Abstract: An exemplary anti-vibration apparatus used in an image pickup system includes a first light-reflecting unit, a driving mechanism configured for driving the light-reflecting unit to rotate, a servo circuit, at least one sensor configured for detecting an angular velocity of the anti-vibration apparatus and sending such signal to the servo circuit, the servo circuit is configured for generating a controlling signal received from the sensor and controlling the driving mechanism based on the controlling signal. The anti-vibration apparatus can eliminate the image vibration caused by the vibration of image pickup system.

Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a stationary support plate; a Y-direction movable member supported on, and parallel to, the stationary support plate so as to be relatively movable in a Y-direction, the Y-direction movable member including a Y-direction rod portion and a pair of X-direction rod portions, wherein the Y-direction rod portion extends in the Y-direction, and the pair of X-direction rod portions are joined to the Y-direction rod portion to extend in an X-direction both parallel to the stationary support plate and perpendicular to the Y-direction; and an X-direction movable member supported by the pair of X-direction rod portions to be movable in the X-direction relative to the Y-direction movable member. At least one of the pair of X-direction rod portions is rotatable about an axis of the Y-direction rod portion relative to the Y-direction rod portion.

Abstract: An image blur compensation apparatus includes first and second driving units (17a, 17b, 16a, 16b) having functionally equivalent members each other. A resultant force which acts on a holding unit (12) when in-phase driving signals of the same amount are applied to the first and second driving units differs in magnitude from a resultant force which acts on the holding unit when reverse-phase driving signals of the same amount are applied to the first and second driving units. The first and second driving units are arranged such that these resultant forces become perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a stationary support plate; a Y-direction moving member including a Y-direction rod portion and an X-direction rod portion connected thereto parallel with the stationary support plate, the Y-direction moving member being supported by the stationary support plate so as to relatively move in the Y-direction; an X-direction moving member supported by the X-direction rod portion so as to relatively move in the X-direction. One of the X-direction moving member and the stationary support plate is provided with a projection, and the other of the X-direction moving member and the stationary support plate is provided with a rotation restriction support portion supporting the projection to move in a plane parallel with the stationary support plate relative to the other of the X-direction moving member and the stationary support plate and which prevents rotation of the X-direction moving member about the X-direction rod portion.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes first to fifth lens units arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side, and having positive, negative, positive, negative, and positive refractive powers in that order. The zoom lens performs zooming by moving the first to fifth lens units. The fourth lens unit includes a negative lens, which is moved in such a manner as to have a component in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis so as to shift an image formed with an entire system in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The zoom lens satisfies the condition, 0.50<|ft/f4|<1.50, where ft is a focal length of the entire system, and f4 is a focal length of the fourth lens unit, both at the telephoto end.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprising a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element, wherein an interval between at least any two lens units is changed so that an optical image is formed with a continuously variable magnification, any one of the lens units, any one of the lens elements, or a plurality of adjacent lens elements that constitute one lens unit move in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, the zoom lens system comprises a first lens unit having positive power, a second lens unit that includes a lens element having a reflecting surface and has negative power, a third lens unit having positive power and a fourth lens unit having positive power, and the condition (1): 1.00<?(1?m2T)×m3T×m4T<2.00 (m2T, m3T and m4T are magnifications of the second, third and fourth lens unit, respectively, at a telephoto limit) is satisfied.

Abstract: An aberration correction device useable in lithography comprises two elements, at least one of which is relatively rotatable to the other about, for example, an optical axis. One surface of each element has an aspheric form describable by higher Zernike polynomials. When the two surfaces are rotationally aligned, the device has the optical effect of a plane plate. If there is a small relative rotation of the two elements the effect of the device is a phase shift describable by the derivative of the aspheric form. The correction device may be used to correct aberrations caused by lens heating, especially with illumination modes and pattern types resulting in strong off-axis localized pupil filling in the projection system.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a varifocal lens unit including a plurality of movable lens groups, and a prism disposed on an image side of the varifocal lens unit. The prism has an incident plane into which a light flux from the varifocal lens unit enters, and an exit plane from which the light flux is emitted toward an image plane, the exit plane capable of being inclined with respect to an optical axis, the exit plane inclined in accordance with a following conditional expression “?=?f×?/[Bf(n?1)]”, where ?: an angle formed by a normal of the exit plane and the optical axis, f: a focus distance of a whole lens system, ?: a turning angle of a lens system, Bf: a distance from the exit plane of the prism to the image plane along the optical axis, and n: a refraction index of the prism.

