Abstract: A system having a sensor array adapted to provide image data. A process node is connected to the sensor array, and analyzes portions of the image data. A job manager is connected to the process node, and instructs the process node to send the portions of the image data to a storage node. The storage node receives and stores the sent portions of the image data. In this manner, image data can be stored and run multiple times in order to tune a recipe for the analysis system. Because the same image data can be used over and over again, the recipe creating process can be more finely tuned to detect both the types of defects and at a level that is desired.

Abstract: An integrated optical modulator and method for manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The integrated optical modulator comprises a carrier wave band modulator using a double sideband modulation method and an intermediate frequency band modulator using a single sideband modulation method. The carrier wave band modulator and the intermediate frequency band modulator are connected in series. A method for manufacturing an integrated optical modulator comprises preparing a substrate having at least one polarization reversed section, forming a first optical waveguide part and a second optical waveguide part on the substrate, forming a buffer layer over the first and second optical waveguide parts, forming sequentially a first electrode part and a second electrode part over the first optical waveguide part, and forming a third electrode part over the second optical waveguide part.

Abstract: A variable light controlling device comprising a substrate, an optical waveguide disposed on the substrate, a first heater and a second heater to change the optical waveguide's temperature is fabricated. And a total amount of the power supplied to the first and the second heater, or a total amount of heat emitted from both of the first and second heater, is maintained substantially constant. Then, the substrate is protected from temperature changes, thereby, stable and quick wavelength tuning operations are realized.

Abstract: An optical sensor assembly comprising a plurality of optical fibre sensor coils optically coupled by optical fibre; and an elongate support element, on which said plurality of optical fibre sensor coils and optically coupling optical fibre are mounted is disclosed. The support element has an elastic limit such that when said support element is bent from the elongate axis, the optical fibre fracture limit is reached before the elastic limit is reached. An array of these optical sensor assemblies, the mandrel on which the sensing coils are mounted and their method of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including: a deflectable diaphragm including a substantially central boss and channel; and, an optical waveguide having first and second arms, wherein the first arm is substantially aligned with an edge of the boss and the second arm is substantially aligned with an edge of the channel.

Abstract: An array optical subassembly has a substrate, at least one optical active component, a driver IC, a circuit board and a cover covering the foregoing elements. The substrate has two opposite surfaces, wherein one surface is formed by a lens array and the other surface is formed by metal pads, lines and alignment keys. The optical active component has a source array aligned to the lens array when the optical active component is connected to the metal pads on the substrate. The driver IC and the circuit board are also connected to the metal pads on the substrate to drive the optical active component. The lens array is directly formed on the substrate so the source array is aligned to the lens array very well by the alignment keys when the optical active component connected to the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated fiber optic assembly includes some of the active components that are otherwise found in a typical transceiver. For example, a transmitter optical assembly includes a laser source, a laser driver, and a component for administering diagnostic data. A receiver optical assembly includes a photo-diode an optical converter, such as a transimpedance amplifier, and a processing control that can administer, for example diagnostic data associated with the receiver optical assembly. A combination optical assembly includes a photo-diode and a laser source, as well as many of the active components for driving, operating, or administering the laser source. In part since the active components can be placed in close proximity to each other, electrical impedance is reduced that would otherwise be present in a typical transceiver and optical subassembly.

Abstract: A wavelength selective switch of the invention separates WDM light coming out from an input fiber of a fiber collimator array according to its wavelength, in a diffraction grating, and reflects each wavelength channel proceeding in different directions by MEMS mirrors corresponding to a mirror array. In the MEMS mirrors, the angles of their reflecting surfaces are set corresponding to the location of the output port which is set in the output address of the wavelength channel to be injected. For each of the wavelength channels that reach the target output port, one part of each is reflected by the end face of an output fiber, and the reflected light is returned to the input port, and sent to a channel monitor via an optical circulator, so that the optical power corresponding to each wavelength channel is monitored.

Abstract: A wavelength selective switch module is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention extends the concept of a standard array waveguide grating (AWG), which focuses each wavelength component launched via an input AWG to a Rowland circle inside a planar lightwave chip (PLC) where discrete waveguides are located, to one which focuses each wavelength component outside of the PLC chip along a straight line. An array of MEMS mirrors or other redirecting elements is positioned at the focus location for independently redirecting each of the wavelength channels back to any number of selected output AWGs formed on the same PLC chip as the input AWG.

