to output an image using the imaging device.

[0060] The term "image sensor" refers to an image sensor that detects an object based on the light incident on the image sensor. It refers to one or more components configured to generate the image represented by the object. In one such illustrative context, the image sensor may represent light waves interacting with the image sensor as: The image output by the sensor is converted into a signal representative of the image.

[0061] The term "imaging optical lens" refers to an image sensor in which light is associated with the imaging optical lens. one or more lenses and / or supports defining an aperture that allows the lens to be received by the In some embodiments, the imaging optical lens is made entirely of glass, entirely of It may be formed of plastic, optical liquid material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0062] The term "lens barrel assembly" refers to the structure associated with the corresponding image sensor. The components include at least an imaging optical lens and a lens housing. In some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly as described herein comprises: The positioning magnet includes one or more defined areas for supporting the positioning magnets.

[0063] The term "positioning magnet" refers to a magnet that allows for shifting of the focal position of the lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, the magnets are included in the lens barrel assembly to The lens may be used to change the focal position of a barrel lens assembly as described herein. The barrel assembly may include a pair of positioning coil assemblies and / or positioning pads. A pair of positioning magnets designed to interact with one or more associated components of Non-limiting examples of positioning magnets include zinc plated magnets, nickel plated magnets, and / or Includes, but is not limited to, plated neodymium magnets with other protective coatings .

[0064] The term "locator pad" refers to a pad that fits within the inner coil area of ​​the locator coil. In one exemplary context, a locating pad is a rectangular parallelepiped. The positioning coil assembly is molded with a positioning pad. In this regard, in some contexts, a pair of symmetrical positions is used. The positioning pads are positioned opposite each other, each of which is a pair of positioning coil assemblies. A pair of positioning coil assemblies are associated with one of the As a result, when the positioning coil assembly is in an unpowered state, the positioning pad The term "iron locating pad" refers to the iron coated Refers to a locating pad, including a guide rail, that is made primarily and / or predominantly of iron. vinegar.

[0065] The term "module base" refers to one or more components of a variable focus lens assembly. Refers to a housing configured to allow for positioning and / or alignment of an additional Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the module base includes corresponding power supply circuitry and and / or allows connection of one or more of the components to a processing circuit.

[0066] The term "coil position" refers to a positioning control with respect to the associated lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, for example, the first positioning coil is The first coil position is located at the top of the lens barrel assembly, and the second coil position is located at the The positioning coils are aligned with the associated receiver such that the first coil position is opposite to the second coil position. The coil is positioned at a second coil location located at the bottom of the lens barrel assembly.

[0067] The term "positioning area" refers to the area inside the positioning coil assembly. Includes locating pads in the area designed to support the locating coil assembly Refers to a defined portion of a modular base. In some embodiments, the modular base is A first coil positioner and a second coil positioner for supporting a pair of positioning coil assemblies. a pair of coil assemblies moving the lens barrel assembly along the longitudinal axis; The first coil position is opposite the second coil position so as to generate a magnetic force that causes the first coil position to rotate.

[0068] The term "internal module space" refers to the interior walls and / or other supporting structures of the module base. In some embodiments, the internal module space refers to the spatial void defined by the structure. a lens barrel assembly and / or a corresponding positioning and / or alignment structure It is defined to be large enough to contain the elements.

[0069] The term "bearing slot" refers to a slot defined by an outer boundary and adapted to receive and support a ball bearing. It refers to the space within a component that is designed to be movably fixed. In an exemplary context, the bearing slot openings are spherically shaped and configured to receive ball bearings. , tubular, or cylindrical space.

[0070] The term "ball bearing" refers to a bearing designed to engage a bearing slot opening in a component. Refers to solid balls and / or other circular rollers of metal, semi-metal, or non-metal that are supported on a surface. In at least one exemplary context, the ball bearings slide into the bearing slot openings. The bearing is designed to engage with the bearing slot opening through the bearing.

[0071] The term "focus position" refers to the lens barrel within the interior module space of the module base. In this regard, in an exemplary context, the lens barrel assembly The focal position of the focus may be shifted from a default and / or absolute position along the longitudinal axis. In the exemplary context, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly represents one or more positions. Therefore, the magnitude of the power applied to the coil assembly is changed.

[0072] The term "front position limit" refers to the focal position closest to the inner wall of the front of the module base. In some embodiments, the front position limit is provided 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. It is defined as follows.

[0073] The term "rear position limit" refers to the focal position closest to the inner wall of the rear of the module base. In some embodiments, the rear position limit is provided by the inner wall of the rear of the module base itself. In other embodiments, the backside position limit is defined by one or more backside limiting components. It is defined as follows.

[0074] The term "focal range" refers to the lens barrel assembly and / or imaging device and the focal In at least one exemplary context, the lens When the focal position of the barrel assembly changes, the focal range also changes. The term "range" refers to the detection, capture, and / or decoding of two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional symbols. For the lens barrel assembly and / or imaging device and its intended use, such as for This refers to a particular focus range that is defined to be the most likely distance between the field of view and the target.

[0075] The term "default focal position" refers to when each of a pair of positioning coil assemblies is non- Refers to the focal position of the lens barrel assembly when in a powered state. In an exemplary context: The default focus position is determined by aligning each alignment magnet in the lens barrel assembly with its associated alignment plate. Align it with the head.

[0076] The term "predefined focus position" refers to the departure of a focus position from a set of possible focus positions. For example, in at least one exemplary context, a variable focus lens assembly The first focus position for a first power supply state (e.g., positive current), a second focal position for a powered state (e.g., negative current) and The third focus position is designed based on a set of three focus positions.

[0077] The term "continuous focus positions" is defined by a maximum focus position and a minimum focus position. Refers to a focus position value from a continuous range of focus positions. In at least one exemplary context , the continuous focal position is determined based on the value of the power supplied to the pair of positioning coil assemblies. Reflect.

[0078] The term "near focus position" refers to a position where the lens is positioned within a predefined focus range below a predefined threshold. The term "far focus position" refers to the value of the focal position for focusing the lens assembly. a second predetermined focus range that exceeds a predetermined threshold value; The term "neutral focus position" refers to the value of the focus position for adjusting the for focusing the lens barrel assembly into a third predetermined focus range of the selected threshold value. Refers to the focus position value.

[0079] The term "non-glossy dark surface" refers to a defined reflection of light received in the specular direction. Specular refers to a surface that reflects less than a certain threshold percentage. In some embodiments, specular light is reduced to a maximum To minimize this, the non-glossy dark surface is sufficiently dark in color.

[0080] The term "magnet surface epoxy" refers to the epoxy applied along at least one surface of the positioning magnet. Refers to the coating of a positioning magnet to provide a non-shiny dark surface.

[0081] The term "lens mount" refers to one or more structural components and / or an imaging device. This refers to hardware that fixes the position and / or alignment of a variable focus lens within a In some embodiments, the device chassis of the imaging device has an outer wall of a defined space that is formed by a lens mouth. The variable focus lens includes a defined space that engages the variable focus lens to include a focus.

[0082] The term "visually encoded indicia" refers to a visually encoded indicia that is configured to be scanned by an imaging device. Refers to the rendering, printing, and / or other visible representation of one or more symbols created Non-limiting examples of visually encoded indicia include 2D barcodes, UPC, quiz. Examples include check response code, data matrix, and custom encoded images.

[0083] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary multi-sensor imaging system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 shows a block diagram of a multi-sensor imaging system 10. The system 10 includes a controller 20, a communication interface 40, an initiating component 60, and a The imaging engine 100 is communicatively coupled to one or more peripheral components 80. In this exemplary embodiment, imaging system 10 may include fewer or more than that shown in FIG. 1A. Imaging system 10 may include one or more viewing angles using one or more illumination sources. The imaging system 10 is configured to capture one or more images of a target in a field. The imaging system processes one or more images to perform one or more image processing tasks, such as reading signs. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the imaging system 10 may include a marker or or symbol reader, or handheld device capable of reading signs and similar symbols Some exemplary implementations of the imaging system 10 include: The embodiment is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16, the details of which are described in subsequent parts of this disclosure. will be done.

[0084] The controller 20 performs one or more control operations associated with the imaging system 10. For example, the controller 20 may be configured to control the imaging engine 100 to , which may trigger image capture of a target within the field of view of the imaging engine 100. The controller 20 may process the captured images to perform one or more image processing tasks. The controller 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that includes one or more processors and memory. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be embodied as a processor unit (CPU). The controller 20 may be a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or a digital signal processor (DSP), processing elements with or without an associated DSP, etc. One or more of various hardware processing means, or for example ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) ion specific integrated circuit, integration for specific applications circuit), FPGA (field programmable gate array, Field Programmable Gate Arrays, hardware accelerators, special-purpose computer chips One or more microcontroller units, such as a microcontroller chip, a microcontroller processor, a microcontroller chipset, a microcontroller processor ... In some embodiments, the MCU may be used to implement the The processor of the controller 20 may include one or more processors configured to operate independently. A multi-core processor allows for multiple processing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be capable of performing instruction, pipeline, and / or multi-threading. 1 configured in tandem over a bus to allow independent execution of multiple threads The system may include one or more processors.

[0085] The memory may be non-transitory, e.g., one or more volatile and / or non-volatile. For example, the memory may include a computer such as a machine (e.g., a processor). A computer is configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a computing device. An electronic storage device (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium) including a gate configured as follows: The memory may enable the device to perform various functions according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. We use information, data, content, applications, instructions, etc. to enable you to For example, the memory may be configured to store data for processing by the processor. Additionally or alternatively, the memory may be configured to buffer The processor may be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor.

[0086] In some embodiments, the processor (and / or processor-assisting or a co-processor or any other processing circuitry otherwise associated with the processor, The memory may be in communication with the imaging system 10 via a bus for passing information between components of the imaging system 10. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory or otherwise accessible to the processor. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be configured to execute instructions that can be read by a hardware device. Therefore, the hardware method or whether it is constituted by a software method or a combination thereof Regardless, while the processor is configured accordingly, An entity (e.g., physically embodied in a circuit) that can perform an operation Thus, for example, the processor may be embodied as an ASIC, FPGA, etc. In this case, the processor may be specifically configured in hardware to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, the processor may be configured as an execution entity of software instructions. When embodied, the instructions, when executed, result in an algorithm as described herein. The processor may be specifically configured to perform the operations. The main components are the clock, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and the controller. The input / output circuitry 20 may include logic gates configured to support the operation of the controller 20.

[0087] The communication interface 40 is an input interface for supporting communication with the imaging system 10. The communication interface 40 may include a data input interface and an output interface. The imaging system 10 may receive and / or transmit the image data from a communication device that is in communication with the imaging system 10. hardware or a combination of hardware and software configured to The present invention may be embodied by any means, such as a device or circuit embodied in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. In this regard, the communication interface 40 may, for example, include an antenna (or a plurality of antennas). ) and supporting hardware and / or software to enable communication with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface 40 may include an antenna. to interact with and cause the transmission of a signal via an antenna, or In some environments, the communications interface may include circuitry for processing the received signals. Interface 40 may alternatively or additionally support wired communications. The communication interface 40 may be a cable, digital subscriber line, e, DSL), universal serial bus (USB), or other Communications modems and / or other hardware and / or software to support communications over the facility. or software.

[0088] Initiation component 60 is configured to indicate the initiation (and / or termination) of a desired function by a user. Hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination thereof configured to For example, initiating component 60 may include initiating controller 20 the imaging engine 100. For example, illumination by one or more illumination sources, adjustment of focus, and / or Or, a wake-up signal may be sent to initiate the capture of one or more images by the image sensor. Additionally or alternatively, initiating component 60 may initiate a process to terminate the corresponding function, e.g., A stop signal may be sent to the controller 20 to stop scanning via the image sensor. In some embodiments, initiating component 60 is provided within or on the body of the chassis. The device may be embodied by one or more buttons, triggers, and / or other physical components that are For example, in at least one exemplary context, initiating component 60 may be initiated by an operator. When engaged (for example, when an operator pulls a trigger), embodied by one or more “trigger” components that send a signal to the controller 20 to In some such embodiments, the initiating component is configured to When disengaged by such a trigger (e.g., when the operator releases the trigger), A stop signal may be sent to the controller 20 to stop the function. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, initiating component 60 may be directly engaged by an operator. For example, the imaging system 10 may be embodied as an imaging device without any components for the imaging device. When activated, initiating component 60 causes the imaging device to move to a predefined "scan" position. Raised and / or positioned and / or lowered from that position to trigger a pause Hardware and / or software, or a combination thereof, to detect Alternatively or additionally, the initiating component 60 may be implemented by an imaging system 1 In such an embodiment, the user interface elements may be implemented as Initiation component 60, embodied as a user interface element, Receives input from a user on the controller 20 and then transmits corresponding commands to the controller 20. It can be configured as follows.

