Patents by Inventor Hideo Onishi
Hideo Onishi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8879178Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8848302Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8824070Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8824069Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8687285Abstract: An interchangeable lens unit comprises a second lens group unit, a focus lens unit, a fourth lens group unit, a zoom ring unit, and a focus motor. The zoom ring unit mechanically transmits operational force inputted to a zoom ring to the second lens group unit and the fourth lens group unit. The focus motor electrically drives the focus lens unit in the Z axis direction with respect to the second lens group unit. When the zoom ring is operated in a state in which no power is being supplied to the focus motor, a gap is always ensured in the Z axis direction between the focus lens unit and the second lens group unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu
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Publication number: 20130235470Abstract: An interchangeable lens unit comprises a second lens group unit, a focus lens unit, a fourth lens group unit, a zoom ring unit, and a focus motor. The zoom ring unit mechanically transmits operational force inputted to a zoom ring to the second lens group unit and the fourth lens group unit. The focus motor electrically drives the focus lens unit in the Z axis direction with respect to the second lens group unit. When the zoom ring is operated in a state in which no power is being supplied to the focus motor, a gap is always ensured in the Z axis direction between the focus lens unit and the second lens group unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU
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Patent number: 8503103Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes a zoom optical system, a zooming unit, and a light adjusting mechanism. The zoom optical system is configured to form an optical image of a subject and includes a first, a second, and a third lens group. The third lens group is movable and configured to move the optical image. The zooming unit causes the zoom optical system to perform a zooming operation. The light adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust the light passing through the zoom optical system. The lens barrel is configured to change between an imaging state and a retracted state. In the imaging state, the zooming operation is performed, and the first, the second, and the third lens groups are in alignment. During the zooming operation, the second lens group moves integrally with the third lens group along the optical axis, and the light adjusting mechanism and the second lens group move independently of one another along the same axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideo Onishi, Hironori Honsho
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Patent number: 8472127Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes a zoom optical system with an optical axis. The lens barrel also includes a first and a second lens group. The first lens group has a first curved part and a first straight part when viewed axially along the optical axis. The second lens group is axially and movably disposed relative to the first lens group and has a second curved part and a second straight part when viewed axially along the optical axis. The lens barrel is configured to change between an imaging state and a retracted state. In the imaging state, the first and second lens groups are aligned with one another along the optical axis. In the retracted state, the second lens group is disposed off center from the first lens group so that the first straight part is substantially parallel with the second straight part.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideo Onishi, Hironori Honsho
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Patent number: 8456752Abstract: An interchangeable lens unit comprises a second lens group unit, a focus lens unit, a fourth lens group unit, a zoom ring unit, and a focus motor. The zoom ring unit mechanically transmits operational force inputted to a zoom ring to the second lens group unit and the fourth lens group unit. The focus motor electrically drives the focus lens unit in the Z axis direction with respect to the second lens group unit. When the zoom ring is operated in a state in which no power is being supplied to the focus motor, a gap is always ensured in the Z axis direction between the focus lens unit and the second lens group unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu, Masato Murayama
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Patent number: 8422152Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes a zoom optical system, a zooming unit, and a light adjusting mechanism. The zoom optical system includes a first, a second, and a third lens group. The second lens group is movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and configured to move the optical image in the same direction. The zooming unit causes the zoom optical system to perform a zooming operation. The lens barrel is configured to change between an imaging state and a retracted state. In the imaging state, the zooming operation is performed and all the lens groups are aligned with one another. During the zooming operation, the first and third lens groups move independently of each other, and the light adjusting mechanism moves integrally with the second lens group. In the retracted state, the third lens group is disposed off center from the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideo Onishi, Hironori Honsho
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Patent number: 8259404Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8254772Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of lenses movable along an optical axis, a plurality of drivers configured to drive the plurality of lenses, respectively, and a synchronism loss detector configured to detect a loss of synchronism of one of the plurality of drivers. The one of the plurality of drivers is a driver that drives a lens which is heaviest in the plurality of lenses.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kenichi Honjo, Hideo Onishi
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Publication number: 20120155845Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of lenses movable along an optical axis, a plurality of drivers configured to drive the plurality of lenses, respectively, and a synchronism loss detector configured to detect a loss of synchronism of one of the plurality of drivers. The one of the plurality of drivers is a driver that drives a lens which is heaviest in the plurality of lenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: KENICHI HONJO, HIDEO ONISHI
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Patent number: 8150253Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of lenses movable along an optical axis, a plurality of drivers configured to drive the plurality of lenses, respectively, and a synchronizm loss detector configured to detect a loss of synchronizm of one of the plurality of drivers. The one of the plurality of drivers is a driver that drives a lens which is heaviest in the plurality of lenses.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kenichi Honjo, Hideo Onishi
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Publication number: 20120069454Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes a zoom optical system with an optical axis. The lens barrel also includes a first and a second lens group. The first lens group has a first curved part and a first straight part when viewed axially along the optical axis. The second lens group is axially and movably disposed relative to the first lens group and has a second curved part and a second straight part when viewed axially along the optical axis. The lens barrel is configured to change between an imaging state and a retracted state. In the imaging state, the first and second lens groups are aligned with one another along the optical axis. In the retracted state, the second lens group is disposed off center from the first lens group so that the first straight part is substantially parallel with the second straight part.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideo Onishi, Hironori Honsho
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Publication number: 20120070138Abstract: A lens barrel includes an optical system, a drive unit, a drive mechanism, a light adjusting mechanism, and an actuator. The optical system has a correcting lens group with a first optical axis and a retractable lens group with a second optical axis. The drive unit is configured to move the correcting lens group perpendicular to the first optical axis. The drive mechanism is configured to move the retractable lens group between an extended and a retracted position. The second optical axis is concentric with the first optical axis in the extended position and offset from the first optical axis in the retracted position. The light adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust light that passes through the optical system. The actuator is configured to drive the adjusting mechanism and is disposed on one side of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is disposed between the actuator and the drive unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideo Onishi, Hironori Honsho
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Publication number: 20120069452Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes a zoom optical system, a zooming unit, and a light adjusting mechanism. The zoom optical system includes a first, a second, and a third lens group. The second lens group is movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and configured to move the optical image in the same direction. The zooming unit causes the zoom optical system to perform a zooming operation. The lens barrel is configured to change between an imaging state and a retracted state. In the imaging state, the zooming operation is performed and all the lens groups are aligned with one another. During the zooming operation, the first and third lens groups move independently of each other, and the light adjusting mechanism moves integrally with the second lens group. In the retracted state, the third lens group is disposed off center from the optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideo ONISHI, Hironori Honsho
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Publication number: 20120069453Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes a zoom optical system, a zooming unit, and a light adjusting mechanism. The zoom optical system is configured to form an optical image of a subject and includes a first, a second, and a third lens group. The third lens group is movable and configured to move the optical image. The zooming unit causes the zoom optical system to perform a zooming operation. The light adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust the light passing through the zoom optical system. The lens barrel is configured to change between an imaging state and a retracted state. In the imaging state, the zooming operation is performed, and the first, the second, and the third lens groups are in alignment. During the zooming operation, the second lens group moves integrally with the third lens group along the optical axis, and the light adjusting mechanism and the second lens group move independently of one another along the same axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideo Onishi, Hironori Honsho
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Patent number: 8049979Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu
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Publication number: 20110254997Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU