Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, an imaging operation device, and a control method that enable better imaging. A reaction force generating unit generates a reaction force with respect to the operation direction of the operation unit, and a control unit sets the reaction force on the basis of imaging-related information during operation on the operation unit. Further, the operation unit gives an instruction on a start of image capture by the imaging device, a position detection unit detects an amount of operation with respect to the operation direction of the operation unit, and the control unit sets the reaction force according to the amount of operation. The present technology can be applied, for example, to imaging devices such as single-lens reflex cameras and compact cameras.

Abstract: A sensor and an electronic device are provided. The sensor includes a setting part and a seal ring in an annular shape. The setting part changes a setting of a sensor main body. The seal ring is provided to surround a shaft of the setting part and seals a gap between the shaft and a housing. The seal ring has a curved surface part and a pair of end parts. The curved surface part is curved convexly in a cross-sectional view. The pair of end parts have a shape different from the curved surface part and extend in an axial direction of the seal ring, on two sides of the curved surface part in the axial direction of the seal ring.

Abstract: A webcam, a privacy shutter mechanism, and method of electrically activating the privacy mechanism are described. The privacy shutter is part of a webcam and includes privacy shutter mechanism chassis; an electrically activated coil mechanism mounted on privacy shutter mechanism chassis; a locking mechanism mounted on the electrically activated coil mechanism; a shutter plane with a shutter that locks with the locking mechanism, wherein the electrically activated coil mechanism moves the shutter plane in place to open or close the shutter; a fixture having a shutter opening attached to the privacy shutter mechanism chassis; and a shutter locking mechanism that is electrically activated to lock or unlock when the shutter is close or open.

Abstract: A circuit-carrying assembly for use in an imaging system, the assembly comprising a first circuit carrier; a second circuit carrier spaced apart from the first circuit carrier; at least one attachment member to attach the circuit-carrying assembly to a rigid support member; and a compliant part between the first circuit carrier and the second circuit carrier, the compliant part allowing the second circuit carrier to move towards and away from the first circuit carrier.

Abstract: An operation key assembly facilitates operation of a plurality of keys disposed in a mutually adjacent manner and facilitates operation by simultaneously operating the keys. The operation multi-direction key assembly includes a plurality of direction keys disposed in a mutually adjacent manner. In the operation key assembly, the plurality of keys can be singly operated or the mutually adjacent keys can be simultaneously operated. On an upper surface of an operation portion of the key, protrusions are formed in at least one part of a portion facing the adjacent key. By touching one key with the fingertip on the protrusion, the key can be singly operated on the basis of the touch of the finger. By simultaneously operating two mutually adjacent keys by simultaneously touching the protrusions of the two keys, the two mutually adjacent keys can be simultaneously operated on the basis of the touch of the finger.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an external connector to which an external microphone may be connected, an operation member located on a surface of the imaging apparatus opposite a surface on which the external connector is located, a dial member located on a surface of the imaging apparatus different from the surface on which the external connector is located and the surface on which the operation member is located, in a state in which a side surface of the dial member is exposed, and a cover member capable of switching between an open state in which the operation member and the side surface of the dial member are exposed and a closed state in which the cover member covers the operation member and the side surface of the dial member. In the imaging apparatus, an operation on the dial member may be prevented by bringing the cover member into the closed state.

Abstract: There is provided a dial switch including a first dial freely rotatable in a rotational direction throughout an entire circumference of the first dial, a second dial freely rotatable about the same rotational center as the first dial in the rotational direction throughout the entire circumference, and a non-contact sensor that detects a rotation position and a rotational direction of at least one of the first dial and the second dial.

Abstract: A zoom button structure including a zoom button, a first middle band and a second middle band is provided. The first middle band has a first lock portion and a first body portion. The first lock portion extends from the first body portion and is located at a side of the zoom button. The second middle band has a second lock portion and a second body portion. The second lock portion extends from the second body portion and is located at the other side of the zoom button. Herein, the first lock portion and the second lock portion lock together and form an annular accommodating space. And the annular accommodating space surrounds and accommodates the zoom button.

Abstract: A zoom button structure including a zoom button, a first middle band and a second middle band is provided. The first middle band has a first lock portion and a first body portion. The first lock portion extends from the first body portion and is located at a side of the zoom button. The second middle band has a second lock portion and a second body portion. The second lock portion extends from the second body portion and is located at the other side of the zoom button. Herein, the first lock portion and the second lock portion lock together and form an annular accommodating space. And the annular accommodating space surrounds and accommodates the zoom button.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a stylus and a housing. An opening may be formed in the housing for inserting and storing the stylus. A function button may be mounted in the housing. The stylus may be adapted to operate the function button when in a stored position inserted within the opening in response to a user applying a predetermined pressure to the stylus.

