Abstract: An imaging lens-exchangeable image capturing apparatus comprises: a detection unit arranged to detect a focus state; a setting unit arranged to cause a user to set correction information for correcting the focus state or correction information for correcting control of a focus position based on the focus state; an acquisition unit arranged to acquire first lens identification information for identifying an attached imaging lens; an input unit arranged to enable the user to input second lens identification information for identifying the attached imaging lens; a storage unit arranged to store, for each imaging lens, the correction information, the first lens identification information, and the second lens identification information in association with each other; and a focus adjustment unit arranged to adjust a focus based on the detection result of the focus state and the correction information.

Abstract: One method of adjusting a focal length of a camera obtains a captured image of the camera by an application server, where a user can log onto the application server and decides if there is a need to adjust the focal length of the camera again. Another method obtains a captured image of the camera by an application server, determines if a quality of the captured image is acceptable by the application server, and sends the determination results to a mobile device. The focal length of the camera is adjusted again by checking the determination result on the mobile device.

Abstract: An image capture device includes a viewfinder for viewing a subject. The viewfinder either forms an integral part of the device or is an external member that is attachable to, and removable from, the device. The device includes: an optical system; a generating section for capturing an image of the subject through the optical system and generating image data; a detecting section for detecting the degree of focusing of the subject's image represented by the image data; a display section on which the subject's image is presentable based on the image data; and a controller for accepting a decision to use either the display section or the viewfinder for viewing the subject to shoot. If the controller accepts the decision to use the viewfinder, the display section displays no subject's image, and displays information about the degree of focusing of the subject's image for at least a certain period of time. The information has been obtained based on a result of detection done by the detecting section.

Abstract: A camera system includes: a focus detection controller that is capable of performing control for an imaging optics according to a plurality of focus detection systems; and a focusing controller that controls focusing of the imaging optics. And the focus detection controller transmits, to the focusing controller, identification information that specifies which of the plurality of focus detection systems is performed.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus capable of precisely and immediately performing autofocusing on a person being photographed, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The digital photographing apparatus comprises a face detecting unit that detects a face, a body detecting unit that detects a body, which may or may not exclude the face, an autofocus information obtaining unit, and an autofocus object determining unit. The autofocus object determining unit analyzes face autofocus information obtained from the face by the autofocus information obtaining unit and body autofocus information obtained from the body, and then selects the face part and/or the body as an object of autofocusing.

Abstract: A camera body (3) includes a display unit (20) and a body microcomputer (10). The display unit (20) is able to display a zoom display bar (105) that expresses the focal length of the optical system (L). The body microcomputer (10) controls the display unit (20) so that the direction in which a zoom ring (64) moves when the user operates the zoom ring (64) substantially coincides with a change direction in which the zoom display bar (105) shown on the display unit (20) changes according to the operation of the zoom ring (64).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and a focusing method using the same. The mobile communication terminal includes an input unit for generating one or more input signals, a camera unit for capturing an image of a subject, a display unit having the image of the subject displayed thereon and having a screen divided into one or more regions in order to focus specific regions of the image, wherein a focusing region indicator to indicate the specific region is displayed on the screen, but region demarcation lines to demarcate the regions are not displayed on the screen, a controller for controlling each of the regions to be divided in response to the input signals in order to select the specific region, and the specific regions corresponding to the generated input signals to be focused, so that another images corresponding to the specific regions are generated, a communication module for selectively transmitting the generated images to the outside.

