Abstract: The object of this invention is to attain accurate control by correcting any deviation of a cam locus due to manufacturing errors and the like upon controlling a zoom lens and focus lens along a theoretical cam locus. To attain this object, a differential locus between the theoretical cam locus (stored cam locus) and a true cam locus due to an error obtained by a measurement is obtained, and is stored as cam correction data. The lens control is made while correcting the theoretical cam locus by the correction data.

Abstract: A film scanner has a transport table for transporting the film held by a film holder in a sub-scan direction, a transport mechanism for moving the transport table in the sub-scan direction, a line sensor and a line sensor drive circuit for obtaining an image of the film. The transport mechanism is provided with a scan motor driven in predetermined steps. The line sensor and the line sensor drive circuit are configured to read the signal at a first timing corresponding to a rotational position of the step of the scan motor and read the signal at both of the first timing and a second timing where the motor temporarily stops, due to overshoot, at an angular position between first timings.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an image sensing method which allows object focus tracking during zooming regardless of the shutter speed. In order to achieve this object, a zoom motor for driving a zoom lens is controlled by a lens control microcomputer to decrease the zoom speed.

Abstract: A rangefinder according to the present invention includes light source section, camera section, distance-measuring sensor, exposure controller and shutter. The light source section projects light onto an object for 3D imaging purposes. The camera section receives the light that was emitted from the light source section and then reflected from the object. The distance-measuring sensor estimates an approximate distance to the object. Based on the approximate distance, the exposure controller controls the optical output power of the light source section and/or the open/closed states of the shutter. The rangefinder can control the intensity of the projected light even if the object is on the move. As a result, the rangefinder can obtain highly precise information about the 3D location of the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for communicating speed data from a camera to a lens unit to drive the lens unit. Even if speed data changes stepwise, a change amount of the driving speed can be changed within a predetermined range for each stepwise change of the speed data in a whole driving speed change range.

Abstract: A unit for inputting a set value of a braking characteristic near the end of a zooming operation area, and a storage unit for storing an initial set value are provided for a servo module (lens drive device), and the servo module can change the settings of the braking characteristic. The servo module is detachably mounted to a lens device body and contains a CPU, and is provided with A/D converters for A/D converting an analog control signal and a lens position signal for focus and zoom from the lens device body, and a digital signal communications interface. A parameter value of the braking characteristic can be changed by operating a switch unit. Memory stores an initial set value of the braking characteristic, and the initial set value can be restored as necessary. In addition, an indicator (lens status display portion) mounted in the lens device body is used as a unit for checking the parameter value of the braking characteristic.

Abstract: A camera which drives a focusing lens to a target position in a short period of time while maintaining required stop accuracy in accordance with the status of an image-taking optical system, is disclosed. The camera comprises the image-taking optical system and a pulse generator that outputs pulse signals in accordance with movement of the focusing lens. A stop judging unit selectively carries out, in accordance with the status of the image-taking optical system, a first stop judgement of the focusing lens by detecting that the count value of pulse signals has reached a target count value, and a second stop judgement of the focusing lens by detecting that the output signal from the pulse generator does not change.

Abstract: On a screen G1 of a liquid crystal display, a digital camera displays an AF cursor for use as a focusing point. Thus, a shooter shifts the AF cursor to the portion of a subject to be focused, so as to carry out the setting. Here, when the subject is zoomed up to an enlarged screen G2 through an optical zooming operation, the AF cursor is displayed on the enlarged screen G2, following the subject. Moreover, in the case when the subject is electronically zoomed up to an enlarged screen G3, the AF cursor is also displayed on the enlarged screen G3, following the subject. Thus, even when a zooming process is carried out, it is not necessary to adjust the position of the AF cursor; thus, it becomes possible to improve the operability of the digital camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus incorporating a zoom lens system which performs variable power operations and focus adjustment by means of a driving action of a driving member. There is described an image capturing apparatus which employs the step zooming method with many steps in a unique configuration and which has advantages such as high image quality, small-size, light weight, low power consumption and low price. The image capturing apparatus includes a first lens, a second lens, a photo-electric converting element to receive a light coming from a subject image through the first lens and the second lens and to convert the light into image signals, a driving member to move the first lens and the second lens in an optical path, and a guiding member for guiding the second lens moved by the driving member so that a distance between the photo-electric converting element and the second lens changes stepwise.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus for controlling the position of a focusing lens includes a rotary operation member, a detector, having a rotary encoder coupled with the rotary operation member, which detects the amount of rotation per unit time of the rotary operation member by counting the number of pulses per unit time outputted from the rotary encoder, and a conversion circuit for converting a detection output of the detector into a signal indicative of the position of the focusing lens. Further, the lens control apparatus is provided with a control characteristic changing circuit for changing a control characteristic of the lens.

