Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting sizes of objects displayed on a screen are provided. The a method includes recognizing one or more objects appearing on the screen, displaying guides indicating regions of the recognized objects on the screen, receiving a selection command for one of the recognized objects, and adjusting, upon reception of a size adjustment command, a size of the region of the selected object with respect to a first axis of the guide associated with the selected object or a second axis thereof perpendicular to the first axis, and displaying the size-adjusted region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aiming device for a camcorder. An open frame with an attachment means is mounted to the camcorder such that one can see what the camcorder will record through the open frame yet still view the non recorded material at the same time.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuation apparatus comprises a movable element suspended on a support structure by a plurality of flexures which are non-uniformly configured to apply forces having differing components perpendicular to the movement axis generating a net moment around the center of mass of the movable element in an opposite sense from the moment generated by the actuation force. A shape memory alloy wire is coupled between the support structure and an intermediate body engaging the movable element through a pivotal contact to avoid lateral force transfer. Also coupled between the support structure and the intermediate body is a resilient biassing flexure plastically deformed in a partial region thereof. The shape memory alloy wire is crimped by a crimping member fixed to the support structure holding the shape memory alloy wire against a curved surface from which the shape alloy memory wire extends to the movable element.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a viewfinder optical system that observes a subject image input from a photography optical system. The imaging apparatus also includes a transmissive member upon which is provided a line image indicating detection positions of photography supporting information relating to photography conditions, within a photography region. The photography conditions are at least one of setting information relating to a focus and setting information relating to an exposure. The imaging apparatus further includes an imaging device that acquires a photographed image relating to the subject image, the line image having been superimposed on the photographed image. In addition, the imaging apparatus includes a processing unit that corrects a part of the line image extracted from the line image shown in the photographed image, the part of the line image having been extracted corresponding to the photography conditions that have been set.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a lens-interchangeable camera which has operability equal to a right-handed user and a left-handed user without necessity of any addition of extra members and without sacrificing a design for a smaller size. Since a camera according to the present invention does not need any extra members, a user-friendly camera which eliminates any disadvantage for a use by left-handed persons at a high level that any conventional cameras have not yet achieved can be achieved. Also, since a camera body can be disposed on a left side as needed even for a right-handed user and the right-handed user can operate the camera body only with his/her left hand, this form is convenient when the user picks up images while the user is operating another apparatus with his/her right hand.

Abstract: In a method and system for focusing a camera focus can be repeatedly alternated between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions. An image can be displayed when the focus position is the original focus position. The image can be suppressed at other focus positions when the images are out of focus. The image can be displayed at one of the other focus position when the image is in focus. In this manner, the display of annoying and distracting unfocused images is mitigated.

Abstract: A lamp bracket and illumination optics assembly interface including at least one bracket engaging member formed on the illumination optics; and a receiving member formed on the lamp bracket corresponding to the bracket engaging member such that the bracket engaging member is configured to be received at least partially within the receiving member in an overlapping configuration.

Abstract: An eyepiece includes, in order from the object side, a first lens with positive power, a second lens with positive power, and a third lens with negative power. The first lens is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the object side, and the eyepiece fails to have a fourth lens. The eyepiece satisfies the following conditions: 0.6<f1/f<1.2 ?2.0<f1-2/f3<?1.0 ?0.45<f3/f<?0.25 where f1 is the focal length of the first lens; f1-2 is a combined focal length of the first and second lenses and is a focal length where a diopter is ?1 m?1 when the focal length of the eyepiece is changed; f3 is the focal length of the third lens; and f is the focal length of the entire system of the eyepiece and is a focal length where a diopter is ?1 m?1 when the focal length of the eyepiece is changed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lens barrel and a compact lens system incorporating the lens barrel where notches defined in a cam barrel to serve as bolt holes and disengage the studs are reduced in dimensions both along and around the optical axis, thereby ensuring enlarged cam formation ranges in the cam barrel and resultantly downsizing the lens system as a whole.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a camera capable of reducing the size by reducing the range of movement of a view finder driving member which operates interlocked with an image-taking lens barrel. The camera includes an image-taking lens barrel which performs a operation in a collapse region and performs a zooming operation in an image-taking region, a view finder optical system including a movable lens unit and a view finder driving member having a cam which drives the movable lens unit. The image-taking lens barrel operates interlocked with the view finder driving member in the image-taking region and the interlock between the image-taking lens barrel and the view finder driving member is released in the collapse region.

