The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

A visualization apparatus and a system for enhancing hand-eye coordination during a medical procedure are provided. The visualization apparatus includes an elongate support member, a head member, an operating head element, and a processor. The head member connected to the elongate support member at a predetermined angle includes an angled wall for mounting a reflector. The operating head element connected to an upper end of the head member mounts and supports an objective lens. The objective lens focuses light from an operating field to a reflector to create an image of the operating field. An eyepiece lens accommodated in the elongate support member or the head member magnifies the created image. The processor operatively communicating with an image receiver processes and transmits the magnified image to a viewer. The orientation of the magnified image on the viewer is similar to the orientation of the operating field, thereby enhancing hand-eye coordination.

A visualization apparatus and a system for enhancing hand-eye coordination during a medical procedure are provided. The visualization apparatus includes an elongate support member, a head member, an operating head element, and a processor. The head member connected to the elongate support member at a predetermined angle includes an angled wall for mounting a reflector. The operating head element connected to an upper end of the head member mounts and supports an objective lens. The objective lens focuses light from an operating field to a reflector to create an image of the operating field. An eyepiece lens accommodated in the elongate support member or the head member magnifies the created image. The processor operatively communicating with an image receiver processes and transmits the magnified image to a viewer. The orientation of the magnified image on the viewer is similar to the orientation of the operating field, thereby enhancing hand-eye coordination.

A zoom lens include, from an object side, a first magnification-varying group, an aperture stop and a second magnification-varying group, the first magnification-varying group including: a positive first lens unit configured not to move for zooming; a negative second lens unit configured to move during zooming; and one or more magnification-varying lens units configured to move during zooming, the magnification-varying lens units having a positive combined refractive power, the second magnification-varying group including: a negative first sub lens unit configured not to move for zooming; a negative second sub lens unit configured to move during zooming; and a positive third sub lens unit, the second magnification-varying group moving the second sub lens unit to the image side to displace a focal length range of the entire system toward a long focal length side.

Methods and apparatus relating to image capture of image portions using optical chains with non-parallel optical axis are described. In some embodiments different portions of a scene area of interest captured by different optical chains operating in parallel are combined. The use of multiple optical chains in parallel facilitates generation of an image with a higher overall pixel count than would be possible using a single sensor of one of the optical chains and/or with more light capture than would be captured using a single one of the optical chains.

A display device, in particular for motor vehicle, includes a projection module and an optical path. The optical path has at least one reflection element, which is designed to reflect at least partially an image originating from the projection module in a normal direction of gaze of a user of the display device. A first configuration of the optical path is applied in a first mode of operation of the display device, and a second configuration of the optical path is applied in a second mode of operation of the display device. In the second mode of operation of the display device, at least a part of the image generated by the projection module is visible to the user of the display device in a magnified manner with respect to the first mode of operation of the display device.

A display device, in particular for motor vehicle, includes a projection module and an optical path. The optical path has at least one reflection element, which is designed to reflect at least partially an image originating from the projection module in a normal direction of gaze of a user of the display device. A first configuration of the optical path is applied in a first mode of operation of the display device, and a second configuration of the optical path is applied in a second mode of operation of the display device. In the second mode of operation of the display device, at least a part of the image generated by the projection module is visible to the user of the display device in a magnified manner with respect to the first mode of operation of the display device.

An optical zoom structure includes an amplifying set, a focusing set, and an image display region. The amplifying set resembles the diverging optical effect and includes a first fixed focal set and a first liquid crystal lens. The focusing set resembles a converging optical effect and includes a second fixed focal set and a second liquid crystal lens. The first liquid crystal lens and the second fixed focal set are disposed between the first fixed focal set and the second liquid crystal lens. The first distance is from the first fixed focal set to the first liquid crystal lens. The second distance is from the first liquid crystal lens to the second fixed focal set. The third distance is from the second fixed focal set to the second liquid crystal lens. The fourth distance is from the second first liquid crystal lens to the image display region.

An optical zoom structure includes an amplifying set, a focusing set, and an image display region. The amplifying set resembles the diverging optical effect and includes a first fixed focal set and a first liquid crystal lens. The focusing set resembles a converging optical effect and includes a second fixed focal set and a second liquid crystal lens. The first liquid crystal lens and the second fixed focal set are disposed between the first fixed focal set and the second liquid crystal lens. The first distance is from the first fixed focal set to the first liquid crystal lens. The second distance is from the first liquid crystal lens to the second fixed focal set. The third distance is from the second fixed focal set to the second liquid crystal lens. The fourth distance is from the second first liquid crystal lens to the image display region.

A nanocomposite-ink refractive gradient optic with variable focus optic comprising a first optical-element, a second optical-element, each the optical-elements comprised of a cured nanocomposite-ink wherein the first and second optical-element have a cubic volumetric gradient complex optical index such that when arranged in tandem along an optical axis the optical power varies based on linear translation with respect to another.