Abstract: In the distance measuring apparatus which uses a passive AF sensor and determines the subject distance by carrying out correlation value calculation according to AF data obtained from a pair of line sensors of the AF sensor to detect the smallest minimum value of the correlation value, if the difference between the smallest minimum value and the second smallest minimum value of the correlation values is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that distance measurement is impossible, and the predetermined value is changed in accordance with the magnitude of the smallest minimum value, thus making it possible to appropriately determine whether distance measurement is possible or impossible according to the aspect of AF data. Therefore, problems such that it is determined that distance measurement is impossible more than necessary, or erroneous distance measurement occurs can be prevented.

Abstract: A digital imaging device that allows the user to mark multiple objects with UI markers is disclosed. The digital imaging device automatically adjusts the focus and aperture to include the marked objects in the depth of field of the digital imaging device.

Abstract: A digital imaging device that allows the user to mark multiple objects with UI markers is disclosed. The digital imaging device automatically adjusts the focus and aperture to include the marked objects in the depth of field of the digital imaging device.

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: A camera includes software to compute a measure of focus at a plurality of focal distances. The camera includes an indicator of the measure of focus as a function of focal distance. The camera may also include an indication of present focal position. The camera may also include an indication of present depth of field.

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: A mechanism to produce projection images 40A-40G representing a model extraction region and an image sensing region is incorporated in an image sensing unit 1 of an image processing apparatus. A control unit 2 receives an image from image sensing unit 1 to calculate density deviation within the model extraction region. The calculated result is output to a level display unit 27. When the operator determines the position of image sensing unit 1 so that projection images 40A, 40B and 40C representing the model extraction region are projected distinctly on the pattern of the subject to be registered and a high level value is displayed by level display unit 27 and depresses a teach button switch 30, image data within the current model extraction region is registered as the model image.

Abstract: The lens information display apparatus is provided that allows the cameraman to check required lens information while looking at a viewfinder. A transmissive LCD panel is mounted in front of a screen of the viewfinder, and a control unit for controlling the image displayed on the LCD panel is attached to the bottom surface of the viewfinder. The control unit obtains lens information from a lens apparatus of a television camera system and causes the LCD panel to display images (characters and/or graphics) representing the lens information so that the lens information is displayed as superimposed on the image on the viewfinder.

Abstract: A multipoint autofocus camera, providing a plurality of focus-measuring points from which a focus-measuring point is selectable, includes a viewfinder which can visually indicate each of the plurality of focus-measuring points on a picture plane by illumination light emitted from a light source, a focal length detector for detecting a focal length of a photographing lens, a light source driver for selectively driving the light source corresponding to the plurality of focus-measuring points, and a focus-measuring-point controller for controlling an operation of the light source driver to change at least one of the number and an indication pattern of the plurality of focus-measuring points which are to be indicated on the finder view in accordance with the focal length detected by the focal length detector.

Abstract: A focusing detection sensor is positioned in a viewfinder in a single-lens reflex camera but is nevertheless able to determine a focal point on an image of an object with enhanced accuracy. For that purpose, a single-lens reflex camera includes a camera body having a focusing plate with a reference mark in an optically equivalent position to film, a viewfinder replaceably attached to the camera body, a focal point detecting means for determining a focal point, deviation detection means for determining deviations for both the reference mark and the focal point, respectively, calibration means for correcting focal point data based on the output from the deviation detecting means, and a trigger means for enabling a user to activate the calibration means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a camera provided with a focus adjusting apparatus having an automatic mode for automatically selecting a focus detection area and an arbitrary mode for manually selecting the focus detection area. This invention provides a camera designed such that even in the case of the automatic mode in the camera, when an in-focus state is attained, the selection of the focus detection area can be effected in that state by a manual operation.

