Abstract: The digital camera module with an auto-focusing function includes a lens barrel (10), a lens mount (20) and an image pick-up sensor (50). The lens barrel has at least one lens (14) positioned therein. The lens mount includes a first frame (22), a second frame (24), an adjusting mechanism, and a driving mechanism (40). The first frame and the second frame are spaced apart. The lens barrel is mounted on and/or within one of the first frame and the second frame. The adjusting mechanism is connected with the first frame and the second frame and configured to be extendable. The magnetism-based driving mechanism is configured to drive and selectably extend the adjusting mechanism. The image pick-up sensor is disposed on the other one of the first frame and the second frame.

Abstract: A focus control apparatus conducts a focus control with respect to an imaging apparatus configured to vary the focal point using a deformable mirror. An imaging unit first obtains image data via imaging elements and imaging optics provided in the imaging apparatus. A controller controls the driving of the deformable mirror such that, during a first image reading period wherein the reading of an image signal is periodically executed by means of the imaging elements, a focus drive state is achieved whereby an in-focus point that has been found in advance is set as the current focal point. During a second image reading period different from the first image reading period, the deformable mirror is controlled so as to achieve a focus drive state for in-focus point search.

Abstract: Provided are a lens apparatus and an optical apparatus having the same, the lens apparatus including a lens holding member holding a lens, a supporting member for supporting the lens holding member movably in the direction of the optical axis of the lens, a first drive mechanism for moving the supporting member in the direction of the optical axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the lens holding member in the direction of the optical axis, wherein a focusing lens can be moved to an in-focus position within a short time and highly accurately by an AF system.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a camera lens includes a frame (32), a driving rod (34), a linking rod (36), and a driven rod (38). A guiding member (40) is formed on a side surface of the frame including a through hole (400) defined therein. One end of the driving rod pivotedly connected to the frame. One end of the linking rod is pivotedly connected to the other end of the driving rod. The driven rod extends through the through hole of the guiding member. One end of the driven rod is pivotedly connected to the other end of the linking rod, and the other end includes a lens-holder configured for holding the lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic actuator having a small power consumption and also provides a driving method thereof. The electrostatic actuator comprises first and second substrates having first and second stator electrodes formed thereon, respectively, and a movable section arranged between the first and second stator electrodes. The movable section has first and second surfaces that are positioned to face the first and second stator electrodes, respectively. In first and second moving modes, the movable section is slightly moved between the first and second substrates in response to the signal voltage from the driving circuit. Also, in the holding mode, the movable section is held by one of the first and second stator electrodes and, under this condition, at least one of the stator electrode holding the movable section and the movable section held by the stator electrode is left electrically floating.

Abstract: A lens frame is contained in a lower lens barrel and moves in a direction of an optical axis as guided by a guide shaft. An adjusting lever is provided with a lever body having a bearing for supporting the lower end of the guide shaft and an opening into which an adjusting pin is inserted, and a holding portion extended from near the opening of the lever body to outside the lower lens barrel. A length between an edge of the holding portion and a center of the opening is longer than the length between the center of the opening and a center of the bearing. The lever moves around the adjusting pin in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis to adjust the position of the guide shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectrically driven optical lens module. The piezoelectrically driven optical lens module includes at least a lens body, a guiding rod for providing an axial movement track, a piezoelectric element for providing driving force, and an elastic element for providing the piezoelectric element with pre-load, so as to allow the piezoelectric element to be in contact with the guiding rod. The lens body includes at least an enclosed hollow structure, a lens barrel axially moveable and fixed to the enclosed hollow structure, and a lens element fixed to the lens barrel. The piezoelectric element is in contact with the guiding rod via the elastic elements, and the piezoelectric element is used for driving the lens barrel to move linearly along the guiding rod. The present invention provides a piezoelectrically driven optical lens module with a simple structure, to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

Abstract: A two-step auto focus lens system for a digital camera so that the digital camera can switch between a near focal point and a far focal point. The two-step auto focus lens system includes a coil base, a sensor, and a lens barrel. The coil base has two ends and a coil around the coil base. The sensor is disposed corresponding to one end of the coil base to drives the coil base to switch polarities of the two ends of the coil base. The lens barrel is movably installed inside the coil base and has a magnetic component corresponding to the other end of the coil base. When the coil base is driven by the sensor to switch polarities of ends of coil base, lens barrel moves relative to the coil base to the near and far focal points.

