Electronic focus adjustment systems and associated methods

Abstract

Electronic focus adjustment systems and associated methods, such as for use with medium format cameras, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an imaging system includes a camera having an image sensor, a table motor having a movable portion, a lens collar attached to the movable portion, a lens held by the lens collar such that the lens is positioned in front of the image sensor of the camera, and a controller. The controller can be configured to control the table motor to adjust a position of the movable portion and thereby adjust (i) a distance between the lens and the image sensor of the camera and (ii) a focus of the imaging system. The lens can be releasably held by the lens collar, and / or the lens collar can be reversibly attached to the movable portion. The camera can be a medium format camera and / or a line scan camera.

Description

ELECTRONIC FOCUS ADJUSTMENT SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 550,200, filed February 6, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to imaging systems. For example, several embodiments of the present technology relate to electronic focus adjustment systems, such as electronic focus adjustment systems for imaging systems employing medium format cameras, and associated systems, devices, and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] A medium format camera is a camera employing a medium format sensor. A medium format sensor is a sensor that is larger than a full frame sensor (e.g., larger than 36mm by 24mm) but smaller than a large format sensor (e.g., smaller than 100mm by 130mm). Common medium format cameras include area scan cameras and line scan cameras. An area scan camera captures an image of an object in a single frame using an array of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The resulting image of the object has a width and height that directly corresponds to the number of pixels in the array. A line scan camera uses a single line of sensor pixels to capture a plurality of image lines in succession. The plurality of image lines can be combined to build a final image of an object.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a partially schematic side view of an imaging system configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a partially schematic side view of an interleaved barrel assembly configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a partially schematic side view of another imaging system configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0008] FIG. 4A is a line plot illustrating effects of proper alignment of a sensor, a lens, and an object plane on focus.

[0009] FIG. 4B is a line plot illustrating effects of minor misalignment of a sensor, a lens, and an object plane on focus.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONA. Overview

[0010] The following disclosure describes electronic adjustment systems and associated devices, systems, and methods. For the sake of clarity and understanding, embodiments of the present technology are primarily discussed in detail below with respect to electronic adjustment systems (and associated devices and methods) for imaging systems employing medium format line scan cameras. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, however, that electronic adjustment systems (and associated systems, devices, and methods) of the present technology can be employed in other contexts, including in imaging systems employing full frame cameras (e.g., full frame line scan cameras, full frame area scan cameras), large format cameras (e.g., large format line scan cameras, large format area scan cameras), medium format area scan cameras, and / or other suitable types of cameras. Such other contexts and applications are within the scope of the present technology.

[0011] To the inventors’ knowledge, no high-quality lens with electronic focus control and near diffraction quality performance exists today for use with medium format cameras. For example, although there are many lenses available today with motors and electronics that facilitate electronic focus adjustment, their quality is not sufficient for many medium format applications. In addition, the motors and electronics in such lenses are integrated with those lenses, meaning that motors and electronics used to adjust the focus of one lens cannot be used to adjust the focus of another lens.

[0012] To address these shortcomings, the inventors have developed high-quality imaging systems that are each capable of electronically adjusting a distance between a lens and a sensorof a camera (e.g., a medium format camera) to adjust the focus of the imaging system to a desired distance. For example, in one embodiment of the present technology, an imaging system employs a lens that lacks integrated electronics. Using a lens collar, the lens (a) is positionable in front of a camera and (b) is attachable to a movable portion of a table motor. A controller is used to precisely adjust the position of the movable portion of the table motor, which adjusts the position of the lens relative to a sensor (e.g., an image sensor, a medium format sensor) within the camera. Because changing the distance between the lens and the sensor adjusts the distance upon which the imaging system is focused, such a system arrangement permits precise and repeatable electronic control over the focus of the imaging system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lens collar can releasably hold the lens and / or the lens collar can be reversibly attached to the movable portion of the table motor. In such embodiments, a lens can be quickly swapped out for another lens with one or more different properties, thereby increasing the versability and / or flexibility of the imaging system. In addition, because the table motor and controller are not integrated with each lens, the same table motor and controller can be used to electronically adjust the focus of a plurality of lenses. This is expected to assist with providing precise and repeatable electronic control of the focus of the imaging system (e.g., largely independent of the lens installed in front of the camera).

