Patent Publication Number: US-7583289-B2

Title: Optical block assembly

Description:
This patent application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/437,690, filed Jan. 2, 2003, and entitled “OPTICAL BLOCK ASSEMBLY” by Hovanky et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to optical block assemblies, and more particularly to folded light path optical block assemblies. 
     Existing optical blocks for video cameras, such as closed circuit television (“CCTV) cameras, use a single linear optical path for light to enter the image sensor. For example, existing closed circuit television (“CCTV”) camera optical blocks are based on consumer electronics grade camcorder technology. In this technology, the image sensors are generally in the ⅓″ or ¼″ formats and the corresponding video format is of standard 768×494 pixel resolution for NTSC video signal format and 752×582 pixel resolution for PAL video signal format. A typical linear optical assembly  100  for existing CCTV products is shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , linear optical assembly  100  has a lens end  102  that includes a front lens  106 , and a sensor end  104  that includes an image sensor  112  for receiving light gathered by lens  106 . Also shown are zoom and focus lenses  120  and  122 . The linear optical block configuration of assembly  100  forms a single linear optical path having a single longitudinal axis  101  between lens  106  and sensor  108 . Linear optical assembly  100  is configured to swivel about a point  110 , which is positioned near the center of gravity of linear assembly  100 , to pan or tilt the assembly. Drawbacks associated with the configuration of such existing optical blocks include limitations on image sensor size, and rotational inertia associated with longer optical blocks and increased rotational speeds. 
     As image sensor resolution increases, the size of the sensor will typically increase. For example, typical CCTV resolution sensors have resolutions of 768×494 or 752×582 and have a diagonal size of either ¼″ or ⅓″. However, as resolutions increase to 1280×720 and beyond (e.g., to full High Definition Television—“HDTV” resolution), the image sensor size increases to the ½″ to ⅔″ range. This increase in size is due to the requirement to maintain overall sensitivity of the image element which is a function of size and light gathering capability. This sensitivity issue is most pronounced in camera applications where low light conditions are routinely encountered. While the linear arrangement of internal optical components may be acceptable for standard analog video resolutions, it is not possible to accommodate larger image sensors sizes without elongating the optical lens assembly. Extension of the optical block to accommodate larger sensor sizes results in larger housings, for example, requiring larger CCTV dome enclosures to house the optical block. 
     As the length of the optical block increases the rotational inertia required to pan and tilt the assembly also increase. This is true even if the optical block pivots at its center of gravity. This increased rotational inertia results in decreased efficiency from an electro-mechanical drive perspective. This problem is accentuated when increased rotational or pivoting speeds are desired, e.g., as desired by the CCTV video surveillance industry. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed herein are optical block assemblies having single or multi-stage (e.g., having dual stage, having three or more stages, etc.) folded light path lens assemblies that may be advantageously implemented to allow an optical block assembly to occupy significantly less space and/or present reduced rotational inertia to an electrical articulating mechanism. In one embodiment, an optical assembly may be configured to result in a more energy efficient pan tilt zoom mechanism that fits into a smaller CCTV dome size. However, although the disclosed folded light path optical block assemblies may be implemented to provide unique advantages in CCTV applications, it will be understood that the disclosed assemblies may also be advantageously employed in any suitable video imaging application including, but not limited to, applications involving non-articulated or articulated cameras such as normal filming (e.g., motion picture film cameras or studio television cameras), camcorders, military targeting or imaging devices, etc. 
     In the implementation of one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed folded light path optical block assembly, light enters the optical block and then reflects or refracts off one or more primary prisms, mirrors or other suitable light bending component to introduce, for example, an angle of about 90 degrees or about 180 degrees onto the light path before entering the image sensor integrated assembly. By using this disclosed “periscopic” imaging technique in either single stage or multi-stage assembly configuration, the overall size of a zoom lens may be advantageously made more compact. Furthermore, the assembly may be configured to pivot about the center of gravity of the periscopic assembly, e.g., for articulated image device applications. 
     The disclosed folded light path optical block assemblies may be advantageously implemented in another exemplary embodiment to allow an entire lens optomechanical assembly to have low angular inertia such that motor drive power consumption in a pan/tilt/zoom (“PTZ”) CCTV camera application is significantly reduced. In addition, the smaller package of the optical block of this exemplary embodiment may be configured to allow the entire camera to fit into existing industry standard enclosures, such as dome enclosures, which were designed to house conventional, linearly aligned optical lens assemblies. Examples of dome enclosures with which the folded light path optical block assemblies may be employed include, but are not limited to, spherical or semi-spherical dome enclosures having a diameter of less than or equal to about 10 inches, alternatively spherical or semi-spherical dome enclosures having a diameter of between about 4 inches and about 10 inches, alternatively spherical or semi-spherical dome enclosures having a diameter of from about 1 inch to about 4 inches, and further alternatively spherical or semi-spherical dome enclosures having a diameter of less than or equal to about 1 inch (e.g. in conjunction with micro camera image sensor). 
     Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed folded light path optical block may be employed to support high definition video imaging (e.g., 1280×720 pixel resolutions and greater, 1280×10 24  pixel resolutions and greater, HDTV format applications, etc.) on CCTV video camera applications. It will be understood that the disclosed folded light path optical block assemblies may be configured for use with a variety of image sensor sizes including, but not limited to, ⅓″ and ¼″ and smaller size formats as well as ½″ and ⅔″ and larger size formats. 
     In various embodiments of the disclosed folded light path optical block assemblies, a number of exemplary features may be advantageously implemented, alone or in combination, to achieve reduced rotational inertia of an optical block and/or reduced overall size of an optical block. Examples of such exemplary features include, but are not limited to, a dual prism/mirror and lens arrangement in which the center of gravity of the lens assembly is located on or near the center of rotation of the assembly; and a single prism arrangement in which the center of gravity of the lens assembly is located on or near the center of rotation of the assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the center of gravity may also be characterized as being on, at or near the geometric center of a folded light path optical block assembly (e.g., single-stage or dual-stage folded light path optical block assembly), although this characteristic is not required to realize the benefits of the disclosed systems and methods. 
     In one respect, disclosed herein is an optical block for a closed circuit television camera, including a folded light path optical block assembly configured for use in a closed circuit television assembly. 
     In another respect, disclosed herein is a closed circuit television apparatus, including a folded light path optical block assembly. The folded light path optical block assembly may include a light gathering lens at a front end of the optical block assembly, a closed circuit television image sensor at a back end of the optical block assembly, and at least one light bending component operatively disposed to form an optical path between the light gathering lens and the image sensor. The light gathering lens, the image sensor, and the at least one light bending component may be disposed in a common geometric plane, and the folded light path optical block assembly may be configured to rotate within this common geometric plane. 
     In another respect, disclosed herein is an optical block assembly that includes a light gathering lens disposed at a front end of the assembly, the light gathering lens configured to gather and transmit light along an initial linear light path; and an image sensor disposed at a back end of the assembly, the image sensor configured to receive light transmitted along a terminal linear light path. One or more light bending components may be operatively disposed to form an optical path between the light gathering lens and the image sensor, each of the one or more light bending components configured to receive light transmitted along a first linear light path and to transmit the light along a second linear light path having a longitudinal axis that is different than the longitudinal axis of the first linear light path of the same light bending component. Each of the one or more light bending components forms a respective light bending point within the optical path between the light gathering lens and the image sensor. The one or more light bending components may thus be configured together in operative relationship with the light gathering lens and the image sensor to receive light transmitted from the light gathering lens along the initial linear light path, and to transmit the light along one or more successive linear light paths, the one or more successive linear light paths including the terminal linear light path to the image sensor. The folded light path optical block may be configured to rotate about at least one rotational axis, the at least one rotational axis intersecting a space having an outermost periphery defined between the one or more light bending points, the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the initial linear light paths with the front end of the assembly and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the terminal linear light path with the back end of the assembly. 
     In another respect, disclosed herein is a method of operating an optical block for a closed circuit television camera, including providing a folded light path optical block assembly configured for use in a closed circuit television assembly, and rotating the folded light path optical block assembly about at least one rotational axis. 
     In another respect, disclosed herein is a method of operating an optical block assembly, including providing an optical block assembly, and rotating the optical block assembly about at least one rotational axis. The optical block assembly may include the following components: a light gathering lens disposed at a front end of the assembly, the light gathering lens configured to gather and transmit light along an initial linear light path; an image sensor disposed at a back end of the assembly, the image sensor configured to receive light transmitted along a terminal linear light path; and one or more light bending components operatively disposed to form an optical path between the light gathering lens and the image sensor, each of the one or more light bending components configured to receive light transmitted along a first linear light path and to transmit the light along a second linear light path having a longitudinal axis that is different than the longitudinal axis of the first linear light path of the same light bending component. Each of the one or more light bending components forms a respective light bending point within the optical path between the light gathering lens and the image sensor. The one or more light bending components may thus be configured together in operative relationship with the light gathering lens and the image sensor to receive light transmitted from the light gathering lens along the initial linear light path, and to transmit the light along one or more successive linear light paths, the one or more successive linear light paths including the terminal linear light path to the image sensor. The at least one rotational axis may intersect a space having an outermost periphery defined between the one or more light bending points, the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the initial linear light paths with the front end of the assembly and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the terminal linear light path with the back end of the assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a conventional linear optical block assembly. 
