16533 results about "Camera module" patented technology

An imaging system for a vehicle includes a camera module positionable at the vehicle and a control. The camera module includes a plastic housing that houses an image sensor, which is operable to capture images of a scene occurring exteriorly of the vehicle. The control is operable to process images captured by the image sensor. The portions of the housing may be laser welded or sonic welded together to substantially seal the image sensor and associated components within the plastic housing. The housing may include a ventilation portion that is at least partially permeable to water vapor to allow water vapor to pass therethrough while substantially precluding passage of water droplets and / or other contaminants. The housing may be movable at the vehicle between a stored position and an operational position, where the image sensor may be directed toward the exterior scene.

An imaging system for a vehicle includes a camera module positionable at the vehicle and a control. The camera module includes a plastic housing that houses an image sensor, which is operable to capture images of a scene occurring exteriorly of the vehicle. The control is operable to process images captured by the image sensor. The portions of the housing may be laser welded or sonic welded together to substantially seal the image sensor and associated components within the plastic housing. The housing may include a ventilation portion that is at least partially permeable to water vapor to allow water vapor to pass therethrough while substantially precluding passage of water droplets and / or other contaminants. The housing may be movable at the vehicle between a stored position and an operational position, where the image sensor may be directed toward the exterior scene.

A camera module (10) for a vision system of a vehicle includes a circuit element (12), a lens mounting element (14b, 14c), a lens assembly (14) and an outer shell or cover portion (16). The circuit element includes an imaging sensor and associated circuitry (12a). The lens assembly includes at least one optical element (14a) and the lens mounting element (14b, 14c) is attached to the circuit element (12) so as to provide an optical path through the optical element to the imaging sensor at the circuit element. The outer shell (16) is molded over and around the circuit element during a molding process to substantially encapsulate the circuit element within the outer shell. The module and method of making the module thus may substantially seal the circuit element within the overmolded outer shell to protect the circuit element from exposure to the elements.

A lens unit and a sensor unit are held by a lens holding mechanism and a sensor shift mechanism. As the sensor unit is moved in a Z axis direction on a second slide stage, a chart image is captured with an image sensor through a taking lens so as to obtain in-focus coordinate values in at least five imaging positions on an imaging surface. An approximate imaging plane is calculated from the relative position of plural evaluation points which are defined by transforming the in-focus coordinate value of each imaging position in a three dimensional coordinate system. The second slide stage and a biaxial rotation stage adjust the position and tilt of the sensor unit so that the imaging surface overlaps with the approximate imaging plane.

A method and apparatus for a bonding process in a user terminal having a Bluetooth module. The method includes recognizing a barcode of a Bluetooth device to be connected using a camera module, acquiring bonding information of the Bluetooth device from the barcode, performing pairing with the Bluetooth device using the acquired bonding information, and establishing a connection between the user terminal and the Bluetooth device after performing pairing. The bonding information may also be acquired using a secure cable in another embodiment.

A fixed-focus camera module includes an image sensor, a lens for focusing an image onto the image sensor, and a positioning structure for maintaining an alignment of the lens and image sensor. The alignment provides a desired image quality of the image focussed onto the image sensor. The positioning structure includes a first unthreaded member coupled to the lens and a second unthreaded member coupled to the image sensor. One of the first and the second members is configured to be inserted into the other of the members to provide an adjustable relative position of the lens and the image sensor.

Embodiments of the invention comprise an apparatus for use with a laser range finder configured to direct a laser beam toward a scene to measure the distance to a target in the scene and having a range finder display for displaying data, including data that is indicative of the distance to a target, wherein the apparatus comprises a protective housing, a camera module in the housing, the camera module including a lens mounted in a front end portion of the housing, and a light path through the lens to image sensor, an image sensor operatively connected to the camera module for receiving images acquired by the camera module, electronic memory for selectively storing data of images from the image sensor, circuitry for controlling the operation of the image sensor and the memory, a camera display in the housing operatively connected to the image sensor for receiving the image data and providing a visual display of the image, and a switch for storing image data in the memory. Other embodiments include a projector in the housing for projecting the data displayed by the second display onto the image sensor to thereby capture the image data of the scene and displayed distance data together.

