Abstract: A focus adjusting device in which, when a detecting unit that detects an object image to be focused from a picked up image is capable of detecting the object image to be focused, a setting unit that sets a focus detection area when a focused state of an image pickup optical system is detected sets a second focus detection area after setting a first focus detection area and in accordance with the position of the first focus detection area, corresponding to the object image that is detected by the detecting unit and that is to be focused. Then, on the basis of signal outputs at the set focus detection area, the image pickup optical system is driven to perform focus adjustment.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an object image input via a focus lens to output image data, a focus adjustment unit configured to perform focus adjustment by controlling a position of the focus lens based on the image data, a motion detection unit configured to detect a motion of the object image based on the image data, and a control unit configured to control the focus adjustment unit to perform a first focus adjustment operation if motion of the object image is not detected by the motion detection unit, and to control the focus adjustment unit to perform a second focus adjustment operation different from the first focus adjustment operation if motion of the object image is detected by the motion detection unit.

Abstract: The image pickup system includes a ranging part measuring object distances in plural ranging areas in an image pickup region in a state where the image pickup system and a moving object are in movement with respect to a still object, a first setting part setting, among the plural ranging areas, a first ranging area including the moving object, a second setting part setting, among the plural ranging areas, a second ranging area including the still object. The system further includes a calculating part calculating a moving speed of the moving object based on the object distances measured in the first and second ranging areas by the ranging part at a first time point and the object distances measured in the first and second ranging areas by the ranging part at a second time point different from the first time point.

Abstract: A focus adjusting device in which, when a detecting unit that detects an object image to be focused from a picked up image is capable of detecting the object image to be focused, a setting unit that sets a focus detection area when a focused state of an image pickup optical system is detected sets a second focus detection area after setting a first focus detection area and in accordance with the position of the first focus detection area, corresponding to the object image that is detected by the detecting unit and that is to be focused. Then, on the basis of signal outputs at the set focus detection area, the image pickup optical system is driven to perform focus adjustment.

Abstract: An optical device includes a shooting optical system including an AF lens, an AF lens driving apparatus for driving the AF lens, a detection unit for detecting a defocus amount corresponding to a difference between an image pickup position of an object and an imaging position of the object which is formed by the shooting optical system, and a control unit for drive-controlling the AF lens driving apparatus to reduce the defocus amount. The control unit detects a shooting magnification of the shooting optical system and changes a method of controlling the AF lens driving apparatus to reduce the defocus amount based on the shooting magnification.

Abstract: When it is detected that a tracking target disappears in an image range in the course of tracking the tracking target, which is a registration pattern selected as a target to be tracked from among registration patterns, an autofocus is disabled. Thereafter, the autofocus is kept being disabled even if it is detected that the tracking target having the selected registration pattern appears in the image range. Alternatively, when the tracking target disappears in the image range in the course of tracking the tracking target, the autofocus is disabled, and thereafter when the tracking target having the registration pattern appears in the image range, it is started to track the tracking target having the registration pattern.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus includes: a focus detector photoelectrically converting at least a part of a photographing beam; a defocus computer calculating a defocus amount based on an output of the focus detector; a driver driving a focus lens based on the defocus amount; and a unit setting a maximum time period for charge accumulation in the focus detector. If the accumulated charge in the focus detector reaches a threshold within the period, when the accumulated charge in the focus detector reaches the threshold, the defocus computer calculates a defocus amount using an output of the focus detector and outputs the defocus amount to the driver. If the accumulated charge in the focus detector does not reach the threshold within the period, when the period lapses, the defocus computer calculates a defocus amount using an output of the focus detector and outputs the defocus amount to the driver.

Abstract: An auto focus unit, comprising a pursuit block, a lens driver, a detection block, and a controller, is provided. The pursuit block pursues the movements of an optical image of the target-object. The auto focus unit brings an optical image of the target-object into focus on a light-receiving surface. The target-object is desired to be brought into focus. The lens driver causes a focus lens to move so that an optical image of a scanning-area is brought into focus. The detection block detects the light intensity of an area including the scanning area. The controller causes the pursuit block to suspend a pursuit of the target-object when the light intensity detected by the detection block is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An autofocus system includes an image pickup unit that takes a subject image formed by an optical system; an autofocus unit that performs focus adjustment on the optical system so as to bring into focus a subject within a predetermined AF area in a photographing image taken by the image pickup unit; a tracking unit that moves an AF frame, which indicates an outline of the AF area, in accordance with the movement of the subject within the photographing image taken by the image pickup unit; a face direction detection unit that detects a face direction of the subject from the photographing image; a face direction registration unit that registers the face direction of the subject together with coordinates which represent a position of the AF frame in the photographing image; a face direction comparing unit that compares the detected face direction of the subject with the registered face direction.

