Abstract: Disclosed is a biological recognition lock system including a wireless control lock and a biological recognition host. The wireless control lock includes a lock body and a wireless receiving unit, and the biological recognition host includes a camera unit, an image processing control unit, an image database and a wireless transmitting unit. The image processing control unit electrically connects and controls the camera unit, the image database and the wireless transmitting unit to determine identification so as to wireless open the wireless control lock. The image database includes recognition images for comparison and the camera unit has variable-focus and tracking feature, and includes a camera module, a color filter, an infrared filter and a filter switching part. Thus, the present invention implements a function of biological recognition lock through a face or iris recognition with the color or infrared images.

Abstract: The lens apparatus includes a first operating member rotatable around an optical axis of an optical element so as to move the optical element in an optical-axis direction, a first elastic member configured to press the first operating member, a second elastic member configured to press the first operating member, a second operating member rotatable around the optical axis and movable in the optical-axis direction, and a first interposition provided between the first operating member and the second operating member. When the second operating member is moved in the optical-axis direction, the first interposition is moved in the optical-axis direction without rotating around the optical axis and presses the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

Abstract: Provided is an image capture controlling device including a controlling unit that analyzes a subject of a consecutive zoom shooting on the basis of an image generated before starting the consecutive zoom shooting, the consecutive shooting being performed by repeating a zooming operation and an image capturing operation, and that performs a control to perform the consecutive zoom shooting using a transition condition of a zoom magnification determined on the basis of a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A base member holds a first ring-shaped operating member such that the first ring-shaped operating member can move rectilinearly in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of a lens unit and holds a second ring-shaped operating member such that the second ring-shaped operating member can rotate about the optical axis of the lens unit. When the rotation of the second ring-shaped operating member is not detected by a rotation detection unit, a restricting unit permits rectilinear movement of the first ring-shaped operating member, and when the rotation of the second ring-shaped operating member is detected by the rotation detection unit, the restricting unit restricts the rectilinear movement of the first ring-shaped operating member.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of performing zooming and release operation easily whether the photographer operates with right-handed or left-handed without being lack of design. The image pickup apparatus includes a lens unit, a first ring operation unit that is ring shaped and arranged around the lens unit, a base unit configured to hold the first ring operation unit so that the first ring operation unit is capable of sliding in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens unit, and a first detector configured to detect a slide of the first ring operation unit in the first direction or the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for generating 3D video from a plurality of 2D video streams is provided. A video capture device for capturing video to be transformed into 3D video includes a camera module for capturing a two-dimensional (2D) video stream, a location module for determining a location of the video capture device, an orientation module for determining an orientation of the video capture device, and a processing module for associating additional information with the 2D video stream captured by the camera module, the additional information including the orientation of the video capture device and the location of the video capture device.

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: The present invention discloses an image capturing device and an automatic backlash correction method, comprising: a group of zoom lenses, a storage module and a processing module. The processing module drives the group of zoom lenses moving to a datum point to get the moving step value. The current backlash value is then calculated according to the moving step value and the predetermined step value. Then, the difference value between the current backlash value and the predetermined step value are stored in the storage module. The processing module determines whether the difference value is within an allowable error range. When the difference value is within the allowable error range, the processing module writes the current backlash value into the storage module to replace the backlash compensation value. Therefore, the backlash compensation value of the image capturing device can be corrected automatically to enhance image quality.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image capturing device and an automatic backlash correction method, comprising: a group of zoom lenses, a storage module and a processing module. The processing module drives the group of zoom lenses moving to a datum point to get the moving step value. The current backlash value is then calculated according to the moving step value and the predetermined step value. Then, the difference value between the current backlash value and the predetermined step value are stored in the storage module. The processing module determines whether the difference value is within an allowable error range. When the difference value is within the allowable error range, the processing module writes the current backlash value into the storage module to replace the backlash compensation value. Therefore, the backlash compensation value of the image capturing device can be corrected automatically to enhance image quality.

