Abstract: A shutter assembly comprising a first planar member and a second planar member opposed from one another and forming a sleeve having a cavity therebetween, the sleeve having a pair of side rails adjacent the cavity along sides of the sleeve. A first shutter member having a first end is disposed in the cavity and slidingly disposed along one of the side rails, and a second shutter member having a second end is disposed in the cavity and slidingly disposed along the other side rail. The first end is opposed to the second end and is configured to be selectively advanced towards, and retracted from, the second end so as to define an aperture therebetween having a first shape when disposed in a first position, and wherein the aperture has a second larger shape when the first end is disposed in a second position. The first shutter member and the second shutter member maintain a thermal contact with the side rails and the planar members in all positions.

Abstract: A light reduction device for adjusting an amount of light reaching an imaging device includes: a light shielding plate in which light shielding parts are discretely formed for blocking the light, and a light transmission part is formed for transmitting the light; a first light reduction plate in which light reduction parts are discretely formed for reducing the amount of the light passing through, and a light transmission part is formed for transmitting the light; and a moving unit configured to move at least one of the light shielding plate and the first light reduction plate in a first direction which intersects with an incident direction of the light, in which the light shielding plate and the first light reduction plate overlap each other at least in part, when viewed from the incident direction of the light.

Abstract: Attenuator apparatus for controlling the intensity of radiation including an attenuator having through openings that vary in size to vary the intensity of a beam of radiation passing through the shutter, and means for moving the attenuator to selectively regulate the intensity of the beam of radiation passing through.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus for performing focus adjustment using a captured image and a plurality of point spread functions prepared in advance for each defocus direction and defocus amount is provided. The apparatus includes a focus adjusting stop whose aperture does not have rotational symmetry about an optical axis. Focus adjustment is performed by comparing the plurality of point spread functions prepared in advance with a point spread function of an image captured using the focus adjusting stop and not having rotational symmetry about the optical axis, obtaining the defocus direction and the defocus amount, and performing the focus adjustment according to the obtained defocus direction and defocus amount.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a lensless optical device for acquiring an image. The device can include a light attenuating layer having a plurality of elements, where transmittance of each of the plurality of elements is controllable, and an image detector disposed at a distance from the light attenuating layer, the image detector configured to acquire an image with light that passes through the light attenuating layer. The device also can include a light attenuating layer controller configured to simultaneously control transmittance of each of the plurality of elements independent of each other. Methods of detecting and tracking an object in a scene are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a lensless optical device for acquiring an image. The device can include a light attenuating layer having a plurality of elements, where transmittance of each of the plurality of elements is controllable, and an image detector disposed at a distance from the light attenuating layer, the image detector configured to acquire an image with light that passes through the light attenuating layer. The device also can include a light attenuating layer controller configured to simultaneously control transmittance of each of the plurality of elements independent of each other. Methods of detecting and tracking an object in a scene are also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with various configurations of apertures, refocusing facilities, and the like to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.

Abstract: A shutter for an optical apparatus has multiple sectors and an operation member. Each of the multiple sectors has a cam opening for engagement and is pivotally provided to open and close a shutter opening, the operation member moves each of said multiple sectors in engagement with the cam opening, and the cam opening of at least one sector that is one of the multiple sectors is formed to change a moving direction of said at least one sector, when the operation member moves said at least one sector to a position to close the shutter opening.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device includes a light modulator layer having a plurality of elements, each having a controllable transmittance, and a plurality of lenses, wherein each of the plurality of lenses is disposed to receive light independently of each other. The device further includes an image detector disposed at a distance from the light modulator layer and configured to acquire images from light that passes through the light modulator layer. In addition, the device includes a controller configured to control transmittance of the elements of the light modulator layer. Methods of acquiring images are also provided.

Abstract: Maximum and minimum aperture sizes are regulated with regard to a diaphragm in order to secure predetermined optical capability in an optical unit which includes a taking lens and the diaphragm. In a normal taking, the diaphragm is used within a normal taking range from the maximum to the minimum aperture sizes. In the present invention, an aperture size which is larger than the maximum size and a size which is smaller than the minimum size (extra aperture size or extra small size) are respectively set at outside the range that secures the capability. The aperture sizes of the diaphragm at outside the specified range are used at least for one of the following: automatic exposure (AE) adjustment, auto focus (AF) adjustment, electronic zoom, displaying a moving image, taking for recording the moving image, and taking under a low resolution by thinning out pixels.

Abstract: A method for operating an autofocus system for focusing an image on an electronic imager includes providing an adjustable lens system defining an optical path for scene light and having at least one movable lens to focus an image of the scene onto the electronic imager; and causing a first portion of the scene light to be obscured so that the electronic imager captures a first autofocus image and causing a second different portion of the scene light to be obscured so that the electronic imager captures a second autofocus image wherein portions of the first and second autofocus images are offset. The method further includes moving the movable lens to a position so that an image to be captured will be in focus.

