Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes a lens barrel, and two barrier blade groups each configured to include a first barrier blade, a second barrier blade and a third barrier blade, each barrier blade group being movable between a closing position for covering a front face of the lens barrel and an opening position for opening the front face of the lens barrel. In each of the barrier blade groups at the opening position, the first and second barrier blades overlap with each other in an optical axis direction of the lens barrel, and the third barrier blade overlaps with the first and second barrier blades in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction without overlapping therewith in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A fastener is adapted for fixing a sliding cover of a camera. The sliding cover is arranged slidably on the camera for selectively covering a lens of the camera. The fastener has a housing with a receiving cavity defined by a circular sidewall. An elastic component and a cover are received in the receiving cavity of the housing. One end of the cover is pressed against the elastic component, and the other end of the cover defines a resistive portion extending out of the receiving cavity for elastically and forcefully urging the sliding cover when the sliding cover is slid to cover the lens.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing; a first camera element located on a first side of the housing for forming image information on a view seen by the first camera element; a second camera element located on a second side of the housing for forming image information on a view seen by the second camera element; an activator for providing a signal from either the first camera element or the second camera element according to a selection, the activator comprising a detector for detecting the selection; and a processor for processing the obtained image information.

Abstract: A cover assembly includes a main body, a control, an outer cover, a protective cover, and a transmitting member. The control is slidably mounted in the main body. The outer cover is detachably mounted in the main body. A protective cover is rotatably engaged in the outer cover. A transmitting member is rotatably mounted in the main body, with one end fixed on the control and another end engaging the protective cover. The control slides relative to the main body, and the transmitting member rotates the protective cover relative to the outer cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable terminal with a camera lens provided on the housing of the terminal. The portable terminal includes a first guide member installed on the housing of the terminal at a position adjacent to the camera lens; a cover member having one or more guide rods, which are slidably joined with the first guide member, whereby the cover member slides on the housing so as to open or close the camera lens; one or more first stoppers formed on the first guide member; and second stoppers formed at the opposite ends of the cover member. When the cover member completely opens or closes the camera lens, the second stoppers formed on one of the opposite ends of the cover member are engaged with the first stoppers, thereby restricting the movement of the cover member.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an apparatus body having a substantially box-like shape and having an imaging lens provided on the front side; and a cover member including a sliding portion slidably supported on the front surface of the apparatus body, a pivotal portion pivotally supported at a side portion of the apparatus body and including a standing piece that faces the front surface of the apparatus body, and a connecting portion that connects the standing piece to the sliding portion, wherein causing the standing piece to face the front surface of the apparatus body produces a lens blocking state in which the imaging lens is blocked, whereas causing the standing piece to stand on the front surface of the apparatus body not only forms a grip formed of the pivotal portion and the connecting portion but also produces a lens unblocking state in which the imaging lens is unblocked.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a removable cover for a camera lens. The lens cover is generally circular and is adapted to cover the front element of a camera lens. The lens cover is fabricated from an elastic material so as to fit tightly on the end of a camera lens.

Abstract: A reliable barrier device for a camera, which is able to smoothly open and close blade members while suppressing a drive load applied when the blade members are opened and closed. Closing springs for primary and secondary blades are each interposed between corresponding ones of spring hooks on a barrier drive ring and on primary and secondary blade members. When the drive ring is rotated in a barrier opening direction, the distance between the spring hook on the ring and the spring hook for primary blade decreases and the urging force of the closing spring for primary blade decreases, which reduces a rotational torque produced by the closing springs for primary and secondary blades at barrier open state, making it possible to decrease a rotational torque produced by opening springs and acting on the drive ring at barrier open state.