         FIG. 2A  is a side cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2B  is a front cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a folded light path optical block assembly and semi-spherical dome enclosure assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 4B  is a front cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 4C  is an exploded representational view of the optical components of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 10  is a simplified cross sectional representation of a folded light path optical block assembly according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  3 A illustrate respective side, frontal and perspective views of one exemplary embodiment of a multiple stage folded light path optical block assembly according to the disclosed systems and methods. In this regard,  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  3  illustrate a dual-stage folded light path optical block assembly  200  that includes an optical block housing  202  that maintains in operative relationship a pair of 90-degree reflecting prisms  218  and  220 , a movable zoom lens assembly  206 , a movable focus lens assembly  207  and image sensor circuit board assembly  210 . As illustrated, prisms  218  and  220  are operatively disposed to form an optical path between a light or image gathering lens  204  and an image sensor  208  of assembly  200 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  3 A, light gathering lens  204  is configured to provide a first or initial linear light path defined between light gathering lens  204  at front end  230  of assembly  200  and first 90-degree reflecting prism  218 . As shown, the first or initial linear light path of assembly  200  extends through zoom lens assembly  206  and has a longitudinal axis  222 . A first stage folded light path is provided by first 90-degree reflecting prism  218  that is configured to provide a second or intermediate linear light path between first 90-degree reflecting prism  218  and second 90-degree reflecting prism  220 . As shown, the second or intermediate linear light path of assembly  200  has a longitudinal axis  224 . A second stage folded light path is provided by second 90-degree reflecting prism  220  that is configured to provide a third or terminal linear light path between second 90-degree reflecting prism  220  and image sensor  208  positioned at back end  232  of assembly  200 . As shown, the third or terminal linear light path of assembly  200  extends through focus lens assembly  207  and has a longitudinal axis  226 . Also shown in  FIG. 2A  is lens drive mechanism  215  configured to actuate zoom lens group assembly  206 , and lens drive mechanism  217  configured to actuate focus lens group assembly  207 . Initial, intermediate, and terminal light paths of assembly  200  may be characterized as being disposed in a common plane, and the terminal light path of assembly  200  has a direction that is parallel and opposite to the direction of the initial light path so that the optical path of assembly  200  folds back upon itself. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , dual-stage folded light path optical block assembly  200  has a center of gravity  214  that is located within an area (i.e., an area of the plane defined by longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  and  226  of respective first, second and third linear light paths of assembly  200 ) having an outermost periphery defined between light bending points  223  and  225  (located at the respective intersections of adjacent longitudinal axes  222  and  224 , and adjacent longitudinal axes  224  and  226  of linear light paths of assembly  200 ), and the point of intersection  240  of axis  222  with front end  230  and the point of intersection  241  of axis  226  with back end  232  of assembly  200 . As further shown, assembly  200  of the illustrated exemplary embodiment is configured with a mounting bracket  213  that provides a pivot point  219  for assembly  200  that coincides with center of gravity  214  of assembly  200  so that the center of rotation of assembly  200  is located at the center of gravity of the lens assembly. In this way, bracket  213  may be employed to rotate assembly  200  around assembly pivot point  219  in the directional plane indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 2A  (i.e., rotated within a plane defined by longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  and  226  of respective first, second and third linear light paths of assembly  200 ) so that an optimum minimized angular moment of inertia may be advantageously achieved, e.g., when the lens assembly  200  is used in a pan-tilt-zoom camera application and when the directional plane indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 2A  corresponds to rotation about a tilt axis. 
     Although it is advantageous for all rotational axes of a folded light path optical block assembly to coincide with the center of gravity of the optical block, it will also be understood that advantages of the disclosed systems and methods may also be realized when none of the rotational axes of a folded light path optical block assembly correspond with the center of gravity of the optical block, when only one of the rotational axes of the folded light path optical block assembly corresponds with the center of gravity of the optical block, or when an optical block is configured such that one or more rotational axes intersect the plane of the longitudinal axes of the optical block assembly pass near, but do not intersect, the center of gravity of the optical block assembly. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of optical block assembly  200 , showing how bracket  213  may be employed to rotate assembly  200  around tilt axis  260  in the direction indicated by arrow  262  (i.e., rotated within a plane defined by longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  and  226  of respective first, second and third linear light paths of assembly  200  as described in relation to  FIG. 2A ). In this embodiment, tilt axis  260  may be characterized as coinciding with the center of gravity of optical block assembly  200 , but as not intersecting any of the longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  or  226  of the linear light paths of optical assembly  200 .  FIG. 3A  also illustrates how yoke assembly  280  may be employed to rotate assembly  200  around pan axis  270  in the direction indicated arrow  272  (i.e., rotated in a plane perpendicular with a plane defined by longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  and  226  of respective first, second and third linear light paths of assembly  200  as described in relation to  FIG. 2A ). In this embodiment, pan axis  270  may be characterized as coinciding with the center of gravity of optical block assembly  200  and as intersecting longitudinal axes  222  and  226  of the linear light paths of optical assembly  200 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , tilt axis  260  and pan axis  270  intersect each other at pivot point  219  coinciding with the center of gravity of assembly  200 . In one exemplary embodiment, rotation in the pan axis direction may be, for example, rotation of the assembly about a vertical axis, and rotation in the tilt axis direction may be, for example, rotation of the assembly about a horizontal axis. 
