Discrete Variable Focus Assembly and Apparatus

Abstract

A discrete focus lens assembly is provided. The discrete focus lens assembly (100) is designed to enable repositioning of one or more components, such as a lens barrel assembly (104), to adjust the focus of the discrete focus lens assembly (100). The discrete focus lens assembly (100) includes a module base (106) that houses the lens barrel assembly (104) having a pair of positioning magnets, a positioning coil board (108) that includes a pair of positioning coil assemblies, positioning pads positioned within the coil interior region of the positioning coil board, and module alignment pins (102) that position and / or align some or all of the components. The positioning coil assemblies, in conjunction with the positioning magnets, are configured to exert varying magnetic fields to reposition the lens barrel assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to lens focus assemblies for imaging devices such as barcode and / or other symbol system scanners, and more particularly to a variable focus lens assembly configured for use in a small form factor imaging device and for discrete focus using electricity and magnetism.

Background Art

[0002] Lenses are often designed so that objects within a particular predetermined range appear in focus through the lens. In this regard, an imaging device may utilize a sensor to capture an image data object representative of the field of view through the lens. Fixed lenses are limited to focusing within a predetermined range. Variable focus lenses advantageously provide the ability to change this predetermined range, and conventional implementations of variable focus are bulky, slow, and / or susceptible to one or more environmental effects. In this regard, conventional variable focus lenses are often not suitable for use in small form factor mobile imaging devices and / or cannot be physically housed within such devices for use. Applicants have discovered problems with current implementations of variable focus lens assemblies and devices. Through the efforts, ingenuity, and innovation applied, Applicants have solved many of these identified problems by developing what is embodied in the present disclosure described in detail below.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include a discrete focus lens assembly and a discrete focus imaging device including one or more such assemblies. One or more other implementations of the discrete focus lens assembly and / or the discrete focus imaging device will be apparent or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional implementations are included within this specification and are intended to be protected by the following claims, which are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a discrete focus lens assembly is provided. The discrete focus lens assembly positions at least a lens barrel assembly at a predetermined number of focal positions and / or within a continuous set of focal positions with a reduced form factor such that the assembly can fit within a small form factor device chassis. In at least one exemplary embodiment, an exemplary discrete focus lens assembly comprises a positioning coil substrate comprising at least a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly. The exemplary discrete focus lens further comprises a lens barrel assembly. The exemplary discrete focus lens further comprises a module base defining an internal module space designed to house the lens barrel assembly, the module base being designed to support the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil position and the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil position, the first coil position being on the opposite side of the second coil position. The exemplary discrete focus lens further comprises at least one module alignment pin engaged with the module base, the positioning coil substrate, and the lens barrel assembly, and the first positioning coil assembly and the second positioning coil assembly, together with the lens barrel assembly, define the focal position of the lens barrel assembly.

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

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

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the module base, the positioning coil substrate, and the lens barrel assembly, each includes at least one alignment pin opening, and each alignment pin opening is positioned such that at least one module alignment pin can engage with each of the module base, the positioning coil substrate, and the lens barrel assembly through at least one alignment pin opening.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the module base, the positioning coil substrate, and the lens barrel assembly, each includes a first alignment pin opening and a second alignment pin opening. Each of the first alignment pin openings is located on the opposite side of one of the second alignment pin openings. At least one module alignment pin includes a first alignment pin and a second alignment pin. The first alignment pin engages with the module base, the positioning coil substrate, and the lens barrel assembly through each of the first alignment pin openings, and the second alignment pin engages with the module base, the positioning coil, and the lens barrel assembly through each of the second alignment pin openings.

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

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly, the discrete focus lens assembly has an assembly height of less than 7 millimeters.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the discrete focus lens assembly In an embodiment, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a first focal position in a situation where the positioning coil substrate is in a first power supply state, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a second focal position in a situation where the positioning coil substrate is in a second power supply state, and the focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a default focal position in a situation where the positioning coil substrate is in a non-powered state.

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

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

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

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

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

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a discrete focus lens assembly. The method includes one or more human actors, computer-operated machines, and / or robotic sy It can be executed by any of several actors including a stem, etc. In at least one exemplary embodiment of the present method, the method includes assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens for forming a lens barrel assembly, the lens barrel assembly comprising a first positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets mounted on the opposite side of the second positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets. This exemplary method further includes inserting the lens barrel assembly into a module space defined by a module base, the module base comprising at least one alignment pin opening. This exemplary method further includes engaging at least one module alignment pin with the lens barrel assembly through at least one alignment pin opening of the module base. This exemplary method further includes assembling a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly. This exemplary method further includes mounting the first positioning coil assembly and the second positioning coil assembly on the module base, the first positioning coil assembly being positioned on the opposite side of the second positioning coil assembly.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some exemplary embodiments of the present method, the method includes inserting a first positioning pad into a first coil inner region defined by a first positioning coil to form a first coil pad assembly, and attaching a flex connector to the first coil pad assembly to form a first positioning coil assembly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in general terms thus far, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Here, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In fact, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. SUMMARY

[0045] The imaging device is configured to enable the execution of one or more image processing tasks. For example, in at least some exemplary contexts, the imaging device is configured to enable the reading of one or more 2D symbols such as one or more barcodes, QR codes, data matrices, etc. In many cases, such an imaging device includes one or more imagers for capturing image data objects (plural) representing a specific field of view defined by the imager. For example, the imager may include one or more image capture optical elements such as one or more lens assemblies coupled to an image sensor and configured to capture light that passes through the image capture optical element and interacts with the image sensor. In this regard, the lens assembly can define a specific field of view captured by the associated image sensor, and / or the image sensor may define a specific focal range such that the image data object that is clear and / or otherwise optimal for processing within the focal range and / or its periphery is captured. Such an imager may be associated with an illuminator of the imaging device and / or associated therewith, including, for example, an illumination projection lens and an associated illumination source, to provide light for illuminating the captured field of view.

[0046] The variable focus lens assembly enables adjustment of the focal range to one or more different focal ranges. By adjusting the focal range, the effective range within which an image data object that is sufficiently clear and / or well-defined to be successfully processed for a particular image processing task can be captured using the lens assembly can be improved. For example, by using a variable focus lens that is adjustable between a first focal range and a second focal range, an image data object sufficient for processing can be captured without repositioning the object being scanned and / or the imaging device itself.

[0047] In some contexts, an imaging device and / or components therein are restricted based on certain requirements and / or situations of the operating environment in which it functions. In the context of a mobile imaging device, for example, the imaging device and each of its components must maintain functionality, execute quickly, and have a small enough form factor to be used in a mobile context. For example, in a context where an imaging device is to be integrated within a cellular phone or other device with a restricted form factor, the imaging device is restricted based on the limited height (often about 7 millimeters) of the mobile device chassis of the cellular phone. Similarly in this regard, for operating in such a context, each of the components of the imaging device is further restricted by the even smaller form factor of the imaging device.

[0048] Each of the conventional implementations of variable focus lenses has limitations that are not suitable for use in the context of such small form factor mobile devices. For example, the conventional voice coil motor focus is very sensitive to vibrations and shocks, such as in the context of a mobile imaging device where vibrations and shocks can occur due to user movement and / or transportation. Additionally, for example, a liquid lens focus is restricted by the large component size that is not suitable for use in the context of such small form factor mobile imaging devices. Additionally, for example, a linear piezo motor focus suffers from a slow response speed that is not suitable for use in such small form factor mobile imaging devices. In this regard, in the context of a mobile imaging device, each of the conventional implementations for a variable lens focus function is unreliable, cannot be sufficiently compressed into a small form factor, and / or suffers from a slow response speed.

[0049] Embodiments of the present specification provide a discrete focus lens assembly. Embodiments include a discrete focus lens assembly including a lens barrel assembly positioned based on the interaction between one or more positioning magnets and one or more positioning pads. In some such embodiments, each of a pair of positioning magnets is associated with one of a pair of positioning pads. Each positioning pad is associated with a positioning coil configured to receive a charge to power the positioning coil. The powered positioning coil is configured to generate a magnetic force exerted to reposition the lens barrel assembly to a new focal position. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly is positioned based on the power supply state of each positioning coil. Such an implementation quickly repositions the lens barrel assembly so that the discrete focus lens assembly can be quickly refocused (e.g., within a desired threshold), is less affected by vibrations, and can be implemented with a small form factor sufficient for use in a mobile context. Therefore, an imaging device of an embodiment can utilize one or more discrete focus lens assemblies, for example, as one or more lens assemblies in a multi-sensor environment.

[0050] The discrete focus lens assembly of such an embodiment provides sufficient reliability, a compact size, and a fast enough response for use in an imaging device with a small form factor. In this regard, such a discrete focus lens assembly may be implemented within one or more imaging devices to improve the effective range within which the imaging device can successfully capture an image data object. Although some embodiments are described with respect to mobile imaging devices, it should be understood that such embodiments can be similarly implemented in one or more non-mobile imaging devices. In some such embodiments, the embodiments may not be limited by a small form factor, but may use a structure similar to that described herein. Definitions

[0051] The term "imaging device" refers to one or more hardware and / or software components configured to capture an image data object for processing. In some embodiments, the imaging device includes at least one illuminator source and / or corresponding optical element configured to provide illumination over a field of view for capture. Non-limiting examples of imaging devices are "multi-sensor imaging devices", which refer to imaging devices that include a plurality of image sensors each configured to enable the capture of image data.

[0052] The term "assembly height" refers to the maximum height of each sub-component of a discrete focus lens assembly. In some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly is designed such that the assembly height is below a maximum height requirement. For example, the maximum height requirement may be imposed based on the height of a desired device chassis, such as the chassis of a mobile phone.

[0053] The term "power supply" refers to supplying an electric current to an electric circuit, component, and / or electric conductor.

[0054] The term "positioning coil" refers to an electric conductor wound in a coil shape and configured to generate a magnetic field when powered. The positioning coil defines a "coil internal region", which refers to the open region between the positioning coils defined by the wound positioning coil.

[0055] The term "positioning coil assembly" refers to a positioning coil connected to at least a flex component for connecting the positioning coil to a module base and / or a coil power supply circuit.

[0056] The term "coil power supply circuit" refers to hardware configured to supply an electric current to one or more positioning coil assemblies. In some exemplary contexts, the coil power supply circuit includes at least one power source connected to one or more positioning coil assemblies.

[0057] The term "power supply state" refers to the value of the current being supplied to each of a pair of positioning coil assemblies. In an exemplary context, the power supply state represents the signed value of the current being supplied to each of the pair of positioning coil assemblies. The term "non-power supply state" refers to the value of no current being supplied to each of the pair of positioning coil assemblies.

[0058] The term "imaging optical lens" refers to one or more lenses and / or supporting optical components that define an aperture through which light can be received by an image sensor associated with the imaging optical lens. In some embodiments, the imaging optical lens is formed entirely of glass, entirely of plastic, an optical liquid material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0059] The term "lens barrel assembly" refers to the components associated with a corresponding image sensor, which components include at least the imaging optical lens and the lens housing. In some embodiments, as described herein, the lens barrel assembly includes one or more defined areas for supporting positioning magnets.

[0060] The term "positioning magnet" refers to a magnet included within a lens barrel assembly to enable shifting of the focal position of the lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, to change the focal position of a barrel lens assembly as described herein, the lens barrel assembly includes a pair of positioning magnets designed to interact with one or more associated components such as a pair of positioning coil assemblies and / or positioning pads. Non-limiting examples of positioning magnets include zinc-plated magnets, nickel-plated magnets, and / or plated neodymium magnets that include other protective coatings, but are not limited thereto.

