Lens Mount Patents (Class 396/529)
  • Patent number: 12363406
    Abstract: A camera module includes: a printed circuit board having a conductive pad exposed on one surface of the printed circuit board, an image sensor disposed on the printed circuit board, a conductive plate disposed between the printed circuit board and the image sensor and electrically connected to the conductive pad, an actuator disposed above the image sensor and configured to adjust a position of a lens assembly, and a shield can surrounding the actuator and electrically connected to the conductive plate. The conductive plate is configured to emit heat generated from the image sensor to the outside of the camera module by contact with the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minki Cho, Jungsoo Kim, Dohyun Ahn, Wonchul Cho, Taeyun Kim, Wonjun Jeong, Kwangsic Choi, Chonguk Heo
  • Patent number: 12332545
    Abstract: An accessory detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging apparatus includes a communication unit for communicating with the interchangeable lens and the imaging apparatus, a first operation unit operated when focus position information on the interchangeable lens is to be acquired from the interchangeable lens, a memory unit storing information relating to focus of the interchangeable lens based on the focus position information, a second operation unit operated when reproduction driving is to be performed of a focus lens included in the interchangeable lens, and a control unit controlling driving of the focus lens. When the first operation unit is operated, the control unit acquires the information relating to focus by using the focus position information. When the second operation unit is operated, the control unit performs the reproduction driving of the focus lens by using the information relating to focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideya Takanashi, Munenori Date
  • Patent number: 12336092
    Abstract: A circuit board according to an embodiment includes: an insulating part; and a pattern part disposed on the insulating part, wherein the insulating part includes first and second insulating regions spaced apart from each other with an open region interposed therebetween, the pattern part includes: a first terminal portion disposed in a plurality of first side regions of the first insulating region adjacent to the open region; a second terminal portion disposed on a plurality of second side regions of the second insulating region facing the plurality of first side regions with the open region interposed therebetween; and a connecting portion disposed in the open region and connecting between the first and second terminal portions, wherein the connecting portion includes a plurality of bent portions connecting between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion disposed in the first side region and the second side region which do not face each other and formed at a plurality of corners of the ope
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Na Kyung Kwon, Hae Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 12326647
    Abstract: A camera device includes a shield portion configured to shield a camera module, a bracket configured to accommodate the shield portion, and a connection portion having conductivity, configured to connect an outer surface of the shield portion and an outer surface of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wonseo Gu
  • Patent number: 12313958
    Abstract: An image capture device includes a housing defining a receptacle having a housing electrical interface and a mechanical coupling mechanism coupled to or connected with the housing at a location of the receptacle. The image capture device includes an interchangeable lens module that releases connection with the mechanical coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens module including a module electrical interface and an imaging sensor. A collar rotatable about the interchangeable lens module and lockable to the mechanical coupling mechanism to secure the interchangeable lens module to the housing and couple the module electrical interface to the housing electrical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Nicholas Vitale, Herman Wong, Adrian Santos
  • Patent number: 12294783
    Abstract: A camera is operable while a plurality of accessory apparatuses are connected to the camera. The camera perform first communication for simultaneous communication with the plurality of accessory apparatuses using a data communication channel, and second communication for individual communication with a specific accessory apparatus among the plurality of accessory apparatuses using the data communication channel. In performing the second communication with the plurality of accessory apparatuses by switching between specific accessory apparatuses in a predetermined order within one or more communication periods, at least one of the communication period, a communication speed, a data packet number, a data packet length, and a combination and order of a communication source and a communication destination to be communicated for each communication period is determined based on accessory information acquired from the plurality of accessory apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaru Ueda
  • Patent number: 12279040
    Abstract: A mobile terminal, a shooting mode detection method, and a storage medium are provided. The mobile terminal includes a terminal body which has a placement portion for placing a camera module. The mobile terminal further includes the camera module detachably connected to the terminal body. The mobile terminal also includes a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor. The first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor are respectively electrically connected to a processor built in the terminal body and fixedly arranged on a side on which the placement portion of the terminal body is located. The mobile terminal additionally includes a magnetic structural element which is fixed on an end of the camera module close to the placement portion. When the camera module is placed on the placement portion, the magnetic structural element is opposite to the first Hall sensor or the second Hall sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: VIVO MOBILE COMMUNICATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yongcheng Lan
  • Patent number: 12267587
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a first lens and a second lens at a first side, the second lens having a angle of view different from that of the first lens, includes a switching unit configured to switch first imaging via the first lens and second imaging via the second lens, and a control unit configured to control display of items corresponding to a plurality of respective imaging modes, wherein the control unit is configured to, in a case where the second imaging is being performed, control display of a first item and a second item in different display modes, the first item corresponding to an imaging mode that enables the first imaging and the second imaging, the second item corresponding to an imaging mode that enables the first imaging and disables the second imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Ogawa, Junko Morikawa, Keiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 12248234
    Abstract: An apparatus including a camera optical element and a tactile indicator associated with the camera optical element for indicating a property of the camera optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: Panavision International, L.P.