Abstract: Whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators configured to support only a single whispering gallery mode.

Abstract: A WDM coupler includes a first collimator including a single fiber pigtail, a first GRIN lens and a first glass holding tube; a second collimator including a dual fiber pigtail, a second GRIN lens and a second glass holding tube; an optical filter arranged on an end surface of the second GRIN lens of the second collimator; an outer glass sleeve bridging the first and second collimators; and UV-curing epoxy between the outer glass sleeve and the glass holding tubes of the first and second collimators for securing the first and second collimators to the outer glass sleeve. The expansion coefficient of the UV-curing epoxy is matched to that of the glass materials of the outer glass sleeve and the first and second holding tubes, so that the first and second collimators can directly be fixed in the outer glass sleeve using the UV-curing epoxy.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously defining a waveguide and grating in a sample of photosensitive material comprises providing a sample of material (24) having a region which is photosensitive to light of a specific wavelength, generating a spot of light (22) at the specific wavelength, the spot having a periodic intensity pattern of high and low intensity fringes, and a width which is related to the width of the channel, positioning the spot within the photosensitive region and causing relative movement between the sample and the light spot along the desired path of the waveguide/grating define a channel of altered refractive index by exposing parts of the photosensitive region to the light spot. Modulation of the light spot to produce multiple exposures produces a grating, while continuous exposure results in a uniform waveguide. These structures can be written in straight lines or around curves, and can be accurately overwritten, so that complex optical devices can be produced in a single fabrication step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising a plurality of regions of optically permissive material. The plurality of regions are disposed adjacent one another in a side by side relationship in order to define a stratified body. The materials in adjacent regions have differing indexes of refraction. The stratified body has a first surface and a second surface that are positioned in a non-parallel relationship with respect to one another. The first surface is a light-receiving surface, and the second surface is a light-exiting surface.

Abstract: An optical device that includes an input region, an output region, and an arrayed waveguide grating between the input region and the output region is presented. The input region includes a first input waveguide set and a second input waveguide set, and the output region includes a first output waveguide set and a second output waveguide set. The arrayed waveguide grating is shared by the signals that travel from the input region to the output region. The device is capable of simultaneously functioning as a multiplexer and a demultiplexer, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of a dual-function optical device. Where the arrayed waveguide grating is used for multiplexing, the optical device receives demultiplexed input signals and generates a multiplexed signal. Where the arrayed waveguide grating is used for demultiplexing, the optical device receives a multiplexed input signal and generates a set of demultiplexed signals.

Abstract: An optical pulse time spreader which can generate a chip pulse string of which intensity is equalized. The reflectances R1, R2 and Rk of the first, second and k-th (k is an integer which satisfies 3?k?J) unit FBG are given by the following formulae respectively. R1=Pc(constant) ??(a) R2=Pc/(1?R1)2 ??(b) Rk=(Pc1/2?Pk1/2)2/{(1?R1)2·(1?R2)2 . . . (1?Rk-1)2} ??(c-1) Rk=(Pc1/2+Pk1/2)2/{(1?R1)2 ·(1?R2)2 . . . (1?Rk-1)2} ??(c-2) Here Pc is an arbitrary constant, and Pk is an intensity of a triple reflection chip pulse which is output for the k-th time. The formulae (c-1) and (c-2) are the reflectance of the k-th unit diffraction grating when the phase difference between the single reflection chip pulse, which is output for the k-th time, and the triple reflection chip pulse, which is output for the k-th time, is 0 and ? respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an optical connector, an apparatus for producing the same, and a process for forming a polymer coating film on an end face of a fibrous dielectric, which can dispose a refractive index adjuster only onto an end face of an optical transmitting medium with excellent reproducibility. Such a process includes bringing an end surface of the optical transmitting medium close to an end face of a liquid refractive index adjuster, while charging at least one of the optical transmitting medium and the liquid refractive index adjuster, thereby adhering the liquid refractive index adjuster to the end face of the optical transmitting medium, and thereafter solidifying the adhered liquid refractive index adjuster to obtain the refractive index adjuster.