Abstract: A telecommunications device includes a portable telephone unit having both wireless communication capability and image capture capability, with a refocusing arrangement that is mechanically driven by operations of telephone components primarily included to enable telephone functions that are independent from camera functions. In one embodiment, the incoming call alerting device, such as the vibrator motor, is used to provide refocusing actuation. In another embodiment, the telephone unit is a “flip phone” and the hinging operations store actuation force for refocusing operations. A ratchet cam may be used in the refocusing arrangement of the image capture capability.

Abstract: An image blur correction apparatus which can be reduced in size is disclosed. The image blur correction apparatus has a base member which is moved in a direction of an optical axis with respect to a member extended in the direction of the optical axis and a lens hold member which is moved in a plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis with respect to the base member. The base member has a concave portion on a periphery thereof through which the member extended in the direction of the optical axis passes and is provided with a support shaft closer to the optical axis than the concave portion, the support shaft supporting the lens hold member and the lens hold member has an engaging portion which engages with the support shaft to allow a movement of the lens hold member in the plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis.

Abstract: A driving controller is adapted for controlling driving of a plurality of driving units physically connected with one another, at least one of which includes a driving member frictionally engaged with a driven member. It is detected whether the driven member is being driven at a predetermined time. The unit including the driving member and another driving unit are driven at a predetermined timing when the detecting circuit detects the driven member is not driven at the predetermined time. The driven member and the driving member can be easily released from an adhered state.

Abstract: A digital camera module (100) with an auto-focusing function is adapted for use in a foldable electronic device. The digital camera module includes a lens mount (10), a lens barrel (20), a voice coil actuator (40), and an image pick-up module (50). The lens barrel receives at least one lens (24) therein and is mounted on/in the lens mount. The lens barrel is made of a composite material including a magnetic metallic nano-powder. The voice coil actuator is adapted for cooperating with the lens barrel to form a magnetic loop. The image pick-up module is disposed under the lens mount and is configured for receiving an image from the at least one lens and converting that image to an electrical signal.

Abstract: A camera unit includes a soft substrate on which electrode regions and an image pickup device region are disposed, a driving electrode group disposed on one of the electrode regions, an image pickup device disposed on the image pickup device region, stationary unit frame attaching portions disposed at positions surrounding the image pickup device region, a stationary unit frame attached to the stationary unit frame attaching portions, and movable units disposed in the stationary unit frame. The soft substrate is bent along bending positions between the electrode regions and the image pickup device region, the electrode regions are fixed on sides of the stationary unit frame inwardly thereof, and the image pickup device region is fixed on an end surface of the stationary unit frame toward the movable units.

Abstract: A storage unit is configured to store beforehand a table that shows a relation between spread parameters and command values supplied to a control unit to acquire a focused image of an object, and information that designates a command value corresponding to an inflection point on an approximated curve showing the relation that the spread parameters have with the command values, the control unit being configured to control a state of an optical system in accordance with an input command value. The luminance information about the object that lies at a distance falling within a range over which focusing should be detected is acquired, at the position of the optical system, which is obtained by the command value corresponding to the inflection point shown in the table.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method for testing the zoom of a miniature digital camera module is presented. A combination of focus targets are illuminated by different colors of light and simultaneously viewed by the digital camera module. The focus targets range from a far target to a close target and are positioned in the apparatus accordingly. The zoom capability of the camera can be either electrical or manual, and the test apparatus can be adapted to either zoom configurations allowing the zoom of the camera lens to be controlled by a tester. The brightness of the image of the focus targets captured by the digital camera is monitored to determine whether the focus of the camera is maintained over the range of zoom.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a wavelength dependent aperture stop, which transmits light with different ranges of wavelengths through apertures of different diameters. Thus, different colored light will have different F-stops, which can be selected based on the power transfer and image quality requirements for the different colored light. For example, a smaller F-stop may be used with a weaker light source to produce a higher throughput for a specific range of wavelengths. Accordingly, the optical system's design and optimization is wavelength and F-stop dependent.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of switching between image pickup modes is provided. An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup lens; an image pickup device receiving light from the image pickup lens to obtain image pickup data; an image processing section for performing image processing on the image pickup data obtained from the image pickup device; a microlens array section including a plurality of microlenses, and being arranged between the image pickup lens and the image pickup device; and a driving section changing a relative distance between the microlens array section and the image pickup device.

