Abstract: Voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating an optical path folding element (OPFE) over an extended scanning range relative to a scanning/rotation range needed for optical image stabilization (OIS).

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens module including a plurality of lenses having refractive power, a first optical path folding unit disposed on the object side of the lens module and configured to refract or reflect incident light in an optical axis direction of the lens module. Among the lenses constituting the lens module, an effective radius of a lens closest to the first optical path folding unit may have substantially the same size as an effective radius of an exit surface of the first optical path folding unit.

Abstract: An image capturing unit includes an imaging element and a dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element that are adjacent to each other. The imaging element is configured for an imaging light to pass through. The dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element includes a first part and a second part. The first part is made of transparent material. The first part has a reflective surface configured to reflect the imaging light. The second part is made of opaque material, and the second part is fixed at periphery of the first part. The second part includes a supporting portion configured to support the dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element. The supporting portion maintains the dual-shot injection-molded optical folding element at a predetermined position corresponding to the imaging element through mechanism assembly.

Abstract: A camera assembly is provided. The camera assembly comprises: a frame comprising a first side wall, a second side wall facing the first side wall, and a base formed between the first side wall and the second side wall; a linear driving portion comprising a first movable member coupled to the first side wall to be able to slide and a second movable member coupled to the second side wall to be able to slide; a lens module arranged on the base, the lens module comprising at least one lens and an image sensor; a reflective member comprising a first surface onto which external light is incident and a second surface formed at a predetermined angle with the first surface so as to face the lens; and a holder on which the reflective member is disposed, the holder comprising a support portion supported on the base so as to rotate around a first rotational axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens and around a second rotational axis perpendicular to the optical axis and to the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the position of one or more sensors of an autonomous vehicle includes a plurality of sensor arms, a plurality of sensor manipulators attached to each of the plurality of sensor arms. The system can be configured to receive output from the one or more sensors, and determine if an occlusion zone is detected. Based on the objects creating the occlusion zone, the sensors can be adjusted to decrease the size of the occlusion zone.

Abstract: A dual-lens camera system is provided, including a first lens driving module and a second lens driving module each including a lens holder for receiving a lens, at least one magnetic element, and a driving board. The driving board has at least one driving coil for acting with the magnetic element to generate an electromagnetic force to move the lens holder along a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. On two adjacent sides parallel to each other of the first and second lens driving modules, the magnetic elements are arranged in different configurations.

Abstract: A blur correction apparatus includes a first fixing member, a moveable member and a second fixing member. A coil for generating a magnetic flux is arranged on the first fixing member. The movable member includes (1) a first magnet facing the coil, (2) a second magnet arranged adjacent to the first magnet, such that the first magnet is arranged between the second magnet and the coil arranged in the first fixing member, and (3) an optical element. The movable member can move in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the optical element relative to the first fixing member. The second fixing member includes a hall element that is arranged adjacent to the second magnet in the movable member.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for a view-changing mirror for use with an imaging or image-recording device, including a mirror assembly having a mirror configured to move between a stored position and a deployed position, wherein in the stored position the mirror is proximate the imaging or image-recording device and in the deployed position the direction of view is not oriented in the same direction as a subject being viewed in the imaging or image-recording device.

Abstract: An imaging system having a front side and rear side enveloping a light transmitting space formed therebetween A front lens situated on the front side forms a portal through which light from an object enters into the light transmitting space wherein at least one optical element composed of glass or elastic material, liquid lenses or liquid crystal elements, and an image sensor are positioned to develop a folded beam path between the front lens and the image sensor, and a real image of the object on the image sensor. Electrically driving at least one optical element enables alteration of the focal length within the system in a manner switchable between at least two values. The change in focal length is realized with the aid of electrically controlled piezo-actuators or by an electric field applied to at least one variable optical element.

Abstract: A dual lens optical system (OS) includes a photographing device, a first OS having a first reflection member and redirecting an optical axis of light representing an image of an object input from a first direction toward the photographing device, and a second OS having a second reflection member, redirecting an optical axis of light representing an image of an object input from a second direction toward the photographing device, and sharing at least one of optical elements of the first OS. The first and second OSs selectively redirect the image light from the first or second direction toward the photographing device. The photographing surface has a first region where the light representing the image of the object input through the first OS is formed, and a second region where light representing the image of the object input through the second OS is formed, have different sizes and are overlapped.

