Abstract: A main body component of a video camera includes a main frame. The main frame has a upper wall and a lower wall. The upper wall has an upper wall main body disposed opposite the lower wall, and projections that protrude from the upper wall main body on the opposite side from the lower wall. The rear wall is molded integrally with the upper wall and the lower wall, and links the upper wall and the lower wall.

Abstract: A camera handle includes an underplate, a plastic layer and a protective film. The protective film enwraps the plastic layer and is fixed on the underplate. A method for manufacturing the camera handle includes the following steps: fixing a protective film on an underplate, the underplate defining a plurality of through holes uncovered on a glue side of the underplate by the protective film during the protective film draped over the side of the underplate; positioning the sub-assembly of the protective film and the underplate in a tool that defines a concave portion and at least one air channel thereof, wherein, the protective film is adjacent the air channel; pumping air via the air channel for forming a space between the protective film and the underplate; filling the space with the plastic layer via the through holes; sealing the through holes.

Abstract: A biometric authentication apparatus includes an illumination section, an imaging section, a photographic subject placing section, and an authentication section. The illumination section irradiates at least near infrared light onto a biological portion placed in contact with a housing surface. The imaging section images a near infrared light image of the biological portion. The photographic subject placing section is provided in the vicinity of the illumination section, in which at least a part of the light emanation portion of the illumination section on a side where the imaging section is disposed is covered by the photographic subject when the photographic subject is placed. The authentication section performing biometric authentication by making a comparison between a specific pattern extracted from the near infrared light image of the biological portion imaged by the imaging section and a preliminarily registered specific pattern.

Abstract: Provided is an auto-focusing camera module having a liquid lens. The auto-focusing camera module includes a lens barrel having a liquid lens and a solid lens stacked and disposed therewith; an image sensor for focusing light that is passed through the liquid lens and the solid lens; a substrate provided in a lower end of the lens barrel to electrically mount the image sensor; and a power supply unit fixed integrally in the lens barrel and electrically coupled between the liquid lens and the substrate to apply a power source to the liquid lens. Therefore, the auto-focusing camera module may be useful to control its focus to coincide with high pixels and high performances of the camera module, manufacture a small final product by lowering the entire height of the camera module, enhancing the productivity of the camera module by employing a simple liquid lens to simplify an assembly structure of the liquid lens that is in contact with the substrate, and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A novel digital camera module includes an image capture device, a lens unit, a housing including an opening for receiving the lens unit and positioning the lens unit with respect to the image capture device, and a boot coupled the lens unit and the housing. In a particular embodiment, the boot includes an upper end and a lower end, each of which has a different outer perimeter. In another particular embodiment, a portion of the inner surface of the boot remains free of contact from the outer surface of the lens unit. In another particular embodiment, the lower end of the boot extends beyond the lower end of the lens unit.

Abstract: A thermal imaging camera is provided which includes an outer housing, a core disposed substantially entirely within the housing, and a plurality of damping members disposed between the housing and the core to substantially fully suspend the core in the housing with the damping members.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for providing reliable sealed enclosures for surveillance cameras that are capable of protecting an internal surveillance camera and related electronics from harsh external environmental conditions without using adhesives using a unique a sealing gasket that is sandwiched between upper and lower housing parts of a camera enclosure. The unique sealing gasket includes a flexible portion corresponding to the surfaces of the housing parts to be engaged that is generally perpendicularly attached to a front panel. The front panel has a central viewing pane, and a peripheral flexible sealing surface. A unique aspect of the sealing member of embodiments of the present invention is the inclusion of the front panel, viewing pane and upper/lower housing seal in a single member.

Abstract: A small and slim digital camera with an improved grip and a large display unit is provided. The digital camera takes a picture of an object via a lens unit installed in a front surface of a case of the digital camera. The digital camera includes: a case that has a main body in which a lens unit is formed on a front surface of the main body; and a side portion of the case which is pivotably coupled to the main body to be able to pivot toward the lens unit with respect to the main body; and a manipulating unit which is exposed to the outside between the main body and the side portion at a rear surface of the case when the side portion is pivoted.