    Inventors: Haluki Sadahiro, Eddie Ruffel, Graham Merritt, Dominick Aiello
  • Patent number: 12197029
    Abstract: A lens assembly includes a first D-cut lens and a lens barrel surrounding a portion of a side surface of the first D-cut lens. The side surface of the first D-cut lens includes a linear portion, and the lens barrel is configured to expose at least a portion of the linear portion of the first D-cut lens in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: So Mi Yang, Jae Hyuk Huh, Byung Hyun Kim, Ji Su Lee
  • Patent number: 12172230
    Abstract: A high-power laser processing head has precisely centered stationary lenses. The assembly of the lenses in the head can reduce contamination. The lens is affixed (soldered) in a ring-shaped highly precise mount, which ensures a high thermal conductivity of the joining interface. The mount and lens can be cleaned as a unit and inserted in a precisely manufactured receptacle of a housing module. A seal can provide sealing between an inner surface in the receptacles and a base surfaces of the mount. The modules has a groove around the diameter of the receptacle to catch any particles generated when inserting the lens mounts into the receptacle. The assembly is clamped into place by the next housing module. The lens is directly cooled by the module's body to mitigate contamination on the lens surface. During repairs, both lens and mount can be exchanged as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: II-VI DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventor: Danny Chan
  • Patent number: 12169351
    Abstract: An imaging lens assembly includes a plurality of plastic lens elements, a plastic lens barrel, a retaining element, a glue material and a first void structure. The plastic lens barrel includes a plate portion and a tube portion. The plate portion has a central hole, and an optical axis of the imaging lens assembly passing through the central hole. The tube portion is extended from the plate portion which is parallel with the optical axis and defining an inner space and the plastic lens elements is disposed in the inner space. The glue material is disposed between one of the plastic lens elements and the tube portion of the plastic lens barrel, and surrounds the one of the plastic lens elements. The first void structure is extended from the central hole to the tube portion. The plastic lens elements are including a first lens element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: LARGAN PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heng-Yi Su, Ming-Ta Chou, Chun-Hua Tsai, Ming-Shun Chang
  • Patent number: 12158689
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus on which an accessory including a first mount is mountable includes a second mount. The second mount is configured to allow bayonet coupling to the first mount of the accessory. The second mount includes a plurality of terminals disposed in a circumferential direction, and a terminal holder configured to hold the plurality of terminals. Each of the plurality of terminals is electrically connectable to a terminal of the accessory. The terminal holder has a height level difference in a center-axis direction of the second mount. The plurality of terminals include a first terminal configured to be used to detect mounting of the accessory on the image capturing apparatus. The first terminal is disposed further in a mount direction of the accessory than the other terminals among the plurality of terminals on a first stage of the terminal holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Kamiya, Yasuyuki Watazawa, Naoto Fujihashi
  • Patent number: 12050363
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens attachable to a camera body, the interchangeable lens including: a focusing optical system configured to vary a focal position of the interchangeable lens; and a transmitter configured to transmit a first value and a second value to the camera body, the first value indicating a relationship between an amount of movement of the focusing optical system and an amount of movement of an image plane at a position to which the focusing optical system has moved, the second value indicating a relationship between an amount of movement of the focusing optical system and an amount of movement of the image plane, the second value being equal to or smaller than the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tomita
  • Patent number: 12025490
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement including at least one electro-optical sensor which is secured to a receiving structure of a sensor holder. The electro-optical sensor includes a sensor housing with an optically active sensor layer that is arranged thereon. The optically active sensor layer forms a light-sensitive plane. The sensor holder includes a non-adjustable receiving structure which compensates for a previously determined deviation in shape of the electro-optical sensor from a desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: VEXCEL IMAGING GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Ponticelli, Michael Gruber, Zanin Cosic
  • Patent number: 11994692
    Abstract: An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a bottom, a movable part, a driving assembly, a first circuit assembly, and a second circuit assembly. The movable part is connected to an optical element with an optical axis. The movable part is movable relative to the bottom. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the bottom. The first circuit assembly is disposed on the bottom and electrically connected to the driving assembly. The second circuit assembly is electrically connected to the driving assembly. At least part of the second circuit assembly is embedded in and not revealed from the bottom. The driving assembly is electrically connected to the first circuit assembly via the second circuit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Meng-Ting Lin, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 11991434