Abstract: The present invention provides head-mounted systems and devices for capturing an image of a user's face. In particular, the present invention provides systems and devices comprising: a) a head-mounted frame component configured to be mounted on the head of a user (e.g., hat, head band, glasses, goggles, etc.) and b) an extending component that is moveable between a first position in or adjacent to the head-mounted frame component and a second position non-adjacent to the head-mounted frame component that allows a camera (or mirror) on the extending component to capture an image (e.g., picture or video) of the user's face.

Abstract: A camera system includes an optical assembly including a folded optic, the folded optic including a transparent support substrate, a first lens surface on a first surface of the transparent support substrate, and a second lens surface on the first surface of the transparent support substrate, at least one of the first and second lens surfaces including a replication material, and a sensor configured to receive light from the optical assembly that has been incident on both the first and second lens surfaces sequentially.

Abstract: A dual lens optical system includes a first optical system and a second optical system selectively redirecting at least one of two lights of representing images of object from two incident lenses into a first optical axis of light toward an image sensor by at least one reflection member, wherein, at least one optical element is disposed between an image sensor and the reflection member.

Abstract: A camera system includes an optical assembly including a folded optic, the folded optic including a transparent support substrate, a first lens surface on a first surface of the transparent support substrate, and a second lens surface on the first surface of the transparent support substrate, at least one of the first and second lens surfaces including a replication material, and a sensor configured to receive light from the optical assembly that has been incident on both the first and second lens surfaces sequentially.

Abstract: A lens module includes a lens barrel and a number of lenses received in the lens barrel. The lens barrel defines a light incident opening in a side surface thereof for light passing therethrough. The lenses include a reflecting lens. The reflecting lens includes a light incident surface, a light output surface, and a total reflection surface. The light incident surface faces the light incident opening, and the light output surface faces an end of the lens barrel. The total reflection surface is configured for reflecting incident light from the light incident surface to the light output surface.

Abstract: A monitoring camera including: a rotational base which is configured to rotate about a rotational axis, with respect to a fixed base; a camera barrel which is coupled to the rotational base and changes an optical path of light input from an outside into a longitudinal direction of the camera barrel which is substantially parallel with a surface of the rotational base which is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis, and the camera barrel tilts about an axis of the longitudinal direction of the camera barrel; and a housing which includes a window, formed on a surface of the housing, through which the light is input to the camera barrel, and encloses the camera barrel and the rotational base.

Abstract: A reflector assembly for use with an electronic device includes a light guiding member forming a light-guiding passage having a light guide assembly in the form of a plurality of lens assembled therein, the light guiding member is assembled in an electronic device having a display window formed in the front surface and a camera module formed in the back surface. An end of the light guiding member aligns with the camera module, the other end of the light guiding member extends to the front surface of the electronic device, outside lights can enter into light-guiding passage and be reflected by the lenses and reach to the camera module.

Abstract: A lens module includes a lens barrel and a number of lenses received in the lens barrel. The lens barrel defines a light incident opening in a side surface thereof for light passing therethrough. The lenses include a reflecting lens. The reflecting lens includes a light incident surface, a light output surface, and a total reflection surface. The light incident surface faces the light incident opening, and the light output surface faces an end of the lens barrel. The total reflection surface is configured for reflecting incident light from the light incident surface to the light output surface.

Abstract: A variable power optical system composed of a first optical part, a second optical part, and a third optical part, 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. The first optical part is movably held between the second optical part and the third optical part. The first optical part moves in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis over a distance between the position on the optical system of the entire system and the position of retraction from the optical axis of the entire system.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an imaging device and a camera realizing simultaneously a high magnification zoom lens system and the miniaturization of the device. The imaging device (2) includes a first lens group (G1), a second group frame unit (42), a first group frame unit (41), a motor unit (32), a third lens group (G3), and a CCD unit (33). The first lens group (G1) takes in a light flux incident along a first optical axis (A1). The second group frame unit (42) bends the light flux incident along the first optical axis (A1) to a direction along a second optical axis (A2). The first group frame unit (41) retains the first lens group (G1), and moves the first lens group (G1) in the direction along the first optical axis (A1). The motor unit (32) drives the first group frame unit (41).