Abstract: There is provided an interchangeable lens mountable to a camera body. The interchangeable lens includes a zoom lens which can change a field angle of a subject image, a receiving unit for receiving sound pickup property information from the camera body, the sound pickup property information indicating sound pickup property of the camera body, and a lens controller for controlling drive of the zoom lens. The lens controller decides an available driving speed based on the sound collecting property information, the available driving speed being a driving speed settable to the zoom lens.

Abstract: There are provided a camera body capable of operating a drive unit of an interchangeable lens at a low drive sound level, an interchangeable lens, and an imaging apparatus including such a camera body and an interchangeable lens.

Abstract: A positioning system for a miniature electronic device. The positioning system has a first portion including a damper and a second portion connected to the first portion. The second portion positions a payload of the miniature electronic device. The miniature electronic device may be a miniature camera, or other device.

Abstract: A camera (1), in particular in a space vehicle, having a housing (2) which contains at least one optically sensitive exposure surface (7), and a base lens (9), having a first fixed focal length, connected thereto in each case, and which projects on the at least one exposure surface (7) and which is situated on a first optical axis (10) for the exposure surface (7). To provide the camera with various fields of view, in particular for the approach of two satellites toward one another over large distances, at least two afocal supplementary lenses (11, 12) which are each parallel with respect to their optical axes (15, 16) and spaced at a distance from the first optical axis (10) are situated in the housing (2), whose optical paths are alternately coupleable with the aid of a pivotable prism (17), to form further fixed focal lengths in an optical path of the base lens (9).

Abstract: In a mode in which a lens barrel need not be extended, if it is determined that a vibration is larger than a reference value, the lens barrel is driven so as to be retracted to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A focus evaluation value representing a focusing state of a taking lens is repeatedly calculated on the basis of an image signal output from an imaging section of a digital camera, a change in the focus evaluation value generated by the movement of the taking lens is detected, when a predetermined change in the focus evaluation value is detected in manual focusing, at least one of a first mode for continuing manual focusing and a second mode for making the transition to auto-focusing, in which the taking lens is automatically moved, is selected, when the predetermined change in the focus evaluation value is detected in the case in which the second mode is selected, the focusing operation is automatically switched to auto-focusing, whereby the taking lens is automatically moved such that the focus evaluation value is the peak value.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting a reference position, a detection unit for detecting a relative position, and a control unit for outputting a control signal for the optical apparatus after an operation speed of a moveable input member for drive-controlling the optical apparatus becomes equal to or slower than a predetermined speed.

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

Abstract: An imaging pickup apparatus includes a lens module and a motor. The body includes a camera module configured for sensing an image. The motor is configured for driving the lens module to move in increments that are multiple steps of the motor. The multiplier used are “x” and “y” during an auto focus process. The image pickup apparatus includes a preset step number. Initially, the motor drives the lens module to move by increments of “x” steps. When the number of steps moved by the motor is greater than or equal to the preset step number, the motor drives the lens module to move by increment of “y” steps.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a lens apparatus having a zoom lens movable between a telephoto end and a wide-angle end according to the present invention comprises a selecting member which selects a zoom position between the telephoto end and the wide-angle end, a controller which has a drive range limiting function of controlling drive of the zoom lens by using the selected zoom position as a drive end, and a drive range switch member which switches the drive range limiting function between an invalid state and a valid state. The controller drives the zoom lens to the drive end when the drive range limiting function is switched to the valid state.

Abstract: A projector device, includes: a projector unit, including a light source and a projection lens whose focal position is variable, that projects an image upon a projection surface with a light flux outputted from the light source that passes through the projection lens; an image-capturing unit, including a photographic lens whose focal position is variable, that captures an image of a subject with a light flux from the exterior that passes through the photographic lens; and a single drive source that generates drive force for changing both the focal position of the projection lens and the focal position of the photographic lens.