    Abstract: Mobile phone single-lens lens conversion mechanism includes a positioning device and a lens device. The positioning device includes a main body that has a circular hole sleeved on a preset lens of a preset electronic device, sliding spaces concavely arranged around the circular hole and a positioning concave hole provided in each sliding space, and a magnet sealing iron shell arranged inside main body provided with iron sheet portions that fit the positioning concave holes. The lens device includes a holder shell, a set of lenses arranged in the holder shell corresponding to the preset lens, and a magnet sealing iron plate embedded in the holder shell. The magnet sealing iron plate has a circular hole for sleeving on preset lens, and is provided with a plurality of positioning magnets corresponding to the positioning concave holes. The lens device is assembled to the main body through the positioning magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Inventor: Hsiang-Yun Kung
  • Patent number: 11973097
    Abstract: A light shielding member formed of an annular metal base material includes a front surface, a rear surface facing away from the front surface, and an outer peripheral surface connecting the front and rear surfaces in an outer periphery of the light shielding member. The outer peripheral surface includes a ridge that is protruded outward furthest therein in a radial direction of the light shielding member, in a cross section that is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: TOPPAN INC.
    Inventors: Kiyoaki Nishitsuji, Shinichi Shimamura, Hiroyasu Aizawa
  • Patent number: 11971652
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a camera actuator and a camera module including same. The camera actuator according to the embodiment can includes a base; a lens assembly arranged on the base; a guide pin coupled to the base and guiding the lens assembly; a body coupled to the base; a cover coupled to the body; a base pin coupling part arranged on the base and coupled to one side of the guide pin; a cover pin coupling part arranged on the cover and coupled to the other side of the guide pin; and a pin guide part which is arranged on the lens assembly and which guides the guide pin. In the embodiment, the base pin coupling part can include a first coupling groove, the cover pin coupling part can include a first groove, and the pin guide part can include a first hole and a second hole having a size different from that of the first hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyung Won Kim
  • Patent number: 11940534
    Abstract: A detection device includes a first light source configured to emit a first light in a first direction, and a second light source configured to emit a second light in a second direction different from the first direction. A light receiver is configured to receive one of a first reflected light of the first light and a second reflected light of the second light. A black shielding plate surrounds a light source substrate including the first light source, the second light source, and the light receiver. An outer housing surrounds the black shielding plate. A transparent member is configured to pass the first light and the second light to outside of the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michiaki Shinotsuka
  • Patent number: 11940602
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an imaging device capable of achieving miniaturization and height reduction of a device configuration and reducing generation of a flare or a ghost. A light shielding film is formed in a region including a side surface portion of a lens formed on a solid-state imaging element. The present disclosure is applicable to an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11934032
    Abstract: Optical assemblies having a barrel and one or more optical elements mounted therein are provided. The optical assembly includes a resilient spacer positioned between two consecutive ones of the components mounted in the barrel. In typical implementations, the contacting surface of either one of the components adjacent to the resilient spacer is precisely centered relative to the center axis of the cavity of the barrel. Furthermore, an outwardly-directed resulting force is applied to the resilient spacer by its engagements with the adjacent components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE
    Inventor: Frédéric Lamontagne
  • Patent number: 11936968
    Abstract: A circuit board according to an embodiment includes an insulating portion; and a pattern portion disposed on the insulating portion, wherein the insulating portion includes: a first insulating region, and a second insulating region disposed outside the first insulating region and spaced apart from the first insulating region with a separation region therebetween; wherein the pattern portion includes: a first pattern portion for signal transmission; and a second pattern portion including a dummy pattern separated from the first pattern portion, wherein the first pattern portion includes: a first terminal portion disposed on the first insulating region; a second terminal portion disposed on the second insulating region; and a connection portion disposed on the separation region and connecting between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, wherein the second pattern portion includes: a second-first pattern portion disposed on the first insulating region; and a second-second pattern portion d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hae Sik Kim, So Hee Choi, Jee Heum Paik, Na Kyung Kwon