[0089] One or more peripheral components 80 may be, for example, a display device, a user interface, Other structural and functional elements of the imaging system 10, such as the housing, chassis, power supply, etc. One or more of the peripheral components 80 may be controlled by a controller. The device may operate according to commands or controls provided by controller 20.

[0090] In some exemplary embodiments, the imaging engine 100 captures an image at a particular field of view. It may be embodied as an optical assembly with one or more sub-engines for capture. In this regard, in some exemplary embodiments, the imaging engine may be The system may include a variable focus lens assembly as a primary engine for capturing images in a field of view, Additionally or optionally, a near-field imaging engine may be used as a secondary engine for capturing images in the near field. The near-field engine may be a conventional imager suitable for near-field imaging. Throughout the disclosure, unless otherwise specified by the specific context, the imaging engine and the variable focus lens assembly Assemblages mean the same things and may be referred to using the same numbers.

[0091] FIG. 1B is an exemplary variable focus lens in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The variable focus lens assembly 100 is mounted on a modular base 1. 02, lens barrel assembly 104, a pair of front bearing balls 108A, a pair of rear bearings Ball 108B, front stop 106, holder cover 110, rear stop 112, and position The module base 102 includes a coil substrate 114. The module base 102 defines an internal module space. The internal module space is specially designed to accommodate the lens barrel assembly 104. The lens barrel assembly 104 is configured to be positioned within the internal module space of the module base 102. The module base 102 is designed to house the module assembly 104. The module base 102 is designed to receive the lens barrel To allow passage across the apertures and lens elements of the assembly 104, The module base 102 may further include openings on its front and back.

[0092] The lens barrel assembly 104 includes one or more image lenses to define a particular field of view. A lens barrel that houses one or more optical components such as lenses and / or other lens elements. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes 104 to one or more other components (e.g., an image sensor as described herein). It is designed to include front and rear openings to allow for crossing. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 may be any of the lens barrels described herein. for use in positioning the lens barrel assembly 104 so that it is mounted on the For example, as shown in the figure, the lens barrel assembly 104 The upper positioning magnet is located at the top of the lens barrel assembly 104, and the lens barrel and a lower positioning magnet located at the bottom of the assembly 104. Lens Barrel Housing The bearing may have a plurality of bearing ball slots machined therein, each bearing ball slot The bearing has an associated bearing ball slot opening configured to receive a bearing ball. Each of the bearing ball slots is aligned so that the lens barrel is laterally aligned along the optical axis of the assembly 100. The bearings are designed to support the rolling and sliding movement of corresponding bearing balls so that they can slide in the opposite direction. In some exemplary embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 may be configured as follows: One or more of the bearing ball slots may be hollow semi-circular as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. It may be milled into a cylindrical shape.

[0093] The positioning coil board 114 includes hardware and / or a coil assembly configured to receive an electric charge. or a circuit. The charge is applied to at least one positioning coil of the positioning coil substrate 114. 2. Power one or more positioning coils of the assembly. In this regard, for example, Thus, the positioning coil substrate 114 includes an upper positioning coil assembly 116A and a lower positioning coil assembly 116B. The upper and lower positioning coil assemblies include: In some such embodiments, the positioning coil groups Plate 114 receives the electrical current applied to power its respective positioning coil assembly. As shown, the positioning coil board 114 is designed to The upper positioning coil assembly 116A of 114 is, for example, 1. A small amount of headroom in the module base 102 is provided to interact with the upper positioning magnets in the module base 104. As also shown, the positioning coil is designed to extend over at least a portion of the The substrate 114 is a positioning coil substrate 114 having a lower positioning coil assembly 116B. It is designed to extend over at least a portion of the lower volume of the module base 102 .

[0094] The modular base 102 houses the various components of the variable focus lens assembly 100. In this regard, some In an exemplary embodiment, the modular base 102 may be of modular construction, in which The module base 1 can be assembled as a jacket for the components housed in the module. 02 is a structural modification that adds minimal weight and space constraints to the variable focus lens assembly 100. The material may include any suitable material capable of supporting structural integrity. In an embodiment, the module base 102 is made of a suitable metal support embedded therein, if desired. The module base 102 may be made of a polymer or fiber. A plurality of bearing balls, each having a slot opening configured to receive a ball. In some exemplary embodiments, bearing bolts on the module base 102 may be provided. One or more of the hole slots may have the shape of a hollow semi-cylinder, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. A detailed description of the structural and operational aspects of the modular base 102 is provided in the present disclosure. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C.

[0095] The variable focus lens assembly 100 may also include at least a pair of bearing balls. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1B, the variable focus lens assembly 100 includes a pair of front bearings. A pair of rear bearing balls 108A and a pair of rear bearing balls 108B. In a non-limiting embodiment, the variable focus lens assembly 100 includes four bearing balls. Preferably, the bearing balls of each pair are intersecting with the bearing balls of the other pairs in a positional arrangement. Having such a configuration can be advantageous in that it is possible to minimize friction shock while maintaining the shaft Sufficient movable support for components such as the lens barrel assembly 104 engaged with the receiving ball For example, a ball bearing may be provided between the bearing races on either side of the lens barrel assembly 104. A complete ball bearing has more friction than one with four bearing balls. Also, two pairs of cross-bearing balls secure the lens barrel assembly with minimal friction. It is sufficient to provide movable support for bridge 104. An exemplary embodiment is directed to a configuration having two pairs of cross-bearing balls, as shown in FIG. 5C. Regardless of the number of balls, each of the bearing balls may be attached to the lens barrel assembly 10. 4 and the bearing ball slot of the module base 102 In such a configuration, the lever may be accommodated by a corresponding full slot defined therein. Within each of the bearing ball slots of the lens barrel assembly 104 and the module base 102 The hollow semi-cylinder shape allows the lens barrel assembly 104 to move on the bearing balls. , together may define a recess in which the bearing ball is movably positioned.

[0096] Bearing ball and lens barrel assembly 104 bearing ball slot and module The base 102 is a lens barrel assembly, as depicted, for example, in relation to FIGS. 2A-2D. 10. Position and align each of the module bases 102 and 104 together. Regarding the lens barrel, in some embodiments, the bearing balls 108A and 108B are The assembly 104 and one or more additional components, e.g., the axial The lens barrel assembly 104 is attached to the module base 102. 4. Repositioning the lens barrel assembly 104 within the interior module space defined by the For example, the bearing balls 108a and 108b may be designed to cross over the bearing balls 108a and 108b. In this regard, the positioning coil board 114 is configured to allow the supplied magnetic force to guide the lens barrel assembly. 104. In another exemplary context, the positioning coil assembly of the positioning coil substrate 114 116A and 116B are power supplies that exert a magnetic force on the lens barrel assembly 104. , which is a differential between the lens barrel assembly 104 and the positioning coil board 114. The magnetic force interacts with the default magnetic force, which rotates the lens barrel assembly 104 in a new direction along the optical axis. 4. The lens barrel assembly 104 is then translated to a new focal position, so that the lens barrel assembly 104 is aligned with the module base. are positioned differently within the interior module space defined by section 102, i.e. , the magnetic force from the positioning coil board 114 pushes or pushes the lens barrel assembly 104 This provides a draw effect, which in turn causes the lens barrel assembly 104 to slide in its respective bearings. This causes it to slide on bearing balls 108A and 108B positioned in the slots. The module base 102 cannot move relative to the positioning coil board 114. The pulling or drawing effect is exemplified by the lens barrel assembly 104. The front surface of the module base 102 defines a front position limit, and the rear surface of the module base 102 defines a front position limit. To the lens barrel assembly 104 within the module space defined by the base 102 defines the rear position limit.

[0097] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, some embodiments may include a lens barrel in the module base. and / or including one or more additional components to define position limits for the assembly. In this regard, one or more components may be modified. The forwardmost position to which the lens barrel assembly can be moved within the internal module space defined by the the front position limit, which represents the position closest to the front of the module base, and / or or a lens barrel assembly within an internal module space defined by the module base. The rearmost position to which the module can be moved (e.g., the rear surface position limits).

[0098] The front stop 106 prevents the lens barrel assembly from rotating during operation of the variable focus lens assembly 100. To prevent assembly 104 from moving beyond its forward-most position, module base 10 2. In another use, the device may be a ring-shaped element configured to be attached to the front part of the device. The front stop 106 is a front stop for the maintenance of the lens barrel assembly 104. The front of the module base 102 may be removed to allow for The holder cover 110 can be attached to the lens barrel assembly 104 in a similar manner. shape and a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the lens barrel assembly 104. The holder cover 110 can be a ring-shaped element. The optical axes of the variable focus lens assembly 100 and the corresponding image sensor optical axes of the variable focus lens assembly 100 are aligned with each other. The lens barrel assembly 104 is aligned with the minimum deviation possible between the The rear stop 112 defines a passageway for the center section of the variable focus lens assembly 1. As the lens barrel assembly 104 moves beyond the first maximum focus position during operation of the To prevent this, the module is configured to be mounted toward the rear of the module base 102. The rear stop 112 may be a ring shaped element. 104 to act as an optical guide for the light entering the image sensor from the image sensor. Alternatively, the coil may be fixed in a groove or recess in the positioning coil substrate 114 .

[0099] 2A-2D illustrate various views of a variable focus lens assembly 100. 2A shows an assembled view 100A of the variable focus lens assembly 100. FIG. 2B illustrates the variable focus lens assembly 100 from a front perspective view 100B. FIG. 2C shows a first orthogonal view 100C of the top of the variable focus lens assembly 100. , a second orthogonal view 100D of the side of the variable focus lens assembly 100 is shown.

[0100] As shown, the lens barrel assembly 104 is supported by the module base 102. The positioning coil board 114 is positioned within an internal module space defined by the laser. 102 on an opposing side of the module base 102 for interfacing with the lens barrel assembly 104. Specifically, a pair of positioning coil assemblies 116A, 116B are located at the top and bottom of the In this regard, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes a lens barrel assembly Along the optical axis of the lens barrel assembly 104, the lens barrel assembly 104 may cross or not. If not, the bearing balls 108A and 108B are engaged so as to be able to slide. The lens barrel assembly 104 is driven by a magnetic force generated by a positioning coil board 114. When in a powered state, the top and bottom of the positioning coil substrate 114 The lower positioning coil assembly is connected to the default magnetic field between the magnets in the lens barrel assembly. Generates interacting magnetic forces to move the lens barrel assembly forward or backward from its default position. The bridge 104 is repositioned.

[0101] Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments may include one or more imaging devices, test devices, and Variable focus sensors in and / or connected to one or more devices, such as a gyroscope and / or the like. The lens assembly may include one or more components for mounting the lens assembly. The embodiment includes mounting the variable focus lens assembly 100 to one or more associated devices. The lens mount includes a lens mount in which a variable focus lens assembly is mounted. Additionally or alternatively, the lens mount may define an interior mounting space within which the lens may be mounted. A pin and slot arrangement is provided to secure the variable focus lens assembly 100 to a lens mount. , snap configurations, and / or similar or other components. Additionally or alternatively, the lens mount may include an imaging device, a test device, and and / or the like. A typical example is the many known cameras that accept M12 threaded lenses, such as micro video lenses. In another embodiment, the variable focus lens assembly A variable focus lens assembly such as 100 can be mounted on an imaging device, a test fixture, or a microscope without the use of a lens mount. It should be understood that the present invention may be directly attached to a test device, a test instrument, and / or the like. As described herein, the imaging device includes a variable focus lens assembly, a processor, and / or directly to one or more other components in an apparatus chassis for an imaging apparatus, such as It may be designed to connect.

