Abstract: A folded camera that includes two light folding elements such as prisms and an independent lens system, located between the two prisms, which includes an aperture stop and a lens stack. The lens system may be moved on one or more axes independently of the prisms to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization for the camera. The shapes, materials, and arrangements of the refractive lens elements in the lens stack may be selected to capture high resolution, high quality images while providing a sufficiently long back focal length to accommodate the second prism.

Abstract: Compact folded lens systems are described that may be used in small form factor cameras. Lens systems are described that may include three lens elements with refractive power, with a light folding element such as a prism, located between a first lens element on the object side of the lens system and a second lens element, that redirects the light refracted from the first lens element from a first axis onto a second axis on which the other lens elements and a photosensor are arranged. The lens systems may include an aperture stop located behind the front vertex of the lens system, for example at the first lens element, and an optional infrared filter, for example located between the last lens element and a photosensor.

Abstract: Digital cameras, optical lens modules for such digital cameras and methods for assembling lens elements in such lens modules. In various embodiments, the digital cameras comprise an optical lens module including N?3 lens elements Li, each lens element comprising a respective front surface S2i?1 and a respective rear surface S2i. In various embodiments the first lens element toward the object side, L1 and its respective front surfaces S1 have optical and/or mechanical properties, such as a clear aperture, a clear height and a mechanical height that are larger than respective properties of following lens elements and surfaces. This is done to achieve a camera with large aperture stop, given a lens and/or camera height.

Abstract: Digital cameras, optical lens modules for such digital cameras and methods for assembling lens elements in such lens modules. In various embodiments, the digital cameras comprise an optical lens module including N?3 lens elements Li, each lens element comprising a respective front surface S2i-1 and a respective rear surface S2i. In various embodiments the first lens element toward the object side, L1 and its respective front surfaces S1 have optical and/or mechanical properties, such as a clear aperture, a clear height and a mechanical height that are larger than respective properties of following lens elements and surfaces. This is done to achieve a camera with large aperture stop, given a lens and/or camera height.

Abstract: An array lens system composed of a plurality of array lenses, each includes a first optical device with a first reflection surface, a positive-powered first lens group, a positive-powered second lens group, a negative-powered third lens group, a second optical device with a second reflection surface, and a negative-powered fourth lens group arranged in an order from an object side to an image side.

Abstract: A precision optical mechanism for adjusting the point of aim in telescopic gun sights is provided. A pair of thin wedge prisms are placed in the optical path of a telescopic gun sight such that they can tilt around an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the sight. The sight's point of aim is adjusted by tilting the prisms.

Abstract: An imaging optical system includes a bending optical element which bends an object-emanating light bundle, a post-bending lens system on a post-bending optical axis defined by the bending optical element, and an image sensor. An effective optical surface of a large-diameter lens element, having a greatest axial light bundle effective radius, is formed into a non-circular shape by making a length of the effective optical surface from the post-bending optical axis toward a side opposite from the object side smaller than the axial light bundle effective radius, with reference to the axial light bundle effective radius lying on a plane which extends orthogonal to a plane including both the post-bending optical axis and a pre-bending optical axis of the imaging optical system and includes the post-bending optical axis.

Abstract: An optical focusing system, including: a lens group, a first reflective optical element, a second reflective optical element, and an optical sensing imaging surface. The first reflective optical element is disposed on an object end and the second reflective optical element is disposed at an image end, for reflecting light rays. The optical sensing imaging surface is disposed at the emergent surface of the second reflective optical element.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit of a positive refractive power, a second lens unit of a negative refractive power, a reflective unit configured to bend an optical axis, and a rear lens group including two or more lens units, the reflective unit being stationary during zooming, the first and second lens units and two or more lens units of the rear lens group being moved during zooming, wherein the following conditions are satisfied: 4.3<?2t/?2w<12.0, and 2.1<?Rt/?Rw<3.0, where ?2w and ?2t denote lateral magnifications of the second lens unit at a wide-angle end and a telephoto end, respectively, and ?Rw and ?Rt denote lateral magnifications at the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, respectively, of a lens unit having a greatest variable power contribution out of the rear lens group.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, a first lens unit of a positive refractive power, a second lens unit of a negative refractive power, a reflective element, and a rear lens group including two or more lens units and an aperture stop, in which the first lens unit, the second lens unit, and two or more lens units of the rear lens group are moved while the reflective element is stationary during zooming, wherein movement amounts M1 and M2 of the first and second lens units during zooming, a movement amount Ms of the aperture stop, and focal lengths fw and ft of the entire zoom lens at the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, respectively, lateral magnifications ?2w and ?2t of the second lens unit, a distance LSw from the first lens surface to the aperture stop at the wide-angle end are appropriately set.