A wireless multi-handset telephone system with integrated video monitoring. A speakerphone base unit, at least one camera module, at least one combination video / voice handset, and at least one voice handset operate together such that voice and data are transmitted (i) between the speakerphone base unit and the at least one camera module and (ii) between the speakerphone base unit and the at least one voice handset, and video images are transmitted from the at least one camera module to the at least one combination video / voice handset.

A method is provided for fabricating a unit including a semiconductor element such as a sensor unit, e.g., for optical imaging. A semiconductor element has plurality of conductive features exposed at the front surface and semiconductive or conductive material exposed at least one of the front and rear surfaces. At least some of the conductive features are insulated from the exposed semiconductive or conductive material. By electrodeposition, an insulative layer is formed to overlie the at least one of exposed semiconductive material or conductive material. Subsequently, a plurality of conductive contacts and a plurality of conductive traces are formed overlying the electrodeposited insulative layer, the conductive traces connecting the conductive features to the conductive contacts. The unit can be incorporated in a camera module having an optical element in registration with an imaging area of the semiconductor element.

In one embodiment, an endoscopic camera for a robotic surgical system includes a stereo camera module mounted to a robotic arm of a patient side cart. The optical and electro-optic components of the camera module are hermetically sealed within a first housing. Signals from an electro-optic component travel through traces in a ceramic substrate forming one side of the hermetically sealed first housing. A second housing surrounds the first housing and optical fibers are dispersed between the housings to provide lighting in a body cavity. The camera module may be sterilized by an autoclave.

Imager arrays, array camera modules, and array cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention utilize pixel apertures to control the amount of aliasing present in captured images of a scene. One embodiment includes a plurality of focal planes, control circuitry configured to control the capture of image information by the pixels within the focal planes, and sampling circuitry configured to convert pixel outputs into digital pixel data. In addition, the pixels in the plurality of focal planes include a pixel stack including a microlens and an active area, where light incident on the surface of the microlens is focused onto the active area by the microlens and the active area samples the incident light to capture image information, and the pixel stack defines a pixel area and includes a pixel aperture, where the size of the pixel apertures is smaller than the pixel area.

A camera module includes a plurality of lenses with different focal lengths, a supporting plate, an image sensor, and a processor. The supporting plate defines a plurality of through holes receiving the corresponding lenses. The image sensor includes a sensing area. The sensing area is configured for receiving light through the lenses and the through holes and converting the light into electrical signals. The processor is electrically connected to the image sensor. The processor is configured for processing the electrical signals to form sub-images of a same view of same objects with different depths of field and then combining the sub-images into a final image.

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface extending between and along a perimeter of the first surface and the second surface, a cover glass corresponding to at least the first surface, a display panel disposed under the cover glass and including an active area exposed through the cover glass, an inactive area surrounding the active area, and a printed circuit board connection portion connected to one end of the inactive area, wherein at least one opening or at least one cutaway portion is formed in the display panel, and a camera module disposed in a space formed by the at least one opening or the at least one cutaway portion and exposed through the cover glass.

A mobile communication device having a camera module and a method of operating a mobile communication device having a camera module. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device includes: (1) a main body and (2) a camera module, coupled to the main body and configured for movement with respect thereto between a retracted position and an exposed position and rotatable in the exposed position about at least one axis of rotation.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a camera for mounting on a vehicle, wherein the camera housing made up of two housing members, with a conductive coating on the interior of each of the housing members. The two housing members mate together using an interference fit, to provide a greater assurance that they are electrically connected to each other. One of the housing members is connected to ground. In another aspect, the invention provides a camera module that has a housing and a wire harness or wire or lead that is electrically connected to circuitry of the camera and that extends through the camera housing for electrical connection to a vehicle wire harness or the like. The wire or lead extends through a portion of the housing with the housing disposed at the wire prior to connection of the wire to the circuitry of the camera. The electrical connection of the wire to the camera circuitry is made as the housing is assembled. The joint at where the wire extends outward from the housing portion is sealed, such as via shrink wrapping or the like.