[0102] 3A-3C are diagrams illustrating an exemplary immersion device according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates various cross-sectional views of the interior of a variable focus lens assembly. 1 illustrates a cutaway view of the barrel assembly 104 and the front of the module base 102. As shown, the interior of the lens barrel assembly 104 houses an optical lens 118. FIG. 3B illustrates the arrangement of elements within lens barrel assembly 104 and module base 102. 1 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the variable focus lens assembly 100. As shown, the aperture The portion 122 may be positioned on the front portion of the module base 102 to adjust the amount of exposure to the image sensor. The lens barrel assembly 104 can be controlled by the upper and lower The magnets 120 may include a pair of magnets 120 on either side of the magnets 120. Each of the magnets 120 may be a magnet 120 is a positioning coil assembly 116A and 116B of the positioning coil substrate 114. FIG. 3C illustrates a variable focus lens assembly 10. 1 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the variable focus lens assembly 100 showing the arrangement of elements on the rear surface of the lens assembly 100. As shown, the rear stop 112 is secured to an interior cavity defined within the module base 102. At the end between them, it is located adjacent to the positioning coil substrate 114 .

[0103] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an exemplary lens barrel assembly, specifically a lens barrel assembly. FIG. 4A illustrates the lens barrel assembly 104 in detail from a front perspective. FIG. 4B shows a side view 104A of the lens barrel assembly 104 from a rear perspective. 104B shows a side view 104B of the same.

[0104] As shown, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes an open frame lens barrel 1 24. The open frame lens barrel 124 may be a single piece, or There may be multiple connected and / or otherwise intermixed components, as described. It forms a housing for various other components such as an open frame relay. The lens barrel 124 is attached to a first positioning magnet located at the top of the lens barrel assembly 104. The magnet includes an upper magnet opening designed to receive the magnet 420A and an open frame lens. The lens barrel 124 is attached to a second positioning magnet located at the bottom of the lens barrel assembly 104. In some embodiments, the magnet includes a lower magnetic opening designed to receive stone 420B. , the open frame lens barrel 124 is aligned with the first positioning magnet 420A and / or the second positioning magnet 420B. The positioning magnet 420B can be snapped into place without the use of additional structures, components, etc. designed to snap, mate, and / or otherwise be attached and / or located In yet another embodiment, the first positioning magnet 420A and / or the second positioning magnet 420B uses one or more adhesives and / or other non-structural elements to bond an open frame Attached to lens barrel 124. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments , positioning magnets 420A and / or 420B are positioned within the open frame lens barrel 124 and locked in place or otherwise secured in place using one or more heat setting features. The lens barrel 124 is locked into an open frame. For example, in some embodiments, At least a portion of the open frame lens barrel 124 is aligned with a positioning magnet 420A. and / or 420B, holds the 420B in place.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 4A and / or FIG. 4B, positioning magnets 420A and 420B One or more of these are within the optical path defined by the aperture of the open frame lens barrel 124. In this regard, the overall dimensions of the lens barrel assembly 104 may be adjusted to accommodate positioning. Ensure that the magnet does not need to be placed above the open frame lens barrel 124. For example, in some embodiments, the positioning magnets may each be The positioning magnets are mounted in an open frame so that they do not increase the overall height of the lens barrel assembly. The thickness of the lens barrel 124 may be equal to and / or less than the specified height. In one or more embodiments, the open frame lens barrel 124 supports a positioning magnet. The device may be designed and / or modified to include one or more defined spaces for supporting the device. For example, As shown, the first positioning magnet 420A is aligned with the open frame lens barrel 12. 4, and a second positioning magnet 420B is positioned on top of the open frame lens barrel. In this regard, positioning magnets 420A and 420B are positioned at the bottom of the magnet assembly 124. are located opposite each other in the lens barrel assembly 104. The position of the lens barrel assembly 104 can be adjusted without increasing the overall size of the lens barrel assembly 104. may affect the

[0106] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the positioning magnets 420A and / or 420B can be specially designed to minimize the effect of positioning magnets in the optical path. Thus, the first and second positioning magnets 420A and 420B each serve as a forma is positioned in the optical path to minimize the thermal factor, which results in improved performance. , undesirable light reflections from one or more of the positioning magnets 420A and / or 420B. For example, in some embodiments, the first positioning magnet 420A and / or Or, one or more of the second positioning magnets 420B has a non-glossy dark surface. The dark surface of the stream is a first positioning magnet 42 that acts on one or more associated image sensors. The effect of light reflection from the first positioning magnet 420A and / or the second positioning magnet 420B may be minimized. The non-glossy dark surface of one or more of the positioning magnets may be obtained in any of a number of ways. It should be understood that in some embodiments, for example, the first positioning magnet 42 One or more of the first positioning magnet 420A and / or the second positioning magnet 420B may include a magnet surface epoxy. The magnet surface epoxy can be applied without significantly increasing the size of the positioning magnet and / or Such positioning magnets may be non-optical without affecting their function. The positioning magnets may be applied to have a dark surface with a large area. The top is made of at least one material including a shiny and / or reflective material, such as zinc and / or nickel plating. In another exemplary embodiment, the magnet surface epoxy is adapted to the form factor and It can cover glossy and / or reflective surfaces without affecting their function. In some embodiments, one or more of the positioning magnets are constructed from a non-glare dark material; Thereby, the positioning magnet can be obtained during manufacture and / or without any additional steps. Includes a non-glossy dark surface.

[0107] An open frame lens design may be used to mount one or more other lenses, such as a variable focus lens assembly. The slots may be configured to allow engagement with a component. In some embodiments, the open frame lens barrel 404 receives one or more bearing balls. The bearing includes one or more bearing slots designed to accommodate the bearing. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B As shown, the lens barrel 124 has a pair of front bearing slots 126A and 126B and a pair of The bearing slots include rear bearing slots 128A and 128B. Each of the bearing slots is aligned with the recess path. The open frame lens is arranged so that the recess has a semicircular shape when viewed from an orthogonal plane. The recess may be a notched recess in the barrel 124. That is, generally, the recess is a hollow semi-cylinder. Or it is semi-tubular in shape.

[0108] Additionally, as shown, a pair of front bearing slots 126A and 126B and one The pair of rear bearing slots 128A and 128B are cross-positioned relative to each other. Such a configuration reduces friction encountered during movement of the lens barrel assembly 104 while , providing sufficient movable support for the lens barrel assembly 104. The amount of force, and therefore the current, required to move the barrel assembly 104 is In small size applications, such friction, The resulting reduction in current provides improved performance of the underlying device / apparatus.

[0109] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, an open frame lens barrel 1 24 includes one or more openings that allow access to one or more limit screws. For example, In this regard, the open frame lens barrel 124 may include one or more bearing slots, For example, one or more additional openings may be included located at opposing corners of the bearing slot 408B. The additional openings allow one or more instruments to pass through the opening and provide one or more restrictions for adjustment. The device may be of sufficient size to allow engagement with the screw. A screwdriver, hexagonal head, or other tool for engaging one or more limit screws and / or other positioning limiting components. In some embodiments, the additional opening may be a lens barrel assembly. Access to rear limiting screws and / or other rear positioning limiting components from the front of the assembly. This makes it possible.

[0110] As further shown, the open frame lens barrel 124 allows light to pass through the open frame. front and rear openings to allow passage across the lens barrel 124 The opening defines an interior barrel space defined to accommodate one or more optical elements. For example, as shown, an open frame lens barrel 124 may be The frame defines a circular aperture associated with the imaging lens 118 in the lens barrel 124. In some embodiments, for example as shown, first positioning magnet 420A and and / or one or more of the positioning magnets, such as the second positioning magnet 420B, are open-frame The lens barrel 124 is in an optical path defined by the rear opening of the lens barrel 124.

[0111] The imaging lens 118 focuses, refracts, and reflects light entering the open-frame lens barrel. In some embodiments, the optical components include one or more optical components for manipulating the optical axis and / or the optical components in other ways. In the present embodiment, the imaging lens 118 is designed to manipulate the light passing through the aperture in a desired manner. For example, the imaging lens 118 may include a plurality of sub-lenses at the location of the associated image sensor. The imaging device may be designed to angle the light to capture at one or more desired points, etc. Lens 118 may be made of any number of materials, such as glass, optical plastic, and / or the like. or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the imaging lens 1 18 may be comprised of one or more lenses embodying any number of lens designs.

[0112] 5A-5C are diagrams illustrating an exemplary immersion device according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a modular base of a variable focus lens assembly. FIG. 1 shows a first oblique view 102A of the module base 102 from the front side of the module base 102. FIG. 5B illustrates a second view of the module base 102 from the rear side of the module base 102. FIG. 5C illustrates an oblique view 102B of the module base 102 from the rear. An orthogonal perspective view 102B of the base 102 is shown.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 5A, the module base 102 has a side facing the scene to be imaged. The housing is defined by two arcuate sections that form the module base 102 on the surface. The front elongated portion A is a front elongated portion of the variable focus lens assembly 10. To assemble the module, insert the lens barrel assembly 104 into the module base 102. The module base defines a recess for mounting the module, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. The mounting base portion B extends beyond the side of the base 102. To securely mount the variable focus lens assembly 100 to a device such as an imaging device , with recesses B1 for receiving fastening mechanisms such as screws, pins, bolts or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the module base has a front side of the module base 102. The first pair of front bearing slots 12 6A' and 126B' are on the front side of the module base 102 and are the lens barrel assemblies. 104. A second pair of rear bearing slots 128A' and 128B' are provided at the module base. 102, and rear bearing slot 128A of lens barrel assembly 104 and 128B. Therefore, the bearing balls are aligned with the levers 128B. The bearing balls 104 may be inserted into each of the semicircular / semi-cylindrical slots of the barrel assembly 104. The lens barrel assembly 104 is engaged during assembly of the variable focus lens assembly 100. In such a configuration, the lens barrel assembly 104 moves to the module base 102 with the help of bearing balls 108A and 108B. The lens barrel assembly 104 is then secured to the module base 102. As will be described, this alignment allows Through the bearing slots of the lens barrel assembly 104 and engagement with the module base 102 and a lens barrel assembly 1 for alignment and / or positioning by the bearing balls. 04 can be adequately supported. Additionally, the aligned design of the bearing slots The gauge allows the lens barrel assembly 104 to traverse with the bearing balls.

[0114] FIG. 6 is an exemplary positioning coil in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Various detailed designs of the substrate are illustrated. In particular, FIG. 6 shows the positioning coil substrate 114. Similar details may be found in one or more other implementations of the positioning coil substrate, e.g. For example, it should be understood that it may be present on the positioning coil substrate 114 described herein.

[0115] The positioning coil substrate 114 includes a coil connection substrate 602. 1 is a hardware circuit for connecting one or more subassemblies of the positioning coil board 114. In this regard, the coil connection substrate 602 may embody a coil-connecting circuit, a positioning coils, such as one or more positioning coil assemblies and / or components thereof; configured to receive electrical current for powering one or more subassemblies of the substrate 114. For example, the coil connection substrate 602 may be a first positioning substrate. Receives current to power coil 604A and / or second positioning coil 604B. In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning coil board 114 is mounted on the module base. It may be fixedly attached.

[0116] The coil connection substrate 602 further includes a first limiting component opening 608. The component opening 608 may be located opposite a second restrictive component opening (not shown). In this regard, the first and / or second restriction component openings may be, for example, together with associated restrictive component openings of one or more other components, such as a For example, as described, the first restriction may be designed to engage with a restriction component on the The limit component opening 608 sets the rear position limit of the associated lens barrel assembly. In order to do so, the second limiting component opening may be engaged with one of the rear limiting screws. , may engage with the other of the rear limiting screws. In this regard, the limiting component may include a positioning coil The restrictive component may extend through the openings of both the substrate 114 and the associated module base. .

