Abstract: A lens device includes a first lens system including a first lens, a second lens system including a second lens, a moving member configured to move in an optical axis direction of the first lens, and a physical structure configured to move the first lens in the optical axis direction and move the moving member in a direction opposite to a movement direction of a center of gravity of a physical system that includes the first lens.

Abstract: An image-capture-scope indication device for an image-capture apparatus. The image-capture-scope indication device includes: a light source, fixed on a surface of the image-capture apparatus on which a lens of the image-capture apparatus is provided; a light ray selection member, which is provided in front of the light source and has a light transmission portion; and a drive member. The drive member is configured for moving the light ray selection member so that a scope surrounded by light rays emitted from the light source and passing through the light transmission portion of the light ray selection member is provided that is consistent with an image-capture-scope of the image-capture apparatus.

Abstract: A lens barrel: an optical system; a focusing manipulation unit capable of changing a focal position of the optical system in a normal photographing area and in a macro photographing area where the focal position can be changed for an object located at a position shorter than a shortest distance position of the normal photographing area; a photographing mode switching unit for switching between a normal photographing mode and a macro photographing mode; and an index ring having a normal scale and a macro scale, the normal scale indicating an object distance in the normal photographing mode, and the macro scale indicating the object distance in the macro photographing mode. Then, the photographing mode switching unit switches a display position of the index ring between the normal scale and the macro scale, and the focusing manipulation unit changes the focal position displayed on the index ring by rotation manipulation.

Abstract: Image filling utilizing image data captured by an array of cameras having different camera viewpoints. Image data, such as a pixel value or gradient value associated with a spatial point in a source region of an image is transferred to the same or another image to fill a target region. Visual artifacts may be reduced by filling portions of the target region visible from other viewpoints with expanded source patches to reduce the size of the target region to be inpainted. In embodiments, a shifted mask corresponding to the target region is determined for each supplementary image based on an estimate of foreground disparity. In further embodiments, partially occluded regions are detected based on an estimate of background disparity. Source patches may be expanded based on a baseline between camera viewpoints into large coherent regions that agree well with the target region boundary may be filled without hallucinating image data from similar patches.

Abstract: A viewfinder for attaching to a device having image-capturing capability has a structure for supporting an eyepiece, an engagement interface implemented on the structure to engage a complementary portion of a device having image-capture capability in a specific direction, and at least one eyepiece attached to the structure, such that the eyepiece has an axis proceeding in the specific direction with the viewfinder engaged to the device having image-capture capability.

Abstract: A lens device according to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter obtains camera information indicating whether a mounted camera is a first camera with an AF-frame display function or a second camera without the AF-frame display function; when the camera information indicating the first camera is obtained, when the camera information indicating the second camera is obtained and an automatic tracking mode is set, the lens device changeably sets position and size of the AF frame; and when the camera information indicating the second camera is obtained and the automatic tracking mode is not set, the lens device fixes the AF frame at a predetermined position and size.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes: a photographing optical system; an image capturing element; and a viewfinder device, in which the viewfinder device includes at least one variable magnification lens that may be inserted on and removed from an optical path of the viewfinder device, and a drive mechanism configured to drive the variable magnification lens, in which the image capturing apparatus further includes: a variable magnification lens control unit configured to supply a drive signal to the drive mechanism so as to control the insertion and removal of the variable magnification lens on and from the optical path, and perform a high-speed control to move the variable magnification lens through a maximum moving distance for a first time, and a low-speed control to move the variable magnification lens through the maximum moving distance for a second time that is longer than the first time.

