Abstract: A camera including a camera enclosure; a fixed optics portion having a prism fixedly coupled to the camera enclosure by a voice coil motor base; a moving sensor portion having an image sensor package coupled to the camera enclosure by a voice coil motor carrier that extends around the image sensor package and is operable to cause a displacement of the image sensor package relative to the fixed optics portion; and a damper coupled to the fixed optics portion or the moving sensor portion to absorb an impact between the fixed optics portion and the moving sensor portion.

Abstract: An optical element driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, a driving assembly, and a stopping assembly. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion, wherein the movable portion is used for connecting to an optical element having a main axis. The driving assembly is disposed on the fixed portion or the movable portion, and the driving assembly is used for driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The stopping assembly is connected to the movable portion and the fixed portion.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: a suppression unit that moves an anti-vibration element to a position, which is determined according to a detection result of a detection unit detecting vibration applied to the device, to suppress an influence of the vibration on a subject image; and a control unit that performs control on a display unit to display the subject image as a video image and performs control on the suppression unit to center the anti-vibration element while a visibility-obstruction phenomenon, which is predetermined as a phenomenon where the visual recognition of a shift in an angle of view caused by the centering of the anti-vibration element can be obstructed, occurs in a state where an operation for displaying the video image by the display unit is being performed and an operation for suppressing the influence by the suppression unit is being performed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an optical image stabilization system. The optical image stabilization system includes a sensor. The sensor is configured for measuring movements of a camera module stabilized by the optical image stabilization system. Some embodiments further include an optical image stabilization control system for calculating from the movements a calculated position of a moving body. In some embodiments, the moving body is part of a camera module. Some embodiments further include an actuator control for generating electrical signals to move at least two actuators to achieve a calculated position of the moving body. In some embodiments, the actuator control system receives measurements from positions sensors that assess the position of the moving body.

Abstract: A medical image recording/playback device includes an image pickup device. In an image pickup device that generates an image pickup signal by photoelectrically converting light reflected from a subject through an image pickup element, an image pickup control unit displays, on a display unit, image data that is generated for each of frames that constitute a video by processing the image pickup signal, and records the image data on a memory card. When the video is played, an image shift detection unit sequentially compares image data between consecutive or adjacent frames read from the memory card, and detects an amount of positional shift of a main subject between the frames. If the amount of positional shift is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, displaying of the image data read from the memory card is stopped.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus mounted on an image capturing apparatus, comprises a correction member capable of changing a position of an image on an image sensing plane by moving in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, a position detection unit configured to detect a position of the correction member, a control unit configured to control driving of the correction member so as to have an amplitude larger than a pixel pitch of an image sensor, and an exposure control unit configured to control exposure of the image sensor, wherein the exposure control unit performs the exposure when the position of the correction member detected by the position detection unit moves by the pixel pitch.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for alleviating kinetosis using a mobile device. Motion sensors, gyroscopes, cameras, inertial modules, proximity detectors, global position system (GPS) receivers, orientation sensors, etc., are used to monitor motion that a mobile device user feels through the vestibular system but may not observe. A kinetosis alleviation system generates activity on a mobile device display that simulates the detected motion. In some examples, the activity may be a frame around video or text that shows movement congruent or more congruent with detected motion. In other examples, the activity may be a video or text window itself that moves in a manner congruent with detected motion.

Abstract: An image blurring correction apparatus includes a correction member for correcting image blur, and a shake detection unit for detecting the shake of the apparatus and outputting a shake signal. The image blurring correction apparatus generates first shake amount data based on the shake signal, and generates second shake amount data, based on the shake signal, with which a higher shake correction effect than that of the first shake amount data can be obtained. The image blurring correction apparatus selects either the first or the second shake amount data based on the shake signal, and calculates a shake correction amount that is a moving amount of the correction member using the selected shake amount data.