[0117] The positioning coil substrate 114 includes a first positioning coil 604A and a second positioning coil Positioning coil 604B (collectively "positioning coil 604"). 4 may each comprise a wound length of conductive wire. In this regard, the positioning coil Each of the positioning coils 604 is supplied with a current based on the current passed through the positioning coil of the positioning coil 604. Each of the positioning coils 604 can be made of the same material, e.g., copper wire, coated It should be understood that this may include copper wire, tinned wire, and / or the like. In an embodiment, each of the positioning coils 604 is configured to operate in a manner such that the coils are set to the same power state. The positioning coil 604 is designed to generate a magnetic field of the same strength as the other of the positioning coils 604. I want you to understand this.

[0118] As shown, each of the positioning coils 604 includes a coil that includes open spaces between the wire coils. In this regard, the positioning coil substrate 157 defines an inner region of the positioning coil. The coils 604 may include positioning pads located within the coil interior region of each of the coils 604. Specifically, As shown, a first positioning pad 606A is located at the center of the first positioning coil 604A. 2. The coil 606A is disposed within the first coil inner region. Additionally, a second positioning pad 606B is disposed within the second coil inner region. In this regard, the first positioning coil 604B is located within the coil inner region of the first positioning coil 604B. Each of the first positioning pad 606A and the second positioning pad 606B (collectively, “positioning pads 6 06") are specially designed to fit within the inner region defined by the corresponding positioning coil. The volume dimensions may include:

[0119] In some embodiments, each of the positioning pads 606 includes a component of magnetic material. For example, in some embodiments, each of the positioning pads 606 includes a corresponding positioning pad 606 . A coil that contains a mass of iron or mostly iron, designed to fit within the inner coil region of the coil. In this regard, each of the positioning pads 606 may be configured to position the variable focus lens assembly in a position relative to the axis of motion. and when each of the positioning coils 604 is in an unpowered state. , the positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly are aligned with each of the positioning pads 606. When assembled, for example, one or more magnets in the variable focus lens assembly may For example, the first positioning pad 606A may be configured to interact with the lens bar. The second positioning pad may interact with the first positioning magnet of the actuator assembly. 606B may interact with a second positioning magnet in the lens barrel assembly.

[0120] In some embodiments, each of the positioning pads 606 may be configured in any of a myriad of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the coil may be secured within the interior region of the coil using a positioning pad. One or more of the pads 606 may be secured using one or more adhesives. In some embodiments, each internal coil region is defined by a coil frame. In some such embodiments, each coil frame has a pair of positioning pads 606. The corresponding positioning pads are molded completely and / or partially around the corresponding positioning pads. In some such embodiments, the coiled wire may be a coil frame. The wire is wrapped around the frame.

[0121] As shown, the first positioning coil 604A is aligned with the second positioning coil 604B. Similarly, in this regard, the first positioning pad 606A is located at the second position The first positioning pad 606A is located opposite the positioning pad 606B. A second positioning pad is provided for engaging with the first positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly. The head 606B can interact with a second positioning magnet in the lens barrel assembly to position the module. The position of the lens barrel assembly within the lens base may be maintained and / or adjusted. In at least one exemplary context, a first positioning pad 606A, a lens barrel assembly The first positioning magnet, the second positioning pad 606B, and the lens barrel assembly All of the secondary positioning magnets in the bridge are in a non-powered state when each of the positioning coils 604 is in a non-powered state. For example, a gap between a positioning magnet and a corresponding positioning pad of positioning pad 606A is formed. Based on the magnetic strength of the fault, it will be aligned to a default state.

[0122] The first positioning coil 604A is in a first powered state to generate a first magnetic field. A second positioning coil 604B may be powered to generate a second magnetic field symmetrical to the first magnetic field. Thus, the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field are one opposite to each other. In this regard, the interaction between the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field is that the resulting magnetic field is in one direction, e.g., representing the lateral direction of the lens barrel assembly. This resulting magnetic force can result in the lens barrel assembly This further interacts with the default magnetic force between the positioning magnet of the rib and positioning pad 606A. and, as described herein, controlling the lens barrel assembly based on the resulting magnetic force. may be moved to a new focus position.

[0123] Describes exemplary assemblies and component details for various components of the assemblies However, this paper provides additional explanation regarding the operation of the variable focus lens assembly for image capture. Additionally or alternatively, the focus of the variable focus lens assembly for image capture purposes is Based on the above disclosure, the lens assembly described may be utilized for image capture in any of the described contexts. I want you to understand this.

[0124] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating related 1 illustrates the traversal of light through a variable focus lens assembly for capture by an image sensor; Specifically, FIG. 7A shows a visualization of the light trace and the corresponding image sensor with variable focus. FIG. 7B shows a side cross-sectional view of the point lens assembly. FIG. 7B shows a visualization of the light trace and the corresponding image. FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a variable focus lens assembly with an image sensor. For example, the depicted components may be integrated into an imaging device as described herein. It is possible.

[0125] 7A and 7B include an image sensor 702. In some embodiments, the image sensor The image sensor 702 captures image data representing incident light interacting with the image sensor 702. Specifically, as shown, the light is focused through a variable focus lens assembly. The image may pass across one or more optical components, such as the image capture device 100. The sensor 702 converts light waves that interact with the image sensor 702 into corresponding captured image data. The data can be converted to data represented in a data object.

[0126] As shown, the variable focus lens assembly 100 is positioned in front of the image sensor 702. In this regard, light reaching the image sensor 702 is focused by the variable focus lens assembly 1. 00 and / or one or more apertures defined by optical elements positioned therein. For example, as shown, incident light may pass through a variable focus lens assembly 1 00 and exits the variable focus lens assembly 100 to interact with the image sensor 702. Before use, the variable focus lens assembly 100 may be interacted with one or more imaging lenses. In this regard, the variable focus lens assembly 100 and / or its various subcomponents may may manipulate the incident light to image sensor 702 and / or one or more targets of image sensor 702. The light may be redirected toward the portion.

[0127] Light trace 704 is an exemplary illustration of the manipulation of a light ray traversing through a variable focus lens assembly. As shown, a light trace 704 is captured by the image sensor 702. The light is reflected, refracted, and / or otherwise manipulated by the variable focus lens assembly to Specifically, as shown, the incident light is reflected by the variable focus lens assembly. One or more imaging lenses of the lens barrel assembly of the lens 100 and / or such imaging One or more lens barrel assemblies, such as an open frame lens barrel that houses a lens In this regard, the optical trace 704 is illustrative of the optical path of the optical fiber 702. So, when at least a portion of the incoming light interacts with the open frame lens barrel, Similarly, at least some of the incident light may be reflected toward the image sensor 702. An image data representing the incident light is angled toward one or more particular portions of the image sensor 702. This may allow for the capture of data objects.

[0128] The light trace 704 represents one or more variations on an embodiment of the variable focus lens assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, the variable focus lens assembly The focal position of the lens barrel assembly in the lens 100 is determined by determining whether the incident light at a particular point is The barrel assembly may interact with the image sensor 702 at different points based on the focal position. Thus, the manipulation of light by the variable focus lens assembly 100 is altered. The image can be adjusted by repositioning the lens assembly within the variable focus lens assembly 100. The image data object captured by the image sensor 702 reflects the adjusted focus position. In some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly Within the variable focus lens assembly 100, for example, one or more optical The present invention is described herein with respect to an image data object that includes a representation of a dynamically encoded indicia. In order to allow the object to be captured in the captured image, the object may be captured in a specific focus range corresponding to the focus position. Reflected more clearly in data objects.

[0129] 8A, 8B, and 8C show different arrangements in the module base of the variable focus lens assembly. 1 illustrates an example visualization of a lens barrel assembly positioned at different focal positions. Specifically, FIG. 8A shows a first focal position designated for the neutral field focus, FIG. 8B shows the lens barrel assembly in a focal position of 1. FIG. 8B shows the lens barrel assembly in a focal position of 1. FIG. 8 shows the lens barrel assembly in a second focal position, which is the second focal position obtained by C is the third focal position designated for near field focus. 1 shows the barrel assembly.

[0130] FIG. 8A shows the module base 102 in a first focus position for a neutral field focus. In some such embodiments, the focal position is The position is determined based on the offset of the lens barrel assembly 104 from the default position. The default position is determined by the positioning of one or more coils of the variable focus lens assembly 100. Therefore, when the assembly is in an unpowered state, or in another embodiment, in a default powered state, The position of the lens barrel assembly 104 may be determined by the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 when the lens barrel assembly 104 is rotated. In some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 is at a central focal position in an unpowered state. and the central focal position is in an unpowered state (e.g., zero via the positioning coil assembly). The coil positioning assembly defines the default focal position when the coil is in an unpowered state. In some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes a lens One or more positioning magnets of the barrel assembly 104 and the variable focus lens assembly 100 The variable focus lens assembly is based on the default magnetic force between one or more positioning pads. The sensor 100 may be positioned within the sensor 100 .

[0131] For purposes of illustration, the focal position associated with the lens barrel assembly 104 may be Positioning pads of the variable focus lens assembly 100 and / or the lens barrel assembly 10 4. one or more offsets relative to one or more particular axes associated with the positioning magnet; and the front surface of the module base 102 to which the lens barrel assembly 104 is aligned. The offsets can be defined relative to the corresponding back surface. For example, FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8 C each indicate the front axis of a pair of positioning pads of the variable focus lens assembly 100. The front axis 802A of the variable focus lens assembly 100 corresponds to the central axis of a pair of positioning pads. The center axis 802B of the pad shown in FIG. The pad includes a rear axis 802C that represents the rear axis of the pad.

[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in at least one exemplary embodiment, a neutral focus At the point position, the lens barrel assembly 104 in the internal module space is The positioning magnets of the magnet assembly 104 are aligned along various axes associated with a pair of positioning pads. In this regard, positioning magnets 420A and 4 The front surface of pad 20B is aligned with pad front axis 802A, and positioning magnets 420A and 42 0B is aligned with pad back axis 802C, and positioning magnets 420A and 420B are aligned with pad back axis 802C. The center of B is aligned with the pad central axis 802B. At the focal position, the centers of the positioning magnets 420A and 420B are aligned with the pad central axis 802B. The front faces of the positioning magnets 420A and 420B may be aligned with the pad front axis 802A. and / or the backsides of positioning magnets 420A and 420B may not be aligned with In some cases, the pad back axis 802C may not be aligned. In an embodiment, the positioning magnets 420A and 420B are each wider than the positioning pad. and / or small, so that the centers of the positioning magnets 420A and 420B When aligned with the center of the positioning pad, the positions of the positioning magnets 420A and 420B The front and / or back surface do not align with the locating pads.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 8A, the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned in a neutral focus position. When positioned, the front face of the lens barrel assembly 104 faces the front of the module base 102. The first offset is spaced from the inner wall of the face by a first offset. The inner wall of the front surface of the module base 102 is offset by the neutral focus front surface position offset. The neutral focus front position offset is spaced from the front of the lens assembly 100. When the lens barrel assembly 104 is in the neutral focus position, As a predetermined distance between the front surface of the assembly 104 and the front inner wall of the module base 102 In some embodiments, the neutral focus front position offset can be designed, for example, For example, a lens for focusing the variable focus lens assembly 100 to improve near field focus may be used. represents the maximum distance the barrel assembly 104 can be moved forward from the neutral focus position. vinegar.

[0134] Furthermore, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned in the neutral focus position The rear surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 is spaced from the rear inner wall of the module base 102 by a second Specifically, as shown, the module base 102 is spaced apart by an offset of The inner wall of the back surface is offset by the neutral focal back surface position of the lens barrel assembly 104 The neutral focus back position offset is the distance from the back surface of the lens barrel assembly. When the lens barrel assembly 104 is in a neutral focus position, The distance between the rear inner wall of the module base 102 and the In some embodiments, the neutral focus back position offset can be used, for example, to improve the far field focus. a lens barrel assembly 102 for focusing the variable focus lens assembly 100 to focus the 04 represents the maximum distance that can be moved backward from the neutral focus position.