Abstract: A selection point selecting apparatus is provided with a first selection point group including an upper side selection part composed of a plurality of selection points, a lower side selection part composed of a plurality of selection points, a right side selection part including at least one selection point and a left side selection part including at least one selection point. A first selecting device is arranged to select, in accordance with a direction of an operation on a first operation member, a selection point from among the first selection point group in a circular manner in a direction corresponding to the direction of the operation. A second selecting device is arranged to select, in response to an operation on a second operation member, a selection point other than the selection points of the first selection point group.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for and method of highlighting portions of the displayed image in a camera which are in focus to the photographer. Included in the highlighted portion are all focused portions of objects within the depth of field.

Abstract: A multi-point autofocus system includes a focus detection device which can calculate a defocus amount for each of a plurality of focus detection zones in a picture plane; a selecting device for manually selecting a focus detection zone from the plurality of focus detection zones for which the defocus amount is to be calculated by the focus detection device; and a determining device for determining a valid focus detection zone by which a valid defocus amount can be calculated out of at least one of the plurality of focus detection zones other than the manually-selected focus detection zone, in such a manner that a higher priority is given to a focus detection zone than another focus detection zone of the plurality of focus detection zones in the case where the result of a calculation of the defocus amount of the manually-selected focus detection zone is invalid.

Abstract: In a multifunction camera, an area selector is used both as an operation key in a first selection mode for selecting the focus detection area of the focus detection device, and as an operation key in a second selection mode for selecting the function setting of the camera. A mode selector is provided which is settable at three positions including a local position, wide position, and lock position. The focus detection area selected at the local position is locked when the mode selector is set at the lock position and has been moved from the local position to the lock position, whereas the wide position is locked when the mode selector has been moved from the wide position to the lock position.

Abstract: A camera includes a finder optical system. A transmissivity variable element is arranged in the finder optical system and changes the light transmissivity. A release signal outputting circuit outputs a release signal. A light exposure mechanism effects a light exposure operation in accordance with the release signal from the release signal outputting circuit. A control circuit effects control such that, after the outputting of the release signal but before the start of the light exposure operation by the light exposure mechanism, the transmissivity of the finder optical system is made lower by the transmissivity variable element.

Abstract: A compact and inexpensive camera is provided, in which an illuminating unit for illuminating finder indices is arranged so as not to interfere with a quick-return reflecting mirror nor interfere with a built-in electronic flash device. A finder optical system has a focusing screen provided therein, which has at least one finder index formed thereon. A reflecting mirror is disposed to make upward and downward movements in a flipping motion area between a reflecting position where the reflecting mirror reflects and guides a photographic light beam to the finder optical system, and a shooting position where the reflecting mirror recedes from a photographic light path. An illuminating unit illuminates the at least one finder index formed on the focusing screen to display the at least one finder index in superposition on a finder image formed by the photographic light beam. The illuminating unit is arranged at a lateral side of the flipping motion area of the reflecting mirror.

Abstract: A portable zoom camera obscura comprising: a telescopic structure including an inner tube and an outer tube positioned concentrically and slidingly movable relative to each other; a cover with a small, centered imaging hole attached to the imaging end of the outer tube; a semitransparent screen covering the inner end of the inner tube; a cover having a viewing hole and attached to the viewing end of the inner tube; and a diaphragm disk or ruler mounted on the imaging end, and including an aperture which can be positioned in a series of continuous overlapping positions with the imaging hole. The diaphragm disk or ruler also include lenses with different focal lengths, which, when positioned in front of the imaging hole allow the camera obscura to function as a photo-camera.

Abstract: A dual film image and electronic image capture camera matches the captured electronic image shown in an image display with the captured film image in regard to sharpness, when the film image capture lens is misfocused on a far object farther from the camera than the subject because of unintended misranging to the far object, and when the film image capture lens is misfocused on a near object closer to the camera than the subject because of unintended misranging to the near object. Thus, in each instance, the displayed electronic image will indicate the captured film image is out of focus.

Abstract: A camera has a finder device. A liquid crystal element is arranged in the finder device and has an image area and at least one of an index area indicating an image range and an index area indicating information relating to photographing. A control circuit switches modes between a first mode in which the image area is set into a light transmitting state and a second mode in which the image area is set into a light shielding state according to a voltage applied to the liquid crystal element. The index areas always provide index display irrespective of application of the voltage to the liquid crystal element.

