Abstract: A focus detection device includes: a sensor outputting a pair of focus detection signal sequences, each of which being made of a plurality of focus detection signals; a difference calculation unit obtaining a plurality of differences by sequentially calculating differences between focus detection signals corresponding to each other in the pair of focus detection signal sequences; a division unit dividing the pair of focus detection signal sequences into at least two pairs of partial signal sequences based on the plurality of differences; a focus detection parameter calculation unit calculating a first focus detection parameter according to a phase difference amount of a first pair of partial signal sequences and a second focus detection parameter in accordance with a phase difference amount of a second pair of partial signal sequences; and a focus adjustment parameter determination unit determining either the first or second focus detection parameters, as a focus adjustment parameter.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is capable of executing automatic focus detection of an imaging optical system, and includes a first acquisition unit configured to acquire aberration information of the imaging optical system, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire object information of an object in a focus detecting area, a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the aberration information of the imaging optical system and the object information, a correction value used to correct a difference between a focus state of a captured image and a result of the automatic focus detection, caused by the aberration of the imaging optical system, and a correction unit configured to correct the result of the automatic focus detection using the correction value.

Abstract: Various aspects of a device and method for detection of regions based on sensor data for autofocus are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment, the method includes receipt of a depth of filed (DOF) information of a scene viewed using an image-capturing device of the electronic device. The one or more images of the scene are segmented into a plurality of candidate segmented regions based on the received DOF information. One of the plurality of candidate segmented regions is determined as a region-of-interest to autofocus on the determined candidate segmented region.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging device that includes a pixel unit in which each of a plurality of pixels includes m photoelectric conversion units and each of at least a part of the plurality of pixels outputs a first signal based on signal charges of n photoelectric conversion unit or units, where n is less than m; an adder unit configured to add a plurality of first signals output from a plurality of pixels different from each other; a determination unit configured to compare each of the plurality of first signals and a predetermined threshold to determine whether or not the plurality of first signals added by the adder unit include a signal larger than a predetermined threshold; and an output unit configured to output a determination result and the added signal.

Abstract: An image sensor, including: a sensing layer having a plurality of sensing elements, each sensing element configured to record impinging photons; and an attenuation layer coupled to the sensing layer, the attenuation layer configured with a plurality of attenuation elements to modulate light incident on the sensing layer. Key words include sensing layer and attenuation layer.

Abstract: An image processing system includes circuitry that determine whether a focus operation is performed on an image, and processes the image in a high resolution mode when the focus operation is determined to be performed. The circuitry processes the image in a low resolution mode when the focus operation is determined not to be performed. The resolution of the image is lower in the low resolution mode than in the high resolution mode.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, articles, and methods are described including operations for region-of-interest based 3D video coding.

Abstract: This endoscope device can simplify the determination of the moving direction of a focusing lens, and can improve the accuracy of auto focusing. The endoscope has the following elements: an optical system having a focusing lens; a lens moving unit which moves the focusing lens along an optical axis thereof; an image capturing unit which obtains an optical image of an object from the optical system as a plurality of images each of which has a different focal position from each other; a moving direction determining section which determines whether to change the observation depth on the basis of the plurality of images, and determines a moving direction toward which the focusing lens is to be moved on the bases of the images; and a drive control unit which controls the lens moving unit to move the focusing lens toward a determined moving direction.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a focus adjusting section, a controller, and a track processing section. The focus adjusting section executes imaging operations plural times while moving a focus lens, performs a scanning operation, and moves the focus lens to a focusing position calculated based on the position where the contrast reaches the peak. The controller allows the imaging element to execute a continuous photographing operation of continuously performing the imaging operation for photographing. The track processing section tracks a subject based on the image data in which the contrast reaches the peak.

Abstract: First and second images are captured at first and second focal lengths, the second focal length being longer than the first focal length. Element sets are defined with a first element of the first image and a corresponding second element of the second image. Element sets are identified as background if the second element thereof is more in-focus than or as in-focus as the first element. Background elements are subtracted from further analysis. Comparisons are based on relative focus, e.g. whether image elements are more or less in-focus. Measurement of absolute focus is not necessary, nor is measurement of absolute focus change; images need not be in-focus. More than two images, multiple element sets, and/or multiple categories and relative focus relationships also may be used.