Abstract: A photonic crystal directional coupler composed of at least two linear defect waveguides introduced into a photonic crystal. The medium constant and the lattice constant of the photonic crystal at the photonic crystal directional coupling part, the sizes and shapes of the elements constituting the periodical structure of the photonic crystal are varied. Thereby the difference in propagation constant between the even and odd modes of the photonic crystal directional coupling part is increased, thus shortening the coupling length of the photonic crystal directional coupler.

Abstract: A reflectance instrument illuminates the surface of tissue with light of a selected wavelength and light emanating from the tissue due to reflectance is collected. The angle of illumination of tissue surface and/or collection of reflections is changed to probe at various depths beneath the surface of the tissue. The reflectance instrument may be used in a method for measuring the optical properties of a two layer diffuse media such as epithelial tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first waveguide configured to focus an electromagnetic wave to a focal region, and a second waveguide defining an opening having an end positioned adjacent to the focal region, the second waveguide including a first metallic layer, and second and third layers positioned on opposite sides of the first metallic layer, wherein the first metallic layer has a first propagation constant larger than propagation constants of the second and third layers.

Abstract: A configuration detection device includes a light-providing optical fiber, a light reflector a curvature-detecting optical fiber, and a light modulator. The light-providing optical fiber transmits detection light in a plurality of wavelength ranges that have different wavelengths from one another, The light reflector reflects the detection light as reflected light. The curvature-detecting optical fiber transmits the reflected light, and is bent together with an endoscope. The light modulator modulates at least one of the strength or the wavelength of the reflected light for each of the wavelength ranges. Based on at least one of the strength or the wavelength of the reflected light that is pre-modulated and post-modulated, and based on the distance between the light modulator and the output end of the curvature-detecting optical fiber, the configuration of the endoscope is detectable.

Abstract: A multimode fiber having an index profile such that, for a propagation mode other than the fundamental mode and at a wavelength of 1550 nm, the fiber presents a positive chromatic dispersion greater than or equal to 50 ps/run/km, a positive chromatic dispersion slope and a figure of merit (FOM) greater than or equal to 200 ps/run/dB.

Abstract: A single-mode optical fiber has a cut-off wavelength of 1260 nm or less, a zero-dispersion wavelength in the range of 1300 nm to 1324 nm, a zero-dispersion slope of 0.093 ps/nm2/km or less, a mode field diameter at a wavelength of 1310 nm in the range of 5.5 ?m to 7.9 ?m, and a bending loss of 0.5 dB or less at a wavelength of 1550 nm, the bending loss being produced when the fiber is wound around a 10-mm radius for 10 turns.

Abstract: A microstructured optical waveguide is formed to include a periodic sequence of “plugs” of optically active material within the inner cladding air tunnels. The plugs are utilized as a grating structure for generating resonant and periodic structures. The waveguide (in one embodiment, an optical fiber) is tunable by changing the spacing of the plugs (e.g., heating the structure, changing the pressure within the structure, etc.), or by modifying the initial spacing of the plugs during the formation of the microstructured optical waveguide (i.e., by modifying the “dipping frequency” of the waveguide into a reservoir of optically active material). In general, any number of different types of optically active material may be used to form the plugs, where two or more different materials may be used in the same structure, and introduced in an alternating fashion.

Abstract: An optical fiber not only can suppress SBS but also can be produced easily. The optical fiber 1 comprises an optical core region 10 including the center axis and an optical cladding region 14 surrounding the optical core region 10. The optical core region 10 is composed of a first region 11, a second region 12, and a third region 13 in this order from the inside. The third region 13, which is a part of the optical core region 10, is a ring-shaped acoustic core region. The propagation mode of an acoustic wave can be localized in the third region 13.

Abstract: The device is an optoelectronic device or transparent waveguide device that comprises a growth surface, a growth mask, an optical waveguide core mesa and a cladding layer. The growth mask is located on the semiconductor surface and defines an elongate growth window having a periodic grating profile. The optical waveguide core mesa is located in the growth window and has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The cladding layer covers the optical waveguide core mesa and extends over at least part of the growth mask. Such devices are fabricated by providing a wafer comprising a growth surface, growing an optical waveguide core mesa on the growth surface by micro-selective area growth at a first growth temperature and covering the optical waveguide core mesa with cladding material at a second growth temperature, lower than the first growth temperature.

