Abstract: Provided is a zoom lens optical system suitable for cameras using solid state imaging devices, which is designed compact, has a high zooming ratio and telecentricity, and compensates for color aberration. The zoom lens optical system includes a first lens group having a positive refractive power, for performing zooming, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, for performing zooming, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, for performing zooming, and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power. The first, second, third, and fourth lens groups are sequentially arranged from an object and satisfy the following equations: f T f W ? 8.0 0.2 ? ? L III ? f W · f T ? 0.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprises, in order from an object side, positive, negative, positive, negative, and positive refractive power lens groups, and while changing the magnification, the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases, the distance between the third lens group and the fifth lens group increases, and the second lens group moves more towards the object side at the telephoto end than the wide-angle end.

Abstract: An optical apparatus including an imaging apparatus and a lens apparatus each having a communicating portion performing communications is disclosed. The optical apparatus is provided with: an imaging optical unit; a memory in which information of an optical performance of the imaging optical unit is stored; an image pickup device imaging a subject image from the imaging optical unit; an imaging controller changing an information size of image information from the image pickup device; and a lens controller connected to the imaging controller through the communicating portions and performing communications with the imaging controller. The lens controller takes out the information of the optical performance from the memory in response to an instruction from the imaging controller, and transmits the information to the imaging controller through the communicating portions.

Abstract: A zoom lens system for forming an optical image of a subject on the image-sensing surface of an image sensor includes at least, from the object side thereof, a first lens unit having a negative optical power and a second lens unit having a positive optical power, and achieves zooming by varying the distances between the individual lens units in such a way that, during zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the distance between the first and second lens units decreases. The first lens unit consists of two plastic lens elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic image pickup system that enables a wide image-pickup, and ensures that even when an image is printed, sufficient image quality and clearness are obtained from the center to as far as the margin of the image and the image of a subject is depicted with a sense of extension. The electronic image pickup system comprises an image-formation optical system 10 for forming an image of a subject and an electronic image pickup device 20 located on an image side of the image-formation optical system for obtaining image information on the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic image pickup system that enables a wide image-pickup, and ensures that even when an image is printed, sufficient image quality and clearness are obtained from the center to as far as the margin of the image and the image of a subject is depicted with a sense of extension. The electronic image pickup system comprises an image-formation optical system 10 for forming an image of a subject and an electronic image pickup device 20 located on an image side of the image-formation optical system for obtaining image information on the image.

Abstract: An apparatus, a control method, and a control program which permit a first change operation of optically changing magnifications of a taken image and a second change operation of changing the magnifications by signal processing and in which a predetermined restriction that is not imposed on transition from the second change operation to the first change operation is imposed on transition from the first change operation to the second change operation.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical apparatus comprising an optical member, a memory unit for memorizing preset speed information, and preset position information or preset direction information a memory instructing operation unit to be operated for causing the memory unit to memorize the preset speed information, and a control unit for executing preset drive control on the optical member, wherein the control unit is adapted to cause the memory unit to memorize arbitrary preset speed information, or arbitrary preset speed information and arbitrary preset direction information, in response to the operation of the memory instructing operation unit, and to drive the optical member either to a position corresponding to the memorized preset position information with a speed corresponding to the memorized preset speed information, or with a speed corresponding to the memorized preset speed information and with a direction corresponding to the memorized preset direction information.

Abstract: An image capturing unit comprises a variable optical element, an optical unit, and a light-flux limiting section. The variable optical element includes a first liquid member, a second liquid member, and a container which contains the first liquid member and the second liquid member. An interfacial shape between the first liquid member and the second liquid member varies according to a voltage which is applied to the liquid members. The light-influx limiting section satisfies following condition 0.1<(??2×h)<20.0 where ? (mm) indicates a maximum diameter for an axial light-flux in the variable optical element and h (mm) indicates a highest position of the axial light-flux on the light-incident end of the variable optical element. By doing this, it is possible to restrict a flare light and a ghost light and prevent impurities in the liquid members from being observed in the captured image.