Abstract: A photographic lens drive control apparatus according to the present invention includes a cap detection section which determines that a lens cap is attached to a lens barrel when a lens barrel movement detection section does not detect movement amount of the lens barrel while a lens barrel drive section allows the lens barrel to move from a contained position to a standby position; and a cap detection control section which performs a series of control over the lens barrel drive section to move the lens barrel from the contained position to the standby position and to stop the lens barrel from moving when the cap detection section determines that the lens cap is attached to the lens barrel, in which a cap detection area where the lens barrel moves from the contained position within a predetermined amount is set in a movement area of the lens barrel.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus, such as a digital camera, having a movable lens barrier or cover which can easily be opened and closed to operate the image capturing apparatus in various predetermined modes depending on the position of the lens barrier. In one preferred embodiment, the image capturing apparatus has a body having a front face, a back face and a side face, which is between the front face and back face. A lens section is provided on the body and is operable to form an image. A lens barrier is operable to cover the front face, back face and side face of the body and to pivotally move around an axis which is substantially parallel to an optical axis of the lens section.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus in which the movement of a barrier blade in a direction toward the lens surface caused by external force can be limited without increasing the strength of the barrier blade. The apparatus comprises a barrier blade which is movable between a closing position at which the barrier blade closes a light entrance aperture of an image pickup lens and an opening position at which the barrier blade opens the light entrance aperture, and a drive member which drives the barrier blade. The drive member includes a supporting portion which limits the movement of the barrier blade toward a lens surface side, and the supporting portion is located outside the light entrance aperture when the barrier blade is at the opening position and located inside the light entrance aperture when the barrier blade is at the closing position.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism of a lens barrier, a lens barrier, and a camera have a simplified structure and can be readily downsized. An imaging apparatus has an imaging lens which focuses light to form an image. The lens barrier serves to cover the imaging lens from outside and is mounted on a main body of the imaging apparatus. The sliding mechanism of the lens barrier includes plural cam grooves and plural engaging members. The plural cam grooves are formed on a surface, which faces the main body of the imaging apparatus, of the lens barrier. The plural cam grooves have substantially parallel trajectories. The plural engaging members are arranged in the main body of the imaging apparatus and contact with the bottom portions of the plural cam grooves at least at three positions. The plural engaging members guide the lens barrier along the sliding direction. The lens barrier further includes an inner barrier and an outer barrier.

Abstract: A lens hood for a camera lens has a mounting barrel and a holding ring. The mounting barrel is hollow, is movably mounted around the camera lens and has an internal surface, a front end, a rear end, a sliding recess and at least one detent. The sliding recess if formed in the internal surface of the mounting barrel and has two ends. The at least one detent is formed adjacent to, communicating with and deeper than the sliding recess; two detents may be formed respectively at the ends of the sliding recess. The holding ring is resilient, is mounted securely around the cameras lens, is mounted in and presses the sliding recess and is selectively mounted in the at least one detent to allow the holding ring to relax and prolong usage lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image taking main unit that prevents entry of foreign matter and has excellent usability even when an image taking lens unit is not attached thereto. The image taking main unit has a concave mount to which the image taking lens unit with an image taking optical system and an imaging device is removably attached and receives image signals from the image taking lens unit attached thereto to record the image signals therein. The image taking main unit also has a barrier and an electronic device disposed on the barrier. The barrier covers an opening of the mount and retracts into the concave portion of the mount by being pressed by the image taking lens unit when the image taking lens unit is attached to the image taking main unit.

Abstract: A mobile terminal apparatus includes a camera unit and a sliding cover device. The sliding cover device includes a cover slidable with respect to the camera unit, a pair of arm members supporting the cover on both sides from a back surface of the cover and extending along the sides of the cover, a frame member supporting the arm members such that the arm members are slidable along respectively predetermined sliding paths, and a body surface member secured to the frame member and having a surface thereof flush with a surface of the cover at a closed position. The sliding paths are defined such that, when the cover is moved from the closed position to an open position, the arm members slide into a space below the body surface member and the cover rides onto the body surface member.

Abstract: A lens barrel that configures an imaging apparatus by being detachably attached to an imaging apparatus main body includes a lens barrel in which an imaging lens is formed and a connecting section to the imaging apparatus main body is formed on one end side in an optical axis direction of the imaging lens and a grip section provided on a side surface of the lens barrel and gripped by a camera operator during imaging. The grip section projects from the side surface of the lens barrel further to a side surface of the apparatus main body than an end face on the connecting section side.

Abstract: An electric dust-proof device includes a driving mechanism disposed on a base seat unit, and a dust-proof plate driven by the drive mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a power unit, a drive unit driven by the power unit, a driving seat driven by the drive unit, and a driven seat driven by the driving seat. The dust-proof plate is driven by the driven seat to move between an open position and a close position.