Abstract: An optical apparatus having an image-forming optical system comprising a movable lens, comprises a lens drive mechanism for moving the movable lens, a focus adjusting device for automatically adjusting an imaging position by moving the movable lens or another optical element, based on detection of a focus detecting-device, a detecting device for detecting a temperature change or a humidity change, and a control device for actuating the lens drive mechanism upon stop of operation of the focus adjusting device, based on detection in the detecting device, to move the movable lens for correction.

Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive image pick-up device which can enhance the focus detecting precision and reduce the time lag due to focus adjustment without using an exclusive-use AF sensor different from an image pick-up element. In the image pick-up device of this invention, a light beam which has passed through a photographing lens is electronically image-picked up in an image pick-up area of the image pick-up element. A light beam which is at least part of a light beam of a subject having passed through the photographing lens is guided to a focus detecting optical system by an optical member and focused to re-form an image on a focus detecting area of the image pick-up element. The image pick-up element has microlenses arranged only on the front surface of the image pick-up area. A color filter member is arranged on the front surface of a light receiving section of the image pick-up area.

Abstract: An image stabilizer for stabilizing an image against unexpected vibrations or shaking of a zoom lens includes a diaphragm arranged to vary its full-open aperture diameter according to a magnification varying (zooming) action from a wide-angle end position to a telephoto end position of the zoom lens for the purpose of preventing variations in light quantity which more conspicuously take place in the peripheral part than in the central part of an image plane when an image stabilizing action is performed.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for an optical apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of making defocusing when switching from an AF mode to an MF mode unnoticeable and quickly correcting the defocusing. The optical apparatus includes a manually operated first focus lens unit, a second focus lens unit driven under auto focusing control and a magnification-varying lens unit. The drive control apparatus includes a controller which operates in a first mode carrying out auto focusing control and a second mode carrying out no auto focusing control. When switching from the first mode to the second mode, the controller carries out control so as to drive the second focus lens unit to a first predetermined position and drive the magnification-varying lens unit to a second predetermined position.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus capable of picking up an image as a moving image, the image pickup apparatus is able to record at least one of a still image and a sound and is able to change at least one of a focal length of an image forming optical system and an illuminating angle of a flash device, and the image pickup apparatus, when recording the at least one of the still image and the sound, is prevented from changing the at least one of the focal length of the image forming optical system and the illuminating angle of the flash device. Further, there are provided a control method for the image pickup apparatus and a computer program product for controlling the image pickup apparatus.

Abstract: A camera which can accurately inform a photographer of the number of times image taking is possible is disclosed. The camera comprises an image-pickup device which photoelectrically converts an object image to an electric signal, an image processing circuit which applies image processing to the image data obtained by using the image-pickup device and generates processed image data, a recording circuit which records the processed image data in a recording medium, a control circuit which causes the image processing circuit to perform image processing on the image data obtained through one-time image taking under a plurality of different conditions to generate a plurality of the processed image data, and an information output unit which outputs information on the remaining number of times image taking is possible.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor includes a photocell array for accumulating signal charge for each pixel in accordance with progress of exposure, and a read circuit for reading out information on the accumulated signal charge from the photocell array. With an insulating structure between its input and output, an amplifier in the read circuit generates an output signal without resetting the accumulated charge in the photocell. Information on the accumulated charge is read out at different exposure times while signal charge is accumulated during exposure, and a plurality of image signals can sequentially be obtained without destroying the information.

Abstract: A camera device comprises a movable optical system, a driving unit which drives the optical system, and a control unit which controls the driving unit to move the optical system to a predetermined state by an initialization processing based on a startup program which does not comprise an operating system and then controls the driving unit based on the control program comprising the operating system.

Abstract: A video camera having a variator lens and focus lens which calculates in-focus positions varying with the drive of the variator lens based on previously stored in-focus position data, and performs the calculation a plurality of times during a period of a vertical-synchronizing signal in an image signal.