Abstract: Methods for start-up lens. The lens moves from a stowing position to a standby position along an axis, and a reset point, a first turning point, a second turning point, and a third turning point are defined in sequence during the movement. A drive unit rotates at a first angular velocity to drive the lens in a first route, rotates at a second angular velocity to drive the lens in a second route, and rotates at a third angular velocity to drive the lens in a third route.

Abstract: A photographing lens driving control device includes a plurality of lens groups (1A-1C) having a magnification function, a plurality of lens driving devices (4A-4C), which drives the plurality of lens groups, and a control device (5A, 5B), which controls the plurality of lens driving devices, and when driving a lens group (1A) positioned in an object side of the plurality of lens groups, the control device adjusts a driving speed of another lens group (1B) depending on a position of the another lens group with respect to a position of the lens group positioned in the object side.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a zoom optical system including a focusing lens unit, a first cam member that rotates around the optical axis and moves along the optical axis in a magnification-changing operation, the first cam member including a focus cam portion for driving the focusing lens unit, and a speed-changing mechanism that changes the relative rotational speed between the focusing lens unit and the first cam member in accordance with the focal length of the zoom optical system in the magnification-changing operation. The speed-changing mechanism moves along the optical axis in the magnification-changing operation. In addition, the speed-changing mechanism includes a transmission member that is rotatable around the optical axis with respect to the first cam member and that includes a speed-changing cam portion for changing at least one of the rotational speed and the rotational direction of the focusing lens unit.

Abstract: The presentation device 100 comprises a shuttle operation member 170 rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. The shuttle operation member 170 comprises a momentary mechanism, returning automatically to the neutral position when the user releases the hand. When a sub-microprocessor 360 inputs from the shuttle operation member 170 signals representing operating direction and operating angle, on the basis of these signals, it determines a zoom direction and zoom speed, and by giving an instruction to a lens control microprocessor 127 or a picture signal processor IC 300, performs optical zoom or digital zoom. By means of this correction, operability in zoom operations in the presentation device is improved.

Abstract: A lens unit consists of a plurality of lens frames, a stepping motor, and a driving control unit. The plurality of lens frames for holding an imaging optical system lies in a lens barrel and moves over a stowage interval and a zoom interval. The stowage interval is an interval between a position of stowage at which the lens frames are stowed and a ready-to-image position at which imaging is enabled. The zoom interval is an interval over which the ready-to-image position exists and a power varying action is executed. The stepping motor moves the plurality of lens frames. During execution of a thrusting action or storing action, the driving control unit drives and controls the stepping motor in a first driving mode. The thrusting action is executed for moving the plurality of lens frames from the position of stowage to the ready-to-image position. The stowing action is executed for moving the lens frames from any position within the zoom interval to the position of stowage.

Abstract: An image forming device for forming an image on an image forming object by irradiating the image forming object with a luminous flux corresponding to the image, the image forming device including: a lens having a zoom lens and a focus lens; a driving system; a position sensor; a controlling circuit; and a memory. When the controlling circuit receives a first command, the controlling circuit sets the target values, controls the driving system using the set target values, and performs control to record the respective positions detected by the position sensor in timing of ending the controlling of the driving system in the memory as a first adjustment value. When the controlling circuit receives a second command to read contents of the memory, the controlling circuit reads the first adjustment value from the memory, and controls the driving system using the first adjustment value as the target values.

Abstract: In a camera, a zoom lens and focus lens are driven to predetermined positions corresponding to a zoom magnification factor to be changed upon a demand for altering the zoom magnification factor. During a zooming operation after the camera has been brought into focus by an auto-focusing function, driving rates of the zoom lens and focus lens are controlled in each of zoom intervals to set driving times required to drive the zoom lens and focus lens to positions corresponding to the next zoom magnification factor to the quickest zoom driving time Tz of the zoom lens and the longer driving time among the quickest focus driving times Tfa, Tfb of the focus lens corresponding to object distances.

