Abstract: Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that includes an additive coil structure for shifting a lens along one or multiple axes. The additive coil structure may include a base portion configured to couple with a lens carrier and at least partially surround a perimeter of the lens carrier. In various examples, the additive coil structure may include folded portions that individually include a respective coil that is located proximate a respective magnet. According to various embodiments, the additive coil structure may be formed using an additive process.

Abstract: An optical system is provided and it includes a first optical module and a second optical module. The first optical module includes a first connecting member for connecting a first optical element. The second optical module includes a second connecting member for connecting a second optical element. The first optical module and the second optical module are arranged in a first direction.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that includes an additive coil structure for shifting a lens along one or multiple axes. The additive coil structure may include a base portion configured to couple with a lens carrier and at least partially surround a perimeter of the lens carrier. In various examples, the additive coil structure may include folded portions that individually include a respective coil that is located proximate a respective magnet. According to various embodiments, the additive coil structure may be formed using an additive process.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a camera system having a first camera unit and a second camera unit. The first camera unit includes an autofocus actuator. The autofocus actuator includes a first plurality of magnets for autofocus motion control of components of a first optical package. The first plurality of magnets is positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned in parallel with a first magnetic axis at a right angle to the optical axis of the first optical package. The second camera unit includes an optical image stabilization and autofocus actuator. The optical image stabilization and autofocus actuator includes a second plurality of magnets positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned along a second magnet axis at 45-degrees to the first magnetic axis. The second camera unit includes a third plurality of magnets positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned along a third magnetic axis at 135-degrees to the first magnetic axis.

Abstract: An embodiment comprises: a housing; a bobbin disposed in the housing; a first coil disposed on the bobbin; a magnet disposed on the housing; a first sensing coil, disposed on the housing, for generating a first induced voltage by interacting with the first coil; a first circuit board connected to the first coil and the first sensing coil; and a first amplifier, disposed on the first circuit board, for amplifying the first induced voltage of the first sensing coil and outputting a first amplified signal.

Abstract: An embodiment comprises: a housing; a bobbin disposed in the housing; a first coil disposed on the bobbin; a magnet disposed on the housing; a first sensing coil, disposed on the housing, for generating a first induced voltage by interacting with the first coil; a first circuit board connected to the first coil and the first sensing coil; and a first amplifier, disposed on the first circuit board, for amplifying the first induced voltage of the first sensing coil and outputting a first amplified signal.

Abstract: A focus adjustment control apparatus is provided which includes: a focus detection unit that calculates an evaluation value with regard to contrast of an image via an optical system to detect a focus adjustment state of the optical system; an acquisition unit that acquires from a lens barrel at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of an image plane movement coefficient that represents correspondence relationship between a movement amount of a focus adjustment lens included in the optical system and a movement amount of an image plane; and a control unit that uses at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of the image plane movement coefficient to determine a drive speed for the focus adjustment lens when the focus detection unit detects the focus adjustment state.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes: a casing having an opening; a light source arranged inside the casing; a sensor arranged inside the casing and configured to capture, through the opening, an image of an object present outside the casing while the light source is on; and a distance calculator to calculate a distance between the casing and the object, based on an image that has been captured by the sensor and contains, within an image region of the object defined by the opening, a high-luminance region and low-luminance regions located more outside than the high-luminance region.

