USRE40609E1 - Digital camera with moveable image pickup device - Google Patents

Digital camera with moveable image pickup device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USRE40609E1
USRE40609E1 US10/815,193 US81519304A USRE40609E US RE40609 E1 USRE40609 E1 US RE40609E1 US 81519304 A US81519304 A US 81519304A US RE40609 E USRE40609 E US RE40609E
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
image pick
photographic
lens
digital camera
barrel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US10/815,193
Inventor
Tetsuji Shono
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hoya Corp
Original Assignee
Hoya Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hoya Corp filed Critical Hoya Corp
Priority to US10/815,193 priority Critical patent/USRE40609E1/en
Assigned to PENTAX CORPORATION reassignment PENTAX CORPORATION CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ASAHI KOGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Assigned to HOYA CORPORATION reassignment HOYA CORPORATION MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PENTAX CORPORATION
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USRE40609E1 publication Critical patent/USRE40609E1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
    • G02B7/04—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
    • G02B7/10—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens
    • G02B7/102—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens controlled by a microcomputer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/50—Constructional details
    • H04N23/54—Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/50—Constructional details
    • H04N23/55—Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof

Definitions

  • More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6 , 366 , 323 .
  • the reissue applications are application Ser. Nos. 10 / 815 , 193 ( the present application ) and 10 / 815 , 194 , both filed on Apr. 1 , 2004 and both of which are reissues of U.S. Pat. No. 6 , 366 , 323 .
  • the present invention relates to a digital camera provided with an image pick-up device such as a CCD for converting an image of an object into electric signals.
  • a digital camera generally includes an image pick-up device such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) for converting an object image formed thereon through the photographic lens of the camera into electric signals which are then converted into digital signals.
  • the digital signals are generally stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory or a memory card in a predetermined format.
  • a digital camera which includes: a photographic lens movable along an optical axis thereof between a retracted position and a photographing position in front of the retracted position; an image pick-up device on which an object image is formed through the photographic lens, the image pick-up device being guided to be movable between a first position where the image pick-up device is positioned in a photographic optical path of the photographic lens behind the photographic lens and a second position where the image pick-up device is positioned out of the photographic optical path; and a mechanism for moving the image pick-up device between the first position and the second position, wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the first position when the photographic lens is moved from the retracted position to the photographing position, and wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the second position when the photographic lens is moved from the photographing position to the retracted position.
  • the image pick-up device is guided in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.
  • the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device from the first position to the second position before the photographic lens reaches the retracted position.
  • a digital camera having a retractable photographic lens.
  • the digital camera includes: an image pick-up device on which an object image is focused through the photographic lens; and a mechanism for positioning the image pick-up device in a photographic optical path of the photographic lens behind the photographic lens when a power switch of the digital camera is turned ON, and for positioning the image pick-up device out of the photographic optical path when the power switch is turned OFF.
  • FIGS. 1A , 1 B and 1 C are schematic sectional views of a photographic optical system and an image pick-up unit in different positions, showing a fundamental structure of a digital camera in which the present invention is applied;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of fundamental of a first embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied;
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cam groove formed on a cam ring shown in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of fundamental elements of a second embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cam slot formed on a cam plate shown in FIG. 4 .
  • FIGS. 1A , 1 B and 1 C show a fundamental structure of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied.
  • the camera is provided with a zoom lens 11 consisting of two lens groups, i e, a front lens group L 1 and a rear lens group L 2 .
  • the front and rear lens groups L 1 and L 2 are moved along an optical axis O of the zoom lens 11 while varying the distance therebetween in effect zooming and focusing.
  • the camera is provided with an image pick-up unit (image pick-up device) 21 .
  • the image pick-up unit 21 is provided with a base plate 25 to which a CCD 24 is fixed.
  • a set of filters 23 including a low-pass filter and an infrared filter are secured to the CCD 24 between the rear lens group L 2 and the CCD 24 .
  • the base plate 25 is guided in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O to be selectively movable between a first position where the CCD 24 is positioned behind the rear lens group L 2 (see FIG. 1A or 1 B) and a second position where the CCD 24 is positioned out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11 (see FIG. 1 C).
  • the base plate 25 is moved between the first and second positions by a drive mechanism (not shown in any of FIGS. 1A , 1 B and 1 C).
  • a drive mechanism not shown in any of FIGS. 1A , 1 B and 1 C.
  • reference numeral 13 designates an inner surface of a wall (e g, a back wall) of a camera body of the camera.
  • FIG. 1A shows the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 in a photo-ready condition with the power switch of the camera turned ON.
  • FIG. 1B shows the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 in a non-photographable condition with the zoom lens 11 retracted and with the image pick-up unit 21 still positioned behind the rear lens group L 2 .
  • FIG. 1C shows the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 in a non-photographable condition with the zoom lens 11 retracted and with the image pick-up unit 21 positioned out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11 .
  • FIG. 1A shows the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 in a photo-ready condition with the power switch of the camera turned ON.
  • FIG. 1B shows the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 in a non-photographable condition with the zoom lens 11 retracted and with the image pick-up unit 21 still positioned behind the rear lens group L 2 .
  • FIG. 1C shows the zoom lens
  • the front and rear lens groups L 1 and L 2 are each advanced forwardly with the rear lens group L 2 being sufficiently apart from the image pick-up unit 21 , and the front and rear lens groups L 1 and L 2 are adjusted by a focusing device (not shown) to form a sharp object image on the light receiving surface of the CCD 24 .
  • the camera is provided therein with an image processing circuit (not shown).
  • the electric image signals output from the CCD 24 are transmitted to the image processing circuit via a cable (not shown) to be converted by the image processing circuit into digital data in a predetermined format.
  • the digital data is stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory or a memory card, or is output from the camera.
  • the front and rear lens groups L 1 and L 2 are retracted to respective rearmost positions (retracted positions) and at the same time the image pick-up device 21 is moved out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11 , as shown in FIG. 1C to the case where the zoom lens 11 is retracted with the image pick-up device 21 still positioned behind the rear lens group L 2 in the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11 , the rear lens group L 2 cannot be moved back beyond the position of the front end of the image pick-up device 21 , namely, the rear lens group L 2 cannot retreat to a position where it contacts the filter set 23 .
  • FIG. 1C the front and rear lens groups L 1 and L 2 are retracted to respective rearmost positions (retracted positions) and at the same time the image pick-up device 21 is moved out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11 , as shown in FIG. 1C to the case where the zoom lens 11 is retracted with the image pick-up device 21 still positioned behind the rear lens group L 2 in the photographic optical path of the
  • FIG. 1B shows a state where the front and rear lens groups L 1 and L 2 are retracted with the image pick-up device 21 remained to be positioned behind the rear lens group L 2 .
  • “A” designates a distance between the front end of the front lens group L 1 and the back surface of the base plate 25 .
  • “C” designates the thickness of the image pick-up unit 21 .
  • the thickness C is approximately 7 to 8 mm.
  • the image pick-up unit 21 which includes the CCD 24 , is moved out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis O when the zoom lens 11 is retracted, which makes it possible to further retract the zoom lens 11 in the camera body. Therefore, it is possible to retract the zoom lens 11 to a position where the rear end of the rear lens group L 2 almost contacts the inner surface 13 of the camera body. That is, if the image pick-up unit 21 is moved off the photographic optical path, the zoom lens 11 can further retreat by a length corresponding to thickness C of the image pick-up unit 21 . It is therefore possible to thin the camera body by thickness C (see FIG. 1 C). It is otherwise possible to lengthen a lens barrel for supporting the zoom lens 11 by thickness C, which makes it possible to provide the camera body with a zoom lens having a longer focal length or a higher zoom ratio.
  • the image pick-up unit 21 may be moved into and out of the photographic optical path by any drive mechanism.
  • the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 may be moved by a common motive power source or by different motive power sources.
  • FIG. 2 shows fundamental elements of a first embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied.
  • This first embodiment is characterized in that the image pick-up unit 21 is inserted into and taken out of the photographic optical path by the linear movement of a movable lens barrel 31 .
  • the image pick-up unit 21 is in the photographic optical path behind the zoom lens 11 as shown by solid lines in FIG. 2 when the lens barrel 31 is positioned in an advanced position (photographing position).
  • the image pick-up unit 21 is moved out of the photographic optical path behind the zoom lens 11 as shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2 when the lens barrel 31 retreats into the camera body.
  • the image pick-up unit 21 is secured to a support plate 41 having a leg portion 42 .
  • the leg portion 42 is pivoted about a shaft 43 which extends in parallel to the optical axis O.
  • the shaft 43 is fixed to the camera body (not shown in FIG. 2 ).
  • a tension spring 46 extends between the support plate 41 and a pin 45 which is fixed to the camera body.
  • the spring 46 urges the plate 41 in one direction around the shaft 43 (clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2 ).
  • the urged plate 41 is stopped by a locating pin 47 fixed to the camera body to position the image pick-up unit 21 in the photographing position.
  • an object image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pick-up unit 21 through the zoom lens 11 .
  • the image pick-up unit 21 is moved out of the photographic optical path including the optical axis O when the support plate 41 is rotated about the shaft 43 counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2 against the spring force of the spring 46 .
  • a link bar 51 is positioned nearby the lens barrel 31 .