Abstract: The device and method are intended for reconstructing in 3-Dimensions comprehensive representations of the head and torso of subject (S) with a portable stereophotogrammetry device which can operate at, at least, two predefined positions (A3, A4). The device is composed of a camera body (1), a double optics (2) and a measuring distance system (34) enabling the repositioning of subject (S) at position (A3) or (A4). The user can operate a switch (5) to select one of these at least two pre-defined positions. The method is further to process the stereo-pairs of the subject to reconstruct 3-Dimensional surfaces (400), match them (500) and then stitch them (600) in a comprehensive representation of the subject. By selecting a distance corresponding to a field of view of respectively approximately A4 dimension the device and method is enabling reconstructing the face and of approximately A3 dimension is enabling reconstructing the torso of subject (S).

Abstract: One embodiment provides an image sensor comprising: a plurality of phase difference detection pixels; and a plurality of image detection pixels disposed in a grid pattern along with the plurality of phase difference detection pixels, wherein the plurality of phase difference detection pixels comprise a first pixel group having a shield area biased toward one side from a line connecting two points facing each other in an oblique direction, and thus focus adjustment accuracy may be increased in a diagonal area in which phase difference detection is difficult.

Abstract: A photographing lens system and a photographing apparatus including the photographing lens system are provided. The photographing lens system may include a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power, a fourth lens having a negative or positive refractive power, a fifth lens having a negative refractive power, and a sixth lens having a negative or positive refractive power. The first to sixth lenses may be sequentially arranged in a direction from an object side to an image side.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a camera having a depth which is less than the maximum length of the outer lens of at least one optical chain of the camera are described. In some embodiments a light redirection device, e.g., a mirror, is used to allow a relatively long optical chain with a relatively large non-circular outer lens. In some embodiments the light redirection device has a depth, e.g., front of camera to back of camera dimension, which is less than the maximum length of the aperture of the outer lens in the aperture's direction of maximum extent. Multiple optical chains with non-circular outer lenses arranged in different directions may and in some embodiments are used to capture images with the captured images being combined to generate a composite image.

Abstract: A direction judgment unit calculates a first evaluation value based on an image signal of a first focus detection region among focus detection regions to judge a drive direction of a focus lens to be in focus and calculates a second evaluation value based on an image signal of at least one second focus detection region smaller than the first region, the focus detection regions being at least partly the same and being different in size. A control unit determines whether a change of the second evaluation value is a monotonous change when the focus lens is slightly driven a first number of times in a first direction judged on the basis of the first evaluation value and the focus lens is slightly driven a second number of times smaller than the first number of times in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the control unit performs focus adjustment on the basis of the second evaluation value when the change of the second evaluation value is not a monotonous change.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus and a progressive auto-focus method thereof are provided. The image pick-up apparatus includes an optical system, an image sensor, a focus circuit and a lens control circuit. In the method, an image is captured by using the image sensor and whether the optical system is in focus when the image sensor captures the image is determined by the focus circuit. If the optical system is out of focus, an in-focus location of the optical system and an in-focus distance for moving the optical system to the in-focus location are calculated by the focus circuit. The in-focus distance is transformed into a shorter progressive distance and the optical system is controlled by the lens control circuit to move by the progressive distance. Aforesaid steps are repeated until the optical system is in focus and the image captured by the image sensor is output.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes switching between a normal or standard-lens UI and a panoramic or wide-angle photography UI responsive to a zoom gesture. In one implementation, a user gesture corresponding to a “zoom-out” command, when received at a mobile computing device associated with a minimum zoom state, may trigger a switch from a standard lens photo capture UI to a wide-angle photography UI. In another implementation, a user gesture corresponding to a “zoom-in” command, when received at a mobile computing device associated with a nominal wide-angle state, may trigger a switch from a wide-angle photography UI to a standard lens photo capture UI.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable a primary user to be identified and tracked using stereo association and multiple tracking algorithms. For example, a face detection algorithm can be run on each image captured by a respective camera independently. Stereo association can be performed to match faces between cameras. If the faces are matched and a primary user is determined, a face pair is created and used as the first data point in memory for initializing object tracking. Further, features of a user's face can be extracted and the change in position of these features between images can determine what tracking method will be used for that particular frame.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging element, a driving method therefor, and an electronic apparatus, by which the characteristics of phase-difference pixels can be made constant irrespective of a chip position. In a pixel array section, a normal pixel including a photodiode (PD) that receives and photoelectrically converts incident light such that a color component signal is obtained, and a phase-difference pixel including a pair of a photodiode (PD1) and a photodiode (PD2) including light-receiving surfaces having a size depending on an image height such that a phase difference detection signal is obtained are arranged in a matrix form. The pair of the photodiode (PD1) and the photodiode (PD2) each include a first region serving as a charge accumulation main part and a second region that performs photoelectric conversion and contributes to charge transfer to the main part. The present technology is applicable to a CMOS image sensor, for example.

