With Zoom Position Detection Or Interrelated Iris Control Patents (Class 348/347)
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Patent number: 9581882Abstract: An image capturing device and an auto-focus method thereof are provided, where the method includes the following steps. An exposure time is calculated by using an optical sensing element of the first lens. Whether the exposure time exceeds a time threshold is determined. If so, a global maximum search is concurrently performed by the first lens with a first resolution and a first step size as well as by the second lens with a second resolution and a second step size, where the first resolution is higher than the second resolution, and the first step size is less than the second step size. When a focus region in which a focus position is located is obtained by using the second lens, the focus position would be searched out from the focus region by using the first lens so as to obtain a new focus image.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Acer IncorporatedInventors: Shih-Ting Huang, Chao-Shih Huang
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Patent number: 9538065Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-focus imaging are disclosed. An imaging system may suggest multiple regions of interest to a user based on a preview mode of a scene of interest. The user may select a plurality of the suggested regions of interest for a multi-focus image. The imaging system calculates the autofocus parameters for each of the multiple regions of interest and captures single images of each of the regions of interest when the shutter button of the camera is pressed. The imaging system then generates a multi-focus image from the multiple images.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Adarsh Hosaagrahara Nagaraja, Weiliang Liu, Shizhong Liu
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Patent number: 9521311Abstract: A method that includes: detecting, by the image acquisition apparatus, image data of a photographed subject in the case of current photographing parameters, where the photographing parameters include a photographing focal length and a focus, and the image data includes a position of the photographed subject in a formed image and an image size; adjusting the image acquisition apparatus based on the position of the photographed subject in the formed image, so that the position of the photographed subject in the formed image is a first position; determining a target value of the photographing focal length based on a photographing parameter-image data-photographing distance correspondence and according to a current photographing focal length, the image data, and a preset image size; and adjusting a photographing focal length of the image acquisition apparatus to the target value of the photographing focal length.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kai Li
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Patent number: 9503651Abstract: An optimal zooming speed determining device includes: a storage to store a zooming speed at each position of a zoom lens; a tracking implementer to calculate a position of the zoom lens changed in a unit time at a zooming speed at each position of the zoom lens; a moving time calculator to calculate a difference between a position of a focus lens corresponding to a position of the zoom lens before the position of the zoom lens is changed and a position of the focus lens corresponding to the changed position of the zoom lens, and calculate a focus moving time by dividing the difference between positions of the focus lens by a highest moving speed of the focus lens; and a zooming speed determiner to reduce the zooming speed at each position of the zoom lens, if the focus moving time is greater than the unit time.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daebong Kim, Youngsang Kwon, Joohye Noh
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Patent number: 9497388Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for determining a zooming factor for a camera in a pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) camera tracking system to enable a camera to keep an object at a constant size within the camera's viewing area, despite changes in the object's distance from the camera. This provides a complement to a camera's pan and tilt tracking of the moving object. For example, a PTZ camera tracking system that determines an object to track, utilizes information regarding images of the object of interest are used to determine a zooming factor (or other zooming value) for a camera in the PTZ camera tracking system. This information includes variables such as tilt angles of one or more cameras and a reference zooming factor.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: PELCO, INC.Inventor: Chien-Min Huang
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Patent number: 9426374Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: an optics system that forms an optical image of a subject on an imaging surface; a variable magnification lens that is part of the optics system, that is provided to be movable in a direction of an optical axis of the optics system, and that enlarges or reduces the optical image formed on the imaging surface in association with a movement of the variable magnification lens; a position detection unit that detects a position of the variable magnification lens in the direction of the optical axis; a storage unit that stores output characteristic information about a characteristic of an output of the position detection unit according to a position of the variable magnification lens in the direction of the optical axis; and a driving control unit that performs a control for moving the variable magnification lens on the basis of the output characteristic information.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Masanori Gocho, Masaki Kondo, Ken Fukumoto
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Patent number: 9420187Abstract: A camera system is provided that provides a smooth and centered zoom, even at high levels of magnification. The camera system corrects for misalignment between the optical axis of a lens and center of an image sensor. As a result of the misalignment, the center of an image will move during a zoom movement. The current camera system corrects for the misalignment as the zoom movement occurs. The correction is matched to the speed of the zoom in order to provide a fluid zoom movement.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Avigilon CorporationInventors: Peter Wai Neufeld, Sina Afrooze