Abstract: A lens barrel including a first moving lens group for advancing light of a subject onto an image plane, a second moving lens group for advancing light of the subject onto the image plane, a shaft section for guiding the first moving lens group and the second moving lens group in a direction of an optical axis, an intermediate positioning section for supporting the shaft section at an intermediate portion of the shaft section, and an end positioning section for supporting one end of the shaft section, wherein the first moving lens group slides on a portion of the shaft section that is closer to the subject than the intermediate positioning section is, and wherein the second moving lens group slides on a portion of the shaft section that is closer to the image plane than the intermediate positioning section is.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an optical member that bends and changes the optical path of the incident light; a first lens group, that is driven to retract at least partially inside the image sensing apparatus when a picture is not to be taken and to be projected outside the image sensing apparatus and toward the subject when a picture is to be taken; and a second lens group, as well as a lens barrier for protecting the first lens group when said first lens group is retracted inside the image sensing apparatus. The optical member moves to a position where the optical path of the optical image of the subject, which is incident via the first lens group, is changed to the direction of the second lens group when a picture is to be taken, and moves to a position where it is withdrawn from this area when a picture is not to be taken.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image capture unit, a communication unit and a switch. The image capture unit captures a digital image using an image sensing device. The communication unit transmits a resume signal to an external computer, the resume signal being used by the external computer to release a suspended state. The switch enables the image sensing apparatus to capture a digital image using the image capture unit and enables the image sensing apparatus to transmit the resume signal to the external computer using the communication unit. Before the resume signal is transmitted to the external computer, the image sensing apparatus determines whether the external computer is in the suspended state. If it is determined that the external computer is in the suspended state, the image sensing apparatus enables the communication unit to transmit the resume signal to the external computer so as to release the suspended state.

Abstract: A camera module includes a body having a front face and a back face opposite to the front face, a display screen disposed on the front face of the body, a camera lens provided on the back face of the body, a through window defined in the body, and a turn member rotatably mounted on the back face of the body. The turn member includes a reflection mechanism configured for reflecting light incident from the window onto the camera lens while the turn member is turned to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A digital camera module (100) and a lens (20) used therein, the digital camera module includes a holder (10), an image pickup module (30) and a lens (20). The holder has a window (12) defined on a sidewall, the window is configured for receiving light. The image pickup module includes a base (31) and a chip (33) attached to the base, the base is mounted to the holder to cooperatively form a receiving space therebetween. The prism lens is received in the receiving space and formed from a first transmitting surface (22) configured for transmitting light passing through the window, a second reflecting surface (24) configured for reflecting light transmitted from the first surface, and a third transmitting surface (26) configured for transmitting the reflected light to form an image on the chip.

Abstract: A camera module (100) includes a lens unit (20), an image sensor (80), an optical group (406a, 406b), and at least a first light directing unit and a second light unit directing each having two reflective surfaces. The optical group includes a first reflective surface facing the lens unit and a second reflective surface facing the image sensor. The reflective surfaces of the first and second light directing units are positioned corresponding to the first and second reflective surfaces of the optical group. A distance between the first light directing unit and the optical group is different from that between the second light directing unit and the optical group. The optical group is movable relative to the first and second light directing unit. When the optical group is moved to different positions, light from the lens unit is directed to the image sensor in different path.

Abstract: A camera module (100) includes a housing (110), a lens (120), an optical group (130), a drive mechanism (160) and two image sensors (180, 190). The optical group includes a first and a second mirror (132, 134) respectively having a reflective surface (133, 135) and a middle lens (136). The drive mechanism moves the first mirror between a first and a second position. The second reflective surface of the second mirror faces being oriented so as to be able to reflect light to the second image sensor. When the first mirror is in the first position, the first reflective surface is oriented so as to be able to reflect light to the first image sensor. When the first mirror is in the second position, the first reflective surface is oriented so as to allow the light to pass through the middle lens and reach the second mirror.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus which realizes a taking lens barrel whose shape is not largely changed during panning or tilting shot, thereby being compact in size and easy to handle. In the photographing apparatus, an image pickup device (14i) outputs an electric signal from object light. A bending optical system (14) has a front lens (14f) and lens groups (14j, 14k, 14l, and 14m) and a mirror (14c) disposed between the front lens and the laminated lens 14j, to guide the object light to the image pickup device. A panning actuator (19) and a tilt actuator (15f) cause the mirror and the front lens or the lens groups to be pivotally moved in unison about respective different axes to thereby change a shooting direction.

Abstract: An image-taking lens unit has an image-taking lens system that forms an optical image of an object and an image sensor that receives the optical image in a rectangular image-sensing region and converts the optical image into an electrical signal. The image-taking lens system includes a reflective optical element that bends the optical path. Of the lens elements constituting the image-taking lens system, the most image-side lens element called the last lens element is molded of resin, and is given a non-circular outer shape fulfilling a prescribed condition.

