Abstract: The present invention is intended to display information of a focal length to be corrected or a focus position of a lens on a screen so that the user easily set a proper correction value even when the correction value of the in-focus position of the phase difference AF is different depending on the focal length or the focus position. A display apparatus of an image-pickup apparatus includes a lens information display 510, 531 configured to display lens information including at least one of information relating to a focal length of a lens unit and information relating to a focus position, a scale 503 that represents a correction value for correcting an in-focus position of a phase difference AF, and an indicator 520a-c, 530a-c that is used for setting the correction value corresponding to at least one of the focal length and the focus position.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for determining focal lengths of photographs. Image content is displayed in a graphical user interface. The image content is derived from a photograph taken with a lens having a focal length. The focal length is unknown when the image content is initially displayed. A user interface control is displayed in the graphical user interface. The user interface control is displayed on or proximate to the image content. User input comprising a change in position of the user interface control is received. The focal length is determined based on the change in position of the user interface control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly flexible shooting environment by letting the user shoot any subject he or she likes. The image capture device of this invention includes: an image capturing section, which receives light coming from a subject and generates a signal representing an image of the subject; a first detecting section for detecting a feature in the image by a first predetermined method; a second detecting section for detecting a feature in the image by a second method, which is different from the first method; an interface section for accepting an operation specifying a position on the image; and a controller for determining, according to a relationship between a location of the feature detected by the first detecting section and the position specified for the interface section at a point in time when the interface section accepts the operation, which of the first and second detecting sections should be used to detect a feature in a forthcoming image to be generated from that point in time on.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of a subject to obtain an image signal; a display unit configured to display an image based on the image signal and a specific index; an instruction-receiving unit configured to receive a specific instruction; and a control unit configured to perform control such that, in a case where a specific mode is set, when an auto-focus point is designated using the instruction-receiving unit, it is determined whether the face of a subject is located at the auto-focus point, and then if it is determined that the face of the subject is located at the auto-focus point, auto-focusing, auto-exposure, and auto-white-balance suitable for the position of the face are performed.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that performs imaging with an image sensor having pixels of first, second, and third colors, a luminance ratio calculation unit that integrates luminance of each of the first, second, and third colors within a focus determination region of an imaging signal output by the imaging unit and calculates a ratio of the luminance between the integrated values of the colors, a luminance normalization unit that normalizes the integrated value of the luminance of the first color within the focus determination region of the imaging signal output by the imaging unit at the ratio of the luminance between the integrated values calculated by the luminance ratio calculation unit, and a display processing unit that performs display corresponding to the integrated value of the luminance normalized by the luminance normalization unit.

Abstract: An image pickup lens includes: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, arranged in order from an object side to an image side, the fourth lens group being configured to travel along an optical axis through focusing operation. In the image pickup lens, following conditional expression (1) is satisfied, f/f4<?0.35??(1) where f is a total focal length of the image pickup lens, and f4 is a focal length of the fourth lens group.

Abstract: A control unit monitors a state of captured image sequentially outputted by an image capturing unit. The control unit carries out a first determination that determines whether or not the state of a captured image satisfies a prescribed condition. When the result is that the prescribed condition is satisfied, the captured image is recorded in a recording unit. The control unit also carries out a second determination that determines whether or not the state of the captured image is appropriate for being subjected to the first determination. When the result is that the state is not appropriate for being subjected to the first determination, a warning is issued to the user to this effect.