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Patent number: 9344701Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a depth map in a scene are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, a method includes collecting focus statistical information for a plurality of focus windows. The method may also include determining a focal distance for each window. Further, the method may include determining near, far, and target focus distances. The method may also include calculating a stereo-base and screen plane using the focus distances.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: 3DMedia CorporationInventors: Tassos Markas, Michael McNamer, Marshall Robers
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Patent number: 9300857Abstract: An approach for sharpening an image, a raw digitized image is provided. One or more processors receive a raw digitized image. One or more processors identify a first set of one or more focus points of the raw digitized image that are in focus, wherein the first set of one or more focus points are associated with a first area of the raw digitized image. One or more processors may cause a depth map, including the raw digitized image and a mask, to be displayed. One or more processors apply sharpening of a first sharpening strength to the first set of one or more focus points of the raw digitized image that are in focus.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John F. Kelley, Stanley B. Lyzak, Jr., Kristin S. Moore, Todd P. Seager
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Patent number: 9285654Abstract: A miniature MEMS autofocus camera module includes a MEMS actuated movable lens group and at least one fixed lens group defining an optical axis within a camera module housing. Objects disposed an arbitrary distance from the camera module are automatically focused at a determined zoom to an image sensor. MEMS actuation of the movable lens group is performed to accomplish autofocus functionality.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: DigitalOptics CorporationInventors: Ariel Lipson, Uri Kinrot, Dalit Bahar, Moshe Kriman, Moshe Levy, Ocie Ward, Mark Harland
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Patent number: 9160917Abstract: A handheld electronic apparatus, an image capturing apparatus and focusing method thereof are provided. The image capturing apparatus includes a main image capturer, an auxiliary image capturer and a controller. The main image capturer performs an image capturing operation on a target object according to a detection focusing distance. The auxiliary image capturer is disposed adjacent to the main image capturer. The auxiliary image capturer performs a plurality of focusing operations on the target object according to a plurality of focusing distances, and generates a plurality of image contrast values. The controller controls the main image capturer and the auxiliary image capturer. The controller selects one of the focusing distances to be the detection focusing distance according to the image contrast values.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: HTC CORPORATIONInventors: Ming-Tien Lin, Chun-Ta Lin, Chih-Jen Hu
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Patent number: 9160931Abstract: An image capture system is described that includes: a first image capture device for capturing a first image, the first image capture device having a first field of view; a viewpoint assessment sensor having a second field of view. The image capture system also includes a viewpoint assessment component for determining the location of the user viewpoint in the second field of view and an image modification component for modifying the first image responsive to the user viewpoint in the second field of view.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Ian N. Robinson, April Slayden Mitchell, Daniel G. Gelb
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Patent number: 9152018Abstract: An image pickup lens includes an optical system that includes a magnification variable lens used for a magnification variation, and a focus lens configured to adjust an in-focus state, a wide attachment lens being configured to change an enlargement ratio of the image pickup lens and attachable to the optical system, and a manipulator manipulated so as to instruct driving of the magnification variable lens. A moving amount of the magnification variable lens per a predetermined manipulated amount of the manipulator when the wide attachment lens is attached is smaller than that when the wide attachment lens is not attached.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Daisuke Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9097961Abstract: A focusing system includes a first drive unit for driving a first focus lens along the optical axis, a second drive unit for driving a second focus lens along the optical axis, a determining unit for periodically detecting a focus state of a subject image formed via the optical system and determining a focus position of the optical system based on the detected result, and a control unit for controlling the first and second drive units according to a result of determining the focus position of the optical system by the determining unit. The control unit controls the second drive unit to drive the second focus lens independently of the first focus lens, in the focus operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naotaka Kishida, Kenji Kawazoe
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Patent number: 9041854Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which can detect, when pixels have a structure in which part of electrical construction is shared therebetween, a defective pixel by taking into account a high possibility of the other pixels sharing the part of electrical construction becoming defective pixels, thereby making it possible to obtain an excellent image. A ROM stores in advance position information on each defective pixel. A defective pixel-detecting section detects a new defective pixel on which position information is not stored by the storage unit, from the pixels forming each pixel group, by performing one of different types of defective pixel detection processing. A system controller causes the defective pixel-detecting section to execute one of the different types of detection processing, according to the number of defective pixels which are included in each pixel group and on which the position information is stored in the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuyoshi Kiyosawa, Yoshiaki Honda
