Abstract: An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which is capable of adjusting a positional displacement of an image-taking optical system and an image-pickup element even in a state in which they are fixed. The image-taking apparatus includes the image-taking optical system including an offset lens unit movable in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis, the image-pickup element and a memory which stores adjustment data. The adjustment data is data on a movement amount of the offset lens unit to make light amounts in peripheral parts on the image-pickup element substantially homogeneous in a case where an object has a surface with approximately homogeneous luminance.

Abstract: An integration circuit integrates an angular velocity signal outputted from a vibration detection element and generates a shift amount signal indicating the shift amount of an imaging device. A control unit judges whether the device is in the panning state or the tilting state. The integration circuit is formed by a digital filter, which includes a register for holding an accumulation value to be an amplitude value of the shift amount signal.

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

Abstract: An integration circuit integrates an angular velocity signal outputted from a vibration detection element and generates a shift amount signal indicating the shift amount of an imaging device. The integration circuit is formed by a digital filter, which includes a register for holding an accumulation value serving as a shift amount signal. A control unit acquires an accumulation values held in the register at a predetermined interval and obtains a change amount between the accumulation value previously obtained and the accumulation value currently obtained. When the change value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit subtracts a correction value from the currently obtained accumulation value so that the value approaches zero and resets the obtained value in the register.

Abstract: There is provided an image blur correction device including: a correction optical element; a first movable frame; a second movable frame; a fixed frame; a first main guide shaft and a first auxiliary guide shaft; a second main guide shaft and a second auxiliary guide shaft; a first driving part; and a second driving part. The first auxiliary guide shaft is shorter than the first main guide shaft and the second driving part is placed between the first auxiliary guide shaft and the correction optical element. The second auxiliary guide shaft is shorter than the second main guide shaft and the first driving part is placed between the second auxiliary guide shaft and the correction optical element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image-shake correction apparatus comprising: an image displacement device that displaces on an image forming plane an image formed by an image-capturing optical system; an image-shake correction device that displaces an image by use of the image displacement device in such a way as to cancel an image shake due to a vibration exerted on the image-capturing optical system; and an output device that outputs to a predetermined external apparatus information on image displacement by the image displacement device, in order to prevent the occurrence of defects due to image-shake correction, information on the image-shake correction can be supplied to an external apparatus that obtains capturing conditions of a camera and implements predetermined processing.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, a supporting unit configured to support the first lens unit and the second lens unit, a driving unit configured to drive at least one of the first lens unit and the second lens unit in the direction perpendicular to an optical axis, a shake detection unit configured to detect a shake added to the image stabilization apparatus, a shake correction unit configured to supply a drive signal to the driving unit to correct the detected shake, and a connecting unit configured to mechanically connect the first lens unit and the second lens unit, wherein the connecting unit is configured to enable the first lens unit and the second lens unit to move in mutually opposite directions on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image stabilizing apparatus for a camera module capable of effectively stabilizing an image of the camera module, implementing miniaturization and slimness, and reducing a manufacture cost of the camera module by supplying a two-axial correction structure to perform correction in an X axial direction or an Y axial direction of an automatic focusing unit through a ball holder having upper balls and lower balls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical image stabilizing apparatus for a micro-camera module capable of effectively stabilizing an image of the camera module and implementing miniaturization of the camera module by supplying an “L”-shaped biaxial guide structure to prevent a tilt in a Y axial direction while moving an automatic focusing unit of the camera module in a horizontal X axial direction and to prevent a tilt in an X axial direction while moving the automatic focusing unit of the camera module in a horizontal Y axial direction.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus which senses the optical image of an object using a lens unit having a movable lens can reduce the influence of noise generated upon driving the lens from the first sound signal, based on the first sound signal obtained by the first microphone unit for collecting an object sound, and a second sound signal obtained by the second microphone unit for collecting noise. The second microphone unit is arranged at a position where the relative positional relationship with the generation source of noise generated upon driving the lens does not change even if the lens is moved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling noise caused by vibration in a camera module for a mobile device are provided. The method includes transmitting a vibration signal sensed by a vibration sensor to a Choice Coil Motor (VCM) driver based on the vibration signal, applying, by the VCM driver, a reverse bias to a VCM upon receiving, by the VCM driver, the vibration signal from the vibration sensor, and exerting, by the VCM to which the reverse bias is applied, an electromagnetic force in a reverse direction in order to fix and halt an actuator.

