With Axial Adjustment (e.g., Adjustable Focus, Etc.) Patents (Class 359/823)
  • Patent number: 12290242
    Abstract: A camera head includes: a casing including an opening and configured to receive a subject image introduced inside through the opening; an image sensor housed in the casing and configured to capture the subject image; an optical element made of a translucent material and fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the opening by brazing with solder to airtightly seal inside of the casing; and a watertight sealing member fixed to the casing and watertightly sealing the solder joining the casing and the optical element, the watertight sealing member including an annular elastic portion made of an elastic material, and a pressing portion including an annular pressing surface configured to press the elastic portion toward the optical element when the elastic portion abuts on an outer surface of the optical element facing space outside the casing, the pressing portion being fixed to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuomi Ohno, Takuya Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 12292038
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprises a first part, including a surface, a second part which moves relative to the first part across the surface and a resilient biasing element that biases the second part into contact with the first part so as to generate frictional forces therebetween for retaining the second part on the surface. At least one shape memory alloy actuator wire is connected between the first part and the second part and arranged to, on contraction thereof, apply a force to the second part with a component parallel to the surface that drives movement of the second part relative to the first part across the surface. Thus, the second part is retained on the surface when no power is applied to the shape memory alloy wire, and movement is achieved when power is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Peter Van Wyk
  • Patent number: 12263794
    Abstract: A vehicle camera unit includes a bracket, a lens hood, an imaging device, and a cover. The bracket is configured to be fixed to a windshield. The lens hood is configured to be detached from the bracket. The imaging device is attached to the lens hood. The cover covers the imaging device. The vehicle camera unit overlaps a back surface projection portion of an interior mirror or a display device having a function of the interior minor, each of which is detachable in an inclination direction of the windshield. The lens hood is attached to the bracket detachably in the inclination direction of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignees: SUBARU CORPORATION, Kojima Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Fukuhara, Keiichiro Ito, Tomoyuki Shiono, Taichi Uozumi
  • Patent number: 12253794
    Abstract: A VCM is disclosed, the VCM including a rotor having a first driving unit and arranged therein with a lens, a stator having a second driving unit wrapping the first driving unit and being opposite to the first driving unit, a base supporting the stator and having an opening formed at a position corresponding to that of the lens, a connection terminal including a pair of first and second connection terminals arranged at an upper surface of the base, and an elastic member including a first elastic member coupled to the rotor and electrically connected the first connection terminal and a second elastic member coupled to the rotor and electrically connected the second connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seong Min Lee, Sang Ok Park, Jun Taek Lee
  • Patent number: 12235513
    Abstract: An optical element driving system is provided. The optical element driving system includes an optical element driving mechanism and a control assembly. The optical element driving mechanism includes a movable portion, a fixed portion, and a driving assembly. The movable portion is used for connecting to an optical element. The movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion is in an accommodating space in the fixed portion. The driving assembly is used for driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The control assembly provides a driving signal to the driving assembly to control the driving assembly. The driving assembly includes a first driving element, and the material of the first driving element includes shape memory alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Shun-Chieh Tang, Chen-Chi Kuo, Yi-Chun Cheng, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Ya-Hsiu Wu, Ying-Jen Wang, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 12235435
    Abstract: A focusing apparatus for telescope focusing includes a to-be-focused member, an on-off limiting member and a drive fixation apparatus, where the to-be-focused member includes a first gear for focusing, the drive fixation apparatus includes a rear sleeve, a drive structure and a second gear, the rear sleeve is connected with the on-off limiting member through a limiting assembly, the drive structure is connected with the second gear, the second gear and the first gear are eccentrically arranged, and under a limiting action of the limiting assembly, the rear sleeve rotates, in relative to the on-off limiting member, between a first position and a second position on the on-off limiting member, to drive the second gear to mesh with and separate from the first gear in respective, thus the to-be-focused member is switched for electric focusing and manual focusing. The focusing apparatus is additionally provided with an on-off structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Suzhou Astroasis Vision Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhiwei Chen
  • Patent number: 12185915
    Abstract: An actuator system for use in an optical system of an endoscope. The actuator system including: at least one actuator; and a holder for receiving at least one optical element of the optical system, the holder is configured to be flat and extends in a holder plane. The holder including: an outer enclosure; a leaf spring; and an inner platform. Wherein the outer enclosure at least partially surrounds the leaf spring and the leaf spring at least partially surrounds the inner platform, the outer enclosure is elastically coupled to the inner platform via the leaf spring, the inner platform is configured to receive the optical element, and the at least one actuator interacts with the inner platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Wieters, Uwe Schoeler