Abstract: An exemplary focusing method for enhancing resolution of an optical system is provided. The method includes: focusing on an object and obtaining an image of the object by a lens assembly of the optical system, using a designated point within a motion range of an auto focusing (AF) lens in the lens assembly to calculate; determine a first coordinate and a second coordinate of the AF lens according to resolution of the image; obtaining a direction and distance for positioning the AF lens according to the two coordinates, driving the AF lens to move along the direction of motion, and limiting the range of motion of the AF lens to obtain an optimum focusing location to focus on the object according to the motion distance. A related system is also provided.

Abstract: A camera is provided which is configured to receive a photographic lens having a diaphragm. The camera includes a defocus amount detection unit configured to detect first information corresponding to a defocus amount, from light passing through the photographic lens mounted on the camera; an acquisition unit configured to acquire second information corresponding to an image-forming position from a lens position output unit provided on the photographic lens; and an image-forming position prediction unit configured to predict a change in image-forming position based on a change in the second information and a plurality of the past first information stored in a memory, wherein the image-forming position prediction unit predicts the image forming position in consideration of third information corresponding to time required for diaphragm driving that is acquired from a diaphragm driving time prediction unit provided on the photographic lens.

Abstract: An auto focus unit, comprising a pursuit block, a scanning area setting block, a change area setting block, a permission block, and a lens driver, is provided. The pursuit block pursues the movements of a target object. The scanning area setting block designates a part of an object-area as a scanning area at first timing. After first timing, the scanning area setting block is able to reset the scanning area to the now location where the targeted object has moved. The change area setting block defines an area of a predetermined range as a change area at the first timing. The permission block orders the scanning area setting block to reset the scanning area when the location where the targeted object moved is outside of the change area. The lens driver orders a focus lens to move so that an optical image of the scanning area is focused on.

Abstract: An auto-focusing method according to an aspect of the invention may include: setting a central point of area of interest according to a user's input to select a moving object to perform auto tracking of the moving object within an image; setting an auto focusing area encompassing the central point of area of interest, the auto focusing area in which an operation is performed for auto focusing; setting a tracking sub-window encompassing the auto focusing area, the tracking sub-window in which an operation is performed for auto tracking; and tracking, by the central point of area of interest according to the user's input, the auto focusing area and the tracking sub-window, the moving object while changing a position of the auto focusing area and updating a position of the tracking sub-window according to a movement of the moving object.

Abstract: An autofocus system includes: an image pickup unit; an autofocus unit performing focus adjustment such that a subject in a AF area is to be in focus in the photographing image; a tracking unit moving the AF area to follow the movement of the subject in the range of the photographing image; a reference pattern registering unit registering the subject image in focus as a reference pattern; and a matched image detecting unit detecting a subject which is most closely matched with the reference pattern in the photographing image. When the amount of movement of the detected subject in a screen is less than a given value, the reference pattern is updated with the image of the subject, and an AF frame is updated to follow the moved subject. When the amount of movement is equal to or more than the given value, a tracking operation stops.

Abstract: By performing a tap operation on any one of the buttons on a screen of a liquid crystal display equipped with a touch panel for performing an operation input on the AF frame auto-tracking, it is possible to select a desired mode among a fixation mode, an object tracking mode, a face detection tracking mode, and a face recognition tracking mode. The fixation mode is suitable to set a position of the AF frame by means of manual operation. The object tracking mode is suitable to allow the AF frame to automatically track a desired subject other than a face. The face detection tracking mode is suitable to allow the AF frame to track a face of an arbitrary person previously not registered. The face recognition tracking mode is suitable to allow the AF frame to track a face of a specific person previously registered.

Abstract: A system for providing a predictive autofocus prior to capturing an image of an iris of a subject. A sequence of images of the subject may be taken with a visible light sensitive camera. A speed and/or location of the subject may be estimated from the images. An encounter may be when the subject is within focus of the camera or, in other words, a focus distance and subject distance coincide. The focus may be determined in accordance with an intensity variance determination of the subject in the image, and more particularly of a subject's eye within a window of an image. Upon an encounter, an image of the iris of the eye may be captured with an infrared sensitive camera.

