Mechanical Patents (Class 348/208.7)
  • Publication number: 20100238307
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handshake correction apparatus of a photographing apparatus. The handshake correction apparatus includes a lens support plate that supports a correction lens and operates in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis; a base that supports the lens support plate to be movable; and magnets and driving coils which are assembled on the lens support plate and the base to face each other, wherein the magnets are tight-fitted in assembly grooves of the lens support plate or the base, and wherein one or more protrusions that protrude from internal walls of the assembly grooves toward the magnets and elastically press the magnets are formed in the assembly grooves. Control performance of a correction operation of the handshake correction apparatus may be improved by ensuring alignment between assembly structures of assembly parts including magnets and yokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 7791644
    Abstract: When a camera body is shaken, a piezoelectric element generates a signal corresponding to angular velocity. The output signal of the element is amplified by a synchronous detection amplifier and is sent to a high-pass filter. An output signal of the filter is integrated after digital conversion and is outputted as a shake amount of the camera body. An initialization-trigger generating circuit generates an initialization trigger in predetermined cycles. When the trigger is inputted, the amplifier outputs a first zero-level signal. A zero-level initialization circuit initializes the filter every input of the trigger to output a second zero-level signal. The two zero-level signals have a reference signal value to be outputted at a time of the angular velocity zero. During the initialization, the reference signal value is applied to both sides of the filter to remove drift components included in the output signal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Ebato
  • Patent number: 7783179
    Abstract: An image blur correction apparatus includes a correction lens for correcting image blurs in a lens system, a moving frame for holding the correction lens, a support frame for movably supporting the moving frame through a move guide on a plane orthogonal to an optical axis of the correction lens, a first electric actuator for generating a first force to move the moving frame in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the correction lens, a second electric actuator for generating a second force to move the moving frame in a second direction which is a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the correction lens and is also orthogonal to the first direction, and an operation limit mechanism for limiting the moving frame from moving in the first direction and the second direction, and preventing the moving frame from rotating in the limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7778536
    Abstract: An anti-vibration unit serving as a driving apparatus has an X axis transducer having a driver, a fixed frame having an X axis transducer holding part, an X frame having a sliding body against which the driver is pressed by a pressing plate with an anti-vibration sheet and a holder interposed therebetween, a Y axis transducer having a driver, and a Y frame having a sliding body against which the driver is pressed by the pressing plate with the anti-vibration sheet and the holder interposed therebetween. The anti-vibration sheet is narrower than the transducer, and grease is applied to one of the surfaces of the anti-vibration sheet and the pressing plate in contact with each other, so that the drivers are in proper contact with the sliding bodies, and the sliding bodies are efficiently driven. The driving apparatus is compact and produces high driving force with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventor: Takashi Okamura
  • Patent number: 7778535
    Abstract: A shake reduction apparatus comprising a movable-side unit having a movable-side frame provided with a camera unit including a lens and an image sensor, and a movable-side shaft having a spherical surface as an extremity surface thereof; a stationary-side unit having a stationary-side frame provided with a stationary-side shaft having an extremity formed as a spherical surface coming into contact with the extremity of the movable-side shaft, to which the movable-side unit is attached; linear actuators disposed between the movable-side frame and the stationary-side frame to drive the movable-side unit to rotate about two orthogonal axes; a movement detection unit for detecting a movement of a camera about the two orthogonal axes; and a controller for controlling the linear actuators to cause the movable-side unit to move so as to cancel the movement of the camera when the movement detection unit detects the movement of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7773119
    Abstract: A small-sized and highly efficient drive apparatus, an image pickup unit and an image pickup apparatus are provided, by using a polymer actuator that is small in size and has high speed of response and has high degree of freedom for arrangement, and by realizing an actuator having excellent assembly simplicity. By being provided with a polymer actuator and by moving objects to be driven such as an image pickup device, a lens, an image pickup optical system and a lens barrel unit by the use of the actuator, an actuator that is small in size and has the high speed of response, a high degree of freedom for arrangement and excellent assembly simplicity can be provided, which makes it possible to provide a small-sized and highly efficient drive apparatus, an image pickup unit and an image pickup apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Wada, Yoshihiro Hara, Masamichi Oohara
  • Patent number: 7773117
