Abstract: A suspension system of a biaxial optical actuator is provided, including a circuit-carrying base and an oscillation member, which is provided, in a center thereof, with an optical lens. An elastic suspension plate is coupled to the oscillation member and has four corners each forming an elastic unit that projects outside the oscillation member. The elastic units collaborate with support posts to support the elastic suspension plate and the oscillation member at a location above the base. The oscillation member is provided, on each of four sides thereof, with a magnetic device. The four magnetic devices is sequentially activated to apply a magnetic force such that the oscillation member together with the optical lens carried thereon to rotate about two imaginary axes of the elastic suspension plate respectively defined between each pair of two opposite magnetic devices to thereby serve as a rotation axes of the oscillation member.

Abstract: A lens barrel of the present invention includes an image stabilizer configured to correct image shake by driving optical devices, a ring-shaped electronic circuit board on which a pair of the acceleration sensors is arranged at each of positions facing each other with an optical axis of the image pickup optical system in between, and a lens barrel body in which at least the image pickup optical system, the image stabilizer, and the ring-shaped electronic circuit board are accommodated, and the ring-shaped electronic circuit board is fixed to the lens barrel body so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis of the image pickup optical system, and each of the positions where each of the pair of acceleration sensors is fixed is a position where each of the pair of acceleration sensors outputs a same signal when vibration other than camera shake is generated.

Abstract: An optical unit with a shake correction function include a movable body having an optical element, a swing support mechanism swingably supporting the movable body between a reference posture and a tilted posture, a fixed body supporting the movable body through the swing support mechanism, a magnetic swing drive mechanism structured to swing the movable body, and a posture return mechanism structured to return the movable body to the reference posture. The magnetic swing drive mechanism includes a coil and a magnet, the magnet is polarized and magnetized to have different magnetic poles in an axial line direction, the posture return mechanism includes the magnet and a magnetic member attached to a side to which the coil is fixed, and a center of the magnetic member is overlapped with a magnetizing polarized line of the magnet when the movable body in the reference posture is viewed in a radial direction.

Abstract: Compact folded camera modules having auto-focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) capabilities and multi-aperture cameras including such modules. In an embodiment, a folded camera module includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding light from a first optical path with a first optical axis to a second optical path with a second optical axis perpendicular to the first optical axis, an image sensor and a lens module carrying a lens with a symmetry axis parallel to the second optical axis. The lens module can be actuated to move in first and second orthogonal directions in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis, the movement in the first direction being for auto-focus and the movement in the second direction being for OIS. The OPFE can be actuated to tilt for OIS.

Abstract: Regarding an optical unit, a swing driving magnet is held at a holding area of a fixed member in such a manner that the swing driving magnet is movable, and a position-recovering magnetic member is held on a movable unit at a position where the position-recovering magnetic member is able to face the swing driving magnet (Step ST1). Next, a deviated amount between the axis line of the optical unit and the optical axis of an optical module is obtained (Step ST2). Then, the swing driving magnet is moved.

Abstract: Compact folded camera modules having auto-focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) capabilities and multi-aperture cameras including such modules. In an embodiment, a folded camera module includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding light from a first optical path with a first optical axis to a second optical path with a second optical axis perpendicular to the first optical axis, an image sensor and a lens module carrying a lens with a symmetry axis parallel to the second optical axis. The lens module can be actuated to move in first and second orthogonal directions in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis, the movement in the first direction being for auto-focus and the movement in the second direction being for OIS. The OPFE can be actuated to tilt for OIS.

Abstract: An optical unit includes a subject-side rotary bearing part located on a subject side of an optical module and an image-side rotary bearing part located on an image side of the optical module. The two rotary bearing parts disposed on both the subject side and the image side of the optical module make it possible to restrain the tilt of the optical module and restrain backlash during a rotation of the optical module around an optical axis. This prevents the optical module from becoming a cantilever state and a twisting load from being applied due to an impact. Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility of breakage of the rotary bearing parts due to an impact. A movable body includes a rotary bearing holder which swingably supports the optical module. A rolling magnetic-drive mechanism is disposed between the rotary bearing holder and a fixed body.

