Abstract: A method and a device of a auto-focusing are provided. The method includes: for each of a set comprising N frequency bands of an image, acquiring a FV corresponding to each of focal points during a focusing process; acquiring an interested focal point which corresponds to a maximum FV for the lowest frequency band in the set; if the FV corresponding to the interested focal point for each other frequency band in the set is the maximum FV, determining that the interested focal point is an in-focus point, if the FV corresponding to the interested focal point for any other frequency band is not the maximum FV deleting at least one frequency band for which the FV corresponding to the interested focal point reaches maximum from the set, acquiring a new interested focal point based on the new set, and repeating the above determinations based on the new interested focal point.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing images of a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of an imaging device that can include stepping a focus mechanism of the imaging device through a plurality of focus values and capturing a plurality of images of the sample at each of the plurality of focus values as the sample flows through the field of view of the imaging device. In this way, image capture can proceed before a focus value has been determined and capture images that are in focus can be used for further processing subsequently.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing images of a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of an imaging device that can include stepping a focus mechanism of the imaging device through a plurality of focus values and capturing a plurality of images of the sample at each of the plurality of focus values as the sample flows through the field of view of the imaging device. In this way, image capture can proceed before a focus value has been determined and capture images that are in focus can be used for further processing subsequently.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed toward systems and methods for combining aspects of a plurality of indexed images taken at different focus distances in order to generate a final image having objects at a variety of depths remain in focus. High frequency frames associated with each of the plurality of images can be generated, each high frequency frame being representative of the high frequency content of the associated image. The high frequency content in a plurality of regions in each of the plurality of high frequency frames can be analyzed to determine which regions include valid high frequency content. A final image can be generated comprising, for each of the plurality of regions, image data from the image having like index as the high frequency frame having the greatest valid high frequency content in that region.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing image signals that are obtained from an image pickup element. A correlation operation unit operates a correlation of the image signals of two images that are obtained from the image pickup element, and operates an image shift amount between images that are picked up by photoelectric conversion units, on the basis of the correlation. A detection unit detects whether or not an image signal reaches a predetermined level, and produces count information in a case that the image signal reaches the predetermined level. A controller controls the correlation operation unit, in which the controller normalizes the correlation that is used for the operation of the image shift amount, on the basis of the count information.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a captured image acquisition unit, a combination sequence determination unit, and an image combination unit. The captured image acquisition unit acquires data of multiple captured images that have been imaged at multiple focus positions. The combination sequence determination unit determines a sequence of the images imaged by an imaging unit, the sequence being different from both a progressive sequence of focus distances and a sequence of imaging, to be a sequence for combining the data of the multiple captured images acquired by the captured image acquisition unit. The image combination unit combines the multiple captured images imaged by the imaging unit, in the order determined by the combination sequence determination unit, creating data of an omnifocal image.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a focus lens that constitutes an image-pickup optical system configured to form an optical image of an object, a driver configured to drive the focus lens in an optical axis direction of the image-pickup optical system in focusing, and a controller configured to store a position of the focus lens in a memory which is set in accordance with an operation of a setter, and to control the driver in accordance with a manipulation of a manipulator so as to move the focus lens to the position stored in the memory, wherein the controller controls the driver so that a driving speed at which the focus lens is moved to the position stored in the memory when a mode of taking the object is a still image-pickup mode is higher than that in a motion image-pickup mode.

Abstract: A method for improving depth for field (DOF) in microscopic imaging, the method comprising combining a sequence of images captured from different focal distances to form an all-focus image, comprising computing a focus measure at every pixel, finding the largest peaks at each position in the focus measure as multiple candidate values and blending the multiple candidates values according to the focus measure to determine the all-focus image.

Abstract: An autofocus method includes acquiring an image of a scene that includes one or more out of focus faces and/or partial faces. The method includes detecting one or more of the out of focus faces and/or partial faces within the digital image by applying one or more sets of classifiers trained on faces that are out of focus. One or more sizes of the one of more respective out of focus faces and/or partial faces is/are determined within the digital image. One or more respective depths is/are determined to the one or more out of focus faces and/or partial faces based on the one or more sizes of the one of more faces and/or partial faces within the digital image. One or more respective focus positions of the lens is/are adjusted to focus approximately at the determined one or more respective depths.

Abstract: Bi-directional camera modules and flip chip bonders including the same are provided. The module includes a circuit board on which an upper sensor and a lower sensor are mounted, an upper lens and a lower lens disposed on the upper sensor and under the lower sensor, respectively, and a housing fixing the upper lens and the lower lens spaced apart from the upper sensor and the lower sensor, respectively. The housing surrounds the circuit board. The housing has a plurality of inlets and an outlet through which air flows, and the housing has an air passage connected from the inlets to the outlet via a space between lower lens and the lower sensor.

