Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable camera module, including a housing, a lens assembly, a support assembly, a driving assembly, and an exterior part covered on the housing. A bulge portion is arranged on an outer wall of a top plate in the housing; a first groove matched with the bulge portion is formed in an inner wall of the exterior part; the support assembly includes a lifting plate connected to the lens assembly, a guide rod penetrating through the lifting plate and fixedly connected between the bulge portion and a bottom plate, and at least two elastic members elastically connected between the lifting plate and the bottom plate. the present invention provides a retractable camera module which occupies a small space and can ensure the extending and retracting steadiness and achieves better optical characteristics.

Abstract: The camera module or camera device according to the embodiment may include a base, a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly disposed and moved within the base, and a third lens assembly disposed and fixed to the base. The first lens assembly includes a first lens barrel in which a first lens is disposed, and a first driver housing in which a first driving part is disposed, and the second lens assembly comprises a second lens barrel in which a second lens is disposed. The second driving part housing may include a second driving part. The base may include a base stopper that limits strokes of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly. The lens housing of the third lens assembly may include a barrel stopper to limit strokes of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes a holding barrel configured to hold a lens, an operation member, an exterior barrel configured to hold the operation member rotatably around an optical axis, and a fixed barrel. When the holding barrel and the exterior barrel move in an optical axis direction relative to the fixed barrel, an imaging state and a retracted state are switchable. When the operation member is rotated in one direction in each of the imaging and retracted states, the operation member gets engaged with the fixed barrel and the state gets locked. When the operation member is rotated in the other direction around the optical axis, the operation member gets disengaged from the fixed barrel, and the imaging state or the retracted state gets unlocked and switchable.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a body and an image capturing assembly mounted on the body. The image capturing assembly comprising an imaging device and a device control assembly coupled to the imaging device to control a movement of the imaging device along a central axis of the image capturing assembly to allow the imaging device to be positioned at multiple positions along the central axis of the image capturing assembly. The device control assembly includes a first guide member, a second guide member rotatably disposed within the first guide member, and an inner body movably disposed within the second guide member. In response to a rotational motion of the second guide member with respect to the first guide member, the inner body is to move in axial direction with respect to the second guide member to move the imaging device along the central axis of the image capturing assembly.

Abstract: A coding disc having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface is provided. The coding disc includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture penetrates the coding disc from the first surface of the coding disc to the second surface of the coding disc. The first aperture has a first width. The second aperture penetrates the coding disc from the first surface of the coding disc to the second surface of the coding disc. The second aperture has a second width. The second width of the second aperture is different from the first width of the first aperture.

Abstract: A light barrel configured to filter out stray light of a test light includes a casing and a number of light shield plates arranged within the casing. The light shield plates are parallel to each other and arranged within the casing along a direction in which the light source emits the test light. Each of the light shield plates defines a through hole for light from the test light to pass through. The through holes of the light shield plates are a same size and aligned. The light shield plates sequentially filter out stray light that does not pass through the through holes.

Abstract: A head mounted display (HMD) includes an electronic display configured to display a virtual scene to a user, an optics block, an eye tracking system, and a varifocal actuation that mechanically changes a distance between the optics block and the electronic display. The varifocal actuation block is configured to change a location of an image plane of the HMD and includes a motor, a power screw coupled to the actuating motor configured to turn responsive to actuation of the motor, and a nut sled on the power screw that is coupled to the electronic display. The nut sled is configured to move back and forth along a length of the power screw responsive to the power screw being turned by the motor that results in movement of the electronic display relative to the optics block.

Abstract: An action camera system is disclosed that comprises an action camera and a mount where the mount is configured to detachably couple the camera. The mount comprises a battery, a base, a body, and a vertical support. The base can be attached to a helmet, a harness, an armband, a board, or a ski pole. The battery powers the action camera when it is attached to the mount. The action camera comprises two lenses with a separate image sensor or film frame for each lens. The action camera may be connected to the mount via a folding extension. The action camera communicates wirelessly with a smartphone or a control device. The smartphone can be attached to an armband. A ski pole mount may comprise a computer, a display, and user interface.