Abstract: An optical unit with a shake correction function may include a movable body having an optical module, a swing support mechanism, and a holder; a fixed body which turnably holds the movable body around the axial line; a magnetic swing drive mechanism structured to swing the optical module; and a magnetic rolling drive mechanism structured to turn the movable body around the axial line. The magnetic rolling drive mechanism may include a rolling drive magnet which is fixed to the fixed body and a rolling drive coil and a magnetic sensor which are fixed to the movable body so as to face the rolling drive magnet. Power feeding to the rolling drive coil may be controlled based on an output from the magnetic sensor so as to set the movable body at a home position around the axial line.

Abstract: Compact folded camera modules having auto-focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) capabilities and multi-aperture cameras including such modules. In an embodiment, a folded camera module includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) for folding light from a first optical path with a first optical axis to a second optical path with a second optical axis perpendicular to the first optical axis, an image sensor and a lens module carrying a lens with a symmetry axis parallel to the second optical axis. The lens module can be actuated to move in first and second orthogonal directions in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis, the movement in the first direction being for auto-focus and the movement in the second direction being for OIS. The OPFE can be actuated to tilt for OIS.

Abstract: Disclosed are a camera device including a lens barrel including at least one lens and a lens hole, a variable aperture defining an aperture hole area arranged on the lens hole, where a size of the aperture hole area is adjustable via a physical force applied to a lever, a first movable carrier in which the lens barrel is seated, to which the variable aperture is fixed, and including at least one magnet member is configured to cooperate with at least one coil to move the first movable carrier, and an aperture driving module configured to adjust the size of the aperture hole area by supplying the physical force to the lever.

Abstract: An optical member driving module is provided, including a moving mechanism, a base, a suspension wire, and an electromagnetic driving mechanism for driving the moving mechanism to move relative to the base. The moving mechanism includes an optical member holder, and the base has a first surface, a second surface, and an opening. The second surface faces the optical member holder and is opposite to the first surface. The opening extends from the first surface to the second surface. The suspension wire extends through the opening, and the opposite ends of the suspension wire are respectively affixed to the first surface and the moving mechanism.

Abstract: An imaging optical mechanism includes a first concave mirror and a second concave mirror at a position shifted from the first concave mirror in a sub-scanning direction. A plurality of aperture members in which slits are formed is disposed between the first concave mirror and the second concave mirror. The first concave mirror reflects light incident from an original document so as not to be imaged at a position between the first concave mirror and the second concave mirror in the sub-scanning direction, and reflects light incident from the original document so as to be imaged at the position between the first concave mirror and the second concave mirror in a main scanning direction. The second concave mirror reflects light which is reflected by the first concave mirror and incident thereto, so as to be imaged at a position of a sensor.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire information about a lens, a motion vector detection unit configured to detect a motion vector from a plurality of images captured by an image capture unit for capturing an object image, and a calculation unit configured to calculate an image blur correction amount for correcting an image blur, on the basis of the motion vector detected by the motion vector detection unit, and a shake of an image capturing apparatus detected by a shake detection unit for detecting the shake of the image capturing apparatus. The calculation unit changes weights applied to the motion vector and the shake of the image capturing apparatus for calculation of the image blur correction amount, on the basis of information related to perspective of the lens acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for a beam steering device includes a rotator constituting a cylindrical body extending along an axis and defining a central passage therethrough. A wedge-shaped prism is secured to the body within the central passage. The prism has a first surface extending perpendicular to the axis and a second surface extending transverse to the axis. A drive member is provided on one of an axial end surface and a radially outer surface of the body for rotating the rotator. An encoder member is provided on the same surface of the body as the drive member for tracking the position of the rotator.