  • Patent number: 12174520
    Abstract: An actuator module of a vehicle head-up display according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a driving unit including a driving motor and a lead screw forming a driving axis of the driving motor, a driving transmission unit of which upward and downward movement is controlled only within a section preset by the driving unit, a link unit which is disposed between and connected to an aspheric mirror and the driving transmission unit and adjusts a rotational angle of the aspheric mirror according to the upward and downward movement of the driving transmission unit, a motor mount which is connected to one side of the driving unit and has a space in which an adjacent component and a plurality of cables are installable, and an elastic part which is disposed between and connected to the driving unit and the driving transmission unit and provides an elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byung Ki Kim, Jin Wan Ahn
  • Patent number: 12162093
    Abstract: In one example, system includes a source for providing a laser beam and a collimator including a plurality of lenses positioned along a beam path of the laser beam. At least one lens of the plurality of the lenses is transversely movable relative to the laser beam path to induce angular movement or deflection of the laser beam. The collimator is positioned in the beam path and is structured such that the laser beam at the at least one lens has a reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the laser beam exiting the collimator. The systems disclosed herein may be used in connection with systems for laser cutting a component, laser machining a component, or laser welding or otherwise joining two or more components with a laser, amongst other variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: II-VI DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Axel Heinrici, Paul Sonntag, Patrick Kühl, Rutger Wevers
  • Patent number: 12155939
    Abstract: A portable information handling system camera module has a single shutter that slides in response to a single shutter mechanism to manage access for a field of view of both a visual camera and an infrared camera by sliding only between first and second positions, the first position aligning an opening of the shutter with a visual camera and a shield visual camera opening, the second position blocking the opening of the shutter and extending an end of the shutter over infrared camera. The shutter assembly is supported in a spaced relationship to the circuit board by spring biased connectors that provide power to the shutter actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Peng Lip Goh, Enoch Chen, Deeder M. Aurongzeb, Yao-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 12147087
    Abstract: An optical component driving mechanism is provided, including a holder, a fixed portion, a driving assembly, and a first circuit assembly. The holder is used to connect the optical component. The holder is movable relative to the fixed portion. The driving assembly is used to drive the holder to move relative to the fixed portion. The first circuit assembly is fixedly disposed on the holder. The first circuit assembly is electrically connected to the driving assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Guan-Bo Wang, Shao-Chung Chang, Chen-Hsin Huang, Liang-Ting Ho, Chih-Wen Chiang, Kai-Po Fan
  • Patent number: 12137869
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor. The processor is configured to output second and third images corresponding to a continuous first image respectively to first and second routes, analyze the second image and output an analysis result, and generate a fourth image based on the third image and the analysis result and continuously output the fourth image. When acquiring the third image, the processor completes the generation of the fourth image before acquiring an analysis result by the second image generated based on a same first image as the first image, which is a generation source of the third image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu Godo, Yamato Kanda, Yukihiro Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 12132292
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a laser device. The laser device has laser diodes arranged at least partially side by side in a first direction. In operation of the laser device, light emanates from the laser diodes and couples into an optical fiber. The laser device also has an optical device, during operation of the laser device, that combines the light so that the light can be coupled at least partially together into the optical fiber. The beam parameter product of the laser diodes with respect to the direction in which the laser diodes are arranged next to one another is greater than the beam parameter product of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: FOCUSLIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Aleksei Mikhailov, Chung-En Zah
  • Patent number: 12114074
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a lens moving apparatus including a bobbin having a lens barrel, a housing configured to accommodate the bobbin, an upper elastic member coupled to the bobbin and the housing, a lower elastic member coupled to the bobbin and the housing, a first coil disposed on the bobbin, a first magnet disposed on the housing, a circuit board disposed below the housing, a second coil disposed on the circuit board, a first sensor to output a first output signal based on a sensed result of a magnetic field strength of the first magnet, a first capacitor connected in parallel to the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Bong Park, Jin Suk Han, Jung Cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 12099254