  • a central portion of the link bar 51 is pivoted about a shaft 52 extending perpendicularly to the optical axis O.
  • the shaft 52 is secured to the camera body.
  • the link bar 51 is provided at the front end thereof with a follower pin 53 .
  • the lens barrel 31 is provided with a cam groove 33 in which the follower pin 53 is fitted.
  • the other end 48 of the link bar 51 is bunt to have an engaging portion 54 which is engaged with an upper edge of the leg portion 42 of the support plate 41 .
  • the support plate 41 is rotated counterclockwise about the shaft 43 by the rotational movement of the link bar 51 to be positioned in a retracted position (shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2 ) against the spring force of the spring 46 .
  • FIG. 3 shows the contour of the cam groove 33 .
  • the cam groove 33 includes a zooming section between T and W which extends in parallel with the optical axis O.
  • the lens barrel 31 is moved linearly, without rotating about the optical axis O.
  • the follower pin 53 is fitted in the cam groove 33 within the zooming section between T and W. This maintains the link bar 51 in the position (shown by solid lines in FIG. 2 ) where the bar 51 does not the support plate 41 from its photographing position to retracted position.
  • the cam groove 33 also includes a retracting section between W and S which extends inclined to the optical axis O and the zooming section between T and W.
  • FIG. 4 shows fundamental elements of a second embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied.
  • the digital camera is provided with a motor-driven zoom lens, the basic structure of which is disclosed in, e g, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication 62-285632.
  • the camera is provided with a zoom lens barrel block 101 , a finder and strobe block 112 , a distance measuring device, and a zoom motor 116 .
  • the distance measuring device includes a set of light emitter and receiver 113 . Those components 101 , 112 , 113 and 116 are supported by or mounted on the camera body.
  • the barrel block 101 is provided with a cam ring 102 , a front barrel 103 and a rear barrel 104 .
  • Each of the barrels 103 and 104 is fitted in the cam ring 102 and is moved forwardly and rearwardly by the rotation of the cam ring 102 .
  • the barrels 103 and 104 support front and rear lens groups L 1 and L 2 (not shown in FIG. 4 ) thereinside, respectively.
  • Each barrel can be moved between a retracted position and a photographing position.
  • Each barrel is moved within a zooming range including the photographing position as the cam ring 102 rotates.
  • the finder and strobe block 112 is provided with a zoom finder 118 and a strobe 119 .
  • the finder 118 changes its magnification and field of view while the strobe 119 changes its angle of illumination.
  • the cam ring 102 is provided on an outer periphery thereof with a sector gear 105 which extends along the circumference of the cam ring 102 .
  • the sector gear 105 meshes with a drive pinion 107 which is fixed to the drive shaft of the zoom motor 116 .
  • the sector gear 105 also meshes with a driven pinion 120 which is fixed to the front end of a shaft 121 which extends in parallel to the optical axis O.
  • the shaft 121 is provided at the rear end thereof with a first gear 122 a.
  • This first gear 122 a meshes with a second gear 122 b which meshes with a rack 123 a formed on a cam plate 123 .
  • the first and second gears 122 a and 122 b constitute a reduction gear train 122 for transmitting rotation of the cam ring 102 to the rack 123 a while lowering the output speed. Accordingly, the rotation of the cam ring 102 is transmitted to the cam plate 123 through the sector gear 105 , the driven pinion 120 , the shaft 121 , the reduction gear train 122 and the rack 123 a.
  • the rotational position (angular position) of the ring 102 is detected through a code plate 130 secured to the outer periphery of the ring 102 and conductive brushes 131 slidably contacting the code plate 130 .
  • the cam plate 123 is guided horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O of the zoom lens.
  • the cam plate 123 is provided along a rear end thereof with a downwardly extending bent portion 123 b.
  • the aforementioned rack 123 a which meshes with the second gear 122 b, is formed on the bottom end of the bent portion 123 b therealong.
  • the cam plate 123 is provided with a first cam slot 125 for varying the magnification of the finder 118 and a second cam slot 127 for varying the angle of illumination of the strobe 119 .
  • the finder optical system of the finder 118 consists of three lens groups, i e, a fixed object lens group L 3 , a fixed eyepiece lens group L 4 and a movable lens group L 5 positioned between the object lens group L 3 and the eyepiece lens group L 4 .
  • the magnification of the finder 118 varies by moving the movable lens group L 5 along the optical axis of the finder 118 .
  • the movable lens group L 5 is provided with a follower pin 118 a which is fitted in the first cam slot 125 .
  • the movable lens group L 5 is moved to vary the magnification of the finder 118 such that the field of view of the finder 118 is coincident with the size of a picture which is varied due to the variation of the focal length of the zoom lens in the barrel block 101 .
  • the strobe 119 narrows the angle of illumination. For a close shot, the strobe 119 widens the angle of illumination, reducing the illuminance level on an object which is to be photographed.
  • the strobe 119 is provided with a fixed Fresnel lens L 6 and a reflector 129 which holds a xenon lamp (not shown).
  • the reflector 129 is provided with a follower pin 119 a which is fitted in the second cam slot 127 so as to be driven to move along its optical axis by the movement of the cam plate 123 .
  • the turning of the cam ring 102 causes the cam plate 123 to move right and left.
  • the cam plate 123 is positioned in its position closest to the barrel block 101 .
  • the zoom lens 11 is positioned within the photographing range, that is, within the zooming range, the cam plate 123 is away from the barrel block 101 .
  • This second embodiment is characterized in that the image pick-up unit 21 is moved between the photographing position and the retracted position by the movement of the cam plate 123 .
  • each of the first and second cam slots 125 and 127 is determined in association with the rotational position (angular position) of the cam ring 102 .
  • the contour of each cam slot is determined such that points T, W and S of each cam slot correspond to a telephoto-extremity angular position A, a wide-angle-extremely angular position D and a retracted angular position C of the cam ring 102 , respectively.
  • the section of each cam slot between the points T and W is determined to correspond to the angle of rotation of the cam ring 102 between the angular positions A and B.
  • each cam slot between the points W and S is determined to correspond to the angle of rotation of the cam ring 102 between the angular positions B and C.
  • the sections between the points T and W of the first and second cam slots 125 and 127 are each inclined relative to the direction of movement of the cam plate 123 so as to vary the magnification of the finder 118 and the angle of illumination of the strobe 119 , respectively, in accordance with the variation of the focal length of the zoom lens 11 .
  • the retracting sections between the points W and S of the first and second cam slots 125 and 127 are each parallel with the direction of movement of the cam plate 123 , so that neither the magnification of the finder 118 nor the angle of illumination of the strobe 119 varies as long as the follower pins 118 a and 119 a move within the sections between W and S of the cam slots 125 and 127 , respectively.
  • Rotation of the cam ring 102 between its angular positions B and C, which respectively correspond to the points W and S, causes the image pick-up unit 21 to move between the photographing position (shown by solid lines in FIG. 4 ) and the retracted position (shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 4 ).
  • the image pick-up unit 21 is secured to a support plate 61 which lies in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis O of the zoom lens 11 .
  • the support plate 61 is provided with an L-shaped leg portion 62 .
  • An end of the leg portion 62 is bent rearwards and further bent upwards to form a crank portion 62 a having an L-shape cross section.
  • the crank portion 62 a is pivoted about a shaft 63 which extends in parallel with the optical axis O.
  • the shaft 63 is fixed to the camera body (not shown).
  • a tension spring 66 extends between the support plate 61 and a pin 65 which is fixed to the camera body.
  • the support plate 61 is urged in one direction by the spring 66 and stopped by a locating pin 67 fixed to the camera body to position the image pick-up unit 21 in the photographing position.
  • an object image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pick-unit 21 through the zoom lens 11 .
  • the support plate 61 can be rotated about the shaft 63 against the spring force of the spring 66 to move the image pick-up unit 21 out of the photographic optical path including the optical axis O.
  • the bent portion 123 b of the cam plate 123 which is provided with the rack 123 a, is provided at one end thereof closer to the image pick-up unit 21 with a pusher 123 c, which is formed as an extension of the bent portion 123 b.
  • Rotation of the zoom motor 116 in the direction to retract the zoom lens 11 causes the cam plate 123 to move toward the retracted position (to the left as viewed in FIG. 4 ), which causes the tip of the pusher 123 c contact and pushes the upper end 64 of the crank portion 62 a of the support plate 61 . This turns the support plate 61 towards its retracted position against the spring force of the spring 66 .
  • the image pick-up unit 21 is moved off the photographing optical path as shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 4 .
  • the cam plate 123 is provided with a slit 123 d in which part of the image pick-up unit 21 can move so as not to interfere with the cam plate 123 when it moves to its retracted position.
  • Rotation of the zoom motor 116 in the retracting direction causes the rear barrel 104 and the rear lens group L 2 to retreat towards their retracted positions previously occupied by the image pick-up unit 21 (refer to FIG. 1 C).
  • Rotation of the zoom motor 116 in the advancing direction causes the rear barrel 104 and the rear lends group L 2 to move forwardly, which causes the cam plate 123 to move towards the telephoto extremity position thereof, i e, in a direction apart from the barrel block 101 .
  • the movement of the cam plate 123 in this direction moves the pusher 123 c away from the upper end 64 of the crank portion 62 a of the support plate 61 .
  • This causes the support plate 61 to turn towards its photographing position through the spring force of the spring 66 .
  • Further movement of the cam plate 123 causes the image pick-up unit 21 to move into the photographic optical path, where the rear barrel 104 and the rear lens group L 2 are already absent.
  • the zoom motor 116 rotates in the retracting direction to retract the lens barrels 103 and 104 .
  • the cam plate 123 slides in the retracting direction. This first turns the support plate 61 toward its retracted position to move the image pick-up unit 21 out of the photographing optical path.
  • the rear barrel 104 moves into the position previously occupied by the image pick-up unit 21 . Consequently, the rear end of the rear barrel 104 or the rear lens group L 2 moves rearwardly to a position close to the inner surface 13 of the camera body (see FIG. 1 (C)).
  • the image pick-up unit 21 which is positioned behind the photographic lens, is moved out of the photographic optical path to secure the space behind the lens in which the rear end of the photographic lens can further retreat. It is therefore possible to reduce the thickness of the camera body, or lengthen the movable lens barrel in order to increase the zoom ratio.
  • the image pick-up unit 21 is secured to the support plate ( 41 or 61 ) which is pivoted about the shaft ( 43 or 63 ) extending parallel to the optical axis O so as to move the image pick-up unit 21 into and out of the photographic optical path, the image pick-up unit 21 can be guided in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis so as to be driven to linearly move into and out of the photographic optical path.
  • the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 can be driven by different motive power sources.

