Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling a camera module are provided according to implementations of the present disclosure. The electronic device includes a housing, a camera module, a pushing mechanism, and a reversing mechanism. The camera module disposed in the housing. The pushing mechanism is configured to drive the camera module to move from an inside of the housing to an outside of the housing. The reversing mechanism is configured to reverse the camera module when the camera module is moved to the outside of the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a method, performed by a computing device communicating with a server, of generating 3-dimensional (3D) mode data. The method includes: capturing, by a camera, an image of a target object at a first time point and storing first pose data of the camera at this time; generating a second image by capturing, by the camera, the target object at a second time point and generating second pose data of the camera at this time; calculating a distance between the camera at the second time point and the target object, based on the first pose data and second pose data of the camera; generating pose data of the target object, based on the distance and the second pose data of the camera; and estimating second relative pose data of the target object, based on the second pose data of the camera and the pose data of the target object.

Abstract: A microcontroller can interact with external ASICs using a multi-serial peripheral interface. The ASICs and the microcontroller can be included in an electrical device or an optical-electrical device. The microcontroller can implement the interface to access the registers of the different ASICs in bulk interactions, including a bulk status request, bulk configuration setting, and bulk data reads.

Abstract: With a recognition device of the present invention, when a target component that is an imaging target is moved in a direction from one to another of an upper limit imaging position and a lower limit imaging position, a protruding section of the target component is imaged at each of a predetermined pitch (0.1 mm). Then, it is determined whether it is possible to recognize the position of the protruding section of the target component based on image data of each pitch (O: recognition possible, X: recognition not possible). Here, from among imaging positions (H4 to H10) according to image data for which it was determined to be possible to recognize the position of the protruding section of the target component, a position (H7) that is at a central point between a position closest to the upper limit imaging position (H4) and a position closest to the lower limit imaging position (H10) is decided as a recommended imaging position.

Abstract: An image correction device generates a corrected image for a viewer with low vision, by adding excessive emphasis which reduces image quality as perceived by a viewer having normal eyesight, to at least one of luminance gradation, luminance contour, and color tone of a pre-correction image. The image correction device includes: a controller which specifies, in a low vision mode which is an image correction mode for the viewer with low vision, a parameter that represents an amount of correction greater than an upper limit of an amount of correction which does not reduce the image quality as perceived by the viewer having normal eyesight when the pre-correction image is corrected; and an image processor which generates the corrected image by correcting the at least one of the luminance gradation, the luminance contour, and the color tone of the pre-correction image with the amount of correction represented by the parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a sighting system comprising a viewfinder and an optic for detecting the position of an object in space, characterized in that it comprises the determination of a control law to apply to the viewfinder to aim at the object as a function of its position, said position being determined in a frame of reference of the detection optic and the control law comprising two angular controls and a focusing control of the viewfinder, expressed as a function of the relative positions between the object to aim at and an intersection point of all the lines of sight of the viewfinder, the method comprising the steps consisting in: aiming (100), with the viewfinder, at objects found at at least six different known positions in the frame of reference of the sighting system and noting the corresponding controls, from the positions of the object and the corresponding controls, determining (200, 200?) the position of the intersection point of the lines of sight and the control

