Abstract: A lens driving actuator includes an upper cover having an opening for passing light, a lens barrel arranged in the upper cover and including a light-transmitting lens, a driving pin formed on an outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel, a driving cam member formed to cover the outer circumference of the lens barrel, and having a cam groove that engages with the driving pin, and a driving source configured to supply a driving force to a gear formed in the driving cam member. When the driving cam member rotates along the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel, the driving pin is guided by the cam groove, and the lens barrel moves in an optical-axis direction with respect to the upper cover.

Abstract: Provided is an optical apparatus including: an optical member; a focus motor configured to move the optical member; a lens CPU configured to control the focus motor; an MF ring including a reflection portion and a low reflection portion having a reflectance lower than a reflectance of the reflection portion, and a photo-reflector configured to receive light reflected by the reflection portion, wherein the lens CPU is configured to control the focus motor based on output from the photo-reflector, and the reflection portion has conductivity.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens barrel body, an imaging optical system, a focus ring, a diaphragm operation ring, and a sensor. The sensor includes a code board and first and second contact brushes. The code board is provided on the inner peripheral side of the diaphragm operation ring. The first and second contact brushes are provided on the outer peripheral side of the lens barrel body, and include a plurality of conductive contacts sliding on the code board in accordance with the rotation of the diaphragm operation ring. Signals are acquired from the conductive contacts of the first and second contact brushes and the rotational position of the diaphragm operation ring is detected.

Abstract: Provided are a camera system, a camera body, a lens unit, a stop adjustment method, and a program that allow a user to change a sort order of a single auto indication and a plurality of aperture values. The camera system includes: a lens unit that includes a stop ring selecting a single auto indication corresponding to an auto mode and a plurality of aperture values corresponding to a manual mode in accordance with a rotational angle; and a camera body on which the lens unit can be interchangeably mounted. The camera body includes a display section which is capable of rewriting a sort order of the single auto indication and the plurality of aperture values, and a camera control section which executes a change mode for changing a sort order of the plurality of aperture values and the single auto indication corresponding to the rotational angle of the stop ring.

Abstract: An image photographing apparatus and a photographing method thereof are provided. The image photographing apparatus includes two rotatable cameras spaced apart from each other in the same direction, and a controller configured to calculate a distance between the image photographing apparatus and an object, and to control at least one of the two rotatable cameras to rotate according to a viewing angle corresponding to the calculated distance.

Abstract: There is provided a lens device that prevents dust from entering a space in which a movable lens is moved. A movable lens is moved in the direction of an optical axis. A holding member, which extends in the direction of the optical axis, is formed at an end portion of the movable lens. A magnet is fixed to an end portion of the holding member. A hall IC is disposed in a closed storage space at a position facing the magnet. A signal, which corresponds to the position of the magnet in the direction of the optical axis, is output from the hall IC. Since the hall IC is disposed in the storage space closed by a storage box, the entry of dust, which is caused by the hall IC, into a space in which the movable lens is moved is prevented.

Abstract: A lens control device incorporated in a lens device 10A is equipped with a first zoom position sending unit for sending a zoom position signal indicating a zoom position of the first lens device 10A to a lens device 10B; a second zoom position sending unit for sending an adjusted zoom position signal for zoom position adjustment of the lens device 10B to the lens device 10B; a zoom storage unit for storing zoom adjustment information in which a zoom position adjustment amount indicated by the adjusted zoom position signal is correlated with the zoom position of the lens device 10A; and a third zoom position sending unit for sending a zoom position signal for the lens device 10B on the basis of the zoom adjustment information in response to a zoom manipulation signal indicating a zoom manipulation on the lens device 10A.

Abstract: A camera module may include: a frame having an opening formed therein; an auto-focusing unit mounted on the frame; and a position adjusting part formed in the auto-focusing unit. A distance from an optical axis to the position adjusting part may be smaller than a distance from the optical axis to the opening.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a first zoom/focus lens group and a second zoom/focus lens group configured to respectively vary a focal distance and imaging distance by moving in an optical axis, a first actuator configured to drive the first zoom/focus lens group, and a second actuator configured to drive the second zoom/focus lens group.

