Abstract: A zoom lens barrel assembly includes a first lens group including first and second sub-lens groups; a second lens group; a sub-lens group switching mechanism for moving the first or second sub-lens group away from the other in a short focal length photographing range, and toward the other in a long focal length photographing range; and a zoom cam mechanism having front and rear lens group cam grooves. The rear lens group cam groove includes first and second portions corresponding to the short and long focal length photographing ranges, respectively, the first and the second portions connected to each other via a discontinuous portion. The front lens group cam groove includes a non-linear portion which corresponds to the short focal length photographing range and provides a non-linear path, and a linear portion which corresponds to the long focal length photographing range and provides a linear path.

Abstract: A subject selection device comprises a light source and an imaging device, such as a CCD, having a plurality of photo-diodes. The light source radiates a distance measuring light beam toward a plurality of objects. A reflected light beam, generated by the objects due to the distance measuring light beam, is received by the, photo-diodes. A signal charge is integrated in each of the photo-diodes, so that three-dimensional information, which includes distances from the camera to each point on a surface of the objects, is obtained. A histogram indicating a distribution of the distances is generated. Based on a peak value of the histogram, a subject to be photographed is selected from the objects. An in-focus portion indicating device indicates a portion of the subject, which is in focus, based on the peak value.

Abstract: A system to be used in a digital still camera to control zooming of the zoom lens, uses programmed data written in a micro controller unit (MCU) instead of the known cams that are usually used to mechanically control zooming of the zoom lens of digital still cameras, and the system is used to control auto-focusing of the zoom lens with the very mechanism used for zoom controlling by receiving electronic signals (pulses) from the MCU or electronically controlled distance measuring system of the digital still camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is a zoom lens system which uses a diffractive optical element such that high optical performance can be obtained over the overall power variation range. The zoom lens system includes a first lens unit having positive optical power, and a second lens unit having negative optical power and disposed on a rearward side of the first lens unit. A diffractive optical portion is provided on a cemented surface, which is convex toward a forward side, in the first lens unit or the second lens unit.

Abstract: In a TV control apparatus, a focus controller and a zoom controller are used to adjust a flange back focal length of a master lens. If a select switch switches the function of a focus controller from a focus lens control function to a master lens control function, a control signal is transmitted as a master lens control signal to a CPU from the focus controller. The master lens is controlled in accordance with the control signals. The focus lens is at a standstill during this period. The focus controller is also used as a master lens controller. If the zoom is at a wide-angle side, the focus controller is switched to the master lens controller, and if the zoom is at a telephoto side, the master lens controller is switched to the focus controller. If a flange back focal length adjustment switch is turned on and the zoom controller sets the zoom at the wide-angle side, the focus controller functions as a controller for adjusting the position of the master lens group.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a stationary barrel, first through third lens support rings, and a lens drive ring including a first guide engaged with a guide formed on the stationary barrel; an engaging portion engaged with a guide formed on the first lens support ring, the lens drive ring and the first lens support ring being relatively rotatable and integrally movable in the optical axis direction; a second guide, engaged with a guide formed on the second lens support ring, to move the second lens support ring in the optical axis direction relative to the lens drive ring via rotation of the lens drive ring; and a third guide engaged with a guide formed on the third lens support ring to move the third lens support ring in the optical axis direction relative to the lens drive ring via rotation of the lens drive ring.

Abstract: A lens-barrel and a camera system including the lens-barrel are in an automatic focus mode in which a focusing unit is automatically driven by an automatic focus unit, during a time when a manual operation member is not operated. When the manual operation member is operated in a second direction, switching is done to a manual focus mode achieving focus by operation of the manual operation member in the second direction. However, when detecting the operation of the manual operation member in the second direction during a zoom operation in which the manual operation member is being operated in a first direction, switching is done to the automatic focus mode without being switched to the manual focus mode. Therefore, unintentional switching from the automatic focus mode to the manual focus mode during the zoom operation can be reliably prevented.