[0135] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, in at least one exemplary embodiment, The lens barrel assembly 104 is provided with a positioning magnet for the lens barrel assembly 104. 420A and 420B are associated with a pair of positioning pads by a far-position magnetic offset. In this regard, the positioning magnets are positioned so as to be offset from the various axes. The front of the stone is shifted rearward from the pad front axis 802A by the far position magnetic offset, The rear surface of the positioning magnet is shifted backward from the pad rear axis 802C by the near-position magnetic offset. The center of the positioning magnet is located rearward from the pad central axis 802B by a near position magnetic offset. In other embodiments, for example, the positioning magnet is larger than the positioning pad. If the magnets are small and / or thin, only the centers of the positioning magnets 420A and 420B are located at the far position magnets. It is offset from the pad central axis 802B by an offset.

[0136] The far focus position is determined by one or more coil positioning assemblies of the variable focus lens assembly 100. the lens barrel assembly when the lens barrel is in a first powered state, e.g., a far focus powered state. 104. The coil positioning assembly is in the far focus powered state. In some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes a lens barrel assembly one or more positioning magnets of the variable focus lens assembly 104 and one or more of the variable focus lens assembly 100 Together with the default magnetic force between the positioning pad on the The variable focus lens assembly is based on the magnetic force generated by the lens positioning assembly. In this regard, for example, the interaction between the magnetic forces results in The resulting magnetic forces can result in defining a far focus position.

[0137] As shown, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the far focus position, The rear of the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned as far back as possible within the module base 102. In this regard, the inner wall of the rear of the module base 102 and the lens barrel assembly There is no back surface position offset between the back surface of the assembly 104. In an embodiment, the inner wall of the rear of the module base 102 is aligned with the rear of the lens barrel assembly 104. surface and prevents the lens barrel assembly 104 from moving any further rearward. In another embodiment, in the far focus position, the lens barrel assembly 104 has a rear It may contact one or more rear limiting components, such as limit screws. As shown, the far focus position is , the neutral focus back position offset by a distance represented by It should be understood that the cam 10 may be positioned rearwardly from the cam 10 .

[0138] Furthermore, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the far focus position, the lens barrel The front surface of the support assembly 104 is offset a second distance from the front inner wall of the module base 102. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the inner wall of the front of the module base 102 is spaced apart by is spaced from the front of the lens barrel assembly 104 by the far focus front position offset The far focus front position offset is the new focus front position offset added to the neutral focus front position offset. In other words, some of the In such an embodiment, the far focus front position offset is the front of the lens barrel assembly 104. Represents the maximum distance that the surface may be positioned from the front inner wall of the module base 102. To move the barrel assembly 104 to the far focus position, the magnetic offset is It should be understood that the neutral focus back position offset can be matched to the lens position offset as described above. Moving the lens assembly 104 adjusts the far field focus of the variable focus lens assembly 100. It should be understood that the above may be improved.

[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 8C, in at least one exemplary embodiment, The lens barrel assembly 104 is provided with a positioning magnet for the lens barrel assembly 104. However, the near-field magnetic offset is offset from the various axes associated with a pair of positioning pads. In this regard, the front face of the positioning magnet is positioned so as to be set. The offset is shifted forward from the pad front axis 802A, and the rear of the positioning magnet is The near magnetic offset is shifted forward from the pad back axis 802C, and the positioning magnet The center is shifted forward from the pad central axis 802B by a near magnetic offset. In an embodiment, for example, the positioning magnet may be larger and / or smaller than the positioning pad. In this case, only the center of the positioning magnet is offset from the pad central axis 802B by the near-position magnetic offset. It will be set.

[0140] The near focus position is determined by one or more coil positioning assemblies of the variable focus lens assembly 100. When the lens barrel assembly is in a second powered state, e.g., a near focus powered state, 104. The coil positioning assembly is in the near focus powered state. In some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes a lens barrel assembly one or more positioning magnets of the variable focus lens assembly 104 and one or more of the variable focus lens assembly 100 Together with the default magnetic force between the positioning pad on the The variable focus lens assembly is based on the magnetic force generated by the lens positioning assembly. In this regard, for example, the interaction between the magnetic forces results in The resulting magnetic forces can result in defining a near focus position.

[0141] 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 within the module base 102. In this regard, the front inner wall of the module base 102 and the lens barrel assembly There is no front surface position offset between the front surface of the assembly 104 and the front surface of the assembly 104. In an embodiment, the module base 102 contacts the lens barrel assembly 104 to mount the lens. This may prevent the barrel assembly 104 from moving somewhat further forward. In the near focus position, the lens barrel assembly 104 is a variable focus lens assembly. One or more front limiting components, such as a front limiting screw, as described with respect to the actuator 150, As shown, the near focus position is offset by the neutral focus front position. It was understood that the focus position may be positioned forward from the neutral focus position by a distance represented by stomach.

[0142] Furthermore, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the near focus position, the lens The rear surface of the assembly 104 is offset from the rear inner wall of the module base 102 by a second offset. Specifically, as shown, the inner wall of the rear of the module base 102 is The focal back surface is spaced from the back surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 by a focal back surface position offset. The neutral focus back position offset is the neutral focus added to the neutral focus front position offset. In other words, several such In an embodiment, the near focus back position offset is determined by determining whether the back surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 is: This represents the maximum distance that the lens barrel assembly can be positioned from the inner wall of the module base 102. To move bridge 104 to the near focus position, the magnetic offset is It should be understood that the focal front position offset may be the same as the focal front position offset. Moving the lens 104 may improve the near field focus of the variable focus lens assembly 100. I want you to understand that.

[0143] It is understood that the focus positions described above are merely exemplary for purposes of explanation and illustration. In other embodiments, the lens barrel assembly is continuously positioned within the module base. In this regard, for example, the positioning coil of the variable focus lens assembly 100 may be The lens assembly can be powered to any number of power states, each of which provides a different focal position. In some such embodiments, the magnetic field may correspond to a resultant magnetic force that defines the position. The lens barrel assembly 104 guides the module base 1 along a continuous spectrum of focus positions. When positioned more forward within the lens barrel 02, the near field focus of the variable focus lens assembly 100 is improved. Similarly, in some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 , positioned further back within module base 102 along a continuous spectrum of focus positions. This improves the far field focus of the variable focus lens assembly 100.

[0144] 9A, 9B, and 9C each have a lens barrel assembly at a different focal position. A variable focus lens assembly is used to image the various visual 1 illustrates a visualization of an image data object that includes a representation of indicia encoded therein. 9A, 9B, and 9C each show a first distance from the variable focus lens assembly. a near field indicium at a second distance from the variable focus lens assembly; 1 shows an indicia at a third distance from the variable focus lens assembly, and a far field indicia at a third distance from the variable focus lens assembly. In the exemplary context of, for example, as shown, the near field indicia may be a variable focus lens assembly. The neutral field indicia can be located one meter from the bridge and the variable focus lens assembly The far-field indicia can be located 1.8 meters from the varifocal lens assembly. In other embodiments, the near field indicator, neutral The field signature and / or the far-field signature may be, for example, more prominent than the near-field signature. If it is positioned further away than the neutral field marker positioned further away, It should be understood that alternative distances to those noted above may be used.

[0145] FIG. 9A illustrates a lens barrel at a default focus position, such as that shown in connection with FIG. 8A. Image data representing various visually encoded indicia captured using a real assembly. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly is The distance at which the lens fits is the midpoint or determined mid-range distance, e.g., 1 Allows capture of visually encoded indicia at 0.8 meters and / or approximately 1.8 meters The sensor may be positioned to

[0146] FIG. 9A shows a first representation of a far field indicium 902A, a second representation of a neutral field indicium 904A, and a third representation of a far field indicium 902B. 9. As shown, the first indicia includes a first indicia of a near field indicia 906A. However, the first view of 902A is out of focus and as a result the captured view is The focus range associated with the neutral focus position of the Similarly, the first representation of the near field indicia 906A is also out of focus. As a result, the captured view is still centered at the neutral focus of the lens barrel assembly. It is blurred because it is not close to the focal range associated with the position. In this regard, the near field indicia 906A is associated with the near focus position of the lens barrel assembly. is closer to the focal range specified, and therefore more focused than the far field indicia 902A. The first representation of the neutral field indicia 904A is the focal point of the neutral focus position. The range corresponds to and / or is closest to the distance at which the neutral field signature is located Therefore, objects at this distance are in best focus in the captured image. The lens barrel assembly is most clearly visible in the data object. When the lens barrel assembly is positioned at the neutral focus position, A visually coded focus range associated with the focus position, e.g., 1.8 meters The indicia are successfully detected and / or successfully decoded from the image data object. This may be the most likely outcome.

[0147] FIG. 9B shows various views captured using the lens barrel assembly in the near focus position. In this regard, the lens The barrel assembly is more focused at close range, for example, 1 meter and / or to allow capture of visually coded indicia at approximately 1 meter. FIG. 9B shows a second representation of the far-field indicia 902B, the neutral field indicia. A second representation of indicia 904B, and a third representation of near field indicia 906B. As seen, the second representation of the far field indicia 902B is the least focused and therefore the least captured. The displayed indication is the furthest point from the focus range that corresponds to the near focus position of the lens barrel assembly. Further in this regard, the second representation of the neutral field indicia 904B is , the far field mark is more focused than 902B, but the focus range of the neutral focus position is Since the neutral field signature is not equal to the distance at which it is located, the neutral field signature 90 4B remains partially blurred, so the second display of the near-field mark 906B is the most visible. is also in focus, so that the data represented in the image data object is In this regard, the focal range of the near focus position may correspond or most closely match the distance of the nearby signature, so that Some objects are most clearly represented in the captured image data object. Therefore, the near focus range associated with the near focus position of the lens barrel assembly, e.g. The visually encoded indicia in meters are successfully extracted from the image data object. In this way, the resulting code may be most likely to be detected quickly and / or successfully decoded.

[0148] FIG. 9C shows various views captured using the lens barrel assembly in the far focus position. In this regard, the lens The barrel assembly is more focused at longer distances, for example 6 mm from the lens barrel assembly. meters and / or visually coded markings at or near 6 meters FIG. 9C shows a third far-field indicia 902C. the third indication of the neutral field indication 904C, and the first indication of the near field indication 906C. As shown, the third representation of the near field indicator 906C is the most focused. As a result, the captured view corresponds to the far focus position of the lens barrel assembly. In this regard, the neutral field is blurred because it is the furthest from the focal range. The third representation of the near field mark 904B is in better focus than the third representation of the near field mark 906C. However, since the focal range of the far focal position is not equal to the distance at which the neutral field signature is located, , the third view of the neutral field indicium 904C remains partially blurred. Therefore, the third display of the far field indicia 902C is most in focus, so that, for example, The data represented in the image data object most clearly represents the visually encoded indicia. In this regard, the focal range of the far focal position should either coincide with the distance of the far field mark or The closest match can be achieved so that objects at this distance are included in the captured image data. This is most clearly seen in the object. Therefore, the far focal point of the lens barrel assembly Visually coded at a far focal range, e.g. 6 meters, associated with a location The signature is successfully detected and / or successfully decoded from the image data object. This may be the most likely outcome.

[0149] It should be understood that the depicted representation is merely exemplary. Such indications may be achieved by positioning the lens barrel assembly at one or more other focal positions. Thus, better focus may be achieved. For example, in some other embodiments: The display of visually coded indicia at 3 meters is along a continuous focus position spectrum. The lens may be focused at additional focus positions between the neutral focus position and the far focus position.

[0150] We have now described the physical configuration of the focal point of the lens barrel assembly. associated with the magnetic force and the variable focus lens assembly which causes repositioning of the assembly. Detailed information regarding the functionality is provided here. Specific details and / or implementation values ​​described are provided below. It should be understood that these are merely examples. Indeed, in other embodiments, similar implementations may be used. may be utilized in the same manner as described and illustrated. In this regard, It is understood that the particular implementations illustrated are not intended to limit the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. It should be.

