Abstract: An image capturing device, including an rectangular image capturing element having long sides and short sides; an image capturing optical system forming an image of a subject on the rectangular image capturing element; a first driving device which moves the rectangular image capturing element in a first direction slanted by a predetermined angle from the long side and the short side of an outer shape of the rectangular image capturing element in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image capturing optical system; and a second driving device which moves the rectangular image capturing element in a second direction slanted by a predetermine angle from the long side and the short side of the outer shape of the rectangular image capturing element in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image capturing optical system, but the second direction differs from the first direction.

Abstract: A wireless communication device operable as a digital image capturing device (wireless digital camera) may be used to associate processing information with a captured image. The wireless digital camera may communicate information to a wireless network server, such as a WAP server, and communicate the information in a desirable format to a service request process server. The service request process server may then process the request to provide the service requested by the wireless digital camera.

Abstract: This invention provides an electromagnetically driven device applicable to a lens driving device with an anti-shake function by a simple structure that enables the movable member to swing around an axis thereof. A flat spring for swinging connects to a stationary frame body provided with a permanent magnet set and a coil set for swinging is mounted on an outer circumference of a movable frame body. When an axial direction of the movable frame body is designated as the Z axis, the coil set for swinging including a first through fourth coils arranged around the Z axis and spaced at uniform intervals with each winding around an axis perpendicular to the Z axis and opposite to the permanent magnet set respectively. The permanent magnet set includes a first through fourth magnets, wherein each magnet is arranged between two adjacent coils among the first through fourth coils.

Abstract: A lens driving device having a simplified structure in which a holding member is moved relative to a stationary member with appropriate viscous damping is provided. The lens driving device includes the holding member configured to hold a compensation lens for image stabilization, the stationary member configured to support the holding member in a movable manner in a plane that is perpendicular to a light axis, a driving unit configured to change the position of the holding member relative to the stationary member, and a damping material disposed between the holding member and the stationary member. The damping material has a transition region in a frequency range between 0.3 Hz and 100 Hz.

Abstract: An optical image system includes an image pickup module, a swinging mechanism, a first swinging calibration element and a second swinging calibration element. When the optical image system is tilted because of handshaking, the image pickup module is swung by the swinging mechanism. At the same time, the first swinging calibration element and the second swinging calibration element detect whether the image pickup module is swung to an ideal position where the handshaking problem is eliminated.

Abstract: An image blur correction apparatus includes: a fixed member; a first driven unit pivotally supported by the fixed member around a first support shaft extending in a direction parallel to an optical axis direction; a second driven unit holding a lens or an imaging device and pivotally supported by the first driven unit around a second support shaft extending in the direction parallel to the optical axis direction; a first actuator that produces a thrust force for pivoting the first and second driven units around the first support shaft; and a second actuator that produces a thrust force for pivoting the second driven unit around the second support shaft, wherein the first and second actuators are configured to produce the thrust forces in the same direction.

Abstract: Provided are a digital photographing apparatuses and methods of controlling the same. The method includes: inputting previous preview image data; inputting current preview image data; comparing and determining a pixel value of the previous preview image data and a pixel value of the current preview image data; and controlling the operation of a hand shake correcting unit according to the comparison and determination result. Accordingly, the hand shake correcting unit is selectively turned off by easily detecting a case where hand shake correction is not necessary, such as a case where a tripod is used, thereby reducing power consumption.

Abstract: An image-blur correction device includes a vibration detection unit which detects vibrations of two different detection axes in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, a correction unit which corrects vibration using a correction optical system which is displaced in directions of at least two correction axes different from the detection axes in the plane, a calculation unit that calculates amounts of displacements used to drive the correction optical system so that image-blur generated due to the vibrations is corrected based on amounts of vibrations obtained using the vibration detection unit, a coordinate conversion unit which rotates amounts of vibrations in the two detection axes relative to the corresponding at least two correction axes for conversion through calculations, and a restriction unit which restricts a driving range of the correction unit based on a displacement-amount restriction value obtained from a performance limitation region of the correction optical system.