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Patent number: 9036071Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a shooting lens having a focus lens for adjusting a degree of focus on an imaging plane; an image sensor converting an optical image of a photographic subject to an electric image signal and outputting it; a confirmation image creator creating a focus state confirmation image in which a part, or a whole of an image expressed by the image signal is enlarged; a display displaying the focus state confirmation image; and a focus evaluation value calculator calculating a focus evaluation value based on the image signal; wherein when a state of an inclination of change in a focus evaluation value calculated at a plurality of positions of the focus lens while moving the focus lens is different from a state of an inclination of change in a focus evaluation value calculated immediately before, the focus state confirmation image is displayed on the display.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Akihiro Yoshida, Noriaki Ojima
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Patent number: 9030592Abstract: The interchangeable lens includes a focus actuator to move a focus lens, a memory storing speed control data for the focus actuator and end position data showing infinity side and close side end positions of a movable range of the focus lens, a lens controller to control the drive speed of the focus actuator by using the speed control data. The lens controller receives, from an image pickup apparatus, timing information showing a timing relating to acquisition of focus information, performs an end reachability determination for predictively determining, by using the timing information, the speed control data and the end position data, whether or not the focus lens reaches the infinity side or close side end position by a scheduled focus information acquisition timing, and sends information showing a result of the end reachability determination to the image pickup apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Minoru Uchiyama
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Patent number: 9030593Abstract: An imaging apparatus is capable of preventing unintended shooting setting when a through-image is displayed at a zoom position different from a field angle for reach shooting. The imaging apparatus includes a recording control unit configured to record a zoom position taken before a start of a function for temporarily changing the zoom position as a first position, a zoom control unit configured to perform control to move the zoom position from the first position to a second position when the function is started, and from the second position to the first position when the function is ended, and a control unit configured to perform control, when the zoom position is at the second position by the function, not to make any changes according to an instruction for changing specific shooting setting.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuya Hada
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Patent number: 9025946Abstract: A camera system according to the present invention, comprising: an interchangeable lens comprising: a zoom position detecting section configured to detect a zoom position corresponding to a focal length of the photographing optical system; and a lens control section configured to input the zoom position and transmit it to the camera body, and a camera body comprising: a body control section configured to communicate with the lens control section, a focus detecting section configured to detect an in-focus position of a focus lens included in the photographing optical system, and a zoom position memory section configured to memorize the zoom position which is transmitted from the lens control section and received by the body control section, wherein when transmitting the in-focus position to the lens control section, the body control section transmits the memory zoom position memorized in the zoom position memory section to the lens control section.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Tetsuo Kikuchi
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Patent number: 9007513Abstract: A document camera has an automatic focus function, and performs the automatic focus process for automatically adjusting the focus lens to the focal position in accordance with the subject distance when the document camera is started up, or when the focus key of the input operation section is operated. Further, when performing the automatic focus process, the document camera is arranged to detect the focal position in the state in which the zoom lens is temporarily moved to the telephoto end with shallow depth of field, and then restore the position of the zoom lens to the original position.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Shinji Sakurai
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Patent number: 9001258Abstract: A first state where an image is captured with a predetermined exposure in which an aperture of a diaphragm is a first aperture and a shutter speed is a first shutter speed is changed to a second state where an image is captured with the predetermined exposure in which the aperture of the diaphragm is a second aperture larger than the first aperture and the shutter speed is a second shutter speed higher than the first shutter speed, and a focal point is adjusted. The second aperture is set to be as large as possible within a range of maintaining the predetermined exposure.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Ryuichi Shiohara
