Patent ID: 8023036
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An automatic focusing system in which a picture-taking lens is automatically focused on a subject within the bounds of an AF area in an image pickup area of a camera by controlling focusing of the picture-taking lens, the system comprising: an AF area movement designation member for moving the position of the AF area, the AF area movement designation member being placed so as to be reversible in upward, downward, leftward and rightward directions as seen from a position in front of the AF area movement designation member; an AF area moving device which moves the position of the AF area in a direction designated by the AF area movement designation member; and a direction changing device which reverses the direction of operation of the AF area movement designation member in vertical and horizontal directions between a case where the AF area movement designation member is mounted in a reversed state, in which the AF area moves in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the AF area movement designation member, and a case where the AF area movement designation member is mounted in a non-reversed state, in which the AF area moves in the same direction of movement as the direction of movement of the AF area movement designation member, and the direction changing device is a second device, different from the AF area moving device, wherein the AF area movement designation member is placed in a focus controller having a rotating member for manual focusing operation.