Abstract: A driving device includes: a driving state detection unit which detects a driving state of a driving unit which drives a driving target; and a control unit which performs a first control for driving the driving unit for an amount based on the driving state of the driving unit detected by the driving state detection unit and a second control for driving the driving unit for a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images. The apparatus includes a camera unit configured to capture images of target objects, and a processing unit configured to control the apparatus to detect close-up photography conditions, and to automatically zoom said camera unit in response to said detection.

Abstract: A lens device includes a movable optical element, a rotary member; first and second magnetic recording scales fixedly disposed on an outer periphery of the rotary member to extend along a peripheral direction of the rotary member; a signal detecting unit which detects first to fourth signals; and a position detecting unit which detects a position of the movable optical element based on the detected signals, in which the position detecting unit includes: a phase difference calculating unit which calculates a phase difference between the first signal and the third signal, based on the detected first to fourth signals for one cycle; a phase average calculating unit which calculates an average of the phase differences respectively calculated for n cycles; and an absolute position detecting unit which detects an absolute position of the movable optical element based on the calculated average.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic encoder that is stable relative to an outside force and has only small variation of a gap between a magnetic sensor and a magnetic medium. The magnetic encoder includes a magnetic medium placed on a first member and a magnetic sensor placed on the second member, the first and second member for moving relative to each other. The magnetic sensor includes a sensor substrate, a sensor holding plate for holding the sensor substrate, and a wire for extracting a signal from the magneto-resistive element to outside. The sensor holding plate includes a fixing portion for fixing the sensor holding plate to the second member, a sensor holding member for holding the sensor substrate, and a plurality of arm portions provided in the relative movement direction with the sensor holding member in-between and extending from the fixing portion to constitute a cantilever.

Abstract: Provided is a driving apparatus for driving a movable optical member, the driving apparatus being removably attached to a lens barrel, the driving apparatus including: a rotary absolute position detector detecting a position of which the movable optical member, the rotary absolute position detector outputting an output value having a unique value with respect to a rotation angle within a range of a single rotation, and the output value having a point of discontinuity at which the output value is discontinuous every single rotation; and a controller performing boundary processing that handles the output value, corresponding to a driving range of the movable optical member, of the rotary absolute position detector having the point of discontinuity as a continuous value.

Abstract: A first lens device (10A) for 3D image taking and a second lens device (10B) which is made usable for 3D image taking when connected to the first lens device are used. A common zoom range of the first lens device and the second lens device is set. Common brightness control ranges of the first lens device and the second lens device are set at respective focal lengths included in the common zoom range. A zoom position signal corresponding to a target focal length of the first lens device included in the common zoom range and a brightness control signal corresponding to target brightness of the first lens device at the target focal length included in the common brightness control range is sent from the first lens device to the second lens device.

Abstract: An image taking system including: a lens apparatus; a first and a second operating apparatus, the first and the second operating apparatus configured to output a command information for an optical member movable in the lens apparatus, and the lens apparatus includes: a driving unit for the optical member; and a lens controller for driving the optical member based on a command from the first and the second operating apparatus, wherein the first operating apparatus includes: an operating unit; and a demand controller for outputting, to the lens controller, an information for driving the optical member, and wherein the demand controller outputs a position command information for the optical member to the lens controller when the operating unit being operated, and outputs other information for the optical member to the lens controller when the operating unit not being operated.

Abstract: A motor control device includes a counter that counts pulses output from a one-phase encoder according to rotation of a DC motor, and a controller that recognizes rotation number of the DC motor based on the number of pulses counted by the counter. After the DC motor is braked, the controller starts applying a predetermined voltage to the DC motor at first timing before the DC motor stops, and stops applying the predetermined voltage at second timing after the DC motor stops. The controller subtracts the number of pulses generated after the second timing from a value counted by the counter. The predetermined voltage is lower than a lowest voltage necessary for driving a driven object, and is higher than a lowest voltage necessary for rotating the DC motor against an attracting force between a magnet and a coil in the DC motor.

