Abstract: A camera module is disclosed, the camera module including a lens barrel including more than one sheet of lens receiving an optical image of an object, an actuator moving the lens barrel, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) formed with an image sensor at a bottom surface of the lens barrel for converting the optical image to an electrical signal, and a holder for supporting the lens barrel and the actuator and formed with a terminal electrically connected to the actuator, wherein an electrical contact point between the actuator and the terminal is formed with two or more tiers of coated layers.

Abstract: An imaging unit comprises a mount unit, an imaging element unit, a plurality of elastic members and adjustment screws, and a filler member. The imaging element unit is disposed so that a gap is present with respect to the mount unit. The elastic members are disposed in a compressed state between the mount unit and the imaging element unit. The adjustment screws are disposed so as to be coaxial with respect to each of the elastic members and are mounted to at least one of the mount unit and the imaging element unit. The filler member is disposed so as to be coaxial with respect to at least one set comprising an elastic member and an adjustment screw, and, as the adjustment screw is tightened, the filler member is sandwiched and compressed between the mount unit and the imaging element unit.

Abstract: A conversion adapter apparatus is provided that connects a camera body and an interchangeable lens. The conversion adapter apparatus includes a camera body side installation portion to receive a camera body, a lens side installation portion to receive an interchangeable lens, and a first communication contact group provided on the camera body side installation portion and connected to a communication contact group. The conversion adapter apparatus additionally includes a second communication contact group provided on the lens side installation portion and connected to the communication contact group and a conductive member that electrically connects the first communication contact group and the second communication contact group. A position of the first communication contact group around a camera optical axis and a position of the second communication contact group around the camera optical axis are different from each other.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides an interchangeable lens camera having a camera body and a lens unit that is freely attachable and detachable to the camera body. In the interchangeable lens camera, a communications unit in the camera body sends via communications terminals (MT_MOSI and MT_MISO) an INTR_BUSY control instruction that instructs whether to make notification with a busy signal (INTR_BUSY signal) for any operation out of a plurality of types of operations that can be executed, and the lens unit or camera body communications unit sets the busy signal (INTR_BUSY) to an ON state (low level) only during the period of operation of the type indicated by the INTR_BUSY control instruction.

Abstract: An exchangeable lens includes: a mount unit at which a camera body is detachably engaged; a plurality of drive target members, conditions of which change as a drive force is applied thereto; an initialization unit that executes initialization processing for each of the plurality of drive target members; an initialization status transmission unit that transmits initialization statuses, each indicating a status of the initialization processing executed for one of the drive target members, to the camera body via a first transmission path over predetermined first cycles; and a drive condition transmission unit that transmits a drive condition of at least one drive target member among the plurality of drive target members to the camera body via a second transmission path different from the first transmission path over predetermined second cycles different from the predetermined first cycles.

Abstract: A camera module with a lens barrel containing a lens, and a lens carrier that slidably receives the lens barrel. Each of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a seating surface formed thereon. One of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of protrusions for controlling the relative position of the lens barrel and the lens carrier. The other of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of channels that are sized and arranged so as to slidably receive the protrusions to allow for the lens barrel to be slid into the lens carrier. The channels also each include a transverse section to allow the lens barrel to be pivoted about an optical axis of the lens barrel.

Abstract: A camera system according to the present invention, comprising: an interchangeable lens comprising: a zoom position detecting section configured to detect a zoom position corresponding to a focal length of the photographing optical system; and a lens control section configured to input the zoom position and transmit it to the camera body, and a camera body comprising: a body control section configured to communicate with the lens control section, a focus detecting section configured to detect an in-focus position of a focus lens included in the photographing optical system, and a zoom position memory section configured to memorize the zoom position which is transmitted from the lens control section and received by the body control section, wherein when transmitting the in-focus position to the lens control section, the body control section transmits the memory zoom position memorized in the zoom position memory section to the lens control section.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in a compact camera module (“CCM”) is provided that contains a blend of a liquid crystalline polymer and polyarylene sulfide. Through selective control over the particular type and relative concentration of such polymers, the present inventor has discovered that the resulting composition can exhibit good adhesion to dissimilar components of a camera module, such as to an optical filter.