Abstract: In a TV control apparatus, a focus controller and a zoom controller are used to adjust a flange back focal length of a master lens. If a select switch switches the function of a focus controller from a focus lens control function to a master lens control function, a control signal is transmitted as a master lens control signal to a CPU from the focus controller. The master lens is controlled in accordance with the control signals. The focus lens is at a standstill during this period. The focus controller is also used as a master lens controller. If the zoom is at a wide-angle side, the focus controller is switched to the master lens controller, and if the zoom is at a telephoto side, the master lens controller is switched to the focus controller. If a flange back focal length adjustment switch is turned on and the zoom controller sets the zoom at the wide-angle side, the focus controller functions as a controller for adjusting the position of the master lens group.

Abstract: An optical apparatus has a look-up table provided with control information for controlling an optimum variable optical-property optical element in accordance with a distance to an object, a zoom state, or a combination of the distance to the object with the zoom state. A drive of the variable optical-property optical element is controlled on the control information obtained from the look-up table or a predetermined calculation process is executed on the control information obtained from the look-up table, and information obtained from the calculation process is used to control the drive of the variable optical-property optical element.

Abstract: A lens control device comprising a variator lens, a compensation lens for compensating for the displacement of the focal plane associated with the movement of the variator lens, a conversion lens disposed in an optical path in a detachable manner for limiting the area of the movement of the variator lens, and correction means for modifying the area of the movement of the compensation lens in response to the mounting of the conversion lens.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus has a lens unit detachably mounted on a camera body. A zoom ring is rotatably arranged on the lens unit. A magnification varying action of a zooming lens is controlled by a lens microcomputer according to the rotation of the zoom ring detected by a rotation detecting circuit. The magnification varying action can be controlled also by a camera-body microcomputer according to the operation of a zoom switch disposed on the side of the camera body. The magnification varying action by the zoom ring has priority over the magnification varying action by the zoom switch.

Abstract: A camera controller incorporates a microcontroller for carrying out all controller functions. The microcontroller is operably coupled to a reprogrammable memory in which operating commands for the specific camera being used are stored. Thus the microcontroller can be configured to work with a great number of different cameras and command sets, based upon the specific camera being used. A memory that can be used for this purpose is an electrically erasable read only memory that, by using a programmable logic array and random access memory, can be reprogrammed in-place. The microcontroller is operably connected to a camera's “on/off”, zoom and focus functions so that these may be controlled via the controller. Also controlled by the invention is the automatic iris feature of a digital camera.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image comprising: capturing the image utilizing an adjustable focusing technique; utilizing the focusing settings as an indicator of the position of structures within the image; and processing the image, utilizing the said focus settings to produce effects specific to said focus settings.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for making parallel interface communication compatible with serial interface communication when a serial interface compatible large television lens is used for a portable television camera, thereby performing optimal communication between the television camera and lens. In the arrangement of this invention, the terminals of the television lens are connected to the terminals of the camera via an adapter device, and a changeover switch is used to connect the terminals in accordance with serial or parallel communication, thereby setting compatibility between serial and parallel communications.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, when the focal length of a zoom lens is caused to change while the apparatus is in a state of being AE locked to retain an exposure control state of an exposure control circuit which is arranged to control the state of exposure according to a video signal, the apparatus is capable of maintaining the state of exposure obtained when the AE lock is made by correcting any change in the state of exposure caused by a change in F number resulting from the change of the focal length.

Abstract: A digital camera which uses the resources of silver halide single lens reflex cameras to provide an angle of field equal to that of a silver halide single lens reflex camera without enlarging the size of the image sensing element, and which provides excellent holding characteristics because the camera body is not elongated in the backward direction. A taking lens for a silver halide single lens reflex camera is used as a taking lens 301. A digital camera provided with a reducing lens 302 disposed behind a taking lens in the direction of the optical axis of the taking lens and on the optical axis of the taking lens, and a CCD sensor 303 for photoelectrically converting an optical image transmitted through the taking lens and the reducing lens, and which is disposed at the composite focus point of the taking lens and the reducing lens. This construction ensures the field angle is identical to that of a silver halide single lens reflex camera even when a small size image sensing element is used.

