Auto-focusing device

Abstract

An auto-focusing device adapted for use with a camera. The device includes an auto-focusing optical system having a lens barrel anchoring section, a support member and a drive unit for causing the auto-focusing optical system to be moved into a desired position. The drive unit causes the auto-focusing optical system to be moved along a plane containing the optical axis of the auto-focusing optical system. The support member supports the auto-focusing device in the camera. The device also includes an energizing member which eliminates extraneous movement of the auto-focusing optical system. The energizing member has particular energizing characteristics and is positioned between the lens barrel anchoring section and the support member. Additionally, the auto-focusing device includes a drive direction detection unit which detects a drive direction of the auto-focusing optical system and a drive control unit which controls the drive unit by modifying drive control parameters which are set based on the drive direction detected by the drive direction detection unit and the particular energizing characteristics of the energizing member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.