Abstract: Provided is a light emitting apparatus. The light emitting apparatus includes a substrate; a light emitting device on the substrate; a fluorescent layer formed on the substrate and the light emitting device to surround the light emitting device; an encapsulant resin layer formed on the substrate and the fluorescent layer to surround the fluorescent layer; and a lens disposed on the light emitting device and supported by the substrate, wherein the lens includes a lens body having a first recess formed at a center of a top surface of the lens body and a second recess formed at a center of a bottom surface of the lens body, and a lens supporter provided at the bottom surface of the lens body to support the lens body such that the lens body is spaced apart from the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a focusing control device which performs focusing control by a phase difference AF method with high accuracy, a lens device, an imaging device, a focusing control method, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a program. A digital camera includes a phase difference calculation unit which calculates the phase difference between a signal group output from a plurality of pixels 52A and a signal group output from a plurality of pixels 52B, a lens drive control unit which drives a focus lens according to a drive amount corresponding to the phase difference, a phase difference prediction unit which, based on a coefficient for converting a phase difference calculated at an arbitrary time to a drive amount and the difference between a movement amount of the focus lens and the drive amount, calculates a predicted value of the phase difference.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a camera system having a first camera unit and a second camera unit. The first camera unit includes an autofocus actuator. The autofocus actuator includes a first plurality of magnets for autofocus motion control of components of a first optical package. The first plurality of magnets is positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned in parallel with a first magnetic axis at a right angle to the optical axis of the first optical package. The second camera unit includes an optical image stabilization and autofocus actuator. The optical image stabilization and autofocus actuator includes a second plurality of magnets positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned along a second magnet axis at 45-degrees to the first magnetic axis. The second camera unit includes a third plurality of magnets positioned to generate magnetic fields aligned along a third magnetic axis at 135-degrees to the first magnetic axis.

Abstract: A first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length. In some embodiments, a camera system of a multifunction device includes a second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second visual field. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second actuator for moving a second optical package configured for a second focal length. In some embodiments, the second actuator includes a second actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, the first optical package and the second optical package are situated between the first actuator later magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet along an axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, no actuator lateral magnets are situated between the first optical package and the second optical package along the axis.

Abstract: Provided is a lens barrel whose diameter can be reduced. The lens barrel includes a rotary frame having a gear on an inner peripheral surface, and a retracting lens frame which holds a retracting lens configured to retract from an optical axis along with rotation of the rotary frame. A position where the retracting lens retracts is where the gear of the rotary frame is located when the retracting lens is positioned on the optical axis. The rotary frame includes a first cam groove on an outer peripheral surface, and a second cam groove on the inner peripheral surface. The lens barrel also includes a first lens frame having a first cam follower which is mounted on the first cam groove, and a second lens frame having a second cam follower which is mounted on the second cam groove. The retracting lens frame is held by the second lens frame.

Abstract: A lens barrel which is capable of retracting a retractable lens group by a simple construction and realizing stable image quality. The lens barrel has a lens, a first lens holding member that holds the lens, a second lens holding member that holds the first lens holding member and moves in a direction of an optical axis in conjunction with the first lens holding member, a drive mechanism that moves the first lens holding member between a shooting position on the optical axis and a retracted position outside the optical axis, and a first guide bar and a second guide bar. The drive mechanism retracts the first lens holding member from the shooting position to the retracted position while holding the second lens holding member on the optical axis. The first and second guide bars guide the second lens holding member in the direction of the optical axis.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first lens frame bearing a first lens set and having a plurality of rods, a first cam barrel rotating to move the first lens frame along a first axis, a second lens frame bearing a second lens set and having a plurality of holes corresponding to the rods, and a second cam barrel rotatably disposed around the first cam barrel to rotate the first cam barrel and move the second lens frame along a second axis parallel to the first axis, wherein the first axis is substantially coincident with the second axis with the rods inserted into the holes.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an image-pickup optical system that includes a main optical system and an extender optical system, an extender barrel configured to hold the extender optical system, a housing configured to house the extender barrel, a rotator configured to hold the extender barrel to rotatably support the extender barrel in the housing, to insert the extender optical system into the main optical system, and to retreats the extender optical system from the main optical system, and a retreat restraint. When the retreat restraint is in the first state, the extender optical system is retreated to a position which is not associated with formation of the optical image, but the extender optical system is undetachable from the rotator, and when the retreat restraint is in the second state, the extender optical system is detachable from the rotator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging device including an imaging lens; a microlens array section; an imaging element; and a transporting section adapted to transport the microlens array section.

