Patent ID: 7667186
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: G01D,G02B

Abstract:
1. A method for determining the position of a lens system, comprising the steps of: providing a lens system including at least one lens and a light reflecting surface, the light reflecting surface being a single, tilted surface of a single color and including a nonuniform height; providing a position sensor including at least one light source and a light detector; sending an initial signal from the light source to the light reflecting surface, the light reflecting surface reflecting the initial signal to the light detector at a reflection region; and generating an electrical output signal based upon the reflected signal from the light source, the electrical output signal providing positioning information for the lens system, wherein intensity of the reflected signal is weakened as the reflection region moves farther from the position sensor, and wherein, as the lens moves relative the position sensor, the electrical output signal is altered based upon the position of the reflection region as the reflection region moves relative the position sensor.