Abstract: A transmission unit transmits an ultrasonic wave by a drive signal being supplied to two terminals. A reception unit receives the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission unit and to output a reception signal from two terminals in accordance with the received ultrasonic wave. A change unit changes a determination scheme for determining a type of a recording medium, based on information indicating a relation between a polar character of the transmission unit and a polar character of the reception unit, the information having been acquired from the reception signal.

Abstract: A camera accessory is configured to be detachably mounted to a camera body. The camera accessory includes an accessory contact point configured, when the camera accessory is mounted to the camera body, to output to the camera body a ready signal that indicates whether or not an information communication operation with the camera body is enabled. The camera accessory also includes a pull-down resistor electrically connected to the accessory contact point.

Abstract: A camera tripod for preventing camera movement and providing stability. More specifically, a camera tripod comprising an adjustable center column; three adjustable legs having a plurality of shaft segments, the legs being in concentric thirds around the center column when in a closed position; a camera attachment platform; and a soft lock mechanism on each shaft segment. The camera tripod can be efficiently set up and taken down and greatly improves portability and ease of use.

Abstract: A vertical wire absorbing structure of a compact camera module is disclosed. The vertical wire absorbing structure of a compact camera module absorbs an impact applied to a wire spring for coupling a lens holder and a spacer when a lens holder for, when a camera is severely shaken or a lens holder for correcting the shaking or automatically adjusting a focus of the camera is moved, correcting the shaking or automatically adjusting a focus of a lens due to an absorber disposed on or under a spacer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; an intermediary transfer member; a controller; and a cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning member for collecting a residual toner in contact with the intermediary transfer member, a charging member, which is provided downstream of the cleaning member with respect to a movement direction of the intermediary transfer member, for electrically charging the residual toner, and an accommodating member for accommodating the residual toner. The controller is capable of executing an operation in a discharging mode in which the toner is discharged from the charging member onto the intermediary transfer member. When the operation in the discharging mode is executed, the cleaning unit collects the toner, discharged from the charging member on the intermediary transfer member, by the cleaning member and then accommodates the collected toner in the accommodating member.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to camera stabilizers with quick-release mounts and related methods. It is more specifically directed to such stablizers with quick-release mounts that are capable of being attached to straps (e.g., backpack straps), and related methods. In one aspect, the present invention provides a camera stabilizer. The camera stabilizer comprises: a grip that is attached to a first module, wherein the first module comprises a quick-release plate, and wherein a second module is removably attached to the first module, and wherein the second module comprises a camera mount and a section that allows removable introduction of camera add-ons.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a heat rotor with a heat source, a pressure rotor forming a fixing nip with the heat rotor and expandable by heat given from the heat rotor, a drive section configured to rotate the pressure rotor, a control section configured to control the drive section, thus controlling a rotational speed of the pressure rotor, and a heat quantity detecting section configured to determine a quantity of heat from the heat rotor to the pressure rotor since a reference time point when the fixing device transitions from outage to operating state. The control section performs a first rotation control for allowing the pressure rotor to rotate at a first rotational speed after the heat quantity detecting section detects the quantity of heat has reached a predetermined specified value and at a second rotational speed before the heat quantity detecting section detects the specified value has been reached.

Abstract: New optic control systems are provided that manage camera, user or environmental movement and other factors impacting optical and resulting image quality. In some aspects of the invention, a variably, directionally shadable screen and actuating system is provided, which prevents and limits problematic glare for an observation point. In other aspects of the invention, a matrix of specialized pixels creates variably-directed light from a plurality of angle-directable, shiftable sources, which aids in creating virtual, 3-D objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods and aid in reducing the appearance of distracting interceding objects (e.g., finger blocking a touch screen). In these aspects, existing images and objects viewed through a screen may be enhanced and overlaid with effects and demonstrative information related to the overlaid images and objects and an environment.