Abstract: A camera module (10), includes a lens holder (12) having an aperture (1202), at least one lens module (11) threadedly installed in the lens holder, and a motor (13) mounted on the lens holder. The motor includes a rotor (132) and an endless belt (14), wherein the endless belt extends through the aperture and surrounds the lens module, and the rotor. The motor is configured for driving the lens module to move relative to the lens holder.

Abstract: A camera unit includes a soft substrate on which electrode regions and an image pickup device region are disposed, a driving electrode group disposed on one of the electrode regions, an image pickup device disposed on the image pickup device region, stationary unit frame attaching portions disposed at positions surrounding the image pickup device region, a stationary unit frame attached to the stationary unit frame attaching portions, and movable units disposed in the stationary unit frame. The soft substrate is bent along bending positions between the electrode regions and the image pickup device region, the electrode regions are fixed on sides of the stationary unit frame inwardly thereof, and the image pickup device region is fixed on an end surface of the stationary unit frame toward the movable units.

Abstract: An image-taking control apparatus lets the operations of a plurality of drivable parts, including a first drivable part whose driving speed can be switched only in steps, finish substantially simultaneously. A speed selector selects an operation speed for each of the drivable parts, based on its current position, its target position, and a target operation time. A controller performs lets the operation of the first drivable part start when a waiting time corresponding to a difference between the anticipated operation time for the selected operation speed and the target operation time has passed after a start command time.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a mirror box having a lens mount to which a photographing lens is mounted; an image pick-up device having an imaging surface for capturing an object image which is focused on the imaging surface through the photographing lens; and a frame positioned inside the digital camera body, the mirror box and the image pick-up device being mounted to the frame. The mirror box is mounted to a surface of the frame. The image pick-up device is mounted to the surface of the frame via at least one support member positioned between the mirror box and the image pick-up device. A ratio of a distance from the lens mount to the frame and a length of the support member is substantially equal to a ratio of a linear expansion coefficient of the support member and a linear expansion coefficient of the mirror box.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes a zoom base to which an image pickup device can be coupled, a driving source for generating rotational force in accordance with a control signal of a control unit disposed in the electronic facility, plural power transmission gears disposed on the zoom base to reduce the rotational force of the driving source, a first lens cam disposed on the zoom base and rotated by the rotational force of the power transmission gears, plural first lens shafts coupled on the zoom base in a direction of an optical axis and located in the first lens cam, a first lens barrel having a first lens, the first lens barrel being disposed in the first lens cam and slidably coupled to the first lens shaft in the direction of the optical axis so as to move in the direction of the optical axis in accordance with rotation of the first lens cam, a power transmission member coupled to the first lens cam in the direction of the optical axis, an outer second lens cam disposed on an outer circumference of the first

Abstract: A camera has an axially moveable cylinder retaining a lens and a piezo ceramic motor for axially moving the cylinder. The motor has a piezo ceramic drive member that incrementally advances the cylinder in response to the application of an electric potential and a piezo ceramic brake that locks the cylinder against movement. The drive member and the brake are alternately energized to advance the cylinder in a series of incremental steps.

Abstract: An optical unit includes a first unit formed by accommodating, in a first case, an optical member which receives a light beam from an object, a light amount adjustment mechanism to adjust the amount of the light beam, and a light amount adjustment actuator unit constituted by integrating first and second actuators that drive the light amount adjustment mechanism, and a second unit formed by accommodating, in a second case, a lens group which is movably arranged to obtain a predetermined object image from the light beam, and a lens driving actuator unit which is mainly constituted by a stepping motor having a stacked stator core to drive the lens group. The first and second units can detachably be coupled through a coupling unit provided between the first case and the second case.

