Abstract: An electronic device may include a camera module. Control circuitry within the electronic device may use an image sensor within the camera module to acquire digital images. The camera module may have lens structures that are supported by lens support structures such as a lens barrel and lens carrier. An actuator such as a voice coil motor may control the position of the lens support structures relative to internal support structures such as upper and lower spacer members. Springs may be used to couple the lens support structures to the internal support structures. Outer wall structures in the camera module such as a ferromagnetic shield structures may surround and enclose at least some of the internal support structures. The outer wall structures may have openings. The internal support structures may have pins or other alignment structures that protrude through the openings.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises an electromechanical module having an actuator for positioning a mechanical element between first and second positions, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical module. The controller is configured to detect a mechanical event coupling to the electromechanical module, select an actuation signal to position the mechanical element in a safe position between the first and second positions, and transmit the selected signal, such that the mechanical element is positioned in the safe position during the event.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes lens barrels 12 and 13 that house an image pickup optical system L1 to L5, an image pickup element 8 that performs a photoelectric conversion of an object image, an image pickup element holding member 10 that is movable in an optical axis direction with respect to the lens barrels, guide bars 15 and 16 that guide a movement of the image pickup element holding member, and adjustment mechanisms 9a and 9b that perform an inclination adjustment of the image pickup element. Ends at an object side of the guide bars are held by the lens barrels, and ends at an image side of the guide bars are held by a cover member 14 that includes an opening 14c to operate the adjustment mechanism from an outside at the opposite side and that is connected with the lens barrels.

Abstract: A compact camera module includes a housing with an interior framework or separate interior bracket that has a conductive trace that runs along one or more surfaces thereof and electrically connects a lens actuator to a printed circuit to carry auto-focus control signals to the lens actuator from the printed circuit.

Abstract: A compact camera module is coupled at an image sensor end to a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and an FPC extension segment and is configured such that, upon folding the FPC onto the housing, one or more electrical contact pads disposed on the subject side of the optical train are coupled electrically with contact pads on the FPC extension segment from which MEMS actuator control signals are transmittable directly from the FPC to the MEMS lens actuator.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a fixed frame, a rotary frame provided inside the fixed frame, a first frame provided inside the rotary frame, an electronic component provided inside the first frame, and a flexible printed circuit board connected, at one end thereof, to the electronic component and connected, at the other end thereof, to the fixed frame. A gear part is provided at an outer circumferential surface of the rotary frame. In the first frame, a first protrusion outwardly protruding beyond the gear part in a radial direction about the optical axis is provided at a position corresponding to the flexible printed circuit board in a circumferential direction about the optical axis on a side of the gear part opposite to the object in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens holder, a lens held by the lens holder, an image sensor, a guiding device, and a driving motor. The lens holder includes guiding rods which impose a movement track on the guiding device so as to hold the image sensor very steadily and precisely for focusing purposes, in moving towards or away from the lens.

Abstract: A camera module includes an actuator coupled to one or more movable lenses of the optical train and configured to move the one or more lenses relative to the image sensor to provide zoom or autofocus or both to the camera module. The actuator is configured to position one or more lenses of the optical train by applying one or more bias voltages respectively between one or more pairs of actuator components. The camera module processor is configured to determine an orientation of the camera module for the actuator to step through an auto-focus process that is specifically tailored to one of multiple sub-ranges of camera pointing angles relative to vertical.

Abstract: A camera module includes an actuator coupled to one or more movable lenses of an optical train and configured to move the one or more lenses relative to the image sensor to provide zoom or autofocus or both to the camera module. The actuator is configured to bias one or more pairs of actuator components, and to measure one or more capacitances of the one or more pairs of actuator components, and to determine an orientation of the camera module based on the one or more measured capacitances, and to provide information accordingly for the actuator to step through an auto-focus process that is specifically tailored to one of multiple sub-ranges of camera pointing angles.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path.

