A method performs at least one of adjusting, calibrating and monitoring a focus value of a surgical microscope including at least one objective, an image capture device and a zoom system, wherein the surgical microscope is configured to be operated in at least two different zoom positions. The method provides for at least two different zoom positions, capturing at least one image of a specified object via the image capture device; via the at least one captured image, determining a plurality of contrast values depending on the focus value; and, via the determined contrast values for the at least two zoom positions, ascertaining at least one desired value for at least one of the following: i) at least one parameter for adjusting the focus value of the surgical microscope; and, ii) at least one parameter for calibrating the focus value of the surgical microscope.

A culture vessel that houses a culture liquid and a specimen is irradiated with pattern light having a pattern that is previously set for the culture vessel. Transmitted light transmitted through the culture liquid in the culture vessel because of the irradiation with the pattern light is detected. Optical characteristics of an adjusting optical system that adjusts refraction of light caused by the shape of the liquid surface of the culture liquid in the culture vessel are adjusted, on the basis of a detection signal based on the detected transmitted light. After the adjustment, the culture vessel is irradiated with illumination light for phase-contrast measurement, and the specimen irradiated with the illumination light is imaged.

Methods and apparatus relating to image capture of image portions using optical chains with non-parallel optical axis are described. In some embodiments different portions of a scene area of interest captured by different optical chains operating in parallel are combined. The use of multiple optical chains in parallel facilitates generation of an image with a higher overall pixel count than would be possible using a single sensor of one of the optical chains and/or with more light capture than would be captured using a single one of the optical chains.

An interchangeable lens attachable to a camera body, the interchangeable lens including: a focusing optical system configured to vary a focal position of the interchangeable lens; and a transmitter configured to transmit a first value and a second value to the camera body, the first value indicating a relationship between an amount of movement of the focusing optical system and an amount of movement of an image plane at a position to which the focusing optical system has moved, the second value indicating a relationship between an amount of movement of the focusing optical system and an amount of movement of the image plane, the second value being equal to or smaller than the first value.

At least one embodiment of an imaging apparatus has: an imaging plane capable of being curved; an evaluation unit that determines an evaluation value indicating a degree of in-focus of an image signal from the imaging element; an adjustment unit adjusting a position of the focus adjustment lens to a position with the highest evaluation value; and a control unit that controls the curvature of the imaging plane for correcting an image plane curve in the optical system and for bringing the image signal into focus. When the adjustment unit adjusts the position of the focus adjustment lens to an end portion of the movable area, the curvature of the imaging plane is controlled for bringing the image signal into focus on a priority basis.

A method of autofocusing a camera during a zooming operation is disclosed, comprising zooming the lens to a first zoom position, measuring a first object distance from the camera to an object on which to focus, determining a first focus start position using the first object distance, performing a first autofocusing operation using the first focus start position as a starting point, thereby determining a first determined focus position. A first lookup object distance is determined based on the first determined focus position. A first correction factor is calculated as a ratio between the first lookup object distance and the first object distance. The lens is zoomed to a second zoom position, and a second focus position is determined using a second object distance calculated as a product of the first object distance and a second correction factor based on a ratio of depths of field at the second and first zoom positions.

A MEMS auto focus miniature camera module includes an image sensor and an optical train including at least one movable lens and one or more fixed lenses or fixed lens groups on either side of the movable lens. The movable lens provides an auto focus feature of the camera module. A MEMS actuator translates the movable lens through an auto focus range to adjust focus.

An electronic device able to automatically select one of a plurality of lenses includes a lens module, an image sensor, a focusing module, and a processor. The lens module includes a standard lens, a macro lens, and a telephoto lens. The image sensor captures images and the focusing module controls the lenses to automatically focus on the object. The processor selects the standard lens as a current lens, obtains a first focusing distance at a first moment and a second focusing distance at a second moment, and determines to switch the current lens or not to switch according to a comparison of the first and second focusing distances. The second moment is later than the first moment. A lens switching method is also provided.

The present invention provides as an aspect thereof an accessory apparatus detachably attachable to an image-capturing apparatus. The accessory apparatus includes an accessory communicator configured to enable communication with the image-capturing apparatus, and an accessory controller configured to perform the communication with the image-capturing apparatus through the accessory communicator. The accessory controller is configured, in response to detecting an error in the communication, to transmit an error notice that notifies the image-capturing apparatus of the error, and to perform a communication restoration process for restoring the communication, without waiting for a response to the error notice from the image-capturing apparatus.

A camera lens assembly is described. The camera lens assembly includes a support member. The camera lens assembly also includes a moving member having a major planar surface and AF terminal pads located at or near the major planar surface, wherein the moving member is mounted to the support member. And, the camera lens assembly includes an auto focus assembly having AF terminal pads, wherein the auto focus assembly is mounted to the moving member and the AF terminal pads of the auto focus assembly are electrically connected to the AF terminal pads of the moving member.