Lensvector Inc.

Polaroid Corporation

Jeffrey James Parker

Tigran Galstian

Armen Zohrabyan

Karen Asatryan

Vladimir Presniakov

Amir Tork

Ted J Cooper

Aram Bagramyan

Gongjian Hu

Behzad Khodadad

Marco Thiboutot

Chong I Cheang

Peter P Clark

Duncan C Sorli

Thomas Charles Antognini

Joseph J Dow

Derek Alexandre Proudian

Thomas Edwin Killick

An auto-focus system employing a tunable liquid crystal lens is provided that collects images at different optical power values as the liquid crystal molecules are excited between a ground state and a maximum optical power state tracking image focus scores. An image is acquired at a desired optical power value less than maximum optical power established with the liquid crystal molecules closer a fully excited state than the maximum optical power state having the same image focus score. This drive signal employed during image acquisition uses more power than was used to achieve the same optical power value during the auto-focus scan, while actively driving the liquid crystal molecules is fast. A pause due to image transfer/processing delays after acquisition is employed to allow slow relaxation of the liquid crystal molecules back to the ground state in preparation for a subsequent focus search.

In-flight auto focus method and system for tunable liquid crystal optical element

A camera module and method for focusing a tunable lens configured to continuously vary its optical power in response to a drive signal. A drive circuit generates the drive signal so that the tunable lens performs a continuous scan of its optical power. An image sensor is configured to acquire light images passing through the tunable lens, and to convert the light images to image signals during the continuous scan. A processor is configured to generate focus scores of the acquired light images using the image signals during the continuous scan. The processor is configured to determine from the focus scores a peak focus score achieved or achievable, and to instruct the drive circuit to adjust the drive signal so that the tunable lens settles at a value of the optical power that corresponds to the peak focus score.

Autofocus system and method

A close-up camera having a plurality of selectable exposure parameters such as variations in magnification, exposure trim and flash illumination includes a lookup table programmed to define follow focus flash illumination in accordance with the parameters selected. Preferably, the camera includes a plurality of exposure lenses, a pair of strobes, an exposure trim selector and a look-up table programmed to define a quench time for the strobes in accordance with the parameters selected. Filter accessories, configured to extend across the camera face, are also provided to modify both the scene light passing to the exposure lens and the illumination from the flash strobes, and the camera includes both additional look-up table capacity for selecting a proper quench time to account for the filter accessory, and means for interfacing with the accessory to automatically modify camera operation in accordance therewith. To facilitate mounting on and removal from the camera, the filter accessory includes a moveable side operable to open and close the facing sides of the accessory.

Camera optical accessories therefor and method of use

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Millis, MA, United States of America

Jeffrey James Parker