Abstract: The imaging device includes a camera body and an interchangeable lens unit detachably attached to the camera body, the imaging device including, an optical system including a focus lens, an infinite rotation type focus ring, a lens drive part moving the focus lens forward and backward in an optical axis direction of the optical system, a setting part allowing a user to set a rotation range of the focus ring, a storage part assigning and storing respective different rotation amounts of the focus ring to multiple positions within a movement stroke of the focus lens in accordance with a rotation range set in the setting part, and a control part driving the lens drive part to move the focus lens depending on a rotation amount of the focus ring to a position corresponding to the rotation amount stored in the storage part.

Abstract: A projection lens includes a lens barrel, at least one lens, a focus adjusting ring, a focus adjusting gear, and a driving module. The at least one lens is disposed in the lens barrel. The focus adjusting ring is disposed on the lens barrel. The focus adjusting gear is fixed on the focus adjusting ring. The driving module is connected with the focus adjusting gear. The driving module includes a motor, a motor gear, a limiter, and an elastic element. The motor has a rotating shaft. The motor gear is penetrated through by the rotating shaft and engages with the focus adjusting gear. The limiter is fixed on the rotating shaft. The elastic element is disposed between the limiter and the motor gear, wherein the limiter applies a normal force to the motor gear through the elastic element.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus having a focusing lens capable of moving in an optical axis direction provided within a lens barrel including a photographing lens, comprising; a ring rotatably disposed to the lens barrel; a memory storing a first relationship between a rotation angle of the ring and a value relating to a photographing distance corresponding to a first photographing distance area and a second relationship between a rotation angle of the ring and a value relating to a photographing distance corresponding to a second photographing distance area on a shorter distance side than the first photographing distance area; and a controller controlling a position in an optical axis direction of the focusing lens by selecting the first relationship or the second relationship in accordance with a rotation angle of the ring and calculating a value relating to a photographing distance in accordance with a rotation angle of the ring.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a first barrel which rotates around an optical axis; and a second barrel which supports the first barrel to slide freely around the optical axis and to be movable in an optical axis direction. One of the barrels includes a cam follower, and a cam groove is formed in the other. When the first barrel rotates, the cam follower slides in the cam groove. The cam groove includes first and second sliding portions, and an inclination angle of the first sliding portion to the optical axis is smaller than that of the second sliding portion. When transitioning from the collapsed to the photographing state, the cam follower slides on the first sliding portion and the first barrel extends. When transitioning from the photographing to the collapsed state, the cam follower slides on the second sliding portion and the first barrel is incorporated in the second barrel.

Abstract: An image taking system including: a lens apparatus; a first and a second operating apparatus, the first and the second operating apparatus configured to output a command information for an optical member movable in the lens apparatus, and the lens apparatus includes: a driving unit for the optical member; and a lens controller for driving the optical member based on a command from the first and the second operating apparatus, wherein the first operating apparatus includes: an operating unit; and a demand controller for outputting, to the lens controller, an information for driving the optical member, and wherein the demand controller outputs a position command information for the optical member to the lens controller when the operating unit being operated, and outputs other information for the optical member to the lens controller when the operating unit not being operated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable lens mounted on a camera body in an exchangeable manner, and the interchangeable lens includes: an optical system in which a state of a subject light flux incident to the mounted camera body is adjustable by changing an optical state; a contact position detecting unit with a detection plane, which detects a contact state including a contact and a contact position of a finger of a photographer, to detect a change in a contact position on the detection plane in an approximately same direction as an optical axis direction of the optical system; and a lens controller to control an optical state of the optical system according to a contact state of the finger including the contact position detected by the contact position detecting unit.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an operation member movable from an initial position with respect to an apparatus body, a first elastic member configured to be deformed from a first state to a second state when the operation member is moved from the initial position and to restore the operation member to the initial position with a force produced to return from the second state to the first state, a second elastic member configured to be held by the first elastic member when the first elastic member is in the first state, and a contact portion configured not to come into contact with the second elastic member when the operation member is at the initial position and to come into contact with the second elastic member when the operation member is moved from the initial position.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a fixed portion with an optical system including a focusing lens. An operation member is placed so as to be movable to first and second positions along an optical axis of the fixed portion, and turnable around the optical axis at the first and second positions. A turning member turns along with the operation member when moved to the second position, and does not operate with the operation member when moved from the second position to the first position. Positioning means position the operation member at the first or second position through a plurality of balls. When the operation member is at the first position it is urged to the first position by the plurality of balls. When the operation member is at the second position, it is urged to the second position by the plurality of balls.