[0061] The term "positioning pad" refers to a magnetic material designed to fit within the coil internal region of a positioning coil. In one exemplary context, the positioning pad is shaped as a rectangular cuboid. The positioning coil assembly is positioned adjacent to a positioning magnet associated with the positioning pad. In this regard, in some contexts, a pair of symmetric positioning pads are positioned on opposite sides of each other, each associated with one of a pair of positioning coil assemblies, and the pair of positioning coil assemblies are positioned on opposite sides of each other such that when the positioning coil assemblies are in a non-powered state, the positioning pads are aligned with the positioning magnets. The term "iron positioning pad" refers to a positioning pad that is specifically formed of iron, including an iron coating, and / or is formed mostly of iron.

[0062] The term "module base" refers to a housing configured to enable the positioning and / or alignment of one or more components of a discrete focus lens assembly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the module base enables connection of one or more of the components to a corresponding power supply circuit and / or processing circuit.

[0063] The term "coil position" refers to the position of a positioning coil with respect to that associated with a lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, for example, a first positioning coil is positioned at a first coil position located at the upper part of an associated lens barrel assembly, and a second positioning coil is positioned at a second coil position located at the lower part of the associated lens barrel assembly such that the first coil position is opposite to the second coil position.

[0064] The term "positioning area" refers to a defined portion of the module base that is designed to support a positioning coil assembly, including the positioning pads within the coil interior region, with respect to the positioning coil assembly. In some embodiments, the module base includes a first coil position and a second coil position for supporting a pair of positioning coil assemblies, and the first coil position is on the opposite side of the second coil position such that the pair of coil assemblies generate a magnetic force to move the lens barrel assembly along the longitudinal axis.

[0065] The term "internal module space" refers to the void of the space defined by the inner wall of the module base and / or other support structures. In some embodiments, the internal module space is defined to sufficiently accommodate corresponding positioning and / or alignment components such as the lens barrel assembly and / or at least one module alignment pin.

[0066] The term "alignment pin opening" refers to the space within a component that is defined by an outer boundary and is designed to receive and / or secure a module alignment pin. In at least one exemplary context, the alignment pin opening defines a cylindrical space configured to receive a cylindrical module alignment pin.

[0067] The term "module alignment pin" refers to a screw, pin, dowel, and / or other fastener that is designed to engage with the alignment pin opening of a component. In at least one exemplary context, the module alignment pin is designed to engage with the alignment pin opening by sliding into the alignment pin opening. The term "frictionless pin" refers to a module alignment pin that is designed to be associated with a coefficient of friction below a maximum friction threshold. In some embodiments, the frictionless pin is designed based on one or more materials, coatings, and / or combinations thereof.

[0068] The term "focus position" refers to the position of the lens barrel assembly within the internal module space of the module base. In an exemplary context with respect to this point, the focus positioning of the lens barrel assembly represents a shift from a default position and / or an absolute position along a longitudinal axis defined by at least one module alignment pin. In an exemplary context, the focus position of the lens barrel assembly is changed based on the value of the power applied to one or more positioning coil assemblies.

[0069] The term "front position limit" refers to the focus position closest to the inner wall of the front face of the module base. In some embodiments, the front position limit is defined by the inner wall of the front face of the module base itself. In other embodiments, the front position limit is defined by one or more front limit components.

[0070] The term "rear position limit" refers to the focus position closest to the inner wall of the rear face of the module base. In some embodiments, the rear position limit is defined by the inner wall of the rear face of the module base itself. In other embodiments, the rear position limit is defined by one or more rear limit components. defined.

[0071] The term "focus range" refers to the optimal distance between the lens barrel assembly and / or the imaging device and the field for focusing. In at least one exemplary context, when the focus position of the lens barrel assembly changes, the focus range also changes. The term "default focus range" refers to a specific focus range predetermined to be the most likely distance between the lens barrel assembly and / or the imaging device and the field for an intended use, such as for detecting, capturing, and / or decoding two-dimensional symbols and / or three-dimensional symbols.

[0072] The term "default focus position" refers to the focus position of the lens barrel assembly when each of a pair of positioning coil assemblies is in a non-powered state. In an exemplary context, the default focus position aligns each positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly with an associated positioning pad.

[0073] The term "predetermined focus position" refers to a discrete value of a focus position from a set of possible focus positions. For example, in at least one exemplary context, a discrete focus lens assembly is designed based on a set of focus positions for three states: a first focus position for a first powered state (e.g., a positive current), a second focus position for a second powered state (e.g., a negative current), and a third focus position for a non-powered state (e.g., no current).

[0074] The term "continuous focus position" refers to a value of a focus position from a continuous range of focus positions defined by a maximum focus position and a minimum focus position. In at least one exemplary context, the continuous focus position reflects a value based on the value of the power supplied to a pair of positioning coil assemblies.

[0075] The term "near focus position" refers to a value of a focus position for focusing the lens barrel assembly within a first predetermined focus range less than a predetermined threshold. The term "far focus position" refers to a value of a focus position for focusing the lens barrel assembly within a second predetermined focus range greater than the predetermined threshold. The term "neutral focus position" refers to a value of a focus position for focusing the lens barrel assembly within a third predetermined focus range of the predetermined threshold.

[0076] The term "matte dark surface" refers to a surface that reflects less than a predetermined threshold percentage of the light received in the specular reflection direction. In some embodiments, the matte dark surface is a sufficiently dark color to minimize specular light.

[0077] The term "magnet surface epoxy" refers to a coating of the positioning magnet to provide a matte dark surface along at least one surface of the positioning magnet.

[0078] The term "lens mount" refers to one or more structural components and / or hardware that fixes the position and / or alignment of discrete focus lenses within an imaging device. In some embodiments, the device chassis of the imaging device includes a defined space that engages with the discrete focus lens such that the outer wall of the defined space includes the lens mount.

[0079] The term "visually encoded mark" refers to a visible display by rendering, printing, and / or other means of one or more symbols configured to be scanned by an imaging device. Non-limiting examples of visually encoded marks include 2D barcodes, UPCs, quick response codes, data matrices, and custom encoded images. Exemplary Discrete Focus Lens Assembly

[0080] FIG. 1A illustrates a first exemplary discrete focus lens assembly according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of the first exemplary discrete focus lens assembly. Specifically, FIG. 1A shows the first exemplary discrete focus lens assembly from a rear perspective view.

[0081] ​As shown in the figure, FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of a discrete focus lens assembly 100. The discrete focus lens assembly includes a lens barrel assembly 104, module alignment pins 102, a module base 106, and a positioning coil substrate 108. The module base 106 is specially designed to define an internal module space. The internal module space is designed to accommodate the lens barrel assembly 104 such that the lens barrel assembly 104 can be positioned within the internal module space of the module base 106. The module base 106 further includes openings in the front and back surfaces of the module base 106 to allow light to pass through the openings of the lens barrel assembly 104 and across the lens elements.

[0082] The lens barrel assembly 104 includes an open-frame lens barrel that houses one or more optical components, such as one or more image lenses and / or other lens elements, to define a particular field of view. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly 104 is designed to include front and back openings to allow light to cross through the lens barrel assembly 104 to one or more other components (e.g., an image sensor described herein). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes one or more positioning magnets for use in positioning the lens barrel assembly 104 as described herein. For example, as shown, the lens barrel assembly 104 includes an upper positioning magnet located at the upper portion of the lens barrel assembly 104 and a lower positioning magnet located at the lower portion of the lens barrel assembly 104.

[0083] The positioning coil substrate 108 includes hardware and / or circuitry configured to receive charge. The charge powers one or more positioning coils of at least one positioning coil assembly of the positioning coil substrate 108. In this regard, for example, as illustrated, the positioning coil substrate 108 includes an upper positioning coil assembly and a lower positioning coil assembly, and the upper and lower positioning coil assemblies are positioned on opposite sides. In some such embodiments, the positioning coil substrate 108 is designed to receive a current applied to power each of its positioning coil assemblies. As illustrated, the positioning coil substrate 108 is designed to extend over at least a portion of the upper space of the module base 106 such that the upper positioning coil assembly of the positioning coil substrate 108 interacts, for example, with the upper positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly 104. Similarly, as illustrated, the positioning coil substrate 108 is designed to extend over at least a portion of the lower space of the module base 106 such that the lower positioning coil assembly of the positioning coil substrate 108 extends.

[0084] The module alignment pins 102 include components designed to position and align each of the lens barrel assembly 104, the module base 106, and / or the positioning coil substrate 108, as shown, for example, in relation to FIGS. 2A - 2E. Specifically, each of the module alignment pins 102 embodies a dowel, rod, and / or pin. As illustrated, each of the components 104, 106, and 108 includes an assembly alignment opening configured to engage with the module alignment pins 102. In this regard, for example, the diameter of each of the module alignment pins 102 may be substantially the same as each of the assembly alignment openings, such that the module alignment pins 102 can be engaged through each of the assembly alignment openings. In this regard, in some embodiments, the module alignment pins 102 are the lens barrel assembly 104 and one or more additional components, such as the module base 106 and / or enable axial alignment of the positioning coil substrate 108. In some embodiments, one or more components do not include an assembly alignment opening. For example, in at least one embodiment, the positioning coil substrate 108 does not include any assembly alignment openings. In some such embodiments, the module alignment pins 102 may not engage the positioning coil substrate 108 and / or may engage the positioning coil substrate 108 without engaging through an assembly alignment opening (e.g., the positioning coil substrate is pressed against one end of one or more of the module alignment pins 102).

[0085] The lens barrel assembly 104 can be designed to traverse along the module alignment pins 102 to reposition the lens barrel assembly 104 within the internal module space defined by the module base 106. For example, in this regard, the positioning coil substrate 108 can interact with the lens barrel assembly 104 such that an applied magnetic force acts on the lens barrel assembly 104. In at least one exemplary context, the positioning coil assembly of the positioning coil substrate 108 is powered to apply a magnetic force to the lens barrel assembly 104, which interacts with the default magnetic force between the lens barrel assembly 104 and the positioning coil substrate 108. The magnetic force translates the lens barrel assembly 104 along the module alignment pins 102 to a new focal position, whereby the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned differently within the internal module space defined by the module base 106. In this regard, the front surface of the module base 106 defines a front position limit, and the back surface of the module base 106 defines a back position limit for the lens barrel assembly 104 within the module space defined by the module base 106.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 1B, some embodiments may include one or more additional components and / or one or more components may be modified to define position limits of the lens barrel assembly within the module base. In this regard, the components may define the most forward position within the internal module space defined by the module base where the lens barrel assembly can be moved (e.g., a front position limit representing the position closest to the front surface of the module base), and / or the most rearward position within the internal module space defined by the module base where the lens barrel assembly can be moved (e.g., a rear position limit representing the position closest to the rear surface of the module base). As shown, for example, FIG. 1B shows a discrete focus lens assembly 150 having position limits.

[0087] The discrete focus lens assembly 150 includes a lens barrel assembly 154, a module base 156, and a positioning coil substrate 158. Components 154 - 158 are designed similarly to components of the same name described above with respect to FIG. 1A. In this regard, for the sake of brevity, repeated disclosure of this effect is omitted. Each of components 154 - 158 is modified to receive one or more position limit components. For example, each of components 154 - 158 may include one or more limit component openings configured to engage one or more limit components of the discrete focus lens assembly 150.

[0088] As shown, the discrete focus lens assembly 150 includes a front limit screw 160A and a rear limit screw 160B. The front limit screw 160A engages at least the front limit component opening of the module base 156. In this regard, the front limit screw 160A can set the front position limit of the lens barrel assembly 154 within the module space defined by the module base 156. For example, the front limit screw 160A can be interacted in a first direction, such as the clockwise direction, to extend the front limit screw 160A within the internal module space defined by the module base 156. When the front limit screw 160A extends further within the module space defined by the module base 156, the front limit screw 160A can prevent the lens barrel assembly 154 from being positioned further forward than allowed by the front limit screw 160A, because the screw physically blocks such a position. In this way, by extending the front limit screw 160A within the internal module space defined by the module base 156, the front position limit moves further from the front of the module base 156. Similarly, the front limit screw 160A can be interacted in a second direction, such as the counterclockwise direction, to retract the front limit screw 160A from the internal module space defined by the module base 156. In this regard, when the front limit screw 160A retracts from the internal module space defined by the module base 156, the front limit screw 160A extends outward from the front of the module base 156. In this way, by retracting the front limit screw 160A, the front position limit moves closer to or is defined by the front of the module base 156.

[0089]

[0090] ​FIG. 1B similarly shows the rear limit screw 160B. The rear limit screw 160B engages at least the rear limit component openings of the module base 156 and / or the positioning coil substrate 158, and / or the lens barrel assembly 154. It should be understood that the rear limit screw 160B can set the rear position limit of the lens barrel assembly 154 within the module space defined by the module base 156. The rear limit screw 160B may similarly interact and, for example, in response to interaction in a first direction (which may be the same as or opposite to the first direction of the front limit screw 160A), further extend within the module space defined by the module base 156, and may similarly interact and, for example, in response to interaction in a second direction (which may be the same as or opposite to the second direction of the front limit screw 160A), retreat from the module space defined by the module base 156. In this regard, by extending the rear limit screw 160B within the internal module space defined by the module base 156, the rear position limit moves further from the rear of the module base 156. Similarly, by retreating the rear limit screw 160B from the internal module space defined by the module base 156, the rear position limit moves closer to or is defined by the rear of the module base 156. Thus, the limit screws enable adjustable front and / or rear position limits in some such embodiments.

[0091] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various views of the assembled discrete focus lens assembly 100. Specifically, FIG. 2A shows the discrete focus lens assembly 100 in a front perspective view. FIG. 2B shows the discrete focus lens assembly 100 from a rear perspective view. FIG. 2C shows a first orthogonal view of the front of the discrete focus lens assembly 100. FIG. 2D shows a second orthogonal view of the top of the discrete focus lens assembly 100. FIG. 2E shows a third orthogonal view of the side of the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0092] As shown, the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned within an internal module space defined by the module base 106. The positioning coil substrate 108 includes a pair of positioning coil assemblies located on opposite sides, specifically the upper and lower sides, of the module base 106 to interact with the lens barrel assembly 104. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly 104 is engaged with the module alignment pins 102 such that the lens barrel assembly 104 can cross or otherwise slide along the module alignment pins 102. For example, the lens barrel assembly 104 can be repositioned based on the magnetic force generated by the positioning coil substrate 108. When in the powered state, the upper and lower positioning coil assemblies of the positioning coil substrate 108 generate a magnetic force that interacts with the default magnetic force between the lens barrel assembly and the positioning coil assemblies of the positioning coil substrate 108 to reposition the lens barrel assembly 104 forward or backward from the default position.

[0093] Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments include one or more components for mounting a discrete focus lens assembly within and / or connected to one or more devices, such as one or more imaging devices, test devices, and the like. For example, as illustrated and described in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B, some embodiments include a lens mount 302 for mounting a discrete focus lens assembly 100 to one or more associated devices. As shown in FIG. 3A, the lens mount 302 defines an internal mount space 304. The lens mount 302 is designed such that a discrete focus lens assembly, such as the discrete focus lens assembly, can be disposed within the internal mount space 304 defined by the lens mount 302. Additionally or alternatively, the lens mount 302 can include one or more components, such as pins, slot configurations (plural possible), snap configurations (plural possible), and / or similar or other components, to secure the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to the lens mount 302. Further additionally or alternatively, the lens mount 302 can include one or more elements for attachment to an imaging device, test device, and / or the like. Non-limiting examples of lens mounts include any of a number of known industry cameras that accept M12 threaded lenses, such as micro video lenses. In other embodiments, it should be understood that a discrete focus lens assembly, such as the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or the discrete focus lens assembly 150, may be directly mounted to an imaging device, test device, and / or the like without using the lens mount 302. For example, as described herein, the imaging device may be designed to directly connect a discrete focus lens assembly to one or more other components within the device chassis for the imaging device, such as a processor and / or the like. Exemplary Details of Discrete Focus Lens Assembly Components

[0094] Since an exemplary discrete focus lens assembly and structure have been described at a high level, further details of the described components are provided in the specification. In the various embodiments described herein, it should be understood that details of such components can be combined in any combination. For example, in one or more embodiments, one or more optional and / or additional components of each component may be included.

[0095] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate details of an exemplary lens barrel assembly, specifically lens barrel assembly 104. FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of lens barrel assembly 104 in a front perspective. FIG. 4B shows an assembled view of lens barrel assembly 104 in a front perspective.

[0096] As shown, lens barrel assembly 104 includes an open frame lens barrel 404. The open frame lens barrel 404 may be a single piece or may be multiple connected and / or otherwise combined pieces and forms a housing for various other components as described. For example, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes an upper magnet opening designed to receive a first positioning magnet 406A located at the upper portion of the lens barrel assembly 104, and the open frame lens barrel 404 includes a lower magnet opening designed to receive a second positioning magnet 406B located at the lower portion of the lens barrel assembly 104. In some embodiments, the open frame lens barrel 404 is designed such that the first positioning magnet 406A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B are attached by snap, fit, and / or other means and / or are located in a predetermined position without the use of additional structures, components, etc. In still other embodiments, the first positioning magnet 406A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B are attached to the open frame lens barrel 404 using one or more adhesives and / or other non-structural elements. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the position The positioning magnets 406A and / or 406B are molded within the open frame lens barrel 404 and locked in place or otherwise locked within the open frame lens barrel 404 using one or more heat setting functions. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the open frame lens barrel 404 is melted over one or more of the positioning magnets 406A and / or 406B to fix the positioning magnets 406A and / or 406B in place.

[0097] The open frame lens design includes a plurality of apertures configured to enable engagement with one or more other components of, for example, a discrete focus lens assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes one or more alignment pin apertures designed to receive one or more module alignment pins. As shown, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes a pair of second alignment pin apertures 408B, with one of the second alignment pin apertures 408B on the front face of the open frame lens barrel 404 and the other on the back face of the open frame lens barrel 404. In addition, the open frame lens barrel 404 includes a pair of first alignment pin apertures 408A, with the pair of first alignment pin apertures 408A located on opposite sides of the second alignment pin apertures 408B. In this regard, the pair of first alignment pin apertures 408A similarly includes one of the first alignment pin apertures 408A on the front face of the open frame lens barrel 404 and the other of the first alignment pin apertures 408A on the back face (not shown) of the open frame lens barrel 404. In this regard, the second alignment pin apertures 408B can be aligned with each other such that a straight module alignment pin, such as one of the module alignment pins 102, can engage each of the second alignment pin apertures 408B. Similarly, the first alignment pin apertures 408A can be aligned with each other such that a straight module alignment pin, such as one of the module alignment pins 102, can engage each of the first alignment pin apertures 408A. Due to the aligned nature of the apertures, the open frame lens barrel 404 can engage each of the module alignment pins to enable alignment of the lens barrel assembly 104 relative to one or more other components, while also enabling the open frame lens barrel 404 to traverse along the module alignment pins.

[0098] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the open-frame lens barrel 404 includes one or more openings that allow access to one or more limiting screws. For example, in this regard, the open-frame lens barrel 404 may include one or more alignment pin openings, such as one or more additional openings located at opposing corners of the alignment pin opening 408B. The additional openings may be sized sufficiently to allow one or more tools to pass through the openings and engage one or more limiting screws for adjustment. Examples of tools include a screwdriver, hex key, etc. for engaging one or more limiting screws and / or other positioning limiting components. In some embodiments, the additional openings allow access from the front of the lens barrel assembly to the rear limiting screws and / or other rear positioning limiting components.

[0099] As further illustrated, the open-frame lens barrel 404 defines front and rear openings to allow light to pass across the open-frame lens barrel 404. The openings may define an internal barrel space defined to accommodate one or more optical elements. For example, as illustrated, the open-frame lens barrel 404 defines a circular opening associated with the imaging lens 402. In some embodiments, such as illustrated, one or more of the positioning magnets, such as the first positioning magnet 406A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B, are within the optical path defined by the rear opening of the open-frame lens barrel 404.

[0100] The imaging lens 402 includes one or more optical components for concentrating, refracting, and / or otherwise manipulating light incident on the open-frame lens barrel. In some embodiments, the imaging lens 402 comprises a plurality of sub-lenses designed to manipulate light passing through the aperture in a desired manner. For example, the imaging lens 402 can be designed to direct light at one or more desired points, such as at the location of an associated image sensor, for capture. The imaging lens 402 can be composed of any number of materials, such as glass, optical plastics, and / or the like, or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the imaging lens 402 may be composed of one or more lenses embodying any number of lens designs.

[0101] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate cross-sectional views of the lens barrel assembly 104. Specifically, FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lens barrel assembly 104 from a first side of the assembly. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lens barrel assembly 104 from the back side of the assembly.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 5B, the first alignment pin openings 408A appear as a single opening because they are fully, or nearly fully, aligned with each other (e.g., within a desired margin of error). Similarly, the second alignment pin openings 408B appear as a single opening because they are fully, or nearly fully, aligned with each other. As described, this alignment enables the lens barrel assembly to be sufficiently supported such that it can be aligned and / or positioned by one or more module alignment pins through engagement with the first alignment pin openings 408A and / or the second alignment pin openings 408B. Additionally, the aligned design of the alignment pin openings enables the lens barrel assembly 104 to traverse along the module alignment pins.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 5A and / or 5B, one or more of the positioning magnets may be located within the optical path defined by the opening of the open-frame lens barrel 404. In this regard, the overall dimensions of the lens barrel assembly 104 can be minimized by ensuring that the positioning magnet(s) need not be disposed on top of the open-frame lens barrel 404. For example, in some embodiments, each of the positioning magnet(s) may be a specific height equal to and / or less than the thickness of the open-frame lens barrel 404 so that the positioning magnet does not increase the overall height of the lens barrel assembly. In one or more embodiments, the open-frame lens barrel 404 is designed and / or modified to include one or more defined spaces for supporting the positioning magnet(s). As shown, for example, a first positioning magnet 406A is positioned at the top of the open-frame lens barrel 404 and a second positioning magnet 406B is positioned at the bottom of the open-frame lens barrel 404. In this regard, the positioning magnets 406A and 406B are located on opposite sides of each other within the lens barrel assembly 104 and can equally affect the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 without increasing the overall size of the lens barrel assembly 104.

[0104] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the positioning magnets 406A and / or 406B may be specially designed to minimize the effect of the positioning magnet in the optical path. As shown, the first and second positioning magnets 406A and 406B are each positioned within the optical path to minimize the form factor of the assembly, which can reduce unwanted light reflection from one or more of the positioning magnets 406A and / or 406B for improved functionality. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the first positioning magnet 406A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B has a matte dark surface. The matte dark surface affects one or more associated image sensors. The influence of light reflection from the 6A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B can be minimized. It should be understood that the non-glossy dark surface of one or more of the positioning magnets can be obtained in any of a number of ways. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the first positioning magnet 406A and / or the second positioning magnet 406B include a magnet surface epoxy. The magnet surface epoxy can be applied to the positioning magnet(s) such that the positioning magnet(s) have a non-glossy dark surface without significantly increasing the dimensions of the positioning magnet(s) and / or without affecting the function of such positioning magnet(s). In at least one exemplary embodiment where one or more of the positioning magnets include a glossy and / or reflective material, such as zinc and / or nickel plating, the magnet surface epoxy can cover the glossy and / or reflective surface without affecting the form factor and / or function of the positioning magnet(s). In some embodiments, one or more of the positioning magnets may be composed of a non-glossy dark material, whereby the positioning magnet(s) include a non-glossy dark surface during manufacture and / or without additional steps otherwise.