Abstract: An optical viewfinder to observe an object image focused as a primary image by an objective lens includes a first display unit of self-luminous type and a second display unit of non-self-luminous type. The first display unit is arranged at a position closer to a primary image plane of the objective lens than the second display unit in a direction of an optical axis.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes: a photoelectric conversion unit of a charge accumulation type, including a plurality of sensors; an accumulation controller for controlling charge accumulation of the photoelectric conversion unit; an accumulation time measuring unit for measuring accumulation time; a correction computing unit for performing correction computing of a photoelectric conversion signal; and a focus detection computing unit for performing focus detection computing. The accumulation controller detects a signal of accumulation completion in a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, and then forces sensors except the first sensor to terminate the charge accumulation. The correction computing unit performs the correction computing of the photoelectric conversion signal based on first accumulation time that is accumulation time of the first sensor and second accumulation time that is different from the first accumulation time.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a setting unit configured to set a blind spot area based on a blind spot position of an observer within a display area for displaying an image to the observer, and a notification unit configured to notify, when displaying within the blind spot area is changed due to a change of an observation environment observed by the observer, the observer of the change within the blind spot area.

Abstract: A viewfinder for attaching to a device having image-capturing capability has a structure for supporting an eyepiece, an engagement interface implemented on the structure to engage a complementary portion of a device having image-capture capability in a specific direction, and at least one eyepiece attached to the structure, such that the eyepiece has an axis proceeding in the specific direction with the viewfinder engaged to the device having image-capture capability.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided that can switch between an optical viewfinder mode for identifying an object using an optical viewfinder and a live view mode for identifying an image of an object using a monitor. The apparatus includes an auto-focus unit able to be configured in the optical viewfinder mode; and a control unit configured to switch, in a case where a mode for performing exposure control in association with an auto-focus result obtained by the auto-focus unit is set, when the optical viewfinder mode is switched to the live view mode, to a mode for performing exposure control not in association with the auto-focus result.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided that can switch between an optical viewfinder mode for identifying an object using an optical viewfinder and a live view mode for identifying an image of an object using a monitor. The apparatus includes an auto-focus unit able to be configured in the optical viewfinder mode; and a control unit configured to switch, in a case where a mode for performing exposure control in association with an auto-focus result obtained by the auto-focus unit is set, when the optical viewfinder mode is switched to the live view mode, to a mode for performing exposure control not in association with the auto-focus result.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided that can switch between an optical viewfinder mode for identifying an object using an optical viewfinder and a live view mode for identifying an image of an object using a monitor. The apparatus includes an auto-focus unit able to be configured in the optical viewfinder mode; and a control unit configured to switch, in a case where a mode for performing exposure control in association with an auto-focus result obtained by the auto-focus unit is set, when the optical viewfinder mode is switched to the live view mode, to a mode for performing exposure control not in association with the auto-focus result.

Abstract: The present invention provides an autofocus system comprising: a lens device interchangeably attached to a camera and provided with an autofocus device which controls focus so that a subject within a predetermined AF area range within the image-taking range of the camera is focused; a controller which is connected to the lens device as an accessory device and which gives AF area information specifying the AF area range to the autofocus device, the autofocus system; an AF area information acquisition device which acquires the AF area information given to the autofocus device from the controller; and an AF area display device which visibly displays the AF area range in a picture taken by the camera based on the AF area information acquired by the AF area information acquisition device.

Abstract: An improved system and method for providing information concerning the level of focus of objects appearing on a viewfinder for a digital camera system. The present invention analyzes a plurality of objects or regions of an image that is being shown to a user through a viewfinder of an electronic device. The system creates an overview map that matches the objects within the image, and colors are applied to objects within the overview map, representing the focus quality levels of the respective objects. The overview map is superimposed over the image, providing the user with information concerning the relative focus quality of the respective objects.