Abstract: A shake correction module for a photographing apparatus is provided. The shake correction module includes: a base plate; a slider member disposed on the base plate so as to be able to move in a first axis direction and a second axis direction crossing the first axis direction, and accommodating an imaging element; and first and second drive members that are disposed between the base plate and the slider member, wherein the first and second drive members are arranged to be symmetric with a centroid of the slider member, and move the slider member in the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

Abstract: An image stabilization device includes a number of micromechanical actuators, an image recording sensor, and a computational device. The image sense generates image data of an image and is suspendedly mounted to the micromechanical actuators. The computational device receives and processes the image data generated by the image recording sensor. The computational device includes a detection device for detecting shake so as to perform an image analysis on the image data and detect changes in a time sequence of the image data. The detected changes are used to generate control signals for controlling the micromechanical actuators so as to mechanically move the image recording sensor in a manner to counteract the shake and to stabilize the image.

Abstract: An image capture device that can shoot an image at a more appropriate exposure value with the image blur compensated for properly is provided. The digital camera includes: a motion detecting section 34 for estimating a motion vector of an image shot; a blur compensating section for optically compensating for the blur of the image shot; a mode selecting section for selecting one of multiple control modes for the blur compensating section; and a setting determining section for determining a setting related to an exposure value for shooting an image based on the control mode selected by the mode selecting section and the motion vector estimated.

Abstract: An optical unit and image pickup apparatus capable of performing “auto focus function” and “image shake correction function” and characterized by easy assembling, compact configuration, high performance and reduced costs is provided. The optical unit and image pickup apparatus are provided with a polymer actuator to move an optical device, whereby performing auto focus function and image shake correction function can be performed. The polymer actuator is provided with electric wirings for image pickup device, thereby reducing the number of circuit board used for electric wiring of the image pickup device, with the result that an optical unit and image pickup apparatus characterized by easy assembling, compact configuration, high performance and reduced costs are provided.

Abstract: An image blur compensation device detects the shake of an apparatus and compensates image blur by means of a mechanism for rotating an image sensor about an axis perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor. A rotary member for holding the image sensor is rotatably held by a base member. The rotary member and the base member are urged by a tension spring in a direction closer to each other, and a ball provided between the rotary member and the base member rotatably supports the rotary member in a state where the ball abuts against both the rotary member and the base member. The ball is arranged within a ball-receiving groove formed in the base member. The ball is brought into abutment against the abutment surface provided on the rotary member by an urging force of a tension spring.

Abstract: The accuracy of servo control of a corrective lens in an image stabilization control circuit is prevented from decreasing due to non-linear characteristics of a position-detecting element. A signal representing a component of vibration of an image pickup apparatus is generated based on an angular velocity signal from a vibration-detecting element. A microcomputer corrects the vibration component signal according to a predetermined correction function and generates a target position signal representing a target position of the lens. A position-detection signal based on an output from the position-detecting element is compared with the target position signal, and the position of the lens is servo-controlled. The correction function is set so that the characteristics of variation of the target position signal relative to the target position will be the same as the characteristics of variation of the position-detection signal relative to the actual position of the lens.

Abstract: The image stabilizing apparatus includes a base member, a first member shiftable with respect to the base member in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis direction, a first actuator shifting the first member with respect to the base member, an image-pickup element constituted by a photoelectrical conversion element, a second member holding the image-pickup element. The second member is shiftable together with the first member in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction and rotatable with respect to the first member in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction. The apparatus further includes a second actuator rotating the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a camera door opening/shutting apparatus for a portable communication device. The apparatus includes a camera door disposed at a main body to expose or cover a camera lens included in the main body according to a sliding movement of the camera door, and a door sliding part disposed between the main body and the camera door to slidably couple the camera door with the main body.

Abstract: An optical unit with shake correcting function may include a movable module having a lens, a fixed body supporting the movable module, a shake detection sensor for detecting shake of the movable module, and at least one pair of magnetic drive mechanism for shake correction which is structured on both sides of the movable module so that the movable module is swung with respect to the fixed body on the basis of detection result of the shake detection sensor to correct the shake of the movable module. The magnetic drive mechanism for shake correction is disposed so that a shake correction magnet is held by the fixed body and a shake correction coil is held by the movable module.

Abstract: An image stabilization driving assembly that corrects a shake of a digital camera includes a driving plate in which a correction lens is mounted and that operates in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis; a base plate that supports the driving plate at a rear of the driving plate; a tilt correction plate fastened at a rear of the base plate and that adjusts the fastening degree and corrects tilting of the driving plate; and a plurality of suspension wires having one end fixed to the driving plate, another end fixed to the tilt correction plate, and extending through the base plate. The plurality of suspension wires may be formed of an elastic material.