[0105] FIG. 6 illustrates various detailed designs of an exemplary positioning coil substrate according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows a first perspective view of the positioning coil substrate 158. It should be understood that similar details may exist in one or more other mounting configurations of the positioning coil substrate, such as the positioning coil substrate 108 described herein.

[0106] The positioning coil substrate 158 includes a coil connection substrate 602. The coil connection substrate 602 embodies hardware, circuitry, and / or the like for connecting one or more sub-assemblies of the positioning coil substrate 158. In this regard, the coil connection substrate 602 can be embodied by a conductive material configured to receive a current for powering one or more sub-assemblies of the positioning coil substrate 158, such as one or more positioning coil assemblies and / or their components. For example, the coil connection substrate 602 receives a current for powering the first positioning coil 604A and / or the second positioning coil 604B.

[0107] As shown, the coil connection substrate 602 includes a first alignment pin opening 610A and a second alignment pin opening 610B (collectively "alignment pin openings 610"). The first alignment pin opening 610A is located on the opposite side of the second alignment pin opening 610B. Each of the alignment pin openings can be designed, for example, to engage a module alignment pin when the positioning coil substrate 158 is positioned and / or aligned with one or more other components of the discrete focus lens assembly. In this regard, for example, when the components are properly aligned for operation, the first alignment pin opening 610A can be aligned with the first alignment pin opening of the module base and / or the lens barrel assembly, and / or the second alignment pin opening 610B can be aligned with the second alignment pin opening of the module base and / or the lens barrel assembly. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the positioning coil substrate does not include any alignment pin openings (s). For example, in this regard, the positioning coil substrate may be fixedly attached to the module base without being fixed and / or engaged in other ways by one or more module alignment pins.

[0108] The coil connection substrate 602 further includes a first limiting component opening 608. The first limiting component opening 608 may be located on the opposite side of a second limiting component opening (not shown). In this regard, the first and / or second limiting component openings may be designed to engage with one or more limiting components together with the associated limiting component openings of one or more other components, such as a module base. For example, as described, the first limiting component opening 608 may engage with one of the rear limiting screws 160B as described with respect to FIG. 1 to set the rear position limit of the associated lens barrel assembly. Similarly, the second limiting component opening may engage with the other of the rear limiting screws 160B. In this regard, the limiting component may extend through the limiting component openings of both the positioning coil substrate 158 and the associated module base.

[0109] The positioning coil substrate 158 further includes a first positioning coil 604A and a second positioning coil 604B (collectively "positioning coil 604"). Each of the positioning coils 604 may include a wound length of conductive wire. In this regard, each of the positioning coils 604 may be powered in a powered state based on the current passing through the positioning coil of the positioning coil 604. It should be understood that each of the positioning coils 604 may include the same material, such as copper wire, coated copper wire, tin-plated wire, and / or the like. In some embodiments, it should be understood that each of the positioning coils 604 is designed to generate a magnetic field of the same intensity as the other of the positioning coils 604 in a situation where the coils are set to the same powered state.

[0110] As shown in the figure, each of the positioning coils 604 defines a coil internal region that includes an open space between the wire coils. In this regard, the positioning coil substrate 157 may include positioning pads that are located within the coil internal region of each of the positioning coils 604. Specifically, as shown in the figure, a first positioning pad 606A is located within the first coil internal region of the first positioning coil 604A. In addition, a second positioning pad 606B is located within the coil internal region of the second positioning coil 604B. In this regard, each of the first positioning pad 606A and the second positioning pad 606B (collectively referred to as "positioning pads 606") may include special specific volume dimensions so as to fit within the internal region defined by the corresponding positioning coil.

[0111] In some embodiments, each of the positioning pads 606 includes a component of a magnetic material. For example, in some embodiments, each of the positioning pads 606 includes a mass of iron or mostly iron that is designed to fit within the coil internal region of the corresponding positioning coil. In this regard, each of the positioning pads 606 may be configured to interact with one or more magnets of the discrete focus lens assembly when assembled, such as when the discrete focus lens assembly is assembled and when each of the positioning coils 604 is in a non-powered state and the positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly is aligned with each of the positioning pads 606. For example, the first positioning pad 606A may interact with the first positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly. Similarly, the second positioning pad 606B may interact with the second positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly.

[0112] In some embodiments, each of the positioning pads 606 is fixed within the coil interior region using any of a myriad of modalities. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the positioning pads 606 are fixed using one or more adhesives. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, each internal coil region is defined by a coil frame. In some such embodiments, each coil frame is formed completely and / or partially around the corresponding positioning pad of the positioning pads 606 to secure the corresponding positioning pad. In some such embodiments, the coiled wire is wound around the coil frame.

[0113] As shown, the first positioning coil 604A is located on the opposite side of the second positioning coil 604B. Similarly, in this regard, the first positioning pad 606A is located on the opposite side of the second positioning pad 606B. Thus, the first positioning pad 606A can interact with the first positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly, and the second positioning pad 606B can interact with the second positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly to maintain and / or adjust the position of the lens barrel assembly within the module base. For example, in at least one exemplary context, the first positioning pad 606A, the first positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly, the second positioning pad 606B, and the second positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly are all aligned in a default state based on a default magnetic force between the positioning magnet and the corresponding positioning pad of the positioning pad 606A, such as when each of the positioning coils 604 is in a non-powered state.

[0114] The first positioning coil 604A can be powered in a first power supply state so as to generate a first magnetic field, and the second positioning coil 604B can be powered so as to generate a second magnetic field symmetric to the first magnetic field. Accordingly, the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field can cancel each other out with respect to one or more opposite directions. In this regard, the interaction between the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field can result in the resulting magnetic field providing a force in only one direction that represents the lateral direction with respect to one or more module alignment pins of the lens barrel assembly, for example. The resulting magnetic force further interacts with the default magnetic force between the positioning magnet(s) of the lens barrel assembly and the positioning pad 606A, and can move the lens barrel assembly to a new focal position based on the resulting magnetic force, as described herein. Example of the relationship between image capture and focus

[0115] Although exemplary assemblies and component details have been described for the various components of the assembly, additional explanation regarding the operation of the discrete focus lens assembly for image capture is provided. Additionally or alternatively, additional explanation regarding the focal position of the discrete focus lens assembly for the purpose of image capture is provided. It should be understood that one or more of the described lens assemblies can be utilized for image capture in any of the described contexts based on the above disclosure.

[0116] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a cross-section of light passing through a discrete focus lens assembly for capture by an associated image sensor, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows a visualization of the light trace and a side cross-sectional view of the discrete focus lens assembly with the corresponding image sensor. FIG. 7B shows a visualization of the light trace and a front perspective view of the discrete focus lens assembly with the corresponding image sensor. In some embodiments, for example, the described components can be integrated into the imaging device as described herein.

[0117] Figures 7A and 7B include an image sensor 702. In some embodiments, the image sensor 702 is configured to capture an image data object representative of incident light that interacts with the image sensor 702. Specifically, as shown, light may pass across one or more optical components such as a discrete focus lens assembly 100. In this regard, the image sensor may convert light waves that interact with the image sensor 702 into data represented in a corresponding captured image data object.

[0118] As shown, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is positioned in front of the image sensor 702. In this regard, light reaching the image sensor 702 may pass across one or more apertures defined by the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or optical elements positioned therein. For example, as shown, incident light enters the front of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and may interact with one or more imaging lenses of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 before exiting the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and interacting with the image sensor 702. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 10 0 and / or its various sub-components may manipulate the incident light to re-direct the light towards the image sensor 702 and / or one or more target portions of the image sensor 702.

[0119] The light trace 704 represents an exemplary visualization of the operation of light rays across a discrete focus lens assembly. As shown, the light trace 704 shows incident light that is reflected, refracted, and / or otherwise manipulated by the discrete focus lens assembly in order to be captured by the image sensor 702. Specifically, as shown, the incident light can interact with one or more imaging lenses of the lens barrel assembly of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or one or more components of the lens barrel assembly such as an open frame lens barrel that houses such image lens(es). In this regard, as shown by the light trace 704, at least a portion of the incident light can be reflected toward the image sensor 702 when interacting with the open frame lens barrel. Similarly, at least some of the incident light can be angled toward one or more specific portions of the image sensor 702 to enable the capture of an image data object representing the incident light.

[0120] The light trace 704 can be changed based on one or more changes to the aspect(s) of the discrete focus lens assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, the focal position of the lens barrel assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 changes the operation of light by the discrete focus lens assembly such that incident light at a particular point can interact with the image sensor 702 at different point(s) based on the focal position of the lens barrel assembly. Thus, by repositioning the lens barrel assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly 100, the image data object captured by the image sensor 702 can change to reflect the adjusted focal position. In some such embodiments, repositioning the lens barrel assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 more clearly reflects an object within a particular focal range corresponding to the focal position within the captured image data object, as described herein with respect to, for example, an image data object including one or more visually encoded markers.

[0121] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate exemplary visualizations of lens barrel assemblies positioned at different focal positions within a module base of a discrete focus lens assembly. Specifically, FIG. 8B shows a lens barrel assembly at a first focal position, which is the first focal position for neutral field focus. FIG. 8B shows a lens barrel assembly at a second focal position, which is the second focal position for far field focus. FIG. 8C shows a lens barrel assembly at a third focal position, which is the third focal position for near field focus.

[0122] FIG. 8A shows a lens barrel assembly 104 within a module base 106 at a first focal position for neutral field focus. In some such embodiments, the focal position is defined based on an offset of the lens barrel assembly 104 from a default position. The default position may be defined by the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 when one or more coil positioning assemblies of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 are in a non-powered state, or in other embodiments, in a default powered state. For example, in some embodiments, the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at a central focal position in the non-powered state, and the central focal position defines the default focal position in the non-powered state (e.g., zero current through the positioning coil assembly). In some such embodiments where the coil positioning assembly is in a non-powered state, the lens barrel assembly 104 may be positioned within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 based on a default magnetic force between one or more positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 and one or more positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0123] For illustrative purposes, the focal position associated with the lens barrel assembly 104 can be defined in terms of one or more offsets with respect to one or more specific axes associated with the positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or the positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104, and corresponding offsets to the front and back surfaces of the module base 106 to which the lens barrel assembly 104 is aligned. For example, FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C each show a pad front axis 802A showing the front axis of a pair of positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100, a pad center axis 802B showing the central axis of a pair of positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100, and a pad rear axis 802C representing the rear axis of a pair of positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0124] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in at least one exemplary embodiment, at the neutral focal position, the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned such that the positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 are aligned with the various axes associated with the pair of positioning pads. In this regard, the front surface of the positioning magnet is aligned with the pad front axis 802A, the rear surface of the positioning magnet is aligned with the pad rear axis 802C, and the center of the positioning magnet is aligned with the pad center axis 802B. In other embodiments, at the neutral focal position, the center of the positioning magnet is aligned with the pad center axis 802B, but the front surface of the positioning magnet is not aligned with the pad front axis 802A and / or the rear surface of the positioning magnet is not aligned with the pad rear axis 802C. For example, in some such embodiments, the positioning magnets are each wider and / or smaller than the positioning pads, such that when the center of the positioning magnet is aligned with the center of the positioning pad, the front and / or rear surfaces of the positioning magnet are not aligned with the positioning pads.

[0125] As shown in the illustration, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the neutral focus position, the front surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 is spaced from the inner wall of the front surface of the module base 106 by a first offset. Specifically, as shown in the illustration, the inner wall of the front surface of the module base 106 is spaced from the front surface of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 by a neutral focus front position offset 806A. The neutral focus front position offset 806A can be designed as a predetermined distance between the front surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 and the inner wall of the front surface of the module base 106 when the lens barrel assembly 104 is at the neutral focus position. In some embodiments, the neutral focus front position offset 806A represents, for example, the maximum distance by which the lens barrel assembly 104 can be moved forward from the neutral focus position to focus the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to improve near-field focus.

