Abstract: A lens hood for a camera, includes a sun shade projecting in front of the camera lens and/or at least one hood wing which can pivot about a vertical or horizontal pivot axis. Included is a three-dimensional structure with a basket-like holder for the sun shade and a fastening means, which defines the vertical or horizontal pivot axis and can pivot, for the hood wing.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes a lens mount, an image sensor, and an optical filter. An optical filter holder is secured to the lens mount and has an upper contact surface which abuts the optical filter and a lower contact surface which abuts the image sensor to thereby align the optical filter and the image sensor with an optical axis.

Abstract: A means for fixing an auxiliary lens to the outside of the original lens of a camera body includes an annular base, an annular lens mount and an annular abutting base. The inner edge of the base protrudes upwardly to form a wall. The wall protrudes outwards to form a plurality of blocks. The inner edge of the lens mount is provided with a plurality of notches corresponding to the blocks. A first end surface of the abutting base extends to form a plurality of L-shaped elastic arms corresponding to the blocks and notches. The L-shaped elastic arm extends obliquely from the first end surface toward the lens mount. A gap is formed between the L-shaped elastic arm and the abutting base, so that the L-shaped elastic arm can be bent inwardly when compressed. When the camera body is combined with the auxiliary lens by rotation, the blocks pass through the notches to abut and compress the L-shaped elastic arms.

Abstract: In a camera system with a variable aperture, variations can be used to tune a variety of optical parameters otherwise incapable of being tuned within the structural limitations of the camera system or to optimize tradeoffs between competing factors such as diffraction limits and lens aberrations. For example, the variable aperture can be used to avoid overexposure or underexposure of an image due to improper illumination of an object. The variable aperture can be used to tune hyperfocal distance, enabling an accurate focus of an object to be obtained even if the camera lens is incapable of auto-focusing. In a camera with a lens having a focal length that varies with radial position from the lens center, the variable aperture can achieve the effect of auto-focus.

Abstract: An autofocus adapter is provided and includes an imaging adapter optical system placed on an optical axis of an imaging lens when the autofocus adapter is attached, and a focus state detection adapter optical system placed on an optical axis different from the optical axis of the imaging lens when the autofocus adapter is attached. The imaging adapter optical system has a light split prism for splitting subject light passing through the imaging lens into imaging subject light and the focus state detection subject light, a first lens group having a negative power as a whole and placed on the object side with respect to the light split prism, and a second lens group having a positive power as a whole and placed on the image side with respect to the light split prism. The focus state detection adapter optical system has a positive lens group having the same lens configuration as the second lens group in the imaging adapter optical system.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an operation member which is arranged within a range where a particular finger of right hand gripping the electronic device in a vertical orientation reaches and in which assigned functions can be customized, a storage unit adapted to store information on a first function and a second function which are set in the operation member as the assigned functions, an orientation information obtaining unit adapted to obtain information on an orientation related to the electronic device, a function assignment control unit adapted to assign the first function to the operation member when it is determined based on the information on the orientation that the electronic device is in a horizontal orientation and assign the second function to the operation member when it is determined based on the information on the orientation that the electronic device is in the vertical orientation.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method comprising covering a camera lens with a light pipe adapted to: substantially encircle at least a portion of a camera lens that is adapted to focus an image representing an object of photographic interest; extend from a proximal region of said light pipe located substantially adjacent a plurality of lighting elements and toward the object of photographic interest, the plurality of lighting elements located, relative to the object of photographic interest, substantially adjacent a base of the camera lens and substantially behind a face of the camera lens; and convey light from the plurality of lighting elements and toward the object of photographic interest.