  • Patent number: 11930271
    Abstract: An intermediate accessory apparatus configured to be detachably mounted between an interchangeable lens apparatus and an image pickup apparatus includes a storage configured to store characteristic information about a combined optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens apparatus and the intermediate accessory apparatus, the characteristic information being associated with state information indicating a state of the interchangeable lens apparatus, the state information being communicated via a first communication between the interchangeable lens apparatus and the image pickup apparatus, and a processor configured to receive identification information about the interchangeable lens apparatus from the image pickup apparatus, and transmit the characteristic information corresponding to the identification information to the image pickup apparatus, via a second communication between the intermediate accessory apparatus and the image pickup apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junji Shigeta
  • Patent number: 11906716
    Abstract: A zoom optical system includes a plurality of lens groups, and upon zooming distances between adjacent lens groups change. The zoom optical system has a focusing lens group that moves upon focusing and an image-side lens group disposed adjacent to an image side of the focusing lens group. The zoom optical system satisfies the conditional expression 0.000<dL0t/dL1t<1.000, where dL0t denotes a distance on an optical axis between the focusing lens group and the image-side lens group upon focusing on an infinity object in a telephoto end state, and dL1t denotes a distance on the optical axis between the focusing lens group and the image-side lens group upon focusing on a short-distance object in the telephoto end state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Kosuke Machida, Osamu Gomibuchi, Kenichi Kitano, Mizuki Wayu, Tsuneo Watanabe, Makoto Horikoshi, Ichiro Imaei
  • Patent number: 11899341
    Abstract: A lens barrel and an exterior housing have a highly dignified appearance while maintaining excellent strength. The lens barrel has a fixation frame with an opening portion and a switch pedestal cover member that covers the opening portion. A fitted portion is provided on an inner surface side of the cover member and fitted into the opening portion to position the cover member with respect to the fixation frame when the opening portion is covered with the cover member. A fixation portion is provided on an inner surface side of the cover member and disposed inside the fixation frame when the opening portion is covered with the cover member. A spring member engages with the fixation portion and an inner wall surface portion of the fixation frame to bias the cover member towards an inside of the fixation frame. The exterior housing has features similar to the lens barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kondo, Kazuyoshi Azegami
  • Patent number: 11885976
    Abstract: An optical module includes a first side and a second side, and includes a movable portion, a fixed portion, a driving portion, a position-sensing portion, and a circuit board. The movable portion includes a holder for holding an optical element with an optical axis. The fixed portion includes a base and a circuit component, wherein the circuit component has an external electrical connection portion, and the movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion. The driving portion is configured to drive the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The position-sensing portion includes a position-sensing element, and the position-sensing element is configured to sense the position of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Fu-Yuan Wu, Shang-Yu Hsu, Yu-Cheng Lin, Yung-Ping Yang, Wen-Yen Huang, Tsung-Han Wu, Yi-Chun Cheng, Chen-Chi Kuo, Chia-Hsiu Liu, Ichitai Moto, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 11862661
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an image pickup apparatus includes: fabricating a plurality of image pickup members each having a light-receiving surface on which a transparent plate is disposed and a plurality of spacers; measuring thicknesses of the transparent plates and the spacers; classifying the image pickup members into first groups depending on the thicknesses of the transparent plates; classifying the spacers into second groups depending on the thicknesses, selecting a combination of any one of the first groups and any one of the second groups such that a sum of the thickness of each of the transparent plates and the thickness of each of the spacers is within a predetermined range with a focusing length of optical members as a center; fabricating stacked bodies by stacking the image pickup members and the spacers in the selected combination; and disposing the optical members on the spacers in the stacked bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ken Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11841603
    Abstract: An intermediate accessory apparatus having an optical member and configured to be detachably attached between an interchangeable lens apparatus and an image pickup apparatus includes a storage storing characteristic information related to a combined optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens apparatus and the intermediate accessory apparatus associated with status information related to a status of the interchangeable lens apparatus, in association with first identification information for identifying the interchangeable lens apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Tada
