Abstract: A focus control device that is capable of preventing an object intended by a user from being excluded from a focusing target. The focus control device performs focus adjustment by using one of autofocus and manual focus. When focus control is switched from the autofocus to the manual focus, and then switched to the autofocus, whether to perform focus adjustment with settings of the autofocus set before being switched to the manual focus, or with settings of the autofocus to be set after being switched from the manual focus, is controlled according to whether or not there is an object focused by the manual focus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser rangefinder having common optical path comprising a housing assembly, a control and display assembly mounted in the housing assembly, a mounting device mounted in the housing assembly, an imaging module mounted on the mounting device and a laser module movably mounted on the mounting device longitudinally next to the imaging module, the laser module being electrically connected with the control and display assembly, the laser module comprising a laser emitting apparatus, a laser receiving apparatus and a reference point indicating apparatus, wherein a light path of the laser emitting apparatus and a light path of the laser receiving apparatus are configured to be independent to a light path of the reference point indicating apparatus, an optical axis of light path of the laser emitting apparatus shooting at the target object and an optical axis of the reference point indicating apparatus are collinear.

Abstract: A focus control device that is capable of preventing an object intended by a user from being excluded from a focusing target. The focus control device performs focus adjustment by using one of autofocus and manual focus. When focus control is switched from the autofocus to the manual focus, and then switched to the autofocus, whether to perform focus adjustment with settings of the autofocus set before being switched to the manual focus, or with settings of the autofocus to be set after being switched from the manual focus, is controlled according to whether or not there is an object focused by the manual focus.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device, comprising: a housing (3), which comprises a front housing (31); a lens mount (1), fixedly connected to the front housing (31), a sealing gasket (2) being provided between the front housing (31) and the lens mount (1); a lens (4), threaded with the lens mount (1); and a manual lens focusing structure, comprising a focusing wheel (8) and an axial positioning structure, wherein the focusing wheel (8) and the lens (4) are connected to each other in a synchronous rotation and relative axial movement mode, and the axial positioning structure implements axial positioning on the focusing wheel (8). In the process of focusing, the lens (4) axially moves with respect to the focusing wheel (8), and the focusing wheel (8) may not move axially due to the axial positioning structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for differentiating focus drift of an imaging system from position changes of an object of interest. The method includes obtaining an image of an object of interest and identifying a region of interest in the image, wherein the region of interest contains an indicia indicative of the object of interest. The processor determines an image quality of the image and analyzes the indicia and determines a pixel measurement of the indicia. The processor then compares the pixel measurement of the indicia to a reference pixel measurement. Based on the comparison, the processor determines that the image quality of the image results either from a difference in a distance of the object from the imaging system or from focusing drift of the imaging system.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes: a first ring; a second ring that switches between a first position and a second position by sliding in an optical axis direction; a plurality of biasing mechanisms that are provided on one of the first ring and the second ring, and providing adjustable biasing force in a radial direction; and a locking portion provided on the other of the first ring and the second ring on which the plurality of biasing mechanisms are not provided. The plurality of biasing mechanisms each include an elastic component having a contact portion and a biasing component that biases the elastic component. The first ring and the second ring are integrally rotatable when the contact portion contacts the locking portion which opposes the contact portion when the second ring is at the second position.

Abstract: A follow focus device includes a signal receiver, a controller electrically connected to the signal receiver, and a control interface electrically connected to the controller and configured to be electrically connected to a camera device. The signal receiver is configured to receive a control instruction for controlling a focal length of a lens of the camera device and send the control instruction to the controller. The controller is configured to generate a control signal according to the control instruction and send the control signal to the camera device via the control interface.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus includes an imaging unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state based on a signal output from the imaging unit, a determination unit configured to determine whether an in-focus position is present within a predetermined range from a current position of a focus lens based on the detected focusing state, a control unit configured to perform control to correct the position of the focus lens moved by a manual operation according to a result of the determination made by the determination unit, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire from a storage unit a movement speed of the focus lens corresponding to the manual operation, wherein the control unit performs control to move the focus lens at a speed determined based on the movement speed acquired from the storage unit.