Abstract: Provided is a vibration actuator including: an electromechanical transduction member that transduces electric power to a mechanical vibration; a transmission member that transmits the vibration from the electromechanical transduction member as a driving force; and an abutting portion that abuts on the transmission member and moves relative to the transmission member in response to the driving force. One of the transmission member and the abutting portion includes pores in its surface contacting the abutting portion or the transmission member at an area occupancy of 2% or higher. In this vibration actuator, the average area of the pores may be 3 ?m2 or larger. The other of the transmission member and the abutting portion may include iron in its surface contacting the one.

Abstract: An image blur correction apparatus includes: a fixed member; a first driven unit pivotally supported by the fixed member around a first support shaft extending in a direction parallel to an optical axis direction; a second driven unit holding a lens or an imaging device and pivotally supported by the first driven unit around a second support shaft extending in the direction parallel to the optical axis direction; a first actuator that pivots the first and second driven units around the first support shaft; and a second actuator that pivots the second driven unit around the second support shaft.

Abstract: A focus position searching method is used to determine an optimum position of a lens module, the lens module being driven by a voice coil motor (VCM), the VCM according to an input current to drive the lens module. The focus position searching method is used to search a left boundary and a right boundary, then two current values are obtained in a range between the left and the right boundaries, by using a golden section method to drive the lens module to capture an image and calculate sharpness of the image. According to the sharpness, the left and the right boundaries are continuously moved rightward and leftward, thereby two differences current values are obtained in the left and right boundaries within a certain range, and a searched current is used to carry out the focus.

Abstract: An actuator that operates by electrostatic attraction and repulsion and can have fixed and moving electrodes is disclosed for one or more embodiments. The fixed and moving electrodes can be inclined relative to each other at an acute angle. The actuator can be radially symmetric and mirrored about the moving electrode. The moving electrode can have a central aperture over which is placed an optical element such as a lens. The optical element can be part of an optical train that permits the focus of an electronic camera to be modified by changing the displacement of the lens along the optical axis of the camera.

Abstract: Systems and methods for camera modules having a movable lens barrel, allowing a maximum lens diameter with minimal outside dimensions are disclosed. At least one single linear actuator is moving the lens barrel. Each actuator is deployed in an own corner of the camera module. The moving lens barrel is guided by rolling elements bearings. The actuator comprises a stator, comprising one or more coils wrapped around a rod of magnetic metal and an anchor comprising one or more permanent magnets, which are tightly attached to the lens barrel. An offset between the longitudinal center line of magnets of the anchor and the center of the stator generates a permanent force pushing the lens barrel in direction of the stator of the motor and consequently pushes protrusions on the lens barrel onto the rolling elements bearings, thus preventing the bearings to fall apart in case of a mechanical shock.

Abstract: An autofocus zoom miniature MEMS camera module includes a housing defining an aperture, one or more lenses that are fixed relative to the housing, a MEMS actuator, and one or more movable optical elements coupled to the MEMS actuator. An object disposed an arbitrary distance from the camera module is automatically focused at a determined zoom onto the image sensor by MEMS actuation of the one or more movable optical elements.

Abstract: To provide a drive unit and a drive module which include a shape memory alloy as a drive source to move a driven member and are capable of the high-precision movement of the driven member to a reference position. A drive unit and a drive module can be provided by controlling, in the drive unit and the drive module which include the shape memory alloy as the drive source to move the driven member, the shape memory alloy so that the resistance of the shape memory alloy is equal to the resistance when the driven member is located at the reference position.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes an imaging optical system including a movable lens unit, a drive unit configured to drive the movable lens unit, and a control unit configured to cause the movable lens unit to perform a wobbling motion in an optical axis direction by alternatively outputting to the drive unit a first drive command for driving the movable lens unit at a first driving speed and a stop command for stopping driving of the movable lens unit, and to move the movable lens unit based on contrast information obtained from an image pickup unit during the wobbling motion of the movable lens unit, wherein, at least one of before and after outputting the first drive command to the drive unit, the control unit outputs to the drive unit a second drive command for driving the movable lens unit at a second driving speed lower than the first driving speed.