    Abstract: It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a lens barrel with which looseness caused by a gap formed between a fixed barrel and a cam barrel can be effectively suppressed without increasing the rotational torque of the cam barrel, as well as a camera equipped with this lens barrel. A lens barrel 100 comprises first to seventh lens group units 21 to 27, a substantially cylindrical rectilinear barrel 11, a substantially cylindrical cam barrel 12, and spacers 11ga, 11gb, 11ha, 11hb, 11ia and 11ib. The cam barrel 12 moves the third to seventh lens group units 23 to 27 in the optical axis OP direction by being rotated with respect to the rectilinear barrel 11 in a state in which main cam followers 11b and main cam grooves 12b are engaged with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Ito
  • Patent number: 12066690
    Abstract: A lens assembly according to an embodiment may include: a first pin; a first housing which moves along the first pin; a first lens group arranged in the first housing; and a first wheel which is arranged in the first housing and moves along the first pin. The first wheel may include a first rotation shaft coupled to the first housing, and a first rotation part which rotates about the first rotation shaft. The first rotation part may include a groove corresponding to the first pin, wherein the maximum depth of the groove may be less than one-half the maximum thickness of the first pin in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung June Park
  • Patent number: 12050361
    Abstract: A barcode reader, an imaging engine, and an optical assembly and method for assembling such to maintain stability through physical shock and to control decentration are disclosed herein. An example optical assembly includes an actuator, adjustable lens group, and rear lens group. The actuator includes an inner carriage, wherein one or more inner walls of the inner carriage are at least partially threaded. The adjustable lens group includes a first lens element, wherein the first lens element is threaded and held in place by the at least partially threaded one or more inner walls of the inner carriage, and a second lens element, wherein the second lens element is coupled to the first lens element, and further wherein the second lens element is fixedly co-located to the first lens element. The front lens group is actively aligned to the rear lens group, which includes one or more fixed optical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander J. Naney
  • Patent number: 12015837
    Abstract: A method of assembling an image capture device that includes: positioning a first sealing member between a front housing portion and a mounting structure; connecting the mounting structure to the front housing portion such that the first sealing member forms a watertight seal therebetween; positioning a second sealing member between the mounting structure and an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA); orienting the second sealing member such that a locating feature extending rearwardly from the mounting structure is aligned with a notch defined by the second sealing member to facilitate proper relative orientation of the mounting structure and the second sealing member; connecting the ISLA to the mounting structure such that the locating feature is positioned within the notch and the second sealing member forms a watertight seal between the ISLA and the mounting structure; and connecting a rear housing portion to the front housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Vitale
  • Patent number: 12013589
    Abstract: An embodiment comprises: a housing comprising a plurality of protrusions arranged on the upper surface thereof; a magnet arranged on a side portion of the housing; a bobbin having a first coil arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the bobbin being configured to move by means of an interaction between the magnet and the first coil; an upper elastic member coupled to the bobbin and to the housing; and a sensing coil arranged on the side portion of the housing between the protrusions and the magnet, the sensing coil being configured to generate an induction voltage by means of an interaction with the first coil, wherein at least a part of the upper elastic member is arranged on the upper surface of the housing between the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Taek Shin, Jin Suk Han
  • Patent number: 11994793
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a camera having one or more end stop bumpers. In some embodiments, the end stop bumper(s) may be at least partially disposed between a suspension platform of a camera and a lateral end stop defined by a stationary structure of the camera. The end stop bumper(s) may be configured to cushion movement of the suspension platform as the suspension platform approaches the lateral end stop. In some embodiments, the end stop bumper(s) may be part of a suspension spring structure coupled to the suspension platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Miller, Brad V. Johnson, Nicholas D. Smyth
  • Patent number: 11985405
    Abstract: A camera module includes a housing, a first lens module configured to be movable in a first direction of the housing, a second lens module configured to be movable in the first direction, a first magnet disposed on the first lens module, a first yoke member disposed on the housing so as to face a first side surface of the first magnet and configured to limit a movement position of the first lens module with respect to the housing, and a second yoke member disposed on the second lens module so as to face a second side surface of the first magnet and configured to limit a movement position of the second lens module with respect to the first lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hae Seung Hyun, Kyoung Tai Lee
  • Patent number: 11977271
    Abstract: A cam for applying movement to a lens system. The cam may include a body configured to couple to the lens system. The body may have slots that are configured to receive lens followers. The slots may extend in directions that are convergent relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Panavision International, L.P.