Abstract: A spectral camera for producing a spectral output is disclosed. The spectral camera has an objective lens for producing an image, an array of mirrors, an array of filters for passing a different passband of the optical spectrum for different ones of the optical channels arranged so as to project multiple of the optical channels onto different parts of the same focal plane, and a sensor array at the focal plane to detect the filtered image copies simultaneously. By using mirrors, there may be less optical degradation and the trade off of cost with optical quality can be better. By projecting the optical channels onto different parts of the same focal plane a single sensor or coplanar multiple sensors can to be used to detect the different optical channels simultaneously which promotes simpler alignment and manufacturing.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an image sensor, an evaluation value calculation unit, and an in-focus position calculation unit. The image sensor performs photoelectric conversion on a subject image formed by an image optical system including a focus adjustment unit. The evaluation value calculation unit calculates a first and a second focus evaluation values with spatial frequency components of first and second frequency bands extracted from image signals output from the image sensor. The second frequency band includes a spatial frequency component higher than the spatial frequency component of the first frequency band. The in-focus position calculation unit defines a position at which a third focus evaluation value reaches its peak value as an in-focus position of the focus adjustment unit. The third focus evaluation value is obtained by calculating a ratio of the first and the second focus evaluation values.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes: an image capturing element in which a plurality of pixels and phase difference pixels are formed within an effective pixel region; a photographing lens; a phase difference amount detecting unit analyzing a captured image signal and obtaining a phase difference amount from detection signals of two of the phase difference pixels that make a pair; and a control unit obtaining a defocus amount of a photographic subject image from the detected phase difference amount and performing a focusing control, in which the control unit obtains a parameter value regarding a ratio of the defocus amount and the phase difference amount based on photographing lens information of the photographing lens and a light receiving sensitivity distribution indicating sensitivity for each incident angle of incident light for the two of the phase difference pixels that make the pair, and obtains the defocus amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera module which senses the position of an on object touching a touch surface of an optical touch screen. The camera module comprises one or more lenses, an optical path converting unit, and an image sensor. Each of the lenses is arranged such that the angle of view for the direction vertical to the touch surface is smaller than the angle of view in the direction horizontal to the touch surface. The optical path converting unit reflects light converging through the lenses in the direction vertical to the touch screen. The image sensor is arranged behind the lenses and in the direction horizontal to the touch surface so as to receive the light reflected by the optical path converting unit.

Abstract: Provided are a display device and a method for controlling the same. The display device comprises a display unit, and a controller configured to perform predetermined functions according to a distance with a external object in response to an identical gesture made by the external object.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that can efficiently obtain an offset between focal positions detected in phase difference-based focus detection and contrast-based focus detection by using results of phase difference-based focus detection at multiple points. Focal positions in a plurality of regions based on a pair of image signals obtained from different pupils are obtained. A focal position for a focus lens at which a contrast of image signals for image pickup is at a peak is detected. A target focal position is determined from the plurality of focal positions. When another focal position is present between a present focal position and the target focal position, an offset between a focal position of the focus lens at which the contrast detected at the other focal position while the focus lens is moving is at a peak and the other focal position is calculated.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing optical system; a sensor unit having line sensors that receive light fluxes of an object, which have been transmitted through a pair of partial areas in an exit pupil of the image-capturing optical system; image-capturing elements having a pixel arrangement capable of generating an image signal and a focus detection pixel sequence, in which two or more pairs of pixels that receive the light fluxes of an object, are arranged in a predetermined direction; a continuous image-capturing unit configured to perform continuous image capturing of actually exposing the image-capturing elements; a signal generation unit configured to perform another exposure for the sensor unit; a first focus detection unit configured to perform focus detection of a phase-difference detection method; a second focus detection unit configured to perform focus detection; and a focus adjustment unit configured to perform focus adjustment.

Abstract: The image-pickup apparatus includes an image-pickup element including first type pixels photoelectrically converting an object image formed by a light flux from an optical system and second type pixels photoelectrically converting plural images formed by plural light fluxes divided from the light flux from the optical system, a controller performing contrast detection focus control using signals from pixels in a contrast evaluation area among the first type pixels, and a detector detecting phase differences of respective pairs of images of the plural images using signals from the second type pixels, the pairs of images being respectively formed in plural phase difference detection areas in the contrast evaluation area, and calculating information on an in-focus position of the optical system or object distance for each phase difference detection area based on each phase difference.

Abstract: A ring-like region excluding a central region and a peripheral region from an image pickup area is preset as a focus area. An image signal is acquired through a lens and a CCD circuit. Based on the image signal thus acquired, a contrast value indicating the degree of in-focus of the preset focus area is calculated. A lens position corresponding to a maximum contrast value of the preset focus area is determined as an in-focus lens position. In autofocus processing, face detection is carried out first. Then, if the result of face detection is successful, a face region is set up as a focus area, and focus adjustment is performed based thereon. Alternatively, if the result of face detection is unsuccessful, focus adjustment is performed based on the preset focus area.