[0126] Furthermore, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the neutral focus position, the back surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 is spaced from the inner wall of the back surface of the module base 106 by a second offset. Specifically, as shown in the illustration, the inner wall of the back surface of the module base 106 is spaced from the back surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 by a neutral focus back position offset 808A. The neutral focus back position offset 808A can be designed as a predetermined distance between the back surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 and the inner wall of the back surface of the module base 106 when the lens barrel assembly 104 is at the neutral focus position. In some embodiments, the neutral focus back position offset 808A represents, for example, the maximum distance by which the lens barrel assembly 104 can be moved backward from the neutral focus position to focus the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to improve far-field focus.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 8B, in at least one exemplary embodiment, at the tele focus position, the lens barrel assembly 104 has the positioning magnet of the lens barrel assembly 104 , the far - position magnetic offset 804B is positioned to be offset from various axes associated with a pair of positioning pads. In this regard, the front face of the positioning magnet is shifted rearward from the pad front - face axis 802A by the far - position magnetic offset 804B, the back face of the positioning magnet is shifted rearward from the pad back - face axis 802C by the far - position magnetic offset 804B, and the center of the positioning magnet is shifted rearward from the pad center axis 802B by the far - position magnetic offset 804B. In other embodiments, for example, when the positioning magnet is larger and / or smaller than the positioning pad, only the center of the positioning magnet is offset from the pad center axis 802B by the far - position magnetic offset 804B.

[0128] The far - focus position can be defined by the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 when one or more coil - positioning assemblies of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 are in a first power - supply state, e.g., the far - focus power - supply state. In some such embodiments where the coil - positioning assembly is in the far - focus power - supply state, the lens barrel assembly 104, together with the default magnetic force between one or more positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 and one or more positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100, can be positioned within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 based on the magnetic force generated by the coil - positioning assembly in the far - focus power - supply state. For example, in this regard, the interaction between the magnetic forces can result in the resulting magnetic force defining the far - focus position.

[0129] As shown, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the telephoto position, the rear surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned as far back as possible within the module base 106. In this regard, there is no rear position offset between the inner wall of the rear surface of the module base 106 and the rear surface of the lens barrel assembly 104. In some such embodiments, the inner wall of the rear surface of the module base 106 may contact the rear surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 to prevent the lens barrel assembly 104 from moving further back. In other embodiments, at the telephoto position, the lens barrel assembly 104 may contact one or more rear limiting components, such as a rear limiting screw, as described with respect to the discrete focus lens assembly 150. As shown, it should be understood that the telephoto position may be positioned rearward from the neutral focus position by a distance represented by the neutral focus rear position offset, as described above with respect to 808A.

[0130] Furthermore, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the telephoto position, the front surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the front surface of the module base 106 by a second offset. Specifically, as shown, the inner wall of the front surface of the module base 106 is spaced apart from the front surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 by the telephoto front position offset 806B. The telephoto front position offset 806B may represent a distance equal to the neutral focus rear position offset 808A added to the neutral focus front position offset 806A. In other words, in some such embodiments, the telephoto front position offset 806B represents the maximum distance by which the front surface of the lens barrel assembly 104 can be positioned from the inner wall of the front surface of the module base 106. It should be understood that in order to move the lens barrel assembly 104 to the telephoto position, the magnetic offset 804B may coincide with the neutral focus rear position offset 808A, as described above. It should be understood that moving the lens barrel assembly 104 may improve the far-field focus of the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 8C, in at least one exemplary embodiment, at the near focus position, the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned such that the positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 are offset from various axes associated with the pair of positioning pads by only the near position magnetic offset 804C. In this regard, the front surface of the positioning magnet is shifted forward from the pad front axis 802A by only the near position magnetic offset 804C, and the back surface of the positioning magnet is shifted forward from the pad back axis 802C by only the near position magnetic offset 804C, and the center of the positioning magnet is shifted forward from the pad center axis 802B by only the near position magnetic offset 804C. In other embodiments, for example, if the positioning magnet is larger and / or smaller than the positioning pad, only the center of the positioning magnet is offset from the pad center axis 802B by only the near position magnetic offset 804C.

[0132] The near focus position may be defined by the position of the lens barrel assembly 104 when one or more coil positioning assemblies of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 are in a second power supply state, for example, the near focus power supply state. In some such embodiments where the coil positioning assembly is in the near focus power supply state, the lens barrel assembly 104, together with the default magnetic force between one or more positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly 104 and one or more positioning pads of the discrete focus lens assembly 100, can be positioned within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 based on the magnetic force generated by the coil positioning assembly in the near focus power supply state. For example, in this regard, the interaction between the magnetic forces can result in the resulting magnetic force defining the near focus position.

[0133] As shown, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the near focus position, the front face of the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned as far forward as possible within the module base 106. In this regard, there is no front face position offset between the inner wall of the front face of the module base 106 and the front face of the lens barrel assembly 104. In some such embodiments, the module base 106 may contact the lens barrel assembly 104 to prevent the lens barrel assembly 104 from moving somewhat further forward. In other embodiments, at the near focus position, the lens barrel assembly 104 may contact one or more front face limiting components, such as a front face limiting screw, as described with respect to the discrete focus lens assembly 150. As shown, it should be understood that the near focus position may be positioned forward from the neutral focus position by a distance represented by the neutral focus front face position offset, as described above with respect to 806A.

[0134] Further, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned at the near focus position, the rear face of the lens assembly 104 is spaced from the inner wall of the rear face of the module base 106 by a second offset. Specifically, as shown, the inner wall of the rear face of the module base 106 is spaced from the rear face of the lens barrel assembly 104 by a near focus rear face position offset 808C. The near focus rear face position offset 808C may represent a distance equal to the neutral focus rear face position offset 808A added to the neutral focus front face position offset 806A. In other words, in some such embodiments, the near focus rear face position offset 808C represents the maximum distance by which the rear face of the lens barrel assembly 104 may be positioned from the inner wall of the module base 106. It should be understood that, to move the lens barrel assembly 104 to the near focus position, the magnetic offset 804C may coincide with the neutral focus front face position offset 806A, as described above. It should be understood that moving the lens barrel assembly 104 may improve the near field focus of the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0135] It should be understood that the above focus positions are merely examples for purposes of explanation and illustration. In other embodiments, the lens barrel assembly may be continuously positioned within the module base. In this regard, for example, the positioning coil assembly of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 may be powered in any number of power states. Each of the power states may correspond to a magnetic force that results in defining a different focus position. In some such embodiments, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned further forward within the module base 106 along the continuous spectrum of focus positions, the near-field focus of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is improved. Similarly, in some such embodiments, when the lens barrel assembly 104 is positioned further rearward within the module base 106 along the continuous spectrum of focus positions, the far-field focus of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is improved.

[0136] Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C each illustrate the visualization of an image data object that includes various visually encoded indicia captured by an image sensor using a discrete focus lens assembly having a lens barrel assembly at different focal positions. Specifically, each of FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C shows a near-field indicium at a first distance from the discrete focus lens assembly, a neutral-field indicium at a second distance from the discrete focus lens assembly, and a far-field indicium at a third distance from the discrete focus lens assembly. In one exemplary context, for example, as illustrated, the near-field indicium may be positioned 1 meter from the discrete focus lens assembly, the neutral-field indicium may be positioned 1.8 meters from the discrete focus lens assembly, and the far-field indicium may be positioned 6 meters from the discrete focus lens assembly. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the near-field indicium, the neutral-field indicium, and / or the far-field indicium may be positioned at alternative distances relative to the above distances, such as when the far-field indicium is positioned farther than a neutral-field indicium that is positioned farther than the near-field indicium.

[0137] FIG. 9A shows an image data object representing various visually encoded indicia captured using a lens barrel assembly at a default focal position, as shown, for example, in relation to FIG. 8A. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly may be positioned to enable the capture of visually encoded indicia at a median or determined central range of distances that are more in focus, such as at 1.8 meters and / or about 1.8 meters from the lens barrel assembly.

[0138] FIG. 9A includes a first display of far - field mark 902A, a first display of neutral - field mark 904A, and a first display of near - field mark 906A. As shown, the first display of far - field mark 902A is out of focus, and as a result, the captured display is blurred because it is not at a distance close to the focal range associated with the neutral - focus position of the lens barrel assembly. Similarly, the first display of near - field mark 906A is also out of focus, and as a result, the captured display is blurred because it is also not at a distance close to the focal range associated with the neutral - focus position of the lens barrel assembly. However, in this regard, near - field mark 906A is closer to the focal range associated with the near - focus position of the lens barrel assembly, and thus is more in focus than the display of far - field mark 902A. The first display of neutral - field mark 904A is the most in focus because the focal range of the neutral - focus position coincides with and / or is closest to the distance at which the neutral - field mark is located. Therefore, an object at this distance is most clearly displayed in the captured image data object. Therefore, when the lens barrel assembly is positioned at the neutral - focus position, a visually encoded mark in the focal range associated with the neutral - focus position of the lens barrel assembly, such as 1.8 meters, is most likely to be successfully detected and / or successfully decoded from the image data object.

[0139] FIG. 9B shows an image data object captured using the lens barrel assembly at the near - focus position and representing various visually encoded marks. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly can be positioned to enable the capture of visually encoded marks at a closer, more in - focus distance, such as at 1 meter and / or about 1 meter from the lens barrel assembly. FIG. 9B includes a second display of far - field mark 902B, a second display of neutral - field mark 904B, and a third display of near - field mark 906B No. As shown, the second display of the far - field mark 902B is the least in focus. As a result, the captured display is blurred because it is farthest from the focal range corresponding to the near - focus position of the lens barrel assembly. Further in this regard, the second display of the neutral - field mark 904B is more in focus than the far - field mark 902B, but since the focal range of the neutral - focus position is not equal to the distance at which the neutral - field mark is located, the neutral - field mark 904B remains partially blurred. Thus, the second display of the near - field mark 906B is the most in focus. For example, as a result, the data represented in the image data object most clearly represents the visually encoded mark. In this regard, the focal range of the near - focus position may match or most closely match the distance of the near - field mark. As a result, an object at this distance is most clearly represented in the captured image data object. Therefore, the visually encoded mark in the near - focus range associated with the near - focus position of the lens barrel assembly, e.g., 1 meter, has the highest likelihood of being successfully detected and / or successfully decoded from the image data object.

[0140] FIG. 9C shows an image data object representing various visually encoded marks captured using the lens barrel assembly at the telefocus position. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly can be positioned to enable the capture of visually encoded marks at a more focused long distance, for example, at 6 meters, and / or about 6 meters, or 6 meters or more from the lens barrel assembly. FIG. 9C includes a third display of the far-field mark 902C, a third display of the neutral-field mark 904C, and a third display of the near-field mark 906C. As shown, the third display of the near-field mark 906C is the least focused, and as a result, the captured display is blurred because it is farthest from the focal range corresponding to the telefocus position of the lens barrel assembly. Further in this regard, the third display of the neutral-field mark 904B is more focused than the third display of the near-field mark 906C, but the third display of the neutral-field mark 904C remains partially blurred because the focal range of the telefocus position is not equal to the distance at which the neutral-field mark is located. Thus, the third display of the far-field mark 902C is the most focused, and for example, as a result, the data represented in the image data object most clearly represents the visually encoded mark. In this regard, the focal range of the telefocus position can match or most closely match the distance of the far-field mark, and as a result, an object at this distance is most clearly represented in the captured image data object. Therefore, visually encoded marks in the focal range associated with the telefocus position of the lens barrel assembly, for example 6 meters, are most likely to be successfully detected and / or successfully decoded from the image data object.