Abstract: This invention discloses a riflescope wherein the point of aim is adjusted by attaching one or more corrector wedge prisms in front of the objective. Each wedge prism shifts the point of aim by a predetermined amount such as 5 cm at 100 m or 10 cm at 100 m, etc. A shooter can zero-in his rifle by first firing a set of test shots to determine how far off the bullets hit from the desired point of impact. He then selects one or more wedge prisms supplied with the riflescope and attaches them to its front side. The wedge prisms correct the riflescope's point of aim and bring it in alignment with the the rifle's point of impact. The riflescope introduced in this invention has no moving parts, no turrets and no off-axis optical components. There is no possibility of it's point of aim shifting due to rifle's recoil force or other vibrations. Additionally, the riflescope has a streamlined body which is aesthetically pleasing and also suitable for adding auxiliary sights such as a reflector sight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technology that acquires a high resolution iris image more quickly than before. An iris capture apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present invention includes a rotatable movable mirror; a control unit that controls rotation of the movable mirror; a capture unit that captures different regions of a face of a user via the movable mirror and outputs a group of images every time the control unit rotates the movable mirror by a predetermined angle; and an iris image acquisition unit that acquires an image of an iris of the user from the group of images.

Abstract: A lens driving mechanism is provided, including a bottom plate, a housing, a movable portion, and a biasing assembly. The housing is connected to and disposed on the bottom plate. The movable portion is disposed in the housing and movably connected to the bottom plate, wherein the biasing assembly is configured to force the movable portion to move relative to the bottom plate. The movable portion has a frame, a holder, and a first leaf spring. The holder is configured to hold an optical lens and is movably connected to the frame via the first leaf spring. The first leaf spring is disposed on a bottom surface of the frame, wherein the bottom surface of the frame faces the bottom plate.

Abstract: A lens drive device includes a movable portion, a fixed portion, and four suspension wires. The movable portion has a lens holder holding a lens and a magnet arranged at a position that does not overlap with the lens when viewed from a light axis direction. The fixed portion has a coil and a position sensor arranged to oppose against the magnet in the light axis direction and a circuit board having multiple wirings. The wires are arranged around the lens at approximately equal intervals in the light axis direction. The sensor and the coil are arranged to overlap with four sides of a four-sided polygon formed by connecting four wire connection positions where the wires are connected with the fixed portion. The sensor is arranged between the wire connection position closest to the sensor and the coil closest thereto.

Abstract: An optical unit with a shake correction function may include a swing body which holds an optical element; a swing support mechanism structured to swingably support the swing body between a reference posture, where an axial line previously set and an optical axis are coincided with each other, and a tilted posture, where the optical axis is tilted with respect to the axial line; and a support body which supports the swing body through the swing support mechanism; and a weight which is used so that a swing center of the swing body and a gravity center of the swing body are coincided with each other in a direction of the axial line. The swing body may include a fixed region to which the weight is fixed. A fixed position of the weight may be changeable in the fixed region in a direction of the optical axis.

Abstract: A position detecting apparatus includes: a fixed member in which a magnet is disposed, a movable member including a movable barrel in which a coil and an optical element are disposed, the movable barrel being driven in a direction perpendicular to a direction along an optical axis of the optical element with respect to the fixed member by a VCM driving section, and a magnetism detecting member disposed in the movable member, the magnetism detecting member detecting a change in a magnetic flux density of the magnet at a time when the movable member is driven. The magnetism detecting member is disposed, in a plane perpendicular to a direction along the optical axis, in a position where a magnetic flux density of the coil does not affect the change in the magnetic flux density due to the magnet when an electric current is fed to the coil.