     Although not illustrated, assembly  200  may alternatively or additionally be rotated about a rotational axis in a plane oriented diagonally with a plane defined by longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  and  226  of respective first, second and third linear light paths of assembly  200 . Furthermore, although a folded light path optical block assembly  200  has been illustrated having tilt and pan axes that intersect at a pivot point  219 , it will be understood that it is possible in other embodiments that tilt and pan axes of a given folded light path optical block may not intersect. It will also be understood that the illustrated bracket  213  and yoke  280  are only exemplary embodiments of rotation mechanisms that may be employed to rotate a folded light path optical block assembly in the practice of the disclosed systems and methods, and that any other mechanism/s suitable for rotating an optical block assembly around one or more axes (tilt, pan, diagonal axes, etc.) may be employed. In the practice of the disclosed systems and methods, any suitable actuator may be employed to rotate a folded light path optical block assembly about one or more rotational axes (e.g., pan axis and/or tilt axis). Examples of suitable actuators include, but are not limited to, conventional electric motors and drive assemblies. Other suitable actuators include voice coil servo mechanisms as illustrated and described in concurrently filed U.S. patent application Ser. No., 10/732,195, entitled “ELECTROMAGNETIC CIRCUIT AND SERVO MECHANISM FOR ARTICULATED CAMERAS” by Hovanky et al., (Atty Dkt. COVI:003), which is incorporated herein by reference. Such actuators may be implemented to rotate a folded optical block assembly, for example, in combination with conventional slip ring apparatus. Such actuators may also be implemented with slip ring apparatus described and illustrated in concurrently filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/732,924, entitled “SLIP RING APPARATUS” by Washington, et al. (Atty Dkt. COVI:005). 
       FIG. 3B  shows a dual-stage folded light path optical block assembly  200  as it may be configured for rotation within a semi-spherical dome enclosure assembly  290  (e.g., having a domed surface  294  of transparent material). As shown, dome enclosure assembly  290  may include a mounting base  289  (e.g., for mounting to suitable surface such as wall or ceiling of a room under surveillance) In this regard, assembly  200  may be rotatably coupled to yoke assembly  292  or any other suitable rotation mechanism for rotating assembly  200  around one or more axes (e.g., in both tilt and pan axes) within dome assembly  290 . Enclosure  290  may include an actuator (e.g., voice coil servo mechanism or other type of suitable motor or servo mechanism not shown) to provide rotation to yoke assembly  292  and optical block assembly  200  in the pan axis direction indicated by arrow  291 . Optical block assembly  200  may be provided with zoom and focus lens group assemblies. A yoke-mounted actuator  296  (e.g., voice coil servo mechanism or other type of suitable motor or servo mechanism) is shown coupled to yoke assembly  292  and optical block assembly  200 , e.g., as a tilt actuator to provide rotation to optical block assembly  220  in the tilt axis direction indicated by arrow  295 . 
     Although a semi-spherical dome-shaped enclosure assembly is illustrated in  FIG. 3B , it will be understood that optical block enclosure assemblies having any other suitable enclosure shape and configuration may also be employed as enclosures for the disclosed folded light path optical block assemblies including, but not limited to, spherical dome or ball-shaped enclosures, square or rectangular enclosures, etc. 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods, a folded light path optical block assembly may be configured to rotate within a plane defined by longitudinal axes of two or more respective linear light paths of an optical block assembly about a rotational axis that intersects the longitudinal axis of one of the linear light paths of the optical block assembly. For example, optical block assembly  200  may be alternately configured to rotate around a tilt axis (i.e., to rotate within a plane defined by longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  and  226  of respective first, second and third linear light paths of assembly  200  of  FIG. 2A ) that intersects one of longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  or  226  of the linear light paths of optical assembly  200 . In this regard, just three possible alternate locations  250 ,  252  and  254  for center of rotation of optical block  200  in the tilt axis direction are illustrated in  FIG. 2A . As shown, alternate locations  250 ,  252  and  254  intersect linear light path longitudinal axes  222 ,  224  and  226 , respectively. 