Abstract: An object follow-up mechanism, installed in a camera, which allows the camera to follow movement of a main object to be photographed. The mechanism includes an image detection device for taking an image into a photographing visual field and for extracting a feature of the image; an image recognition device for recognizing a possible candidate region, on which the main object locates, on a basis of the feature; a display device for displaying the candidate region(s); a main object region selection device for selecting at least one candidate region from the displayed candidate region(s) as a main object region in which the main object is present; and a main object region storing device for storing the feature extracted by the image detection device as a feature standard with respect to the image in the main object region thus selected.

Abstract: A method and camera verify the focus of photographic images. In the method, a taking lens unit is autofocused to a focused distance for a subject image. A latent image of said subject image is captured on photographic film using the lens system at the focused distance. During the capturing of the latent image, an electronic image of the subject image is acquired. The electronic image and an indicator of the focused distance are displayed after the latent image is captured.

Abstract: An indicator provided within a view finder for a single lens reflex camera, includes a pentagonal prism having a roof reflection surface that reflects light emitted from a focusing plate which is located at a position optically equivalent to an imaging plane of a photographic lens of the single lens reflex camera, and a third reflection surface which reflects the light reflected by the roof reflection surface toward an eyepiece, wherein the third reflection surface includes a semitransparent surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual image coincidence type finder system for a camera. Within a finder field, a dual image composed of superimposed two images is formed. A light deflecting system is provided to change degree of relative displacement between the superimposed two images. The light deflecting system is controlled to change the degree of relative displacement between the superimposed two images in accordance with an object distance.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a finder prism capable of forming some in-finder information such as an automatic focus target mark and a short distance correction mark by virtue of extremely narrow lines. In detail, the finder prism is provided between an objective lens and an ocular lens, and is adapted to transmit an object image to a camera user under a condition where an automatic focus target mark and an short distance correction mark are overlapped on a photographing object image. In particular, the prism is made of a resin, a shouldered portion is formed on one surface of the prism from which the object light is allowed to exit during a photographing process, thereby forming some in-finder information such as an automatic focus target mark and an short distance correction mark.

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

Abstract: A camera includes a focus detecting device having a plurality of focus detecting points and capable of selecting a particular focus detecting point from among the plurality of focus detecting points, and a light measuring device having a plurality of light measuring areas. When performing a plurality of times of light measuring operations, the light measuring device converts, into a particular measured light value by using a preset calculating operation, a plurality of measured light values each of which is obtained at each time of light measuring operation in a light measuring area set correspondingly with selection of a focus detecting point in the focus detecting device.

Abstract: A control system for an objective of the camera, in particular a film camera, includes one or several drive units for automatically positioning at least one lens ring, e.g., for adjusting the focus position, the opening of the iris diaphragm and/or the focal length. The drive units can be used to adjust the lens ring(s) to a predefined set position. A device coupled to each of the lens rings determines the actual position of the lens rings relative to the objective and converts this position into a measuring output signal.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a photographing device for setting various photographing conditions which determine a state of a subject image to be obtained as a picture, the photography device including an exposure device having a Plurality of selectively settable exposure modes for automatically setting at least one exposure value based on brightness of a subject, a mode selector for selecting one of the plurality of exposure modes, a calculation unit for calculating an amount indicative of the state of the subject image in accordance with the photographing conditions set by the photography device, an estimation unit for estimating visual effects which the subject image provides based on the calculated state amount, and a display device for displaying the visual effect corresponding to the exposure mode selected by the mode selection means in accordance with the estimated visual effects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a light source that is used during operation of an imaging device (e.g., a camera) and, in particular, during operation of a camera feature/subsystem such as an AF subsystem, a red-eye reduction subsystem, a self-timer subsystem, etc. The apparatus and method include and involve a light source which is configured to emit light in relation to the operation of a subsystem of an imaging device, and a light source control unit which is configured to control an amount of light emitted by the light source based on a preset operating parameter (e.g., a user-selectable camera setting). The apparatus and method may be included within an imaging device such as a camera or in a peripheral (e.g., a flash unit, etc.) configured to operate with such a camera.

