Abstract: A method for driving a lens and a lens driving apparatus, the lens driving apparatus including a base in which a guide member is disposed; a lens support member comprising an installation unit disposed on one side thereof to slidingly move along the guide member, wherein at least one lens is mounted in the lens support member; a driving structure configured to move the lens support member and comprising a lead screw; a working member having one portion contacting the driving structure and another portion contacting one side of the installation unit; an elastic member for providing the installation unit with an elastic force; and wherein a predetermined space is disposed between the installation unit and the base, and wherein the installation unit is configured to be moved to the base by a means other than the driving structure.

Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.

Abstract: An auto focus module of an image capture device is provided. The auto focus module comprises at least one gear, a nut, a lead screw and a driver. The gear has at least one first extension and a first through hole. The nut has at least one second extension and a second through hole. The lead screw penetrates the first through hole and the second through hole. The driver drives the lead screw and the gear so that the lead screw and the gear move relatively along the axis of the lead screw. The nut and the gear terminate approaching toward each other after the first extension and the second extension lean against each other.

Abstract: A novel micro camera module includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a graduated receiver portion of a housing. The lens assembly slidably contacts the graduated receiver portion when the lens assembly is moved a distance along an axis perpendicular to the sensor array of an image capture device of the camera module. Further, a resilient ring-shaped member can be coupled between the lens assembly and the housing.

Abstract: A lens drive device includes: a lens holder holding a lens; a drive source including a rotor rotatably supported; a gear rotated by a rotation of the rotor; and a driven gear rotated by the gear. The lens holder is moved in an optical axis direction by a rotation of the driven gear. The driven gear includes a teeth portion. The teeth portion includes: a meshed portion meshing the gear; and a non-meshed portion abutting the gear to stop the rotations of the gear and the driven gear.

Abstract: A metal pin is inserted into a hole cylindrically formed in a camera casing so as to be in contact with a shape-memory actuator. The metal pin and the shape-memory actuator are fixed by pressurization. The metal pin is further bonded to a printed circuit board via a solder to electrically and thermally contact the shape-memory actuator and the printed circuit board so as to form the camera module by reducing the wiring size and improving the cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens barrel assembly and a lens holder. The lens assembly includes a lens barrel and a lens received in the lens barrel. The lens include an optical axis. The lens barrel defines a recess in a sidewall of the lens barrel. The barrel holder includes a peripheral sidewall, an inner flange formed on an inner surface of the peripheral sidewall, and a protrusion extending from the inner flange. The peripheral sidewall of the barrel holder is threadedly engaged with the lens barrel. The protrusion extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis and is inserted in the recess.

Abstract: Systems and methods to achieve an auto-focus camera module having a precise bearing with low friction have been disclosed. Ball bearings are guiding a lens barrel. The balls of the ball bearings are running in guide slots and are held together by ball cages. Creeping of the balls is prevented by a positioning pin being deployed between a fixed part of a carrier of the camera module and a movable part of the lens barrel.

Abstract: Provided are a lens driving motor and an elastic member of the lens driving motor. The elastic member of a lens driving motor, the elastic member includes a first spring and a second spring. The second spring is different from the first spring and disposed together with the first spring on one side of a carrier to support the carrier. A first lead line of a coil and a first external power source are connected to the first spring, and a second lead line of the coil and a second external power source are connected to the second spring to supply power to the coil. Since the carrier can be assembled to other part after a (+) lead line and a (?) lead line of the coil are connected to the first and second springs, respectively, using solder, a process is simple and convenient.

Abstract: An optical zoom system including a photo sensor, a wafer level optical (WLO) lens module and a focusing motor is provided. The WLO lens module is located at the photo sensor. The WLO lens module includes at least one transparent substrate and at least one lens, wherein the lens is disposed on the transparent substrate. The focusing motor is located between the WLO lens module and the photo sensor. The focusing motor drives the WLO lens module to move toward or backward the photo sensor.

Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.