Abstract: A matte box assembly is arranged for use with a camera rig including a camera body supported on a pair of parallel and spaced apart mounting rails extending in a longitudinal direction. The matte box assembly includes a matte frame surrounding a lens opening for alignment with the camera lens and a filter mount to support a lens filter spanning the lens opening. A support frame is arranged to be mounted on the mounting rails of the camera rig onto which the matter frame is supported for pivotal movement about a vertical axis between an in-use position aligned with the camera lens and an out-of-use position offset to one side of the camera lens.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to mount a focusing mechanism of a camera device on a vehicle without bringing the mechanism in contact with a worker's hands in an in-focus state of a lens system in the camera device having an eyelid part for preventing stray light covering part of a lens, and to improve the beauty and increase mounting flexibility. In a camera cover according to the present invention, a cylinder body (21) of the camera cover (10) covers most including the first half portion of the volume of the camera device, and the cylinder body (21), a frame body (23), an eyelid part (25) and/or an eyelid part (26), and a housing part (27) are integrally molded. Beauty seen from the front can be improved, and the beauty will not be spoiled when the camera device (12) is displaced together with the camera cover (10) and mounted.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: The invention resides in a positioning device for a reference surface within a lens port having a longitudinal axis. A reference surface element able to be extended substantially transversely across the port and withdrawn from the extended position are provided. A transverse movement element to effect such extension and withdrawal of the reference surface are provided and the transverse movement element is operable from a position external of the lens port. The invention also includes a camera or camera housing with a reference element of this type associated therewith. The invention finds particular use in the field of underwater photography.

Abstract: An accessory includes an apparatus-side portion and an accessory-side portion to be attached to the apparatus-side portion. The accessory-side portion includes a surface, an internally threaded portion open on the surface, and an externally threaded member to be rotatably engaged with the internally threaded portion. The externally threaded member is positioned either in a retraction position by rotation of the externally threaded member in one direction or in an extension position by rotation of the externally threaded member in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A lens barrel for holding a lens group therein has a body with a peripheral on which an external thread is formed. The external thread has a plurality of turns which are partially interrupted by at least one threadless segment such that the external thread has at least one of the turns completely extending around the periphery of the body. As a result of the threadless segment, the friction which is generated upon screwingly engaging the lens barrel into a coupling socket can be reduced.

Abstract: A camera accessory coupling apparatus capable of easily and quickly coupling a camera body to a camera accessory is provided. The camera accessory coupling apparatus includes a holder selectively detachable from the camera body; a locking pin, disposed in the holder, a portion of which may enter the holder or exit from the holder; an elastic member contacting the locking pin and applying an elastic force to the locking pin; and a locking lever coupled with the holder and selectively contactable with the elastic member to control the entering and exiting of the locking pin with respect to the holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for enhancing a projected image to reduce the optical depth of field, and create a more desirable film-like image. The present invention provides a multi-function imaging element for enhancing a projected image that includes a focusing screen that minimizes light hot spots in an image projected on the focusing screen and filters ultraviolet rays. The focusing screen can be static, moving, oscillating or rotating. The ultraviolet rays are filtered using a coating on the focusing screen, or by a separate filter made of glass, plastic or film. Note that the multi-function imaging element can be integrated into an adapter, a camera, a video camera, a projector, a television, a monitor, or other image capture or display device.

Abstract: In a camera filter unit having a small longitudinal width, the camera filter unit (1) comprises a filter frame (2) having a cylindrical component (2a) and a filter-holding ring (3), and an optical filter (4). The optical filter (4) is fixed to an internal side of the filter-holding ring (3) in a state of being held from the front and the rear between a protuberance (31) formed in the filter-holding ring (3) and a crimp (33a). The filter-holding ring (3) is fixed to the internal side of the cylindrical component (2a) by a ring-side male thread (32) being screwed into a female thread (22) of the filter frame (2).