    Inventor: Scott Jason Berkowitz
  • Patent number: 11960141
    Abstract: Provided is a lens assembly driving module including a photographing lens assembly, a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism. The photographing lens assembly includes N lens elements and has an optical axis passing through the N lens elements. The first driving mechanism drives at least N/2 said lens elements to move along the optical axis of the photographing lens assembly. The second driving mechanism enables a relative distance along the optical axis of two adjacent ones of the N lens elements to vary. Therefore, any specific one of the lens elements is capable of being driven to optimize optical imaging resolution of various fields of view independently within a real shot at different object distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: LARGAN DIGITAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heng-Yi Su, Hao-Jan Chen, Ming-Ta Chou, Te-Sheng Tseng
  • Patent number: 11953672
    Abstract: An optical unit includes a first barrel, a second barrel, a third barrel, and a position detection unit. Eight magnets including first and second magnets are fixed to the first barrel. A first and second coils are fixed to the second barrel. The position detection unit includes a magnetic sensor configured to detect magnetic fields generated by the first and second magnets and to generate a detection signal having a corresponding relation with a position of the first barrel. The third barrel includes a position defining surface parallel to a moving direction of the first barrel. The position detection unit is fixed to the position defining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Shinzato, Masaru Inamura, Takehiko Iguchi
  • Patent number: 11956544
    Abstract: A camera includes a camera actuator having autofocus (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) with a lens carrier mounting attachment moveably mounted to a base, magnets mounted to the base, and an AF coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachment for producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of an optical axis of a lens of the lens carrier. The magnets may include a pair of first magnets laterally spaced along a first side of the camera and a pair of second magnets laterally spaced along a second side of the camera opposite the first side. The optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM includes an image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the base, and OIS coils moveably mounted to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic fields of the magnets, for producing forces for moving the image sensor carrier in directions orthogonal to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Seyed Mohammad Javid Mahmoudzadeh, Aurelien R Hubert, Phillip R Sommer
  • Patent number: 11940806
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a line laser module and an autonomous mobile device. The line laser module includes a fixed base, and a camera and a line laser emitter arranged on the fixed base. The line laser emitter is provided at one or more sides of the camera, and configured to emit a laser with a linear projection. The camera is configured to operate in conjunction with the line laser emitter, and to capture an environmental image. An infrared filter is arranged in front of the camera, and configured to allow only infrared light to enter the camera. The autonomous mobile device includes an infrared flashlight. The camera is configured to capture, at different time points, a first environmental image for distance measurement and a second environmental image for object identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Beijing Roborock Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang Yu, Mingchuan Wang, Yongji Long
  • Patent number: 11934031
    Abstract: A lens apparatus includes a lens holding member configured to hold a lens, a base member including an adhesive holding portion opened in an optical axis direction of the lens to hold an adhesive, the base member being provided on an outer periphery side of the lens holding member, an annular member arranged inside the base member to protrude at least in part from an outer peripheral surface of the lens holding member toward an inner peripheral surface of the base member and intersect with the optical axis direction, and a holding member configured to hold the lens holding member, wherein the annular member is held by the lens holding member and the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiko Sato
  • Patent number: 11927181
    Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus (1) comprises a support structure (2) and a movable element (3) supported thereon by a suspension system (8, 10) that supports the movable element on the support structure and guides movement of the movable element along a movement axis. Two closely spaced lengths of SMA wire (4) that are close to parallel and inclined at the same acute angle with respect to a plane normal to the movement axis are connected to the support structure and to the movable element so as to apply respective forces to the movable element with respective components parallel to the movement axis that are in opposite directions. The two lengths of shape memory alloy wire apply a couple to the movable element perpendicular to the movement axis and the suspension system includes a pair of flexures or bearings that resist the resultant couple applied to the movable element by the lengths of SMA wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Brown, Andreas Flouris, James Howarth
  • Patent number: 11921347