     In the practice of the disclosed systems and methods, when a rotational axis intersects the longitudinal axis of one of the linear light paths of a folded light path optical block assembly, it is considered to intersect a space or area having an outermost periphery defined between light bending points located at the intersection of adjacent longitudinal axes of the linear light paths of the optical block assembly, and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of one of the initial linear light paths with the front end of the assembly and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of one other of the linear light paths with the back end of the assembly. As illustrated further herein in relation to  FIGS. 5-9 , an outermost periphery of such a space or area may be characterized as being defined by the outermost periphery that is established by lines extending between each of the light bending points, between each of the light bending points and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of one of the initial linear light paths with the front end of the assembly, between each of the light bending points and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of one other of the linear light paths with the back end of the assembly, and between the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of one of the initial linear light paths with the front end of the assembly and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of one other of the linear light paths with the back end of the assembly. When a rotational axis intersects the longitudinal axis of one of the linear light paths of the optical block assembly, it is considered to intersect such a space or area. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a folded light path optical block may be configured to rotate within a plane defined by longitudinal axes of two or more respective linear light paths of an optical block assembly about a rotational axis that intersects the longitudinal axis of one of the linear light paths of the optical block assembly at a point near, or at a point intersecting the center of gravity of the optical block (i.e., such that the center of gravity of the optical block, the rotational axis of the optical block, and the longitudinal axis of one of the linear light paths all coincide). In this regard, the location of center of gravity of an optical block relative to a given rotational axis and longitudinal axis of a given linear light path may be manipulated by selectively configuring the mass distribution of the optical block and/or by selectively configuring the geometry of the optical block (e.g., number and length of light paths, direction and angle of bends or folds of the light paths, etc.). 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a single-stage folded light path optical block assembly  400  having an optical block housing  402  that maintains in operative relationship a single 90-degree reflecting prism  418 , a movable zoom lens assembly  406 , a movable focus lens assembly  407  and image sensor board assembly  410 . A light or image gathering lens  404  is configured to provide a first and initial linear light path defined between light gathering lens  444  at front end  430  of assembly  400  and 90-degree reflecting prism  418 . As shown, the first and initial linear light path of assembly  400  extends through zoom lens assembly  406  and has a longitudinal axis  422 . A single stage folded light path is provided by 90-degree reflecting prism  418  that is configured to provide a second and terminal linear light path between first 90-degree reflecting prism  218  and image sensor  408  positioned at back end  432  of assembly  400 . As shown, the second and terminal linear light path of assembly  400  extends through focus lens assembly  407  and has a longitudinal axis  426 . Also shown is lens drive mechanism  415  configured to actuate zoom lens assembly  406 , and lens drive mechanism  417  configured to actuate focus lens assembly  407 . Initial and terminal light paths of assembly  400  may be characterized as being disposed in a common plane, and the terminal light path of assembly  400  has a direction that is perpendicular or that is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the direction of the initial light path. 
     Similar to dual-stage folded light path optical block assembly  200  of  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  3 A, single-stage folded light path optical block assembly  400  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  has a center of gravity  414  that is located within an area (i.e., an area of the plane defined by longitudinal axes  422  and  226  of respective first and second linear light paths of assembly  400 ) having an outermost periphery defined between light bending point  423  (located at the intersection of adjacent longitudinal axes  422  and  426  of linear light paths of assembly  400 ), and the point of intersection  240  of axis  422  with front end  430  and the point of intersection  441  of axis  426  with back end  432  of assembly  400 . As with the dual-stage assembly of  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  3 , the single-stage assembly of  FIGS. 4A-4B  may be implemented in one embodiment in a pan-tilt-zoom camera application with a pivot point located at the center of gravity of the assembly as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4B . In this regard, mounting bracket  413  is shown configured to provide a pivot point  419  that coincides with center of gravity  414  of assembly  400  so that the center of rotation of assembly  400  is located at the center of gravity of the lens assembly. Thus, bracket  413  may be employed to rotate assembly  400  around pivot point  419  in the directional plane indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 4A  (i.e., rotated within a plane defined by longitudinal axes  442  and  446  of respective first and second linear light paths of assembly  400 ) so that an optimum minimized angular moment of inertia may be advantageously achieved, e.g., when the lens assembly  400  is used in a pan-tilt-zoom camera application and when the directional plane indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 4A  corresponds to rotation about a tilt axis. In this regard, bracket  413  may also be optionally employed to pan the assembly  400  at pivot point  419  about a pan axis (i.e., rotated in a plane perpendicular with a plane defined by longitudinal axes  442  and  444  of respective first and second linear light paths of assembly  400 ), and/or to rotate assembly  400  about a rotational axis in a plane oriented diagonally with a plane defined by longitudinal axes  442  and  444  of respective first and second linear light paths of assembly  400 . 
     It will be understood that the choice between a single stage assembly and a multi-stage assembly, and the choice between a dual stage assembly and an assembly having three or more stages may be based, for example, on requirements of a given application (e.g., the image sensor, zoom and focus specifications, etc.). It will also be understood that the particular configuration and combination of optical block components (number and type of stationary and/or zoom/focus lenses, number and type of lens actuators, optical block housing type, etc.) may vary to fit the needs of a given application. In this regard,  FIG. 4C  illustrates one alternate and exemplary embodiment of a combination of optical and actuator components as they may be implemented as part of a single-stage folded light path optical block.  FIG. 4C  shows stationary light gathering lens group  404 , movable zoom lens group  406 , center stationary lens group  405 , movable focus lens group  407 , 90-degree reflecting prism  418 , rear stationary lens group  409 , and image sensor plane  411 . Not shown are lens actuator components for the movable lens groups and an optical block housing. It will be understood that an optical block housing may be of any enclosed or open structural configuration suitable for maintaining the optical block components in operative relationship and that lens actuator components may be any mechanism/s suitable for actuating movable lens assemblies in a desired manner (e.g., stepper motor driven lens actuation systems, etc.). Other examples of suitable lens actuator components include those lens actuation mechanisms illustrated and described in concurrently filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/732,740, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTUATING LENS ASSEMBLIES” by Hovanky (Atty Dkt. COVI:004), which is incorporated herein by reference. Types, quality and number of optical lens components for each movable or stationary lens group employed in folded light path optical block assembly may also be selected and configured based on the needs of a given application. Furthermore, although a reflecting prism  418  is shown in  FIG. 4 , it will be understood that any other suitable light bending component (e.g., mirror, etc.) may be employed to bend or fold the light path as needed for a given configuration of a folded light path optical block assembly. 
