Focus detecting device
US6816199B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B7/28
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention provides an inexpensive image pick-up device which can enhance the focus detecting precision and reduce the time lag due to focus adjustment without using an exclusive-use AF sensor different from an image pick-up element. In the image pick-up device of this invention, a light beam which has passed through a photographing lens is electronically image-picked up in an image pick-up area of the image pick-up element. A light beam which is at least part of a light beam of a subject having passed through the photographing lens is guided to a focus detecting optical system by an optical member and focused to re-form an image on a focus detecting area of the image pick-up element. The image pick-up element has microlenses arranged only on the front surface of the image pick-up area. A color filter member is arranged on the front surface of a light receiving section of the image pick-up area. No microkenses are disposed on the light receiving section of the focus detecting area and a transparent flattening layer is formed thereon. Thus, a focus detecting light beam of the focus detecting optical system is focused to re-form an image on the light receiving section.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.