Abstract: A camera assembly has a mount defining an optical axis. The mount has opposed first and second stops. A rocker pivots between the stops. An over-center mechanism biases the rocker toward the nearer stop. A lens turret has primary and secondary openings. The lens turret rotates with the rocker between a first configuration and a second configuration upon pivoting of the rocker between first and second positions. The rocker is movable in a direction parallel to the optical axis, independent of the lens turret in both configurations.

Abstract: A zoom finder drive mechanism, driven only when taking a picture. When a lens barrel is in a collapsed position, the cam-follower pin of a rotary barrel does not abut at an end of a protrusion of a finder cam barrel such that a first and second movable finder lenses are idle. When taking a picture, the cam-follower of the rotary barrel is abutted at the end of the protrusion of the finder cam barrel such that the first and second movable finder lenses are driven.

Abstract: A zoom lens camera includes an optical-element drive mechanism for a photographing optical system, and a zooming-associating mechanism for associating a zooming-associated driven member with a zooming operation to be driven by the optical-element drive mechanism in a ready-to-photograph state, and for releasing the association of the zooming-associated driven member with the zooming operation between the ready-to-photograph state and the retracted state. The zooming-associating mechanism includes three rotational members, and includes a master rotational member and a slave rotational member at opposite ends thereof. Opposed surfaces of two adjacent rotational members include rotation transfer portions engaged with each other at predetermined relative angular positions so as to integrally rotate.

Abstract: A camera can reduce the size of the camera. The camera comprises a lens barrel which allows the focal length of an image-taking optical system to be changed, a view finder unit for observing an object image, a cam member having a cam for driving the view finder unit, which moves around the lens barrel in a first area and a barrel driving mechanism which is arranged around the lens barrel in a second area and drives the lens barrel.

Abstract: A camera can reduce thickness of a driving member in the diameter direction is disclosed. The camera comprises an actuator, a driven unit and a driving member that rotates around the image-taking optical axis by the driving force from the actuator and transmits the driving force to the driven unit. Herein, two gears are formed integrally on the outer and inner circumferences of the driving member, and of these two gears, a first gear is interconnected to the actuator and a second gear is interconnected to the driven unit, and the two gears are formed at different positions in the direction of the image-taking optical axis in the driving member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a camera capable of reducing the size by reducing the range of movement of a view finder driving member which operates interlocked with an image-taking lens barrel. The camera includes an image-taking lens barrel which performs a operation in a collapse region and performs a zooming operation in an image-taking region, a view finder optical system including a movable lens unit and a view finder driving member having a cam which drives the movable lens unit. The image-taking lens barrel operates interlocked with the view finder driving member in the image-taking region and the interlock between the image-taking lens barrel and the view finder driving member is released in the collapse region.

Abstract: A camera which causes a lens unit to move accurately through a cam member is disclosed. The camera comprises a lens unit with movable lenses making up a view finder optical system, a cam member having a cam which engages with the lens unit for driving the lens unit in conjunction with the operation of the image-taking optical system, a first bias member which biases the cam member in one of moving directions of the cam member, and a second bias member which biases the lens unit so as to contact the cam surface.

Abstract: A hand-held device has a body and a deployable component mounted to the body. The deployable component is movable, with a deployment method, between undeployed and deployed positions. A drive unit is disposed within the body and engages the deployable component. The drive unit is reversibly pivotable about a drive axis from a first end orientation, through first and second ranges of intermediate orientations, to a second end orientation. An actuator that is mounted to the body is manually switchable, in forward and rearward strokes, between primary and secondary positions. The actuator at the forward stroke pivots the drive unit from the first end orientation to a second range intermediate orientation and at the rearward stroke pivots the drive unit from the second end orientation to a first range intermediate orientation.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus with a photographing function, includes a viewing optical system by which an image of an object, formed by a positive objective optical system, is viewed though a positive eyepiece optical system, and a photographing optical system which is provided independently from the viewing optical system. The photographing optical system covers substantially the same field of view as that of the viewing optical system. The viewing apparatus satisfies the following condition: 0.1<ft/fo<0.7  (1) wherein ft designates the focal length of the photographing optical system, and fo designates the focal length of the objective optical system of the viewing optical system.

