Abstract: A device may determine whether a user input for capturing a view is triggered and automatically frame a plurality of images of the view when the user input is determined to be triggered by repeatedly determining a zoom value for an image, optically zooming the view based on the zoom value, and capturing the zoomed view as the image.

Abstract: An autofocus apparatus includes an imaging device that captures a subject image through a photographic lens; an AF area determining device that determines a range of image signals to be used for autofocus adjustment based upon image signals provided by the imaging device; a focus adjustment device that adjusts a focal point position achieved through the photographic lens by driving a focus lens so as to maximize contrast achieved with the image signals in the determined range; and a control device that controls the focus adjustment device, if the range of the image signals determined by the AF area determining device has been altered, so as to adjust the focal point position by using image signals in the altered range.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a focus cam ring that holds a focus lens group and moves in the optical axis direction of the focus lens group while rotating along a cam groove in response to a focusing operation, and a fixed tube having a fitting raised portion that can pivot the focus cam ring in the rotational direction thereof and movably supports the focus cam ring in the optical axis direction. The focus cam ring has a position restrictor that can engage the fitting raised portion, and the position restrictor includes a rotational-direction restrictor that restricts the position of the focus cam ring in the rotational direction and an optical axis-direction restrictor that restricts the position of the focus cam ring in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: Zoom lens assembly formed of a number of lens groups on a track. The lens groups can be moved on the track to form different lens effects such as zoom. The devices sense an end of travel in one direction using a hardware device. All the positions are relative to that end of travel, based on values stored in a memory, and by using the memory to drive the lens groups on the track.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a focusing image and shifting the focusing image to obtain a shifted focusing image. In the method, a focus metric of the focusing image is calculated from the focusing image and the shifted focusing image, where the focus metric is configured for use as a factor in making an automatic focus adjustment determination. An automatic focusing apparatus includes a controller configured to implement the method.

Abstract: Systems for positioning a functional element, such as an optical lens, include a housing, a primary guide pin coupled to the housing, a functional group that includes the functional element, and a vibrational actuator assembly. The functional group is movably coupled with the primary guide pin and includes a first friction surface and a second friction surface. The first and second friction surfaces are oriented relative to one another at one of an obtuse angle and a straight angle. The vibrational actuator assembly is substantially registered relative to the housing and includes a first drive element and a second drive element. The first drive element is configured to interact with the first friction surface and the second drive element is configured to interact with the second friction surface. The vibrational actuator assembly operates to translate the functional group.

Abstract: An optical zoom system uses voice coil motors to drive zoom lens sets moving along an optical axis for the control of forming image and focusing. Voice coil motors of the system move respectively two zoom lens sets to the first position and the second position on the optical axis to control the image formation and to adjust the imaging distance. The first position and the second position are predetermined and recorded in a zoom database.

Abstract: A controllable electrowetting lens system has a feedback control loop for controlling the electrode arrangement drive signals to implement an autofocus function. The feedback control loop comprising an image analysis focus detection system and a variable gain element. The gain is adjusted based on the lens condition, for example as sensed by a capacitance sensing arrangement. The autofocus control loop can be optimized to the lens characteristics (because the lens characteristics change over time) and/or to external conditions such as temperature.

Abstract: A camera module includes a zoom lens group, a focus lens group, a barrel, an actuator group comprising a first actuator and a second actuator. The first and second actuators are received in the barrel, and respectively receive the zoom lens group and the focus lens group therein. The first lens group is driven by the first actuator to move along the axis thereof. The second lens group is driven by the second actuator to move along the axis thereof.

Abstract: A lens position calculator is provided that determines a phase of a driving signal as a reference position of an imaging lens when an output value of a position detection sensor reaches a threshold value. The lens position calculator determines a position obtained by performing addition or subtraction on the reference position read out from a reference position storage as a judgment position, detects an output value of the position detection sensor at a timing in synchronization with the driving signal that drives a driver and at the judgment position, and judges whether the output value of the position detection sensor at the judgment position reaches the threshold value or not, so as to determine the reference position again.

