Abstract: An apparatus for use with an electronic device having a microphone and a camera. The apparatus comprises a structure configured to detachably couple to the device, and a shutter supported by the structure and comprising a lens shutter configured to obscure a lens of the camera when in an engaged position. A generator is supported by the structure and configured to generate a force that acts on the microphone and renders the microphone unresponsive to voice sounds.

Abstract: An apparatus includes housing, a camera lens, a video recorder, a mounting rail, and a mount. The video recorder is located within the housing for recording images captured by the camera lens. The mounting rail is located on the housing and is received by the mount.

Abstract: A system for mounting includes an electronic device, a male mount member, and a female mount member. The male mount member is attached to the electronic device, and has a protrusion. The female mount member has a receiving track for mating with the protrusion, thereby coupling the electronic device to the female mount member.

Abstract: A handheld modular digital photography system is provided. A lens assembly includes a plurality of lens elements aligned on an optical axis to form an optical image on a plane of a digital image sensor. Both the lens elements and image sensor are fixedly mounted within a lens barrel. The image sensor is electrically-interfaced to a controller with a wireless transceiver. A modular chassis includes a structural frame, lens mount, and shutter control. The structural frame includes a cradle shaped to securely hold a handheld mobile device and an electrical coupler configured to electronically interface with the mobile device. The lens mount is on an outer surface of the modular chassis. The shutter control is provided to electrically signal the mobile device. The mobile device wirelessly sends the signal to the controller, which triggers image capture by the image sensor and wireless relay of the captured image to the mobile device.

Abstract: A camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.

Abstract: An image capture device including a housing, a first lens unit, a second lens unit, an image sensing element, and a beam spliter is provided. The housing includes a body, a first lens barrel, and a second lens barrel. The first lens unit is disposed within the first lens barrel and includes a first switchable light valve. The second lens unit is disposed within the second lens barrel and includes a second switchable light valve. The image sensing element faces to the first lens unit. The beam spliter is configured in front of the image sensing element so that the image sensing element is able to receive a first image light passing through the first lens unit and a second image light passing through the second lens unit. The first switchable light valve and the second switchable light valve present a transparent state at different timings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations to determine, by a digital image capture device, that lens calibration data is to be downloaded for a lens assembly of the digital image capture device and to download the lens calibration data. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which has a small-sized removable handle unit easy to be handled and removed and prevents breakage of electrical contacts. The handle unit includes a handle-side connector having a handle-side connector terminal section, rear handle fixing members for mounting the handle unit to the main unit, a connector fixing plate for mounting the handle-side connector to the handle unit, and resilient members interposed between the handle-side connector and the connector fixing plate. The main unit includes a main unit-side connector having a second terminal section and a main unit-side fixing portion to which the rear handle fixing members are affixed. The handle-side connector and the main unit-side connector are connected such that the first terminal section and the second terminal section are electrically connected in a state of the rear handle fixing members being affixed to the main unit-side fixing portion.

Abstract: When capturing images of a subject with an imaging device that uses a CMOS image sensor, a white band-shaped artifact appears in the imaging signal due to the influence of a rolling shutter operation performed when an external flash has been emitted. Manipulating or removing images in which such an artifact appears requires specifying the frames in which the artifact appears. A line averaging unit (11) calculates the average luminance level of each line in the imaging signal, the average luminance levels are temporarily stored by a storage unit (12), and thereafter a frame difference calculation unit (13) calculates the difference between the line average luminance levels and the line average luminance levels of the next frame. These frame difference values are compared with a reference value, and it is determined that the influence of an external flash is present if a portion of interest with high values is continuous for one frame period.

Abstract: An electronic device may have front and rear surfaces. A front-facing camera may be formed on the front surface and a rear-facing camera may be formed on the rear surface. A display may be mounted on the front face of the electronic device. The cameras may nominally point along axes that run parallel to surface normals for the front and rear surfaces. A removable camera accessory with reflector structures may be mounted over a camera to deflect light and thereby point the camera in an off-axis direction. The removable camera accessory may be supported in a stand or other support structure. Magnetic structures and other structures may be used in coupling the electronic device to the support structures and may be used in coupling the camera accessory to the electronic device.