Abstract

A digital camera which includes: a photographic lens movable along an optical axis thereof between a retracted position and a photographing position in front of the retracted position; an image pick-up device on which an object image is formed through the photographic lens, the image pick-up device being guided to be movable between a first position where the image pick-up device is positioned in a photographic optical path of the photographic lens behind the photographic lens and a second position where the image pick-up device is positioned out of the photographic optical path; and a mechanism for moving the image pick-up device between the first position and the second position, wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the first position when the photographic lens is moved from the retracted position to the photographing position, and wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the second position when the photographic lens is moved from the photographing position to the retracted position

Description

More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,366,323. The reissue applications are application Ser. Nos. 10/815,193 (the present application) and 10/815,194, both filed on Apr. 1, 2004 and both of which are reissues of U.S. Pat. No. 6,366,323.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera provided with an image pick-up device such as a CCD for converting an image of an object into electric signals.
2. Description of the Related Art
A digital camera (digital imaging camera) generally includes an image pick-up device such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) for converting an object image formed thereon through the photographic lens of the camera into electric signals which are then converted into digital signals. The digital signals are generally stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory or a memory card in a predetermined format.
In a conventional digital camera, it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the camera body because a bulky image pick-up device is positioned in the camera body behind the photographic lens. Even if the camera is designed to have a retractable photographic lens for the purpose of reducing the thickness of the camera body when the camera is not in use, it is still difficult to reduce the thickness because a sufficient space in which the photographic lens is to retract cannot be secured in front of the bulky image pick-up device within a this camera body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera having structure which makes it possible to design the camera body to be thin in the direction of the optical axis of the photographic lens of the camera.
To achieve the object mentioned above, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera which includes: a photographic lens movable along an optical axis thereof between a retracted position and a photographing position in front of the retracted position; an image pick-up device on which an object image is formed through the photographic lens, the image pick-up device being guided to be movable between a first position where the image pick-up device is positioned in a photographic optical path of the photographic lens behind the photographic lens and a second position where the image pick-up device is positioned out of the photographic optical path; and a mechanism for moving the image pick-up device between the first position and the second position, wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the first position when the photographic lens is moved from the retracted position to the photographing position, and wherein the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device to the second position when the photographic lens is moved from the photographing position to the retracted position.
Preferably, the image pick-up device is guided in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.
Preferably, the moving mechanism moves the image pick-up device from the first position to the second position before the photographic lens reaches the retracted position.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera having a retractable photographic lens. The digital camera includes: an image pick-up device on which an object image is focused through the photographic lens; and a mechanism for positioning the image pick-up device in a photographic optical path of the photographic lens behind the photographic lens when a power switch of the digital camera is turned ON, and for positioning the image pick-up device out of the photographic optical path when the power switch is turned OFF.
The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 09-155144 (filed on Jun. 12, 1997) which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic sectional views of a photographic optical system and an image pick-up unit in different positions, showing a fundamental structure of a digital camera in which the present invention is applied;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of fundamental of a first embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cam groove formed on a cam ring shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of fundamental elements of a second embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied; and
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cam slot formed on a cam plate shown in FIG. 4.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a fundamental structure of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. The camera is provided with a zoom lens 11 consisting of two lens groups, i e, a front lens group L1 and a rear lens group L2. The front and rear lens groups L1 and L2 are moved along an optical axis O of the zoom lens 11 while varying the distance therebetween in effect zooming and focusing.
The camera is provided with an image pick-up unit (image pick-up device) 21. The image pick-up unit 21 is provided with a base plate 25 to which a CCD 24 is fixed. A set of filters 23 including a low-pass filter and an infrared filter are secured to the CCD 24 between the rear lens group L2 and the CCD 24. The base plate 25 is guided in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O to be selectively movable between a first position where the CCD 24 is positioned behind the rear lens group L2 (see FIG. 1A or 1B) and a second position where the CCD 24 is positioned out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11 (see FIG. 1C). The base plate 25 is moved between the first and second positions by a drive mechanism (not shown in any of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C). In each of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1 C reference numeral 13 designates an inner surface of a wall (e g, a back wall) of a camera body of the camera.
FIG. 1A shows the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 in a photo-ready condition with the power switch of the camera turned ON. FIG. 1B shows the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 in a non-photographable condition with the zoom lens 11 retracted and with the image pick-up unit 21 still positioned behind the rear lens group L2. FIG. 1C shows the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 in a non-photographable condition with the zoom lens 11 retracted and with the image pick-up unit 21 positioned out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11. In the photo-ready condition shown in FIG. 1A, the front and rear lens groups L1 and L2 are each advanced forwardly with the rear lens group L2 being sufficiently apart from the image pick-up unit 21, and the front and rear lens groups L1 and L2 are adjusted by a focusing device (not shown) to form a sharp object image on the light receiving surface of the CCD 24. The camera is provided therein with an image processing circuit (not shown). The electric image signals output from the CCD 24 are transmitted to the image processing circuit via a cable (not shown) to be converted by the image processing circuit into digital data in a predetermined format. The digital data is stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory or a memory card, or is output from the camera.
When the power switch is turned off, the front and rear lens groups L1 and L2 are retracted to respective rearmost positions (retracted positions) and at the same time the image pick-up device 21 is moved out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11, as shown in FIG. 1C to the case where the zoom lens 11 is retracted with the image pick-up device 21 still positioned behind the rear lens group L2 in the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11, the rear lens group L2 cannot be moved back beyond the position of the front end of the image pick-up device 21, namely, the rear lens group L2 cannot retreat to a position where it contacts the filter set 23. FIG. 1B shows a state where the front and rear lens groups L1 and L2 are retracted with the image pick-up device 21 remained to be positioned behind the rear lens group L2. In the state shown in FIG. 1B, “A” designates a distance between the front end of the front lens group L1 and the back surface of the base plate 25. In FIG. 1B “C” designates the thickness of the image pick-up unit 21. The thickness C is approximately 7 to 8 mm.
In the digital camera to which the present invention is applied, the image pick-up unit 21, which includes the CCD 24, is moved out of the photographic optical path of the zoom lens 11 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis O when the zoom lens 11 is retracted, which makes it possible to further retract the zoom lens 11 in the camera body. Therefore, it is possible to retract the zoom lens 11 to a position where the rear end of the rear lens group L2 almost contacts the inner surface 13 of the camera body. That is, if the image pick-up unit 21 is moved off the photographic optical path, the zoom lens 11 can further retreat by a length corresponding to thickness C of the image pick-up unit 21. It is therefore possible to thin the camera body by thickness C (see FIG. 1C). It is otherwise possible to lengthen a lens barrel for supporting the zoom lens 11 by thickness C, which makes it possible to provide the camera body with a zoom lens having a longer focal length or a higher zoom ratio.
The image pick-up unit 21 may be moved into and out of the photographic optical path by any drive mechanism.
The zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 may be moved by a common motive power source or by different motive power sources.
FIG. 2 shows fundamental elements of a first embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied. This first embodiment is characterized in that the image pick-up unit 21 is inserted into and taken out of the photographic optical path by the linear movement of a movable lens barrel 31. The image pick-up unit 21 is in the photographic optical path behind the zoom lens 11 as shown by solid lines in FIG. 2 when the lens barrel 31 is positioned in an advanced position (photographing position). The image pick-up unit 21 is moved out of the photographic optical path behind the zoom lens 11 as shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2 when the lens barrel 31 retreats into the camera body.
The image pick-up unit 21 is secured to a support plate 41 having a leg portion 42. The leg portion 42 is pivoted about a shaft 43 which extends in parallel to the optical axis O. The shaft 43 is fixed to the camera body (not shown in FIG. 2).
A tension spring 46 extends between the support plate 41 and a pin 45 which is fixed to the camera body. The spring 46 urges the plate 41 in one direction around the shaft 43 (clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2). The urged plate 41 is stopped by a locating pin 47 fixed to the camera body to position the image pick-up unit 21 in the photographing position. When the image pick-up unit 21 is in this position, an object image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pick-up unit 21 through the zoom lens 11. The image pick-up unit 21 is moved out of the photographic optical path including the optical axis O when the support plate 41 is rotated about the shaft 43 counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2 against the spring force of the spring 46.
A link bar 51 is positioned nearby the lens barrel 31. A central portion of the link bar 51 is pivoted about a shaft 52 extending perpendicularly to the optical axis O. The shaft 52 is secured to the camera body. The link bar 51 is provided at the front end thereof with a follower pin 53. The lens barrel 31 is provided with a cam groove 33 in which the follower pin 53 is fitted. The other end 48 of the link bar 51 is bunt to have an engaging portion 54 which is engaged with an upper edge of the leg portion 42 of the support plate 41. When the link bar 51 rotates clockwise as viewed in FIG. 2, the support plate 41 is rotated counterclockwise about the shaft 43 by the rotational movement of the link bar 51 to be positioned in a retracted position (shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2) against the spring force of the spring 46.
FIG. 3 shows the contour of the cam groove 33. The cam groove 33 includes a zooming section between T and W which extends in parallel with the optical axis O. The lens barrel 31 is moved linearly, without rotating about the optical axis O. When the lens barrel 31 is moved linearly to effect zooming, the follower pin 53 is fitted in the cam groove 33 within the zooming section between T and W. This maintains the link bar 51 in the position (shown by solid lines in FIG. 2) where the bar 51 does not the support plate 41 from its photographing position to retracted position. The cam groove 33 also includes a retracting section between W and S which extends inclined to the optical axis O and the zooming section between T and W. When the lens barrel 31 is retracted upon the power switch being turned OFF, the cam pin 53 moves from the zooming section between T and W to the end 33a of the retracting section between W and S, which turns the link bar 51 to the retracted position shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 shows fundamental elements of a second embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied. The digital camera is provided with a motor-driven zoom lens, the basic structure of which is disclosed in, e g, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication 62-285632. The camera is provided with a zoom lens barrel block 101, a finder and strobe block 112, a distance measuring device, and a zoom motor 116. The distance measuring device includes a set of light emitter and receiver 113. Those components 101, 112, 113 and 116 are supported by or mounted on the camera body.
The barrel block 101 is provided with a cam ring 102, a front barrel 103 and a rear barrel 104. Each of the barrels 103 and 104 is fitted in the cam ring 102 and is moved forwardly and rearwardly by the rotation of the cam ring 102. The barrels 103 and 104 support front and rear lens groups L1 and L2 (not shown in FIG. 4) thereinside, respectively. Each barrel can be moved between a retracted position and a photographing position. Each barrel is moved within a zooming range including the photographing position as the cam ring 102 rotates.
The finder and strobe block 112 is provided with a zoom finder 118 and a strobe 119. In accordance with the variation in the focal length of the zoom lens 11, the finder 118 changes its magnification and field of view while the strobe 119 changes its angle of illumination.
The cam ring 102 is provided on an outer periphery thereof with a sector gear 105 which extends along the circumference of the cam ring 102. The sector gear 105 meshes with a drive pinion 107 which is fixed to the drive shaft of the zoom motor 116. The sector gear 105 also meshes with a driven pinion 120 which is fixed to the front end of a shaft 121 which extends in parallel to the optical axis O. The shaft 121 is provided at the rear end thereof with a first gear 122a. This first gear 122a meshes with a second gear 122b which meshes with a rack 123a formed on a cam plate 123. The first and second gears 122a and 122b constitute a reduction gear train 122 for transmitting rotation of the cam ring 102 to the rack 123a while lowering the output speed. Accordingly, the rotation of the cam ring 102 is transmitted to the cam plate 123 through the sector gear 105, the driven pinion 120, the shaft 121, the reduction gear train 122 and the rack 123a. The rotational position (angular position) of the ring 102 is detected through a code plate 130 secured to the outer periphery of the ring 102 and conductive brushes 131 slidably contacting the code plate 130.
The cam plate 123 is guided horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O of the zoom lens. The cam plate 123 is provided along a rear end thereof with a downwardly extending bent portion 123b. The aforementioned rack 123a, which meshes with the second gear 122b, is formed on the bottom end of the bent portion 123b therealong. The cam plate 123 is provided with a first cam slot 125 for varying the magnification of the finder 118 and a second cam slot 127 for varying the angle of illumination of the strobe 119.
The finder optical system of the finder 118 consists of three lens groups, i e, a fixed object lens group L3, a fixed eyepiece lens group L4 and a movable lens group L5 positioned between the object lens group L3 and the eyepiece lens group L4. The magnification of the finder 118 varies by moving the movable lens group L5 along the optical axis of the finder 118. The movable lens group L5 is provided with a follower pin 118a which is fitted in the first cam slot 125. The movable lens group L5 is moved to vary the magnification of the finder 118 such that the field of view of the finder 118 is coincident with the size of a picture which is varied due to the variation of the focal length of the zoom lens in the barrel block 101.
As the focal length of the zoom lens becomes longer, the strobe 119 narrows the angle of illumination. For a close shot, the strobe 119 widens the angle of illumination, reducing the illuminance level on an object which is to be photographed. For this, the strobe 119 is provided with a fixed Fresnel lens L6 and a reflector 129 which holds a xenon lamp (not shown). The reflector 129 is provided with a follower pin 119a which is fitted in the second cam slot 127 so as to be driven to move along its optical axis by the movement of the cam plate 123.
The turning of the cam ring 102 causes the cam plate 123 to move right and left. When the zoom lens 11 is retracted, i e., when the front and rear barrels 103 and 104 are retracted, the cam plate 123 is positioned in its position closest to the barrel block 101. When the zoom lens 11 is positioned within the photographing range, that is, within the zooming range, the cam plate 123 is away from the barrel block 101. This second embodiment is characterized in that the image pick-up unit 21 is moved between the photographing position and the retracted position by the movement of the cam plate 123.
The contour of each of the first and second cam slots 125 and 127 is determined in association with the rotational position (angular position) of the cam ring 102. Namely, the contour of each cam slot is determined such that points T, W and S of each cam slot correspond to a telephoto-extremity angular position A, a wide-angle-extremely angular position D and a retracted angular position C of the cam ring 102, respectively. The section of each cam slot between the points T and W is determined to correspond to the angle of rotation of the cam ring 102 between the angular positions A and B. Likewise, the section of each cam slot between the points W and S is determined to correspond to the angle of rotation of the cam ring 102 between the angular positions B and C. The sections between the points T and W of the first and second cam slots 125 and 127 are each inclined relative to the direction of movement of the cam plate 123 so as to vary the magnification of the finder 118 and the angle of illumination of the strobe 119, respectively, in accordance with the variation of the focal length of the zoom lens 11. The retracting sections between the points W and S of the first and second cam slots 125 and 127 are each parallel with the direction of movement of the cam plate 123, so that neither the magnification of the finder 118 nor the angle of illumination of the strobe 119 varies as long as the follower pins 118a and 119a move within the sections between W and S of the cam slots 125 and 127, respectively. Rotation of the cam ring 102 between its angular positions B and C, which respectively correspond to the points W and S, causes the image pick-up unit 21 to move between the photographing position (shown by solid lines in FIG. 4) and the retracted position (shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 4).
The image pick-up unit 21 is secured to a support plate 61 which lies in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis O of the zoom lens 11. The support plate 61 is provided with an L-shaped leg portion 62. An end of the leg portion 62 is bent rearwards and further bent upwards to form a crank portion 62a having an L-shape cross section. The crank portion 62a is pivoted about a shaft 63 which extends in parallel with the optical axis O. The shaft 63 is fixed to the camera body (not shown).
A tension spring 66 extends between the support plate 61 and a pin 65 which is fixed to the camera body. The support plate 61 is urged in one direction by the spring 66 and stopped by a locating pin 67 fixed to the camera body to position the image pick-up unit 21 in the photographing position. When the image pick-up unit 21 is in the photographing position, an object image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pick-unit 21 through the zoom lens 11. The support plate 61 can be rotated about the shaft 63 against the spring force of the spring 66 to move the image pick-up unit 21 out of the photographic optical path including the optical axis O.
The bent portion 123b of the cam plate 123, which is provided with the rack 123a, is provided at one end thereof closer to the image pick-up unit 21 with a pusher 123c, which is formed as an extension of the bent portion 123b. Rotation of the zoom motor 116 in the direction to retract the zoom lens 11 causes the cam plate 123 to move toward the retracted position (to the left as viewed in FIG. 4), which causes the tip of the pusher 123c contact and pushes the upper end 64 of the crank portion 62a of the support plate 61. This turns the support plate 61 towards its retracted position against the spring force of the spring 66. Before the cam plate 123 reaches its retracted position, the image pick-up unit 21 is moved off the photographing optical path as shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 4. The cam plate 123 is provided with a slit 123d in which part of the image pick-up unit 21 can move so as not to interfere with the cam plate 123 when it moves to its retracted position.
Rotation of the zoom motor 116 in the retracting direction causes the rear barrel 104 and the rear lens group L2 to retreat towards their retracted positions previously occupied by the image pick-up unit 21 (refer to FIG. 1C).
Rotation of the zoom motor 116 in the advancing direction causes the rear barrel 104 and the rear lends group L2 to move forwardly, which causes the cam plate 123 to move towards the telephoto extremity position thereof, i e, in a direction apart from the barrel block 101. The movement of the cam plate 123 in this direction moves the pusher 123c away from the upper end 64 of the crank portion 62a of the support plate 61. This causes the support plate 61 to turn towards its photographing position through the spring force of the spring 66. Further movement of the cam plate 123 causes the image pick-up unit 21 to move into the photographic optical path, where the rear barrel 104 and the rear lens group L2 are already absent. When the cam plate 123 reaches its wide-angle extremity position, the pusher 123c leaves the upper end 64 of the crank portion 62a. Consequently, the spring 66 brings the support plate 61 into contact with the locating pin 67. While the zoom lens 11 is driven to effect zooming and focusing, the cam plate 123 moves within a range where its pusher 123c is apart from the upper end 64 of the crank portion 62a, so that the image pick-up unit 21 remains in the photographing position, where the spring 66 holds the support plate 61 to contact the locating pin 67.
After the power switch (not shown) of the camera shown in FIG. 4 is turned off, the zoom motor 116 rotates in the retracting direction to retract the lens barrels 103 and 104. At the same time, the cam plate 123 slides in the retracting direction. This first turns the support plate 61 toward its retracted position to move the image pick-up unit 21 out of the photographing optical path. After the image pick-up unit 21 moves off the photographing optical path, the rear barrel 104 moves into the position previously occupied by the image pick-up unit 21. Consequently, the rear end of the rear barrel 104 or the rear lens group L2 moves rearwardly to a position close to the inner surface 13 of the camera body (see FIG. 1 (C)).
As can be understood from the foregoing, according to the digital camera to which the present invention is applied, when the photographic lens retreats in the camera body, the image pick-up unit 21, which is positioned behind the photographic lens, is moved out of the photographic optical path to secure the space behind the lens in which the rear end of the photographic lens can further retreat. It is therefore possible to reduce the thickness of the camera body, or lengthen the movable lens barrel in order to increase the zoom ratio.
In each of the first and second embodiments, although the image pick-up unit 21 is secured to the support plate (41 or 61) which is pivoted about the shaft (43 or 63) extending parallel to the optical axis O so as to move the image pick-up unit 21 into and out of the photographic optical path, the image pick-up unit 21 can be guided in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis so as to be driven to linearly move into and out of the photographic optical path.
In each of the first and second embodiments, the zoom lens 11 and the image pick-up unit 21 can be driven by different motive power sources.
Obvious changes may be made in the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein, such modifications being within the spirit and scope of the invention claimed. It is indicated that all matter contained herein is illustrative and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims (31)