Abstract: Duct closures include a first member and a second member. The first and second members are configured to define a cavity therebetween when in a closed position. A hinge on a first end of the first member and the second member pivotally connects the first member and the second member for movement between the closed position and an open position. A duct mating region on a second end of the first and second members, opposite from the first end, is configured to define a duct receiving opening receiving and sealingly engaging an outer surface of a duct having longitudinally extending members extending therefrom. A plurality of openings to the cavity are defined by the first and second members on the first end and sized to receive ones of the longitudinally extending members extending therethrough. A sealant material positioned in the cavity environmentally seals the openings with the ones of the longitudinally extending members extending therethrough.

Abstract: Optical devices, components and methods for mounting optical fibers and for side-coupling light to/from optical fibers using a modified silicon V-groove, or silicon V-groove array, wherein V-grooves, which are designed for precisely aligning/spacing optical fibers, are “recessed” below the surface of the silicon. Optical fibers can be recessed below the surface of the silicon substrate such that a precisely controlled portion of the cladding layer extending above the silicon surface can be removed (lapped). With the cladding layer removed, the separation between the fiber core(s) and optoelectronic device(s) can be reduced resulting in improved optical coupling when the optical fiber silicon array is connected to, e.g., a VCSEL array.

Abstract: A thermal protection device for a fiber optic cable includes a loop formed on the cable and a plurality of sub-units within the cable removed from an outer jacket. A circumferential cut is made through an outer jacket of each sub-unit. A tube is placed about the cut in each sub-unit. A carrier is positioned about each of the tubes and each sub-unit including a circumferential cut. A fiber optic system includes a thermal protection device for sub-units of a fiber optic cable within a frame. A method of providing thermal protection for a fiber optic cable. A kit for providing thermal protection to telecommunications cables.

Abstract: A release auxiliary device (6) includes a base part (51) that is provided fixedly with respect to a receptacle (11), and an auxiliary lever (52) that is provided elastically deformable with respect to the base part (51) and elastically deformable in an orthogonal direction with respect to a direction in which a lever (41) is deformed. The auxiliary lever (52) includes an inclined pressing part (62) that is touchable, from a side, to an end portion of the lever (41), the inclined pressing part (62) presses against the end portion of the lever (41) and moves the lever (41) by pressing an outer surface side of the auxiliary lever (52) and deforming the auxiliary lever (52), enabling release of the engagement between engaging portions (42, 28).

Abstract: Materials transparent to terahertz waves are very limited, and it is difficult to obtain the required performance by selecting the material. Further, it is also difficult to search for a novel material. Therefore, by letting a known material transparent to terahertz waves have a photonic crystal structure and controlling the structure, an optical waveguide having the required properties is provided. An optical waveguide for propagation of far-infrared radiation in the terahertz region, which optical waveguide is made of a fluorinated amorphous polymer. Particularly preferred is a polymer having a fluorinated aliphatic ring structure in its main chain, obtained by cyclopolymerization of a fluorinated monomer having at least two polymerizable double bonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber for an optical amplifier and a method for manufacturing the same, which can be applied to an optical transmission system in the S-band area (4130 nm-1530 nm). According to the present invention, silica is used as a base material and the optical fiber for an optical amplifier contains Tm3+ ions and metal ions in a first core layer formed on an inner surface of a second core layer using the MCVD (Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition) method and a solution doping method whereby the practicability and productivity of the optical fiber are remarkably improved.

Abstract: A radiation resistant single-mode optical fiber has a core and a cladding, each made of fluorine-doped silica glass, in which a chlorine concentration of the core is at least 0.01 ppm, a relative refractive index difference of the core based on the refractive index for silica is between ?0.30% and ?0.10%, a relative refractive index difference of the core based on the refractive index for the cladding is between 0.3% and 0.5%, a cutoff wavelength is 1.27 ?m or below, and a bending loss at a wavelength of 1.3 ?m and a bending diameter of 20 mm is 0.5 dB/m or less.