Abstract: A camera for shooting both a demagnified image and a magnifed image. In an embodiment, the camera includes a housing body containing a CCD, and a lens barrel. An abutted member having an objective lens therein is engaged with the lens barrel and a rotatable manually-controlled member is fitted around that lens barrel. The abutted member moves in the direction of an optical axis K in response to rotation of the manually-controlled member. A magnified image and a demagnified image can be photographed with the manually-controlled member at its advanced and retracted positions, respectively. The focal point of the objective lens falls on the center of an end of the abutted member located at the position for shooting a magnified image. The magnified image is photographed with the end of the abutted member abutted against the object.

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: A drive controller is provided and controls the supply of driving pulses in such a way as to make an extension speed and a contraction speed along a direction of a piezoelectric element differ to cause the piezoelectric element to extend and contract, so as to move a lens, the drive controller including an AF evaluation value-measuring device for measuring an AF evaluation value in a driving direction of the lens, a return pulse number-calculating device for calculating a maximum value-presuming position so as to calculate a return pulse number, a reverse movement-control device for returning the lens in a reverse direction, a threshold calculating device for calculating an evaluation value threshold, a measurement and determination means for remeasuring the AF evaluation value and determining whether or not an AF re-evaluation value is equal to or larger than the evaluation value threshold, and an AF evaluation value remeasuring device for remeasuring an AF evaluation value in the reverse direction of the le

Abstract: There is no surveillance camera system optimum for monitoring an important monitor place by a surveillance camera mainly for crime prevention day and night without humans in attendance, which can automatically monitor the place without humans in attendance and, when something suspicious is found, follow the suspicious without humans in attendance, and accurately monitor the suspicious at high precision. The present invention provides a surveillance camera driving method achieving such a system having the function of obtaining video image signals by two or more surveillance cameras each having a three-dimensional positioning pan tilt head function, organically processing the video information, comparing the processed information with input data of a plane picture or the like or data of pictures of a front view and a side view or the like, and determining whether the processed video signal is the same as the input data or not.

Abstract: An autofocus adapter for detachably mounting between an imaging lens and a camera body and for detecting the focus state of the imaging lens is disclosed. The autofocus adapter includes two focus state detecting elements with light receiving surfaces slightly displaced in front and in back of a desired position of focus of the imaging lens. A beamsplitter directs some light to the two focus state detecting elements and some light through the autofocus adapter for forming an image in a camera. The autofocus adapter includes a relay lens system and electronics for detecting the focus state and controlling the focus of the imaging lens to an in-focus state based on the images detected at the two focus state detecting elements. The beamsplitter may deflect equal amounts of light to the two light receiving surfaces, and the autofocus adapter may include an iris.

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: A lens device in which a first movable lens holding frame and a second movable lens holding frame are moved along an optical axis by rotating a cam cylinder rotatably provided on a lens barrel, an escape channel for escapement of a portion of the second movable lens holding frame being formed in the first movable lens holding frame, the lens device comprising: a light shielding member moved along the optical axis by the rotation of the cam cylinder, the light shielding member being moved to a position at which the light shielding member closes the escape channel of the first movable lens holding frame.