[0151] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for detecting a stray object, according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Pair of positioning coils associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a variable focus lens assembly The magnetic forces exerted by each of the assemblies are illustrated in FIG. Variable focus lens assembly in a situation where the coil positioning assembly is in an unpowered state by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets FIG. 10B illustrates the magnetic force exerted by the pair of coil positioning assemblies in a first powered state. In a situation where the variable focus lens assembly is 4 illustrates the magnetic forces exerted by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 10A, a first positioning coil assembly in combination with a first The positioning magnet exerts a first magnet coil force 1002. For example, in this regard, The positioning magnet and the first positioning coil assembly are disposed above the variable focus lens assembly. Similarly, a second positioning coil assembly in combination with a second positioning coil assembly may be located at the The second positioning magnet exerts a second magnet coil force 1004. For example, the second positioning magnet and the second The positioning coil assembly may be located on top of the variable focus lens assembly.

[0153] The first magnet coil force 1002 may be symmetric with respect to the second magnet coil force 1004. The magnetic forces 1002 and 1004 may be generated in opposition to each other, so that the first magnet coil The coil force 1002 is coupled to a second magnet coil force 1004 along the desired direction of movement (e.g., forward or backward). 1004, the efficiency of moving the lens barrel assembly in a desired direction is increased. and one or more orthogonal directions not required for such motion (e.g., one or more In this regard, some such experiments In an embodiment, the lens barrel assembly includes a first magnet coil 1002 and a second magnet coil 1003. The focus may remain in the default position despite the presence of the steering force 1004. In such an embodiment, the first magnetic coil force 1002 and the second magnetic coil force 1004 are , the lens barrel assembly may be moved to a default focus position, and / or a pair of positioning Based on the current direction and current strength of the current flowing through each of the coil assemblies, The barrel assembly can be moved along the translation axis to a different focal position. The first magnet coil force 1002 in combination with the magnet coil force 1004 is located in the module base. A default focus position for the lens barrel assembly may be defined.

[0154] FIG. 10B illustrates a third magnet coil force 1052 and a fourth magnet coil force 1054. The third magnet coil 1052 is energized to the upper positioning coil assembly 1052 in the first powered state. The force can be exerted by the upper positioning magnet in combination with the assembly. Similarly, the fourth magnet coil The coil 1054 is coupled to a lower positioning coil assembly that is powered to a first power state. As shown, a third magnet coil force 10 52 is resistant to at least some of the magnetic forces exerted by the fourth magnet coil force 1054. Such opposing magnetic forces include at least some magnetic forces that are symmetrical but opposite to each other. For example, the movement permitted by the engagement of the lens barrel assembly with one or more bearing balls. The magnetic field can be cancelled out so that there is no net magnetic force in such a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. Third magnet coil force 1052 and fourth magnet coil force 1054 each have one or more axes. The direction of movement permitted by the engagement of the lens barrel assembly with the receiving ball (e.g., The magnetic forces are in the same direction, parallel to the direction of the laser (towards the front of the base of the module). is applied to the lens barrel assembly to reposition the lens barrel assembly to a new focus position. The positioning coil assembly may be configured to have different power supply states, e.g., a first power supply state and In a situation where the power supply is negative in comparison, the magnetic force generated is such that the magnetic force is in the other direction (e.g., toward the rear of the module base) It should be understood that the direction of the light beam may be opposite that parallel to the optical axis to cause the light beam to move.

[0155] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary distribution of force versus displacement. Specifically, as shown, 11 is a graph of the displacement of the lens barrel assembly compared to the applied magnetic force. In this regard, the front surface of the module base may be associated with a positive displacement, and the front surface of the module The rear surface of the base of the wheel may be associated with a negative displacement. At the default and / or otherwise neutral focus position (e.g., 0.00um), The force is approximately 22 mN. The displacement is in the positive direction (i.e., towards the front of the module base). As the displacement increases, the required force decreases and approaches zero. Similarly, as the displacement increases in the negative direction (i.e. As the force decreases (i.e., toward the rear of the module base), the force required increases further, reaching 39 Approaching mN.

[0156] The focal position may be determined by one or more positioning coil assemblies, such as a pair of positioning coil assemblies. The direction and strength of the current in the lens assembly can be determined based on the direction and strength of the current. The barrel assembly is in a non-energized state (e.g., no current is applied to the pair of positioning coil assemblies). In this regard, the lens barrel may be positioned in a default position. The assembly includes a pair of positioning coil assemblies, the pair having a first maximum current intensity in a first direction. When the power supply is applied to the power supply (e.g., the first power supply state), the power supply may be positioned in a maximum forward position. Similarly, in this regard, the lens barrel assembly may have a second maximum current in a second direction. When intensity is applied to the pair of positioning coil assemblies (e.g., the second powered state), It can be positioned in a maximum rearward position.

[0157] The lens barrel assembly can be mounted in the module base at front, back, or neutral focus. By distributing the various necessary forces to position the variable focus lens assembly The lens barrel assembly is extremely stable by quickly changing the applied magnetic force. In this regard, for example, one or more Operate the positioning coil assembly to obtain the lowest possible magnetic force, such as zero or approximately zero magnetic force. Attach the lens barrel assembly as close as possible to the front of the module base, e.g. For example, the image sensor may be positioned near the focal point, farthest from the image sensor. Operate the coil assembly to apply maximum or near maximum magnetic force to the lens barrel. Place the assembly as close as possible to the rear of the module base, e.g., to the corresponding image sensor. In addition, one or more positioning coil assemblies can be operated to position the focal point closer to the far focal point. Then, an intermediate target magnetic force is applied to center the lens barrel assembly on the module base. In this regard, the variable focus lens assembly may be positioned in a neutral focus position toward the target. The lens barrel assembly is then moved to the center of the barrel, and the lens barrel assembly is then moved to the center of the barrel. The lens may be designed to translate to at least these three variable focus positions. The variable focus lens assembly is required to allow for the displacement of the lens barrel assembly. It will be appreciated that the force may be configured to translate to any number of other focal positions. sea ​​bream.

[0158] Various possible implementations of variable focus lens assemblies, and various details thereof, have been described. provides additional explanation regarding the device incorporating at least one variable focus lens assembly. In some embodiments, one or more of the described devices may be used for, e.g., far-field imaging. It will be appreciated that one variable focus lens assembly may be included to replace the optical system. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the devices may include, for example, For example, at least a first for replacing the far-field imaging optics and a first for replacing the near-field imaging optics. For this purpose, the present invention may include a second plurality of variable focus lens assemblies for achieving the above object. The specific embodiments described and / or depicted are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. do not have.

[0159] 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating an example variable focus multi-sensor including a variable focus lens assembly. 12 illustrates a varifocal multi-sensor imaging engine. FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view 1200 of the varifocal multi-sensor imaging engine. Figure 1300 is shown.

[0160] The variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 includes one or more A method configured to enable capture, transmission, and / or processing of image data objects. For example, a varifocal multi-sensor imaging engine may be used to capture near-field images. Capture a near field image data object and capture a far field image data object representing the far field. Additionally or alternatively, the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine may be configured to to generate one or more illuminations for capturing such image data objects, Specifically, as shown in the figure, the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine may be configured to: A near-field lens assembly (1202, 1302) associated with a near-field image sensor 1204 The near-field lens assembly and the near-field image sensor receive light from a specific near field and The near-field image data represents the near field from the viewpoint of the field imager and is adapted to capture light of the object. In one embodiment, a near field imager may be formed that is configured as follows:

[0161] Similarly, the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine is associated with a variable focus image sensor 1206. In this regard, the variable focus lens assembly 100 The assembly 100 and the variable focus image sensor 1206 receive light from a particular far field and The far-field image data represents the far field from the imager's point of view and is adapted to capture light of the object. In this regard, the variable focus lens assembly 1 00 may be operated, for example via one or more activation signals, to activate the lens when desired. The barrel assembly can be positioned at various focal positions, e.g., to determine the specific determined and / or or a variable focus that adjusts the focus to capture a view of the object in a predefined focus range. The lens assembly 100 may be configured.

[0162] The varifocal multi-sensor imaging engine includes integrated illumination and targeting optics (1208, 1308 In this regard, the integrated illumination and targeting optics may further include a variable focus multi-sensor imaging endoscope. Based on the incident light received from one or more illuminator sources (not shown) of the gin, one or more illuminators For example, the integrated illumination targeting optics may be designed to generate an integrated illumination pattern. It may be associated with an illumination optical element located below the quasi-optical element. In some embodiments, the integrated illumination aiming optics receives the aiming illumination and Based on one or more aiming subassemblies of the optical element, the optical element projects a corresponding aiming pattern. It is structured as follows.

[0163] The variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine further includes an imaging board 1310. Hardware An imaging board (1210, 1310) containing a sensor, a circuit, and / or the like is connected to the imaging board. to enable powering and / or activation of one or more associated components connected to the For example, in some embodiments, the imaging substrate includes at least a near-field imaging sensor. Sensor (1204, 1304), image sensor (1206), variable focus multi-sensor imaging one or more illuminator sources of the Gin, and / or one or more of the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engines In this regard, the imaging board (1210, 1310) may be connected to a near field Activating the field image sensors 1304 and / or 1306 to capture image data objects. To capture, activation of each of these components may be enabled. In such a situation, the imaging board receives the corresponding image from the image sensors 1306 and / or 1304. Connect the captured image data object such as and / or further transmitting the signal to one or more processors and / or other hardware. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the imaging substrate may include, for example, one or more coil positioning sub-substrates. To power and / or otherwise operate the subassembly to a desired power state, at least Both are connected to the variable focus lens assembly 100. In some embodiments, the imaging board may interface with one or more external processors and / or other circuits for performing such functions. In some embodiments, the imaging board is connected to one or more printed circuit boards. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the imaging substrate may include a variable focus One or more other components of a multi-sensor imaging engine may be implemented and / or otherwise A flexible printed circuit board is provided that is configured to connect various layers that can be connected by include.

[0164] In this regard, the variable focus lens assembly 100 may be referred to as a variable focus lens assembly 1 Based on the design of 00, the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine is equipped with variable focus within the range of focus positions. For example, in at least some embodiments, a variable focus lens assembly may be provided. The lens 100 is adapted to be positioned at a near focus position, a neutral focus position, and a far focus position. In some such embodiments, the variable focus lens assembly 100 comprises: A variable focus lens to a desired focus position to capture one or more image data objects. It is determined that it is appropriate to reposition the lens barrel assembly within the assembly 100. one or more active elements for powering one or more coil positioning assemblies so that The signal may include a blurring signal.

[0165] In some embodiments, the variable focus lens assembly 100 is a variable focus multi-sensor. The imaging engine receives power from one or more components of the imaging engine. For example, in some embodiments In the present embodiment, the variable focus lens assembly 100 is embodied in a variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine. The coil power supply circuit is connected to a coil power supply circuit that is In this regard, the coil power supply circuitry may include a coil power supply circuit for supplying power to the lens assembly 100 at one or more positions. The variable focus lens assembly 100 and / or its sub-components, such as a focusing coil assembly. Variable focus by providing specific power values ​​(e.g., current and / or voltage) to the elements The lens assembly 100 may be set to a powered state. In some embodiments, the coil is powered The circuitry is embodied by the imaging substrate (1210, 1310) or at least a portion thereof. In this regard, the variable focus lens assembly 100 includes an imaging substrate (1210, 131 0), the imaging board may be integrated with and / or otherwise connected to the variable focus lens assembly. Included and / or associated with the assembly 100 to provide the determined amount of power. It may receive one or more instructions from a processor.

[0166] In some embodiments, the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine includes one or more imaging devices. For example, in this regard, Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C may be included in the present disclosure. Exemplary variable focus multi-sensor imaging device in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments of the present invention Specifically, FIG. 14A illustrates a variable focus multi-sensor system 1400 from a front perspective view. FIG. 14B shows a top-down orthogonal view of the varifocal multi-sensor imaging device 1400. FIG. 14C shows a front orthogonal view of the varifocal multi-sensor imaging device 1400. Position 1400 is shown.

