Abstract: A method and system that includes a processor of a surveillance system detecting identification of a portion of a secured area via a drawing made by an operator on a graphical representation of the secured area, the processor identifying at least one camera within the identified portion of the secured area, the processor increasing a relative level of picture quality for each of the at least one camera and the processor recording video with the increased level of picture quality from each of the identified at least one camera for a predetermined time period where the picture quality is increased by performing one or more of increasing image resolution, increasing frames per second, decreasing a group of pictures (GOP) value, decreasing a compression ratio and increasing a bit rate.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging apparatus capable of performing AF with a high precision regardless of an object while realizing increase in AF speed. When there is an AF instruction, photographing is performed while a focus lens is moved. AF evaluated values are calculated at every position of the focus lens by a contrast AF processing unit. The contrast AF processing unit calculates a sharpness in the vicinity of the maximal point of an evaluated value curve from three AF evaluated values, including the maximum value among calculated AF evaluated values and AF evaluated values calculated at positions in front and rear of a focus lens position corresponding to the maximum value, and position information of the focus lens corresponding thereto, and calculates a focusing position by a calculation method selected from among plural kinds of methods according to the sharpness.

Abstract: In a method for image stabilization a number of operations are performed to stabilize an image and to output a focal length value. The steps include capturing video by means of a video camera with unknown focal length running an image stabilization process operating on an input from a hardware detector detecting the displacement of the camera and on an adjustable focal length value. Inter-image displacement is corrected based on the input from the hardware detector and the adjustable focal length value. By evaluating the displacement and adjusting the focal length value until a satisfactory image stabilization is achieved a value of the focal length may be output.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus generates a focus evaluation value based on image data corresponding to a predetermined focus detection area. The focus detection apparatus includes a filter circuit, a reset circuit, a multiplication circuit, a coefficient generating circuit, and an integration circuit. The filter circuit filters image data to be input. The reset circuit generates a reset signal to reset the filter circuit. The multiplication circuit multiplies the image data by a predetermined coefficient and supplies the filter circuit with the image data multiplied by the coefficient as image data to be filtered after the reset circuit generates the reset signal. The coefficient generating circuit generates the coefficient. The integration circuit generates the focus evaluation value within the focus detection area based on an output of the filter circuit.

Abstract: Video streaming is delivered through a communication network to one or more client computing devices/systems. A number of video display or bandwidth control profiles are used in part to control an amount of bandwidth used by each client to stream video at various quality levels or audio-only. Video display profiles can be configured according to a particular device/system being used to stream video.

Abstract: To provide a lens apparatus and image projector using the same capable of easily fitting a projected image to a spherical screen by adjusting a field curvature, the lens apparatus according to the present invention includes a first optical system for changing the field curvature by moving in an optical-axis direction, a control unit for moving the first optical system to a target position in the optical-axis direction specified based on a predetermined amount input as a field curvature amount while a relationship between a position of the first optical system in the optical-axis direction and the field curvature amount is previously stored, a position detection unit for detecting a reference position of the first optical system in the optical-axis direction, and a movement amount detection unit for detecting a movement amount of the first optical system from the reference position to the target position in the optical-axis direction.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus having a continuous shooting mode in which images are captured for recording in response to an image capture instruction, wherein respective development process for each image is performed before capturing a subsequent image for recording in the continuous shooting mode, includes a focus control unit and a control unit. The focus control unit detects a focal point of a focus lens. The control unit controls movement of the focus lens and controls the capturing of an image. After the control unit controls the movement of the focus lens using the focus control unit and captures an image for recording in the continuous shooting mode, the control unit moves the focus lens to a predetermined position and then moves the focus lens across a predetermined range from the predetermined position to perform the scanning using the focus control unit during the development process of the captured image.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a unit pixel cell including a first photoelectric conversion unit and a second photoelectric conversion unit, a first charge holding unit, a second charge holding unit, and a third charge holding unit, a first transfer unit provided between the first photoelectric conversion unit and the first charge holding unit, a second transfer unit provided between the first photoelectric conversion unit and the third charge holding unit, a third transfer unit provided between the second photoelectric conversion unit and the second charge holding unit, and a fourth transfer unit provided between the second photoelectric conversion unit and the third charge holding unit, wherein the number of all photoelectric conversion units connected to the first to third charge holding units is smaller than three as the total number of the first to third charge holding units.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for simultaneously realizing a phase difference AF and a contrast AF decides a shift amount of an image signal corresponding to a focus evaluation position every exit pupil area, generates an image corresponding to an image plane position by executing an arithmetic operation processing based on the decided shift amount to the image signal, calculates an evaluation value of a contrast of the generated image, and calculates an evaluation value of a correlation between the images corresponding to the different exit pupil areas in the generated image.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes an optical system, an image pickup unit that captures a subject image through the optical system and generates a captured image, and a controller that calculates an evaluation value from a region corresponding to an AF frame in the captured image and drives the optical system according to the calculated evaluation value to perform an automatic focus operation. The controller includes a normal illumination mode set when brightness of the captured image is a predetermined value or more, and a first low-illumination mode and a second low-illumination mode set when the brightness of the captured image is less than the predetermined value. In the first low-illumination mode, a first automatic focus (AF) frame that is larger than an AF frame set in the normal illumination mode is set. In the second low-illumination mode, a second AF frame that is smaller than the first AF frame is set.