Abstract: A focusing device includes a driving unit that drives a focus lens, a control unit, and a storing unit. The control unit controls the driving unit to move the focus lens through a predetermined range, determines a state of focus based on a signal from an image pickup unit, the signal being acquired in association with movement of the focus lens through the predetermined range, and controls the driving unit so that an object's image is in focus. The storing unit stores a position of the focus lens in focus acquired by the control unit. The control unit calculates a datum point of the range of movement of the focus lens, on the basis of the position of the focus lens in the storing unit, and shifts the range of movement of the focus lens in response to the calculated datum point in a direction in which the object moves.

Abstract: When it is detected that a tracking target disappears in an image range in the course of tracking the tracking target, which is a registration pattern selected as a target to be tracked from among registration patterns, an autofocus is disabled. Thereafter, the autofocus is kept being disabled even if it is detected that the tracking target having the selected registration pattern appears in the image range. Alternatively, when the tracking target disappears in the image range in the course of tracking the tracking target, the autofocus is disabled, and thereafter when the tracking target having the registration pattern appears in the image range, it is started to track the tracking target having the registration pattern.

Abstract: Pattern data for specifying a face image of a person is registered in a pattern data storage unit 32 of a tracking device 16. When a face recognition auto-tracking mode is selected, a face image coinciding with the registered pattern data is detected, and an AF area is set to track the face image.

Abstract: An exemplary focusing method for enhancing resolution of an optical system is provided. The method includes: focusing on an object and obtaining an image of the object by a lens assembly of the optical system, using a designated point within a motion range of an auto focusing (AF) lens in the lens assembly to calculate; determine a first coordinate and a second coordinate of the AF lens according to resolution of the image; obtaining a direction and distance for positioning the AF lens according to the two coordinates, driving the AF lens to move along the direction of motion, and limiting the range of motion of the AF lens to obtain an optimum focusing location to focus on the object according to the motion distance. A related system is also provided.

Abstract: There are provided a focus detector detecting a focusing state of an optical system with respect to a plurality of focus detection positions that are set in an imagefield of the optical system; a recognizer setting a reference image with respect to an image to be a reference, and recognizing a position corresponding to the reference image of an image in the optical system; a selector selecting the focus detection position to be a target of focus adjustment of the optical system based on one of the focusing state and a position corresponding to the reference image recognized by the recognizer; and a controller executing at least one of resetting of the reference image and a retrying recognition of the position corresponding to the reference image when the focus detection position is selected based on the focusing state.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus comprises a moving unit configured to move a focusing lens, a focus adjusting unit configured to move the focusing lens such that the sharpness of an image obtained from an image pickup unit picking up an object image is increased, and an in-focus position measuring unit configured to measure an in-focus position in a different manner from the focus adjusting unit. The focus adjusting unit moves the focusing lens to the in-focus position measured by the in-focus position measuring unit when a direction of movement of the focusing lens in which the image sharpness is increased is matched with the direction of a current position of the focusing lens relative to the in-focus position measured by the in-focus position measuring unit, and does not move the focusing lens to the measured in-focus position when both the directions are not matched with each other.

Abstract: An auto-focus camera (100) can include a lens (102), a sensor (108) for detecting an image from the lens, a first liquid crystal layer (104) between the lens and the sensor, and a second liquid crystal layer (106) between the lens and the sensor and further orthogonally aligned to the first liquid crystal layer. The auto-focus camera can further include an integrated circuit programmed to drive the first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer. The auto-focus camera can include a controller (202) programmed to control two orthogonally aligned liquid crystal layers. The liquid crystal layers can serve as an optical anti-alias filter using birefringence properties of the liquid crystal layers. The first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer can be orthogonally aligned to achieve polarization insensitive operation of the auto-focus camera.

Abstract: An object-oriented photographing control method, medium, and apparatus. The object-oriented photographing control method includes detecting an interesting object registered in advance from an input image, estimating photographic information on the detected interesting object, and generating control information for capturing the input image by using the estimated photographing information, and capturing the input image according to the control information. Accordingly, states of a position and illuminance of the object are perceived in real-time, a high-quality image can be captured, and the user does not need to control the focus and the exposure of the input image.