Abstract: A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems employs redirection of the radiation axis, liquid optics and a movable lens group to provide optical performance over the zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system also provides compensation for undesirable thermally induced effects by adjustments of the zoom group and the variably shaped optical surface in the liquid lens cell.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a first lens unit having a positive refractive power which does not move for zooming; a second lens unit having a negative refractive power which moves during zooming; a third lens unit having a negative refractive power which moves during zooming; a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power which moves during zooming; and a fifth lens unit having a positive refractive power which does not move for zooming. Air intervals (L2w and L2t) between the second lens unit and the third lens unit at a wide-angle end and at a telephoto end, respectively, an air interval (L3w) between the third lens unit and the fourth lens unit at the wide-angle end, a focal length (f1) of the first lens unit, and a combined focal length (f23w) of the second lens unit and the third lens unit at the wide-angle end are appropriately set.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a first lens group that has a lens having negative refractive power and a light path changing member; a second lens group that includes a lens having positive refractive power and a lens having negative refractive power, and has negative refractive power as a whole; a third lens group that includes a stop, a front group lens having positive refractive power, and a rear group lens having negative refractive power, and has positive refractive power as a whole; and a fourth lens group having positive or negative refractive power. Upon changing magnification from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, the first lens group and the fourth lens group are fixed. The second lens group moves to the object side after the second lens group moves to an image side, and the third lens group linearly moves to the object side.

Abstract: A zoom lens system and a photographing apparatus including the same, wherein the zoom lens system includes a first lens group including one or more lenses, and an optical member for changing a path of light, and having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein zooming is performed by varying air gaps between the first through fourth lens groups.

Abstract: Provided is a zoom lens system including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens unit having positive refractive power; a second lens unit having negative refractive power; a prism for bending an optical path; and a rear group including a plurality of lens units, in which the first lens unit is moved to the object side while the second lens unit is moved to the image side with respect to an imaging plane at a telephoto end compared to at a wide angle end, and movement amounts M1 and M2 of the first lens unit and the second lens unit with respect to an image plane in zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end, a focal length f2 of the second lens unit, and a focal length ft of an entire system at the telephoto end are respectively set appropriately.

Abstract: A zoom lens ZL including an optical element P for deflecting an optical path, including, in order from an object: a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power; a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power; a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power; a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power; a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power; and a sixth lens group G6, wherein a conditional expression 0.10<fw/PL<0.45 is satisfied, where fw denotes a focal length of the zoom lens ZL in a wide-angle end state, and PL denotes an optical path length of the optical element P for deflecting the optical path.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a first lens group including an optical path change member that changes an optical path, a second lens group including at least one negative lens and at least one positive lens, and lens groups having a positive refractive power. The first lens group is closer to an object side of the zoom lens and is fixed relative to an image plane during a zooming operation. The second lens group is adapted to move during the zooming operation. Each of the lens groups includes at least one positive lens, and the lens groups are closer to an image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens satisfies vdLP>71, vdL2p<40, and ndL2m>1.71, wherein “vdLP” is an Abbe number, “vdL2p” is an Abbe number, and “ndL2m” is a refractive index.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a positive third lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group is decreased, and the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group is decreased. A reflection prism having a negative refractive power is provided between the third lens group and the imaging plane, and wherein the following condition (1) is satisfied: P2?d<32??(1), wherein P2?d designates the Abbe number with respect to the d-line of the reflection prism, which is provided between the third lens group and the imaging plane.

Abstract: A method includes providing a capability to control divergence of a coherent light beam having an axially symmetrical distribution of intensity thereof through an optical divergence controller, and directing an output of the optical divergence controller related to the controlled divergence of the coherent light beam onto a glass prism. The glass prism includes a planar shape onto which a pyramidal structure is formed. The method also includes controlling a distance between maxima of an output light field of the glass prism and intensity thereof through controlling the divergence of the coherent light beam through the optical divergence controller and/or varying a distance between the optical divergence controller and the glass prism, and utilizing the output light field of the glass prism in controlling microparticles in a microtechnology or a nanotechnology application.