Abstract: A viewfinder device that includes a screen on which an image is projected, and an eyepiece lens through which the image is viewed. An optical member passes light beams from the screen to the eyepiece lens through an information display member, and a diffraction optical element diffracts light beams in the direction of the eyepiece lens so that diffracted light beams from the information display member are superposed over the viewed image.

Abstract: A camera which uses exchangeable photographing lenses, and is capable of focus detection using a plurality of focus areas, includes a memory for storing information pertaining to the number of focus areas that can be used in focus detection in units of mountable photographing lenses, and a microprocessor for controlling focus detection on the basis of information corresponding to the photographing lens mounted, of the information stored in the memory.

Abstract: An optical viewfinder system comprising two optical elements, and a field stop or a reticle, to provide an image of a scene to a viewer, and further comprising a diffractive optical element to provide a clear, stationary image of the field stop or reticle to the viewer.

Abstract: A camera capable of line of sight detection, has a line of sight detecting device for detecting the line of sight of the user who is watching the screen, an operation member manually operated by the user, and a display for selecting and displaying at least one of a plurality of index marks set in the screen on the basis of an output from the line of sight detecting device. The display starts display of the index mark in response to operation of the operation member, and maintains display of the index mark even after the operation of the operation member is canceled.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a photographing device for setting various photographing conditions which determine a state of a subject image to be obtained as a picture, the photograph device including an exposure device having a plurality of selectively settable exposure modes for automatically setting at least one exposure value based on brightness of a subject, a mode selector for selecting one of the plurality of exposure modes, a calculations unit for calculating an amount indicative of the state of the subject image in accordance with the photographing conditions set by the photography device, an estimation unit for estimating visual effects which the subject image provides based on the calculated state amount, and a display device for displaying the visual effect corresponding to the exposure mode selected by the mode selection means in accordance with the estimated visual effects.

Abstract: An optical apparatus having a focus adjusting function, includes: a focus detecting unit for executing a focus detection operation for each of a plurality of focus areas set in an image plane; a grouping unit for grouping the image plane in accordance with a distribution of defocus amounts or distances obtained from focus detection results of the plurality of focus areas; a focus area selecting unit for selecting at least one focus area from the plurality of focus areas in accordance with a grouping result; a defocus amount comparing unit for comparing a defocus amount of the selected focus area selected with a predetermined defocus amount; a lens driving unit for driving a lens until the selected focus area is made in-focus, if a comparison result by the defocus amount comparing unit shows that the defocus amount of the selected focus area is smaller than the predetermined defocus amount; and a focus area re-selecting unit for re-selecting a focus area by driving the lens in accordance with the defocus amoun

Abstract: A camera includes area selecting means and display control means. The area selecting means has a first selecting mode in which a user selects a desired area from a plurality of areas and a second selecting mode in which at least one area is selected from the plurality of areas on the basis of a predetermined algorithm. The display control means displays the area selected from the plurality of areas by the user in a different form from the other areas when the first selecting mode is set, and displays at least some outer areas of the plurality of areas in a different form from the other areas when the second selecting mode is set.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a camera to achieve sharp, clear pictures includes a sensor for determining the distance of the camera from a subject and a controller for calculating the camera's depth-of-field, determining whether the subject is within the depth-of-field, and generating various signals which are provided to control operation of the camera or convey pertinent information to the photographer.

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

Abstract: A camera comprising: finder means for inspecting an object, illumination means for illuminating an operator's eye by which the operator looks in at the finder means, a condensing optical system for condensing a reflected light from the operator's eye, photoelectric converter means for receiving the condensed reflected light, calculation means for calculating a direction of a visual axis of the operator's eye on the basis of an output of the photoelectric converter means, and condition setting means operable in response to the result of the calculation of the calculation means, for setting taking conditions of the camera.

