Abstract: Cameras with OIS capable of performing multi zoom super macro photography and handheld electronic devices comprising such cameras. A camera may include a lens comprising N lens elements L1-LN divided into two or more lens groups arranged along a lens optical axis starting with L1 on an object side and ending with LN on an image side, adjacent lens groups separated by a respective air-gap d1 along the lens optical axis; an image sensor with a sensor diagonal SD between 7 and 20 mm separated from lens element LN by an air-gap d2 along the lens optical axis; and an actuator for controlling air-gaps d1 and d2 to switch the camera between M?1 operative pop-out states and a collapsed state and to focus the camera on an object at an object-lens distance of less than 30 cm.

Abstract: A camera microcomputer receives first accessory attribute information of the accessory attribute information through the third communication channel by using a first communication method and then switches from the first communication method to a second communication method different from the first communication method, and controls communication so as to receive second accessory attribute information of the accessory attribute information through the third communication channel by using the second communication method.

Abstract: Multi-cameras and in particular dual-cameras comprising a Wide camera comprising a Wide lens and a Wide image sensor, the Wide lens having a Wide effective focal length EFLW and a folded Tele camera comprising a Tele lens with a first optical axis, a Tele image sensor and an OPFE, wherein the Tele lens includes, from an object side to an image side, a first lens element group G1, a second lens element group G2 and a third lens element group G3, wherein at least two of the lens element groups are movable relative to the image sensor along the first optical axis to bring the Tele lens to two zoom states, wherein an effective focal length (EFL) of the Tele lens is changed from EFLT,min in one zoom state to EFLT,max in the other zoom state, wherein EFLTmin>1.5×EFLW and wherein EFLTmax>1.5×EFLTmin.

Abstract: A scanner includes a lens assembly comprising a lens having a lens axis and a positioning system to adjust a focal plane of the lens assembly. The positioning system includes an outer element, an inner element coupled to the lens assembly, and a linear-motion bearing that couples the inner element to the outer element.

Abstract: Cameras with OIS capable of performing multi zoom super macro photography and handheld electronic devices comprising such cameras. A camera may include a lens comprising N lens elements L1-LN divided into two or more lens groups arranged along a lens optical axis starting with L1 on an object side and ending with LN on an image side, adjacent lens groups separated by a respective air-gap d1 along the lens optical axis; an image sensor with a sensor diagonal SD between 7 and 20 mm separated from lens element LN by an air-gap d2 along the lens optical axis; and an actuator for controlling air-gaps d1 and d2 to switch the camera between M?1 operative pop-out states and a collapsed state and to focus the camera on an object at an object-lens distance of less than 30 cm.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical member, a detector configured to detect a quantity relating to a position of the optical member, and a processor configured to generate positional information of the optical member based on the quantity relating to the position. The processor is configured to generate timing information of the detection corresponding to the positional information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera module comprising: a circuit board; a frame coupled to the circuit board; an image sensor on the circuit board; a bobbin on the frame, a plurality of lenses being inside the bobbin; a coil wound on the bobbin, the bobbin moving to two directions based on a current applied to the coil; a magnet configured to interact the coil; and a yoke on the frame, the magnet being at an inner side of the yoke, wherein the bobbin moves to a first direction when a forward current is applied to the coil and to a second direction when a reverse current is applied to the coil.

Abstract: An optical system is provided, including a first optical module, a second optical module, and a light-quantity adjustment module. The first optical module, the second optical module, and the light-quantity adjustment module are arranged in a direction of an optical axis. The first optical module and the second optical module are movable in the direction of the optical axis.

Abstract: A lens moving apparatus includes a bobbin adapted to move upward and downward in a first direction, a housing in which the bobbin is accommodated and which is movable upward and downward in the first direction, a cover member accommodating the bobbin and the housing, and a base to which a lower portion of the cover member is coupled, wherein the cover member has an opening formed in an upper face thereof, and is provided at an area thereof surrounding the opening with a first stopper for limiting a distance by which the bobbin moves upward.