Abstract: An eyepiece includes, in order from the object side, a first lens with positive power, a second lens with positive power, and a third lens with negative power. The first lens is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the object side, and the eyepiece fails to have a fourth lens. The eyepiece satisfies the following conditions: 0.6<f1/f<1.2 ?2.0<f1-2/f3<?1.0 ?0.45<f3/f<?0.25 where f1 is the focal length of the first lens; f1-2 is a combined focal length of the first and second lenses and is a focal length where a diopter is ?1 m?1 when the focal length of the eyepiece is changed; f3 is the focal length of the third lens; and f is the focal length of the entire system of the eyepiece and is a focal length where a diopter is ?1 m?1 when the focal length of the eyepiece is changed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided that can switch between an optical viewfinder mode for identifying an object using an optical viewfinder and a live view mode for identifying an image of an object using a monitor. The apparatus includes an auto-focus unit able to be configured in the optical viewfinder mode; and a control unit configured to switch, in a case where a mode for performing exposure control in association with an auto-focus result obtained by the auto-focus unit is set, when the optical viewfinder mode is switched to the live view mode, to a mode for performing exposure control not in association with the auto-focus result.

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: An imaging device includes a camera for at least one of taking a photograph or filming a video. The imaging device also includes a projection viewfinder assembly that projects a viewfinder to visually indicate a field of view of the camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides an autofocus system comprising: a lens device interchangeably attached to a camera and provided with an autofocus device which controls focus so that a subject within a predetermined AF area range within the image-taking range of the camera is focused; a controller which is connected to the lens device as an accessory device and which gives AF area information specifying the AF area range to the autofocus device, the autofocus system; an AF area information acquisition device which acquires the AF area information given to the autofocus device from the controller; and an AF area display device which visibly displays the AF area range in a picture taken by the camera based on the AF area information acquired by the AF area information acquisition device.

Abstract: A camera comprises a spatial modulation optical filter that is disposed in a viewfinder optical system for subject observation at or near a position optically equivalent to an estimated image forming plane of a photographic optical system and modulates a subject light flux entering via the photographic optical system with transmission characteristics to obtain a light flux having a predetermined spatial frequency; a photoelectric conversion device that outputs a signal corresponding to detected light; an optical element that guides the subject light flux having been modulated at the spatial modulation optical filter to the photoelectric conversion device; and a focal adjustment state calculation means that calculates a focal adjustment state of the photographic optical system based upon the signal output from the photoelectric conversion device having received the modulated subject light flux.

Abstract: A viewfinder for mounting on a camera having a video signal tap, such as a professional video camera, to extend forwardly and laterally of the camera. A pivotable member is connected to a support base for selectively pivoting about a laterally extending axis and being selectively locked in any angular position. A viewing module is releasably connected to the pivotable member to extend rearwardly along the side of the camera and has a CRT facing rearwardly with an eyepiece for viewing the CRT. The viewing module has controls for the CRT on an outwardly facing surface for manually adjusting the controls. Cooperating and releasable electrical connectors are provided between the pivot member and the viewing module for transmitting video signals and electrical power therebetween. An extension member, either of a fixed length or telescoping, may be installed between the pivot member and the viewing module and has the same electrical connectors.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus with a photographing function, includes a viewing optical system by which an image of an object, formed by a positive objective optical system, is viewed though a positive eyepiece optical system, and a photographing optical system which is provided independently from the viewing optical system. The photographing optical system covers substantially the same field of view as that of the viewing optical system. The viewing apparatus satisfies the following condition: 0.1<ft/fo<0.7  (1) wherein ft designates the focal length of the photographing optical system, and fo designates the focal length of the objective optical system of the viewing optical system.

Abstract: A finder device is disclosed in which a finder optical system is provided with an auto-focus function separate from that of a photographic optical system so that the subject image can be observed sharply even when the finder optical system undergoes a change of state due to temperature and other causes. A semitransparent mirror is interposed between an objective lens system and an erecting optical system to branch out a focus detection system optical path from a finder system optical system. A focus detection device is arranged on the focus detection system optical path so that its focus detection plane is situated at the equivalent position to the focal plane of the finder. The state of focus is obtained from the subject image formed on the focus detection plane by using a phase difference detection system or the like. Driving means moves a focus lens system forward/backward along the optical axis so that the subject image focuses on the focus detection plane.

