Abstract: An electronic device comprises a determination unit configured to determine a target remaining-capacity of a battery provided in an accessory device connected to the electronic device, based on an operation mode of the electronic device; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the accessory device based on the determined remaining-capacity.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench with a battery receptacle adapted to receive either a unitary battery pack or a battery tray containing separate batteries inside. The battery tray can receive conventional batteries such as AA, AAA, C, D or 9-volt sized batteries, and the battery tray and unitary battery can be constructed of a similar geometry to fit within the battery receptacle. The battery tray and unitary pack can include an outwardly-extending protrusion that is received within a groove of the battery receptacle. In this manner, only the specially-designed battery tray and pack are capable of coupling with the receptacle.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus, a battery management system and a battery pack including the battery management system are described. The balancing apparatus includes a voltage regulator to generate a first high level voltage from a voltage of an auxiliary battery, a power switch electrically connected to a high voltage node of a battery group, a DC-DC converter to generate a second high level voltage from a voltage applied to a voltage input terminal, a balancing unit including a plurality of balancing circuits connected in parallel to a plurality of battery cells of the battery group; and a control unit to hold the first high level voltage applied to the control terminal of the power switch in response to the second high level voltage being applied to the power terminal.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a connection unit to which a battery device is connected, a calculation unit that calculates a remaining battery level of a battery of the battery device based on a full charge capacity of a battery of the electronic apparatus, and a display unit that displays information indicating a result of calculation made by the calculation unit.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens is removably attached to a camera body including a body-side mount, an image sensor, body-side terminals and a first to fourth body-side claws. The interchangeable lens includes the lens-side mount, lens-side terminals which are in contact with body-side terminals, a first to fourth lens-side claws engaged with the first to fourth body-side claws once the interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body. The first and third lens-side claws are disposed on a third lens-side line intersecting with the first lens-side line at an optical axis with approximately 45 degrees. The first lens-side line passes through a center between opposite ends of the first lens-side claw to the optical axis. The second and fourth lens-side claws are disposed on a fourth lens-side line orthogonal to the third lens-side line at the optical axis.

Abstract: A method and radio base station for handling a power disturbance caused by a radio unit of the radio base station. The method comprises: obtaining scheduling information of data traffic associated with the RU; comparing the power disturbance with one or more first thresholds, wherein the power disturbance is caused by the RU adapted to handle the data traffic according to the scheduling information; and adjusting a switching frequency of a direct current to direct current, DC/DC, converter based on the comparison, wherein the DC/DC converter is comprised in the RU to power the RU.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to microbattery devices and assemblies. In an embodiment, a device includes a plurality of microbatteries, a first flexible encapsulation film, and a second flexible encapsulation film. Each of the microbatteries includes a first contact terminal and a second contact terminal spaced apart from one another. The first flexible encapsulation film includes a first conductive layer electrically coupled to the first contact terminal of each of the microbatteries, and a first insulating layer on the first conductive layer. The second flexible encapsulation film includes a second conductive layer electrically coupled to the second contact terminal of each of the microbatteries, and a second insulating layer on the second conductive layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for detecting a passenger and wearing seat belt based on an image, which includes an image detector configured to detect an image of an interior of a vehicle, which is captured using a camera, a controller configured to analyze the image of the interior of the vehicle, which is captured through the image detector, and determine whether a passenger is present and whether the passenger wears a seat belt, and an information output part configured to output a warning or an alarm according to discrimination of the passenger from an object, which is determined by the controller, the presence or absence of the passenger, and whether the passenger wears the seat belt.

Abstract: A camera module includes a gyro sensor configured to generate a gyro signal, an optical image stabilization (OIS) controller configured to generate, in response to the gyro signal, a driving signal indicating target positions in first and second directions perpendicular to an optical axis of a lens barrel, a first OIS driver configured to detect a present position of the lens barrel in the first direction, and based on the detected present position in the first direction and the indicated target position in the first direction, provide a driving force to the lens barrel in the first direction, and a second OIS driver configured to detect a present position of the lens barrel in the second direction, and based on the detected present position in the second direction and the indicated target position in the second direction, provide a driving force to the lens barrel in the second direction.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling operation of a vehicle. The system may include an interior data collection component configured to collected interior configuration data representing an interior space of the vehicle, a vehicle operation control configured to control actions of the vehicle, and one or more processors configured to determine, by processing the interior vehicle configuration data, an interior vehicle configuration of the vehicle, and cause the vehicle operation controller to cause the vehicle to take a specific action based on the interior vehicle configuration.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus that provides, between itself and an accessory device, a notification channel used for notification from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used in data transmission from the accessory device to the imaging apparatus, and a second data communication channel used in data transmission from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device. An accessory control unit transmits data via the first data communication channel in response to having received a transmission request signal via the notification channel, and selectively adds, to the data, a communication standby request for keeping a transmission request signal from being transmitted from the imaging apparatus to the accessory device.

