Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes: an openable/closable cover that is movable between a closed position in which the connection unit is covered and an open position in which the connection unit is exposed to the outside; and an interlocking mechanism that causes an on/off operation of a power switch and an opening/closing operation of the openable/closable cover to operate in conjunction with each other, wherein the interlocking mechanism moves the openable/closable cover from the open position to the closed position in conjunction with an off operation by which the power switch is switched from an on state to an off state, and the interlocking mechanism moves the openable/closable cover from the closed position to the open position in conjunction with an on operation by which the power switch is switched from the off state to the on state.

Abstract: A selecting method includes obtaining by a computer, for each operation state combination for a processor of which element operation states are changeable, a state information record indicating operation states of the operation state combination; measuring by the computer, for each obtained state information record, a power consumption value and a processing performance value of the processor after the processor is switched to the operation states indicated by the state information record, the power consumption value and the processing performance value being measured by executing a specific program on the processor after the processor is switched to the operation states indicated by the state information record; and selecting by the computer, based on the measured processing performance values and for each predetermined power consumption value, a state information record for which the measured power consumption value is the predetermined power consumption value or less among the obtained state information re

Abstract: A wafer having a substrate and a functional layer formed on the front side of the substrate is processed by attaching a protective tape curable by an external stimulation to the front side of the functional layer. The substrate is cut from the back side along each division line by using a cutting blade, thereby forming a cut groove having a depth not reaching the functional layer, with a part of the substrate left between the bottom of the cut groove and the functional layer. A laser beam is applied along the cut groove, thereby dividing the remaining part of the substrate to divide the wafer into device chips. When the groove is formed, an uncut portion in which the cut groove is not formed is left in a peripheral marginal area of the wafer.

Abstract: An organic light emitting display is disclosed. The display includes a pixel unit for displaying a black image during a non-emission period and for displaying an image based on data during an emission period in every frame period. The display also includes a current sensor which determines current flowing in a power line during the non-emission period and generates a stop signal if the current is greater than a threshold, and a power supply which supplies power to the pixel unit unless the stop signal is received from the sensor.

Abstract: An accessory which is controlled by a control signal supplied from a camera, includes: a terminal section having a plurality of terminals located adjacent to each other in an array that extends in an array direction, the plurality of terminals including at least a power terminal to which power is supplied from the camera and a signal input terminal to which the control signal is input from the camera; and a ground portion corresponding to the power terminal. The power terminal is disposed at a first end of the array the signal input terminal is disposed near a second end of the array opposite the first end, and the ground portion is disposed in a position further away from the power terminal than is the signal input terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus has a light emitting diode module that has one or more light emitting diodes each with a light emitting circuitry. The apparatus further has a controller functionally connected with the one or more light emitting circuitries; a housing surrounding the controller and the one or more light emitting circuitries; and a pair of power supply connectors extending outside of the housing and functionally connected with the controller. The controller receives operating power from the pair of power supply connectors and uses the received operating power to control operation of the one or more light emitting circuitries.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention includes a camera body where an image pickup mechanism is mounted, and a strobe unit is provided in the camera body. A wiring board to which a lead wire to be electrically connected to the strobe unit is connected, and a capacitor connected to the wiring board to feed power to the strobe unit are incorporated in the camera body. The wiring board and the capacitor are provided in a vertically movable manner in the camera body, and a cantilever portion for biasing the wiring board and the capacitor downward, and a lower projection portion for receiving movement of the wiring board and the capacitor due to a biasing force of the cantilever portion are provided in the camera body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.

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

Abstract: An apparatus has a light emitting diode module that has one or more light emitting diodes each with a light emitting circuitry. The apparatus further has a controller functionally connected with the one or more light emitting circuitries; a housing surrounding the controller and the one or more light emitting circuitries; and a pair of power supply connectors extending outside of the housing and functionally connected with the controller. The controller receives operating power from the pair of power supply connectors and uses the received operating power to control operation of the one or more light emitting circuitries.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of reducing possibility of missing a good moment to take a photo and reducing electric power wasted for strobe shooting. The image pickup apparatus is capable of shooting using a strobe. A motion detector detects an amount of motion of an object of which an image is to be picked up. A camera controller sets a target charge voltage level of a main capacitor based on the detected amount of motion of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.

Abstract: A circuit and method for charging a super capacitor to an optimal voltage that provides a desired flash diode current value while minimizing power dissipation in circuit elements other than the flash diode. One embodiment uses periodic sampling of the current through the flash diode and termination of the charging upon the super capacitor having been charged to a voltage value that produces the desired flash diode current. Another embodiment includes a current regulator in the flash diode firing circuit that keeps the current at a substantially constant level during the time that the flash diode is being fired.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention includes a camera body where an image pickup mechanism is mounted, and a strobe unit is provided in the camera body. A wiring board to which a lead wire to be electrically connected to the strobe unit is connected, and a capacitor connected to the wiring board to feed power to the strobe unit are incorporated in the camera body. The wiring board and the capacitor are provided in a vertically movable manner in the camera body, and a cantilever portion for biasing the wiring board and the capacitor downward, and a lower projection portion for receiving movement of the wiring board and the capacitor due to a biasing force of the cantilever portion are provided in the camera body.

