Abstract: A zoom lens system includes in order from an object side, a first lens unit having a negative refracting power, a second lens unit having a positive refracting power, a third lens unit having a positive refracting power, and a fourth lens unit having a negative refracting power. At the time of zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, the second lens unit moves such that a distance between the first lens unit and the second lens unit decreases, and distances between the other lens units change. The first lens unit includes in order from the object side, one negative lens component having an aspheric surface at least on one surface, and one positive lens component, the fourth lens unit includes one negative lens component having a surface on the object side as a concave surface, and satisfies the following conditional expression (1) ?4<(R4a+R4b)/(R4a?R4b)<?0.

Abstract: When focal lengths are discretely set, zoom positions are set, relative to a focal length fr at a position at which a movement direction of a correction group, is reversed, such that a difference value between a focal length which is the closest to the focal length fr and falling between a focal length fw at a wide angle end and the focal length fr, and a next focal length is larger than a difference value between any remaining adjacent focal lengths. By moving from the zoom position of the closest focal length directly to the zoom position of the next focal length, a movement range of the correction group can be made smaller than a movement range in the case where the lens position of the focal length fr is set as the zoom position.

Abstract: An imager is provided having an image-capturing device, a display, and a view angle controller. The image-capturing device captures a subject image and outputs an image signal. The display displays a through image consisting of multiple images continuously displayed. The view angle controller controls a view angle of an image so that a ratio of an area of a subject in an area of an image is maintained at a certain value when the display displays a through image.

Abstract: A digital camera has a first optical system having a wide zoom lens and a second optical system for a telephotography zoom lens. In an initial state where power is active, a controller and timing-generator controls the wide zoom lens so as to be situated at a wide position and the telephotography zoom lens so as to be situated at a telephotograph position. When zoom-in is effected, the wide zoom lens is actuated, and the telephotography zoom lens is maintained at the telephotograph position. When a zoom position of the wide zoom lens has reached a threshold zoom position set to a wider angle of view than that achieved at the telephotograph position, the telephotography zoom lens starts being actuated toward the wide position. When the zoom lens has reached the telephotograph position, an image signal is switched from the wide zoom lens to the telephotography zoom lens, and the selected image signal is output.

Abstract: Certain light field data acquisition devices and methods of using and manufacturing such devices. In one aspect, a light field imaging device for acquiring light field image data of a scene, the device comprises optics, wherein the optics includes an optical path and a focal point, wherein the focal point is associated with a focal length of the optics. A light field sensor to acquire light field image data in response to a first user input and located at a substantially fixed, predetermined location relative to the focal point of the optics, wherein the predetermined location is substantially independent of the scene. The optical depth of field of the optics with respect to the light field sensor extends to a depth that is closer than optical infinity.

Abstract: A terminal having a camera and a method of processing an image in the camera are disclosed. The method includes collecting, using a camera, a user image captured at a user focal length and a link image captured at a selective focal length, and storing the user image and the link image by linking the link image with the user image. Using this method, a user can capture a subject and circumstances around the subject when the image is captured.

Abstract: A method and system for video camera assembly are provided. The video camera assembly includes at least one of a pan mechanism rotatable about a pan axis and a tilt mechanism rotatable about a tilt axis. The video camera assembly further includes an accelerometer coupled to the at least one of the pan mechanism and the tilt mechanism and a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one of the pan motor and the tilt motor, the controller further communicatively coupled to the accelerometer, and the video camera. The controller is configured to receive acceleration data from the accelerometer, determine an oscillatory displacement of the video camera using the received acceleration data, generate a motor angular modulation signal, and apply the motor angular modulation signal to at least one of the pan motor and the tilt motor to reduce the oscillatory displacement of the video camera.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an optical system including a focus lens, an imaging unit operable to capture a subject image formed by the optical system to generate image data, a driver operable to drive the focus lens along an optical axis of the optical system, and an autofocus adjusting unit operable to adjust a subject image formed on the imaging unit to be in focus by evaluating the image data generated by the imaging unit and by controlling the driver to drive the focus lens. When adjusting the subject image to be in focus anew after previously adjusting the subject image to be in focus, the autofocus adjusting unit estimates a focus position and controls the driver to drive the focus lens according to a driving method used for evaluating the image data generated by the imaging unit, and different driving methods are used for different results of the estimation.