Abstract: A device may comprise an upper module cover, a lower module cover, an outer frame, and an actuator having a movable frame. The movable frame may be at least partially disposed intermediate the upper module cover and the lower module cover. A hinge flexure may interconnect the outer frame and the movable frame such that the movable frame is rotatable with respect to the outer frame. The upper module cover and/or the lower module cover may be adapted to limit a movement of the movable frame.

Abstract: A method for making an actuator includes forming a substantially planar actuator device of an electrically conductive material, the device incorporating an outer frame, a fixed frame attached to the outer frame, a moveable frame disposed parallel to the fixed frame, a motion control flexure coupling the moveable frame to the outer frame for coplanar, rectilinear movement relative to the outer frame and the fixed frame, an actuator incorporating a plurality of interdigitated teeth, a fixed portion of which is attached to the fixed frame and a moving portion of which is attached to the moveable frame, moving the moveable frame to a deployed position that is coplanar with, parallel to and spaced a selected distance apart from the fixed frame, and fixing the moveable frame at the deployed position for substantially rectilinear, perpendicular movement relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: A main CPU (a mounting determination part) in a camera body makes a determination by detecting voltage, at a lens detection terminal, n1 consecutive times at time intervals of dl, at the time of turning on a power supply with a power switch. After a result of the determination turns out to be non-mounting, the main CPU makes a determination by detecting voltage, at the lens detection terminal, n2 consecutive times at time intervals of d2 (where n2 and d2 are equal to or greater than to n1 and d1, respectively) on condition that any one of conditional expressions d1<d2 and n1<n2 is met.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens mount, a fixed frame, and a movable frame. The lens mount includes an attachment part to which the fixed frame is attached, and a recessed part which is adjacent to the attachment part and is recessed toward the camera body, and into which an end part of the movable frame enters at least when the movable frame is positioned closest to the lens mount. Part of the attachment part close to the camera body has a tapered surface inclined relative to the optical axis. A counterbore in which a screw for attaching the fixed frame to the attachment part is disposed is formed at the tapered surface. Due to the tapered surface, part of the lens mount where the attachment part is formed has a thickness greater than that of another part of the lens mount where the recessed part is formed.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a body mount to which an interchangeable lens is attachable; an imaging device; and a circuit board. The circuit board is arranged between the body mount and the imaging device, and an opening or a cut part through which light from the interchangeable lens toward the imaging device passes is formed in the circuit board.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a camera module including: an auto focusing module upping and downing a lens; a hand-shaking correction module wrapping the auto focusing module to correct a hand-shaking by horizontally tilting the auto focusing module; a circuit substrate electrically connected to the hand-shaking correction module and the auto focusing module; a bottom case supporting the circuit substrate to be coupled to the auto focusing module; and a main circuit substrate secured to the bottom case to be electrically connected to the image sensor module, wherein the main circuit substrate is formed with oblong symmetrical openings along an edge of the main circuit substrate.

