Patent ID: 6404986
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A focus detecting device mounted in an apparatus, comprising:a) a focus state detection device which detects a focus state obtained at each of a plurality of focus areas disposed within an image field; b) a first selection device which selects at least two of the focus areas satisfying a predetermined condition from the focus states detected respectively at the plurality of focus areas by said focus state detection device; c) a posture detection device which detects a posture of said apparatus; d) a dividing device which divides the plurality of focus areas into a high priority group having at least one of the focus areas and a low priority group having the other of the focus areas in such a manner that the at least one of the focus areas in the high priority group and the other of the focus areas in the low priority group are different in position-relation from each other according to the posture detected by said posture detector; and e) a second selection device which, when said first selection device selects at least one focus area from the high priority group and selects at least one focus area from the low priority group, selects one of the at least one focus areas from the high priority group.