[0167] As shown, the variable focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 is mounted on a particular device chassis 14. The variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1200 is housed within the optical fiber 102. 1, the device chassis 1402 is described with respect to the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1200. For example, in this regard, the device shelf may be configured to fit within each of the components. The cavity 1402 defines a variable focus lens assembly space 1404 as shown in FIG. The variable focus lens assembly space 1404 may be designed and / or modified to accommodate the A variable focus lens barrel assembly, e.g., a variable focus lens assembly space defined by The variable focus lens barrel assembly 100 may be configured to fit within the gap 1404. In some embodiments, the device chassis 1402 includes a variable focus lens assembly space 140 4. In this regard, the existing equipment chassis is locally modified to define The variable focus lens assembly is used in the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engines 1200 and 1300 as well as It can be implemented in a variable focus multi-sensor imaging device without affecting the configuration of the Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device chassis 1402 may include a variable focus multi- The variable focus lens assembly 100 can be adjusted without having to disassemble the entire sensor imager 1400. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, Thus, in some embodiments, the variable focus lens assembly 100 may be The variable focus lens may be easily removed from the assembly space 1404 and / or for operation. 14. The variable focus lens 1402 may be inserted into the assembly space 1404. In some such implementations, The lens assembly space 1404 may include one or more hardware support structures, protrusions, and / or 1404 includes a variable focus lens assembly space 1404. and / or otherwise connect the variable focus lens assembly to the imaging substrate. With one or more components of the variable focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1200, 1300 such as The device is configured to enable a connection between the

[0168] In some embodiments, the variable focus lens assembly is a minimum form factor device. For example, in this regard, some embodiments may include a variable The focusing lens assembly 100 is used in a small form factor mobile imaging engine. The variable focus lens assembly is designed to fit within the device chassis 1402 for use. The overlapping, compact nature of the assembly 100 makes it ideal for such mobile imaging applications. Ability to fit within height-constrained form factors commonly associated with environments For example, in some embodiments, the variable focus lens assembly 100 may be The variable focus lens assembly 100 is designed to be less than a meter tall, , can fit within the chassis of a variety of conventional mobile devices.

[0169] Such imaging devices may be integrated into any number of larger devices, housings, and / or the like. For example, FIG. 16 shows an exemplary mobile variable focus multi-sensor 16 illustrates a perspective view of an imaging device 1600. A module is a device designed to house one or more sub-devices and / or sub-assemblies. For example, as shown, a mobile variable focus multi-cell The sensor imaging device 1600 includes a mobile device chassis 1602. The device chassis 1602 may be configured to accommodate a limited chassis height based on, for example, a limited device height. As shown in FIG. 1, the device may be a small form factor device chassis. In such an embodiment, for example, the mobile device chassis 1602 may be approximately 7 mm Conventional mobile device chassis associated with device heights of, for example, 6.8 to 7.5 mm Includes

[0170] Further, as shown, the mobile variable focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600 includes a variable In this regard, the variable focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 includes a variable focus multi-sensor imaging The device 1400 is mounted in a mobile device chassis, despite the limited device height. It can be designed with a small enough form factor to fit inside the 1602. For example, In this regard, the variable focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 is designed with a height of 6.8 mm. Further, the variable focus lens assembly therein is a variable focus multi-sensor imaging device 14. 00, while certain design details , allowing the assembly to respond within a desired response speed, and Minimal physical effort required to move the bearing balls and the lens barrel assembly within them Use mating components to protect against vibration and / or shock caused by fastening of components I can't.

[0171] Having described various aspects of variable focus lens assemblies and related devices, One or more variable focus lens assemblies according to at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, further explanation is provided regarding the assembly of the The operation for assembling such a variable focus lens assembly provides a specific process, This may be utilized to create specific machines for the uses described herein. It should be understood that in addition or alternatively, one or more of the operations and / or steps of the processes described may be The sub-processes may be performed in any order, and therefore the process of the embodiment may be It is understood that the present invention may include one or more steps in an order other than that depicted. As such, the specific implementations depicted and / or described should not be construed as limiting the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. This does not imply a determination.

[0172] FIG. 17 illustrates a variable focus lens, in accordance with at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an example operation of an exemplary process 1900 for assembling an assembly. In some embodiments, the machine operator may perform some or all of the actions shown. Do everything.

[0173] The process 1700 begins at block 1702. Block 1702 includes A lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens are assembled to form a lens assembly. Additionally, in at least some such embodiments, The lens barrel assembly is mounted opposite the second positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets. In some embodiments, each position magnet includes a first positioning magnet of a pair of positioning magnets. The magnets are attached using one or more adhesives and / or chemical fastening means. In an embodiment, each positioning magnet is physically secured by engaging with a lens barrel. Additionally or alternatively, the lens barrel assembly may also include In some embodiments, the housing includes a plurality of bearing slots cut into the surface of the housing. A lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens are assembled to form a lens barrel assembly. The process for assembling the lenses may consist of one or more sub-processes, e.g. It includes a process 1800 as described below.

[0174] Block 1704 mates each of the bearing slots of the lens barrel assembly with a bearing ball. In this regard, the bearing balls may be selected from the many options previously described. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the lens bar may be selected from The ball assembly may have only four bearing slots, so only four bearing balls. can be inserted into four bearing slots, one in each slot.

[0175] The block 1706 has a bearing ball mounted within a module space defined by the module base. The module space includes inserting a module-mating lens barrel assembly. The mold may be defined based on one or more exterior structures of the base, such as one or more walls, thereby The module space defines an internal enclosure defined by the structure of the module base. In some embodiments, the module space includes a lens barrel assembly defined therein. It is defined with sufficient volumetric dimensions to allow it to fit within the module space. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the modular base may include a modular base as described. A plurality of mounting holes for positioning and / or aligning the lens barrel assembly within the module base. The bearing slots are included.

[0176] Block 1708 mounts at least two pairs of bearing balls to the bearing slots in the module base. In some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly includes engaging the lens barrel assembly via a slot. Each of the bearing balls is fitted to a corresponding one of the lens barrel assembly and the module base. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly is configured to When added to the lens assembly, it can be repositioned within the module base. The barrel assembly can slide along the depth of the bearing slot of the lens barrel assembly. The engagement can be performed as follows.

[0177] Block 1710 includes a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly. In this regard, each positioning coil assembly includes at least The positioning coil assembly may include at least a positioning coil and a corresponding positioning pad. The bridge can be assembled for attachment to one or more other components as described. In some embodiments, the first positioning coil assembly and / or the second positioning coil assembly The process for assembling the coil assembly may include one or more sub-processes, e.g. 19 includes a process 1900 as described below with respect to

[0178] Block 1712 includes a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly on the module base. The method includes mounting a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly. For example, the first positioning coil assembly is positioned at the coil position on the top surface of the module base. The second positioning coil is located on the underside of the module base opposite the first coil position. Position it on the opposite side of the second positioning coil assembly so that it is located at the second coil position. In other embodiments, the first positioning coil assembly and / or the second positioning coil assembly may be The positioning coil assembly may be a first positioning coil assembly and / or a second positioning coil assembly. The coil assembly is attached to the positioning coil board, and the positioning coil board is The module is mounted on a module base through attachment to a rail base.

[0179] FIG. 18 illustrates a lens barrel arrangement in accordance with at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Assemble the lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and the imaging lens to form an assembly. 18 illustrates a flowchart showing an example operation of an exemplary process 1800 for In some embodiments, a machine operator performs some or all of the actions shown.

[0180] The process 1800 begins at block 1802. Block 1802 includes a barrel magnet. A pair of locating magnets are attached to the lens barrel housing to form the stone assembly. As described, a pair of positioning magnets may be mounted opposite each other. For example, a first positioning magnet is located at the top of the lens barrel and a second positioning magnet is located at the bottom of the lens barrel. As will be further described, each of the positioning magnets includes a second positioning magnet located at the By physical and / or chemical means, such as one or more epoxies, adhesives, and / or the like. It can be attached using the means.

[0181] Block 1804 includes inserting the imaging lens into a barrel to form a lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, the lens barrel includes: It includes a front and rear aperture to allow light to pass across the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the imaging lens is designed to include an imaging lens in the imaging barrel. The aperture shape should conform or substantially conform to the aperture shape sufficient to maintain the position of the aperture. For example, In the exemplary context where the lens barrel defines a circular aperture of a particular diameter, the imaging lens may similarly be , a circle that matches the diameter of the aperture, or is slightly smaller than the aperture to fit the imaging lens within the aperture. In some embodiments, the adhesive may include one or more adhesives and / or a cylindrical design. and / or physical means are utilized to secure the imaging lens within the barrel magnet assembly. For example, in some embodiments, a barrel lens is used to ensure that the imaging lens is properly positioned and aligned. and / or defining a slot configured to receive an imaging lens when aligned. In some embodiments, once block 1804 is completed, the flow continues with the description and / or or return to one or more other blocks of the flow, as shown. In an embodiment, flow returns to block 1704 and continues the process described above with respect to FIG. do.

[0182] FIG. 19 illustrates a positioning coil, in accordance with at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an example operation of an exemplary process 1900 for assembling an assembly. The process may be performed by any number of positioning coil assemblies, e.g., a first coil assembly. It should be understood that the above steps may be repeated for the first coil assembly and the second coil assembly. In some embodiments, a machine operator may perform some or all of the actions shown. do.

[0183] Process 1900 begins at block 1902. In some embodiments, The flow chart 1902 may be any of the flow charts shown and / or described with respect to other flow charts herein. After one or more blocks, for example after block 1708 shown in FIG. Block 1902 includes positioning coils to form a coil pad assembly. The method includes inserting a positioning pad into an interior region of the coil defined by the coil hole. In some embodiments, the positioning coil is configured such that the wound wire surrounds the inner region of the coil. The positioning pad thus embodies one or more wound wires. It may be of a size sufficient to fit within an interior coil region defined by the coil. In some embodiments, the positioning pads may be secured to the locating pads by any of a number of known physical and / or chemical means. The coil is fixed within the inner region by either

[0184] Block 1904 includes a flex connector to form a positioning coil assembly. In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching the frame to the coil pad assembly. A screw connector allows connection of the positioning coil to power and / or control hardware One or more printed circuit boards, hardware, and / or other circuits configured to For example, in some embodiments, the flex connector includes a positioning coil. One or more circuits, hardware, and / or the like configured to power a powered state A flexible printed circuit to allow connection of the positioning coil assembly to In some embodiments, the flex connector is configured to include a number of known physical and and / or chemically attached to the underside of the positioning coil. In such an embodiment, the flex connector may be connected to a positioning coil to provide power to the coil. and / or any associated hardware further connected to such powering hardware. The positioning coil assembly may be utilized to connect the positioning coil assembly to the hardware.

[0185] In some embodiments, upon completion of block 1904, the flow continues with the description and / or may return to one or more other blocks in the flow as shown. In this embodiment, flow returns to block 1710 and continues the process described above with respect to FIG. do.

[0186] Each of the exemplary implementations described herein is a non-limiting example of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, it should be appreciated that one or more of the enhancements implemented in various embodiments may be used. The tensions may be provided in any combination. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments In one embodiment, one or more of the components may be provided with modifications as described herein.

[0187] For example, some embodiments may provide any number of focal positions, while other embodiments may A limited number of variable focus positions (e.g., a far focus position, a neutral focus position, and a near focus position) Additionally or alternatively, the imaging devices of the embodiment may each provide any number of A method for, for example, providing any number of variable focus lens assemblies configured in different variable focus positions. Such implementations may include those disclosed herein and the accompanying patents provided herein. It is intended that this be covered by the following claims.

[0188] The disclosed embodiments are described with specific example configurations and / or implementation details. In other embodiments, for example, the components may be any such components and / or structural equivalents. It is understood that the present invention may be embodied in other materials known in the art for making objects. It is to be understood, further, that the embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. To mount the element and / or its sub-components (e.g., one or more LEDs or other to a circuit board or other printed circuit board), any number of known It is to be understood that any structural element may be included or known methodology may be utilized.

