Abstract: An imaging apparatus configured to (a) acquire information about a target position of pan or tilt drive of the imaging apparatus and information about a first driving speed associated with the target position; and (b) control an imaging direction of the imaging apparatus by performing the pan or tilt drive to the target position according to the first driving speed. In a case where the imaging apparatus is in a specific state at a time of controlling the imaging direction by performing the pan or tilt drive to the target position, the imaging direction is controlled by performing the pan or tilt drive according to a second driving speed higher than the first driving speed.

Abstract: An information processing system configured to perform predetermined processing based on out-of-focus information corresponding to a first area of an image, the out-of-focus information corresponding to a difference in focus between the first area of the image and a second area of the image that is different from the first area of the image.

Abstract: When a first or a second operation is performed on an operation unit included in a lens apparatus, a memory stores a first or a second state of a focus lens unit detected by an operation detection unit when the first or the second operation is performed. When the first or the second operation is performed on the operation unit after the memory stores the first or the second state, a focus driving unit puts a state of the focus lens unit into the first or the second state.

Abstract: The lens driving adapter is detachably attachable to a lens barrel on which an operation member is provided. The adapter includes a driver configured to drive the operation member, and an adapter body holding the driver. The adapter body includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion that are protrusions contactable with two circumferential portions in an outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel. The first and the second contact portions are contactable with outer circumferential surfaces of lens barrels whose outer diameters are mutually different. The adapter body includes a fixing member configured to fix the adapter body to any of the lens barrels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video surveillance system, having a video camera; a motor operable to move the video camera; and a processor monitoring a value of a signal provided to the motor, the processor terminating the signal to the motor when the monitored signal value exceeds a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time. A network may be coupled to the processor for communication of the signal termination. The processor may reinitiate a signal transmission to the motor sufficient to maintain a position of the motor after a predetermined period of time, and the processor may monitor the signal transmission and adjust at least one of a zoom setting and focus setting of the video camera based at least in part on the monitored signal.

Abstract: A multi-focal length range image capturing device including a device body, an image capturing circuit, and a processing circuit is provided. The image capturing circuit performs image capturing based on a focal length setting value and generates an image signal. The processing circuit controls the image capturing circuit to be operated in one of plural image capturing modes. When the image capturing circuit is operated in a first image capturing mode, the image capturing circuit sets a focal length range thereof to a first preset focal length range, so as to select the focal length setting value within the first preset focal length range. When the image capturing circuit is operated in a second image capturing mode, the image capturing circuit sets the focal length range to a second preset focal length range, so as to select the focal length setting value within the second preset focal length range.

Abstract: An operation apparatus mountable/dismountable to/from a lens apparatus including a movable optical element, including: a detector detecting a position signal corresponding to a position of the optical element in a state of being mounted to the lens apparatus; a memory storing a reference position signal; i.e., a position signal at a time when the optical element is located at a reference position while being mounted to the lens apparatus; a determiner determining whether or not being dismounted from the lens apparatus after the reference position signal is stored; and a controller switching between an adjustment mode where the reference position signal is stored in the reference memory and a normal mode where the reference position signal is not stored, and controlling the operation apparatus to operate in the adjustment mode when the determiner determines the operation apparatus being dismounted from the lens apparatus after storing the reference position signal.

Abstract: In the present invention, in a state where a photographing parameter of an imaging section (for example, the focal length of a zoom lens) has been set within the range between a first value (for example, a wide angle end of 18 mm) and a second value (for example, a telephoto end of 140 mm), and a reference value (for example, 28 mm) for the photographing parameter has been set within the range between the first value and the second value, a control section changes the set parameter to the reference value.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, which is mountable a lens apparatus thereon, obtains information of a mounted lens apparatus and if the lens apparatus is identified as the interchangeable lens which fails in firmware update based on the obtained information, controls to restrict an operation in which an interchangeable lens is used and to enable an operation which does not use the interchangeable lens.

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 interchangeable lens attachable to a camera body includes a first operable member, a second operable member, an operation member for receiving user's operation for the first operable member or the second operable member, an obtaining unit configured to obtain, from the camera body, selection information for selecting the operable member to be assigned to the operation member, and a controller configured to make the operation member function as a member for operating either one of the first operable member and the second operable member based on the selection information.