Abstract: A lens barrel unit includes gyro sensors that detect vibration. The gyro sensors are disposed around a CCD mounting portion within a range over which the lens barrel unit is projected along the optical axis of a photographic optical system. This positional arrangement allows the lens barrel unit to be provided as a compact retractable unit, and ultimately achieves miniaturization of the camera.

Abstract: An image stabilizer has a base block, a CCD holder, an intermediate member, a rectangular frame-shaped first sheet metal member, a rectangular frame-shaped second sheet metal member, and voice coil motors (VCMs). The first sheet metal member has a pair of mutually-parallel horizontal leaf springs that is formed by bending upper and lower sides of the first sheet metal member. The second sheet metal member has a pair of mutually-parallel vertical leaf springs that is formed by bending right and left sides of the second sheet metal member. The horizontal leaf springs are flexible along a Y-axis, and the vertical leaf springs are flexible along an X-axis in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis. The VCMs shift a CCD through the CCD holder, while bending the horizontal or vertical leaf springs, to counteract a camera shake in an X-axis or Y-axis direction.

Abstract: A position controller for an image-stabilizing optical element in a optical system includes an advancing/retracting member; an anti shake frame supported by the advancing/retracting member and movable along a plane orthogonal to the optical axis; an insertable/removable frame holding the optical element and supported by the anti-shake frame to be movable between insertion and removed positions; an anti shake drive mechanism which drives the anti shake frame to perform an image-stabilizing operation; and a removal drive mechanism which imposes no movement limitations on the anti shake frame and the insertable/removable frame in a ready-to-photograph state, and which imparts a component force that moves the insertable/removable frame to the removed position in association with the insertable/removable frame when the advancing/retracting member moves to an accommodated position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized image sensor device having high precision of moving an object to be moved. The image sensor device includes: a fixed unit; a movable unit including an image sensor; a beam unit fixed to the fixed unit and movably supporting the movable unit; a driving unit for applying a driving force for moving the movable unit; and a wire unit provided for the beam unit and electrically connecting the image sensor and an external circuit.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager that captures an optical image through a taking lens, and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the taking lens. The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, which is formed by rotation of the photographic apparatus around the optical axis, as measured with respect to a level plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction based on the inclination angle. The controller calculates an elevation/depression angle that represents an angle at which the optical axis intersects said level plane, and calculates the inclination angle in consideration of the elevation/depression angle.

Abstract: Provided is a photographing apparatus including at least one shake correction lens through which image light is transmitted; a first driving unit moving the shake correction lens; an imaging device converting the image light transmitted through the shake correction lens to an electronic signal; a rotating unit rotating the imaging device about an optical axis of the image light; and a controller controlling the first driving unit and the rotating unit. A method on a photographing apparatus. The method including sensing shaking of the photographing apparatus; compensating for the shaking of the photographing apparatus by rotating an imaging device, the imaging device generating electrical signals from light incident to a subject image; and compensating for the shaking of the photographing apparatus by moving a shake correction lens in two directions, wherein light incident to the subject image passes through the shake correction lens and strikes the imaging device.

Abstract: An exemplary camera module includes a fixture, a lens module, a movable frame, an image sensor, a position sensor, a first and a second magnet, and a first and a second magnetic field generator. The position sensor is used to detect displacements of the lens module caused by shake. The magnetic field generators are used to apply a magnetic field to the corresponding magnets, each of the magnetic field generators is electrifiable in response to detection by the position sensor of displacement of the lens module caused by shake. Accordingly, at least one of the magnets and the corresponding magnetic field generator cooperatively drive the lens module to move and compensate the displacement of the image sensor.

Abstract: A vibration prevention control circuit is provided, comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter circuit that converts an output signal of a vibration detection element which detects vibration of an imaging device, and an output signal of a position detection element which detects a position of an optical component, into digital signals, and a logic circuit that generates a control signal which drives the optical component, based on the output signal of the vibration detection element which is digitized by the analog-to-digital converter circuit and the output signal of the position detection element which is digitized by the analog-to-digital converter circuit, wherein a phase delay circuit (all-pass filter) is provided that delays a phase of the output signal of the vibration detection element without changing an intensity in a predetermined frequency band and outputs the processed signal.

