Abstract: An electronic imaging device is provided which includes a first lens group which takes in a luminous flux from a subject along a first optical axis, an optical axis conversion member which bends the luminous flux along a second optical axis which intersects with the first optical axis, a second lens which images the bent luminous flux to an imaging element, and an optical amount adjustment unit provided between the second lens group and the optical axis conversion member. An AF motor, a driving unit which drives the optical amount adjustment unit, and a zoom motor are each selectively arranged at one of four spaces formed by a first plane defined by the optical amount adjustment unit and a second plane defined by the first and second optical axes. The AF motor, the driving unit, and the zoom motor may all be arranged at one side of the second plane.

Abstract: A video connection is established using cameras which are able to be remotely controlled by a distant viewer. A local radio link is established between a telephony device such as a cellular telephone or other wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU). A distant viewer connected through a telephone link can use a video image screen to view the camera image and can use the telephone link to control the operation of the camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system that has reduced power consumptions, ensures noiseless operations and fast responses, contributes to cost reductions due to simplified mechanical structure, and, albeit having a small outside diameter and small size, is capable of focusing and zooming. The optical system of the invention comprises a variable mirror and a moving optical element group. The optical element group has a zooming function, and the variable mirror has a focusing function. An optical apparatus of the invention comprises such an optical system as mentioned above.

Abstract: A mechanical cam type zoom lens device includes a movement position detector detecting movement positions of focus and zoom lenses moved by respective drivers, a reference compensation value calculating unit setting a plurality of zooming positions for a zoom lens when a focus lens is located at a predetermined focusing position and calculating an amount of movement from a predetermined focusing position in a case where the focus lens is adjusted to be in focus when the zoom lens is located at each set zooming position, the calculated amount of movement serving as a reference compensation value, a storage storing data of the reference compensation values, a focusing compensation value calculating unit calculating a focusing compensation value for the focus lens in a case where the zoom lens is located at the movement position, based on the set zooming positions, the reference compensation value read from the storage and the movement position of the zoom lens, and a focusing unit focusing the focus lens based

Abstract: A suspension apparatus comprises a lens holder, a suspension spring and a supporting base. The supporting base is formed with an opening for accommodating the lens holder. The lens holder is for positioning a lens unit. The suspension spring is manufactured by stamping process to form a long strip with a plurality of suspension springs. The strip is then guided into a mold, and plastic injection molding process is performed in that mold so as to produce the lens holder and supporting base affixed respectively to either end of the suspension spring in one piece. After that, excess material of the strip is cut off. The suspension apparatus as above described is suitable for mass production. In addition, because of the high precision of mold, the inaccuracy of assembly and fabrication is minimized. The volume of the whole apparatus and the cost of production are also vastly decreased.

Abstract: An electronic imaging device is provided which includes a first lens group which takes in a luminous flux from a subject along a first optical axis, an optical axis conversion member which bends the luminous flux along a second optical axis which intersects with the first optical axis, a second lens which images the bent luminous flux to an imaging element, and an optical amount adjustment unit provided between the second lens group and the optical axis conversion member. An AF motor, a driving unit which drives the optical amount adjustment unit, and a zoom motor are each selectively arranged at one of four spaces formed by a first plane defined by the optical amount adjustment unit and a second plane defined by the first and second optical axes. The AF motor, the driving unit, and the zoom motor may all be arranged at one side of the second plane.

Abstract: An AF control apparatus includes a plurality of movable lens groups, each of which is movable along an optical axis for performing focusing independently, and a driving system for moving each of the movable lens groups. A moving path of each of the movable lens groups during an autofocusing operation is defined so that a ratio of moving distances of the each of the movable lens groups is constant over an entire zoom range.

Abstract: A lens-controlling device controls a first lens unit which moves for zooming and a second lens unit which moves for correcting the displacement of an image plane caused by zooming and for focusing. The lens-controlling device includes a memory which stores data for obtaining target-position information representing a target position to which the second lens unit is to be moved, the target position corresponding to a position to which the first lens unit is moved from a current position and a controller which generates the target-position information on the basis of the data and controls the movement of the second lens unit on the basis of position information of the first lens unit and the target-position information.

