Abstract: A lens-controlling device controls a first lens unit which moves for zooming and a second lens unit which moves for correcting the displacement of an image plane caused by zooming and for focusing. The lens-controlling device includes a memory which stores data for obtaining target-position information representing a target position to which the second lens unit is to be moved, the target position corresponding to a position to which the first lens unit is moved from a current position and a controller which generates the target-position information on the basis of the data and controls the movement of the second lens unit on the basis of position information of the first lens unit and the target-position information.

Abstract: A zoom lens mechanism foldable and retractable to be used in a digital still camera to control zooming of the zoom lens uses programmed data written in a micro controller unit (hereinafter referred to as MCU) instead of the conventional cylindrical grooved cams that are usually used to mechanically control zooming of a zoom lens of a digital still camera, and the assembly of the second lens group is rotatable inside the lens barrel, and the first lens group can be folded and retracted into the space provided by the rotation of the second lens assembly.

Abstract: A multiplying mechanism is arranged between a drive source and a mechanism that transmits a rotary output from the drive source to a driven portion. A rotation information detecting unit that outputs rotation information is rotated in synchronism with the multiplying mechanism.

Abstract: An optical apparatus capable of reducing processing burden on the controller and achieving high-speed driving and improvement of the resolution of stop positions of an optical element. The optical apparatus includes a drive unit that drives the optical element, an operation member manually operated to instruct driving of the optical element and a signal output unit that outputs a signal that varies periodically according to the operation of the operation member. The controller determines the operation speed of the operation member based on the signal from the signal output unit, and chooses whether to control the drive unit according to the operation speed based on a count of periodic variations of the signal from the signal output unit, or to control the drive unit based on a value of the signal from the signal output unit.

Abstract: A lens apparatus which is easy to assemble, provides high strength at the flange portion, and achieves high degree of design freedom, too, is disclosed. On the circumferential wall of a second barrel member, a first groove portion is disposed to guide a guide portion provided in the first barrel member and at the end of optical axis direction of the circumferential wall, a flange portion is formed. On a third barrel member, a cam portion which engages with a cam follower portion provided on the guide portion is formed.

Abstract: In the zoom lens apparatus, a lens frame for a variable-magnification lens or a correcting lens is configured of an inner frame and an outer frame, and any focus blurring due to variations in wavelength of subject light can be compensated for accurately by shifting the inner frame holding the lens relative to the outer frame. The correcting lens frame for the correcting lens is configured of the inner frame and the outer frame, and the inner frame is shifted according to variations in wavelength of subject light. Any focus blurring can be thereby compensated for steplessly according to variations in wavelength of subject light.

Abstract: An endoscope image pickup unit is disclosed that captures magnified images of an object. An objective optical system of the image pickup unit includes, in order from the object side, a front lens group having positive refractive power and an aperture stop. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide an observation scale factor in the range of about 200 to 2000 so that cellular details can be observed, as in a microscope, while keeping the objective optical system sufficiently compact for insertion within a patient. Also disclosed is a focus adjustment apparatus and method for the endoscope image pickup unit, and a focus range check apparatus and method for the endoscope image pickup unit.

Abstract: A reduction gear mechanism includes at least first and second axes which extend parallel to each other; one of the first and second axes rotatably supports at least two gears arranged one after the other in the axial direction thereof, and the other of the first and second axes rotatably supports at least one gear, and the gears provided on the first and second axes being engaged with each other in such a manner that the gear supported on one of the first and second axes successively and alternatively engages with the gear supported on the other of the first and second axes.

Abstract: In a zoom lens device of the present invention, an aperture at a predetermined zooming step that is other than a telephoto end and a wide-angle end is smaller than apertures at the other zooming steps, and the predetermined zooming step is used only when a macro shooting mode is chosen. In the present invention, the predetermined zooming step between the telephoto end and the wide-angle end is set only for the macro shooting mode, and the aperture in the macro shooting mode is small enough to make the field depth large. Therefore, the simple and inexpensive lens device can perform the macro shooting.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus performs drive control to allow a zoom lens for magnifying an object image to stop at a stop position from both a telephoto direction and a wide-angle direction when a first mode and a second mode can be selected, and the first mode is selected, and performs drive control to allow the zoom lens to stop at the stop position from only one of the telephoto direction and the wide-angle direction when the second mode is selected.