Abstract: A monitoring camera which has a lock mechanism, which is capable to unlock a lens 1 even if power supply is stopped due to blackout. The lock mechanism includes a lock member 11 having a region 11b which is pushed by an operation member 3 in a state where a lock pin member 12 engages with the lens 1, a biasing member 13 biasing the lock member 11, and magnetic force generating units 10 generating magnetic forces by electro energization, to move against the biasing force so that the region 11c faces the operation member 3. While the magnetic forces are not generated in a non-electro energization state, the operation member 3 pushes the region 11b and thus moves the lock member 11 and the lock pin member 12 so that the lock pin member 12 is released from the lens 1.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises: a motion detector configured to detect motion of the electronic device; a proximity detector configured to detect proximity of an object to the electronic device; a display unit; a memory; and at least one processor that function as: a control unit configured to control display preparatory processing for performing display on the display unit so as to start in response to predetermined motion of the electronic device being detected based on motion detected by the motion detector; and a display control unit configured to control display so as to be performed on the display unit in response to proximity of an object being detected by the proximity detector.

Abstract: Embodiments may be directed to lens cameras which may be cameras arranged as a sensor in a lens cap. A lens camera may comprise a printed circuit board with a digital image sensor and associated components enclosed in a cylindrical body that may be constructed of metal, plastic, or the like, or combination thereof. Lens cameras may be fitted with lens mounts for attaching host devices, cameras, interchangeable lens, or the like. Lens mounts on a lens camera may be arranged to be compatible with one or more standard lens mounts. Accordingly, a lens camera may be attached to cameras that have compatible lens mounts. Also, interchangeable lens having lens mounts compatible with the lens camera may be attached to the lens camera. Further, lens cameras may communicate with host devices using wired or wireless communication facilities.

Abstract: A lens module may include a lens inserted into a lens barrel. One surface of the lens facing one surface of the lens barrel in an optical axis direction may be disposed in a stress-free state, and the lens is movable relative to the lens barrel to allow optical axes of lenses to be aligned with each other.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a camera module including a lens unit, a coupling unit coupled to the lens unit, a housing coupled to the coupling unit, the housing being configured to accommodate a printed circuit board therein and having a vent formed therein, and a membrane formed of an air-permeable material and configured to close the vent formed in the housing so as to prevent external foreign substances from entering the housing.

Abstract: A thermal imager includes a detector, a lens, a shutter disposed between the detector and the lens, and a motor operably connected to the shutter for moving the shutter between a first and a second position. There is a source of electrical energy operably connected to one or more of the detector, lens and motor by an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit includes one or more of a capacitor, a diode, and a resistor.

Abstract: A first lens unit performing communication with an image pickup apparatus with a first voltage and a second lens unit performing communication with the image pickup apparatus with a second voltage are selectively attached to the image pickup apparatus. The image pickup apparatus includes a controller configured to operate with a third voltage different from at least one of the first and second voltages to output a signal for the communication with the first and second lens units, and a determiner configured to determine the type of the lens unit attached to the image pickup apparatus. The controller is configured to produce, as a voltage of the signal for the communication, from the third voltage, one of the first and second voltages corresponding to a determination result of the determiner.

Abstract: A camera accessory is configured to be detachably mounted to a camera body. The camera accessory includes an accessory contact point configured, when the camera accessory is mounted to the camera body, to output to the camera body a ready signal that indicates whether or not an information communication operation with the camera body is enabled. The camera accessory also includes a pull-down resistor electrically connected to the accessory contact point.

Abstract: An electronic device connection can include the connection points upon an external surface of a connection system of a first electronic device and the connection points upon the external surface of a connection system of a second electronic device. The connection points of the second electronic device can correspond to the connection points on the first electronic device. Contact between the corresponding connection points can allow a transmission of a data signals and power signals between the first and second electronic devices.