Abstract: A vibration type motor includes a limiter configured to limit a distance between a movable guide member and a fixed guide member. The limiter has first, second, and third limiting areas. The first limiting area is disposed between a first roll member and a second roll member in one direction. The second limiting area is disposed on the same side as the second roll member with respect to the first roll member and distant from the second roll member in the one direction. The third limiting area is disposed on an opposite side of the second roll member with respect to the first roll member in the one direction. A length of the first limiting area in another direction orthogonal to the one direction is equal to or longer than that of each of the second limiting area and the third limiting area in the one direction.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging apparatus, an inter-exposure zoom imaging method, a program, and a recording medium capable of performing inter-exposure zoom imaging as intended by a user. The inter-exposure zoom imaging method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a step of setting an imaging mode of inter-exposure zoom imaging by an imaging mode setting unit; a step S14 of setting an end angle of view of the inter-exposure zoom imaging by an end angle of view setting unit; and a step S26 of starting exposure in an imaging element of the inter-exposure zoom imaging (step S18 and step S20) in a case where the imaging mode and the end angle of view of the inter-exposure zoom imaging are set and an imaging instruction is received, and ending the exposure in the imaging element of the inter-exposure zoom imaging at least in a case where an angle of view of a zoom lens zoomed by a manual operation reaches the set end angle of view (step S24), by an exposure controller.

Abstract: A camera microcomputer receives first accessory attribute information of the accessory attribute information through the third communication channel by using a first communication method and then switches from the first communication method to a second communication method different from the first communication method, and controls communication so as to receive second accessory attribute information of the accessory attribute information through the third communication channel by using the second communication method.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes a base, a first lens group disposed in the base, a first body coupled to the first lens group, and a first wheel rotatably coupled to the first body, the first wheel being configured to move the first lens group on the base.

Abstract: A camera module includes first to third lens groups; a first mover configured to move the second lens group in the optical-axis direction; a second mover configured to move the third lens group in the optical-axis direction; a base accommodating the first mover and the second mover; a support ball disposed to be in rolling contact with the first mover, the second mover, and the base, the support ball supporting movement of the first mover and the second mover relative to the base; a driving magnet coupled to each of the first mover and the second mover; and a coil part coupled to the base, the coil part being disposed to face the driving magnet, and wherein an entirety of a surface of the driving magnet that faces the moving coil serves as a first pole.

Abstract: A camera includes a lens-camera communication controller and an adapter-camera communication controller. The camera-lens communication channel includes a first data communication channel used during a data communication and a first notification channel used for a notification of a timing of a communication via the first data communication channel. The camera-adapter communication channel includes a second data communication channel used during the data communication and a second notification channel used for a notification of a timing of a communication via the second data communication channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control device for controlling an imaging device. The control device includes an operation unit configured to be operated by an external force; a detection unit configured to detect an operation state of the operation unit; a processor configured to execute a program to: perform a predetermined operation based on the operation state of the operation unit; and invalidate an execution of the predetermined operation performed by the processor based on the operation state of the operation unit when the imaging device is connected to an object satisfying a condition.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to coupling a permanent magnet (PM) with a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device. In embodiments, an adhesive, such as an epoxy or resin or other adhesive material, can be used to move the PM towards the MEMS device to magnetically couple the PM to the MEMS device. In embodiments, an adhesive that is configured to shrink up on curing can be applied (e.g., using a pick and place tool) to a location between the MEMS device and the PM. As a result of curing, the adhesive can pull the PM towards the MEMS device. In embodiments, an adhesive that is configured to expand as a result of curing can be applied to a location between the PM and a sidewall of the chassis. As a result of curing, the adhesive can push the PM towards the MEMS device. The adhesive can also secure the PM in place.

Abstract: A scanner includes a lens assembly comprising a lens having a lens axis and a positioning system to adjust a focal plane of the lens assembly. The positioning system includes an outer element, an inner element that houses the lens assembly, and a linear-motion bearing that couples the inner element to the outer element. The linear-motion bearing includes a first element coupling and a second element coupling. The linear-motion bearing provides a single degree of translational movement of the inner element along the lens axis.

Abstract: A supporting mechanism includes a mounting assembly, a supporting assembly, and a connection assembly. The mounting assembly is configured to be coupled to a gimbal. The supporting assembly is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary apparatus. The connection assembly includes an assembling member. One end of the assembling member is rotatably connected to the mounting assembly, and another end of the assembling member is movably connected to the supporting assembly. A position of the auxiliary apparatus relative to the gimbal is adjustable by adjusting a position of the supporting assembly and a position of the assembling member relative to the mounting assembly.