Abstract: A telescope made up of mutually connectable modules, which telescope comprises at least a lens module and an eyepiece module, and the lens module and eyepiece module each have a connection interface for connecting the modules, wherein an eyepiece and a zoom unit for changing the image magnification and a unit for reversing the image are integrated in the eyepiece module.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image capturing optical system includes a first lens group having a positive refractive power and disposed along an optical axis and to face an object. A second lens group has a negative refractive power and disposed along the optical axis and adjacent to the first lens group, and second lens group includes a focus correction lens to correct a difference in a focused position according to a variation in a position of the object. A third lens group has a positive refractive power and disposed along the optical axis. A subsequent lens group adjacent the third lens group and disposed along the optical axis and to face an image of the object, and the lens group subsequent to the second lens group includes a camera shake correction lens to move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A robot control system includes an operation control unit, a learning control processing unit and a storage unit. Whenever the operation control unit performs a single learning control, the learning control processing unit stores the number of learning controls, which indicates how many learning controls have been performed, and obtained time-series vibration data in correspondence with each other in the storage unit. The learning control processing unit calculates a convergence determination value to determine whether or not a vibration of a certain portion of a robot converges based on the time-series vibration data at each number of learning controls stored in the storage unit, and determines the number of learning controls having a minimum convergence determination value, out of the calculated convergence determination values, as the optimal number of learning controls.

Abstract: Provided is an optical system having, in order from an Object, a first lens group (G1) having negative refractive power and a second lens group (G2), wherein the first lens group (G1) includes, in order from the object, a first negative lens (L11) and a second negative lens (L12) having a concave surface facing the object, and the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied: 7.94?(?fn12)/f<48.00??(1) where fn12 denotes a focal length of the second negative lens (L12), and f denotes a focal length of the entire optical system.

Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a movable member configured to move in a direction parallel to a predetermined plane, a base member configured to support the movable member to move relative to the base member, and a thrust generator including: a magnet provided on one of the movable member and the base member, and a coil provided on the other of the movable member and the base member. The magnet and the coil generating a thrust to move the movable member in a direction parallel to the predetermined plane. A magnetic flux density of the magnet toward the coil changes along the thrust direction.

Abstract: A projection system (PS1) for a lithographic apparatus comprises: an optical path (100); a plurality of sensors (S1-S4); one or more actuators (A1-A4); and a controller (CN). The optical path is operable to receive an input radiation beam (Bin) and to project an output radiation beam (Bout) onto a substrate to form an image. The optical path comprises: a plurality of optical elements (M1-M4), the plurality of optical elements comprising: a first set of at least two optical elements (M1, M4) and a second set of at least one optical element (M2, M3). Each sensor is associated with one of the plurality of optical elements and is operable to determine a position of that optical element. Each actuator is associated with one of the second set of optical elements and is operable to adjust that optical element.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus includes a first optical element configured to move in a direction different from an optical axis, a first driver including a first magnet magnetized in a first magnetized direction and a first coil and configured to drive the first optical element by an electromagnetic action, a second optical element configured to move in a direction different from the optical axis, and a second driver including a second magnet magnetized in a second magnetized direction and a second coil and configured to drive the second optical element by an electromagnetic action. The first magnet is disposed outside a second area onto which the second magnet is projected in the second magnetized direction and the second magnet is disposed outside a first area onto which the first magnet is projected in the first magnetized direction.

Abstract: An optical unit with a shake correction function may include a movable body which may include an optical module and a holder for holding the optical module, and a gimbal mechanism which swingably supports the movable body with respect to a fixed body. The gimbal mechanism may include a movable frame which is a gimbal spring. The movable frame may include a supporting point part and a connecting part including a meandering part. The meandering part has a cross-sectional shape in which on the assumption that a direction perpendicular to first and second axial lines is a first direction and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and a meandering path of the meandering part is a second direction, a thickness in the second direction is larger than a thickness in the first direction of each plate-shaped spring which structures the movable frame.

Abstract: A technique enabling accurate positioning of a flexible printed circuit board and a magnetic sensor to an image blur correction device. A lens holding section holds a correction lens in a manner movable in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A Hall element is mounted on the flexible printed circuit board to detect change in magnetic field of a magnet provided in the lens holding section. A Hall element-holding section holds the Hall element. An area of the flexible printed circuit board where the Hall element is mounted is locked to the Hall element-holding section in a manner movable in the first direction in a state restricted in movement in the second direction. The Hall element is movable relative to the Hall element-holding section in the second direction, in a state restricted in movement in the first direction.