     It will be understood that a folded light path optical block assembly may be configured with any combination and/or configuration of stationary and/or movable components to fit the needs of a given application. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4C , each of the focus and zoom movable lens group assemblies are positioned between the stationary light gathering lens  404  and prism  418 , with a single stationary lens group  409  being positioned between prism  418  and plane  411  of the image sensor. However, in other embodiments a folded light path optical assembly may be configured with only stationary lens components, may be configured with one or more movable zoom lens groups (with no movable focus group), may be configured with one or more movable focus lens groups (with no movable zoom group), may be configured with only movable lens groups, or may be alternately or additionally configured with any other type of movable or stationary lens components (e.g., filter lens group/s, telephoto lens group/s, macro lens group/s, etc.). Furthermore, it will be understood that a folded optical block component may be configured with any type or combination of types of light bending components. In this regard, a light bending component as described herein includes any device suitable for bending light at a desired angle to meet the requirements of a given folded optical block application. Examples of light bending components include, but are not limited to, prisms, mirrors or other reflective and/or refractive optical components suitable for bending light at angles greater than or less than about 90 degrees, etc. 
     It will be understood that  FIGS. 2A-2B ,  3 A, and  4 A- 4 C only illustrate exemplary embodiments of a respective dual-stage and single stage folded light path optical block assemblies as they may be implemented according to the disclosed systems and methods. In this regard, an assembly pivot point (e.g., intersection of tilt and pivot point axes of a PTZ camera) may be provided that is located at a position that is other than the center of gravity of the assembly. For example, in one embodiment, a folded light path optical block assembly may be configured to rotate within a plane defined by the longitudinal axes of multiple respective linear light paths (i.e., initial, intermediate and terminal light paths) of the optical block assembly about a rotational axis that intersects the rotational plane at a point located within an area having an outermost periphery defined between light bending points (located at the intersection of adjacent longitudinal axes of the multiple light paths of the folded light path optical block assembly), and the point of intersection of the axis of the initial linear light path with a front end of the assembly and the point of intersection of the axis of the terminal linear light path with the back end of the assembly, e.g., such as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  3 A. This is true regardless of whether the center of gravity of the assembly is also located within this so-defined outermost periphery or is located outside this so-defined outermost periphery. In this regard, advantages of a smaller or more compact optical block assembly to fit smaller enclosures may be realized by utilizing the disclosed multi-stage folded optical block assembly, regardless of location of center of gravity and/or center of rotation of the assembly. However, by configuring an optical block assembly with a center of rotation about a rotational axis that is at or near the center of gravity of the optical block assembly, rotational inertia may be advantageously minimized and power consumption requirements for rotating the assembly thereby reduced. 
     It will also be understood that an optical block assembly may be configured to rotate about one or more rotational axes (and optionally configured with a pivot point where these axes intersect) having a location/s that is created by one or more assembly mounting points that are physically coupled to the optical block assembly at locations other than at the physical location of the assembly pivot point. For example, one or more mounting members may be provided to couple a suitable rotational mechanism (e.g., rotating shaft of a drive motor, servo mechanism or drive gearbox) to an optical block assembly to create one or more rotational axes (e.g., pan axis, tilt axis, pan and tilt axis, etc.) for the assembly that do coincide with the physical location of the attachment points of the member/s to the optical block assembly. In such an embodiment, the mounting members may be characterized as being attached to the optical block assembly at a point other than at the effective rotational axis of the assembly.  FIG. 3C  illustrates a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a multiple stage folded light path optical block assembly  300  having three mounting members  302  that couple a rotatable shaft  304  to housing  202  of the assembly, creating an effective assembly pivot point  219  that coincides with the intersection of pan axis  270  and tilt axis  260 , but not with the physical location of the attachment points of the members  302  to housing  202 . In this regard,  FIG. 3C  is exemplary only, and any other mounting configuration may be employed (e.g., using different number, type and/or configuration of mounting members) that is suitable for creating an effective pivot point or center of rotation for an optical block assembly. 