Abstract: Provided is a compact lens module which enables zoom and auto-focus functions even in a small lens module by providing a lens carrying structure using a supersonic driving unit. A lens unit is positioned in a case and has at least one lens. A carrying member is rotatably connected in the case and connected to the lens unit so that the lens unit may move forward and backward. In addition, a driving unit is mounted in the case for transferring a driving force to the carrying member so as to move the lens unit by repeatedly contacting and non-contacting with the carrying member.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a zoom lens is disclosed which automatically and accurately performs flange focal distance adjustment with a simple structure in a zoom lens of a rear focus type. The control apparatus comprises a memory which stores in-focus position data of a second lens unit with respect to the position of a first lens unit which provides variable magnification. A controller sets a reference position of the second lens unit for position control of the second lens unit with the in-focus position data based on an in-focus position of the second lens unit for an object at anywhere from the minimum object distance to the infinite distance when the first lens unit is located at the wide-angle end.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic focusing method used by a digital image processing apparatus including a zoom lens moving in a moving range of a first guide bar and a focus lens moving in a moving range of a second guide bar disposed on an extension of the first guide bar. The method includes performing focusing while moving the zoom lens in a range from a zooming limit position in the first guide bar to a set zoom limit position, if a current photographing mode is a close-range photographing mode and a current position of the zoom lens is the zooming limit position.

Abstract: A lens apparatus which is easy to assemble, provides high strength at the flange portion, and achieves high degree of design freedom, too, is disclosed. The lens apparatus comprises first and second members. The first member has a guide portion to guide the member straight ahead in an optical axis direction. The second member is arranged outside the first member and has a circumferential wall, on which an engaging portion for guiding the guide portion is formed. An opening portion is also formed at the end of the optical axis direction of the second member at a different position from the engaging portion and connected with the engaging portion. The opening portion takes the guide portion in and out with respect to the second member.

Abstract: An image processor includes a zoom lens for performing optical zooming by moving in a first range, an imaging unit for converting an object image obtained via a zoom lens into an image signal, and an electronic zooming unit for performing an electronic zooming operation on the image signal. The electronic zooming unit performs the electronic zooming operation as a result of moving the zoom lens into a second range when the zoom lens is in the first range and outside the second range.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel comprises an exterior unit, which mainly forms an exterior portion, an optical unit having an image pickup optical system built therein, and a control unit and can be detachably mounted on a single-lens reflex camera. The optical unit includes first and second group lenses as the image pickup optical system, which can move forward and rearward in zooming and focusing, and a third group lens which can move forward and rearward in zooming. Particularly, in focusing, a first group lens holding frame for holding the first group lens and a second group lens holding frame for holding the second group lens are driven forward and rearward in a different amount in an optical axis direction through a cam follower and two cam grooves by driving a focus ring in rotation, thereby focusing is executed. The lens barrel can cope with a forward/rearward movement required in zooming and focusing and can be reduced in size.

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-controlling device controls a first lens unit which moves for zooming and a second lens unit which moves for correcting the displacement of an image plane caused by zooming and for focusing. The lens-controlling device includes a memory which stores data for obtaining target-position information representing a target position to which the second lens unit is to be moved, the target position corresponding to a position to which the first lens unit is moved from a current position and a controller which generates the target-position information on the basis of the data and controls the movement of the second lens unit on the basis of position information of the first lens unit and the target-position information.

Abstract: The lens barrel with an adjustable focus comprises an external mounting unit, an optical unit and a control unit including a focusing motor and the like. The external mounting unit comprises a fixed frame covering the optical unit, a distance ring, an outer circumferential cover, a zoom ring, a back end cover. The optical unit contains a plurality of frame member units that respectively support a plurality of lens groups. Furthermore, after the unitized optical unit is inserted into the fixed frame, the distance ring, outer circumferential cover, zoom ring, back end cover and the like are successively engaged with the outer circumferential part of the fixed frame from the rear side, so that these parts are easily assembled.