Abstract: An image sensor module with a zooming function is disclosed. The sensor module consists of first and second barrels for respectively holding condensing lenses used for image capture, and a housing having a guide channel at a sidewall thereof and movably and stably receiving the first extensions of the first and second barrels in the guide channel such that the first and second barrels are moved along a focusing axis of the condensing lenses. The sensor module also has a motor for generating a rotating force, a motor gear formed on the output shaft of the motor, and a means for controlling the interval between the first and second barrels by converting a rotating action of the motor gear into a linear movement of the first and second barrels in a horizontal direction. In the sensor module used in a variety of electronic apparatuses, the condensing lenses are movable to change their positions, thus accomplishing a zooming effect while precisely condensing light beams to produce clear images.

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: The present invention relates to a zoom lens position control device. An encoding pattern, which shows a shift between a focal length changing region and a focal point adjusting region by turns, is provided for a rotary frame in which a lens group of a step zoom lens capable of setting a plurality of focal lengths is arranged. Electrical conduction/non-conduction based on the pattern is detected as an ON/OFF state. The present position of the zoom lens is determined on the basis of the ON/OFF state. When the zoom lens is shifted from the stopping position due to the application of an external force, the stopping position of the zoom lens is initialized. The operation of the zoom lens is subsequently shifted to exposure in a focal length position, where the zoom lens is originally stopped, without unnecessarily increasing release time lag.

Abstract: A monitoring camera includes a camera housing, a camera body housed in the camera housing, a lens barrel protruding from the camera housing, and a lens housing mounted for protecting the lens barrel. The lens housing is detachably mounted on the camera housing by bayonet engagement.

Abstract: A lens-barrel and a camera system including the lens-barrel is in an automatic focus mode in which a focusing unit is automatically driven by an automatic focus unit, during a manual operation member is not operated. When the manual operation member is operated in a second direction, switching is done to a manual focus mode achieving focus by operation of the manual operation member in the second direction. However, when detecting the operation of the manual operation member in the second direction during a zoom operation in which the manual operation member is being operated in a first direction, switching is done to the automatic focus mode without being switched to the manual focus mode. Therefore, unintentional switching from the automatic focus mode to the manual focus mode during the zoom operation can be reliably prevented.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus is basically composed of a driving circuit for driving a plurality of loads contained in a plurality of motors, and a control circuit for controlling the driving circuit to sequentially drive the plurality of the motors. The driving circuit has at least two channels which are controlled by the control circuit concurrently with each other. Each channel is controlled by the control circuit such as to selectively drive the loads. The channel is provided with at least (n+1) number (n: integer of 2 or greater) of output terminals to connect at most n number of the loads. The control circuit controls the driving circuit to perform an intra-channel driving mode in which one pair of the output terminals are selected from one channel and allocated to drive one load, and an inter-channel driving mode in which another pair of the output terminals are selected from two channels and allocated to drive another load.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus is basically composed of a driving circuit for driving a plurality of loads contained in a plurality of motors, and a control circuit for controlling the driving circuit to sequentially drive the plurality of the motors. The driving circuit has at least two channels which are controlled by the control circuit concurrently with each other. Each channel is controlled by the control circuit such as to selectively drive the loads. The channel is provided with at least (n+1) number (n: integer of 2 or greater) of output terminals to connect at most n number of the loads. The control circuit controls the driving circuit to perform an intra-channel driving mode in which one pair of the output terminals are selected from one channel and allocated to drive one load, and an inter-channel driving mode in which another pair of the output terminals are selected from two channels and allocated to drive another load.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an optical system having front and rear lens groups; a front lens frame which supports the front lens group; a rear lens frame which supports the rear lens group; a lens frame drive mechanism for driving the front and rear lens frames, and allows the rear lens frame to rotate relative to the front lens frame or move together in the optical axis direction while preventing relative rotation therebetween; a shutter unit having a shutter and a flexible printed wiring board, the shutter unit being relatively rotatable to, and movable together with, the rear lens frame in the optical axis direction; and a shutter unit guide mechanism for linearly guiding the shutter unit in the optical axis direction without rotating the shutter unit regardless of whether the rear lens frame rotates relative to the front lens frame.

Abstract: The inserted or removed state of an exciting-light cut filter, the diaphragmed state of a variable diaphragm, a tray rail holding a tray thereon, and the state of illuminating light, set in a photographing apparatus by an operator, are detected by a filter detection sensor, a diaphragm detection sensor, a tray detection sensor, and an illuminating-light switch unit, respectively. These results of detection are input to an image processing condition determination unit of a personal computer.