    Abstract: An embodiment comprises: a housing comprising side parts, a first corner part, a second corner part, a third corner part, and a fourth corner part, in which each of the first corner part, the second corner part, the third corner part and the fourth corner is disposed between two adjacent side parts; a bobbin disposed in the housing; a first coil disposed on an outer surface of the bobbin; first magnets disposed on the side parts of the housing; a first circuit board disposed on the first corner part and comprising a first pad, a second pad, a third pad, a fourth pad, a fifth pad and a sixth pad; a first location sensor disposed on the first circuit board and electrically connected to the first pad, the second pad, the third pad, the fourth pad, the fifth pad and the sixth pad; first, second, third and fourth upper springs disposed apart from each other on the housing; and first and second lower springs coupled to a lower portion of the housing, electrically connected with the first coil, and coupled to the fi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Ok Park, Sang Jun Min, Byung Wook Son
  • Patent number: 11874523
    Abstract: A lens moving apparatus can include a housing; a base disposed below the housing; a bobbin disposed inside the housing and configured to move in a first direction along or parallel with an optical axis within the housing; driving magnets disposed on the housing; a coil provided at an outer surface of the bobbin; an elastic member coupled to the bobbin and supporting the bobbin; a sensing magnet coupled to the bobbin; and a position sensor coupled to a printed circuit board, wherein the position sensor is configured to sense a displacement of the sensing magnet in the first direction, in which the bobbin includes a reception recess formed on the outer surface of the bobbin such that at least a part of the reception recess is located at an inside of the coil, the sensing magnet is disposed in the reception recess, and the position sensor is disposed on another side of the housing than sides on which the driving magnets are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seong Min Lee, Sang Ok Park, Hyune O Yoo, Byung Wook Son, Jun Taek Lee
  • Patent number: 11821410
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprises a first part, including a surface, a second part which moves relative to the first part across the surface and a resilient biasing element that biases the second part into contact with the first part so as to generate frictional forces therebetween for retaining the second part on the surface. At least one shape memory alloy actuator wire is connected between the first part and the second part and arranged to, on contraction thereof, apply a force to the second part with a component parallel to the surface that drives movement of the second part relative to the first part across the surface. Thus, the second part is retained on the surface when no power is applied to the shape memory alloy wire, and movement is achieved when power is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Peter Van Wyk
  • Patent number: 11815792
    Abstract: A lens barrel is provided to be attached to a camera body that can reduce an outer diameter of a back end section of the lens barrel even when a member moving in an optical axis direction is disposed on the back end section of the lens barrel. A lens barrel includes a fixed cylinder, a lens holding frame that is disposed on an inner circumferential side of the fixed cylinder and can move in an optical axis direction relative to the fixed cylinder, a guide cylinder that is disposed on an outer circumferential side of the fixed cylinder and can move, together with the lens holding frame, in the optical axis direction relative to the fixed cylinder, and a rotary cylinder that is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the fixed cylinder and can rotate relative to the fixed cylinder. A front end section of the guide cylinder and the rotary cylinder are disposed further on a front side than a connection part that connects the lens holding frame and the guide cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Junichi Endo
  • Patent number: 11771248
    Abstract: A drinking dramatization glass includes: a glass body being a bottomed cylinder body having a curved part that curves in the horizontal direction as well as a top opening; a fixing mechanism for fixing a video display device on the glass body; and an image aspect ratio control part for changing the aspect ratio of an image on the video display device. The drinking dramatization glass is configured to compensate for a horizontal distortion of images viewed through the drink in the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: NETAPPLI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto Nishida
  • Patent number: 11774742
    Abstract: An optical unit for endoscope includes: a moving barrel which is a soft magnetic body, configured to hold a lens; a fixed barrel which is a non-magnetic body, configured to movably hold the moving barrel on an inner circumferential face; a pair of yokes arranged on an outer face of the fixed barrel; a coil wound around the outer face of the fixed barrel and a magnet arranged on a part in the circumferential direction, between the pair of yokes; and a magnetic body member with magnetism stronger than magnetism of the moving barrel, the magnetic body member being arranged on a part of the moving barrel in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shun Ogi
  • Patent number: 11754801
    Abstract: An optical driving apparatus includes an actuator configured to drive an optical element holder in an optical axis direction, a first rolling member and a second rolling member each fixed rollably to the optical element holder, a first guide member configured to guide the optical element holder in the optical axis direction, a second guide member configured to restrict the optical element holder from rotating around the first guide member, a first biasing member configured to generate a first biasing force to press the first rolling member against the first guide member, and a second biasing member configured to generate a second biasing force to press the second rolling member against the second guide member. The first biasing member generates the first biasing force as a magnetic force. A reaction force of the second biasing force acts on the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryo Abe
  • Patent number: 11719904