Abstract: A camera monitor comprises a main body, a camera device, and a reflecting mirror, wherein the main body has a cover pervious to light and is provided with at least a light thereon for illumination. The camera device is disposed within the main body and covered by the cover. The reflecting mirror is disposed on the cover at the location that corresponds to the camera lens within the main body so that an image outside the main body can be reflected by the reflecting mirror to the camera lens.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system, which can comprise a beamsplitter. The beamsplitter can comprise at least three distinct light reflection zones. Each zone of the three distinct light reflection zones can be adapted to cause light from one or more light sources to be reflected at a different angle relative to an axis of a camera.

Abstract: A thin imaging apparatus with an extremely low profile captures high quality images with outstanding resolution. The imaging apparatus has a light guide, incidence mirror, imaging device, and aperture unit. The incidence mirror reflects and guides light from a subject into the light guide, and the imaging device receives the light from the subject reflected by the incidence mirror and passing through the light guide.

Abstract: A taking lens apparatus has a zoom lens system that is composed of a plurality of lens units and that achieves zooming by varying the distances between the lens units and an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into an electrical signal.

Abstract: An electronic camera utilizing a reflective flat panel display for printing and/or viewing images in disclosed herein. One such electronic camera comprises the following components: (a) an electronic image acquisition assembly for capturing an image and converting it into digital information; (b) a reflective liquid crystal microdisplay for producing a reflection image in response to said digital information; and (c) an optical system for directing the reflection image produced by the reflective liquid crystal microdisplay toward, and thereby imagewise exposing, photosensitive imaging film loaded in the camera. An advantage of employing a reflective flat panel display for exposing film in such an electronic camera is that the reflective flat panel display can be used also as a means for viewing or previewing digitally captured images.

Abstract: An imaging device has a zoom lens system having a plurality of lens units and forming an optical image of an object so as to continuously optically zoom by varying distances between the lens unit; and an image sensor converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system to an electric signal. The zoom lens system comprises, from an object side. A first lens unit being overall negative and including a reflecting surface that bends a luminous flux substantially 90 degrees; and a second lens unit disposed with a variable air distance from the first lens unit, and having a negative optical power.

Abstract: A barrier opening and closing mechanism includes a refractive optical system having a plurality of lens elements and disposed so as to refract light substantially at right angles; a lens barrel holding the refractive optical system; a rotary cam ring disposed concentrically with the lens barrel, having a first cam groove, and rotating on an optical axis of subject light having been refracted; a lens driving mechanism driving, in a direction of the optical axis, at least one lens element included in the refractive optical system engaged with the first cam groove; and a barrier member protecting a most subject side lens element of the refractive optical system.

Abstract: An imaging device has a zoom lens system comprising a plurality of lens units and forming an optical image of an object so as to be continuously and optically zoomable by varying a distance between the lens units; and an image sensing element converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into an electric signal, wherein the zoom lens system comprises from the object side: a first lens unit having positive optical power as a whole and including a reflecting surface that bends a luminous flux substantially 90 degrees; a second lens unit having negative optical power and disposed with a variable air space from the first lens unit; a third lens unit having positive optical power and disposed with a variable air space from the second lens unit; a fourth lens unit having positive optical power and disposed with a variable air space from the third lens unit; and a fifth lens unit disposed with a variable air space from the fourth lens unit, and wherein zooming is optically performed by varying the air

Abstract: To provide an omnidirectional visual camera having a simple configuration and which can pick up omnidirectional images covering an angle of 360° around an axis. This camera comprises a reflecting member and a camera section. The reflecting member is composed of a rotating surface portion, a cylindrical portion and a joining section, which are integrally formed of a transparent material.

Abstract: An imaging device has a zoom lens system having a plurality of lens units and forming an optical image of an object so as to continuously optically zoom by varying distances between the lens unit; and an image sensor converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system to an electric signal. The zoom lens system has from an object side, a first lens unit being overall negative and including a reflecting surface that bends a luminous flux substantially 90 degrees; and a second lens unit disposed with a variable air distance from the first lens unit, and having an optical power, and wherein at least one lens element made of resin is included in the entire lens system.

Abstract: Ranges of objects are determined using a camera equipped with a rotating optical axis displacement unit (ODU). The ODU receives light about an offset line of sight, and displaces it to a substantially parallel camera line of sight. The displaced light is focussed onto an image sensor. Images of a scene are captures as the ODU rotates. Range information is calculated from the apparent motion of objects in the captured images.