Abstract: An optical metrological system having a heat-generating light source coaxially mounted near a heat-sensitive lens. The system uses a temperature sensor to monitor the lens temperature and a heating element to heat the lens such that the lens operating temperature is greater than a maximum operating temperature of the light source in order to stabilize the focal length of the lens.

Abstract: A laser beam delivery system for transforming a laser energy profile into a desired laser beam output energy profile. The laser beam delivery system comprises a laser for generating a laser beam along a beam path, at least one extra-cavity harmonic generation element being located along the beam path for generating harmonic multiples of a beam input frequency, and an extra-cavity beam expansion element, located before the at least one harmonic generation element, for expanding and collimating the laser beam prior to the laser beam being multiplied by the at least one harmonic generation element. The beam expansion element may be a refractive lens.

Abstract: An image stabilizer manufacturing method provides an image stabilizer which can steady blurry images produced by camera shake or vibration. One of the magnet and a coil supporting member are fixed to a moving frame. In the state in which an optical axis of a correcting lens is matched with an optical axis of a lens system, after first and second Hall elements were properly positioned at the position in which magnetic force received by both of the Hall elements becomes a reference value by moving the first and second Hall elements to first and second directions, the other of the magnet and the coil supporting member are fixed to a supporting frame.

Abstract: A zoom lens wherein the image plane movement upon lens shifting is minimized. A power variation section and a final lens group are disposed in order from an object side. The power variation section includes at least two lens groups movable in an optical axis direction to vary a lens position state. The final lens group is fixed in the optical axis direction and includes first to third sub groups having negative, positive and positive refracting powers and disposed in order from the object side. The second sub group is shiftable substantially perpendicularly to the optical axis to shift an image. A conditional expression 0.2<ft/fBt<0.8 is satisfied where ft and fBt are the focal distances of the lens system and entire lens groups disposed on the object side of the third sub group in the telephoto end state.

Abstract: An imaging device makes camera shake compensation by relatively moving an imaging optical system and an imaging element in directions perpendicular to an optical axis direction. The imaging device includes a first actuator that relatively moves the imaging optical system and the imaging element in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; a second actuator that relatively moves the imaging optical system and the imaging element in a second direction which is perpendicular to the optical axis direction and which intersects the first direction; and a first moving member to which the second actuator is attached, the first moving member that is moved together with the second actuator in the first direction by an action of the first actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator 6 are disposed to form a T shape.

Abstract: To provide a vibration reduction apparatus with improved blur correcting precision, an optical equipment and a method of manufacturing a vibration reduction apparatus with improved blur correcting precision. A vibration reduction apparatus comprising: a first member and a second member disposed to be opposite to each other and to be movable relative to each other when blur is correcting; and a wiring member that exerts a force between the first member and the second member along a direction that intersects with a direction of the relative movement of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: Provided from the object side are a first lens group (11) having a positive refracting power and fixed to the image plane, a second lens group (12) having a negative refracting power and a magnification varying action exhibited when moving along the optical axis, a third lens group (13) fixed to the image plane and having a positive refracting power, and a fourth lens group (14) movable along the optical axis so as to maintain the image plane moving with the movements of the second lens group (12) and of the object in a fixed position from a reference plane. Hence the movement of the image due to camera shake is corrected by moving the whole third lens group (13) vertically to the optical axis. The size is reduced and the aberrations are small because the whole groups whose optical performance is united are decentered.

Abstract: The invention provides a lens device comprising: an imaging optical system in which a vibration proof optical system for image shake correction is arranged in a main optical path for focusing a subject image for recording or reproduction and at the same time a light splitting optical system for branching subject light from the main optical path to an optical path for AF use for focusing a subject image for AF use is arranged in the main optical path, wherein the light splitting optical system is disposed at a rear stage of the main optical path relative to the vibration proof optical system.