[0014] In these and other embodiments, several lenses configured in accordance with the present technology can each include an interleaved barrel assembly that facilitates precise maneuvering of the corresponding lens relative to the camera. The interleaved barrel assembly can include a small gap channel and / or can be coated in grease to reduce the likelihood of dust, particles, and / or other contaminants infiltrating the lens. Additionally, or alternatively, a bellows can be positioned over the interleaved barrel assembly to prevent contaminants from entering into the lens.

[0015] Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-4B to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. However, other details describing well-known structures and systems often associated with imaging systems and electronic focus adjustment systems (and associated systems, devices, and methods) are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the technology.

[0016] Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in FIGS. 1-4B are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the technology. Accordingly, otherembodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present technology. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that further embodiments of the technology can be practiced without several of the details described below.B. Selected Embodiments of Electronic Adjustment Systems for Cameras and Associated Systems, Devices, and Methods

[0017] FIG. 1 is a partially schematic side view of an imaging system 100 (sometimes also referred to herein as an “optical system”) configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. As shown, the imaging system 100 includes a camera 101, a lens 110, a lens collar 120, a table motor 130, and a controller 140 (sometimes also referred to herein as a “focus motor controller”). The lens 110 includes an interleaved barrel assembly 115. In some embodiments, the camera 101 and / or the table motor 130 can be operably connected to a computer (not shown).

[0018] The camera 101 can be a medium format camera. Additionally, or alternatively, the camera 101 can be a line scan camera. In other embodiments, however, the camera 101 can be another suitable type of camera, such as a full frame camera, a large format camera, and / or an area scan camera.

[0019] The lens 110 can be medium format lens and / or a line-scan camera lens. In other embodiments, however, the lens 1 10 can be another suitable type of lens, such as a full frame lens, a large format lens, and / or an area-scan camera lens. In some embodiments, the lens 110 can lack native electronic focus capability / functionality. Alternatively, the lens 110 can include native electronic focus capabilily / functionality.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 110 is mounted in front of the camera 101. More specifically, the lens collar 120 (a) holds the lens 110 in front of a sensor (not shown) of the camera 101 and (b) attaches the lens 110 to a movable portion 135 of the table motor 130. A position of the movable portion 135 is precisely controllable using the controller 140. As the controller 140 adjusts the position of the movable portion 135, the lens collar 120 and the interleaved barrel assembly 115 facilitate moving the lens 110 toward or away from the camera 101. Moving the lens 110 toward or away from the camera 101 adjusts a distance between the lens 1 10 and the sensor of the camera 101 , thereby adjusting a distance the imaging system 100 is focused upon. In other words, the controller 140 can precisely and repeatedly focus the imaging system 100 to a desired distance by electronically adjusting a distance between the lens110 and the sensor of the camera 101 via adjustment of a position of the movable portion 135 of the table motor 130.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lens collar 120 can releasably hold the lens 110 in front of the camera 101. Additionally, or alternatively, the lens collar 120 can be reversibly attached to the movable portion 135 of the table motor 130. As such, the lens collar 120 facilitates quickly swapping out the lens 110 for another lens, such as a lens with one or more different properties (e.g., focal length, f-number (f / #), and / or optical quality) than the lens 110, thereby increasing the versatility and / or flexibility of the imaging system 100.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a partially schematic side view of an interleaved barrel assembly 215 configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The interleaved barrel assembly 215 can be the interleaved barrel assembly 1 15 of FIG. 1 , or another suitable interleaved barrel assembly configured in accordance with the present technology. As shown, the interleaved barrel assembly 215 includes a first barrel 216 interleaved with a second barrel 218. The interleaved barrel assembly 215 further includes a groove 219 designed (a) to prevent collisions between the first barrel 216 and the second barrel 218 and (b) to maintain a small gap channel between the first barrel 216 and the second barrel 218 (e.g., to mitigate or eliminate the likelihood of particles, dust, and / or other contaminates infiltrating the lens 110 and / or depositing upon optical surfaces used for imaging). In some embodiments, grease (not shown) or another suitable material can be applied on the first barrel 216, the second barrel 218, within or about the groove 219, and / or within or about the gap channel. The grease is expected to help trap particles, dust, and / or other contaminants before they infiltrate the lens 110. As such, it is expected that the interleaved barrel assembly 215 will facilitate precise maneuvering of the lens 110 vis-a-vis a camera (e.g., the camera 101 of FIG. 1) while also preventing entry of light and / or contaminates into the lens 1 10 (thereby preserving the cleanliness and functionality of a corresponding imaging system, such as the imaging system 100 of FIG. 1).