Abstract: A grip member includes: an attachment section to be attached to a body; an extension section configured to be displaceable with respect to the body; and a linkage section linking the attachment section with the extension section.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including: an imaging apparatus body; a photographing lens provided in the imaging apparatus body; a shoulder pad which is slidably provided in the imaging apparatus body in a direction opposite to a direction in which the photographing lens is provided; and an accessory mounting section which is provided in the shoulder pad and is capable of mounting an accessory.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an eyeball device for use in robots are provided. In one embodiment, the eyeball device has an eyeball, a main part having a camera, a frame having first and second sections, first and second actuators, a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first section is horizontally pivotally coupled to the main part relative to the main part, while the second section vertically pivotally supports the eyeball. The first and second actuators produce rotary motions. The first connecting member is coupled to the first section and the first actuator to connecting the rotary motion of the first actuator to the first section. The second connecting member is coupled to the eyeball and the second actuator to transmit the rotary motion of the second actuator to the eyeball. The eyeball horizontally pivots through the first connecting member and vertically pivots through the second connecting member.

Abstract: The present invention is a camera system which is usable with a mobile terminal. The camera system includes a lens module and at least one mechanism for changing optical properties by interacting with the lens module. The camera system may be built into the mobile terminal or attached thereto as an external module.

Abstract: A microscope comprising a camera connection in a image beam path is suggested. A camera adapter and a camera can be adapted to the camera connection, and the microscope can be used to reproduce the image of a sample on a sensor of the camera. Imaging of the beam path in the camera adapter comprises an intermediate imaging with a pupil plane having reduced beam diameter next to the pupil plane, and at least one optical means can be inserted into the reproduction beam path in the region of the reduced beam cross-section. An optical means or an interchangeable device comprising a plurality of optical means, such as filters, plane-parallel plates or wedge plate, is integrated into the pupil plane in the camera adapter.

Abstract: An image stabilizer includes a stationary frame, a moveable frame, and a driving assembly. The stationary frame defines a central axis and includes an upper end, a lower end opposite to the upper end, and a first protrusion extending from the upper end. The moveable frame is elastically connected to the upper end and coincides with the stationary frame. The driving assembly includes two first metal clips and a first SMA line. The first metal clips are connected to two neighboring side surfaces of the moveable frame. Opposite ends of the first SMA line are clipped to the respective first metal clips. A bending portion of the first SMA line between the opposite sides contacts and hooks the first protrusion.

Abstract: A camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes a placing section on which an image pickup element that receives light from an object is placed, a tilted surface section, which is provided on the placing section and is tilted with respect to the axis of light that enters the image pickup element, a direction specifying section, which specifies a moving direction so that the placing section moves parallel to the optical axis direction, a panel section having a surface perpendicular to the optical axis, and a rotating member, which is disposed between the tilted surface section and the panel section, and rotates and moves in the tilt direction of the tilted surface by being in contact with the tilted surface section.

Abstract: An interactive TV device is configured to receive and process multiple broadband input streams simultaneously. The device includes functionality to perform as a Web browser, HF, cable and satellite TV receiver, a digital PVR, an interactive TV set-top box, an advanced central processing unit and a videoconferencing device, thanks to an integrated videoconferencing camera. The present interactive TV device is configured to manage all multimedia sources identically, whether the input is a TV channel, a Web page, or a video stream played back from a data carrier such as a DVD, for example. The present interactive TV device is also configured to enable a user to watch and record a plurality of video streams simultaneously and to display them on four independently manageable quarter screen segments.

Abstract: A decorative cover is mounted on a housing of an electronic device corresponding to a flash unit of the electronic device. The decorative cover includes a main portion and a strip portion. The strip portion is formed along a peripheral edge of on a surface of the main portion and defines an opening corresponding to the indent. Two distal ends of the strip portion are beveled, the strip portion is welded and inserted into housing of the electronic device to stick the decorative cover to the housing of the electronic device. A housing of an electronic device employing the decorative cover is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable telephone with camera having a camera 7 mounted as opposed to a camera window 22 provided on a casing. The casing is provided with an auxiliary light window 23 adjacent to the camera window 22. Arranged in the rear of the auxiliary light window 23 is an auxiliary light source 8 for emitting light in photographing with the camera 7. The camera window 22 is covered with a main optical cover 4. The auxiliary light window 23 is covered with an auxiliary optical cover 5. A light-shield surface 52 is formed between the main optical cover 4 and the auxiliary optical cover 5. Consequently the degradation of picture quality when the camera 7 and the auxiliary light source 8 are arranged close to each other is prevented.

