Abstract: In an image capture apparatus, the surface of an optical element and a shutter are made to have conductivity, and they are grounded so as to have the same potential, so that adhesion of foreign matter onto the surface of the optical element can be prevented.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image-taking apparatus that prevents a defocus of a subject image observed after a viewfinder mode switches when the focus control uses the same focus detecting unit for OVF and EVF modes. The image-taking apparatus includes a focus detecting unit for detecting focus of the image-taking lens, and a mirror unit for switching between a first state used to introduce the light from the image lens into the viewfinder optical system and the focus detecting unit, and a second state used to introduce the light to the image-pickup device and the focus detecting unit. The controller controls driving of the mirror unit and driving of a focus lens based on a detection result by the focus detecting unit. The controller prohibits the driving of the mirror unit while the focus lens is being driven.

Abstract: An optical apparatus including an optical system for bending an optical path in a first direction into a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a prism for bending the optical path in the second direction with a plurality of reflecting surfaces so that the optical path spirals and leads into a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.

Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which can remove a dust stuck to a surface of an optical member such as a cover glass or an optical filter without damaging the surface of the optical member, and which can take a good image without imaging shadows of the dust stuck to the surface of the optical member. An image pickup apparatus comprises an optical element, an image pickup device, and a drive unit. The drive unit applies voltage to a non-uniform electric field generating device and moving the non-uniform electric field generating device to scan an optical incidence plane of the optical element.

Abstract: An optical filter which can remove dust stuck to the incidence surface of incidence of light and reduce the mounting space. A filter body is adapted to have predetermined transmittivity as well as a piezoelectric characteristic. At least two electrodes are formed on the filter body. A drive voltage is applied between the at least two electrodes to vibrate the filter body.

Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.

Abstract: This invention can suppress adhesion of dust to the surface of an optical filter and the cover glass surface of a solid-state image sensor without any optically adverse effect. An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing device which converts the optical image of an object into an electrical signal, and an optical element (11) arranged in front of the image capturing device. Minute particles of a single layer (11a) are arrayed on a surface of the optical element on the object side.

Abstract: In an optical device including an optical system to form an optical image of an object to be photographed, an image capture unit to convert the optical image of the object to be photographed into an electrical signal, and an optical device arranged on the front surface of the image capture unit, a water repellent layer or a structure with a three-dimensional pattern to reduce the adhesive force of an alien substance is provided on a surface of the optical element on the opposite side of the optical system.

Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing element has a photoelectric conversion element which converts incoming light into an electrical signal in accordance with an amount of the light, a microlens which is arranged on an incident surface, a light guide which is arranged between the photoelectric conversion element and the microlens, and an insulating interlayer which is arranged around the light guide.

Abstract: In an optical device including an optical system to form an optical image of an object to be photographed, an image capture unit to convert the optical image of the object to be photographed into an electrical signal, and an optical device arranged on the front surface of the image capture unit, a water repellent layer or a structure with a three-dimensional pattern to reduce the adhesive force of an alien substance is provided on a surface of the optical element on the opposite side of the optical system.

Abstract: Provided is an optical device having image capturing means that converts an optical image of an object to an electric signal, and an optical element arranged before the image capturing means. In the optical device, an insulation member is arranged at a position facing the optical element in a way to be movable in a substantially entire area of a light entering surface of the optical element, and an electric control unit is provided for at least electrostatically charging or neutralizing the insulation member.

Abstract: In an image capture apparatus, the surface of an optical element and a shutter are made to have conductivity, and they are grounded so as to have the same potential, so that adhesion of foreign matter onto the surface of the optical element can be prevented.

Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing element has a photoelectric conversion element which converts incoming light into an electrical signal in accordance with an amount of the light, a microlens which is arranged on an incident surface, a light guide which is arranged between the photoelectric conversion element and the microlens, and an insulating interlayer which is arranged around the light guide.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image-taking apparatus that prevents a defocus of a subject image observed after a viewfinder mode switches when the focus control uses the same focus detecting unit for OVF and EVF modes. The image-taking apparatus includes a focus detecting unit for detecting focus of the image-taking lens, and a mirror unit for switching between a first state used to introduce the light from the image lens into the viewfinder optical system and the focus detecting unit, and a second state used to introduce the light to the image-pickup device and the focus detecting unit. The controller controls driving of the mirror unit and driving of a focus lens based on a detection result by the focus detecting unit. The controller prohibits the driving of the mirror unit while the focus lens is being driven.

Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.

Abstract: An optical apparatus including an optical system for bending an optical path in a first direction into a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a prism for bending the optical path in the second direction with a plurality of reflecting surfaces so that the optical path spirals and leads into a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction.