Patent ID: 7812880
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: G03B,H04N

Abstract:
1. An optical apparatus comprising: a signal generator configured to extract signals in a plurality of frequency bands from an output from an image-pickup part and to generate focus signals from the extracted signals; a focus lens; and a controller configured to perform focus control to drive the focus lens using one of a first focus signal and a second focus signal selectively such that the focus signal approaches a highest value, and to detect a focus control direction in which the one of the first and second focus signal increases, wherein each of the first and second focus signals is a synthesis signal formed by synthesizing at least two of focus signals in a first frequency band and a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band, wherein a ratio of the focus signal in the first frequency band synthesized to form the second focus signal with respect to the entire second focus signal is higher than a ratio of the focus signal in the first frequency band synthesized to form the first focus signal with respect to the entire first focus signal, and wherein the controller performs a first in-focus determination operation by causing the focus lens to move to and fro a first predetermined plural number of times in an area including a position where the first focus signal reaches the highest value, and thereafter performs a second in-focus determination operation by causing the focus lens to move to and fro a second predetermined plural number of times in an area including a position where the second focus signal reaches the highest value.