    Abstract: Optical arrangements for small size wide angle auto focus imaging lens for high resolution sensors are disclosed herein. An example optical assembly includes a first lens holder, a second lens holder, a first lens group, a biasing element, and a variable focus optical element. The first lens holder includes a collar having an internal flange forming a spring seat and the first lens group is disposed within the first lens holder. The second lens holder includes a collar defining a chamber and is coupled to the collar of the first lens holder. The variable focus optical element is disposed within the chamber of the second lens holder and the biasing element is disposed within the chamber of the second lens holder between the spring seat and the variable focus optical element and configured to apply a threshold force to the variable focus optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander J. Naney, Igor Vinogradov
  • Patent number: 11681119
    Abstract: An optical driving apparatus includes a holder configured to hold an optical element and including a first contact portion and a second contact portion that are spaced from each other in an optical axis direction, a guide member configured to contact the first contact portion and the second contact portion and to guide the holder in the optical axis direction, and a biasing member configured to generate a biasing force serving as a magnetic force configured to bias the holder so that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are pressed against the guide member. The biasing member is disposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion in the optical axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Oikawa
  • Patent number: 11668949
    Abstract: An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, and a driving assembly. The fixed part has a main axis. The fixed part includes a case made of non-metal material and a bottom. The case and the bottom are arranged along the main axis. The movable part moves relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Meng-Ting Lin, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 11650394
    Abstract: An embodiment comprises: a housing comprising a plurality of protrusions arranged on the upper surface thereof; a magnet arranged on a side portion of the housing; a bobbin having a first coil arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the bobbin being configured to move by means of an interaction between the magnet and the first coil; an upper elastic member coupled to the bobbin and to the housing; and a sensing coil arranged on the side portion of the housing between the protrusions and the magnet, the sensing coil being configured to generate an induction voltage by means of an interaction with the first coil, wherein at least a part of the upper elastic member is arranged on the upper surface of the housing between the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Taek Shin, Jin Suk Han
  • Patent number: 11638067
    Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to a system for adjusting a focus of an image. A system includes a phased metalens configured to adjust a focus of an image detected by an imaging substrate of an image sensor to compensate for warpage of the imaging substrate. The phased metalens can achieve a near-diffraction-limited focusing over incoming light wavelengths using precisely defined nanoscale subwavelength resolution structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Ronald M. Taylor, James Nicholas Nickolaou
  • Patent number: 11616899
    Abstract: A camera system may include one or more controllers to perform in-field monitoring of autofocus performance and instability mitigation. The controllers may monitor one or more parameters associated with adjustment of a relative position between a lens group and an image sensor and/or one or more images. The controllers may analyze the parameters and/or images to calculate various metrics. The controllers may evaluate the metrics with respect to corresponding thresholds. The controllers may detect, based at least in part of the evaluation the metrics, one or more instability events associated with controller performance degradation. In response to detecting the instability events, the controllers may perform one or more remedial actions to mitigate the controller performance degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Dhanda, Yunfeng Li, Santiago Alban, Andrew D. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 11614613
    Abstract: Embodiments of video inspection systems with moveably dockable camera control units (CCUs) which may include a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, a video inspection system includes two frame elements which each have a handle. The frame elements may be moved into multiple positions and orientations relative to each other and provide a secure stand for a CCU. The CCU may be attached and detached from the frame elements. The handles may be used to carry the frame elements with or without the CCU attached. The handles may be slip resistant to provide a stable support for a CCU when the frame elements are positioned on a surface. Docking apparatus are provided to allow a CCU, tablet, pad, laptop, or smartphone to be attached to the frame elements and put in a variety of positions or orientations to make viewing convenient for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael J. Martin, Alexander L. Warren, Garrett A. Newby, Gina M. Hartman
  • Patent number: 11582388
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a camera actuator includes an actuator base, an autofocus voice coil motor, and an optical image stabilization voice coil motor. In some embodiments, the autofocus voice coil motor includes a lens carrier mounting attachment moveably mounted to the actuator base, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base, and an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachment for producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of an optical axis of one or more lenses of the lens carrier. In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization voice coil motor includes an image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the actuator base, and optical image stabilization coils moveably mounted to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic fields of the shared magnets, for producing forces for moving the image sensor carrier in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Qiang Yang, Douglas S. Brodie, Scott W. Miller, Shashank Sharma