    Abstract: An image stabilizer includes an image pickup device; a guide device which guides the image pickup device in a manner to allow the image pickup device to move linearly in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, the guide device and the image pickup device being arranged at different positions in the plane; and a flexible printed wiring board which extends from the image pickup device. The flexible printed wiring board includes an integrally-movable portion which is connected to the image pickup device to move with the image pickup device, and a freely-deformable portion extending from the integrally-movable portion. The flexible printed wiring board is orientated toward the guide device so that a boundary between the integrally-movable portion and the freely-deformable portion is positioned close to the guide device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nomura, Shinya Suzuka, Ken Endo
  • Patent number: 7764306
    Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus for image stabilizing comprises a movable unit and a controller. The movable unit is movable for an anti-shake operation. The controller stops the anti-shake operation after an exposure time and moves the movable unit to a first position after the anti-shake operation. The first position is a position of the movable unit before the exposure time and before the anti-shake operation. The controller moves the movable unit at a decelerated, low rate of speed before finishing its movement to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Yukio Uenaka
  • Publication number: 20100165131
    Abstract: An image stabilizer has a base block, an inner frame for holding a CCD, an outer frame, a pair of horizontal leaf springs, a pair of vertical leaf springs, voice coil motors (VCMs) and a flexible printed circuit (FPC). Upon a shake of a digital still camera due to hand-held shooting, the VCMs shift the inner or outer frame while bending the horizontal or vertical leaf springs so that the CCD is shifted to counteract the camera shake. The FPC connected to the CCD and the VCMs is routed from the inner frame, through the horizontal leaf spring, the outer frame and the vertical leaf spring, and pulled out above the base block. The FPC is glued to the horizontal and vertical leaf springs, and elastically bent together with the horizontal and vertical leaf springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro MAKIMOTO, Junji HAYASHI, Kentaro TOKIWA
  • Publication number: 20100165130
    Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager that captures an optical image through a taking lens, and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the taking lens. The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, which is formed by rotation of the photographic apparatus around the optical axis, as measured with respect to a level plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction based on the inclination angle. The controller calculates an elevation/depression angle that represents an angle at which the optical axis intersects said level plane, and calculates the inclination angle in consideration of the elevation/depression angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yukio UENAKA
  • Publication number: 20100157074
    Abstract: A driving apparatus includes: a first member including a first linear groove; a second member including a second linear groove; a plurality of first rolling bodies held between the first and the second linear grooves; a pressing member for pressing the first and second members; a pressing force applying member for pressing the pressing member; and second rolling bodies arranged on the same plane between the second member and the pressing member. A third linear groove for guiding the second rolling bodies is formed on one of the second member and the pressing member. At least one or more of the second rolling bodies are arranged on both sides of the central axis of the first rolling bodies, and the pressing force applying member applies a pressing force to the second rolling bodies such that rotational moment around the axis line is zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Sumio KAWAI, Yoshiki NISHIHARA, Mitsuhiro HAGA
  • Patent number: 7742075
    Abstract: A lens driving device having a simplified structure in which a holding member is moved relative to a stationary member with appropriate viscous damping is provided. The lens driving device includes the holding member configured to hold a compensation lens for image stabilization, the stationary member configured to support the holding member in a movable manner in a plane that is perpendicular to a light axis, a driving unit configured to change the position of the holding member relative to the stationary member, and a damping material disposed between the holding member and the stationary member. The damping material has a transition region in a frequency range between 0.3 Hz and 100 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masafumi Kimura
  • Patent number: 7742692
    Abstract: A vibration reduction mechanism, comprising: a first moving member and a second moving member which move relatively at a time of image blur correction; a guide member which guides relative movements of the first moving member and the second moving member; a plurality of first engagement portions, aligned in a row, which engage the first moving member with the guide member by spherical or cylindrical surfaces and groove-shaped portions; and a plurality of second engagement portions, aligned in a row, which engage the second moving member with the guide member by spherical or cylindrical surfaces and groove-shaped portions, wherein a groove shape of at least either one of the plurality of the first engagement portions or the plurality of the second engagement portions is formed with an elongated hole shape extending along an alignment direction of the first engagement portions aligned in a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Omi
