Patents by Inventor Naoto Yumiki

Naoto Yumiki 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).

  • Patent number: 8098323
    Abstract: A camera system having a camera body and an interchangeable lens is made more convenient to use. A camera system 1 includes an interchangeable lens unit 2 and a camera body 3. A body microcomputer 10 of the camera body 3 decides whether or not the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving picture mode on the basis of lens information about the interchangeable lens unit 2. If the interchangeable lens unit 2 is not compatible with moving picture mode, the body microcomputer 10 prevents the operation of an imaging sensor 11 from being set to moving picture mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yumiki, Mitsuyoshi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8077412
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens unit comprises a second lens group support unit, a focus lens, a focus lens support frame, and a focus drive unit. The second lens group support unit supports the focus lens support frame movably in the Z-axis direction and has second cam pins disposed spaced apart around an optical axis. The focus drive unit is a unit for driving the focus lens support frame in the Z-axis direction with respect to the second lens group support unit and is disposed at a different position from those of the second cam followers when viewed in the Z-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Santo, Naoto Yumiki
  • Patent number: 8068160
    Abstract: Provided is an imaging device capable of appropriately displaying or printing a combined image including a print image and a captured image. The device includes: an imaging sensor for receiving an optical image of a photographing object and converting the optical image into an electric image signal; a focus position detection unit for detecting a focus position for the object; and a control unit for recording the image signal while correlating it with focus position information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Yumiki
  • Publication number: 20110267528
    Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a receiving portion 155 that receives a control signal from a remote controller, and a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 130 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein when the receiving portion 155 receives the control signal from the remote controller, the microcomputer 110 controls so as to shift the digital camera to a live view mode. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi UEDA, Kenichi HONJO, Naoto YUMIKI, Toshio MAKABE, Kenji MAEDA, Kaoru MOKUNAKA, Kazuhiko ISHIMARU
  • Patent number: 8049979
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu
  • Publication number: 20110254996
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU
  • Publication number: 20110254997
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU
  • Patent number: 8040381
    Abstract: There are provided a camera system which operates the proper image blur corrector when image blur correction devices are incorporated in a camera body and in an interchangeable lens, and a method for controlling this camera system. The camera system (1) includes the camera body (3) and the interchangeable lens (2), which is removably attachable to the camera body (3). The camera body (3) has an imaging unit (71), the body image blur corrector (75), and a body microprocessor (12) configured to control the operation of the imaging unit (71) and the body image blur corrector (75). The interchangeable lens (2) has the lens image blur corrector (82) and a lens microprocessor (20) configured to control the operation of the lens image blur corrector (82). The body microcomputer (12) selects either the body or lens image blur corrector (75 or 82), sets the selected image blur corrector to a correction enabled state, and sets the other image blur corrector to a correction disabled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yumiki, Kenichi Honjo, Kazuhiko Ishimaru
  • Publication number: 20110242681
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU
  • Publication number: 20110242406
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU
  • Publication number: 20110242404
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU
  • Publication number: 20110242405
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU
  • Patent number: 8031240
    Abstract: Whether a digital camera body (1) is in a horizontal shooting attitude (a) or in either of vertical shooting attitudes (b), (c) is detected by using drive means of an image blurring compensation device. In the case where a focus drive means detects that the digital camera body (1) is either in an upward attitude (d) or in a downward attitude (e), a shooting attitude thereof can be inputted. The inputted shooting attitude is recorded together with an image, whereby the image can be displayed in the same orientation as the image at the time of shooting thereof, even if the image is shot either in the upward attitude (e) or in the downward attitude (e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Yumiki
  • Publication number: 20110235187
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, HIDEO ONISHI, YOSHIHARU ARAKI, FUMIO MURAMATSU, MASATO MURAYAMA
  • Patent number: 8023813
    Abstract: A collapsible lens barrel includes a first holding frame (2) for holding a first lens group (L1), a second holding frame (5) for holding a second lens group (L2) that is disposed on an image plane side with respect to the first lens group (L1), an actuator (6) for moving the second holding frame 5 in an optical axis direction, and a tubular cam frame (17) including a plurality of cam grooves that are formed at substantially equal intervals around a circumferential direction for moving the first holding frame (2) in the optical axis direction. The actuator (6) is attached to a portion in the cam frame (17) where the cam grooves are not formed. The first lens group (L1) is moved using the cam grooves, and the second lens group (L2) is moved using the actuator (6), so that a faster zooming speed and a lower zooming noise can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yumiki, Yutaka Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7999969
    Abstract: In the case of printing while a digital camera is directly connected to a printer, it has been impossible to determine to what extent image blurring affects a print image. In an imaging device, a detection section (17A) detects blurring. An image blurring compensation section (15A) compensates image blurring. A compensation amount detection section (16) detects an image blurring compensation amount. A calculation section (19A) calculates a residual blurring amount by subtracting the image blurring compensation amount from an image blurring amount. An image recording section (12) records an image signal, as a shot image, together with the residual blurring amount. A print size specification section (91) specifies a print size of the shot image and stores a tolerance (?) of the residual blurring amount with respect to the print size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yumiki, Kenichi Honjo
  • Patent number: 7991275
    Abstract: Digital camera is provided with face detection section that detects faces of a plurality of photographing objects, microcomputer performs continuous shooting in optimum photographing conditions in accordance with the number of faces of the photographing objects for each face of the plurality of photographing objects by a single shutter operation and performs control by assigning serial photographing object numbers to the images of the plurality of photographing objects taken by continuous shooting and recording the images in a single continuous-shooting image folder. Furthermore, microcomputer performs continuous shooting in predetermined order in accordance with the number of faces of the photographing objects and detects, when the photographing object speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the photographing object speed again after photographing other photographing objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Yumiki
  • Patent number: 7986469
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yumiki, Hideo Onishi, Yoshiharu Araki, Fumio Muramatsu, Masato Murayama
  • Publication number: 20110149142
    Abstract: The interchangeable lens unit (2) includes the fourth lens group unit (78), the sixth lens group unit (77), the focus lens unit (75), the zoom ring unit (83), the focus motor (64) and the lens microcomputer (40). The focus motor (64) is fixed to the sixth lens group unit (77) and is configured to electrically drive the focus lens unit (75) in the optical axis direction with respect to the sixth lens group unit (77). The lens microcomputer (40) is configured to control the focus motor (64) so that the focus lens unit (75) is driven in one direction with respect to the sixth lens group unit (77) when the sixth lens group unit (77) is driven in one direction with respect to the imaging sensor (11) by the zoom ring unit (83).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Yumiki, Norikazu Katsuyama, Kenichi Honjo, Yosuke Yamane
  • Publication number: 20110141296
    Abstract: Digital camera is provided with face detection section that detects faces of a plurality of photographing objects, microcomputer performs continuous shooting in optimum photographing conditions in accordance with the number of faces of the photographing objects for each face of the plurality of photographing objects by a single shutter operation and performs control by assigning serial photographing object numbers to the images of the plurality of photographing objects taken by continuous shooting and recording the images in a single continuous-shooting image folder. Furthermore, microcomputer performs continuous shooting in predetermined order in accordance with the number of faces of the photographing objects and detects, when the photographing object speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the photographing object speed again after photographing other photographing objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoto Yumiki