Abstract: In an image blur correction apparatus, rotation of a correction lens about an optical axis is regulated without special mechanism or drive unit. When displacing a third lens unit in a pitch and yaw directions, forces Bp, By driving a shift base are generated in the respective directions by Lorentz force, to generate forces Cp, Cy, Dp, Dy returning a magnet to an original position by attraction force. By, Cy and Bp, Dp, respectively, are exerted on the same axes, whereas Cp, Dy are not in the same axes as those of Bp, By, respectively, so that a rotational moment for the shift base is generated and the shift base is stabilized at a first angle. Since the first angle is smaller than a second angle regulated by a restriction portion for a shift movement frame, the shift base does not abut the shift movement frame to deteriorate image stabilization.

Abstract: When an image is photographed via a plurality of optical members which are disposed along a photographing optical axis, a direction and an amount of shake, which occurs, are detected. An imaging device is moved along a plane perpendicular to the photographing optical axis, on the basis of the detected direction and amount of shake. A position on the photographing optical axis of at least one of the optical members is corrected in accordance with data of the movement.

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

Abstract: There is provided an image blur correction device including: a correction lens; a first movable frame; a second movable frame; a fixed frame; a first main guide shaft and a first auxiliary guide shaft; a second main guide shaft and a second auxiliary guide shaft; a first driving part; and a second driving part. The first auxiliary guide shaft is shorter than the first main guide shaft and the second driving part is placed between the first auxiliary guide shaft and the correction lens. The second auxiliary guide shaft is shorter than the second main guide shaft and the first driving part is placed between the second auxiliary guide shaft and the correction lens.

Abstract: To provide an anti-vibration actuator capable of obtaining a large drive force while avoiding an increase in size. An anti-vibration actuator (10) for moving an image-stabilizing lens (16) within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis thereof, including a fixed portion (12); a movable portion (14) to which the image-stabilizing lens is attached; a movable portion support means (18) for supporting the movable portion to permit translational and rotational movement within a plane parallel to the fixed portion; and first drive means (20a, 22a), second drive means (20b, 22b), and third drive means (20c, 22c) respectively disposed around the image-stabilizing lens for driving the movable portion relative to the fixed portion; whereby the drive force which can be generated by the third drive means differs from the drive forces which can be generated by the first and second drive means.

Abstract: A handshake correction apparatus is provided that comprises: a correction lens that is driven in a plane defined by a first axis and a second axis that are each independent; a pair of first magnets disposed at opposite sides of the correction lens for providing a driving force in a first axis direction; at least one second magnet disposed on at least one side of the correction lens for providing a driving force in a second axis direction; and driving coils disposed to face the first and second magnets for exerting electromagnetic interaction therebetween. In the handshake correction apparatus, a rotation of the correction lens is minimized to improve a controlling characteristic.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an image blur correcting device having a dimension reduced in any one direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the incident light, and a camera equipped with this device. The image blur correcting device 300 includes a pitching movement frame 205, a pitching guide mechanism 304, a yawing guide mechanism 306, a pitching direction electromagnetic actuator 312, and a yawing direction electromagnetic actuator 314. The pitching movement frame 205 supports a third lens group G3 for performing image blur correction. The pitching guide mechanism 304 guides the pitching movement frame 205 in the pitching direction. The yawing guide mechanism 306 guides the pitching movement frame 205 in the yawing direction. The electromagnetic actuator 312 drives the pitching movement frame 205 in the pitching direction. The electromagnetic actuator 314 drives the pitching movement frame 205 in the yawing direction.