Abstract: Dual-optical module autofocus (AF) or AF plus optical image stabilization (OIS) cameras with reduced footprint and reduced mutual magnetic interference. Some AF+OIS cameras may include a single AF actuation assembly that moves two lens barrels in unison. Some AF cameras or AF+OIS cameras may have two AF actuation sub-assemblies and associated magnets for independent AF operation of each lens barrel, the magnets shared in a manner that cancels magnetic influences of one AF actuation sub-assembly on the other AF actuation sub-assembly, thereby allowing the two lens barrels to be positioned in close proximity, saving parts and fabrication costs.

Abstract: A dual-aperture zoom digital camera operable in both still and video modes. The camera includes Wide and Tele imaging sections with respective lens/sensor combinations and image signal processors and a camera controller operatively coupled to the Wide and Tele imaging sections. The Wide and Tele imaging sections provide respective image data. The controller is configured to combine in still mode at least some of the Wide and Tele image data to provide a fused output image from a particular point of view, and to provide without fusion continuous zoom video mode output images, each output image having a given output resolution, wherein the video mode output images are provided with a smooth transition when switching between a lower zoom factor (ZF) value and a higher ZF value or vice versa, and wherein at the lower ZF the output resolution is determined by the Wide sensor while at the higher ZF value the output resolution is determined by the Tele sensor.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising: a memory; a display; a camera; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory, configured to: acquire a preview image by using the camera; display the preview image on the display; identify a plurality of areas in the preview image that satisfy a predetermined condition; and modify a focus detection area associated with the camera to include the plurality of areas.

Abstract: An image sensor comprising a plurality of imaging pixels and a plurality of focus detecting pixels in which opening positions of light receiving parts are shifted from those of the imaging pixels, wherein first focus detecting pixels in which the opening positions are shifted in a first direction are arranged in a first pixel pitch at positions corresponding to first color filters for the imaging pixels, and second focus detecting pixels in which openings are shifted in a second direction different from the first direction are arranged in a second pixel pitch at positions corresponding to second color filters for the imaging pixels different from the first color filters.

Abstract: A variable magnification optical system according to the present invention includes, in order from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having positive refractive power, and a following lens group, wherein at least the second lens group is moved so that a gap between the first lens group and the second lens group increases and a gap between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases when zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, and a predetermined conditional expression is satisfied.

Abstract: A pulse wave detection method includes obtaining an image obtained by photographing a subject with an imaging device, extracting intensities representative of signal components of a specific frequency band for respective wavelength components among signals of a plurality of wavelength components included in the image, calculating, using the intensities extracted for the respective wavelength components, a weight coefficient by which a signal is multiplied when the signals are calculated between the wavelength components to minimize an arithmetic value of the signal components in the specific frequency band after multiplication, multiplying at least one of the signals of the respective wavelength components by the weight coefficient, performing arithmetic operation on the signals between the wavelength components after multiplication by the weight coefficient, and detecting pulse waves of the subject using a signal after the arithmetic operation.