  • Patent number: 7719612
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image pickup apparatus which includes an optical member that is vibrated in a direction substantially perpendicular to an optical axis to facilitate removal of particles (e.g., dust), where the vibration of the optical member is substantially isolated from an image pickup element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Kaihara, Hiroshi Yoshii, Eiri Tsukatani, Hirokazu Ichiki, Futoshi Hirai, Toshifumi Urakami, Hideaki Yamamoto, Yuuki Niwamae
  • Patent number: 7720367
    Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus (an image-stabilization apparatus) of a photographing device comprises a movable unit and a controller. The movable unit has an imaging device and is movable and rotatable for an anti-shake operation. The controller controls the movable unit for the anti-shake operation. The controller obtains information regarding a resolution at the edge of a lens that is used for an imaging operation of the imaging device. The controller controls a degree of the anti-shake operation that is performed for correcting hand-shake caused by roll on the basis of the resolution at the edge of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Uenaka, Takahiro Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20100110204
    Abstract: To compensate for changes in weight distribution of transportable, hand-held camera supports when one or both camera translate or pivot in a two-camera stereographic imaging system, the bottom of the elongated camera support attaches to a compensation mechanism. The mechanism has a balance plate movable laterally on a bottom housing. Ballast mounts below the bottom housing. A motor in the bottom housing moves the balance plate and the pole laterally in response to camera pivoting or lateral movement to maintain the center of gravity of the system centered along the longitudinal axis of the elongated support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Campbell, Vince Pace, James Cameron
  • Patent number: 7710459
    Abstract: A sensor mounting system for enabling image stabilization in a digital camera is described. An electronic array light sensor is moved in relation to other parts of the camera in response to camera motion. In one embodiment, the sensor is moved by at least one linear motor having a ferrofluid in a gap of the linear motor. Other aspects of the system are described, including methods of heat sinking the sensor, a suspension system, methods of compensating for an effect of temperature on the ferrofluid, and a compact magnet configuration for forming the linear motor and providing feedback as to the position of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Donald J. Stavely
  • Patent number: 7702227
    Abstract: An optical device includes a lens holding member that holds a lens and that is movable in a direction along a plane that is orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens, and an actuator that moves the lens holding member in the direction along the plane. In the optical device, the actuator includes an actuator element, formed of electroactive polymer, and a connecting member that connects the lens holding member to the actuator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sawako Ito, Yuichiro Kato, Takehiko Sato, Shigeru Ogino
  • Patent number: 7701486
    Abstract: An image capturing device, including an rectangular image capturing element having long sides and short sides; an image capturing optical system forming an image of a subject on the rectangular image capturing element; a first driving device which moves the rectangular image capturing element in a first direction slanted by a predetermined angle from the long side and the short side of an outer shape of the rectangular image capturing element in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image capturing optical system; and a second driving device which moves the rectangular image capturing element in a second direction slanted by a predetermined angle from the long side and the short side of the outer shape of the rectangular image capturing element in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image capturing optical system, but the second direction differs from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Kosaka, Junichi Tanii
  • Publication number: 20100091122
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an imaging apparatus with blur correction function in which a retention lever to mechanically retain an image sensor requires a minimum moving space and the thickness of a lens barrel can be reduced in optical axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Shigeru Irisawa, Yohsuke Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20100091121
    Abstract: A digital camera of the invention includes: an image pickup device; a dust-proof filter including an area disposed so as to face an image pickup surface of the image pickup device with a predetermined distance; a piezoelectric device for vibration application for vibrating not only a surface of the dust-proof filter but also inside of the dust-proof filter; and a piezoelectric device for vibration absorption for absorbing a part of vibration of the dust-proof filter in a predetermined cycle. When a wavelength of vibration generated in the dust-proof filter by vibration of the piezoelectic device for vibration application is defined as ?, and an odd number as k, the piezoelectric device for vibration application and the piezoelectric device for vibration absorption are arranged separately from each other at positions on the dust-proof filter such that a distance between centers of the devices is expressed by k×?/4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventor: Sumio KAWAI
  • Patent number: 7692689