Abstract: A focus aid system includes a replaceable lens configured to adjust a location of a focus lens in a manual focusing mode, a focus lens location detection sensor, an imaging device, a controller that calculates a focus detection evaluation value based on an image signal received from the imaging device and matches the calculated focus detection evaluation value to focus lens location information received from the focus lens location detection sensor, a peak hold unit that stores a maximum focus detection evaluation value and a corresponding focus lens location as a peak value and a peak location, and a display unit. The controller determines the focused state based on at least one of a comparison of the focus detection evaluation value with the peak value or a comparison of the focus lens location and the peak location. The controller displays information about the focused state on the display unit.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus has either one of a first display mode for continuously displaying a captured image on an image display unit and a second display mode for not displaying the captured image on the image display unit and displays an image according to the detection result on the image display unit when the second display mode is set.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging lens forming an optical image of a subject, an image pickup device outputting an image signal according to the optical image of the subject, a display device displaying a subject image according to the image signal, an image processor converting the image signal to data in an image data format to be displayed on the display device, and a storage device storing a plurality of pieces of positional information respectively specifying a plurality of enlargement areas to be enlarged in the subject image. The image processor has an enlarged image generation device generating an enlarged image of each of the plurality of enlargement areas based on the positional information stored in the storage device, and an enlargement display device displaying the plurality of enlarged images on the display device.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus includes an optical system including a focus lens operable to adjusts a focus state of a subject image, an imaging unit operable to capture a subject image obtained through the optical system to generate image data, a controller operable to obtain a plurality of image data generated in the imaging unit while moving the focus lens along an optical axis, a display unit operable to display an image based on the plurality of generated image data; a receiving unit operable to receive an instruction of a user for selecting one of the plurality of images displayed on the display unit, a storage unit operable to store information on a focus lens position at which the image data selected by the receiving unit is captured; and an autofocus control.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes: a first focus detection unit that detects a focusing condition of an image forming optical system through a first focus detection method and outputs a first focus detection signal; a second focus detection unit that detects the focusing condition of the image forming optical system through a second focus detection method different from the first focus detection method and outputs a second focus detection signal; a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment for the image forming optical system based upon either the first focus detection signal or the second focus detection signal; and a notification unit that alters a focus detection method notification in correspondence to the focus adjustment that the focus adjustment unit executes.

Abstract: A camera on which a lens apparatus is mounted is disclosed. The camera includes a controller which performs a focusing control corresponding to the mounted lens apparatus; a display unit which performs display process corresponding to an output of the controller; and a storage section which stores correction information for correcting a calculation result in the focusing control by the controller, in association with the mounted lens apparatus.

Abstract: A camera body including a receiving unit that receives an operation by a user, an obtaining unit that obtains driving method information indicating a capability of controlling a focus lens from a mounted interchangeable lens, a body controller that controls the camera body and generates a control signal for controlling the interchangeable lens, and a sending unit that sends the control signal to the interchangeable lens. The body controller determines control of the interchangeable lens by referring to the driving method information to generate a control signal that instructs the interchangeable lens to perform the determined control. The receiving unit receives a selection of one driving method setting menu from a plurality of driving method setting menus, and makes a driving method setting menu, which uses a driving method other than the driving method indicated by the driving method information, unselectable.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes a first detector detecting a first in-focus position by a phase difference detection method using paired image signals, a controller controlling position of a focus lens a basis of the first in-focus position to perform focusing, a second detector detecting a second in-focus position by a contrast detection method, a calculating part calculating a correction value for correcting the first in-focus position in image capturing on a basis of difference between the first and second in-focus positions, and a determining part determining a level of reliability of the first in-focus position. The controller calculates the correction value when the level of reliability is a first level, and to restrict the calculation of the correction value when the level of reliability is a second level lower than the first level.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided for generating image data on the basis of light received by an imaging element. The imaging device includes a display unit which displays an image, a focus unit which detects a focus deviation, and a display controller which causes the display unit to display a composite image in which a first image of a region of at least a portion of a second image of the image data, and the second image are superposed and combined. The region is in a position in accordance with the focus deviation.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a display unit configured to display an image based on the image information output from the imaging unit, and a controller configured to control a display operation of the display unit. When the operation section receives the instruction to perform the focus operation while the display unit is displaying an image, the controller controls the display unit to switch the display on the display unit from an image currently displayed to an enlarged image of a focus area in the image currently displayed. When a predetermined condition is satisfied after completion of the focus operation, the controller further controls the display unit to switch the display on the display unit from the enlarged image to an image with the same angle of view as that of the image displayed before the enlarged image.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus includes a focus area setting unit that sets a first focus area in a first captured image, an auto focusing control unit that performs focusing according to a first focus evaluation value that is calculated from the first focus area by automatically adjusting a focus lens, an information deriving unit that derives focus aid information corresponding to a second focus evaluation value that is calculated from a second focus area in a second captured image by manually adjusting the focus lens, and a storage unit that stores at least one of first focus area information about the first focus area and second focus area information about the second focus area, wherein the focus area setting unit sets a third focus area in a third captured image from among the first focus area information and the second focus area information stored during another focusing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for setting a focal transition for an image capturing device receive data including user selections of focal settings for respective areas of interest in an image, generate a first interface that includes indicators of the focal settings for the respective areas of interest, receive data including user selections of transitional focal settings for respective transitional areas between the areas of interest, and generate a second interface, the second interface including indicators of the transitional focal settings for the respective transitional areas between the areas of interest.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an imaging terminal having an image sensor array and a variable lens assembly for focusing an image onto the image sensor array. In one embodiment, an imaging terminal can include one or more focusing configuration selected from the group comprising a full set focusing configuration, a truncated set focusing configuration and a fixed focusing configuration. When a full set focusing configuration is active, a full set of candidate focus settings can be active when the imaging terminal determines a focus setting of the terminal responsively to a trigger signal activation. When a truncated set focusing configuration is active, a truncated range of candidate focus settings can be active when the imaging terminal determines a focus setting of the terminal responsively to a trigger signal activation.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus and a method thereof includes acquiring a depth map of an image currently captured by the photographing apparatus, if auto focusing (AF) of the photographing apparatus is performed, calculating depth information of an area in which the AF has been performed, and outputting a guide audio having a volume adjusted according to the calculated depth information to inform a user of a state of auto focusing with respect to a desired area without checking a viewfinder.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a captured image, an object region detection unit configured to detect the main object region in a photographic screen, a determination unit configured to determine whether the main object region is in a focused state, an enlarge unit configured to enlarge and display the main object region in focus on the display unit larger than when the main object region is not in focus, an object movement detection unit configured to detect whether the main object in the main object region moves in the photographic screen, and an enlarge control unit configured to, when the object movement detection unit detects that the main object is moving, limit the enlarge from performing enlargement and display.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes first-type and second-type pixels and an image-formation-state detector. Each first-type pixel includes a photoelectric converter that receives light from an image-pickup optical system and first and second optical members arranged on an optical path from the optical system to the photoelectric converter and having different refractive indices, and outputs a first charge signal corresponding to an amount of light received by the photoelectric converter. Each second-type pixel includes the photoelectric converter and the first and second optical members arranged such that a positional relationship relative to the photoelectric converter differs from that in each first-type pixel, and outputs a second charge signal corresponding to an amount of light received by the photoelectric converter. The detector detects an image formation state of the image-pickup optical system on the basis of the first and second charge signals.