1. A digital camera comprising:
a photographic lens movable along an optical axis thereof between a retracted position and a photographing position in front of said retracted position;
image pick-up device on which an object image is formed through said photographic lens, said image pick-up device being guided to be movable between a first position where said image pick-up device is positioned in a photographic optical path of said photographic lens behind said photographic lens and a second position where said image pick-up device is positioned out of said lens optical path; and
a mechanism for moving said image pick-up device between said first position and said second position, wherein said moving mechanism moves said image pick-up device to said first position when said photographic lens is moved from said retracted position to said photographing position, and wherein said moving mechanism moves said image pick-up device to said second position when said photographic lens is moved from said photographing position to said retracted position.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said image pick-up device is guided in a direction perpendicular to said optical axis.
3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said moving mechanism moves said image pick-up device from said first position to said second position before said photographic lens reaches said retracted position.
4. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein a rear end of said photographic lens moves into a space previously occupied by said image pick-up device when said photographic lens moves from said photographing position to L1 said retracted position.
5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said moving mechanism comprises a support plate to which the image pick-up device is secured, said support plate being pivoted about a shaft secured to a body of said digital camera so that said image pick-up device is movable between said first position and said second position.
6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein said shaft extends parallel to said optical axis.
7. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said photographic lens comprises:
a lens barrel movable along said optical axis between said retracted position and said photographing position; and
a photographic optical system comprising a front lens group and a rear lens group, at least said rear lens group being supported by said movable lens barrel;
wherein said moving mechanism further comprises an interlocking mechanism, provided between said image pick-up device and said movable lens barrel, for moving said image pick-up device between said first position and said second position in association with the movement of said movable lens barrel between said photographing position and said retracted position.
8. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein said moving mechanism further comprises a spring for continuously urging said support plate in a direction to move said image pick-up device to said first position.
9. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein said photographic lens is a motor-driven zoom lens, said moving mechanism further comprises:
a cam plate guided in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, said cam plate being moved in association with the movement of said photographic lens; and
an interlocking mechanism, provided between said image pick-up device and said cam plate, for moving said image pick-up device between said first position and said second position in association with the movement of said cam plate.
10. The digital camera according to claim 9, further comprising:
a zoom finder which varies a magnification thereof in association of the variation of a focal length of said photographic lens, said zoom finder comprising at least one movable lens group having a follower,
wherein said cam plate comprises a cam slot in which said follower is fitted.
11. The digital camera according to claim 10, further comprising:
a strobe which varies an angle of illumination thereof in association of said variation of said focal length of said photographic lens, said strobe comprising a movable light emitting unit having a second follower,
wherein said cam plate comprises a second cam slot in which said second follower is fitted.
12. The digital camera according to claim 7, wherein said moving mechanism further comprises a support plate to which the image pick-up device is secured, said support plate being pivoted about a shaft secured to a body of said digital camera so that said image pick-up device is movable between said first position and said second position,
wherein said interlocking mechanism comprises:
a link bar pivoted about a shaft secured to said camera body, one end of said link bar having a follower, the other end of said link bar engaging with said support plate; and
a cam groove formed on said movable lens barrel, said follower being fitted in said cam groove.
13. A digital camera having a retractable photographic lens, comprising:
an image pick-up device on which an object image is focused through said lens photographic; and
a mechanism for positioning said image pick-up in a photographic optical path of said photographic lens behind said photographic lens when a power switch of said digital camera is turned ON, and for positioning said image pick-up device out of said photographic optical path when said power switch is turned OFF.
14. A method for operating a camera having a barrel and a plurality of optical elements, the method comprising:
moving the barrel along an optical axis between and including a plurality of photographic positions and at least one position in which no photograph can be taken;
positioning all of the optical elements along the optical axis when the barrel is in all of the plurality of photographic positions; and
positioning at least one optical element of the plurality of optical elements out of the optical axis and at least another optical element of the plurality of optical elements along the optical axis, such that at least a portion of the at least one optical element and at least a portion of the at least another optical element are located along a common plane which is generally perpendicular to the optical axis, when the barrel is in the at least one position in which no photograph can be taken.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the at least one optical element is an image pick-up device.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the image pick-up device is a charge-coupled device.
17. The method according to claim 14 wherein the plurality of optical elements includes at least one lens and an image pick-up device.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the image pick-up device is a charge-coupled device.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of optical elements includes an image pick-up device and a plurality of lenses.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the image pick-up device is a charge-coupled device.
21. The method according to claim 14, further comprising moving a finder in association with movement of the barrel within the plurality of photographic positions.
22. The method according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of photographic positions comprises a zoom range.
23. A method for operating a camera having a barrel and a plurality of imaging elements, the method comprising:
moving the barrel along an optical axis between and including a plurality of photographic positions and at least one position in which no photograph can be taken;
positioning all of the imaging elements along the optical axis when the barrel is in all of the plurality of photographic positions; and
positioning at least one imaging element of the plurality of imaging elements out of the optical axis and at least another imaging element of the plurality of imaging elements along the optical axis, such that at least a portion of the at least one imaging element and at least a portion of the at least another imaging element are located along a common plane which is generally perpendicular to the optical axis, when the barrel is in the at least one position in which no photograph can be taken.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the at least one imaging element is an image pick-up device.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the image pick-up device is a charge-coupled device.
26. The method according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of imaging elements includes at least one lens and an image pick-up device.
27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the image pick-up device is a charge-coupled device.
28. The method according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of imaging elements includes an image pick-up device and a plurality of lenses.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the image pick-up device is a charge-coupled device.
30. The method according to claim 23, further comprising moving a finder in association with movement of the barrel within the plurality of photographic positions.
31. The method according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of photographic positions comprises a zoom range.
US10/815,193 1997-06-12 2004-04-01 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device Expired - Lifetime USRE40609E1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/815,193 USRE40609E1 (en) 1997-06-12 2004-04-01 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP9155144A JPH114371A (en) 1997-06-12 1997-06-12 Digital still camera
US09/089,404 US6366323B1 (en) 1997-06-12 1998-06-03 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device
US10/815,193 USRE40609E1 (en) 1997-06-12 2004-04-01 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/089,404 Reissue US6366323B1 (en) 1997-06-12 1998-06-03 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USRE40609E1 true USRE40609E1 (en) 2008-12-23