Abstract: A motor includes a first, second, and third motor unit. First, second and third rotors each including a first and second rotor core and a field magnet. The first and second rotor cores include respectively first and second rotor core bases and a plurality of first and second claw magnetic poles that are arranged alternately along a circumferential direction of the motor. The field magnet causes the plurality of first claw magnetic poles and the plurality of second claw magnetic poles to function as different magnetic poles. Each of first and second stators including pluralities of first claw magnetic poles and second claw magnetic poles alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the motor. The second stator core having a coil section.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an optical module that includes interchangeable lenses to adjust a zoom level or focus of the optical module.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an optical module that includes interchangeable lenses to adjust a zoom level or focus of the optical module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an actuator includes a moving frame coupled to a fixed frame by a plurality of elongated parallel motion flexures for generally parallel motion relative to the fixed frame and between an as-fabricated position and a deployed position. The flexures are disposed at a first angle relative to a line extending perpendicularly to both the moving frame and the fixed frame when the moving frame is disposed in the as-fabricated position, and at a second angle relative to that same line when the moving frame is disposed in the deployed position. Arcuate movement of the first frame relative to the second frame is controlled by constraining the first angle to a value of less than about half of the sum of the first and second angles.

Abstract: A vibration power generator is provided that increases output power by improving the electrostatic capacitance when the area of the overlap between electret electrodes and counter electrodes is maximum while having the function of limiting the spread of the electric field from the electret electrodes.

Abstract: A webcam with an optical lens that can manually be moved into a position in front of the camera lens. The lens may slide or be rotated to a position in front of the camera lens. The optical lens may be a zoom lens, such that, in combination with the lens of the camera, a fixed zoom or magnification function is provided. Alternately, at least a second lens may also be provided, such as to provide two fixed zoom positions. The two lenses could be moved together with a single mechanical structure, or separately with two different manual controls.

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

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuation apparatus comprises a movable element supported on a support structure by a suspension system comprising a plurality of resilient flexures. A shape memory alloy actuator drives movement of the movable element on contraction. An end-stop limits the movement of the movable element in the opposite direction. Rather than using the resilient flexures of the suspension system as the sole biassing means, an additional Massing element biasses the movable element against the SMA actuator. When the moveable element is held against the end-stop, the force applied by the biassing element is greater than the force applied by the flexures of the suspension system. This reduces the design constraints, for example allowing a greater range of movement.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a stationary magnetic field generator having a supporting frame, a moveable magnetic field generator, a case and a double sided adhesive layer. The supporting frame defines a first receiving space receiving the moveable magnetic field generator. The moveable magnetic field generator defines a second receiving space. The case encloses the stationary magnetic field generator, the moveable magnetic field generator and the double sided adhesive layer and includes a bottom plate and side plates. The bottom plate includes a first surface and a second surface facing away the first surface. The side plates extend from the second surface. The bottom plate defines a through hole. A diameter of the through hole is smaller than that of the second receiving space. The double sided adhesive layer is entirely covering the second face.

Abstract: A lens apparatus is disclosed, which can control the position of a lens unit driven by an actuator such as a vicecoil motor in a non-energizing state of the actuator easily. The lens apparatus comprises: a first lens unit and second lens unit moving in an optical axis direction, respectively; a first actuator driving the first lens unit; and a second actuator driving the second lens unit. The first lens unit is driven by the second lens unit that is driven by the second actuator in a nonenergized state of the first actuator, and a member is provided in one of the first and second lens units. The member contacts the other lens unit in the nonenergized state.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an optical module that includes interchangeable lenses to adjust a zoom level of the optical module.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an optical module that includes interchangeable lenses to adjust a zoom level of the optical module.

Abstract: A camera lens actuation apparatus for driving motion of a camera lens supported on a support structure by a suspension system. The apparatus incorporates a subassembly comprising SMA wire connected to at least one mounting member which is mounted to the support structure. At least one pair of lengths of SMA wire are held in tension between the camera lens element and the support structure at respective acute angles to the optical axis applying a tensional force having a component along the optical axis. The lengths of SMA wire in the pair are held at angle as viewed along the optical axis. There may be plural pairs with a balanced arrangement in which the forces generated have no net component perpendicular to the optical axis and generate no net torque around any axis perpendicular to the optical axis. A control circuit controls heating of the SMA wire in response to a measure of its resistance.