Abstract: A zoom switch assembly for an image photographing apparatus includes a fixing member which includes a flat unit, a rotating member which is mounted rotatably with respect to the fixing member, an electric conductivity unit which is mounted on the rotating member to rotate opposite the flat member, and a position detection pattern which is formed along a rotation trace of the electric conductivity unit on the flat unit of the fixing member, and through which electricity flows selectively according to a rotation angle of the electric conductivity unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photographing apparatus using an infrared ray in a portable terminal, the apparatus includes: a camera module for photographing an image; a display unit for providing a preview for the image photographed by the camera module; and an infrared sensor unit for determining if light is obstructed by emitting and receiving an infrared ray through an infrared sensor upon photographing by the camera module, and outputting a photographing signal for the image.

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: An input device for zooming and shutter releasing includes a shutter release button; a pressing protrusion; a tact switch located on a substrate and configured to be pressed when the shutter release button is pressed downward; a rotary member rotatably supported at the periphery of the shutter release button; a magnet configured to be rotated in association with rotation of the rotary member, the magnet having a through hole at the center thereof, the pressing protrusion supported to extend through the through hole; and a magnetic sensor located at a position to face the through hole in the height direction and configured to detect a rotational magnetic field that is generated by the magnet because of the rotation of the rotary member, the tact switch and the magnetic sensor arranged side by side on the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is an image pickup apparatus including: a zoom lens unit which moves during zooming; a focus lens unit which moves during focusing; a zoom operation switch having a function for driving the zoom lens unit; a focus detection unit for detecting a focus state on an object located in a focusing area selected from multiple focusing areas within an imaging area; and a drive unit for driving the focus lens unit based on a result obtained by detection of the focus detection unit, in which the zoom operation switch further has a function for switching the selected focusing area.

Abstract: In a camera device 1a with a shutter button 2 for transmitting an externally-applied pressing force to a switch 7, a boss 24 has a first end attached to the shutter button 2, and a second end opposed to the switch 7, a coil spring 6a has a first winding portion 61a and a second winding portion 62a, which are respectively wound into first and second shapes about a common central axis As, the second shape includes the first winding portion 61a, and the second end of the boss 24 is inserted into the first winding portion 61a.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for a camera device includes a driving device, a first screw bar connecting to the driving device, a second screw bar connecting to the first screw bar, and a lead screw having an end coupled with the second screw bar. The first screw bar is driven by the driving device via a screw thread thereof, and the second screw bar is driven by the first screw bar via a screw thread thereof, thereby driving the lead screw for rotation. The screw nut is disposed on the lead screw and moved back and forth via the rotation of the lead screw. Two stop blocks disposed at two ends of the lead screw respectively are to limit two positions of the moved screw nut while the screw nut is moved beyond a threaded area of the lead screw, upon which time the screw nut is slightly engaged with the lead screw.

Abstract: An exemplary zoom ratio adjusting switch includes a panel, a rotary member and a spring. The panel defines first and second grooves whose innermost extremities are on a circumference of a circle. Each groove includes a wide part and a narrow part. The rotary member includes a body positioned to a top side of the panel and first and second locking legs extending from the body. The first and second locking legs extend though the wide parts and slide in the narrow parts respectively. Feet extend from the locking legs respectively at the bottom side of the panel and are restrained at the bottom side of the panel. The spring is positioned to the bottom side of the panel and restrains travel of the first locking leg from the narrow part to the wide part of the first groove.

Abstract: An input device for zooming and shutter releasing includes a shutter release button; a pressing protrusion; a tact switch located on a substrate and configured to be pressed when the shutter release button is pressed downward; a rotary member rotatably supported at the periphery of the shutter release button; a magnet configured to be rotated in association with rotation of the rotary member, the magnet having a through hole at the center thereof, the pressing protrusion supported to extend through the through hole; and a magnetic sensor located at a position to face the through hole in the height direction and configured to detect a rotational magnetic field that is generated by the magnet because of the rotation of the rotary member, the tact switch and the magnetic sensor arranged side by side on the substrate.

Abstract: A key module (10) comprises a cover (12), a receiving socket (14), a camera trigger (17) and a focus trigger (18). The receiving socket has a receiving cavity (142) defined therein. The cover is configured for slidably received in the receiving cavity, and includes a first contact portion (124) and a second contact portion formed on a surface (122) thereof. The first contact portion and the second contact portion trigger the camera trigger and the focus trigger, when the cover is pressed. A portable electronic device using the key module is also disclosed.

