Methods and apparatus for performing zoom in and zoom out operations are described using multiple optical chains in a camera device. At least one optical chain in the camera device includes a moveable light redirection device, said light redirection device being one of a substantially plane mirror or a prism. Different zoom focal length settings correspond to different scene capture areas for the optical chain with the moveable light redirection device. Overlap between scene areas captured by different optical chains increases during zoom in and decreases during zoom out. Images captured by different optical chains are combined and/or cropped to generate a composite image corresponding to a zoom focal length setting.

A varifocal-type optical scanning probe including an optical fiber scanner and a varifocal lens is provided. The varifocal lens includes: a first membrane lens comprising a first lens surface with a variable curvature and a first pressure surface configured to induce a curvature variation of the first lens surface; a second membrane lens including a second lens surface with a variable curvature and a second pressure surface configured to induce a curvature variation of the second lens surface; a first pressure member disposed to apply a pressure to the first pressure surface; a second pressure member disposed to apply a pressure to the second pressure surface; and a motor configured to transmit a driving force to at least one of the first pressure member and the second pressure member.

A varifocal-type optical scanning probe including an optical fiber scanner and a varifocal lens is provided. The varifocal lens includes: a first membrane lens comprising a first lens surface with a variable curvature and a first pressure surface configured to induce a curvature variation of the first lens surface; a second membrane lens including a second lens surface with a variable curvature and a second pressure surface configured to induce a curvature variation of the second lens surface; a first pressure member disposed to apply a pressure to the first pressure surface; a second pressure member disposed to apply a pressure to the second pressure surface; and a motor configured to transmit a driving force to at least one of the first pressure member and the second pressure member.

An actuation mechanism for simultaneous actuation of first and second variable focal length lenses is disclosed. Each lens comprises a distensible membrane bounding a fluid-filled cavity, the focal length varying with the degree of curvature of the membrane as it distends. The actuation mechanism comprises a hydraulic master actuator in fluid communication with a hydraulic slave actuator associated with the first lens and with a hydraulic slave actuator associated with the second lens. Each slave actuator is configured to vary the degree of distension of the membrane of its associated lens in response to operation of the master actuator, whereby the master actuator is operable to cause a variation of the degree of distension of the membranes of both the first and second lenses simultaneously.

An actuation mechanism for simultaneous actuation of first and second variable focal length lenses is disclosed. Each lens comprises a distensible membrane bounding a fluid-filled cavity, the focal length varying with the degree of curvature of the membrane as it distends. The actuation mechanism comprises a hydraulic master actuator in fluid communication with a hydraulic slave actuator associated with the first lens and with a hydraulic slave actuator associated with the second lens. Each slave actuator is configured to vary the degree of distension of the membrane of its associated lens in response to operation of the master actuator, whereby the master actuator is operable to cause a variation of the degree of distension of the membranes of both the first and second lenses simultaneously.

Described herein are systems and methods for enabling small high-magnification cameras to operate in low-light (e.g., night-time) conditions. These camera systems can include use of polarizing beamsplitters, waveplates, and reflectors to enable a long path of light in a camera. Also described are methods to enable a single camera to operate at two light paths and two focal lengths simultaneously. Two focal lengths (two magnifications) can be supported within a single camera or imaging device.

Described herein are systems and methods for enabling small high-magnification cameras to operate in low-light (e.g., night-time) conditions. These camera systems can include use of polarizing beamsplitters, waveplates, and reflectors to enable a long path of light in a camera. Also described are methods to enable a single camera to operate at two light paths and two focal lengths simultaneously. Two focal lengths (two magnifications) can be supported within a single camera or imaging device.

A head-mounted display device and a zoomable curved optical device thereof is disclosed. The zoomable curved optical device includes a curved polarization reflection film, a waveplate, a half-mirror film, and a zoomable module. The waveplate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The half-mirror film is arranged on the first surface of the waveplate. The zoomable module is adhered to the second surface of the waveplate with an optical adhesive. The curved polarization reflection film is arranged on the zoomable module. The head-mounted display device and the zoomable curved optical device thereof adopt a polarization reflection film with the shorter radius of curvature to have lightweight and slim properties.

A head-mounted display device and a zoomable curved optical device thereof is disclosed. The zoomable curved optical device includes a curved polarization reflection film, a waveplate, a half-mirror film, and a zoomable module. The waveplate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The half-mirror film is arranged on the first surface of the waveplate. The zoomable module is adhered to the second surface of the waveplate with an optical adhesive. The curved polarization reflection film is arranged on the zoomable module. The head-mounted display device and the zoomable curved optical device thereof adopt a polarization reflection film with the shorter radius of curvature to have lightweight and slim properties.

The effective focal length of an optical system can be electronically controlled using switchable wave plates in conjunction with polarized light.