Abstract: According to the first aspect of the present technology, there is provided an action control device, including a transmittance specifying unit configured to specify a transmittance of a variable-transmittance neutral density (ND) filter having a transmittance that varies according to an applied voltage, and an applied voltage control unit configured to control a voltage to be applied to the variable-transmittance ND filter such that the transmittance specified by the transmittance specifying unit is obtained. The applied voltage control unit controls the voltage to be applied to the variable-transmittance ND filter such that the transmittance of the variable-transmittance ND filter specified by the transmittance specifying unit is maintained at a timing at which an imaging preparation instruction or an imaging instruction is given.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lead screw that is rotatably driven by a focus motor, a pulse plate that is provided at a root section of the lead screw on the focus motor side and rotates integrally with the lead screw, a photo interrupter holder that holds a photo interrupter configured to detect a signal of the pulse plate, a rack that is screwed to the lead screw and advances or retracts in the direction of the optical axis of an imaging optical system in accordance with the rotation drive of the lead screw, and a fourth group holder that holds a fourth group lens and advances or retracts in the direction of the optical axis by engaging with the rack. When the fourth group holder is retracted toward the focus motor side, the pulse plate and the fourth group holder or the fourth group lens are overlapped with each other as viewed from the direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

Abstract: In an apparatus, two or more actuators perform optical image stabilization by tilting a lens module of a camera unit when installed in the camera unit between the lens module and an image sensor. A variable prism is sandwiched between the lens module and the image sensor when the apparatus is installed in the camera unit for maintaining focal plane of the lens module on the image sensor independently of optical image stabilization operations caused by the tilting of the lens module.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer programs are provided an apparatus includes one or more reflectors configured to divide incoming light, received via an aperture, between at least first and second image sensors by reflecting a portion of the incoming light towards the first image sensor and a portion of the incoming light towards the second image sensor; and at least one actuator configured to move at least a portion of the one or more reflectors in order to compensate for movement of the apparatus during exposure of the first and second image sensors.

Abstract: An electronic device with camera functions includes a housing and a camera module. The housing has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is disposed on a display surface of the housing, and the second opening is disposed on a rear surface of the housing. The camera module is located between the first opening and the second opening. Therefore, a user can take a photograph for an object by the display surface or the rear surface of the electronic device facing toward the object.

Abstract: In an image capturing apparatus with an operation mode for carrying out expression detection, it is determined whether or not the image capturing apparatus is operated in the operation mode for carrying out expression detection. In a case in which the image capturing apparatus is operated in the operation mode for carrying out expression detection, setting in such a way that images with a resolution higher than in a case in which the image capturing apparatus is not operated in the operation mode are read out from an image sensor allows the expression of a face of a person to be detected efficiently.

Abstract: An optical image system includes an image pickup module, a swinging mechanism, a first swinging calibration element and a second swinging calibration element. When the optical image system is tilted because of handshaking, the image pickup module is swung by the swinging mechanism. At the same time, the first swinging calibration element and the second swinging calibration element detect whether the image pickup module is swung to an ideal position where the handshaking problem is eliminated.

Abstract: The spatial location and azimuth of an object are computed from the locations, in a single camera image, of exactly two points on the object and information about an orientation of the object. One or more groups of four or more collinear markers are located in an image, and for each group, first and second outer markers are determined, the distances from each outer marker to the nearest marker in the same group are compared, and the outer marker with a closer nearest marker is identified as the first outer marker. Based on known distances between the outer markers and the marker nearest the first outer marker, an amount of perspective distortion of the group of markers in the image is estimated. Based on the perspective distortion, relative distances from each other point in the group to one of the outer markers are determined. Based on the relative distances, the group is identified.