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Patent number: 9001263Abstract: A driver circuit for a camera voice coil motor (VCM) is described. A first power switch selectively conducts current from a VCM node to a power supply node, and a second power switch selectively conducts current from the VCM node to a power return node. A pulse width modulation circuit controls the first and second power switches. In another embodiment, a switch mode current control circuit sources VCM current alternately from the power supply node and the power n node, into the VCM node. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Richard H. Tsai
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Patent number: 9001259Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the focus of a camera. A rotatable focus member, when rotated, effects movement of an indicator element. The position of the indicator element is sensed by a sensing element and is passed to a controller within the camera. The controller prompts a motor to drive a focusing element of the camera in response to changes in the sensed position of the indicator element. The focus member effects movement of the indicator element by way of rolling resistance as opposed to sliding friction, allowing for more consistent and controlled manipulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Michael E. Loukusa, Justin M. Sheard, Brian R. Gattman
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Patent number: 8982246Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an obtaining unit that obtains lens information including information indicating resolution of an optical system with respect to a position of a zoom lens, an imaging sensor that captures a subject image formed through the optical system to output image information, an image processor that performs digital zoom to electronically enlarge a subject image by performing image processing on the image information outputted from an imaging sensor, and a controller that determines, based on the obtained lens information, whether the zoom lens is located in a predetermined position and controls the image processor to perform the digital zoom on the image information outputted from the imaging sensor, when the zoom lens is located in the predetermined position. The predetermined position is a position of the zoom lens where resolution of the optical system is larger than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Shibuno
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Patent number: 8976287Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a sensor array, a primary lens, and a moveable lens array. The sensor array comprises sensors arranged in an array in which the sensors are configured to generate image data. The primary lens is configured to direct light towards the sensor array. The moveable lens array comprises a number of lenses. The moveable lens array is moveable to a plurality of positions between the primary lens and the sensor array. Each lens in the number of lenses is configured to focus the light.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jonathan M. Saint Clair, David C. Soreide, Ordie Dean Butterfield
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Patent number: 8970745Abstract: An imaging device 100 is equipped with an image acquisition unit 51, a first calculation unit 52 and a correction information calculation unit 53. The image acquisition unit 51 acquires image data including a luminance component and color components, via an optical system. The first calculation unit 52 detects shading of the luminance component included in the image data, and detects shading of the color difference components. The correction information calculation unit 53 calculates luminance shading correction coefficients and color difference shading correction coefficients. The correction information calculation unit 53 then converts the calculated color difference shading correction coefficients so as to have predetermined ratios with respect to the calculated luminance shading correction coefficients. A correction processing unit 62 corrects plural sets of image data on the basis of the converted color difference shading correction coefficients, and then performs pixel addition of the images.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoichi Murayama
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Patent number: 8970772Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus includes an exchangeable lens and a body unit to which the exchangeable lens is installed. The exchangeable lens includes a plurality of actuators and a storage unit that stores power consumption information related to driving of the plurality of actuators. The body unit includes an actuator controller that controls the driving of the plurality of actuators based on the power consumption information. Accordingly, the plurality of actuators included in the exchangeable lens may be stably controlled.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Ishibashi
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Patent number: 8964102Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an actuator driver in a camera module, and more particularly to methods, systems and devices of employing self-calibrated ringing compensation to improve the autofocus rate of the camera module that is driven by an actuator. Oscillation characteristics of the actuator are calibrated to control a sink current that drives the actuator during an autofocus. The actuator driver comprises a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a filter, a current sink and a self calibration module. The self calibration module calibrates the free-oscillation frequency and damping coefficient, and accordingly, the DAC generates a voltage that may be subsequently bypassed, filtered or shaped by the filter. This voltage is further converted to the sink current by the current sink. Such self-calibrated ringing compensation allows close tracking of free oscillation, and may efficiently enhance the settling time of the lens and autofocus rate of the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventors: Forrest B. Christo, Antonio Galimberti