[0189] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these may not be incorporated into any disclosure or patent claim. should not be construed as limiting the scope of what may be sought, but rather as The description of the specific features of a particular embodiment of the present invention should be interpreted as a description of the specific features of a particular embodiment of the present invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the same context may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be applied to multiple embodiments. These may be implemented separately or in any suitable subcombination. The features are described above as acting in particular combinations and are not intended to be construed as such initially. Although the invention is described in detail below, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, The claimed combination may be removed from the combination as a subcombination. The present invention may be directed to variations of the above-mentioned compounds or subcombinations.

[0190] Similarly, although operations are shown in a particular order in the figures, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order or sequence shown, or to perform all of the operations shown, in order to achieve desirable results. In certain situations, multitasking and parallel operation may be advantageous. Thus, certain embodiments of the present subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order, or sequence shown, to achieve the desirable results described and / or claimed. <Additional Notes> [Form 1] 1. An optical assembly comprising: Housing and an optical member configured to move within the housing, the optical member having two front tubular slots and two rear tubular slots; a first pair of bearing balls each received in a respective one of the two front tubular slots and configured to movably support the optical member within the housing on a first side of the optical member; a second pair of bearing balls each received in a respective one of the two rear tubular slots and configured to movably support the optical element within the housing on a second side of the optical element. [Form 2] 2. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the two front tubular slots is diagonally opposite one another on the first side of the optical element. [Form 3] 3. The optical assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the two rear tubular slots is diagonally opposite one another on the second side of the optical element. [Form 4] a wired coil substrate configured to generate a magnetic flux when energized; The optical assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one permanent magnet in at least a portion of the optical member such that in all moving positions of the optical member, the at least one permanent magnet is in interconnected proximity to the magnetic flux generated by the wired coil substrate. [Form 5] An optical assembly as described in form 4, wherein the wired coil substrate includes at least one wired coil assembly configured to move at least a portion of the optical element within a recess defined by the wired coil substrate based on a first current supplied to the wired coil assembly. [Form 6] An optical assembly as described in claim 4, comprising a wired coil assembly configured to move at least a portion of the optical element from a recess defined by the wired coil substrate based on a second current supplied to the wired coil assembly. [Form 7] An optical assembly as described in form 4, wherein a first end of the housing faces a front side of the optical assembly facing a scene to be imaged, a second end of the housing faces a rear end of the optical assembly facing an image sensor, and the wired coil substrate is positioned toward the rear end of the optical assembly. [Form 8] The optical assembly of claim 4, wherein the wired coil substrate comprises a wired coil assembly configured to move the optical element when energized, the movement of the optical element changing the focus of the optical assembly. [Form 9] 9. The optical assembly of claim 8, wherein the wired coil assembly is configured to exert an electromagnetic force on the optical element to move the optical element along a direction parallel to an optical axis of the optical assembly. [Form 10] a wired coil substrate having a first set of windings and a second set of windings; the first set of windings and the second set of windings define a recess therebetween for receiving a rear surface portion of the optical element; a first plane containing the first set of windings is parallel to a second plane containing the second set of windings; The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein an optical axis of the optical assembly bisects a linear junction center between the first plane and the second plane. [Form 11] 11. The optical assembly of claim 10, wherein the optical member further comprises a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet arranged diagonally opposite the first permanent magnet. [Form 12] 1. A variable focus lens assembly comprising: a positioning coil substrate including at least a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly; a lens barrel assembly; a module base defining an interior module space designed to house the lens barrel assembly, the module base supporting the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil location and the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil location, the first coil location being diagonally opposite the second coil location; at least one pair of bearing balls engaged with the module base and the lens barrel assembly; a variable focus lens assembly, wherein the first positioning coil assembly, the second positioning coil assembly, and the at least one pair of bearing balls together with the lens barrel assembly define a focus position of the lens barrel assembly. [Form 13] 13. A variable focus lens assembly as described in claim 12, wherein the first positioning coil assembly comprises a first positioning coil, the first positioning coil being positioned around a first positioning pad, the second positioning coil assembly comprises a second positioning coil, the second positioning coil being positioned around a second positioning pad, the lens barrel assembly comprises a first positioning magnet located adjacent to the first positioning pad, a second positioning magnet located adjacent to the second positioning pad, and an imaging optical lens, wherein the first positioning pad, the first positioning coil, and the first positioning magnet, the second positioning pad, the second positioning coil, and the second positioning magnet, and the at least one pair of bearing balls define the focal position of the lens barrel assembly. [Form 14] the at least one pair of bearing balls comprises a first pair of bearing balls and a second pair of bearing balls; A variable focus lens assembly as described in claim 12, wherein the module base and the lens barrel assembly each have at least two bearing slots, each bearing slot designed to allow a ball bearing of a corresponding pair of bearing balls to engage with each of the module base and the lens barrel assembly via the corresponding bearing slot. [Form 15] the module base and the lens barrel assembly each include a first bearing slot and a second bearing slot, each of the first bearing slots being opposite one of the second bearing slots; the at least one pair of bearing balls comprises a first pair of bearing balls and a second pair of bearing balls; each ball bearing of the first pair of bearing balls is engaged with the module base and the lens barrel assembly via a respective one of the first bearing slots; 13. A variable focus lens assembly as described in claim 12, wherein each ball bearing of the second pair of bearing balls is engaged with the module base and the lens barrel assembly via a respective one of the second bearing slots. [Form 16] The focal position of the lens barrel assembly is a first focal position when the positioning coil substrate is in a first power supply state; a second focal position when the positioning coil substrate is in a second power supply state; and and a default focus position when the positioning coil substrate is in an unpowered state. [Form 17] A variable focus lens assembly as described in form 13, wherein the focus positions include a default focus position in a situation where the positioning coil substrate is in an unpowered state, and at the default focus position, the first positioning pad is aligned with the first positioning magnet, and the second positioning pad is aligned with the second positioning magnet. [Form 18] 1. An imaging device, comprising: a variable focus lens assembly; at least one additional lens assembly; an apparatus chassis configured to house at least the variable focus lens assembly and the at least one additional lens assembly; The variable focus lens assembly includes: a first positioning coil assembly comprising a first positioning coil, the first positioning coil being positioned about a first positioning pad; a second positioning coil assembly including a second positioning coil, the second positioning coil being positioned about a second positioning pad; and a lens barrel assembly comprising a first positioning magnet located adjacent to the first positioning pad, a second positioning magnet located adjacent to the second positioning pad, and an imaging optical lens; a module base defining an interior module space designed to house the lens barrel assembly, the module base supporting the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil location and the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil location, the first coil location being diagonally opposite the second coil location; at least one pair of bearing balls engaged with the module base and the lens barrel assembly; an imaging device, wherein the first positioning coil assembly and the first positioning magnet, together with the second positioning coil assembly and the second positioning magnet, and the at least one pair of bearing balls, define a focal position of the lens barrel assembly. [Form 19] the module base and the lens barrel assembly each include a first bearing slot and a second bearing slot, each of the first bearing slots being opposite one of the second bearing slots; the at least one pair of bearing balls comprises a first pair of bearing balls and a second pair of bearing balls; the first pair of bearing balls are engaged with the module base and the lens barrel assembly via respective first bearing slots; 19. The imaging device of claim 18, wherein the second pair of bearing balls are engaged with the module base and the lens barrel assembly via each of the second bearing slots. [Form 20] a first image sensor configured to capture a first image; at least one second image sensor configured to capture at least one second image; the first image sensor is positioned along an optical axis of the variable focus lens assembly; 20. The imaging device of claim 18, wherein the at least one second image sensor is positioned along an optical axis of the at least one additional lens assembly.

Claims

1. 1. A variable focus lens assembly comprising: a positioning coil substrate including at least a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly; a lens barrel assembly; a module base defining an interior module space designed to receive said lens barrel assembly; at least one pair of bearing balls engaged with the module base and the lens barrel assembly, each of the at least one pair of bearing balls being receivable by a corresponding full slot defined by one of the at least one pair of bearing ball slots of the lens barrel assembly and one of the at least one pair of bearing ball slots of the module base, the corresponding full slots defining a gap in which the at least one pair of bearing balls are movably positioned, such that the lens barrel assembly is moveable on the at least one pair of bearing balls relative to the module base; And, the at least one pair of bearing ball slots at the front of the module base are diagonally opposite one another, and the at least one pair of bearing ball slots at the rear of the module base are diagonally opposite one another; the module base supports the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil location defined on an upper surface of the module base and the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil location defined on a lower surface of the module base, the first coil location being opposite the second coil location; the first positioning coil assembly and the second positioning coil assembly of the positioning coil substrate, when in a powered state, generate a magnetic force that interacts with a default magnetic force between the first positioning coil assembly and a magnet of the lens barrel assembly to reposition the lens barrel assembly forward or backward from a default position; a variable focus lens assembly, the positioning coil substrate having a first limit component opening, the first limit component opening engaging one of a plurality of rear limit screws to set a rear position limit of the lens barrel assembly.

2. 2. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 1, the first positioning coil assembly comprising a first positioning coil, the first positioning coil being positioned about a first positioning pad; the second positioning coil assembly includes a second positioning coil, the second positioning coil being positioned about a second positioning pad; the lens barrel assembly comprising a first positioning magnet located adjacent the first positioning pad, a second positioning magnet located adjacent the second positioning pad, and an imaging optical lens; Variable focus lens assembly.

3. 3. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 2, a variable focus lens assembly, wherein when the variable focus lens assembly is assembled for operation and when the first positioning coil and the second positioning coil are in an unpowered state, when the first positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly is aligned with the first positioning pad and the second positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly is aligned with the second positioning pad, each of the first positioning magnet and the second positioning magnet are configured to interact with the first positioning magnet and the second positioning magnet.

4. 3. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 2, the first positioning pad is opposite the second positioning pad; a variable focus lens assembly, wherein the first positioning pad is configured to interact with the first positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly and the second positioning pad is configured to interact with the second positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly to maintain a position of the lens barrel assembly within the module base.

5. 3. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 2, a variable focus lens assembly, wherein the first positioning pad, the first positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly, the second positioning pad, and the second positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly are aligned to a default state based on the default magnetic forces between the first positioning magnet and the first positioning pad and between the second positioning magnet and the second positioning pad when each of the first positioning coil and the second positioning coil is in an unpowered state.

6. 3. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 2, the first positioning coil is configured to be powered to generate a first magnetic field and the second positioning coil is configured to be powered to generate a second magnetic field symmetrical to the first magnetic field; A variable focus lens assembly, wherein the interaction of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field results in a resultant magnetic field that interacts with the default magnetic force between the first and second positioning magnets and the first and second positioning pads of the lens barrel assembly to move the lens barrel assembly to a new focus position.

7. 2. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 1, A variable focus lens assembly, wherein when the lens barrel assembly is positioned in a neutral focus position, an inner wall of a front side of the module base is spaced from a front side of the variable focus lens assembly by a neutral focus front position offset, and an inner wall of a back side of the module base is spaced from a back side of the lens barrel assembly by a neutral focus back position offset.

8. 8. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 7, the neutral focus front position offset represents a maximum distance the lens barrel assembly can be moved forward from the neutral focus position to focus the variable focus lens assembly to improve near field focus; A variable focus lens assembly, wherein the neutral focus back position offset represents the maximum distance the lens barrel assembly can be moved back from the neutral focus position to focus the variable focus lens assembly to improve far field focus.

9. 2. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 1, A variable focus lens assembly, wherein when the lens barrel assembly is positioned in a far focus position, the front inner wall of the lens barrel assembly is spaced from the front surface of the lens barrel assembly by a far focus front surface position offset, the far focus front surface position offset representing the maximum distance the front surface of the lens barrel assembly may be positioned from the front inner wall of the module base.

10. 2. A variable focus lens assembly according to claim 1, A variable focus lens assembly, wherein when the lens barrel assembly is positioned in a near focus position, an inner wall of a back surface of the module base is spaced from a back surface of the lens barrel assembly by a near focus back surface position offset, the near focus back surface position offset representing a maximum distance that the back surface of the lens barrel assembly may be positioned from the inner wall of the module base.

Images