Abstract: This invention discloses an image capture device and a mask structure thereof. The image capture device comprises a casing, a hinge module and an adapter. The hinge module is disposed in the casing. One end of the hinge module sticks out of the casing. One end of the adapter is disposed on the end of the hinge module, and a tripod tapped hole is disposed near another end of the adaptor. When the adaptor moves from a first position to a second position, the image capture device is set on a tripod by the tripod tapped hole. By such arrangements, the invention can effectively reduce volume, in order to achieve the objective of the product miniaturization.

Abstract: The invention provides a prompting apparatus comprising a prompting box and a mounting and adjusting assembly. The prompting box houses a two-way mirror and the lens of the camera. The prompting box includes a shell frame and a coupling means which enables a user to slide in a tablet device. The tablet device runs a prompting software application and the pre-designed text is displayed on the screen at a speed that the speaker feels comfortable to read.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a rotatable camera assembly and display panel. According to one embodiment, a panel housing is formed around the perimeter of the display panel having a horizontal axis of rotation. The panel housing includes vertically-arranged side portions that are adjacent to side portions of the display panel. The rotatable camera assembly includes a digital camera and is formed integral with at least one side portion of the panel housing. Furthermore, the axis of rotation of the camera assembly is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the display panel.

Abstract: An exemplary electronic apparatus includes a portable electronic device and a stand mechanism for supporting the portable device. The portable electronic device includes a display panel and a digital camera. The display panel and the digital camera are respectively disposed at a viewing surface and a bottom surface at opposite sides thereof. When the stand mechanism is in use, the digital camera has a predetermined height above a bottom of the stand mechanism.

Abstract: A vibrating device includes a dust-screening member and a vibrating member. The dust-screening member is disposed in front of an image surface of an image forming element having the image surface in which an optical image is generated. The dust-screening member has a box shape with about the same small plate thickness as a whole, and includes, in a bottom surface portion of the box shape, a transparent part which spreads from the center of the bottom surface portion. The vibrating member is disposed outside the transparent part of the dust-screening member. The vibrating member is configured to generate, in the bottom surface portion of the dust-screening member, vibration having a vibrational amplitude which is vertical to the bottom surface portion thereof.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuation apparatus comprises a movable element supported on a support structure by a suspension system comprising a plurality of resilient flexures. A shape memory alloy actuator drives movement of the movable element on contraction. An end-stop limits the movement of the movable element in the opposite direction. Rather than using the resilient flexures of the suspension system as the sole biassing means, an additional Massing element biasses the movable element against the SMA actuator. When the moveable element is held against the end-stop, the force applied by the biassing element is greater than the force applied by the flexures of the suspension system. This reduces the design constraints, for example allowing a greater range of movement.

Abstract: An image pickup unit according the present invention includes: a solid-state image pickup device which photoelectrically converts a photographic light and thereby outputs a video signal; and a lens barrel which, being approximately cylindrical in shape and being fastened to the solid-state image pickup device by a light-curing adhesive, holds a plurality of objective lenses, wherein a tapered surface is formed on a rear end face which opposes front part of the solid-state image pickup device of the lens barrel, with distance between the tapered surface and the front part of the solid-state image pickup device increasing toward outer circumference.

Abstract: A lens front cap module and an image pickup apparatus having a zooming barrel, a focusing barrel and a lens front cap body. Both zooming barrel and focusing barrel are hollow barrel shaped structures. The focusing barrel is installed in the zooming barrel. An abutting portion is formed on an inner wall of the zooming barrel. The lens front cap body comprises a driving plate and a vane module. The driving plate is installed at an end of the zooming barrel and has a central window aperture. A driving pin is axially extended from the driving plate. The vane module is disposed on a side of the zooming barrel for shielding or unshielding the central window aperture. When the abutting portion abuts the driving pin, the driving pin drives the driving plate to rotate, and to drive the vane module to shield the central window aperture.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus includes a lens module, a base plate, and an image sensor. The lens module includes a lens barrel and an optical lens received in the lens barrel. The base plate has two opposite surfaces and a rectangular through hole defined between the two surfaces. The image sensor is fixed to the base plate. The image sensor has a top surface facing the lens module. The top surface includes a rectangular exposed portion in the through hole. The exposed portion includes a rectangular optically effective region configured for capturing images. A distance between neighboring long sides of the optically effective region and the exposed portion being greater than 0.47 times of a length of the through hole, and a distance between the neighboring short sides of the optically effective region and the exposed portion being greater than 0.27 times of the length.