Abstract: An automatic focal point control apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a base fixed in the camera, which includes a cylindrical projection extending from a top surface thereof and into which part of a lens barrel is inserted; a bobbin inserted into the cylindrical projection on the base that includes a plurality of electromagnets around which coils are wound; a rotation body that includes a support ring rotatably connected to the outer circumference of the adaptor and a ring-shaped permanent magnet fixed onto an outer surface of the support ring and that has a plurality of N poles and an equal number of S poles alternately arranged at regular intervals; and a housing detachably mounted on the base that includes a space unit formed inside that includes the bobbin, rotation body and adaptor, and a through hole formed inside so that light and image are projected onto the adaptor.

Abstract: An optical transmission device including a driving unit having a transmitting member, a guide member, a frame, a clipping unit and a flexible member is disclosed. The clipping unit has a main clip engaging with one side of the transmitting member, and a sub-clip engaging with the other side of the transmitting member. The flexible member pushes the main clip to the sub-clip, so that the sub-clip radially and axially approaches the transmitting member.

Abstract: A lens barrel capable of reducing the radial size thereof while maintaining the degree of freedom in layout of a shutter and a anti-shake mechanism. A barrier drive ring includes first and second rotation-transmitting protrusions axially protruding toward an imaging area and parallel to and substantially opposed to each other. An image pickup element-holding member includes a first and second cam contact section which are brought into contact with the first and second rotation-transmitting protrusion, when the lens barrel is retracted. Rotation transmission to the barrier drive ring is performed in a varying manner first via a contact between the first rotation-transmitting protrusion and first cam contact section, then via contacts between the first and second rotation-transmitting protrusions and the first and second cam contact sections, and finally via a contact between the second rotation-transmitting protrusion and the second cam contact section.

Abstract: Provided are a lens driving motor and an elastic member of the lens driving motor. The elastic member of a lens driving motor, the elastic member includes a first spring and a second spring. The second spring is different from the first spring and disposed together with the first spring on one side of a carrier to support the carrier. A first lead line of a coil and a first external power source are connected to the first spring, and a second lead line of the coil and a second external power source are connected to the second spring to supply power to the coil. Since the carrier can be assembled to other part after a (+) lead line and a (?) lead line of the coil are connected to the first and second springs, respectively, using solder, a process is simple and convenient.

Abstract: One embodiment of a manual focus driving ring comprised of two base rings (10 and 11), each having a through-hole near their edge (20 and 21), roll pins (17) conjoining the base rings, a pressure mount ring (16) adhered to the inner surface of the base rings, or a threaded mount ring (24), either of which frictionally secures the manual focus driving ring to the camcorder body (25). A sliding ring (12) is sandwiched between the base rings and slides along their outer surface of the base rings. An extension rod (13) with a gear (14) or friction-driven o-ring (23) is inserted into the through-hole in the base rings, and is rotationally driven by the sliding ring's inner surface, and a flanged tube (15) on the outer tip of the extension rod that acts as a focus driver and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the sliding ring.

Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens barrel assembly and a lens holder. The lens assembly includes a lens barrel and a lens received in the lens barrel. The lens include an optical axis. The lens barrel defines a recess in a sidewall of the lens barrel. The barrel holder includes a peripheral sidewall, an inner flange formed on an inner surface of the peripheral sidewall, and a protrusion extending from the inner flange. The peripheral sidewall of the barrel holder is threadedly engaged with the lens barrel. The protrusion extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis and is inserted in the recess.

Abstract: A lens barrel comprises: a first focus ring used for either one of instruction types of focus operation of a relative position instruction type focus operation for moving a position of the focus lens for focus control and an absolute position instruction type focus operation for moving it in an absolute positional relation; a second focus ring used for the focus operation of the instruction type different from that of the first focus ring between the relative position and the absolute position instruction type focus operation; a support device which slidably supports the first focus ring; a connecting device which brings the first focus ring and the second focus ring from an unconnected state into a connected state when the first focus ring is slid from a first position to a second position; and a cover member covering the outer circumference portion of the second focus ring.