Abstract: A camera which causes a lens unit to move accurately through a cam member is disclosed. The camera comprises a lens unit with movable lenses making up a view finder optical system, a cam member having a cam which engages with the lens unit for driving the lens unit in conjunction with the operation of the image-taking optical system, a first bias member which biases the cam member in one of moving directions of the cam member, and a second bias member which biases the lens unit so as to contact the cam surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a camera capable of reducing the size by reducing the range of movement of a view finder driving member which operates interlocked with an image-taking lens barrel. The camera includes an image-taking lens barrel which performs a operation in a collapse region and performs a zooming operation in an image-taking region, a view finder optical system including a movable lens unit and a view finder driving member having a cam which drives the movable lens unit. The image-taking lens barrel operates interlocked with the view finder driving member in the image-taking region and the interlock between the image-taking lens barrel and the view finder driving member is released in the collapse region.

Abstract: A viewfinder assembly mounting system includes a mounting hole formed at least in one of a camera body and a base barrel in a direction of an optical axis, a viewfinder assembly provided with a guide hole corresponding to the mounting hole of the base barrel; and a guide member inserted and coupled to the mounting hole and the guide hole in the direction of the optical axis. The guide member is either a strobe guide member or a viewfinder lens guide member for respectively guiding a motion of the strobe and the viewfinder lens in a direction of an optical axis by synchronizing with the barrel.

Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A parallax compensation system and method is provided for a camera including an independent viewfinder. For close focus pictures, the camera's taking lens is shifted towards the viewfinder. In one embodiment, for far focus pictures the camera's taking lens is moved away from the viewfinder and is not centered on the image recording medium axis. The lens shifting is accomplished by mounting the taking lens eccentrically in a lens barrel. Rotation of the lens barrel shifts the taking lens towards the independent viewfinder for close focus shots. In one embodiment, the viewfinder axis is tilted towards the taking lens to help eliminate parallax in close focus pictures.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes: a substantially rectangular parallelepiped image-capturing unit main body provided with an image-capturing device for generating an image signal by capturing an optical image formed by a photographic lens unit; a substantially rectangular parallelepiped display unit main body provided with an external display device for displaying an image based upon the image signal generated by the image-capturing device; and a linking portion that links the image-capturing unit main body and the display unit main body in a manner that the image-capturing unit main body and the display unit main body can rotate relative to each other. And, at the display unit main body, a shutter release button is provided and a grip portion is provided near an end surface furthest away from the image-capturing unit main body; and at the image-capturing unit main body, an optical viewfinder unit is provided beside the photographic lens unit.

Abstract: Various cameras are disclosed in which indicia on a mask may be selectively viewable to a user depending on the mode in which the camera is operated. The indicia may include, for example, a framing target to facilitate framing of an image to be photographed, or other symbol(s) indicative of the mode in which the camera may be operated.

Abstract: A cam plate is disposed horizontally and movably to a horizontal direction inside a camera body. The cam plate includes a plate portion for moving variator lenses of a zoom finder device in cooperation with a zoom lens to vary a viewable field angle of a zoom finder device, and a rack gear formed integrally with the plate portion. The rack gear is engaged with an intermediate gear. A first flat gear being concentric with the intermediate gear is engaged with a second flat gear. Two flash rack gears are engaged with the first and second flat gears. These flash rack gears are formed in a frame holding a flash projector. When the zoom lens moves, the cam plate moves horizontally to vary the viewable field angle of the zoom finder device, and simultaneously the rack gear rotates the first and second flat gears.

Abstract: An improved camera includes a photographing optical system and a finder optical system, existing independently from each other. In order that a finder observation image will not be obstructed by a camera lens, the camera comprises a driving circuit for respectively driving the photographing optical system and the finder optical system, and an optical system control circuit for controlling the photographing optical system in a manner such that the finder optical system will not be obstructed by the photographing optical system.

Abstract: In a camera to which the finder drive mechanism of the invention is applied, a lens barrel is driven by a drive motor through a zoom drive gear train and a lens frame drive gear train, and the finder variable power of a finder optical system is moved forward and backward in association with the lens barrel through the zoom drive gear train, finder drive gear train, a friction clutch mechanism and a finder cam mechanism. The finder cam assembly of the finder cam mechanism rotates an angle of a predetermined operation range of at least one rotation, thereby moving forward and backward the zoom finder lens system. According to the camera having the finder drive mechanism, a finder optical system having high variable power can be assembled thereto, and moreover the finder optical system can be moved forward and backward with a pinpoint accuracy by the finder drive mechanism.

