Abstract: An apparatus comprising a movable optical element having an optical axis and including one or more focusing elements, an image sensor positioned along the optical axis and substantially normal thereto, and a radiation source attached to the movable optical element, wherein the radiation source directs a beam of radiation onto the sensor at a selected angle relative to the optical axis. A process comprising positioning a sensor along, and normal to, an optical axis of a movable optical element, projecting a radiation beam onto the sensor from a radiation source attached to the movable optical element, wherein the radiation beam is at a selected angle relative to the optical axis, and adjusting the position of the movable optical element until the position where the radiation beam falls on the sensor corresponds to the position where the radiation beam is expected to fall on the sensor when the movable optical element is in focus. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system constructs an image using virtual lenslets.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, the head top of a subject is detected, and the positions of a camera and a mirror are adjusted so that the coordinates of the detected head top coincide with the coordinates of a reference head top. When it is determined that the coordinates coincide with each other, the image size of a face of the subject is detected, and the zoom of the camera is controlled so that the detected image size and a reference image size coincide with each other. When it is determined that the image size of the face and the reference image size coincide, the positions of the camera and the mirror are adjusted again so that the coordinates of the head top of the subject and the coordinates of the reference head top coincide with each other.

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: This invention is to decrease the sensor pitch, prevent saturation by external light, accurately determine skimming, simplify skimming determination, and prevent any difference in influence of the transfer efficiency between the ON and OFF states. For this purpose, a distance measuring apparatus includes a light projection section for projecting light to an object, a sensor array for receiving reflected light from the object, a first transfer section for transferring charges from the sensor array, and a ring-shaped second charge transfer section for integrating the charges from the first transfer section, wherein the first charge transfer section transfers charges in a light projection ON state and charges in a light projection OFF state at a timing, the transfer frequency of the second charge transfer section is twice that of the first charge transfer section, and the timing of the first charge transfer section has a phase different from that of the second charge transfer section.

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: In a zoom lens in/from which a magnification changing optical unit for changing an overall focal length of the zoom lens can be inserted/removed, wherein a wobbling unit which can be slightly amplitude-driven in an optical axis direction to detect a best imaging position is placed closer to an image side than an insertion position of said magnification changing optical unit.

Abstract: An autofocus system for an imaging device that includes an image detecting element for image production at a focused image plane of an adjustable focus imaging lens that also includes four image detecting elements for focus detection arranged in pairs that are equidistant in front of, and behind, planes that are conjugate with the focused image plane. One pair of image detecting elements for focus detection are farther than the other pair from the conjugate planes and may be used alone for focusing based on the stop value or focal length of the adjustable focus imaging lens. Alternatively, the other pair of image detecting elements may be used for more accurate focusing after the one pair of image detecting elements is used. The use of two pairs of image detecting elements at different distances from the focused image plane provides accurate focusing over a wide range of object distances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for focus error detection operable to receive light reflected from an inspected object and to determine a focus error on a surface of the inspected object, the focus error detection apparatus including optics and at least one detection apparatus, whereas the optics and the at least one detection apparatus define at least a first focus error detection path and a second focus error detection path, the first focus error detection path detects focus errors with a greater sensitivity than the second focus error detection path, while the second focus error detection path detects focus errors over a greater focus error range than the first focus error detection path.

Abstract: A distance measuring device provided in a camera has: a pair of integration-type image sensor arrays; a plurality of brightness monitors being placed close to one of the image sensor arrays, each independently for measuring the brightness of the subject in a predetermined area and for outputting a signal corresponding to the brightness; a selector for selecting one of the brightness signals from the brightness monitors based on the taking condition; and a controller for controlling the termination of integration by the image sensor arrays based on the selected brightness signal. At least one of the brightness monitors has a measurement width area being large in the direction of the base line of the image sensor arrays compared to a second brightness monitor, and covers the measurement area of the second brightness monitor.

Abstract: A distance measuring device, or a focus detector, including a plurality of sensors provided in association with a plurality of different areas, and a respective plurality of processing circuits provided in association with the plurality of sensors, to process signals output from the plurality of sensors, where power selectively is supplied only to a sensor(s) and a processing circuit(s) associated with the sensor(s) that correspond to a predetermined area from among the plurality of different areas. The predetermined area may be determined on the basis of the state of a power source (e.g., detected voltage level), the focal length of a shooting optical system, the state of an auxiliary light for irradiating an object, and the like.

