Patent · US Expired

Focal adjustment apparatus for a camera

US5937216A · kind A · utility

6Cited by
3References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 25, 1997
Grant dateAug 10, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 25, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B7/28
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.