Abstract: The present invention provides as an aspect thereof an accessory apparatus detachably attachable to an image-capturing apparatus. The accessory apparatus includes an accessory communicator configured to enable communication with the image-capturing apparatus, and an accessory controller configured to perform the communication with the image-capturing apparatus through the accessory communicator. The accessory controller is configured, in response to detecting an error in the communication, to transmit an error notice that notifies the image-capturing apparatus of the error, and to perform a communication restoration process for restoring the communication, without waiting for a response to the error notice from the image-capturing apparatus.

Abstract: A camera module with good heat dissipation efficiency and stability includes a base. The base comprises a first receiving groove. At least one escaping hole is defined at the base and the escaping hole forms a connection between the first receiving groove and the ambient environment. At least one heat dissipation block is received in each escaping hole.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method for measuring the position of a camera lens carrier moveable by an autofocus actuator. In some embodiments, the method includes generating a measurement of a magnetic field resulting at least in part from the one or more position sensor magnets. In some embodiments, the generating the measurement of the magnetic field includes measuring a magnetic field component created at least in part by the one or more position sensor magnets fixedly mounted to the camera lens carrier. In some embodiments, the camera lens carrier is moveably coupled to a substrate by the autofocus actuator to provide motion in a direction orthogonal to the substrate. In some embodiments, the generating the measurement of the magnetic field component includes measuring the magnetic field component at a sensor fixedly mounted to the substrate of the autofocus actuator.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrying unit; a unit-to-be-moved; a pulse motor; a moving mechanism including a rotatable member provided with a member-to-be-detected; a detecting portion; an executing portion; and a controller for causing the executing portion to execute a first stop mode on the basis of detection of the detecting portion when the unit-to-be-moved is changed in position from the second or third position to the first position and to execute a second stop mode on the basis of a pulse number of a driving signal when the unit-to-be-moved is changed in position from the first or third position to the second position and when the unit-to-be-moved is changed in position from the first or second position to the third position, and for making the change at least between the second and third positions by only unidirectional rotation of the pulse motor.

Abstract: In one example, a camera is provided that includes: a plurality of MEMS electrostatic comb actuators, each actuator operable to exert a force on at least one lens; and an optical image stabilization (OIS) algorithm module operable to command the plurality of actuators to actuate the at least one lens responsive to motion of the camera.

Abstract: A handheld stabilizer comprises a handle provided with a handheld portion and a connecting portion. The stabilizer includes a ball head mechanism mounted between the connecting portion and a photographing device and adapted for adjusting the position of the photographing device. A control mechanism is adapted for controlling the motion of the ball head mechanism after receiving a location signal from the photographing device indicating that one or more human faces are not centered within a predefined location range in a screen of the photographing device. The control mechanism adjusts the position of the photographing device causing the one or more human faces to be centered within the predefined location range in the screen of the photographing device, so that a photographing function that tracks human faces is realized.

Abstract: A processor of a blur correction device functions as a detection unit configured to detect motion information between a plurality of images imaged by an imaging apparatus, the detection unit detecting motion information of a plurality of image regions, and a determination unit configured to determine a target region, among the plurality of image regions, based on motion information of the imaging apparatus and motion information of a first direction detected by the detection unit. The processor also functions as a correction control unit configured to switch between a control operation in which the correction control unit corrects an image blur in a second direction of an object present in the target region based on motion information of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction in the target region, and a control operation in which the correction control unit does not correct the image blur in the second direction.

Abstract: The camera accessory is attachable to a camera by relatively rotating from a first state to a second state. Camera side contact pins include a first camera side contact pin making contact with an accessory side contact holding portion in the first state and second camera side contact pins not making contact with the accessory side contact holding portion in the first state. Accessory side contact surfaces include a first accessory side contact surface making contact with the first camera side contact pin in the second state and second accessory side contact surfaces not making contact with the first camera side contact pin in the second state. A pitch between the first and second accessory side contact surfaces adjacent thereto is larger than a pitch between the second accessory side contact surfaces adjacent to each other.