Abstract: An image-capturing device includes a photographic optical system; an image-capturing element provided rearward of the photographic optical system along an optical axis of the photographic optical system, which captures an image of a subject by receiving a light flux having been transmitted through the photographic optical system; and a motor provided further rearward of the image-capturing element along the optical axis, which drives the photographic optical system along the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact and low-cost image pickup apparatus that is capable of photographing a high-quality image comparable to silver halide photographs even when the image is enlarged to 8×10? size or larger and that enables the depth of field to be controlled with an aperture number exceeding F4. In the image pickup apparatus, an image of an object produced by an optical system (10) is formed on an electronic image pickup device (20), thereby obtaining image information concerning the object. The optical system (10) has a structure capable of obtaining an aperture number equal to or larger than F4 by reducing the beam diameter. Performance required for the optical system (10) is such that the size of the diameter of 90% encircled energy of the point spread function by amplitude is allowed to be up to about 8 times larger than the pixel pitch corresponding to the resolvable pixel unit. The pixel pitch of the image pickup device (20) is not larger than about 5 micrometers.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises a camera body and an image sensing unit. The image sensing unit is provided with a taking lens and an image sensing device for taking images and with an optical viewfinder. The camera body is provided with a controller for controlling the camera, signal processing circuits for processing signals from the image sensing device, a display device for displaying images taken and an interface for recording images taken onto a memory card. The display device serves as a viewfinder. In taking a image, the controller performs an AF control of the taking lens. When power supply to the camera is started, and when the display device is activated, the controller sets the taking lens at a predetermined focus position where in-focus condition is obtained for distant to close-range views, so that blurred images are not displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A mirror box comprises a quick return mirror and an optical low-pass filter. When observing a subject image, the quick return mirror is set to a reflecting position, in which the quick return to mirror is inclined to the optical axis of a photographing lens group by approximately 45 degrees so that incident light is reflected to a view-finder. The optical low-pass filter is set to a non-functioning position, in which the optical low-pass filter is inclined to be parallel to the quick return mirror, and is close to the quick return mirror. When carrying out a photographing operation, the quick return mirror is retracted from the optical axis, and is set to a retracted position, which is parallel to the optical axis. The optical low-pass filter is set to a functioning position which is perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: The taking lens comprises a picture-taking optical system, which allows object light to enter an image-capturing element for picture-taking of a camera, and a focus determination optical system, which splits the object light and allows the split light to enter a focus status determination image-capturing element. The taking lens includes a picture-taking optical length adjusting device, which adjusts an optical length of the picture-taking optical system, and a focus determination optical length adjusting device, which adjusts an optical length of the focus determination optical system. It is hence possible to adjust the respective optical lengths separately and facilitates adjustments at the time of shipment.

Abstract: An operating condition judging means judges at least one of consumed current, whether or not a mechanically driven part is being operated, the supply voltage level, the ambient temperature, whether or not the lens stop device is operative, whether or not the strobo device is being charged, and whether or not access operation of a recording device is being performed. A controller controls a frequency of sweep-out of unnecessary charge in the imaging element on the basis of the output of an operating condition judging device. Thus, it is possible to effectively reduce the peak consumed current through the entire imaging apparatus, reduce the power consumption and extend the battery life.

Abstract: A lens barrel extending and retracting mechanism. A photographic optical axis and a central axis of a lens barrel are eccentric such that a first lens group and a second lens group are housed in a side of a CCD separated from the optical axis. The lens barrel is rotatably extended around the central axis thereof, and a picture is taken when lens optical axes of the first lens group and the second lens group coincide with the optical axis. The lens barrel extending and retracting mechanism prevents displacement and tilt of the lens optical axes of the first lens group and the second lens group, maintaining optical performance and reducing the size of the lens barrel in the housed position.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus and an image pickup apparatus each of which, during a magnification varying operation in an inner focus type of lens system, predicts a destination position to be reached by a variator lens after a predetermined time period, calculates a speed at which to move a focusing lens to a correction position of a focal plane relative to the predicted position of the variator lens, and controls the focusing lens.

Abstract: In order to be able to reduce power consumption while making possible manual operation in any scene when the photographic situation demands its use, an image pickup apparatus has a ring member arranged concentrically with the optical axis of lenses, a detecting device for detecting the quantity of variation resulting from the rotation of the ring member, a control device for shifting/stopping a group of optical lenses in the direction of their optical axis on the basis of the result of detection by the detecting device, and a power supply control device for changing the state of power supply to the detecting device according to the mode of use. Power supply to the detecting device is prohibited when in the automatic focusing mode, and permitted in a focusing-locked state when in the photo shooting mode. It is also prohibited in the viewing mode.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a plurality of lens groups, and a cam barrel having a cam groove formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The cam barrel includes a first barrel having the cam groove on an inner peripheral surface thereof, and a second barrel which is fitted on a front part of an outer peripheral surface of the first barrel, the first barrel and second barrel being movable in the optical axis direction with a predetermined clearance provided therebetween in the optical axis direction while being rotatable together about the optical axis, so that an external force applied to the zoom lens from the outside of the zoom lens is transmitted to the first barrel via the second barrel.