Abstract: A telescope has at least one barrel. At least three optical elements, namely an objective lens, an inverting system, and an eyepiece are arranged within the barrel along a longitudinal axis thereof one behind another. Further, shaking movements of the barrel are compensated for by moving at least one of the optical elements relative to the barrel. The objective lens is rigidly connected to the barrel. The inverting system together with the eyepiece constitutes a common assembly. At least a part of the assembly is adapted to be moved relative to the longitudinal axis. As an alternative, the inverting system and the eyepiece are rigidly connected to the barrel and at least a part of the objective lens is adapted to be moved relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a stationary support base-plate; a Y-direction moving member supported on the stationary support base-plate to move in a Y-direction; and an X-direction moving member supported on the Y-direction moving member to move in an X-direction orthogonal to the Y-direction. The Y-direction moving member includes a Y-direction rod portion which extends in the Y-direction and an X-direction rod portion connected to the Y-direction rod portion and extends in the X-direction. The stationary support base-plate includes a Y-direction guide device for guiding the Y-direction rod portion of the Y-direction moving member so as to slide in the Y-direction, and a Y-direction support device for supporting a free end of the X-direction rod portion so as to allow movement of the X-direction rod portion in the Y-direction. The X-direction moving member is supported by the Y-direction moving member so as to slide in the X-direction.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for stabilizing components is provided. In some embodiments, an apparatus for positioning an optical component relative to a frame is provided including a stabilizer. The stabilizer may be configured to be coupled to the optical component and the frame, wherein in a first configuration the stabilizer is configured to enable select adjustment of the optical component in at least two directions and in a second configuration a position of the optical component may be fixed.

Abstract: A vibration-proof zoom lens comprises a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, a positive fourth lens group, and a positive fifth lens group, which are disposed in this order from a subject side. The second lens group moves toward an image side at a time when magnification changes from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end. The fourth lens group moves to correct variation of an image plane at the time of magnification change. The first, third and fifth lens groups are fixed. The third lens group is composed of first to third subgroups. When vibration occurs, the second subgroup is moved in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis to correct an image position so that an image blur is prevented.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection subsystem to project an image-containing beam, and an image adjustment element. The image adjustment element is to cause adjustment of the image-containing beam in response to a detection of relative movement of the apparatus with respect to a reference object. A method includes determining whether substantial relative movement of a projection system has been detected, in an embodiment. When substantial relative movement has been detected, the method further includes producing control inputs, and altering operation of one or more image adjustment elements and/or altering image data in response to the control inputs, in an embodiment.

Abstract: An object is to provide a vibration reduction (VR) zoom lens system having high optical performance and compactness suitable for an SLR camera, a video camera and the like. The zoom lens system includes, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power. All distances between adjacent lens groups are changed upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state. The third lens group includes a plurality of lenses including a cemented lens constructed by a negative lens cemented with a positive lens. Only the cemented lens is used as a vibration reduction lens shifting substantially perpendicularly to the optical axis for correcting camera shake. Given conditional expressions are satisfied.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes a front lens group and a rear lens group arranged from an object side to an image side in that order. The front lens group includes a plurality of lens units, and during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, imaging magnification is increased by changing spaces between the plurality of lens units. The rear lens group with positive optical power as a whole includes a lens unit IS with negative optical power being movable so as to have a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, and a lens component RB2 with positive optical power disposed on the image side with respect to the lens unit IS. A space between the lens unit IS and the lens component RB2 is changed during zooming. The following condition is established to satisfy: 0.05<|fis|/ft<0.25, wherein (fis) denotes a focal distance of the lens unit IS, and (ft) denotes a focal distance at the telephoto end of the zooming lens system.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus comprises a housing accommodating an optical system in the interior thereof. A part of optical members that compose the optical system is held to allow angular displacement relative to the housing, and the position of the part of the optical members is maintained in a predetermined state. The part of the optical members is driven to restore the position angularly displaced. A driving amount is controlled based on information of the angular displacement. A mode for controlling the housing that is suitable for vibration applied to the housing is determined, and the mode is informed to a user.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a light-quantity-adjusting unit, a first lens unit disposed closer to an object than the light-quantity-adjusting unit, a second lens unit disposed closer to an image plane than the light-quantity-adjusting unit, and a drive unit for driving the first lens unit and the second lens unit in an orthogonal-to-optical-axis direction.