Abstract: An anti-shake device for use in an optical system comprises a biaxial rotating element and a electromagnetic driving module. The biaxial rotating element is made by grooving a thin resilient plate to form a special multiple-frame structure. The biaxial rotating element, when driven by the electromagnetic driving module, makes limited pivotal movement about two axes so as to provide shake compensation. The electromagnetic driving module, composed of a plurality of permanent magnets and a plurality of coils, is supported and positioned by an inner support frame and an outer support frame, both of which have uniquely designed structures. The resultant anti-shake device is structurally simple, easy to assemble, compact in size, and relatively low-cost.

Abstract: A MCP semiconductor device with an “anti-shake” function includes a driver chip and a logic chip. The logic chip includes a correction signal processing unit which obtains a value for vibration of apparatus based on a vibration detection signal to generate a correction signal and a control signal output unit having a plurality of types of signal output sections which output a vibration control signal in accordance with the correction signal to a vibration correction control unit which executes vibration correction control for an optical component. The logic chip further includes a driver output terminal which outputs the vibration control signal to the driver chip, an external output terminal which outputs the control signal to an external circuit other than the driver chip, and also an output switch unit which connects one of the plurality of signal output sections with the driver output terminal or the external output terminal.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device for subjecting an optical subject image to photoelectric conversion to generate an image signal; an angular velocity sensor for detecting angular velocity with the imaging apparatus; a first shaking amount calculation unit for integrating detection values from the angular velocity sensor to calculate first shaking amount of the imaging apparatus; a second shaking amount calculation unit for calculating second shaking amount of the imaging apparatus based on image data from the imaging device; a third shaking amount calculation unit for correcting the first shaking amount to calculate third shaking amount of the imaging apparatus based on first amplitude which is a fluctuation range relating to the first shaking amount, and second amplitude which is a fluctuation range relating to the second shaking amount; and a correction control unit for correcting the shaking of the imaging apparatus based on the third shaking amount.

Abstract: A digital camera 100 is provided with an optical unit 1, CCD 3, a CCD holder 27 for holding CCD 3, actuator 10 for connecting the CCD holder 27 with the optical unit 1, wherein the actuator changes in shape when a voltage is applied across a front surface and rear surface thereof, and flexible printed circuits 8, 9 for applying voltages to driving members 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d in response to detection of camera shake to move the CCD holder 27 such that an optical axis Z of the optical unit 1 passes through the center of the image capturing plane 300 of CCD 3.

Abstract: An image fluctuation correction device includes a shake detecting means 5 for detecting a shake occurring in a photographic device, two movable refraction elements 10A, 10B arranged on an incident light path to an optical lens 3 to change a direction of refraction of incident light on the optic lens, two rotating means 4A, 4B for rotating each of the two movable refraction elements 10A, 10B about an optical axis within a predetermined movable range, a rotating control amount calculating means 6A for calculating rotating control amounts of the two rotating means 4A, 4B so as to cancel the shake detected by the shake detecting means, and rotating control means 6B for controlling the two rotating means 4A, 4B on the basis of the rotating control amounts calculated by the rotating control amount calculating means 6A.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an image shake correction optical element driven in a movable range including an optical origin position, a detector detecting a position of the optical element, a locking mechanism limiting movement of the optical element within a lock range including the optical origin position and is narrower than the movable range. The apparatus further includes a memory storing a first distance between a first reference position in the movable range and the optical origin position and a second distance between a second reference position in the lock range and the optical origin position. A controller controls a position of the optical element based on a control origin position, and performs correction of at least one of the first distance, the second distance and the control origin position.

Abstract: Described is a multi-sensor image capture device. The device comprises a first imaging sensor, a second imaging sensor and a light transfer arrangement receiving illumination reflected from an object and aiming the illumination at at least one of the first and second imaging sensors. The first imaging sensor generates first image data as a function of the illumination and the second imaging sensor generates second image data as a function of the illumination.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element for converting an optical image on a focal plane into an electrical image signal and outputting the electrical image signal. A vibration sensor detects a vibration amount of an image pickup apparatus main body, and an optical axis decentering member is provided for decentering an optical axis to cause the optical image to coincide with a predetermined position on the focal plane of the image pickup element. A driving control circuit controls a decentering amount of the optical axis decentering member on the basis of a detection output from the vibration sensor, and a control circuit controls the driving control circuit so that the decentering member is operated if the image pickup element is outputting the electrical signal.

