Abstract: In a method and system for focusing a camera focus can be repeatedly alternated between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions. An image can be displayed when the focus position is the original focus position. The image can be suppressed at other focus positions when the images are out of focus. The image can be displayed at one of the other focus position when the image is in focus. In this manner, the display of annoying and distracting unfocused images is mitigated.

Abstract: Provided are a camera module and driving method thereof. The camera module includes first and second lens assemblies, and a power transmission member. The power transmission member includes a screw thread having a variable pitch for a distance between the first and second lens assemblies to be varied as the first and second lens assemblies move in engagement with the screw thread.

Abstract: A method and system provides a series of images having different focuses. The method can include storing at least one image in a buffer while an autofocus mechanism is determining a focus of the camera. Then, at least one image can be stored in the buffer after the autofocus mechanism has determined the focus of the camera. Images in the buffer can be transferred to a flash memory. In this manner, a plurality of images, each generally having a different focus, can be provided and the user can select an image having a desired focus.

Abstract: In the case of a camera system capable of exchanging lenses, a camera can realize a preferable automatic focus adjustment performance even if an exchangeable lens, its lens state, different combination between lens and camera or image pickup state is changed by changing a frequency to be extracted by focus detection means in accordance with the identification information on the exchangeable lens.

Abstract: A method of performing an automatic focusing procedure is used with a digital image capturing device. The method includes the steps of: executing an image capturing procedure; activating a pre-control signal by a processor; activating a control signal by a timing generator; executing an automatic focusing procedure; clearing the pre-control signal and the control signal immediately after the automatic focusing procedure is executed; and executing an exposure procedure.

Abstract: A lens-controlling device controls a first lens unit which moves for zooming and a second lens unit which moves for correcting the displacement of an image plane caused by zooming and for focusing. The lens-controlling device includes a memory which stores data for obtaining target-position information representing a target position to which the second lens unit is to be moved, the target position corresponding to a position to which the first lens unit is moved from a current position and a controller which generates the target-position information on the basis of the data and controls the movement of the second lens unit on the basis of position information of the first lens unit and the target-position information.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which can perform accurate focus control even when an image of an object at low contrast is picked up in high resolution. The optical apparatus includes a plurality of band-pass filters for different frequency bands and extracts a focus signal from the image signal through each of the band-pass filters, and a controller which performs focus control based on the extracted focus signal. In the focus control by the controller, the band-pass filters are selectively used to extract the focus signal depending on a resolution for recording the image signal.

Abstract: A lens barrel is a lens barrel that can be mounted to a camera body, including a lens element, a lens support frame, an actuator, and an electrical contact. The lens support frame supports the lens element. The actuator is arranged to drive the lens support frame in an optical direction of the lens element, and includes a drive shaft and a detector configured to detect rotation of the drive shaft. The electrical contact is disposed on the opposite side from the actuator with respect to the lens element when viewed in the optical axis direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens element, and is configured to be electrically connected with the camera body.

Abstract: A camera includes a first transfer unit which transfers, in a first transfer time, pixel data of a first pixel range of a plurality of pixel data, a second transfer unit which transfers, in a second transfer time that is shorter than the first transfer time, pixel data of a second pixel range of the plurality of pixel data, a number of pixels of the second pixel range being less than a number of pixels of the first pixel range, a first control unit which causes the first transfer unit to transfer the pixel data, updates a display screen on the basis of the pixel data, and controls the autofocus adjustment, and a second control unit which causes the second transfer unit to transfer the pixel data, interrupts the updating of the display screen while the pixel data is being transferred, and controls the autofocus adjustment.

Abstract: With a half press of a shutter button, a focus lens is moved from a near distance end to a far distance end of a predetermined search range, and AF evaluation values are calculated. Based on the AF evaluation values, a maximum evaluation value and a first lens position corresponding to the maximum evaluation value are detected. If the maximum evaluation value is larger than a threshold value and the first lens position is not located at the near distance end or the far distance end, the first lens position becomes an in-focus position. If the first lens position is, for example, at the near distance end, the focus lens is moved within an extended search range set on the near distance side, and the maximum evaluation value is obtained. A second lens position corresponding to the maximum evaluation value becomes the in-focus position.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system comprises: a region configuring device which configures a main subject region including a main subject within a photographing screen; a focusing control device which controls focusing so that a focus state of the main subject is a best focus state; a focus state obtaining device which divides the photographing screen into a plurality of regions and obtains a focus state from each region; a device storing the focus state obtained from each region; a movement detecting device which references the stored focus state of each region to detect the movement of a group of regions located either within the main subject region and its vicinity or within the main subject region and are in a best focus state; and a region moving device which moves the main subject region in accordance with the movement of the group of regions that are in the best focus state.