Abstract: A camera apparatus capable of providing optical image stabilization comprises a support structure and a camera unit, that comprises an image sensor and a lens system for focussing an image thereon, supported on the support structure in a manner allowing it to tilt around two notional axes perpendicular to each other and to the optical axis. An SMA actuation system comprises two SMA actuator subsystems each comprising plural SMA actuators connected between the camera unit and the support structure. The SMA actuators of the respective SMA actuator subsystems are arranged, on contraction, to drive displacement of the camera unit in opposite directions along the optical axis. The SMA actuators of each SMA actuator subsystem are also arranged, on differential contraction, to drive rotation of the camera unit around a respective one of said notional axes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drive control apparatus of a camera module and a method of controlling camera module drive. The drive control apparatus of the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a lens module movable along an optical axis; a first and a second stoppers defining maximum moving section of the lens module; and a controller for determining an available moving section by applying a first determined correction value to the maximum moving section so as to make the lens module to move between locations spaced from the first and second stoppers with a predetermined distance. According to the present invention, it is advantageously possible to reduce the electric current consumption when performing auto-focusing function.

Abstract: A focusing lens assembly for a camera includes a shaft member disposed in parallel with an optical axis of the camera, a lens mounting member through which the shaft member penetrates and on which a focusing lens is mounted, a focusing lens driving motor configured to allow the lens mounting member to slide according to the shaft member, and a rotating unit configured to rotate the lens mounting member in a first direction in which the focusing lens is deviated from the optical axis or in a second direction in which the focusing lens is arranged on the optical axis according to an ON/OFF operation of the camera power.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes an outer shell, a moveable frame, a coil of wire, a number of magnetic members and a first elastic member. The outer shell includes a number of sidewalls connected to each other end-to-end. The moveable frame is moveably received in the outer shell. The coil of wire is wrapped around the moveable frame and is received in the outer shell. Each of the magnetic members is attached to a corner formed by two inner surfaces of two adjacent sidewalls. The magnetic members and the coil of wire are configured for cooperating to drive the movable frame to move in the outer shell. The first elastic member is attached to the moveable frame and received in the outer shell. The first elastic member is configured for providing an elastic restoring force.

Abstract: A portable electronic device and an autofocus control method of a camera of the portable electronic device are disclosed. The portable electronic device provides a G-sensor to detect the orientation of the portable electronic device, and provides a storage unit to store autofocus lookup tables for different orientations of the portable electronic device, respectively. According to orientation information from the G-sensor, the central processing unit of the portable electronic device selects one autofocus lookup table from the storage unit and thereby generates an actuating signal for a focus model. The focus model of the portable electronic device is actuated by the actuating signal to adjust an image distance between a lens module and an image sensor of the camera.

Abstract: Provided is a vibration-type driving apparatus comprising a vibrating body including an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body to which the electro-mechanical energy conversion element is joined; and a flexible printed board connected to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element, wherein the flexible printed board includes a first region bonded to at least the location of an antinode portion of vibration of the vibrating body and a second region that is adjacent to the first region and that is not bonded to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element; the boundary portion between the first region and the second region is located at a node portion of the vibration of the vibrating body; and a gap is present between the second region and the vibrating body.

Abstract: A camera module and an auto focusing method of the camera module are provided, the camera module including a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) including a rotor including a lens distanced from a reference plane, in a case no driving signal is applied, a posture detection sensor determining a posture of the VCM; an ISP (Image Signal Processor) generating a driving signal for driving the VCM using an optimum focus value of the lens calculated by an auto focus algorithm in response to a posture of the VCM determined by the posture detection sensor, an image sensor changing lens-passed light to a digital signal, and a controller controlling the VCM, the posture detection sensor, the image signal processor and the image sensor.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a fixing assembly and a piston assembly movably received in the fixing assembly. The fixing assembly includes a fixing frame and one or more magnetic members positioned on the fixing frame. The piston assembly includes a lens and a coil sleeved on the lens. The coil and the lens cooperatively define a receiving groove. The fixing frame forms one or more resisting portions. The fixing frame sleeves on the lens with the resisting portions engaging in the receiving groove, such that the coil together with the lens is capable of moving along the at least one resisting portion utilizing the magnetic force generated by the magnetic members.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a camera module are proposed, the camera module being such that a terminal formed at a holder is inserted into a through hole or a groove of a substrate in a case the substrate and the holder are coupled, to allow the terminal and the holder to be electrically connected.