Abstract: An image pickup optical system OP includes first and second prisms P1, P2 for bending incident light at an almost right angle. Optical axis AX at the incident surface of first prism P1 and optical axis AX at the outgoing surface of second prism P2 are almost parallel with each other. There is a lens element forming at least one power group on the optical path between first and second prisms P1, P2, wherein a power group closest to the incident surface of second prism P2 is a positive power group. The incident surface of second prism P2 has a concaved surface shape facing the object side, and the following conditional expressions are satisfied: ?4.2<fp2/f<?0.2 (fp2: a focal length of the second prism, f: is a focal length of the entire image pickup optical system), and 0.2<|f_1p/fp2|<1.5 (f_1p: a focal length of the power group closest to the incident surface of the second prism).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a zoom lens and an image pickup element. The zoom lens includes an optical path reflecting lens group including a reflecting member and having a positive refracting power, a movable negative lens group that is disposed in the optical path on the image side of the optical path reflecting lens group, has a negative refracting power, and moves during zooming, a movable positive lens group that is disposed in the optical path on the image side of the movable negative lens group, has a positive refracting power, and moves during zooming, and an aperture stop disposed in the optical path between the movable negative lens group and the movable positive lens group. The optical path reflecting lens group is a lens group located closest to the object side in the zoom lens.

Abstract: A compact zoom lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side along an optical axis thereof, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having positive refractive power and a third lens group also having positive refractive power. The first lens group is stationary and includes a reflecting element for bending the optical path. The second and third lens groups are movable along the optical axis, and each of the first, second and third lens groups has at least one aspheric lens surface. When zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, the second lens group moves toward the object side and the third lens group moves toward the image side, so as to reduce the spacing between the first and second lens groups and increase the spacing between the second and third lens groups. By this specific optical configuration, the compact zoom lens system has the advantages of small size, simple structure, low cost, good reliability and better image quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic image pickup system whose depth dimension is extremely reduced, taking advantage of an optical system type that can overcome conditions imposed on the movement, of a zooming movable lens group while high specifications and performance are kept. The electronic image pickup system comprises an optical path-bending zoom optical system comprising, in order from its object side, a 1-1st lens group G1-1 comprising a negative lens group and a reflecting optical element P for bending an optical path, a 1-2nd lens group G1-2 comprising one positive lens and a second lens group G2 having positive refracting power. For zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the second lens group G2 moves only toward the object side. The electronic image pickup system also comprises an electronic image pickup device I located on the image side of the zoom optical system.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes first to fourth lens groups arranged in that order from the object side and having positive, negative, positive, and positive refractive powers. The first lens group includes a single first lens having a negative refractive power, a right-angle prism bending an optical path, and a second lens including at least a lens having a positive refractive power in that order from the object side. The second lens group includes a third lens including an aspherical surface and having a negative refractive power, a fourth lens having a negative refractive power, a fifth lens having a positive refractive power, and a sixth lens having a negative refractive power in that order from the object side. The second and fourth lens groups are moved in an optical-axis direction during zooming.

Abstract: An zoom optical system comprises a prism component which comprises in order from an object side, an entrance surface having negative refracting power, and a reflecting surface, and movable groups which are movable when either of zooming or focusing is carried out. An image pickup apparatus is provided with the zoom optical system. Thereby, thinning of the image pickup apparatus can be attained sufficiently, and it is possible to shorten the full length of the optical system furthermore, while keeping a moderate zooming ratio.

Abstract: A simply structured zooming movement mechanism for moving a first lens group located in the object side from a bending member. Also provided are a small-sized lens unit by making it collapsible and an image pickup apparatus. The lens unit has: the bending member for bending the light, entering from an object along a first optical axis, to the direction of a second optical axis substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis; and a first moving member for moving a first support member, which supports the first lens group, in the direction of the first optical axis to a storage position; a bending member moving member for moving the bending member to an evacuation position in order to create a space for storing the first supporting member; and a first zooming movement member for moving the first supporting member in the direction of the first optical axis in a variable magnification manner.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a reflection unit including a reflection surface for bending an optical path, a third lens unit having a negative refractive power, a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens unit having one of a positive refractive power and a negative refractive power. In the zoom lens, at least the second lens unit and the fourth lens unit move during zooming while the reflection unit remains stationary. In addition, a focal length of the first lens unit and respective focal lengths of the zoom lens at a wide-angle end and at a telephoto end are appropriately set.