Abstract: A camera module having an inner wall installed and a method for forming the camera module are disclosed. The camera module includes a lens; a sensor component for sensing light gathered by the lens; and a fixing module, for fixing the lens. The fixing module includes an inner wall that is installed on the sensing component. The inner wall of the fixing module protects a sensing region of an image sensor from unwanted matter resulting from manufacturing or from the outside environment.

Abstract: An electronic device has a casing with an article housing formed therein openable/closable by means of a lid. A locking mechanism locking the lid to a closing position comprises a locking member movably supported with respect to the casing and an engagement reception piece formed on the lid and engaging with the locking member. The locking member moves among a locking position where the locking member engages with the engagement reception piece to lock the lid to the closing position, a first unlocking position where the locking member retreats from the locking position and is removed from the engagement reception piece while the part of the locking member projects to the opening of the article housing, and a second unlocking position where the locking member retreats from the first unlocking position and the part of the locking member does not project to the opening of the article housing.

Abstract: A camera module and a portable electronic device using same are provided. The camera module can be rotated to align with a first camera window and a first aperture in the front of the portable electronic device or a second camera window and second aperture in the rear of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A camera module advantageous in simplifying an assembly process is provided. A camera module 22 includes a barrel unit 66 having a housing space S; a lens holding unit 68 which holds an imaging optical system 34, which is housed in the housing space S, and which is supported such that the lens holding unit 68 is movable along an optical axis of the imaging optical system 34; an image pickup element 29 which is disposed in the barrel unit 66 and which picks up an object image guided by the imaging optical system 34; and a driving unit 72 which moves the lens holding unit 68 along the optical axis of the imaging optical system 34. The barrel unit 66 includes an inner barrel 80 in which the housing space S is formed and an outer barrel 78 disposed outside the inner barrel 80. A retaining plate 86 includes a front plate portion 86A and two side plate portions 86B.

Abstract: A cartridge type attachment lens is arranged in front of a digital camera for receiving card lenses. A cuboid shaped shell is removably attached to a camera lens. A battery and a lighting unit as a light source for the close-up photography are in the shell. A plurality of parallel slots are each disposed on one lateral side of the shell, and each slot extends inwards to form a sliding groove in the shell for accommodating the card lens. Multiple card lenses can be inserted the shell to form arbitrary permutation and combination.

Abstract: A camera with a first assembly and a second assembly. The second assembly is moveably provided on the first assembly and is movable between a first position at which operation members are covered and a second position at which the operation members are exposed.

Abstract: A system for retaining a sensor assembly includes a mounting plate having a mounting area for the sensor assembly, a sensor assembly having a sensor assembly plate with a perimeter, and a retainer ring having at least one spring member. The at least one spring member of the retainer ring is configured to bias the sensor assembly substantially toward at least one datum, such that a portion of the perimeter of the sensor assembly plate is directly adjacent to the at least one datum.

Abstract: A camera includes an electrically conductive housing defined by exterior walls and an interior cavity. The exterior walls of the housing have a lens opening and a connector opening formed therein. An imaging device is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and communicates with the lens opening. A printed wiring board (PWB) is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing separating the imaging device from the connector opening. The PWB has an electrically conductive chassis plane operatively connected to the exterior walls of the housing so that the chassis plane and the housing form at least a partial Faraday cage around the imaging device.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a first tube and second tube, the first tube movable relative to the second tube by rotation of the second tube, an engaging unit disposed on the second tube, and a barrier driving unit disposed on an object side of the first tube that opens and close a barrier. The first tube is relatively moved in an optical axis direction by engaging with the engaging unit. The barrier is opened and closed when a first interlocking unit which is arranged on the barrier driving unit and a second interlocking unit which is arranged on the cam tube are shifted from a non-interlocking state to an interlocking state. When the first interlocking unit and second interlocking unit are in the interlocking state, at least a portion of the first interlocking unit and the engaging unit overlap with each other in a radial direction of the second tube.