Abstract: A miniature camera lens actuation apparatus comprises a support structure, a camera lens element supported on the support structure by a suspension system; and an SMA actuator connected between the support structure and the movable element to drive movement of the camera lens element. The control circuit may include a drive circuit and a sensor circuit which have separate electrical connections to the SMA actuator to reduce the impact of the resistance of the electrical connections on the sensing. The control circuit may vary the drive signal in response to a temperature signal indicative of the ambient temperature. An endstop limits movement to prevent extension of the SMA actuator in its unheated state beyond a maximum length which is at or below the length corresponding the local maximum resistance of the resistance-length curve. Control of position is effected using resistance of the SMA actuator as a measure of position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include circuits and methods for calibrating position displacement in a voltage controlled actuator. In one embodiment, a calibration circuit comprises an actuator having a control terminal for receiving a programmable control voltage to set a displacement, a switch that selectively decouples said programmable voltage from said control terminal and couples a reference current to said control terminal when the control terminal is decoupled from said control voltage, a comparator that senses a voltage difference between said control voltage and said control terminal, and a timer coupled to an output of the comparator. The timer measures a time period required to increase the control terminal voltage. The capacitance of the actuator may be determined and used to calibrate the position of the actuator.

Abstract: A lens apparatus is disclosed, which can control the position of a lens unit driven by an actuator such as a vicecoil motor in a non-energizing state of the actuator easily. The lens apparatus comprises: a first lens unit and second lens unit moving in an optical axis direction, respectively; a first actuator driving the first lens unit; and a second actuator driving the second lens unit. The first lens unit is driven by the second lens unit that is driven by the second actuator in a nonenergized state of the first actuator, and a member is provided in one of the first and second lens units. The member contacts the other lens unit in the nonenergized state.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an actuator allowing a control of displacement and configured to offer a high degree of freedom in designing, and a drive device and an imaging device including the actuator. To achieve the object, an actuator is adopted including a movable part deformable in accordance with heat generation and a control section controlling the amount of deformation of the movable part. In the actuator, the movable part is structured with a plurality of portions including a base portion, a force generating portion, and a heat generating portion being stacked, the force generating portion generating force in accordance with heating, the heat generating portion generating heat in accordance with a current supply. The control section controls the amount of deformation of the movable part by controlling the current supply to the heat generating portion based on an electrical resistance in the heat generating portion.

Abstract: An auto focus image system that includes a pixel array coupled to a focus signal generator. The pixel array captures an image that has at least one edge with a width. The focus signal generator may generate a focus signal that is a function of the edge width and/or statistics of edge widths. A processor receives the focus signal and/or the statistics of edge widths and adjust a focus position of a focus lens. The edge width can be determined by various techniques including the use of gradients. A histogram of edge widths may be used to determine whether a particular image is focused or unfocused. A histogram with a large population of thin edge widths is indicative of a focused image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) actuator mounted camera module having sag compensation and a sag compensation method using the same, the camera module including a MEMS actuator mounted with a lens; a MEMS actuator moving unit outputting electrostatic capacity information corresponding to position of the lens changed by displacement move and outputting a displacement move signal to the MEMS actuator for controlling the displacement moving force; a memory unit stored with reference signal information corresponding to a maximum displacement move in the displacement move; and a signal compensation unit calculating a step range corresponding to the displacement move of the MEMS actuator based on the electrostatic capacity information outputted from the MEMS actuator moving unit and the reference signal information stored in the memory unit and compensating the displacement moving force of the MEMS actuator based on the calculated step range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera module having an auto focus function, the module including a lens unit having at least one lens, a barrel into which the lens unit is inserted, and connected by a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) actuator, and an image sensor discretely positioned from the lens unit to convert light having passed the lens unit to an electrical signal, where the VCM actuator includes a gap of a reference distance position value which is a position of an object catering to a lens focal length according to the camera module, and information on a focus-met lens position value, and adjusts an initial position of the lens by using the gap of reference distance position value of the lens position value during operation of the camera module.