Abstract: A lens drive unit drives a focus lens. An imaging element obtains an image signal. An evaluation value calculation unit calculates an AF evaluation value from the image signal read out based on an interlace system. A determination unit determines whether the continuous AF evaluation values have a distribution of continuous increases and decreases. If the AF evaluation values are determined to have the distribution of continuous increases and decreases, an in-focus position calculation unit calculates an in-focus position by obtaining an interpolation curve from an intermediate value of the AF evaluation values adjacent to each other, otherwise, calculates the in-focus position by obtaining an interpolation curve of the AF evaluation value. A control unit drives the focus lens to the in-focus position.

Abstract: A dust detection system, comprising a receiver, a dust extraction block, a memory and an image correction block, is provided. The receiver receives an image signal. The dust extraction block generates a dust image signal on the basis of the image signal. The memory stores an intrinsic-flaw image signal corresponding to an intrinsic-flaw image including sub-images of dust that the dust extraction block extracts in initializing. The image correction block generates a corrected dust-image signal on the basis of the intrinsic-flaw image signal and a normal dust-image signal. The normal dust-image signal corresponds to a normal dust image including sub-image of dust that the dust extraction block extracts after initializing. The corrected dust image is the normal dust image that sub-images of dust in the intrinsic-flaw image are deleted from.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to setting a lens position based on focus scores. A plurality of initial positions of a lens are determined. Each of the initial positions may correspond to a position of the lens at which one of a plurality of objects has a highest quality. A focus score may be determined at each of the initial positions for the corresponding object having the highest quality. A final position of the lens between two of the initial positions may be calculated based on the focus scores.

Abstract: In order to perform adjustment of relative positions between an optical system and imaging devices, a plurality of the imaging devices, a plurality of solid lenses that form images of the imaging devices, and a plurality of optical-axis control units that control the direction of optical axes of light incident to the imaging devices are included.

Abstract: A method of processing image data generated using an image capture device comprising a lens, the method comprising, generating metric data for a plurality of regions of an image, the data representing a plurality of focus measures for each region generated at a plurality of lens positions, processing the metric data in order to cluster regions into at least one group on the basis of their respective focus measures, and determining a lens position for a group corresponding to a position of true focus for the group.

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

Abstract: A method for controlling a host apparatus, includes steps of the followings. First, a pattern is projected to a detection region. Second, images of the detection region are captured and image information stream is generated based on the images. Third, an image information associated with the pattern is identified to be a background image information. Fourth, a currently captured image information is subtracted to the background image information to identify if an object appears in the detection region. Fifth, a motion of the identified object is determined based on a variation of the pattern reflected from the identified object to generate a control instruction to the host apparatus. A host apparatus, an interaction control system and a method for detecting a motion of an object are also provided.

Abstract: A focus control apparatus includes a signal generator for generating a first signal in accordance with a predetermined frequency component of an image signal obtained by photoelectrically converting an image of a subject formed by an image-taking optical system, a detector for detecting a second signal different from the first signal, and a controller for detecting a movement of the subject based on the second signal and for switching driving of the image-taking optical system based on the detection, wherein the controller controls driving of the image-taking optical system based on the first signal.

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

Abstract: A focus control apparatus and method capable of shortening a focus adjustment time in focus control. The method includes extracting a first high frequency component depending upon a first cutoff frequency and a second high frequency component depending upon a second cutoff frequency higher than the first cutoff frequency from a video signal, generating first and second contrast signals of the video signal respectively based on the first and second high frequency components, using a quotient obtained by dividing a value of the first contrast signal by that of the second contrast signal as a parameter, exercising focus control based on the parameter, and setting the first and second cutoff frequencies so as to cause a value of the parameter to assume a peak when a focus lens in an image pickup apparatus is located in a position at a predetermined distance from an in-focus position.

Abstract: An image search method may include: determining a quadrant of a predicted motion vector; calculating a tilt value of a first reference frame and a tilt value of a second reference frame using the predicted motion vector; deciding a search area for uneven hexagon search in response to the quadrant of the predicted motion vector and the calculated tilt values; performing the uneven hexagon search with respect to the decided search area; and/or comparing a result of the performed uneven hexagon search with a threshold value to determine termination of the uneven hexagon search. The second reference frame is earlier-in-time relative to the first reference frame.

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: An optical apparatus is disclosed which achieves high focusing accuracy and favorable responsiveness in AF control. The apparatus includes a signal generator which extracts signals in a plurality of frequency bands from an output from an image-pickup part and generates focus signals from the extracted signals, and a controller which performs focus control such that the focus signal approaches the highest value. The controller uses a first focus signal and a second focus signal in the focus control. The second focus signal is a synthesis signal formed by synthesizing a focus signal in a relatively high or the highest frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands and a focus signal in another frequency band and contains a component of the focus signal in the relatively high or highest frequency band at a higher ratio as compared with the first focus signal.

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: A method for automatically focusing a camera including the steps of (A) recording a first topology and a second topology, where the second topology occurs temporally after the first topology, and (B) comparing the first topology with the second topology. A focus of the camera is automatically adjusted based upon one or more similarities between the first topology and the second topology.

Abstract: A focus control apparatus and method capable of shortening a focus adjustment time in focus control. The method includes extracting a first high frequency component depending upon a first cutoff frequency and a second high frequency component depending upon a second cutoff frequency higher than the first cutoff frequency from a video signal, generating first and second contrast signals of the video signal respectively based on the first and second high frequency components, using a quotient obtained by dividing a value of the first contrast signal by that of the second contrast signal as a parameter, exercising focus control based on the parameter, and setting the first and second cutoff frequencies so as to cause a value of the parameter to assume a peak when a focus lens in an image pickup apparatus is located in a position at a predetermined distance from an in-focus position.

Abstract: An analog signal photo-electrically converted in a pixel of a light receiving area is converted to a digital signal by an ADC. The digital signal is processed by a digital signal processing circuit, and then, successively output as a digital video signal. The digital signal processing circuit has a first signal processing block for detecting and correcting a pixel defect and preventing a noise, and a second signal processing block for restoring apparent resolution lost by the processing by the first signal processing block.

Abstract: A method for automatically focusing a camera including the steps of (A) recording a first topology and a second topology, where the second topology occurs temporally after the first topology, and (B) comparing the first topology with the second topology. A focus of the camera is automatically adjusted based upon one or more similarities between the first topology and the second topology.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus 100 includes a focus detecting part 7 that detects focus information indicating a focus state of an image-pickup optical system, a color measuring part 14a, 14b, and 15 that detects color measurement information related to a color of an object, a controlling part 6 that generates controlling information used in focus control using the focus information and the color measurement information, and a memory 9 that stores the color measurement information.

Abstract: A camera module 1 includes: an optical structure 3 that forms a subject image and moves up and down along an optical path; a solid-state image pickup element 21 that converts, into an electrical signal, a subject image formed by the optical structure 3; a lens holder 4, holding the optical structure 3 therein, which contains the solid-state image pickup element 21, the optical structure 3 having a cushioning member 34 so provided on a back surface thereof as to absorb the impact of contact between the optical structure 3 and the holding section 4. The cushioning member 34 has a removing section for, when in contact with a contact surface 4a of the holding section 4, removing dust D on the contact surface 4a outward from the contact surface 4a. This makes it possible to provide a small camera module 1 while preventing (reducing) dust from causing an image defect.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically focusing an image received by an image capturing unit (100) relative to a target is disclosed. The target is present in a sequence of one or more scanned frames. The method includes dividing (302) each frame from the sequence of one or more scanned frames in a plurality of sections. The method further includes iteratively determining (304) a relative focus of the target within each section of the plurality of sections. The method further includes adjustment (306) of a position of at least a first light path adjustment element in response to the determined relative focus.

Abstract: A high frequency component detection circuit detecting a high frequency component included in a video signal is provided. The high frequency component detection circuit includes a filter acquiring a group of a predetermined number of pixels including a focused pixel and pixels surrounding the focused pixel with respect to each of pixels constituting the video signal, rearranging the pixels constituting the group to be arrayed in the order of luminance values, determining the luminance value of the pixel positioned at the center in the rearranged order, and outputting the pixel positioned at the center among the rearranged pixels arrayed in the order of luminance values as the focused pixel. Further, the high frequency component detection circuit includes a detection circuit detecting a high frequency component included in the video signal based on the output from the filter.