Abstract: A control circuit responsive to a flash activating signal of a camera for the synchronous or alternate activation of at least two flash devices is disclosed. Each flash device includes a flash generator including a voltage source and at least one flash unit. An input of the control circuit is adapted to couple with the camera and receive the flash activating signal. Outputs of the control circuit are adapted to electrically couple to control inputs of the flash generators. The control circuit includes a switching device adapted to drawn a supply voltage for the control circuit from the respective voltage sources in the flash generators.

Abstract: A charged capacitor switching device for a photoflash is provided and includes a flash control unit, a capacitor charging/discharging unit, a charged capacitor switching unit and an illumination modulator. The capacitor charging/discharging unit coupled to the flash control unit includes a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel and switches coupled thereto respectively. The charged capacitor switching unit determines whether each switch is opened or closed according to a compensation parameter. The illumination modulator compares an environmental illumination and a pre-flash illumination to generate a compared result, determines whether the compared result has reached a threshold, obtains the compensation parameter according to the compared result when the compared result is below the threshold, and drives the flash control unit to generate a flash illumination corresponding to the compensation parameter.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of reducing possibility of missing a good moment to take a photo and reducing electric power wasted for strobe shooting. The image pickup apparatus is capable of shooting using a strobe. A motion detector detects an amount of motion of an object of which an image is to be picked up. A camera controller sets a target charge voltage level of a main capacitor based on the detected amount of motion of the object.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and related apparatus for safely operating a camera flash on a mobile device powered by a battery module. Upon determination that the camera flash needs to be activated the method comprises measuring several battery parameters including the voltage and temperature of the battery module. An equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery module is determined based on the battery temperature. The maximum flash current is then determined based on the battery voltage, and ESR along with potential current loads that may occur during operation of the camera flash, and a minimum battery voltage for safe operation of the mobile device where the battery voltage has been adjusted if needed. The device is then configured to draw a current from the battery module that is not greater than the maximum flash current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.

Abstract: Adaptive current limiting for any power source to limit power drain of one load on the power source to maintain a minimum power source voltage for proper operation of other loads on the power source. For battery applications, such as for flash systems, the invention allows the maximum output current of a boost converter to be utilized without having to calculate the system equivalent series resistance first. The invention also adjusts the current load up or down during a high load event to compensate for changes in other loads. The changes in current load are made in increments, with a hysteresis region avoiding constant up and down incrementing. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for setting the power operating condition of a photographic wireless communication device. An information representing a shutter speed of a camera body is detected from the camera body. A shutter speed of the camera body is determined from the information representing a shutter speed. The power operating condition of the photographic wireless communication device is automatically set based on the shutter speed of the camera body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.

Abstract: A relatively small current is supplied to an LED arranged on a center portion, of two or more LED's, and a relatively large current is supplied to an LED arranged on a peripheral portion, of the two or more LED's. This feature makes it possible to substantially equalize rise of temperature.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus includes: an A/D conversion circuit having an amplifier that is capable of amplifying image signals per shooting frame; and a gain changer that changes the gain of the amplifier. The apparatus causes the gain changer to increase the gain of the amplifier up to a level that compensates for a gradual decrease in the amount of light emitted from LEDs that occurs during continuous shooting. As a result, the amplitude level of every image signal is made constant and thus, replayed images of the same brightness shot during the continuous shooting are obtained.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device, or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined before the pre-flash test and examined as a consequence of performing the pre-flash test, if a change in the battery level as so examined meets certain criterion, then the full flash is not permitted to proceed. If the battery level does not meet the criterion, the full flash is permitted to proceed.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and related apparatus for safely operating a camera flash on a mobile device powered by a battery module. Upon determination that the camera flash needs to be activated the method comprises measuring several battery parameters including the voltage and temperature of the battery module. An equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery module is determined based on the battery temperature. The maximum flash current is then determined based on the battery voltage, and ESR along with potential current loads that may occur during operation of the camera flash, and a minimum battery voltage for safe operation of the mobile device where the battery voltage has been adjusted if needed. The device is then configured to draw a current from the battery module that is not greater than the maximum flash current.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device, or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.