Abstract: An autofocus apparatus sets a portion of an image frame as an AF area. Then, in first image-pickup, acquires first image data for the AF area within the image frame according to a first light flux from an object passing through an aperture of the diaphragm when the diaphragm is not shifted. Further, in second image-pickup, acquires second image data for the AF area within the image frame according to a second light flux from the object passing through the aperture of the diaphragm when the diaphragm is shifted in one vertical direction with respect to the optical axis. A cross correlation between the first image data and the second image data is computed, and a distance up to a focus position of the focal lens as well as a direction thereof is computed according to the cross correlation. Then, the focal lens is driven to the focus position.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens video camera system which can stably focus on a main target object under any conditions of the object or the environment. The camera system includes a lens assembly detachably attached to a camera for photoelectrically converting incident light to sense an image and output an image signal. The camera system further includes a zoom lens and a focus lens controlled on the basis of an automatic focus evaluation value and data associated with exposure which are received from the camera while referring to a lens cam data unit which stores locus information of the zoom lens and the focus lens in advance. The interchangeable lens video camera system allows for the reduction of blurring and degradation of image quality.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suitably perform a zooming control operation in the case that a zoom ring is provided at a lens-side portion and zoom switches are provided at a camera-body-side portion of a lens-interchangeable video camera. To achieve this object, in the case-that no zoom lens stop request is provided from the camera-body-side portion, it is judged from information sent from the camera-body-side portion which of a tele direction and a wide direction the moving direction of the zoom lens group is. Moreover, when the zoom angle is not placed at a tele end or at a wide end, lenses are driven by calculating data for driving the lenses. Thereafter, tele information is set or cleared according to whether the zoom lens group is placed at the tele end. Subsequently, zoom-ring operating information is detected. The detected zoom-ring operating information is sent to the camera-body-side portion.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide an autofocus device and a correction method of correcting a zoom tracking curve for an intermediate subject distance without increase in storage capacity. A plurality of zoom tracking curves L1(Z) and L2(Z) corresponding to a plurality of different subject distance and correction data &agr;(Z) calculated in advance are stored in a memory 16. A control circuit 10 carries out a predetermined interpolation process using the stored plurality of zoom tracking curves and correction data to calculate a zoom tracking curve L(Z) corrected with respect to a subject distance differing from the plurality of subject distance. Tracking control of focus is carried out according to this calculated zoom tracking curve.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises two photographing systems which are independent of and substantially identical to each other, and each of which includes a photographing optical system and an image pickup device. The photographing optical system is configured to include a photographing lens, a focusing lens and an aperture stop. The focusing lens of one of the photographing systems is driven stepwise from a first predetermined position at which it is to be located when a focusing position lies at an infinite distance, toward a second predetermined position at which it is to be located when the focusing position lies at the closest distance, while the focusing lens of the other photographing system is driven stepwise from the second predetermined position toward the first predetermined position every step width.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device is provided which can reduce crosstalks between range finding photoelectric conversion elements (AF sensor) and photometry photoelectric conversion elements (AE sensor). The solid state image pickup device has an n-type epitaxial semiconductor region, a p-type first well region formed in the semiconductor region, a p-type second well region formed in the semiconductor region and electrically separated from the first well, an n-type first impurity doped region formed in the first well region and an n-type second impurity doped region formed in the second well, wherein a photometry photoelectric conversion element is formed by using the p-type first well region and n-type first impurity doped region, and a range finding photoelectric element is formed by using the p-type second well region and n-type impurity doped region.

Abstract: An electronic image pickup apparatus of the present invention is constructed so that an image pickup lens and a diaphragm for adjusting exposure can operate in interlocking relationship with each other. Furthermore, the apparatus has a panorama mode in which an image is obtained by connecting images taken in a plurality of continuous scenes with each other, and a rapid shooting mode in which continuous image pickup is performed. If the operating mode is set to the panorama mode or the rapid shooting mode, reset of the image pickup lens and diaphragm is performed at the first shot only and the backlash cancellation of the image pickup lens is performed starting from the second shot. Preferably, the exposure adjusting mechanism automatically places a predetermined limit on the exposure time in a normal mode and permits a longer exposure time in the panoramic mode.

Abstract: The present invention, employing a method of obtaining a final focus position by re-driving a lens before an actual image sensing operation in the vicinity of a focus position which has been obtained by the hill-climbing focusing method, has as its object to enable accurate focusing even in a case where a focus position is not yet obtained by the hill-climbing focusing method. To achieve this object, the driving range of the focus lens at the time of actual exposure is changed in accordance with whether or not AF operation in the hill-climbing mode has been completed and a peak position has been detected. Furthermore, a focus evaluation value is compared with a predetermined value, and the driving range of the focus lens at the time of actual exposure is changed in accordance with the comparison result.