Abstract: A method for making an actuator device includes forming a substantially planar structure having a stage resiliently supported for movement within a plane of the structure, an actuator coupled to an outer periphery of the stage and operable to apply a force acting in the plane and tangentially to the stage when actuated, the actuator comprising a fixed frame and a moving frame resiliently supported for reciprocal movement relative to the fixed frame by a motion control flexure, and an outer frame surrounding and supporting the stage and the actuator. The moving frame is moved to a deployed position that is coplanar with, parallel to and spaced apart from the fixed frame at a selected distance, and the moving frame is then fixed at the deployed position for substantially rectilinear, perpendicular movement relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided that includes a first member, a flat second member, a lens barrel, and an elastic member. The first member defines a lens hole. The flat second member is disposed opposite to the first member. The lens barrel is disposed between the first and second members. The lens barrel includes a lens group disposed inside of the lens hole when the first member is viewed along the optical axis. The elastic member is configured to support the lens barrel. The elastic member is disposed between the first and second members, fixed to the lens barrel and the first member, and arranged to come into contact with the second member.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes: a barrel body; an optical element inside the barrel body; and a wiring which is inserted inside the barrel body, and at least a part of which has a three-dimensional curve shape capable of extending and contracting in a direction of an optical axis of the optical element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of adjusting an auto focus are provided. The apparatus includes: an imaging pickup device for generating an image signal by capturing light passing through an imaging lens; a shutter for controlling light exposure of the image pickup device; a focus detector that calculates a contrast value from the image signal and detecting a focus from the contrast value; and a release controller for controlling a release operation constituting a photographing operation of a still image, wherein the release controller includes, as driving modes, a first mode that directs a focus lens included in the imaging lens to be driven while driving the shutter, and a second mode that directs the focus lens not to be driven while driving the shutter. Accordingly, a photographing time is reduced.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path.

Abstract: A rotation mechanism includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a connection member, a pin, and a screw. The first bracket includes a base and two opposite pivot arms. The second bracket includes two opposite pivot plates. The connection member includes a main body, a stop tab extending from a first end of the main body, and a fastening portion formed on a second end of the main body. The main body axially defines a through hole. The fastening portion defines a plurality of slits communicating with the through hole. The main body extends through one of the pivot plates and the corresponding pivot arm. The pin extends into the through hole to make the fastening portion expand blocking an inner side surface of the corresponding pivot arm. The screw extends through the other pivot plate and engages in the other pivot arm.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a body mount to which an interchangeable lens is attachable; an imaging device; and a circuit board. The circuit board is arranged between the body mount and the imaging device, and an opening or a cut part through which light from the interchangeable lens toward the imaging device passes is formed in the circuit board.

Abstract: A lens barrel assembly includes: a lens group; a lens barrel that support the lens group and includes, on an outer circumferential surface thereof, a first movement pin projected outwardly and a second guide groove that is extended along a circumferential direction; and an outer barrel disposed outside the lens barrel and includes, on an inner circumferential surface thereof, a first guide groove extended along the circumferential direction to be coupled with the first movement pin, and a second movement pin that is projected inwardly to be coupled with the second guide groove, where the lens barrel is moved in an optical axis direction as the outer barrel rotates, and where a movement section of the lens barrel comprises a first movement section, a second movement section, and an intersection movement section that connects the first movement section with the second movement section.

Abstract: A shutter control device that uses an imaging device provided in a camera body to operate a shutter housed in a lens barrel to perform photography. The shutter control device comprises a communication port and a shutter control unit. The communication port is provided for transmitting and receiving signals between the camera body and the lens barrel. The shutter control unit is provided in the camera body, and outputs a shutter control signal to operate the shutter. The shutter control signal is transmitted to the lens barrel through the communication port.

Abstract: The interchangeable lens includes a lens holding member holding a lens, a first supporting bar engaging with the lens holding member to guide movement of the lens holding member in an optical axis direction, a second supporting bar engaging with the lens holding member to prevent rotation of the lens holding member, the second supporting bar having a shorter length than that of the first supporting bar. The interchangeable lens further includes a mount contact provided as an electric contact in a mount portion detachably attachable to a camera body. When viewed from the optical axis direction, the first supporting bar is disposed in an area not overlapping the mount contact, and the second supporting bar is disposed in an area overlapping the mount contact, and when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction, part of the first supporting bar overlaps the mount contact.