  • Patent number: 11835784
    Abstract: An adjustable optical lens, a camera module and an aligning method thereof are disclosed. The adjustable optical lens includes at least one lens element and an optical structure element. Each of the lens elements is successively and overlappingly arranged in an photosensitive apparatus of the optical structure element, wherein at least one of the lens elements is configured as an adjustable lens element whose assemble position is adjustable. The optical structure element has at least one adjusting channel and at least one fixing channel for adjusting and fixing the adjustable lens element respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO SUNNY OPOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mingzhu Wang, Bojie Zhao, Liang Ding, Chunmei Liu, Feifan Chen, Nan Guo
  • Patent number: 11828999
    Abstract: A lens barrel includes an optical element, a holding member configured to hold the optical element on an inner surface of the holding member, and an adhesive with which a side surface of the optical element and the inner surface of the holding member are adhered to each other. A hole is formed in the holding member from an outer surface toward the inner surface of the holding member. The adhesive is injected in the hole. A groove is formed in the inner surface of the holding member. The groove communicates with the hole. A fitting portion on the inner surface of the holding member disposed on an outer side of the groove is fitted to the side surface of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Daichi Kamo
  • Patent number: 11815731
    Abstract: An imaging lens system has an optical axis and includes a plastic lens barrel and an imaging lens assembly disposed in the plastic lens barrel. The plastic lens barrel surrounds the optical axis and includes an object-side surface, an image-side surface, an inner annular portion and an outer annular portion. The object-side and image-side surfaces are oppositely disposed and substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The inner and outer annular portions are connected to the object-side and image-side surfaces. The inner annular portion has an inner parallel annular surface, and the outer annular portion has a first outer annular surface and a gate trace. The imaging lens assembly includes a plurality of imaging lens elements. One of the imaging lens elements has an outer diameter larger than ?2 millimeters. The one of the imaging lens elements has an outer edge in physical contact with the inner parallel annular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: LARGAN PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin An Chang, Ming-Ta Chou
  • Patent number: 11782232
    Abstract: A camera module according to an embodiment includes an image sensor configured to output a plurality of image frames; a lens assembly disposed on the image sensor, the lens assembly forming an optical path of light incident on the image sensor from outside; a controller configured to generate a control signal to adjust at least one of the optical path of the lens assembly or the position of the image sensor relative to the lens assembly; and an image synthesizer configured to synthesize the plurality of image frames to generate a composite image, wherein the composite image has a higher resolution than the plurality of image frames, and wherein the plurality of image frames are respective image frames generated along respectively different optical paths changed by the lens assembly or respective image frames generated by change in the position of the image sensor relative to the lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun Sung Seo, Se Kyu Lee, Chang Hyuck Lee
  • Patent number: 11728065
    Abstract: A molded interconnect device that comprises a substrate and conductive elements disposed on the substrate is provided. The substrate comprising a polymer composition containing a polymer matrix that includes a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and from about 10 parts to about 80 parts by weight of a mineral filler per 100 parts by weight of the polymer matrix. The mineral filler has an average diameter of about 25 micrometers or less. The polymer composition contains copper in an amount of about 1,000 parts per million or less and chromium in an amount of about 2,000 parts per million or less, and further exhibits a surface resistivity of about 1×1014 ohm or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Young Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 11698573
    Abstract: An adapter device includes a first mount and a second mount. The first mount is fastened to the adapter device by multiple screws, and has first through third mount recesses and first through third mount claws disposed following a circumferential direction. The second mount is fastened to the device by multiple screws, and has fourth through sixth mount claws and fourth through sixth mount recesses disposed following the direction. The first through third mount claws are insertable to mount recesses on an imaging apparatus, the fourth through sixth mount claws are insertable to mount recesses on an accessory, and the smallest angle range of the first through third mount recesses in the direction of the first mount is not greater than the smallest angle range of the fourth through sixth mount claws in the direction of the second mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayasu Shigematsu
  • Patent number: 11681206
    Abstract: An apparatus including a camera optical element and a tactile indicator associated with the camera optical element for indicating a property of the camera optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Panavision International, L.P.