Abstract: A high degree of phase difference detection accuracy can be obtained using a phase difference pixel (2B) with a simpler configuration. A solid-state image-capturing device includes a pixel array unit in which a plurality of pixels including a phase difference pixel (2B) which is a pixel for focal point detection and an image-capturing pixel (2A) which is a pixel for image generation are arranged in a two-dimensional array. In this case, a predetermined layer (50) between a light shielding layer (47) and a micro lens (52) formed in the image-capturing pixel has a higher refraction index than a refraction index of the predetermined layer (51) formed in the phase difference pixel. The technique of the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a back-illuminated-type solid-state image-capturing device and the like.

Abstract: A distance measurement device including a pixel array and a cover layer is provided. The cover layer is covered on the pixel array. The cover layer includes a first cover pattern covering on a first area of a plurality of first pixels and a second cover pattern covering on a second area of a plurality of second pixels. The first area and the second area are rectangles of mirror symmetry along a first direction.

Abstract: A phase difference pixel extraction unit reads phase difference pixel data obtained by performing a storing operation in the same storing time for each of the phase difference pixels in each frame of an imaging operation of an image pickup device. A phase difference pixel calculation unit adds the read frame-by-frame phase difference pixel data of the same coordinates in a current frame and a past frame. A determination unit determines whether to perform a focus detection operation based on the added phase difference pixel data. A ranging calculation processing unit applies the added phase difference pixel data when it is determined, and otherwise applies the phase difference pixel data in the current frame.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a determiner (121b) configured to determine a focus direction based on a refocus signal generated from a first pixel signal and a second pixel signal, and a focus detector (121a) configured to perform a focus detection by a phase difference detection method based on the first and second pixel signals obtained after driving a lens in the focus direction.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses are described that enable non-canting VCM-actuated autofocus. These techniques and apparatuses enable multiple focal distances that are substantially free of imaging errors caused by canting of a lens housing. These multiple focal distances are provided by multiple positions of a lens housing relative to an image sensor. These positions can be free of cant through use of mechanical stops and corresponding mechanical stop-mates. By so doing, lower cost, faster focusing, higher image quality, lower power, or lower settling time can be achieved.

Abstract: Provided are a method for manufacturing an imaging-module and an imaging-module manufacturing device that can increase the flexibility of the component arrangement in an electronic device. A relative position of the lens unit and the imaging device unit, held on an axis perpendicular to a measurement chart, and the measurement chart on the axis is changed and images of the measurement chart are captured at the relative positions in the state where, when the lens unit is installed in an electronic device, a magnetic field having a magnitude equal to a magnitude of a magnetic field applied to the movable image-stabilizing unit is applied to the movable image-stabilizing unit. A compensation amount is calculated using signals acquired by capturing the images of the measurement chart, a tilt of the imaging device unit relative to the lens unit is adjusted, and the imaging device unit is fixed to the lens unit.

Abstract: Provided are a method for manufacturing an imaging module and an imaging-module manufacturing device that can enhance the flexibility of disposition of components in an electronic device. An amount of tilt by which and a direction of tilt in which a movable image-stabilizing unit is tilted in a state where a lens unit is installed in the electronic device including a magnetic-field generating unit are acquired in advance. On the basis of the amount of tilt by which and the direction of tilt in which the movable image-stabilizing unit is tilted, acquired in advance, the lens unit and the imaging device unit are fixed to each other in the state where an optical axis of the lens group is tilted by the amount of tilt in a direction opposite to the direction of tilt from a first reference position perpendicular to an imaging surface of the imaging device.

