Patent ID: 7643743
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: G02B,G03B

Abstract:
1. A focus detection apparatus of phase difference detection type having a sensor for a standard portion and a sensor for a reference portion, each of the sensors including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, and detecting a focus based on signals read out from the sensor for the standard portion and the sensor for the reference portion, wherein each of the sensor for the standard portion and the sensor for the reference portion includes a plurality of linear sensors, and includes a plurality of accumulation controlling circuits for controlling the accumulation time of the photoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of scanning circuits for reading signals output from the photoelectric conversion elements, and wherein the focus detection apparatus comprises: a first driving unit for executing a first mode in which the accumulation time of the plurality of linear sensors in each of the sensor for the standard portion and the sensor for the reference portion is independently controlled and signals are independently output; and a second driving unit for executing a second mode such that the accumulation time of the plurality of linear sensors in each of the sensor for the standard portion and the sensor for the reference portion is collectively controlled to read out output signals from the sensors.