Abstract: There is provided a camera apparatus including: a display signal generation unit that generates an index display signal for displaying an index indicative of a current focal position based on focal position information; and a combination unit that acquires an image signal for a viewfinder by combining a captured image signal with the index display signal.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes: a movable optical member; a driving unit that drives the movable optical member; an operating unit that operates the driving unit; a first controller that derives an input value for operating the driving unit based on an operation amount of the operating unit; a second controller that corrects the input value input from the first controller to calculate a control value and outputs the control value to the driving unit; and a deriving unit that derives a matching position from the control value. When an operation from the operating unit becomes effective, the deriving unit outputs the matching position to the first controller, and the first controller sets the matching position to the input value.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus having multiple shooting functions includes: an imaging unit that images a subject; two operating units each receives an input of a change signal for instructing a change in shooting parameter of a preset shooting function; a release switch that receives an input of a shooting preparation signal for instructing a shooting preparation operation when pressed halfway; a setting unit that sets at least one or more shooting functions among the multiple shooting functions, to the two operating units; and a control unit that switches over the at least one or more shooting functions of the two operating units, to a limited shooting function capable of conforming to a change in a shooting condition of the subject, when the release switch is being kept pressed halfway even after the release switch is pressed halfway to fix a focal position and/or photometric value with respect to the subject.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls an imaging apparatus that includes a focus detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image forming optical system. The control apparatus includes a collectively setting unit configured to read initial setting values corresponding to a selected operation mode from a storage unit, and set setting values of a plurality of setting items to initial setting values, and a setting value changing unit configured to individually change setting values of the setting items set by the collectively setting unit and store the changed setting values in the storage unit. An operation of the focus detection unit is controlled by the operation mode in which the setting values have been changed by the setting value changing unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic motor includes a member to be driven including a contact surface; a vibrator including at least one contact part and a piezoelectric element, the vibrator driving the member to be driven by an ultrasonic vibration excited by the piezoelectric element; a retention part for retaining the vibrator; and a pressurization unit including an elastic member so as to apply an impressing force on the at least one contact part against the member to be driven. The retention part includes an abutting part including a line contact part that receives the impressing force from the elastic member and comes into line contact with the pressurization unit; the abutting part has a shape formed of a part of a cylinder; and a center axis of the cylinder is parallel to the at least one contact part and perpendicular to a driving direction of the member to be driven.

Abstract: An optical instrument of the present invention comprises a ring member which is arranged to be rotatable with respect to a lens barrel, and also to slide in an optical axis direction, a movement mechanism for slide movement of the ring member to a first position or a second position in the optical axis direction, an encoder that generates signals in accordance with a rotation operation of the ring member, a slide position determination section for determining positional change accompanying slide movement to the first position or the second position by the movement mechanism, and a control section for performing determination of the signals from the encoder to switch the display operation, and prohibiting switching of the display operation when the slide position determination section has determined a positional change accompanying the slide operation.

Abstract: A digital imaging apparatus and method by which an auto-focus (AF) operation may be effectively performed during capture of a moving image. The apparatus performs the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that a lens is appropriate for capturing the moving image based on received lens information and stops the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that the lens is inappropriate for capturing the moving image. When the lens inappropriate for capturing the moving image is mounted, the AF operation may be performed using an additional switch or a manual-focus (MF) operation may be performed.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens attachable to a camera body includes a first operable member, a second operable member, an operation member for receiving user's operation for the first operable member or the second operable member, an obtaining unit configured to obtain, from the camera body, selection information for selecting the operable member to be assigned to the operation member, and a controller configured to make the operation member function as a member for operating either one of the first operable member and the second operable member based on the selection information.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a fixed portion with an optical system including a focusing lens. An operation member is placed so as to be movable to first and second positions along an optical axis of the fixed portion, and turnable around the optical axis at the first and second positions. A turning member turns along with the operation member when moved to the second position, and does not operate with the operation member when moved from the second position to the first position. Positioning means position the operation member at the first or second position through a plurality of balls. When the operation member is at the first position it is urged to the first position by the plurality of balls. When the operation member is at the second position, it is urged to the second position by the plurality of balls.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an operation member adapted to be movable to a first position and a second position and turnable at each of the positions, a turning member adapted to turnably engage with the operation member at the second position, and disengage from the operation member at the first position, a first detection unit adapted to detect a turning position of the turning member configured to turn in engagement with the operation member, a second detection unit adapted to detect a turning amount and a rotational direction of the operation member when the operation member is disengaged from the turning member, and a moving unit adapted to move the focusing lens along the optical axis based on an output from the first detection unit or the second detection unit.

Abstract: A lens barrel of the present invention includes: a first barrel; a second barrel capable of relative rotation around an optical axis with respect to the first barrel; a focusing lens; a drive portion that drives the focusing lens; a rotational operation member that can move in the optical axis direction to a first position, and a second position; and an engagement portion that, when the rotational operation member is at the second position, causes the second barrel and the rotational operation member to engage with each other and rotates the second barrel accompanying rotation of the rotational operation member, and when the rotational operation member is at the first position, disengages the second barrel and the rotational operation member from each other.