Abstract: A lens drive system includes a lens frame having a lens element; a nut member secured to the lens frame, and which are both movable in an optical axis direction without rotating; a feed screw shaft having a male thread portion and a non-threaded portion, the male thread portion being engaged with a screw hole of the nut member; a motor for rotating the feed screw shaft; and a biasing member for biasing the nut member in a first direction toward the male thread portion. When the feed screw shaft is rotated to move the nut member and the lens frame in a second direction toward the non-thread portion, the female thread portion is disengaged from the male thread portion to move onto the non-threaded portion before the lens frame or the nut member abuts against an element of the lens drive system and stops thereby.

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: The lens interlock mechanism includes the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the third driving unit. The first driving unit moves the zoom lens along the optical axis direction of the zoom lens while giving a first driving force corresponding to the movement of the zoom lens to the third driving unit. The second driving unit gives a second driving force corresponding to a distance between the subject to the third drive unit. The third driving unit receives the first and second driving force given from the first and second drive units, and thereby, moves the focus lens in its the optical axis direction while keeping a predetermined relation to the zoom lens based on the distance to the subject.

Abstract: A photographing lens system including a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group. The negative second lens group is moved to the image, upon focusing. The positive first lens group includes a biconvex lens element, another biconvex lens element, and a biconcave lens element. The second lens group includes cemented lens elements constituted by a meniscus lens element having the concave surface facing toward the object and a biconcave lens element. The photographing lens system satisfies the following conditions: 0.020<dX/f<0.20 . . . (1); (n1+n2)/2>1.52 . . . (2); (&ngr;1+&ngr;2)/2>55 . . .

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 first movable barrel is rotated and moved along an optical path by driving force of a motor. A second movable barrel is attached to the interior of the first movable barrel. The second movable barrel does not rotate, but goes straight along the optical path together with the first movable barrel. Inside the second movable barrel, is rotatably attached a lens turret in which a plurality of lenses are concentrically arranged. The lens turret is intermittently rotated in accordance with a rotation of the first movable barrel to set one of the lenses at the optical path. Each lens is set to the optical path at a position where back focus is taken into consideration, so that a focal length of a taking lens is changed. When the lens turret goes straight together with the second movable barrel without rotating, focusing is performed at the set focal length. A magnification of a viewfinder optical system is changed in association with a rotation of the lens turret.

Abstract: A camera has a zoom optical system, which includes three lens groups disposed on an optical axis, for being set at least between a wide-angle end and a telephoto end. A zoom motor with plural barrels is movable in first and second moving region continuous with each other, for moving the zoom optical system along the optical axis. The first moving region is adapted to zoom the zoom optical system. A flash emitter emits flash light to a photographic field within an illuminating angular range. A cam groove has a transmission section and a non-transmission section. The transmission section operates in combination with a driving pin when the zoom motor is in the first moving region, for changing the illuminating angular range. The non-transmission section operates when the zoom motor is in the second moving region, for keeping the illuminating angular range unchanged.

Abstract: Back ends of guide bars that guide lens frames holding lenses are fixed to a base, and front ends of the guide bars are inserted into front end supporters provided on a middle frame. All the ends of the guide bars are supported, and thus the guide bars can stably move the lens frames.

Abstract: A lens frame guiding mechanism of a zoom lens includes lens frames having projections which extend radially outwards, wherein a cam follower is formed on each projection; a linear guide barrel; linear guide slots formed on the linear guide barrel parallel to the optical axis, wherein the projections of each lens frame are respectively engaged in the linear guide slots to be slidable therealong; a cam barrel fitted outside the linear guide barrel to be relatively rotatable about the optical axis thereto; and bottomed cam grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cam barrel, in which the cam followers of a corresponding lens frame are respectively engaged. The lens frames are moved in the direction of the optical axis, without rotating about the optical axis, to change a focal length of said zoom lens via rotation of said cam barrel.