Abstract: A first lens device (10A) for 3D image taking and a second lens device (10B) which is made usable for 3D image taking when connected to the first lens device are used. A common zoom range of the first lens device and the second lens device is set. Common brightness control ranges of the first lens device and the second lens device are set at respective focal lengths included in the common zoom range. A zoom position signal corresponding to a target focal length of the first lens device included in the common zoom range and a brightness control signal corresponding to target brightness of the first lens device at the target focal length included in the common brightness control range is sent from the first lens device to the second lens device.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to electromagnetic force generation for an imaging device having a small form factor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus that determines in-focus conditions according to a user's taste by using auto-focus (AF). The imaging apparatus including an AF unit, that allows the user to input an in-focus operation start command, and that allows the user to input a main photographing start command. The imaging apparatus includes a photographing environment storing unit that stores photographing stop and start data, an assumed in-focus condition group generating unit that generates an assumed in-focus condition group based on at least the photographing stop data, an assumption confirming unit that confirms the assumed in-focus condition group, and an in-focus condition group changing unit that, if an in-focus success rate for the assumed in-focus condition group is higher than for the default in-focus condition group, changes the default in-focus condition group to the assumed in-focus condition group.

Abstract: A lens device includes a main body unit, a guiding shaft unit, a lens unit, a focus adjusting unit and a resilient component. The guiding shaft unit includes three parallel guiding shafts disposed in the main body unit. The lens unit includes a lens frame disposed in the main body unit and having three guiding portions that receive slidably and respectively the guiding shafts, and a lens mounted co-movably in the lens frame. The focus adjusting unit is disposed in the main body unit and includes a driven member abutting against the lens frame and driven by a driving member for driving the lens unit to slide along the guiding shafts. The resilient component is disposed for biasing resiliently the lens frame toward the driven member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a ball turret assembly for supporting a camera includes a first shaft rotatable about a first axis relative to a first fixed point, the first shaft having an axially-extending interior region in communication with an exterior of the first shaft by way of a first exit port. A first guide disposed at least partially circumferentially on the first shaft proximally to the first exit port is provided, and a cable extends along the interior region of the first shaft and exits the first shaft at the first exit port, the cable looping at least partially around the first shaft and affixed at the first fixed point.

Abstract: There is provided a position detection device including a first detection sensor that operates in a predetermined direction, outputs a continuously increasing or decreasing signal, and detects an absolute position of a movable lens moved in an optical axis direction, and a second detection sensor that operates in the predetermined direction, outputs a periodically and continuously changing signal, and detects a relative position of the movable lens. The first detection sensor and the second detection sensor operate at different operation speeds.

Abstract: A movement signal generation apparatus is disclosed which can convert an analog position signal of an optical adjustment unit into digital signals representing a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit and output the digital signals. The movement signal generation apparatus includes an analog signal output section which outputs an analog signal in accordance with the position of the optical adjustment unit, and a digital signal generation section which generates two digital signals in accordance with a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit based on the analog signal.

Abstract: An image capture device of the present invention includes: a zoom lens being caused by the operation of the zoom mechanism to move along the optical axis; an information acquisition part which acquires information about the amount of movement determined by the amount of movement of the zoom lens; a power supply part which supplies power to the information acquisition part; a controller which controls power supply; and a state detection part which detects a specific halt state in which the zoom mechanism stops the movement of the zoom lens when the zoom mechanism is in a predetermined operating position, the predetermined operating position being such that the zoom lens hardly changes its position despite the action of external force. The controller stops power supply from the power supply part to the information acquisition part when the state detection part detects the specific halt state.