Abstract: The lens driver having a lens frame; a movable member supports the lens frame so as to be able to move in the direction of the optical axis; a base member supporting the movable member through contact so as to enable movement in the directions perpendicular to the optical axis; elastic members with one end connected to the movable member and the other end connected to the base member, for pressing the movable member against the base member side elastically; a first driving portion for driving the lens frame in the direction of the optical axis; and second driving portions for driving the lens frame in directions that are perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein: power is supplied to the first driving portion, which is provided on the movable member side, through the elastic members from an interconnecting circuit that is provided on the base member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical image stabilization (OIS) structure that prevents camera shake occurring in a smartphone camera, and a camera module having the same. The OIS structure includes: a base housing provided with an OIS coil; a lens housing disposed over the base housing to be apart therefrom; and an OIS leaf spring for allowing the base housing and the lens housing to be elastically coupled to each other.

Abstract: A first correction signal creation unit splits an angular velocity signal of an ultra low-low frequency band from an angular velocity signal of an X-axis angular velocity sensor and outputs a first correction signal amplified based on signal output characteristics of the angular velocity sensor. A second correction signal creation unit splits an angular velocity signal of a low-high frequency band from the angular velocity signal and outputs a second correction signal amplified based on the signal output characteristics of the angular velocity sensor. An addition computation unit creates a composite correction signal in which the first correction signal and the second correction signal are composed, and a drive computation unit creates a drive signal based on the composite correction signal. A driver drives the X-axis actuator based on the drive signal, displaces the correction optical element, and corrects shake of an image.

Abstract: A camera lens suspension assembly includes a support member including a support metal base layer, a moving member including a moving metal base layer, bearings and smart memory alloy wires. The support member includes a bearing plate portion, static wire attach structures, and mount regions. A printed circuit on the support metal base layer includes traces extending to each static wire attach structure. The moving member includes a moving plate portion, elongated flexure arms extending from a periphery of the moving plate portion and including mount regions on ends opposite the moving plate portion, and moving wire attach structures. The bearings are between and engage the bearing plate portion of the support member and the moving plate portion of the moving member. Each of the smart memory alloy wires is attached to and extends one of the static wire attach structures and one of the moving wire attach structures.

Abstract: An optical unit may include a movable body holding an optical module by a holder, a fixed body having a body part surrounding the movable body, a support mechanism swingably supporting the movable body, and a shake correction drive mechanism that swings the movable body. The holder includes a plurality of wall parts on an outer periphery of the optical module, and the wall part holds a part of the shake correction drive mechanism, and the support mechanism includes a movable frame surrounding the optical module and a plurality of swing support parts supporting the movable frame. The movable frame includes supporting point parts contacting the swing support parts, and connecting parts connecting supporting point parts adjacent to each other. The supporting point parts are located on an outer periphery of wall parts, and the connecting parts are disposed so as to pass on inner sides of the wall parts.

Abstract: A lens driving device is disclosed. The lens driving device includes a housing including a base, and a cover body forming a receiving space together with the base; a lens barrel assembled inside the housing and moveable along an optical axis of the lens barrel; an anti-shake carrier assembled inside the housing for suspending the lens barrel along the optical axis; an anti-shake spring having one end thereof fixed to the housing, and another end fixed on the anti-shake carrier; a plurality of bearing steel balls provided between the base and the anti-shake carrier for reducing friction force when the anti-shake carrier moves perpendicular to the optical axis; wherein the anti-shake carrier depends on elastic force of the anti-shake spring when it moves perpendicular to the optical axis, and the anti-shake carrier will return to an initial position.