Abstract: A multi-image acquisition apparatus for use in a biometrics system includes a light splitting filter for reflecting or transmitting multi-image lights representing an image of a target subject provided along an identical light path into different bands; a first image sensor for imaging an iris area by capturing a fraction of the multi-image light which has been transmitted through the light splitting filter; and a second image sensor for imaging a facial area by capturing a fraction of the multi-image light which has been reflected from the light splitting filter. The apparatus further includes a control module for controlling the first image sensor and the second image sensor and providing the images obtained by the first sensor and second sensor for image recognition.

Abstract: Provided are an imaging device and an imaging method which can realize an appropriate modulation pattern in accordance with a zoom position without requiring a modulation element switching mechanism in a depth extension optical system. The imaging device has: a zoom optical system 110 including an optical wavefront modulation element 114 which has an optical wavefront modulation function and can adjust the optical wavefront modulation pattern; an imaging element 120 for capturing an object image which has passed through the zoom optical system; a modulation function (pattern) control unit 200 which controls the optical wavefront modulation pattern of the optical wavefront modulation element; and an image processing part 140 which applies a predetermined processing on an image signal of the object from the imaging element 120. The zoom optical system 110 is a lens-moving type for moving a lens in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic apparatus. In one embodiment, the electronic apparatus comprises a video camera, a video processing module, an array microphone, and an audio processing module. The video camera adjusts a focal length according to a zoom-in/out control signal and captures an image of a plurality of target objects according to the focal length to generate a raw video signal. The video processing module generates the zoom-in/out control signal to adjust the focal length of the video camera. The array microphone comprises a plurality of microphones converting sounds of the target objects into a plurality of raw audio signals. The audio processing module adjusts a beamwidth for beamforming according to the zoom-in/out control signal, and performs a beamforming process according to the beamwidth on the raw audio signals to generate a first audio signal comprising mainly voice components of the target objects.

Abstract: An image-sensing apparatus has: an image sensor sequentially acquiring source images by sequential shooting; an optical zoom control portion varying the size of the subject image on the source images by optical zooming; a particular subject detection portion detecting the position and size of a particular subject on the source images based on the image data of the source images; a narrow-angle image extraction portion setting, in each of the source images, a narrow-angle image including the particular subject based on the result of detection by the particular subject detection portion, to set the position and size of the narrow-angle image on image; a wide-angle image extraction portion extracting, from each of the source images, a wide-angle image that includes the narrow-angle image, that has a larger angle of view than the narrow-angle image, and that has a reference number of pixels; a resolution enhancement processing portion cutting out, from a plurality of temporally consecutive wide-angle images, a pl

Abstract: To provide a zoom lens capable of achieving stable optical quality by inhibiting an effect of assemble errors during manufacturing. A zoom lens includes a positive first lens group G1, a negative second lens group G2, a positive third lens group G3, and a positive fourth lens group G4, which are arranged from an object side in that order, and during variation in lens position from a wide angle end state to a telescopic end state, G1 and G3 are fixed, G2 is moved toward an image side, G4 moves so as to compensate fluctuations in image-surface position due to the shift of G2, and an aperture diaphragm S is fixed adjacent to the object side of G3, etc.

Abstract: An object is to provide: a zoom lens system that has a reduced overall length, a high resolution, and a variable magnification ratio as high as 9 or greater and that is satisfactorily adaptable for wide-angle image taking where the view angle at a wide-angle limit is 70° or greater; an imaging device employing this zoom lens system; and a thin and compact camera. The zoom lens system has a plurality of lens units each consisting of at least one lens element, and, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having negative optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, a fourth lens unit and a fifth lens unit. In zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit at the time of image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move in an optical axis direction, while the fourth lens unit and the fifth lens unit are each consists of one lens element.