Abstract: A rail groove is provided on an outer peripheral portion of a focus adjusting ring. A lens seat, supporting an image pickup lens, is attached to an escutcheon forming a main body. A plurality of engaging protrusions, provided on a front surface of the escutcheon around the lens seat, engage with the rail groove. Cam surfaces, formed on the focus adjusting ring, are brought into contact with protrusions of a bracket which mounts an imaging element. The rotational motion of the focus adjusting ring is converted into a linear or progressive motion of a bracket by the cam surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for communicating speed data from a camera to a lens unit to drive the lens unit. Even if speed data changes stepwise, a change amount of the driving speed can be changed within a predetermined range for each stepwise change of the speed data in a whole driving speed change range.

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 lens control apparatus for controlling the position of a focusing lens includes a rotary operation member, a detector, having a rotary encoder coupled with the rotary operation member, which detects the amount of rotation per unit time of the rotary operation member by counting the number of pulses per unit time outputted from the rotary encoder, and a conversion circuit for converting a detection output of the detector into a signal indicative of the position of the focusing lens. Further, the lens control apparatus is provided with a control characteristic changing circuit for changing a control characteristic of the lens.

Abstract: The invention provides a digital camera that can retain its optical performance and have a particularly slim closed status. The digital camera 1 includes two lens groups 51, 52 installing in a collapsible lens barrel 3a, a focus lens 44, and a CCD 42 generating an image. An evading mechanism carrying front parts of the lens groups to rotate about a rotary axis parallel to the optical axis and locating front parts beside the image sensor When the collapsible lens barrel 3a is retracted in the housing of the digital camera 1, the first lens group 51 and the second lens group 52 are rotated around a central axis J2 parallel to the optical axis J1 and are located beside the CCD 42. Thus, the invention prevents the axes of the first, second lens groups 51, 52 from offset, and obtains a thin digital camera 1.

Abstract: In a digital camera, a solid state imaging device is used to catch subject light so that an image signal is created. The digital camera contributes to effectively implementing further thinness as compare with the conventional ones. A focus lens is revolved between a position on the optical axis and a saving position coming into a hollow portion beside the CCD solid state imaging device, so that the focus lens comes into the hollow portion at the time of the collapse.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus capable of accelerating the motor speed to a target speed and stabilizing the motor speed in a short time is disclosed. The motor control apparatus includes a speed detection unit which outputs a signal according to the speed of the motor (or movable unit which uses the motor as a drive source). It also includes a control unit which applies, during the acceleration control of the motor to a target speed, an electric brake to the motor when the speed detected based on the signal from the speed detection unit exceeds the target speed.

Abstract: A digital camera which includes: a photographic lens movable along an optical axis thereof between a retracted position and a photographing position in front of the retracted position; an image pick-up device on which an object image is formed through the photographic lens, the image pick-up device being guided to be movable between a first position where the image pick-up device is positioned in a photographic optical path of the photographic lens behind the photographic lens and a second position where the image pick-up device is positioned out of the photographic optical path; and a mechanism for moving the image pick-up device between the first position and the second position, wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the first position when the photographic lens is moved from the retracted position to the photographing position, and wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the second position when the photographic lens is moved from the photographing position t

Abstract: A digital camera which includes: a photographic lens movable along an optical axis thereof between a retracted position and a photographing position in front of the retracted position; an image pick-up device on which an object image is formed through the photographic lens, the image pick-up device being guided to be movable between a first position where the image pick-up device is positioned in a photographic optical path of the photographic lens behind the photographic lens and a second position where the image pick-up device is positioned out of the photographic optical path; and a mechanism for moving the image pick-up device between the first position and the second position, wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the first position when the photographic lens is moved from the retracted position to the photographing position, and wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the second position when the photographic lens is moved from the photographing position t