Abstract: Usability of device is improved for an imaging device that images a target object mounted on a table. In order to hold a camera head 120 and an illumination unit 130 with respect to a table 110 on which a target object is mounted, an imaging device 100 coaxially and rotatably supports a camera head holding arm 140 and an illumination unit holding arm 150 at an elevated portion 118, which is located at an inner-left corner of the table 110, such that degrees of inclinations of the arms may be variable with respect to the table 110. The arms are rotatably and axially supported at the elevated portion 118 such that the camera holding arm 140 can rotate with an accompanying rotation of the illumination unit holding arm 150 and the illumination unit holding arm 150 can rotate independently with no accompanying rotation of the camera holding arm 140.

Abstract: A lens moving mechanism which includes a moving lens for zooming or focusing; a lens holder holding the moving lens in a lens-barrel, and being supported freely movably into an optical axis direction of the moving lens; a guide shaft guiding the lens holder into the optical axis direction of the moving lens when the lens holder moves; a drive magnet attached to the lens holder; a drive coil fixed to the lens-barrel with at least part of the drive coil opposed to the drive magnet and giving an impelling force into the optical axis direction to the lens holder by being electrified; and a magnetic body fixed to the lens-barrel and located to oppose to the drive magnet on an opposite side of the drive magnet with at least a part of the drive coil put between the magnetic body and the drive magnet, and attracting the drive magnet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device including an optical member, a memory unit for storing preset driving information about driving of the optical member, a driving unit for driving the optical member, an operation unit having an operation member, and a control unit for performing drive control of the driving unit. The control unit changes the preset driving information in accordance with the operation of the operation unit.

Abstract: A unit for inputting a set value of a braking characteristic near the end of a zooming operation area, and a storage unit for storing an initial set value are provided for a servo module (lens drive device), and the servo module can change the settings of the braking characteristic. The servo module is detachably mounted to a lens device body and contains a CPU, and is provided with A/D converters for A/D converting an analog control signal and a lens position signal for focus and zoom from the lens device body, and a digital signal communications interface. A parameter value of the braking characteristic can be changed by operating a switch unit. Memory stores an initial set value of the braking characteristic, and the initial set value can be restored as necessary. In addition, an indicator (lens status display portion) mounted in the lens device body is used as a unit for checking the parameter value of the braking characteristic.

Abstract: An optical apparatus capable of reducing processing burden on the controller and achieving high-speed driving and improvement of the resolution of stop positions of an optical element. The optical apparatus includes a drive unit that drives the optical element, an operation member manually operated to instruct driving of the optical element and a signal output unit that outputs a signal that varies periodically according to the operation of the operation member. The controller determines the operation speed of the operation member based on the signal from the signal output unit, and chooses whether to control the drive unit according to the operation speed based on a count of periodic variations of the signal from the signal output unit, or to control the drive unit based on a value of the signal from the signal output unit.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus for controlling the position of a focusing lens includes a rotary operation member, a detector, having a rotary encoder coupled with the rotary operation member, which detects the amount of rotation per unit time of the rotary operation member by counting the number of pulses per unit time outputted from the rotary encoder, and a conversion circuit for converting a detection output of the detector into a signal indicative of the position of the focusing lens. Further, the lens control apparatus is provided with a control characteristic changing circuit for changing a control characteristic of the lens.

Abstract: The drive controlling apparatus has a memory of storing preset drive information of each of the optical adjusting members, and a controller for performing a preset drive control for controlling the drive of each of the optical adjusting members on the basis of the preset drive information. The controller performs the preset drive control so as to include the state in which the plurality of optical adjusting members are simultaneously driven. Furthermore, the drive controlling apparatus has a selection member being operated for selecting a set condition of the drive speed of the plurality of optical adjusting members out of a plurality of set conditions. The controller sets the drive speed in the preset drive control in accordance with the set conditions selected with the selection member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device including an optical member, a driving member for driving the optical member, a storage member for storing preset information about driving of the optical member, an information write device for writing the preset information in the storage member from the outside of the optical device, and a control member for performing driving control of the driving member. The control member performs preset driving control of the driving member on the basis of the preset information stored in the storage member.