    Inventors: Haluki Sadahiro, Eddie Ruffel, Graham Merritt, Dominick Aiello
  • Patent number: 11656426
    Abstract: A lens apparatus includes a fixed member having one of a click generator and a groove part in which a groove part is formed, an operation ring having the other of the click generator and the groove part, and rotatable relative to the fixed member, a click detector configured to detect contact between the click generator and the groove part, and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the operation ring. The groove part has groove portions and non-groove portions alternately arranged. The click generator is biased along an optical axis direction and is in contact with the groove part. The click detector and the rotation detector are disposed along the optical axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kota Asano
  • Patent number: 11616896
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a housing member defining an external sidewall, a first glass cover and a second glass cover, where the second glass cover includes a first region having a first exterior surface, a second region having a second exterior surface vertically displaced from the first exterior surface, where the second region includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and a transition region having an exterior surface that extends between the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface. The portable electronic device further includes a first camera module disposed within the first opening, a second camera module disposed within the second opening, a strobe module disposed within the third opening, and a trim structure having an edge that overlays the second region of the second glass cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jody R. Akana, Molly Anderson, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Marine C. Bataille, Jeremy Bataillou, Markus Diebel, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Julian Jaede, Duncan Robert Kerr, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Mikael Silvanto, Sung-Ho Tan, Clement Tissandier, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer
  • Patent number: 11606485
    Abstract: A vehicular camera includes a camera housing having front and rear camera housing portions. An imager is disposed at a printed circuit board. A lens assembly is disposed at the front camera housing portion and accommodates at least one lens. The front camera housing portion is formed of a material having a first Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). At least two attachment elements are disposed at the front camera housing portion and are formed of a material having a second CTE that is less than the first CTE of the front camera housing portion and that is less than 10 ppm/° C. The printed circuit board is mounted at the attachment elements via fasteners threadedly engaging respective ones of the at least two attachment elements. The front camera housing portion and the attachment elements cooperate to decrease temperature-induced movement of the printed circuit board relative to the at least one lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Steven V. Byrne, Rene Dreiocker, Stefan Sauer, Yuesheng Lu
  • Patent number: 11601575
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a digital image capturing device (DICD) is disclosed that includes a device body with a printed circuit board (PCB), and an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) that is configured for releasable connection to the device body. The PCB defines a plurality of openings that extend therethrough and includes a plurality of connector pins that are fixedly positioned within the openings. The ISLA includes at least one connective surface that is configured for contact with the connector pins to establish electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Finkel
  • Patent number: 11599009
    Abstract: An image sensor attached to a printed circuit board is installed in a camera. A holder includes first and second rails comprising first and second printed circuit boards, respectively, and the holder is fastened to a lens mount of the camera. The holder may be fastened to captively hold the image sensor, and the image sensor may be resiliently supported when captively held. A gripper grasps the image sensor proximate to the holder and aligns the image sensor to an aligned position of the image sensor relative to the lens mount. The image sensor may be moved to the aligned position after directing an image toward the image sensor to produce a processed image for determining relative alignment. The printed circuit board is soldered to the first and/or second printed circuit board such that the holder fixedly holds the image sensor so it is unmovable in its aligned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Lucid Vision Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bull, Alexander Rybolov, Roderick A. Barman, Masahiro Takada
  • Patent number: 11588967
    Abstract: A camera body includes a plurality of electric contacts in a first set and a second set. When a lens apparatus is mounted to the camera body, the first set of the electric contacts comes into contact with an electric contact disposed on the lens apparatus before coming into contact with the second set of electric contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fuya Mizuochi, Toru Ohara, Yasuyuki Watazawa, Naoto Fujihashi
  • Patent number: 11586098
    Abstract: Provided are a camera system, an interchangeable lens, a camera, and a power supply method of a camera system capable of simplifying a configuration. In a camera system (1) comprising a camera (10) and an interchangeable lens (100), a plurality of pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3) having different voltages are supplied from the camera (10) to the interchangeable lens (100). The interchangeable lens (100) drives a plurality of optical member drive units such as a focus drive unit and a stop drive unit using the plurality of supplied pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3). Further, system power for operating a lens microcomputer (114) is generated using the lens-drive power (VL1) having the lowest voltage among the plurality of supplied pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kenshi Imamura