Abstract: A lens cap device having a cap protecting device, an actuating device, and a lens cap. The cap protecting device has a protecting cap with a lens exposure hole. The actuating device has a push element and an actuating element. The push element is slidably disposed on the cap protecting device. One end of the actuating element is pivotally connected on the cap protecting device to form a pivot point. The actuating element and the push element are linked together. The lens cap is slidably mounted on the cap protecting device. The lens cap is pivotally connected with the other end of the actuating element. The lens cap is driven by the actuating element to cover or open the lens exposure hole.

Abstract: A lens cover assembly (200) mounted in an electronic device (300) includes a lens cover (30), and a frame (20). The lens cover includes a base (32), and a column (34) extending from a central area of the base. The base has at least one notch (36) defined therein. The frame has a stepped hole (26) defined by a first circumferential wall (262), a second circumferential wall (264), and a connecting surface (266) connecting the first circumferential wall to the second circumferential wall. At least two blocks (28) extend from the first circumferential wall and overlie the connecting surface. In assembly, the lens cover is received in the stepped hole. Then the base is rotated relative to the frame about an axis of the stepped hole so that the base is sandwiched between the blocks and connecting surface to lock the lens cover in the frame.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for a sliding object includes a slide arm, a rotating lever, and urging means. When an external pressing force presses the slide arm member in opposition to an urging force imparted by the urging means, the slide arm member is moved along a slide path, thereby causing the rotating lever member to rotate. When the slide arm member is pressed further, the tip of the rotating lever member rides onto and is stopped against the lateral surface of the slide arm member, such that the slide arm member and the rotating lever member remain stopped at the current position even if the pressing force is released.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism (100) used in a portable electronic device (200) is provided. The sliding mechanism includes a sliding member (12). The sliding member includes a cover portion (121) and two sliding rails (123). The cover portion is made of a plastic material that can be electro-plated. The sliding rails are made of another plastic material that has a low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A camera having a barrier according to the present invention includes a barrier unit in a space between a front main body and a front metal cover serving as an exterior member. Rotation of a barrier driving motor is transmitted to a rotary shaft member passing through the front main body, thereby allowing opening/closing actions of the lens barrier between a protection position for a photographing lens and a lens-barrier retracted position. The front main body is sealed waterproof by an O-ring provided to the outer circumferential surface of the rotary shaft member. With the lens barrel of the camera, rotation of a rotary moving frame is effectively transmitted to a cam frame through a cam follower fit to a linear-action groove, using a circumferential groove and the linear-action groove of a bayonet mechanism.

Abstract: An active lens cover for a device, such as a smart phone with a dual lens camera. The camera lens that faces the user and the camera lens that faces away from the user are not directly behind each other, but are slightly offset. The active lens cover is advantageously in the shape of a “U”, which allows a single cover to be used to protect both lenses. The offset arrangement of the two lenses allows the facing lens be exposed by sliding the lens cover in one direction, and the away lens to be exposed by sliding the lens cover in the opposite direction. When the lens cover is slid to expose the facing camera lens, the camera phone automatically turns ON and enters a pre-selected operating mode. When the cover is slid in the opposite direction to expose the away camera lens, the camera phone automatically turns ON and enters another pre-selected operating mode. The housing of the U-cover includes at least one sensor that tells the device's CPU what hardware to activate.

Abstract: An imager apparatus is provided, including a housing that stores a lens device with an imaging lens exposed to the front surface facing a subject; a lens cover movable between a first position covering the imaging lens and a second position opening the same; and a cover moving mechanism linearly moving the lens cover between the first and second positions. The cover moving mechanism includes a plurality of brackets provided on the lens cover; a plurality of opening portions provided in the front surface of the housing, corresponding to the plurality of brackets, through which the tips of the brackets penetrate; an arm member fixed to those brackets on the inner side of the housing; a guide member guiding the arm member in the moving direction of the lens cover; and a slide joining mechanism joining the arm member to the guide member in a slidable manner.

Abstract: A magnetic sliding door structure comprises a first and a second magnetic elements attracting each other and disposed on a shell body of a camera and a sliding door, a linkage member disposed below the sliding door, and a third magnetic element disposed at two ends of the linkage member. The third magnetic element repels from the first and second magnetic elements. When one end of the linkage member tilts, the third magnetic element at the other end will enter between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to make the sliding door slide toward one side through the repulsive forces between them. This sliding door structure functions based on the physical properties of magnet to avoid complicated gear and rack structures and lower the manufacturing difficulty and cost. Moreover, electric power consumption in the prior art can be saved to increase the standby time of camera.