Abstract: Correlation value calculation is carried out while a pair of window ranges being shifted using uncorrected AF data, and a pair of window ranges providing the highest correlation value is determined. Then, the difference between the smallest values in the respective window ranges is evaluated. If it is determined that the distance is large, the AF data is corrected so that the smallest values in the respective window ranges are consistent with each other, and the corrected AF data is used to carry out correlation value recalculation. Then, if the highest correlation value after correction is smaller than the highest correlation value before correction, the result of correlation value calculation after correction is employed.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus/method characterized by inputting image data, detecting an object in the input image data, measuring the distance from the detected object to a predetermined position, and detecting a predetermined object on the basis of the measurement result.

Abstract: If an electronic camera is set in an image-capturing sensitivity automatic control mode, a program autoexposure calculation is executed based upon the subject brightness and the image-capturing sensitivity setting to determine a control aperture value and a control shutter speed. If the correct exposure is not achieved, a control exposure sensitivity is calculated based upon the exposure deviation and the image-capturing sensitivity setting is adjusted accordingly. If an internal flash unit or an external flash unit is utilized, an autoexposure calculation is executed by using the flash unit synchronizing speed, the subject brightness and the image-capturing sensitivity setting to determine the control aperture value.

Abstract: To provide a camera that is suited to shoot both a demagnified image and a magnified image.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus and an image pickup apparatus each of which, during a magnification varying operation in an inner focus type of lens system, predicts a destination position to be reached by a variator lens after a predetermined time period, calculates a speed at which to move a focusing lens to a correction position of a focal plane relative to the predicted position of the variator lens, and controls the focusing lens.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain an image capturing apparatus having a function capable of setting a focus position in a subject not only in a position in the center of a frame, with improved operability on confirmation of a focus state after an AF area is moved. In a digital camera as an example of the image capturing apparatus, an AF cursor CR on a display screen moves horizontally/vertically to change the focus point by an operation input of a four-way switch by the user. Interlockingly with the movement of the AF cursor CR, a live view AF process is executed with respect to the changed focus point. An image on the screen of the display is updated after the live view AF process, thereby displaying an image of the subject focused in the position of the designated AF cursor CR on the screen of the display.

Abstract: A lens control device is arranged such that, in deciding a direction in which a focus lens is to be driven on the basis of the amount of change caused to take place in the level of a video signal by causing the focus lens to vibrate at a predetermined amplitude, the amplitude of the vibration of the focus lens is controlled according to the state of an AGC circuit.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with a visual line detecting device for detecting the position of a fixation point of the eye of the operator obtained within the image plane of an electronic viewfinder which displays an image of an object of shooting, and an image processing circuit for processing and enlarging the image with the detected position of the fixation point as the center of the enlarging action.

Abstract: When an object image at a preset position is zoomed in at a target magnification by a zoom lens, the focus point position N of the object image at the zoom position Z1 of the target magnification is calculated. In addition, the mutual relation value (interior division ratio x:y) between the tracking curve I, II and the focus point position is calculated and the position or the focus lens is controlled so that the mutual relation value is kept with respect to the tracking curve when zoom-in is carried out. Accordingly, an object image in focus can be picked up at all times even during zooming.

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

Abstract: When an initialization switch of the TV lens is turned on, an iris is opened and a zoom lens group is moved to a telephoto end automatically. An AF function moves a focus lens group to focus the TV lens according to a focus evaluation value obtained from a video signal. Then, the zoom lens group is moved to a wide end, and the AF function moves a master lens group to focus the TV lens according to the focus evaluation value. The focusing with the focus lens group while the zoom lens group is placed at the telephoto end and the focusing with the master lens group while the zoom lens group is placed at the wide end are repeated alternately several times. Thus, the flange back length of the TV lens can be adjusted automatically.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus and an image pickup apparatus each of which, during a magnification varying operation in an inner focus type of lens system, predicts a destination position to be reached by a variator lens after a predetermined time period, calculates a speed at which to move a focusing lens to a correction position of a focal plane relative to the predicted position of the variator lens, and controls the focusing lens.

Abstract: An image input device having: an image pickup unit to photograph an object and generate an image signal; an optical axis control unit to enable an optical axis of the image pickup unit to be moved; and a control unit to interlockingly control the optical axis control unit and the image pickup unit is described. The image input device may also have signal processing means for performing predetermined processes on the image signal, such as white balancing and automatic focusing. The image input device in accordance with the present invention is particularly suited for use in a television conferencing system.

Abstract: A lens control device comprising a variator lens, a compensation lens for compensating for the displacement of the focal plane associated with the movement of the variator lens, a conversion lens disposed in an optical path in a detachable manner for limiting the area of the movement of the variator lens, and correction means for modifying the area of the movement of the compensation lens in response to the mounting of the conversion lens.