A camera for capturing an image and printing a first interface onto a first surface, in response to a user input, and for printing a second interface onto a second surface, in response to first indicating data received from a sensing device in the form of a stylus. The first indicating data is sensed by the stylus from first coded data. The first interface includes the first coded data. The camera includes a camera module, an input module and a printing module. The camera module inclues an image sensor. The camera module is configured to receive a user input, and, in response to the user input, capture the image via the image sensor. The input module is configured to receive the first indicating data from the stylus, the first indicating data being at least partially indicative of response data. The input module generates second indicating data based on the first indicating data, the second indicating data being at least partially indicative of the response data. The second indicating data is sent to a computer system. The printing module includes a printing mechanism. The printing module is configured to receive the image from the camera module and print the first interface onto the first surface using the printing mechanism. The first interface is based at least partly on the image. The printing module is also configured to receive the response data from the computer system and print the second interface onto the second surface using the printing mechanism. The second interface is based at least partially on the response data.

To provide a camera built-in type rearview mirror device with illumination, wherein rigidity of the mirror housing can be raised, the camera main body part can photo a clear picture by extensive photographing feasible viewing angle through a transparent cover, and built-in of the camera module is simple. Mirror housing 2 includes concave part 2C formed in an opening manner downwardly which is arranged in the vicinity of photographing window 2B where lens 5B of the camera main body part 5A is faced, and capable of accommodating an illumination light source. For this reason, opening area of the photographing window 2B is decreased. Also, the circumference of the photographing window 2B is reinforced by the cross-sectional box type form of the concave part 2C. Especially a bulge part with circular curved section is formed so that the lens of the camera main body part may rush in, to thereby decrease the opening area of the photographing window further. Then rigidity of the mirror housing 2 is further raised.

A camera module includes a plurality of lenses with different focal lengths, a supporting plate, an image sensor, and a processor. The supporting plate defines a plurality of through holes receiving the corresponding lenses. The image sensor includes a sensing area. The sensing area is configured for receiving light through the lenses and the through holes and converting the light into electrical signals. The processor is electrically connected to the image sensor. The processor is configured for processing the electrical signals to form sub-images of a same view of same objects with different depths of field and then combining the sub-images into a final image.

An exemplary camera module array includes lens modules, a first holder, image sensors, a second holder, an optical element, and an image processor. The lens modules are threadedly coupled to the first holder. The image sensors are in optical alignment with the lens modules in one-to-one relation. The image sensors are received in the second holder. The optical element is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder. The image processor is electrically connected with the image sensors. The image processor is configured for processing image signals from the image sensors and thereby obtaining a compound image.

A lens driving apparatus includes: a lens holder having an auto-focusing first coil; a lens holder moving section that supports the lens holder in such a manner that the lens holder is movable in a first direction; a driving magnet disposed at four corners of the lens holder moving section and moves the lens holder in the first direction in cooperation with the first coil; a camera-shake correction second coil that moves the lens holder in a second direction and a third direction in cooperation with the driving magnet, the second direction and the third direction corresponding to diagonal directions of the lens holder moving section; and a supporting section that supports the lens holder moving section in such a manner that the lens holder moving section is movable in the second direction and the third direction.

An intelligent light source for use with the test of a digital camera module provides a plurality of shapes of light. A fast light pulse is created with turn-on and turn-off transitions less than or equal to one microsecond. Other waveform shapes comprise a ramp and a sinusoid, and all shapes can be made to occur once or repetitively. The magnitude of the light has a range from 0.01 LUX to 1000 LUX, and the ramp has a ramp time that has a range from microseconds to 100 ms. The light comprises of a plurality of colors created by serial connected strings of LED devices, where the LED devices in a string emit the same color. The light emanating from the light source is calibrated using a photo diode and the control of a tester by adjusting offset voltages of a DAC controlling a current through the LED strings.

A camera module includes first and second lens modules, a first holder receiving the first lens module therein, a second holder receiving the second lens modules therein, a circuit board arranged between the first and second holders, first and second image sensors arranged on opposite surfaces of the circuit board, and first and second reflecting members. The first image sensor is received in the first holder. The second image sensor is received in the second holder. The first reflecting member is arranged in the first holder and has a first reflecting surface for reflecting and directing the light converged by the first lens module to the first image sensor. The second reflecting member is arranged in the second holder and has a second reflecting surface for reflecting and directing the light converged by the second lens module to the second image sensor.

The invention provides a display screen, a display device and a mobile terminal. The display screen comprises a display part, the display part comprises a color filter layer facing a user, a liquid crystal layer which is laminated on one side of the color filter layer and departing from the user, and a thin film transistor layer which is laminated on the liquid crystal layer and departs from the color filter layer. The color filter layer is provided with a through hole, the thin film transistor layer is provided with a mounting zone facing the through hole, and the mounting zone is used for mounting a camera module. The color filter layer is provided with the through hole, the thin film transistor layer is provided with the mounting zone facing the through hole, and the mounting zone is provided with the camera module, the camera module obtains light of a subject through the through hole, the color filter layer can be prevented from affecting shooting of the camera module, and the user experience is improved.