Abstract: A lens driver having a manually operated ring, rotation detection means for detecting rotation direction and rotating speed of the manually operated ring on the basis of rotation the manually operated ring, a switching means for switching a control mode, on the basis of detection result of the rotation detection means, between a normal control mode in which a lens is driven at normal driving speed depending on rotating speed of the manually operated ring and a high-speed control mode in which the lens is driven at high driving speed which is faster than the normal driving speed, and a driving control means for controlling a driving means so that the lens is driven at the normal driving speed when the normal control mode is set and controlling the driving means so that the lens is driven at the high driving speed when the high-speed control mode is set.

Abstract: An auto-focusing camera module includes a lens module, an image sensor, a color separation unit, a controller, and a shape memory alloy. The lens module captures light signal of an object. The image sensor senses the light and forms an image. The color separation unit separates the image into red image, green image and blue image. The controller calculates MTF values of the image and determines a shooting distance between the lens module and the object. When the shooting distance is greater than a predetermined distance value, the controller processes the image according to the MTF values to compensate blurs of the image caused by out of focus; when the shooting distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance value, the controller controls the shape memory alloy drive the lens module to an optimum focusing position for focus according to the MTF values.

Abstract: An auto-focusing apparatus controls backlash compensation driving of a focus lens during exposure preparation when focusing is performed by moving the focus lens to a target position of the focus lens. A shutter release time lag can be reduced, and in particular, the auto-focusing apparatus can be usefully applied to the case where a moving subject is photographed.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an operation member adapted to be movable to a first position and a second position and turnable at each of the positions, a turning member adapted to turnably engage with the operation member at the second position, and disengage from the operation member at the first position, a first detection unit adapted to detect a turning position of the turning member configured to turn in engagement with the operation member, a second detection unit adapted to detect a turning amount and a rotational direction of the operation member when the operation member is disengaged from the turning member, and a moving unit adapted to move the focusing lens along the optical axis based on an output from the first detection unit or the second detection unit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus that determines in-focus conditions according to a user's taste by using auto-focus (AF). The imaging apparatus including an AF unit, that allows the user to input an in-focus operation start command, and that allows the user to input a main photographing start command. The imaging apparatus includes a photographing environment storing unit that stores photographing stop and start data, an assumed in-focus condition group generating unit that generates an assumed in-focus condition group based on at least the photographing stop data, an assumption confirming unit that confirms the assumed in-focus condition group, and an in-focus condition group changing unit that, if an in-focus success rate for the assumed in-focus condition group is higher than for the default in-focus condition group, changes the default in-focus condition group to the assumed in-focus condition group.

Abstract: A focusing method and apparatus for providing focus evaluation value information regarding a focus region of an image of a subject, which is obtained by performing auto focusing, without having to enlarge the focus region, and a computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon the focusing method. Accordingly, a user may precisely and finely perform manual focusing on the focus region.

Abstract: A focus adjusting apparatus comprises a focus operating unit for generating a focus command signal for driving a focus lens according to an operating amount of the focus operating unit; a focus driving unit for driving the focus lens in response to the focus command signal from the focus operating unit; a focus position detecting unit for detecting a position of the focus lens; a focus detecting unit for detecting whether or not in-focus is achieved or detecting deviation amount from in-focus position; and an operation sensitivity determining unit for determining a focus operating sensitivity of the focus operating unit, wherein the operation sensitivity determining unit determines the focus operating sensitivity and the position of the focus lens, and wherein the focus driving unit drives the focus lens according to the focus operating sensitivity.

Abstract: An optical instrument comprising a focusing lens provided inside a lens barrel, a ring member that is arranged to rotate with respect to a lens barrel, and to slide to a first position and a second position, a focusing mode setting section, provided on a camera body, for setting focusing mode, and a control section for, when the ring member has been slid to the first position, carrying out focusing in a focusing mode that was set in the focusing mode setting section, and when the ring member has been slid to the second position, stopping focusing the focusing mode that was set in the focusing mode setting section, and performing focusing of the focusing lens to a distance corresponding to an absolute position of the ring member.