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: In order to trigger an out of focus alert when the focus level of a video frame meets a focus criteria, a method is performed including the operations of: receiving a video frame, partitioning the video frame into a plurality of blocks, calculating an array of discrete cosine transformation (DCT) coefficients for at least one of the plurality of blocks using a DCT, classifying each of the at least one of the plurality of blocks based on the array of DCT coefficients for that block, calculating a focus level of the video frame from the block classifications, and triggering an out of focus alert if the focus level meets a focus criteria.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implementing a camera restriction on a wireless handheld communication device. As more handheld devices incorporate camera functionalities, organizations and individuals with privacy concerns are more vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure. The camera restriction prevents a user from taking a picture of a subject if the device has not been steadily focused on the subject in question for a predetermined period of time. In short, this process extends the normal camera-taking procedure and thus requires the camera user to take pictures in a conspicuous manner—the rationale being that a camera user would be less likely to take unauthorized pictures if such actions could be easily recognized. The camera restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus provided with a function of shooting a moving image and a still image, and capable of displaying an image to be captured on a display unit includes a first display control unit configured to display an confirmation image for checking an in-focus state on the display unit when a moving image is shot; and a second display control unit configured to change the confirmation image for checking an in-focus state displayed on the display unit by the first display control unit when a still image is shot during moving image shooting.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens includes a focus lens for changing a focus state of an object image, a driving unit for driving the focus lens, a lens controller for controlling the driving unit so as to move the focus lens forward and backward along the optical axis at a predetermined drive frequency, and a storage unit for storing therein drive frequency information representing a drive frequency at which the driving unit can control. A camera body obtains the drive frequency information from the interchangeable lens and performs control while referring to the drive frequency information.

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: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to receive an optical image transmitted through a lens unit and configured to convert the image into image data, a target image detection unit configured to detect a target image satisfying a predetermined form from the image data converted by the imaging unit, and a focus control unit configured to move a focus position of the lens unit by a predetermined amount according to a result of the target image detected by the target image detection unit. The target image detection unit detects the target image from image data converted by the imaging unit in the moved focus position when the focus control unit moves the focus position of the lens unit by the predetermined amount according to the detected result of the target image.

Abstract: In an image sensing apparatus including an image sensing unit with an image sensor and an EVF, first image signals obtained every preset number of frames, of image signals output from the image sensing unit are displayed on the EVF, focus evaluation values indicating a focus state of an image are obtained from second image signals obtained in frames other than the frames for the first image signals of the image signals output from the image sensing unit, a direction of driving a focus lens for an in-focus state is determined on the basis of the obtained focus evaluation values, and the determined driving direction is displayed on the EVF. Further, the focus lens is moved for image sensing in the frames for the second image signals to carry out image sensing of the subject at different focus lens positions for each frame.

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: A control method of detecting an object image to be focused from a sensed image, setting a focus detection area in detecting an in-focus state of a photographing optical system, and exercising control such that the photographing optical system is moved based on a signal output in the focus detection area to carry out focus control, wherein, in the setting of the focus detection area, a first focus detection area corresponding to an object to be focused detected from the sensed image and a second focus detection area which is larger than the first focus detection area are set, and in the focus control, control is exercised such that the photographing optical system is moved based on output signals in the set first and second focus detection areas.

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: The invention relates to image focus. In particular, it relates to a focus assist system that conveys focus level data to a user. There are a wide variety of different display methods, including, but not limited to, graphs, highlights, symbols, and varied levels of brightness or color.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implementing a camera restriction on a wireless handheld communication device. As more handheld devices incorporate camera functionalities, organizations and individuals with privacy concerns are more vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure. The camera restriction prevents a user from taking a picture of a subject if the device has not been steadily focused on the subject in question for a predetermined period of time. In short, this process extends the normal camera-taking procedure and thus requires the camera user to take pictures in a conspicuous manner—the rationale being that a camera user would be less likely to take unauthorized pictures if such actions could be easily recognized. The camera restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.

Abstract: Background blurring is provided when capturing an image using an image capture device. Input is received for initiating an image capture process for capturing an image at an image capture device. A background is automatically blurred based on a depth of field automatically adjusted towards the image capture device for capturing the image with background blurring in response to receiving the input for initiating the image capture process.