Abstract: A cam mechanism includes a linear guide barrel provided with a linear guide projection at one end thereof, extending radially outwards; a cam barrel fitted on the linear guide barrel, rotatable relative to the linear guide barrel and movable along the optical axis with the linear guide barrel, the cam barrel being provided with a cam groove on an inner surface thereof; a linear guide slot formed on the linear guide barrel extending parallel to the optical axis; at least one lens frame positioned inside the linear guide barrel; a projection formed on the lens frame to be slidably engaged in the linear guide slot; and a cam follower formed on the projection to be engaged in the cam groove. The linear guide projection and the linear guide slot are formed on the linear guide barrel at the same circumferential position of the linear guide barrel.

Abstract: A lens barrel of the present invention includes a first zoom frame and a second zoom frame which are moved frontward and rearward by a cam frame. The first zoom frame holds a first lens group, and the second zoom frame contacts and presses a second-group frame. Four guide shafts are fixed to the first zoom frame, and directly and slidably support the second-group frame which holds a second lens group or a third-group frame which holds a third lens group. Therefore, the deviation between the optical axes of the second lens group and the third lens group from the first lens group is reduced. In the lens barrel, the supporting structure of the frame members is simplified, the supporting accuracy of the frame members is increased, and the misalignment of the optical axes of the lens groups is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zoom lens position control device. An encoding pattern, which shows a shift between a focal length changing region and a focal point adjusting region by turns, is provided for a rotary frame in which a lens group of a step zoom lens capable of setting a plurality of focal lengths is arranged. Electrical conduction/non-conduction based on the pattern is detected as an ON/OFF state. The present position of the zoom lens is determined on the basis of the ON/OFF state. When the zoom lens is shifted from the stopping position due to the application of an external force, the stopping position of the zoom lens is initialized. The operation of the zoom lens is subsequently shifted to exposure in a focal length position, where the zoom lens is originally stopped, without unnecessarily increasing release time lag.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a cam barrel having first and second cam grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof; and first and second lens frames having first and second cam followers, respectively engaged with the first and the second cam grooves. The cam dead end of the first cam groove and the second cam follower insertion opening of the second cam groove are formed at the same circumferential position. Upon assembly, the first cam follower is inserted into the first leading section via a first cam follower insertion opening, and the second cam follower is inserted into the second leading section via a second cam follower insertion opening.

Abstract: A lens barrel is provided with a front lens group facing a subject, that moves only during zooming, and an internal focusing lens group, different from the front lens group, moving at least during focusing. A first cam ring having a cam groove for causing the front lens group to move, and a second cam ring that is separate from the first cam ring, is driven by the same drive source as the first cam ring, rotates together with the first cam ring, and has a cam groove for causing lens groups other than the front lens group to move, are also provided.

Abstract: A system to be used in a digital still camera to control zooming of the zoom lens, which uses programmed data written in a micro controller unit (MCU) instead of cams that are usually used to mechanically control zooming of the zoom lens of digital still cameras, and to control auto-focusing of the zoom lens with the very mechanism which is used for the zoom controlling by receiving electronic signals (pulses) from the MCU or electronically controlled distance measuring system of the digital still camera.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a barrier member disposed in front of a lens and arranged to be openable and closable, an urging member arranged to exert an urging force on the barrier member, and an abutting member arranged to be capable of abutting on the urging member, wherein, when the abutting member abuts on the urging member, the urging member exerts on the barrier member an urging force acting in a direction of closing the barrier member, and, when the abutting member does not abut on the urging member, the urging member exerts on the barrier member an urging force acting in a direction of opening the barrier member.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a lens system with a plurality of lenses, and a zoom and focus controller. The lenses include a zoom lens and a focusing lens. The zoom and focus controller controls the positions of the zoom lens and the focusing lens. The zoom and focus controller includes a plurality of focusing curves including a zoom curve and an infinity focusing curve. The zoom and focus controller is responsive to a zoom operation by determining a zoom position of the plurality of lenses, adjusting the focusing lens along the infinity focusing curve for the determined zoom position, and offsetting the focusing lens according to a difference between an actual focusing distance and an infinity focusing distance.