Abstract: A method and system are described for providing background blurring when capturing an image using an image capture device. According to one aspect, input is received for initiating an image capture process for capturing an image of a subject at an image capture device. A focus value corresponding to a focus distance that is less than a distance between the subject and the image capture device and that keeps the subject within a depth of field corresponding to the focus distance is automatically determined. The image is captured using the determined focus value.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a focus cam ring that holds a focus lens group and moves in the optical axis direction of the focus lens group while rotating along a cam groove in response to a focusing operation, and a fixed tube having a fitting raised portion that can pivot the focus cam ring in the rotational direction thereof and movably supports the focus cam ring in the optical axis direction. The focus cam ring has a position restrictor that can engage the fitting raised portion, and the position restrictor includes a rotational-direction restrictor that restricts the position of the focus cam ring in the rotational direction and an optical axis-direction restrictor that restricts the position of the focus cam ring in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting the motion of components such as the optics of a camera are disclosed. The system can comprise a stage and a snubber assembly for controlling motion of the stage in six degrees of freedom. For example, the snubber assembly can permit movement in one translational degree of freedom while substantially limiting motion in the other five degrees of motion so as to facilitate focusing and/or zooming of a camera while inhibiting misalignment of the optics and while providing some protection against shock and vibration. Such motion control can be achieved while mitigating costs associated with precision manufacturing of the snubber assembly.

Abstract: A lens driving system configured to be mounted on a lens device has: a variable power lens driving section moves a variable power lens group in an optical axis direction; a focus lens driving section moves a focal lens group in the optical axis direction; a receiving section that receives an operation signal for remotely operating the variable power lens driving section and the focus lens driving section; a control section that generates a control signal for controlling the variable power lens driving section and the focus lens driving section based on the operation signal, and a power section that is charged with at least a part of the operation power supplied to a drive section from a camera device and supplies the charged power to the variable power lens driving section, the focus lens driving section, the receiving section, and the control section as operation power.

Abstract: A slidable lens retracting device is provided for retracting a lens system that include lens group units all positioned on a common optical axis when the lens system is in an operational state. At least one lens group unit is retracted from the on-axis position on the optical axis to an off-axis space radially off the optical axis by the slidable lens retracting device when the lens system is moved to a retracted state. The slidable lens retracting device includes slides mounted to the lens group unit and fixed support members forming inclined surfaces with which the slides are engageable. The control tracks receive the slides therein and are movable along the optical axis to bring the lens system to the retracted position to cause the slides to engage and slide along the inclined surfaces and thus moving the lens group unit to the off-axis space.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a focusing image and shifting the focusing image to obtain a shifted focusing image. In the method, a focus metric of the focusing image is calculated from the focusing image and the shifted focusing image, where the focus metric is configured for use as a factor in making an automatic focus adjustment determination. An automatic focusing apparatus includes a controller configured to implement the method.

Abstract: In a focus control method of acquiring focus information a plurality of times while moving a focus lens, and determining an in-focus position on the basis of the acquired focus information, whether the focus lens is to be moved toward the infinite end or the closest end is determined on the basis of a focus lens position, the focus information is acquired while moving the focus lens in the decided direction, the focus lens is stopped on the basis of the acquired focus information, and the focus lens is started from the stop position in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, configured to form an image on an image pickup element, includes, in an order from an object side toward an image side, a first optical unit having a negative refractive power, a second optical unit having a positive refractive power, and a third optical unit including the image pickup element. The first optical unit does not move during zooming. The second optical unit moves toward the object side and the third optical unit moves.