       FIGS. 5-7  and  9  are simplified illustrations showing various alternate and exemplary embodiments of multi-stage optical block configurations as they may be implemented in the practice of the disclosed systems and methods. As shown by these figures, an optical block assembly may be configured to have three or more folded light path stages, and/or may be configured with two or more light bending components, e.g., prisms, mirrors or other reflective and/or refractive optical components suitable for bending light at angles greater than or less than about 90 degrees, etc. In this regard, each of  FIGS. 5-7  and  9  respectively illustrate optical block assemblies  500 ,  600 ,  700  and  900  with each respective assembly including three or more linear light paths having respective longitudinal axes (i.e., longitudinal axes  522 ,  524 ,  526 ,  528  for assembly  500 ; longitudinal axes  622 ,  624 ,  626  for assembly  600 ; longitudinal axes  722 ,  724 ,  726 ,  728  for assembly  700 ; and longitudinal axes  922 ,  924 ,  926  for assembly  900 ). As shown in each of  FIGS. 5-7  and  9 , the light bending points (i.e., points  523 ,  525 ,  527  of assembly  500 ; points  623  and  625  of assembly  600 ; points  723 ,  725 ,  727  of assembly  700 ; and points  923  and  925  of assembly  900 ) in combination with point of intersection (i.e., points  540 ,  640 ,  740 ,  940 ) of the axis (i.e.,  522 ,  622 ,  722 ,  922 ) of an initial linear light path with the front end (i.e.,  530 ,  630 ,  730 ,  930 ) of the respective assembly and the point of intersection (i.e., points  541 ,  641 ,  741 ,  941 ) of an axis (i.e.,  526 ,  626 ,  726 ,  926 ) of a terminal linear light path with the back end (i.e.,  532 ,  632 ,  732 ,  932 ) of the respective assembly together form an outermost periphery of a respective area  542 ,  642 ,  742  and  942  (shown in cross hatch) of the plane defined by the linear axes of the linear light paths of the assembly within which a center of gravity and/or rotational axis intersection point may be provided. 
       FIG. 8  is a simplified illustration showing one alternate and exemplary embodiment of a single-stage optical block configurations as it may be implemented in the practice of the disclosed systems and methods. As shown in  FIG. 8 , an optical block assembly may be configured to have a single folded light path stage with one or more prisms, mirrors or other reflective and/or refractive optical components suitable for bending light at an angle greater than or less than about 90 degrees. In this regard,  FIG. 8  illustrates an optical block assembly  800  including two linear light paths, i.e., initial and terminal linear light paths, having respective longitudinal axes  822  and  826 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the light bending point  823  of assembly  800  in combination with the point of intersection  840  of axis  822  of the initial linear light path with the front end  830  of assembly  800  and the point of intersection  841  of axis  826  of the terminal linear light path with the back end  832  of assembly  800  together form an outermost periphery of a respective area  842  (shown in cross hatch) of the plane defined by the linear axes of the linear light paths  822  and  826  of the assembly within which a center of gravity and/or rotational axis intersection point may be provided. 
     Each of  FIGS. 5-9  herein illustrate folded light path optical assemblies having a light gathering lens, image sensor, and one or more light bending components operatively disposed in a common geometric plane to form multiple linear light paths with longitudinal axes disposed in the same plane. In this regard, each of assemblies  500 ,  600 ,  700  and  800  of  FIGS. 5-8  may be characterized as having light paths that are disposed in a common plane and that provide an optical path that folds back upon itself. Assembly  900  of  FIG. 9  may be characterized as having light paths disposed in a common plane that provide a laterally displaced optical path with a terminal light path that is parallel and co-directional (or oriented in the same direction) with the initial light path. However, it will be understood with benefit of this disclosure that folded light path optical assemblies of the disclosed systems and methods may be configured to have one or more components operatively disposed in one or more different planes to form one or more linear light paths having longitudinal axes disposed in different plane/s from a plane defined by the longitudinal axes of two or more other linear light paths of the same assembly, e.g., such as may be configured by providing one or more mirrors or prisms that fold or bend light to create a linear light path having a longitudinal axis in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to, or at another angle to, a plane defined by the longitudinal axes of two or more other linear light paths of the same assembly. 