Abstract: An optical-lens-set includes a first lens of a convex object surface near the optical-axis, a second lens of negative refractive power of an object surface with a convex portion near the optical-axis and a convex portion near its periphery, a third lens of a convex image surface near its periphery, a fourth lens of a concave object surface near its periphery and a convex image surface near its periphery, a fifth lens of a concave object surface near its periphery and an image surface with a convex portion near the optical-axis and a convex portion near its periphery, a sixth lens of a concave image surface near the optical-axis so that an F-number, the total thickness ALT of all six lens, an air gap G34 between the third lens and the fourth lens and an air gap G45 between the fourth lens and the fifth lens satisfy F-number?1.8 and ALT/(G34+G45)?9.0.

Abstract: In an embodiment, focusing an image-capture device such as, e.g., a camera including an optical system displaceable in opposite directions (A, B) via a focusing actuator, is controlled by evaluating a scale factor for the images acquired by the device. An accumulated value of the variations of the scale factor over a time interval (e.g., over a number of frames) is produced and the absolute value thereof is compared against a threshold. If the threshold is reached, which may be indicative of a zoom movement resulting in image de-focusing, a refocusing action is activated by displacing the optical system via the focusing actuator in the one or the other of the opposite focusing directions (A or B) as a function of whether the accumulated value exhibits an increase or a decrease (i.e., whether the accumulated value is positive or negative).

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus is provided with: a detection unit configured to detect in-focus positions; a storage unit in which focus cam data is stored that indicates a relationship between an object distance and a focus lens position; a calculation unit configured to calculate object distances at the in-focus positions, based on focus lens positions at the in-focus positions and the focus cam data; an estimation unit configured to estimate an object distance in next in-focus position detection; and a determination unit configured to determine a predetermined range in which the focus lens is moved in the next in-focus position detection, based on an estimated value for the object distance in the next in-focus position detection that was estimated by the estimation unit.

Abstract: A method of an electronic device for automatically focusing on a moving object is provided. The method includes generating, by a processor, at least one focal code based on information comprising depth information of the moving object obtained using at least one previous position of the moving object, focusing, by the processor, on at least one portion of the moving object based on the at least one focal code, and capturing, by a sensor, at least one image of the moving object comprising the at least one portion of the moving object.

Abstract: A method and devices for displaying images, the method comprising: receiving an image, the image comprising depth information; determining at least a first group of pixels and a second group of pixels, based on the depth information; and displaying the first group of pixels at a first focus position of the projection device, and the second group of pixels at a second focus position of the projection device.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus and a photographing method are provided. The photographing apparatus includes: a viewfinder configured to display a live image; a display configured to display the live image and receive a touch input; and a controller configured to activate at least one selected from the viewfinder and the display according to whether a user approaches the photographing apparatus and activate a set area of a display area of the display for performing an autofocusing function in response to the viewfinder being activated. The set area is an area where a touch for setting an autofocusing area of the live image displayed through the viewfinder is input. Therefore, the user intuitively performs autofocusing on the live image with observing the live image displayed through the viewfinder.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, comprising a focus detection section that detects an out of focus amount and an out of focus direction by carrying out a focus detection operation using phase difference detection based on a pixel signal of focus detection pixels that has been thinned and read out, a swirl error determination section that determines swirl error arising in accordance with inclination of an optical image with respect to a direction that is orthogonal to a phase difference detection direction, based on the pixel signal of the focus detection pixels that has been thinned and read out, and an AF control section that determines whether or not to carry out AF operation adopting output of the focus detection section, based on output of the swirl error determination section.

Abstract: A focus adjustment device comprising an imaging unit that outputs image signals corresponding to images by an optical system; a focus detection unit that performs focus detection processes to detect focal states of the optical system; an aperture that restricts light beams to the imaging unit; an aperture drive unit; an initiation unit that initiates the focus detection process by the focus detection unit; a focused state determination unit that determines repeatedly whether the focal state of the optical system is a focused state or not based on a focus detection result when the initiation of the focus detection process is being performed; a mode set unit that sets motion picture imaging modes; and a control unit that controls the focused state determination when aperture is being driven, wherein the control unit allows the focused determination process when the aperture is driven if motion picture imaging mode is set.