    Abstract: A compact and power saving imaging-element unit of handshake compensation type is provided. The imaging-element unit comprises an imaging-element board with an imaging element that performs photoelectric conversion of incident light formed or located thereon; a relay board that is disposed between the imaging element and an external control board, and that receives signals between the imaging-element board and the external control board; and a package with at least the imaging-element board and the relay board contained therein; wherein a slider mechanism is disposed between the imaging-element board and the relay board for moving the imaging-element board to compensate handshake of an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Togo Teramoto, Masataka Hamada
  • Patent number: 7688354
    Abstract: An image stabilizer for counteracting image shake of an object image formed on an image pickup device includes an image-pickup-device holding member; a guide device which guides the image-pickup-device holding member so as to be allowed to move linearly in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis; a driving device which moves the image-pickup-device holding member in a guide direction of the guide device to a force receiving portion on the image-pickup-device holding member; and a flexible printed wiring board, extending from the image pickup device, a part of which being fixed to the image-pickup-device holding member at a fixing position thereon. A distance between the fixing position and the force receiving portion is smaller than a distance between the guide device and the force receiving portion in a direction orthogonal to both the optical axis direction and the guide direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nomura, Shinya Suzuka, Ken Endo
  • Patent number: 7689107
    Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus of a photographing apparatus comprises a hand-shake quantity detector and a controller. The hand-shake quantity detector has a first detector having an angular velocity sensor and has a second detector having an angular displacement sensor. The controller performs an anti-shake operation based on a first angular signal from the first detector and a second angular signal from the second detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Enomoto
  • Patent number: 7689109
    Abstract: An optical image stabilizer includes a lens-holding member, first and second actuators driving the lens-holding member in first and second directions, a first guide member fixed to a base member, a second guide member placed between the first guide member and the lens-holding member, and a first ball placed between the base member and the lens-holding member and rolling in association with movement of the lens-holding member. Relative movement of the first and second guide members in a third direction accompanied by rolling of a second ball is allowed and relative movement thereof in a direction different from the third direction is limited by the second ball. Relative movement of the second guide member and the lens-holding member in a fourth direction accompanied by rolling of the third ball is allowed and relative movement thereof in a direction different from the fourth direction is limited by the third ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7683939
    Abstract: The image input unit comprises a pixel shift evaluation value and reliability calculating section that calculates a pixel shift evaluation value based on image data for a plurality of images photographed before and after an image sensing device is displaced for a predetermined amount. Moreover, a system controller judges whether pixel shift photography has been normally performed or not based on the pixel shift evaluation value, and displays the judgment result on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Shinohara, Shigeru Irisawa, Masami Nasu, Atsushi Satoh
  • Patent number: 7679646
    Abstract: Image pickup systems capable of preventing blurred images are provided, in which a first sensor detects a variation in inclination of an image pickup device to generate a first sensing data, a second sensor detects a position movement from an image sensor in the image pickup device to generate a second sensing data and a driving unit is coupled to the image sensor. A processing module receives the first and second sensing data, integrates the first sensing data, calculates the integrated first sensing data and the second sensing data to obtain control information, and enables the driving unit to adjust the position of the image sensor according to the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Ting Lee, Chih-Yang Chiang, Lung-Pin Chung
  • Patent number: 7679647
    Abstract: A sensor mounting system for enabling image stabilization in a digital camera is described. An electronic array light sensor is moved in relation to other parts of the camera in response to camera motion. In one embodiment, the sensor is moved by at least one linear motor having a ferrofluid in a gap of the linear motor. Other aspects of the system are described, including methods of heat sinking the sensor, a suspension system, methods of compensating for an effect of temperature on the ferrofluid, and a compact magnet configuration for forming the linear motor and providing feedback as to the position of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stavely, Robert D Bolinder, III, Theodore B. Ziemkowski, Jeffrey P Baker
  • Patent number: 7675548
    Abstract: A shake correcting device is capable of preventing a correcting optical device from hitting against a component part in the vicinity thereof to generate noise upon outputs from an H bridge driver for driving the correcting optical device being enabled. The device includes an angular velocity sensor that detects shaking of an image pickup apparatus, a position sensor that detects the current position of a shift lens movably disposed for optically correcting the shaking of the apparatus, an H bridge driver that drives the lens according to a drive target value, and an integrator that generates a target correction value based on the output from the angular velocity sensor. The drive target value is calculated based on the target correction value and output data from the position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7672578