Abstract: A biaxial driving mechanism, an image inputting apparatus used this biaxial driving mechanism and a light projecting apparatus used this biaxial driving mechanism, in which a mirror positioned in front of a camera or a light projecting instrument is rotated biaxially, and takes an image of a desiring direction or projects an image to a desiring direction without having an electric connection between the mirror and a driving part, are provided. In the biaxial driving mechanism, a horizontal rotating mechanism provides a ring gear, whose center axis is the same as that of an optical axis of a camera, holds a mirror, and a motor for rotating the ring gear around the optical axis of the camera.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a zoom lens is disclosed which automatically and accurately performs flange focal distance adjustment with a simple structure in a zoom lens of a rear focus type. The control apparatus comprises a memory which stores in-focus position data of a second lens unit with respect to the position of a first lens unit which provides variable magnification. A controller sets a reference position of the second lens unit for position control of the second lens unit with the in-focus position data based on an in-focus position of the second lens unit for an object at anywhere from the minimum object distance to the infinite distance when the first lens unit is located at the wide-angle end.

Abstract: An optical driving unit is disclosed, which is equipped with a function for moving an optical adjustment member by servo-driving to a stored position, wherein the optical adjustment member is not moved against the operator's intent after manual driving while that function is being carried out. The optical driving unit includes a driving mechanism that allows servo-driving and manual driving of the optical adjustment member, and that allows manual driving of the optical adjustment member during servo-driving without necessitating a switching operation. It also includes a storage circuit that stores at least one driving position of the optical adjustment member, and a control circuit that performs preset driving control through which the optical adjustment member is servo-driven to the driving position stored in the storage circuit. The control circuit aborts the preset driving control if manual driving of the optical adjustment member is detected during the preset driving control.

Abstract: This invention discloses a zoom lens control apparatus which has a first lens unit for executing magnification operation, and a second lens unit for correcting variations in image plane along with magnification operation of the first lens unit and serving as a focusing function, and drives the second lens unit on the basis of a focus adjustment signal, including a first setting circuit which sets a first moving range for the second lens unit along with movement of the first lens unit, and a second setting circuit which sets a second moving range different from the moving range for the second lens unit along with movement of the first lens unit.

Abstract: A lens position control apparatus is disclosed which comprises a variable power lens unit that moves along the optical axis; a focusing lens unit; a drive unit for driving the variable power lens unit along the optical axis; a member defining the reference position to be used prior to execution of a focusing operation of the focusing lens unit, the member being movable along the optical axis in accordance with the movement of the variable lens unit; and a calculating unit for calculating the driven amount of the focusing lens unit from the reference position in association with the focusing operation thereof, wherein the focus lens is moved to the reference position first, and then driven again based on the distance moved.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an optical lens unit, a manual operation member for manually moving the optical lens unit in an optical axis direction, a motor member for driving the optical lens unit in the optical axis direction, a motor operation member for actuating the motor member, the motor operation member being arranged to output a signal relating to an operation of the motor operation member, and the motor member being arranged to be driven according to the signal, a transmission mechanism capable of driving the optical lens unit in the optical axis direction by concurrently transmitting an operation force of the manual operation member and a driving force of the motor member to the optical lens unit, and a setting member for setting the motor member into an inoperative state.

Abstract: The lens apparatus permits rapid focusing by the operator demanding an autofocus start-up direction to carry out AF in the direction in an AF mode. When a start of the AF mode is instructed, an AF standby state of waiting for the operator to demand the AF start-up direction by operating a focus operation member, thereby permitting the operator to properly demand the AF start-up direction, and permitting the demand to be appropriately detected. When automatically switching from the state where the operator operates the focus operation member to the AF, condition of the switching is that a focus evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the operation of the focus operation member, or that an operation amount of the focus operation member is changed more then a predetermined amount, thereby permitting further rapid focusing and improvement of operability.