Abstract: A camera system that can maintain a good focus state regardless of the speed of zooming during variable proportion zooming is provided. The camera system has a control portion that, based on information on the speed of the change in the focal length, determines whether to control a focus lens drive portion in either a first control mode or a second control mode. If it determines that control is to be performed in the first control mode, then the control portion controls the focus lens drive portion so that it drives a focus lens in the direction that brings a predetermined captured object into focus based on estimated values for auto focusing that have been calculated from the image data at various positions by controlling the focus lens drive portion so that the captured object distance is moved forward and backward in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A lens apparatus including an optical element includes a motor configured to drive the optical element; a position detector configured to detect a relative position of the optical element; and a controller configured to detect an origin of the optical element by returning the optical element to the origin by controlling the motor. The controller controls the motor so that a speed of the optical element moving to the origin is higher than a speed of the optical element moved by an operation of an operator.

Abstract: A variable power optical system composed of a first optical part (G1) for refraction, a second optical part (G2) for reflection or transmission, and a third optical part (G3) for refraction, with the first optical part being movable with respect to the second and third optical parts to change the focal length of the entire system, wherein the second optical part or the third optical part has a guide 4 which is in contact partly with the first optical part in such a way as to restrict its moving direction and the first optical part is movably held between the second optical part and the third optical part. This structure eliminates the necessity of separately forming the guide to move G1. The guide 4 is formed from a synthetic resin integrally with the stationary optical part (G3).

Abstract: An auto-focusing camera module (100) includes a base (110), a first lens barrel (120) mounted on the base, a second lens barrel (130) threadedly engaged with the first lens barrel, a first lens (140) arranged in the second lens barrel, an image pickup module (150) mounted on the base, and a lens assembly (170). The image pickup module is coaxially aligned with the lens. The lens assembly is arranged in the second barrel. The lens assembly has a mounting plate (171) and a plurality of second lenses (172) mounted on the mounting plate. The second lenses each have a distinct effective focal length, and the mounting plate is movable in a manner such that each of the second lenses is selectively aligned with the first lens.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises an image pickup and a lens. A shape memory actuator is coupled to the lens and configured to move the lens relative to the image pickup.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for automatically shifting a lens of a laser focussing optical system, the lens undergoing translational motion along an optical axis, being moved by at least one motor which carries out rotational movement. This rotational movement is converted by a linkage into translational movement to shift the lens.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus comprises a moving unit configured to move a focusing lens, a focus adjusting unit configured to move the focusing lens such that the sharpness of an image obtained from an image pickup unit picking up an object image is increased, and an in-focus position measuring unit configured to measure an in-focus position in a different manner from the focus adjusting unit. The focus adjusting unit moves the focusing lens to the in-focus position measured by the in-focus position measuring unit when a direction of movement of the focusing lens in which the image sharpness is increased is matched with the direction of a current position of the focusing lens relative to the in-focus position measured by the in-focus position measuring unit, and does not move the focusing lens to the measured in-focus position when both the directions are not matched with each other.

Abstract: A disclosed lens module includes a zooming actuator, a cam, an auto-focusing actuator and at least two sets of lenses. The cam is coupled to and driven by the zooming actuator. The cam 104 has at least two tracks. The auto-focusing actuator is coupled to and moved along one of the tracks of the cam. One of the sets of lenses is coupled to and driven by the auto-focusing actuator. Another one of the sets of lenses is coupled to the another track of the cam.

Abstract: A variable focal lens which does not require a reduction of a zoom factor and eliminates an origin sensor is provided. A microcomputer 15 functions as a focus adjustment section which controls a stepper motor 13 to move a focusing ring 5 for a focus adjustment. The microcomputer 15 causes the focusing ring 5 to move by a first moving distance in a first moving direction toward one of a FAR side and a NEAR side, and then to move the focusing ring 5 by a second moving distance in a second moving direction opposite to the first moving direction, and set the point where the focusing ring reaches after the movement in the second moving direction as a reference point for adjustment, and the microcomputer 15 causes the focusing ring 5 to move from the reference point for adjustment in the first moving direction within a range equal to or less than the second moving distance to carry out the focus adjustment.

Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus for photographing apparatus comprises an angular velocity sensor and a controller. The angular velocity sensor detects an angular velocity. The controller controls the angular velocity sensor and performs an anti-shake operation on the basis of an output signal from the angular velocity sensor. The sensitivity in the anti-shake operation is set to low when it is determined that the photographing apparatus is fixed to a fixing apparatus compared to when it is determined that the photographing apparatus is not fixed to the fixing apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a lens apparatus mounted to a camera including an image-pickup element, including: a focus lens means movable in an optical axis direction for focusing; a zoom lens unit; a zoom detector for detecting a zoom value of the zoom lens unit; an aperture-stop device; a stop-value detector; a splitting optical unit; a focus-condition detection unit; an actuator; a controller for controlling the actuator based on an output from the focus-condition detection unit; and a manual operation member, wherein the controller obtains an F-number of the lens apparatus based on outputs from the zoom detector and stop-value detector and when the F-number exceeds a predetermined value, the controller causes the actuator to stop the focus lens unit and switches to a condition in which the focus lens unit is driven by the manual operation member.

Abstract: Systems for positioning a functional element, such as an optical lens, include a housing, a primary guide pin coupled to the housing, a functional group that includes the functional element, and a vibrational actuator assembly. The functional group is movably coupled with the primary guide pin and includes a first friction surface and a second friction surface. The first and second friction surfaces are oriented relative to one another at one of an obtuse angle and a straight angle. The vibrational actuator assembly is substantially registered relative to the housing and includes a first drive element and a second drive element. The first drive element is configured to interact with the first friction surface and the second drive element is configured to interact with the second friction surface. The vibrational actuator assembly operates to translate the functional group.

Abstract: A piezoelectric-driving optical lens module is disclosed, including a lens body a piezoelectric actuator for providing a driving force, and a position sensor for detecting position variations. The lens body includes at least a hollow base body, a lens barrel exhibiting axial freedom of movement positioned inside the hollow base body, and a lens set disposed inside the lens barrel. The lens barrel is driven by a piezoelectric actuator to move the lens set along the optical axis to achieve the optical functions of zooming and focusing. The position sensor is configured to detect the axial position of the lens barrel with respect to the hollow base body, thereby providing a simple structure to improve on the drawbacks of prior techniques.

Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a cover panel, a blocking piece attached to the cover panel, and a drive bracket secured in the computer enclosure. The drive bracket includes a side panel. A top flange is perpendicularly bent out from a top edge of the side panel. The blocking piece includes a flange. The flange extends downwardly and perpendicularly from edges of the block. The flange of the blocking piece resists against the top flange of the drive bracket in order to prevent the drive bracket from deforming outward.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an optical system including first and second movable lens units independently movable in an optical axis direction, and a controller causing the first movable lens unit to wobble in the optical axis direction based on contrast information. The optical system satisfies |tk/L|<15, where tk represents a distance from an image plane position to an exit pupil position when the exit pupil position is closest to the image plane position, L represents an effective diagonal length of an image at the image plane position. The controller causes the second movable lens unit to wobble in the optical axis direction to reduce variation of the position of the exit pupil in association with the wobbling of the first movable lens unit. The apparatus is capable of suppressing image twitching while obtaining a high focusing performance.

Abstract: A lens module including a guide rod set, a first lens barrel movably disposed on the guide rod set, at least one first lens disposed inside the first lens barrel, a first optical grating connected to the first lens barrel, a first position sensor, and a first voice coil motor is provided. The first position sensor and the first voice coil motor are disposed near the first lens barrel. The first position sensor has a first light-emitting device and a first photosensor opposite to each other, and the first grating is disposed between the first light-emitting device and the first photosensor. Further, a first coil unit of the first voice coil motor is connected to the first lens barrel. When a current is provided into the first coil unit, the first lens barrel is driven to move alone the guide rod set by the first coil unit.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of suppressing an image blur at the start of zooming. The optical apparatus comprises a memory storing data indicating the position of a second lens unit according to the position of a first lens unit, and a controller. The controller controls the drive width of the second lens unit at a third position with a first driving condition in a case where the drive of the first lens unit is started from a first position, and controls the drive width of the second lens unit at the third position with a second driving condition in a case where the drive of the first lens unit is started from a second position. The drive width of the second lens unit at the third position with the first driving condition is smaller than that with the second driving condition.