Family

ID=15599511

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/089,404 Ceased US6366323B1 (en) 1997-06-12 1998-06-03 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device
US10/815,193 Expired - Lifetime USRE40609E1 (en) 1997-06-12 2004-04-01 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device
US10/815,194 Expired - Lifetime USRE40610E1 (en) 1997-06-12 2004-04-01 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/089,404 Ceased US6366323B1 (en) 1997-06-12 1998-06-03 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/815,194 Expired - Lifetime USRE40610E1 (en) 1997-06-12 2004-04-01 Digital camera with moveable image pickup device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (3) US6366323B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH114371A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100328790A1 (en) * 2009-06-29 2010-12-30 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Camera device with image sensor driving apparatus

Families Citing this family (78)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH114371A (en) 1997-06-12 1999-01-06 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Digital still camera
TW352841U (en) * 1998-09-04 1999-02-11 Wan Neng Optical Industry Co Ltd Lens apparatus for digital camera with stageless focus
US20030202109A1 (en) * 1999-03-11 2003-10-30 Hayato Ujiie Image sensing apparatus
JP2001215589A (en) * 2000-01-31 2001-08-10 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Lens unit for single lens reflex camera
US7593035B2 (en) * 2000-04-14 2009-09-22 Fujifilm Corporation Image data transmitting device and method
KR100389625B1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2003-06-27 삼성전기주식회사 Realization device of macro mode using focus driving motor at digital still camera
JP2003149723A (en) * 2001-11-09 2003-05-21 Konica Corp Camera
TWI229231B (en) * 2002-02-21 2005-03-11 Pentax Corp Retractable lens system and method of retracting a retractable lens system
US6963694B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2005-11-08 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
US7079761B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-07-18 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a photographing lens
US7058293B2 (en) 2002-08-27 2006-06-06 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US7050713B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-05-23 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a photographing lens
US7031603B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-04-18 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
US6978088B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2005-12-20 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US7097367B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-08-29 Pentax, Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a photographing lens
US7106961B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-09-12 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the advancing/retracting mechanism
JP2004085932A (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corp Feed-out cam mechanism for zoom lens barrel and feed-out cam mechanism
US7025512B2 (en) 2002-08-27 2006-04-11 Pentax Corporation Retracting mechanism of a retractable lens
JP3863829B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-12-27 ペンタックス株式会社 Zoom lens barrel feeding cam mechanism and feeding cam mechanism
US7079762B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-07-18 Pentax Corporation Supporting structure for supporting a rotatable ring
US6990291B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-01-24 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel having a moving optical element support frame
US7043154B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-05-09 Pentax Corporation Photographing lens having an optical element retracting mechanism
US6959148B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2005-10-25 Pentax Corporation Retractable photographing lens
JP2004085934A (en) * 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corp Extending cam mechanism for zoom lens barrel and extending cam mechanism
US7068929B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-06-27 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US7010224B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-03-07 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the rotation transfer mechanism
US7088916B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-08-08 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens barrel
US7031604B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-04-18 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the linear guide mechanism
US7085486B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-08-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating a rotatable ring
US7039311B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-05-02 Pentax Corporation Rotation transfer mechanism and a zoom camera incorporating the rotation transfer mechanism
US6987930B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-01-17 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the advancing/retracting mechanism
US7035535B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-04-25 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable photographing lens
US6952526B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2005-10-04 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens barrel
US7027727B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-04-11 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the cam mechanism
US6965733B1 (en) 2002-08-27 2005-11-15 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the cam mechanism
US7515182B2 (en) * 2003-03-14 2009-04-07 Fujinon Corporation Digital camera with a hollow portion for saving an image taking lens
JP4393107B2 (en) * 2003-05-15 2010-01-06 株式会社オプテック Digital camera
US7229223B2 (en) * 2004-02-03 2007-06-12 Pentax Corporation Rotation transfer mechanism and a zoom camera incorporating the rotation transfer mechanism
JP4520190B2 (en) 2004-03-18 2010-08-04 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Retractable lens barrel and camera equipped with a retractable lens barrel
JP2005352236A (en) * 2004-06-11 2005-12-22 Konica Minolta Photo Imaging Inc Imaging apparatus
JP2006058455A (en) * 2004-08-18 2006-03-02 Nitto Kogaku Kk Lens barrel driving mechanism
JP4417234B2 (en) * 2004-12-01 2010-02-17 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Imaging device
TW200632502A (en) * 2004-12-01 2006-09-16 Pentax Corp Imaging device
JP2006154675A (en) * 2004-12-01 2006-06-15 Pentax Corp Imaging apparatus
JP4597650B2 (en) 2004-12-01 2010-12-15 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Lens barrel
TW200632526A (en) * 2004-12-01 2006-09-16 Pentax Corp Imaging device
JP4638718B2 (en) * 2004-12-01 2011-02-23 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Lens barrel
JP2006157834A (en) * 2004-12-01 2006-06-15 Pentax Corp Imaging apparatus
JP4638719B2 (en) * 2004-12-01 2011-02-23 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Lens barrel
JP4647983B2 (en) * 2004-12-01 2011-03-09 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Lens barrel
JP4647982B2 (en) * 2004-12-01 2011-03-09 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Imaging device
JP2006154680A (en) * 2004-12-01 2006-06-15 Pentax Corp Imaging apparatus
TWI375113B (en) * 2004-12-01 2012-10-21 Hoya Corp Imaging device
JP2006243701A (en) * 2005-02-07 2006-09-14 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Camera and lens system
JP4632814B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2011-02-16 株式会社リコー Lens barrel, camera, and portable information terminal device
JP4727300B2 (en) * 2005-05-31 2011-07-20 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Support structure for movable member and movable member support structure for lens barrel
JP4537892B2 (en) * 2005-06-01 2010-09-08 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Lens barrel
JP4744939B2 (en) * 2005-06-01 2011-08-10 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Lens barrel
JP4537896B2 (en) * 2005-06-27 2010-09-08 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Imaging device
JP2007003970A (en) * 2005-06-27 2007-01-11 Pentax Corp Imaging device and polarizing filter revolution control method therefor
JP4684771B2 (en) * 2005-06-30 2011-05-18 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Image blur correction device
DE102006030316A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-04 Pentax Corp. Arrangement of a flexible circuit carrier in an imaging device
DE102006030317A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-04 Pentax Corp. Optical image stabilizer
GB2428156B (en) * 2005-06-30 2010-07-21 Pentax Corp Flexible printed wiring board arrangement of an imaging device
US7574123B2 (en) * 2005-06-30 2009-08-11 Hoya Corporation Optical image stabilizer
KR101086843B1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2011-11-24 호야 가부시키가이샤 Optical image stabilizer
JP4744963B2 (en) * 2005-07-22 2011-08-10 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Lens barrel
JP4744964B2 (en) * 2005-07-22 2011-08-10 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Imaging device
JP4537931B2 (en) * 2005-10-11 2010-09-08 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Image sensor tilt adjustment mechanism
JP5089902B2 (en) * 2006-03-29 2012-12-05 日本電産コパル株式会社 Retractable camera lens barrel
KR20090058419A (en) * 2007-12-04 2009-06-09 삼성디지털이미징 주식회사 Digital photographing apparatus
TW201316069A (en) * 2011-10-07 2013-04-16 Asia Optical Co Inc Lens assembly with shrinking function for photosensitive element
CN103091941B (en) * 2011-10-27 2015-09-30 亚洲光学股份有限公司 There is the camera lens of photosensory assembly back-off function
JP2013148685A (en) * 2012-01-18 2013-08-01 Tamron Co Ltd Collapsible lens barrel and imaging device
CN103513493B (en) * 2012-06-28 2016-08-03 国网山东省电力公司临清市供电公司 Optical anti-shake drives structure
TWI444698B (en) * 2012-07-06 2014-07-11 Altek Corp Adjustment device and method thereof
CN113242374B (en) * 2021-06-07 2023-01-13 维沃移动通信有限公司 Electronic device
WO2023061576A1 (en) * 2021-10-13 2023-04-20 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Optical arrangement for electronic apparatus