Abstract: A zoom lens system having high zoom ratio capable of shifting an image for vibration reduction correction. The system includes, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive power, a second lens group having negative power, a third lens group having positive power, and a fourth lens group having positive power. Each of the first lens group through the fourth lens group moves such that when zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, a distance between the first and the second lens groups increases, a distance between the second and the third lens groups decreases, and a distance between the third and the fourth lens group decreases. The third lens group includes at least two sub-lens groups having positive refractive power. Image shifting carried out by moving either of the two sub-lens groups perpendicularly to the optical axis. Given conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optronic passive surveillance device, especially for infrared surveillance. It comprises a front optic (1) of given useful instantaneous field, means (2) for scanning a scene with a given total field of observation, means (3) for forming the image of the scene and means (4) for detecting said image. According to the invention, the detection means (4) comprise a two-dimensional matrix detector (41), the field of the detector along each of the dimensions being greater than or equal to said useful instantaneous field of the front optic along said dimension, and allow the acquisition, for each elementary area of the scene corresponding to the useful instantaneous field of the front optic, of N subimages formed on said detector (N?1), with a given integration time for each subimage.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, a first lens unit (1) having a positive refractive power and is fixed with respect to an image plane; a second lens unit (2) having a negative refractive power and causing a variable power action when moved along an optical axis; an aperture stop (6) fixed with respect to the image plane; a third lens unit (3) having a positive refractive power and fixed with respect to the optical axis direction when zooming and when focusing; a fourth lens unit (4) having a negative refractive power and fixed with respect to the image plane; and a fifth lens unit (5) having a positive refractive power and moveable along the optical axis such that the image plane, which is displaced by a movement of the second lens unit along the optical axis and by a movement of the object, is maintained at a constant position from a reference plane. The entire third lens unit is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A condition, 0.035<|?w·?t/Z|<0.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus is adapted, in order to maintain the position of at least one optical member that constitutes an optical system, to control the angle of the at least one optical member relative to the optical axis of the optical system. The image stabilization apparatus comprises fixing means for, when a predetermined event is detected while the aforementioned control is performed, fixing the angle of the at least one optical member to the angle it assumes at the moment said event is detected.

Abstract: An optical device (44) includes three optical modulators, three optical modulator holders (447), a plurality of fluid circulating members (440), a cross dichroic prism (444), a fluid branching section (446), a fluid feed-in section (449) and a fluid pressurizing/feeding section (445). The three optical modulator holders (447) are fitted respectively to the three light-incident surfaces of the cross dichroic prism (444) through three supporting members (448). The fluid feed-in section (449) is fitted to the top surface of the cross dichroic prism (444). The fluid branching section (446) and the fluid pressurizing/feeding section (445) are laid one on the other and fitted to the lower surface of the cross dichroic prism (444).

Abstract: A compensator/remapper and method for compensation and remapping of a laser beam for control and correction of laser pointing and thermal drift instability in a laser beam delivery system including a laser generating a laser beam and a plurality of optical elements for directing, shaping and focusing the laser beam along a beam path to a target. A compensator/remapper includes a compensator element and a remapper element. The compensator element receives an input laser beam having a range of input angles and lateral displacements and redirects components of the input laser beam into an aligned laser beam having evenly distributed and parallel components. The remapper element is illuminated by the aligned laser beam from the compensator element and remaps the components of the aligned laser beam into a shaped laser beam having a profile that is optimum for remapping into a flat top laser beam.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes a front lens group and a rear lens group arranged from an object side to an image side in that order. The front lens group includes a plurality of lens units, and during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, imaging magnification is increased by changing spaces between the plurality of lens units. The rear lens group with positive optical power as a whole includes a lens unit IS with negative optical power being movable so as to have a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, and a lens component RB2 with positive optical power disposed on the image side with respect to the lens unit IS. A space between the lens unit IS and the lens component RB2 is changed during zooming. The following condition is established to satisfy: 0.05<|fis|/ft<0.25, wherein (fis) denotes a focal distance of the lens unit IS, and (ft) denotes a focal distance at the telephoto end of the zooming lens system.

Abstract: A position adjusting means is provided at an outer periphery of an objective lens opposite to an observation sample and the observation sample is moved by the position adjusting means in an optical axis direction of the objective lens to set a focal point of the objective lens to the observation sample.