Abstract: A vibration control unit inputs an electrical signal to a vibrating member to generate, in a light-transmitting region of a dust-screening member, vibration forming a plurality of ridges of peaks defining a closed loop around a virtual intersection at which a virtual vibrational axis passing the half-length point of the vibrating member intersects with a virtual vibrational axis passing the half-length point of the dust-screening member. For example, the vibration is vibration whose peak including the virtual intersection gradually increases in terms of amplitude as the amplitude of the peak approaches the virtual intersection, and becomes the largest in terms of amplitude at the virtual intersection. The dust-screening member and the vibrating member have the following relation: 1.2?Ts/Tg?1.6, where Tg is the thickness of the thickness of the dust-screening member, and Ts is the thickness of the vibrating member.

Abstract: A stabilized camera system has a roll frame formed as a parallelogram linkage and pivotably attached to a pan frame. A tilt frame is pivotably attached to the roll frame. Control circuits are provided to compensate for drift, to allow manual aiming of the camera during stabilized camera operation, and for providing rapid leveling. The stabilized camera system is compact with low moments of inertia to allow rapid movements.

Abstract: To provide a driving mechanism with which a reduction in size is possible. A driving mechanism comprising: an optical component that is provided to be movable; a first driving member that is movable in a first direction; a second driving member that is movable in the first direction independently of the first driving member; and an abutting portion that is provided at the optical component and abuts against the first driving member and the second driving member, wherein, the optical component is moved by driving force of the first driving member and the second driving member abutting against the abutting portion.

Abstract: Signal processing techniques are applied to digital image data to remove the distortion caused by motion of the camera, or the movement of the subject being photographed, or defective optics, or optical distortion from other sources. When the image is captured, the effect of relative motion between the camera and the subject is that it transforms the true image into a blurred image according to a 2-dimensional transfer function. The 2-dimensional transfer function representing the motion is derived using blind estimation techniques or by using information from sensors that detect the motion. The transfer function is inverted and used to define a corrective filter. The filter is applied to the image and the blur due to the motion is removed, restoring the correct image. Another embodiment uses the transfer function to avoid blur by combining multiple consecutive images taken at a fast shutter speed.

Abstract: An optical device with an imaging device for forming an image of a subject with a lens device includes a lens unit, a movable member making the lens unit movable within a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens unit, an image pickup device imaging the subject image formed by the lens device, a fixed member limiting the movement of the movable member in the optical axis direction, at least three balls rolling between the movable and fixed member, a vibration detecting unit, and a pitch and yaw direction drive units for driving the movable member in the pitch and yaw directions within the optical axis orthogonal plane, respectively. The pitch and yaw direction drive units press the movable member toward the fixed member side by means of magnetic pressing forces caused by magnetic attractive action between drive magnets and yokes.

Abstract: A small imaging apparatus (1) implementing an optical image stabilizing function has a vibratory driving device (3) which comprises a driving shaft (7), an electromechanical transducer (6) consisting of a plurality of elongatable portions capable of elongating and contracting in an axial direction of the driving shaft (7) respectively and integrated with each other, and a driving member (8) slidably engaging on the driving shaft (7); a axially movable optical member (10) of which position is restrained in the axial direction by the driving member (8); and a vertically movable optical member (9, 11) of which position is restrained in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction by the driving shaft (7), the elongatable portions uniformly elongating and contracting repeatedly to displace the driving member (8) slidingly on the driving shaft (7), and unequally elongating or contracting to incline the driving shaft (7) to displace the driving member (8).

Abstract: The hand movement correction apparatus 10 which is capable of correcting hand movement includes: a position variation signal acquisition sections 13 and 17 that acquire a position variation signal; a gain controller 12 that controls the gain of the position variation signal; an exposure determination section 14 that determines whether exposure operation is in progress; a position variation signal switching section 14 that switches the position variation signal; and a hand movement amount calculation section 15 that calculates a hand movement correction amount based on the position variation signal.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a lens frame 12 which holds a focus correction lens 11a and is movable in an optical axis direction, optical axis direction position detectors 19a to 19c which are arranged on one of the lens frame 12 and a supporting portion 13 inside a barrel and detect signals in accordance with a distance to the other one, driving portions 112a to 112c and coils 17a to 17c (driver) which drive the lens frame 12 in the optical axis direction, an optical axis direction movement limiting member of the lens frame, and a lens CPU 1204 (controller) which controls the driver so as to suppress a tilt of the focus correction lens 11a based on a signal detected by the optical axis direction position detectors 19a to 19c whose sensitivities have been calibrated in association with the driving portions and the optical axis direction movement limiting member.