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Patent number: 8964101Abstract: An apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert an object image incident via a focus lens to acquire image data; a detection unit configured to detect a size and a position of an object based on the acquired image data; an adjustment unit configured to execute focus adjustment by acquiring a focus signal indicating a focusing state of the focus lens based on the image data while moving the focus lens, and moving the focus lens based on the focus signal; and a control unit configured to execute an operation if the detected size has changed, and to change the operation if the detected position has changed while the detected size has not changed.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Genjiro Shibagami
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Patent number: 8947582Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The digital photographing apparatus includes a body unit and an exchangeable lens installed to the body unit, wherein the exchangeable lens includes: a power zoom performer for performing a power zoom operation; and an iris for adjusting an amount light penetrating through an imaging lens, the body unit includes: an image pickup device for generating an image signal by capturing the light; a shutter for controlling light exposure of the image pickup device; and a release controller for controlling operations of the shutter and the iris, and the power zoom operation is prohibited when the release controller starts to drive the shutter or the iris. Accordingly, the power zoom operation is stably controlled.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Ishibashi, Masataka Hamada
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Publication number: 20150029387Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging optical system having a variable power lens and a focus lens; an imaging element that generates image data via the imaging optical system; a movable frame that holds the focus lens and is movable along an optical axis of the imaging optical system; a first driving unit that causes the movable frame to move toward an in-focus position along the optical axis direction; a focus sensitivity determination unit that, based on a zoom position of the variable power lens, determines whether a focus sensitivity indicating a ratio of a change amount of the in-focus position to a movement amount of the focus lens is equal to or smaller than a specified value; and a driving controller that drives the first driving unit to move the movable frame to the in-focus position if the focus sensitivity is larger than the specified value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP.Inventors: Sumio KAWAI, Toshio TAKAHASHI, Kunio YAMAMIYA
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Publication number: 20150002725Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of performing a focus adjustment with accuracy and in short time even when a focal position deviation is caused due to a delay of a focus action relative to a zoom action performed responding to a zoom operation. When a focal position of the lens unit changes with execution of a zoom operation, a lens controller drives a focus lens group in such a manner that the focus lens group moves following the zoom operation and the focal position is made constant. A focus detector performs focus detection based on an optical image. According to a focus detection result, the focus lens group is driven for focus adjustment. During the follow-up movement of the focus lens group, a camera controller stops the focus adjustment until a defocusing amount obtained from the focus detection result becomes smaller than a first predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Ryo Yamasaki
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Patent number: 8908085Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes a memory storing first tracking data indicating a positional relationship of a magnification-varying lens and a correction lens and second tracking data indicating a positional relationship of the magnification-varying lens and an image sensor. A controller moves the correction lens and the image sensor using the first and second tracking data. An in-focus position detector detects an in-focus position using an output from the image sensor. A tracking adjuster obtains an adjustment value for adjusting the first tracking data, by using a difference between the detected in-focus position in a state where the magnification-varying lens is located at a first zoom position and the image sensor is located at a position in the second tracking data corresponding to the first zoom position and a position of the correction lens in the first tracking data corresponding to the first zoom position.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomoaki Yamanaka
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Patent number: 8866913Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a 360 degree camera system include imaging reference strips, analyzing the imaged data to correct for pitch, roll, and yaw of cameras of the 360 degree camera system, and analyzing the image data to correct for zoom and shifting of the cameras. Each of the reference strips may include a bullseye component and a dots component to aid in the analyzing and correcting.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Hsieh, Hasan Gadjali, Tawei Ho
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Patent number: 8860871Abstract: An imaging device includes a capturing lens; an imaging element in which a pair of horizontal light receiving units receiving a pair of split light of a horizontal direction and a pair of vertical light receiving units receiving a pair of split light of a vertical direction are two-dimensionally arranged; a movement unit that moves the imaging lens in the optical axis direction; a specifying unit that specifies one of the pair horizontal light receiving units or the pair vertical light receiving units, of which the calculated absolute value of the signal amount difference is smaller; and a control unit that performs correlation computation based on the signal amount of the plural photoelectric conversion elements aligned in a direction of the specified one of the pair of horizontal light receiving units or the pair of vertical light receiving units and controls the movement unit based on the correlation computation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Takashi Aoki