Abstract: Provided are: an imaging sensor that captures subject light via a photographic optical system having a focusing lens; a display unit that displays a through image based upon an imaging signal from the imaging sensor; an area setting unit that sets at least two areas on the through image displayed on a display surface of the display unit; a movement control unit that adjusts a focus position to a subject in one area of the at least two areas set by the area setting unit and moves the focus position from the subject in the one area to a subject in the other area, which is different from the one area, of the at least two areas over a predetermined time by controlling drive of the focusing lens; and a movie image data creation unit that creates movie image data, which includes a movie image having the focus position moved from the subject in the one area to the subject in the other area by the movement control unit, based upon the imaging signal from the imaging sensor.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes a display control unit which controls an image display unit to display an image sensed by an image input unit. The image sensing apparatus also includes a signal strength detection unit which detects, from a sensed image, a luminance area formed from pixels satisfying a predetermined luminance condition, and a special area detection unit which detects, from a sensed image, an object area having a predetermined feature. The display control unit controls the image display unit to display an assist image representing the luminance area, so as to be superimposed on a sensed image. The display control unit changes the assist image display method between a case in which the luminance area and object area overlap each other and a case in which they do not overlap each other.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus uses an image pickup device. A manual focus adjusting unit is configured to control a focus lens in response to a user's input operation. An edge detecting unit is configured to detect edge components from an image signal obtained by the image pickup device and to output detection levels of the detected edge components. A color signal replacement unit is configured to replace a signal of a pixel corresponding to the detection level with a predetermined color signal when the detection level satisfies a predetermined condition. A display unit is configured to display an image based on an output image signal from the color signal replacement unit.

Abstract: An auto-focusing apparatus controls backlash compensation driving of a focus lens during exposure preparation when focusing is performed by moving the focus lens to a target position of the focus lens. A shutter release time lag can be reduced, and in particular, the auto-focusing apparatus can be usefully applied to the case where a moving subject is photographed.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a detector that repeatedly carries out a series of operation of generating an evaluation value to evaluate the degree of focusing of a position after driving of a lens toward one end part in the drive range of the lens, and detects the evaluation value of a position that is closer to the end part than the position of the evaluation value of the highest degree of focusing and is immediately adjacent or adjacent across a predetermined number of positions to the position of the evaluation value of the highest degree of focusing. The imaging device further includes a drive controller that makes the series of operation be repeatedly carried out toward the other end part in the drive range of the lens, and drives the lens to a position of a degree of focusing not smaller than the detected evaluation value.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an imaging part including an image sensor; a focusing control part configured to drive an optical system included in the imaging part, input an image of a subject into a light reception part of the image sensor, obtain an automatic focusing evaluation value based on the image obtained through the imaging part and carry out focusing control; and a distance measuring part configured to measure a distance to the subject using plural two-dimensional sensors. The focusing control part carries out focusing control in a case where a position of the subject is outside a distance-measurement-available-area of the distance measuring part.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus uses an image pickup device. A manual focus adjusting unit is configured to control a focus lens in response to a user's input operation. An edge detecting unit is configured to detect edge components from an image signal obtained by the image pickup device and to output detection levels of the detected edge components. A color signal replacement unit is configured to replace a signal of a pixel corresponding to the detection level with a predetermined color signal when the detection level satisfies a predetermined condition. A display unit is configured to display an image based on an output image signal from the color signal replacement unit.