Citations (122)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3377427A (en) * 1965-07-29 1968-04-09 George J. Fischer Light-sensitive optical control system for a television camera
JPS5810708A (en) 1981-07-13 1983-01-21 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Photographic lens barrel
JPS58145930A (en) 1982-02-24 1983-08-31 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Changeover mechanism of lens system changing type camera
JPS58162914A (en) 1982-03-20 1983-09-27 Canon Inc Optical eccentricity adjusting mechanism of lens barrel
DE3317999A1 (en) 1982-05-19 1983-11-24 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd., Tokyo SELF-DEVELOPMENT CAMERA
US4451129A (en) * 1981-03-05 1984-05-29 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera having a plurality of built-in lenses
JPS6169002A (en) 1984-09-12 1986-04-09 Nippon Kogaku Kk <Nikon> Transmission device of lens position information of double focus camera
JPS61133933A (en) 1984-12-04 1986-06-21 Konishiroku Photo Ind Co Ltd Two focus camera
US4597657A (en) * 1983-10-17 1986-07-01 Nippon Kogaku K. K. Compact camera capable of encasing a phototaking optical system
JPS61270737A (en) 1985-05-25 1986-12-01 Nippon Kogaku Kk <Nikon> Two-focus type camera
US4643554A (en) 1982-12-20 1987-02-17 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera with focal length varying device
JPS63149629A (en) 1986-12-15 1988-06-22 Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd Focusing distance switching type camera
US4768048A (en) * 1983-12-07 1988-08-30 Nippon Kogaku K. K. Camera having partially retractable taking optical system
US4771303A (en) 1984-11-10 1988-09-13 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Variable focal length camera
US4791441A (en) * 1986-10-28 1988-12-13 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Multi-focus camera
US4803557A (en) * 1988-01-11 1989-02-07 Eastman Kodak Company Adjustable mount for image sensor
JPS6434623U (en) 1987-08-25 1989-03-02
US4841323A (en) 1984-12-04 1989-06-20 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Automatic focusing method and camera provided with automatic focusing apparatus
US4887107A (en) 1986-07-29 1989-12-12 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Camera
US4937609A (en) 1986-05-09 1990-06-26 Nikon Corporation Camera having soft focus filter
US4952955A (en) 1986-12-24 1990-08-28 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Focal length switch-over camera
US4961115A (en) * 1989-01-03 1990-10-02 Eastman Kodak Company Lens adjustment apparatus
US4974949A (en) 1987-12-21 1990-12-04 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens barrel
US4993815A (en) 1989-02-21 1991-02-19 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Zoom-lens-barrel assembly
US5086312A (en) 1989-08-31 1992-02-04 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Variable focal length camera with focus adjusting device
US5099263A (en) 1984-11-10 1992-03-24 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Variable focal length camera
US5136324A (en) 1986-03-03 1992-08-04 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera apparatus for adjusting the optical system at different speeds
US5210644A (en) 1989-11-20 1993-05-11 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Cam mechanism of lens
GB2261298A (en) 1991-11-08 1993-05-12 Ind Tech Res Inst Zoom lens mount having openended slots
GB2262356A (en) 1991-10-30 1993-06-16 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Focal point adjusting device for zoom lens
US5223873A (en) 1985-05-14 1993-06-29 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Magnification change-over device for a camera
EP0549300A1 (en) * 1991-12-26 1993-06-30 Sony Corporation Remote control light receiving unit for a video camera
US5264939A (en) * 1992-05-29 1993-11-23 Eastman Kodak Company Apparatus and method for generating an interlaced viewing signal from the output signal of a non-interlaced camera system
JPH05313226A (en) 1992-05-13 1993-11-26 Canon Inc Shutter device for camera
JPH0618777A (en) 1993-03-24 1994-01-28 Nikon Corp Camera
JPH06230263A (en) * 1993-01-28 1994-08-19 Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd Lens moving device
JPH06303497A (en) * 1993-04-12 1994-10-28 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Image pickup device
JPH06308592A (en) 1994-04-07 1994-11-04 Nikon Corp Safety device for camera
US5376983A (en) 1991-05-31 1994-12-27 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens barrel
EP0634680A2 (en) 1993-07-15 1995-01-18 Minolta Co., Ltd. Zoom lens mechanism
US5430516A (en) 1992-12-14 1995-07-04 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Driving apparatus of camera
JPH089230A (en) * 1994-06-15 1996-01-12 Hitachi Denshi Ltd Back focus adjusting mechanism for image pickup device
US5485315A (en) 1992-04-17 1996-01-16 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Backlash removing mechanism for zoom lens assembly
US5499143A (en) 1994-02-25 1996-03-12 Sony Corporation Electromagnetic actuator and lens drive mechanism using the same
JPH08126750A (en) * 1994-11-01 1996-05-21 Sankyo Kk Pinball game machine
JPH08186759A (en) * 1994-12-28 1996-07-16 Canon Inc Aspect ratio switchable image pickup device
US5548446A (en) 1993-01-13 1996-08-20 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Lens body tube with built-in converter lens
JPH08237529A (en) * 1995-02-28 1996-09-13 Canon Inc Optical device
US5557327A (en) * 1994-02-23 1996-09-17 Konica Corporation Image input apparatus with two-dimensional pixel shift
JPH08313790A (en) * 1996-07-01 1996-11-29 Nikon Corp Photographing lens unfolding device
US5587754A (en) 1989-11-06 1996-12-24 Nikon Corporation Camera with guiding of rectilinear lens movement
US5636062A (en) 1992-12-14 1997-06-03 Nikon Corporation Apparatus for driving a lens
GB2309551A (en) 1996-01-26 1997-07-30 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Lens barrel having a linear guide groove
EP0810466A1 (en) 1996-05-31 1997-12-03 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Camera Structure
US5706051A (en) * 1994-06-08 1998-01-06 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Compact optical system for electronic camera
US5715482A (en) * 1993-12-06 1998-02-03 Nikon Corporation Collapsible type zoom camera
US5731913A (en) 1994-11-24 1998-03-24 Nikon Corporation Lens barrel with improved cam ring structure
US5739962A (en) 1993-07-06 1998-04-14 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd Lens mount
US5765049A (en) 1995-06-26 1998-06-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Optical apparatus having lens system change-over mechanism
US5790907A (en) 1996-06-10 1998-08-04 Eastman Kodak Company Compact photographic camera having lens slide
JPH10254054A (en) * 1997-03-10 1998-09-25 Minolta Co Ltd Camera
US5818647A (en) 1993-12-21 1998-10-06 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens barrel
US5832326A (en) 1996-09-11 1998-11-03 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method and apparatus for accommodating a lens in a zoom compact camera
US5870232A (en) 1995-02-08 1999-02-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens arrangement including endless cam surface and plurality of cam followers
US5912772A (en) 1997-04-18 1999-06-15 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens barrel with cam ring having a helicoid surface
US6031998A (en) 1997-10-01 2000-02-29 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Digital camera
US6052535A (en) 1996-01-31 2000-04-18 Minolta Co., Ltd. Collapsible lens barrel with flexible substrate
US6055116A (en) 1997-10-24 2000-04-25 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Multi-stage extension type zoom lens barrel
US6064533A (en) 1999-03-31 2000-05-16 Eastman Kodak Company Zoom assembly
US6069745A (en) 1998-02-04 2000-05-30 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens barrell
US6075655A (en) 1996-08-06 2000-06-13 Minolta Co., Ltd. Optical mechanism which allows play between transmission members for moving optical components
GB2344661A (en) 1996-01-26 2000-06-14 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Lens barrel having a linear guide mechanism
GB2344662A (en) 1996-01-26 2000-06-14 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Lens cam mechanism with tapered slot and follower and stopper
US6115190A (en) 1998-10-02 2000-09-05 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens barrel
US6185375B1 (en) 1998-01-28 2001-02-06 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Finder mechanism and drive mechanism for use in camera
US6204977B1 (en) 1998-09-09 2001-03-20 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens barrel
US20010019458A1 (en) 2000-02-01 2001-09-06 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Movable lens hood mechanism of a zoom lens
US20010024573A1 (en) 2000-01-31 2001-09-27 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Lens barrier opening/closing device of a movable lens barrel
US6324019B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2001-11-27 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens housing having aperture device
US6366323B1 (en) 1997-06-12 2002-04-02 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Digital camera with moveable image pickup device
US20020135900A1 (en) 2001-03-22 2002-09-26 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Stopper structure for lens barrel assembly
US20020135896A1 (en) 2001-03-21 2002-09-26 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Lens guide mechanism
US20020135901A1 (en) 2001-03-22 2002-09-26 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens barrel assembly
JP2003114473A (en) 2001-10-02 2003-04-18 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Digital camera
US20030081327A1 (en) 2001-10-31 2003-05-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
US20030081325A1 (en) 2001-10-31 2003-05-01 Pentax Corporation Lens Barrel
US20030081948A1 (en) 2001-10-31 2003-05-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
JP2003149723A (en) * 2001-11-09 2003-05-21 Konica Corp Camera
US20030156832A1 (en) 2002-02-21 2003-08-21 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system and method of retracting a retractable lens system
US20040042093A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Supporting structure for supporting a rotatable ring
US20040042096A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a photographing lens
US20040042089A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Cam mechanism of a photographing lens
US20040042775A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable photographing lens
US20040042091A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the cam mechanism
US20040042095A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating a rotatable ring
US20040042778A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US20040042777A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Cam mechanism of a photographing lens
US20040042092A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Rotation transfer mechanism and a zoom camera incorporating the rotation transfer mechanism
US20040042776A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Photographing lens
US20040042090A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens barrel
US20040051968A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the advancing/retracting mechanism
US20040051970A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
US20040051981A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Retracting mechanism of a retractable lens
US20040051967A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Photographing lens having an optical element retracting mechanism
US20040051971A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Cam mechanism of a photographing lens
US20040051972A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the advancing/retracting mechanism
US20040051969A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US20040062537A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-04-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the linear guide mechanism
US20040062536A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-04-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
US20040141735A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-07-22 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the rotation transfer mechanism
US20040151490A1 (en) * 2002-08-27 2004-08-05 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US20050002665A1 (en) * 2003-05-15 2005-01-06 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Lens barrel and image taking apparatus
US20050151875A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2005-07-14 Takeshi Idemura Lens apparatus and image-taking system
US20050185950A1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2005-08-25 Fujinon Corporation Lens barrel, photographic apparatus, and optical apparatus
US20050185297A1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2005-08-25 Fujinon Corporation Lens barrel, photographic apparatus, and optical apparatus
US6937816B2 (en) * 2003-05-15 2005-08-30 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Shooting apparatus and lens barrel
US20050207748A1 (en) * 2004-03-18 2005-09-22 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system and a camera incorporating the retractable lens system
US20050254140A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2005-11-17 Asia Optical Co., Inc. Lens barrels
US20050280903A1 (en) * 2004-06-22 2005-12-22 Arc Design, Inc. Zoom lens mechanism partly foldable and retractable
US20060034604A1 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-16 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system
US20060045517A1 (en) * 2004-09-02 2006-03-02 Nikon Corporation Retractable lens camera
US20060045516A1 (en) * 2004-09-02 2006-03-02 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3379721B2 (en) 1993-12-27 2003-02-24 オリンパス光学工業株式会社 Lens barrel
JP2616447B2 (en) * 1994-06-24 1997-06-04 日本電気株式会社 Map data input method
JP2759759B2 (en) * 1994-10-28 1998-05-28 株式会社藤商事 Ball game machine
DE19623066A1 (en) 1996-06-10 1997-12-11 Eastman Kodak Co Photographic camera