Abstract: A distance measuring device for measuring the distance to an object is provided, including a light-emitting module, a driving assembly disposed in the light-emitting module, and a light-receiving module. The light-emitting module has a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, a light grating element, and an optical path adjuster. The light source emits a measuring light sequentially through the optical path adjuster and the light grating element along a first axis. The driving assembly can drive the optical path adjuster or the light grating element to move relative to the housing. The light-receiving module receives the measuring light which is reflected by the object to obtain distance information of the object.

Abstract: A camera module including a lens part; a lens holder supporting the lens part while surrounding the same; a PCB assembly processing light input through the lens part into an electrical signal; and a shield can having an internal space in which the PCB assembly is disposed, wherein the PCB assembly includes a plurality of PCBs having circuits mounted thereon; and a flexible connecting part electrically connecting the plurality of PCBs and including a conductive layer in which a conductive material is disposed, and the shield can has an avoidance part formed in a position corresponding to the connecting part.

Abstract: There is provided an image pickup apparatus including: a main body provided with an image pickup section; a viewfinder having a main body part and a movable part, the viewfinder being capable of performing state transition in which the movable part moves in a first direction with respect to the main body part, to reach a usage state; and a control section configured to perform processing based on the state transition.

Abstract: In a case where a second operation is not performed even if a predetermined amount of time elapses after a first operation has been performed, a control unit drives a motor in a second direction, whereby a cam member is driven by biasing force of a biasing member and driving force of the motor until the charge of the biasing member is disengaged, the driving of the motor by the control unit is stopped, and the control unit drives the motor in the second direction based on the second operation, whereby the cam member is driven by the driving force of the motor, the engaging portion follows through a first zone, and thereafter the control unit drives the motor in the second direction, whereby the engaging member follows through the second zone.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit that captures light which is formed into an image through an optical system capable of housing a lens with operating force by a user; an operating unit operated by the user; a display unit that displays an image; and a controller that is capable of setting a playback mode which is an operating mode to display on the display unit an image represented by image data stored in a storage medium, and an operating mode other than the playback mode, and that sets the playback mode when the lens is housed, regardless of whether or not operation to set the playback mode has been accepted through the operating unit.

Abstract: A protective device for a lens (2) having a protective hood (3) which protects a lens mount against ballistic effects, the protective hood (3) having a sight opening (4) for the lens (2), and a closing flap (5) for closing the sight opening (4), wherein the closing flap (5) can be rotated relative to the protective hood (3), wherein the rotary axis (D) of the closing flap (5) runs through the lens mount.

Abstract: A focal-plane shutter capable of preventing deterioration of the quality of a captured image is provided. A focal-plane shutter includes a base plate having an opening, a rear curtain that moves between an open position where the opening is open and a closed position where the opening is closed to allow the opening to be open and closed, and a first cushioning member that comes into contact with the rear curtain, and the rear curtain has a first protrusion that is located outside the opening, protrudes in a first direction from the open position toward the closed position, and comes into contact with the first cushioning member when the rear curtain moves from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: Lens barrel capable of increasing shooting magnification while being miniaturized. A first lens group is caused to move in a direction of an optical axis by rotation of a second cam ring following rotation of a drive ring which has a focus cam groove on an inner periphery and is disposed on an outer periphery of a fixed cam ring having a cam groove and a rectilinear groove on an inner periphery. A second cam groove is disposed behind the first lens group in the direction of the optical axis. Rotation of the drive ring causes a follower of a focus group holding unit, which holds the second lens group, to follow the focus cam groove while being guided to move rectilinearly by the rectilinear groove. The follower following the focus cam groove causes the focus group holding unit to move in the direction of the optical axis.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a lens barrel which can realize miniaturization thereof in a radial direction even when a drive part such as an actuator is disposed inside the lens barrel. The lens barrel according to this disclosure receives light from a subject and forms an image by a lens system. The lens barrel includes a fixed frame, a cam frame disposed on an inner peripheral side of the fixed frame and having at least one cam groove, a movable frame including a cam pin which engages with the cam groove of the cam frame and movable in an optical axis direction of the lens system, and a drive part engaging with the cam frame at an end portion of the cam frame, rotatably driving the cam frame, and being disposed at a position where the drive part and the cam frame are arranged in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: The lens barrel includes a support frame and a retracting lens frame. The retracting lens frame is configured to support a lens and move around a retraction shaft with respect to the support frame during a transition period between an imaging enabled state and a housed state. The retraction shaft is substantially parallel to the optical axis. The retracting lens frame includes at least three contact portions. The at least three contact portions is configured to come into contact with the support frame at positions that are different from the retraction shaft. Movement of the retracting lens frame in the optical axis direction is restricted when the contact portions come into contact with the support frame. At least one of the contact portions is provided to the retracting lens frame so as to overlap the lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a support frame and a retracting lens frame. The support frame includes a main body portion, a first linking portion and a second linking portion. The first region is configured to dispose the second lens in the imaging enabled state. The second region is formed continuously with the first region. The first linking portion links the second region on one side of the main body portion in the optical axis direction. The second linking portion links the second region on the other side of the main body portion in the optical axis direction. The retracting lens frame is disposed between the first linking portion and the second linking portion in a housed state.