Abstract: An image apparatus includes a screen, a detecting unit, a determining unit, an acquiring unit and a control unit. The screen is configured to display an image formed by an optical system and at least one detection position superimposed onto the image. The detecting unit is configured to detect information regarding focus of the optical system at the detection position. The determining unit is connected to the detecting unit and configured to determine whether the information regarding the focus is within a predetermined range. The acquiring unit is connected to the determining unit and configured to acquire first image information at the detection position when the determining unit determines that the information regarding the focus is within the predetermined range. The control unit is connected to the acquiring unit and configured to evaluate arbitrary second image information in the screen using the first image information.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a display unit that displays an image photographed by an imaging element; and a focus control unit that performs focus control of inputting information regarding a selected image region of the image displayed on the display unit and setting a subject contained in the selected image region as a focusing target. The focus control unit performs the focus control by determining a driving speed of a focus lens based on information regarding an operation of a user and moving the focus lens at the determined driving speed of the focus lens.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus that displays an image of a photograph region on a display panel, generates an image signal of the photograph region in response to signals generated by a shutter release button, and stores image data of the image signal in a storage medium. In an out-focusing mode, the method includes amplifying the blurriness of an out-focusing region by low-pass-filtering image data of regions excluding a setting region within the photograph region.

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: An image display device that is capable of checking a focusing operation at the time of shooting by a user easily even if a small-sized monitor is used. A luminance-signal extracting unit extracts a luminance signal from a video signal. An amplitude change calculating unit calculates an amplitude change component of the luminance signal extracted. An edge-signal extracting unit extracts an edge signal from the luminance signal extracted. An amplitude calculating unit calculates an amplitude of the edge signal extracted. An amplitude-ratio calculating unit calculates a ratio of the amplitude of the edge signal to the amplitude change component of the luminance signal. A color conversion unit converts the edge signal to add colors according to the calculation result. An adder unit adds the color-converted edge signal and the luminance signal. A display unit displays the video signal to which the color-converted edge signal is added.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes an image-pickup element including first pixels photoelectrically converting an object image formed by a light flux from an image-pickup optical system and second pixels including plural focus detection pixels photoelectrically converting a light flux divided from the light flux from the image-pickup optical system, a focus detector detecting a focus state of the image-pickup optical system based on outputs from the second pixels, a frequency component detector detecting a spatial frequency component of the object image formed on the first pixels, an image generator generating, based on outputs from the first pixels, a partial image corresponding to the second pixels of an image obtained by an output from the image-pickup element. The apparatus includes a controller switching whether or not to cause the image generator to generate the partial image according to the spatial frequency component detected by the frequency component detector.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device receiving light from an object through an imaging lens at a predetermined imaging plane and performing photoelectric conversion of an object image to generate a captured image; a phase-difference detector for receiving the light from the object and generating a phase-difference detection signal corresponding to a focus level of the object image; an evaluation-value calculator for calculating a predetermined evaluation value corresponding to a contrast of the object image on the basis of the captured image; and a determining unit for selecting an optimum AF method from among a plurality of AF methods in which the phase-difference detection signal obtained by the phase-difference detecting unit and the predetermined evaluation value based on the captured image are used selectively or in combination, the optimum AF method being selected in accordance with image-capturing conditions of the object.

Abstract: The present invention further improves operability related to setting the position and size of a focus detection region. An image capturing apparatus of the invention is provided with an image sensor that photo-electrically converts an object image formed by an optical lens, a focus detection unit that detects the focus state of the object image using an image signal from a focus detection region that is a region that is a portion within a frame of the image sensor, a setting unit that sets one focus detection mode from among a plurality of focus detection modes in which the size and position of the focus detection region within the frame differ, and a storage unit that stores a focus detection region size and position for each of the plurality of focus detection modes.