Abstract: An efficient image capture system is disclosed that integrates functions to control a lens including one or more of focus or object distance, zoom, temperature compensation, and stabilization within an image signal processor (ISP) with appropriate algorithms. In particular, the integrated ISP circuitry may control the motion of the focus and zoom optics of an optical assembly, control stabilization, control the flash, provide enhanced functions and features for controlling the zoom and focus lenses to enable enhanced image capture sequences and/or tracking lens data, provide a set of algorithms within the ISP to alter the aspect ratio (both height and width of an image) of the image, for example to compensate for the addition of an anamorphic lens, and integrate an anamorphic lens into the module to alter an image's projected aspect ratio onto the focal plane array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing an image on a pixel array. The method includes the steps of continuously changing the distance between a lens and a pixel array between a first distance and a second distance and obtaining an image projected onto the pixel array through the distance is changing. The apparatus includes a lens and an electromechanical structure to continuously change the distance between the lens and the pixel array between the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic camera adapted to perform an accurate auto focus control operation at high speed. The electronic camera comprises a wobbling control section for generating a wobbling control signal for auto focus control of the electronic camera. The wobbling control section is adapted to generate the wobbling control signal for synchronizing exposure to light of a central pixel of the predetermined range in the image with the central timing of a near side stop operation and that of the period of a far side stop operation.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a zoom optical system including a focusing lens unit, a first cam member that rotates around the optical axis and moves along the optical axis in a magnification-changing operation, the first cam member including a focus cam portion for driving the focusing lens unit, and a speed-changing mechanism that changes the relative rotational speed between the focusing lens unit and the first cam member in accordance with the focal length of the zoom optical system in the magnification-changing operation. The speed-changing mechanism moves along the optical axis in the magnification-changing operation. In addition, the speed-changing mechanism includes a transmission member that is rotatable around the optical axis with respect to the first cam member and that includes a speed-changing cam portion for changing at least one of the rotational speed and the rotational direction of the focusing lens unit.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to automatic focusing methods and apparatus suitable for use in digital imaging devices. The proposed methods and apparatus evaluate the focus condition of the optical system by evaluating the digitized image, without requiring additional hardware besides the digital image-capture signal flow path. A method for computing the appropriate direction and magnitude of optical system adjustment, based on the evaluated focus condition, is provided. The computed quantities are communicated to the lens driving apparatus to reposition and adjust the optical system and to incrementally obtain a better focus. Upon reaching a desired focus quality, the device is prevented from controlling the lens driving apparatus.

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: In an automatic focusing device generating a luminance signal by scanning a picked-up digital image signal, evaluating the contrast of the luminance signal, and driving its focusing based on the evaluation; the scanning includes at least a part where scan is performed in a zigzag-like manner. With this configuration, focusing is facilitated for an object having no high frequency components in the horizontal direction. This invention can be understood as an invention of a method.

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: This invention provides a technique of stably focusing on a major object without any sense of discomfort regardless of differences in lens unit type in a camera body on which a lens unit can be detachably mounted. For this purpose, the type of lens unit connected to the camera is determined. Cutoff frequencies are then set for a low-pass filter and high-pass filter on the basis of the determination result. With regard to frequency component data in predetermined area of an image sensor, a peak hold circuit, integrator, and difference peak hold circuit each generate evaluate value information. A camera microcomputer transmits the obtained evaluate value information to a lens microcomputer in the lens unit.

Abstract: A system and method for auto-focusing light. The system includes at least one focusing lens operable to direct light toward a focal point. The system further includes a sensor array disposed adjacent to the lens assembly such that the light through the lens assembly is directed to the sensor array near the focal point and a bubble array having a plurality of bubble generators. The bubble array supports the sensor array and the bubble generators are operable to maneuver the supported sensor array with respect to the focal point. Such a light focusing system is able to provide an auto-focus capability to a camera system that does not have a large amount of space available for a motor-driven auto-focus system. Furthermore, the bubble array is power efficient and does not require the amount of energy to operate as is required for a motor-driven auto-focus system.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting the motion of items, such as camera optics, are disclosed. A motion limiting member can be used to limit the motion of the item using a surface thereof that abuts a structure of the item. Limits on the motion can be defined by a positioning member that is attached to the motion limiting member and that abuts a structure that is fixed with respect to the desired range of motion of the item whose motion is being limited. This abutment facilitates the precise definition of the limit on the motion of the item.