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 apparatus for preventing a leakage of light in a zoom lens barrel includes a pair of cylindrical members which are relatively rotatable and relatively movable in an optical axis direction; a drive mechanism which reciprocally moves one of the cylindrical members in the optical axis direction relative to the other cylindrical member of the pair of cylindrical members when the other cylindrical member is rotated; and helical light interception projections that are provided on opposed peripheral surfaces of the pair of cylindrical members so as not to screw-engage with each other. The helical light interception projections are adapted to prevent light from entering a space between the pair of cylindrical members while permitting the pair of cylindrical members to relatively rotate and relatively move in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A lens barrel in accordance with the present invention has a stationary frame, a cam frame, a first lens frame, and a second lens frame. The cam frame has an external cam formed on the external surface thereof and an internal cam formed on the internal surface thereof. The first lens frame is freely movable in directions along an optical axis relative to the stationary frame when driven by the external cam of the cam frame. The second lens frame can freely slide in the optical-axis directions with its rotation restrained by the internal surface of the first lens frame when driven by the internal cam of the cam frame.

Abstract: The autofocus apparatus has a first mode of shifting a focus lens at a fine step interval so as to sample an AF evaluation value, and for detecting an in-focus position on the basis of a sampling AF evaluation value; and a second mode of shifting the focus lens at a coarse step interval so as to sample an AF evaluation value, and detecting a rough in-focus position on the basis of the sampling AF evaluation value, and subsequently, shifting the focus lens at a fine step interval so as to sample an AF evaluation value in the vicinity of the rough in-focus position, and detecting an in-focus position on the basis of the sampling AF evaluation value, and further, can select the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: A photographing lens system including a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group. The negative second lens group is moved to the image, upon focusing. The positive first lens group includes a biconvex lens element, another biconvex lens element, and a biconcave lens element. The second lens group includes cemented lens elements constituted by a meniscus lens element having the concave surface facing toward the object and a biconcave lens element. The photographing lens system satisfies the following conditions: 0.020<dX/f<0.20 . . . (1); (n1+n2)/2>1.52 . . . (2); (&ngr;1+&ngr;2)/2>55 . . .

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes at least three lens groups, in which the distance between at least two lens groups of the at least three lens groups is varied during zooming, the zoom lens system having a first adjustment mechanism for mechanically adjusting a first lens group in the optical axis direction upon assembly and adjustment; a second adjustment mechanism for mechanically adjusting a second lens group, which is different from the first lens group, in the optical axis direction upon assembly and adjustment; and a third adjustment mechanism for mechanically adjusting a third lens group, which is different from the first and second lens group, in the optical axis direction upon assembly and adjustment.

Abstract: A camera capable of obtaining stable resolution and saving cost is provided.

Abstract: A lens driving device which does not make larger an apparatus in which the device is installed, which ensures a longer span for preventing a tilt of a lens therein, and which allows an easy access to the lens after assemblage is disclosed. The lens driving device includes a stationary board; a lens frame holding a lens group; a moving body like a flat plate one end of which is fixed to the lens frame in which the moving body is slid over the stationary board; and a rod, extending in an optical direction of the lens, which guides the moving body in the optical direction and is driven by a piezoelectric element. In the arrangement, the other end of the flat plate is frictionally held by the rod over a predetermined distance in the optical direction. When the piezoelectric element is supplied with a voltage with a predetermined waveform, the lens frame is driven in the direction of the optical axis by the moving body frictionally engaging the rod.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel includes a cylindrical member which is provided with a female helicoid; a split helicoid cylinder having a rear helicoid ring portion which is provided with a male helicoid which is screw-engaged with the female helicoid, and a front cylindrical portion which is detachably connected to the rear helicoid ring portion so as not to relatively rotate; a linear movement cylinder provided in the split helicoid cylinder so as to move in the optical axis direction; and a connecting structure for connecting the linear movement cylinder to the split helicoid cylinder so as to relatively rotate and so as not to relatively move in the optical axis direction, so that the rear helicoid ring portion and the front cylindrical portion of the split helicoid cylinder maintain connected by the connecting structure without being disconnected in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A macro zoom lens system includes at least three lens groups, such as, a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, and a positive third lens group, in this order from the object. Upon zooming, at least two lens groups are made moveable. On the other hand, upon focusing at any focal length in the focal-length range defined by the short focal length extremity and the long focal length extremity, any one of the lens groups other than the first lens group is made moveable. Furthermore, at the shortest object-to-image distance, an image magnification of more than ½ is obtained at the long focal length extremity.