Patent Citations (138)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3377427A (en) * 1965-07-29 1968-04-09 George J. Fischer Light-sensitive optical control system for a television camera
US4451129A (en) * 1981-03-05 1984-05-29 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera having a plurality of built-in lenses
JPS5810708A (en) 1981-07-13 1983-01-21 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Photographic lens barrel
JPS58145930A (en) 1982-02-24 1983-08-31 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Changeover mechanism of lens system changing type camera
US4525050A (en) 1982-02-24 1985-06-25 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Photographic camera with built-in optical converter
JPS58162914A (en) 1982-03-20 1983-09-27 Canon Inc Optical eccentricity adjusting mechanism of lens barrel
DE3317999A1 (en) 1982-05-19 1983-11-24 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd., Tokyo SELF-DEVELOPMENT CAMERA
US4545661A (en) 1982-05-19 1985-10-08 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Folding camera with movable member mounting an objective lens and reflex mirror
US4643554A (en) 1982-12-20 1987-02-17 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera with focal length varying device
US4597657A (en) * 1983-10-17 1986-07-01 Nippon Kogaku K. K. Compact camera capable of encasing a phototaking optical system
US4768048A (en) * 1983-12-07 1988-08-30 Nippon Kogaku K. K. Camera having partially retractable taking optical system
US4643555A (en) 1984-09-12 1987-02-17 Nippon Kogaku K. K. Camera with switchable focal length
JPS6169002A (en) 1984-09-12 1986-04-09 Nippon Kogaku Kk <Nikon> Transmission device of lens position information of double focus camera
US4771303A (en) 1984-11-10 1988-09-13 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Variable focal length camera
US5099263A (en) 1984-11-10 1992-03-24 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Variable focal length camera
JPS61133933A (en) 1984-12-04 1986-06-21 Konishiroku Photo Ind Co Ltd Two focus camera
US4841323A (en) 1984-12-04 1989-06-20 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Automatic focusing method and camera provided with automatic focusing apparatus
US5223873A (en) 1985-05-14 1993-06-29 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Magnification change-over device for a camera
US4721972A (en) 1985-05-25 1988-01-26 Nippon Kogaku K. K. Camera having a photo-taking lens barrel movable in the direction of the optic axis
JPS61270737A (en) 1985-05-25 1986-12-01 Nippon Kogaku Kk <Nikon> Two-focus type camera
US5136324A (en) 1986-03-03 1992-08-04 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera apparatus for adjusting the optical system at different speeds
US4937609A (en) 1986-05-09 1990-06-26 Nikon Corporation Camera having soft focus filter
US4887107A (en) 1986-07-29 1989-12-12 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Camera
US4791441A (en) * 1986-10-28 1988-12-13 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Multi-focus camera
US4792822A (en) 1986-12-15 1988-12-20 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Camera with changeable focal length
JPS63149629A (en) 1986-12-15 1988-06-22 Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd Focusing distance switching type camera
US4952955A (en) 1986-12-24 1990-08-28 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Focal length switch-over camera
EP0598703A2 (en) 1986-12-24 1994-05-25 Minolta Co., Ltd. Focal length switchover camera
JPS6434623U (en) 1987-08-25 1989-03-02
US4974949A (en) 1987-12-21 1990-12-04 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens barrel
US4974949B1 (en) 1987-12-21 1996-06-04 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Zoom lens barrel
US4803557A (en) * 1988-01-11 1989-02-07 Eastman Kodak Company Adjustable mount for image sensor
US4961115A (en) * 1989-01-03 1990-10-02 Eastman Kodak Company Lens adjustment apparatus
US4993815A (en) 1989-02-21 1991-02-19 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Zoom-lens-barrel assembly
US5086312A (en) 1989-08-31 1992-02-04 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Variable focal length camera with focus adjusting device
US5587754A (en) 1989-11-06 1996-12-24 Nikon Corporation Camera with guiding of rectilinear lens movement
US5210644A (en) 1989-11-20 1993-05-11 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Cam mechanism of lens
US5376983A (en) 1991-05-31 1994-12-27 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens barrel
GB2262356A (en) 1991-10-30 1993-06-16 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Focal point adjusting device for zoom lens
GB2261298A (en) 1991-11-08 1993-05-12 Ind Tech Res Inst Zoom lens mount having openended slots
EP0549300A1 (en) * 1991-12-26 1993-06-30 Sony Corporation Remote control light receiving unit for a video camera
US5485315A (en) 1992-04-17 1996-01-16 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Backlash removing mechanism for zoom lens assembly
JPH05313226A (en) 1992-05-13 1993-11-26 Canon Inc Shutter device for camera
US5264939A (en) * 1992-05-29 1993-11-23 Eastman Kodak Company Apparatus and method for generating an interlaced viewing signal from the output signal of a non-interlaced camera system
US5430516A (en) 1992-12-14 1995-07-04 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Driving apparatus of camera
US5636062A (en) 1992-12-14 1997-06-03 Nikon Corporation Apparatus for driving a lens
US5548446A (en) 1993-01-13 1996-08-20 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Lens body tube with built-in converter lens
JPH06230263A (en) * 1993-01-28 1994-08-19 Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd Lens moving device
JPH0618777A (en) 1993-03-24 1994-01-28 Nikon Corp Camera
JPH06303497A (en) * 1993-04-12 1994-10-28 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Image pickup device
US5739962A (en) 1993-07-06 1998-04-14 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd Lens mount
EP0634680A2 (en) 1993-07-15 1995-01-18 Minolta Co., Ltd. Zoom lens mechanism
US5715482A (en) * 1993-12-06 1998-02-03 Nikon Corporation Collapsible type zoom camera
US5818647A (en) 1993-12-21 1998-10-06 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens barrel
US5557327A (en) * 1994-02-23 1996-09-17 Konica Corporation Image input apparatus with two-dimensional pixel shift
US5499143A (en) 1994-02-25 1996-03-12 Sony Corporation Electromagnetic actuator and lens drive mechanism using the same
JPH06308592A (en) 1994-04-07 1994-11-04 Nikon Corp Safety device for camera
US5706051A (en) * 1994-06-08 1998-01-06 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Compact optical system for electronic camera
JPH089230A (en) * 1994-06-15 1996-01-12 Hitachi Denshi Ltd Back focus adjusting mechanism for image pickup device
JPH08126750A (en) * 1994-11-01 1996-05-21 Sankyo Kk Pinball game machine
US5731913A (en) 1994-11-24 1998-03-24 Nikon Corporation Lens barrel with improved cam ring structure
JPH08186759A (en) * 1994-12-28 1996-07-16 Canon Inc Aspect ratio switchable image pickup device
US5870232A (en) 1995-02-08 1999-02-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens arrangement including endless cam surface and plurality of cam followers
JPH08237529A (en) * 1995-02-28 1996-09-13 Canon Inc Optical device
US5765049A (en) 1995-06-26 1998-06-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Optical apparatus having lens system change-over mechanism
GB2309551A (en) 1996-01-26 1997-07-30 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Lens barrel having a linear guide groove
GB2344662A (en) 1996-01-26 2000-06-14 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Lens cam mechanism with tapered slot and follower and stopper
GB2344661A (en) 1996-01-26 2000-06-14 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Lens barrel having a linear guide mechanism
US6052535A (en) 1996-01-31 2000-04-18 Minolta Co., Ltd. Collapsible lens barrel with flexible substrate
EP0810466A1 (en) 1996-05-31 1997-12-03 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Camera Structure
US5909600A (en) 1996-05-31 1999-06-01 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Camera structure
US5790911A (en) 1996-06-10 1998-08-04 Eastman Kodak Company Flat film cassette for compact photographic camera
US5790907A (en) 1996-06-10 1998-08-04 Eastman Kodak Company Compact photographic camera having lens slide
JPH08313790A (en) * 1996-07-01 1996-11-29 Nikon Corp Photographing lens unfolding device
US6075655A (en) 1996-08-06 2000-06-13 Minolta Co., Ltd. Optical mechanism which allows play between transmission members for moving optical components
US5832326A (en) 1996-09-11 1998-11-03 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method and apparatus for accommodating a lens in a zoom compact camera
JPH10254054A (en) * 1997-03-10 1998-09-25 Minolta Co Ltd Camera
US5912772A (en) 1997-04-18 1999-06-15 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens barrel with cam ring having a helicoid surface
US6366323B1 (en) 1997-06-12 2002-04-02 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Digital camera with moveable image pickup device
US6031998A (en) 1997-10-01 2000-02-29 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Digital camera
US6055116A (en) 1997-10-24 2000-04-25 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Multi-stage extension type zoom lens barrel
US6185375B1 (en) 1998-01-28 2001-02-06 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Finder mechanism and drive mechanism for use in camera
US6069745A (en) 1998-02-04 2000-05-30 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens barrell
US6204977B1 (en) 1998-09-09 2001-03-20 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens barrel
US6115190A (en) 1998-10-02 2000-09-05 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens barrel
US6324019B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2001-11-27 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Lens housing having aperture device
US6064533A (en) 1999-03-31 2000-05-16 Eastman Kodak Company Zoom assembly
US20010024573A1 (en) 2000-01-31 2001-09-27 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Lens barrier opening/closing device of a movable lens barrel
US20010019458A1 (en) 2000-02-01 2001-09-06 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Movable lens hood mechanism of a zoom lens
US20020135896A1 (en) 2001-03-21 2002-09-26 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Lens guide mechanism
US20020135900A1 (en) 2001-03-22 2002-09-26 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Stopper structure for lens barrel assembly
US20020135901A1 (en) 2001-03-22 2002-09-26 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Zoom lens barrel assembly
JP2003114473A (en) 2001-10-02 2003-04-18 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Digital camera
US20030081327A1 (en) 2001-10-31 2003-05-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
US20030081325A1 (en) 2001-10-31 2003-05-01 Pentax Corporation Lens Barrel
US20030081948A1 (en) 2001-10-31 2003-05-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
JP2003149723A (en) * 2001-11-09 2003-05-21 Konica Corp Camera
US20030156832A1 (en) 2002-02-21 2003-08-21 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system and method of retracting a retractable lens system
US7013081B2 (en) * 2002-02-21 2006-03-14 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system and method of retracting a retractable lens system
US6978089B2 (en) * 2002-02-21 2005-12-20 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system and method of retracting a retractable lens system
US20040042778A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US20040141735A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-07-22 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the rotation transfer mechanism
US20040042091A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the cam mechanism
US20040042095A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating a rotatable ring
US20040042089A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Cam mechanism of a photographing lens
US20040042777A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Cam mechanism of a photographing lens
US20040042092A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Rotation transfer mechanism and a zoom camera incorporating the rotation transfer mechanism
US20040042776A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Photographing lens
US20040042090A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens barrel
US20040051968A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the advancing/retracting mechanism
US20040051970A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
US20040051981A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Retracting mechanism of a retractable lens
US20040051967A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Photographing lens having an optical element retracting mechanism
US20040051971A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Cam mechanism of a photographing lens
US20040051972A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the advancing/retracting mechanism
US20040051969A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-18 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US20040062537A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-04-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel incorporating the linear guide mechanism
US20040062536A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-04-01 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel
GB2394787A (en) 2002-08-27 2004-05-05 Pentax Corp A rotation transfer mechanism with transfer gear having rotation limit
US20040042775A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable photographing lens
US20040151490A1 (en) * 2002-08-27 2004-08-05 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US7025512B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-04-11 Pentax Corporation Retracting mechanism of a retractable lens
US20040042093A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Supporting structure for supporting a rotatable ring
US6990291B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2006-01-24 Pentax Corporation Lens barrel having a moving optical element support frame
US20040042096A1 (en) 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a photographing lens
US6978088B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2005-12-20 Pentax Corporation Optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens
US6944396B2 (en) * 2003-05-15 2005-09-13 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Lens barrel and image taking apparatus
US6937816B2 (en) * 2003-05-15 2005-08-30 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Shooting apparatus and lens barrel
US20050002665A1 (en) * 2003-05-15 2005-01-06 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Lens barrel and image taking apparatus
US20050151875A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2005-07-14 Takeshi Idemura Lens apparatus and image-taking system
US20050185297A1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2005-08-25 Fujinon Corporation Lens barrel, photographic apparatus, and optical apparatus
US20050185950A1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2005-08-25 Fujinon Corporation Lens barrel, photographic apparatus, and optical apparatus
US20050207748A1 (en) * 2004-03-18 2005-09-22 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system and a camera incorporating the retractable lens system
US20050254140A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2005-11-17 Asia Optical Co., Inc. Lens barrels
US20050280903A1 (en) * 2004-06-22 2005-12-22 Arc Design, Inc. Zoom lens mechanism partly foldable and retractable
US20060034604A1 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-16 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system
US20060045517A1 (en) * 2004-09-02 2006-03-02 Nikon Corporation Retractable lens camera
US20060045516A1 (en) * 2004-09-02 2006-03-02 Pentax Corporation Retractable lens system