Abstract: An Internet based camera providing cost-effective higher security and easier and quicker installation by internally determining a degree of quality measure and providing low latency feedback to the installer on adjusting focus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image-taking apparatus including, a image pickup device, an optical viewfinder, focusing controlling means, display controlling means, setting means, and alarming means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound generating method of generating sound signals related to a video signal, which comprises a step of generating independently each of the sound signals matched to a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of a video, and a step of allowing the horizontal and the vertical sound signals that have been generated to be reproduced independently with horizontal sound output means and vertical sound output means, respectively.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus of the present invention, an image of an object is picked up and an image signal representing the object is continuously captured so that a through-the-lens image is displayed based on the captured image signal, and then a display area for displaying focusing information is composited into the through-the-lens image of a displaying device. In addition, based on the captured image signal, an automatic focus adjustment is performed to maximize the contrast of the object, and the result of the focus adjustment is detected. Based on the detected focusing condition, focusing information which is composited into the display area is changed. The focusing information includes at least focusing information of an unfocused condition and focusing information of a focused condition. This enables information that a desired area of an object became focused to be displayed to a user in a manner easy to understand.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus including a face detector for detecting a person's face included in an image obtained by photographing, an eye detector for detecting an eye of the person included in the image, an evaluation value calculator for calculating an evaluation value representing the depth of field at the position of the detected face, and a focus adjuster for selectively performing the following based on the evaluation value: (a) performing focus adjustment to bring at least the detected face into focus, and (b) causing the eye detector to detect an eye of the person and performing focus adjustment to bring the detected eye into focus.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, a light receiving unit produces a first signal at a first timing and a second signal at a second timing later than the first timing. First and second parameters for detecting a scene change are acquired based on the first and second signals, respectively. The presence or the absence of a scene change is determined based on both the parameters. The apparatus further includes a selecting unit configured to select a focusing target AF area from among a plurality of AF areas, and a focusing control unit configured to execute focusing control by using focusing information with respect to the AF area selected by the selecting unit. When the determining unit determines that the scene change is not present, the selecting unit selects the AF area having been selected at the first timing, as the focusing target AF area, at the second timing continuously.

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 automatic image capturing system includes a computer, an image capturing device, a monitor and an automatic image capturing program. The automatic image capturing program is installed in the computer. The image capturing device is used for capturing an image of a target object. The monitor is used for displaying shooting area. If a pre-shot image of the target object is moved to be within the shooting area, the automatic image capturing program will automatically capture the image of the target object.

Abstract: When a chart is used as a subject, whether or not the chart can be captured for storage is determined based on the result obtained through distance measurement at a plurality of locations in a field captured for temporary display on a viewfinder. For example, a maximum difference of distances ?L is calculated. It is determined that the chart cannot be captured for storage if ?L is greater than a depth of field or is greater than a predetermined TL. A message indicating that the chart cannot be captured for storage is provided. Furthermore, it is determined that the subject is not the chart to be captured for storage if a subject size does not fall within a predetermined range.

Abstract: If an aperture of the objective-imaging is the same as an aperture when a state has turned into a focused state with autofocus before the objective-imaging or if an F value of the objective-imaging is equal to or greater than an F value when a state has turned into a focused state with autofocus before the objective-imaging, the focused state is maintained and the focusing of the objective-imaging is skipped. Even in other cases, a in-focus position is detected near the in-focus position before the objective-imaging. Alternatively, if the user selects a speed priority, the in-focus position is detected in a narrow range near the in-focus position before the objective-imaging. This enables to achieve both enough speed and focus accuracy of the main-photographing.

Abstract: A camera or other optical system is focused by generating a plurality of digital images each obtained with a different focus setting of the optical system. These images are analysed to generate for each image a score (S) by comparing first groups of pixels chosen from the image with second groups chosen from the image such that the pixels of each second group have same respective positional relationships with respect to one another as the pixels of the first group with which it is compared have to one another, the score (S) being a function of the number of matches obtained with said comparisons. The focus setting that gives the score corresponding to the largest number of matches is chosen.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus that images an image with a solid-state imaging device includes an area defining section that defines an unnecessary image detection area, which may contain an unnecessary image, at a position along an outer edge of an imaged image obtained by the solid-state imaging device, a focus evaluation value calculating section that calculates a focus evaluation value, which indicates the focal degree, based on an image signal of the imaged image obtained through a gradually moved focus lens, an unnecessary image detection processing section that determines that the imaged image contains the unnecessary image if the focus evaluation value calculated based on an image signal in the unnecessary image detection area has a peak while the focus lens is moving, and a warning processing section that performs processing for warning a photographer of the fact that the unnecessary image is contained if it is determined.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an image obtaining unit configured to capture an image of a subject to obtain video data; an extraction unit configured to extract high-frequency components in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the video data; a calculation unit configured to calculate a parameter based on the high-frequency components in the at least one of the horizontal direction and vertical direction extracted by the extraction unit, the parameter indicating a magnitude of a high-frequency component for every line or every group of lines in the at least one of the horizontal direction and vertical direction; and a combining unit configured to combine an indicator indicating a magnitude of the parameter with the video data at a predetermined position in the at least one of the horizontal direction and vertical direction.