Abstract: A camera viewfinder accessory mounting device is disclosed for a camera viewfinder including an outwardly projecting frame surrounding a viewing window and having opposed mounting members on opposite sides of the window. The device includes a body portion having a viewing opening and cooperative mounting members for slideably engaging the opposed mounting members of the frame. The body portion includes a stop adjacent one end of the cooperative mounting members, and a catch disposed between the cooperative mounting members at another end of the cooperative mounting members and extending perpendicular thereto. The device is slideable over the camera viewfinder frame along the mounting members and the catch latches the frame to secure the device on the viewfinder.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system to attach various photographic accessories to a camera by using an apparatus that attaches to the existing shoulder strap loop of a camera. The apparatus has a body, a strong hook to attach to the shoulder strap loop, and a thumbscrew that tightens the apparatus to the camera. The apparatus also incorporates an additional shoulder strap loop to replace the one covered when this system is used. Various mounting plates then attach to the body of the apparatus to which the various accessories are mounted.

Abstract: The optical option attachment ring of the present invention includes a rotator having an abutting surface that projects inward from the inner circumferential surface of the ring body and abuts the front end of the lens barrel as well as an arcuate portion that follows the upper end of the abutting surface. The optical option attachment ring further includes a resilient member that applies an urging force to the rotator to rotate in the direction opposite to the above-mentioned rotation direction and a stopper that abuts at least one of the one end and the other end so as to restrict the rotation caused by the urging force of the resilient member.

Abstract: In a main body of a camera, a recording unit is disposed which is capable of recording specific information of a photographing lens or an accessory. When the specific information of the presently attached photographing lens or accessory has been already registered in the recording unit, the main body of the camera does not acquire all the specific information from the attached photographing lens or accessory by data communication. In a case where the specific information of the attached photographing lens or accessory has been registered in the recording unit, the only identification information of the interchangeable lens or accessory can be enough, even if the data communication is necessary. In consequence, a communication time with respect to the interchangeable lenses or various types of accessories can be reduced as a whole.

Abstract: A video adapter for a microscope is described, comprising a first connection for connecting the microscope; a second connection for connecting a camera; and at least one optical component for performing at least one of exposure setting, focus setting, magnification setting and deflection of at least one part of an observation beam path of the microscope into an image plane of the camera. The at least one optical component has an SLM optical unit. Further, a system is described comprising the aforementioned video adapter, a microscope, and a camera.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a standard optical element used in a standard photographing operation and an insertable optical element which is selectively inserted into and removed from a photographing optical path. The lens barrel includes an accommodating driving device which moves the standard optical element and the insertable optical element rearward in an optical axis direction from a ready-to-photograph state to a retracted state; an insertable-optical-element drive mechanism which moves the insertable optical element between an inserted position on the optical axis on which the standard optical element is positioned, and a removed position off the optical axis, in the ready-to-photograph state of the lens barrel; and a forced removing device which forces the insertable optical element to move from the inserted position to the removed position independently of the insertable-optical-element drive mechanism when the lens barrel moves from the ready-to-photograph state to the retracted state.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: A flash photography reflector system is mounted on a camera of the type wherein the camera's flash unit is positionable above the camera's accessory shoe. A pair of reflectors are mounted on a support strut which engages the accessory shoe. The reflectors are in spaced apart positions and mutually facing with the flash unit positioned between them. The flash beam is directed at a first one of the reflectors, which then directs the flash beam to a larger one of the reflectors, which, in turn, directs the flash beam outwardly toward the subject of the photograph. The first and second reflectors expand the beam so that the final outgoing flash beam is many times broader then the beam that would proceed from the camera's flash unit alone.

Abstract: An accessory unit mountable on an eyepiece portion includes an engaging member having an engaging claw portion engageable with the eyepiece portion, an operating portion configured to manipulated by a user so that the engaging claw portion is displaced in a direction of releasing the engagement of the engaging claw portion and the eyepiece portion, and a mechanism portion configured to displace the engaging claw portion in a direction such that the engaging claw portion and the eyepiece portion are engaged with each other when a force is applied to the accessory unit mounted on the eyepiece portion in a direction opposite to the mounting without manipulating the operating portion.