Abstract: A lens unit and a camera capable of achieving stereoscopic television function and zoom function at the same time. More specifically, a lens unit (2) and a camera (1) each including at least a zoom lens (4), light quantity adjusting device (6 or 20), an electronic optical shutter provided on a stage of the zoom lens (4), and an optical shutter driving portion for controlling the electronic optical shutter (6) to open (6A, 6B) in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A zoom lens has an optical axis and includes: a negative first lens group capable of being moved for zooming and disposed nearest to the front end; a positive second lens group capable of being moved for zooming, and disposed behind the first lens group; and a positive third lens group disposed behind the second lens group. The zoom lens meets conditions expressed by inequalities: 0.02<D12/fw<0.13??(1) 0.5<D2G/fw<0.95??(2) 5<TLW/fw<8??(3) where D12 is a minimum distance on the optical axis between a back surface of the first lens group and a front surface of the second lens group, D2G is a distance between front and back surfaces of the second lens group, TLW is optical length of the zoom lens as set in the shortest focal length, and fw is the shortest focal length.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens unit of negative optical power and a second lens unit of positive optical power. Zooming is effected by varying the interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit. The second lens unit has, in order from the object side to the image side, an aspherical positive lens and an aspherical negative lens.

Abstract: A lens exchangeable image pickup apparatus capable of changing the relationship between the rotation direction of a zoom ring and the motion direction of a zoom lens and changing the response characteristics of the zoom lens relative to the rotation of the zoom ring.

Abstract: A zoom lens system with a new structure is disclosed which realizes high optical performance by appropriately setting the structure of each lens unit and using a material with anomalous dispersion in an appropriate lens unit. Specifically, according to several aspect herein disclosed, the zoom lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, lens units having a positive, a negative, and a positive optical powers in which the structure of each lens unit is specified or a third lens unit employs a lens element made of a material with anomalous dispersion.

Abstract: A zoom lens comprising, disposed in order from an object side to an image surface side, a negative-power first lens group, a diaphragm, a positive-power second lens group, and a positive power third lens group, characterized in that, when zooming from a wide-angle end to a telelscope end, an air gap between the first lens group and the second lens group shrinks and an air gap between the second lens group and the third lens group expands, the third lens group is movable in an optical axis direction for focusing, and a zoom ratio at a shooting distance of ? is 2.5- to 3.2-magnification.

Abstract: A digital camera for use in a communication device in which the image sensor is formed on a substrate and is mounted on a micro-electromechanical system for movement relative to the camera lens to provide an autofocus capability. In addition the lens may be mounted on a micro-electromechanical system for movement relative to the image sensor to provide both an autofocus and a zoom capability.

Abstract: A zoom lens system having an exit pupil far away from the image plane, zoom ratio of about three, and in particular having compactness and high optical performance includes, in order from an object, a first lens group having negative refractive power, an aperture stop, a second lens group having positive refractive power, and a third lens group having positive refractive power. When zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first and second lens groups are moved and the third lens group is fixed such that a distance between the first lens group and the second lens group varies, and a distance between the second lens group and the third lens group increases. The second lens group is composed of four lenses or less and includes a diffractive optical surface formed on a lens surface except the most object side lens surface.

Abstract: A zoom rate demand is provided with characteristic switches for switching its output characteristics. Each of the characteristic switches is assigned to a corresponding output characteristic, and contents of the characteristic to be assigned to the characteristic switches can be changed by an operator by means of a personal computer.

Abstract: A retracting mechanism of a zoom lens barrel includes first, second and third lens groups, wherein the first and third lens groups are integrally moved along an optical axis during variation of a focal length, and wherein at least one of the first and third lens groups is moved relative to the other to reduce a distance therebetween when the zoom lens barrel is fully retracted. The retracting mechanism includes first, second and third lens group moving rings; a cam mechanism for independently moving the first and second lens group moving rings; a second lens group support frame; an intermediate member fixed to the second lens group support frame; and a biasing device for biasing the third lens group moving ring away from the first lens group moving ring. The biasing device functions between the intermediate member and the third lens group moving ring.

Abstract: A lens unit consists of a plurality of lens frames, a stepping motor, and a driving control unit. The plurality of lens frames for holding an imaging optical system lies in a lens barrel and moves over a stowage interval and a zoom interval. The stowage interval is an interval between a position of stowage at which the lens frames are stowed and a ready-to-image position at which imaging is enabled. The zoom interval is an interval over which the ready-to-image position exists and a power varying action is executed. The stepping motor moves the plurality of lens frames. During execution of a thrusting action or storing action, the driving control unit drives and controls the stepping motor in a first driving mode. The thrusting action is executed for moving the plurality of lens frames from the position of stowage to the ready-to-image position. The stowing action is executed for moving the lens frames from any position within the zoom interval to the position of stowage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a zoom lens with an easily bendable optical path, which comprises a reduced number of lens element while having high optical specification. The zoom lens comprises a moving lens group B (G2) that has positive refracting power and moves only toward an object side of the zoom lens upon zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end of the zoom lens, a lens group A (G1) that is located on the object side with respect to the moving lens group B, has negative refracting power and remains fixed during the zooming, and a third lens group C (G3) that is located on an image side of the zoom lens with respect to the moving lens group B and moves in a locus different from that of the moving lens group B during the zooming. The lens group A that remains fixed during zooming comprises, in order from an object side thereof, a negative lens element, a reflective optical element and a positive lens element having an absolute value of refracting power smaller than that of the negative lens element.