Abstract: A camera is provided which is configured to receive a photographic lens having a diaphragm. The camera includes a defocus amount detection unit configured to detect first information corresponding to a defocus amount, from light passing through the photographic lens mounted on the camera; an acquisition unit configured to acquire second information corresponding to an image-forming position from a lens position output unit provided on the photographic lens; and an image-forming position prediction unit configured to predict a change in image-forming position based on a change in the second information and a plurality of the past first information stored in a memory, wherein the image-forming position prediction unit predicts the image forming position in consideration of third information corresponding to time required for diaphragm driving that is acquired from a diaphragm driving time prediction unit provided on the photographic lens.

Abstract: An auto focus unit, comprising a pursuit block, a lens driver, a detection block, and a controller, is provided. The pursuit block pursues the movements of an optical image of the target-object. The auto focus unit brings an optical image of the target-object into focus on a light-receiving surface. The target-object is desired to be brought into focus. The lens driver causes a focus lens to move so that an optical image of a scanning-area is brought into focus. The detection block detects the light intensity of an area including the scanning area. The controller causes the pursuit block to suspend a pursuit of the target-object when the light intensity detected by the detection block is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which can control a position of a driven member with precision using a simple control algorithm. The optical apparatus includes an actuator, a driven member, a transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the actuator to the driven member, a first detector for detecting driving of the actuator and for outputting a signal corresponding to a detection result, a second detector for detecting driving of the driven member and for outputting a signal corresponding to a detection result, and a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller determines, after activating the actuator, one of the first and second detectors which the one outputs a signal corresponding to a predetermined driving amount earlier, and controls the actuator based on the signal from the one that has been determined.

Abstract: A management system and method of assigning credit for unprintable images provided by a customer. When unprintable frames are submitted for processing, such as scanning, printing or storage, the method allows the photofinisher to keep track of the number of image submitted for processing and assigns credit for to the customer's account for unprintable images. As an example of redeeming such credit, when the number of unprintable images equals a pre-set criterion, such as the number of frames in a roll, a free roll of film could be issued to the customer.

Abstract: An automatic focus adjusting apparatus includes an image move-amount detecting section, an image position predicting section and a control section. The image move-amount detecting section detects, for each of a pair of images of a subject divided in a predetermined direction, image positions of the subject in an image-divided direction and in a direction approximately orthogonal with this image-divided direction respectively on photoelectric conversion elements at mutually different first and second times respectively, and obtains move amounts of the images of the subject in the image-divided direction based on a result of this detection. The image position predicting section predicts an image position of the subject in an image-divided direction at a third time different from the first and second times, based on an output from the image move-amount detecting section.

Abstract: There is provided a camera with an automatic focusing device having hybrid AF unit capable of always performing a reliable automatic focusing operation on a moving object to provide a more preferable photographic result. The camera includes first distance measuring unit 4 having at least a pair of light receiving sensors, for measuring the distance of an object by receiving a beam of light from the object, second distance measuring unit 3 having light projecting unit for projecting a beam of light upon the object and light receiving unit for receiving a beam of light reflected therefrom, for measuring the distance of the object by projecting a beam of light upon the object with the light projecting unit and by receiving a beam of light reflected therefrom with the light receiving unit and distance measuring method selecting unit 2 for selecting either the first distance measuring unit or the second distance measuring unit.

Abstract: A self-resetting circuit includes a logic circuit operative to transition an output signal from a first logic state to a second logic state responsive to a first logic state transition of an input signal, along with a bistable reset circuit coupled to the logic circuit and operative to be triggered by the transition of the output signal from the first logic state to the second logic state to reset the output signal to the first logic state within a first predetermined interval following the transition of the output signal from the first logic state to the second logic state, and to be armed by a second logic state transition of the input signal next succeeding the first logic state transition, wherein the reset circuit is armed within a second predetermined interval following the second transition that is less than the first predetermined interval. Related operating methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an image recording apparatus includes a step of adjusting at least one of a focus point position of an exposure means, a degree of parallelization of the exposure means and a position of the exposure means, and a step of correcting a light amount of the exposure means after the adjusting step.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus is provided that tracks the direction of movement of an object from a plurality of focus detection areas disposed within the photographic screen of a camera in an efficient order. The focus adjustment apparatus includes a focus detection device that individually detects focus detection information of a plurality of focus detection areas; a memory that records a selection order of focus detection areas used in focus control; a focus estimation device that extends a trend of the focus detection information and calculates estimated values of the focus detection information regarding the focus detection areas used in the focus control; a tracking device that tracks the focus detection areas matching the estimated values computed by the focus estimation device by following the selection order during the past focus control operation recorded by the memory; and a focus controller that performs focus control regarding the focus detection areas tracked by the tracking device.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device of camera is adapted to control the lens to focus on an object moving along the optical axis of the lens. The focus detecting section of the device outputs a plurality of focus detection signals according to the focused state of the image of the object formed by the camera lens. The correlation computing section of the device computationally determines the correlation between the last focus detection signal and the preceding focus detection signals in order to predict the movement of the object according to the plurality of focus detection signals output from the focus detecting section. A reliability judging section of the device judges the reliability of the outcome of the computationally determining operation of the correlation computing section.