Abstract: A compact zoom lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side along an optical axis thereof, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having positive refractive power and a third lens group also having positive refractive power. The first lens group is stationary and includes a reflecting element for bending the optical path. The second and third lens groups are movable along the optical axis, and each of the first, second and third lens groups has at least one aspheric lens surface. When zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, the second lens group moves toward the object side and the third lens group moves toward the image side, so as to reduce the spacing between the first and second lens groups and increase the spacing between the second and third lens groups. By this specific optical configuration, the compact zoom lens system has the advantages of small size, simple structure, low cost, good reliability and better image quality.

Abstract: A zoom lens, which changes a magnification by properly changing distances between a plurality of lens components, has, in order from the object side, a first lens component with positive power, a second lens component with negative power, a third lens component with positive power, a fourth lens component with positive power, and a fifth lens component with positive power, and the first lens component has a reflecting member changing an optical path. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditions: 1.6<?2(t)/?2(w)<10.0 3.3<?4(t)/?4(w)<10.0 where ?2(t) is a lateral magnification of the second lens component in a telephoto position in infinite focusing, ?2(w) is a lateral magnification of the second lens component in a wide-angle position in infinite focusing, ?4(t) is a lateral magnification of the fourth lens component in the telephoto position in infinite focusing, and ?4(w) is a lateral magnification of the fourth lens component in the wide-angle position in infinite focusing.

Abstract: An image-taking lens unit includes: a variable magnification optical system for forming an optical image of an object with a variable magnification; and an image sensor for converting the optical image into an electrical signal. The image-taking lens unit changes the shape thereof between a photographing state and a non-photographing state. The variable magnification optical system has a plurality of lens groups for performing magnification variation by changing intervals therebetween and a reflective surface for bending an optical axis. At least one of the plurality of lens groups is a movable group that moves during magnification variation. The reflective surface is kept in fixed position during magnification variation or focusing. In transition from the photographing state to the non-photographing state, at least the reflective surface moves so that at least part of the movable group is stored into a space left after the movement of the reflective surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a zoom lens that enables an optical path to be easily bent by a reflecting optical element, has a wide-angle design and high optical performance as represented by a high zoom ratio of about 3.4, is extremely slimmed down in the depth direction, and costs less. The zoom lens comprises a positive first lens group G1, a negative second lens group G2, a positive third lens group G3, a positive fourth lens group G4 and a negative fifth lens group G5. Upon zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 remains substantially fixed with respect to an image plane I, and at least the second G2 and the fourth lens group G4 move. The first lens group G1 includes a reflecting optical element for bending the optical path involved, and a portion of the first lens group G1 on an object side with respect to the reflecting surface has negative refracting power. The zoom lens satisfies condition (1) with respect to the focal length of the fifth lens group G5.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side thereof: a first lens group having a negative optical power and comprising a reflection optical element; a second lens group having a positive optical power; a third lens group having a negative optical power; a fourth lens group having a positive optical power; and, a fifth lens group. The first lens group and the fourth lens group are positioned at a fixed distance and at least the second lens group, the third lens group and the fifth lens group move along an optical axis, for varying a power of the zoom lens from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end. The zoom lens satisfies a predetermined expression relating to a focal length of the first lens group, and a focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end.

Abstract: A zoom lens is provided and includes: in order from the object side, a first lens group having a positive power and including in order from the object side, a negative lens, a reflecting member that bends an optical path by substantially 90°, and a positive lens having biconvex shape which has at least one aspherical surface; a second lens group having a negative power and including two lenses; a third lens group having a positive power; and a fourth lens group having a positive power and including in order from the object side, a cemented lens having a negative power and a positive lens having a meniscus shape which has at least one aspherical surface and a convex surface on the object side. The zoom lens is adapted to change a magnification thereof by moving the second lens group and forth lens group, and satisfies specific conditional equations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost zoom lens which has high optical performance specifications such as a wide angle of view and a high zoom ratio of as high as 5, is extremely small in depth and ensures that the optical path of the optical system can easily be bent by a reflecting optical element. A zoom lens includes a first lens group G1 with a positive power, a second lens group G2 with a negative power, a third lens group G3 with a positive power, a fourth lens group G4 with a positive power, a fifth lens group G5 with a negative power, and a sixth lens group G6 with a positive power, wherein upon zooming from a wide-angle end to telephoto end, the first lens group G1 remains fixed relative to an image surface I and at least second and fourth lens groups G2 and G4 move, the first lens group G1 includes, in order from the object side, a negative lens, a reflecting optical element P for bending an optical path, and a positive lens, and conditional expression (1) is satisfied.

