Patent ID: 7719612
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: G02B,G03B,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup element configured to convert an optical image of a subject into an electric signal; an optical member configured to modulate an incident light beam into a predetermined light beam and output the predetermined light beam, the optical member having a substantially rectangular shape and being disposed in front of the image pickup element along an optical axis for image taking; a piezoelectric element configured to contact a surface perpendicular to a light incident surface of the optical member and provide vibration to the optical member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis for image taking, wherein the vibrating surface of the piezoelectric element is not bonded to the surface perpendicular to the light incident surface of the optical member; an elastic supporting member configured to support the optical member in a floating state so as to facilitate the oscillation of the optical member and to seal a space between the image pickup element and the optical member, the elastic supporting member being formed from a polymer; an urging member configured to urge the optical member supported by the elastic supporting member in the direction of the piezoelectric element, wherein the urging member urges the surface of the optical member which faces the surface of the optical member with which the piezoelectric element contacts even when the piezoelectric element is driven in the direction of contraction; and a control unit configured to control the vibration provided by the piezoelectric element.