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Patent number: 8860873Abstract: The focus detection apparatus includes an image pickup part 107 including first and second pupil division pixels SHA and SHB to produce first and second image signals, a processor 121 performing a restoration process on the first and second image signals to produce first and second restored image signals, and a calculating part calculating a provisional value of a defocus amount of an image-forming optical system by using the first and second image signals. When the provisional value is smaller than a predetermined value, the restoration process is performed to produce pluralities of the first and second restored image signals by using a greater number of image restoration filters than when the provisional value is greater than the predetermined value, and the defocus amount is calculated by using the pluralities of the first and second image signals.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshihito Tamaki
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Publication number: 20140300800Abstract: Provided is an imaging apparatus that acquires an object distance to an object and focus position information for each of a plurality of divided areas of an imaging screen corresponding to an imaging area. The imaging apparatus acquires data of the amount of field curvature corresponding to the imaging distance and removes a field curvature component from the object distance and the defocus amount so as to determine a plurality of objects which is equi-spaced from the imaging apparatus and faces the imaging apparatus. When the plurality of objects is equi-spaced from the imaging apparatus and is arrayed so as to face the imaging apparatus, a focused position at which an error in the defocus amount on the entire imaging screen is minimized is calculated. If otherwise, a focusing reference area is selected and then a preferential focusing operation is performed for an object corresponding to the area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kenichi Sasaki
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Publication number: 20140300799Abstract: An imaging device includes an objective lens that includes a movable lens that is configured so that an in-focus object plane position is changed along with a change in angle of view, an image sensor that acquire an image, a focus control section that implements an autofocus (AF) operation by controlling a position of the movable lens, a reference lens position setting section that sets a reference lens position based on a moving range of the movable lens during a wobbling operation, the wobbling operation being performed every given cycle during the AF operation, and a magnification correction section that performs a magnification correction process that reduces a change in the angle of view of the image due to a change in the position of the movable lens during the wobbling operation relative to the reference lens position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Olympus CorporationInventor: Koichiro YOSHINO
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Publication number: 20140253783Abstract: Systems and methods for focus control in a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera system are described herein. An example of a method described herein includes identifying a set of trace curves associated with the camera system, each of the trace curves specifying relationships between focus lens positions and zoom lens positions for a corresponding camera position, selecting a trace curve using the set of trace curves and one or more of pan angle, tilt angle or installation height of the camera system, and identifying a focus lens position for a current zooming factor of the camera system based on the selected trace curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Derek G. Springer, Chien-Min Huang, David George Wright, Brian Chi Yeong Jeong, John E. Haag, Jeremy A. Watson
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Publication number: 20140232927Abstract: A focus estimating device has an area setting unit which sets an area in which focusing of an image is determined and divides the area into a plurality of blocks, a block selecting unit which selects a block to be used for focus determination, a block focus determination unit which performs focus determination for each block from an edge in each color component of the block selected by the block selecting unit, and a focus determination unit which determines focusing of the area based on the focus determination.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Atsushi KAWAI
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Publication number: 20140184879Abstract: The present invention relates to an auto focus control apparatus and a continuous auto focus control method. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an auto focus control apparatus including: a focal value calculation unit for calculating a focal value from a signal of an image frame; a focus lens driving unit for moving a focus lens to a desired position; and a control unit for determining position movement of a subject based on the focal value calculated by the focal value calculation unit, executing pre-scan according to the movement of the focus lens by controlling the focus lens driving unit to move the focus lens at set frame intervals when the position of the subject is moved, and skipping a lens moving frame corresponding to the time when the focus lens moves during the pre-scan is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jong Gi KIM, Young Jin KIM
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Patent number: 8760565Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus allows users to directly reflect their DOF intention to the digital photographing apparatus before a photo is taken, thereby facilitating a more accurate representation of DOF. A method for controlling the digital photographing apparatus includes receiving depth-of-field (DOF) information, calculating an aperture value corresponding to the DOF information, and controlling photographing using the calculated aperture value.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ie-ryung Park