     For example, in one exemplary embodiment of such a multi-plane folded light path optical block implementation, one or more rotational axes may be provided so that the multi-plane optical assembly may be rotated in one or more different planes. In such an embodiment, the one or more rotational axes may be positioned to intersect or be near the center of gravity, and/or may be positioned to intersect a space having an outermost periphery defined between light bending points located at the intersection of adjacent longitudinal axes of the multiple linear light paths of the assembly, and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the initial linear light path of the assembly with the front end of the assembly and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the terminal linear light path with the back end of the assembly. In another exemplary embodiment of such a multi-plane implementation, a pivot point may be provided at the intersection of two or more rotational axes so that the optical assembly may be rotated within two or more different planes defined by the longitudinal axes of the different linear light paths. In such an embodiment the pivot point may be at or near the center of gravity, and/or may be positioned to intersect a space having an outermost periphery defined between light bending points located at the intersection of adjacent longitudinal axes of the multiple linear light paths of the assembly, and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the initial linear light path of the assembly with the front end of the assembly and the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of the terminal linear light path with the back end of the assembly. In such an embodiment, the pivot point may be provided for rotating the multi-plane optical block assembly in each of multiple planes, e.g., horizontally and vertically. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a three-stage folded light path optical block assembly  1000  as it may be configured by providing a rotatable light bending component  1025  (e.g. mirror, prism) that is capable of rotating in conjunction with light gathering lens  1004  relative to the remaining light bending components  1020  and  1021  of the optical block assembly. Using this exemplary configuration, light bending component  1025  may be rotated so that it folds or bends light in a way that the initial linear light path of assembly  1000  may have a longitudinal axis  1022  that is variable relative to the fixed longitudinal axes  1024  and  1026  of the intermediate linear light paths and the fixed longitudinal axis  1028  of the terminal longitudinal axes of assembly  1000 . As illustrated, light gathering lens  1004  and rotatable light bending component  108  are provided in a rotatable subassembly housing  1080  of optical block assembly  1000  that is rotatably coupled to a main subassembly housing  1082  that includes the remaining light bending components  1020 ,  1021  and image sensor  1008  of assembly  1000 . Also illustrated are zoom lens assembly  1006  and focus lens assembly  1007  that are also included in main subassembly housing  1082 . As shown, rotatable subassembly housing  1080  may be rotatably coupled to main subassembly housing  1082  by a rotating bearing interface  1090  (e.g., barrel drive gear or pulley assembly) configured with a central opening or transparent window through which an intermediate light path having a longitudinal axis  1024  may pass between light bending components  1018  and  1024 , at the same time that subassembly housing  1080  rotates relative to main subassembly housing  1082 . In this regard, rotatable subassembly housing  2080  may be coupled to rotate with rotating bearing interface relative to main subassembly housing  1082 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 10 , a first actuator  1050  may be provided for rotating main housing subassembly  1082  and rotatable housing subassembly  1080  together about rotational axis  1065 , e.g., in a pan axis direction as indicated by arrow  1054 . In this regard, first actuator  1050  may be coupled to the remaining components of assembly  1000  in any suitable manner (e.g., via support bracket  1052  as shown). First actuator  1050  may be, for example, coupled between main housing subassembly  1082  and a stationary base (e.g., such as floor or ceiling of a room in a CCTV surveillance application) so as to impart rotation to main subassembly housing relative to the stationary base. A second actuator  1060  may be provided for rotating rotatable subassembly housing  1080  about rotational axis  1065  relative to main subassembly housing  1082 , e.g., in a tilt axis direction as indicated by arrow  1064 . In this regard, actuator  1060  may be fixedly coupled to main subassembly housing  1082  and may impart rotational motion to rotatable subassembly housing  1080  via a belt or chain drive mechanism  1068 . Using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 10 , rotatable subassembly housing  1080  may be rotated so that light gather lens  1004  faces in a direction to create an initial light path having a longitudinal axis that is oriented perpendicular to, or at another angle to, a plane defined by the longitudinal axes  1024 ,  1026  and  1028  of the remaining light paths of assembly  1000 . For example, longitudinal axes  1024 ,  1026  and  1028  are shown oriented in the plane of the page in  FIG. 10 . Rotatable subassembly  1080  is shown positioned in  FIG. 10  so that longitudinal axis  1022  lies in the same plane as the plane of longitudinal axes  1024 ,  1026  and  1028 . However, if rotatable subassembly housing  1080  is rotated about rotation axis  1065  so that light gathering lens faces directly outward from the page in  FIG. 10 , longitudinal axis  1022  of the initial light path will also rotate to be perpendicular to the plane of the page and perpendicular to the plane of longitudinal axes  1024 ,  1026  and  1028 . Other angles between longitudinal axis  1022  and the plane of longitudinal axes  1024 ,  1026  and  1028  are possible by rotating subassembly housing  1080  to other positions about axis  1065 . 
     Advantageously, the configuration of  FIG. 10  may be implemented to allow a smaller dome enclosure for a given sensor and corresponding optic configuration when a tilt axis and associated rotational mechanism is provided closer to the front end of the optical block so as to provide a shorter tilt radius. It will be understood that  FIG. 10  is exemplary only, and that other configurations are possible. For example, other types of actuator drive mechanism configurations may be employed, and two or more rotatable subassembly housings may be present. Furthermore, one or more fixed (e.g., non-rotatable mirrors or prisms) may be provided that fold or bend light to create a linear light path having a longitudinal axis in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to, or at another angle to, a plane defined by the longitudinal axes defined by two or more other linear light paths of the same assembly. 
     While the invention may be adaptable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example and described herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the different aspects of the disclosed apparatus and methods may be utilized in various combinations and/or independently. Thus the invention is not limited to only those combinations shown herein, but rather may include other combinations. 
     REFERENCES 
     The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplary system, apparatus, method, or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
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