Abstract: A panoramic viewing apparatus has an imaging system that is arranged in a housing provided with a rotary drive. The imaging system has a lens system by means of which the images of the objects are imaged on a detector after passing through the lens system. There is provided in the beam path for the purpose of compensating the image motion caused by the rotation a counter-motion device that produces during the imaging time a motion directed at least approximately synchronously against the rotation produced by the rotary drive. The counter-motion device is arranged in a convergent beam path of the lens system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical apparatus for observation which is provided with drive control means for driving a variable angle prism on the basis of an output signal from vibration detecting means and in which the variable angle prism is installed between an objective lens and an erect prism.

Abstract: Binocular vibration correcting device comprises left and right vibration-correcting optical systems that correct images by being driven in the yaw and pitch directions in accordance with vibration. Optical system holding members hold the left and right vibration-correcting optical systems. Intermediate supporting member supports the optical system holding members so as to be able to rotate in the yaw direction and is supported by a main body member so as to be able to rotate in the pitch direction. The optical system holding members are connected so as to be able to rotate in the yaw direction at a position distanced in the optical axis direction away from the yaw direction rotational axes of the optical system holding members.

Abstract: A laser correction element for the correction of angular deviation due to pointing instability and radial displacement due to thermal drift, including one or more of an angular deviation non-symmetric optical element for redirecting a beam axis of a laser beam through a first corrective angle dependent upon the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the angular deviation element to be parallel with an optimum centerline and a radial displacement non-symmetric optical element for redirecting a beam axis of a laser beam through a second corrective angle dependent upon a radial displacement of the beam axis. A collimating non-symmetric optical element may redirect the laser beam through a third corrective angle dependent on radial displacement of the beam axis from a centerline and angle of incidence on the collimating element.

Abstract: A beam steerer/scanner (50) includes a dynamically balanced bi-index rotating element (52). The element is comprised of a pair (52A, 52B) of transparent hemispheres which are of the same size and shape, are made from two materials of equal density, but which materials have different refractive indices (n). When the element is oscillated or rotated, an incident beam (L) impinging upon the element through a coupling lens (56) is deviated from its initial path and a deviated beam (T) is emitted from the element through another coupling lens (58). Because the two materials forming the hemispheres are of equal density, the resulting assembly may be oscillated or rotated at very high speeds without causing excessive vibration or stress. The steerer/scanner provides a high (>0.95) throughput and scanning rates as high as 1 kHz are possible. A two-dimensional scanning unit can also be constructed using the same components as used to produce a one-dimensional scanner.

Abstract: An image-blur correcting viewing-optical system includes an objective optical system, an image-erecting optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The objective optical system includes a front lens group having a positive lens element, a negative lens element and a positive lens element, and a rear lens group constituting an image-blur correcting lens element which is driven in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and the image-blur correcting viewing-optical system satisfies the following condition: 0.5≦hc/hmax≦0.8  (1) wherein hc designates the radius of an axial open aperture of the first surface of the image-blur correcting lens element; and hmax designates the radius of an axial open aperture of the first surface of the front lens group of the objective optical system.

Abstract: An adjustment method includes rotating a pair of magnifying glasses in directions opposite to each other using &ggr;-rotation, and correcting inclination of an image, caused by the &ggr;-rotation, by rotating the pair of magnifying glasses in directions opposite to each other using the &bgr;-rotation, given that rotation about each of axes XL and XR, which respectively correspond to visual axes of left and right eyes when an object distance is infinite in a condition of a primary position, is represented by the &ggr;-rotation, and that rotation about each of axis YL and YR, which are respectively perpendicular to the axes XL and XR and are also perpendicular to a z-axis which perpendicularly intersects with the axis XL at a position of a deflector for the left eye and the axis XR at a position of the deflector for the right eye, is represented by the &bgr;-rotation.