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Patent number: 8743268Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit, a motion vector detection unit which detects a motion vector quantity representing a shift amount between images from image signals successively obtained by the image capturing unit, an angle conversion unit which converts the motion vector quantity into an angular displacement amount between the images on the basis of a zoom position of the zoom lens, a shift angle calculation unit which calculates a shift angle from an optical axis of the imaging optical system by calculating the angular displacement amount, a shift amount conversion unit which converts the shift angle into a shift amount on an image plane of the image capturing unit on the basis of the zoom position of the zoom lens, and a correction unit which corrects a shift on the basis of the shift amount on the image plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideo Kawahara
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Patent number: 8736740Abstract: A control unit that carries out focus adjustment by the drive control of a focus lens changes an oscillation convergence waiting time of the focus lens after stopped according to the imaging conditions. In the case in which an aperture value is larger than a predetermined value and the tolerated range of a focus deviation amount that accompanies the oscillation of the lens with stopped is large, the waiting time set in a timer is changed so as to be short in comparison to the waiting time that is set in the case in which the tolerated range of a focus deviation amount is small. The control unit outputs a stop command for a focus lens and ends the movement control of the focus lens after waiting for the passage of a time that has been calculated by a timer.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Ogino
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Patent number: 8724980Abstract: A lens driving apparatus comprises: a zoom lens driven in an optical axis direction; first and second correction lenses driven in the optical axis direction; a storage unit that stores, for each predetermined focal length, positional relationships between the zoom lens, and the first and second correction lenses used for correcting a shift of an image plane upon driving of the zoom lens; a position detection unit that detects a position of the second correction lens; and a control unit that calculates driving amounts of the first correction lens and the second correction lens, and controls driving of the first and second correction lenses. The control means corrects an image plane position difference caused by a difference between a position of the second correction lens corresponding to a position of the zoom lens, and the detected position of the second correction lens, by moving the first correction lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideyasu Hongu
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Patent number: 8724016Abstract: A driver circuit for a camera voice coil motor (VCM) is described. A first power switch selectively conducts current from a VCM node to a power supply node, and a second power switch selectively conducts current from the VCM node to a power return node. A pulse width modulation circuit controls the first and second power switches. In another embodiment, a switch mode current control circuit sources VCM current alternately from the power supply node and the power return node, into the VCM node. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Richard H. Tsai
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Publication number: 20140125859Abstract: Disclosed is an autofocus camera system and a control method thereof. A CCTV camera system which includes a main processor installed in a CCTV, a memory unit connected with the main processor, an input unit, a CCD camera, a video processing unit, a focus lens, and a zoom lens is provided. The CCTV camera system is designed to input and output control instructions through RS-485 communication and is controlled by a focus motor driver and a zoom motor driver which are connected to the main processor in which a focus motor and a zoom motor are comprised of stepping motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: HDC INC.Inventor: Sung Ho Jung
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Publication number: 20140085531Abstract: There is provided a zoom lens including a first focus lens group having negative refractive power and moving in orientation to an image side along an optical axis in focusing from a long distance to a short distance, and a second focus lens group having positive refractive power, the second focus lens group being arranged on a closer side to an image relative to the first focus lens group and moving along the optical axis in focusing. The first and second focus lens groups move in association with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Sony CorporationInventor: Hiroki Yamano
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Patent number: 8681258Abstract: An imaging system includes: an imaging apparatus including a first communication section performing communication with an interchangeable lens, and a first control section making a transmission request of prediction information being state information on a state of a member included in the interchangeable lens and being the state information related to a state of the member after a predetermined time period to the interchangeable lens; and an interchangeable lens including a second communication section performing communication with the imaging apparatus, a calculation section obtaining the state information from the member and calculating the prediction information on the basis of the obtained state information and the predetermined time period, and a second control section controlling transmission of the calculated prediction information to the imaging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Shiori Katsumata
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Patent number: 8670657Abstract: The ranging apparatus of the present invention measures the distance to an object to be imaged by an imaging apparatus using the principle of triangulation ranging, and has a measurement unit in which a maximum distance that can be ranged to an object is not less than ½ of a maximum value of the hyper focal length of the imaging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masakazu Kodaira