Abstract: A lens actuator includes a housing; a movable unit received in the housing and including: a carrier, a focusing coil disposed in the carrier, four magnets disposed to face the focusing coil in four directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction, a holder fixing the magnets; four shake correction coils each disposed opposite to one magnet and fixed on the housing; a first elastic element including a pair of spring plates arranged centrally symmetrical, each spring plate including a first spring part connecting the carrier to the holder, a second spring part connecting the holder to the housing and a third spring part connected between the first and second spring parts.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes positive first, negative second, positive third units, and rear group. An interval between first and second units is larger and that between second and third units is smaller at telephoto end (TE) than at wide angle end. Second unit or a negative sub-unit corresponding to a part of second unit serves as first image stabilizing (IS) unit moving during image blur correction in a direction having a component in a direction perpendicular to optical axis. A negative sub-unit corresponding to a part of third unit or a negative unit included in rear group serves as second IS unit. A distance from a surface closest to object side of first IS unit to image plane at TE, a distance from a surface closest to object side of second IS unit to image plane at TE, and focal length of the zoom lens at TE are appropriately set.

Abstract: A chromatic-difference-free wide-angle camera for a head-mounted device, comprising a casing, a biconvex plus lens (1), and a biconcave minus lens (2). The biconvex plus lens (1) and the biconcave minus lens (2) are arranged in parallel in the casing and the biconcave minus lens (2) is closer to an object space. The biconvex plus lens (1) comprises a first surface (3) that is convex toward the object space, and a second surface (4) that has a flat edge and a center position that is convex toward an image space. The biconcave minus lens (2) comprises a third surface (5) that is concave toward the object space, and a fourth surface (6) that has a flat edge and a center position that is concave toward the image space. The biconcave minus lens (2) can move along an axis of the casing to adjust a distance to the biconvex plus lens (1), and compensate for a defocus in a zooming manner.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an actuator which can realize a further reduction in height. Provided is an actuator which performs shake correction by tilting a driven member using the drive force of a voice coil motor, wherein a support part tiltably supports a movable body with respect to a fixed body in which one from between a magnet part and a coil part is disposed on a base member, the movable body being configured so that the other from between the magnet part and the coil part is disposed on a frame-shaped retaining member on which the driven member is mounted. The retaining member has steps, and these steps enable a mounting site of the driven member to be closer to the base member than the disposition site of the one from between the coil part and the magnet part.

Abstract: An image pickup unit integrally includes an optical lowpass filter, a piezoelectric element, and an image pickup element. The optical lowpass filter is separated into a plurality of grouped optical members in an imaging light axis direction. The optical lowpass filter includes first to third grouped optical members. To remove a foreign substance, such as dust or dirt, deposited on the surface of the first grouped optical member, the piezoelectric element vibrates the first grouped optical member. The first grouped optical member has a monocrystalline structure having a Q value indicating the sharpness of resonance higher than that of glass, which is an amorphous material, and a low attenuation characteristic so as to efficiently vibrate the first grouped optical member.

Abstract: A lens apparatus (101) includes an image capturing optical system including a correction unit (103) configured to move in image stabilization, and a driver (113) configured to rotationally drive the correction unit based on a rotational center position that varies depending on an object distance, and a predetermined conditional expression is satisfied.

Abstract: An optical unit may include an optical module; a fixed body including a body part surrounding the optical module; a gimbal mechanism swingably supporting the optical module around a first axial line and a second axial line intersecting the optical axis direction and the first axial line; a shake correction drive mechanism including a coil and a magnet between a side face of the optical module and a side face of the body part; and a plate-shaped spring which is connected with the optical module and the fixed body to determine posture of the optical module when the shake correction drive mechanism is set in a stopped state. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the gimbal mechanism and the plate-shaped spring may be provided at positions overlapping with the shake correction drive mechanism.

Abstract: A zoom lens, in sequence from an object side to an image side along an optical axis, comprises a first lens group; a second lens group; a stop; and a rear lens group and comprising a third lens group, a fourth lens group, and a fifth lens group; the fourth lens group further comprises an image correction lens which is able to shifted in a direction transverse to the optical axis of the zoom lens to stabilize the picked-up image when the zoom lens vibrates; furthermore, the zoom lens satisfies the following condition: (1??p)×?r>2, where ?p is a lateral magnification of the image correction lens when the zoom lens is at the telephoto end, and where ?r is a lateral magnification of the lenses in the rear lens group except for the lenses in front of the image correction lens when the zoom lens is at the telephoto end.