Abstract: An ornament plate of a ring-shape made of a metal with a high heat radiation effect, for instance, aluminum, is attached to an end surface on an object side of a lens barrel such that the ornament plate covers the whole front part of the lens barrel. Four kinds of LEDs of high luminance type constructing an LED light source are attached to the lens barrel through the ornament plate used as a substrate. A light diffusion cover made of a transparent resin is attached to the front of the ornament plate for covering the LEDs. When using the flash, a high voltage current is applied to the LEDs to emit flash light. Each LED generates heat. However, the heat is radiated through the ornament plate.

Abstract: A charging device (1) for a camera flash includes a digital signal processor (10) providing a pulse width modulation signal and receiving a feedback signal, a voltage boosting circuit (20) electrically connected with the digital signal processor for outputting an induced current under the control of the pulse width modulation signal, a flash capacitor (40), and a charging circuit (30) electrically connected with the voltage boosting circuit and the flash capacitor for charging the flash capacitor by the induced current. The charging circuit includes a protection circuit (310) for protecting the flash capacitor and a feedback circuit (320) for outputting the feedback signal to the digital signal processor.

Abstract: Adaptive current limiting for any power source to limit power drain of one load on the power source to maintain a minimum power source voltage for proper operation of other loads on the power source. For battery applications, such as for flash systems, the invention allows the maximum output current of a boost converter to be utilized without having to calculate the system equivalent series resistance first. The invention also adjusts the current load up or down during a high load event to compensate for changes in other loads. The changes in current load are made in increments, with a hysteresis region avoiding constant up and down incrementing. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight, small, high-voltage power supply for a xenon flash lamp or strobe permits rapid and reliable strobing for retinal imaging. In one embodiment the power supply can develop 500 volts at 720 watt seconds to permit firing the xenon strobe at full power one pulse per second. The power supply, rather than using heavy, bulky transformers, uses a hybrid high-voltage multiplier that involves an AC coupling circuit and a half-wave rectifier, the outputs of which are coupled in series to a capacitor bank to achieve a 500-volt charging source for the capacitor bank. This permits the capacitor bank to be charged with a continuous high voltage so that it can deliver a controlled, reliable high voltage to the xenon strobe.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a CPU. In a camera mode, a TIFF file in which main image data is stored in such a manner as to satisfy a predetermined condition is recorded-by the CPU in a recording medium. When such the TIFF file is selected in a reproducing mode, the TIFF file itself is transferred from the recording medium to an SDRAM, and the main image data included in this TIFF file is subjected to a reproducing process by an ASIC. Herein, the predetermined condition includes a condition that a deviance amount between a head location of the TIFF file and a head location of the main image data is an integral multiple of “4”, that is, the number of bytes storable in one address of the SDRAM.

Abstract: A flash-control circuit is designed for providing a high current to a load. The flash-control circuit includes an operational amplifier, a MOSFET, and a discharge power source. The operational amplifier is for receiving a pulse signal and outputting a high level voltage when the pulse signal is high. The MOSFET acts as a switch for delivering a high current to the load. The discharge power source is for providing the high current. The electrical current flows through the load, the MOSFET, then to ground when the MOSFET is on. An image capturing module using the flash-control circuit is also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary camera module includes a lens holder (10), a lens module (20), a position detecting mechanism (30), and an image pick-up module (40). The lens module includes a lens barrel (22) and one lens received in the lens barrel. The lens barrel is axially movable received in the lens holder. The position detecting mechanism includes a conductive strip (32) disposed on outer periphery of the lens barrel along an axial direction, a number of conductive terminals (36), a number of electrical sources (34), and a processor (38). The conductive terminals are securely arranged on an inner periphery of the lens holder parallel to each other. A cathode of each electrical source is electrically connected to a corresponding conductive terminal. The processor is electrically connected with an anode of each electrical source. The image pick-up module is arranged so as to receive the light from the lens module.

Abstract: A flashlight includes a main body, a light source on a front end of the main body, batteries held in the main body, a bottom cover on a tail end of the main body, and a control device for controlling brightness and frequency of flashing of the light source; the control device is secured in the bottom cover, and electrically connected to the power source, and it includes a control switch sticking out through the bottom cover; the main body houses first and second conducting plates, which are connected to two poles of the battery respectively; the main body further houses a first elastic element positioned between and electrically connected to a positive pole terminal of the control device and the first conducting plate, and a second elastic element positioned between and electrically connected to a negative pole terminal of the control device and the second conducting plate.

Abstract: A flash apparatus or an image capture apparatus includes a charging unit, configured to boost a voltage of an electric source and a control unit, configured to calculate the sum of the light emission amount within a predetermined period of time. The control unit reduces the temperature rise of components which generate heat due to the continuous light emission when the sum of the light emission amount reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A relatively small current is supplied to an LED arranged on a center portion, of two or more LED's, and a relatively large current is supplied to an LED arranged on a peripheral portion, of the two or more LED's. This feature makes it possible to substantially equalize rise of temperature.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digita assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device, or certain features of the device, if tile battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined as a consequence of performing the pre-flash test and, if the battery level as so examined meets certain criteria, then the full flash is either permitted to proceed. If the battery level does not meet the criteria, the full flash is not permitted to proceed.