Abstract: A lens barrier is opened/closed by a barrier drive cylinder disposed on an outer peripheral side of a lens. The barrier drive cylinder is rotated by a rotation of a cam cylinder together with a first cylinder so as to move forward and backward. In the course of a movement of the lens from a retracted position to a shooting position, the barrier drive cylinder rotates such that a drive ring biased to an opening direction by a spring is driven into an opening direction. The barrier is, thus, opened. When the lens is moved from the shooting position to the retracted position, the operation reverse to the aforementioned is performed to close the barrier. An annular seal member is provided into the space between the barrier drive cylinder and the first cylinder so as to prevent water from entering into the barrel.

Abstract: A dustproof structure adapted to an image-capturing device, includes a dustproof cover body, two movable dustproof vanes, a rotating element, and a bottom seat. The dustproof cover body has a first through hole. Two corresponding movable dustproof vanes movably pivot in the dustproof cover body. The rotating element movably disposes on the two movable dustproof vanes, and the rotating element has a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole and a plurality of support ribs formed on two side faces thereof. The bottom seat is fixed on a bottom side of the dustproof cover body for preventing the rotating element from being moved longitudinally, and the bottom seat has a third through hole corresponding to the first and second through holes. The rotating element is moved transversely in a predetermined range between the two movable dustproof vanes and the bottom seat via a part of the support ribs.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus include a lens, a first blade slidable between a covering position where the first blade covers the front side of the lens and a retract position where the first blade retracts from the front side of the lens, and a second blade pivotally supported by the first blade, the second blade moving along with the first blade between the covering position and the retract position in response to the slide motion of the first blade, the second blade rotating relative to the first blade in such a way that the second blade more largely overlaps with the first blade in the retract position than in the covering position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a closing mechanism is configured so that an engaging end portion of a handle is engaged with an engagement piece of a shutter in an open position while a handle for carrying a projector is being drawn out to a carrying position, and the shutter is moved toward a closed position. The positions of the engaging end portion and/or the engagement piece along a sliding direction are set so that an urging force of an ?-spring in a closing direction acts immediately before the handle is fully drawn out.

Abstract: A nonadjustable focusing type camera module includes a lens assembly having at least one lens, a lens accommodating part mounted on an upper surface of a substrate, and a barrel having an inner space in which the lens assembly is arranged along an optical axis. An upper cap having an incident hole formed in a front center thereof is fixed to the upper side of the barrel to apply pressure to the lens assembly along the optical axis. The camera module further includes an image sensor having an image forming plane on which a light passed through the lens is focused. The sensor is electrically connected to the substrate to transmit the focused image, and a filter is disposed between the lens assembly and the image sensor.

Abstract: The present application relates to an eyepiece for use with a viewing device. The eyepiece is configured to change the distance between a first edge of the eyepiece and a lens near a second edge of the eyepiece. The eyepiece includes a first element having a pin extending therefrom and a rotational axis having a first axial direction and a second axial direction. The eyepiece further includes a second element having a groove, the second element sharing the rotational axis and configured to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the first element. The groove comprises a first pin movement section and a second pin movement section. The groove further comprises a pin stopping section, the pin stopping section located between the first pin movement section and the second pin movement section. The pin stopping section is configured to prevent the second element from rotating relative to the first element.

Abstract: A lens cap module is provided and positioned at a holding stand. The lens cap module includes a plurality of leaf pieces, a switch and a gear transmission. The leaf pieces are slidably positioned at the holding stand, and the leaf pieces can come into contact with or separated from one another. The switch is sliadbly positioned at the holding stand, and the gear transmission is positioned between the leaf pieces and the switch. The switch drives the leaf pieces to rotate through the gear transmission. Thus, it saves much more space for the leaf pieces and spends much less time closing or opening the leaf pieces.

Abstract: A portable device having a first enclosure and a second enclosure, comprises: a linking device which slidably links the first enclosure and second enclosure in a slidable manner, the linking device permitting a first action of shifting the first enclosure between a first position and a second position in a plane, and a second action of shifting the first enclosure at least in a direction different from a direction of the first action in the plane using at least one of the first position and second position as a reference position; and a command input device which inputs a command to the portable device on the basis of at least the second action of the first enclosure, thereby enabling to operate the portable device according to the action of the first enclosure.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device including: a housing included in an exterior package; and a plate-like cover that is provided for one face of the housing and is movable between a close position and an open position. The one face includes an open/close face and a non-open/close. The open/close face is hidden by the cover at a close position of the cover and is exposed from the cover at an open position of the cover. The non-open/close face is exposed from the cover at the close position of the cover and is hidden by the cover at the open position of the cover. A support mechanism is provided to movably support the cover between the close position and the open position. The non-open/close face protrudes frontward from the face for a thickness of the cover in comparison with the open/close face.