Abstract: A lens module includes a base; a focusing ring rotatably mounted to the base and having at least one driving portion formed on a torus thereof, the driving portion having at least two positioning portions and at least one inclined portion in connection with the two positioning portions, the two positioning portions being located at different radial positions of the ring body; and a combination holder being fitted onto the focusing ring to be rotatable on an internal sidewall the focusing ring, the combination holder having at least one convex portion contacting against one of the at least two positioning portions, the combination holder being combined with a lens barrel that a lens set is received. Accordingly, while the focusing ring is rotated, the combination holder is axially moved to change the axial distance between the combination holder and the base, finally attaining the focusing effect.

Abstract: A focusing drive apparatus includes a determination device that is configured to determine whether a present focusing condition is an AF-able condition or an AF-unable condition. In the AF-able condition, the focusing lens group can be moved to the in-focus position by the AF device. In the AF-unable condition, the focusing lens group cannot be moved to the in-focus position by the AF device. The apparatus also includes a change control device that is configured to set a motive power transmission mechanism in the engaged state to enable the focusing lens group to be moved to the in-focus position by the AF device when the determination device determines that the present focusing condition is the AF-able condition, and to set the motive power transmission mechanism in the disengaged state when the determination device determines that the present focusing condition is the AF-unable condition.

Abstract: A machine vision image acquisition system is provided with a housing or enclosure that protects the acquisition system components from an industrial environment. The machine vision image acquisition system has a focusing mechanism that can be actuated externally to the housing. The focusing mechanism uses a gear drive to transmit externally actuated focus adjustments to the optical components of the acquisition system.

Abstract: A collapsible type optical unit is described that is capable of moving its optical system between a working position and a retracted position as well as an image-pickup apparatus including the optical unit. The optical unit and the image-pickup apparatus are capable of acquiring lens-position information by detecting a position of a lens barrel supported to be movable with respect to a fixed barrel. The collapsible type optical unit includes a second group lens frame movable along a direction of its optical axis with respect to a fixed ring and rear barrel, and a solid-state image-pickup device provided behind the second group lens frame, in which on the movable second group lens frame, a position-detecting means for detecting a position of the second group lens frame is provided.

Abstract: A camera module in which a lens holder holding one or more optical lenses is movable in the direction of the optical axis and in which an auto-focus function and a zoom function are incorporated is reduced in size and weight. A bearing section is formed in the lens holder, and a drive shaft is inserted in the bearing section. An operation part of a piezo element is made to be in contact with the drive shaft. The surface of that first part of the drive shaft which is in contact with the operation part and the surface of that second part which slides on the bearing section are differently processed.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus is provided with a lens driving unit that includes a magnetic shaft in which the S pole and the N pole are alternately aligned in a longitudinal direction of the shaft. The lens driving unit also includes a first lens holding frame that holds a first lens and has a first coil, and a second lens holding frame that holds a second lens and has a second coil. The magnetic shaft is inserted in the first and second coils, so that each of the first and second coils form a linear motor in cooperation with the magnetic shaft.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus suppresses deterioration in an image quality caused by an electronic zoom. A digital camera equipped with a plurality of optical systems includes a fixed focal distance lens and a zoom lens. When a user sets a zoom position between discrete optical zoom positions within an overlapping range of the electronic zoom range of the fixed focal distance lens and the optical zoom range of the zoom lens, a control processor and timing generator sets the electronic zoom at the user's setting zoom position. Subsequently, when the zoom position of the zoom lens passes the user's setting zoom position, a photograph is taken, and an optical zoom image is stored in a memory card.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes: first and second movable lens units; first and second drive sources for moving the first and second movable lens units in a direction parallel to an optical axis, respectively; guide members for each retaining the first and second movable lens units and for guiding movements of the first and second movable lens units; and a reference position detector for detecting reference positions for the first and second movable lens units, in which: the reference position detector has light emitting receiving elements; the first and second movable lens units have sleeves each engaged with the guide members and have light blocking portions for detecting the reference positions by the light emitting and receiving elements of the reference position detector; and the first and second lens units can move in the optical axis direction, with their respective light blocking portions passing each other without any interference.