Abstract: A camera focusing system employs left and right video cameras flanking a principal photographic camera. The video cameras are coupled to respective video monitors, each of which has a vertical cursor line superimposed in the middle of the screen representing 90°. A cursor controller allows this line to be moved left and right. As the line is moved left or right to track a desired point of focus on the camera subject, the value increases or decreases from 90°. Software interprets the cursor displacement and determines a real world angular value based on calibration of the focusing system. The angular values are then used to compute the focal distance between the principal camera and the subject. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of optimizing the responsiveness of linear changes in focus to operations of a ring member without sacrificing the operability of the ring member, while using a small-sized, low-cost ring member for manual operations. The rotating operation state of a focus ring 600 is detected by ring rotation sensors 603, 604. A camera microcomputer 116 causes a focus lens 105 to be moved and stopped in an optical axis direction thereof based on results of the detection by the ring rotation sensors 603, 604. The camera microcomputer 116 controls the responsiveness of linear changes in focus to the rotating operation state of the ring member detected by the ring rotation sensors 603, 604 in accordance with at least the depth of focus.

Abstract: A lens driver having a manually operated ring, rotation detection means for detecting rotation direction and rotating speed of the manually operated ring on the basis of rotation the manually operated ring, a switching means for switching a control mode, on the basis of detection result of the rotation detection means, between a normal control mode in which a lens is driven at normal driving speed depending on rotating speed of the manually operated ring and a high-speed control mode in which the lens is driven at high driving speed which is faster than the normal driving speed, and a driving control means for controlling a driving means so that the lens is driven at the normal driving speed when the normal control mode is set and controlling the driving means so that the lens is driven at the high driving speed when the high-speed control mode is set.

Abstract: A focus adjustment mechanism is used for a photo device for adjusting a focus of a lens assembly of the photo device. The focus adjustment mechanism comprises a focus adjustment button connected to a casing of the photo device and comprising a contact portion, and a pressure detection module disposed in the photo device in a position corresponding to the focus adjustment button to contact the contact portion, and the pressure detection module is electrically coupled with the lens assembly. When the focus adjustment button is pressed, the pressure detection module can generate a signal value according to a displacement value of the focus adjustment button so that a focus of the lens assembly is determined according to each signal value. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a photo device having the focus adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A focus adjustment mechanism is used for a photo device for adjusting a focus of a lens assembly of the photo device. The focus adjustment mechanism comprises a focus adjustment button connected to a casing of the photo device and comprising a contact portion, and a pressure detection module disposed in the photo device in a position corresponding to the focus adjustment button to contact the contact portion, and the pressure detection module is electrically coupled with the lens assembly. When the focus adjustment button is pressed, the pressure detection module can generate a signal value according to a displacement value of the focus adjustment button so that a focus of the lens assembly is determined according to each signal value. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a photo device having the focus adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: In a lens control system, a temporary target position is obtained such that the turning operation is not limited to a value within the movable range of the movable lens in correspondence with the rotational position of the operating member; a normal target position limited to a position within the movable range of the movable lens is set from the temporary target position; and the movable lens is moved to the normal target position. The temporary target position indicates an absolute rotational position of the operating member. If the temporary target position is a position within the movable range of the movable lens (other than the ends), the movable lens is set at the temporary target position, thereby ensuring that the movable lens is set at a fixed position with respect to the corresponding fixed position of the operating member.

Abstract: A control section acquires a stop target position where a stop target lens should be stopped from a zoom tracing table according to zoom operation. Next, a motor driver is controlled to drive a DC motor of a lens unit. Comparison is made between a current state and a target deceleration curve. When the stop target lens reaches a deceleration start position, deceleration is made along the target deceleration curve by increasing or decreasing an ON ratio of PWM drive and a voltage applied according to deviance from the target deceleration curve. When the stop target lens reaches a complete stop processing start position, the motor driver is controlled to stop the stop target lens at the stop target position. Thereby, a zoom lens and a focus lens can be moved more precisely and speedily to the target position.

Abstract: When focus is to be achieved in manual focus, accurate and quick focus is attained when switched from a telemacro mode to a normal mode. An image pickup apparatus includes: a shooting mode determining module; a zoom lens drive module; a focus lens drive module; a storing module; and a control module wherein a combination point of a position of a focus lens with a position of a zoom lens is moved along a path of a combination point of a position of the focus lens with a position of the zoom lens that is focused at the shooting distance stored by the storing module in response to manipulation to change a focal length by a user, when it is determined that the shooting mode determining module has switched from the telemacro mode to the normal mode.

Abstract: A control apparatus configured to control a control target in response to an operation by a user includes a first operation member configured to control the control target at a speed corresponding to an operation amount given by a user per unit time, a second operation member that is disposed in a position simultaneously operable by one and the same finger as the first operation member configured to control the control target at a predetermined speed in response to the operation by the user, and a control member configured to prioritize the operation of the first operation member over that of the second operation member when the first operation member and the second operation member are simultaneously operated.