Abstract: An image display control apparatus includes a determination unit (step S903) adapted to determine whether an image to be displayed is an image captured in a shooting mode in which at least one of focus adjustment, exposure control, white balance adjustment, and light control is executed on a range related to an object that is detected by an image analysis, a range determining unit (step S906) adapted to determine a range of part of the image based on information indicating a size of the detected object when the determination unit determines that the image to be displayed is the image captured in the shooting mode, and a display control unit (step S907) adapted to perform control to display the range of part of the image, which has been determined by the range determining unit.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus or an image capturing apparatus is provided with a system controller. The system controller calculates a correlation value between an image in a focus detection area when a focusing lens is located at a lens position apart by a predetermined distance from a lens position where a focus evaluation value reaches a peak value, to a close end side, and an image in a focus detection area when a focusing lens is located at a lens position apart by a predetermined distance from a lens position where a focus evaluation value reaches a peak value, to an infinity side, and determines a lens position corresponding to a peak value to be a focused lens position, when a correlation value calculated by the correlation value calculation unit is over a predetermined value.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus system and a control method of an information processing apparatus are provided. The information processing apparatus includes a network unit which receives user recognition information having time data from an external device; and a processor which outputs a user recognition signal corresponding to the time data if a current time reaches a time corresponding to the time data.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus that judges an in-focus degree of a motion picture related to a motion picture signal based on control information inputted along with the motion picture signal and related to an operation of photographing the motion picture signal. The image processing apparatus then changes a form in which an image related to the motion picture signal is displayed or printed, in accordance with a result of the judgment.

Abstract: The focusing information visualization system of the invention extracts an edge having an edge intensity of not less than a first reference value Th1 and an edge width of not greater than a second reference value Th2 in a photographic image and displays the extracted edge in a preset color at a position of the edge extraction to be overlapped with the original photographic image on a screen. A focused area defined by the extracted edge is displayed as N divisional areas. In response to a user's operational specification of one divisional area among the N divisional areas, an enlarged photographic image corresponding to the specified divisional area at a desired magnification ratio is displayed on the screen. This arrangement adopts the automatic rough judgment and the user's final visual check to accurately recognize the focusing status of the photographic image.

Abstract: An auto-focus system comprising an AF area indicating device for indicating a range of an AF area in the shooting screen, an AF area changing device for changing a range of an AF area to be set in the focus controlling device to a range of an AF area indicated by the AF area indicating device, and a switching device for switching a change of a range of an AF area by the AF area changing device between possible and impossible, wherein the change at least relates to the location of an AF area, and wherein the switching device switches a change of a range of an AF area to impossible when the view finder controlling device has no function of displaying the AF area information on the view finder.

Abstract: A camera system 100 has an imaging optical system L, an imaging component 45, a liquid crystal monitor 16, a body microprocessor 12, an aperture setting component 29, and an image display controller 15. The body microprocessor 12 allows a target aperture value and a reference aperture value to be set as set conditions and determines the reference aperture value on the basis of the target aperture value. The aperture setting component 29 adjusts a photography condition on the basis of the set conditions. The image display controller 15 displays part of a reference image a1 acquired by the imaging component 45 at the reference aperture value as a reference display image A1 in a first display region R131 and displays part of a target image b1 acquired by the imaging component 45 at the target aperture value a1 as a target display image B1 in a second display region R132.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to prevent a conventional problem in that the focal point position cannot be determined before and after an in-focus point, even in a slow shutter mode. To this end, a camera control microcomputer of a video camera determines the drive amount of a focus lens for one field in accordance with the rotation angle of a manual focus dial when the shutter speed is 1/60 sec, 1/30 sec, or 1/15 sec, and controls a focus compensation lens driver and focus compensation lens motor to drive the focus lens by the determined drive amount in a direction corresponding to the detected rotation direction of the manual focus dial.