Abstract: A high-performance image-forming optical system made compact and thin by folding an optical path using reflecting surfaces arranged to minimize the number of reflections. The image-forming optical system has a single prism. When image-side three surfaces of the prism are defined as a surface A, a surface B and a surface C in order from the image plane side thereof, at least one of the surfaces B and C has a rotationally asymmetric curved surface configuration that gives a power to a light beam and corrects aberrations due to decentration. The optical system leads light rays from an object to the image plane without forming an image in the prism and has a pupil in the prism. The surface A is a transmitting surface through which rays exit from the prism. The surfaces B and C are internally reflecting surfaces. Rays incident on the surface C and rays reflected from the surface B intersect each other in the prism.

Abstract: At power-on, a digital camera starts to operate with a display unit off (state S1). At a subsequent half shutter press of a shutter button, a quick return mirror is flipped down and phase difference AF is performed with live view display off (state S3). At a subsequent full press of the shutter button, the digital camera enters an image capture operation. With a quick return mirror in the up position, a focusing lens is moved to its in-focus, front focus and rear focus positions, at each of which contrast in an AF area of predetermined partial portion of an image is obtained for comparison to select a position of the focusing lens with maximum contrast (state S4). Then, image data is obtained and recorded on a memory card (state S5). With the above processing, the digital camera can perform autofocusing, as circumstances demand, by a contrast AF method.

Abstract: A camera has a rangefinder device having an optical system constituted by a plurality of optical elements and a diopter adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the observation diopter of the rangefinder device by operation by the user from outside the camera. In addition, there are provided an operating member that operates the diopter adjustment mechanism and an adjustment mechanism that effects adjustment such that the observation diopter of the rangefinder device is at a predetermined value when the operating member is in a prescribed position. By this means, a camera having a diopter adjustment mechanism whereby the relative positional relationship of the operating member and driven member can always be ensured such that the observation diopter gets equal to the predetermined observation diopter that is to be set when the operating member is arranged in the prescribed position. This can be realized by a straightforward construction.

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: 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 focusing plate adjusting mechanism includes a focusing plate which is detachably attached to a camera body and on which an object image is formed, an adjusting frame which is adapted to adjust the axial position of the focusing plate, a biasing spring which presses the focusing plate against the adjusting frame, and at least one holder which is moved in association with the adjusting frame when the focusing plate is not attached and which presses the focusing plate toward the adjusting frame through the biasing spring when the focusing plate is attached to the camera body.

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 distance measurement device has a taking lens, a viewfinder, distance measurement elements for performing distance measurement in a plurality of areas on an object, a memory for storing the positional relationship between the field of view of the viewfinder and the distance measurement areas of the distance measurement elements, a selector for selecting one of the distances measured in the plurality of areas in accordance with the positional relationship stored in the memory, and a controller for adjusting the focus of the taking lens in accordance with the distance selected by the selector.

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: A control apparatus for a camcorder is disclosed for maintaining an optimum viewing angle for an LCD display when the camcorder is tilted at an angle in the process of aiming the camcorder at a subject. A separate drive unit moves the LCD display with respect to the camcorder body. The amount the LCD display is moved by the drive unit is controlled based upon a sensed amount of movement of the image pickup device when the camcorder is pointed in different directions.

Abstract: A camera having a real-image finder includes a photographing lens system, a real image type view finder separate from the photographing lens system, a focusing plate having a split image prism placed in the vicinity of an image forming position in which an object image is formed by the real image type view finder, an object distance data detection means, a photographing lens driving motor for moving the photographing lens system to focus the same, a finder driving motor for driving the finder to focus the same, and a controller for controlling the photographing lens driving motor and the finder driving motor in accordance with the object distance data so as to focus the photographing lens system and the finder on an aiming object. The invention is also directed to a control method of a camera having the same.

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: In a camera comprising a phototaking lens system and a viewfinder lens system having a different optical axis from that of the phototaking lens system, the camera comprises a drive means, for simultaneously zooming the phototaking lens system and the viewfinder lens system, which simultaneously shifts at least one of the lens groups of the phototaking lens system and at least one of the lens groups of the viewfinder lens system. The drive means simultaneously focuses the phototaking lens system and the viewfinder lens system on an object by simultaneously shifting at least one of the lens groups of the phototaking lens system and at least one of the lens groups of the viewfinder lens system based on the position data of the object.