Abstract: An optical driving unit is disclosed, which is equipped with a function for moving an optical adjustment member by servo-driving to a stored position, wherein the optical adjustment member is not moved against the operator's intent after manual driving while that function is being carried out. The optical driving unit includes a driving mechanism that allows servo-driving and manual driving of the optical adjustment member, and that allows manual driving of the optical adjustment member during servo-driving without necessitating a switching operation. It also includes a storage circuit that stores at least one driving position of the optical adjustment member, and a control circuit that performs preset driving control through which the optical adjustment member is servo-driven to the driving position stored in the storage circuit. The control circuit aborts the preset driving control if manual driving of the optical adjustment member is detected during the preset driving control.

Abstract: An optical driving unit is disclosed, which is equipped with a function for moving an optical adjustment member by servo-driving to a stored position, wherein the optical adjustment member is not moved against the operator's intent after manual driving while that function is being carried out. The optical driving unit includes a driving mechanism that allows servo-driving and manual driving of the optical adjustment member, and that allows manual driving of the optical adjustment member during servo-driving without necessitating a switching operation. It also includes a storage circuit that stores at least one driving position of the optical adjustment member, and a control circuit that performs preset driving control through which the optical adjustment member is servo-driven to the driving position stored in the storage circuit. The control circuit aborts the preset driving control if manual driving of the optical adjustment member is detected during the preset driving control.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical apparatus comprising an optical member constituting the optical apparatus, memory means for memorizing preset information, control means for selectively executing preset drive controls of plural kinds utilizing the preset information memorized in the memory means, in response to a memory instructing operation for the optical member, and memory instructing operation means to be used in common for the memory instruction operation for the preset drive controls of the plural kinds.

Abstract: A technique that allows the shared use of a zoom lens barrel in a camera having plural zoom specifications with low cost, the camera having an optical zoom system with a variable focal length from the wide-angle end to telephoto end by moving the zoom lens barrel from the wide-angle end to telephoto end. The camera has a zoom lens barrel for changing the focal length of a photographic optical system, a zooming part for driving the zoom lens barrel, a pulse generator part for generating pulse signals according to the movement of the zoom lens barrel, a counter part for increasing or decreasing the pulse number of the pulse signals according to the moving direction of the zoom lens barrel, a position detection part for detecting that the zoom lens barrel is at plural certain positions, and a control part for controlling the zooming part to prevent the zoom lens barrel from moving beyond the zoom limit.

Abstract: A lens control unit is provided in which a position of an operating member for operating a zoom position or a focus position of a lens unit is moved by following the actual zoom position or the focus position of the lens unit in the case where a shot function for instantly reproducing the zoom position and the focus position of the lens unit that are stored beforehand is executed, thereby the operating member can control the zoom or focus of the lens unit with the zoom position or focus position that is moved by the shot function as the origins. A lens operation screen is displayed on a monitor of a personal computer, which is connected to the lens unit. A manual operation screen and a shot operation screen are displayed on the lens operation screen. Zoom, focus, iris and extender of the lens unit are manually operated in the manual operation screen. In the shot operation screen, the shot function is executed to move the zoom and focus of the lens unit to positions that are registered beforehand.

Abstract: An optical apparatus has an operation member for permitting a first operation and a second operation; a position detector for detecting a position of an optical element; a target position setting device for permitting arbitrary setting of a target position in driving of the optical element; and a control for controlling the driving of the optical element. The control stores the position of the optical element detected by the position detector and drives the optical element to the target position set by the target position setting device, in response to the first operation of the operation member, and the control drives the optical element to the stored position of the optical element detected by the position detector, in response to the second operation of the operation member.

