Patent ID: 6151072
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method of controlling automatic focusing in a video camera comprising an automatic focusing device for focusing on an object image by moving a taking lens according to contrast detection, an automatic iris controller for controlling an iris according to the brightness of an object, and automatic gain controller for increasing gain of a video signal obtained from an image pickup device when a signal level of said video signal so permits; said method comprising the steps of:monitoring states of the iris, the automatic gain controller, and the taking lens;focusing said taking lens on a point at infinity, as defined by an infinity setting of the taking lens, instead of focusing by said contrast detection, if the following three conditions are fulfilled simultaneously during the monitoring step: said iris is fully opened by said automatic iris device, and the gain is increased to the maximum extent possible by said automatic gain controller, and said taking lens is in a wide-angle state;wherein in the focusing step said taking lens is focused at the infinity setting if said three conditions are continuously fulfilled for more than a predetermined period of time.