Abstract: A driving system is provided. The driving system includes a fixed substrate, a coil unit which generates an electromagnetic force if an electric current applied, a magnet unit formed on the fixed substrate to face the coil unit, and a plurality of driving units which are interconnected with each other on the fixed substrate, and which are moved respectively in parallel direction with respect to a surface of the fixed substrate in accordance with an interaction between the electromagnetic force and a magnetic force of the magnet unit, if the electric current is applied. As a result, a non-contact driving is provided.

Abstract: An image stabilization system includes an optical assembly configured to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by a target and produce focused image of the target; a focal plane array, the focal plane array being configured to receive the image and integrate at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation making up the image to produce an electrical representation of the image; sensors configured to provide kinematic data; a control system receiving the kinematic data and estimating jitter-induced motion of the image on the focal plane and outputting a control signal; and actuators configured to receive the control signal and to translate the focal plane along two orthogonal axes and rotate the focal plane about a third orthogonal axis such that jitter-induced motion of the image on the focal plane is reduced.

Abstract: An image stabilizer has a base block, an inner frame for holding a CCD, an outer frame, a pair of horizontal leaf springs, a pair of vertical leaf springs, voice coil motors (VCMs) and a flexible printed circuit (FPC). Upon a shake of a digital still camera due to hand-held shooting, the VCMs shift the inner or outer frame while bending the horizontal or vertical leaf springs so that the CCD is shifted to counteract the camera shake. The FPC connected to the CCD and the VCMs is routed from the inner frame, through the horizontal leaf spring, the outer frame and the vertical leaf spring, and pulled out above the base block. The FPC is glued to the horizontal and vertical leaf springs, and elastically bent together with the horizontal and vertical leaf springs.

Abstract: In an image stabilization control circuit for an image capturing device, a gyro-equalizer (24) is used to integrate an angular velocity signal corresponding to vibration, and determine a required magnitude of lens displacement. The gyro-equalizer (24) integrates the angular velocity signal from a gyro-sensor (12) using an integration circuit (46) (LPF), and converts the signal into an angular signal. A direct current component of the angular signal is removed using a centering circuit (50) (HPF). The LPF and HPF can produce an insufficient phase delay in a low-band side of a target compensation region. A phase lag compensation circuit (48) comprising a low-boost filter compensates for the insufficient phase delay, and brings the phase delay of the angular signal with respect to the angular velocity signal close to 90° in an integration process.

Abstract: An image stabilization system includes a fixed unit having a first receiving cavity therein, a movable unit received in the first receiving cavity, a pivot member located between the fixed unit and the movable unit, a magnetic motion sensor, and a magnetic driving module. The pivot member is received in and between the fixed unit and the movable unit. The magnetic motion sensor is disposed on the fixed unit for detecting a movement of the image stabilization system. The magnetic driving module is configured for rotating the movable unit around the pivot member to compensate for movement of the image stabilization system based on the motion detection result of the motion sensor.

Abstract: An optical filter array (2) having a plurality of optical filters (2a to 2d) and a light shielding block (6) having light shielding walls (61a to 61d) forming a plurality of openings (6a to 6d) independent from each other are placed between a lens module (7) integrally having a plurality of lenses (1a to 1d) arranged on a single plane and a plurality of imaging regions (4a to 4d). The light shielding block is provided with first sliding surfaces (66 to 69). The lens module is provided with second sliding surfaces (56 to 59) sliding on the first sliding surfaces so that the lens module can rotate with respect to the light shielding block with an axis normal to the plurality of imaging regions as a rotation center axis. Thus, a small, thin, and low-cost compound eye camera module can be realized.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager that captures an optical image through a taking lens, and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane. The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction by rotating the movable platform from an initial state on said xy plane in accordance to a rotation quantity of the movable platform. The controller performs the controlled movement to offset the inclination angle by the rotation quantity, when the photographic apparatus is in a first inclination state. The controller performs the controlled movement to maintain an inclined state where the movable platform is rotated from the initial state in accordance to either the first angle or the negative of the first angle, when the photographic apparatus is in a second inclination state.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an imaging apparatus with blur correction function in which a retention lever to mechanically retain an image sensor requires a minimum moving space and the thickness of a lens barrel can be reduced in optical axis direction.