Abstract: An operating device is provided having a first button, a second button, and a regulating member. The first button has a tubular hole having a bottom, and is able to be pressed in the direction from the opening edge of said tubular hole to the bottom. The second button freely fits the inside surface of said tubular hole on the outside surface of the second button. The regulating member engages the edge of the first button and regulates the movement of the first button in the pressing direction. The first button is swingable on its edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch mechanism usable underwater including a rear cover serving as an exterior member, two shaft members being displaceable in a shaft direction and fitting into two shaft holes having the same cross-sectional area provided in the rear cover, an O-ring watertightly maintaining the shaft member and the shaft hole, and a lever member being engaged with the two shaft members in a manner to be capable of pressing-down or pulling-up the shaft member, and being configured to balance water pressure applied to one shaft member with that applied to the other shaft member.

Abstract: In a camera device 1a with a shutter button 2 for transmitting an externally-applied pressing force to a switch 7, a boss 24 has a first end attached to the shutter button 2, and a second end opposed to the switch 7, a coil spring 6a has a first winding portion 61a and a second winding portion 62a, which are respectively wound into first and second shapes about a common central axis As, the second shape includes the first winding portion 61a, and the second end of the boss 24 is inserted into the first winding portion 61a.

Abstract: A camera includes a dial body provided on a camera body to be manually rotatable; and a manual operation device, provided on the camera body separately from the dial body, for rotating the dial body.

Abstract: A mode selection member is moved to the lowest position for selecting a daylight mode, which is most frequently used, the middle position for selecting a middle mode for photographing outdoors under the overcast sky, or the highest position for selecting an indoor mode for photographing indoors. When the mode selection lever is in the middle position or the highest position, the upper end of a mode indicating plate protrudes from a unit body. When the mode indicating plate is pushed down into the unit body, the mode selection lever is forced to return to the lowest position to set the daylight mode.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a terminal, an armature which can contact the terminal, a knob member which moves between a first position and a second position, sliding the armature on the terminal, a first energizing member which energizes the knob member in the direction of the first position, a rotation operation member which can move the knob member and can rotate between a third position corresponding to the first position and a fourth position corresponding to the second position, and a second energizing member which energizes the rotation operation member in the direction of the third position when the rotation operation member rotates from the third position.

Abstract: A sector drive assembly for a camera with reduced power consumption has a base plate having an aperture, one or more sectors capable of opening and closing the aperture, an electromagnetic actuator for driving the sectors, a drive force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a drive force of the electromagnetic actuator to the sectors, a first detecting unit for detecting when the sectors are open, and a second detecting unit for detecting when the sectors are closed, wherein the supply of power to the electromagnetic actuator is controlled based on signals from the first and the second detecting units.

Abstract: A mode selection device and a multi-function button containing such a device are provided. The mode selection device includes a case, a chassis and a dial. The case has a hole; the chassis, lying under the case, includes a latch and a set of slots. The latch is between the slots. The dial, installed in the hole, includes a recess and a set of protuberances corresponding to the slots. The recess is located in the center of the dial. The protuberances are located under the dial and engage with the slots. When the latch engages with an edge of the dial, the latch, the slots and the protuberances together keep the relative position between the dial and the chassis unchanged.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a setting operation device which can effectively cope with the tendency toward multiple functions and allows a user to easily change and check functions. In order to achieve this object, the device includes a first rotating unit which is rotated/operated to select at least a first upper operation mode and a second upper operation mode, and a second rotating unit which is rotated/operated to select a lower operation mode belonging to the first upper operation mode set by the first rotating unit and a lower operation mode belonging to the second upper operation mode set by the first rotating unit, the second rotating unit being stacked together with the first rotating unit.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a terminal, an armature which can contact the terminal, a knob member which moves between a first position and a second position, sliding the armature on the terminal, a first energizing member which energizes the knob member in the direction of the first position, a rotation operation member which can move the knob member and can rotate between a third position corresponding to the first position and a fourth position corresponding to the second position, and a second energizing member which energizes the rotation operation member in the direction of the third position when the rotation operation member rotates from the third position.