Abstract: A camera module includes a guiding rod made of metal, a lens holder, a guiding sleeve made of metal, and a lens unit. The guiding sleeve is connected to the lens holder, and is sleeved on the guiding rod. The lens unit is received in the lens holder. The material of the guiding rod and the guiding sleeve permits a more controlled and precise movement of the guiding sleeve on the guiding rod in obtaining focus, friction force between the guiding rod and the guiding sleeve is decreased, and the degree of precision achieved will endure for a significantly longer time.

Abstract: A camera accessory is detachably mounted at a camera body that includes a first body contact point, a second body contact point, a third body contact point, a fourth body contact point and a fifth body contact point and detects disengagement of the camera accessory when the fifth body contact point sustains a signal level corresponding to a first truth value continuously over a length of time equal to or greater than a predetermined time length. In the camera accessory, the accessory-side communication control device executes control so as to ensure that the signal assuming a level corresponding to the first truth value is not continuously output from the fifth accessory contact point any longer than the predetermined time length while the operating voltage supply from the camera body is provided via the first accessory contact point.

Abstract: A camera system having a predetermined image circle, comprises: an interchangeable lens having a lens mount portion; and a camera body having an image sensor that is disposed within that image circle, and a body mount portion, wherein, when a radius of circular portion at a maximum internal diameter part of an opening portion of the lens mount portion is termed rM, a flange back that is a distance from the lens mount portion to a light reception surface of an image sensor in a state that the interchangeable lens and the camera body are mutually engaged is termed da, and the diameter of the image circle is termed D, the following equations are satisfied: 14.0 mm?2rM?40.0 mm??Conditional Expression #1 16.0 mm?da?20.0 mm??Conditional Expression #2 14.0 mm?D?20.0 mm??Conditional Expression #3.

Abstract: A method for making an actuator includes forming a substantially planar actuator device of an electrically conductive material, the device incorporating an outer frame, a fixed frame attached to the outer frame, a moveable frame disposed parallel to the fixed frame, a motion control flexure coupling the moveable frame to the outer frame for coplanar, rectilinear movement relative to the outer frame and the fixed frame, and an actuator incorporating a plurality of interdigitated teeth, a fixed portion of which is attached to the fixed frame and a moving portion of which is attached to the moveable frame, moving the moveable frame to a deployed position that is coplanar with, parallel to and spaced at a selected distance apart from the fixed frame and fixing the moveable frame at the deployed position for substantially rectilinear, perpendicular movement relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: A camera includes a cover, an outer frame rotatably connected to the cover about a first axis, a mounting bracket rotatably connected to the outer frame about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a lens module rotatably connected to the mounting bracket about a third axis coaxial with the first axis.

Abstract: A camera module includes a main body, a lens module, and a connecting member mounted between the main body and the lens module. The lens module includes a cable connected to the main body. The connecting member includes a cable position structure for positioning the cable.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide methods for manufacturing camera module including arranging a camera module body in a first shield and forming a resin having a light shielding effect. The camera module body has: a sensor board which has a sensor unit; and an optical element which has a lens unit and a spacer. The process of arranging this camera module body in the first shield is a process of arranging the camera module body in the first shield such that a gap is formed between the camera module body and the first shield. The process of forming the resin having the light shielding effect is a process of forming the resin having the light shielding effect in the gap between the first shield and camera module body.

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide a touch screen assembly for an electronic device, such as a laptop, notebook or tablet, having a camera module. The touch screen assembly includes a touch screen cover having a touch sensor layer extending across a portion of a surface of the touch screen cover, and a camera lens element integrated with the touch screen cover. The camera lens element is configured to be held at a predetermined distance with respect to the camera module of the electronic device.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a camera module including a light penetration chamber, a transparent window, a gasket, and a lens module. The transparent window covers the light penetration chamber. The gasket is integrally formed with the transparent window. The gasket includes a receiving cavity coaxial with the light penetration chamber. The lens module is received in the receiving cavity. The lens module includes a lens exposing hole that aligns with and is coaxial with the light penetration chamber, the lens exposing hole allows ambient light to be transmitted into the lens module.