Abstract: An image registration method for registering a first image taken from a first viewpoint and a second image taken from a second viewpoint is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first reference image by photographing a reference target from a first viewpoint; obtaining a second reference image by photographing the reference target from a second viewpoint; obtaining reference coordinate-difference values that indicate difference in coordinates of corresponding pixels between the first reference image and the second reference image; obtaining parallax registration-error values based on a distance of a photographing target from the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint; obtaining a registration result of a first image of the photographing target taken from the first viewpoint and the second image of the photographing target taken from the second viewpoint based on the reference coordinate-difference values; and correcting the registration result based on the parallax registration-error values.

Abstract: A first image generating unit configured to generate a first image having a predetermined depth of field from each of a plurality of light-field data each of which a focus state is changeable; a searching unit configured to search the light-field data that includes a predetermined object by analyzing the first image generated by the first image generating unit; and a second image generating unit configured to generate a second image that has a shallower depth of field than the first image and focused on the predetermined object, based on the light-field data detected by the searching unit are included.

Abstract: Disclosed are a focusing control device, an imaging device, a focusing control method, and a focusing control program capable of enabling focusing on an eye region and obtaining an intended focusing result. The focusing control device includes a focusing position determination unit 34 which determines a focusing position based on a captured image signal obtained by imaging a subject with an imaging element 5 while moving a focus lens, and an AF region determination unit 33 which determines an AF region based on a face region detected from a captured image signal obtained through imaging with the imaging element 5 at an arbitrary time and an eye region detected from a captured image signal obtained through imaging at a time before the arbitrary time. The focus lens is driven to the focusing position determined by the focusing position determination unit 34 based on a signal of the AF region.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of detecting a flash band with high accuracy even when no flash light is falling on a part of an image. The image pickup apparatus detects a band-shaped luminance step appearing in a plurality of frame images, which are obtained through image pickup by an image pickup unit, in a video comprised of the plurality of frame images. A detection area, which is for use in detecting the luminance step, is set in a part of the frame image according to a subject included in the frame image. Luminance data is obtained on a line-by-line basis in the detection area, and based on a difference in luminance data between corresponding lines in the frame images, the luminance step is detected.

Abstract: Multiframe reconstruction combines a set of acquired images into a reconstructed image. Here, which images to acquire are selected based at least in part on the content of previously acquired images. In one approach, a set of at least three images of an object are acquired at different acquisition settings. For at least one of the images in the set, the acquisition setting for the image is determined based at least in part on the content of previously acquired images. Multiframe image reconstruction, preferably via a multi-focal display, is applied to the set of acquired images to synthesize a reconstructed image of the object.