[0023] FIG. 3 is a partially schematic side view of another imaging system 300 configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The imaging system 300 is generally similar to the imaging system 100 of FIG. 1. Thus, similar reference numbers are used across FIGS. 1 and 3 to denote identical or at least generally similar components. For example, the imaging system 300 includes a camera 301, a lens 310, a lens collar 320, a table motor 330, and a controller 340. The controller 340 can be configured to control a position of a movable portion 335 of the table motor 330. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the lens 310 can include aninterleaved barrel assembly (e.g., an interleaved barrel assembly similar to the interleaved barrel assembly 115 (FIG. 1) and / or the interleaved barrel assembly 215 (FIG. 2) described above) that can facilitate precise maneuvering of the lens 310 vis-a-vis the camera 301.

[0024] The imaging system 300 of FIG. 3 differs from the imaging system 100 of FIG. 1 in that the imaging system 300 additionally includes a bellows 350. As shown, the bellows 350 can be positioned over at least part of the lens 310, such as over at least part of the interleaved barrel assembly of the lens 310. In some embodiments, the bellows 350 can be integral with at least a portion of the lens 310. Alternatively, the lens 310 can be removably inserted within an interior of the bellows 350. In some embodiments, the bellows 350 can be employed (e.g., in addition to or in lieu of the grease and / or the small gap channel described above with reference to the interleaved barrel assembly 215 of FIG. 2) to mitigate or eliminate the likelihood of dust, particles, and / or other contaminants infiltrating the lens 310.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the lens collar 320 is positioned about the bellows 350 (e.g., such that the bellows 350 is positioned between the lens collar 320 and the interleaved barrel assembly of the lens 310). In other embodiments, however, the lens collar 320 can be positioned at least partly within the interior of the bellows 350. For example, the lens 310 can be positioned within the lens collar 320, and the bellows 350 can thereafter be positioned over at least part of the lens 310 and the lens collar 320.

[0026] Precision tolerance and alignment are required to realize the best imaging quality. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B are line plots 460 and 470, respectively, that illustrate how even a small angular misalignment of a camera sensor, a lens, and / or an object plane can cause a substantial degradation in quality of focus. More specifically, referring first to FIG. 4A, the line plot 460 of FIG. 4A shows that proper alignment of a camera sensor, a lens, and an object plane can achieve generally uniform focus across an entire image plane. Referring now to FIG. 4B, the line plot 470 shows that minor misalignment between the camera sensor, the lens, and / or the object plan can cause each area in the image plane to focus best at different lens distances. Therefore, imaging systems of the present technology (including the imaging system 100 of FIG. 1 and the imaging system 300 of FIG. 3) can be fabricated to the required tolerances to achieve high-precision alignment of the corresponding camera sensors, lenses, and object planes to thereby realize generally uniform focus across an entire image plane.