Abstract: A photographic device includes a body, and at least an optical assembly and multiple auxiliary light sources surrounding the optical assembly are disposed in the body. A front cover is disposed on a front end of the body, and a protecting mirror is disposed on the front cover. Light emitted by the auxiliary light sources passes through the protecting mirror and illuminates a photographic area. A light-blocking film is disposed on the protecting mirror corresponding to the optical assembly, so as to prevent the light emitted by the auxiliary light sources from entering the optical assembly after reflected by the protecting mirror.

Abstract: A support apparatus supporting a lens barrel includes an annular fitting member, constructed by cutting a metal die case blank, to form an inner peripheral groove therein, and annular sheets disposed on front and rear cut surfaces of the inner peripheral groove in a direction of an optical axis. A plurality of engaging members provided on an outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel are positioned between the annular sheets disposed in the inner peripheral groove.

Abstract: An optical module includes a first optics group, a second optics group, and an image sensor, wherein the first optics group and second optics group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. In some embodiments of the present invention, a first optics assembly includes a first optics group coupled to a threaded portion of a first lead screw so that rotation of the first lead screw results in translation of the first optics group along an axis of the first lead screw, a first actuator for rotating the first lead screw; and a first sensing target configured to permit detection of rotation of the first lead screw.

Abstract: A holography attachment device for a digital imaging device. The holography attachment device including a chamber having a proximate end configured to attach to the digital imaging device. A distal end of the chamber includes a wall. Also, the chamber includes a sample holder section located between the proximate end and the distal end. The sample holder section is configured to receive a sample. The chamber is configured to attach to the digital imaging device.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes a connector, a first terminal resistor having a first resistance value, a second terminal resistor having a second resistance value which is smaller than the first resistance value, and a connection unit. The connection unit is configured (a) to disconnect the second terminal resistor from the connector if a time code signal is input to the connector, and (b) to connect the second terminal resistor to the connector if an external synchronization signal is input to the connector.

Abstract: A zoom lens system, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising: a first lens unit having positive optical power; a second lens unit having negative optical power; a third lens unit having positive optical power; a fourth lens unit having positive optical power; and a fifth lens unit having negative optical power, wherein the first lens unit is composed of only optical elements having optical power, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit at the time of image taking, at least the first lens unit is fixed with respect to an image surface, and the condition: 0.7<|M4G/M5G|<11.0 (M4G: an amount of movement of the fourth lens unit with respect to the image surface in zooming, M5G is an amount of movement of the fifth lens unit with respect to the image surface in zooming) is satisfied.

Abstract: When a digital camera detects that it has been placed in a demo dock, it resets internal settings to demo defaults and may launch a point-of-purchase dock demo to attract attention. When a customer removes the camera from the demo dock, an interactive demo may begin. The demo may instruct the customer how to interact with the demo or end it. Once ended, the camera reverts to normal operation until replaced in the demo dock. Methods of using the dock and digital camera are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flash bracket comprises three beams each connected to at least one other beam by a hinged joint. The flash bracket can be folded into a compact arrangement with each of the beams abreast an adjacent beam. When deployed and attached to a camera, a flash attached to the flash bracket can be quickly repositioned from a location over the camera's lens for landscape oriented photography to a location over the camera's lens when the camera is rotated ninety degrees for portrait oriented photography.

Abstract: A helmet- or head-mounted video recording system is provided for mounting on a piece of head gear such as a head-protective helmet. The system includes a camera module attachable to the head gear, including a first video camera integrated into the camera module for generating a video signal. A recording module is removably attachable to the head gear and is adapted to receive the video signal and store data representative of the video signal. A power supply module is removably attachable to the head gear and is electrically connectable to the camera module and the recording module.