Abstract: The disclosure proposes an auto-focus method and an image capturing device including a distance sensor and an image sensor having a lens and a sensing array. The method includes the following steps. First, distance sensor data and phase detection data are respectively obtained from the distance sensor and the sensing array. The lens is controlled to perform a course search within a focusing range by switching between a distance sensor auto-focus mode and a phase detection auto-focus mode based on the distance sensor data and the phase detection data so as to determine a fine-search range. The lens is further controlled to perform a fine search within the fine-search range in a contrast detection auto-focus mode so as to determine an optimal focusing lens position. Next, the lens is controlled to move to the optimal focusing lens position.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a video lens in an image capture device which uses a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. A vertical sync (Vsync) signal and a horizontal sync (Hsync) signal are separately generated and then synthesized. Thereafter, the resulting signal is synthesized with a DC level mode luminance signal to generate a lens control signal for controlling the video lens.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an autofocus function, and performs focus adjustment by displacing a focus lens to an in-focus opposition. A focal correction calculation unit calculates a focal correction amount using at least one type of information selected from the diaphragm information used for exposure adjustment, positional information for the zoom lens, and positional information for the focus lens. The focal correction amount is further revised, and processing is executed to suppress coloring on the subject image resulting from chromatic aberration. The correction amount after revision is sent to a focal adjustment unit and the focal lens is driven and controlled by the lens control unit.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels, each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements; a readout unit that reads out a signal from a portion of the photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel as a first signal and reads out a sum of signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel as an image signal; a generation unit that generates a second signal for each pixel using the image signal and the first signal; and a calculation unit that calculates a moving amount of a focus lens for achieving an in-focus state based on a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. The calculation unit performs the calculation without using a signal from a defective line.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image processing device, an imaging device, an image processing method, and a program capable of acquiring a moving image with excellent image quality while maintaining continuity of a restoration process between frames even if there is a rapid change of a photographing environment in a moving image. An image processing device includes a restoration control processing unit 36 which subjects a moving image including a plurality of frames acquired by photographing using an optical system to a restoration process based on a point spread function of the optical system to acquire recovered image data. The restoration control processing unit 36 controls the restoration process for a frame to be processed among a plurality of frames based on imaging information of a reference frame including a frame after the frame to be processed in a time series.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing images captured by an image capturing apparatus includes an image input unit to receive a plurality of image frames of a subject captured by the image capturing apparatus along the time line; a tracking area setting unit to set a target tracking area on the plurality of image frames; a tracking unit to track the target tracking area on the plurality image frames; a subject condition prediction unit to predict a condition of the subject at a time point delayed from a time point when the most recent image frame of the plurality of image frames is captured based on a tracking result of the target tracking area; and a parameter setting unit to set a parameter to be used for an image capturing of the subject based on the predicted condition of the subject to the image capturing apparatus.

Abstract: An image capturing device and a method for calibrating image deformation thereof are provided. The image capturing device has a first image sensor and a second image sensor and the method includes following steps. A plurality of image groups are captured through the first image sensor and the second image sensor. Each of the image groups includes a first image and a second image, and the image groups include a reference image group. Whether an image deformation occurs on a first reference image and a second reference image in the reference image group is detected. If it is detected that the image deformation occurs on the reference image group, a current calibration parameter is updated according to a plurality of feature point comparison values corresponding to the image groups. The current calibration parameter is used for performing an image rectification on each of the first images and the second images.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus includes an imaging unit, a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a control unit. The imaging unit receives and photoelectrically converts a light flux passed through a photographing optical system including a focus lens. The first detection unit detects a phase difference between a pair of image signals output from the imaging unit. The second detection unit detects contrast information from a signal output from the imaging unit. The control unit controls driving of the focus lens based on a detection result of at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. If the detection result of the first detection unit satisfies a first condition, the control unit controls driving of the focus lens by using the detection result of the first detection unit, and changes the first condition according to the contrast information detected by the second detection unit.

Abstract: A method for processing information and an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a camera device, an image is acquired by the camera device as a preview image, and a first distance between the camera device and a shooting object which is shot in the preview image is obtained; the preview image is detected, and at least one area meeting a predetermined condition is obtained, where the first distance corresponding to the at least one area falls within the first predetermined distance scope.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels, each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements; a readout unit that reads out a signal from a portion of the photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel as a first signal and reads out a sum of signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel as an image signal; a generation unit that generates a second signal for each pixel using the image signal and the first signal; and a calculation unit that calculates a moving amount of a focus lens for achieving an in-focus state based on a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. The calculation unit performs the calculation without using a signal from a defective line.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for aligning a lens assembly and a sensor assembly of an optical system during assembly of the optical system. For example, one method includes positioning the sensor assembly, having at least an image sensor, at the focal plane of the lens assembly and directing light through an alignment optic and lens assembly onto the image sensor. The method further includes producing multiple images from the light received through the lens assembly and alignment optic, the images having multiple alignment features based on the light received through the alignment optic, and the alignment features having multiple sections. The method then measures at least one performance indicator corresponding to each of multiple sections, and adjusts the position of the image sensor based on an optimization of the performance indicators, while the sensor assembly is being attached to the lens assembly.

Abstract: A situation comprehending apparatus included in an imaging apparatus includes an image acquiring section, a structure specifying section, a distance acquiring section, a main subject specifying section, and a main subject distance distribution determining section. The image acquiring section acquires an image of a target scene. The structure specifying section specifies a structure having linear image information in a far or near direction of the target scene or in a direction perpendicular to the far or near direction. The distance acquiring section acquires a distance to a structure straight line included in the structure. The main subject specifying section specifies a main subject different from the structure included in the image. The main subject distance distribution determining section determines distance distribution to the main subject with use of an image of the structure and an image of the main subject.