Abstract: A photographic and/or videographic camera accessory that effectively attracts, captivates and directs the attention or line-of-sight of an infant substantially toward the camera lens.

Abstract: The present invention is a new structure of reflecting mirror, which includes a hollow frame, a connecting arm, and a cover. In particular, a pivot base is configured on one side of the hollow frame, which is pivotally connected another pivot base on the cover side with a connecting arm for fixedness. While the frame is flipped with one side as a pivot, a user can watch and inspect images shown on the display from multiple angles and directions.

Abstract: A video camera monitor shield for use with a video camera which has a hood for covering the LCD monitor of a video camera, a base member with an upward extending rod at its front to which the hood adjustably connects.

Abstract: A method of placing a grating material at an optimum distance from a sensor that will produce a reference spectrum on that sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device with a diffraction grating end will protrude into the empty lens well of a camera and with the camera inserted into a telescope eyepiece holder will focus both a image of an object, that the telescope is pointed to, and its spectrum onto the light sensor in the camera. This dual image, called a reference spectrum, allows the separation between the image of the object and a point in the image of its spectrum to be determined quickly. This separation distance to the spectral point within the spectrum is then a referenced distance. Once a reference distance is known it is then used to determine the wavelength of any other point or spectral line within the spectrum.

Abstract: A nose pad for camera includes a base plate, at least one projecting portion mounted to the base plate, and a sheet portion mounted to an edge of the base plate at an edge of the sheet portion and extending obliquely upwardly over the base plate and the sheet portion. The projecting portion has an arc shape so that the nose pad can fit a contour of a nose. The sheet portion is designed to have a reasonable space in between the sheet portion and the projecting portion, so that the nose of the user can softly touch the camera when the nose pad is used.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging optical system including an image pickup device; a rotatable optical element which is positioned in the imaging optical system, and is rotated on a rotation axis extending in an optical axis direction to produce a specific photographic effect; and a controller which operates so that image data is obtained intermittently via the image pickup device at a plurality of angular steps of the rotatable optical element when the rotatable optical element is rotated on the rotation axis.

Abstract: To provide a camera that is suited to shoot both a demagnified image and a magnified image. The camera includes a housing body 11 containing a CCD 15, and a lens barrel 12. An abutted member 20 having an objective lens 40 therein is engaged with the lens barrel 12 and a rotatable manually-controlled member 30 is fitted around that lens barrel. The abutted member 20 moves back and forth in the direction of an optical axis K in response to the rotation of the manually-controlled member 30. A user can move the abutted member 20 and the objective lens 40 back and forth by controlling the manually-controlled member 30. A magnified image can be photographed with the manually-controlled member 30 at its advanced position while a demagnified image can be photographed with the manually-controlled member 30 at its retracted position. The focal point of the objective lens 40 falls on the center of an end of the abutted member 20 located at the position for shooting a magnified image.

Abstract: A camera includes an image transducer mounted within a housing and configured to convert an image focused on the image transducer into a digital image signal, and a control unit coupled to the image transducer and configured to receive the digital image signal and to store the digital image signal in a storage device coupled to the control unit. An RF transceiver is coupled to the control unit and is configured to broadcast an RFID query signal in response to a command from the control unit, and an RFID tag is mounted on the camera and is configured to respond to the query signal with a response signal. Methods, systems and computer program products for automatic identification of device accessories are also disclosed.

Abstract: An accessory device of the present invention is configured to be mounted on an accessory shoe of an image pickup apparatus. The accessory device includes an insertion member configured to be inserted in an engagement space between a first engagement part and a second engagement part of the accessory shoe, an operating member configured to perform an operation for fixing the accessory device on the accessory shoe, and a moving member configured to move in a second direction intersecting with a first direction in which the insertion member is inserted in the engagement space. The moving member is provided with a protrusion part which is in contact with at least one of the first engagement part and the second engagement part so that the insertion member is not removed from the engagement space by a movement of the moving member in the second direction.