[0141] It should be understood that the illustrated displays are merely exemplary. In other embodiments, such displays may be better focused by positioning the lens barrel assembly at one or more other focal positions. For example, in some other embodiments, the display of the visually encoded mark at 3 meters may be focused at additional focal positions between the neutral focal position and the far focal position along the continuous focal position spectrum. Details of Exemplary Magnetic Forces and Functions of a Barrel Lens Assembly

[0142] Although the physical configuration of the focal position of the lens barrel assembly has been described, details regarding the magnetic forces that cause repositioning of the lens barrel assembly and the functions associated with the discrete focus lens assembly are provided herein. It should be understood that the specific details and / or implementation values described are merely exemplary. In fact, in other embodiments, similar implementations may be utilized as those described and depicted. In this regard, it should be understood that the specific implementations described and / or illustrated are not intended to limit the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0143] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the magnetic forces exerted by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a discrete focus lens assembly, according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 10A shows the magnetic forces exerted by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a discrete focus lens assembly in a situation where the pair of coil positioning assemblies are in a non-powered state. FIG. 10B shows the magnetic forces exerted by each of a pair of coil positioning assemblies associated with a pair of positioning magnets of a discrete focus lens assembly in a situation where the pair of coil positioning assemblies are in a first powered state.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 10A, the first positioning magnet in combination with the first positioning coil assembly exerts a first magnet coil force 1002. For example, in this regard, the first positioning magnet and the first positioning coil assembly may be located on top of the discrete focus lens assembly. Similarly, the second positioning magnet in combination with the second positioning coil assembly exerts a second magnet coil force 1004. For example, the second positioning magnet and the second positioning coil assembly may be located on top of the discrete focus lens assembly.

[0145] 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 opposite directions to each other, such that the first magnet coil force 1002 combines with the second magnet coil force 1004 along a desired direction of movement (e.g., forward or backward) to improve the efficiency for moving the lens barrel assembly in the desired direction and cancel in one or more orthogonal directions (e.g., directions towards one or more positioning pads) not required for such movement. In this regard, in some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly may remain at the default focus position despite the presence of the first magnet coil force 1002 and the second magnet coil force 1004. In some such embodiments, the first magnet coil force 1002 and the second magnetic coil force 1004 may move the lens barrel assembly to the default focus position and / or move the lens barrel assembly to another focus position along the movement axis based on the current direction and current intensity of the current flowing through each of the pair of positioning coil assemblies. Thus, the first magnet coil force 1002 in combination with the second magnet coil force 1004 may define the default focus position of the lens barrel assembly within the module base.

[0146] FIG. 10B illustrates a third magnet coil force 1052 and a fourth magnet coil force 1054. The third magnet coil force 1052 can be exerted by an upper positioning magnet in combination with an upper positioning coil assembly powered in a first power supply state. Similarly, the fourth magnet coil force 1054 can be exerted by a lower positioning magnet in combination with a lower positioning coil assembly powered in the first power supply state. As shown, the third magnet coil force 1052 includes at least some magnetic forces that are symmetric but opposite to at least some of the magnetic forces exerted by the fourth magnet coil force 1054. Such opposite magnetic forces can cancel each other out so that there is no net magnetic force in such a direction, for example, orthogonal to the direction of movement enabled by the engagement of the lens barrel assembly with one or more module alignment pins. In addition, the third magnet coil force 1052 and the fourth magnet coil force 1054 each exert a magnetic force in the same direction parallel to the direction of movement (e.g., the direction toward the front of the module base) enabled by the engagement of the lens barrel assembly with one or more module alignment pins. These magnetic forces can be applied to the lens barrel assembly to reposition the lens barrel assembly to a new focal position along the module alignment pin(s). In a situation where the positioning coil assembly is powered in a different power supply state, for example, a negative state compared to the first power supply state, the generated magnetic force can be in the opposite direction parallel to the module alignment pin, such that, for example, the magnetic force is applied to the lens barrel asse mbly to cause movement in the other direction (e.g., the direction toward the back of the module base). It should be understood that this can be the case.

[0147] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary distribution of force with respect to displacement. Specifically, as illustrated, the distribution includes a graph 1150 of the displacement of the lens barrel assembly compared to the magnetic force exerted. In this regard, the front surface of the module base may be associated with positive displacement, and the back surface of the module base may be associated with negative displacement. Specifically, as illustrated, at the default and / or otherwise neutral focus position (e.g., 0.00 um), the magnetic force is approximately 22 mN. As the displacement increases in the positive direction (i.e., towards the front surface of the module base), the required force decreases and approaches zero. Similarly, as the displacement decreases in the negative direction (i.e., towards the back surface of the module base), the required force further increases and approaches 39 mN.

[0148] The focus position may be defined based on the current direction and intensity within one or more positioning coil assemblies, such as a pair of positioning coil assemblies. For example, in this regard, the lens barrel assembly may be positioned at the default position in a state where there is no current to the pair of positioning coil assemblies (e.g., non-powered state). Further, in this regard, the lens barrel assembly may be positioned at the maximum forward position when the first maximum current intensity in the first direction is applied to the pair of positioning coil assemblies (e.g., the first powered state). Similarly, in this regard, the lens barrel assembly may be positioned at the maximum rearward position when the second maximum current intensity in the second direction is applied to the pair of positioning coil assemblies (e.g., the second powered state).

[0149] By distributing the various necessary forces to position the lens barrel assembly at the front, back, or neutral focus position within the module base, the discrete focus lens assembly is designed to quickly position the lens barrel assembly at an extreme position by rapidly changing the applied magnetic force. In this regard, for example, one or more positioning coil assemblies can be operated to exert a magnetic force of zero or approximately zero, such as the lowest possible magnetic force, to position the lens barrel assembly as close as possible to the front of the module base, e.g., near the focus position farthest from the image sensor. Similarly, one or more positioning coil assemblies can be operated to exert the maximum magnetic force or a magnetic force close to the maximum to position the lens barrel assembly as close as possible to the back of the module base, e.g., at the telephoto focus position closest to the corresponding image sensor. Further, one or more positioning coil assemblies can be operated to exert an intermediate target magnetic force to position the lens barrel assembly at the neutral focus position towards the center of the module base. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly can be designed to rapidly exert the forces necessary to enable displacement of the lens barrel assembly and translate it to at least these three discrete focus positions. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the discrete focus lens assembly can be configured to exert the forces necessary to enable displacement of the lens barrel assembly and translate it to any number of other focus positions.

[0150] For example, FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary graph of the displacement of a lens barrel assembly when a first force is applied to move the lens barrel assembly from a default focus position to a tele focus position, such as from the center of the module base to the back of the module base closest to the associated image sensor. As shown, the lens barrel assembly reacts to the applied force, and as a result, the lens barrel assembly reaches the tele focus position at approximately position time 1202, within, for example, 2 milliseconds. Further, the lens barrel assembly stabilizes its position within, for example, 10 milliseconds by position time 1204. In this regard, the magnetic force can reposition the lens barrel assembly to the tele focus position with a rapid response time that is not likely to be noticed during human operation and / or otherwise interfere with the operation of the assembly and / or the associated imaging device.

[0151] FIG. 12B illustrates another exemplary graph of the displacement of a lens barrel assembly when a second force is applied to move the lens barrel assembly from a default focus position to a wide focus position, such as from the center of the module base to the front of the module base farthest from the associated image sensor. As shown, the lens barrel assembly reacts to the applied force, and as a result, the lens barrel assembly reaches the wide focus position at approximately position time 1252, in, for example, 2 to 2.5 milliseconds. Further, the lens barrel assembly stabilizes its position within, for example, 10 milliseconds again by position time 1254. In this regard, the magnetic force can also reposition the lens barrel assembly to the wide focus position with a rapid response time that is not likely to be noticed during human operation and / or otherwise interfere with the operation of the assembly and / or the associated imaging device. For example, conventional variable focus implementations (many of which, as described, cannot fit into small form factor devices) achieve a stable focus in 19 to 21 milliseconds, and thus, one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein respond faster than conventional implementations. An exemplary apparatus including at least a discrete focus lens assembly

[0152] Although various possible implementations of the discrete focus lens assembly and its various details have been described, additional description is provided with respect to an apparatus that integrates at least one discrete focus lens assembly. In some embodiments, it should be understood that one or more of the apparatuses described may include one discrete focus lens assembly, for example, to replace a far-field imaging optical system. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the apparatuses may include a plurality of discrete focus lens assemblies, for example, a first for replacing at least a far-field imaging optical system and a second for replacing a close-up imaging optical element. Therefore, the specific embodiments described and / or depicted herein do not limit the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0153] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate an exemplary discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine that includes a discrete focus lens assembly. Specifically, FIG. 13A shows a front perspective view of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. FIG. 13B shows a rear perspective view of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300.

[0154] The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 includes various hardware configured to enable the capture, transmission, and / or processing of one or more image data objects. For example, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 may be configured to capture a near-field image data object representing a near field of view and a far-field image data object representing a far field of view. Additionally or alternatively, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 may be configured to generate one or more illuminations for capturing such image data objects. Specifically, as illustrated, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 includes a near-field lens assembly 1302 associated with a near-field image sensor 1304. The near-field lens assembly 1302 and the near-field image sensor 1304 may form a near-field imager configured to receive light from a particular near field of view and capture that light as a near-field image data object representing the near field of view from the perspective of the near-field imager.

[0155] Similarly, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 includes a discrete focus lens assembly 100 associated with a discrete focus image sensor 1306. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and the discrete focus image sensor 1306 form a far-field imager configured to receive light from a particular far field of view and capture that light as a far-field image data object representing the far field of view from the perspective of the far-field imager. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 may be operated via, for example, one or more activation signals to position the lens barrel assembly at various focus positions and, if necessary, configure the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to focus, for example, to capture a display of an object within a particular determined and / or predetermined focus range. -ta object.

[0156] The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 further includes an integrated illumination aiming optical element 1308. In this regard, the integrated illumination aiming optical element can be designed to generate one or more illumination patterns based on incident light received from one or more illuminator sources (not shown) of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. For example, the integrated illumination aiming optical element 1308 can be associated with an illumination optical element located below the integrated illumination aiming optical element 1308. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the integrated illumination aiming optical element 1308 is configured to receive aiming illumination and project a corresponding aiming pattern based on one or more aiming sub-assemblies of the integrated illumination aiming optical element 1308.

[0157] The discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 further includes an imaging substrate 1310. The imaging substrate 1310 includes hardware, circuitry, and / or the like configured to enable power supply and / or activation of one or more associated components connected to the imaging substrate 1310. For example, in some embodiments, the imaging substrate 1310 is connected to at least the near-field image sensor 1304, the image sensor 1306, one or more illuminator sources of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300, and / or one or more aiming sources of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. In this regard, the imaging substrate 1310 may enable activation of each of these components, for example, to activate the near-field image sensor 1304 and / or 1306 to capture an image data object. In some such situations, the imaging substrate 1310 further transmits such captured image data objects from the image sensor(s) 1306 and / or 1304 to one or more processors and / or other hardware connected to the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the imaging substrate 1310 is connected to at least the discrete focus lens assembly 100, for example, to power and / or otherwise operate one or more coil positioning sub-assemblies in a desired power supply state. In some embodiments, the imaging substrate 1310 is connected to one or more external processors and / or other circuitry for performing such functions. In some embodiments, the imaging substrate 1310 is embodied by one or more printed circuit boards (s). For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the imaging substrate 1310 includes a flexible printed circuit board configured to connect various layers on which one or more other components of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 may be mounted and / or otherwise connected.

[0158] In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can provide variable focus to the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 within a range of focal positions, based on the design of the discrete focus lens assembly 100. For example, in at least some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is configured to be positioned at a near focal position, a neutral focal position, and a far focal position. In some such embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 includes one or more activation signals for powering one or more coil positioning assemblies so as to be determined to be suitable for repositioning the lens barrel assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to a desired focal position for capturing one or more image data objects.