Abstract: An optical instrument for observation includes, in order from the object side, an objective lens system having positive refractive power, an erecting optical system, and an ocular lens system having positive refractive power. When an anti-vibration mechanism is used to maintain the erecting prism at an orientation in space that is stabilized so as to prevent image degradation due to vibrations of the optical instrument for observation, the erecting prism is constructed to satisfy specified conditions so that ghost light is not generated and so that the optical instrument for observation may be compact.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side, a first lens unit of positive refractive power, a second lens unit of negative refractive power, a third lens unit of positive refractive power, a fourth lens unit of negative refractive power, and a fifth lens unit of positive refractive power, wherein, the zoom lens moves one or more of the lens units during zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end so that a separation between the first lens unit and the second lens unit increases, a separation between the second lens unit and the third lens unit decreases, a separation between the third lens unit and the fourth lens unit increases, and a separation between the fourth lens unit and the fifth lens unit decreases, and wherein an image is displaced by moving at least part lens unit of the fourth lens unit so as to have a component of a direction perpendicular to an optical axis.

Abstract: A viewing optical system includes an objective optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The objective optical system includes a positive first meniscus lens element having the convex surface facing toward the object, a positive second meniscus lens element having the convex surface facing toward the object, a negative third lens unit constituted by two negative lens elements, and a positive fourth lens element. The fourth lens constitutes an image-blur correcting optical system movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The viewing optical system satisfies the following conditions: 0.5<|tan 1°/(&phgr;1-4−&phgr;1-3)|<5 (mm) . . . (1) 0.5<SF4<1.0 . . .

Abstract: A first frame holds a second frame which holds two correction lenses. Two guide pins, fixed on the first frame, pierce through two guide holes extending in a lengthwise direction. A first actuator including a motor and a shaft moved in the lengthwise direction in accordance with the rotation of the motor moves the first frame in the lengthwise direction. One of the guide pins is in contact with one end of the shaft. The tip end of a pressing member mounted on another of the guide pins is in point-contact with another end surface of the shaft, pressing the shaft to the another guide pin. In accordance with the movement of the shaft, the first frame moves in the lengthwise direction being guided by the guide pins and holes. A second actuator for moving the second frame in the lateral direction is structured similarly.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus is adapted, in order to maintain the position of at least one optical member that constitutes an optical system, to control the angle of the at least one optical member relative to the optical axis of the optical system. The image stabilization apparatus comprises fixing means for, when a predetermined event is detected while the aforementioned control is performed, fixing the angle of the at least one optical member to the angle it assumes at the moment said event is detected.

Abstract: A stabilizer for an optical instrument, such as a pair of binoculars, including: a forehead mount and an adjustable mechanism for connecting the forehead mount to the optical instrument. The mechanism may include a bracket adapted for attachment to the optical instrument and a support between the forehead mount and the bracket.

Abstract: The lens device and the vibration-proof adapter include a lock mechanism with operational ease because a lock mechanism of a vibration-proof lens has a switch on a joint with a camera main body or a joint with the lens device. The lens device is connected by placing a hook, which is provided on a front end face of a camera main body, to a recess of a back end face. A slide pin is provided in the recess so as to slide, and is pressed inside by the hook. In synchronization with the slide pin pressed inside, a lock pin operates to move away from a holding member of a vibration-proof lens, and the vibration-proof lens is unlocked. The slide pin returns to an original protruding position to lock the vibration-proof lens again when the hook is detached from the recess.

Abstract: A panoramic viewing apparatus has an imaging system that is arranged in an units housing provided with a rotary drive. The imaging system has a lens system by means of which the images of the objects are imaged on a detector after passing through the lens system. There is provided in the beam path for the purpose of compensating the image motion caused by the rotation a counter-motion device that produces during the imaging time a motion directed at least approximately synchronously against the rotation produced by the rotary drive. The counter-motion device is arranged in a convergent beam path of the lens system.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus comprises a housing accommodating an optical system in the interior thereof. A part of optical members that compose the optical system is held to allow angular displacement relative to the housing, and the position of the part of the optical members is maintained in a predetermined state. The part of the optical members is driven to restore the position angularly displaced. A driving amount is controlled based on information of the angular displacement. A mode for controlling the housing that is suitable for vibration applied to the housing is determined, and the mode is informed to a user.

Abstract: A variable power optical system includes, from an object in order, a first lens group having a positive refracting power and consisting of a positive singlet lens or the combination of one positive lens and one negative lens, a second lens group having a negative refracting power, a third lens group having a positive refracting power, and a fourth lens group having a positive refracting power, wherein at least the second lens group and the third lens group are moved during a variation in magnification and an image is displaced by shifting the entire second lens group or the entire third lens group so as to have a component in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.