Abstract: A distance detecting device includes computing unit for detecting a distance to a subject on the basis of a first signal due to a light flux that has passed through a first pupil area of an imaging optical system and a second signal due to a light flux that has passed through a second pupil area of the imaging optical system, the first signal and the second signal being generated by image pickup member formed by arranging a plurality of pixels.

Abstract: Techniques related to contract detection autofocus for imaging devices and, in particular, to contrast detection autofocus using multiple filters to generate adaptive step sizes are discussed. Such techniques may include determining a ratio of filter responses for filters applied to a portion of a scene, generating a distance from focus based on the ratio, and determining a lens position movement based on an adaptive step size generated using the distance from focus and a confidence level associated with the distance from focus.

Abstract: Provided is an image-acquisition apparatus including an image-acquisition lens that collects light coming from a subject A; an image-acquisition device that acquires images with the light collected by the image-acquisition lens; a microlens array that is disposed between the image-acquisition device and the image-acquisition lens; and a distance calculating portion that calculates a distance to the subject by using information obtained by the image-acquisition device. The microlens array has multiple types of microlenses, for different polarization states, that focus light incident thereon to form individual images on an image-acquisition surface of the image-acquisition device and that are arranged in an array in directions orthogonal to an optical axis thereof, and the distance calculating portion calculates the distance by performing matching processing in which each polarization state is weighted according to frequency components of the information obtained by the image-acquisition device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photographing method for a dual-lens device. The dual-lens device includes a first lens and a second lens that are arranged on a same plane. The photographing method includes acquiring a first image collected by a first image sensor; identifying a scenario of the first image to determine a photographing environment, determining a second image signal processor (ISP) parameter corresponding to the second lens; acquiring a second image that is collected, according to the second ISP parameter, and generating a preview image. According to the present invention, a photographing environment is determined by using an image collected by one lens of the dual-lens device, and then a preview image is generated by using an image collected by the other lens.

Abstract: An auto-focus image system that includes a pixel array coupled to a focus signal generator. The pixel array captures an image that has a plurality of edges. The generator generates a focus signal that is a function of a plurality of edge-sharpness measures, each being measured from a different one of the plurality of edges. The edge-sharpness measure is a quantity that has a unit that is a power of a unit of length. It may be a distance in the edge. It may be an area. It may be a central moment. The generator may reduce a relative extent to which an edge contributes to the focus signal on basis of detecting that the edge does not have sufficient reflection symmetry in a sequence of gradients of an image signal across the edge according to a predefined criterion. The edge may be prevented from contributing altogether.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for using imaging pixels (that is, non-phase detection pixels) for performing noise reduction on phase detection autofocus. Advantageously, this can provide for more accurate phase detection autofocus and also to optimized processor usage for performing phase detection. The phase difference detection pixels are provided to obtain a phase difference detection signal indicating a shift direction (defocus direction) and a shift amount (defocus amount) of image focus, and analysis of imaging pixel values can be used to estimate a level of focus of an in-focus region of interest and to limit the identified phase difference accordingly.

Abstract: A method for calibrating image defection of an image capturing device having a first and second lens, a focusing actuator, and a prestored first focusing step-to-focusing distance relation includes the following steps. A plurality of image sets are captured by the first and second lens, where each of the image sets includes a first and second image, and the images sets include a reference image set. It is detected whether the reference image set is defective. When the reference image set is detected to be defective, the first focusing step-to-focusing distance relation is calibrated according to a focusing step and a focusing distance corresponding to each of the image sets, where the focusing step corresponding to each of the image sets is the number of steps that the focusing actuator is required to move the first and second lens to a focusing position to generate each of the image sets.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter (600) generates a supply voltage VPW1, etc. for supplying to a drive circuit (500), by converting a voltage level through an operation of a switching element which changes an electric current passing through an inductor. A mode control signal Cm is generated in a power supply control section (220) of the display control circuit (200), and is supplied to the DC-DC converter (600), whereby the DC-DC converter (600) is operated in a PFM control mode during a period when a load condition is light such as during a non-refreshing period in an intermittent driving, whereas the mode is changed to a PWM control mode in the other periods.