Abstract: This invention can reduce the circuit scale by synthesizing OSD data to be superposed on a picture of each resolution by using common OSD data. According to this invention, a video resolution converter converts an HD (High Definition) video signal into an SD (Standard Definition) video signal such as an NTSC or PAL video signal. A memory controller receives a sync signal identical to an SD picture obtained by frequency-dividing an HD video signal, and a sync signal based on an SD video signal, and reads out OSD data (4 bits per pixel) from the memory on the basis of these sync signals. The OSD data read out on the basis of the SD video signal is synthesized with the SD video signal by an SD_OSD_MIX unit, and then output. The OSD data read out on the basis of the SD sync signal synchronized with the HD is multiplied by an integer by an OSD resolution converter, synthesized with an HD video signal by an HD_OSD_MIX unit, and then output.

Abstract: There is disclosed a digital camera which detects a focus of a lens unit by a method selected from a plurality of focus detection methods based on information on the lens unit taken from the lens unit attached to the digital camera. As an example of a focus detection method, there is a method by a phase difference system or a contrast system, but the method is not limited to this example.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which can perform accurate focus control even when an image of an object at low contrast is picked up in high resolution. The optical apparatus includes a plurality of band-pass filters for different frequency bands and extracts a focus signal from the image signal through each of the band-pass filters, and a controller which performs focus control based on the extracted focus signal. In the focus control by the controller, the band-pass filters are selectively used to extract the focus signal depending on a resolution for recording the image signal.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a driver driving an optical element of an image pickup device to adjust a focus position of the image pickup device in the capturing of an image of a subject, includes a relative angle variation calculating unit for calculating a relative angle variation, a mode change detecting unit for detecting of a change of a mode of the relative angle variation through determining whether the mode of the relative angle variation, calculated by the relative angle variation calculating unit, is a stable mode involving a small amount of change or an unstable mode involving a large amount of change, and a focus position control process startup unit for managing a startup of a focus position control process controlling the focus position through controlling the driver in response to a pattern of the change of the mode detected by the mode change detecting unit.

Abstract: A photography device has an AF mechanism including: a CCD; an analog signal processing section; an image input controller; an AF processing section; a CPU; and a focusing lens driving section. The AF mechanism operates to focus an imaging lens on a subject. If an image represented by output from the CCD does not include a specific low contrast subject, image data representing the image is passed through a first high frequency filter that transmits components having frequencies greater than or equal to a first cutoff frequency, and a focus evaluation value is determined based on the transmitted components. If the image includes the specific subject, the image data is passed through a second high frequency filter that transmits components having frequencies greater than or equal to a second cutoff frequency, lower than the first cutoff frequency, and a focus evaluation value is determined based on the transmitted components.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to automatic focusing methods and apparatus suitable for use in digital imaging devices. The proposed methods and apparatus evaluate the focus condition of the optical system by evaluating the digitized image, without requiring additional hardware besides the digital image-capture signal flow path. A method for computing the appropriate direction and magnitude of optical system adjustment, based on the evaluated focus condition, is provided. The computed quantities are communicated to the lens driving apparatus to reposition and adjust the optical system and to incrementally obtain a better focus. Upon reaching a desired focus quality, the device is prevented from controlling the lens driving apparatus.

Abstract: In an automatic focusing device generating a luminance signal by scanning a picked-up digital image signal, evaluating the contrast of the luminance signal, and driving its focusing based on the evaluation; the scanning includes at least a part where scan is performed in a zigzag-like manner. With this configuration, focusing is facilitated for an object having no high frequency components in the horizontal direction. This invention can be understood as an invention of a method.

Abstract: A CPU calculates integrating values of image-capturing signals in band 1 obtained by removing a frequency component equal to or lower than a first cutoff frequency from an image-capturing signal output from an image-capturing element through a band pass filter and integrating values of an image-capturing signal in band 2 obtained by removing a frequency component equal to or lower than a second cutoff frequency through a band pass filter, each in correspondence to one of a plurality of lens positions. The CPU then calculates focal point evaluation values by using these integrating values in correspondence to the individual bands. In addition, when the largest evaluation value in band 1 is judged to correspond to the closeup end position of the lens, the CPU makes a decision as to whether or not a focus match is achieved at the closeup end.

Abstract: A storage unit is configured to store beforehand a table that shows a relation between spread parameters and command values supplied to a control unit to acquire a focused image of an object, and information that designates a command value corresponding to an inflection point on an approximated curve showing the relation that the spread parameters have with the command values, the control unit being configured to control a state of an optical system in accordance with an input command value. The luminance information about the object that lies at a distance falling within a range over which focusing should be detected is acquired, at the position of the optical system, which is obtained by the command value corresponding to the inflection point shown in the table.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus includes a filter unit for performing frequency filtering processing on an image pickup signal, and a focus position detecting unit for detecting a focus position based on the contrast value of the image pickup signal having undergone the frequency filtering processing by the filter unit. The filter unit has a first filter for normal position detection, and a second filter for infinity position detection having a frequency characteristic different from that of the first filter, and selects the first filter or the second filter.