Abstract: A camera module includes a rear lens barrel, a front lens barrel assembled to the rear lens barrel, the front lens barrel and the rear lens barrel together forming a housing space, a lens holder that holds an imaging optical system and is housed in the housing space, a guiding mechanism that movably supports the lens holder along the optical axis of the imaging optical system, and a driving unit that moves the lens holder along the optical axis of the imaging optical system, the driving unit including a magnet provided in the lens holder and a coil that faces the magnet. The rear lens barrel has a bottom wall that faces the housing space. The coil includes first and second coils disposed in the rear lens barrel on opposite sides of the optical axis in the housing space.

Abstract: Provided is a digital photographing apparatus and method of obtaining data of a clear image even though the digital photographing apparatus shakes. The digital photographing apparatus includes: a lens; an imaging device generating data from light incident through the lens; an imaging device base on which the imaging device is disposed; a light diode integrated circuit disposed on the imaging device base; and an imaging device base actuator moving the imaging device base and controlling a position of the imaging device. The method comprises generating data from light incident through a lens; detecting a direction of shake of the digital photographing apparatus according to a difference in the amount of light detected in each of four regions of the surface of a light diode integrated circuit; and changing a position of the imaging device in the opposite direction to the detected direction of the shake.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an axial-direction moving member which moves between an operating position and a retracted position in an optical axis direction, an in-plane moving optical element movable in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis, a controller which moves the in-plane moving optical element in the orthogonal plane to a reference position when the image device changes from the operating state to the retracted state, and a mechanical guide device, provided between the axial-direction moving member and the in-plane moving optical element. In a state where the in-plane moving optical element is deviated from the reference position, the mechanical guide device guides the in-plane moving optical element to the reference position by using a moving force of the axial-direction moving member when the axial-direction moving member moves from the operating position to the retracted position.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and imaging lens device comprises a light path folding optical system having a reflector that folds the optical axis incident perpendicular to the gravitational direction toward the gravitational direction. An imaging element converts an image formed by the light path folding optical system into an electrical signal. A drive unit moves a shake correction lens group including at least one lens in the direction perpendicular to a vertical optical axis, the vertical optical axis being folded toward the gravitational direction by the reflector, wherein the shake correction lens group is moved in the direction perpendicular to the vertical optical axis to move the image in the direction perpendicular to the vertical optical axis.

Abstract: A position sensing device is provided which can include a first sensing unit for outputting a detection signal periodically changing in accordance with the movement of an object, a second sensing unit for sensing a reference position of the object, and an arithmetic unit for determining position data corresponding to the position of the object based on the detection signals, where the position sensing device can determine the relative position of a lens unit.

Abstract: An imaging unit, including: a lens housing section to accommodate a lens; a lens driving section, including: a moving member which supports the lens and moves the lens in an optical axial direction, and an electro-mechanical transduction element to drive the moving member in the optical axial direction; a camera-shake preventing section which drives the lens housing section to prevent camera-shake; and a rotation regulating section to prevent the lens from rotating around an optical axis.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus has an angular velocity detector detecting an angular velocity applied thereto and outputting the angular velocity, an acceleration detector detecting an acceleration applied to the image stabilization apparatus and outputting the acceleration, a principal point calculation unit calculating a principal point position of a shooting optical system, an rotation angular velocity calculation unit calculating a rotation angular velocity component about the principal point of the shooting optical system based on an output of the angular velocity detector, a revolution angular velocity calculation unit calculating a revolution angular velocity component about an object based on the output of the acceleration detector and a calculation result of the rotation angular velocity calculation unit and correcting the calculated revolution angular velocity component according to the principal point position, and a controlling unit performing image stabilization control based on a difference be

Abstract: Provided is an image shake correction device which can be miniaturized without degrading a correction performance thereof. The image shake correction device includes a support supporting a lens; a moving portion installed independently from the support and moving the support on a plane that is approximately perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, wherein the moving portion comprises a first moving portion moving the support in a first direction and a second moving portion moving the support in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; a prop supporting the support; a pressurizing member pressurizing the support toward the prop by applying force to the moving portion; a first driving portion driving the first moving portion; and a second driving portion driving the second moving portion.