Abstract: A device includes a housing capable of forming an internal space during operation of the device. The device also includes a camera having an optical zoom portion provided within the housing. The optical zoom portion is capable of expanding into the internal space when the camera is in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier that holds a component in a defined position on a circuit board in a housing or housing part. In particular, the invention relates to a carrier for a sensor board on which a light-sensitive sensor is mounted. According to the invention, it is proposed that the carrier have at least one mechanical keying that interacts with a corresponding mechanical keying on the circuit board.

Abstract: An image-capture apparatus includes: an outer casing inside of which predetermined sections are arranged; an imaging device arranged inside of the outer casing; and a circuit board arranged inside of the outer casing, on which electronic components are mounted, the electronic components being heat generating elements. A heat-releasing air duct is formed on an outer surface side of the outer casing, at least an opening of the duct being formed at one surface of the outer casing and not communicating with an inside of the outer casing. Part of the outer casing is provided as a duct forming part that forms the heat-releasing air duct. Heat generated by the electronic components mounted on the circuit board is conducted to the duct forming part to be released outside of the outer casing from the heat-releasing air duct.

Abstract: A light shielding structure in an optical apparatus includes first and second relatively-movable members, each having an engaging portion engaged with each other and relatively movable to each other so as to change an amount of mutually overlapping area therebetween; and a light shielding member provided between the engaging portions. The light shielding member is elastically deformed into a light shielding shape in which the light shielding member inwardly bends toward an optical axis of the optical apparatus to protrude from the engaging portions due to the mutually overlapping area between the engaging portions decreasing, and the light shielding member is elastically deformed into a retracted shape in which the light shielding member is housed between opposing surfaces of the engaging portions due to the mutually overlapping area between the engaging portions increasing, in accordance with a relative movement between the engaging portions.

Abstract: A compact camera module mainly includes an image sensor chip, a module case and a lens module. The image sensor chip has an active surface, a back surface and a plurality of side surfaces, wherein a sensor region is formed in the active surface. A plurality of lateral contact fingers is formed on the side surfaces. The image sensor chip is plugged in a cave of the module case, a plurality of electrically contact components disposed on inside walls of the cave electrically connect the lateral contacting fingers. The lens module is mounted on the module case to seal the image sensor chip. Because the electrically contact components can replace the bonding wires to electrically connect the lateral contacting fingers, the compact camera module can be reworked and tiny.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for providing reliable sealed enclosures for surveillance cameras that are capable of protecting an internal surveillance camera and related electronics from harsh external environmental conditions without using adhesives using a unique a sealing gasket that is sandwiched between upper and lower housing parts of a camera enclosure. The unique sealing gasket includes a flexible portion corresponding to the surfaces of the housing parts to be engaged that is generally perpendicularly attached to a front panel. The front panel has a central viewing pane, and a peripheral flexible sealing surface. A unique aspect of the sealing member of embodiments of the present invention is the inclusion of the front panel, viewing pane and upper/lower housing seal in a single member.

Abstract: A photographic device that includes a main body, a lens barrel and a barrel-positioning mechanism, which is operably coupled to the lens barrel and the main body. The barrel positioning mechanism is capable of moving the lens barrel between a retracted position, in which the lens barrel is within the main body, and an extended position, in which the lens barrel projects out of the main body. In some embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism is a purely mechanical component that moves the lens barrel between the retracted position and the extended position in response to the lens barrel being pushed in a direction generally towards the main body. In other embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism includes an electrical motor that helps extend and retract the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction of the lens barrel is triggered by software.

Abstract: A camera body includes a body mount, an imaging element, an imaging element circuit board, a main circuit board, and a metal heat radiating plate. The body mount allows the lens unit to be mounted. The imaging element is disposed on the opposite side of the body mount from the side where the lens unit is mounted, and converts an optical image of the subject into image data. The imaging element circuit board is electrically connected to the imaging element and controls the imaging element. The main circuit board is disposed on the opposite side of the imaging element from the body mount, and includes a camera controller. The heat radiating plate is disposed between the imaging element and the main circuit board.

Abstract: A camera body includes a body mount to which the lens unit can be mounted, a metal main frame supporting the body mount, an imaging element configured to convert an optical image of the subject into image data, an intermediate part disposed along a thermal conduction path formed between the main frame and the imaging element, and a metal heat radiating member connected to the intermediate part.