Abstract: A focus lens and a zoom lens group having a first zoom lens and a second zoom lens are controlled separately from one another in an internal-focus camera. The positions of the focus lens and the second zoom lens in the zoom lens group are tracked, and are controlled to approach no closer to one another than a minimum safe distance to avert collisions between the focus lens and the second zoom lens.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which comprises an optical system provided with a zoom lens for performing zooming by moving along the optical axis and a focus lens for performing correction and focusing at the time of zooming, an imaging device for imaging an optical image supplied from the optical system, a zoom actuator for driving the zoom lens, a focus actuator for driving the focus lens, a zoom position detecting device for detecting the position of the zoom lens, a focus position detecting device for detecting the position of the focus lens, an aperture stop member whose opening diameter changes so as to adjust the luminous energy passing through the optical system a filter member to be freely inserted into or extracted from the optical path of the optical system, an aperture stop state detecting device for detecting the opening state of the aperture stop member, a filter state detecting device for detecting the insertion state of the filter member, a memory storing the movement information on the re

Abstract: A rear-focus zoom lens device includes a wide-angle direction rotation restricting unit and a telephoto direction rotation restricting unit for separately restricting rotations of a zoom ring in a wide-angle direction and a telephoto direction and for separately canceling the restricting operations at any rotational positions of the zoom ring in the wide-angle direction and the telephoto direction, respectively, when rotating the zoom ring in the wide-angle direction and the telephoto direction, respectively.

Abstract: A zoom optical system capable of selecting different focusing methods is disclosed. This zoom optical system includes a variable power unit that performs a variable power operation while moving during zooming; a first focusing unit positioned in front of the variable power unit; a second focusing unit positioned at the back of the variable power unit; a sensor that detects the position of the first focusing unit; and a memory that stores movement information of the second focusing unit during zooming according to the position of the first focusing unit. Herein, the second focusing unit changes in the moving locus thereof during zooming, based on the position information about the first focusing unit detected by the sensor and the information from the memory.

Abstract: In a lens system, an auto-focus (AF) mode switch for selecting an AF mode is provided at a focus demand and, for example, a continuous AF mode is selected by the AF mode switch. Then, a CPU switches the continuous AF to a manual focus (MF) when an operation of the focus demand is executed and switches the MF to the continuous AF when an AF start switch provided at the focus demand is turned ON. Thus, when an operation of the MF is executed during focus adjustment by the AF, the focus adjustment by the AF is switched to focus adjustment by the MF, and thereafter, the focus adjustment by the MF is never switched to the focus adjustment by the AF unless the AF start switch is turned ON.

Abstract: A small zoom lens apparatus capable of carrying out focusing through manual operations in an autofocus mode. The zoom lens apparatus includes a variator lens unit, an object-side focus lens unit placed closer to an object than the variator lens unit and an image plane-side focus lens unit placed closer to an image plane than the variator lens unit. Driving of the object-side focus lens unit through manual operations is allowed when the autofocus mode is set.

Abstract: A beam splitter (24)for splitting light in a wavelength range of about 500 nm to about 600 nm is arranged in a relay optical system of a taking lens (12). A green light beam reflected from the beam splitter (24) is directed through a relay lens (R3) to a focusing state determination imaging unit (26). The imaging unit (26) comprises three imaging elements (A, B, C) for capturing the directed green light beam to determine the focusing state. Thus, a device for determining the focusing state of the taking lens is provided, in which the green light beam is separated as an object light for determining the focusing state from the object light entering the taking lens (12), so that the focusing state can be determined with high accuracy on the basis of the high-frequency components of the image signal generated by capturing the green light beam by means of the imaging elements (A, B, C) having different optical path lengths.

Abstract: A lens apparatus which is easy to assemble, provides high strength at the flange portion, and achieves high degree of design freedom, too, is disclosed. On the circumferential wall of a second barrel member, a first groove portion is disposed to guide a guide portion provided in the first barrel member and at the end of optical axis direction of the circumferential wall, a flange portion is formed. On a third barrel member, a cam portion which engages with a cam follower portion provided on the guide portion is formed.