  • Patent number: 11500270
    Abstract: An accessory attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus includes a second mount portion including a plurality of second bayonet claw portions capable of engaging with a plurality of first bayonet claw portions, a plurality of second terminals capable of contacting with a plurality of first terminals, an accessory body, and a mount fixing member for fixing the second mount portion to the accessory body. The plurality of second terminals is provided at positions different from positions of the plurality of second bayonet claw portions, and all of multiple second terminals, among the plurality of second terminals, used in communication between the image pickup apparatus and the accessory are provided at predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahisa Tamura, Kunihiko Sasaki, Toshinori Yamazaki, Masayasu Shigematsu
  • Patent number: 11491644
    Abstract: A motorized joint unit comprises a pair of shells defining an inner cavity, the pair of shells adapted to be connected to adjacent links of an articulated mechanism. A rotor and stator in the inner cavity are actuatable to cause a relative rotation therebetween. A shaft connected to the rotor to rotate with the rotor relative to the stator. A support coupled to the shaft by a mechanism, the support being connected to one of the shells to impart a rotation of the shaft to the shell, the support defining an annular wall. One or more strain gauges are located on said annular wall of the support. A printed circuit board (PCB) is applied against the annular wall and electrically connected to the at least one strain gauge, the PCB adapted to be electrically linked to a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: KINOVA INC.
    Inventors: Sebastien Messier, Louis-Joseph Caron L'Ecuyer
  • Patent number: 11428893
    Abstract: A lens device includes a lens barrel and a first lens. The lens barrel includes an object-side end. The first lens is fixed to the object-side end of the lens barrel, is configured to form an optical axis, and includes a minor diameter portion near an object side of the lens device and a major diameter portion near an image side of the lens device. The major diameter portion is connected to the minor diameter portion. A section of the first lens sectioned along the optical axis is higher at a middle portion than at both side portions. The first lens is protruded at the middle portion towards the object side to form a pillar with respect to the both side portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignees: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.
    Inventors: Guo-Quan Lin, Po-Jen Wang
  • Patent number: 11402599
    Abstract: A lens unit may include a plurality of lenses and a holder to hold the lenses. The lenses may include a cemented lens including a first lens and a second lens disposed on an image side with respect to the first lens. The first lens and the second lens may be joined by adhesive. The first lens may include a first lens face located on a side of the second lens and a first flange face. The second lens may include a second lens face located on a side of the first lens and a second flange face. The adhesive may be provided across a first boundary portion between the first lens face and the first flange face and across a second boundary portion between the second lens face and the second flange face. The second boundary portion may include one of a recessed part and a protruded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tadashi Komiyama
  • Patent number: 11178393
    Abstract: A test fixture for holding and testing portions of an optical device, such as a plurality of cameras of an eyewear device. The test fixture includes a relay lens such that the fixture can be positioned close to a test screen displaying a patterned test image and reducing the size and cost of parts. The test fixture includes one or more lasers configured to easily and quickly align the test fixture. The test fixture includes an actuator for selectively positioning the cameras behind the relay lens to check for image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventor: Alan E. Baron
  • Patent number: 11156797
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lens module. The lens module includes a lens and a bearing seat matching connected to the lens; the lens includes a lens barrel, the lens barrel includes a first barrel provided with an optical aperture and a second barrel wall bending and extending from the first barrel wall; the bearing seat includes a surrounding wall around the second barrel wall; the lens is assembled on the bearing seat, the lens and the surrounding wall form an adhesive accommodating slot. The second barrel wall and the surrounding wall are bonded via the adhesive accommodating slot. Compared with related technologies, the lens module of the present disclosure occupies a smaller space, increases a screen-to-body ratio of an electronic product, and has low production difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: AAC Optics Solutions Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuandong Wei
  • Patent number: 11054724
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens that is removably attachable to a camera body includes: a moving member that is movable within the interchangeable lens; a first communication unit that performs first communication with the camera body; and a second communication unit that performs second communication in which data is periodically transmitted to the camera body; wherein: the data transmitted in the second communication includes first information indicating a position of the moving member and second information that can be used for calculation of a movement amount of the moving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiko Kawai