Abstract: A lens cover apparatus for camera includes a housing, a cover, and a push rod. The cover is rotatably mounted to the housing to open/close a lens window for selectively exposing/shielding a lens of the camera. The push rod is manually movable with respect to the housing to induce a horizontal movement, which is converted into a rotary motion of the cover by a linkage mechanism that has a lever forming a groove movably receiving and guiding the cover.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes: an image sensor that captures an image of a subject and outputs image data; a projection device that projects an image based upon image data; a single mode switching operation member operated to select a mode; and a control device that selects a photographing operation mode in which image data output by the image sensor are saved into a recording medium or a projection operation mode in which an image is projected by the projection device based upon image data read out from the recording medium in correspondence to a position to which the single mode switching operation member is operated.

Abstract: A lens cover apparatus for camera includes a housing, a cover, and a slider. The cover is rotatably mounted to the housing to open/close a lens window for selectively exposing/shielding a lens of the camera. The slider is manually movable with respect to the housing to induce a horizontal movement of a first linkage, which is converted into a rotary motion of the cover by a second linkage that has a lever forming a slot movably receiving and guiding a peg extending from the cover.

Abstract: A barrier device of the present invention includes a cover defining a front aperture, a base defining a rear aperture, an annular gap formed between a rear end face of the front aperture and a front end face of the rear aperture, a barrier member movably provided through the gap between a closed position and an opened position, and a seal member sealing the gap. The seal member is provided over an entire circumference of the clearance and formed such that, when the barrier member is in the opened position, the seal member seals the gap with a part thereof being in contact with the barrier member, and when the barrier member is in the closed position, the seal member deforms to make contact with a surface of the barrier member. This enables the barrier member to open and close smoothly, and reliably prevents penetration of dirt, dust, moisture or the like through the gap.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens, a lens barrel, a lens holder, a circuit board, an image sensor, and an elastic member. The lens barrel receives the lens therein and includes a flange protruding over the lens barrel. The lens holder is affixed to the circuit board to receive the image sensor therein. The elastic member is disposed between the lens barrel and the lens holder. A rim is formed on the lens holder. The elastic member has one end contacting the rim of the lens holder and the opposite end contacting the flange. The elastic member biases the lens barrel against the image sensor.

Abstract: A permanently-affixed lens cap is presented here. This is a lens cap which one does not have to separate from the camera, to use the camera. Unlike the existing lens caps which clip on the front, and are then removed, these caps remain on the front of the lens practically at all the times. Thus, they do not get lost, and the camera/lens is much safer because of it. Some of the features are: Crystal Clear: a Lens cover which looks like a filter, in that it screws into the filter thread at the end of the lens. This protects the expensive lens from impact and scratches. As an option, the user never has to remove it. Nano-Technology coating: Two separate layers of fine silica particles prevent scratches, and fluorine-containing resins in each layer repel ink marks. This has been used for DVD protection in the industry. Bullet-Proof: Layers of glass and (clear) plastic sandwiched to give great optical clarity, but an incredibly impact resistant front. Non-clear lens, which is permanently attached.

Abstract: An electronic device includes camera circuitry for carrying out a camera related operation, the camera circuitry including a camera lens that is at least partially covered by a visual indicator element. The visual indicator element is substantially opaque when the camera circuitry is in a first state (e.g., an “off” state) and the visual indicator element is substantially transparent when the camera circuitry is in a second state (e.g., an “on” state). Optionally, an audible and/or visual indication mechanism may also be output to the user when the camera circuitry is activated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image taking main unit that prevents entry of foreign matter and has excellent usability even when an image taking lens unit is not attached thereto. The image taking main unit has a concave mount to which the image taking lens unit with an image taking optical system and an imaging device is removably attached and receives image signals from the image taking lens unit attached thereto to record the image signals therein. The image taking main unit also has a barrier and an electronic device disposed on the barrier. The barrier covers an opening of the mount and retracts into the concave portion of the mount by being pressed by the image taking lens unit when the image taking lens unit is attached to the image taking main unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device with an elastic shifting mechanism, which comprises: a body and a movable element, wherein the body has a first snap-fit element, and the movable element has a second snap-fit element, and the movable element is installed to the body; the body/the movable element has a transmission element, and the movable element/the body has a drive element, and the drive element engages with the transmission element; two ends of an elastic element are respectively fixed to the transmission element and the body/the movable element; when said movable is being moved to enable the second snap-fit element to snap-fit the first snap-fit element, the drive element drives the transmission element to wind up the elastic element; when the second snap-fit element is disengaged from the first snap-fit element, the elastic element releases elastic force to move the movable element.