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: Autofocus device has a lens-driving unit that drives a lens and a focal-point-position-detecting unit that detects a position of a focal point of the lens. The device also has a distance-measuring sensor that measures a distance to a subject and a control unit that performs a focusing operation to control the lens-driving unit to drive the lens, thereby meeting the position of the focal point of the lens detected by the focal-point-position-detecting unit to an in-focus position thereof. The control unit allows to be set a driving direction of the lens and a driving speed of the lens based on the position of the focal point of the lens detected by the focal-point-position-detecting unit and a distance measurement result measured by the distance-measuring sensor. The focusing operation then starts.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprises a setting unit which arbitrarily sets different auto focus search ranges, a selection unit which selects a desired auto focus search range from said different auto focus search ranges arbitrarily set by the setting unit, and an auto focus control unit which performs an auto focus operation based on the desired auto focus search range selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a first stepping motor configured to move a zoom lens, second stepping motor configured to move a focus lens, first determination section configured to determine timings at which the zoom lens or the focus lens is started, second determination section configured to determine whether or not the zoom lens and the focus lens are to be simultaneously moved, by checking the timings the first determination section determines, timing setting section configured to synchronize output timings of excitation signals output to the first and second stepping motors, where the second determination section determines that the zoom lens and the focus lens are to be simultaneously moved, and an output section configured to output excitation signals to the first and second stepping motors in accordance with the output timings the timing setting section synchronizes.

Abstract: A group of optical elements of a zoom lens unit has variable-focal-length lenses whose optical properties can be adjusted. A camera having this zoom lens unit incorporated therein includes a control unit into which control information, with respect to any of a plurality of variable design parameters for the zoom lens unit, is inputted by the user. The camera also has a processing unit for obtaining an optical parameter of the zoom lens unit through a simulation operation when the variable design parameters are controlled based on the control information, a display unit which displays the results of the simulation operation that is carried out by the processing unit, and a photographing control unit for controlling the variable design parameters based on the control information, so that a desired optical property can easily be obtained.

Abstract: A group of optical elements of a zoom lens unit has variable-focal-length lenses whose optical properties can be adjusted. A camera having this zoom lens unit incorporated therein includes a program memory which stores therein a plurality of mocking design data with respect to a group of parameters having any of a plurality of variable design parameters for the zoom lens unit. The camera also has a control unit into which designation information is inputted by the user which designates any one of the plurality of mocking design data and a control unit which controls the variable design parameters based on the mocking design data designated by the designation information, so that a desired optical property can easily be obtained.

Abstract: There are provided an optical apparatus and a camera system in which preset image-taking is possible without performing focusing adjustment for objects, even during image-taking of the objects at different distances by using a preset function. In the optical apparatus comprising a storage section which stores preset information, a preset control section which performs preset operation by using the preset information, a focusing control section which controls focusing operation, and a controller which controls the preset operation by preset control section and the focusing operation by the focus control section.

Abstract: A cam mechanism of a zoom lens which includes a front optical element and a rear optical element positioned behind the front optical element in an optical axis direction, the front optical element and the rear optical element being guided linearly in the optical axis direction, the cam mechanism including a cam ring having a first cam groove, for moving the front optical element in the optical axis direction, and a second cam groove, for moving the rear optical element in the optical axis direction, both the first cam groove and the second cam groove being formed on one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the cam ring. The first cam groove is positioned behind the second cam groove in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A zoom lens having five lens groups arranged in succession. The zoom lens is configured such that when zooming from a short focal length end toward a long focal length end, the second lens group lens moves toward the third lens group and the fourth lens group moves toward a side of the third lens group, and the fifth lens group corrects the zooming and a shift in a position of an imaging plane of the zoom lens caused by movement of the third lens group and the fourth lens group.

Abstract: An image pickup device having an auto-focus feature of adjusting a focus lens to focus on a picked-up image of an object, a zoom feature of changing a focus distance, and a telemacro-mode shooting feature of obtaining generally-difficult close-range focus by fixing the focus distance to a telescope end. The image pickup device switches between an auto-focus mode and a manual mode. Likewise the device switches between a telemacro mode and a normal mode. The zoom lens is driven to adjust the focus distance and the focus lens is driven to adjust the shooting distance. A controller drives the zoom lens drive unit to move the zoom lens to a telescope end when the normal mode is switched to the telemacro mode; and drives the focus lens drive unit to move the focus lens to an object-closest end when in the telemacro mode.