Abstract: An imaging device has a zoom lens system having a plurality of lens units and forming an optical image of an object so as to continuously optically zoom by varying distances between the lens unit; and an image sensor converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system to an electric signal. The zoom lens system comprises, from an object side. A first lens unit being overall negative and including a reflecting surface that bends a luminous flux substantially 90 degrees; and a second lens unit disposed with a variable air distance from the first lens unit, and having a negative optical power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus incorporating a zoom lens system which performs variable power operations and focus adjustment by means of a driving action of a driving member. There is described an image capturing apparatus which employs the step zooming method with many steps in a unique configuration and which has advantages such as high image quality, small-size, light weight, low power consumption and low price. The image capturing apparatus includes a first lens, a second lens, a photo-electric converting element to receive a light coming from a subject image through the first lens and the second lens and to convert the light into image signals, a driving member to move the first lens and the second lens in an optical path, and a guiding member for guiding the second lens moved by the driving member so that a distance between the photo-electric converting element and the second lens changes stepwise.

Abstract: A taking lens apparatus has a zoom lens system that forms an optical image of an object at a variable magnification and that includes an aperture stop in the optical path, and an image sensor that has a light-receiving surface on which to receive the optical image formed by the zoom lens system and that converts the optical image into an electrical image signal and outputs it. Here, the zoom lens system is composed of ten or less optical members, of which one has a reflective surface that reflects a light beam in such a way that the optical axis is bent at substantially 90°. Moreover, prescribed conditions are fulfilled among the focal length of the entire zoom lens system at the wide-angle end, the focal length of the entire zoom lens system at the telephoto end, the axial distance from the image plane to the exit pupil at the wide-angle end, and the axial distance from the image-side surface of the most image-side lens element to the image plane.

Abstract: In order to offer an electronic camera having such a strength and a thickness as capable of shoving in a breast pocket of a dress shirt or in a hip pocket of jeans and such a lightness as make one no sense of discomfort when it is put in these places or a handbag, and yet having a zoom mechanism of high magnification, an electronic camera is made thin by defining an outer diameter of the lens to a thickness of the display unit disposed on the operation unit, a memory, a battery and a control circuit board, supporting a casing on a lens frame through which a guide shaft is pierced so as to move the lens back and forth, and disposing a cam for moving the zoom lens at the side of a lens system.

Abstract: An optical device has an optical member that includes the optical device, an operating ring which can be rotated about the optical axis of the optical member and is used to drive the optical member, a switching mechanism which transmits the drive force from a motor drive source to the operating ring, and can be switched between a state for motor-driving the optical member and a state for canceling motor driving of the optical member, and control means for switching the switching mechanism between the motor-driving state and the motor-driving canceling state, and the control means switches the switching mechanism to the state for canceling motor driving on the basis of manual operation of the operating ring when the switching mechanism is motor-driving the optical member.

Abstract: A multifocal lens to be used for digital still cameras comprises a fixed first lens or a first group of lenses; a movable second lens or a second group of lenses; and a fixed third lens or a third group of lenses, wherein the second lens or second group of lenses moves back and forth (up and down) between the first and third lenses or lens groups, and changes its own focal length of the whole lens from wide angle to telephoto and vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed is a zoom lens system which uses a diffractive optical element such that high optical performance can be obtained over the overall power variation range. The zoom lens system includes a first lens unit having positive optical power, and a second lens unit having negative optical power and disposed on a rearward side of the first lens unit. A diffractive optical portion is provided on a cemented surface, which is convex toward a forward side, in the first lens unit or the second lens unit.

Abstract: In a TV control apparatus, a focus controller and a zoom controller are used to adjust a flange back focal length of a master lens. If a select switch switches the function of a focus controller from a focus lens control function to a master lens control function, a control signal is transmitted as a master lens control signal to a CPU from the focus controller. The master lens is controlled in accordance with the control signals. The focus lens is at a standstill during this period. The focus controller is also used as a master lens controller. If the zoom is at a wide-angle side, the focus controller is switched to the master lens controller, and if the zoom is at a telephoto side, the master lens controller is switched to the focus controller. If a flange back focal length adjustment switch is turned on and the zoom controller sets the zoom at the wide-angle side, the focus controller functions as a controller for adjusting the position of the master lens group.

