Automatic focusing camera with moving mirror between fixed lens and fixed image sensor

Abstract

An automatic focusing camera which includes an image sensor is provided having a fixed lens system with a lens having an object side and an image side. The fixed lens system is located in a fixed position relative to the image sensor. A mirror is moveably positioned between the image side of at least one lens and the image sensor. The mirror is located at an angle such that an image observed through the fixed lens system is reflected toward the image sensor. An actuator is connected to the mirror and moves the mirror relative to the lens system to change a distance between the lens system and the image sensor to adjust an object focal length between an object and the object side of the lens.

1 . An automatic focusing camera, comprising:
 an image sensor;   a lens with an object side and an image side;   a mirror disposed between the image side of the lens and the image sensor on an arm that pivots about a first axis that is in a fixed position with respect to the lens, wherein the mirror is located on the arm so that the mirror does not rotate about a second axis passing through the mirror and parallel to the first axis, and wherein the mirror is located on the arm at an angle such that an image observed through the lens is reflected toward the image sensor; and   wherein the arm is movable about the first axis so that the mirror moves relative to the lens to change a distance between the lens and the image sensor and thereby adjust an object focal length between an object and the camera.   
     
     
         2 . The automatic focusing camera of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator connected to the mirror that moves the mirror relative to the lens to change the distance between the lens and the image sensor to adjust the object focal length. 
     
     
         3 . The automatic focusing camera of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is indirectly connected to the mirror through the arm. 
     
     
         4 . The automatic focusing camera of  claim 1 , wherein the object side and the image side are on opposite sides of the lens. 
     
     
         5 . The automatic focusing camera of  claim 1 , wherein the lens is in a fixed position with respect to the image sensor.