Abstract: At an inner circumferential surface of a cam frame, second cam grooves and an inner gear are formed. A second lens group frame includes a base, extensions each extending from the base in an optical axis direction, and cam pins each outwardly protruding from a tip end part of a corresponding one of the extensions in a radial direction. In the extension, a stepped part is formed. The stepped part overlaps, when each cam pin moves according to a corresponding one of the second cam grooves, with the inner gear as viewed in the radial direction, and is recessed toward the inside in the radial direction as compared to a tooth tip of the inner gear so as not to overlap with the tooth tip of the inner gear as viewed in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens unit is provided that includes a lens housing, a cam frame, a zoom motor mounted to the lens housing, and a transmission mechanism. The zoom motor has a zoom driveshaft that outputs a driving force. The transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the driving force from the zoom driveshaft to the cam frame. The lengthwise direction of the zoom motor is oriented differently than the direction of the optical axis. When viewed along the direction of the optical axis, the zoom motor is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cam frame.

Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes an optical system, a housing, a cover member, an electronic part, a flexible substrate. The optical system is configured to form an optical image of a subject. The housing supports the optical system in an interior. The cover member supports the housing in a state of covering an opening of the housing. The electronic part is provided in the interior of the housing. The flexible substrate is electrically connected to the electronic part. The flexible substrate has a connection terminal. The cover member has a through-hole formed in a specific direction. The connection terminal is positioned on inside of the through-hole when viewed in the specific direction.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel assembly includes: a first barrel including an inlet through which light is incident on the first barrel; a second barrel that surrounds at least a part of an external surface of the first barrel and supports the first barrel to be movable to protrude forward from a front portion of a main body; a plurality of blades disposed to be moved between an open position in which the plurality of blades are retreated to an outside of the inlet and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked; and an accommodation unit that extends from an end of the first barrel to an outside of the first barrel so as to accommodate the blades that have been moved to the open position.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a fixed cylinder, a first rotary cylinder rotatably provided around an axis relative to the fixed cylinder, and a moving cylinder disposed inside of the first rotary cylinder to move integrally with the first rotary cylinder on the axis and rotate around the axis relative to the first rotary cylinder. The moving cylinder includes a front protrusion group of three or more protrusions and a rear protrusion group of two or more protrusions on an outer circumference. The first rotary cylinder includes, in an inner circumference, a first circumferential groove, a second circumferential groove, a first guide having three or more depressions, and a second guide having two or more depressions. The first rotary cylinder and the moving cylinder are coupled with each other by fitting the front and rear protrusion groups into the first and second circumferential grooves, respectively.

Abstract: A lens barrel that is capable of decreasing a barrel length under a retracted condition by simplifying a configuration. The lens barrel changes a focal length by moving first and second lens groups in an optical axis direction. A light-amount adjusting member is located between the first and second lens groups. First, second, third holding frames hold the first lens group, the second lens group, and the light-amount adjusting member, respectively. A cam mechanism moves the first, second, and third holding frames in the optical axis direction so that a part of the second lens group is inserted into the aperture of the light-amount adjusting member and concave and convex surfaces of the first and second lens groups are overlapped in the optical axis direction under a retracted condition. The aperture diameter of the light-amount adjusting member is enlarged when shifting to the retracted condition from a shooting condition.

Abstract: An FPC (3) includes a first bending portion (31) having an outer periphery thereof directed from an attachment portion (36) toward an upstream end (3F), and bent in such a direction as to face the attachment portion (36); a second bending portion (32) which is bent from the attachment portion (36) toward a center axis (Z1) at a specified position closer to a downstream end (3B) than the first bending portion (31), and guided to a positioning portion (11); and a third bending portion (33) which is bent toward the camera body at a specified position closer to the downstream end (3B) than the positioning portion (11).