Abstract: The camera side mount is brought, by relative rotation with the accessory side mount, from a first state where each accessory side bayonet claw is inserted between the camera side bayonet claws into a second state where the camera side and accessory side bayonet claws engage with each other. The leaf spring biasing the camera side contact pins in the protruding direction is disposed between the camera side mount and the camera body. When the camera being in the normal position is viewed from the direction facing the camera side mount, the leaf spring extends from both sides of the mount center line, which extends from the center of the camera side mount in the direction of gravity, toward the camera side contact pins. The camera side contact pins are arranged at positions other than a position on the mount center line.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of enabling a mounting system to receive threaded and threadless posts. The mounting system may have a cavity (a.k.a. void) that is configured to receive such posts. An interior surface of the cavity may include threads to allow corresponding threads of a threaded post to be twisted (e.g., screwed) into the threads of the cavity. The threads of the cavity may be configured to allow a threadless post to pass through the cavity without being encumbered by the threads. The mounting system uses magnetism and a taper of the cavity to facilitate magnetically and frictionally engaging the threadless post in the cavity.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a lens may include adjusting the lens at a first focus position, and acquiring a first image of a scene through the lens. The method may further include adjusting the lens at a second focus position, and acquiring a second image of the same scene through the lens. In addition, the method may include producing respective power spectra of the first and second images, and producing a criterion representing the ratio of the power spectra to estimate a focus error of the lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light-reflecting device for a photographic light, comprising a positioning member which is engageable with a support member, a top end of the support member being provided with a jacket; wherein the positioning member is provided with a locking mechanism of the jacket, the locking mechanism being provided with a movable lock button, the lock button being movably connected to the jacket. The present invention has the following beneficial effects: compact integral structure, convenient disassembling operation, and long life time.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a device housing with an opening there through, the housing having a front external surface and a back external surface. A camera housing is sized to fit within the opening in the device housing, the camera housing including two cameras and two respective lenses. In a centered position, the lenses protrude beyond the front and back surfaces of the mobile device. A retention mechanism applies a force to the camera housing to retain it substantially centered in the opening unless an outside force of damaging magnitude is encountered.

Abstract: According to principles of the embodiments as disclosed herein, a device for monitoring the use of a handheld device is provided which allows for increased accuracy and ease of monitoring the use of handheld devices during usability testing. The device includes a handheld device mount configured to be releasably coupleable to a handheld device. The handheld device mount includes a cavity and a base and opposing first and second sides and first and second sidewalls extending from the base at the sides of the base. The mast has a first and second end. The first end of the mast is coupled to and extends from a third side of the cavity. A camera mount is located at the second end of the mast and configured to receive a camera.

Abstract: An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A camera device has a dome bubble member and an imaging unit housed within the camera chamber. A heat-emitting element, such as a film, may be arranged about the lens unit and is adapted to radiate heat for heating the dome bubble member. The camera device may include a sealing member adapted to sealingly engage a portion of the dome bubble member, whereby the heat radiated from the heat-emitting element is substantially contained within the sealed sub-chamber. The imaging unit may be rotatable about a first axis and a second axis in which the second axis is offset from the center of the dome bubble member and is displaceable in at least one direction transverse to itself. The camera device may have a shroud member that is pivotal about a third axis. The camera device may also have a shroud member that is transmissive to infra-red light.

Abstract: Various aspects of a system and method to control capture of images are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment, the method includes capture of a first image of a user-selected scene by an electronic device. The user-selected scene comprises one or more objects. A scene mode from a pre-stored set of scene modes is determined by the electronic device to capture a plurality of images of the user-selected scene. The determination of the scene mode is based on an object type of the one or more objects and a geo-location of the electronic device. The scene mode is determined when the first image is captured or when image data corresponding to the user-selected scene is received.

Abstract: A camera device has a dome bubble member and an imaging unit housed within the camera chamber. A heat-emitting element, such as a film, may be arranged about the lens unit and is adapted to radiate heat for heating the dome bubble member. The camera device may include a sealing member adapted to sealingly engage a portion of the dome bubble member, whereby the heat radiated from the heat-emitting element is substantially contained within the sealed sub-chamber. The imaging unit may be rotatable about a first axis and a second axis in which the second axis is offset from the center of the dome bubble member and is displaceable in at least one direction transverse to itself. The camera device may have a shroud member that is pivotal about a third axis. The camera device may also have a shroud member that is transmissive to infra-red light.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples are auxiliary optical systems for removably attaching to mobile devices, including mobile telephones with onboard cameras, to provide enhanced optical features. Some auxiliary optical systems can be configured to attach to multiple different types and sizes of mobile devices. Some auxiliary optical systems can be configured to attach to a mobile device that includes a protruding onboard camera. For example, in some embodiments, a retainer portion of an auxiliary optical system can comprise a region for receiving the protruding onboard camera in a clearance or friction fit.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for providing acoustic and/or weather shielding for audio and/or video recording devices. The apparatus includes a collapsible housing case having a top panel, two side panels each attached to opposite sides of the top panel, and a rear panel attached to the top panel and a rigid side support attached to each side panel. The apparatus additionally includes a mounting bar that is attachable to each of the rigid side supports and at least one sound absorbing inner liner arranged on an interior side of the top panel, the two side panels and the rear panel. When the apparatus is in an operable configuration, the rear panel is structured and arranged to be moveable from a rear-access covering position to a rear-access non-covering position to provide a selectively openable rear access to an interior of the apparatus.