Abstract: In a lens system in which a momentary mode in which AF is operated when an AF switch SW2 is pressed and a continuous mode in which the AF is continuously operated can be selected, a CPU uses the AF switch SW2 for use in the momentary mode as an AF stop switch, and stops an AF process when the AF switch SW2 is pressed (turned on) in the continuous mode.

Abstract: A drive controller of a lens apparatus including a first lens unit moving for performing manual focus and a second lens unit moving for performing auto-focus has a control device switchable between a first mode for performing an auto-focus control of the second lens unit and a second mode for making the second lens unit unmovable at a predetermined position. The control device has a third mode for controlling drive of the second lens unit, upon receiving a command for switching from the first mode to the second mode, so as to maintain a focus state of the lens apparatus, on the basis of positional information of the first lens unit. The controller moves to the second mode upon detecting that the second lens unit has reached the predetermined position in the third mode.

Abstract: In order to be able to reduce power consumption while making possible manual operation in any scene when the photographic situation demands its use, an image pickup apparatus has a ring member arranged concentrically with the optical axis of lenses, a detecting device for detecting the quantity of variation resulting from the rotation of the ring member, a control device for shifting/stopping a group of optical lenses in the direction of their optical axis on the basis of the result of detection by the detecting device, and a power supply control device for changing the state of power supply to the detecting device according to the mode of use. Power supply to the detecting device is prohibited when in the automatic focusing mode, and permitted in a focusing-locked state when in the photo shooting mode. It is also prohibited in the viewing mode.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which can control a position of a driven member with precision using a simple control algorithm. The optical apparatus includes an actuator, a driven member, a transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the actuator to the driven member, a first detector for detecting driving of the actuator and for outputting a signal corresponding to a detection result, a second detector for detecting driving of the driven member and for outputting a signal corresponding to a detection result, and a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller determines, after activating the actuator, one of the first and second detectors which the one outputs a signal corresponding to a predetermined driving amount earlier, and controls the actuator based on the signal from the one that has been determined.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed with which the correspondence between the movement of a movable lens and the position of an operating member can be maintained and the operability can be improved. The optical apparatus comprises a lens drive unit which drives a movable lens, an operating member operable within a predetermined movable range, and an operating member drive unit which drives the operating member within the predetermined movable range. The optical apparatus also comprises an operating member position detector detecting the position of the operating member, and a signal output unit that outputs a signal for moving the movable lens. The controller controls the drive of the lens drive unit based on a signal from the operating member position detector and controls the drive of the operating member drive unit based on the signal from the signal output unit.

Abstract: In order to be able to reduce power consumption while making possible manual operation in any scene when the photographic situation demands its use, an image pickup apparatus has a ring member arranged concentrically with the optical axis of lenses, a detecting device for detecting the quantity of variation resulting from the rotation of the ring member, a control device for shifting/stopping a group of optical lenses in the direction of their optical axis on the basis of the result of detection by the detecting device, and a power supply control device for changing the state of power supply to the detecting device according to the mode of use. Power supply to the detecting device is prohibited when in the automatic focusing mode, and permitted in a focusing-locked state when in the photo shooting mode. It is also prohibited in the viewing mode.

Abstract: An optical apparatus capable of reducing processing burden on the controller and achieving high-speed driving and improvement of the resolution of stop positions of an optical element. The optical apparatus includes a drive unit that drives the optical element, an operation member manually operated to instruct driving of the optical element and a signal output unit that outputs a signal that varies periodically according to the operation of the operation member. The controller determines the operation speed of the operation member based on the signal from the signal output unit, and chooses whether to control the drive unit according to the operation speed based on a count of periodic variations of the signal from the signal output unit, or to control the drive unit based on a value of the signal from the signal output unit.

Abstract: An optical device has an optical member that includes the optical device, an operating ring which can be rotated about the optical axis of the optical member and is used to drive the optical member, a switching mechanism which transmits the drive force from a motor drive source to the operating ring, and can be switched between a state for motor-driving the optical member and a state for canceling motor driving of the optical member, and control means for switching the switching mechanism between the motor-driving state and the motor-driving canceling state, and the control means switches the switching mechanism to the state for canceling motor driving on the basis of manual operation of the operating ring when the switching mechanism is motor-driving the optical member.