Abstract: The optical driver apparatus is detachably attachable to an optical apparatus. The optical apparatus includes a lens operation member operable manually, and a locking mechanism switchable between a locking state of restraining motion of the lens operation member and an unlocking state of releasing the restraint. The optical driver apparatus includes a driver operation member, an actuator configured to move the lens operation member, and a controller configured to control the actuator. The controller is configured to drive the actuator in response to an operation of the driver operation member when the locking mechanism is in the unlocking state and to control the actuator, when the locking mechanism is in the locking state, so as to provide one of a state of not driving the actuator in response to the operation of the driver operation member and a state of performing a warning operation.

Abstract: A MEMS actuator for a compact auto-focus camera module is configured to measure physical values and to estimated values each indicative of position or motion or both of a MEMS component. A smart logic component determines a set of MEMS driver control values based on analyzing the measured physical values and substituting estimated values to more accurately position the MEMS component. A MEMS driver component receives the set of MEMS driver control values and controls the position or motion, or both, of the MEMS component based on the MEMS driver control values.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera module in which a movement of a magnet is controlled by only magnetic force between the magnet and a yoke without a spring for controlling the movement of the magnet which operates up and down. The camera module includes: a lens module; and a main frame supporting the lens module and allowing the lens module to be driven in an optical axis direction, wherein the lens module includes: a lens assembly including a plurality of lenses; and a magnet fixed to one side of the lens module, and the main frame includes: a coil facing the magnet, fixed to one side within the main frame, and generating an electric field as power is applied thereto; and a yoke disposed to face the magnet with the main frame and the coil interposed therebetween and controlling driving of the lens module by attraction with the magnet.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first member including a holding member, the retaining member holding a lens; a second member surrounding the first member; an imaging device arranged opposite to the first member and the lens; and a driving member arranged in a region adjacent to the first member driving the first member in the vertical direction relative to the imaging device. The first member includes at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first outer diameter and the second portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the first and second portions respectively having a first corner and a second corner, the first and second corners respectively having a first cutout portion and a second cutout portion. At least a portion of the driving member is disposed at a region corresponding to the second portion.

Abstract: A Lorentz actuator mechanism, which controls the motion of a mobile component relative to a static component, includes a flat coil assembly which is physically coupled to the mobile component in a magnetic field of one or more magnets and is configured to adjust a position of the mobile component, relative to the static component, based at least in part upon Lorentz forces. The flat coil assembly includes at least one conductor element, at least partially bounded by a set of insulator elements within an interior of the flat coil assembly, which forms a coil structure, within the interior of the flat coil assembly, which is configured to generate the Lorentz forces based at least in part upon an electrical current through the at least one conductor element.

Abstract: When the first electrical conductor overlaps one of the three or more detection electrodes, the one detection electrode and the first electrical conductor are capacitively coupled. When the position of the first electrical conductor has changed in accordance with movement of the operation member, it is determined, based on the capacitance of each of the three or more detection electrodes after the change, that the first electrical conductor has moved in a direction from a first detection electrode judged to have decreased the capacitance to a second detection electrode judged to have increased the capacitance.

Abstract: An image shake correction device capable of reducing a sliding friction force occurring with movement of a movable member, thereby reducing load on a drive unit for driving the movable member and improving the positioning accuracy of the movable member. The movable member of the correction device is supported to be movable in a yaw direction and supported to be pivotable in a pitch direction, and a ball is held between the movable member and a guide groove formed in a stationary member and extending in the yaw direction. When the movable member moves in the yaw direction, the ball rolls along the guide groove. When the movable member pivots in the pitch direction, a contact point where the movable member contacts with the ball functions as a pivotal fulcrum for the movable member.

Abstract: An example device includes first and second oppositely facing cameras and a user interface configured to concurrently display (i) a real time image captured by one of the first and second cameras and (ii) first, second and third buttons. The first button is operable for taking a picture using one of the cameras, the second button is operable for displaying a stored picture, and the third button is operable for switching between the first and second cameras.