Abstract: Eye tracking technology may be used in a wide range of lighting conditions and with many different and varying light levels. In some embodiments, an eye tracking device may employ active illumination (e.g., in the form of infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs)). However, employing active illumination may reduce the battery life of the device. Under some circumstances (e.g., in a dark environment), the light intensity may be excessive and could be reduced, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending the battery life of the device. An algorithm may be used to adjust the duration of light in eye tracking systems that employ active illumination.

Abstract: Provided is a zoom lens, comprising, in order from object side to image side: first positive, second negative and third positive lens units and a rear lens group including at least one lens unit, in which: at telephoto end as compared to wide angle end, an interval between first and second lens units is increased, and an interval between second and third lens units is reduced; an interval between adjacent lens units is changed during zooming; the first lens unit consists, in order from object side to image side, of a first positive lens sub-unit, and a second negative lens sub-unit over a widest air interval; and a focal length ft of zoom lens at telephoto end, a focal length f1a of first lens sub-unit, a lateral magnification ?1b of second lens sub-unit, and a lateral magnification ?2t of second lens unit at telephoto end are appropriately set.

Abstract: An image obtaining apparatus includes an image pickup unit, a stage, a connection unit, a movement mechanism, a position detection unit, and a control unit. The image pickup unit includes an objective lens. The stage is configured to determine a position of a pathology slide in an optical axis direction of the objective lens, and the pathology slide is an image pickup target of the image pickup unit. The connection unit is provided to the stage. The movement mechanism is connected to the stage through the connection unit and configured to move the stage in the optical axis direction. The position detection unit is configured to detect a position of the stage in the optical axis direction for a measurement point preset on the stage. The control unit is configured to control the movement mechanism by using at least a result of the detection by the position detection unit.

Abstract: An optical imaging lens set includes a first lens element with an object-side surface of a convex part in a vicinity of the optical axis, a second lens element with an image-side surface of a concave part in a vicinity of its periphery, the first lens element being glued to the second lens element to eliminate an air gap, a third lens element with an object-side surface of a concave part in a vicinity of its periphery, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element of plastic material, ALT being the total thickness of the five lens elements and Gmax being the max value of the air gap from the first lens element to the fifth lens element so that ALT/Gmax?2.2.

Abstract: A zoom lens comprises a first lens group having negative refractive power; a second lens group having positive refractive power; a third lens group having negative refractive power and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power. Upon varying magnification, distances between the first lens group and the second lens group, between the second lens group and the third lens group and between the third lens group and the fourth lens group vary. The second lens group includes a front lens group, an aperture stop, and a rear lens group. Each of the front lens group and the rear lens group includes at least one negative lens. At least a part of the lenses in the second lens group is moved as a group to have a component in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis.

Abstract: A lens system in the present disclosure includes: a first lens group that is moved toward an image side along an optical axis in focusing from a far-object in-focus state to a near-object in-focus state, and has positive optical power; and a second lens group that is disposed on the image side relative to the first lens group and has optical power. The lens system satisfies the following conditions (1) and (2). 0.5<|fg1/WD|<2.0??(1) 20<|fg2/f|<700??(2) where fg1 is a focal length of the first lens group, WD is a distance, on the optical axis, from an object surface to a lens surface located closest to an object side of the first lens group, fg2 is a focal length of the second lens group, and f is a focal length of the lens system under the far-object in-focus state.

Abstract: A method for sensing proximity by an electronic device is provided. The method includes confirming a phase difference regarding a corresponding subject of an image acquired through a lens of the electronic device by operating a phase-difference autofocus sensor and determining that the corresponding subject is proximate to the electronic device when the confirmed phase difference is larger than a designated first reference value.

Abstract: A control apparatus (125) includes an acquirer (125d) configured to acquire first information relating to a peak position of a spatial frequency that an image pickup optical system transmits for each spatial frequency, and a processor (125e, 125f, 125g) configured to calculate second information relating to a first evaluation band used for processing of image pickup signals and a second evaluation band used for processing of focus detection signals, the processor is configured to calculate third information relating to a weighting for each spatial frequency, and the processor is configured to calculate correction information of focus detection based on the first, second, and third information.