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniaturized lens barrel and optical instrument.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a lens barrel having an optical system with an adjustable focal point, and has a first state can focus relative to an imaging face, and a second state can not focus relative to the imaging face, a changing unit for changing the lens barrel from the second state to the first state when the imaging unit is activated, a discriminating unit which discriminates whether the state of the barrel is the first state or the second state, and a control unit which, at a time of activating the imaging unit, changes the lens barrel to the first state by the changing unit if it is discriminated that the state of the barrel is the second state, and which maintains the first state if it is discriminated that the state of the barrel is the first state.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel assembly includes: a zoom ring having a cylindrical shape, and comprising an inlet portion formed in a boundary of one end thereof and a first protrusion; a guide ring disposed around the zoom ring, and comprising a first guide hole through which the first protrusion passes, and movably supporting the zoom ring in an axial direction, and a second guide hole; and a cylinder disposed in the zoom ring, for moving and rotating between a position where the cylinder is accommodated in the zoom ring and a position where the cylinder moves away from the zoom ring in the axial direction, and comprising a second protrusion that passes through the second guide hole, accommodated in the inlet portion at the position where the cylinder is accommodated, and pressing one end of the inlet portion when the cylinder moves away from the zoom ring.

Abstract: A pop up prism camera (10) having a pop up prism lens assembly (11). A first lens assembly (14), a second lens assembly (18), and a prism assembly (21) are moved in relationship to a camera housing (12) controlled by a cam tube (20). The prism assembly (21) projects outside the camera housing (12) when the pop up prism camera (10) is in an operational configuration. A prism (100) of the prism assembly (21) redirects an optical path (48). A non-angled portion (44) of a first cam groove (30) causes the prism assembly (21) to remain fixed relative to the camera housing (12) while continued rotation of the cam tube (20) allows the first lens assembly (14) and the second lens assembly (18) to continue to move to accomplish a lens zoom function.

Abstract: A lens unit according to the present invention includes: a barrel, which has first and second openings and an inner space defined along a center axis between the first and second openings; and lenses held in the inner space. In each pair of adjacent lenses, when projected parallel to their optical axis, one lens located closer to the second opening has a greater projection than the other lens located closer to the first opening. The barrel has inner side surface portions, which are arranged parallel to the center axis to define cross sections corresponding to the respective projections of the lenses. In each pair of adjacent inner side surface portions, one portion located closer to the second opening has a greater cross section than the other portion located closer to the first opening. The barrel has main grooves cut on the inner side surface portions to run from the first opening toward the second opening.

Abstract: A lens barrel assembly, a camera including the lens barrel assembly, and a method of assembling a lens barrel are disclosed. The lens barrel assembly is provided that includes an optical lens, a unitary barrel having an outlet slit defined therethrough, and a flexible printed circuit board extending through the outlet slit to communicate signals between an area inside the barrel and an area outside the barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus included in a lens barrel, includes a base member, a first lens unit which is movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the first lens, a second lens unit, attached to the first lens unit, and movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the second lens, and a plurality of rolling members sandwiched between the base member and the first lens unit, wherein a gap between the first lens unit and the second lens unit is adjustable, and wherein the gap between the first lens unit and the second lens unit is smaller and a gap between the first lens unit and the base member is larger in the photographable state as compared to the retracted state, and the rolling members do not contact the base member or the first lens unit in the retracted state.

Abstract: At least one object of the present invention is to provide a lens barrel, including: a fixed frame (21) having a fixed cylinder (21); a telescopic cylinder (22, 23, 24, etc.) configured to be accommodated within the fixed cylinder (21); a plurality of lens groups (11, 12) configured to be retained in the telescopic cylinder; a lens driving device (51, 52, etc.) configured to drive the plurality of lens groups along a optical axis of the telescopic cylinder between a collapsed position and an extended position; and two retractable lens groups (13, 14) configured to be retracted into the telescopic cylinder when the telescopic cylinder is in the extended position and configured to be retracted out of the telescopic cylinder when the telescopic cylinder is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: The lens barrel includes a flexible wire, a first supporting frame and a second supporting frame. The flexible wire has a first end with at least one terminal, a second end with at least one terminal and a bent portion disposed between the first and second ends. The bent portion includes a plurality of part overlapping each other. The first supporting frame supports the first end. The second supporting frame is movably disposed in a first direction with respect to the first supporting frame and supports the bent portion.

Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first supporting frame, an optical element, a second supporting frame, and a guide shaft. The first supporting frame has a first base portion and a first seat portion that projects in a first direction from the first base portion. The second supporting frame supports the optical element and has a first bearing portion. The guide shaft is coupled to the first seat portion and inserted into the first bearing portion. The first seat portion is disposed within the circumference of the guide shaft when viewed in the first direction.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a plurality of lenses moved between a collapsed state where at least one lens is collapsed and a photographic state where at least one lens is disposed at an object side and all lenses are on a photographic axis, a plurality of lens retaining frames each configured to retain the plurality of lenses, a movable cylinder, a positioning member provided inside the movable cylinder, the retractable lens retaining frame retaining a retractable lens to be positioned to a photographic axis position by allowing the retractable lens retaining frame to abut on the positioning member in the photographic state and to be retracted out of the photographic axis in the collapsed state, a preliminary reception portion provided inside the movable cylinder and located on a path along which the retractable lens retaining frame moves from the collapsed state to the photographic state.

Abstract: A lens barrel that is capable of decreasing a barrel length under a retracted condition by simplifying a configuration. The lens barrel changes a focal length by moving first and second lens groups in an optical axis direction. A light-amount adjusting member is located between the first and second lens groups. First, second, third holding frames hold the first lens group, the second lens group, and the light-amount adjusting member, respectively. A cam mechanism moves the first, second, and third holding frames in the optical axis direction so that a part of the second lens group is inserted into the aperture of the light-amount adjusting member and concave and convex surfaces of the first and second lens groups are overlapped in the optical axis direction under a retracted condition. The aperture diameter of the light-amount adjusting member is enlarged when shifting to the retracted condition from a shooting condition.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens tube configured to hold a lens, a barrier driving member configured to move between an opened state and a closed state by switching of the lens tube between a shooting-ready state and a retracted state, a pair of first barrier blades, each of which includes a blade portion, configured to open and close in conjunction with the barrier driving member, and a pair of second barrier blades, each of which includes a blade portion and a coupling portion, the coupling portion positioned outside the lens as viewed from an object side and located closer to the first barrier blade than the blade portion, the pair of second barrier blades being configured to be moved by contact between the coupling portion and the first barrier blade.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes: a holding frame; a cam ring rotatable relative to the holding frame around a rotational axis substantially parallel to an optical axis of an imaging optical lens system; and a cam follower and a cam groove that engage with each other so that the holding frame and the cam ring move relative to each other along the optical axis when the holding frame and the cam ring are rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A method for driving a lens and a lens driving apparatus, the lens driving apparatus including a base in which a guide member is disposed; a lens support member comprising an installation unit disposed on one side thereof to slidingly move along the guide member, wherein at least one lens is mounted in the lens support member; a driving structure configured to move the lens support member and comprising a lead screw; a working member having one portion contacting the driving structure and another portion contacting one side of the installation unit; an elastic member for providing the installation unit with an elastic force; and wherein a predetermined space is disposed between the installation unit and the base, and wherein the installation unit is configured to be moved to the base by a means other than the driving structure.

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: Disclosed are a lens barrel capable of preventing a reduction in strength while maintaining a small size and a small thickness and an imaging apparatus including the lens barrel. A first moving cylinder in which a cam groove to which a second cam follower pin is fitted is provided in an inner surface is arranged outside a cam cylinder having the second cam follower pin provided on an outer surface thereof. In addition, a third lens group frame in which a cam follower pin fitted to one of the cam grooves is provided on an outer surface and a second lens group frame in which a cam follower pin fitted to the other groove is provided on an outer surface are arranged inside the cam cylinder having the cam grooves provided in the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a fixed cylinder, a first rotating cylinder, a linear movement cylinder which moves integrally in an axis direction with the first rotating cylinder, and a second rotating cylinder. The linear movement cylinder has equal to or more than three projections in an outer circumferential surface. The first rotating cylinder has equal to or more than three cutouts corresponding to each projection of the linear movement cylinder in an inner circumferential surface, and each cutout has a shape corresponding to a shape of each projection. Each cutout is formed in parallel with an axis of the first rotating cylinder, and in which each projections of the linear movement cylinder is inserted. An end of each cutout extends to a groove in a circumferential direction, each projection is guided in the groove, and the first rotating cylinder and the linear movement cylinder is connected.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a zoom optical system including movable lens groups for zooming which are moved between a ready-to-photograph position and an accommodated position, a diaphragm mechanism, and a lens shutter. One of the movable lens groups serves as an aperture-control lens group. The diaphragm mechanism and the lens shutter are positioned in front of and behind the aperture-control lens group and are movable relative to the aperture-control lens group in the optical axis direction. The diaphragm and the lens shutter are moved to close positions to the aperture-control lens group when the movable lens groups are moved to the accommodated position. Both apertures of the diaphragm mechanism and of the lens shutter are widely opened to allow the aperture-control lens group to partly enter the apertures when the diaphragm mechanism and the lens shutter are moved to the close positions.

Abstract: An optical element positioning apparatus capable of moving an optical element from a storage state to a use state and improving the accuracy of positioning the optical element to a use position on an optical path. A holding member that holds the optical element is guided by guide shafts to be movable between the storage state and the use state. The holding member is provided with guide-supporting and receiving portions through which the guide shafts are slidably inserted. The guide shafts are supported by holding portions. A degree of freedom in positioning the holding member at the use position is provided. Holding-member positioning parts of the guide-supporting and receiving portions are pressed by an urging device against ends of the holding portions, whereby the holding member is positioned and held at the use position.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a movable aperture-control lens group, and a variable aperture-stop mechanism provided in front or behind the aperture-control lens group. The variable aperture-stop mechanism includes an aperture blade opening/closing mechanism including at least one movable aperture blade and varies the size of an adjustable aperture. The variable aperture-stop mechanism includes a fixed circular aperture which is smaller than a large-sized adjustable aperture and greater than a small-sized adjustable aperture. The movable aperture blade and the fixed circular aperture are positioned in that order from the aperture-control lens group side. When the zoom lens retracts to the accommodated position thereof, the adjustable aperture enlarges in size while the variable aperture-stop mechanism moves to a close position to the aperture-control lens group, so that at least part of the aperture-control lens group enters the large-size adjustable aperture.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a plurality of lenses moved between a collapsed state where at least one lens is collapsed and a photographic state where at least one lens is disposed at an object side and all lenses are on a photographic axis, a plurality of lens retaining frames each configured to retain the plurality of lenses, a movable cylinder, a positioning member provided inside the movable cylinder, the retractable lens retaining frame retaining a retractable lens to be positioned to a photographic axis position by allowing the retractable lens retaining frame to abut on the positioning member in the photographic state and to be retracted out of the photographic axis in the collapsed state, a preliminary reception portion provided inside the movable cylinder and located on a path along which the retractable lens retaining frame moves from the collapsed state to the photographic state and a preliminary abutment portion provided on the retractable lens retaining frame and configured to abut on the preliminary r

Abstract: A method of auto-retracting a lens of an image capture apparatus and a control system using the same are applied to an image capture apparatus with a retractable lens. The method includes the following steps. A hardware circuit of the image capture apparatus detects whether an abnormal power failure event occurs or not. The hardware circuit performs a re-boot procedure when detects that the abnormal power failure event occurs. After the hardware circuit performs the re-boot procedure, software in the image capture apparatus utilizes residual power only to perform a control procedure of retracting the lens. After the retractable lens is detected to have been retracted into the image capture apparatus, the software controls the image capture apparatus to be powered off.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes front and rear holding members holding front and rear optical elements; an advancing/retracting member; a first guide portion guiding the front holding member relative to the advancing/retracting member; a first biasing member biasing the front holding member rearwards; a second guide portion guiding the rear holding member independently of the advancing/retracting member; a second biasing member biasing the rear holding member forwards; and first contact portions provided between the front and rear holding members, a rearward movement of the front holding member causing the first contact portions to contact and transmit a rearward moving force to the rear holding member when the lens barrel moves to the lens barrel accommodated state. The first and second guide portions, force-applied portions provided between the first/second biasing members and the front/rear holding members, and the first contact portions being all positioned within one of four equiangular ranges.