Abstract: A digital device which can accommodate a large display yet still have a small overall size is provided. The digital device includes a first body with a lens and a display, and a second body with at least one operation button. The first and second body slide with respect to each other between a first position and a second position. The lens of the first body and the at least one operation button of the second body are exposed as the first body and the second body are slid into the first position.

Abstract: An exemplary objective holder engages with a PCB substrate having an image sensor and several passive components arranged thereon. The passive components surround the image sensor. The objective includes a lens barrel extending from a side of a base, and a plurality of walls extending from an opposite side of the base. The walls enclose a chamber thereamong for receiving the image sensor and define notches therein for receiving the passive components therein. A transparent cover is received in the objective holder between the lens barrel and the chamber. An adhesive is used to connect the objective holder to the PCB substrate. The PCB substrate is rested on the walls. At least one of the notches communicates the chamber to an exterior for outgassing and is sealed by a mass of sealing material after a heating process of the adhesive.

Abstract: A camera includes a base section, and a grip section which is provided in at least one lateral end of the camera, bending to a rear side of the camera. The grip section is disposed with a slip-proof section adjacent to a zoom key which is longitudinally arranged. Additionally, a slip-proof section to prevent finger slipping is positioned on a back surface of the grip section.

Abstract: A camera body of a video system has a housing which is comprised of cover elements. Two of the cover elements which, in an area of the handgrip, are fitted together and which shape a part of the housing, also shape the handgrip of the housing.

Abstract: A camera device comprises a first main body, a pivoting component, a second main body, and a camera unit. A first connection member is disposed on the side end of the first main body. One end of the pivoting component is pivotally connected with the first main body. The second main body is pivotally fixed at the other end of the pivoting component, and is electrically connected to the first main body. The camera unit is electrically connected to the second main body. The first connection member of the first main body is first electrically connected with a predetermined electronic device to attach the first main body, and the second main body then rotates relative to the first main body via the pivoting component to adjust the visual angle of the camera unit.

Abstract: A digital still camera includes a camera body. A lens unit is retained on the camera body in a removable manner. A protection cover is secured to the camera body, and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the protection cover, when in the closed position, closes an exposure opening formed in the camera body, and when in the open position, opens the exposure opening. Cover moving transmission levers set the protection cover in the open position when the lens unit is retained on the camera body, and set the protection cover in the closed position when the lens unit is removed from the camera body. Furthermore, bayonet claw portions engage the lens unit with the camera body. The transmission levers are actuated in response to movement of the bayonet claw portions. A compression coil spring biases the protection cover toward the closed position.

Abstract: A collapsible lens barrel includes a first holding frame (2) for holding a first lens group (L1), a second holding frame (5) for holding a second lens group (L2) that is disposed on an image plane side with respect to the first lens group (L1), an actuator (6) for moving the second holding frame 5 in an optical axis direction, and a tubular cam frame (17) including a plurality of cam grooves that are formed at substantially equal intervals around a circumferential direction for moving the first holding frame (2) in the optical axis direction. The actuator (6) is attached to a portion in the cam frame (17) where the cam grooves are not formed. The first lens group (L1) is moved using the cam grooves, and the second lens group (L2) is moved using the actuator (6), so that a faster zooming speed and a lower zooming noise can be achieved.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of the present invention is a portion of the image pickup portion is exposed on a first surface of the casing. The apparatus includes: a holding frame disposed on a second surface, which is the rear surface of the first surface of the casing, wherein the image pickup portion is held by the holding frame, and the holding frame is fixed to a third surface adjacent to the second surface. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of components, and to eliminate the need for the step of attaching the double-faced tape, and the step of attaching the cover ring to the front panel.

Abstract: An image capture assembly is disclosed. The image capture assembly includes a housing, a lens unit, an image detection unit, three screws, and three elastic members. The housing includes a lens-receiving portion, and three screw-receiving portions on an inner surface of the housing and surrounding the lens-receiving portion, an end surface of each screw-receiving portion defining a threaded hole. The lens unit is received in the lens-receiving portion. The image detection unit includes a substrate and an image sensor. The substrate facing the inner surface of the housing defines three through holes therein aligned with the three screw-receiving portions respectively. The image sensor is fixed to the substrate and faces the lens-receiving portion. The screws extend through the through holes of the substrate and into the threaded holes of the screw-receiving portions respectively. The elastic members surround the screw-receiving portions respectively and are compressed between the housing and the substrate.