Abstract: An automatic focusing module (100) includes a lens barrel (10), a first lens (11), a piezoelectric element (14), and a deformably adjustable lens (13). The first lens is disposed in the lens barrel. The piezoelectric element is installed in the lens barrel. The piezoelectric element is connected to a piezoelectric circuit. The deformably adjustable lens is disposed in the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The combined actuator described can be incorporated into a miniaturized camera product. In the camera product, the shutter driver uses the focus or zoom actuator's power amplifiers to control the current flow in shutter actuators. As such, the space needed for the camera's electronics is smaller and it is less expensive to manufacture the camera product.

Abstract: A zoom optical system has lens groups, and performs zooming by varying distances between the respective lens groups in an optical axis direction thereof. The zoom optical system has two or more lens groups having a negative optical power and a positive optical power in this order from an object side. The first lens group (Gr1) and the second lens group (Gr2) each have three or less lens elements. The second lens group (Gr2) includes a positive lens element having a refractive index of 1.7 or more. The positive lens element has at least one aspherical surface. With this arrangement, provided are a compact and superfine zoom optical system with a zoom ratio of about two to three times, an imaging lens device incorporated with the zoom optical system, and a digital apparatus loaded with the imaging lens device.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of suppressing an image blur at the start of zooming. The optical apparatus comprises a memory storing data indicating the position of a second lens unit according to the position of a first lens unit, and a controller. The controller controls the drive width of the second lens unit at a third position with a first driving condition in a case where the drive of the first lens unit is started from a first position, and controls the drive width of the second lens unit at the third position with a second driving condition in a case where the drive of the first lens unit is started from a second position. The drive width of the second lens unit at the third position with the first driving condition is smaller than that with the second driving condition.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit for capturing an image of an object; a focal length storing unit for storing a focal length of the object which is outside of an image capturing region of the image being captured by the image capturing unit by corresponding to a positional relationship between the image capturing unit and the object; an image capturing region variation detecting unit for detecting variation in the image capturing region of the image capturing unit; a positional relationship predicting unit for predicting a positional relationship between the image capturing unit and the object after the image capturing region of the image capturing unit is varied on the basis of the variation in the image capturing region detected by the image capturing region variation detecting unit; and a focus adjustment control unit for controlling focus adjustment by the image capturing unit on the basis of the focal length stored by the focal length storing unit, wherein the focal length is

Abstract: A digital camera module (100) with an auto-focusing function is adapted for use in a foldable electronic device. The digital camera module includes a lens mount (10), a lens barrel (20), a voice coil actuator (40), and an image pick-up module (50). The lens barrel receives at least one lens (24) therein and is mounted on/in the lens mount. The lens barrel is made of a composite material including a magnetic metallic nano-powder. The voice coil actuator is adapted for cooperating with the lens barrel to form a magnetic loop. The image pick-up module is disposed under the lens mount and is configured for receiving an image from the at least one lens and converting that image to an electrical signal.

Abstract: A lens module includes a base; a focusing ring rotatably mounted to the base and having at least one driving portion formed on a torus thereof, the driving portion having at least two positioning portions and at least one inclined portion in connection with the two positioning portions, the two positioning portions being located at different radial positions of the ring body; and a combination holder being fitted onto the focusing ring to be rotatable on an internal sidewall the focusing ring, the combination holder having at least one convex portion contacting against one of the at least two positioning portions, the combination holder being combined with a lens barrel that a lens set is received. Accordingly, while the focusing ring is rotated, the combination holder is axially moved to change the axial distance between the combination holder and the base, finally attaining the focusing effect.

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: The present invention is directed to a lens barrel that is simplified in structure with the reduced number of components and is facilitated in assembly and associated adjustment. The lens barrel enables an appropriate frictional force against the rotation force caused by manipulating rotary operation rings such as a zooming ring and a focusing ring to effect the optimum operating force on the rotary operation rings.

Abstract: A lens frame holding a taking lens is movably connected to a driving shaft via a connector. A guide member is disposed at a lower portion of the lens frame so as to separate from the connector by about 180 degrees around an optical axis. The guide member is movably attached to a guide rod. A light emitter is disposed on a lateral side of the lens frame so as to separate from the connector by about 90 degrees around the optical axis. The light emitter applies the light to a light receiver of a line sensor confronting the light emitter. The line sensor sends a light-reception signal, which is outputted from the light receiver, to a lens-position controller. Positional information of the taking lens is obtained on the basis of the light-reception signal so that a position of the taking lens is accurately detected.