Abstract: An electronic camera, includes an image sensor, a rangefinding means, an arithmetic operation means for calculating a characteristic quantities based upon at least either pixel density in an image obtained via the image sensor or rangefinding information obtained via the rangefinding means, a judgment means for judging a photographic scene based upon characteristic quantities calculated by the arithmetic operation means, and a control means for selecting camera settings in correspondence to the photographic scene having been judged.

Abstract: A digital imaging apparatus and method by which an auto-focus (AF) operation may be effectively performed during capture of a moving image. The apparatus performs the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that a lens is appropriate for capturing the moving image based on received lens information and stops the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that the lens is inappropriate for capturing the moving image. When the lens inappropriate for capturing the moving image is mounted, the AF operation may be performed using an additional switch or a manual-focus (MF) operation may be performed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to autofocus subsystems within optical instruments that continuously monitor the focus of the optical instruments and adjust distances within the optical instrument along the optical axis in order to maintain a precise and stable optical-instrument focus at a particular point or surface on, within, or near a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention operate asynchronously with respect to operation of other components and subsystems of the optical instrument in which they are embedded.

Abstract: An exchangeable lens includes: a cam member; a plurality of lenses; a lens holding frame; a drive motor; a worm screw; a worm wheel; a planetary roller; a first rotating member; a first bearing seat; a second rotating member; and a second bearing seat.

Abstract: A digital imaging apparatus and method by which an auto-focus (AF) operation may be effectively performed during capture of a moving image. The apparatus performs the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that a lens is appropriate for capturing the moving image based on received lens information and stops the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that the lens is inappropriate for capturing the moving image. When the lens inappropriate for capturing the moving image is mounted, the AF operation may be performed using an additional switch or a manual-focus (MF) operation may be performed.

Abstract: Provided is an image pickup apparatus including a lens apparatus and a focus operating apparatus. The lens apparatus includes a focus lens unit, a focus driving unit for driving the focus lens unit, and a drive control unit controlling to drive the focus driving unit and having a autofocus function. The focus operating apparatus includes a manual focus (MF) operating unit for manual focus adjustment and an MF command unit for outputting a command value based on an operation amount of the MF operating unit. When the MF operating unit is in operation, the drive control unit controls the focus driving unit based on the command value from the MF command unit. When the MF operating unit is not in operation, the drive control unit controls the focus driving unit to perform autofocus adjustment.

Abstract: A control apparatus configured to control a control target in response to an operation by a user includes a first operation member configured to control the control target at a speed corresponding to an operation amount given by a user per unit time, a second operation member that is disposed in a position simultaneously operable by one and the same finger as the first operation member configured to control the control target at a predetermined speed in response to the operation by the user, and a control member configured to prioritize the operation of the first operation member over that of the second operation member when the first operation member and the second operation member are simultaneously operated.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a lens barrel in which operability for a user is increased and a reduction in parts is achieved while provided with a manual operating member.

Abstract: An electronic device includes circuitry for carrying out an operation unrelated to camera operation, and camera circuitry for carrying out a camera related operation, the camera circuitry including circuitry for providing autofocus control. The electronic device further includes a camera lens operatively coupled to the camera circuitry, a focus state of the camera lens being controlled by the camera circuitry. In addition, the electronic device includes an operator input operatively coupled to at least the camera circuitry for enabling an operator to provide an input unrelated to focus control of the camera lens in a first operating condition, and to provide a manual focus control input to the camera lens in a second operating condition.

Abstract: The present inention proides a focus control apparatus for a television camera comprising a focus adjusting portion for manual focus adjustment of the television camera, an indicating member for use to specify an area desired to be brought into focus within a range of a camera image being picked up by the television camera, an area display deice which displays position of the area specified with the indicating member, on a camera screen and a switch which outputs a command signal to auto-focus on a subject in the area specified with the indicating member, wherein the indicating member and the switch are positioned such that the indicating member and the switch can be operated simultaneously with the focus adjusting portion by the same hand.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided with a photographing lens, an image capturing element, which is configured to capture an optical image of an object formed by the photographing lens, a coarse movement control system configured to control a position of the photographing lens in a direction of an optical axis by a motor, and a fine movement control system configured to control a position of an image receiving area of the image capturing element in the direction of the optical axis is provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to prevent a taken image which is contrary to the intention of the user, from being derived in a video camera which comprises means for disabling an operation of a video monitor for displaying a taken image, and in which an exposure adjustment can be manually performed. The video camera has: an optical view finder 50; a video monitor 44 for displaying a taken image; a manual exposure adjuster (58, 64); and manual-exposure adjustment inhibiting means (58) for detecting that an operation of the video monitor is set to be disabled, and for inhibiting an exposure adjustment of the manual exposure adjuster.

