Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus repetitively detects a defocus amount of a photographing lens, discriminates whether or not an object is moving, and calculates a pursuit correction amount for a moving object on the basis of present and previous defocus amounts. When a non-moving object is discriminated, a drive amount of the lens is calculated on the basis of the present defocus amount, and when a moving object is discriminated the drive amount is calculated on the basis of a pursuit drive amount as a sum of the present defocus amount and the pursuit correction amount. A pursuit enable/disable determining device determines whether the drive amount is calculated on the basis of the discrimination result or on the basis of the present defocus amount.

Abstract: A focus detecting device for detecting the focus adjusted state of an imaging optical system with respect to an object body comprises first and second photoelectric element arrays each including a plurality of photoelectric elements arranged in one direction, a focus detecting optical system for forming first and second optical images of the body on or near the first and second arrays by first and second light beams passed through different first and second areas, respectively, of the exit pupil of the imaging optical system, the first array producing a series of first output signals having a distribution pattern associated with the illumination intensity distribution pattern of the first image, the second array producing a series of second output signals having a distribution pattern associated with the illumination intensity distribution pattern of the second image, focus detection means for producing a focus detection signal representative of the focus adjusted state of the imaging optical system, on the b

Abstract: To improve the responsiveness of an automatic focus adjustment camera in which focus adjustment of the photographic lens is performed based on the results of focus detection in multiple regions, defocus amounts of the photographic optical system in multiple focus detection regions are detected asynchronously and independently of one another in multiple focus detection regions that are established on the photographic screen of the photographic optical system. The value of the defocus amounts in the various focus detection regions are compensated at times T3, T5, T8 and T9 when the defocus amounts are detected in the various focus detection regions, or at preset time intervals W, and the final defocus amount is set from among these multiple compensated defocus amounts in order to drive the photographic optical system.

Abstract: A camera having multiple focal point detection areas which are individually selectable to focus a subject in a respective, selected focal point detection area. The camera includes a photographic lens and a focus adjustment unit. The focus adjustment unit drives the photographic lens to focus the subject in a selected focal point detection area by (a) calculating a sequence of defocus amount corresponding, respectively, to sequential points in time, each defocus amount corresponding to a respective focal point detection area selected at the corresponding point in time, and (b) driving the photographic lens to focus the subject based on the sequence of defocus amounts, irrespective of whether the selected focal point detection area has been switched to a different focal point detection area during the sequential points in time.

Abstract: A focus detecting device for detecting the focus adjusted state of an imaging optical system with respect to an object body comprises first and second photoelectric element arrays each including a plurality of photoelectric elements arranged in one direction, a focus detecting optical system for forming first and second optical images of the body on or near the first and second arrays by first and second light beams passed through different first and second areas, respectively, of the exit pupil of the imaging optical system, the first array producing a series of first output signals having a distribution pattern associated with the illumination intensity distribution pattern of the first image, the second array producing a series of second output signals having a distribution pattern associated with the illumination intensity distribution pattern of the second image, focus detection means for producing a focus detection signal representative of the focus adjusted state of the imaging optical system, on the b

Abstract: A focus detection device for an optical system which samples discrete areas of an image to determine focus adjustment. The discrete areas are either rectilinear or cross shaped. The rectilinear focus detection areas are inclined relative to the horizontal edge of the finder frame at an angle less than 30.degree. and preferably less than 20.degree., thus reducing the width of the vertical direction picture elements in the picture element row. This makes it possible to detect both vertical lines and horizontal lines. The cross shaped areas are arranged at central focus detection positions where conditions permit and rectilinear areas are arranged at positions along the horizontal edge of the finder frame. Using a combination of inclined rectilinear and cross shaped, areas traditionally difficult-to-handle objects can be detected to the extent possible in any area.