Abstract: A method for calibrating image deformation of an image capturing device having a first and second lens, a focusing actuator, and a prestored first focusing step-to-focusing distance relation includes the following steps. A plurality of image sets are captured by the first and second lens, where each of the image sets includes a first and second image, and the images sets include a reference image set. It is detected whether the reference image set is deformed. When the reference image set is detected to be deformed, the first focusing step-to-focusing distance relation is calibrated according to a focusing step and a focusing distance corresponding to each of the image sets, where the focusing step corresponding to each of the image sets is the number of steps that the focusing actuator is required to move the first and second lens to a focusing position to generate each of the image sets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous automatic focus are disclosed. In some aspects, an object to focus on is selected from a field of view of a camera. At least one region of the field of view that includes the object is monitored for change. Regions of the field of view that do not include the object may not be monitored, thus improving efficiency and speed. If a change in the image content of the monitored region(s) occurs, the method may trigger a focus event. If the object moves to different region(s) of the field of view, the method detects the movement and adjusts the regions of the image being monitored to maintain focus on the object. In some aspects, the size of the object is also monitored. If the size of the object changes, a focus event may be triggered, depending on whether the amount of change exceeds predetermined parameters.

Abstract: A composition determination device includes: a subject detection unit configured to detect a subject in an image based on acquired image data; an actual subject size detection unit configured to detect the actual size which can be viewed as being equivalent to actual measurements, for each subject detected by the subject detection unit; a subject distinguishing unit configured to distinguish relevant subjects from subjects detected by the subject detection unit, based on determination regarding whether or not the actual size detected by the actual subject size detection unit is an appropriate value corresponding to a relevant subject; and a composition determination unit configured to determine a composition with only relevant subjects, distinguished by the subject distinguishing unit, as objects.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an electric charge accumulation unit configured to accumulate electric charge in accordance with an incident light quantity; a tracking unit configured to perform tracking; and an exposure control unit configured to perform exposure control, wherein the electric charge accumulation unit performs a first accumulation, and then performs a second accumulation after the first accumulation, wherein the tracking unit performs the tracking based on an image signal obtained through the first accumulation, and wherein the exposure control unit computes a control value for the exposure control based on at least the image signal obtained through the second accumulation of the image signal obtained through the first accumulation and an image signal obtained through the second accumulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention actively align a representative optic array with an imager array, and subsequently passively align constituent optic arrays with constituent imager arrays based on data from the active alignment. In one embodiment, a method of aligning a plurality of lens stack arrays with a corresponding plurality of sensors includes: aligning a first lens stack array relative to a first sensor, varying the spatial relationship between the first lens stack array and the first sensor; capturing images of a known target using the arrangement at different spatial relationships between the first lens stack array and the first sensor; scoring the quality of the captured images; and aligning at least a second lens stack array relative to at least a second sensor, based on the scored images and the corresponding spatial relationships by which the scored images were obtained.

Abstract: A system for obtaining image depth information for at least one object in a scene includes (a) an imaging objective having a first portion for forming a first optical image of the scene, and a second portion for forming a second optical image of the scene, the first portion being different from the second portion, (b) an image sensor for capturing the first and second optical images and generating respective first and second electronic images therefrom, and (c) a processing module for processing the first and second electronic images to determine the depth information. A method for obtaining image depth information for at least one object in a scene includes forming first and second images of the scene, using respective first and second portions of an imaging objective, on a single image sensor, and determining the depth information from a spatial shift between the first and second images.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element configured to photoelectrically convert an optical image, and a controller configured to control a drive of a focus lens based on a signal outputted from the image pickup element and control a frame rate to drive the image pickup element, and the controller is configured to detect an in-focus position based on a signal outputted from the image pickup element which is driven at a first frame rate, and to switch the frame rate of the image pickup element to a second frame rate lower than the first frame rate while performing a first operation to drive the focus lens to the in-focus position.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for image area selection upon which autofocusing is directed during image capture on a digital image capture device, such as a camera or cellular phone. This image area selection provides accurate selection of moving object even when the objects being focused upon are subject to intense or unpredictable motion. The image area selection is performed based on alignment of consecutive frames (images) for which a rough foreground mask, and moving object mask have been determined. Differences between these frames are utilized to determine a moving object contour, which also provides feedback through a delay to the moving object detection step.