Abstract: The invention discloses an optical apparatus comprises an optical member, manual operation means for manually driving the optical member, a driving motor for electrically driving the optical member, determination means for determining either manual drive by the manual operation means or electrical drive by the driving motor, connection means for transmitting drive force by the driving motor to the optical member with a predetermined connection torque, and control means for varying the connection torque of the connection means based on the result of determination by the determination means.

Abstract: An image blur correction apparatus includes a correction optical system for correcting an image blur, an actuator for driving the correction optical system, a plurality of resilient members provided on an outer periphery of the correction optical system, the resilient members being provided substantially angularly equally divided into at least three locations about an optical axis of the correction optical system, and a guide member for movably guiding the correction optical system along a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the correction optical system. The plurality of resilient members and the guide member are disposed within substantially the same plane orthogonal to the optical axis. In a case in which the actuator does not perform the drive of the correction optical system, the plurality of resilient members hold the correction optical system substantially at a center of the optical axis.

Abstract: A zoom lens having both manual mode and auto focus mode of focus adjustment. The zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a focus portion, a zoom portion, and a main portion. Zooming is accomplished by moving some or all of the lens elements in the zoom portion along the optical axis. What would otherwise be a fluctuation of the image surface with change of object distance is corrected in manual mode by manually moving some or all of the lens elements of the focus portion along the optical axis based on visual observation of the object through the zoom lens as the adjustment is made. In auto focus mode, what would otherwise be a fluctuation of the image surface with change of object distance is corrected by micro-vibrating some or all of the lens elements of a lens group in the light path following the focus portion.

Abstract: The CPU of the lens drive unit obtains new data to be stored in an EEPROM from a personal computer. The CPU confirms with a supplied voltage confirmation circuit that voltage supplied from a power source to the lens drive unit is sufficient to reprogram the contents of the EEPROM. When the voltage of the power source is sufficient, a reprogramming voltage is applied from a reprogramming voltage applying device to the EEPROM, and the contents of the EEPROM are reprogrammed with the new data obtained from the personal computer. If the voltage of the power source is insufficient, the reprogramming of the contents of the EEPROM is not performed.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an optical lens unit, a manual operation member for manually moving the optical lens unit in an optical axis direction, a motor member for driving the optical lens unit in the optical axis direction, a motor operation member for actuating the motor member, the motor operation member being arranged to output a signal relating to an operation of the motor operation member, and the motor member being arranged to be driven according to the signal, a transmission mechanism capable of driving the optical lens unit in the optical axis direction by concurrently transmitting an operation force of the manual operation member and a driving force of the motor member to the optical lens unit, and a setting member for setting the motor member into an inoperative state.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a first movable optical member, a second movable optical member, different from the first optical member, and a driving mechanism engaged with the second optical member, and operable in a first operation mode, in which the second optical member is movable by an electrical driving operation of the driving mechanism, and a second operation mode, in which the second optical member is movable by a manual driving operation. Operation of the driving mechanism is switched between the first operation mode and the second operation mode by control means such as a CPU, wherein, when the driving mechanism is operable in the second operation mode, the control means switches operation of the driving mechanism to the first operation mode in response to a driving operation of the first optical member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zoom lens having a controller which controls driving of a zoom portion, based on input of zoom control information, and which controls driving of the zoom portion while calculating a target drive state (zoom position) of the zoom portion in order to effect correction for variation in an angle of view with driving of a focus portion. In the present invention the lens of this type is constructed to determine whether the input of the zoom control information is information about the target drive state of the zoom portion (for example, whether the zoom control information is information about the zoom drive state of the zoom portion or information about driving speed of the zoom portion).

Abstract: When a focus setting part and a zoom setting part are operated, a control box, connected to a lens system, outputs a driving signal to the lens system and thereby moves a focus lens and a zoom lens to a position directed by the setting parts. At that time, if only the focus setting part is operated to move the focus lens, a zoom position where a view angle is maintained constant is obtained from correction data which is recorded in a lens view angle correction data part, and a driving signal for moving the zoom lens to the zoom position is output to the lens system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens barrel which can carry out barrier opening/closing operations and lens moving operations of a lens optical system by use of a single driving source, and can adjust the focus without any obstruction even in a state allowing the barrier to open/close. A state capable of transmitting a driving force to a barrier opening/closing mechanism is attained when collapsing a lens barrel 1 to a predetermined extent or more, and a state incapable of transmitting the driving force to the barrier opening/closing mechanism is attained when the lens barrel 1 is expanded to a predetermined extent or more, whereby a single motor can carry out barrier opening/closing operations and lens moving operations of a lens optical system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens driving apparatus which can prevent a lens barrel from increasing its size and cost while making it possible to detect the position of a movable lens group. A first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group are disposed along an optical axis, among which the second lens group is a movable lens group movable along the optical axis. A second lens frame holding the second lens group is formed with a detection plate having a predetermined width in the direction of optical axis. A detector detects passages of both end portions of the detection plate, whereby the position of the second lens group can be detected.

Abstract: The invention discloses an optical apparatus comprises an optical member, manual operation means for manually driving the optical member, a driving motor for electrically driving the optical member, determination means for determining either manual drive by the manual operation means or electrical drive by the driving motor, connection means for transmitting drive force by the driving motor to the optical member with a predetermined connection torque, and control means for varying the connection torque of the connection means based on the result of determination by the determination means.

Abstract: The CPU of the lens drive unit obtains new data to be stored in an EEPROM from a personal computer. The CPU confirms with a supplied voltage confirmation circuit that voltage supplied from a power source to the lens drive unit is sufficient to reprogram the contents of the EEPROM. When the voltage of the power source is sufficient, a reprogramming voltage is applied from a reprogramming voltage applying device to the EEPROM, and the contents of the EEPROM are reprogrammed with the new data obtained from the personal computer. If the voltage of the power source is insufficient, the reprogramming of the contents of the EEPROM is not performed.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus not requiring the change of manual and automatic operations, preventing a lens from unexpectedly moving under manual operation, and making it possible to perform manual operation when a driving speed is low even under automatic operation. The apparatus has an automatic manual-and-automatic-operation change mode for automatically driving a lens by a zoom switch in a predetermined direction by connecting a zooming ring to a zoom motor through a clutch mechanism and connecting or disconnecting the clutch mechanism by a clutch-operating motor, and making it possible to automatically perform manual operation when the zoom switch is not operated. Moreover, the apparatus has a manual-operation mode for enabling only manual operation in addition to the change mode so that automatic operation is not performed even if an operator touches the zoom switch.

Abstract: A lens drive control device includes a zoom lens, a drive mechanism for driving at least one lens unit which constitutes the zoom lens, a control circuit for controlling the drive mechanism, and a switch for switching between a shooting state and a non-shooting state of the zoom lens, wherein, when the zoom lens is switched from the non-shooting state to the shooting state by the switch, the control circuit causes the drive mechanism to drive the zoom lens to a zoom position other than a wide-angle end.

Abstract: A lens drive control device includes a zoom lens, a drive mechanism for driving at least one lens unit which constitutes the zoom lens, a control circuit for controlling the drive mechanism, and a switch for switching between a shooting state and a non-shooting state of the zoom lens, wherein, when the zoom lens is switched from the non-shooting state to the shooting state by the switch, the control circuit causes the drive mechanism to drive the zoom lens to a zoom position other than a wide-angle end.