Abstract: A camera system including an imaging optical system including a focus lens, a driving device which drives the focus lens, a moving speed command value input device which inputs a moving speed command value of the focus lens, a wobble amount calculating device which calculates a wobble amount for wobbling the focus lens, a moving amount command value calculating device which calculates a command value of an amount of movement of the focus lens per unit time based on the inputted moving speed command value, a moving amount maximum value calculating device which calculates a maximum value of the amount of movement of the focus lens per unit time in consideration of the wobble amount, a moving amount determining device which sets, when the command value is larger than or equal to the maximum value, the maximum value as the amount of movement of the focus lens per unit time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image-taking apparatus whose CPU causes a display section to display recommended shooting modes according to a time frame on a liquid crystal monitor. The apparatus allows a user to readily select one, which is suitable for the scene where the user wants to take an image, from among the displayed shooting modes by operating a cross key and a MENU/OK button.

Abstract: A camera system incorporating a seamless lens-drive switching mechanism includes a lens drive ring, a manual operation ring, a motor, a first one-way rotational transfer mechanism preventing the manual operation ring and the lens drive ring from being connected with each other in a first neutral state, and maintains the first neutral state even if the lens drive ring is rotated by the motor; a second one-way rotational transfer mechanism which prevents the motor and the lens drive ring connecting with each other in a second neutral state, connects the motor with the lens drive ring when the motor rotates from the second neutral state, and maintains the second neutral state even if the lens drive ring is rotated by the manual operation ring; and a controller which stops and reverses the motor to bring the second one-way rotational transfer mechanism into the second neutral state.

Abstract: An autofocus lens apparatus is disclosed which is capable of changing a focus target area in position and size without degrading the operability of manual focusing when taking images with an autofocus function. The autofocus lens apparatus comprises an operating member which is placed outside a lens barrel and movable to change the focus target area, a detector which detects the movement of the operating member, and a controller which changes at least one of the position and size of the focus target area on the basis of a signal from the detector.

Abstract: A focusing drive apparatus includes a determination device that is configured to determine whether a present focusing condition is an AF-able condition or an AF-unable condition. In the AF-able condition, the focusing lens group can be moved to the in-focus position by the AF device. In the AF-unable condition, the focusing lens group cannot be moved to the in-focus position by the AF device. The apparatus also includes a change control device that is configured to set a motive power transmission mechanism in the engaged state to enable the focusing lens group to be moved to the in-focus position by the AF device when the determination device determines that the present focusing condition is the AF-able condition, and to set the motive power transmission mechanism in the disengaged state when the determination device determines that the present focusing condition is the AF-unable condition.

Abstract: A machine vision image acquisition system is provided with a housing or enclosure that protects the acquisition system components from an industrial environment. The machine vision image acquisition system has a focusing mechanism that can be actuated externally to the housing. The focusing mechanism uses a gear drive to transmit externally actuated focus adjustments to the optical components of the acquisition system.

Abstract: A moving image pickup apparatus which is capable of attaining both enhanced focusing accuracy and increased chances of snapshooting. A predetermined time period is determined according to a designated image pickup period. Responsive to designation of still image recording, an automatic focus adjusting device starts automatic focus adjustment. When an in-focus state is obtained by the automatic focus adjusting device within the determined predetermined time period, a still image for which the in-focus state has been obtained is stored in a memory device. On the other hand, when the in-focus state is not obtained even after the lapse of the determined predetermined time period, a still image for which the in-focus state has not been obtained is stored in the memory device.

Abstract: The optical control system includes a control unit and an optical apparatus. The control unit includes an output switching section. The output switching section is switchable between a first state, in which the command signal from a command signal generation section is output via a first terminal of a first connector, and a second state, in which a switching signal for selecting the second control section, the voltage level of the switching signal being different from that of the command signal, is output from the first terminal. The control switching section of the optical apparatus selects the first control section in response to input of the command signal, and selects the second control section in response to the switching signal, which is input from the second terminal of the second connector.

Abstract: A drive controller of a lens apparatus including a first lens unit moving for performing manual focus and a second lens unit moving for performing auto-focus has a control device switchable between a first mode for performing an auto-focus control of the second lens unit and a second mode for making the second lens unit unmovable at a predetermined position. The control device has a third mode for controlling drive of the second lens unit, upon receiving a command for switching from the first mode to the second mode, so as to maintain a focus state of the lens apparatus, on the basis of positional information of the first lens unit. The controller moves to the second mode upon detecting that the second lens unit has reached the predetermined position in the third mode.