Abstract: A step zoom lens camera includes a rotatable cam ring, a cam groove formed on the cam ring, including step areas, a linear movement member which is connected to the cam ring, and a cam-guided lens group which is guided by the linear movement member to move linearly in the optical axis direction in accordance with the cam groove so as to move to an in-focus position of an object within each step area of the cam groove. The cam ring is provided on the rear end surface thereof with step area indicating indexes representing the corresponding step areas. The linear movement member is provided with a reference index at a predetermined circumferential position thereof, so that the position of use of the cam groove can be visually confirmed by viewing the position of the step area indicating indexes relative to the reference index.

Abstract: A lens barrel is provided with a front lens group facing a subject, that moves only during zooming, and an internal focusing lens group, different from the front lens group, moving at least during focusing. A first cam ring having a cam groove for causing the front lens group to move, and a second cam ring that is separate from the first cam ring, is driven by the same drive source as the first cam ring, rotates together with the first cam ring, and has a cam groove for causing lens groups other than the front lens group to move, are also provided.

Abstract: A distance measuring sensor applied to the present distance measuring device has three pairs of line sensors and a control circuit arranged in the center thereof. In three pairs of line sensors, the central line sensors have a train of photodetector units and a train of processing units, to be divided into two, for processing output signals of the train of photodetector units. The upper line sensors and lower line sensors are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the train of photodetector units on the right and left of the center line sensors, opposed to the train of processing units. The upper and lower line sensors have the train of photodetector units corresponding to a length of two-divided line-sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as an image pickup apparatus, includes a first optical unit constituting part of an optical system, a first motor which drives the first optical unit, a second optical unit disposed behind the first optical unit and constituting part of the optical system, a second motor which drives the second optical unit, and a control device which controls the first motor and the second motor in such a way as to draw in the second optical unit in response to an instruction for stowing the optical system and draw the first optical unit into a space made vacant by drawing in the second optical unit. Thus, the control device controls the first motor in such a way as to draw the first optical unit into the space after the space is made vacant by drawing in the second optical unit.

Abstract: The lens interlock mechanism includes the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the third driving unit. The first driving unit moves the zoom lens along the optical axis direction of the zoom lens while giving a first driving force corresponding to the movement of the zoom lens to the third driving unit. The second driving unit gives a second driving force corresponding to a distance between the subject to the third drive unit. The third driving unit receives the first and second driving force given from the first and second drive units, and thereby, moves the focus lens in its the optical axis direction while keeping a predetermined relation to the zoom lens based on the distance to the subject.

Abstract: A camera, lens positioning mechanism and method use a lens holding member to hold a lens therein for receiving optical information that may be captured on film or digitally. The lens holding member interfaces with a ring-shaped barrel member, geared ring or the like, that when turned in one direction by a motor forces the lens holding member out, or back, depending on a slope of a cam placed on the barrel member, slot in the barrel member or the like. When driven in the single direction, the cam member on the ring barrel member, forces the lens holding member in a predetermined direction. A biasing member connected to the ring provides an opposing force that when used during a focusing operation pulls the lens holding member and cam member back to a home position without the need of a driving force from the motor. A clutch mechanism engages and disengages the driving force of the motor on the geared ring depending on whether a focusing operation, lens storage operation, or zooming operation is performed.

Abstract: A variable focal length lens unit, including: the first, the second, and the third lens components which are aligned on the optical axis; the first, the second, and the third guiding members for respectively guiding movements of the first, the second, and the third lens components; a moving mechanism for independently moving the first, the second, and the third lens components in the direction of the optical axis so as to focus the variable focal length lens unit onto an object and zoom the variable focal length lens unit. In the lens unit, all of the first, the second, and the third lens components move in all ranges of the focal lengths, and at least one of the first, the second, and the third lens components moves in the direction by a distance being different from moving distances of other lens components when the variable focal length lens unit is focused onto the object and the variable focal length lens unit is zoomed.