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: An interchangeable lens includes a zoom lens, a driver configured to drive the zoom lens, an operation unit configured to receive a user's operation for changing a magnification of the zoom lens, and a controller configured to control the driver according to the operation of the operation unit. The controller controls the driver in either one of a first operation mode for enabling the zoom lens to stop at an arbitrary position according to the operation of the operation unit and a second operation mode for enabling the zoom lens to stop at one of discrete predetermined stop positions according to the operation of the operation unit.

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: A lens apparatus is switchable between first and second modes. A control master determination unit a lens apparatus as one of a master and a slave when the lens apparatus is operated in the second mode. A command value transmit-receive unit transmits/receives a command value of a target of the lens apparatus to/from another lens apparatus in the second mode, wherein the lens apparatus drives the target according to a command value from a controller for the lens apparatus for the target for which the lens apparatus is the master, and drives the target according to a command value received through the command value transmit-receive unit for the target for which the lens apparatus is set as the slave.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: receiving means for receiving selection input for an imaging mode; discriminating means for discriminating, when the selection input is received through the receiving means, a selected imaging mode on the basis of the received selection input; and scanning controlling means for causing, when it is discriminated by the discriminating means that a simple imaging mode for limiting operation input and allowing a user to appropriately take an image of a subject is selected, the imaging apparatus to execute scanning processing for specifying a position of the subject, which is performed to set focus on the subject, in a maximum range from a near scene to a distant scene.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens attachable to a camera body includes a first operable member, a second operable member, an operation member for receiving user's operation for the first operable member or the second operable member, an obtaining unit configured to obtain, from the camera body, selection information for selecting the operable member to be assigned to the operation member, and a controller configured to make the operation member function as a member for operating either one of the first operable member and the second operable member based on the selection information.

Abstract: A hand held device containing at least one camera can perform various functions. In some embodiments, the device may have a primary lens for focusing on distant objects, and a secondary lens that may be combined with the primary lens for focusing on up-close objects. The secondary lens may be movable in and out of the optical path to permit such a transition.

Abstract: A hand held device containing at least one camera can perform various functions. In some embodiments, digitized images taken with two or more camera lenses having different fixed focal lengths may be combined to emulate a high-resolution optical zoom, and may also permit the device to perform 3D applications. In other embodiments, a device containing a camera may perform as a bar code reader, and may wirelessly transmit and/or visually present a bar code to other devices. Movable optics may permit the same camera to focus on either distant objects or on a close-up bar code.

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 system and method for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera includes a digital zoom module that performs a digital zoom function, and an optical zoom module that controls a lens unit of the digital camera to perform an optical zoom function. A depth of field manager performs a zoom-setting optimization procedure to select optimal zoom values for the optical zoom module and the digital zoom module to thereby optimize image quality characteristics of images captured by the camera device.

Abstract: Photographing at a fixed focus is executed by quickly canceling the autofocus without any labor for mode switching or the like. An image sensing apparatus includes a photographing unit which has an autofocus function and photographs an object image, a key input unit including a shutter key which has two operation strokes and designates autofocus and autoexposure by operation of the first stroke and photographing by operation of the second stroke, and a focus control unit which automatically sets a correct exposure value in the photographing unit, detects predetermined operation states of the first and second strokes designated by the shutter key, and switches and selects, on the basis of the detection result, whether to operate the autofocus function or set a fixed-focus position at which a predetermined depth of field is obtained.

Abstract: A camera unit which is capable of coping with both a case where it is largely displaced from a preset position and a case where it is slightly displaced from the same, and makes it possible to enhance accuracy and reliability in displacement correction. A zoom/focus control circuit and a pan/tilt control circuit drive the camera unit. A memory stores preset information indicative of a shooting position and a focal length of the camera unit. A correction image memory stores correction images shot at different focal lengths at the shooting position. An image comparison circuit compares between an image shot by the camera unit at the shooting position and the stored correction images, and calculates a displacement amount. A CPU corrects the driving amount of the pan/tilt control circuit based on the calculated displacement amount.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stereographic camera system including a first camera and a second camera including respective first and second lenses. A zoom mechanism may synchronously set focal lengths of the first and second lenses to a selected focal length of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a lens apparatus having a zoom lens movable between a telephoto end and a wide-angle end according to the present invention comprises a selecting member which selects a zoom position between the telephoto end and the wide-angle end, a controller which has a drive range limiting function of controlling drive of the zoom lens by using the selected zoom position as a drive end, and a drive range switch member which switches the drive range limiting function between an invalid state and a valid state. The controller drives the zoom lens to the drive end when the drive range limiting function is switched to the valid state.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, a control method and a program are provided. The image pickup apparatus includes an imaging module which takes an image; a display module which displays the image taken by the imaging module; a touch panel configured integrally with the display module and manipulatable by a user; a focus frame control module which controls a focus frame in accordance with a manipulation of the touch panel by the user, the focus frame being set at a given position on the image displayed on the display module and being used for focus control; and a focus control module which controls focus based on an image inside the focus frame on the image displayed on the display module.