Abstract: When the monitor is slid to the inner side of the device main body, a portion of the monitor is faced outside of the device main body, and various pieces of information are display in one portion of the area, and when the monitor is slid outside of the device main body, the whole area of the monitor is faced outside of the device main body, and various pieces of information are displayed in the whole area.

Abstract: A camera comprising: a camera body on which an image taking lens and an image display portion are provided, and a grip portion connected to the camera body so as to be foldable and extendable, wherein the grip portion can be moved to a first position at which it is folded to cover the image display portion and to a second position at which it is extended to function as a grip.

Abstract: An environmental protection system features a clear spinning curved volumetric enclosure to shed and throw off environmental contaminants such as rain, fog and dust that would affect a sensor image. The described design is especially suitable for cameras with extremely wide fields of view, such as panoramic or immersive cameras. Alternate forms of volumetric enclosures are described for different lens arrangements in compound camera systems. In all of these embodiments it is possible to keep the cover and the mechanism spinning it invisible to the cameras. An additional modification of the shape of the volumetric enclosure is described that prevents any accumulation of liquid drops within the fields of view of the sensors within the spinning volumetric enclosure. Alternate forms of construction with air and magnetic bearings are described for smoother and quieter operation of the spinning enclosure.

Abstract: An image pickup device capable of suppressing breakage of a support leg mounting member is obtained. This image pickup device comprises a housing constituting the body of the image pickup device, a support leg mounting member, rotatably provided on the housing, having a second screw portion fitted with a first screw portion of a support leg supporting the body of the image pickup device and an engaging portion and a plate spring member having a protrusion engaging with the engaging portion of the support leg mounting member. The engaging portion of the support leg mounting member presses the protrusion of the plate spring member for disengaging the support leg mounting member and the protrusion of the plate spring member from each other if force exceeding first force is applied to the support leg mounting member in a first rotational direction when the first screw portion of the support leg is clamped to the second screw portion of the support leg mounting member in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: An exemplary camera mechanism (8) includes a lens module (10), an image sensor module (20), an electronic module (30), and a transmission module (40). The image sensor module is mounted under the lens module. The electronic module is mounted to at least one of the lens module and the image sensor module. The transmission module has a main body (41), a first electronic connection end (43) and a second electronic connection end (45). The lens module and the image sensor module are mounted on the main body. The first electronic connection end is formed at a top end of the main body. The second electronic connection end is formed at a bottom end of the main body. The first electronic connection end is electrically connected to the electronic module and to the second electronic connection end, and the second electronic connection end is capable of being electrically connected to a mother board (50).

Abstract: An efficient image capture system is disclosed that integrates functions to control a lens including one or more of focus or object distance, zoom, temperature compensation, and stabilization within an image signal processor (ISP) with appropriate algorithms. In particular, the integrated ISP circuitry may control the motion of the focus and zoom optics of an optical assembly, control stabilization, control the flash, provide enhanced functions and features for controlling the zoom and focus lenses to enable enhanced image capture sequences and/or tracking lens data, provide a set of algorithms within the ISP to alter the aspect ratio (both height and width of an image) of the image, for example to compensate for the addition of an anamorphic lens, and integrate an anamorphic lens into the module to alter an image's projected aspect ratio onto the focal plane array.

Abstract: It has been problematic that in a use environment of an image processing system in which temperature fluctuation or vibration occurs, it is highly probable that the subject of image recognition would not be imaged accurately because the relative position of an imaging device and a lens could be changed due to, for example, thermal stress resulting from a difference in the coefficient of linear expansion between a structural member that abuts on the imaging device and an adhesive and between the adhesive and the imaging device, stress resulting from vibration, or peeling of the adhesive resulting from deterioration of such adhesive. In a camera unit having a lens and an imaging device, the imaging device is fixed by means of a base plate, an elastic material, and a printed circuit board. The imaging device abuts on a first plane of the base plate, and the elastic material is sandwiched between the printed circuit board and a second plane opposite to the first plane of the base plate.