Abstract: An imaging device has a zoom lens system comprising a plurality of lens units and forming an optical image of an object so as to be continuously and optically zoomable by varying a distance between the lens units; and an image sensing element converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into an electric signal, wherein the zoom lens system comprises from the object side: a first lens unit having positive optical power as a whole and including a reflecting surface that bends a luminous flux substantially 90 degrees; a second lens unit having negative optical power and disposed with a variable air space from the first lens unit; a third lens unit having positive optical power and disposed with a variable air space from the second lens unit; a fourth lens unit having positive optical power and disposed with a variable air space from the third lens unit; and a fifth lens unit disposed with a variable air space from the fourth lens unit, and wherein zooming is optically performed by varying the air

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 camera having a zooming function, including plural lens groups, a fixed frame fixed to a main body of the camera, a cam member engaging with the fixed frame so that the cam member is movable in the optical axis direction of the lens groups, and plural lens group supporting frames each engaging with the cam member and supporting each of the plural lens groups so that the lens group supporting frames may move in the optical axis direction to move the lens groups in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A lens-barrel and a camera system including the lens-barrel are in an automatic focus mode in which a focusing unit is automatically driven by an automatic focus unit, during a time when a manual operation member is not operated. When the manual operation member is operated in a second direction, switching is done to a manual focus mode achieving focus by operation of the manual operation member in the second direction. However, when detecting the operation of the manual operation member in the second direction during a zoom operation in which the manual operation member is being operated in a first direction, switching is done to the automatic focus mode without being switched to the manual focus mode. Therefore, unintentional switching from the automatic focus mode to the manual focus mode during the zoom operation can be reliably prevented.

Abstract: An image-sensing apparatus has a zoom lens system for forming an optical image of an object with variable magnification, which zoom lens system includes a plurality of lens units and achieves zooming by varying distances between the lens units, and an image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into an electrical signal. The zoom lens system has, from the object side, a first lens unit that has a positive optical power, includes a reflective member for turning the optical path, and is kept stationary relative to the image sensor during zooming, a second lens unit that is disposed on the image side of the first lens unit and has a negative optical power, an aperture stop that is disposed on the image side of the second lens unit and is kept stationary relative to the image sensor during zooming, and at least one lens unit that is disposed on the image side of the aperture stop and is moved relative to the image sensor during zooming.

Abstract: A lens control device comprising a variator lens, a compensation lens for compensating for the displacement of the focal plane associated with the movement of the variator lens, a conversion lens disposed in an optical path in a detachable manner for limiting the area of the movement of the variator lens, and correction means for modifying the area of the movement of the compensation lens in response to the mounting of the conversion lens.

Abstract: A taking lens apparatus includes a zoom lens system that is composed of a plurality of lens units and that achieves zooming by varying the distances between the lens units and an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into an electrical signal. The zoom lens system has, from the object side,: a first lens unit having a negative optical power, a second lens unit disposed on the image side of the first lens unit and having a negative optical power, a third lens unit disposed on the image side of the second lens unit and having a positive optical power, a fourth lens unit disposed on the image side of the third lens unit and having a positive optical power, and a fifth lens unit disposed on the image side of the fourth lens unit and having a positive optical power. During zooming, the first lens unit remains stationary relative to the image sensor, and the second and third lens units move.

Abstract: A zoom lens having five lens groups arranged in succession. The zoom lens is configured such that when zooming from a short focal length end toward a long focal length end, the second lens group lens moves toward the third lens group and the fourth lens group moves toward a side of the third lens group, and the fifth lens group corrects the zooming and a shift in a position of an imaging plane of the zoom lens caused by movement of the third lens group and the fourth lens group.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is provided including a flat cam for driving the zoom lens mechanism. In one particular embodiment, the same flat cam used by the zoom lens system is used to correlate the effective focal length of the zoom lens to the viewfinder. Additional particular embodiments of a viewfinder adjustment mechanism are provided wherein the viewfinder adjustment mechanism includes a diopter adjustment mechanism to adjust the ocular lens of the viewfinder to compensate for imperfections in the user's sight.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprises a 1st lens unit with positive optical power consisting of one lens element, a 2nd lens unit with negative optical power, a 3rd lens unit with positive optical power and a 4th lens unit with positive optical power, in order from the object side to the image side is disclosed. During zooming, the 1st lens unit and 3rd lens unit move so as to be located closer to the object side at the telephoto end than at the wide-angle end. Then, by appropriately setting the amount of movements of the 1st lens unit, 2nd lens unit and 3rd lens unit during zooming, the overall length of the zoom lens system is reduced and excellent optical performance is realized.