Abstract: A lens barrier is arranged on a front face of a photographic lens. The lens barrier can move into a lens barrier retraction space at an angle which is inclined with respect to the optical axis of the photographic lens. The lens barrier retraction space is provided under the photographic lens. As a result, a remote control light receiving element and a microphone can be arranged on an object side of the lens barrier retraction space, whereby the object side surface area of a camera body can be made smaller due to the configuration of the lens barrier.

Abstract: A camera door opening/shutting apparatus for a portable terminal equipped with a camera lens capable of semi-automatically opening and shutting the camera door of a portable terminal. The apparatus has a door member having a lens hole formed therein, a camera door adapted to open and shut the lens hole, a first door cam providing the rotation axis and a trough, the first door cam extending along the periphery of the camera door and being rotatably connected to the door member, a second door cam having a crest formed thereon, which faces the trough, and being adapted to travel linearly as the first door cam is rotated, a door elastic body; and a door cover having an opening formed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera protection apparatus for preventing foreign matters from entering a camera. The protection apparatus includes a shield frame installed frontward of the camera lens and having a sliding space for opening the front side of the lens. A blade is slidably installed in the sliding space to open and close front side of the lens. The blade is formed with a protrusion. A rotary lever is rotatably coupled with the shield frame. The rotary lever has a central opening formed at the rotational center thereof for opening the front side of the lens. The rotary lever has a cam groove formed so as to be engaged with the protrusion such that rotation of the rotary lever causes the protrusion to move to open and close the blade. The camera protection apparatus exposes the camera when it is to be used, and otherwise to close the camera opening. Thus, foreign matters can be prevented from entering the camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera in which a flash emission section is aligned with a self-timer light-emitting indicator section and the amount of slide of a slide door is minimized. The camera includes; a housing with an opening for an image-taking optical system and a first opening through which both the flash emission section and the self-timer light-emitting indicator section appear; and a slide door with a second opening having a cover partially attached thereto. The opening for the image-taking optical system, the first and second openings and the amount of slide of the slide door are arranged such that, when the slide door is closed, part of the first opening overlaps with part of the second opening and the overlapped part of the first opening is shielded by the cover provided in the second opening.

Abstract: In an imager apparatus, an optical member protecting an imaging element is vibrated. Dust is thereby removed from the optical member. A vibration member can vibrate the optical member in a plurality of conditions. A photographing-mode setting unit sets a photographing mode. A vibration-condition changes unit changes the condition in which the vibration member vibrates the optical member, in accordance with the photographing mode set by the photographing-mode setting unit.

Abstract: A lens barrier apparatus includes: swingable sectors opening and closing an opening, a swinging member swinging the sectors; and a drive portion driving the swinging member, and one ends of bias members biasing the sectors in a closing direction are provided at the sectors, the other ends of the bias members are provided at the swinging member, and when the sectors are at a closed position closing the opening, the swinging member is driven in the closing direction of the sectors against biasing forces of the bias members.

Abstract: In the camera 10 having an ultraviolet light generating portion 16, the influence of the ultraviolet light upon an image to be taken is suppressed. A camera 10 for taking an image possesses an image-pickup portion 24 which takes an image of a subject; a hydrophilic filter 14 formed so that a hydrophilic surface is exposed on an outer surface of the camera, and transmitting a light entering from the subject to said image-pickup portion; and an ultraviolet light generating portion 16, which irradiates an ultraviolet light with the surface of the external surface of said camera on said hydrophilic filter from the edge portion of said hydrophilic filter. The hydrophilic filter 14 comprises a photocatalytic substance which decomposes organic substances adhered thereon depending on the ultraviolet light.