[0159] In some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 receives power from one or more components of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. For example, in some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is connected to a coil power supply circuit embodied within the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300, whereby the coil power supply circuit powers the discrete focus lens assembly 100. In this regard, the coil power supply circuit can set the discrete focus lens assembly 100 to a powered state by providing a specific power value (e.g., current and / or voltage) to the discrete focus lens assembly 100 and / or its sub-components, such as one or more positioning coil assemblies. In some embodiments, the coil power supply circuit is embodied by the imaging substrate 1310 or at least a portion thereof. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can be integrated with and / or otherwise connected to the imaging substrate 1310, and the imaging substrate 1310 can receive one or more instructions from the included and / or associated processor to provide power of a determined value to the discrete focus lens assembly 100.

[0160] In some embodiments, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 may be included in one or more imaging devices. For example, in this regard, FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C illustrate an exemplary discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 14A shows the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 in a front perspective view. FIG. 14B shows the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 in a top-down orthogonal view. FIG. 14C shows the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 in a front orthogonal view.

[0161] As shown in the illustration, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 includes a discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300 housed within a specific device chassis 1402. In this regard, the device chassis 1402 can be configured to accommodate each of the components described with respect to the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. For example, in this regard, the device chassis 1402 can be designed and / or modified to define a discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 as illustrated in FIG. 15. The discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 can be configured to accommodate a discrete focus lens barrel assembly, for example, the discrete focus lens barrel assembly 100 within the defined discrete focus lens assembly space 1404. In some embodiments, the device chassis 1402 comprises an existing device chassis that has been locally modified to define the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404. In this regard, the discrete focus lens assembly can be implemented within the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device without affecting other configurations of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device chassis 1402 is designed to allow removal and / or replacement of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 without the need to disassemble the entire discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can be easily removed from the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 and / or inserted into the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 for operation. In some such implementations, the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 includes one or more hardware support structures, protrusions, and / or the like, configured to engage with the discrete focus lens assembly within the discrete focus lens assembly space 1404 and / or otherwise enable a connection between the discrete focus lens assembly and one or more components of the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1300, such as an imaging substrate.

[0162] In some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly is designed to fit within a minimum form factor device. In this regard, for example, in some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is designed to fit within a device chassis 1402 for use in a small form factor mobile imaging engine. The overlapping and compact nature of the discrete focus lens assembly 100 enables the assembly to fit within a form factor with a limited height that is generally associated with such mobile imaging environments. For example, in some embodiments, the discrete focus lens assembly 100 is designed to have a height of less than 7 millimeters, whereby the discrete focus lens assembly 100 can fit within the chassis of various conventional mobile devices.

[0163] Such imaging devices may be further integrated into any number of larger devices, housings, and / or the like. For example, FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600. The mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600 includes a mobile device chassis designed to house one or more sub-devices and / or sub-assemblies therein. For example, as illustrated, the mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600 includes a cellular phone mobile device chassis 1602. The cellular phone mobile device chassis 1602 may be, for example, a small form factor device chassis such that the chassis is limited based on the limited height of the device. In some such embodiments, for example, the cellular phone mobile device chassis 1602 includes a conventional mobile device chassis associated with a device height of about 7 millimeters, for example, 6.8 - 7.5 mm.

[0164] Furthermore, as shown, the mobile discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1600 includes the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400. In this regard, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 can be designed with a sufficiently small form factor to fit within the mobile phone mobile device chassis 1602 despite the limited height of the device. For example, in this regard, the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400 can be designed with a height of 6.8 mm. Furthermore, the discrete focus lens assembly therein includes a minimized profile sufficient to fit within the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging device 1400, while certain design details enable the assembly to respond within a desired response speed and, for example, use one or more module alignment pins and minimal physically engaging components for moving the lens barrel assembly therein so as not to be affected by vibrations and / or impacts resulting from the fixing of the components.

[0165] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate various exemplary ranges in which an imager of an exemplary discrete focus multi-sensor imager 1400, such as the discrete focus multi-sensor imaging engine 1400, can successfully capture image data objects that display visually encoded indicia of various sizes when, for example, the visually encoded indicia are detected and / or decoded. For example, in the exemplary context depicted, the illustrated graph includes near-field imagers (associated with a focal range of, for example, 0.31 meters), and such details for far-field imagers that include discrete focus lens assemblies as described herein. Specifically, the graph includes a first plot 1702 of a near-field imager associated with a focal range of 0.31 meters, a second plot 1704 of a far-field imager that includes a discrete focus lens assembly positioned at a near-focus position at a focal range of 1 meter, a third plot 1706 of a far-field imager that includes a discrete focus lens assembly positioned at a neutral focus position at a focal range of 1.8 meters, and a fourth plot 1708 of a far-field imager that includes a discrete focus lens assembly positioned at a far-focus position at a focal range of 6 meters. It should be understood that the graph shows the successful reading (e.g., detection and / or decoding) of various visually encoded indicia, as described.

[0166] As shown, plot 1702 represents an image data object that captures visually encoded indicia successfully read by the near-field imager from visually encoded indicia in the range of about 100 mm to about 1500 mm from the indicia. The visually encoded indicia read included a code of 13 mils at a minimum range, an indicia of a visual representation of 4 mils at about 210 mm, and a code of 25 mils at a maximum range of about 1500 mm. In this regard, the effective range of the near-field imager can be defined based on these parameters and the particular visually encoded indicia being read. from the indicia.

[0167] A far - field imager including a discrete focus lens assembly positioned within a 1 - meter focal range successfully read visually encoded marks from a range of approximately 460 mm to approximately 1800 mm. The read visually encoded marks included visually encoded marks of 25 mil at a minimum range, visually encoded marks of approximately 4.5 mil at about 1000 m, and visually encoded marks of 25 mil at a maximum range of about 1800 mm. A far - field imager including a discrete focus lens assembly positioned within a 1.8 - meter focal range successfully read visually encoded marks from a range of approximately 1140 mm to 4450 mm. The read visually encoded marks included visually encoded marks of 25 mil at about 1125 mm, visually encoded marks of approximately 7 mil at about 1650 mm, and visually encoded marks of 25 mil at a maximum range of about 4450 mm. Within this range, various sizes of conventional visually encoded mark types were successfully read up to a certain maximum range. For example, range marker 1710 indicates a maximum range at which a 10 - mil C39 visually encoded mark was successfully read, particularly at 2500 mm (2.5 m / 8.2 ft). Further, range marker 1712 indicates a maximum range at which a 13 - mil UPC visually encoded mark was successfully read, particularly at 3200 mm (3.2 m / 10.5 ft).

[0168] In addition, as shown, a far - field imager including a discrete focus lens assembly positioned within a 6 - meter focal range reads over a much wider range. For example, as shown, the read visually encoded marks included visually encoded marks of 25 mil at a minimum range of about 3190 mm, visually encoded marks of approximately 16.5 mil at about 3600 mm, and visually encoded marks of approximately 21 mil at about 5000 mm. Within this range, range marker 1714 indicates a maximum range at which a 20 - mil C39 visually encoded mark was successfully read, particularly at 4800 mm (4.8 m / 15.7 ft).

[0169] Figure 17B illustrates a second graph over a much larger scale range, specifically from 0 mm to 26000 mm, and various larger sized visually encoded indicia, specifically from 0 mil to 100 mil. In this regard, the graph includes an extended plot 1752 of a far field imager including a discrete focus lens assembly positioned at a telecentric position within a 6 meter focal range. As shown, the read visually encoded indicia continued from a 21 mil visually encoded indicium at 5000 mm to a 100 mil visually encoded indicium at 25000 mm. Within this range, range marker 1754 indicates the maximum range at which a 50 mil C39 visually encoded indicium was successfully read, particularly at 14000 mm (14 m / 46 ft). Additionally, range marker 1756 indicates the maximum range at which a 100 mil C39 visually encoded indicium was successfully read, particularly at the maximum range of 25000 mm (25 m / 82 ft).

[0170] In this regard, in some exemplary embodiments, the use of a discrete focus lens assembly enables the effective range of a multi-sensor imaging device to be improved at long distances. Such long distance improvement can be obtained without affecting the near distance performance of the imaging device. For example, a conventional far field imager may be configured to successfully read a 100 mil code at about 10 meters, whereas one or more embodiments described herein can successfully read at 25 meters with the same near distance performance. Further, as the size of the visually encoded indicia being read increases, such improvement further enables the reading of visually encoded indicia from several meters away to tens of meters away. Thus, some exemplary discrete focus lens assemblies provide such advantages in the effective reading range, in addition to improved resistance to vibration and / or shock and while maintaining a sufficiently fast response time. Exemplary process of a discrete focus lens assembly Exemplary process of a discrete focus lens assembly

[0171] While various aspects of discrete focus lens assemblies and related devices have been described, additional explanation is provided regarding the assembly of one or more discrete focus lens assemblies according to at least some of the exemplary embodiments herein. In this regard, it should be understood that the operations for assembling a discrete focus lens assembly as described herein provide a particular process that can be utilized to create a particular machine for the uses described herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more operations and / or sub-processes of the described process may be performed in any order, and thus it should be understood that the process of the embodiments may include one or more steps in an order other than that described and / or depicted. Accordingly, the particular implementations depicted and / or described are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0172] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary visualization of a process for assembling various components to form a discrete focus lens assembly, according to at least one exemplary embodiment described herein. In this regard, FIG. 18 shows the various components and corresponding intermediate components that are formed when the discrete focus lens assembly 1828 is assembled. In some embodiments, the various depicted components are assembled as described with respect to the processes shown in FIGS. 19-21.

[0173] As shown, one or more positioning magnets 1802 are mounted on an open frame lens barrel 1804 to form a barrel magnet assembly 1806. As shown, for example, the barrel magnet assembly 1806 includes a pair of positioning magnets mounted on opposite sides within a defined space on the open frame lens barrel 1804, and an imaging lens 1808 is inserted within the barrel magnet assembly 1806 to form a lens barrel assembly 1810. The lens barrel assembly 1810 is inserted within an internal module space defined by a module base 1812, and module alignment pins 1814 are inserted to position and / or align the lens barrel assembly 1810 within the module base 1812 to form a fixed module lens barrel assembly 1816. In some embodiments, the module base 1812 and / or the open frame lens barrel 1804 include one or more module alignment pin openings designed to receive module alignment pins 1814 for positioning and / or aligning and / or locking the position of such components.

[0174] One or more positioning coil assemblies 1826 are assembled after, before, or in parallel with assembling the fixed module lens barrel assembly 1816. As shown, each positioning coil 1818 receives a positioning pad 1820 fixed within an internal coil region defined by the positioning coil 1818 to form a coil pad assembly 1822. A coil pad flex connector 1824 is attached to the coil pad assembly 1822 to form a positioning coil assembly 1826. Such operations form a subroutine for forming the positioning coil assembly 1826, which can be repeated any number of times to assemble a desired number of positioning coil assemblies 1826. For example, as shown, the subroutine may be executed two times to assemble a pair of positioning coil assemblies 1826. Additionally or alternatively, In some embodiments, the positioning coil assembly is attached to a coil component substrate (not shown) for attachment to a module base such as module base 1812.

[0175] Once the desired number of positioning coil assemblies 1826 are assembled, the positioning coil assemblies 1826 are attached to the fixed module lens barrel assembly 1816 to form a discrete focus lens assembly 1828. In some embodiments, a pair of positioning coil assemblies 1826 are attached. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, a first positioning coil assembly 1826 is attached to the upper coil position of the fixed module lens barrel assembly 1816 and a second positioning coil assembly 1826 is attached to the lower coil position of the fixed module lens barrel assembly 1816 on the opposite side of the upper coil position. In some embodiments, each of the positioning coil assemblies 1826 is attached to the fixed module lens barrel assembly 1816 using a coil pad flex connector 1824. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, each of the positioning coil assemblies 1826 is attached to a positioning coil substrate using a coil pad flex connector 1824, for example, at a first coil position opposite a second coil position, and the positioning coil substrate is fixed to the fixed module lens barrel assembly 1816 using module alignment pins 1814. For example, the module alignment pins 1814 can be engaged with module alignment openings of the positioning coil substrate.