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: The present invention further improves foreign substance removal performance when removing foreign substances such as dust that adhere to the surface of an optical element disposed in front of an image sensor. The image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor that performs photo-electric conversion of an optical image of an object formed by a photographing optical system, an optical element disposed between the photographing optical system and the image sensor, a shutter disposed between the photographing optical system and the optical element and having shutter curtains capable of traveling between an open state and a closed state, a first vibration device that causes the optical element to vibrate, a second vibration device that causes the shutter curtains to vibrate, and a control device that controls operations of the first vibration device and second vibration device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical apparatus having a vibration detector that detects vibration, a holding member that holds an image stabilizing optical system, an elastic member that elastically supports the holding member so that the holding member can shift within a plane perpendicular to an optical axis, a drive unit that generates a drive force resisting against an elastic force of the elastic member, a drive circuit that drives the drive unit, a control circuit that controls the position of the holding member, a temperature sensor that measures temperature, and a viscous damper that damps movement of the holding member in the drive direction. The control circuit changes the image stabilizing drive control characteristic of the drive circuit to compensate for changes in viscosity of the viscous damper with temperature.

Abstract: An image blur correction device is provided. The device includes a correction lens, a first movable frame, a second movable frame, a fixed base, a driving part and a guide mechanism. The correction lens is configured to correct an image blur in a lens system. The first movable frame holds the correction lens. The second movable frame supports the first movable frame to be movable in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens system. The fixed base supports the second movable frame to be movable in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens system and perpendicular to the first direction. The driving part moves the first movable frame in the first direction and moves the second movable frame in the second direction. The guide mechanism has at least one guide shaft guiding both the first movable frame and the second movable frame.

Abstract: An image stabilizer includes a fixed member, a first movable member, a second movable member, and a position sensor. The fixed member includes a first actuator arranged near a first side of an imaging device in parallel with the first side. The first movable member includes a second actuator arranged near a second side perpendicular to the first side in parallel with the second side and moves, when driven by the first actuator, in the direction of the first side. The second movable member has the imaging device mounted thereon and moves, when driven by the second actuator, in the direction of the second side. The position sensor detects the relative position of the imaging device moved by the first and second actuators. The first and second actuators are located near an intersection of the longitudinal axes of them not to interfere with each other.

Abstract: The invention aims to achieve slim design by employing a light path folding optical system, add a hand-shake correction capability, and lower power consumption. An imaging lens device includes a light path folding optical system having a reflector that folds the optical axis incident perpendicular to the gravitational direction toward the gravitational direction, and an imaging element that converts an image formed by the light path folding optical system into an electrical signal. The imaging lens device also includes drive means that moves some of lens groups or one lens (hereinafter referred to as “shake correction lens group”) in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis folded toward the gravitational direction by the reflector (hereinafter referred to as “vertical optical axis”). The shake correction lens group is moved in the direction perpendicular to the vertical optical axis to move the image in the direction perpendicular to the vertical optical axis.

Abstract: An auto focus method adapted to adjust relative positions between an optical system and a sensing unit so as to make an image surface lying in the depth of field is disclosed. The optical system includes at least a focusing lens. The method returns the focusing lens and the sensing unit to zero, change relative distances between the focusing lens and the sensing unit to evaluate evaluation values of lying the image surface in the depth of field, and adjusts towards the evaluation values until the image surface by the sensing unit lies in the depth of field to complete auto focus. When performing the task of auto focus, the driving unit only reverses once in shuttling runs. The auto focus method not only increases focusing speed, but also enhances precision and degree of wear resisting, which prolong lifetime of the apparatus.