Abstract: A high-performance image-forming optical system made compact and thin by folding an optical path using reflecting surfaces arranged to minimize the number of reflections. The image-forming optical system has a single prism. When image-side three surfaces of the prism are defined as a surface A, a surface B and a surface C in order from the image plane side thereof, at least one of the surfaces B and C has a rotationally asymmetric curved surface configuration that gives a power to a light beam and corrects aberrations due to decentration. The optical system leads light rays from an object to the image plane without forming an image in the prism and has a pupil in the prism. The surface A is a transmitting surface through which rays exit from the prism. The surfaces B and C are internally reflecting surfaces. Rays incident on the surface C and rays reflected from the surface B intersect each other in the prism.

Abstract: A camera of this invention incorporates a finder unit capable of changing its magnification corresponding to any one of plural zoom lens barrels (first, second lens barrels) each having different zoom range. When installing the finder unit, first, a positioning pin is inserted into a positioning hole in a rotary frame so as to hold the lens barrel in standard zoom condition. Then, a finder positioning pin is inserted into a cam gear positioning hole and main body positioning hole in finder cam shaft so as to hold a finder lens at a variable magnification position corresponding to the standard zoom condition. With that condition, a zoom driving gear arrangement is meshed with a driving gear portion and cam gear in a rotary frame so that the lens barrel and finder are assembled with each other. This camera realizes reduction of product development term and production cost.

Abstract: A camera capable of switching two kinds of photographing modes, the normal photographing mode and the trimming-photographing mode capable of telephotographing in pseudo, and switching the photographing mode in an arbitrary position. A viewfinder cam for changing the focal length of a viewfinder optical system to confirm the range of an image plane to be printed through the viewfinder includes two cam faces corresponding to the photographing modes. When the cam face to be used is selected according to the photographing mode, a pin for changing the focal length of the viewfinder optical system interlocking with the zooming operation of the photographing lens is moved along the selected cam face, whereby the focal length of the viewfinder optical system is changed so that the angle of view of the viewfinder coincides with the angle of view of a photograph to be printed.

Abstract: In a camera to which the finder drive mechanism of the invention is applied, a lens barrel is driven by a drive motor through a zoom drive gear train and a lens frame drive gear train, and the finder variable power of a finder optical system is moved forward and backward in association with the lens barrel through the zoom drive gear train, finder drive gear train, a friction clutch mechanism and a finder cam mechanism. The finder cam assembly of the finder cam mechanism rotates an angle of a predetermined operation range of at least one rotation, thereby moving forward and backward the zoom finder lens system. According to the camera having the finder drive mechanism, a finder optical system having high variable power can be assembled thereto, and moreover the finder optical system can be moved forward and backward with a pinpoint accuracy by the finder drive mechanism.

Abstract: In a viewfinder having objective lens elements G1 to G4 and performing zooming by driving the objective lens elements G2 and G3 in the direction of the optical axis x, a finder cam 6 is provided that interlocks with an axially movable barrel 9 through a pin 9a and drives the objective lens elements G2 and G3 through cam followers 4 and 8 and lens frames 5 and 7, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual image coincidence type finder system for a camera. Within a finder field, a dual image composed of superimposed two images is formed. A light deflecting system is provided to change degree of relative displacement between the superimposed two images. The light deflecting system is controlled to change the degree of relative displacement between the superimposed two images in accordance with an object distance.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel in a camera is driven by a drive motor via a zoom drive gear train and a lens barrel gear train. A finder optical system, which is interlocked with the zoom lens barrel, is driven by the drive motor through the zoom drive gear train, a finder drive gear train, a friction clutch mechanism and a finder cam. Since the finder optical system is driven via the friction clutch mechanism, a phase adjustment between the lens barrel and the finder optical system is easily performed. The camera is easily assembled without paying particular attention to zoom position deviation in the finder optical system.

Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A zoom finder includes a finder optical system in which at least one lens group is moveable in the optical axis direction thereof to perform the zooming operation; a guide shaft which extends in parallel with the optical axis; a lens mount member which supports the movable lens group and through which the guide shaft extends to support the lens mount member to move in the optical axis direction; and a drive cam which is rotatably supported by the guide shaft, so that the lens mount member moves in the optical axis direction in association with the rotation of the drive cam.

Abstract: There is provided a distance measuring apparatus in a lens-shutter type camera provided with a photographic lens, a focal length of the photographic lens being variable.