Abstract: A focusing method for a camera by adjusting the focal length from a minimum focal length to a maximum focal length. Obtaining a number of first image definitions for analysis and comparing the first definitions to obtain a greatest definition in the first definitions. When the camera is adjusted for obtaining a second definition, obtaining a number of second image definitions for analysis. Comparing the second definition with the greatest definition and outputting a first informing signal if the second definition is less than the greatest definition. Informing the user that the camera needs to be adjusted and outputting a second informing signal when the second definition is equal to the greatest definition and informing the user that further adjustment is not required.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging sensor, a reticle, a focus detection unit, a spectroscopic member, and a diffusion coefficient controller. The imaging sensor is configured to receive light from a lens unit. The reticle is capable of changing a diffusion coefficient. The focus detection unit is configured to detect a focus state of an imaging surface based on a signal from the imaging sensor. The spectroscopic member is configured to split the light from the lens unit to the reticle and the focus detection unit. The diffusion coefficient controller is configured to change the diffusion coefficient of the reticle. The diffusion coefficient controller controls a diffusion coefficient of a portion of the reticle corresponding to a defocus range to be higher than a diffusion coefficient of a portion of the reticle corresponding to a focusing range according to the focus state detected by the focus detection unit.

Abstract: Provided are a digital image processing apparatus for determining a focused portion in an image and showing the focused portion to a user and a method of controlling the same. The digital image processing apparatus includes a digital signal processor (DSP) which extracts the intensity of edges from an image and displays the combination of the extracted intensity of edges on the image. A user may determine whether a region of interest is successfully focused or not without additionally operating the digital image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A camera on which a lens apparatus is mounted is disclosed. The camera includes a controller which performs a focusing control corresponding to the mounted lens apparatus; a display unit which performs display process corresponding to an output of the controller; and a storage section which stores correction information for correcting a calculation result in the focusing control by the controller, in association with the mounted lens apparatus.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus is disclosed which is capable of performing focus controls by plural AF methods and causing a user to confirm the focus control operation by each of the plural AF methods. The apparatus includes a controller which performs a first focus control and a second focus control by a method different from that of the first focus control, and an information output device which outputs information for causing a user to distinguish whether the first or second focus control is currently performed. The controller performs the second focus control after performing the first focus control, and the information output device outputs the information when the first focus control is performed and does not output the information when the second focus control is performed.

Abstract: A portable electronic device and an autofocus control method of a camera of the portable electronic device are disclosed. The portable electronic device provides a G-sensor to detect the orientation of the portable electronic device, and provides a storage unit to store autofocus lookup tables for different orientations of the portable electronic device, respectively. According to orientation information from the G-sensor, the central processing unit of the portable electronic device selects one autofocus lookup table from the storage unit and thereby generates an actuating signal for a focus model. The focus model of the portable electronic device is actuated by the actuating signal to adjust an image distance between a lens module and an image sensor of the camera.

Abstract: A focusing method and apparatus for providing focus evaluation value information regarding a focus region of an image of a subject, which is obtained by performing auto focusing, without having to enlarge the focus region, and a computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon the focusing method. Accordingly, a user may precisely and finely perform manual focusing on the focus region.

Abstract: A photometric device includes: an imaging unit that captures an image formed by an optical system, with a marker capable of switching between display and non-display disposed in a light path of the optical system; and a correction unit that, based upon a difference between a first image captured by the imaging unit in a state where the marker is displayed and a second image captured by the imaging unit in a state where the marker is not displayed, performs a correction of a third image that is different from the first image and the second image.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes a shutter button. When the shutter button is half-depressed, a focal level of an object is determined on the basis of an image signal outputted from an imaging device, and a moving start position of a focus lens is settled on the basis of the determination result. More specifically, a correction amount of the moving start position is settled in accordance with the determination result of the focal level, and a position that subtracts the correction amount from a lens position at a time the shutter button being half-depressed is settled as the moving start position. The higher the focal level, the more reduced the correction amount. The focus lens gradually moves toward the imaging device from the settled moving start position, and a focal position is specified on the basis of the image signal outputted from the imaging device at each step.