Abstract: A lens drive control device includes a zoom lens, a drive mechanism for driving at least one lens unit which constitutes the zoom lens, a control circuit for controlling the drive mechanism, and a switch for switching between a shooting state and a non-shooting state of the zoom lens, wherein, when the zoom lens is switched from the non-shooting state to the shooting state by the switch, the control circuit causes the drive mechanism to drive the zoom lens to a zoom position other than a wide-angle end.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus includes a lens, a counter which indicates a driving position of the lens, and a control part which initializes a count value of the counter every time the lens passes a predetermined reference position during an image pickup operation.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel in which a zoom lens is switched to a plurality of focal lengths by a moving member by which a plurality of lens groups are moved in the direction of optical axis. After a desired focal length has been selected, a focusing operation is conducted by the moving member. At least two lens groups, which are moved for switching focal lengths, are moved while a distance between lens groups is being changed so that the focusing operation can be conducted.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a very compact zoom assembly with a minimum number of parts. Another object of this invention is to provide a zoom assembly which does not require guide rods and utilizes with only one motor for both zooming and focusing. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a zoom assembly includes a zoom lens defining an optical axis. This zoom lens is capable of operating in a plurality of different zoom positions and of focus adjustment for different object distances in each of the zoom positions. The zoom positions are (i) two extreme zoom positions (a wide angle position and a telephoto position), and (ii) a plurality of intermediate zoom positions. The zoom lens includes at least a first movable lens group and a second movable lens group. These first and second lens group are separated from one another by a variable distance.

Abstract: A zoom lens in which a lens group is driven in response to an operation member provided on a body to which the zoom lens is attached, includes a rotary manual ring disposed on a lens barrel, and a driving part arranged to drive the lens group in accordance with a rotating state of the manual ring.

Abstract: In a lens control apparatus, the performance does not deteriorate even if a filter is inserted and removed. Correction amounts of a focusing lens position which are necessary to eliminate an out-of-focus that is caused when, for example, a filter is inserted are actually measured at several zooming positions such as zm0, zm1, zm2, and zm3 and the results are stored into a predetermined memory such as an ROM or the like in a CPU 36 with respect to a position control of a lens. A correction amount when the filter is inserted at an arbitrary zooming position is calculated by a polygonal line approximation based on correction amounts at the several zooming positions. By adding this correction amount to the focusing lens position which is calculated in accordance with separately stored zoom tracking curve data when the filter is removed, a correct in-focus state can be obtained even when the filter is inserted.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises a lens which can be moved in the direction of the optical axis, a moving unit for moving the lens, and a signal generator for detecting information about the movement of the lens, the signal generator comprising a wiring board which is disposed on a surface intersecting the optical axis at right angles and on which a signal generating pattern is formed, and a signal generating member which is moved around the optical axis by rotating the rotating member in the moving unit and which slides on the signal generating pattern. There is thus no need for providing a flexible printed wiring board, as conventional lens barrels.

Abstract: An optical gun sight system for an M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank supported in a lower housing which may be attached to the fixed internal upper housing in the turret of the tank. An adapter plate is provided which has two sets of openings, one to align with the openings in the upper housing and the other to align with openings in the lower housing. An alignment mechanism allows for fine adjustment of the lower housing relative to the upper housing. Operating buttons, knobs and filter wheel are conveniently located on or beneath the front face of the lower housing. A thermal imaging system includes an objective lens for receiving an image of a target object, an eyepiece lens for viewing the image of the object, and a compensator lens movably located between the objective and eyepiece lenses for providing a thermal image of the object.

Abstract: A lens driving mechanism for moving a lens in its optical axis direction has a lens frame for holding the lens, guide means for guiding the lens frame to be movable in the optical axis direction of the lens, and an actuator having an actuation portion that moves in a direction nearly parallel to the optical axis of the lens. In the lens driving mechanism, the lens frame and the actuation portion are directly or indirectly connected so that the lens frame does not move in the optical axis direction relative to the actuation portion of the actuator.

Abstract: A lens position control apparatus includes an absolute position detecting part for detecting the absolute position of a lens, a relative position detecting part for detecting the relative position of the lens, a driving part for driving the lens, and a control part for controlling the driving part to drive the lens to a predetermined position within a driving range of the lens on the basis of an output of the absolute position detecting part and, after that, drive the lens to an end position of the driving range on the basis of an output of the relative position detecting part, so that the lens position control can be promptly initialized.