Abstract: Provided is a specific configuration of an omnidirectional photographing device which includes one camera module equipped with a lens for directly taking a 360-degree annular image. More specifically, there is provided an omnidirectional photographing device configured to facilitate carrying. The omnidirectional photographing device includes: one camera module equipped with a lens capable of directly taking a 360-degree annular image; a main body for holding the camera module; and a display unit fixed to the main body, for displaying an image photographed by the camera module.

Abstract: A camera viewer device including an assembling sheet member developed and changed in shape between a box-shaped angle finder and a direct viewing finder. The sheet member includes first and second mirror wall portions with first and second inner mirrors, an attachment wall portion attached to a back face of a camera body, and an upper wall portion. In the box-shaped angle finder, the first mirror reflects an image of a subject in a display panel on the back face of the camera body and downwardly projects the image of the subject, the second mirror upwardly projects the projected image, a window portion of the attachment wall portion is opposed to the display panel, and a window portion of the upper wall portion is opposed to the second mirror wall portion to look into the interior of the assembled sheet member through the window portion of the upper wall portion.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. One adapter's collar includes a gripping mechanism to grip one end of the night vision monocular. The other adapter's collar includes one or two channels to each receive a pin on the other end of the night vision monocular and a locking mechanism to secure one pin in its channel. Attachments members on each adapter include mechanical and electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera body (CB) for still photography that comprises attachment facilities for a number of different accessories (ACC), which camera body further comprises a control unit for controlling functions in the camera body and in accessories attached to the camera body. The control unit communicates with the various accessories via a data bus, and, for at least one of the attachment facilities for accessories, in addition to the data bus, the camera body comprises separate means for communication (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for detecting accessories that are attached or removed, which means for communication can also be used by the control unit in the camera body to initiate a change in the system status of an attached accessory. The invention also relates to an accessory for such a camera body.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system to attach various photographic accessories to a camera by using an apparatus that attaches to the existing shoulder strap loop of a camera. The apparatus has a body, a strong hook to attach to the shoulder strap loop, and a thumbscrew that tightens the apparatus to the camera. The apparatus also incorporates an additional shoulder strap loop to replace the one covered when this system is used. Various mounting plates then attach to the body of the apparatus to which the various accessories are mounted.

Abstract: A protective device to protect a camera view finder and one kind of LCD protective device, which consists of a frame and a light screen installed on a frame. The frame is a separate structure. A transparent plate is installed in the middle part of the frame and a rotatable light screen is set on the frame, which can be folded through rotation. A rotatable cover plate on the other side of the frame can cover the folded light screen. An adhesive substance on the surface connects the frame to the camera body. This structure improves the view finder from strong light scattering while the camera is in use, and at the same time, provides protection for the view finder.

Abstract: A nose pad for camera includes a base plate, at least one projecting portion mounted to the base plate, and a sheet portion mounted to an edge of the base plate at an edge of the sheet portion and extending obliquely upwardly over the base plate and the sheet portion. The projecting portion has an arc shape so that the nose pad can fit a contour of a nose. The sheet portion is designed to have a reasonable space in between the sheet portion and the projecting portion, so that the nose of the user can softly touch the camera when the nose pad is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera flash brackets that is provided on the outside of a camera lens, comprising a ring portion and an assembling portion provided on the surface of the ring portion for being assembled with a photoflash; the ring portion has more than one steel balls mounted thereon, thereby the rotation of the steel balls and the positioning holes enable the photoflash to be adjusted and positioned.

Abstract: A reflective tube centered on a lens of a camera is used in covert wide-angle photography in which and at least one reflected annular image is rotated by 180° to register it with the open-hole (zero-order) image to obtain a wide-angle corrected image. Any exposure differences in reflected images are balanced (or matched to the zero-order image) and rotation of odd-order image(s) is done by dedicated electronics of the camera or a later computer program to align such images with the zero-order image while the photograph is taken of an object using a tube which is no longer than approximately 1/100th the distance of the photographic subject. The reflective tube can be a transparent material (such as Plexiglas®) whose outer surface is painted black to block stray light which would otherwise be transmitted by walls of the tube and to absorb second-surface reflections from inside.