Abstract: A focus detecting apparatus comprises charge accumulation type photoelectric converting devices provided correspondingly to at least three focus detection areas set in a photographing image field and having a plurality of pairs of light receiving portions each for receiving a pair of light beams directed from each of the focus detection areas by a focus detecting optical system, an area setting device for setting a selection area including plural ones of the focus detection areas and a non-selection area including at least one of the focus detection areas in the photographing image field, a processing device for applying different processings to the outputs of the charge accumulation type photoelectric converting devices corresponding to the focus detection areas belonging to the selection area and the output of the charge accumulation type photoelectric converting device corresponding to the focus detection area belonging to the non-selection area, and a focus detecting device for detecting the focus adjuste

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus repetitively detects a defocus amount of a photographing lens, discriminates whether or not an object is moving, and calculates a pursuit correction amount for a moving object on the basis of present and previous defocus amounts. When a non-moving object is discriminated, a drive amount of the lens is calculated on the basis of the present defocus amount, and when a moving object is discriminated the drive amount is calculated on the basis of a pursuit drive amount as a sum of the present defocus amount and the pursuit correction amount. A pursuit enable/disable determining device determines whether the drive amount is calculated on the basis of the discrimination result or on the basis of the present defocus amount.

Abstract: A focus detecting device for detecting the focus adjusted state of an imaging optical system with respect to an object body comprises first and second photoelectric element arrays each including a plurality of photoelectric elements arranged in one direction, a focus detecting optical system for forming first and second optical images of the body on or near the first and second arrays by first and second light beams passed through different first and second areas, respectively, of the exit pupil of the imaging optical system, the first array producing a series of first output signals having a distribution pattern associated with the illumination intensity distribution pattern of the first image, the second array producing a series of second output signals having a distribution pattern associated with the illumination intensity distribution pattern of the second image, focus detection means for producing a focus detection signal representative of the focus adjusted state of the imaging optical system, on the b

Abstract: A focus detecting device for detecting the focus adjusted state of an imaging optical system with respect to an object body comprises first and second photoelectric element arrays each including a plurality of photoelectric elements arranged in one direction, a focus detecting optical system for forming first and second optical images of the body on or near the first and second arrays by first and second light beams passed through different first and second areas, respectively, of the exit pupil of the imaging optical system, the first array producing a series of first output signals having a distribution pattern associated with the illumination intensity distribution pattern of the first image, the second array producing a series of second output signals having a distribution pattern associated with the illumination intensity distribution pattern of the second image, focus detection means for producing a focus detection signal representative of the focus adjusted state of the imaging optical system, on the b

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus repetitively detects a defocus amount of a photographing lens, discriminates whether or not an object is moving, and calculates a pursuit correction amount for a moving object on the basis of present and previous defocus amounts. When a non-moving object is discriminated, a drive amount of the lens is calculated on the basis of the present defocus amount, and when a moving object is discriminated the drive amount is calculated on the basis of a pursuit drive amount as a sum of the present defocus amount and the pursuit correction amount. A pursuit enable/disable determining device determines whether the drive amount is calculated on the basis of the discrimination result or on the basis of the present defocus amount.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus repetitively detects a defocus amount of a photographing lens, discriminates whether or not an object is moving, and calculates a pursuit correction amount for a moving object on the basis of present and previous defocus amounts. When a non-moving object is discriminated, a drive amount of the lens is calculated on the basis of the present defocus amount, and when a moving object is discriminated the drive amount is calculated on the basis of a pursuit drive amount as a stun of the present defocus amount and the pursuit correction amount. A pursuit enable/disable determining device determines whether the drive amount is calculated on the basis of the discrimination result or on the basis of the present defocus amount.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus repetitively detects a defocus amount of a photographing lens, discriminates whether or not an object is moving, and calculates a pursuit correction amount for a moving object on the basis of present and previous defocus amounts. When a non-moving object is discriminated, a drive amount of the lens is calculated on the basis of the present defocus amount, and when a moving object is discriminated the drive amount is calculated on the basis of a pursuit drive amount as a sum of the present defocus amount and the pursuit correction amount. A pursuit enable/disable determining device determines whether the drive amount is calculated on the basis of the discrimination result or on the basis of the present defocus amount.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus repetitively detects a defocus amount of a photographing lens, discriminates whether or not an object is moving, and calculates a pursuit correction amount for a moving object on the basis of present and previous defocus amounts. When a non-moving object is discriminated, a drive amount of the lens is calculated on the basis of the present defocus amount, and when a moving object is discriminated the drive amount is calculated on the basis of a pursuit drive amount as a sum of the present defocus amount and the pursuit correction amount. A pursuit enable/disable determining device determines whether the drive amount is calculated on the basis of the discrimination result or on the basis of the present defocus amount.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus repetitively detects a defocus amount of a photographing lens, discriminates whether or not an object is moving, and calculates a pursuit correction amount for a moving object on the basis of present and previous defocus amounts. When a non-moving object is discriminated, a drive amount of the lens is calculated on the basis of the present defocus amount, and when a moving object is discriminated the drive amount is calculated on the basis of a pursuit drive amount as a sum of the present defocus amount and the pursuit correction amount. A pursuit enable/disable determining device determines whether the drive amount is calculated on the basis of the discrimination result or on the basis of the present defocus amount.