Abstract: The autofocus apparatus determines a focus position according to a result of sampling an AF evaluated value and drives a lens system to the focus position. This autofocus apparatus further performs a flash in synchronism with a sampling timing of an AF evaluated value.

Abstract: An image sensor is disclosed, in which the image sensor changes the diameter of a lens from the center area of a chip to an edge thereof to obtain uniform sensitivity as a whole. The image sensor includes a plurality of light-receiving portions for converting a signal corresponding to the light of an object to an electrical signal, and a pixel array area having a plurality of micro lenses formed above the light receiving portions and respectively corresponding to the light-receiving portions to focus the light. In the image sensor, the respective micro lenses change their diameters from the center of the pixel array area to the edge thereof.

Abstract: A method of automatically focusing a camera determines a position of a focus lens where an amount of a high frequency in an image signal is a maximum. The amount of a high frequency included in an image signal is measured at intervals of multiple focus motor steps. Three of the measured positions (x1, x2, x3) and their corresponding measured high frequency amounts (y1, y2, y3) are identified, where y2 is the largest of the measured high frequency amounts, and x1 and x3 are the nearest measured positions on either side of x2. A quadratic function f(x) is determined for the high frequency amount with respect to the focus lens position x. A position at which a derivative ? f ? ( x ) ? x of the quadratic function f(x) is zero, is determined to be the position corresponding to maximum high frequency amount. Thus, the driving time of the focus motor can be reduced.

Abstract: An automatic focusing method includes the following steps: providing a digital camera module, which includes a lens member, an image sensor member, a distance-measuring member, a signal-processing member, a drive control member, and a drive member; measuring an object distance using the distance-measuring member, and transmitting the object distance to the signal-processing member for generating a control signal; the drive control member driving the drive member according to the control signal; and the drive member driving the image sensor member or the lens member to a position determined by the control signal. The step of providing the digital camera module includes: providing the lens member, the image sensor member and the distance-measuring member; measuring a depth of focus of the lens member; establishing a range of error of movement of the drive member; and selecting a suitable signal-processing member, drive control member, and drive member.

Abstract: This digital camera comprises a lens system (5) for focusing the image of a subject (10) on a sensitive plate (7), a control system formed, inter alia, by a motor (8) that act on the lens system to ensure a sharp image of the subject on the sensitive plate. To obtain this clarity of the subject on the plate, a first high-pass image filter (18) is used and a first low-pass image filter (15). As these filters also form part of the digital processing of image compression for recording the images, few additional means are to be provided for the automatic focusing that yields the clarity.

Abstract: A luminance signal is extracted from an image pickup signal photographed by a solid state image pickup device and at least a high frequency component in the extracted luminance signal is extracted by a filter. A gain of at least the high frequency component in the luminance signal extracted by a filter is varied. The luminance signal from a luminance signal extracting unit and at least the high frequency component in the luminance signal in which the gain has been varied by a gain control unit are added, thereby emphasizing an edge portion. A focusing lens is driven on the basis of the level of at least the high frequency component in the luminance signal extracted by the filter, thereby controlling an in-focus point.

Abstract: A focus adjusting apparatus of an optical image formation system performs focus adjustment by: splitting light coming from an object into at least two rays along light paths of different lengths and projecting an image of the object; sensing the split rays and converting them into an image signal; filtering a first signal component out of the image signal and outputting a first value corresponding to an amount of the first signal component; filtering a second signal component, having a frequency different from the first signal component, out of the image signal and outputting a second value corresponding to an amount of the second signal component; judging a focus condition of the projected image by comparing the first value with the second value; and controlling the optical system to adjust the focus condition in accordance with a signal derived from the judging step.

Abstract: A focus detecting system for determining the focus state of an adjustable focus imaging lens includes a first beamsplitter for separating light for image production and light for detection of the focus state of the adjustable focus imaging lens in the ratio of 2:1. Only two focus state detecting elements are used, each of which receives from a second beamsplitter one-sixth of the amount of light that enters the adjustable focus imaging lens. Light receiving surfaces of the two focus state detecting elements are equidistant from image planes that are conjugate to an image plane for image production. The focus state detecting elements operate in the contrast mode using high frequency components of video signals to produce evaluation values that indicate an in-focus state of the imaging system by being equal. In one embodiment, the images that the focus state detecting elements detect are not reverted.