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

Abstract: An assembly for an image capturing device may include a blade configured to pass light without modification when in a first position and, when in a second position, provide one of an aperture blocking a portion of the light, a low power lens, and a transparent film, and an actuator configured to move the blade between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A back focus adjustment apparatus of a camera includes a casing, an adjusting module and an image capturing device. The adjusting module includes a fixed support, a movable support and a drive module. The drive module includes an adjustment wheel and two drive wheels. The lens module is mounted on a bottom surface of the casing. The fixed support is fixed in the casing and opposite to the bottom surface thereof. The image capturing device is mounted on the movable support. The drive module is defined on the fixed support. The drive module is connected to the movable support through worm gears defined on drive wheels. The drive wheels and the adjustment wheel are gearingly engaged. The image capturing device moves back and forth according to the adjustment of the adjusting wheel of the adjusting module.

Abstract: An easy-to-carry image pickup device is provided to obtain images with multiple view angles in which a target subject is positioned in an appropriate size. When capturing an image of a person as a target subject, the size and position of the person's face in the image are detected as a specified part, and a zoom magnification ratio for a lens unit and a shift amount of the incident light position for a light-axis shifting unit are automatically controlled based on the detected size and position of the person's face, so that the person's face has a predetermined size and is positioned in a predetermined position in the image.

Abstract: A gear support mechanism for supporting two gears and an intermediate gear which meshes with the two gears to transfer rotation of one of the two gears to the other, includes a gear-shaft support member(s) which supports a gear shaft of the intermediate gear; and a spring member installed between the gear-shaft support member and the intermediate gear. The spring member includes a gear contacting portion which is in contact with the intermediate gear, and resilient support legs extend radially from the gear contacting portion and are in contact with the gear-shaft support member, the spring member biasing the intermediate gear in a direction of an axis of the gear shaft. Each of the two gears is positioned in an inter-leg space between adjacent resilient support legs as viewed in a direction along the axis of the gear shaft.

Abstract: A linear motion control device for use in a linear control system is presented. The linear motion control device includes a coil driver to drive a coil that, when driven, effects a linear movement by a motion device having a magnet. The linear motion control device also includes a magnetic field sensor to detect a magnetic field associated with the linear movement and an interface to connect an output of the magnetic field sensor and an input of the coil driver to an external controller. The interface includes a feedback loop to relate the magnetic field sensor output signal to the coil driver input.

Abstract: A compact auto focus lens module includes a piezoelectric actuator, an elastic element, at least two guiding fixtures, and a lens barrel with an optical lens set therein. By elastic force of the elastic element, a friction is generated between the lens barrel and the piezoelectric actuator. While being applied with a voltage, the lens barrel driven by the movement of the piezoelectric actuator moves along the optical axis under the guidance of the guiding fixtures. Due to fewer elements, compact volume, and light weight, the design is applied to a miniature auto focus lens modules so as to achieve effects of fast movement, stable focusing and reduced tilting.

Abstract: An optical element position control mechanism includes an optical element holding member which holds an optical element of a photographing system; an advancing/retracting movement guide member which guides the optical element holding member in an optical axis direction of the photographing system to be movable in the optical axis direction; and a biasing device including an arm, the arm being swingable about a swing axis which is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis and being engaged with the optical element holding member. The biasing device simultaneously exerts via the arm both a biasing force in a direction of movement of the optical element holding member that is guided by the advancing/retracting movement guide member and a biasing force in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the optical element holding member on the optical element holding member.

Abstract: An exemplary image capture unit includes a light guide plate, a camera module, and a driving unit. The light guide plate includes a first wedge-shaped portion, a second wedge-shaped portion, and an intermediate portion connecting to the first wedge-shaped portion and the second wedge-shaped portion. The intermediate portion has a uniform thickness. The camera module faces the light guide plate. The camera module has an optical axis associated therewith. The driving unit is configured for driving the light guide plate to move relative to the camera module to selectively align the camera module with the first wedge-shaped portion, the second wedge-shaped portion, or the intermediate portion.