Abstract: A camera accessory is detachably mounted at a camera body that includes a first body contact point, a second body contact point, a third body contact point, a fourth body contact point and a fifth body contact point and detects disengagement of the camera accessory when the fifth body contact point sustains a signal level corresponding to a first truth value continuously over a length of time equal to or greater than a predetermined time length. In the camera accessory, the accessory-side communication control device executes control so as to ensure that the signal assuming a level corresponding to the first truth value is not continuously output from the fifth accessory contact point any longer than the predetermined time length while the operating voltage supply from the camera body is provided via the first accessory contact point.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: An accessory is an accessary controlled by a camera. The accessory includes an information holding section that holds predetermined information by which the camera determines whether or not the accessary requests a supply of power consumed in the accessory to the camera.

Abstract: An adapter includes: a first mount section that is detachably attached to a camera body; a second mount section that is provided separately from the first mount section and is detachably attached to an interchangeable lens; and a power supply section that generates supply voltages of a third power supply system and a fourth power supply system, which are to be fed to the interchangeable lens mounted on the second mount section, from a second power supply system between a first power supply system of the camera body, which is mounted on the first mount section, and the second power supply system which is different from the first power supply system.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a usable time calculation unit which calculates a usable time of a battery device having a secondary battery, wherein the usable time calculation unit measures an average power level while a component is performed at a predetermined operation mode, wherein the power consumption of the component is unknown in advance before the component is initially connected, and when power is supplied for the second and subsequent times while the component is continuously connected, the usable time calculation unit calculates the usable time of the battery device using the average power level and a current integration value which is an integration value of current flowing during charging and discharging of the battery device.

Abstract: A power supply circuit includes: a comparison unit that compares a reference voltage and an input voltage and outputs a voltage difference signal; an output voltage generating unit that generates an output voltage based on the voltage difference signal; an input voltage generating unit that generates the input voltage based on the output voltage; a current output unit that outputs a reference current; a resistor that generates the reference voltage in accordance with the reference current; and a capacitor that is connected to the resistor in parallel and is charged by the reference current, wherein the current output unit allows the reference current at the time of startup to be lower than the reference current during an operation.

Abstract: A power source switching device includes a first switch circuit provided between a first power source and a load section, a second switch circuit provided between a second power source and the load section, a third switch circuit provided between the first power source and the load section in series with the first switch circuit, a fourth switch circuit provided between the second power source and the load section in series with the second switch circuit, a logic circuit that controls the third and the fourth switch circuits to prevent at least one of the third and fourth switch circuits from turning on while both of the first and second switch circuits are in an on state, and a control circuit that controls the first switch circuit, the second switch circuit, and the logic circuit.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: To simplify and miniaturize an interface structure for power supply and signal transmission and reception between a camera body and a lens unit and reduce operation restrictions of the interface structure, a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera includes a camera body and a lens unit which is attached to or detached from the camera body, in which the camera body includes interface pins formed contactable with the lens unit, the interface pins including power pins and signal pins, a pin housing that receives therein the interface pins, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) including a first pattern portion electrically connected with the power pins and a second pattern portion electrically connected with the signal pins, and a lead wire electrically connected with the first pattern portion.

Abstract: A power supplying apparatus includes: a capacitor that is connected in parallel with a battery; a voltage control apparatus configured to control a voltage for charging the capacitor; a current limiting circuit configured to control a current amount to be supplied to the capacitor; a first switching element configured to control supply of a current for charging the capacitor; and a second switching element configured to control supply of a current from the capacitor to at least one motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: plurality of control units configured to control an imaging function; a requesting unit configured to request execution of start-up processing of a plurality of the control units; a detecting unit configured to detect movement to be applied to a device main unit; and a start-up control unit configured to cause, upon the detecting unit detecting particular movement in a power-off state wherein the movement of the device main unit externally appears to be stopped, each of a plurality of the control units to start the start-up processing still in the power-off state, and upon execution of the start-up processing being requested from the requesting unit, cause a plurality of the control units to start reception of an imaging command according to the states of the start-up processing of a plurality of the control units.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a usable time calculation unit which calculates a usable time of a battery device having a secondary battery, wherein the usable time calculation unit measures an average power level while a component is performed at a predetermined operation mode, wherein the power consumption of the component is unknown in advance before the component is initially connected, and when power is supplied for the second and subsequent times while the component is continuously connected, the usable time calculation unit calculates the usable time of the battery device using the average power level and a current integration value which is an integration value of current flowing during charging and discharging of the battery device.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: A sequential shooting controller includes both high and low load drive modes, and first and second power-voltage detectors. The high/low load drive modes drive a device under high/low loads. The first power-voltage detector detects a power-voltage by connecting a load. The second power-voltage detector detects the voltage across the device. The first power-voltage detector is actuated at the beginning of sequential shooting before a first image capturing operation starts. The high load image capturing operation starts when the voltage detected by the first power-voltage detector is higher than a first threshold. The low load image capturing operation starts when the voltage detected by the first power-voltage detector is lower than the first threshold. The second power-voltage detector is driven during a high load image capturing operation. The second power-voltage detector is disabled during a low load image capturing operation.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: A digital camera has a battery that supplies electric power, a battery level detector, a time detector, a remaining voltage calculator, and a boot controller. When the digital camera is turned off, the battery level detector detects a remaining voltage level of the battery. When the digital camera is turned on, the time detector detects an elapsed time from the last electric power OFF operation to the current electric power ON operation, namely, a time period in which the camera is in the OFF state. Further, when the digital camera is turned on, the remaining voltage calculator calculates a remaining voltage-level of the battery on the basis of the detected elapsed time, the last detected remaining voltage level, and the discharge characteristic of the battery. Then, the boot controller allows the digital camera to boot if the calculated remaining voltage level is larger than a limited voltage necessary to boot the digital camera.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes: (a) an imaging device subunit having an imaging device for creating an image signal associated with a subject and a light-transmitting member mounted ahead of a photosensitive surface of the imaging device; (b) a first driver circuit for driving a first actuator that moves the imaging device subunit in a first direction; (c) a second driver circuit for driving a second actuator that moves the imaging device subunit in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and (d) first dust-removing device for shaking off dust adhering to the light-transmitting member by driving a given actuator so as to vibrate the light-transmitting member; wherein the given actuator is driven using the first driver circuit or the second driver circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.

