Methods and apparatus for controlling the read out of rows of pixel values from sensors corresponding to different optical chains used to capture portions of the same image area are described. The readout is controlled based on user input and/or determinations with regard to the rate of motion in captured images or portions of captured images. For a low rate of motion i, the readout rate of a sensor corresponding to a small focal length is slowed down while the pixel row readout rate of one or more sensors corresponding to one or more optical chains have larger focal lengths are allowed to proceed at a normal rate. For a high rate of motion, the read out rate of the sensor corresponding to the optical chain having the smaller focal length is allowed to proceed at the normal rate.

Methods and apparatus for controlling the read out of rows of pixel values from sensors corresponding to different optical chains used to capture portions of the same image area are described. The readout is controlled based on user input and/or determinations with regard to the rate of motion in captured images or portions of captured images. For a low rate of motion i, the readout rate of a sensor corresponding to a small focal length is slowed down while the pixel row readout rate of one or more sensors corresponding to one or more optical chains have larger focal lengths are allowed to proceed at a normal rate. For a high rate of motion, the read out rate of the sensor corresponding to the optical chain having the smaller focal length is allowed to proceed at the normal rate.

Methods and apparatus for implementing a camera having a depth which is less than the maximum length of the outer lens of at least one optical chain of the camera are described. In some embodiments a light redirection device, e.g., a mirror, is used to allow a relatively long optical chain with a relatively large non-circular outer lens. In some embodiments the light redirection device has a depth, e.g., front of camera to back of camera dimension, which is less than the maximum length of the aperture of the outer lens in the aperture's direction of maximum extent. Multiple optical chains with non-circular outer lenses arranged in different directions may and in some embodiments are used to capture images with the captured images being combined to generate a composite image.

Methods and apparatus for implementing a camera having a depth which is less than the maximum length of the outer lens of at least one optical chain of the camera are described. In some embodiments a light redirection device, e.g., a mirror, is used to allow a relatively long optical chain with a relatively large non-circular outer lens. In some embodiments the light redirection device has a depth, e.g., front of camera to back of camera dimension, which is less than the maximum length of the aperture of the outer lens in the aperture's direction of maximum extent. Multiple optical chains with non-circular outer lenses arranged in different directions may and in some embodiments are used to capture images with the captured images being combined to generate a composite image.

An optical imaging system includes a frame designed to provide mechanical coupling between a first stage and a second stage, a sample holding region located on the first stage, a lens arrangement, and a sensor array. The lens arrangement is disposed between the first stage and the second stage and is designed to receive light from a sample at the sample holding region on the first stage. The lens arrangement has a numerical aperture less than 0.1. The sensor array is coupled to the second stage and is designed to receive light passing through the lens arrangement.

An optical imaging system includes a frame designed to provide mechanical coupling between a first stage and a second stage, a sample holding region located on the first stage, a lens arrangement, and a sensor array. The lens arrangement is disposed between the first stage and the second stage and is designed to receive light from a sample at the sample holding region on the first stage. The lens arrangement has a numerical aperture less than 0.1. The sensor array is coupled to the second stage and is designed to receive light passing through the lens arrangement.

An optical imaging system includes a plurality of fixed lenses disposed along an optical axis; a first reflective member disposed on an object side of the plurality of lenses; and a plurality of reflective members disposed on an image side of the plurality of lenses. At least one of the plurality of lenses is a variable lens having a variable focal length, and each of the plurality of reflective members is configured to move as the focal length of the variable lens changes.

An optical line sensor reads an inspection object conveyed in a sub-scanning direction by a reading line L extending in a main scanning direction and includes a plurality of light-receiving lenses 11 and a plurality of light-receiving elements. The plurality of light-receiving lenses 11 are arranged along the main scanning direction. The plurality of light-receiving elements are arranged linearly along the main scanning direction, and receive light transmitted through the plurality of light-receiving lenses 11. The plurality of light-receiving lenses 11 are arranged to be separated from each other by a diameter of the light-receiving lens 11 or longer. A plurality of light-receiving elements 121 form at least one row or more of the reading lines L.