Abstract: A portable telephone 1 is provided with a body 2 and a camera unit 3. In the camera unit 3, photography is switched to macro photography by pressing a macro button 22 on the body 2. In this way, the convenience of the portable telephone 1 is improved because an object in the very near distance can be photographed. The camera unit 3 is constructed so as to be freely rotatable in a direction Rc on a shaft of a connector C. Accordingly, a user can freely modify the photography direction of the camera unit 3, thereby increasing the freedom of photography and providing greater improvement in the convenience of the portable terminal.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus that includes a bonding tool through which a wire passes and which performs bonding on a workpiece, a position detection camera which takes images of the workpiece, a reference member which is disposed in a specified position, and an optical assembly which conducts the image of the tool and reference member to the position detection camera. A lens used in the position detection camera and a lens installed in the optical assembly are arranged so that such lenses construct an afocal optical system.

Abstract: In an apparatus comprising a zoom lens and an electric flash, a range finder that determines, on the basis of an output result obtained by means of one method out of an active AF and a passive AF, whether or not to operate the other method, is utilized.

Abstract: A distance measuring sensor applied to the present distance measuring device has three pairs of line sensors and a control circuit arranged in the center thereof. In three pairs of line sensors, the central line sensors have a train of photodetector units and a train of processing units, to be divided into two, for processing output signals of the train of photodetector units. The upper line sensors and lower line sensors are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the train of photodetector units on the right and left of the center line sensors, opposed to the train of processing units. The upper and lower line sensors have the train of photodetector units corresponding to a length of two-divided line-sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for improving the generation of the focus signal in the auto-focus system of a camera.

Abstract: This invention is an inexpensive distance measuring device having short lag time, configured so as to have a pair of light receiving regions at positions of focal points of a pair of image forming optical systems, comprising functions for dividing the light receiving regions and for monitoring the integration control for each divided light receiving region, also comprising an AF area sensor capable of performing pre-integration operations while causing strobe light to be emitted, and a microcomputer that, according to object field luminance distributions obtained from pre-integration results of the AF area sensor and to the focal length value of the photographic lens, divides the light receiving regions of the AF area sensor into respective pluralities, causes final integration operations to be performed while monitoring the integration control in each of the divided light receiving regions, and performs ranging computations based on data obtained for each light receiving region, capable of performing appropr

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a leakage of light in a zoom lens barrel includes a pair of cylindrical members which are relatively rotatable and relatively movable in an optical axis direction; a drive mechanism which reciprocally moves one of the cylindrical members in the optical axis direction relative to the other cylindrical member of the pair of cylindrical members when the other cylindrical member is rotated; and helical light interception projections that are provided on opposed peripheral surfaces of the pair of cylindrical members so as not to screw-engage with each other. The helical light interception projections are adapted to prevent light from entering a space between the pair of cylindrical members while permitting the pair of cylindrical members to relatively rotate and relatively move in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A focus detecting device includes a defocus amount detecting circuit for detecting an amount of defocus obtained at each of a plurality of focus areas disposed within an image plane, a selecting circuit for, on the basis of amounts of defocus detected respectively at the plurality of focus areas, dividing the plurality of focus areas into a plurality of groups and selecting a focus area capturing a target object from among the plurality of groups, a posture sensor for detecting a posture of an apparatus, a weighting circuit for, on the basis of positions of the plurality of focus areas within the image plane, dividing the plurality of focus areas into a plurality of groups and respectively weighting the plurality of groups, the weighting circuit making grouping of the plurality of focus areas differently according to the posture of the apparatus, and a deciding circuit for deciding at least one focus area from among the plurality of focus areas by adding a result of weighting made by the weighting circuit to

Abstract: Objects of the invention are to provide an instant film unit advancing apparatus, used in camera or printer, of which size is reduced and to provide a film unit advancing apparatus which can avoid failure of discharging film unit out of camera or printer when a slip arises between a pair of spreading rollers and the film unit. To accomplish reduced size, the components to drive and support the pair of rollers and a picking claw for thrusting the film unit to a bite of the pair of roller by picking the edge thereof, and the picking claw itself are arrange to locate within the width of a film unit pack.