Abstract: A zoom lens is such that spacings between a plurality of lens units are properly changed and thereby the magnification of the zoom lens is changed. The most object-side lens unit of this zoom lens has a positive refracting power and comprises, in order from an object side, a negative lens, a reflecting member for changing an optical path, and a positive lens, without cementing the reflecting member and the positive lens as well as the reflecting member and the negative lens, and at least one of surfaces of the negative lens and the positive lens is configured as an aspherical surface to satisfy the following condition: 0.0001<|Y49|/ihw<0.1 where Y49 is an aspherical amount of the aspherical surface at a position where a chief ray of light incident on the most object-side lens unit at an angle of 49° with the optical axis is incident on a most object-side aspherical surface in the lens unit and ihw is an image height at a wide-angle position.

Abstract: For reducing absorption in a refractive element, the present invention relates to a refractive element (10, 20), suitable for refracting x-rays, comprising a body with low-Z material having a first end adapted to receive rays emitted from a ray source and a second end from which the rays received at the first end emerge. The refractive element comprises columns of stacked substantially identical prisms (21). The invention also relates to lens element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a small-size and light-weight optical system with an adjustable focal length. The invention relates to a method and system comprising an image plane on which there is formed an image of the target observed by the optical system, a first optical component with an adjustable focal length, and a prism with an optical path that is adjustable to correspond to the focal length adjusted for the first optical component. By means of the optical system according to the invention, there is formed an image of the target under observation, located at the distance of the focal length of the first optical component, on the image plane so that the first optical component, the prism and the image plane remain permanently in place in relation to each other.

Abstract: A variable magnification optical system having at least a first lens group having a negative optical power, a second lens group having a positive optical power, a third lens group having a negative optical power, and a fourth lens element having a positive optical power, in the optical axis direction in zooming, keeps the third lens element immobile with respect to an image surface while moving at least the second lens group and the fourth lens group, whereby: an interval between the first lens group and the second lens group decreases, an interval between the second lens group and the third lens group increases, and an interval between the third lens group and the fourth lens group decreases. Moreover, the variable magnification optical system moves the third lens group in an in-surface direction vertical to the optical axis direction to thereby correct shake resulting from imaging on the image surface, and fulfills predetermined conditional formula.

Abstract: A zoom lens has good optical performance, is compact, and has a high magnifying power, and is suitable for use in a video camera, a digital still camera, a cellular phone, or the like, and an image pickup apparatus employs the zoom lens. The zoom lens includes a first lens group fixed upon zooming and having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having a negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having a positive refractive power, which are successively arranged in the order from the object side. At least the second lens group and the fourth lens group are moved for zooming.

Abstract: A taking optical system for forming an optical image of an object on the light-receiving surface of an image sensor has at least one optical prism that has an entrance surface, at least three reflective surfaces each curved, and an exit surface, and that receives rays from the object side through the entrance surface, then reflects the rays on the at least three reflective surfaces, and then lets out the rays through the exit surface. The optical prism is formed of a medium having a refractive index of 1.2 or more. An optical aperture is disposed on or near one of the at least three reflective surfaces. At least one of the at least three reflective surfaces is an eccentrically disposed rotation-asymmetric surface.

Abstract: A variable magnification optical system includes lens units that focus a ray of light from an object side on an image sensor, in which the lens unit located at a first position from the object side toward the image side includes an optical path changing element for changing an optical path. The variable magnification optical system performs magnification variation by changing gaps between the lens units, and satisfies predetermined conditional formulae.

Abstract: A variable-magnification optical system has, from the object side to the image side, at least a first lens group having a positive optical power, a second lens group having a negative optical power, and a third lens group having a positive optical power. The first lens group includes an optical prism that changes the optical path, and a prescribed conditional formula is fulfilled.