Abstract: Panoramic and spherical cameras are often configured to capture respective portions of a scene using a set of lenses that focus images on imagers for sampling by photosensitive elements. In many such cameras, the orientation of the lenses is selected to resemble to a regular prismatic solid (e.g., one lens oriented according to a face of a cube). However, such lens orientations may create gaps between images that result in blind spots, and/or varying degrees of coverage overlap. Presented herein are techniques for orienting the lenses in an asymmetric manner, comprising one forward lens and three backward lenses having a 120-degree rotational angle around a first (e.g., front-to-back) axis and a variable inclination angle perpendicular to the first axis. This lens orientation may be selected (e.g., by a computer) to achieve a desired degree of coverage overlap while significantly reducing gaps that create blind spots in the composite image.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens mount, a fixed frame, and a movable frame. The lens mount includes an attachment part to which the fixed frame is attached, and a recessed part which is adjacent to the attachment part and is recessed toward the camera body, and into which an end part of the movable frame enters at least when the movable frame is positioned closest to the lens mount. Part of the attachment part close to the camera body has a tapered surface inclined relative to the optical axis. A counterbore in which a screw for attaching the fixed frame to the attachment part is disposed is formed at the tapered surface. Due to the tapered surface, part of the lens mount where the attachment part is formed has a thickness greater than that of another part of the lens mount where the recessed part is formed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solid-state image sensing device includes a semiconductor substrate on which a plurality of pixels are arranged, a transparent substrate including a first through via provided in an opening formed in advance to extend through, an adhesive including a second through via connected to the first through via and configured to bond the semiconductor substrate and the transparent substrate while exposing the pixels, and an imaging lens unit arranged on the transparent substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a suspension wire for compensating for hand vibration and an image photographing device having the same. The suspension wire for compensating for hand vibration, which is mounted between an optical unit and a housing so as to have a length thereof in an optical axis direction to float and support the optical unit within the housing, includes: a wire body having both ends thereof each fixed to the optical unit and the housing; and a deformation buffer formed in the wire body to allow the wire body to flexibly receive impact force when external impact is applied to the wire body, thereby preventing permanent deformation or fracture of the wire body.

Abstract: A camera accessory is detachably mounted at a camera body that includes a first body contact point, a second body contact point, a third body contact point, a fourth body contact point and a fifth body contact point and detects disengagement of the camera accessory when the fifth body contact point sustains a signal level corresponding to a first truth value continuously over a length of time equal to or greater than a predetermined time length. In the camera accessory, the accessory-side communication control device executes control so as to ensure that the signal assuming a level corresponding to the first truth value is not continuously output from the fifth accessory contact point any longer than the predetermined time length while the operating voltage supply from the camera body is provided via the first accessory contact point.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens holder, a printed circuit board, and an adhesive. The lens holder includes a bottom surface positioned at an image side and an outer sidewall perpendicularly connected to the bottom surface. The lens holder defines a cutout in an intersecting portion between the bottom surface and the outer sidewall. The lens holder is positioned on the printed circuit board and cooperates with the printed circuit board to form a receiving space corresponding to the cutout. The adhesive is applied to the bottom surface and the printed circuit board. Any excess adhesive will collect in the receiving space.

Abstract: An aperture control device includes: an aperture first driving member that controls an aperture of a diaphragm through which light flux passes; an aperture second driving member that drives the aperture first driving member; a motor that drives the aperture second driving member; a detection device that detects start of movement of the aperture first driving member caused by the aperture second driving member driven by the motor; and a motor control device that controls an aperture value of the diaphragm by controlling a rotational amount of the motor after the detection device detects the start of movement of the aperture first driving member.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus includes a lens mount to which a lens unit is mountable, an imaging unit operable to generate an image signal, and a shutter unit that is arranged between the lens mount and the imaging unit, and is capable of limiting the light incident on the imaging unit, opening and closing at least at recording and being kept in an opened state during a recording preparation operation, and a main frame to which the lens mount, the shutter unit and the imaging unit are fixed.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens to be detachably attached to a camera body, that includes a holding unit at which a plurality of contacts is arranged, the interchangeable lens includes: a first communication contact system arranged at the holding unit; and a second communication contact system different from the first communication contact system, arranged at the holding unit at a position different from a position at which the first communication contact system is arranged. The fourth contact is arranged at a position closer to the second communication contact system than the first contact, the second contact, and the third contact are, and the seventh contact and the eighth contact are arranged at positions closer to the first communication contact system than the fifth contact and the sixth contact are.