Abstract: An active-type multipoint automatic focusing apparatus is arranged to vary the number of distance measuring points according to focal length, and to vary, according to the number of distance measuring points varied, the number of times of light projection to be made by a light projecting part for a distance measuring action at each of the distance measuring points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zoom lens having a controller which controls driving of a zoom portion, based on input of zoom control information, and which controls driving of the zoom portion while calculating a target drive state (zoom position) of the zoom portion in order to effect correction for variation in an angle of view with driving of a focus portion. In the present invention the lens of this type is constructed to determine whether the input of the zoom control information is information about the target drive state of the zoom portion (for example, whether the zoom control information is information about the zoom drive state of the zoom portion or information about driving speed of the zoom portion).

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: A focusing device has a first unit for producing information for focusing an optical unit and a second unit for forming, based on a predetermined number of pieces of the information derived from the first unit, an operation instruction signal for operating the optical unit. The second unit, when an actuating signal is input while a number of pieces of information from the first unit is still smaller than the predetermined number, forms the operation instruction signal based on a smaller number of pieces of information than the predetermined number.

Abstract: A lens controlling apparatus includes a lens-driving stepping motor, a driving current forming circuit for forming a driving current waveform to be supplied to the stepping motor, an inputting circuit for inputting a stop instruction to stop the lens-driving stepping motor, a stopping circuit for performing the operation of stopping the stepping motor in accordance with the stop instruction, a phase detecting circuit for detecting the phase of the driving current waveform to be supplied to the stepping motor, and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the stop instruction from being executed except when the phase of the driving current waveform detected by the phase detecting circuit is a predetermined phase.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus for capturing a video signal from a predetermined range in an image pickup screen and performing an AF operation based on the signal, a setting position of the range is made variable in the image pickup screen, the range is arranged to be moved to a viewpoint position detected by a viewpoint detecting device, and the AF operation is inhibited for a predetermined time if the setting position of the range is changed. The AF operation is also inhibited if the position to which the range is moved is in a low-contrast state or if the position is for example a display position where characters are displayed.

Abstract: In the distance measuring device, even if there are unmeasurable distance measuring regions, suitable estimate is set as the distance data of the unmeasurable region in accordance with distance data of the measurable distance measuring regions and the space on the object of the unmeasurable distance measuring region. In this way accurate recognition is possible, for example, when an object is divided by an unmeasurable region, or objects are continuous.

Abstract: A focal length detector of a camera having a zoom lens includes a brush having three sliding contacts which are electrically connected to one another; a code plate having three code patterns and a ground pattern, the code plate and the brush being moved relative to each other according to a variation of the focal length of the zoom lens; and a focal-length detecting circuit which is connected to the three code patterns and the ground pattern. The ground pattern always contacts a specific sliding contact of the three sliding contacts. The three code patterns are arranged so that the three code patterns come into contact with the remaining two sliding contacts in predetermined combinations when the code plate and the brush are moved relative to each other.

Abstract: A camera capable of print format selection includes a connecting unit for responding to at least one of a unit for forming information for focus adjustment on the basis of one of distance measurement information of a plurality of portions in a scene and defocus information, and a unit for different print formats, thereby affecting an operation related to at least the other unit, or includes a connecting unit for responding to at least one of a unit for a predetermined distance range and a unit for different print formats, thereby affecting an operation related to at least the other unit.

Abstract: A lens position adjusting method for a zoom lens includes at least two movable lens groups, one lens group being primarily utilized for focusing and the other lens group being primarily utilized for magnification, wherein an object at a predetermined distance is in-focus when each movable lens group is positioned at each of respective initialized positions thereof with the zoom lens being set at a first focal length, and wherein each movable lens group is moved to vary magnification in accordance with a moving amount from the initialized positions of the movable lens groups.

Abstract: There is provided a distance measuring apparatus in a lens-shutter type camera provided with a photographic lens, a focal length of the photographic lens being variable.