Abstract: The camera apparatus includes a camera main body and a convex mirror. A picture reflected by the convex mirror is taken by the camera main body. Even if the angle of view of a camera lens is set small and the camera main body is made compact, a picture having a wide angle of view can be taken through the convex mirror.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging apparatus which includes a housing that encloses, in a common cavity thereof, an arrangement comprising a pair of independent cameras constructed in combination with each other, said pair of cameras being a digital camera and a photosensitive film camera.

Abstract: An omnidirectional camera device is able to restrict a range in which images of objects are picked up. This omnidirectional camera device comprises a rotationally-symmetric convex mirror (24) fixedly attached to one end of a transparent tube assembly (20), an image pickup means (32) disposed on the other end of the tube assembly in an opposing relation to this convex mirror and a cover assembly (60) disposed on the tube assembly for restricting the range in which light becomes incident on the convex mirror. The cover assembly is mounted on one end side of the tube assembly. The cover assembly is a shielding cover assembly and includes a cover member (60B). The cover assembly is attached to the tube assembly so as to become freely rotatable. The direction and the range in which images of objects should be picked up may be adjusted by the attachment position of the cover assembly and a shielding angle &agr; of the cover assembly.

Abstract: The camera apparatus includes a camera main body and a convex mirror. A picture reflected by the convex mirror is taken by the camera main body. Even if the angle of view of a camera lens is set small and the camera main body is made compact, a picture having a wide angle of view can be taken through the convex mirror.

Abstract: A camera system employs an electronic imager such as a Charged Couple Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) array that captures a first portion of light and reflects a second portion of light reflected from a target subject. The light reflected by the electronic imager may be reflected towards film media or a color filter, for example. The electronic imager may include an integrated circuit, or a dielectric reflecting coating that acts to partially reflect incoming light reflected from the target subject. A display, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), may be utilized to determine which images are desirable or to identify which films to develop. Film writing circuitry that allows various types of information to be written may be utilized. The camera system further features an electronic imager shutter, and a film shutter for shuttering purposes. The film shutter can provide exposure control.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide binoculars suitable to be used in a theater or a sports stadium, which can provide a wide and bright field of view on one hand, and which are compact and lightweight with improved portability and maneuverability on the other hand. Inverse reflection of an image is achieved by providing optical systems of inverse reflection, each comprising a pair of specular reflectors opposed to each other on an object side and an eyepiece side, respectively, so that an optical axis of light exiting the optical system of inverse reflection on the eyepiece side extends in parallel with an optical axis of light entering the optical system of inverse reflection on the object side, and one or more object lens(es) is or are placed on one or more path(s) selected from optical paths of reflection from respective specular reflectors forming the optical systems of inverse reflection.

Abstract: A foldable camera having a base housing containing a self-developing film unit, and an upper housing including an objective lens. The housings extend generally parallel to each other, and in the folded inoperative position, the upper housing overlies and engages the lower housing forming a compact unit. In moving between the folded and unfolded positions, the upper housing moves through planes generally parallel to the base housing, such action being provided by a linkage. A foldable flash unit is movable between a folded inoperative position extending over the upper housing and covering the objective lens, and an unfolded position projecting above the upper housing to expose a flash.

Abstract: A surveillance camera assembly has an apparatus (9-15) for providing a rotatable field of view in a plane with a tilted mirror (15) rotatable about an axis normal to the plane, and a window (5) subtending at least a 90.degree. field of view and as much as a substantially continuous 360.degree. field of view in the plane. The window has a plurality of flat, parallel-surfaced panes (6) forming a polygon in the plane, each of the panes (6) having the same trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: Compact dual focal length cameras are disclosed having wide angle and telephoto modes of operation. The ratio of telephoto to wide angle ratios is at least 3 to 1, but is typically higher so that the cameras can be used in conjunction with binoculars to take telephoto pictures that give the same visual appearance as when the same scenes are observed through binoculars. Compactness and increased focal length are achieved via four mirror arrangements one preferred embodiment of which wraps around the camera film plane and uses a single constant angular velocity shutter for providing both wide angle and telephoto exposure times. Compact, single-use, medium telephoto cameras are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-developing camera is disclosed which comprises a housing assembly including a film exit opening. Provision is made for an objective lens assembly mounted on the housing assembly and which defines an optical axis for optically capturing images of a scene and directing the images to a focal plane. A mirror in the housing assembly redirects the scene light from the objective lens assembly to a film unit of the self-developing type adjacent the focal plane. The mirror is in an operative orientation generally below the optical axis when the camera is held in a generally horizontal image capture mode.