Non-Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
English Language Abstract of JP 10-282394.
English Language Abstract of JP 2002-277719.
English Language Abstract of JP 2003-207709.
English Language Abstract of JP 58-10708.
English Language Abstract of JP 58-162914.
English Language Abstract of JP 61-133933.
English language Abstract of JP 9-15682.
English language Abstract of JP6-308592.

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100328790A1 (en) * 2009-06-29 2010-12-30 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Camera device with image sensor driving apparatus
US7986476B2 (en) * 2009-06-29 2011-07-26 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Camera device with image sensor driving apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH114371A (en) 1999-01-06
USRE40610E1 (en) 2008-12-23
US6366323B1 (en) 2002-04-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USRE40609E1 (en) Digital camera with moveable image pickup device
US6031998A (en) Digital camera
US7527438B2 (en) Retractable photographic lens
US8350950B2 (en) Pop up prism lens assembly
US7773871B2 (en) Retractable photographic lens
US5937215A (en) Camera having a zoom lens
KR20040096989A (en) A retractable zoom lens and a method for retracting a zoom lens
JP2005284247A (en) Lens barrel, photographic apparatus, and optical apparatus
JP2010026163A (en) Lens barrel, and optical equipment
US7515195B2 (en) Digital camera with retractable lenses
WO2004099870A1 (en) Camera
JP3859476B2 (en) Digital camera
JP2005301158A (en) Lens barrel and image pickup device
US7317487B2 (en) Compact digital camera with zoom lens system
JP2004138805A (en) Camera
US20020071669A1 (en) Interconnection device of zoom camera
JP3903121B2 (en) Zoom lens
JP5312260B2 (en) Lens barrel and imaging device
JP4495934B2 (en) Digital camera
JP2004252476A (en) Zoom photographic optical system
JP4373716B2 (en) Digital camera
JP2004145029A (en) Optical unit and imaging device
JP2001042404A (en) Lens moving device
JP3864441B2 (en) Lens barrel and camera system
JP4250467B2 (en) Digital camera

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HOYA CORPORATION,JAPAN

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:PENTAX CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:021111/0198

Effective date: 20080331

Owner name: HOYA CORPORATION, JAPAN

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:PENTAX CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:021111/0198

Effective date: 20080331

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12