Abstract: There is provided a shutter device which is used in a camera having two image-capturing optical systems and enables a significant reduction in the number of components. Two shutter openings are formed in a shutter base. Shutter blades and a diaphragm plate are provided forward of the shutter base. When a cam pin is reciprocally moved from the position of a start point to an intermediate position or from the intermediate position to the position of an end point, the shutter blades open and close a shutter one or more times. When the cam pin is located at any position along the way from the start position to the intermediate position, the diaphragm plate is moved to a location where small diaphragm openings correspond to the shutter openings. When the cam pin is located at any position along the way from the intermediate position to the position of the endpoint, the diaphragm plate is moved to a location where open diaphragm openings correspond to the shutter openings.

Abstract: To provide a digital camera that captures object light with a solid-state image pickup device to generate an image signal and is effectively made thinner by retracting a part of a taking lens into a suitable position when a lens barrel is collapsed. A rear lens group is rotated between a position on an optical axis and a retracted position in a recess section at the side of a CCD solid-state image pickup device, and a focusing lens is rotated between a position on the optical axis and a retracted position in a front lens group side space. When the lens barrel is collapsed, the rear lens group is placed in the recess section, and the focusing lens is placed in the front lens group side space.

Abstract: A display device able to give an image giving a good impression such as a sharp contrast in a dark scene and maintaining brightness in a bright scene, that is, a display device comprising a variable aperture iris and a control circuit for controlling opening/closing of the iris in accordance with a state of a level of an input signal forming a screen, wherein the control circuit controls the iris so that a response of an open/close operation of the iris is different between a case where the signal level fluctuates from a dark level to a bright level and a case where the signal level fluctuates from a bright level to a dark level.

Abstract: A highly versatile optical shutter for industrial and scientific applications is disclosed. The has a aperture which defines a light path through the shutter, and a shutter vane or blade that is moved into and out of the light path using a precision, microprocessor controlled motor, such as a stepping motor. Preferably, the motor is mounted on the shutter housing using a shock absorbing material. A control unit associated with the shutter comprises the microprocessor, a motor driver, preferably one which is capable of microstepping the motor, and a non-volatile memory device, such as EEPROM, which stores a plurality of shutter control programs defining different trajectories of the shutter vane. Different programs may be used, for example, to maximize shutter speed or frequency, or to minimize vibrations.

Abstract: The optical system of the invention is comprised of a monolithic microlens array assembly that consists of two groups of microlenses sub-assemblies having different pitches between the adjacent lenses. A ratio between the pitches of sub-assemblies is determined by a predetermined relationship between the parameters of the optical system so that the microlenses of the first sub-assembly create a plurality of individual intermediate images arranged side-by-side in a common intermediate plane that are transferred by the microlenses of the second sub-assembly to the final image plane in the form of a plurality of identical and accurately registered images interposed onto each other. This is achieved due to the aforementioned ratio between the pitches.

Abstract: This invention discloses a shutter and lens apparatus including a lens housing for receiving a multi-function support. The multi-function support includes a lens seat fitting with a lens and two solenoid valves attached on its bottom. A shutter slice and a diaphragm are mounted on the top surface of multi-function support, and pivot around a shaft projected thereon. Two movable rods of the solenoid valves are coupled with the shutter slice and diaphragm to drive them passing a light path, an axis through the lens, for controlling time and quantities of light projected through the lens. A housing cover encases the lens, the multi-function support, and a spring into the lens housing.

Abstract: A camera includes a preset open aperture for introducing object light to photo film. A taking lens is disposed in a light path of the object light, and has two lens elements. In the camera, an aperture stop changing device is provided. An aperture changing plate includes a stop-down opening having a small diameter, is disposed close to the taking lens, is movable between a small diameter position and a large diameter position. The stop-down opening, when the aperture changing plate is in the small diameter position, is set in the light path for stopping down the preset open aperture, and when the aperture changing plate is in the large diameter position, is set away from the light path. A spacer is secured to a partial section of a peripheral portion of the taking lens, for defining a passage gap or cutout at a remaining partial section of the peripheral portion of the taking lens. The passage cutout allows passage of the aperture changing plate moving between the small and large diameter positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera having a shutter mechanism; actuating means for actuating the shutter mechanism; and, an aperture selecting assembly that is movable from an initial mode position to at least a first mode position. Also disclosed is an aperture selector assembly that is coupled to the shutter actuating mechanism and includes a slide that is selectively movable from an initial mode position to one of a plurality of aperture selecting positions. During slide movement to the desired aperture setting, the strobe is energized and the energy to operate the shutter is stored in a spring. At the desired position, the selector slide is detented by a first clasping device until a shutter button is actuated for releasing the shutter and firing the strobe. A second clasping device becomes operative during shutter actuation to hold the slide in position even though the detent of the first clasping device has been released.