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: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit which captures image data of an object, a zoom image data generating unit which generates items of zoom image data having different zoom magnifications, a display control unit which displays through images on a display unit based on the items of the generated zoom image data, a selection unit which selects one of the zoom magnifications by selecting one of the through images displayed on the display unit, and a recording control unit which records image data corresponding to the selected zoom magnification in a storing medium.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an zoom position acquiring section for acquiring a zoom position representing a lens position condition of the optical zoom mechanism on taking the inputted image, a zooming-direction decoding section for decompressing correction parameter associated with the zoom position, which is acquired by the zoom position acquiring section, according to a zoom compression parameter, into which a correction parameter for distortion correction corresponding to each lens position condition is compressed by utilizing zoom partitioning points at which lens position conditions of the optical zoom mechanism are sequentially partitioned into plural levels that are set between a wide-end and a tele-end and that include both ends, and an image correction section for correcting distortion of the inputted image according to the correction parameter decompressed by the zooming-direction decoding section.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided with a photographing lens, an image capturing element, which is configured to capture an optical image of an object formed by the photographing lens, a coarse movement control system configured to control a position of the photographing lens in a direction of an optical axis by a motor, and a fine movement control system configured to control a position of an image receiving area of the image capturing element in the direction of the optical axis is provided.

Abstract: A mobile communication device includes a first part and a second part. The first part has a camera module mounted therein, which includes a lens-barrel and a focusing mechanism engaged with the lens barrel. Wherein the focusing mechanism has a focusing lever. The second part is movably attached to the first part between a first position and a second position. The second part further has a first and second lever-driving portions for driving the focusing lever to rotate between a first focus position where the focusing lever is located adjacent to the first lever-driving portion and the second is moved to the first position, and a second focus position where the focusing lever is located adjacent to the second lever-driving portion and the second part is moved to the second position.

Abstract: A focus adjusting mechanism (50) for use in a portable electronic device (100) with a lens module (40) is provided. The lens module includes a lens barrel (42) and a lens barrel holder (44). The lens barrel is threaded into the barrel holder. The focus adjusting mechanism includes a driving member (52), a follower (54) and a transmission rod (56). The driving member has a plurality of circumferential teeth (5242) formed thereon. The follower has a plurality of linear teeth (5472) formed thereon. The linear teeth engage with the circumferential teeth for transforming the rotation of the driving member to the linear movement of the follower. The transmission rod is disposed between the follower and the lens barrel to transform the linear movement of the follower into the rotation movement of the lens barrel relative to the lens barrel holder.

Abstract: An image forming device for forming an image on an image forming object by irradiating the image forming object with a luminous flux corresponding to the image, the image forming device including: a lens having a zoom lens and a focus lens; a driving system; a position sensor; a controlling circuit; and a memory. When the controlling circuit receives a first command, the controlling circuit sets the target values, controls the driving system using the set target values, and performs control to record the respective positions detected by the position sensor in timing of ending the controlling of the driving system in the memory as a first adjustment value. When the controlling circuit receives a second command to read contents of the memory, the controlling circuit reads the first adjustment value from the memory, and controls the driving system using the first adjustment value as the target values.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly includes an optical system forming an optical axis and having at least one lens group, a base member (1), a macro ring member (2) rotatably engaged with the base member for accomplishing both zooming and focusing operations, a lens holder (3) received in the macro ring member and having the at least one lens group received therein, a resilient member (4) compressively engaged with the lens holder, and an interengaging means (13, 21; 16, 25) provided between the macro ring member and the base member. The macro ring member has a driving member (22, 27) disposed thereon for manual manipulating. When the driving member is manipulated, the macro ring member is rotated and moved along the optical axis relative to the base member by the action of the interengaging means, and thus the focal length of the optical system is varied for effecting both normal photography and macro photography.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a user to selectively view an automatically zoomed region of a displayed initial viewable area. Typically, the automatically zoomed region is deployed by the user when placing mark-ups in the viewable area.. The automatically zoomed region may be displayed by itself, or it may be displayed simultaneously with an un-zoomed portion of the initial viewable area. After the user places a mark-up in the viewable area, the automatically zoomed region is closed, and the initial viewable area is returned to the displayed viewable area.