Abstract: A lens-controlling device controls a first lens unit which moves for zooming and a second lens unit which moves for correcting the displacement of an image plane caused by zooming and for focusing. The lens-controlling device includes a memory which stores data for obtaining target-position information representing a target position to which the second lens unit is to be moved, the target position corresponding to a position to which the first lens unit is moved from a current position and a controller which generates the target-position information on the basis of the data and controls the movement of the second lens unit on the basis of position information of the first lens unit and the target-position information.

Abstract: Provided is a lens apparatus mounted to a camera including an image-pickup element, including: a focus lens means movable in an optical axis direction for focusing; a zoom lens unit; a zoom detector for detecting a zoom value of the zoom lens unit; an aperture-stop device; a stop-value detector; a splitting optical unit; a focus-condition detection unit; an actuator; a controller for controlling the actuator based on an output from the focus-condition detection unit; and a manual operation member, wherein the controller obtains an F-number of the lens apparatus based on outputs from the zoom detector and stop-value detector and when the F-number exceeds a predetermined value, the controller causes the actuator to stop the focus lens unit and switches to a condition in which the focus lens unit is driven by the manual operation member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control device capable of improving hysteresis characteristics of a voice coil motor (31) and attaining a suitable lens position without complicating the structure of the control device. As solving means of the invention, a voice coil motor control device (30) includes a driving current control part (34) that controls a driving current supplied to the voice coil motor (31) in accordance with a driving pulse subjected to pulse width modulation, and a driving pulse control part (32) that divides a drive period of the voice coil motor (31) into a movement period and a holding period, and controls the driving pulse by changing the duty ratio of the driving pulse during the movement period in accordance with a duty setting value and fixing the duty ratio of the driving pulse during the holding period to the duty setting value.

Abstract: A driving device including: a vibrating body composed of a plurality of electric elements which are arranged to intersect in a predetermined angle, to vibrate based on a high frequency signal; a driven member having disk shape to be rotated by vibration of the vibrating body; a male screw member formed to rotate integrally with the driven member; a female screw member to be engaged threadably with the male screw member and to move by rotation of the male screw member; wherein the vibrating body is arranged on the male screw member side of the driven member.

Abstract: Systems for positioning a functional element, such as an optical lens, include a housing, a primary guide pin coupled to the housing, a functional group that includes the functional element, and a vibrational actuator assembly. The functional group is movably coupled with the primary guide pin and includes a first friction surface and a second friction surface. The first and second friction surfaces are oriented relative to one another at one of an obtuse angle and a straight angle. The vibrational actuator assembly is substantially registered relative to the housing and includes a first drive element and a second drive element. The first drive element is configured to interact with the first friction surface and the second drive element is configured to interact with the second friction surface. The vibrational actuator assembly operates to translate the functional group.

Abstract: A zoom lens driving apparatus achieves the object of driving multiple lens groups by a single motor and low production cost. When a first lens group, which includes a first lens, moves along guide rods, a leading cam of a leading member drives a leading pin of a follower, so that the follower moves a guide pin, and moves a second lens group, which includes a second lens, along the guide rods. The relative distance between the first lens group and the second lens group is controlled by the leading cam.

Abstract: A drive controller of a lens apparatus including a first lens unit movable to perform manual focus and a second lens unit disposed closer to an image than the first lens unit. The drive controller includes a detection device detecting a focal state of the lens apparatus, a storage device storing the detected focal state, and a control device controlling focus by driving the second lens unit to a focal position based on the detected focal state. The control device performs a compensation operation on the manual focus with the focus control after completion of the manual focus. The drive controller eliminates a clutch mechanism for selecting drive systems for the manual focus and focus adjustment and performs a focus adjustment (a compensation operation) after completion of the manual focus while minimizing a space needed for a rear focus unit to move.