Abstract: As imaging devices are miniaturized, and optical devices are miniaturized, lens moving mechanisms are also miniaturized. Thus, position sensors for them are required to be miniaturized and have high accuracy at low cost. A magnet of a pillar shape and a yoke which move in the X axis direction with respect to a magnetic field detection element are provided, and a shape of a cross section of the yoke which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the magnet changes along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of lenses movable along an optical axis, a plurality of drivers configured to drive the plurality of lenses, respectively, and a synchronism loss detector configured to detect a loss of synchronism of one of the plurality of drivers. The one of the plurality of drivers is a driver that drives a lens which is heaviest in the plurality of lenses.

Abstract: A method of driving a lens barrel includes detecting a movement detection signal that indicates an operation of the lens barrel which operates using a stepping motor; determining a limit time during which movement of a lens barrel component is detected based on the movement detection signal; detecting the movement from the movement detection signal; and changing a driving level of the stepping motor from a first driving level to a second driving level when movement of the lens barrel component is not detected from the movement detection signal within the limit time, wherein torque of the second driving level is greater than torque of the first driving level.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of lenses movable along an optical axis, a plurality of drivers configured to drive the plurality of lenses, respectively, and a synchronism loss detector configured to detect a loss of synchronism of one of the plurality of drivers. The one of the plurality of drivers is a driver that drives a lens which is heaviest in the plurality of lenses.

Abstract: Systems and methods to achieve an auto-focus camera with a movable lens barrel having a mechanic shock detection capability combined with a re-initialization of the camera module have been disclosed. This re-initialization may comprise moving the lens barrel displaced by the shock to a home position. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a motor with integrated position detection has been used. In a normal operation the position detection feature senses the actual position of the lens, e.g. during auto-focusing of the lens barrel, and provides this position information to a control unit which is controlling the movement of the lens barrel to a target position. In case of a mechanic shock, e.g. if the camera module drops to ground, the control unit detects an extreme rapid displacement of the lens barrel and initiates a re-initialization of the camera module.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of lenses movable along an optical axis, a plurality of drivers configured to drive the plurality of lenses, respectively, and a synchronizm loss detector configured to detect a loss of synchronizm of one of the plurality of drivers. The one of the plurality of drivers is a driver that drives a lens which is heaviest in the plurality of lenses.

Abstract: A system and method provide interactive techniques for sharing digital photos, in which a user of a portable electronic device may seek out a location at which another electronic device was used to capture a photo. The captured image may then be displayed on a display of the user's electronic device by superimposing the photo on the display while the display functions as an electronic viewfinder for a camera assembly of the electronic device. The viewing of another person's photos is made to be an interactive and entertaining experience. The disclosed techniques combine the user's “real world” presence (e.g., location and viewing perspective) with the previously captured photo to create a fun and exciting experience that also may serve as a trigger for communication between the user and the person who took the photo.

Abstract: A lens position detecting device 200 has a position detecting magnet 202, a magnetic force detecting sensor 204, a positional information generating means 206, etc. The position detecting magnet 202 is mounted on a rear surface of a lens holder frame 1460. The magnetic force detecting sensor 204 serves to generate a detected signal having a magnitude depending on the intensity of a magnetic force generated from the magnetic poles of the position detecting magnet 202. The magnetic force detecting sensor 204 is disposed on a straight line that passes through the position detecting magnet 202 parallel to the optical axis. The magnetic force detecting sensor 204 outputs a detected signal having a voltage corresponding (proportional) to the intensity of the magnetic force. An amplifying circuit 208 of a positional information generating means 206 amplifies the detected signal Ss from the magnetic force detecting sensor 204.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image pickup apparatus for capturing a three-dimensional image which includes a left-eye image and a right-eye image includes: a first imaging unit having a first optical system and operable to take the left-eye image; a second imaging unit having a second optical system and operable to take the right-eye image; and a controller operable to control the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. The first optical system and the second optical system individually include a convergence angle changing unit capable of optically changing a convergence angle and a focal length changing unit capable of optically changing a focal length. The controller, when controlling the focal length changing unit to change the focal length, controls the convergence angle changing unit based on a predetermined constant convergence angle tracking curve to keep the convergence angle constant before and after the change of the focal length.

Abstract: A position detector (3) capable of obtaining an output having a linearity in a wide range includes: a magnetic field generating member (11) attached to a movable member (10) movable in a predetermined movable direction (x); and magnetic field detection means (12) for detecting a magnetic field change caused by movement of the magnetic field generating member (11). The magnetic field generating member (11) includes an N-pole portion (13) magnetized into N-pole, an S-pole portion (14) magnetized into S-pole arranged in the movable direction with the N-pole portion (13), and a non-magnetized portion (15) not magnetized between the N-pole portion (13) and the S-pole portion (14).

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: An image capture device of the present invention includes: a zoom lens being caused by the operation of the zoom mechanism to move along the optical axis; an information acquisition part which acquires information about the amount of movement determined by the amount of movement of the zoom lens; a power supply part which supplies power to the information acquisition part; a controller which controls power supply; and a state detection part which detects a specific halt state in which the zoom mechanism stops the movement of the zoom lens when the zoom mechanism is in a predetermined operating position, the predetermined operating position being such that the zoom lens hardly changes its position despite the action of external force. The controller stops power supply from the power supply part to the information acquisition part when the state detection part detects the specific halt state.

Abstract: A lens position detector for detecting a position of a movable lens group in an optical axis direction includes a manual operating ring, a rotation of the manual operating ring causing the movable lens group to move in the optical axis direction; a code plate installed in a barrel; and a conductive brush fixed to the manual operating ring, the rotation of the manual operating ring causing relative rotational sliding between the conductive brush and the code plate. A surface of the code plate with which the conductive brush is in sliding contact is inclined to a plane orthogonal to the optical axis at an angle of inclination substantially equal to a lead angle of male and female screw threads engaged with each other which are formed on the manual operating ring and the ring member, respectively.

Abstract: A sensor mounting structure for mounting sensors onto sensor mounting portions formed on a case body includes: an elastically deformable mounting flat spring mounted on the case body so as to cover outer surface part of the case body, allowing the sensors to be mounted on the sensor mounting portions by pressing the sensors from outside. The mounting flat spring includes sensor pressing portions for pressing the sensors, a pair of pressed portions being pressed in directions nearing each other from outer surface sides by predetermined members, and engaging portions for engaging with the case body in a direction orthogonal to the directions in which the pressed portions are pressed.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes: a zoom motor which drives a target object of a retractable zoom lens drive mechanism; a driver for the zoom motor; a reference position detector detecting reference positions of the target object by using edges provided by each of two reset sensors; a position determination section determining as to a current position of the target object based on a current combination of outputs of the two reset sensors, a history of past outputs of the two reset sensors, and a driving direction of the target object; and a controller controlling drive of the zoom motor so as to drive the target object in a direction in which an arbitrary edge at one of the reference positions exists, in accordance with a determination result of the current position of the target object.