Abstract: Camera module embodiments and methods of manufacturing camera modules are provided. A camera module can include a housing and a printed circuit board having an image sensor. The housing can be mounted to the printed circuit board using a surface mount technology. In a method of manufacturing the camera module, the image sensor and the housing can be mounted to the printed circuit board, and a lens and a filter can be coupled to an upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: A camera module includes multiple terminals formed by performing press working on a metal plate; a holder formed with the terminals by insert molding, wherein the holder holds the terminals, a through hole is formed through the holder in a direction in which the terminals extend, and a screw part is formed on a sidewall of the through hole; a lens housed in the through hole by being screwed to the screw part; and a camera part attached to the holder on a rear side of the lens.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first terminal and a second terminal and a control unit configured to perform switching between a first communication mode for outputting a clock signal via the first terminal and communicating with a mounted lens unit via the second terminal based on the clock signal and a second communication mode for communicating with the mounted lens unit via the first terminal or the second terminal without using the clock signal. The control unit continuously sets the first communication mode if the second communication mode is not usable for the mounted lens unit. On the other hand, the control unit sets the second communication mode if the second communication mode is available for the mounted lens unit and sets a baud rate to communicate with the lens unit in the second communication mode to be a baud rate value received from the lens unit.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens module and a connecting plate. The lens module includes a substrate and a lens holder. The substrate includes an upper surface. The upper surface includes a packaging area and a connecting area on the exterior of the packaging area. A number of first pads are positioned on the connecting area. The lens holder is positioned on the packaging area. A plurality of second pads is positioned on the connecting plate and corresponds to the first pads. The second pads of the connecting plate are electrically connected to the first pads of the substrate.

Abstract: A display element and electronic element module according to the present invention is described, in which a lens is formed as part of a translucent support substrate having a display disposed thereon, the lens being formed on a part other than where the display is disposed, where an electronic element is disposed for the lens.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline polymer composition having a reduced tendency to create a static electric charge during a molding operation is provided. More particularly, the composition contains an ionic liquid that is distributed within a liquid crystalline polymer matrix. In addition to being electrically conductive, the ionic liquid can exist in liquid form during melt processing, which allows it to be more uniformly blended within the liquid crystalline polymer matrix. This improves electrical connectivity and thereby enhances the ability of the composition to rapidly dissipate static electric charges from its surface.

Abstract: A device may comprise an upper module cover, a lower module cover, an outer frame, and an actuator having a movable frame. The movable frame may be at least partially disposed intermediate the upper module cover and the lower module cover. A hinge flexure may interconnect the outer frame and the movable frame such that the movable frame is rotatable with respect to the outer frame. The upper module cover and/or the lower module cover may be adapted to limit a movement of the movable frame.

Abstract: A shutter control device performs photography by operating a shutter housed in a lens barrel, and comprises a communication port, a shutter control unit and a memory. The communication port transmits and receives signals between the camera body and the lens barrel. The shutter control unit is provided in the camera body to output a shutter control signal. The memory is provided in the lens barrel to store shutter delay information regarding a time delay from when the shutter control signal is input to the lens barrel until when the shutter is closed. The shutter control unit receives the shutter delay information from the lens barrel and transmits the shutter control signal to the lens barrel through the communication port, ahead of an exposure time as determined by photometry, by an amount of time equal to the time delay.