Abstract: An image processing technique for improving image resolution by increasing an effective number of pixels that represents a captured image. The technique involves obtaining a first exposure and at least a second exposure of an object. The image data of the second exposure differs from the image data of the first exposure in that a focal length for the second exposure differs from that for the first exposure. To the extent there exists a correlation, the image data of the second exposure is used for pixel data for each pixel of the image data of the first exposure requiring resolution improvement. When such correlation does not exist, pixel interpolation is performed using pixel data created by means of calculation for pixel interpolation positions.

Abstract: The handle grip and electronic controls of a handle control for a lens zoom speed control are ergonomically designed to provide quick comfortable access to all of the control switches. While grasping the rubberized foam handle grip in the palm of the hand of the operator, a thumb engages and holds a push button or rocker switch to switch between the wide angle and telephoto mode. Simultaneously, an inner edge of the forefinger engages and rotates a speed control dial to increase or decrease the speed of lens zoom in the selected wide angle or telephoto mode as controlled by engagement of the thumb with the appropriate mode switch. Rotation of the speed control dial away from the operator (in a counterclockwise direction), causes an increased speed of zooms whereas rotation of the dial towards the operator (in a clockwise direction) decreases the speed of zoom (in the selected wide angle or telephoto mode).

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device including an optical member, a driving member for driving the optical member, a storage member for storing preset information about driving of the optical member, an information write device for writing the preset information in the storage member from the outside of the optical device, and a control member for performing driving control of the driving member. The control member performs preset driving control of the driving member on the basis of the preset information stored in the storage member.

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: A motor driving apparatus is basically composed of a driving circuit for driving a plurality of loads contained in a plurality of motors, and a control circuit for controlling the driving circuit to sequentially drive the plurality of the motors. The driving circuit has at least two channels which are controlled by the control circuit concurrently with each other. Each channel is controlled by the control circuit such as to selectively drive the loads. The channel is provided with at least (n+1) number (n: integer of 2 or greater) of output terminals to connect at most n number of the loads. The control circuit controls the driving circuit to perform an intra-channel driving mode in which one pair of the output terminals are selected from one channel and allocated to drive one load, and an inter-channel driving mode in which another pair of the output terminals are selected from two channels and allocated to drive another load.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided which performs a combination of digital and optical zoom techniques to achieve high levels of zoom without sacrificing image quality. In a first embodiment, an opto-digital lens system is provided including a wide angle lens and a normal lens, the transition between which is smoothed using moderate digital zooming. Starting from the wide angle fixed optical length, the processor may be used to digitally zoom the captured image. At a predetermined point during the digital zoom operation, the normal lens is placed into the optical path and the processor again digitally zooms the beginning.

Abstract: A focal length position of a zoom lens is calibrated by performing at least one focal length adjustment, collecting a time period measurement for each focal length adjustment, and calculating a calibrated time to zoom to a desired focal length based on the time period measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the imaging of surfaces of box like objects conveyed along a path. The objects are conveyed past at least one camera which is positioned at an angle to the object's surface. The at least one camera comprises a sensor array and zoom objective, the latter controlled by a control mechanism. The present system further comprises a control unit and at least one sensor. The sensor detects the location and velocity of an object. The data is conveyed to the control unit which further communicates with the control mechanism. The control unit causes the control mechanism to adjust the zoom on the objected so as to stay in constant focus with a passing surface of an object passing through the field of view of the at least one camera. After an object has passed through the field of view, the object is made to return to a home position.

Abstract: An image-taking lens system includes an image-taking lens, a lens driving control part for driving and controlling the image-taking lens, a reading part for reading information from a storage medium in which a plurality of pieces of lens control information according to conditions of shooting are stored, and a setting part for setting control parameters of the lens driving control part on the basis of the information read by the reading part. The arrangement enables the operator of the system to quickly change control characteristics for zooming and focusing as desired according to shooting conditions.

Abstract: To provide a camera that is suited to shoot both a demagnified image and a magnified image.

Abstract: To provide a camera that is suited to shoot both a demagnified image and a magnified image.