Abstract: A taking lens is held by a lens-holding rib, behind which an opening is formed as an aperture-stop. A stop plate is disposed behind the taking lens and is formed with a stop aperture, which is smaller than the aperture-stop. The lens-holding rib is formed with a cut portion through which an end portion of the stop plate is inserted to position the stop aperture at a photographic optical axis. Upon sliding a switch member upward, a setting segment thereof pushes up an abutting pin integrally formed with the stop plate so that the stop plate is rotated to move toward the outside of the lens-holding rib through the cut portion. Hence, the stop aperture of the stop plate is evacuated from the photographic optical axis.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a main body pre-loaded with photo film. A flash unit is secured to the main body, and emits flash light to a photographic field. An exposure opening is formed in the main body, and introduces light from the photographic field to the photo film. A shutter mechanism is secured to the main body, and opens and closes the exposure opening. A charger switch causes the flash unit to store charge upon being turned on. A changeover plate with a small diameter opening is movable to first and second set positions, and stops down the exposure opening when in the first set position. One end of the changeover plate allows turning on and off the charger switch when the changeover plate is in the first set position, and forcibly turns on the charger switch when the changeover plate is in the second set position.

Abstract: A quantity-of-light adjusting device includes a drive source, a base member having an opening formed therein, and a blade arranged to move by being driven by the drive source and having three openings formed therein side by side in a row in a moving direction of the blade, wherein, among the three openings formed in the blade, the opening situated in the middle of the row is larger than the opening formed in the base member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera having a shutter mechanism; actuating means for actuating the shutter mechanism; and, an aperture selecting assembly that is movable from an initial mode position to at least a first mode position. Also disclosed is an aperture selector assembly that is coupled to the shutter actuating mechanism and includes a slide that is selectively movable from an initial mode position to one of a plurality of aperture selecting positions. During slide movement to the desired aperture setting, the strobe is energized and the energy to operate the shutter is stored in a spring. At the desired position, the selector slide is detented by a first clasping device until a shutter button is actuated for releasing the shutter and firing the strobe. A second clasping device becomes operative during shutter actuation to hold the slide in position even though the detent of the first clasping device has been released.

Abstract: An aperture and lens mechanism for a camera, includes a rotatably mounted lens barrel supporting a lens and moveable in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens in response to rotation; an aperture support mounted for movement parallel to the optical axis of the lens and spring biased into contact with the lens barrel for movement therewith; and an aperture blade defining an aperture, the aperture blade being mounted on the aperture support for movement between a first position where the aperture is centered on the optical axis of the lens and a second position away from the optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: The camera of this invention includes an improved shutter system that has the same shutter waveform when a flash is employed and when a flash is not employed. In a preferred embodiment, the shutter system includes a shutter that is rotatably mounted to the camera and a shutter opening over which the shutter blade is disposed. A slidable plate in which a first aperture and a second aperture are disposed is coupled to the camera, so that the first aperture is disposed between the first shutter opening and the lens of the camera prior to taking a picture with the camera. The first aperture is preferably smaller than the second aperture. When a picture is taken, the shutter blade moves to uncover the shutter opening, and when the shutter opening is uncovered the shutter blade causes the slidable plate to slide with respect to the shutter opening so that the second larger aperture is disposed between the shutter opening and the camera lens.

Abstract: A quantity-of-light adjusting device includes a drive source, a base member having an opening formed therein, and a blade arranged to move by being driven by the drive source and having three openings formed therein side by side in a row in a moving direction of the blade, wherein, among the three openings formed in the blade, the opening situated in the middle of the row is larger than the opening formed in the base member.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for exposing an imaging medium. The method uses a focal plane shutter system with two reversible motors controlled by a servo control processor. A belt connects the motors. One end of the belt is attached to a shaft of the first reversible motor. The other end of the belt is connected to a shaft of the second reversible motor. In the belt, there are a plurality of fixed width slits. The servo control processor selects one of the fixed width slits according to a desired exposure time setting. The two reversible motors move the belt during an imaging cycle. During the imaging cycle, the first motor winds the belt around its shaft. The second motor simultaneously unwinds the belt from around its shaft. The servo control processor controls the motors to accelerate the selected slit up to a constant imaging medium traversal speed. The constant traversal speed is also determined by the desired exposure time setting.

Abstract: A quantity-of-light adjusting device includes a drive source, a base member having an opening formed therein, and a blade arranged to move by being driven by the drive source and having three openings formed therein side by side in a row in a moving direction of the blade, wherein, among the three openings formed in the blade, the opening situated in the middle of the row is larger than the opening formed in the base member.