Abstract: To provide a camera that is suited to shoot both a demagnified image and a magnified image. The camera includes a housing body 11 containing a CCD 15, and a lens barrel 12. An abutted member 20 having an objective lens 40 therein is engaged with the lens barrel 12 and a rotatable manually-controlled member 30 is fitted around that lens barrel. The abutted member 20 moves back and forth in the direction of an optical axis K in response to the rotation of the manually-controlled member 30. A user moves the objective lens 40 back and forth by moving the abutted member 20 back and forth to shoot either a demagnified image or a magnified image. A demagnified image is photographed with the abutted member 20 contained in the lens barrel 12. A magnified image is photographed with the abutted member 20 projected from the lens barrel 12. An end of the abutted member 20 is positioned so that the focal point of the objective lens 40 falls on the center thereof.

Abstract: An image-taking lens apparatus has an image sensor for converting an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal and an image-taking lens system for forming the optical image on the image sensor. The image-taking lens system includes a prism for bending the optical path, and the refractive index of the prism fulfills a prescribed conditional formula.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical apparatus comprising an optical member, a memory unit for memorizing preset speed information, and preset position information or preset direction information a memory instructing operation unit to be operated for causing the memory unit to memorize the preset speed information, and a control unit for executing preset drive control on the optical member, wherein the control unit is adapted to cause the memory unit to memorize arbitrary preset speed information, or arbitrary preset speed information and arbitrary preset direction information, in response to the operation of the memory instructing operation unit, and to drive the optical member either to a position corresponding to the memorized preset position information with a speed corresponding to the memorized preset speed information, or with a speed corresponding to the memorized preset speed information and with a direction corresponding to the memorized preset direction information.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device including an optical member, a driving member for driving the optical member, a storage member for storing preset information about driving of the optical member, an information write device for writing the preset information in the storage member from the outside of the optical device, and a control member for performing driving control of the driving member. The control member performs preset driving control of the driving member on the basis of the preset information stored in the storage member.

Abstract: An optical driving unit is disclosed, which is equipped with a function for moving an optical adjustment member by servo-driving to a stored position, wherein the optical adjustment member is not moved against the operator's intent after manual driving while that function is being carried out. The optical driving unit includes a driving mechanism that allows servo-driving and manual driving of the optical adjustment member, and that allows manual driving of the optical adjustment member during servo-driving without necessitating a switching operation. It also includes a storage circuit that stores at least one driving position of the optical adjustment member, and a control circuit that performs preset driving control through which the optical adjustment member is servo-driven to the driving position stored in the storage circuit. The control circuit aborts the preset driving control if manual driving of the optical adjustment member is detected during the preset driving control.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image pickup apparatus having a lens barrel which is sinkable into the apparatus body, and is controlled, if necessary, not to sink into the body even when the power is switched off The image pickup apparatus has a power key which switches on/off the power in accordance with a key operation, an instruction key which instructs a power source off state in which the lens barrel does not sink into the body, a storage unit which stores positions of lenses constituting a lens optical system when an instruction is given by the instruction key, and a control unit which switches off the power without sinking the lens barrel into the body in accordance with an instruction by the instruction key, and checks or adjusts positions of the lenses based on the positions stored in the storage unit when the power is switched on.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical apparatus comprising an optical member constituting the optical apparatus, memory means for memorizing preset information, control means for selectively executing preset drive controls of plural kinds utilizing the preset information memorized in the memory means, in response to a memory instructing operation for the optical member, and memory instructing operation means to be used in common for the memory instruction operation for the preset drive controls of the plural kinds.