Abstract: An object is to provide: a zoom lens system that has a reduced overall length, a high resolution, and a variable magnification ratio as high as 9 or greater and that is satisfactorily adaptable for wide-angle image taking where the view angle at a wide-angle limit is 70° or greater; an imaging device employing this zoom lens system; and a thin and compact camera. The zoom lens system has a plurality of lens units each consisting of at least one lens element, and, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having negative optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, a fourth lens unit and a fifth lens unit. In zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit at the time of image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move in an optical axis direction, while the fourth lens unit and the fifth lens unit are each consists of one lens element.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a rear zoom lens system which includes focus preset devices 15 and 16 for controlling the storage of a given distance from a subject (camera-to-subject distance) and shift of focus to the position. Trajectory information can be stored corresponding to each of camera-to-subject distances and indicating correspondences between zoom-and-focus positions, which facilitates moving the second lens group to compensate for the movement of the first moving lens group while facilitating maintaining its focus.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a correction lens to move along an optical axis to perform zoom tracking, a correction lens driver to drive the correction lens, a zoom lens, a zoom ring to be turned by a user, a zoom lens driver to mechanically move the zoom lens according to an amount of turn of the zoom ring, a position detector to detect a position of the zoom lens, a rate detector to detect a change rate of the position of the zoom lens, a storage unit to store relational information which associates the position of the zoom lens with a focus position of the correction lens, and a controller to control the correction lens driver. The controller determines a focus position of the correction lens corresponding to a position more distant by a predetermined amount from the position of the zoom lens detected by the position detector, by referring to the relational information, and controls the correction lens driver to drive the correction lens with a target position set to the determined focus position.

Abstract: Image pickup means is capable of picking up an image at a first frame rate and a second frame rate that is higher than the first frame rate. A highlight scene is detected by detection means. When detecting the highlight scene, image pickup operation is performed at a high speed mode and an image signal at high frame rate (240 fps) is produced for a period of predetermined time. When detecting no highlight scene, image pickup operation is performed at a normal mode and an image signal at normal frame rate (60 fps) is produced. It is possible to save time and labor for performing a switchover operation of a frame rate when imaging a highlight scene. It is also possible to save power consumption and a capacity of a storage medium.

Abstract: A lens unit includes a lens having a focal length variable responsive to an applied electrical field, and an electrical connector. The electrical connector is a flexible circuit element that connects the lens to an electrical power supply.

Abstract: A method (30) and apparatus (10) for scaling selected areas of a graphics display. The method (30) includes removing distortion-sensitive information from the graphics display, scaling or converting the format of the distortion-nonsensitive information, such as from one aspect ratio to another, and then compositing the removed distortion-sensitive information with the scaled distortion-sensitive information. Alternatively, the removed distortion-sensitive is scaled, distortion-free, before combining it with the scaled distortion-nonsensitive information. The apparatus (10) uses a recognition comparator (16) to identify distortion-sensitive information, a graphics remover (18) to remove the distortion-sensitive information, a first scaler (22) to scale the distortion-nonsensitive information, a second scaler to provide distortion-free scaling of the distortion-sensitive information, and a compositer (26) to combine the distortion-sensitive information with the scaled distortion-nonsensitive information.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an optical lens unit of a photographic optical system; an imaging device for converting light received through the optical lens to electrical signals; a zooming device for changing a focal length of the photographic optical system; a zooming position detector for detecting a current zooming position; an A/D converter for converting analog image signals outputted from the imaging device to digital image signals; and a gradation sequence converter which converts a gradation sequence characteristic of the digital image signals by referring to a gradation sequence conversion table for converting the gradation sequence characteristic, wherein converting amounts of the gradation sequence conversion table are changed based on a current zooming position detected by the zooming position detector.

Abstract: A motion sensor configured to control compensation for movement of an imaging device receiving light representative of a selected scene on an image plane. The motion sensor includes and array of photoelements and a controller. The array of photoelements is configured to acquire successive images of features of an environment within a field of view of the motion sensor; including a first image of features and a second image of features acquired at a time interval after the first image, the first and second images including common features.

Abstract: In relation to a lens control system where a control signal indicating a target zooming speed is delivered to a lens controller in accordance with operation of a zoom demand and where the lens controller subjects the control signal to non-linear processing to thus effect zoom control, thereby facilitating operation required when a zoom lens is moved at low speed, the lens control system includes a lens controller switching the linear processing between valid and invalid, whereby the lens control system does not excessively perform non-linear processing when the zoom demand outputs a non-linear control signal.