Abstract: A method and system for mitigating undesirable motion of the optics of a camera are disclosed. The system can include a stage and snubber assembly for defining motion of the camera optics. The stage and snubber assembly can include a stage assembly having a stage to which the optics are attachable, at least one wing formed upon the stage, and a snubber assembly configured to cooperate with the wing(s) so as to limit motion of the stage substantially to the desired direction of travel of the camera optics.

Abstract: There are many inventions described herein. Some aspects are directed to methods and/or apparatus to provide relative movement between optics, or portion(s) thereof, and sensors, or portion(s) thereof, in a digital camera. The relative movement may be in any of various directions. In some aspects, relative movement between an optics portion, or portion(s) thereof, and a sensor portion, or portion(s) thereof, are used in providing any of various features and/or in the various applications disclosed herein, including, for example, but not limited to, increasing resolution, optical and electronic zoom, image stabilization, channel alignment, channel-channel alignment, image alignment, lens alignment, masking, image discrimination, range finding, 3D imaging, auto focus, mechanical shutter, mechanical iris, multi and hyperspectral imaging, and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A lens drive device capable of preventing a lens holder from inclining with respect to the optical axis direction of a lens is provided. A first gear (13), a second gear (14), a protrusion (20a), and a coil spring (6) are coaxially supported by a shaft (5), which is a fixed shaft. The rotational motion is transmitted to a two-stage gear (12) by rotating a rotor (11a) of a step motor (11) clockwise or counterclockwise. The rotational motion of the two-stage gear (12) is in turn transmitted to the first gear (13) and the second gear (14). When the first gear (13) and the second gear (14) rotate, the degree of engagement between an internally threaded portion (131a) of the first gear (13) and an externally threaded portion (141a) of the second gear (14) increases, and the second gear (14) moves upward. As the second gear (14) moves upward, a lens holder (20), urged upward by the elastic force of the coil spring (6), moves upward along the optical axis of a lens (21).

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a first optical element that is allowed to move along an optical axis, a first driven member connected to the first optical element, a second optical element disposed in the optical axis of the first optical element, which is allowed to move along the optical axis, a second driven member connected to the second optical element, a first drive shaft disposed substantially parallel to the optical axis to drive the first driven member along the optical axis, a second drive shaft disposed substantially parallel to the optical axis to drive the second driven member along the optical axis, a first drive unit connected to an end of the first drive shaft to drive the first drive shaft, and a second drive unit connected to an end of the second drive shaft to drive the second drive shaft and disposed at a position that partially overlaps a position of the first drive unit when viewed from the direction of the optical axis.

Abstract: A digital camera module (100) includes a lens module (20) and a chip package (50) mounted in a light path of the lens module. The lens module includes a first lens assembly (21) and a second lens assembly (23). The first lens assembly includes a first fixture (211) having a through hole (212) defined therein and at least one lens (218) received in the through hole. The second assembly includes a second fixture (23) having a through hole (232) defined therein and at least one lens (238) attached therein. One of the first fixture and the second fixture has a slotted annular ring (213) protruding therefrom with an annular slot (214) defined therein. The other has a male annular ring (235) extending therefrom, and the slotted annular ring and the male annular ring matingly engage with each other to fix the first lens assembly and second assembly together.

Abstract: There is provided a monitoring camera apparatus which, while ensuring waterproofness, can perform focus adjustment when a dome cover is mounted. A lens (3) is covered by the dome cover (5) which is removable. A focus adjustment mechanism (9) moves an imaging device (7) in an optical axis direction and thereby performs focus adjustment. A setting button (13) being a focus setting operation unit is arranged in the inner side of the dome cover (5), and operated when the dome cover (5) is mounted. A controller (11) controls the focus adjustment mechanism (9). The controller (11) allows the focus adjustment mechanism (9) to start focus adjustment when a predetermined focus start wait time has elapsed after operation of the setting button (13). The focus start wait time is set according to a standard mounting operation time required to mount the dome cover (5).