Abstract: Provided is an optical image stabilizer for a camera module assembly including at least one or more guide portions for guiding linear movement while preventing friction in first and second drive portions. The optical image stabilizer includes a first drive portion including a tip provided between a housing and a first drive plate to drive the first drive plate in a first direction, a second drive portion including a tip provided between the first drive plate and a second drive plate to drive the second drive plate in a second direction, and first and second guide portions formed in the first and second drive plates in positions corresponding to the tips of the first and second drive portions such that the first and second guide portions guide linear movement of the tips and prevent friction when the first and second drive portions are driven in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A driving apparatus includes: a first member including a first linear groove; a second member including a second linear groove; a plurality of first rolling bodies held between the first and the second linear grooves; a pressing member for pressing the first and second members; a pressing force applying member for pressing the pressing member; and second rolling bodies arranged on the same plane between the second member and the pressing member. A third linear groove for guiding the second rolling bodies is formed on one of the second member and the pressing member. At least one or more of the second rolling bodies are arranged on both sides of the central axis of the first rolling bodies, and the pressing force applying member applies a pressing force to the second rolling bodies such that rotational moment around the axis line is zero.

Abstract: A MCP semiconductor device with an “anti-shake” function includes a driver chip and a logic chip. The logic chip includes a correction signal processing unit which obtains a value for vibration of apparatus based on a vibration detection signal to generate a correction signal and a control signal output unit having a plurality of types of signal output sections which output a vibration control signal in accordance with the correction signal to a vibration correction control unit which executes vibration correction control for an optical component. The logic chip further includes a driver output terminal which outputs the vibration control signal to the driver chip, an external output terminal which outputs the control signal to an external circuit other than the driver chip, and also an output switch unit which connects one of the plurality of signal output sections with the driver output terminal or the external output terminal.

Abstract: Signal processing techniques are applied to digital image data to remove the distortion caused by motion of the camera, or the movement of the subject being photographed, or defective optics, or optical distortion from other sources. When the image is captured, the effect of relative motion between the camera and the subject is that it transforms the true image into a blurred image according to a 2-dimensional transfer function. The 2-dimensional transfer function representing the motion is derived using blind estimation techniques or by using information from sensors that detect the motion. The transfer function is inverted and used to define a corrective filter. The filter is applied to the image and the blur due to the motion is removed, restoring the correct image. Another embodiment uses the transfer function to avoid blur by combining multiple consecutive images taken at a fast shutter speed.

Abstract: An imaging unit having: an image pickup element for imaging a subject; a camera shake correction unit for correcting camera shake by moving the image pickup element, wherein the camera shake correction unit includes a stage which carries the image pickup element; and a reference bedplate supporting the camera shake correction unit; at least two guide members which support the stage movably with respect to the reference bedplate in a predetermined direction respectively; and wherein the camera shake correction unit further includes a biasing member for biasing the stage in one direction except the predetermined directions with respect to the reference bedplate, thereby removing mechanical play in at least two directions out of the three dimensional directions of the guide member.

Abstract: A shake correcting system includes an optical imaging system, an image sensor, a movable unit comprising a movable frame in which the image sensor is fixed and a rotation restricting element, a base movably supporting the movable unit in a predetermined plane substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical imaging system, a drive mechanism driving the movable unit relative to the base in directions vertical and orthogonal to the optical axis, a blur correcting function to correct blurs in a subject image due to shakes of the shake correcting system, a rotation restricting mechanism preventing rotation of the movable frame around the optical axis with the rotation restricting element, and a slide mechanism allowing the movable unit to be freely movable in the predetermined plane, and comprising a magnet, a magnetic plate attracted to the magnet, a spherical element supported between the magnetic plate and the magnet.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane perpendicular. The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction based on the inclination angle. The controller calculates a first position of the movable platform before the inclination correction. The controller calculates a second position of the movable platform after the inclination correction. The controller determines whether the movable platform should be moved to a third position before moving from the first position to the second position in the inclination correction, on the basis of a positional relationship between the first position and the second position. The third position is a position of the movable platform in an imaging operation by the imager without the inclination correction.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes; a magnification-varying lens unit, which moves in an optical axis direction during varying magnification, an image stabilization lens unit movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis; an image stabilization driving unit for driving the image stabilization lens unit, and an image stabilization controller for controlling the driving of the image stabilization lens unit by the image stabilization driving unit, in which the image stabilization controller controls the image stabilization driving unit to move the image stabilization lens unit so as to reduce a positional deviation of an object image formed at one predetermined point on an image plane, the positional deviation being caused by a movement of the magnification-varying lens unit.