Abstract: A device may establish a distance of a device from a reference object. The device may also determine a difference or change in the distance, obtain a zoom value based on the difference or change, and zoom in or out on a view based on the zoom value.

Abstract: An image-capturing device, such as a camera or a camera-equipped wireless communication device, includes touch-sensitive user controls disposed on a housing of the device. The touch-sensitive user controls detect user movement along the controls, and allow a user to control one or more image-capturing functions of the device based on a detected direction of user movement along the touch-sensitive user controls.

Abstract: A variable-power optical system includes, in order from an object side, first to fifth lens groups. The first and third lens groups are fixed at a time of varying magnification and at a time of focusing. The second, fourth and fifth lens groups are movable at the time of varying magnification. The first, third and fourth lens groups have positive refractive powers. The second and fifth lens groups have negative refractive powers. The fourth lens group has a focusing function. The following conditional expressions are satisfied. 0.4<fw/f1<0.8 0.5<|f2/fw|<0.8 where fw denotes a focal length of the whole system at an wide end, f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group, and f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus (20, 44) includes an array (22) of optical sensing elements (24), characterized by a pitch, which is adapted to generate a signal in response to optical radiation that is incident on the elements. Objective optics (26, 46), which have an optical axis (134) and are characterized by a cylindrical symmetry about the axis, are arranged to focus the optical radiation from an object onto the array with a point spread function (PSF) having an extent greater than twice the pitch of the array at an optimal focus of the objective optics.

Abstract: An efficient image capture system is disclosed that integrates functions to control a lens including one or more of focus or object distance, zoom, temperature compensation, and stabilization within an image signal processor (ISP) with appropriate algorithms. In particular, the integrated ISP circuitry may control the motion of the focus and zoom optics of an optical assembly, control stabilization, control the flash, provide enhanced functions and features for controlling the zoom and focus lenses to enable enhanced image capture sequences and/or tracking lens data, provide a set of algorithms within the ISP to alter the aspect ratio (both height and width of an image) of the image, for example to compensate for the addition of an anamorphic lens, and integrate an anamorphic lens into the module to alter an image's projected aspect ratio onto the focal plane array.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera includes a digital zoom module that performs a digital zoom function, and an optical zoom module that controls a lens unit of the digital camera to perform an optical zoom function. A depth of field manager performs a zoom-setting optimization procedure to select optimal zoom values for the optical zoom module and the digital zoom module to thereby optimize image quality characteristics of images captured by the camera device.

Abstract: A zoom lens system having an image shake correcting capability has, from the object side to the image side: a first lens group having a positive optical power, a second lens group having a negative optical power, a third lens group having a positive optical power, a fourth lens group having a negative optical power, and a fifth lens group having a positive optical power. The third lens group includes a positive lens component and a cemented lens element having a positive optical power. The cemented lens element is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to correct image shake, and the conditional formula 1.7<nd3p is fulfilled, where nd3p represents the average index of refraction of one or more positive lens elements in the positive lens component.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, which comprises, in order from the object side, an aperture member having an opening section, a zoom lens changing a magnification by properly changing distances between a plurality of lens units, and an image pickup device, is provided with a flare stop which has an opening section with a set shape and is integrated with the most object side lens unit in the plurality of the lens units, the opening section of the aperture member does not intercept an effective light beam in the wide-angle position and intercepts a part of the effective light beam in the telephoto position, and the flare stop does not intercept in the wide-angle position the effective light beam having passed through the opening section of the aperture member and intercepts in the telephoto position a light ray which is included in the effective light beam passing through the opening section of the aperture member and strikes the edge of the opening section of the aperture member to be scattered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital camera which has a plurality of image capturing optical systems and quickly performs automatic focusing. A digital camera includes a first image capturing optical system formed from a lens 2 and a first image sensor, and a second image capturing optical system formed from a lens 3 and a second image sensor. An image processor detects a phase difference between an image of a single subject formed on the first image sensor and an image of the same formed on the second image sensor, in order to perform phase-difference AF. Since the lenses 2, 3 have different focal lengths, the image processor executes correlation operation after having performed conversion processing for causing a scaling factor of the image formed by the first image sensor to coincide with that of the image formed by the second image sensor, to thus detect a phase difference.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an imaging apparatus which works for size reductions, power savings, the efficient attainment of the quantity of light sensed, and prevention of contrast decreases due to a diffraction phenomenon, is well fit for the taking and appreciation of common still pictures, and comprises a taking lens and electronic imaging device combination that takes full advantage of the characteristics of an imaging device. The imaging apparatus comprises a taking optical system, and an electronic imaging device which is located on an image side of said taking optical system, includes an imaging plane I with a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged light sensors, and is adapted to convert an image formed through said imaging optical system into electrical signals.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first positive lens group (G1), a second negative lens group (G2), a third positive lens group (G3), and a fourth positive lens group (G4). The second and third lens groups are movable for varying the focal length. The zoom lens system offers a four-times zoom ratio, and employs two plastic aspheric lenses (L3, L9) and a resin hybrid lens (L6). The first lens group consists of two lenses (L1, L2) arranged in an abutting relationship. The second and third lens groups each includes a pair of cemented lenses (L4, L5; L7, L8).