Abstract: In the zoom lens apparatus, a lens frame for a variable-magnification lens or a correcting lens is configured of an inner frame and an outer frame, and any focus blurring due to variations in wavelength of subject light can be compensated for accurately by shifting the inner frame holding the lens relative to the outer frame. The correcting lens frame for the correcting lens is configured of the inner frame and the outer frame, and the inner frame is shifted according to variations in wavelength of subject light. Any focus blurring can be thereby compensated for steplessly according to variations in wavelength of subject light.

Abstract: An autofocus system for an imaging device that includes an image detecting element for image production at a focused image plane of an adjustable focus imaging lens that also includes four image detecting elements for focus detection arranged in pairs that are equidistant in front of, and behind, planes that are conjugate with the focused image plane. One pair of image detecting elements for focus detection are farther than the other pair from the conjugate planes and may be used alone for focusing based on the stop value or focal length of the adjustable focus imaging lens. Alternatively, the other pair of image detecting elements may be used for more accurate focusing after the one pair of image detecting elements is used. The use of two pairs of image detecting elements at different distances from the focused image plane provides accurate focusing over a wide range of object distances.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a first lens group of negative refractive power, and second and third lens groups, each of positive refractive power. The second lens group includes a stop on its object side. Each of the first and second lens groups includes negative and positive refractive power elements and at least two aspheric surfaces. The third lens group is a single lens component. All but one lens component may be a single lens element. When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first and second lens groups move closer together while the second lens group moves farther from the third lens group. The third lens group moves for focusing but not for zooming. The zoom lens satisfies specified conditions which insure compactness of the zoom lens when not in use, high-speed focusing, favorable correction of various aberrations, and bright images.

Abstract: In a zoom lens device of the present invention, an aperture at a predetermined zooming step that is other than a telephoto end and a wide-angle end is smaller than apertures at the other zooming steps, and the predetermined zooming step is used only when a macro shooting mode is chosen. In the present invention, the predetermined zooming step between the telephoto end and the wide-angle end is set only for the macro shooting mode, and the aperture in the macro shooting mode is small enough to make the field depth large. Therefore, the simple and inexpensive lens device can perform the macro shooting.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus performs drive control to allow a zoom lens for magnifying an object image to stop at a stop position from both a telephoto direction and a wide-angle direction when a first mode and a second mode can be selected, and the first mode is selected, and performs drive control to allow the zoom lens to stop at the stop position from only one of the telephoto direction and the wide-angle direction when the second mode is selected.

Abstract: A closed-loop focusing system and method positions a focusing assembly to a desired positioned. A feedback positioning device, such as a linear encoder, provides an actual or “read” value for the linear movement of the focusing assembly. The desired position is compared to the actual position of the focusing assembly. If the two values are outside of a predetermined tolerance or valid range, then an audible or visual warning will be given. Furthermore, when a laser source is utilized with the focusing system, then laser operation will be prevented where the two values are outside of tolerance.

Abstract: An electronic imaging device that is focused by capturing data samples from a region of at least one photodetector while changing focus settings and analyzing the data samples to identify an optimum focus setting. The size of the regions from which the data samples are captured is reduced during focusing to reduce the amount of data to be processed.

Abstract: A diaphragm device for a digital camera having an optical image input system including a photographing element for converting an optical image input by an optical system to electric signals and a signal processor for applying predetermined signal processing to the electric signals obtained by the photographing element. The diaphragm device adjusts an exposure time by controlling incident luminous flux to the photographing element and an electric charge storage time of the photographing element. The diaphragm device includes a diaphragm sheet rotatably arranged around a rotation central shaft which is set in parallel with a photographing optical axis of the optical system. The diaphragm sheet has a plurality of diaphragm apertures having different diameters arranged in a turret shape on a reference circle around the rotation central shaft.