Abstract: A lens module including a guide rod set, a first lens barrel movably disposed on the guide rod set, at least one first lens disposed inside the first lens barrel, a first optical grating connected to the first lens barrel, a first position sensor, and a first voice coil motor is provided. The first position sensor and the first voice coil motor are disposed near the first lens barrel. The first position sensor has a first light-emitting device and a first photosensor opposite to each other, and the first grating is disposed between the first light-emitting device and the first photosensor. Further, a first coil unit of the first voice coil motor is connected to the first lens barrel. When a current is provided into the first coil unit, the first lens barrel is driven to move alone the guide rod set by the first coil unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lens barrel and a compact lens system incorporating the lens barrel where notches defined in a cam barrel to serve as bolt holes and disengage the studs are reduced in dimensions both along and around the optical axis, thereby ensuring enlarged cam formation ranges in the cam barrel and resultantly downsizing the lens system as a whole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically focusing an imaging mechanism on a moving target surface having a variable geometry is herein disclosed. Apparatus for focusing an imaging mechanism may include an objective, a prism, or another optical device that forms part of an optical train of an imaging mechanism, a sensor for measuring a distance to the target surface, and a mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism or other optical device. Data from the sensor may be used to create a predictive model of the target surface. Data from the sensor is also used to fit or correlate the generated model to an exemplary target. Data from the correlated model is used to drive the mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism, or other optical device to maintain the surface of the exemplary target in focus.

Abstract: A zoom lens apparatus is provided. In the zoom lens apparatus, rotation of a motor is transmitted to a cam drive gear by reducing a speed thereof by a plurality of reduction gears. The cam drive gear transmits rotation thereof to a zoom cam provided coaxially therewith. A first lens group and a second lens group are moved in an optical axis direction by rotation of the zoom cam to carry out zoom adjusting. An interval between the cam drive gear and the zoom cam is provided with a nontransmitting section in which rotation of the cam drive gear is not transmitted to the zoom cam when a rotational direction of the cam drive gear is switched, by rotation of the cam drive gear in the nontransmitting section, the zoom cam is slid in an axial direction. Thereby, also the first lens group and the second lens group connected and engaged with the zoom cam are moved in the optical axis direction along therewith to adjust a focus.

Abstract: An AF control apparatus for a zoom lens system includes a movable lens group serving as a zooming lens group and a focusing lens group in the zoom lens system; a focusing table which stores focusing data for the movable lens group; a zooming table which stores zooming data for the movable lens group, the zooming table having different data from the focusing table; and a driving device for moving the movable lens group in an optical axis direction of the zoom lens system according to data stored in the focusing table and the zooming table.

Abstract: In a lens device, when a lens is subjected to speed control and when initialization in which an absolute position of the lens is initialized after a power supply is turned on is completed, the lens is returned to a position before the lens is initialized.

Abstract: An auto-focusing camera module (100) includes a base (110), a first lens barrel (120) mounted on the base, a second lens barrel (130) threadedly engaged with the first lens barrel, a first lens (140) arranged in the second lens barrel, an image pickup module (150) mounted on the base, and a lens assembly (170). The image pickup module is coaxially aligned with the lens. The lens assembly is arranged in the second barrel. The lens assembly has a mounting plate (171) and a plurality of second lenses (172) mounted on the mounting plate. The second lenses each have a distinct effective focal length, and the mounting plate is movable in a manner such that each of the second lenses is selectively aligned with the first lens.

Abstract: A drive controller of a lens apparatus including a first lens unit moving for performing manual focus and a second lens unit moving for performing auto-focus has a control device switchable between a first mode for performing an auto-focus control of the second lens unit and a second mode for making the second lens unit unmovable at a predetermined position. The control device has a third mode for controlling drive of the second lens unit, upon receiving a command for switching from the first mode to the second mode, so as to maintain a focus state of the lens apparatus, on the basis of positional information of the first lens unit. The controller moves to the second mode upon detecting that the second lens unit has reached the predetermined position in the third mode.