Abstract: When a constant rate switch is pressed during the operation of a seesaw switch, an output voltage of a potentiometer in the seesaw switch is stored in a condenser and a command from the seesaw switch is invalidated. The output voltage of the potentiometer when the constant switch is operated is input to an operational amplifier, and a zoom drive motor is run at a constant rate to maintain the zoom rate which has been controlled by the seesaw switch. There may be provided a function which reduces the rate in proximity to the telephoto end or the wide end, and the constant switch may also serve as another switch means such as a return switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zoom lens having a controller which controls driving of a zoom portion, based on input of zoom control information, and which controls driving of the zoom portion while calculating a target drive state (zoom position) of the zoom portion in order to effect correction for variation in an angle of view with driving of a focus portion. In the present invention the lens of this type is constructed to determine whether the input of the zoom control information is information about the target drive state of the zoom portion (for example, whether the zoom control information is information about the zoom drive state of the zoom portion or information about driving speed of the zoom portion).

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device including an optical member, a memory unit for storing preset driving information about driving of the optical member, a driving unit for driving the optical member, an operation unit having an operation member, and a control unit for performing drive control of the driving unit. The control unit changes the preset driving information in accordance with the operation of the operation unit.

Abstract: A lens controlling apparatus includes a lens-driving stepping motor, a driving current forming circuit for forming a driving current waveform to be supplied to the stepping motor, an inputting circuit for inputting a stop instruction to stop the lens-driving stepping motor, a stopping circuit for performing the operation of stopping the stepping motor in accordance with the stop instruction, a phase detecting circuit for detecting the phase of the driving current waveform to be supplied to the stepping motor, and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the stop instruction from being executed except when the phase of the driving current waveform detected by the phase detecting circuit is a predetermined phase.

Abstract: A lens control device which uses a zoom lens in which the state of marginal light quantity varies according to each focal length is arranged to compensate for a variation in marginal light quantity during zooming by detecting the focal length and controlling a maximum aperture diameter of an iris.

Abstract: If a seesaw switch and a quick zoom switch means are operated concurrently, the seesaw switch takes priority. If the quick zoom switch is operated by mistake while the seesaw switch is operated, the operation of the quick zoom switch is invalidated. The seesaw switch continues the operation without suspending the photography. While the seesaw switch is operated, the taking lens is moved with a set maximum zoom rate being the upper limit. When the taking lens moves in accordance with the operation of the quick zoom switch, the set maximum rate is cancelled so that the taking lens can be zoomed at a preset zoom rate. Consequently, the zooming is performed quickly in accordance with the operation of the quick zoom switch.

Abstract: In order to connect a stepping motor driven type camera unit to a camera control unit intended for a DC motor driven type camera apparatus, a camera system includes a lens block provided with a stepping motor for adjusting lens operation, an A/D conversion block for converting a DC control signal ranging from positive to negative polarity into a digital signal to be outputted, a shift direction/velocity calculation block which generates and outputs data on lens shift direction and velocity according to the digital signal from the A/D conversion block, and a pulse signal generation block for outputting a pulse signal according to the data from the shift direction/velocity calculation block.

Abstract: A position controlling device in a lens system with a variable focal length with high-precision focusing having a small amount of required recorded information, even when there are large number of divisions of the object distance and of the focal length includes a distance measuring device that detects the object position and transmits photographic distance information. A detecting device detects the movement amount from a standard position of the movable lens group of the lens system when the focal length of the lens system changes. A calculating device calculates the required movement of the focusing lens unit of the lens system, based on the photographic distance information and the movement amount of the movable lens unit. Finally, a controlling device drives the focusing lens unit and performs focusing, based on the required movement calculated by the calculating device. The movable lens unit moves monotonically to the object side or to an image side when the focal length of the lens system is changed.