Abstract: A system and method of autofocusing an optical system uses transforms of images or portions of images formed by the optical system. A detector is used to capture images at different positions relative to the optical system. Transforms and blur spread parameters are calculated for the images for use in determining a position to which the detector should be moved to autofocus the system.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a control unit configured to move a focusing lens, and detect a focus position; wherein the control unit executes auto-focus (AF) scan processing in which only a part of a range of movement of the focusing lens is set as a scan range, as first scan processing, and executes auto-focus (AF) scan processing in which a region including a region differing from the scan region of the first scan processing is set as a scan range, as second scan processing, in the event that a focus point is not detected in the first scan processing.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens includes a drive unit that drives a focus lens back and forth along an optical axis, a storage unit that stores driving method information indicating a driving method for autofocus control which is supported by the interchangeable lens, a sending unit that sends the driving method information to the camera body, and a lens controller that controls an operation of the interchangeable lens. A camera body determines control on the interchangeable lens by referring to the driving method information obtained from the interchangeable lens to generate a control signal. The lens controller of the interchangeable lens controls the drive unit according to the driving method instructed by the control signal received from the camera body, when autofocus control is performed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus sets focusing time for changing an in-focus state onto each in-focus point by the optical system in accordance with a plurality of in-focus points set by a setting unit and controls the change of the in-focus state by the optical system on the basis of the set focusing time and evaluation by a focus estimation unit in response to a recording instruction given to a recording unit, so that the plurality of set in-focus points are made intop the in-focus state in turn.

Abstract: Provided are a digital image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the apparatus, and more particularly, is a digital image processing apparatus which embodies a focusing screen digitally instead of optically, and a method of controlling the apparatus. The digital image processing apparatus includes: a lens; a photographing device obtaining data of an original image from light which has passed through the lens; and a digital signal processor performing a blurring treatment on the original image obtained from the photographing device and displaying the original image.

Abstract: In an electronic device, an image point A on an image of an object is selected. A spectral confocal sensor is controlled to move to a position above a measuring point A? on the object, where the measuring point A? corresponds to the image point A, and a Z-coordinate of the measuring point A? is computed using the spectral confocal sensor. A focal position of the measuring point A? is computed according to the Z-coordinate of the measuring point A?, and a CCD lens is controlled to move to the focal position. The Z-coordinate of the measuring point A? is stored into a storage unit of the electronic device.

Abstract: An image data management apparatus includes a unit adapted to display different types of plural frames (such as an in-focus frame and a face frame) at the same time in a manner capable of selectively changing both of those frames by a user operation such that an in-focus frame portion and a face frame portion can be easily confirmed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that includes a sightline detection unit that detects the line of sight of a subject directed toward an imaging device in a captured image captured by the imaging device and containing at least one subject and a sightline indicating unit that clearly indicates, in correspondence to each subject, whether or not the line of sight of the subject directed toward the imaging device has been detected based upon sightline detection results provided by the sightline detection unit.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit to photograph a subject by using a photographing device, a control unit to determine an operation mode of the image pickup apparatus, and, when the operation mode of the image pickup apparatus is a manual focusing mode, the control unit selects a focus detecting method to be applied among a plurality of focus detecting methods according to a focus operation of a user, a determination unit to determine a focus state for the subject by using the selected focus detecting method, and a user interface unit to indicate the determined focus state.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus selects one of image capturing conditions to be used for capturing images as a reference condition when a total of image capturing time of one frame in each image capturing condition to be used for capturing images is longer than one frame period at a predetermined frame rate, and captures images at the predetermined frame rate under the reference condition, and captures images at a frame rate lower than the predetermined frame rate under the other image capturing conditions. A playback apparatus detects a motion between frames of a moving image captured under the reference condition when the image capturing condition of the playback moving image is not the reference condition, and generates an interpolation frame for interpolating between frames of the playback moving image based on the detected motion.

Abstract: A method for focussing a film scanner provides for selecting a plurality of partial regions of the picture to be scanned for the purpose of focus monitoring. During the focussing of one of the selected partial regions, the focussing of the other partial regions is simultaneously monitored. The monitoring is effected for example by simultaneous representation of the partial regions on a monitor screen, and/or by evaluation of the frequency and amplitude conditions of the partial regions. An optimum focal point is set if all the selected partial regions are simultaneously set sharply.