Abstract: An autofocusing apparatus and method which prevents erroneously detecting a focus position due to a contrast pseudo peak. The system extracts an image component from an image signal and computes a contrast value. On the basis of the number of edges and the edge width center of gravity value the system determines whether the focusing lens is positioned close to the focus position or not. Even if the contrast value peaks, if the focusing lens is not close to the focus position, the lens position is not employed as a focus position.

Abstract: This invention discloses a shutter and lens apparatus including a lens housing for receiving a multi-function support. The multi-function support includes a lens seat fitting with a lens and two solenoid valves attached on its bottom. A shutter slice and a diaphragm are mounted on the top surface of multi-function support, and pivot around a shaft projected thereon. Two movable rods of the solenoid valves are coupled with the shutter slice and diaphragm to drive them passing a light path, an axis through the lens, for controlling time and quantities of light projected through the lens. A housing cover encases the lens, the multi-function support, and a spring into the lens housing.

Abstract: An electronic imaging device that is focused by capturing data samples from a region of at least one photodetector while changing focus settings and analyzing the data samples to identify an optimum focus setting. The size of the regions from which the data samples are captured is reduced during focusing to reduce the amount of data to be processed.

Abstract: A focus lens and a zoom lens group having a first zoom lens and a second zoom lens are controlled separately from one another in an internal-focus camera. The positions of the focus lens and the second zoom lens in the zoom lens group are tracked, and are controlled to approach no closer to one another than a minimum safe distance to avert collisions between the focus lens and the second zoom lens.

Abstract: A support for an optical system of a digital camera is constructed which provides adjustable positioning of the lens elements in response to signals from the camera control processor. The support comprises multiple tubes, mounted for relative coaxial movement, which support a lens element. At least one of the tubes is adjustable in position relative to a main support tube. The adjustable tube is engageable by piezoelectric elements. Each piezoelectrical element is mounted to a flexible printed circuit board which contains the camera operating system and is mounted on the support tube.

Abstract: A small zoom lens apparatus capable of carrying out focusing through manual operations in an autofocus mode. The zoom lens apparatus includes a variator lens unit, an object-side focus lens unit placed closer to an object than the variator lens unit and an image plane-side focus lens unit placed closer to an image plane than the variator lens unit. Driving of the object-side focus lens unit through manual operations is allowed when the autofocus mode is set.

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: An apparatus and method of fabricating and operating a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) integrated optical structure is disclosed. Micro-optics is integrated with MEMS actuators to provide a building block for a micro-optical communication device. Such micro-optical communication device may realize a variety of optical communication systems including optical interconnects, laser communications, or fiber optic switches. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a micro-optical element such as a micro-lens is advantageously integrated with an actuator such as MEMS comb drive actuator to form a MEMS lens assembly. The MEMS lens assembly is further coupled to an optical source which may provide a MEMS integrated micro-optical communication device. This integration substantially obviates the generally needed external or manual positioning of the micro-optical element to align a light beam or an optical signal being emitted from the optical source.

Abstract: In a lens system, an auto-focus (AF) mode switch for selecting an AF mode is provided at a focus demand and, for example, a continuous AF mode is selected by the AF mode switch. Then, a CPU switches the continuous AF to a manual focus (MF) when an operation of the focus demand is executed and switches the MF to the continuous AF when an AF start switch provided at the focus demand is turned ON. Thus, when an operation of the MF is executed during focus adjustment by the AF, the focus adjustment by the AF is switched to focus adjustment by the MF, and thereafter, the focus adjustment by the MF is never switched to the focus adjustment by the AF unless the AF start switch is turned ON, and is therefore effective, for example, in the case where an operator wishes to use the AF only for a short time or in the case where an operator wishes to make a camera unfocused intentionally with the MF during the focus adjustment by the AF.

Abstract: An autofocus system for an imaging device that includes an image detecting element for image production at a focused image plane of an adjustable focus imaging lens that also includes four image detecting elements for focus detection arranged in pairs that are equidistant in front of, and behind, planes that are conjugate with the focused image plane. One pair of image detecting elements for focus detection are farther than the other pair from the conjugate planes and may be used alone for focusing based on the stop value or focal length of the adjustable focus imaging lens. Alternatively, the other pair of image detecting elements may be used for more accurate focusing after the one pair of image detecting elements is used. The use of two pairs of image detecting elements at different distances from the focused image plane provides accurate focusing over a wide range of object distances.