Abstract: AF lens position determination systems and methods. The system comprises an anti-dazzling screen, a sensor and a processing module. The anti-dazzling screen comprises first and second areas. The length of a respective covered sub-area in the first area is a first distance, and the length of a respective uncovered sub-area in the first area increases progressively from the center to a first border of the anti-dazzling screen. The length of a respective uncovered sub-area in the second area is a second distance, and the length of a respective covered sub-area in the second area increases progressively from the center to a second border of the anti-dazzling screen. The sensor moves within a range, and generates high and low signals based on the anti-dazzling screen. The processing module determines the position of an AF lens according to the signals generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A lens driving device has first and second driving units for moving first and second lens holders supporting first and second sets of lens elements in an optical axis direction, respectively. The first and second driving units each have a motor, a gear fitted around an output shaft of the motor, a lead screw rotated by the gear, and a nut fitted around the lead screw. The output shafts of the first and second motors overlap each other in their axial direction. The first and second driving units move the first and second lens holders in the optical axis direction via the respective nuts moving in the optical axis direction. An image pickup plane side end face of the motor of the first driving unit is positioned more to the image pickup plane side than a position most to the subject side of the second lens holder is.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens holder (10), a lens module (20), a position detecting mechanism (30), and an image pick-up module (50). The lens holder has a recessed portion axially defined in an inner periphery thereof adjacent one end thereof. The lens module is axially movably received in the lens holder. The position detecting mechanism includes a light source (32) disposed in the periphery of the lens holder opposite to the recessed portion to emit a light, and a photo-detector (34) securely received in the recessed portion, and a processor (36). The photo-detector has a plurality of photo-detector components (342) arranged in the recessed portion parallel to each other so that each can separately receive the lights from the light source and transform the light into an electrical signal. The processor is electrically connected with each photo-detector component for transforming the electrical signal into an output signal.

Abstract: A lens adjusting device includes a moveable lens supporting portion; a displacement arrangement that displaces the lens supporting portion, where the displacement arrangement generates a signal corresponding to movement, of the lens supporting portion, associated with an acceleration event; a device that compares the signal to a pre-defined threshold level of acceleration; and a protection arrangement to be activated to protect the lens supporting portion when a result of the comparison indicates that the pre-defined threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging element that receives a subject light flux from an imaging lens that forms a subject image, and converts the subject light flux to an electrical signal; and a control device that selects one of first imaging preparatory processing for executing imaging preparatory processing based upon an output signal from the imaging element and second imaging preparatory processing for executing imaging preparatory processing based upon an output signal from a light receiving element other than the imaging element in correspondence to an extent of decentering of the imaging lens.

Abstract: A lens tube includes a lens guiding frame, a main unit, and a position detecting device. The lens guiding frame holds a zoom lens. The main unit holds the lens guiding frame to be movable in a direction of an optical axis with the zoom lens. The position detecting device detects a position of the zoom lens held in the main unit. The position detecting device includes an optical sensor and a detection target member. The detection target member includes a sensor cut unit and a sensor cover unit. The sensor cut unit is detected by the optical sensor. The sensor cover unit covers the optical sensor and the sensor cut unit during the detection.

Abstract: A movement signal generation apparatus is disclosed which can convert an analog position signal of an optical adjustment unit into digital signals representing a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit and output the digital signals. The movement signal generation apparatus includes an analog signal output section which outputs an analog signal in accordance with the position of the optical adjustment unit, and a digital signal generation section which generates two digital signals in accordance with a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit based on the analog signal.

Abstract: An exemplary camera module includes a lens holder (10), a lens module (20), a position detecting mechanism (30), and an image pick-up module (40). The lens module includes a lens barrel (22) and one lens received in the lens barrel. The lens barrel is axially movable received in the lens holder. The position detecting mechanism includes a conductive strip (32) disposed on outer periphery of the lens barrel along an axial direction, a number of conductive terminals (36), a number of electrical sources (34), and a processor (38). The conductive terminals are securely arranged on an inner periphery of the lens holder parallel to each other. A cathode of each electrical source is electrically connected to a corresponding conductive terminal. The processor is electrically connected with an anode of each electrical source. The image pick-up module is arranged so as to receive the light from the lens module.

Abstract: A collapsible type optical unit is described that is capable of moving its optical system between a working position and a retracted position as well as an image-pickup apparatus including the optical unit. The optical unit and the image-pickup apparatus are capable of acquiring lens-position information by detecting a position of a lens barrel supported to be movable with respect to a fixed barrel. The collapsible type optical unit includes a second group lens frame movable along a direction of its optical axis with respect to a fixed ring and rear barrel, and a solid-state image-pickup device provided behind the second group lens frame, in which on the movable second group lens frame, a position-detecting means for detecting a position of the second group lens frame is provided.