Abstract: The lens apparatus permits rapid focusing by the operator demanding an autofocus start-up direction to carry out AF in the direction in an AF mode. When a start of the AF mode is instructed, an AF standby state of waiting for the operator to demand the AF start-up direction by operating a focus operation member, thereby permitting the operator to properly demand the AF start-up direction, and permitting the demand to be appropriately detected. When automatically switching from the state where the operator operates the focus operation member to the AF, condition of the switching is that a focus evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the operation of the focus operation member, or that an operation amount of the focus operation member is changed more then a predetermined amount, thereby permitting further rapid focusing and improvement of operability.

Abstract: A camera has a main module and a lens movement control. The lens movement control has opposed front and rear grip surfaces that are disposed adjacent respective front and rear faces of the main module. The grip surfaces are pivotable relative to the main module from a neutral position to opposed first and second pivoted positions. A lens system is joined to the main module. The lens system has a driver and a movable lens element connected to the driver. The driver extends and retracts the movable lens element, relative to the main module, during the pivoting of the lens movement control to the first and second pivoted positions, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens barrel apparatus dispensing with deliberate switching between manual and automatic operation modes and permitting quick adjustment of conditions regarding the object. In this apparatus, a gear moving plate of a clutch mechanism is connected to the external gear of a zooming or focusing ring, a gear fixing plate of the clutch mechanism is connected to a zoom motor, and the gear moving plate is operated by a clutch operating motor via a coil spring and a moving gear to connect and disconnect the fixed plate. When the clutch mechanism is disconnected, a movable disk and a coil spring are enabled to freely rotate by a thrust bearing. By operating the clutch mechanism on the basis of an operational control signal for a zooming switch, switching between manual and electric operation modes is automatically accomplished. Further the manual operation torque of the zooming ring can be either adjusted with a volume control device or automatically maintained at a constant level.

Abstract: A camera has a movable lens barrel that is stowed in a camera body while the camera is inactive, and is protruded from the camera body to a near range focusing position or a far range focusing position by rotating a drive ring in one direction. The movable barrel returns to the stowed position by rotating the drive ring further in the same direction, because of a cam mechanism interconnecting the drive ring with the movable barrel. To rotate the drive ring, a rotational power of a motor in a first direction is transmitted to the drive ring through a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism is switched over according to the rotational direction of the motor and transmits a rotational power of the motor in a second direction to another mechanism. A controller controls driving the motor in response to signals entered through manually operated members, including a power switch, a shutter button and a zone selector, with reference to detection signals from a barrel position detector.

Abstract: A lens driving device for driving a focusing lens of a photographing lens for a camera is provided with a focusing ring that is rotated to move the focusing lens, an AF motor and an MF (manual focusing) ring. Each of the AF motor and the MF ring is connected to the focusing ring to rotate the same. The AF motor is driven to rotate. The MF ring is operable even when the AF motor is rotated. The device is further provided with a first detector that detects a driving amount of the focusing lens, a second detector that detects a driving speed of the AF motor, and a speed controller that controls a driving speed of the AF motor in accordance with detection outputs of the first and second detector.

Abstract: A camera has a movable lens barrel that is stowed in a camera body while the camera is inactive, and is protruded from the camera body to a near range focusing position or a far range focusing position by rotating a drive ring in one direction. The movable barrel returns to the stowed position by rotating the drive ring further in the same direction, because of a cam mechanism interconnecting the drive ring with the movable barrel. To rotate the drive ring, a rotational power of a motor in a first direction is transmitted to the drive ring through a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism is switched over according to the rotational direction of the motor and transmits a rotational power of the motor in a second direction to another mechanism. A controller controls driving the motor in response to signals entered through manually operated members, including a power switch, a shutter button and a zone selector, with reference to detection signals from a barrel position detector.

Abstract: A control system for an objective of the camera, in particular a film camera, includes one or several drive units for automatically positioning at least one lens ring, e.g., for adjusting the focus position, the opening of the iris diaphragm and/or the focal length. The drive units can be used to adjust the lens ring(s) to a predefined set position. A device coupled to each of the lens rings determines the actual position of the lens rings relative to the objective and converts this position into a measuring output signal.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an optical lens having an optical axis, an operation ring substantially cylindrical and operable about the optical axis to move the optical lens along the optical axis thereof, and a slidable contact member slidably in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the operation ring, the slidable contact member providing a specific load against the inner circumferential surface thereof. The operational torque of the operation force is changed when the slidable contact member moves in the optical axis direction by changing its contact area with the inner circumferential surface of the operation ring.