Abstract: A control unit controls an image capture unit to perform a plurality of image captures of an object and acquires a plurality of mutually different image data based on a positional change of an image capturing device. Then, the control unit extracts a specified object image common to each of the acquired plurality of image data. The control unit synthesizes the acquired plurality of image data using the extracted specified object image as a reference, and thereby creates synthesized image data. The synthesized image data is an image equivalent to a captured image having a shallow depth of field such that only the specified object image is clearly photographed and the other portions are blurred.

Abstract: A zoom lens having a variable image magnification, for introducing object light from an object side toward a light receiving surface on an optical axis, is provided. An objective lens system has a positive refractive power, and includes a prism for reflecting the object light being incident to guide the object light on the optical axis, and an aperture stop control device for passing the object light, the objective lens system forming an intermediate image by focusing the object light nearer to the object side than the light receiving surface. A relay lens system has a positive refractive power, includes plural lens groups movable on the optical axis, is disposed behind the objective lens system as viewed from the object side, for zooming and refocusing the intermediate image. Also, a distance between the plural lens groups is shortest in zoom setting in the telephoto end position.

Abstract: A surveying instrument, comprising a first image pickup unit for obtaining a first image in a collimating direction, a second image pickup unit for obtaining a second image highly magnified than the first image pickup unit, a display unit for displaying the images obtained by the first image pickup unit and the second image pickup unit, and a control unit for magnifying and continuously displaying the first image and the second image on the display unit.

Abstract: A simple, compact, high-zoom-ratio zoom lens system exhibiting high optical performance at all zoom positions is provided. The system includes, in order from the object side to the image side, first to fourth lens groups having positive, negative, positive, and positive refractive powers, respectively. The first-to-second-lens-group distance becomes the smallest during zooming. The first lens group resides closer to the object at a telephoto end than at a wide-angle end. The lens groups move such that the second-to-third-lens-group distance is smaller and the third-to-fourth-lens-group distance is larger at the telephoto end than at the wide-angle end. The second lens group includes, in order from the object side to the image side, negative and positive lens elements. First-to-second-lens-group distances d1w and d1t at the wide-angle end and at the telephoto end, respectively, and the smallest first-to-second-lens-group distance d1min obtained during zooming are appropriately set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus having an optical zoom function. The terminal comprises of a body, a display, one or more input devices to enter terminal and photographic commands, and a photographic apparatus having a zoom function. The photographic apparatus comprises of a housing in which a lens, lens cap, and camera are situated. A rotation handle on the exterior surface of the camera can be used to manually manipulate the distance between the camera and the lens, thereby zooming in and out on a subject to be photographed. Alternatively, a motor and driving means can be installed to adjust the distance between the camera and the lens. A user can use the command functions of the terminal to input commands to the motor to effectuate zooming. Furthermore, a sensor installed in the terminal can be used for automated zooming.

Abstract: An electronic imaging device includes a zoom lens that includes a plurality of lens groups and an imaging element that converts an optical image formed by the zoom lens into an electric signal. The zoom lens includes at least a first lens group having a negative focal length and a second lens group having a positive focal length sequentially from an object side, and a diaphragm on the object side of the second lens group. The diaphragm includes a first diaphragm having an aperture size A and a second diaphragm having an aperture size B, where A is greater than B, and the diaphragm is controlled such that the first diaphragm is effective on a long focus end and the second diaphragm is effective on a short focus end.