Abstract: A focus control apparatus for use in an imaging apparatus includes an exchangeable lens and a camera body. The exchangeable lens includes an optical system including a focus lens. The camera body is able to hold the exchangeable lens and includes an imaging element. The apparatus further includes a pan•tilt detection unit, a decision unit, and a control unit. The pan•tilt detection unit detects a pan and tilt of the camera body. The decision unit determines whether the exchangeable lens is able to achieve wobbling. The control unit controls an automatic focusing process of the focus lens in accordance with an image data generated by the imaging element. The control unit executes a different automatic focusing process in accordance with a decision made by the decision unit, when the pan or tilt of the camera body is detected to have started.

Abstract: A movement control apparatus includes: an actuator that causes a driven body connected to a driving coil to perform reciprocating movement; a signal generation unit that generates a velocity command signal which indicates a target velocity of the driven body; a driving unit that supplies electric current corresponding to a driving signal to the driving coil; a voltage detection unit that detects induced voltage generated in the driving coil, and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the induced voltage; a signal correction unit that corrects, based on the driving signal and the voltage signal, the voltage signal to adjust a shift of a resistance value from a reference resistance value of the driving coil, thereby generating a velocity signal; and a control unit that generates the driving signal based on the velocity command signal and the velocity signal, and outputs the driving signal to the driving unit.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus for performing focus adjustment of an object image includes an image pickup portion, an evaluating portion, a focus motor for driving a focus lens, and drive controlling portion. The image pickup portion converts an optical signal of an object image into an electric video signal. The evaluating portion calculates an evaluation value from the video signal obtained by the image pickup portion. The drive controlling portion controls an acceleration/deceleration drive of the focus motor according to a acceleration/deceleration function. The drive controlling portion accelerates the drive of the focus motor up to a target velocity, and decelerates the drive of the focus motor from the target velocity after the target velocity is reached, in synchronization with a synchronization signal for generating a timing of starting exposure for the optical signal of the image pickup portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for camera modules having a movable lens barrel, allowing a maximum lens diameter with minimal outside dimensions are disclosed. At least one single linear actuator is moving the lens barrel. Each actuator is deployed in an own corner of the camera module. The moving lens barrel is guided by rolling elements bearings. The actuator comprises a stator, comprising one or more coils wrapped around a rod of magnetic metal and an anchor comprising one or more permanent magnets, which are tightly attached to the lens barrel. An offset between the longitudinal center line of magnets of the anchor and the center of the stator generates a permanent force pushing the lens barrel in direction of the stator of the motor and consequently pushes protrusions on the lens barrel onto the rolling elements bearings, thus preventing the bearings to fall apart in case of a mechanical shock.

Abstract: An auto-focus camera has an optical system for forming an image of a target, a moveable sensor for recording a set of one or more images of the target, the set of one or more images corresponding to a set of one or more positions for the moveable sensor, and a linear piezoelectric actuator mechanically coupled to the moveable sensor for driving the moveable sensor to the set of one or more positions along a predetermined moving direction in response to a stimulus. A driving system is actuable to generate the stimulus to drive the piezoelectric actuator. An image processor, in response to stored instructions, obtains the set of one or more recorded images from the moveable sensor, processes the set of one or more obtained recoded images, and identifies the image that is in focus.

Abstract: A camera module includes a barrel, a movable lens movable in the barrel in an optical axis direction, an imaging device that captures an image of a subject viewed through the movable lens and an actuator that changes the distance between the movable lens and the imaging device. The actuator has a first power feed terminal at one end thereof and a second power feed terminal at the other end thereof. The first terminal is attached on the side where the movable lens is present. The second terminal is attached on the side where the barrel is present. The actuator bends when electric power is fed to each of the first and second terminals and changes the distance between the movable lens and the imaging device.

Abstract: A camera module includes a positioning plate, a positioning frame, a spring member, a lens holder, and a piezoelectric actuator. The positioning frame is fixed to the positioning plate and defines a positioning through hole. The spring member is disposed on the positioning plate and in a compressed state. The lens holder is received in the positioning through hole and movably engaged with the positioning frame. The piezoelectric actuator is sandwiched between the compressed spring member and the lens holder. The piezoelectric actuator is operable to drive the lens holder to rotate about a central axis of the positioning frame, thereby move along the central axis relative to the positioning frame.