Abstract: An image shake correction device, comprising: an image correction unit configured to correct image shake by moving with respect to an optical axis; and a locking ring provided rotatably about the optical axis. In this configuration, the image correction unit comprises at least one locked projection formed to protrude in an optical axis direction, the locking ring comprises at least one locking projection formed to protrude in the optical axis direction, and at a predetermined rotational position of the locking ring, the at least one locking projection contacts the at least one locked projection and thereby locks the image correction unit.

Abstract: An inner focus lens includes sequentially from an object side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power; and a third lens group having a negative refractive power. The second lens group is moved along an optical axis, whereby focusing from a focus state for an object at infinity to a focus state for a minimum object distance is performed. A lens group configured by a lens other than a lens that is disposed farthest on the object side is moved in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis to shift an image. The inner focus lens satisfies a conditional expression (1) 0.15?(1??p)×?r?4.50, where ?p is transverse magnification of the orthogonally moved lens group and ?r is composite transverse magnification of a lens group disposed farther on an image side than the orthogonally moved lens group.

Abstract: A four-group or five-group zoom lens consists of, in order from the object side, a positive first group being fixed during magnification change, a negative second group being moved during magnification change, one or two middle groups including a positive mp lens group being moved during magnification change, and a positive rearmost group being fixed during magnification change. Zooming is effected by changing all distances between the adjacent groups. The rearmost group consists of, in order from the object side, a positive front group, a negative middle group, and a positive rear group. Air spaces between the front and middle groups, and between the middle and rear groups are constant during zooming and focusing. The front group includes at least two positive lenses and at least one negative lens. Image stabilization is effected by shifting the middle group perpendicularly to the optical axis. The zoom lens satisfies given condition expressions.

Abstract: An optical apparatus that is capable of improving impact resistance thereof. A holding member holding the optical element is movably attached to a first member so that the optical element is movable between an entering position where the optical element enters into an optical path and a retracted position where the optical element is retracted from the optical path. The first member is movably attached to a second member. A driving member engages with the holding member and drives the holding member. A regulation member regulates a moving amount of the first member with respect to the second member. The regulation member is arranged so that a distance from an engagement position of the holding member and the driving member at the entering position to the regulation member is longer than a distance from the engagement position at the retracted position to the regulation member.

Abstract: A tilt-type anti-shake compensation structure for auto-focus module includes an auto-focus module having a lens assembly held thereto and driving the latter to move forward and rearward in a light entering path, i.e. in z-axis direction, so as to focus a captured image; an outer frame enclosing the auto-focus module therein, and having an elastic supporting member provided therein to connect to and between upper ends of the outer frame and the auto-focus module; and a compensation driving unit arranged behind the auto-focus module for driving the auto-focus module to tilt leftward and rightward on x-axis, or forward and rearward on y-axis, within the outer frame, so as to compensate any image deviation due to shake caused by hands. The anti-shake structure is simple and can quickly compensate shake caused by hands.

Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus (1) comprises a support structure (4) on which a movable element (2) is supported. Four SMA actuator wires (11-14) are connected at their ends to one of the support structure (4) and the movable element (2) and being hooked over a respective connector (7) connected to the other. Pairs of the SMA actuator wires (11-14), on contraction, to drive movement of the movable element (2) relative to the support structure (4), through the respective connectors (7), in opposite directions in said plane (XY), that are orthogonal as between the pairs. Each connector (7) is compliant laterally to the direction in which the respective SMA actuator wire (11-14) drives movement of the movable element (2) relative to support structure (4).

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a first lens unit having a negative refractive power, a second lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power. The first lens unit includes a negative lens and a positive lens. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditional expression (1): ?d13/ft<0.4??(1) where ?d13 is the total sum of the thickness of the lenses included in the first to third lens units of the zoom lens on the optical axis, and ft is the focal length of the entire zoom lens system at the telephoto end.