Abstract: A camera which provides accurate prediction of future field position accompanying the movement of a photographic subject. The future field position is predicted based upon focus detection results taken during a short time period and during a long time period relative to a predetermined time period. A selection of the focus detection results taken either during the short time period or during the long time period, used to predict future field position, is made based upon parameters which indicate at least one of field movement speed, field movement acceleration, focal length of the photographic lens, and focusing distance. The focus adjustment device is capable of discriminating between a sudden change in field position and a gradual change in field position in order to modify the method by which prediction of future field position is performed. Additionally, the focus detection device performs prediction of future field position accurately when photography is performed in rapid succession.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus for, e.g., a camera, can perform focus detection of even a position separated from an optical axis of an exchangeable photographing lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis regardless of an exit pupil position of the photographing lens. A detection image range used in focus detection is limited to a small region smaller than a detection image range of a conventional re-imaging type apparatus, and the way of setting use regions on an image sensor is changed in accordance with an exit pupil position of a photographing lens, and an aperture position of a re-imaging lens (a position separated from the optical axis in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis), i.e., a region changing means for changing the way of setting an image shift calculation region for comparing an image shift is provided, thereby allowing focus detection free from an eclipse.

Abstract: A focus detecting device comprises an image forming optical system, a device for detecting the defocus amount with respect to a predetermined plane of a plurality of images, formed by the image forming optical system, of fields corresponding to a plurality of detection areas which are set beforehand, a device for classifying the plurality of detection areas into a plurality of groups on the basis of the defocus amount, a device for selecting one optimum group from the plurality of groups, and a device for determining one final defocus amount on the basis of the defocus amount corresponding to detection areas belonging to the optimum group.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus which can precisely perform focus detection for phototaking lenses having various exit pupil positions even when a position separated from the optical axis of a phototaking lens is set as the center of a focus detection area.A pair of outputs are selected from those of a plurality of pairs of photoelectric transducer arrays on the basis of pupil position information associated with the exit pupil position of a phototaking lens, and position information associated with the distance between a base line and the optical axis. An arithmetic means detects a relative shift amount of a plurality of pairs of optical images on the basis of the selected pair of focus detection signals, thereby calculating a defocus amount.

Abstract: A focus detecting device comprises an image forming optical system, a device for detecting the defocus amount with respect to a predetermined plane of a plurality of images, formed by the image forming optical system, of fields corresponding to a plurality of detection areas which are set beforehand, a device for classifying the plurality of detection areas into a plurality of groups on the basis of the defocus amount, a device for selecting one optimum group from the plurality of groups, and a device for determining one final defocus amount on the basis of the defocus amount corresponding to detection areas belonging to the optimum group.