Abstract: An optical unit and image pickup apparatus capable of performing “auto focus function” and “image shake correction function” and characterized by easy assembling, compact configuration, high performance and reduced costs is provided. The optical unit and image pickup apparatus are provided with a polymer actuator to move an optical device, whereby performing auto focus function and image shake correction function can be performed. The polymer actuator is provided with electric wirings for image pickup device, thereby reducing the number of circuit board used for electric wiring of the image pickup device, with the result that an optical unit and image pickup apparatus characterized by easy assembling, compact configuration, high performance and reduced costs are provided.

Abstract: The controller controls the audio processor to perform the first reduction process, in a case where the type of the connected removable lens unit is a first type lens unit, the controller controls the audio processor to perform the second reduction process, in a case where the type of the connected removable lens unit is a second type lens unit.

Abstract: An auto focus device of a mobile communication apparatus is disclosed. The auto focus device comprises a voice coil motor, a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit. The voice coil motor comprises a floating movable device and a lens in the floating movable device. The first driving circuit drives the voice coil motor so that the floating movable device moves inside the voice coil motor to zoom in/out and focus the lens on image sensors when the camera function is activated. The second driving circuit drives the voice coil motor to fix the floating movable device inside the voice coil motor and cover the image sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include circuits and methods for calibrating lens displacement in a voltage controlled actuator. In one embodiment, a calibration circuit comprises a programmable voltage source that provides a voltage to a control terminal of an actuator to set a lens displacement, a switch that selectively decouples said programmable voltage source from said control terminal, a current source that provides a reference current to said control terminal when the control terminal is decoupled from said programmable voltage source, a comparator that senses a voltage difference between said programmable voltage source and said control terminal, and a timer coupled to an output of the comparator. The timer measures a time period required to increase the control terminal voltage. The capacitance of the actuator may be determined and used to calibrate the position of a lens.

Abstract: A positioning system for a miniature electronic device. The positioning system has a first portion including a damper and a second portion connected to the first portion. The second portion positions a payload of the miniature electronic device. The miniature electronic device may be a miniature camera, or other device.

Abstract: A lens driver includes: an imaging lens; a housing accommodating the lens; a spring member provided between the lens and the housing and holding the lens in the housing movably in the optical axis direction; a coil moving the lens in the optical axis direction; a magnet spaced apart from the coil and moving the lens in the optical axis direction; and a yoke fixed to the magnet and having an L-shaped cross-section when taken along a plane including the optical axis, wherein the yoke is disposed in such a way that an L-shaped corner side is located on the opposite side to the position of the lens where the reaction force of the spring member resulting from the movement of the lens is maximized.

Abstract: A small imaging apparatus (1) implementing an optical image stabilizing function has a vibratory driving device (3) which comprises a driving shaft (7), an electromechanical transducer (6) consisting of a plurality of elongatable portions capable of elongating and contracting in an axial direction of the driving shaft (7) respectively and integrated with each other, and a driving member (8) slidably engaging on the driving shaft (7); a axially movable optical member (10) of which position is restrained in the axial direction by the driving member (8); and a vertically movable optical member (9, 11) of which position is restrained in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction by the driving shaft (7), the elongatable portions uniformly elongating and contracting repeatedly to displace the driving member (8) slidingly on the driving shaft (7), and unequally elongating or contracting to incline the driving shaft (7) to displace the driving member (8).

Abstract: A lens driving device accurately and smoothly moves a holder in an optical axis direction even when the distance between lower shaft end supporting portions differ from the distance between upper shaft end supporting holes. The cross-section, in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, of at least one upper shaft end supporting hole 42 among the plurality of upper shaft end supporting holes 41 and 42 arranged in the cover is larger than the cross-section, in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, of a corresponding sub-shaft 52 among the plurality of shafts.

Abstract: To provide a drive unit and a drive module which include a shape memory alloy as a drive source to move a driven member and are capable of the high-precision movement of the driven member to a reference position. A drive unit and a drive module can be provided by controlling, in the drive unit and the drive module which include the shape memory alloy as the drive source to move the driven member, the shape memory alloy so that the resistance of the shape memory alloy is equal to the resistance when the driven member is located at the reference position.