Abstract: A camera socket (100) includes a base (10) and a film (12). The base defines a receiving cavity (14) for receiving a camera module therein. The base has a transparent section (106) aligned with lenses of the camera module. The film is formed on a surface of the base. A portion (120) of the film formed on the transparent section of the base is transparent, the other portion of the film is coated with a metal coating (122). The metal coating is opaque, and the metal coating can be made of aluminum, copper, nickel, and stainless steel. The base is made of transparent plastic such as polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The present invention also provides a method for making the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle camera includes a vehicle lens having an opening, a camera body within the vehicle lens having a viewing axis through the opening, a base attached to the vehicle lens, wherein the viewing axis is at an angle between about 15 to 75 degrees with respect to a plane of the base.

Abstract: A camera including a camera body having a substantially flat shape, a photographing optical system configured to perform a photographing operation and accommodated in the camera body, the photographing optical system having a photographing optical axis in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the camera body and a photographing object side plane, the photographing object side plane facing an object to be photographed when photographing, and a release button configured to activate the photographing operation of the photographing optical system provided on a side surface of the camera body corresponding with the photographing object side plane of the photographing optical system.

Abstract: A protecting assembly (20) for a camera used in a portable electronic device (10) is provided. The protecting assembly (20) includes a positioning member (14) fixed to a body section (11) of the electronic device (10) and a protecting member (16). The protecting member (16) is mounted on the positioning member (14) and arranged over the camera (12). A process for protecting a camera using the protecting assembly (20) is also provided.

Abstract: An imager apparatus is provided, including a housing that stores a lens device with an imaging lens exposed to the front surface facing a subject; a lens cover movable between a first position covering the imaging lens and a second position opening the same; and a cover moving mechanism linearly moving the lens cover between the first and second positions. The cover moving mechanism includes a plurality of brackets provided on the lens cover; a plurality of opening portions provided in the front surface of the housing, corresponding to the plurality of brackets, through which the tips of the brackets penetrate; an arm member fixed to those brackets on the inner side of the housing; a guide member guiding the arm member in the moving direction of the lens cover; and a slide joining mechanism joining the arm member to the guide member in a slidable manner.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a protective enclosure for electronic devices, for example, optical devices such as cameras. More specifically, the present invention is a protective enclosure featuring a customized hard or semi-hard front and rear shells for the camera body. The two components are attached at one end by a hinge and secured at the other end by a latch. An elastomeric skin, which can cover some or all of the camera body, serves a gasket between the front and rear shell. The lens is protected by customized enclosures made of elastomeric, and hard or semi-hard materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed an imaging apparatus having: (a) a drive mechanism for moving an imaging device subunit having an imaging device in mutually perpendicular first and second directions; (b) a first actuator for moving the imaging device subunit in the first direction; (c) a second actuator for moving the imaging device subunit in the second direction; (d) a sensing device for detecting the direction of gravity; and (e) a dust-removing device for shaking off dust adhering to the imaging device subunit by moving the subunit using at least one of the two actuators. The dust-removing device has: a setting unit for setting a direction of motion in which the imaging device subunit is moved, based on the direction of gravity detected by the sensing device; and a selecting unit for selecting an actuator used to drive the imaging device subunit in the direction of motion set by the setting unit from the first and second actuators.

Abstract: A camera capable of closing a barrier in accordance with need, even an interchangeable lens is mounted. The camera is provided with a connection portion, a barrier member and a barrier control section. The connection portion is detachably connected with the interchangeable lens and is provided with an aperture portion, which allows object light to pass therethrough. The barrier member is movably provided, in the state the interchangeable lens is connected with the connection portion, between a closed position, the barrier member closes off the aperture portion of the connection portion, and an open position, the barrier member is withdrawn from the light path. The barrier control section judges a state of mounting of the interchangeable lens to the connection portion, controls the barrier member to the closed position if the interchangeable lens is not mounted, and to the open position if mounted and a predetermined first condition is satisfied.