[0027] Although not shown so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology, any of the forgoing systems, devices, and methods describedabove can include and / or be performed by a computing device configured to direct and / or arrange components of the systems and / or to receive, arrange, store, analyze, and / or otherwise process data received, for example, from the machine and / or other components of the systems. As such, such a computing device includes the necessary hardware and corresponding computerexecutable instructions to perform these tasks. More specifically, a computing device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include a processor, a storage device, input / output device, one or more sensors, and / or any other suitable subsystems and / or components (e.g., displays, speakers, communication modules, etc.). The storage device can include a set of circuits or a network of storage components configured to retain information and provide access to the retained information. For example, the storage device can include volatile and / or non-volatile memory. As a more specific example, the storage device can include random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks or tapes, and / or flash memory.

[0028] The computing device can also include (e.g., non-transitory) computer readable media (e.g., the storage device, disk drives, and / or other storage media) including computerexecutable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor and / or computing device, cause the systems to perform one or more of the methods described herein. Moreover, the processor can be configured for performing or otherwise controlling steps, calculations, analysis, and any other functions associated with the methods described herein.

[0029] In some embodiments, the storage device can store one or more databases used to store data collected by the systems as well as data used to direct and / or adjust components of the systems. In one embodiment, for example, a database is an HTML file designed by the assignee of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, however, data is stored in other types of databases or data files.

[0030] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various components of the systems (e.g., the computing device) can be further divided into subcomponents, or that various components and functions of the systems may be combined and integrated. In addition, these components can communicate via wired and / or wireless communication, as well as by information contained in the storage media.C. Examples

