Kenichi Katano

Title: Kenichi Katano: Innovator in Lens Technology

Introduction

Kenichi Katano is a prominent inventor based in Kawasaki, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of optical technology, particularly in the development of lens systems. With a total of 12 patents to his name, Katano has established himself as a key figure in the industry.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations are patents for a lens barrel, lens driving device, and image pickup apparatus. This lens barrel is designed to miniaturize and thin an image pickup apparatus by allowing a seamless switch between manual and electric lens drives through a simple mechanism. The lens barrel is mounted on an image pickup apparatus that supports an operation member rotatably. A drive barrel engages with a lens holding member to drive it in the optical axis direction. A motor transfers rotation to the drive barrel through a transfer mechanism. The switching mechanism enables the transition between electric lens drive, which operates the lens holding member via the motor, and manual lens drive, which utilizes the operation member's rotation through an elastic member. This innovative design enhances user experience while shifting to a photographing area.

Career Highlights

Kenichi Katano is currently employed at Canon Inc., a leading company in imaging and optical products. His work at Canon has allowed him to push the boundaries of lens technology and contribute to the advancement of imaging devices.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Katano has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Yosuke Fukai and Hideki Kawashima. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to groundbreaking innovations in lens technology.

Conclusion

Kenichi Katano's contributions to lens technology have significantly impacted the field of imaging. His innovative designs and collaborative efforts continue to shape the future of optical devices.