Abstract: A focus adjustment mechanism for a camera, includes a housing defining an interior cavity in which is positioned a helical track. A lens support is provided which supports a lens. The lens support is engaged with the helical track. Rotation of the lens support in a first rotational direction moves the lens support in a first axial direction along the helical track and rotation of the lens support in a second rotational direction moves the lens support in the second axial direction along the helical track. At least one magnet is fixed to the lens support. This construction permits an external magnetic force to be used to selectively cause rotation of the lens support to focus the lens.

Abstract: Provided are a camera module and driving method thereof. The camera module includes first and second lens assemblies, and a power transmission member. The power transmission member includes a screw thread having a variable pitch for a distance between the first and second lens assemblies to be varied as the first and second lens assemblies move in engagement with the screw thread.

Abstract: An automatic focal point control apparatus is provided to move an adaptor mounted in a camera linearly back and forth.

Abstract: A digital camera module includes an image capture device, a lens unit, a housing for receiving the lens unit and positioning the lens unit with respect to the image capture device, and a focus mechanism disposed on the outside of the housing and operative to move the lens unit along an axis when the lens unit is rotated about the axis. In one embodiment, the focus mechanism includes a ramp formed on the housing and a complementary ramp formed on the lens unit. In another embodiment, the focus mechanism includes a thread set formed on the outside of the housing for engaging a complementary thread set on a sleeve of the lens unit. In still another embodiment, the focus mechanism includes an inclined groove and a groove follower. The external adjustment mechanism prevents the image capture device from being contaminated by particulates generated during focusing.

Abstract: A camera system includes a camera body having an in-body motor; an interchangeable lens having an in-lens motor, the interchangeable lens being detachable from the camera body; a focusing mechanism for moving a focusing lens group provided in the interchangeable lens in an optical axis direction thereof; a rotational force transmission device which transmits a rotational force of the in-body motor to the focusing mechanism to perform an AF operation in a state where the interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body; an auto-focusing mechanism for driving the focusing mechanism to perform an AF operation by the in-lens motor, independently from the in-body motor; and a one-way clutch which allows transmission of a rotational force of the in-body motor to the in-lens motor while preventing a rotational force of the in-lens motor from being transmitted to the in-body motor.

Abstract: A driving mechanism, a driving device, and a lens driving device includes a lever member. The lever member includes an arm portion for surrounding a part of a driven member in a side direction. The arm portion has a plurality of displacement output portions to be engaged with the driven member. The lever member is constructed in such a manner that a displacement amount of the displacement output portions in a predetermined first axis direction is set larger than a displacement amount of a displacement input portion to be generated by input of a moving force to be applied by a shape memory alloy actuator. The driving mechanism, the driving device, and the lens driving device enable to obtain a large displacement amount with a reduced size and a reduced weight, and stably move the driven member.

Abstract: A horological motor of the Lavet motor concept is used to form an actuator to control movement of a lens system to reduce power consumption in digital camera units used in various electronic equipment, e.g. PDA's, mobile phones, digital still cameras and camcorders, and as a result increase battery life. The coils of the horological motor are driven with CMOS I/O signals eliminating the need for high current motor drivers and allowing the integration of all picture capture functions, including the light sensitive pixel array, into a single chip to form a system on chip implementation. A plurality of actuators is used to control a lens system comprising auto focus, zoom and shutter and iris functions. A gear transmission system is used to allow the motor of the actuator to move in micro step, which allows calibration of the motor against mechanical barriers.

Abstract: An exemplary lens module (30) includes a lens barrel (31), a focusing mechanism (40), a resilient member (70), and a bottom seat (50). The lens barrel is mounted with at least one lens (36) therein and is fixed to one end of the focusing mechanism. One end of the resilient member resists the focusing mechanism and the other opposite end of the resilient member resists the bottom seat. The focusing mechanism is for controlling an amount of expansion permitted within the resilient member. The amount of expansion of the resilient member determines a degree of focus achieved by the lens module.

