Fluidic optical devices

Abstract

A variable focal length lens sensor system for use with UAVs is disclosed. A variable focal length lens camera for use with cell phones. One or more static optical components and one or more are within a housing. The variable focal length lens includes a sidewall and first and second optical surfaces defining an aperture. One or more of the optical surfaces are at least partially elastic. One or more lens fluids are disposed between the aperture and sidewall. An actuator is configured to apply a force to a portion of the variable focal length lens. The applied force results in a change in focal length of the variable focal length lens. The combination of static optical components and variable focal length lenses are capable of providing variable zoom and focus. An image sensor is optically coupled to the variable focal length lens for capturing images. Control electronics are configured to control the fluidic lens and sensor.

1 . A variable focal length lens sensor system for use with UAVs, comprising:
 a housing, wherein the housing is configured for mounting the sensor system to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV);   one or more static optical components within the housing;   one or more variable focal length lens within the housing;   wherein the variable focal length lens comprises:
 first and second optical surfaces defining an aperture, wherein one or more of the optical surfaces are at least partially elastic; 
 a sidewall; 
 one or more lens fluids disposed between the aperture and sidewall; 
 an actuator for applying a force to a portion of the variable focal length lens, 
 wherein the applied force results in a change in focal length of the variable focal length lens, 
 wherein a combination of the static optical components and variable focal length lenses is configured to provide variable zoom and focus; 
   an image sensor optically coupled to the variable focal length lens configured to capture images; and   control electronics configured to control the fluidic lens and sensor.   
     
     
         2 . A variable focal length lens camera for use with cell phones, comprising:
 a housing, wherein the housing is configured for mounting the variable focal length lens camera to a cell phone;   one or more static optical components within the housing;   one or more variable focal length lens within the housing, wherein the variable focal length lens comprises:
 first and second optical surfaces defining an aperture; 
   wherein one or more of the optical surfaces are at least partially elastic;   a sidewall;
 one or more lens fluids disposed between the aperture and sidewall; 
 an actuator for applying a force to a portion of the variable focal length lens; 
 wherein the applied force results in a change in focal length of the variable focal length lens, 
 wherein a combination of the static optical components and variable focal length lenses is configured to provide variable zoom and focus; 
   an image sensor optically coupled to the variable focal length lens configured to capture images; and   control electronics configured to control the fluidic lens and sensor.