Abstract: A camera with a visual line position detection device is capable of shortening the time required for auto focus detection and capable of more accurate selection of the focus detection point. The camera includes a focus detection device to output the results of distance measurements at a plurality of points where focus detection is possible and to detect focus for one of these points. A liquid crystal display device displays on a screen specified symbols overlapping the subject image on the positions corresponding to each of the points. A microprocessor accepts the results of the distance measurements from the focus detection system and selects one of the points based on the photographer visual line position as the point for focus detection among all the points whose distances are measured and on which focus detection is possible, excluding the points with an infinite focus distance.

Abstract: A camera which can focus on one or more of multiple focus detection areas and which allows a photographer to change the focus to a new focus detection area by voicing a reference code corresponding to the new focus detection area. The camera includes a voice recognition mechanism which recognizes a voice of a photographer, a selection mechanism which selects at least one focus detection area from the multiple focus detection areas in correspondence to a voice recognized by the voice recognition mechanism and a focus mechanism which detects and adjusts respective focus conditions corresponding to the focus detection areas selected by the selection mechanism.

Abstract: A camera viewfinder device adapted for use in a camera having a photographic lens for photographing a subject and a rangefinder system for producing rangefinding information. The viewfinder device includes a display unit having multiple display parts that indicate a rangefinding spot within a viewfinder field and a control device that selectively controls the illumination and indication states of the multiple display parts of the display unit to produce the rangefinding spot based on information about photographic conditions including the focal length of the photographic lens and the rangefinding information. Also provided is a display device for use in a camera having a photographic lens for photographing a subject and a rangefinder system for producing rangefinding information.

Abstract: A portrait photograph camera incorporates a taking lens assembly having a predetermined focal length, and photographs a human head on instant film. A pair of indicia are displayed within a field frame of a viewfinder. According to the indicia, the human head is framed or targeted. The framed human head is photographed, so as to create an image having a predetermined size range on the film. In a preferred embodiment, a telephoto converter lens is selectively mountable on the taking lens. Combined with the telephoto converter, the taking lens has a longer focal length. A second pair of indicia are displayed within the finder field frame. The human head as framed by the second indicia is photographed at the longer focal length so as to create on the film an image in the former predetermined size range. A rangefinding device measures the subject distance.

Abstract: A radiation thermometer assembly comprises a housing to a front end of which is movably mounted an objective lens housing. An eye piece is mounted to the radiation thermometer housing and is arranged to receive light passing through the objective lens. A control system causes relative movement between the objective lens housing and the radiation thermometer housing, the control system being connected to a manual control member for operating the control system. The control member is mounted to the radiation thermometer housing at a position spaced from the objective lens housing.

Abstract: A camera having a lens barrel and a compartment for holding one of a spool and a cartridge. A motor in the camera is coupled to a reduction gear train which transmits a drive force of the motor to the lens barrel. A rotary shaft, positioned between the compartment and the lens barrel, is geared to and branches from the reduction gear train so as to receive a drive force from the reduction gear train. A zoom finder device, positioned between the compartment and the lens barrel is driven by the rotary shaft. This arrangement allows the motor to transmit a drive force to a driven device placed adjacent to a drive source, without making the drive device large, and without unnecessarily increasing the number of required components.

Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).

Abstract: A finder apparatus for use with a lens-shutter type camera composing a zoom imaging optical system, a zoom finder optical system separate from said zoom imaging optical system, and an electronic flash device. The zoom finder optical system is made as a real-image zoom finder apparatus, with part of the associated optical elements being disposed behind the electronic flash device, and part of the optical path from the objective lens to the eyepiece being bent backward of the electronic flash device to pass through the optical element disposed behind the electronic flash device.