Abstract: A lens barrel 11 is mounted in a collapsible imaging device 1 and includes a third lens frame 55. The third frame 55 is a lens frame to which correction lenses L5, L6, L7 are mounted and includes a shutter unit 57, a vibration compensation actuator 71, a lens frame main body 95, a focus lens frame 105, and a focus motor 115. The focus lens frame 105 is urged against the lens frame main body 95 toward the image plane side by means of a focus spring 110. A motor section 117 of the focus motor 115 is arranged in a region interposed between two multilayer printed circuit boards 77, 79 when viewed from the image plane side or the object side.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging device capable of appropriately displaying or printing a combined image including a print image and a captured image. The device includes: an imaging sensor for receiving an optical image of a photographing object and converting the optical image into an electric image signal; a focus position detection unit for detecting a focus potion for the object; and a control unit for recording the image signal while correlating it with focus position information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described wherein the composition responsiveness of a camera comprising an image stabilization system is adjusted. In example embodiments, the composition responsiveness may be adjusted in response to a particular photographic situation, including a scene condition, a camera optical configuration, a camera mode setting, or any combination of these. In another embodiment of the invention, the composition responsiveness is adjusted during a capture sequence used to take a photograph.

Abstract: An imaging device (2) for the stabilized imaging of an object onto a detector (14) with a first optical unit (4) and a second optical unit (6) and an optical element that is arranged between the optical units (4, 6) and can be moved for the purpose of stabilizing the imaging on the detector (14). For image stabilization in order to compensate for an undesirable wobbling movement of the imaging over the detector (14), the optical element is constituted of a micro-optical lens array (10).

Abstract: Provided is a zoom lens system which includes a plurality of lens units separated from one another at intervals changed during at least one of zooming and focusing and an aperture stop. The plurality of lens units include a movable lens unit for displacing an image formed by the zoom lens system within a plane perpendicular to an optical axis. The movable lens unit includes a first lens subunit located on an object side of the aperture stop and a second lens subunit located on an image side of the aperture stop. When the image formed by the zoom lens system is displaced within the plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the aperture stop is held and the first lens subunit and the second lens subunit are moved to have a component in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens unit, a magnet, a stator and an elastic element. The stator includes an upper coil seat with an upper coil wound therearound and a lower coil seat with a lower coil wound therearound. The upper and the lower coils establish an induced magnetic field when electric currents are applied thereto. The induced magnetic field interacts with the magnet to generate a magnetic force driving the lens unit into a telescopic movement. The elastic element includes a plurality of ribs. Each rib includes a fixed end connected with the stator and an opposite movable end. The moveable end moves together with the lens unit with respect to the fixed end to cause the ribs to deform and generate an elastic force. The lens unit stops at a focal position when the magnetic force and the elastic force come to a balance.

Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus for image stabilizing comprises a movable unit and a controller. The movable unit is movable for an anti-shake operation. The controller stops the anti-shake operation after an exposure time and moves the movable unit to a first position after the anti-shake operation. The first position is a position of the movable unit before the exposure time and before the anti-shake operation. The controller moves the movable unit at a decelerated, low rate of speed before finishing its movement to the first position.

Abstract: There is provided a lens barrel including an imaging optical system, and an image blur correction unit moving a shift lens forming the imaging optical system in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging optical system. The image blur correction unit includes a second movable body holding the shift lens and provided to be movable in two directions perpendicular to each other on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A fixed lens holding frame holding a fixed lens forming the imaging optical system is placed in front of the second movable body. A movement control structure is provided in a region ranging from the second movable body to the fixed lens holding frame to allow movement of the second movable body in the two directions and control a range of movement of the second movable body.

Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus for image stabilizing comprises a movable unit and a controller. The movable unit is movable for an anti-shake operation. The controller stops the anti-shake operation after an exposure time and moves the movable unit to a first position after the anti-shake operation. The first position is a position of the movable unit before the exposure time and before the anti-shake operation. The controller moves the movable unit at a decelerated, low rate of speed before finishing its movement to the first position.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus includes: a CCD having an imaging surface; and an image-taking optical system having an objective lens. The apparatus further includes: a shake detector that detects a shake of the image-taking apparatus; and a correction lens disposed between the objective lens and the CCD and moving in parallel with the imaging surface to correct a blur in an image formed on the imaging surface caused by the shake of the image-taking apparatus. The apparatus further includes: an electromagnet disposed behind the CCD and driving the correction lens; a power transmission system that moves the correction lens by transmitting power from the electromagnet to the correction lens; and a correction-lens controller that causes, based on a detection result from the shake detector, the electromagnet to drive the correction lens such that an image whose blur due to the shake is corrected is formed on the imaging surface.

Abstract: An image blur correction device 400 includes a pitching movement frame 405, a yawing movement frame 408, and a third group frame 462. The pitching movement frame 405 supports a third lens group G3 included in an optical system for performing image blur correction. The yawing movement frame 408 supports the pitching movement frame 405 to be movable in the pitching direction perpendicularly intersecting a second optical axis A2, within a plane perpendicularly intersecting the second optical axis A2. The third group frame 462 supports the yawing movement frame 408 to be movable in the yawing direction along an arc whose center is a rotational axis A3, within a plane perpendicularly intersecting the second optical axis A2.

Abstract: A camera system is disclosed which allows different types of lens apparatuses to be used in combination with a single image-taking apparatus without requiring changes of focus control signals on the side of the image-taking apparatus depending on the type of a lens apparatus mounted on the image-taking apparatus. The camera system includes an image-taking apparatus which outputs a focus control signal and a lens apparatus which includes a focus lens and is mounted on the image-taking apparatus. The lens apparatus includes a controller which produces a drive signal according to a type of focus of the lens apparatus based on the focus control signal and controls drive of the focus lens based on the drive signal.

Abstract: An actuator that has a simple mechanism capable of locking a movable member, and a lens unit and a camera with the same. The actuator (10) includes a fixed member (12), a movable member (14) having a locking element (14a), a movable member supporting means (18) for supporting the movable member so as to permit the movable member to move to an arbitrary position in a plane in parallel with the fixed member, a drive mechanism (20a, 20b, 20c, 22) translating and rotating the movable member relative to the fixed member, and an engagement member (15) engaged with the locking element to lock the movable member when the movable member has been rotated to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus is provided and has a camera, an interchangeable camera lens, and a lens control unit. The camera unit has a blur signal-outputting unit and a camera control unit. The interchangeable camera lens has an image-displacing unit and a blur correcting unit. When a change in the state of an optical system of the interchangeable camera lens is recognized, the lens control unit generates blur correction process-information based on the state of the optical system after the change and transmits the blur correction process-information to a camera control unit.

Abstract: A image blur correcting mechanism for effecting image blur correction by moving a lens group in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens group, includes a first guide shaft extending in a first direction which is a predetermined direction orthogonal to an optical axis direction of the lens group, a base frame supporting the first guide shaft, a first correcting moving frame supported by the base frame through the first guide shaft movably in the first direction, a second guide shaft extending in a second direction orthogonal to both of the optical axis direction and the first direction and supported by the first correcting moving frame, and a second correcting moving frame having a lens holding part holding the lens group, the second correcting moving frame being supported by the first correcting moving frame through the second guide shaft movably in the second direction, while being movable in the first direction along movement of the first correcting moving frame with respect to the base frame i

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

Abstract: A lens barrel includes: a vibration reduction mechanism comprising a vibration reduction lens and a drive device that drives the vibration reduction lens, so as to compensate for image vibration; and a shutter unit for exposure control. The drive device and the shutter unit are arranged so as at least partially to overlap in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens barrel.