Abstract: An image signal processing apparatus for detecting a focusing state or a distance state by performing a correlation calculation of two images received by a light receiving section that includes a plurality of two dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements. The apparatus includes a calculation circuit which divides a first area of the light receiving section into a plurality of blocks and calculates a focusing state or a distance state with respect to each of the plurality of blocks, a selection circuit which selects a second area included in the first area corresponding to the focusing state or the distance state of each of the blocks provided by the calculation circuit and a control circuit which divides the second area into a plurality of blocks and causes the calculation circuit to calculate a focusing state or a distance state with respect to each of the plurality of blocks.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device has a rangefinder CCD sensor unit that measures a defocus amount with respect to the image of an object which is focused by an optical system. A focusing lens group of the optical system is driven into a focusing position based on the measured defocus amount. An object image moving speed, at which the image of the object moves, is calculated based on at least two defocus amounts which are measured. If the difference between a present defocus amount and a preceding defocus amount is smaller than a predetermined value, the focusing lens group is driven to move the focusing position at a tracking speed corresponding to the object image moving speed. If the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the focusing lens group is driven at a previously calculated object image moving speed.

Abstract: A camera having an automatic focusing system includes a focus detector in a camera body to which a photographing lens can be detachably mounted for detecting a focus state for an object image formed by the photographing lens mounted to the camera body. A lens driver in the camera body drives a focusing lens group of the photographing lens to a focal position in accordance with the deflected focus state. A controller in the camera body drives the focusing lens group at a moving-object prediction mode, taking into account a movement of an image surface of the object when the object is a moving object. A memory in the photographing lens stores lens data used to either permit or prohibit an operation at the moving-object prediction mode. The controller determines whether to permit or prohibit the operation at the moving-object prediction mode in accordance with the lens data rear from the memory of the photographing lens.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus which automatically focuses a camera or other optical equipment. The focus adjustment apparatus predicts complex fluctuations in the image plane position easily and accurately. The apparatus includes a focus detection device which detects a defocus amount, a lens position detection device which detects a lens position of the photographing optical system, and an image plane position computation device. The image plane position computation device computes the image plane position of the object image on the basis of the defocus amount and the lens position. The apparatus further includes an image plane speed computation device. The image plane speed computation device computes the image plane speed on the basis of a change over time in the image plane position. The apparatus also includes a statistical device.

Abstract: An automatic focus adjustment apparatus more ideally accomplishes a tracking servo process, which drives a shooting lens so that a focusing state is maintained by predicting movements of an image plane of a moving object. A lens driving system 6 determines the moving speed of an image plane of an object or a movement prediction curve by regression-calculating from a plurality of defocus amounts previously calculated, a calculator, the accumulation time of a focusing state detector, and a lens position obtained from a lens movement amount detector, to drive a lens by assuming a future position of the image plane based on a result of the calculation.

Abstract: A camera includes (i) a detection circuit for detecting a relative moving state or a vibrating state between the camera and an object and (ii) a focusing adjustment apparatus for focusing on the object. The focusing adjustment apparatus is capable of performing a focusing operation in different focusing areas and locking the focusing area to a predetermined focusing area based on a result of a detection by the detection circuit.

Abstract: An autofocus device and method for a camera that can process statistically the tracking and focusing of an object in high velocity motion. The device and method corrects the acceleration of the motion and computes a lens forwarding amount and an absolute position of the object. This is achieved by a camera system including a camera body and a focus lens. The camera body includes an autofocus detector, an autofocus processor section and a main CPU. The focus lens includes a lens, a lens driving gear, a lens CPU, and a motor. This structure, having an improved autofocus processor, enables highly accurate prediction tracking and autofocus control that accommodates fluctuations in an autofocus operation.