Abstract: A method for focusing a film camera, in which at least one auxiliary camera is provided for producing an auxiliary representation of an object to be recorded, from which the desired focus setting is determined and a focusing signal is delivered to the film camera.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a touch panel adapted to receive an instruction entered with a touch operation performed by a user touching his/her finger to a screen, a touch operation detector adapted to detect the touch operation entered through the touch panel, an image acquirer adapted to acquire an image, and an imaging controller adapted to effect control such that the image acquirer acquires the image when the touch operation detector detects a flick operation, as the touch operation, whereby the user lifts his/her finger off the screen of the touch panel after moving the finger over the screen, with the finger kept in contact with the screen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera module in which a movement of a magnet is controlled by only magnetic force between the magnet and a yoke without a spring for controlling the movement of the magnet which operates up and down. The camera module includes: a lens module; and a main frame supporting the lens module and allowing the lens module to be driven in an optical axis direction, wherein the lens module includes: a lens assembly including a plurality of lenses; and a magnet fixed to one side of the lens module, and the main frame includes: a coil facing the magnet, fixed to one side within the main frame, and generating an electric field as power is applied thereto; and a yoke disposed to face the magnet with the main frame and the coil interposed therebetween and controlling driving of the lens module by attraction with the magnet.

Abstract: Disposed are a mobile device capable of capturing images, and a method for controlling the same. The method for controlling a mobile device includes: sensing an image using a camera, and displaying, on a display unit, a virtual button for inputting a capturing command with respect to the sensed image; activating a prescribed function when a first touch is input to the display unit, the first touch starting from a point spaced from the virtual button and reaching the virtual button; and controlling the prescribed function using a second touch consecutive with the first touch, and executing the capturing command when the second touch is released.

Abstract: A display item (SW1 button 314) for instructing imaging preparation and a display item (SW2 button 313) for instructing imaging are individually displayed on a touch panel display 51. When the SW1 button 314 is touched by a touch operation by a photographer, an imaging apparatus 2 is controlled so as to perform an imaging preparation operation. When the SW2 button 313 is touched by a touch operation by the photographer, the imaging apparatus 2 is controlled so as to perform an imaging operation. Further, when the SW1 button 314 is slid so that the SW1 button 314 and the SW2 button 313 overlap, the imaging apparatus 2 is controlled so as to perform an imaging operation.

Abstract: The imaging device includes: a first optical system; a second optical system; a first imaging element configured to convert an optical image of a first shooting range formed by the first optical system into an electrical signal; a second imaging element configured to convert an optical image of a second shooting range formed by the second optical system into an electrical signal; a first focus driving section configured to shift a focus lens of the first optical system to a focus position of a first object in the first shooting range; and a movement prediction section configured to predict movement of an image of a second object in the second shooting range. The first focus driving section shifts the focus lens of the first optical system to a position different from the focus position of the first object, according to a result of the prediction of the movement prediction section.

Abstract: A photography device with anti-shake function for sensing camera shake and moving a lens toward a direction to correct the camera shake when photographing an object so that the object may be clearly photographed. A coil and a magnet are included in the invention, and the coil moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical-axis of the lens as a result of magnetic fields generated by the magnet and the coil when electric power is applied to the coil.

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

Abstract: A camera module according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes a lens holder configured to support a plurality of sheets of lenses, an actuator configured to be arranged at an upper surface of the lens holder, an outermost lens configured to move along an optical axis by the actuator, and a light blocking layer configured to be positioned on a surface of the outermost lens.

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

Abstract: At an inner circumferential surface of a cam frame, second cam grooves and an inner gear are formed. A second lens group frame includes a base, extensions each extending from the base in an optical axis direction, and cam pins each outwardly protruding from a tip end part of a corresponding one of the extensions in a radial direction. In the extension, a stepped part is formed. The stepped part overlaps, when each cam pin moves according to a corresponding one of the second cam grooves, with the inner gear as viewed in the radial direction, and is recessed toward the inside in the radial direction as compared to a tooth tip of the inner gear so as not to overlap with the tooth tip of the inner gear as viewed in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image capturing device and a lens actuating device and a lens actuating method thereof. The lens actuating device comprises a focus lens group, a zoom lens group, a motor and a microcontroller. The focus lens group is arranged for changing a focus point of the image. The zoom lens group is arranged for changing distance of the image. The motor is arranged for driving the movements of the focus lens group and the zoom lens group respectively. The microcontroller is arranged for receiving a plurality of instructions, and controlling the motor at one of a plurality of predetermined speeds according to the instruction received to control the motor to drive the focus lens group or the zoom lens group to perform a focus motion or a zoom motion.