Abstract: A zoom optical system capable of selecting different focusing methods is disclosed. This zoom optical system includes a variable power unit that performs a variable power operation while moving during zooming; a first focusing unit positioned in front of the variable power unit; a second focusing unit positioned at the back of the variable power unit; a sensor that detects the position of the first focusing unit; and a memory that stores movement information of the second focusing unit during zooming according to the position of the first focusing unit. Herein, the second focusing unit changes in the moving locus thereof during zooming, based on the position information about the first focusing unit detected by the sensor and the information from the memory.

Abstract: The lens apparatus permits rapid focusing by the operator demanding an autofocus start-up direction to carry out AF in the direction in an AF mode. When a start of the AF mode is instructed, an AF standby state of waiting for the operator to demand the AF start-up direction by operating a focus operation member, thereby permitting the operator to properly demand the AF start-up direction, and permitting the demand to be appropriately detected. When automatically switching from the state where the operator operates the focus operation member to the AF, condition of the switching is that a focus evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the operation of the focus operation member, or that an operation amount of the focus operation member is changed more then a predetermined amount, thereby permitting further rapid focusing and improvement of operability.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent a focus position due to a pseudo peak from erroneously detecting and to properly bring a subject into a focusing state. An autofocusing control unit 20 extracts an image component in a focus evaluation area from an image signal when a focusing lens 12 is in a certain lens position. A contrast computing unit 22 computes a contrast value C on the basis of the image component and supplies the it to a focusing control unit 24. An edge computing unit 23 computes the number of edges EN and an edge width center of gravity value EW on the basis of the image component and supplies them to the focusing control unit 24. On the basis of the number of edges EN and the edge width center of gravity value EW received from the edge computing unit 23, the focusing control unit 24 determines whether the focusing lens 12 is positioned close to the focus position or not.

Abstract: The taking lens apparatus is capable of performing accurate focusing state determination by allowing optical adjustment of the focusing state determination optical system for the taking lens. The lens barrel of the taking lens apparatus comprises a focusing state determination lens barrel, which incorporates focusing state determination image-capturing elements, positions of which are adjustable by an operation ring.

Abstract: A zoom lens having both manual mode and auto focus mode of focus adjustment. The zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a focus portion, a zoom portion, and a main portion. Zooming is accomplished by moving some or all of the lens elements in the zoom portion along the optical axis. What would otherwise be a fluctuation of the image surface with change of object distance is corrected in manual mode by manually moving some or all of the lens elements of the focus portion along the optical axis based on visual observation of the object through the zoom lens as the adjustment is made. In auto focus mode, what would otherwise be a fluctuation of the image surface with change of object distance is corrected by micro-vibrating some or all of the lens elements of a lens group in the light path following the focus portion.

Abstract: The taking lens apparatus is capable of performing accurate focusing state determination by allowing optical adjustment of the focusing state determination optical system for the taking lens. The lens barrel of the taking lens apparatus comprises a focusing state determination lens barrel, which incorporates focusing state determination image-capturing elements, positions of which are adjustable by an operation ring.

Abstract: A lens driving apparatus includes an intermediate barrel expandable and collapsible in an optical axis direction, for moving a rear lens group in the optical axis direction along with expanding and collapsing; a movable barrel, concentric with the intermediate barrel, expandable and collapsible with respect to the intermediate barrel along with the expanding and collapsing of the intermediate barrel, for moving a front lens group in the optical axis direction when expanding from the intermediate barrel; and a click ball for holding the front lens group when the movable barrel collapses, so as to move the front lens group together with the intermediate barrel. As a consequence, when the movable barrel collapses, the front lens group can be held and moved together with the intermediate barrel so the focus can be adjusted appropriately, and the apparatus can be made smaller at a lower cost.