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 object of the preset invention is to provide a technique capable of preventing occurrence of an assembly error. A driving apparatus for driving an object includes: a driving part having a stationary part and a moving part; and a displacement transmitting part for transmitting a displacement to the object in accordance with a drive displacement of the moving part. The displacement transmitting part and the moving part coupled to the displacement transmitting part are integrally molded.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a rectangular optical member provided on an optical axis, a supporting member configured to support the optical member, and a rectangular vibrating device stuck to the optical member close to and in parallel with one of four sides of the optical member and configured to vibrate the optical member in a wave fashion having a predetermined wavelength to have a plurality of nodes parallel with the one side. A support position at which the optical member is supported by the supporting member at a side opposite the one side of the optical member is located inward from the opposite side by ¼ the predetermined wavelength.

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 optical element position control mechanism includes an optical element holding member which holds an optical element of a photographing system and is guided in an optical axis direction; a drive mechanism for moving the optical element holding member in the optical axis direction; and a biasing device including an arm which is swingable about a swing axis, the swing axis being substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, and the arm extending substantially orthogonal to the swing axis and having a free end portion which engages with the optical element holding member to bias the optical element holding member in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes at least two cam tubes, and an operation based on the rotation of an operation ring actuates the two cam tubes to move a lens group. The lens barrel includes a first cam tube that drives part of the lens group in response to an operation based on the rotation of the operation ring, and a second cam tube that moves part of the lens group in the optical axis direction in response to the operation based on the rotation of the operation ring. The second cam tube rotates at a speed different from that of the first cam tube.

Abstract: An exemplary image capture unit includes a light guide plate, a camera module, and a driving unit. The light guide plate includes a first wedge-shaped portion, a second wedge-shaped portion, and an intermediate portion connecting to the first wedge-shaped portion and the second wedge-shaped portion. The intermediate portion has a uniform thickness. The camera module faces the light guide plate. The camera module has an optical axis associated therewith. The driving unit is configured for driving the light guide plate to move relative to the camera module to selectively align the camera module with the first wedge-shaped portion, the second wedge-shaped portion, or the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A camera unit includes a soft substrate on which electrode regions and an image pickup device region are disposed, a driving electrode group disposed on one of the electrode regions, an image pickup device disposed on the image pickup device region, stationary unit frame attaching portions disposed at positions surrounding the image pickup device region, a stationary unit frame attached to the stationary unit frame attaching portions, and movable units disposed in the stationary unit frame. The soft substrate is bent along bending positions between the electrode regions and the image pickup device region, the electrode regions are fixed on sides of the stationary unit frame inwardly thereof, and the image pickup device region is fixed on an end surface of the stationary unit frame toward the movable units.

Abstract: A driving device which is capable of increasing a driving speed at which an object to be driven is driven, enhancing quietness in driving the object to be driven, and positioning the object to be driven with high accuracy. A hollow cylindrical magnet (1) extends along an optical axis, and a plurality of magnetized parts (1a to 1j) spirally extend along the outer peripheral surface of the magnet. A first yoke (2), a second yoke (3), a third yoke (7), and a fourth yoke (8) are formed of a soft magnetic material, and each of the yokes has five magnetic pole teeth (2a to 2e, 3a to 3e, 7a to 7e, or 8a to 8e) each disposed in opposed relation to a corresponding one of the magnetized parts of the magnet. A lens holder (12) holds the object to be driven and supports the magnet such that the magnet is movable along the optical axis.

Abstract: A lens barrel including a plurality of lens groups; a plurality of lens retaining frames; a telescopic cylinder retained by a fixed base member and configured to retain a portion of the plurality of lens retaining frames inside of the telescopic cylinder; and a lens retaining frames driving device configured to drive the plurality of lens retaining frames. A portion of the lens retaining frames driving device for driving the lens-retracting frame which is one of the lens retaining frames is formed to project backwardly in a direction of an optical axis from a rear end surface of the fixed base member for retaining the telescopic cylinder.

Abstract: An optical element position control mechanism includes an optical element holding member which holds an optical element of a photographing system and is guided in an optical axis direction; a drive mechanism for moving the optical element holding member in the optical axis direction; and a biasing device including an arm which is swingable about a swing axis, the swing axis being substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, and the arm extending substantially orthogonal to the swing axis and having a free end portion which engages with the optical element holding member to bias the optical element holding member in the optical axis direction.