Abstract: A digital still camera switches an image sensor between moving picture shooting and still picture shooting. The digital still camera includes a variable-magnification optical system having a plurality of lens groups of which four are movable. At least one of the movable lens groups travels different movement trails for magnification variation between during zooming in moving picture shooting and during zooming in still picture shooting.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to perform photoelectric conversion of an optical image, an optical zoom unit configured to perform optical magnification variation in response to a zooming operation, an electronic zoom unit configured to perform electronic magnification variation on a signal output from the imaging unit, and a controller configured to operate the electronic zoom unit together with the optical zoom unit in a first zoom range in response to the zooming operation, to operate the optical zoom unit without operating the electronic zoom unit in response to the zooming operation in a second zoom range, which is closer to a telephoto side than the first zoom range, and to operate the electronic zoom unit together with the optical zoom unit in response to the zooming operation in a third zoom range, which is closer to the telephoto side than the second zoom range.

Abstract: When focus is to be achieved in manual focus, accurate and quick focus is attained when switched from a telemacro mode to a normal mode. An image pickup apparatus includes: a shooting mode determining module; a zoom lens drive module; a focus lens drive module; a storing module; and a control module wherein a combination point of a position of a focus lens with a position of a zoom lens is moved along a path of a combination point of a position of the focus lens with a position of the zoom lens that is focused at the shooting distance stored by the storing module in response to manipulation to change a focal length by a user, when it is determined that the shooting mode determining module has switched from the telemacro mode to the normal mode.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a first stepping motor configured to move a zoom lens, second stepping motor configured to move a focus lens, first determination section configured to determine timings at which the zoom lens or the focus lens is started, second determination section configured to determine whether or not the zoom lens and the focus lens are to be simultaneously moved, by checking the timings the first determination section determines, timing setting section configured to synchronize output timings of excitation signals output to the first and second stepping motors, where the second determination section determines that the zoom lens and the focus lens are to be simultaneously moved, and an output section configured to output excitation signals to the first and second stepping motors in accordance with the output timings the timing setting section synchronizes.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided and includes: an imaging lens; an imaging device; a coefficient storage section; and a signal processing section. When a maximum diameter of an effective region of a point image projected onto a light receiving surface of the imaging device through the imaging lens 10 is a size covering three or more pixels, a restoration coefficient corresponding to a state of the point image expressed by first image data output from the imaging device is stored in the coefficient storage unit. The signal processing section executes restoration processing on the first image data output from the imaging device by utilizing the restoration coefficient stored in the coefficient storage unit, the restoration processing being executed to generate second image data equivalent to the first image data output from the imaging device when the resolving power of the imaging lens is higher.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus which has an optical system, the focal length of which is variable, and an image sensing element that converts an image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal, and can sense and record a moving image and still image, includes a focal length detection circuit for detecting the focal length of the optical system, and a control unit for inhibiting recording of the still image in accordance with the focal length detected by the focal length detection circuit.

Abstract: A compact digital zoom camera includes a module base having an image sensor therein, a gear train installed at a side of an upper surface of the module base, a lens guide base installed on the module base and having a guide cylinder portion integrally formed thereon in which at least two groups of linear guides are formed in a lengthwise direction thereof, a driving motor installed at a motor installation portion on the lens guide base to rotate the gear train, a cam barrel rotatably installed at an outer side of the lens guide base and having a cam barrel gear portion engaged with any gear of the gear train and at least two groups of cam slots formed there in, at least two lens frames having at least two groups of linear guide portions respectively inserted in the two groups of linear guides of the lens guide base and guided thereby and at least two groups of cam pins respectively inserted in insertion holes formed in the linear guide portions and fixed therein such that end portions of the two groups of cam

Abstract: A movement signal generation apparatus is disclosed which can convert an analog position signal of an optical adjustment unit into digital signals representing a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit and output the digital signals. The movement signal generation apparatus includes an analog signal output section which outputs an analog signal in accordance with the position of the optical adjustment unit, and a digital signal generation section which generates two digital signals in accordance with a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit based on the analog signal.

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 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.