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a calculation unit which converts shaking detected by a sensor unit into a shaking cancel amount, a correction/driving unit which drives a correction unit using the shaking cancel amount in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and corrects blurring of an image formed on an image capturing unit, a zoom position detection unit which detects the current zoom position of a zoom lens, and a center point change unit which changes a center point serving as a movable center of the correction unit in accordance with the zoom position set at either end of the zoom range, or an arbitrary position therebetween. This enables a position of a correction unit to be set which allows optimal image visibility and image blurring correction irrespective of the zoom state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Shibata
  • Publication number: 20100026820
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus and method operable to reduce flicker is disclosed. A power supply frequency is detected, and a shutter speed is changed. A changed shutter speed value is slower than a calculated shutter speed and that is an integral multiple of 1/(2f), where “f” represents the power supply frequency. One or more still images are captured at the changed shutter speed, and an electronic hand-shake correction is performed in accordance with the captured still images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidemitsu Senoo
  • Patent number: 7656425
    Abstract: A method characterizes field of view (FOV) distortion and may correct machine vision measurements accordingly. A plurality of distorted images are acquired, with the same calibration target at a plurality of spaced-apart locations within the FOV. The method analyzes the images and determines distortion parameters that can correct the distortions in the images such that features included in the calibration target pattern achieve a sufficient or optimum degree of congruence between the various images. Distortion parameters may be determined for each optical configuration (e.g., lens combination, magnification, etc.) that is used by a machine vision inspection system. The distortion parameters may then be used to correct FOV distortion errors in subsequent inspection and measurement operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Tobiason, Yuhua Ding
  • Patent number: 7656428
    Abstract: A motion sensor configured to control compensation for movement of an imaging device receiving light representative of a selected scene on an image plane. The motion sensor includes and array of photoelements and a controller. The array of photoelements is configured to acquire successive images of features of an environment within a field of view of the motion sensor; including a first image of features and a second image of features acquired at a time interval after the first image, the first and second images including common features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: William R. Trutna, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100002088
    Abstract: A vibration correcting device includes a vibration detecting unit, a vibration correcting unit, a storage unit, and a controlling unit. The vibration detecting unit is configured to detect vibration of an image pickup apparatus. The vibration correcting unit is configured to correct blur of an image caused by the vibration. A storage unit is configured to store correction information used for correcting the blur at a predetermined frequency. The controlling unit is configured to, on the basis of the correction information, send a control signal to the vibration correcting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Seiya Ohta
  • Patent number: 7643740
    Abstract: Provided is a hand-shake correction module for a digital camera, which has a small volume and small operational load when moved. The hand-shake correction module includes a base plate; a first sliding member which moves in a first axis direction with respect to the base plate; a second sliding member including an image pickup device, the second sliding member being movable with respect to the first sliding member in a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis; and a pressing means which generates a magnetic force preventing the first sliding member and the second sliding member from being separated from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-bae Lee
  • Patent number: 7643062
    Abstract: A method and system for deblurring an image based on motion tracking. light is recorded at an image sensor of an imaging device to capture an image. motion of said image sensor is recorded at a motion sensor of the imaging device during the recording of the light at the image sensor. A blur kernel is generated based on the motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: D. Amnon Silverstein, Suk Hwan Lim
  • Publication number: 20090316011
    Abstract: The invention provides an image detecting module including a base, a carrier movably disposed on the base, an image detecting unit disposed on the carrier, a contact portion fixed to the carrier, and a fixed member fixed to the base. The fixed member has a protrusion movably contacting a recess of the contact portion. When an external force is exerted on the base and the carrier moves with respect to the base, the protrusion slides on a surface of the recess. When the external force is released, the protrusion slides to the bottom of the recess, such that the carrier is held in a predetermined position with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.