Abstract: A camera is adjustable such that the force required to actuate one or more of the camera's controls can be adjusted by a camera user. In a preferred embodiment, the force required to depress the camera's shutter release button is adjustable. The force may be adjusted to accommodate changing photographic situations, to accommodate a physical disability of the photographer, or simply to accommodate the camera user's taste. Mechanical and electromechanical embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A push button switch includes a push button positioned on a switch base; a biasing member positioned between the push button and the switch base; a switching element having a press portion, the switching element being provided at a position offset from an axis of the push button; a press projection and a rocking projection which are formed on the push button on opposite sides of the center thereof; and a fulcrum formed on the switch base to be associated with the rocking projection. The rocking projection and the fulcrum are disengaged from each other when the push button is in a non-depressed position. The rocking projection comes into contact with the fulcrum when the push button is half depressed. The push button turns about the fulcrum when the push button is further depressed following the half depression of the push button.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided including more compact components to enable the fabrication of more compact image capture devices. In one particular embodiment, a compact shutter mechanism is provided that requires less space within the camera when the shutter is open. In another particular embodiment, a rotary to linear switch is provided to reduce the amount of real estate required by the switch on the outside housing of the image capture device.

Abstract: A rotary dial device having a click stop mechanism, includes a stationary member; a rotary dial rotatably supported by the stationary member; a ball guide groove formed on the stationary member to extend in a radial direction of the rotary dial; a ball positioned in the ball guide groove; at least one protrusion and at least one depression which are formed on the rotary dial along one of two imaginary cylindrical surfaces with axes thereof on an axis of the rotary dial, the two imaginary cylindrical surfaces being positioned radially outside and inside the ball guide groove in the radial direction of the rotary dial, respectively; and a cylindrical resilient member positioned along the other of the two imaginary cylindrical surfaces to bring the ball into pressing contact with any one of the protrusion and the depression by resiliency of the cylindrical resilient member.

Abstract: A camera body including a camera CPU, a detection switch and an interchangeable lens having a lens CPU are provided. The detection switch is connected to the camera CPU and is switched in response to the start of the attachment of the interchangeable lens and is switched to a reproducing state in response to the completion of the attachment of the interchangeable lens. In this case, when the interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body, the camera CPU supplies reset signals to the lens CPU in response to the switching of the detection switch. Upon the completion of the attachment of the lens, the camera CPU cancels reset signals in response to the switching of the detection switch to the reproducing state.

Abstract: An operation button is provided with a shaft portion and a pair of arm portions and projections, and a rear cover is provided with a shaft hole, and a pair of insertion holes and pulling-out preventing portions around the shaft hole. The shaft portion of the operation button is inserted into the shaft hole of the rear cover, and the pair of arm portions and projections are inserted into the insertion holes of the rear cover. The operation button is rotated around the shaft portion, whereby the projections are received in the pulling-out preventing portions in a push-operatable manner.

Abstract: A door opening mechanism for an image capture device is provided which translates non-linear motion into a linear motion used to open or close the lens door. In one particular embodiment, rotary motion is translated to the linear up and down motion of the lens door. In another embodiment, the pendular motion of a door control grip is translated to the linear up and down motion of the lens door.

Abstract: A push button switch includes a push button positioned on a switch base; a biasing member positioned between the push button and the switch base; a switching element having a press portion, the switching element being provided at a position offset from an axis of the push button; a press projection and a rocking projection which are formed on the push button on opposite sides of the center thereof; and a fulcrum formed on the switch base to be associated with the rocking projection. The rocking projection and the fulcrum are disengaged from each other when the push button is in a non-depressed position. The rocking projection comes into contact with the fulcrum when the push button is half depressed. The push button turns about the fulcrum when the push button is further depressed following the half depression of the push button.

Abstract: A rotary dial device having a click stop mechanism, includes a stationary member; a rotary dial rotatably supported by the stationary member; a ball guide groove formed on the stationary member to extend in a radial direction of the rotary dial; a ball positioned in the ball guide groove; at least one protrusion and at least one depression which are formed on the rotary dial along one of two imaginary cylindrical surfaces with axes thereof on an axis of the rotary dial, the two imaginary cylindrical surfaces being positioned radially outside and inside the ball guide groove in the radial direction of the rotary dial, respectively; and a cylindrical resilient member positioned along the other of the two imaginary cylindrical surfaces to bring the ball into pressing contact with any one of the protrusion and the depression by resiliency of the cylindrical resilient member.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a flash unit for applying flash light to a photographic object. An exposure amount changer, such as an aperture stop changing mechanism, changes over object light incident on photo film from the object between low and high exposure amounts. For the lens-fitted photo film unit, a photographic mode selection device includes a movable selector, such as a button, for selectively designating a daylight mode, a daylight flash mode and a night flash mode. The movable selector, when the daylight mode is designated, determines the low exposure amount and turns off the flash unit, and when the daylight flash mode is designated, determines the low exposure amount and turns on the flash unit, and when the night flash mode is designated, determines the high exposure amount and turns on the flash unit.