Abstract: A camera system comprises a camera body; a lens barrel having a photographing optical system, which can be mounted at the camera body; a shutter release switch disposed at the camera body and operated to start a shutter release operation; and a first operating switch related to an operation of the camera system other than the shutter release operation. The first operating switch is disposed at the lens barrel so as to allow an operator to perform a batch operation of the shutter release switch and the first operating switch with the lens barrel mounted at the camera body.

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: In a lens system, an auto-focus (AF) mode switch for selecting an AF mode is provided at a focus demand and, for example, a continuous AF mode is selected by the AF mode switch. Then, a CPU switches the continuous AF to a manual focus (MF) when an operation of the focus demand is executed and switches the MF to the continuous AF when an AF start switch provided at the focus demand is turned ON. Thus, when an operation of the MF is executed during focus adjustment by the AF, the focus adjustment by the AF is switched to focus adjustment by the MF, and thereafter, the focus adjustment by the MF is never switched to the focus adjustment by the AF unless the AF start switch is turned ON.

Abstract: An optical device has an optical member that includes the optical device, an operating ring which can be rotated about the optical axis of the optical member and is used to drive the optical member, a switching mechanism which transmits the drive force from a motor drive source to the operating ring, and can be switched between a state for motor-driving the optical member and a state for canceling motor driving of the optical member, and control means for switching the switching mechanism between the motor-driving state and the motor-driving canceling state, and the control means switches the switching mechanism to the state for canceling motor driving on the basis of manual operation of the operating ring when the switching mechanism is motor-driving the optical member.

Abstract: A switching mechanism of a lens barrel includes a stationary barrel having a stop groove; a lens holding ring, a distance adjustment ring and an AF/MF switching ring, each positioned concentrically with the stationary barrel. The AF/MF switching ring is prevented from rotating relative to the stationary barrel by engagement of the engaging member with the stop groove while a driving force is transferred from a power source to the distance adjustment ring to move the lens holding ring along the optical axis when the AF/MF switching ring is in the AF position. Rotation of the AF/MF switching ring is transferred to the distance adjustment ring to move the lens holding ring along the optical axis while the driving force is prevented from being transferred from the power source to the distance adjustment ring when the AF/MF switching ring is in the MF position.

Abstract: A screen of a display of a photographing system shows a distance scale indicating a present focus position and an indicator. The screen also shows a focus position already obtained by auto focusing, using a mark.

Abstract: In a camera of this invention, the first candidate point of a plurality of points in a frame is determined by a first release switch, and the second candidate point of the plurality of points which is different from the first candidate point is selected by a second release switch. The operation of a predetermined switch by a photographer is detected by a switch. A BCPU selects/switches the first or second candidate point in accordance with the state detected by the switch.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to prevent a taken image which is contrary to the intention of the user, from being derived in a video camera which comprises means for disabling an operation of a video monitor for displaying a taken image, and in which an exposure adjustment can be manually performed. The video camera has: an optical view finder 50; a video monitor 44 for displaying a taken image; a manual exposure adjuster (58, 64); and manual-exposure adjustment inhibiting means (58) for detecting that an operation of the video monitor is set to be disabled, and for inhibiting an exposure adjustment of the manual exposure adjuster.

Abstract: A lens-barrel and a camera system including the lens-barrel are in an automatic focus mode in which a focusing unit is automatically driven by an automatic focus unit, during a time when a manual operation member is not operated. When the manual operation member is operated in a second direction, switching is done to a manual focus mode achieving focus by operation of the manual operation member in the second direction. However, when detecting the operation of the manual operation member in the second direction during a zoom operation in which the manual operation member is being operated in a first direction, switching is done to the automatic focus mode without being switched to the manual focus mode. Therefore, unintentional switching from the automatic focus mode to the manual focus mode during the zoom operation can be reliably prevented.

Abstract: If a digital still camera is set for a manual focus adjustment and the luminance of a subject has a value less than a predetermined threshold value, the amplification factor of an amplifier circuit is set to a display amplification factor higher than that of the ordinary amplification factor. A video signal that has been amplified at this high amplification factor is applied to a liquid crystal display unit of the camera. A bright image of the subject is thus displayed on the display unit. Since the image of the subject is made easier to see owing to the increased brightness thereof, manual focusing is easy even when photography is performed at dark location.