Abstract: A mono-bloc catadioptric imaging lens comprising a solid body and a single-focal Maksutov type construction characterized by two refractive surfaces and two reflective surfaces wherein all surfaces are surfaces of revolution and wherein at least one surface is aspheric.

Abstract: The invention concerns a zoom optical system in which, for zooming, an optical function surface is rotated about a point away from it to change the position of a light beam that passes through the optical function surface. The zoom optical system comprises a stop 2 and one or more optical elements 10 located on an object side with respect to the stop 2, each having at least one optical function surface 11, 12, 13, and is adapted to form an image of a distant object O at varying magnifications. At least one optical function surface 12 comprises a continuous surface, and is constructed such that there is a continuous change in at least the radius of curvature in a sectional direction from one end to another end. Upon zooming, at least one optical element 10 having optical function surfaces 11, 12, 13 is rotated about a point S that is not contiguous to one optical function surface.

Abstract: A reflecting prism (PR1) and a reflecting prism (PR2) each adapted to bend an incident ray at a predetermined angle for reflection are arranged in such a manner that an incident surface of the reflecting prism disposed on a side of a subject on an optical path and the exit surface of the other reflecting prism are aligned substantially parallel to each other. The incident surface or the exit surface of at least one of the reflecting prisms has an optical power. At least one lens group including one or more lens element is arranged between the two reflecting prisms in such a manner that the optical axis of the lens group is coincident with the axis of the optical path between the two reflecting prisms. At least one lens group is moved in the direction of the optical axis thereof. Thus, provided are a thin and superfine zoom optical system, an imaging lens device incorporated with the zoom optical system, and a digital apparatus loaded with the imaging lens device.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprises, in order from an object side, a positive first lens unit including a reflective optical element, a negative second lens unit, a positive third lens unit and a positive fourth lens unit, or a positive first lens unit, a negative second lens unit, a positive third lens unit, a negative fourth lens unit and a positive fifth lens unit. During zooming from a wide-angle end toward a telephoto end, the first lens unit is fixed, at least the second and third lens units move, and a space between the lens units changes. The second lens unit is positioned closer to an image-surface side in the telephoto end than in the wide-angle end, and the third lens unit is positioned closer to the object side in the telephoto end than in the wide-angle end. An image taking apparatus including the zoom lens system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic image pickup system whose depth dimension is extremely reduced, taking advantage of an optical system type that can overcome conditions imposed on the movement of a zooming movable lens group while high specifications and performance are kept. The electronic image pickup system comprises an optical path-bending zoom optical system comprising, in order from its object side, a 1-1st lens group G1-1 comprising a negative lens group and a reflecting optical element P for bending an optical path, a 1-2nd lens group G1-2 comprising one positive lens and a second lens group G2 having positive refracting power. For zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the second lens group G2 moves only toward the object side. The electronic image pickup system also comprises an electronic image pickup device I located on the image side of the zoom optical system.

Abstract: A zoom lens with a reduced thickness and size in the depthwise direction consists of a plurality of lens groups (GR1 to GR5), so that it varies in power in response to variation in intervals between the lens groups. The zoom lens also has a prism G2 to bend the optical axis passing through the lens groups (GR1 to GR5). The last lens group G5 (counted from the object side) is composed of a negative lens group and a positive lens group, with an air layer interposed between them (arranged sequentially from the object side). The present invention also provides an imaging device equipped with an imaging element to convert the optical images formed by said zoom lens into electrical signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically focusing an imaging mechanism on a moving target surface having a variable geometry is herein disclosed. Apparatus for focusing an imaging mechanism may include an objective, a prism, or another optical device that forms part of an optical train of an imaging mechanism, a sensor for measuring a distance to the target surface, and a mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism or other optical device. Data from the sensor may be used to create a predictive model of the target surface. Data from the sensor is also used to fit or correlate the generated model to an exemplary target. Data from the correlated model is used to drive the mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism, or other optical device to maintain the surface of the exemplary target in focus.

Abstract: An optical magnification device for varying the distance between an observer's eye (1) and an object (7), e.g., for a binocular magnifier or a microscope, in which focusing onto the object (7) is accomplished by means of progressive lenses (3) displaceable perpendicular to the observation beam(s) (2).