Abstract: Methods for estimating a point spread function of a blurred digital image. One example method includes capturing gyro data during an image exposure time, deriving gyro samples from the gyro data at predetermined gyro sampling times, calculating a motion vector field of the image at each gyro sampling time, approximating an overall image scene motion path by averaging motion paths of selected pixels in the image, and estimating the point spread function from the approximated overall image scene motion path.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a deviation of a camera as a result of a shaking. The apparatus includes a shaking detector which detects a deviation of the camera from shaking based upon an output of at least two pairs of acceleration sensors which are located on different axes of the camera coordinates. A calculator calculates tilt angles of each of the axes from outputs of the pairs of the acceleration sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a deviation of a camera as a result of the camera shaking, for example resulting from a hand of the camera operator shaking. The apparatus includes a shaking detector which detects a deviation of the camera from shaking based upon an output of angular velocity sensors which are located on different axes of the camera coordinates. A calculator calculates tilt angles of each of the coordinate axes from outputs of the angular velocity sensors. The rotation regulator rotates an image pickup device around an optical axis of the camera or an axis in parallel with the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for evaluating the surfaces of substrates for three dimensional defects. The present invention uses low-angled lighting positioned on opposite sides of the substrate. A camera positioned above the substrate captures two images thereof, one using the first light source and one using the second. The first and second images are subtracted from one another to create a third image. Camera data suggestive of three dimensional features is emphasized by subtracting the two images and can be evaluated. A fourth image may be created by selecting the minimum values between the first and second images on a point-by-point basis. The fourth image also provides useful information in evaluating three dimensional defects.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a deviation of a camera as a result of a shaking. The apparatus includes a shaking detector which detects a deviation of the camera from shaking based upon an output of at least two pairs of acceleration sensors which are located on different axes of the camera coordinates. A calculator calculates tilt angles of each of the axes from outputs of the pairs of the acceleration sensors.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes

Abstract: A vibration correcting device comprises first vibration correcting amount output unit for obtaining and outputting a vibration correcting amount from the amount of vibration of the apparatus, second vibration correcting amount output unit for obtaining and outputting a vibration correcting amount from the amount of vibration in a picked-up image obtained by picking up an object image with image pickup unit through an optical system, correction unit for correcting the vibration in the picked-up image based on the output of the first and second vibration correcting amount output unit, and control unit for controlling the outputs of the first and second vibration correcting amount output unit based on the outputs thereof.

Abstract: A vibration correction apparatus has a motion vector detection circuit for detecting a motion vector signal at a predetermined sampling period, a signal processing circuit for calculating a correction target value in accordance with the motion vector signal detected by the motion vector detection circuit, a correction system for correcting a motion in accordance with the correction target value, and a control circuit for generating a new correction target value through interpolation of the correction target value, shortening a correction period of correction by the correction system shorter than a sampling period of the motion vector, and making the period of correction by the correction system variable with each image pickup system.

Abstract: An optical apparatus capable of performing an image-taking operation in a plurality of image-taking modes includes a selecting part for selecting one image-taking mode from among a plurality of image-taking modes, a variable density element, and a density control part for controlling density of the variable density element, wherein the density control part is capable of controlling the density of the variable density element in a plurality of density control modes and selects one of the plurality of density control modes according to the image-taking mode selected by the selecting part.

Abstract: In a vibration correction apparatus for attaining vibration correction on the basis of motion information obtained by adding vibrations detected by an angular velocity sensor and vibrations detected from an image signal, the motion correction period based on the vibration information detected from the image signal is set to be shorter than the vibration detection period.