Abstract: A lens module includes a base, a drive unit, a speed reduction unit, an outer barrel, and a lens unit. The speed reduction unit is coupled to and driven rotatably by the drive unit. The outer barrel is mounted to the base and has a barrel wall that surrounds an axis, that defines a receiving space, and that has an inner wall surface formed with an internally threaded portion. The lens unit includes a lens barrel that defines a chamber, and at least one lens disposed in the lens barrel. The lens barrel has an externally threaded portion that extends into the outer barrel to engage threadedly with the internally threaded portion of the barrel wall, and a driven portion driven rotatably by the speed reduction unit.

Abstract: An ocular focus device. An ocular lens tube is movably disposed in an ocular housing and includes a positioning groove. An ocular lens set is disposed in the ocular lens tube. A positioning member is connected to the ocular housing and is disposed in the positioning groove. When the ocular lens tube moves with respect to the ocular housing, the ocular lens set performs a focus operation, and the positioning member moves in the positioning groove, limiting a moving range of the ocular lens tube with respect to the ocular housing.

Abstract: An exemplary lens module (20) includes a lens barrel (5), a focusing mechanism (7), a resilient member (9), and a bottom seat (6). The lens barrel is mounted with a lens (517) therein. The lens barrel is axially movable relative to the bottom seat due to a rotation of the focusing mechanism and the force generated by the resilient member. Such an axial movement, in turn, would change a position of the lens relative to the bottom seat.

Abstract: A digital camera module (100) with a focusing function includes a holder, an image sensor package (30) and a wedge (60). The holder has several lens elements (16) received therein. The image sensor package is movably received in the holder. The wedge is inserted into the holder and resists the image sensor package so that when the wedge is pushed, the image sensor is caused to slide axially relative to the holder.

Abstract: There is provided a monitoring camera apparatus which, while ensuring waterproofness, can perform focus adjustment when a dome cover is mounted. A lens (3) is covered by the dome cover (5) which is removable. A focus adjustment mechanism (9) moves an imaging device (7) in an optical axis direction and thereby performs focus adjustment. A setting button (13) being a focus setting operation unit is arranged in the inner side of the dome cover (5), and operated when the dome cover (5) is mounted. A controller (11) controls the focus adjustment mechanism (9). The controller (11) allows the focus adjustment mechanism (9) to start focus adjustment when a predetermined focus start wait time has elapsed after operation of the setting button (13). The focus start wait time is set according to a standard mounting operation time required to mount the dome cover (5).

Abstract: There is disclosed an adapter ring for rotation of a photographing lens barrel, the adapter ring being fitted into an outer periphery of the photographing lens barrel, the adapter ring being rotated through engaging with a ratchet wheel having a plurality of pawls which ratchet wheel rotates in conjunction with a dial disposed in a waterproof protector. This adapter ring has: a plurality of first projecting portions arranged in a predetermined angle range around an optical axis in the outer periphery to engage with the pawls of the ratchet wheel; and a plurality of second projecting portions which are the same plurality of projecting portions as the plurality of first projecting portions, the second projecting portions being arranged in a predetermined angle range but out of the predetermined angle range of the plurality of the first projecting portions.

Abstract: A camera module including: a lens portion including at least one lens; an imaging element; a fixed portion; a first elastic body that is provided on a side opposite to the imaging element side with respect to the lens and couples the lens portion and the fixed portion; and a second elastic body that is provided on the imaging element side with respect to the lens and couples the lens portion and the fixed portion. The first elastic body and the second elastic body have the same shape. The first elastic body and the second elastic body are arranged so as to oppose each other while sharing a common central axis. The second elastic body is arranged so that so that the shape of the second elastic body is different from a shape of the first elastic body projected in the optical axis direction of the lens.