Abstract: A method for shutting down a digital image capturing device is provided, The steps of the method are as follows: first, outputting a reset signal from a control unit of the capturing device to a timing generating unit; then setting a vertical pulse signal of the timing generating unit to a ground level within a time frame of the timing generating unit outputting a horizontal blanking signal; lastly, automatically shutting down the timing generating unit.

Abstract: A method of auto-retracting a lens of an image capture apparatus and a control system using the same are applied to an image capture apparatus with a retractable lens. The method includes the following steps. A hardware circuit of the image capture apparatus detects whether an abnormal power failure event occurs or not. The hardware circuit performs a re-boot procedure when detects that the abnormal power failure event occurs. After the hardware circuit performs the re-boot procedure, software in the image capture apparatus utilizes residual power only to perform a control procedure of retracting the lens. After the retractable lens is detected to have been retracted into the image capture apparatus, the software controls the image capture apparatus to be powered off.

Abstract: In a camera, air orifices for linking the space inside a cell compartment with the outside of a casing are disposed in a position other than the grip portion which is held by a user, in the vicinity of the center of the front surface of the casing, that is, in the vicinity of a lens-barrel. A concave-convex portion serving as an air orifice guard is formed at the side opposite to that where the lens-barrel is disposed with respect to the air orifices. As a result, even when the user takes a picture of an object by holding the camera with his/her own hand, the air orifices are prevented from being closed by the user's hand. Oxygen (air) can be constantly supplied to the fuel cell accommodated inside the cell compartment, and the fuel cell can continuously generate a sufficient quantity of electricity.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.

Abstract: A mobile device is equipped with a transmitting function to transmit data. When a power switch is turned off during data transmission, a transition is made to a transmission-during-power-off mode that continues data transmission. The transition to the transmission-during-power-off mode is performed when an inquiry is made on a screen as to whether transmission will be performed and “continue” is subsequently selected. In this mode, even when the mobile device with the power switch being turned off is carried around, data transmission is continued and data is recorded into a storage section of a home personal computer.

Abstract: A camera cradle apparatus includes an extension connector which connects a camera including a power supply button, a connector which connects an external terminal through a network so as to allow communication, and a control unit which controls a connection state of the connector. At least one of the external terminal and the camera cradle apparatus includes an external power supply button which performs on-off operation of the power supply of the camera. The control unit controls the connection state of the connector in accordance with whether the power supply of the camera is turned on by either the power supply button or the external power supply button.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes: (a) an imaging device subunit having an imaging device for creating an image signal associated with a subject and a light-transmitting member mounted ahead of a photosensitive surface of the imaging device; (b) a first driver circuit for driving a first actuator that moves the imaging device subunit in a first direction; (c) a second driver circuit for driving a second actuator that moves the imaging device subunit in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and (d) first dust-removing means for shaking off dust adhering to the light-transmitting member by driving a given actuator so as to vibrate the light-transmitting member; wherein the given actuator is driven using the first driver circuit or the second driver circuit.