Abstract: Presenting viewers with an alternative brief version of a recorded advertisement when they choose to fast-forward through or skip (or any other trick play event) the recorded advertisement. The alternative advertisement may be displayed instead of or in conjunction with the recorded advertisement (i.e., fast-forwarding advertisement is displayed in one portion of the screen (i.e., background or portion of a split screen) and the alternative brief version is displayed in another portion). The alternative brief version of the advertisement (trick play advertisement) may be a marketing message that is a static screen presenting a logo or a portion of the recorded advertisement, or may be a condensed version of the actual advertisement. The trick play advertisements may be targeted. An alternate or entirely unrelated advertisement can also be displayed as the trick play advertisement.

Abstract: In a system for reproducing AV information from a recording medium, such as a DVD, not only are usual titles reproduced, but also related information relevant to specific stream information is acquired easily by making use of resources on a computer network. In a reproducing system with the function of reproducing the title information recorded on a DVD and displaying it on the screen of a display section, when the user clicks a Web mark on the screen, the CPU links to a Web server on the Internet via a modem and accesses the Web page related to the stream information on the screen. At that time, the related Web page is the selected information conforming to parental information, or attribute information, set in the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting dummy video sync and audio signals in an optical disc player, which are capable of generating a dummy video sync signal when the optical disc player plays an audio-only optical disc. The method and apparatus transmit to a television the dummy video sync signal along with an audio signal read/reproduced from the optical disc. Accordingly, the invention prevents the television from being automatically turned off or switched to an audio mute state when only audio signals are reproduced from the disc without any reproduction of associated video signals. As a result, the user can hear audio sound through speakers equipped in the television even though only audio signals are reproduced from the disc.

Abstract: To detect at least one of a copy protection indicator and a redistribution control indicator in an analog video signal, the video format of the analog video signal is determined, e.g., by detecting the horizontal frequency and vertical frequency of the signal. Based at least on the determined video format, a region of the analog video signal that may contain the indicator is identified. The region may for example be one or more video lines in a vertical blanking interval. The region is examined until the indicator is detected. The indicator is confirmed, e.g., by re-detecting one or more occurrences of the same indicator value(s) later in the video signal. Once confirmed, the indicated copy protection and/or redistribution control may be effected by limiting either or both of copying and redistribution of the analog video signal. The indicator may for example be Copy Generation Management System Analog plus Redistribution Control (CGMS-A+RC) information.

Abstract: The information recording apparatus records unit information which includes recording information including, for example, video and audio data and reproduction control information for the reproduction on a rewritable-type recording medium. After information is recorded, temporary management information for all the unit recording information recorded on the recording medium is produced and is recorded on the recording medium. By producing temporary management information and recording it on the recording medium every time new unit recording information is recorded on the recording medium, it becomes possible to reproduce the respective unit recording information from the recording medium by referring to the temporary management information.

Abstract: A recording medium for storing information for still pictures, and a recording and/or reproducing method and apparatus therefor. A writeable and rewriteable recording medium stores data for a plurality of still pictures and audio data added thereto in one file or a space having a logically one-dimensional order, rather than in each file, and still picture group information for separating the still picture data into within a predetermined maximum number of groups in order to manage the still pictures at a group level is then stored on the recording medium. Thus, large-capacity still picture data and audio data added thereto can be recorded and/or reproduced using a minimum amount of information. The still picture group information includes general information for still picture groups, and information for still pictures in each still picture group.

Abstract: On an information recording medium, an entire stream including a plurality of portion streams, each of which is provided with picture information or audio information constituting a series of content, is multiplexed-and-recorded by a unit of packet. The information recording medium is provided with a file for storing object data, which is constructed by a plurality of packets, each of which stores therein a segment of the picture information or the audio information. The information recording medium is further provided with a file for storing information which defines a reproduction sequence of the object data and a file for storing information which defines a group having a specific relation from among a plurality of the plurality of portion streams.

Abstract: A DVD disc contains a lead-in area that contains sync sectors, control data including the number of recording surfaces, disc keys and other information, and contains a Data Area occupying the main part of the available disc surface or surfaces. In order to handle the content of the disc it is necessary to know the control data and disc keys. According to the invention, the data content of the Data Area is used to determine the necessary control data, without reading information from the a lead-in area.