  • Patent number: 11573393
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement. For example, the position sensing arrangement may be used to determine a position of a moveable lens group and/or a moveable image sensor. According to some embodiments, a base structure of the camera may include a cutout that allows for a protrusion of a lens carrier to extend (e.g., in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the camera) past at least a portion of the base structure. A probe magnet may be attached to the protrusion of the lens carrier, and a position sensor for sensing magnetic fields of the probe magnet may be attached to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary W. Birnbaum, Nicholas D. Smyth
  • Patent number: 11555978
    Abstract: The proposed invention relates to a camera module with an optical image stabilization function. A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrically connected to an image sensor is implemented to serve as an electrical path and at the same time, serve to provide an elastic restoring force in directions of a plurality of axes, thereby further miniaturizing and lightening the camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: MCNEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jang Ho Lim, Jae Hoon Kim, Chang Il Jang, Jae Hun Jo, Ki Sung Yoo, Jeong Won No, Tae Youn Hwang
  • Patent number: 11543620
    Abstract: Provided are a lens barrel and an imaging device, with which it is possible to lock an optical member of which the movement in an optical axis direction is made free in a case where there is no electrification, particularly to hold the optical member in a locked state without use of electric power. A movable frame that holds a focus lens is driven in the optical axis direction by a linear motor. In a case where the movable frame is to be locked with the linear motor being not electrified, the movable frame (engagement portion) is caused to abut onto a restriction portion at an end portion of the movable range of the movable frame and a locking ring is caused to rotationally move to a locking position by an electric actuator. Accordingly, the movable frame is fixed by the restriction portion and a locking portion of the locking ring to become unable to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeya Abe, Kenji Hoshino, Hideo Kobayashi, Yuichi Kawanabe
  • Patent number: 11525979
    Abstract: A focus-adjustment apparatus which can be applied during manufacture of camera modules includes a rotation mechanism, a drive mechanism, an elevating mechanism, an optoelectronic chip, and a lens module. The rotation mechanism includes a container and movable latch rods therein. The drive mechanism can rotate the rotation mechanism, and the elevating mechanism with optoelectronic chip attached is under the rotation mechanism. The lens module includes a support element adjacent to the optoelectronic chip, an adjustment structure rotatably disposed on the support element, and a lens above the optoelectronic chip in the adjustment structure. When the elevating mechanism raises the lens module and the drive mechanism rotates the rotation mechanism, at least one of the latch rods rotates the adjustment structure, so as to change the distance between the lens and the optoelectronic chip and achieve correct focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Nanning FuLian FuGui Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-Shen Liu, Heng-Peng Liu
  • Patent number: 11519489
    Abstract: Gear drive systems used with a camera comprise a housing with an electric drive gear disposed outside of the housing. A host gear is engaged with the drive gear and is rotatably disposed on a stationary shaft extending from the housing. An adapter is attached to the host gear and extends axially outwardly therefrom. A secondary gear is attached to the adapter and comprises a plurality of teeth disposed along an outside diameter. The secondary gear is releasably attached to the adapter by retaining elements and is fixed rotatably to the adapter by registration elements. The secondary gear is attached to the adapter by a push on snap-fit, and is removed from the adapter by being pulled off, thereby avoiding the need for tools to interchange a secondary gear having a desired configuration of teeth to engage a camera optical adjustment element such as a lens ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Panavision International, L.P.
    Inventors: Daniel Aguinaldo, Christopher Michael Konash
  • Patent number: 11522472
    Abstract: A multi-axis MEMS assembly includes: a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator configured to provide linear three-axis movement, the micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator including: an in-plane MEMS actuator, and an out-of-plane MEMS actuator including a multi-morph piezoelectric actuator; an optoelectronic device coupled to the in-plane MEMS actuator; and a lens barrel assembly coupled to the out-of-plane MEMS actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: MEMS Drive (Nanjing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guiqin Wang, Xiaolei Liu
  • Patent number: 11513310
    Abstract: A cylindrical actuator sub-assembly (100, 200, 300) comprising: an element (14, 24, 34) movable along a longitudinal axis (A), at least one actuating member and a guidance mechanism suitable for guiding the element, wherein aid guidance mechanism includes a first ring-shaped lever (11, 21, 31) and a second ring-shaped lever (11?, 21?, 31?) that are parallel to each other, at least two straight axial flexures (12, 12?; 22, 22?; 32, 32?), at least two flexures (16, 16?; 27, 27?; 36, 36?) and at least two bases (13, 13?; 23, 23?; 33, 33?), a first base carrying the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ACTUATOR SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Neven Bobic, Tobias Schumm