Abstract: A lens driving device is disclosed, whereby it is made unnecessary for a user side to determine focusing when focusing is to be performed by an operation ring in a manual preference automatic focusing mode. The lens driving device includes an operation ring rotated for performing automatic focusing, a rotary encoder for detecting the operation amount of the operation ring, a motor for performing lens driving according to an operation amount detected by the rotary encoder, a body side CPU for detecting a defocusing amount at least during lens driving and a lens side CPU for forcibly stopping the lens driving of the motor when a defocusing amount detected by the body side CPU becomes equal to a preset value or lower.

Abstract: An auto-focus camera performs a focusing and a photometry when a shutter button is half depressed in an auto-focus mode. In this case, when an MF button is depressed, a result value of the focusing is held as long as the MF button is depressed even if the shutter button is released. When the shutter button is depressed again, only the photometry is performed. On the other hand, when the MF button is depressed in a manual focus mode, an object distance can be set by an UP/DOWN dial which is also used for setting various kinds of photographing items. The MF button is used for maintaining an AF lock, and is used for instructing the setting of the object distance in the manual-focus mode.

Abstract: In order to connect a stepping motor driven type camera unit to a camera control unit intended for a DC motor driven type camera apparatus, a camera system includes a lens block provided with a stepping motor for adjusting lens operation, an A/D conversion block for converting a DC control signal ranging from positive to negative polarity into a digital signal to be outputted, a shift direction/velocity calculation block which generates and outputs data on lens shift direction and velocity according to the digital signal from the A/D conversion block, and a pulse signal generation block for outputting a pulse signal according to the data from the shift direction/velocity calculation block.

Abstract: A signal determining circuit determines the voltage of a control signal which is output according to a rotational angle of a thumb ring. When the determined voltage of the control signal is lower than a predetermined cutoff voltage, an armature of a switch means is made to contact a point of contact which is grounded, so that the control signal can be interrupted. On the other hand, when the determined voltage of the control signal is higher than the cutoff voltage, the armature of the switch means is made to contact the other point of contact so as to input the control signal to a driving circuit, and a servo motor is driven according to the control signal, so that a zoom lens can be moved to the tele side or the wide side. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the lens from operating incorrectly and to effectively eliminate an unstable area in a circuit which has a wide dynamic range.

Abstract: A driving device includes a movable object, a driving part for moving the object, a manual operation member, a pulse generator for generating a plurality of pulses successively according to an operation of the operation member with pulse intervals varying depending on its operation speed, a data forming part for forming a plurality of data on the basis of the plurality of pulses successively according to the pulse intervals, a storage part for storing successively the plurality of data and a reading part for reading out the stored plurality of data successively and determining a drive parameter for each of the read out data corresponding to the speed for moving the object by the driving part by using the data value. The timing for reading out subsequent data is set after completion of the movement of the object on the basis of a prior data value.

Abstract: When CPU 2 is in the standby state, switch S4 is turned OFF such that switch S1 is not connected to condenser C1 and the signals from switch S1 are pulled up by means of resistor R2. When CPU 2 becomes activated through the detection of a change in the state of switch S1, switches S3, S4 and S5 are turned ON to connect condenser C1 and resistor R1 to switch S1 and to connect resistor R3 to switch S2. Through this construction, the chattering in switches S1 and S2 may be eliminated, and CPU 2, which is in a standby state, may be activated based on signals from switch S1.

Abstract: A power focus device for a camera provides a user-friendly lever interface allowing efficient camera operation. A lever, located outside a camera cover, is movable in two opposing directions but is biased to remain at a neutral position between two extremes of movement. Moving the lever from the neutral position initiates driving the camera lens to focus in either a first or a second direction according to a direction of a displacement of the lever from the neutral position. A speed of focusing is proportional to an amount of displacement of the lever from the neutral position, thus permitting variable high and low speed focusing in both directions for rapid and accurate close-up and infinity focussing. Incorporating a seal into the device permits use in underwater camera applications.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus for video camera or the like in which a change-over between automatic focusing and manual focusing is possible comprises an endlessly rotatable and hand-worked manipulator, a detector for detecting the direction and amount of manipulation or rotational movement of the manipulator, and a controller/driver for moving a part of optical elements in an optical system along its optical axis direction in a direction corresponding to the direction of manipulation of the manipulator detected by the detector and by a distance corresponding to the amount of manipulation of the manipulator detected by the detector, thereby taking the focus.