Abstract: A plurality of indexes which become references for focusing are successively displayed on a finder in synchronization with an focusing operation of a focus lens, and focusing is performed while the size of the displayed index and the size of the object image are compared with each other, thus simplifying a configuration for focusing. A focusing ring 5 is inscribed with indexes 4a to 4d having sizes substantially corresponding to sizes of an object image at various focal lengths, respectively. Images of the indexes 4a to 4d are displayed in a finder 3 by a deflecting prism 9 attached to an objective lens 7 of the finder 3. A photographer rotates the focusing ring 5 and compares the sizes of the indexes 4a to 4d with the size of the object image observed through the finder 3, and the focusing operation is completed at the time when one of the indexes 4a to 4d that has a size closest to the object image is displayed.

Abstract: An optical apparatus including a detecting unit for detecting sight line direction of a human eye, a correcting data forming unit, electrically connected to the detecting unit, for forming correcting data as to personal difference of a human eye, a visual mark presenting unit electrically coupled to the correcting data forming unit for presenting a plurality of focus point detecting frames for sampling correcting data at different positions in a visual field and being capable of flickering and lighting without flickering, and a control unit for controlling the apparatus on the basis of the sight line direction and the correcting data.

Abstract: Minimum value calculator 125 detects the minimum value of a correlation value series, and waveform analyzer 126 analyzes the waveform of the correlation value series in the close shift range which exceeds the measurable range of the AF controllable range. A proximity warning is issued when the position of the minimum value is in the close shift range, or when there is monotonic decrease of the correlation value series in the close shift range. The waveform analyzer 126 also detects when a minimum value position is in an immeasurable range exceeding the close shift range, and accurately issues a proximity warning.

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

Abstract: A viewfinder of a camera having a multi-point type auto-focus function, in which a photographing lens can be focused on one of a plurality of objects in a plurality of focus detection zones within the field of view, when viewed through a viewfinder, includes a focusing plate which is provided with a plurality of split-image prisms corresponding to the focus detection zones within the finder field of view.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a photographing device for setting various photographing conditions which determine a state of a subject image to be obtained as a picture, the photography device including an exposure device having a plurality of selectively settable exposure modes for automatically setting at least one exposure value based on brightness of a subject, a mode selector for selecting one of the plurality of exposure modes, a calculation unit for calculating an amount indicative of the state of the subject image in accordance with the photographing conditions set by the photography device, an estimation unit for estimating visual effects which the subject image provides based on the calculated state amount, and a display device for displaying the visual effect corresponding to the exposure mode selected by the mode selection means in accordance with the estimated visual effects.

Abstract: The camera capable of displaying brightness distribution of the present invention is equipped with a photometric sensor which has a plurality of photoelectric conversion sub-elements which perform photometry on a plurality of regions into which the subject is divided, and a display device, having a plurality of display elements, which displays the brightness distribution over the subject as detected by the photometric sensor.

Abstract: An optical device having a line of sight detection circuit, includes a line of sight detection circuit for detecting the line of sight of a user, a display member for displaying the position of the line of sight detected by the line of sight detection circuit, an operation unit which can operate in a plurality of operation modes on the basis of information of the line of sight detected by the line of sight detection circuit. The display member changes the display mode for the line of sight position in accordance with the operation mode of the operation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a measuring unit for obtaining information related to a predetermined parameter. The measuring unit provides an indication of said information having been measured, which can take the form of an indicator lamp, for example. The measuring unit includes a mechanism for inhibiting operation of the indicator for a predetermined time interval, after the elapse of a time period which is related to the information obtained by said measuring unit. The monitoring apparatus measures the length of time of the time period and provides an indication of the time period measured, preferably in terms of the monitored parameter. The disclosed invention is particularly suited to the monitoring of a distance measuring unit or a photometric unit for an automatic camera so that proper operation of such units can be confirmed without having to .?.dissassembly.!. .Iadd.dissassemble .Iaddend.the camera.