Abstract: In an focus control apparatus, a focus detection unit detects a defocus value, a control unit controls focus position adjustment, a first acquisition unit acquires reliability of the defocus value, a storage unit stores images captured by an image sensor at an in-focus position based on the defocus value and other focus positions and the defocus value detected for each image, in association with each image, and a second acquisition unit acquires a first correction value to be used for correcting the focus position adjustment based on the defocus values of unselected images in a case where the reliability of the defocus value corresponding to a selected image is lower than a first threshold, wherein The control unit adjusts the focus position using the first correction value.

Abstract: An image capturing system includes an image capturing apparatus, a first light emitting unit, a second light emitting unit having a light coverage smaller than a light coverage of the first light emitting unit, and a control unit configured to perform control according to whether a predetermined optical accessory for the first light emitting unit is present in such a manner that, when focus detection is performed in the image capturing apparatus, one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit is used as a light emitting unit that emits assist light for the focus detection.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an imaging element includes a plurality of light receiving elements, a plurality of scanning circuits, a first line comprising a plurality of nodes, and a plurality of first variable resistance elements. The plurality of scanning circuits are respectively connected to the plurality of light receiving elements. Each of the plurality of first variable resistance elements is connected between the corresponding one of the nodes and a corresponding one of the scanning circuits. At least one of the first variable resistance elements includes a plurality of resistance elements connected to each other in parallel.

Abstract: A shooting method for three-dimensional modeling and an electronic device supporting the same are provided. The electronic device includes a sensor unit for sensing position information and a camera module for image capture. The shooting method for three-dimensional modeling includes performing sensor calibration, obtaining position information used for three dimensional modeling using the sensor unit, capturing multiple images of a target object used for three dimensional modeling according to the obtained position information, and storing the position information as metadata of each captured image.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a focus detector configured to perform focus detection based on an image signal obtained via a first optical system, the first optical system having a shallowest depth of field in a plurality of optical systems having focal lengths different from each other, and a controller configured to perform focus control of the plurality of optical systems based on an output signal from the focus detector.

Abstract: A driving method for an image pickup apparatus includes accumulating a signal generated during a first charge accumulation period by a first sub pixel, accumulating a signal generated during a second charge accumulation period partially overlapped with the first charge accumulation period by a second sub pixel, and controlling column circuits such that, after processing of the signal generated during the first charge accumulation period is performed, processing of the signal is performed which is generated during the second charge accumulation period of the second sub pixel included in the pixel where the signal processing of the first sub pixel is performed, and the column circuits are put into a non-operating state during at least part of a period after the processing of the signal generated during the first charge accumulation period is ended until the second charge accumulation period is ended.

Abstract: Provided is a video capture system including: an information processing terminal; and an image pickup apparatus configured to be capable of communicating with the information processing terminal and capture a video in response to an instruction from the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal includes: a stop instruction unit configured to instruct the image pickup apparatus to stop capturing the video; a display still image acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of display still images in response to a stop instruction from the stop instruction unit, in which the plurality of display still images are extracted from the video captured by the image pickup apparatus; and a display unit configured to display a list of the plurality of display still images acquired by the display still image acquisition unit.

Abstract: A product may include a lens and a shade. A field of view may be defined through the lens. An actuator may selectively position the shade within the field of view.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus moves a focus lens on the basis of an imaging signal of an image pickup device to perform a focal adjustment. The image pickup device images a subject. The imaging apparatus includes an evaluation value calculation circuit, a control circuit, and a movement determination circuit. The evaluation value calculation circuit extracts a predetermined signal component from an imaging signal to generate an evaluation value. The control circuit performs a focal adjustment on the basis of the evaluation value. The movement determination circuit determines whether or not the subject or the imaging apparatus is moving. The control circuit changes a frame rate of the image pickup device from a first frame rate to a second frame rate higher than the first frame rate when the movement determination circuit determines that the subject or the imaging apparatus is moving.