Abstract: A lens module includes a barrel (40), a plurality of lenses (42), and a light guide plate (60). The barrel is covered at one end thereof with a transparent board (50). The lenses are received in the barrel. The light guide plate, which is received in the barrel and is located in the light path of the lenses, includes a transparent sheet plate (61) and a plurality of high-transmittance areas (62) defined therein. The high-transmittance areas have a higher transmittance than that of the sheet plate, and the profile and the density of the high-transmittance areas increase with the increase of a distance between a center of the light guide plate and a center of a respective high-transmittance area.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for allowing regional focus control. The system uses a variable power optical component system as two optical shear plates that can be laterally displaced with respect to each other to adjust and alter the field curvature of the optical system. This changing of the field curvature creates an area of focus whose particular size and shape within the field of view is controlled through manipulation of the shear plates with respect to each other and the field of view. The area of focus can be repositioned to any point within the field of view so that the area of focus can affect the image light coinciding with that particular region. The shear plates are preferably positioned at the intermediate focal plane of the optical system, between the camera body and the taking lens. The image which has been altered, by the shear plates is then transposed to the camera body by a relay lens and recorded by film at the primary film plane located within the camera body.

Abstract: A wide-angle shooting apparatus includes a convex surface structure which reflects light from outside, a concave surface structure having a first polarizing device which permits the light from outside to be transmitted and reflects the light reflected by the convex surface structure. The concave surface structure is positioned before the convex surface structure. The apparatus also includes a second polarizing device which permits the light reflected by the concave surface structure to be transmitted and shielding direct light beam transmitted through the concave surface structure. The second polarizing device is positioned at a part to which the light reflected by the concave surface structure is concentrated. The apparatus further includes image-shooting device which receives the light transmitted through the second polarizing device and shoots an image.

Abstract: A camera for shooting both a demagnified image and a magnifed image. In an embodiment, the camera includes a housing body containing a CCD, and a lens barrel. An abutted member having an objective lens therein is engaged with the lens barrel and a rotatable manually-controlled member is fitted around that lens barrel. The abutted member moves in the direction of an optical axis K in response to rotation of the manually-controlled member. A magnified image and a demagnified image can be photographed with the manually-controlled member at its advanced and retracted positions, respectively. The focal point of the objective lens falls on the center of an end of the abutted member located at the position for shooting a magnified image. The magnified image is photographed with the end of the abutted member abutted against the object.

Abstract: Provided is a specific configuration of an omnidirectional photographing device which includes one camera module equipped with a lens for directly taking a 360-degree annular image. More specifically, there is provided an omnidirectional photographing device configured to facilitate carrying. The omnidirectional photographing device includes: one camera module equipped with a lens capable of directly taking a 360-degree annular image; a main body for holding the camera module; and a display unit fixed to the main body, for displaying an image photographed by the camera module.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes an electronic flash unit. A flash readiness indicator is secured to a housing, for illuminating to signal readiness of the flash unit upon charging. An attention information indicator having optical transmittance is secured to an end portion of the flash readiness indicator removably to protrude from the housing, for illuminating in response to illumination of the flash readiness indicator visibly from an object side. Also, the flash unit includes a flash light source for applying flash light to a photographic field. A flash circuit controls the flash light source. A signaling light-emitting element emits light in response to completion of charging of the flash circuit. The flash readiness indicator comprises a light conducting optical element for conducting the light from the signaling light-emitting element to an outside of the housing.

Abstract: A machine that can pass, reflect, filter, or block light along multiple paths. The specific portions of light that can be passed, reflected, blocked, or filtered, are controlled by an optical routing subassembly. This optical routing subassembly can be manipulated to direct specific portions of light to specific paths.