Abstract: A zoom lens device has a zooming position detector consisting of a code plate and a brush device. The code plate is mounted to a front face of a shutter unit that is attached to a front end of an axial movement barrel. The axial movement barrel is located inside a helical movement barrel so as to be immovable in the axial direction relative to the helical movement barrel, but is rotated relative to the helical movement barrel for zooming. The brush device is mounted to an inner peripheral portion of a lens barrel that is located near the face of the shutter unit and rotates relative to the face of the shutter unit, such that the electric contact strips brush the code plate while the shutter unit rotates relative to the lens barrel for zooming. A zooming position of the zoom lens device is determined based on output signals from the brush device.

Abstract: A zoom lens apparatus which is superior in sound insulating and dust-proof properties and is easy to handle in transportation, storage and so forth. A lens system including a zoom lens set, a focusing lens set and an iris disposed on a single optic axis, a zoom lens driving section composed of a motor, a ball screw, a lens holding member, a nut member and so forth for driving the zoom lens, a focusing lens driving section composed of a guide rod, a lens holding member, a movable coil, an outer yoke, magnets and so forth for driving the focusing lens, and an iris motor for opening and closing the iris are accommodated in the housing having a substantially rectangular outer profile.

Abstract: A lens position control device including a first lens movable along an axis, a first detector detecting a position of the first lens, a second lens movable along the axis, a second detector detecting a position of the second lens, and a controller for driving and controlling the lenses, including storing and position parts. The storing part stores information related to second lens positions with in-focus state retained respectively for a plurality of object distances with respect to each of a plurality of positions of the first lens.

Abstract: A position detecting device includes a moving body, and a detection mechanism which detects a moving position of the moving body on the basis of a level of a detection signal, wherein a peak value of the level of the detection signal is set to be obtained at an intermediate point within a moving range of the moving body.

Abstract: A driving mechanism is disclosed for photographic lens having a stationary lens barrel, a first driving lens barrel adapted to be rotated and moved back and forth relative to the stationary lens barrel, a second driving lens barrel operatively associated with the first driving lens barrel by the aid of a rotation transmitting structure so as to be rotated and moved back and forth relative to the first driving lens barrel, and a movable lens barrel holding a front lens group and being movable back and forth relative to the second driving lens barrel. With this arrangement, power varying or focusing is achieved with a relatively small-sized lens barrel assembly by moving a rear lens group back and forth under a regulating action of the second driving lens barrel. The first driving lens barrel is rotatably received by and operatively associated with the stationary lens barrel through helicoids formed on these two lens barrels.

Abstract: A lens drive device for a zoom optical system drives first and second lenses along an optical axis with a single drive source. A transmission mechanism connects the drive source and the first and second lenses. The transmission mechanism transmits drive to the first lens during a first motion range and to the first and second lenses during a second motion range. A focal length of the optical system changes in the first motion range and a focal point position of the optical system changes in the second motion range. The first and second lenses respectively moves in response to movement of a first and second feed screw. A first gear transmits drive from the drive source to the first feed screw while a second gear intermittently transmits drive from the drive source to the second feed screw. A lock lever interlocks with the second gear in response to rotation of a large diameter section of the first gear to thereby arrest movement of the second gear and second feed screw.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video-camera imaging-system lens barrel which overcomes the problem of a four-lens-group-type video-camera imaging-system lens barrel, which has a complicated structure and large size and weight due to the large number of lens groups. In a so-called two-group-type lens system, a first lens group 2 and a second lens group 3, which are in focus in an imaging plane (CCD 4) for each zoom magnification at fixed subject distances .alpha.m and .beta.m, are controlled such that they move along zoom tracking curves 1.sub.1, 1.sub.2, 1.sub.3 and 1.sub.4 which represent the paths of movement of the respective positions of the first lens group and the second lens group.

Abstract: A lens barrel or an optical apparatus includes a first lens arranged to move for varying an image forming magnification, a second lens arranged to move for focusing and for compensating for a change in image forming position resulting from a movement of the first lens, a focusing part arranged to drive the second lens and having a backlash, and a zooming part which is arranged to drive the first lens and the second lens in an interlocking manner and to cause the second lens to move by using a part of the focusing part. The backlash is corrected when zooming is performed by the zooming part.