Abstract: A digital panoramic camera generally comprises a lens dependently secured to a body. The body comprises a power side, control side and rear compartment wherein the internal components of the digital panoramic camera are distributed such that their weight is uniformly placed about the axis of rotation for the camera. Because the axis of rotation for the camera passes through the nodal point of the lens, a slotted aperture is provided in the body in order that the camera may nonetheless have a nearly 180° vertical field of view. A novel lens cover, having a slotted aperture therein, is provided for reduction or elimination of flare, thereby improving image quality. Provisions are also made for elimination of fringe effects and blooming as well as for improved user interface with the camera. A novel interface permits operation of the camera as either a stand-alone or peripheral device.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a stationary magnetic field generator having a supporting frame, a moveable magnetic field generator, a case and a double sided adhesive layer. The supporting frame defines a first receiving space receiving the moveable magnetic field generator. The moveable magnetic field generator defines a second receiving space. The case encloses the stationary magnetic field generator, the moveable magnetic field generator and the double sided adhesive layer and includes a bottom plate and side plates. The bottom plate includes a first surface and a second surface facing away the first surface. The side plates extend from the second surface. The bottom plate defines a through hole. A diameter of the through hole is smaller than that of the second receiving space. The double sided adhesive layer is entirely covering the second face.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides an apparatus, system and method for attracting the gaze of a subject being photographed so that better photographs can be made. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An image pickup system includes an image pickup apparatus and a mount adaptor that adjusts a flange focal length between the image pickup apparatus and an interchangeable lens. The mount adaptor includes a phase-difference focus detection unit that can output a first phase-difference focus detection signal, and an optical device that separates first incident light into second and third incident light. The first incident light is transmitted from the interchangeable lens. The second incident light enters the image pickup apparatus. The third incident light enters the phase-difference focus detection unit. The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device that can output a second phase-difference focus detection signal, and a controller that selects either of the first phase-difference focus detection signal and the second phase-difference focus detection signal on the basis of satisfaction of a predetermined condition and performs focusing.

Abstract: An audio, visual and device data capturing system including an audio recorder for recording audio data, at least one visual recorder for recording visual data, at least one device data recorder for receiving device data from at least one device in communication with the system, a speech recognition module for interpreting the audio data, a transcript module for generating transcript data from the interpreted audio data, a data capturing module for generating a data record including at least a portion of each of the audio data, the transcript data, the visual data and the device data, and at least one storage device for storing the data record.

Abstract: A circuit-substrate support structure includes a circuit substrate having electronic components mounted thereon, a first substrate-holding member provided at one side edge of the circuit substrate to hold the circuit substrate, a second substrate-holding member provided at the other side edge of the circuit substrate, opposite the one side edge, to hold the circuit substrate, and an elastic member provided together with the second substrate-holding member to hold the circuit substrate by applying elasticity in a surface direction of the circuit substrate.

Abstract: A lens holder driving device includes a lens holder in which a lens assembly is mounted, a driving coil fixed to the lens holder at outside circumference thereof, a magnet opposite to the driving coil, a yoke including the magnet, an elastic member supporting the lens holder in a direction of an optical axis shiftably, and a base disposed at a lower side of the lens holder. The elastic member includes a lower elastic member which is disposed at a lower side of the lens holder and which includes first and second leaf spring pieces. The first and the second leaf spring pieces have first and second side portions which are electrically connected to first and second end portions of the driving coil by soldering, respectively. Each of the first and the second side portions has a side edge forming portion having a surface in which edges are formed.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display panel for display an image, a camera module and a receiving container. The camera module includes a lens part mounted on a printed circuit board. The receiving container includes a main receiving space receiving the display panel and a sub receiving space extended from the main receiving space and receiving the camera module.

Abstract: A glare blocking viewfinder device includes a shadow box with a lens at a first end and an attachment mechanism at a second end adapted to detachably mount the device on a monitor screen of a camera. This enables a user to observe an image-bearing surface of the screen by looking at the image-bearing surface through the lens. The lens has a predetermined focal length and the depth dimension of the shadow box is substantially equal to this focal length. The attachment mechanism upon mounting the device to the monitor screen provides a substantially rigid structure. The user presses his or her eye against the lens to view the monitor screen through the lens and shadow box and points the camera at a subject, keeping the camera on the subject by using the device as a viewfinder. The user holds the camera with one hand and the attached device with the other hand. The device is collapsible and conveniently fits into a pocket of the user when not being used.

Abstract: An automatic clean device for a surveillance camera has an automatic cleaner. The automatic cleaner is connected to the surveillance camera directly or via an angle adjusting mechanism and has a housing, and an operating assembly, a driving assembly and a cleaning assembly mounted in the housing. The driving assembly drives the operating assembly to move linearly and turn. The cleaning assembly is mounted on the operating assembly and cleans a lens of the surveillance camera. The cleaning head is not disposed in front of the lens and is disposed away from the lens when the automatic cleaner is not executing its cleaning task. Thus, the cleaning head does not obstruct the surveillance camera so the surveillance camera is able to film complete images.

Abstract: A digital still camera has a cylindrical image pick up portion with a lens, a strobe unit, and a display. The image pick up unit is cylindrical and is rotatably held at each end, so that the lens and strobe unit move in concert. The image pick up unit can be rotated to face the rear of the camera, where the display is located, so that the user can do self-images.