[0176] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an exemplary process 1900 for assembling a discrete focus lens assembly according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a human operator may perform some or all of the shown operations alone or in conjunction with machines and / or tools operated by one or more humans. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a machine operator performs some or all of the shown operations.

[0177] Process 1900 starts at block 1902. Block 1902 includes assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly. Additionally, in at least some such embodiments, the lens barrel assembly comprises a first positioning magnet of a pair of positioning magnets mounted on the opposite side of a second positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets. In some embodiments, each positioning magnet is mounted using one or more adhesives and / or chemical fixing means. In other embodiments, each positioning magnet is physically fixed by engaging with the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the process for assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly includes one or more sub-processes, such as process 2000 as described below with respect to FIG. 20.

[0178] Block 1904 includes inserting the lens barrel assembly into a module space defined by a module base. The module space may be defined based on one or more external structures of the module base, such as one or more walls, whereby the module space defines an internal enclosure defined by the structure of the module base. In some embodiments, the module space is defined with sufficient volume dimensions to allow the lens barrel assembly to fit within the defined module space. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the module base includes one or more alignment pin openings for positioning and / or aligning the lens barrel assembly within the module base as described.

[0179] Block 1906 engages at least one module alignment pin with the lens barrel assembly through at least one alignment pin opening of the module base including causing. In some embodiments, the module alignment pins engage at least one alignment pin opening of the module base and at least one module pin opening of the lens barrel assembly. In this regard, the lens barrel assembly can be engaged such that the lens barrel assembly can still slide along the module alignment pins to reposition within the module base when a force is applied to the lens barrel assembly. In this regard, the module alignment pins can enable the barrel lens assembly to remain properly positioned and / or aligned within the module base while still repositioning to a desired focus position.

[0180] Block 1908 includes assembling a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly. In this regard, each positioning coil assembly can include at least a positioning coil and a corresponding positioning pad. The positioning coil assembly can be assembled for attachment to one or more other components as described. In some embodiments, the process for assembling the first positioning coil assembly and / or the second positioning coil assembly includes one or more sub-processes, such as process 2100 as described below with respect to FIG. 21.

[0181] Block 1910 includes attaching a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly on the module base. The first positioning coil assembly can be positioned on the opposite side of the second positioning coil assembly such that, for example, the first positioning coil assembly is located at the coil position on the upper part of the module base and the second positioning coil is located at the second coil position on the opposite side of the first coil position at the lower part of the module base. In other embodiments, the first positioning coil assembly and / or the second positioning coil assembly are attached on the module base by attaching the first positioning coil assembly and / or the second positioning coil assembly to a positioning coil substrate and attaching the positioning coil substrate to the module base. For example, as described, in some embodiments, module alignment pins engage with one or more module positioning openings of the positioning coil substrate to position and / or align the positioning coil substrate with the module base.

[0182] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an exemplary process 2000 for assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a human operator may perform some or all of the shown operations alone or in combination with machines and / or tools operated by one or more humans. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a machine operator performs some or all of the shown operations.

[0183] Process 2000 starts at block 2002. Block 2002 includes mounting a pair of positioning magnets on the lens barrel to form a barrel magnet assembly. As described, the pair of positioning magnets can be mounted on opposite sides of each other, for example, including a first positioning magnet located at the upper part of the lens barrel and a second positioning magnet located at the lower part of the lens barrel. Further as described, each of the positioning magnets can be mounted using physical means and / or chemical means such as one or more epoxies, adhesives, and / or the like.

[0184] Block 2004 includes inserting an imaging lens into the barrel magnet assembly to form a lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, the lens barrel is designed to include a front opening and a rear opening to allow light to pass through the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the imaging lens matches or substantially matches the opening shape sufficient to maintain the position of the imaging lens within the imaging barrel. For example, in an exemplary context where the lens barrel defines a circular opening of a particular diameter, the imaging lens may similarly include a circular and / or cylindrical design that matches the diameter of the opening or is slightly smaller to accommodate the imaging lens within the opening. In some embodiments, one or more adhesives and / or physical means are utilized to fix the imaging lens within the barrel magnet assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the barrel lens defines a slot configured to receive the imaging lens when the imaging lens is properly positioned and / or aligned. In some embodiments, when block 2004 is complete, the flow returns to one or more other blocks of the flow, as described and / or illustrated. For example, in some embodiments, the flow returns to block 1904 to continue the process described above with respect to FIG. 19. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the process ends upon completion of block 2004.

[0185]

[0186] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an exemplary process 2100 for assembling a positioning coil assembly according to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the process may be repeated for any number of positioning coil assemblies, such as a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly. In some embodiments, a human operator may perform some or all of the operations shown, either alone or in conjunction with machines and / or tools operated by one or more humans. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a machine operator performs some or all of the operations shown.

[0187] Process 2100 begins at block 2102. In some embodiments, block 2102 begins after one or more blocks shown and / or described with respect to other flowcharts herein, for example, after block 1906 shown with respect to FIG. 19. Block 2102 includes inserting a positioning pad within a coil interior region defined by a positioning coil to form a coil pad assembly. In some embodiments, the positioning coil embodies one or more wound wires such that the wound wire surrounds the coil interior region. Accordingly, the positioning pad may be sized to fit within the coil interior region defined by the positioning coil. In some embodiments, the positioning pad is fixed within the coil interior region by any of a number of known physical and / or chemical means.

[0188] Block 2104 includes attaching a flex connector to a coil pad assembly to form a positioning coil assembly. In some embodiments, the flex connector includes one or more printed circuit boards, hardware, and / or other circuitry configured to enable connection of the positioning coil to power and / or control hardware. For example, in some embodiments, the flex connector includes one or more circuits, hardware, and / or the like configured to power the positioning coil in a powered state and a flexible printed circuit board for enabling connection of the positioning coil assembly to the related hardware further connected to such powering hardware. In some embodiments, the flex connector is attached to the underside of the positioning coil by any of a number of known physical and / or chemical means. In some such embodiments, the flex connector may be utilized to connect the positioning coil assembly to the hardware for powering the positioning coil coil and / or the related hardware further connected to such powering hardware.

[0189] In some embodiments, upon completion of block 2104, the flow returns to one or more other blocks of the flow, as described and / or illustrated. For example, in some embodiments, the flow returns to block 1910 and continues the process described above with respect to FIG. 19. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the process ends upon completion of block 2104. In some embodiments, upon completion of block 2104, the flow returns to one or more other blocks of the flow, as described and / or illustrated. For example, in some embodiments, the flow returns to block 1910 and continues the process described above with respect to FIG. 19. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the process ends upon completion of block 2104. Conclusion

[0190] It should be understood that the exemplary implementations described herein are each non-limiting examples of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, one or more extensions implemented in various embodiments may be provided in any combination. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more components may be provided with modifications as described herein.

[0191] For example, some embodiments may provide any number of focal positions, while other embodiments may provide a limited number of discrete focal positions (e.g., a far focal position, a neutral focal position, and a near focal position). Additionally or alternatively, the imaging device of an embodiment may each include any number of discrete focus lens assemblies configured in any number of ways, e.g., within different discrete focus positions. Such implementations are intended to be covered by the disclosure herein and the appended claims provided herein.

[0192] The disclosed embodiments are described with specific exemplary configurations and / or implementation details. In other embodiments, for example, it should be understood that components may be embodied by other materials known in the art to create such components and / or structural equivalents. Further, embodiments may include any number of known structural elements or utilize known methodologies, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, to secure components and / or their sub-components (e.g., to secure one or more LEDs or other components to a circuit board or other printed circuit board).

[0193] This specification includes many specific implementation details, but these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any disclosure or claimed subject matter, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular disclosure. The specific features described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately, or in any suitable sub-combination, in a number of embodiments. Further, features are described above as acting in a particular combination and initially claimed as such, but one or more features from the claimed combination can in some cases be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0194] Similarly, the operations are shown in the drawings in a particular order, but this should not be understood as requiring that the operations be performed in that particular order or sequence shown to achieve the desired results, or that all of the operations shown be performed. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel operations may be advantageous. Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired results. Additionally, the processes shown in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order or sequence shown to achieve the described and / or claimed desired results.

Claims

Claim 1 A discrete focus lens assembly, comprising: A positioning coil substrate having at least a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly; A lens barrel assembly; A module base defining an internal module space designed to house the lens barrel assembly, the module base being designed to support the first positioning coil assembly at a first coil position and the second positioning coil assembly at a second coil position, the first coil position being on the opposite side of the second coil position; At least one module alignment pin engaged with the module base, the positioning coil substrate, and the lens barrel assembly; A coil power supply circuit connected to at least one of the first and second positioning coil assemblies, the coil power supply circuit being configured to supply power to at least one of the first and second positioning coil assemblies; The first and second positioning coil assemblies together with the lens barrel assembly define a focal position of the lens barrel assembly; The focal position of the lens barrel assembly includes a default focus position in a situation where the first and second positioning coil assemblies do not receive current; When the first and second positioning coil assemblies receive current in a first direction, the lens barrel assembly is positioned at a position offset by a first offset from the default focus position in response to a magnetic force between one or more positioning magnets and one or more positioning pads of the lens barrel assembly and a magnetic force generated by the first and second positioning coil assemblies; When the first and second positioning coil assemblies receive current in a second direction different from the first direction, the lens barrel assembly is positioned at a position offset by a second offset from the default focus position in response to a magnetic force between one or more positioning magnets and one or more positioning pads of the lens barrel assembly and a magnetic force generated by the first and second positioning coil assemblies; The positioning pad is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, formed of a magnetic material, and is positioned within the coil internal region of the positioning coil of the positioning coil substrate, discrete focus lens assembly.

2. The discrete focus lens assembly according to claim 1, comprising an assembly in which the height of the discrete focus lens assembly ranges from 6.8 to 7.5 mm.

3. A method of assembling a discrete focus lens assembly, assembling a lens barrel, a pair of positioning magnets, and an imaging lens to form a lens barrel assembly, wherein the lens barrel assembly includes a first positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets mounted on the opposite side of the second positioning magnet of the pair of positioning magnets; inserting the lens barrel assembly into a module space defined by a module base, the module base including at least one alignment pin opening; engaging at least one module alignment pin with the lens barrel assembly through the at least one alignment pin opening of the module base; assembling a first positioning coil assembly and a second positioning coil assembly, the first positioning coil assembly including a first positioning coil and the second positioning coil assembly including a second positioning coil; mounting the first and second positioning coil assemblies on the module base, the first positioning coil assembly being positioned on the opposite side of the second positioning coil assembly; When the first and second positioning coil assemblies receive current in a first direction, the lens barrel assembly is positioned at a first offset position from a default focus position in response to a magnetic force between a plurality of positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly and a plurality of positioning pads and a magnetic force generated by the first and second positioning coil assemblies; The lens barrel assembly is at the default focus position in a situation where the first and second positioning coil assemblies do not receive current. When the first and second positioning coil assemblies receive current in a second direction different from the first direction, the lens barrel assembly is positioned at a second offset position from the default focus position based on the magnetic force between the plurality of positioning magnets of the lens barrel assembly and the plurality of positioning pads, and at least the magnetic forces generated by the first and second positioning coil assemblies. The plurality of positioning pads are substantially the same rectangular parallelepiped shape, the first positioning pad is positioned within the coil inner region of the first positioning coil, and the second positioning pad is positioned within the coil inner region of the second positioning coil.

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