Abstract: At an inner circumferential surface of a cam frame, second cam grooves and an inner gear are formed. A second lens group frame includes a base, extensions each extending from the base in an optical axis direction, and cam pins each outwardly protruding from a tip end part of a corresponding one of the extensions in a radial direction. In the extension, a stepped part is formed. The stepped part overlaps, when each cam pin moves according to a corresponding one of the second cam grooves, with the inner gear as viewed in the radial direction, and is recessed toward the inside in the radial direction as compared to a tooth tip of the inner gear so as not to overlap with the tooth tip of the inner gear as viewed in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A camera module according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes a lens holder configured to support a plurality of sheets of lenses, an actuator configured to be arranged at an upper surface of the lens holder, an outermost lens configured to move along an optical axis by the actuator, and a light blocking layer configured to be positioned on a surface of the outermost lens.

Abstract: Zoom motor noise in a camera audio recording is reduced by detecting activity of the zoom motor, transforming a audio signal into the frequency domain during zoom motor activity, and scaling the frequency domain signal during zoom motor activity in each of a series of frequency bins by a scaling factor derived from a pre-stored zoom motor noise spectrum to produce a processed audio signal in the frequency domain. The processed audio signal is then transformed back to the time domain.

Abstract: The ranging apparatus of the present invention measures the distance to an object to be imaged by an imaging apparatus using the principle of triangulation ranging, and has a measurement unit in which a maximum distance that can be ranged to an object is not less than ½ of a maximum value of the hyper focal length of the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A lens driver having a manually operated ring, rotation detection means for detecting rotation direction and rotating speed of the manually operated ring on the basis of rotation the manually operated ring, a switching means for switching a control mode, on the basis of detection result of the rotation detection means, between a normal control mode in which a lens is driven at normal driving speed depending on rotating speed of the manually operated ring and a high-speed control mode in which the lens is driven at high driving speed which is faster than the normal driving speed, and a driving control means for controlling a driving means so that the lens is driven at the normal driving speed when the normal control mode is set and controlling the driving means so that the lens is driven at the high driving speed when the high-speed control mode is set.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens mountable to a camera body includes a zoom lens configured to adjust an angle of view of a subject image, a driver configured to move the zoom lens in an optical axis direction, a plurality of operating members configured to generate an operation signal for driving the driver according to operation performed by a user, a communication unit configured to receive, from the camera body, setting information for setting valid/invalid of at least one of the plurality of operating members, and a controller configured to control the driver. The controller drives and does not drive the driver based on the operation signal from the operating member having been set to valid and invalid, respectively, by the setting information received through the communication unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes: displaying an image in an orientation of an image capturing device associated with the mobile device rendered during a capture of the image; providing a user interface configured to process a user input for reorienting the image into a second orientation by displaying a thumbnail image of the image and a graphical user interface in a shape of a wheel surrounding the thumbnail image and rotating the thumbnail image to the second orientation when the user input is applied to the graphical user interface in the shape of the wheel to a degree of rotation corresponding to the second orientation; and displaying the image into the second orientation in response to the user input by reorienting the image in the second orientation when the user input applied to the graphical user interface in the shape of the wheel is released.

Abstract: Provided are a lens driving motor and an elastic member of the lens driving motor. The elastic member of a lens driving motor, the elastic member includes a first spring and a second spring. The second spring is different from the first spring and disposed together with the first spring on one side of a carrier to support the carrier. A first lead line of a coil and a first external power source are connected to the first spring, and a second lead line of the coil and a second external power source are connected to the second spring to supply power to the coil. Since the carrier can be assembled to other part after a (+) lead line and a (?) lead line of the coil are connected to the first and second springs, respectively, using solder, a process is simple and convenient.

Abstract: A camera system of this invention includes: a fixed member; a focusing lens; a drive portion that drives the focusing lens; a rotational member to be engaged; an operation ring that can be positioned at a first position and a second position in the optical axis direction; an engagement portion that, when the operation ring is at the second position, causes the rotational member to be engaged and the operation ring to engage with each other; and a control portion that, when the operation ring is at the first position and the operation ring is rotated, drives the focusing lens in accordance with the rotation, and when the operation ring is at the second position, drives the focusing lens in accordance with a relative movement position between the rotational member to be engaged and the fixed member.

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

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus detects a subject based on an image signal output from an image sensing unit and acquires a size of the detected subject. The image pickup apparatus performs an automatic zooming operation such that a zoom lens is driven so as to increase or decrease the size of the subject so that the size of the subject becomes equal to a reference size of the subject. In a case where the difference between the size of the subject and the reference size has increased beyond a predetermined threshold value and the position of the zoom lens has reached a wide angle end or a telephoto end, the image pickup apparatus resets the reference size to be equal to the current size of the subject.