US Patent 7280290 Movable lens mechanism

Disclosed is a lens mechanism made of a flexible support with a lens positioned on the support. A sensor is positioned below the lens so that it senses photons passing through the lens. At least one actuator is positioned around the lens such that a change in an electric charge on the actuator causes the lens to move. In one embodiment, the lens moves along its optical axis. In another embodiment, the lens moves so that its optical axis tips from the original orientation. In yet another embodiment, the lens moves due to a change in electric charge on an electrostatic charge layer that is substantially coincident with the lens. Embodiments of the invention can provide a dynamic actuator mechanism for positioning a small lens.