Abstract: An optical apparatus with the visual axis detecting function is comprised of an imaging optical system, visual axis detecting means for detecting to which of a plurality of areas in the field of view of the optical system a visual axis is directed, and focusing means responsive to the output of the visual axis detecting means to detect defocus regarding the area to which the visual axis is directed, and adjust the optical system so as to correct the defocus, the focusing means continuously effecting the detection of the defocus and the adjustment of the optical system when the area to which the visual axis is directed after the correction of the defocus is a moving object.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device according to the present invention includes a lens drive section that drives and automatically focuses a photographing lens, a defocus amount detecting section that detects a defocus amount of the photographing lens, a locus setting section that determines an optimum locus of a characteristic relating to movement of the lens to a target point based upon the defocus amount detected by the defocus amount detecting section, and a control section that controls the lens drive section so as to move the photographing lens along the optimum locus determined by the locus setting section.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device for a camera capable of accommodating an interchangeable zoom lens which prevents inadvertently performing a moving subject tracking lens drive control when the zoom lens causes focus shift as a result of a zooming operation. The automatic focusing device operates in a first drive mode in which movement of the subject in the optical axis direction is detected and the moving subject is tracked by providing compensation for the drive amount of the lens according to the movement of the subject, and a second drive mode in which movement of the subject in the optical axis direction is not detected and compensation for the drive amount of the lens is not provided. A determination that the zoom lens causes focus shift during a zooming operation is made when the object distance is within a specified distance range, and a focus shift signal is output when focus shift will occur. An inhibition device inhibits the lens drive in the first lens drive mode in response to the focus shift signal.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device includes a focus detection device for detecting focus data from a plurality of focus detection areas established in the imaging region. A selection device selects a specified area from the plurality of focus detection areas. A focus control device performs focus control of the photographic lens corresponding to the focus data of that specified area. The selection device may include a statistical prediction device for performing a statistical calculation on the past focus data in the specified area and for determining a predicted value of the focus data by extending a trend of the focus data. A statistical determination device determines whether the most recent focus data of the specified area is outside the acceptable range of the predicted value. A statistical tracking device searches for focus data within the acceptable range of the said prediction value and changes the specified area to the searched-out area.

Abstract: A focus detection device and method permits the shooting lens to follow the movement of the photographic object without a focussing delay due to the calculation time and the movement of the object. The system includes a camera, a shooting lens, a focus detection device for detecting a desired focussing position of the shooting lens for an object, and a communications circuit. The lens includes a shooting lens driving circuit moving the shooting lens to focus, a shooting lens driving control circuit that controls the shooting lens driving circuit, a monitoring circuit that monitors the shooting lens movement by the shooting lens driving circuit, and a shooting lens data memory circuit that stores camera data.

Abstract: A photographic subject position predicting apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a focal point detection device that detects the focal point adjustment state of the photographic lens, a moving speed detection device that detects the moving speed of the photographic subject, a prediction time calculation device that calculates the photographic subject position prediction time in accordance with the photographic subject moving speed detected by the moving speed detection device, and a prediction device that predicts the photographic subject position after the photographic subject position prediction time has elapsed, based upon the focal point adjustment state detected by the focal point detection device.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus of a camera according to the present invention includes: a focus detector which detects repeatedly focus conditions of a photographic lens and outputs successively focus signals corresponding to the focus conditions; a drive unit for driving the photographic lens for focus adjustment; a predictor for predicting an in-focus point from the plurality of focus signals from the focus detector; a control unit for controlling the drive unit to drive the photographic lens toward the in-focus point predicted by the predictor; an auxiliary light projector for projecting auxiliary light onto an object to enable detecting operation of the focus detector; and a forbidding device for forbidding the control of drive by the control unit while the auxiliary light is projected by the auxiliary light projector.

Abstract: An auto-focusing device for a camera according to the present invention comprises many different systems. Included is a focus detection section which intermittently calculates focus detection information corresponding to the distance to the photographic subject. Also included is a photographic subject position prediction section which predicts a future position of the photographic subject based on the focus detection information. Finally, a lens driving section then drives a photographic lens based on a predicted result of the photographic subject position predicting section. The photographic subject position predicting section includes a neural network that predicts the future position of the photographic subject with an input parameter that has values regarding focusing positions of the photographic lens. These values correspond to focus detection data calculated by the focus detection section. The neural network makes it possible to predict the future focusing position of the photographic lens accurately.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device, in which a focus lens is driven for tracking an object-in-motion to obtain an in-focus state, based upon a focus prediction that is executed from repeated distance measurements. Tracking is continued even if the position of the focus lens falls into the predetermined focus allowance, so as to make it possible to take a well-focused photograph at any time.