[0031] Several aspects of the present technology are set forth in the following examples. Although several aspects of the present technology are set forth in examples directed to systems, methods, and computer-readable media, these aspects of the present technology can similarly beset forth in examples directed to any of apparatuses / devices, systems, methods, and / or computer- readable media in other embodiments.1. An imaging system, comprising: a camera having an image sensor; a table motor having a movable portion; a lens collar attached to the movable portion; a lens held by the lens collar such that the lens is positioned in front of the image sensor of the camera; and a controller configured to control the table motor to adjust a position of the movable portion and thereby adjust (a) a distance between the lens and the image sensor of the camera and (b) a focus of the imaging system.2. The imaging system of example 1 wherein the lens lacks native electronics for electronic focus adjustment.3. The imaging system of example 1 wherein the lens includes native electronics for electronic focus adjustment, wherein the native electronics are independent of the controller and table motor.4. The imaging system of any of examples 1-3 wherein the lens is releasably held by the lens collar.5. The imaging system of any of examples 1-4 wherein the lens collar is reversibly attached to the movable portion.6. The imaging system of any of examples 1-5 wherein the camera is a medium format camera.7. The imaging system of any of examples 1-5 wherein the camera is a full frame camera or a large format camera.8. The imaging system of any of examples 1-7 wherein the camera is a line scan camera.9. The imaging system of any of examples 1-7 wherein the camera is an area scan camera.10. The imaging system of any of examples 1-9 wherein the lens is a medium format lens.11. The imaging system of any of examples 1-9 wherein the lens is a full frame lens or a large format lens.12. The imaging system of any of examples 1-12 wherein the lens is a line-scan camera lens.13. The imaging system of any of examples 1-12 wherein the lens is an area-scan camera lens.14. The imaging system of any of examples 1-13 wherein the lens includes an interleaved barrel assembly having a first barrel, a second barrel interleaved with the first barrel, and a groove configured to maintain a gap channel between the first barrel and the second barrel.15. The imaging system of example 14 wherein the interleaved barrel assembly includes grease applied on the first barrel, the second barrel, within or about the groove, within or about the gap channel, or any combination thereof.16. The imaging system of any of examples 1-15, further comprising a bellows positioned over at least pail of the lens.17. The imaging system of example 16 wherein the bellows is integral with at least a portion of the lens.18. The imaging system of example 16 wherein the lens is removably inserted within an interior of the bellows.19. The imaging system of any of examples 16-18 wherein the lens collar is positioned about the bellows such that the bellows is at least partially positioned between the lens collar and an interleaved barrel assembly of the lens.20. The imaging system of any of examples 16-19 wherein the lens collar is positioned at least partially within an interior of the bellows.21. A method for electronically adjusting focus of an imaging system, the method comprising: positioning, using a lens collar attached to a movable portion of a table motor that is controllable via a controller, a lens in front of an image sensor of a camera; adjusting, using the controller, a focus of the imaging system, wherein adjusting the focus of the imaging system includes controlling the table motor to adjust a position of the movable portion and the lens collar, and thereby adjust a distance between the lens and the image sensor of the camera.22. The method of example 21 wherein positioning the lens in front of the image sensor of the camera includes releasably holding the lens using the lens collar, reversibly attaching the lens collar to the movable portion, or a combination thereof.23. The method of example 21 or example 22 wherein the camera is a medium format camera.24. The method of example 21 or example 22 wherein the camera is a full frame camera or a large format camera.25. The method of any of examples 21-24 wherein the camera is a line scan camera.26. The method of any of examples 21-24 wherein the camera is an area scan camera.27. The method of any of examples 21-26 wherein the lens is a medium format lens.28. The method of any of examples 21-26 wherein the lens is a full frame lens or a large format lens.29. The method of any of examples 21-28 wherein the lens is a line-scan camera lens.30. The method of any of examples 21-28 wherein the lens is an area-scan camera lens.31. The method of any of examples 21-30 wherein the lens is a first lens and the lens collar is a first lens collar, and wherein the method further comprises: positioning, using the first lens collar or a second lens collar reversibly attached to the movable portion, a second lens in front of the image sensor of the camera, wherein the second lens includes one or more different properties from the first lens; and adjusting, using the controller and the second lens, the focus of the imaging system, wherein adjusting the focus of the imaging system includes controlling the table motor to adjust a position of the movable portion and thereby adjust a distance between the second lens and the image sensor of the camera.32. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause an imaging system to perform a method, the method comprising: adjusting a focus of the imaging system, wherein the imaging system includes (i) a camera having an image sensor and (ii) a lens positioned in front of the image sensor using a lens collar attached to a movable portion of a table motor, and wherein adjusting the focus includes controlling the table motor such that a position of the movable portion and / or a position of the lens collar is adjusted to thereby adjust a distance between the lens and the image sensor of the camera.33. The method of example 32 wherein the camera is a medium format camera.34. The method of example 32 wherein the camera is a full frame camera or a large format camera.35. The method of any of examples 32-34 wherein the camera is a line scan camera.36. The method of any of examples 32-34 wherein the camera is an area scan camera.37. The method of any of examples 32-36 wherein the lens is a medium format lens.38. The method of any of examples 32-36 wherein the lens is a full frame lens or a large format lens.39. The method of any of examples 32-38 wherein the lens is a line-scan camera lens.40. The method of any of examples 32 wherein the lens is an area-scan camera lens.D. Conclusion

[0032] The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, although steps are presented in a given order above, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0033] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. To the extent any material incorporated herein by reference conflicts with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term,respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase “and / or” as in “A and / or B” refers to A alone, B alone, and both A and B. Additionally, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “with” are used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same features and / or additional types of other features are not precluded.

[0034] From the foregoing, it will also be appreciated that various modifications may be made without deviating from the disclosure or the technology. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various components of the technology can be further divided into subcomponents, or that various components and functions of the technology may be combined and integrated. In addition, certain aspects of the technology described in the context of particular embodiments may also be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Furthermore, although advantages associated with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSI / We claim:

1. An imaging system, comprising: a camera having an image sensor; a table motor having a movable portion; a lens collar attached to the movable portion; a lens held by the lens collar such that the lens is positioned in front of the image sensor of the camera; and a controller configured to control the table motor to adjust a position of the movable portion and thereby adjust (a) a distance between the lens and the image sensor of the camera and (b) a focus of the imaging system.

2. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens lacks native electronics for electronic focus adjustment.

3. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens includes native electronics for electronic focus adjustment, wherein the native electronics are independent of the controller and table motor.

4. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens is releasably held by the lens collar.

5. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens collar is reversibly attached to the movable portion.

6. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the camera is a medium format camera.

7. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the camera is a full frame camera or a large format camera.

8. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the camera is a line scan camera.

9. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the camera is an area scan camera.

10. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens is a medium format lens.

11. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens is a full frame lens or a large format lens.

12. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens is a line-scan camera lens.

13. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens is an area-scan camera lens.

14. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the lens includes an interleaved barrel assembly having a first barrel, a second barrel interleaved with the first barrel, and a groove configured to maintain a gap channel between the first barrel and the second barrel.

15. The imaging system of claim 14 wherein the interleaved barrel assembly includes grease applied on the first barrel, the second barrel, within or about the groove, within or about the gap channel, or any combination thereof.

16. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a bellows positioned over at least part of the lens.

17. The imaging system of claim 16 wherein the bellows is integral with at least a portion of the lens.

18. The imaging system of claim 16 wherein the lens is removably inserted within an interior of the bellows.

19. The imaging system of claim 16 wherein the lens collar is positioned about the bellows such that the bellows is at least partially positioned between the lens collar and an interleaved barrel assembly of the lens.

20. The imaging system of claim 16 wherein the lens collar is positioned at least partially within an interior of the bellows.

21. A method for electronically adjusting focus of an imaging system, the method comprising: positioning, using a lens collar attached to a movable portion of a table motor that is controllable via a controller, a lens in front of an image sensor of a camera; adjusting, using the controller, a focus of the imaging system, wherein adjusting the focus of the imaging system includes controlling the table motor to adjust a position of the movable portion and the lens collar, and thereby adjust a distance between the lens and the image sensor of the camera.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein positioning the lens in front of the image sensor of the camera includes releasably holding the lens using the lens collar, reversibly attaching the lens collar to the movable portion, or a combination thereof.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the camera is a medium format camera.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein the camera is a full frame camera or a large format camera.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the camera is a line scan camera.

26. The method of claim 21 wherein the camera is an area scan camera.

27. The method of claim 21 wherein the lens is a medium format lens.

28. The method of claim 21 wherein the lens is a full frame lens or a large format lens.

29. The method of claim 21 wherein the lens is a line-scan camera lens.

30. The method of claim 21 wherein the lens is an area-scan camera lens.

31. The method of claim 21 wherein the lens is a first lens and the lens collar is a first lens collar, and wherein the method further comprises: positioning, using the first lens collar or a second lens collar reversibly attached to the movable portion, a second lens in front of the image sensor of the camera, wherein the second lens includes one or more different properties from the first lens; and adjusting, using the controller and the second lens, the focus of the imaging system, wherein adjusting the focus of the imaging system includes controlling the table motor to adjust a position of the movable portion and thereby adjust a distance between the second lens and the image sensor of the camera.

32. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause an imaging system to perform a method, the method comprising: adjusting a focus of the imaging system, wherein the imaging system includes (i) a camera having an image sensor and (ii) a lens positioned in front of the image sensor using a lens collar attached to a movable portion of a table motor, and wherein adjusting the focus includes controlling the table motor such that a position of the movable portion and / or a position of the lens collar is adjusted to thereby adjust a distance between the lens and the image sensor of the camera.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the camera is a medium format camera.

34. The method of claim 32 wherein the camera is a full frame camera or a large format camera.

35. The method of claim 32 wherein the camera is a line scan camera.

36. The method of claim 32 wherein the camera is an area scan camera.

37. The method of claim 32 wherein the lens is a medium format lens.

38. The method of claim 32 wherein the lens is a full frame lens or a large format lens.

39. The method of claim 32 wherein the lens is a line-scan camera lens.

40. The method of claim 32 wherein the lens is an area-scan camera lens.

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