Abstract: A lens control unit is provided in which a position of an operating member for operating a zoom position or a focus position of a lens unit is moved by following the actual zoom position or the focus position of the lens unit in the case where a shot function for instantly reproducing the zoom position and the focus position of the lens unit that are stored beforehand is executed, thereby the operating member can control the zoom or focus of the lens unit with the zoom position or focus position that is moved by the shot function as the origins. A lens operation screen is displayed on a monitor of a personal computer, which is connected to the lens unit. A manual operation screen and a shot operation screen are displayed on the lens operation screen. Zoom, focus, iris and extender of the lens unit are manually operated in the manual operation screen. In the shot operation screen, the shot function is executed to move the zoom and focus of the lens unit to positions that are registered beforehand.

Abstract: An optical apparatus has an operation member for permitting a first operation and a second operation; a position detector for detecting a position of an optical element; a target position setting device for permitting arbitrary setting of a target position in driving of the optical element; and a control for controlling the driving of the optical element. The control stores the position of the optical element detected by the position detector and drives the optical element to the target position set by the target position setting device, in response to the first operation of the operation member, and the control drives the optical element to the stored position of the optical element detected by the position detector, in response to the second operation of the operation member.

Abstract: When a constant rate switch is pressed during the operation of a seesaw switch, an output voltage of a potentiometer in the seesaw switch is stored in a condenser and a command from the seesaw switch is invalidated. The output voltage of the potentiometer when the constant switch is operated is input to an operational amplifier, and a zoom drive motor is run at a constant rate to maintain the zoom rate which has been controlled by the seesaw switch. There may be provided a function which reduces the rate in proximity to the telephoto end or the wide end, and the constant switch may also serve as another switch means such as a return switch.

Abstract: The CPU of the lens drive unit obtains new data to be stored in an EEPROM from a personal computer. The CPU confirms with a supplied voltage confirmation circuit that voltage supplied from a power source to the lens drive unit is sufficient to reprogram the contents of the EEPROM. When the voltage of the power source is sufficient, a reprogramming voltage is applied from a reprogramming voltage applying device to the EEPROM, and the contents of the EEPROM are reprogrammed with the new data obtained from the personal computer. If the voltage of the power source is insufficient, the reprogramming of the contents of the EEPROM is not performed.

Abstract: A first lens element and a second lens element for comprising a photographic lens, and a stop opening are arranged on an optical axis in this order. A stop plate has a stop-down opening. The stop plate is movable between a first position where the stop-down opening is inserted on an optical axis between the first and the second lens elements for making an f-number of the photographic lens f1, and a second position where the stop-down opening is retracted from the optical axis for making the f-number f2. The photographic lens is constructed to satisfy the following conditions: |log2(L/100)|<1.9 0<E≦2−0.91×|log2(L/100)| wherein L(%) represents a proportion of brightness in a marginal portion of a frame to brightness in a central portion of the frame at the time when the stop-down opening is inserted, and E(EV) represents the difference between the maximum exposure amount and the minimum exposure amount in the marginal portion of the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a TV lens apparatus having the angle of view maintaining function of maintaining the angle of view constant. In the present invention, in a state in which the lens has been operated by the angle of view maintaining function when the zoom lens is endowed with the function of regulating the movement range of the zoom lens to a predetermined range, even if the movement range of the zoom lens is regulated, the zoom lens is driven beyond the regulated range to thereby take matching between the angle of view maintaining function and the lens movement range regulating function.

Abstract: An optical instrument equipped with a zoom lens installed in a zoom lens barrel having a lens guide arrangement for zooming up and down and focusing which includes a zooming-up guide path for guiding the lens group and positioning it in one of fixed zoom positions during zooming-up, a zooming-down guide for guiding the lens group and positioning it in one of fixed zoom positions during zooming-down, and focusing guide paths arranged parallel to one another and connect the zooming-up and zooming-down guide path in the fixed zoom position for guiding the lens group during focusing after zooming up or down to one of the fixed zoom position.

Abstract: If a seesaw switch and a quick zoom switch means are operated concurrently, the seesaw switch takes priority. If the quick zoom switch is operated by mistake while the seesaw switch is operated, the operation of the quick zoom switch is invalidated. The seesaw switch continues the operation without suspending the photography. While the seesaw switch is operated, the taking lens is moved with a set maximum zoom rate being the upper limit. When the taking lens moves in accordance with the operation of the quick zoom switch, the set maximum rate is cancelled so that the taking lens can be zoomed at a preset zoom rate. Consequently, the zooming is performed quickly in accordance with the operation of the quick zoom switch.