    Inventor: Yaw-Ching HUANG
  • Patent number: 7634180
    Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device having a shake correction device which corrects image shake by moving a portion of a photographic lens or by moving an imaging element, which is capable of displaying images obtained from the imaging element as a live view on a monitor prior to photography, the imaging device comprising: a detection device which detects deactivation of the shake correction device; and a display control device which turns off a display of a live view on the monitor for a predetermined period of time upon detection of deactivation of the shake correction device by the detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masatoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7633526
    Abstract: Camera systems and methods with vibration compensation. The system comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and a processing module. The first sensor detects an angle variation of a movement of a camera device to generate first sensed data. The second sensor detects a position movement of an image sensor of the camera device to generate second sensed data. The processing module takes the first derivative of the second sensed data, and calculates control information according to the first sensed data and the differential of the second sensed data. The processing module enables a drive device to adjust the position of the image sensor based on the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Ting Lee, Chih-Yang Chiang, Lung-Pin Chung
  • Publication number: 20090295929
    Abstract: A hand shake correction apparatus and a digital photographing apparatus including the hand shake correction apparatus are provided. The hand shake correction apparatus includes: a correction lens module including a correction lens and a correction lens supporting plate; a base movably supporting the supporting plate; first and second driving units moving the supporting plate; and third and fourth driving units moving the supporting plate. The first and second driving units are arranged such that a driving force action line applied to the supporting plate by the first and second driving units passes through a center of mass of the correction lens module. The third and fourth driving units are arranged such that a driving force action line applied to the supporting plate by the third and fourth driving units passes through a center of mass of the correction lens module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-bae Lee, Kwang-Seok Byon
  • Patent number: 7623151
    Abstract: An optical device with an imaging device for forming an image of a subject with a lens device includes a lens unit, a movable member making the lens unit movable within a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens unit, an image pickup device imaging the subject image formed by the lens device, a fixed member limiting the movement of the movable member in the optical axis direction, at least three balls rolling between the movable and fixed member, a vibration detecting unit, and pitch and yaw direction drive units for driving the movable member in the pitch and yaw directions within the optical axis orthogonal plane, respectively. The pitch and yaw direction drive units press the movable member toward the fixed member side by means of magnetic pressing forces caused by magnetic attractive action between drive magnets and yokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7613390
    Abstract: A flexible printed wiring board arrangement of an imaging device includes an image pickup device movable in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, a flexible printed wiring board extending from the image pickup device, and a movable support member which is positioned behind the image pickup device in the optical axis direction to support the flexible printed wiring board. The movable support member moves with the image pickup device in directions orthogonal to the optical axis when the image pickup device is moved, and a part of the flexible printed wiring board is disposed along a front surface of the movable support member behind the image pickup device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nomura, Shinya Suzuka, Ken Endo
  • Publication number: 20090268042
    Abstract: An X-axis driving mechanism section as one of driving sources of a driving apparatus including: a transducer for generating an elliptical vibration on a driving section in response to application of a predetermined frequency voltage signal; a bottom case having a holding section for holding the transducer; a pressing mechanism arranged on the bottom case to press the driving section of the transducer; and a rod relatively driven by the elliptical vibration of the transducer while being pressed by the pressing mechanism and with a moving direction being restricted by a guiding section of the holding member; wherein a weight is fixed to an end portion of the rod. The X-axis driving mechanism section constitutes the driving apparatus which is small and provides a large driving force, is capable of stable driving with higher efficiency without producing audible noise, and can retain the rod position and has high responsiveness with high accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventor: Sumio Kawai
  • Publication number: 20090257741