Abstract: A detecting mechanism for detecting a position of a zoom lens used in a camera, in which the same signal is output at each of a plurality of locations through which the lens passes, and in which it is possible to execute a resetting operation of the lens with a lesser mechanical load being exerted upon the lens at both ends of a region within which the lens is driven to move. The mechanism includes a position detection switch that outputs signals of "ON" and "OFF" alternately along a direction in which the lens is driven to move. The switch outputs the signal of "ON" when the lens is on one end of the region, and outputs the signal of "OFF" when the lens is on the other end thereof. When the switch is "ON" at time of the resetting operation, the lens is driven towards the other end thereof, and when the switch is "OFF" at time thereof, the lens is driven towards the one end. This mechanism prevents the lens from striking or hitting on each end of the region.

Abstract: There is provided a distance measuring apparatus in a lens-shutter type camera provided with a photographic lens, a focal length of the photographic lens being variable.

Abstract: A camera is designed to select at least any one of a plurality of focus areas and adjust the focus relative to an object located in the selected focus area. The camera comprises panning detection means for detecting a panning operation and focus area selecting means for selecting a specific focus area among the plurality of focus areas based on the detection result of the panning detection means.

Abstract: A finder system including a first optical system and a second optical system apart from the first optical system by a certain base length. Based on an object distance obtained with use of an active or passive distance measuring device, degree of coincidence of images respectively formed by the first and second optical system and superimposed is varied so that superimposed images of an object that is located at the detected object distance coincide.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for forming an object image on an image forming plane by using an optical system including a moving lens group for focus adjustment, includes a lens driving mechanism which drives the moving lens group, a control circuit which drives and controls the lens driving mechanism on the basis of control information provided for driving and controlling the moving lens group, and a temperature and/or humidity detecting sensor for detecting information on temperature and/or humidity, wherein the control circuit computes a correction amount by which a driving limit of the moving lens group toward a nearest-distance end or infinity-distance end for focus adjustment is variable, according to a temperature and/or humidity detection output of the temperature and/or humidity detecting sensor, and drives and controls the lens driving mechanism on the basis of the correction amount and the control information, so that the object image can be formed on the image forming plane of the optical system without s

Abstract: In a camera equipped with a zoom lens for forming an image of an object onto a film surface, the camera is equipped with a front lens group composed of a first lens group, adjustable aperture blades, a second lens group, and a second lens group-holding member; a back lens group provided; and an actuator to drive the adjustable aperture blade. The actuator is provided on the object-side from a space between the second lens group and the back lens group.

Abstract: An automatic focus adjusting device in a camera system includes a focus detecting circuit for a focusing state of an object image formed on an image plane by a photographic lens, a control circuit for producing a control signal on the basis of an output of the focus detecting circuit and for outputting the control signal to the photographic lens to control the same, and a characteristic detecting circuit for detecting a predetermined optical characteristic of the photographic lens. The control circuit is arranged to transmit the control signal to the photographic lens by defining as a parameter a change of the optical characteristic detected by the characteristic detecting circuit.

Abstract: A magnification change-over device is arranged to be highly suitable for a camera of the kind having a photo-taking lens and a viewfinder arranged independently of each other. The device includes the photo-taking lens having an image magnification which is variable; the viewfinder which is arranged to have an image magnification thereof also variable; an operating device for varying the image magnification of the viewfinder; a detecting device for detecting the magnifying state of the viewfinder; and a driving apparatus for driving the photo-taking lens according to a detection signal of the detecting device when a shutter release operation is performed. After a magnification setting operation is performed on the viewfinder, the change-over device changes the magnification of the photo-taking lens according to the magnification of the viewfinder when a photographing operation is actually performed.

Abstract: A camera, such as a video camera or other electrically recordable camera, has scale imprintable capabilities and a method for imprinting a scale onto memory storage media. The camera and method imprints, optically or electrically, a standard scale on memory storage media for the purpose of estimating the size of a subject image. A photographic magnification calculation circuit calculates the photographic magnification based on a subject distance, and a reference scale setting circuit sets a reference scale for the purpose of estimating the size of the subject image on the memory storage media regardless of the magnification during picture taking or print size. An imprinting circuit imprints, optically or electrically, the reference scale onto the memory storage media in accordance with the reference scale setting circuit, and only when needed or wanted. The reference scale can be imprinted in a vertical or horizontal direction in accordance with a mode selection switch.

Abstract: A camera having a photographic mode automatic selecting apparatus. A photographic mode selecting device selects a photographic mode from a plurality of photographic modes. A photographic distance detecting device detects photographic distance data of a photographic lens. The photographic mode selecting device selects an appropriate photographic mode from the plurality of photographic modes based on the photographic distance data of the photographic lens.

Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An image is divided into a plurality of subdivision areas. A focus evaluation value representative of the high frequency component contained in the electrical signal from the CCD is calculated for each of the subdivision areas. The object distance is calculated for the respective subdivision areas based on the focus evaluation value. A target object is extracted based on the calculated object distance. The target object is focused. During the focusing operation, when a new object having an object distance smaller than that of the target object is detected in any of remote subdivision areas which have an object distance larger than that of the target object, the target object is re-selected.

Abstract: In a camera comprising a phototaking lens system and a viewfinder lens system having a different optical axis from that of the phototaking lens system, the camera comprises a drive means, for simultaneously zooming the phototaking lens system and the viewfinder lens system, which simultaneously shifts at least one of the lens groups of the phototaking lens system and at least one of the lens groups of the viewfinder lens system. The drive means simultaneously focuses the phototaking lens system and the viewfinder lens system on an object by simultaneously shifting at least one of the lens groups of the phototaking lens system and at least one of the lens groups of the viewfinder lens system based on the position data of the object.

Abstract: A macro-photographing system in a zoom lens camera includes a lens system having at least a movable front lens group on the object side and a movable rear lens group on the image surface side, a whole-unit driving device which moves the front lens group and the rear lens group together, a relative drive device which relatively moves the front lens group or the rear lens group to vary the distance between the front and rear lens groups, a zoom operation device which sets the focal length by the lens system, and a macro-photographing setting device which sets at least one close object distance. The camera position is fixed when the camera is focused on the object at the close object distance set by the macro-photographing setting device. When the zoom operation means is actuated, at least one of the whole-unit driving device and the relative drive device are actuated to keep the focused state for the close object distance.

Abstract: The camera has an enlarged macro photographic range and the control method for the camera controls the diaphragm, enlarges the photographic range and takes the photograph of the object a the flash, so that a photograph having a suitable exposure can be obtained. The camera includes a switch block, a motor driving circuit, a micro controller, an automatic distance measuring circuit, a brightness measuring circuit and a strobo.

Abstract: Where a person is being photographed, for example, both light from the person located at closer range and light from the background located farther away enter the photodetector elements. Where the contrast of the background is high, the rate at which the information from the background contributes to the focus detection becomes larger, which hinders accurate focus detection with regard to the person. In this case, the focus detection device divides a predetermined focus area into smaller areas and detects focus condition in each smaller area.

Abstract: A magnification change-over device is arranged to be highly suitable for a camera of the kind having a photo-taking lens and a viewfinder arranged independently of each other. The device includes the photo-taking lens having an image magnification which is variable; the viewfinder which is arranged to have an image magnification thereof also variable; an operating device for varying the image magnification of the viewfinder; a detecting device for detecting the magnifying state of the viewfinder; and a driving apparatus for driving the photo-taking lens according to a detection signal of the detecting device when a shutter release operation is performed. After a magnification setting operation is performed on the viewfinder, the change-over device changes the magnification of the photo-taking lens according to the magnification of the viewfinder when a photographing operation is actually performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical camera having a zoom function in which a focal length can be varied or the variation is actuated by a focal length changing member, and in particular to a camera in which a focal length is varied through a motor.The optical camera has a zoom lens operable by a rotatable zoom ring for changing the focal length thereof. An automatic focusing operation is effected by a control means when the focal length is changed so that an image of an object viewed through a viewfinder remains in focus. The zoom lens can include a motor and an in-exposure zoom control means can be provided for controlling zooming movement of the lens during an exposure operation.

Abstract: A camera has a variable focal length lens and a viewfinder system whose magnification is variable in accordance with the focal length of the lens. A line array sensor generates an electrical signal in accordance with the intensity of the received light. A distance measuring optical system, which transmits light from a photographic object to the sensing elements of the sensor, has an optical axis which is different from the optical axis to the viewfinder system. A designator designates a particular sensing area, corresponding to the focal length of the lens, over the sensing elements of the sensor. A first distance data generator generates first distance data based on electrical signals generated by the sensing elements within the designated sensing area, and a second distance data generator generates second distance data based on electrical signals generated by the sensing elements outside of the designated sensing area. A discriminator discriminates whether the first distance data generator is operable.