Abstract: A focal-plane shutter includes: first, second, and third boards each including an opening and arranged in an optical axis direction passing through the openings; a first blade arranged between the first and second boards and capable of opening and closing the openings; a second blade arranged between the second and third boards and capable of opening and closing the openings; first and second arms arranged between the second and third boards, connected to the second blade, made of synthetic resins, and capable of rotating about respective different fulcrums; and a drive member connected to the first arm and driving the first arm.

Abstract: A liquid supply device includes a rotating supply member that holds a liquid developer in concave portions formed on an outer peripheral surface, and supplies the liquid developer to a target supply member, a regulating member that regulates a liquid developer holding amount of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating supply member by contacting with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating supply member, and a movement unit that moves the regulating member to a retract position which is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating supply member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening foot skin condition of patients at risk for foot tissue breakdown, such as persons with diabetes, through the provision of a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches. The invention would record high resolution images of the bottom of the patient's feet, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like. These images could immediately be viewed by the patient and/or electronically submitted to a medical facility where clinicians could screen the images for signs of tissue breakdown.

Abstract: A photographing system including a photographing device for capturing an image, and a lighting device that is capable of being mounted on the photographing device is provided. The lighting device includes a plurality of light sources configured as a solid state light-emitting device, and has a photographing auxiliary light function for allowing the solid state light-emitting device to be turned on to emit light during photographing and an autofocus (AF) auxiliary light function for allowing the solid state light-emitting device to be turned on to emit a predetermined amount of light when contrast AF is performed. And at least part of the light sources is shared when the photographing auxiliary light function and the AF auxiliary light function are performed.

Abstract: A hidden camera system for a vehicle includes a housing having first and second openings. A displaceable cover closes the first opening. A camera is received in the housing. That camera is deployable with respect to the first opening. A flexible seal closes the second opening.

Abstract: A method for focusing a miniature camera includes providing a current through a coil, moving a lens of a camera based on the current to adjust a focus of the camera, and limiting movement of the lens along an optical path of the camera.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a first zoom/focus lens group and a second zoom/focus lens group configured to respectively vary a focal distance and imaging distance by moving in an optical axis, a first actuator configured to drive the first zoom/focus lens group, and a second actuator configured to drive the second zoom/focus lens group.

Abstract: A shooting processing section shoots one or more users as an object to generate a shot image, an editing processing section allows the one or more users to edit the shot image, and an outputting section outputs the shot image that is edited. A display control section controls display of at least one image for compositing to be composited to the shot image, and the image for compositing based on a purpose of behavior of the one or more users, and a compositing processing section composites the displayed image for compositing to the shot image. The present invention can be applied to a photo sticker creating device, for example.

Abstract: A dual camera for continuous transmission of radio wave image data to outside picture processing devices and continuous capture of images on frames of camera film rolls, the dual camera including a camera body, a cable for transmitting radio wave image data to outside picture processing devices, a camera antenna for receiving electrical signals, a camera lens mounted on the camera body for capturing images on frames of camera film rolls, a plurality of housing compartments for receiving camera film rolls, a plurality of detachable housing compartment doors operable for simultaneous removal of at least one camera film roll in a non-filming position when images are captured on all frames of the at least one camera film roll, without exposing remaining camera film roll in filming position is provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulating arm camera mount for mounting an imaging device. The disclosed camera mount comprises a base, one or more arms, and a head that are movably secured to one another and are generally interchangeable with different components and pieces. The disclosed camera mount allows for greater flexibility and creativity in the placement and positioning of an imaging device.

Abstract: A method for continuous wireless transmission of image data through radio waves to an outside picture processing device and continuous capture of images on frames of camera film rolls, said method comprising the steps of providing a camera body, providing an image radio wave converter, providing a radio wave transmission attachment mounted on said camera body for transmitting image data though radio waves to outside picture processing device, providing a camera lens mounted on said camera body for capturing images on frames of camera film rolls, providing a plurality of housing compartments for receiving camera film rolls, and providing a plurality of detachable housing compartment doors operable for simultaneous removal of at least one camera film roll in a non-filming position when images are captured on all frames of the at least one camera film roll, without exposing remaining camera film roll in filming position is provided.