Abstract: A power connection device for connecting a flash tube and a camera module includes a wire, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. One end of the wire is connected with the flash tube, and the first electrical connector is electrically connected with the other end of the wire. The second electrical connector is located at a power supply terminal of the camera module and the second electrical connector is electrically plugged with the first electrical connector. Thereby, the flash tube is connected with the camera module via the power connection device.

Abstract: A synchronizer is provided to establish a mechanical switching interface between an electronic digital color camera and a fundus camera for appropriately coordinating the complete opening of the color camera shutter with the energization of fundus camera flash unit, and for fully disconnecting the flash unit at the completion of an image capture sequence thereby enabling resetting of the flash unit.

Abstract: A flash apparatus operates on power supplied from internal batteries and an external battery in an auxiliary battery apparatus. A battery check is executed by detecting the charge speed at which a main capacitor is charged and comparing the charge speed with a threshold value. The threshold value is set higher when the auxiliary battery apparatus is mounted than the threshold value set when the auxiliary battery apparatus is not mounted. Thus, an accurate battery check reflecting the presence/absence of the auxiliary battery apparatus can be achieved.

Abstract: A flash apparatus operates on power supplied from internal batteries and an external battery in an auxiliary battery apparatus. A battery check is executed by detecting the charge speed at which a main capacitor is charged and comparing the charge speed with a threshold value. The threshold value is set higher when the auxiliary battery apparatus is mounted than the threshold value set when the auxiliary battery apparatus is not mounted. Thus, an accurate battery check reflecting the presence/absence of the auxiliary battery apparatus can be achieved.

Abstract: To prevent temporary reduction of battery voltage when driving a shutter, an exposure control drive apparatus is provided with a boosting circuit for boosting a voltage of the battery and outputting a boosted voltage. A capacitor is charged by the boosted voltage for driving an actuator of an exposure control mechanism. A detecting circuit detects a current flowing in the boosting circuit and a control circuit controls operation of the boosting circuit in accordance with a magnitude of the detected value so that the boosting circuit is prevented from boosting the battery voltage when the detected current exceeds a predetermined level and is permitted to boost the battery voltage when the detected current is below the predetermined level. In this manner, the current flowing from the battery is prevented from exceeding a maximum level.

Abstract: A Photoflash Projection Device and a method of use includes a linear discharge tube in an elongated concave reflector, powered by a self-contained multiplying circuit. The reflector, having a predetermined shape to include a Natural Log Function, novelly projects and spreads a uniform light density over a wideangle/graduated depth area. This permits a user to direct light above the field's rearground to achieve the ideal photographic illumination. The flash unit further includes a support stand mounting bracket that is adjustable relative to the base of the housing. The invention is particularly suited for large Group/Commercial photography.

Abstract: A camera is made compact with its internal temperature adjusted to a more appropriate temperature. A temperature T is read from a temperature sensor disposed within the camera (S100) and it is judged whether or not the temperature T exceeds a threshold Tref1 (S102). When the temperature T exceeds the threshold Tref1, the operation of the camera is changed to a power-saving mode where the power consumption is lower than in the ordinary mode (S104). The threshold Tref1 is determined to be a rated temperature at which the camera can operate stably or a temperature lower than that. Thus, the temperature in the camera can be made appropriate.

Abstract: In an electronic flash device, a driving circuit (12) drives a piezoelectric transformer (13) in response to an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency, which is output from an oscillation circuit (11). A switch (14) is provided in series in a line that connects the output of the piezoelectric transformer (13) and a capacitor (3). When the switch (14) is ON, the output voltage from the piezoelectric transformer (13) is rectified by a rectifier circuit, and charges the discharge capacitor (3) as electric energy for discharging a discharge tube (4). When the switch (14) is turned off, and the output voltage from the piezoelectric transformer (13) is applied to the discharge tube (4), the discharge tube (4) emits flash light by the electric energy stored in the discharge capacitor (3) in response to that applied voltage as a trigger.

Abstract: An electronic flash device includes: a flash light emission circuit that performs a flash light emission; a light emission control circuit that supplies power for light emission to the flash light emission circuit in response to an input of a light emission start signal and cuts off the power to the flash light emission circuit in response to an input of a light emission stop signal; and a protective circuit that detects a state that will induce power supply to the flash light emission circuit in response to an anomalous signal based upon a circuit operation of the light emission control circuit and prevents the power supply to the flash light emission circuit.