Abstract: A finder system including a first optical system and a second optical system apart from the first optical system by a certain base length. Based on an object distance obtained with use of an active or passive distance measuring device, degree of coincidence of images respectively formed by the first and second optical system and superimposed is varied so that superimposed images of an object that is located at the detected object distance coincide.

Abstract: In a camera equipped with a zoom lens for forming an image of an object onto a film surface, the camera is equipped with a front lens group composed of a first lens group, adjustable aperture blades, a second lens group, and a second lens group-holding member; a back lens group provided; and an actuator to drive the adjustable aperture blade. The actuator is provided on the object-side from a space between the second lens group and the back lens group.

Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well as into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).

Abstract: A magnification change-over device is arranged to be highly suitable for a camera of the kind having a photo-taking lens and a viewfinder arranged independently of each other. The device includes the photo-taking lens having an image magnification which is variable; the viewfinder which is arranged to have an image magnification thereof also variable; an operating device for varying the image magnification of the viewfinder; a detecting device for detecting the magnifying state of the viewfinder; and a driving apparatus for driving the photo-taking lens according to a detection signal of the detecting device when a shutter release operation is performed. After a magnification setting operation is performed on the viewfinder, the change-over device changes the magnification of the photo-taking lens according to the magnification of the viewfinder when a photographing operation is actually performed.

Abstract: In a finder unit of the present invention, a cam plate for changing the magnification of a finder optical system is arciform and is, when disposed on a lens barrel on a camera, movable along the cylindrical lens barrel's outer periphery. Consequently, the finder unit can easily be incorporated into the camera, and contributes to reducing the size of the camera.

Abstract: In a finder, a movable lens is supported by a shaft and a guide plate respectively at both side edge portions thereof so as to keep a balance. The movable lens is moved accurately and smoothly. Also, the guide plate for supporting the side edge portion of the movable lens is separated from the frame. Accordingly, the movement of the movable lens can be smoothed when the machining accuracy of the guide plate is enhanced alone so as to support the movable lens at an accurate position.

Abstract: In a camera comprising a phototaking lens system and a viewfinder lens system having a different optical axis from that of the phototaking lens system, the camera comprises a drive means, for simultaneously zooming the phototaking lens system and the viewfinder lens system, which simultaneously shifts at least one of the lens groups of the phototaking lens system and at least one of the lens groups of the viewfinder lens system. The drive means simultaneously focuses the phototaking lens system and the viewfinder lens system on an object by simultaneously shifting at least one of the lens groups of the phototaking lens system and at least one of the lens groups of the viewfinder lens system based on the position data of the object.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises an association device which operates a viewfinder in association with a movement of an image forming optical system. After the movement of the image forming optical system, the association device severs the association of the viewfinder with respect to a movement of the image forming optical system in a direction different from that of the first-mentioned movement.

Abstract: The zooming device comprises first and second lens groups movably supported by a guide shaft which is disposed in parallel to a cam shaft, an outer surface of which has first and second cam grooves. First and second pins provided on the first and second lens groups are engaged with the first and second cam grooves, respectively. A cam surface of the first cam groove is inclined to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cam shaft. By varying the distance between the guide shaft and the cam shaft, the first pin and the first lens group are moved along the optical axis of the lens groups, so that a focusing adjustment is performed.

Abstract: A viewfinder has an objective optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The viewfinder includes a supporting member which supports at least a part of either the objective optical system or the eyepiece optical system. The viewfinder further includes a hollow member provided separately from the supporting member. The hollow member is positioned in an optical path of the viewfinder such that a focal plane of the objective optical system is located in the hollow member. The viewfinder further includes a first transparent member secured to one end of the hollow member so as to face toward the objective optical system, and a second transparent member secured to another end of the hollow member so as to face toward the eyepiece optical system. An enclosed space in which the focal plane is located is formed by the first transparent member, the second transparent member and the hollow member.

Abstract: A magnification change-over device is arranged to be highly suitable for a camera of the kind having a photo-taking lens and a viewfinder arranged independently of each other. The device includes the photo-taking lens having an image magnification which is variable; the viewfinder which is arranged to have an image magnification thereof also variable; an operating device for varying the image magnification of the viewfinder; a detecting device for detecting the magnifying state of the viewfinder; and a driving apparatus for driving the photo-taking lens according to a detection signal of the detecting device when a shutter release operation is performed. After a magnification setting operation is performed on the viewfinder, the change-over device changes the magnification of the photo-taking lens according to the magnification of the viewfinder when a photographing operation is actually performed.