    Abstract: A stabilizer for a hand-held optical device includes a gyroscope assembly suspended below a base assembly, and a handle pivotably attached to the base assembly. The optical device, which may be a video camera, mounts to the base assembly. The gyroscope assembly has two or more rotatable members that pivot independently to stabilize the optical device about two or more axes of rotation whenever the user moves the stabilizer. A rigid strut connects the gyroscope to the base assembly such that the centers of rotation of the rotatable members are co-linear with a longitudinal axis that extends the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: CAMERA MOTION RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventors: Richard G. Greb, Adrian R. Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20090256919
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging device, including, an imager configured to image a subject to generate a captured image thereof, a subject distance calculator configured to calculate a subject distance up to the subject, a captured image recording commander configured to give a recording instruction to record the captured image based on a present position and the subject distance and a recording controller configured to record the captured image based on the recording instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Daizen Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7598981
    Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus comprises a movable-unit, a fixed-unit, a signal-processor, and a controller. The movable-unit has an imaging-device and is movable in first-and second-directions, supported by the fixed-unit. The fixed-unit has a horizontal-hall-element for detecting a first-location, and a vertical-hall-element for detecting a second-location. The signal-processor outputs a first-signal specifying the first-location, from output signals of the horizontal-hall-element, to a first A/D-converter of the controller, and outputs a second-signal specifying the second-location, from output signals of the vertical-hall-element, to a second A/D-converter of the controller. The controller calculates the first-location in an A/D-converting-operation for the first-signal, and the second-location in an A/D-converting-operation for the second-signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Uenaka, Shuzo Seo
  • Publication number: 20090237792
    Abstract: To provide a driving mechanism with which a reduction in size is possible. A driving mechanism comprising: an optical component that is provided to be movable; a first driving member that is movable in a first direction; a second driving member that is movable in the first direction independently of the first driving member; and an abutting portion that is provided at the optical component and abuts against the first driving member and the second driving member, wherein, the optical component is moved by driving force of the first driving member and the second driving member abutting against the abutting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masao Owashi
  • Publication number: 20090231451
    Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator for a movie or video camera has a vertical axis system including a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, and at least one spring connected to the base and to the arm. One or more dampeners are connected to the base and to the arm. A horizontal axis system is supported by the vertical axis system. A leveling linkage connects the vertical and horizontal axis systems. The leveling linkage has adjustment features that allow for compensation of camera lens angulation caused by movement of the camera supported on a vehicle rolling over rough or uneven ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20090231450
    Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, an erroneous shake correction is prevented from being performed due to a front curtain shock. A shutter selecting section determines a current state is a shake-correction execution mode when a shake correction switch is ON, when a tripod detection sensor tripod is not mounted, when a shake detection sensor senses a shake amount equal to or larger than a predetermined value, and when a shutter speed is lower than a predetermined value. In this case, the shutter selecting section selects an electronic focal plane shutter as the front curtain, and supplies an operation command signal to an electronic focal plane shutter control section. In other cases, the shutter selecting section determines the current state is not the shake-correction execution mode, and selects a mechanical focal plane shutter as the front curtain and supplies an operation command signal to a shutter drive control section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tanaka, Nobuharu Murashima
  • Publication number: 20090219402
    Abstract: An image capture device includes a frame buffer, a processor, a shutter, an actuator, a three-axis optical motion sensor and an image sensor. The image sensor defines an optical axis. The three-axis optical motion sensor provides information concerning rotational movement of the camera about each of a roll axis, a yaw axis and a pitch axis. The roll axis is parallel to the optical axis. The yaw axis and the pitch axis are orthogonal to one another and orthogonal to the roll axis. The actuator rotates the image sensor in response to the rotational movement of the device about the optical axis. The processor generates first and second offsets responsive to the rotational motion about the yaw axis and the pitch axis. The processor shifts each line of image information in a frame in accordance with the first and second offsets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES ECBU IP (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD
    Inventor: Alexander Caldwell Schneider