Methods and apparatus for supporting zoom operations using a plurality of optical chain modules, e.g., camera modules, are described. Switching between use of groups of optical chains with different focal lengths is used to support zoom operations. Digital zoom is used in some cases to support zoom levels corresponding to levels between the zoom levels of different optical chain groups or discrete focal lengths to which optical chains may be switched. In some embodiments optical chains have adjustable focal lengths and are switched between different focal lengths. In other embodiments optical chains have fixed focal lengths with different optical chain groups corresponding to different fixed focal lengths. Composite images are generate from images captured by multiple optical chains of the same group and / or different groups. Composite image is in accordance with a user zoom control setting. Individual composite images may be generated and / or a video sequence.

A method and handheld device for scanning an object and creating a complete image of the object, even under low light conditions. The handheld device contains a camera module and a motion sensor assembly. The handheld device is moved so that the camera module takes a plurality of images of an object. A motion sensor assembly in the handheld device detects motion of the handheld device and movement information from the motion sensor assembly is used to modify each of the plurality of images to remove distortions therein caused by movement of the camera module. The plurality of images are combined to generate a reconstructed image of the object. For taking images under low light conditions, each of the plurality of images are added together to generate a brightened image.

An unlocking method of a touch screen and an electric device with camera function thereof are disclosed. A camera module is used for capturing a plurality of images. A touch screen shows an application function icon, a shooting mode icon, an activate area and a slide path connecting the icons and the activate area while the touch screen is locked. A processing module is electrically connected with the camera module and the touch screen. While detecting that the application function icon or the shooting mode icon is dragged to the activate area through the slide path, the processing module transmits an unlocking signal to the touch screen. The touch screen unlocks according to the unlocking signal and shows a screen of application function operation or a screen of camera function. Therefore, users would feel more convenient than before while using an electric device with camera function.

An embodiments of the invention discloses a terminal, which comprises terminal body, a camera module and a driving structure, wherein the driving structure is arranged in the terminal body; the terminal body is provided with a containing cavity for containing the camera module; the driving structure is connected to the camera module in order to drive the camera module to move to the exterior of the terminal body from the interior of the containing cavity or drive the camera module to enter the containing cavity from the exterior of the terminal body. According to the scheme, the camera module is hidden in the containing cavity in the terminal, so that the camera module cannot be seen from the appearance, when the camera module is used, the camera module is driven to the exterior of the terminal to carry out shooting, so that a display screen of the terminal does not need to set a non-display area which cannot display the information for an opening to the camera module, and the display area of the display screen is effectively extended, and thus the display effect of the large screen is realized.

A camera module (170) includes a miniature scanning mirror (120), lens elements (163a to 163d) corresponding to thin lateral lens slices, and a short, wide imaging sensor (165). As the scanning mirror (120) pivots to scan a scene, the imaging sensor (165) captures successive image segments. Multiple image segments are stitched together by software running on a digital processor to provide a complete image. The assembly of lens elements (163a to 163d) may include moveable elements to allow variable focus, variable magnification and image stabilization, and may utilize refraction, reflection, diffraction and / or planar optical elements. The camera module (170) may be less than 5 millimeters thick while allowing long focal length lenses and increased light collecting area. Other embodiments include a switchable scan mirror with two apertures and a dual-camera system that provides binocular images and video.

An integrated camera module (10, 10a) for capturing video images in very small digital cameras, cell phones, personal digital assistants, and the like. A lens assembly (24, 24a) is rigidly affixed in relation to a sensor array area (14) of a camera chip (12) by a molding (26). The molding (26) is formed on the camera chip (12), and optionally on a printed circuit board (16, 16a) on which the camera chip (12) is mounted. The lens assembly (24, 24a) is held in place in a recess (29) of the molding (26) by an adhesive (28). The molding (26) is formed such that a precise gap (30) exists between the lens assembly (24) and a sensor array area (14) of the camera chip (12). In a particular embodiment, lens holders (306, 506) are formed entirely on the camera chips (302, 502) before or after they are separated from one another.