Patent ID: 7660519
Filing Date: 2010-02-09
Classification: G03B,H04N

Abstract:
1. An autofocus apparatus comprising: an imaging device that captures a subject image through a photographic lens; an AF area determining device that determines a range of image signals to be used for autofocus adjustment based upon the subject in image signals provided by the imaging device, the AF area determining device detecting changes in the subject, and if, after detecting changes in the subject, the AF area determining device continuously detects a state in which the subject does not change for a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the range of image signals used for autofocus adjustment is altered; a focus adjustment device that adjusts a focal point position achieved through the photographic lens by driving a focus lens so as to maximize contrast achieved with the image signals in the determined range; and a control device that controls the focus adjustment device, if the range of the image signals determined by the AF area determining device has been altered, so as to adjust the focal point position by using image signals in the altered range.