Abstract: A lens focusing structure includes a movable mechanism having at least one base, which has a camera lens centered therein and a winding externally wound therearound; an immovable mechanism having at least a frame with magnetic members mounted to four sides thereof, a front cover, and a rear cover, and the movable mechanism being centered in the frame; and at least one shock-absorbing element connected to and between the movable and the immovable mechanism for absorbing jitters produced by the movable mechanism when the latter is displaced to a focused point and then stopped, so as to suppress dynamic response time of the movable mechanism for going from a moving state back to a still state.

Abstract: A mobile communication device includes a first part and a second part. The first part has a camera module mounted therein, which includes a lens-barrel and a focusing mechanism engaged with the lens barrel. Wherein the focusing mechanism has a focusing lever. The second part is movably attached to the first part between a first position and a second position. The second part further has a first and second lever-driving portions for driving the focusing lever to rotate between a first focus position where the focusing lever is located adjacent to the first lever-driving portion and the second is moved to the first position, and a second focus position where the focusing lever is located adjacent to the second lever-driving portion and the second part is moved to the second position.

Abstract: A main flexible substrate has a mount surface portion to be mounted to the rear surface of a base, and a movable surface portion extended from the mount surface portion. At a portion of the movable surface portion near the mount surface portion, there is provided an undulatable surface portion undulatable between a bent state of being bent relative to the mount surface portion and separate from the rear surface of the base and a flat state of being mated and mounted to the rear surface of the base. A first soldered terminal portion is formed on the front surface of the undulatable surface portion. A base end portion of a shutter flexible substrate extended to the rear side of the rear surface of the base and a base end portion of a coil flexible substrate are each provided with a second soldered terminal portion.

Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.

Abstract: An objective adjusting device has a stationary housing, an adjusting ring with an internal thread and a tube, with an external thread, that is guided rectilinearly in an axial direction and carries optical active elements. The adjusting ring is rotatably supported in the housing, and the tube has at least one axially parallel opening with mutually parallel sliding surfaces in which a guide element connected to the housing engages. The guide element is designed as a lug with a sliding head which is adapted in width to the opening and is provided with a slot, of settable slot width, running in a radial direction.

Abstract: A camera module (100) includes a lens module (10) and an image sensor (20), wherein the lens module includes a barrel (12), a plurality of lenses (14) and at least one spacer between each two neighboring lenses. The barrel includes an inner wall (122), the lenses and the spacer both are received in the barrel; the image sensor is located on an imaging plane of the plurality of lenses. At least one through slot (18) is defined in at least one item selected from the group consisting of lenses, spacer, and between the lenses and spacer. At least one groove (124) is defined between the inner wall of the barrel and the group consisting of the lenses, spacer and the image sensor. The at least one through slot communicates with at least one groove.

Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.

Abstract: A camera module comprises a lens array including at least one lens, a lens accommodating unit having an inner space, in which the lens array is arranged, and an incident hole, and a housing mounted on a circuit board. The housing has a counter-engagement part engaged with an engagement part formed at the lens accommodating unit such that the lens accommodating unit is moved in the direction of the optical axis. An image sensor has an image area on which light is focused. The image sensor is electrically connected to the circuit board. A filter is disposed between the lens array and the image sensor. The filter includes a transparent medium through which light introduced along the optical axis is transmitted to the image area, and a prevention film for preventing electromagnetic waves generated by the image sensor from being emitted out of the housing.

Abstract: A machine vision image acquisition system is provided with a housing or enclosure that protects the acquisition system components from an industrial environment. The machine vision image acquisition system has a focusing mechanism that can be actuated externally to the housing. The focusing mechanism uses a gear drive to transmit externally actuated focus adjustments to the optical components of the acquisition system.

Abstract: A lens focusing structure includes a movable mechanism having at least one base, which has a camera lens centered therein and a winding externally wound therearound; an immovable mechanism having at least a frame with magnetic members mounted to four sides thereof, a front cover, and a rear cover, and the movable mechanism being centered in the frame; and at least one shock-absorbing element connected to and between the movable and the immovable mechanism for absorbing jitters produced by the movable mechanism when the latter is displaced to a focused point and then stopped, so as to suppress dynamic response time of the movable mechanism for going from a moving state back to a still state.