Abstract: Images included in an electronic album are displayed as a slide show with the configuration and sequence different from the configuration and sequence on the video stream that has been created already. There is provided an electronic-album displaying system that displays an electronic album including a plurality of images. The electronic-album displaying system includes a video stream storing unit operable to store a video stream including the plurality of images as frame images, a playback unitoperable to play the video stream, a remote controller operable to remotely control the playback unit byway of radio communication, and a display unit operable to display the video stream played by the playback unit, in which the remote controller includes a schedule storing unit that stores a schedule by which at least some images among the plurality of images are played, and a remote controlling unit that remotely controls the playback unit in order to play each of at least some images according to the schedule.

Abstract: Vapor-emitting devices according to various embodiments of the invention include active end of use indicators to warn users that it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device. Some embodiments of the vapor-emitting devices include intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator, while other embodiments include non-intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator. The indicators may be visual and/or auditory cues for notifying users it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device.

Abstract: A microfluidic system and method for employing it to control fluid temperatures of fluids residing within microchannels of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device is provided with a top layer and a bottom layer and microchannels configured therebetween. Temperature of the fluid within the microchannels is controlled in various ways including the use of electrical resistive heating elements and by providing zones located in contact with the top and bottom layers of the microfluidic device for circulating heat transfer of fluid therein.

Abstract: A three-dimensional photographic shelf that is highly controllable, adjustable and portable. A loading turntable of the shelf for loading a photographic subject has the functions of horizontal rotation for different angles and vertical angles switches while cooperating with a hand rod connected to a digital camera.

Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus of a photographing-apparatus includes a movable-unit and a fixed-unit. The movable-unit has an imaging device, and is movable in a first-direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the photographing-apparatus, and performs an anti-shake operation by moving in the first-direction. The fixed-unit slidably supports the movable-unit in the first-direction. The movable-unit has first and second hall-elements for detecting a position of the movable-unit in the first-direction as a first location, in order to calculate a detected-position signal. The fixed-unit has first and second magnets for detecting the first location. The detected-position signal is calculated on the basis of an average of outputs of the first and second hall-elements.

Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a stationary support plate; a Y-direction moving member including a Y-direction rod portion and an X-direction rod portion connected thereto parallel with the stationary support plate, the Y-direction moving member being supported by the stationary support plate so as to relatively move in the Y-direction; an X-direction moving member supported by the X-direction rod portion so as to relatively move in the X-direction. One of the X-direction moving member and the stationary support plate is provided with a projection, and the other of the X-direction moving member and the stationary support plate is provided with a rotation restriction support portion supporting the projection to move in a plane parallel with the stationary support plate relative to the other of the X-direction moving member and the stationary support plate and which prevents rotation of the X-direction moving member about the X-direction rod portion.

Abstract: An image blur compensation apparatus includes first and second driving units (17a, 17b, 16a, 16b) having functionally equivalent members each other. A resultant force which acts on a holding unit (12) when in-phase driving signals of the same amount are applied to the first and second driving units differs in magnitude from a resultant force which acts on the holding unit when reverse-phase driving signals of the same amount are applied to the first and second driving units. The first and second driving units are arranged such that these resultant forces become perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated adjusting apparatus for lens is disclosed. The adjusting apparatus comprises a body capable of furnishing a lens inside, at least one permanent magnet, a first magnetic conductor and a second magnetic conductor. The first and the second magnetic conductors are respectively wound with a plurality of coils. The permanent magnet is adjoined to the body and has a first polarity and a second polarity opposing each other. The first magnetic conductor has at least a first extension member provided opposite to the first polarity. The second magnetic conductor has at least a second extension member provided opposite to the second polarity. The first extension member and the second extension member can better converge magnetic flux lines emanating from the coils when charged to the positions nearing the two polarities of the permanent magnet so high-efficiency focusing and zooming of lens can be achieved.

Abstract: An output from an auto focus sensor is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converting section, and an output from the A/C converting section is stored in a memory section. Further, a second AF arithmetic section is used to concurrently execute a plurality of focus detection arithmetic operations based on data in the memory section.