The invention relates to a liquid lens (1) with an adjustable optical power comprising at least the following components: a lens volume (VL) with a first transparent liquid (L1) arranged between a first transparent membrane (21) and a second transparent membrane (22) opposite the first membrane (21), wherein the first membrane (21) has a first side (21-1) facing outwards the lens volume (VL) and a second side (21-2) facing in the opposite direction particularly toward the lens volume (VL), wherein the second membrane (22) has a first side (22-1) facing toward the lens volume (VL) and a second side (22-2) facing in the opposite direction particularly outward the lens volume (VL), a lens shaping element (3) arranged on the first membrane (21), the lens shaping element (3) having a circumferential aperture (3a) defining a lens area (21a) of the first membrane (21) having an adjustable curvature, a rigid transparent window element (5) connected to the second membrane (22) covering a window portion (22a) of the second membrane (22), wherein the window element (5) is circumferentially surrounded by a free portion of the second membrane, such that the window element (5) can move relatively to the lens shaping element (3) thereby bending the free portion (22b) of the second membrane (22) and adjusting a liquid pressure in the lens volume (VL), such that a curvature of the first membrane (21) in the lens area (21a) and therefore the optical power of the lens (1) is adjusted.

A convertible computer includes a transparent optical element in the keyboard base that provides light pass-through for the camera but does not interfere with the user's experience. The transparent optical element may include a transparent glass or plastic element that maintains the imaging specifications of the rear-facing camera. In some implementations, the transparent optical element can maintain the f-number of the optical system that includes the camera and the transparent optical element and may not affect image quality of images captured by the camera. In some arrangements, the transparent optical element can include an optical system that can increase the light-gathering ability of the camera (e.g., decreases f-number), effectively converting the camera lens into a macro lens. In other arrangements, the transparent optical element can include an optical system that can improve the imaging of distant objects (e.g., increases f-number), effectively converting the camera lens into a telephoto lens.

Disclosed is a camera module comprising: a lens assembly comprising a liquid lens which comprises a first liquid and a second liquid forming the surface; a gyro sensor for outputting inclination information; and a controller for adjusting the surface by applying a driving signal to the liquid lens on the basis of focal information and the inclination information, wherein the controller applies different weights to the driving signal in accordance with the angular velocity of the liquid lens obtained on the basis of the inclination information.

A liquid crystal optical device is provided, including a layered structure including at least two support substrates. An external hole patterned control electrode is provided on one of the substrates and has an aperture. An internal hole patterned control electrode is provided on one of the substrates within the aperture, the internal and outer control electrodes being separated by a gap, which forms part of the aperture. A weakly conductive material is provided on one of the substrates over the aperture. A planar transparent electrode is provided on another one of the substrates. An alignment surface is provided on the substrates over the electrodes. A layer of liquid crystal material is contained by the substrates and in contact with the alignment surface of the substrates. A floating transparent electrode is provided on a side of one of the substrates opposite the outer and the internal hole patterned electrode.

A lens unit with a central axis is provided. The lens unit includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a first driving assembly. The fixed portion includes an outer frame and a bottom combined with the outer frame. The outer frame and the bottom are arranged along the central axis. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion, and carries a lens with an optical axis. The central axis is not parallel to the optical axis. The first driving assembly is connected to the movable portion, and drives the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The first driving assembly also includes a biasing element made of a shape memory alloy.

A method of operating a liquid lens can include positioning a variable interface between first and second liquids in a brace position in response to a brace trigger event. The variable interface can be adjustable between (a) a rest position in which a perimeter of the variable interface is spaced from a first window of the liquid lens by a rest distance and (b) the brace position in which the perimeter of the variable interface is spaced from the first window by a brace distance. The brace distance can be greater than the rest distance. In the rest position, the variable interface can have a rest surface area. In the brace position, the variable interface can have a brace surface area. The brace surface area can be less than the rest surface area.

An optical element driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed part, a movable part and a driving assembly. The fixed part has a main axis, includes an outer frame and a base. The outer frame has a top surface and a sidewall. The top surface intersects the main axis. The sidewall extends from the edge of the top surface along the main axis. The base includes a base plate intersecting the main axis and securely connected to the outer frame. The movable part moves relative to the fixed part, and connects to an optical element having an optical axis. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed part. The main axis is not parallel to the optical axis.

An embodiment of a camera module includes a holder configured such that the upper and lower portions of the holder are open and such that a first hole and a second hole, opposite to the first hole, are formed in the side surface of the holder, a first lens unit coupled to the upper portion of the holder, a second lens unit coupled to the lower portion of the holder, and a liquid lens disposed in the first hole and the second hole of the holder between the first lens unit and the second lens unit, the liquid lens protruding outward from the side surface of the holder, wherein at least a portion of the liquid lens may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the holder.

The present disclosure relates to an optical field and more particularly, to a multi-field of view (FOV) (zooming) optical assembly for a lens and may include an optical element provided in a form of a solid main optical element and including an integrated focal system with two mirrors and at least one integrated afocal system with two mirrors, a plurality of switching optical elements (SOEs) arranged on a front face of the optical element and configured to be switched between an open state in which light is transmitted and a closed state in which light is reflected and/or inhibited, and an image plane curvature correction element.

SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.