Abstract: A movable power switch member mounted on the front face of a camera body is provided with a luminous display unit comprising any number (preferably a plurality) of illuminants, and light emission is so controlled as to realize different forms of displaying according to the operating state of the camera. For instance, the lighting, either continuous or intermittent, of the illuminants is controlled according to the remaining charge or the progress of charging of the battery. There are available a mode in which the luminous display unit is also used as a battery indicator, another mode in which the state of light is altered according to the initial mode (at the time of turning on power supply), still another mode in which the illuminants are used as a substitute for a tally lamp at the time of self-timed shooting and yet others, resulting in the achievement of an illumination effect in addition to the displaying of the operating state.

Abstract: A camera includes a movable aperture stop plate, which changes over a light path of object light between plural stop states. A depressible shutter release button is provided. A shutter mechanism is released in response to depression of the shutter release button after a charging operation and changing over the movable aperture stop plate, to provide an exposure to the photo film. A photometric circuit including a CdS element measures object brightness adapted for changing over the movable aperture stop plate. A photometric switch includes first and second switch segments, is turned on when pressed, to supply the photometric circuit with power. A blocking pin blocks and turns off the first and second switch segments upon completion of the charging operation of the shutter mechanism, and comes away from the photometric switch when the shutter release button is depressed.

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

Abstract: A camera includes a main body part, a pair of front and rear cover parts that house the main body part between them, and a cover attachment to the front cover part. An operational device is mounted on the main body part to be included within the front and rear cover parts, and is depressible to be activated. The front cover part has a hole positioned over the operational device to permit the operational device to be accessed through the hole to be depressed. The cover attachment to the front cover part covers the hole in the front cover part to conceal the hole, and has an actuating member that is depressible through the hole to depress the operational device.

Abstract: A photographing device having an operation member to be operated by an external operation, a memory device for memorizing a plurality of control sequences to be conducted according to an operation of the operation member, a setting device for setting a requested control sequence among the plurality of control sequences by correlating the requested control sequence with the control sequence to be controlled by the operation of the operation member, and a control sequence execution device for executing the requested control sequence set by the setting means, according to the operation of the operation member.

Abstract: A camera includes a rigid cover formed by an integrated front cover and side cover, with the rigid cover being slidable in a transverse direction (a side direction). A lens aperture is formed in the rigid cover. A lens barrier that openings and closes the lens aperture due to the lens barrier being moved interlockingly with a sliding movement of the rigid cover is formed at a front side of a camera body. When the rigid cover is reciprocated in a state in which the lens aperture is closed, the lens aperture is opened by the lens barrier moving. When the rigid cover is reciprocated in a state in which the lens aperture is opened, the lens aperture is closed by the lens barrier moving.

Abstract: A shutter release-thumbwheel brake for a camera has a thumbwheel, a shutter release, and a sprag. The shutter release is pivotable reative to the thumbwheel between a ready position and a first released position and also between the ready position and a second released position. The released positions are opposed. The sprag is joined to the shutter release and brakes the thumbwheel when the shutter release is in either of the released positions.

Abstract: A power source is turned on by pivoting of an operation protrusion of a power source dial which protrudes further than a cylindrical outer edge of a grip section, and a shutter button is provided in a position closer to a front side of the camera than a pivoting center of the power source dial and pivots on the pivoting center of the power source dial so as to be pushed down.

Abstract: By pushing down a shutter release operation member (9), that is mounted on a front of a waterproof case of a waterproof type lens-fitted photo film unit, a release lever (70) is caused to rotate through a rotary shaft (71) that is put through a front wall of the waterproof case. Thereby, the release lever directly pushes an arresting member (59) through an opening (19c) provided on a front side of a unit body (3), releasing a shutter drive member (51) as having been arrested in a cocked position by the arresting member (59), and thus causing a shutter blade (45) to make an open-close movement. The waterproof case consists of a pair of case members that are put on the unit body from its front and rear sides, and are joined to each other by engagement. An elastic waterproof ring is force-fitted in a gap of the joint between the case members.

Abstract: A mechanism to be used in 35 mm film format still cameras, which pre-winds a roll of unexposed film entirely by motor to the unexposed film chamber provided in the camera immediately after the camera back door has been closed with the unexposed film loaded inside without using any expensive electric circuits and devices like a CPU, and of which the pre-winding setting can be changed manually by hand to the winding setting (picture taking setting) for picture taking after the pre-winding has been completed, and which can be reset to the pre-winding setting of the mechanism automatically but mechanically when the camera back door is opened again after the film has been exposed, wound back into and stored in the film cartridge.