Abstract: In a GPON system conforming to ITU-T Recommendations G.984.3, an optical line terminal is provided which has an active bandwidth allocation function that preferentially puts small bandwidth signals in a particular segment of a frame, e.g., at a head of the frame, to prevent fragmentations that may occur particularly when allocating small bandwidths of about 100 kbits/s.

Abstract: A focus adjustment device includes an image sensor that includes imaging pixels for capturing an image formed via an imaging optical system and focus detection pixels for detecting a focus adjustment state at the imaging optical system through a first pupil division-type image shift detection method, a focus detector that detects a focus adjustment state at the imaging optical system through a second pupil division-type image shift detection method different from the first pupil division-type image shift detection method, and a focus adjustment controller that executes focus adjustment for the imaging optical system based upon the focus adjustment states detected by the image sensor and the focus detector.

Abstract: Optical tracking systems, method, and devices are described in which optical components detect light within a substantially planar region adjacent to a user device. Tracking logic may receive signals output by the optical components and determine coordinates associated with a movement of a pointing object through the substantially planar region. The tracking logic may then provide for translation of the coordinates into an action on a display, such as, for example, a movement of a cursor or other icon on the display.

Abstract: An electronic camera for producing an output image of a scene from a captured image signal includes a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output and a first lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor, and a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output and a second lens for forming a second image of the scene on the second image sensor, where the lenses have different focal lengths. A processing stage uses the sensor output from one of the imaging stages as the captured image signal and uses the images from both imaging stages to generate a range map identifying distances to the different portions of the scene.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes: (a) a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor; a first lens for forming a first image on the first image sensor; and a first lens focus adjuster for adjusting focus of the first lens responsive to a first focus detection signal; and (b) a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor; a second lens for forming a second image on the second image sensor; and a second lens focus adjuster for adjusting focus of the second lens responsive to a second focus detection signal. A processing stage (a) selects the sensor output from the first imaging stage and uses the sensor output from the second imaging stage to generate the first focus detection signal, (b) selects the sensor output from the second imaging stage and uses the sensor output from the first imaging stage to generate the second focus detection signal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a movable optical element having an optical axis and including one or more focusing elements, an image sensor positioned along the optical axis and substantially normal thereto, and a radiation source attached to the movable optical element, wherein the radiation source directs a beam of radiation onto the sensor at a selected angle relative to the optical axis. A process comprising positioning a sensor along, and normal to, an optical axis of a movable optical element, projecting a radiation beam onto the sensor from a radiation source attached to the movable optical element, wherein the radiation beam is at a selected angle relative to the optical axis, and adjusting the position of the movable optical element until the position where the radiation beam falls on the sensor corresponds to the position where the radiation beam is expected to fall on the sensor when the movable optical element is in focus. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device is provided which can reduce crosstalks between range finding photoelectric conversion elements (AF sensor) and photometry photoelectric conversion elements (AE sensor). The solid state image pickup device has an n-type epitaxial semiconductor region, a p-type first well region formed in the semiconductor region, a p-type second well region formed in the semiconductor region and electrically separated from the first well, an n-type first impurity doped region formed in the first well region and an n-type second impurity doped region formed in the second well, wherein a photometry photoelectric conversion element is formed by using the p-type first well region and n-type first impurity doped region, and a range finding photoelectric element is formed by using the p-type second well region and n-type impurity doped region.

Abstract: This invention realizes high-precision exposure regardless of the F-number of an image sensing lens in photography. One pixel includes a first light-receiving region (119c) which includes a region where the principal ray of an image sensing lens is incident, and second light-receiving regions (119a, 119b) which do not include the region where the principal ray of the image sensing lens is incident. The first light-receiving region (119c) is sandwiched between the two second light-receiving regions (119a, 119b).

Abstract: A camera comprises a spatial modulation optical filter that is disposed in a viewfinder optical system for subject observation at or near a position optically equivalent to an estimated image forming plane of a photographic optical system and modulates a subject light flux entering via the photographic optical system with transmission characteristics to obtain a light flux having a predetermined spatial frequency; a photoelectric conversion device that outputs a signal corresponding to detected light; an optical element that guides the subject light flux having been modulated at the spatial modulation optical filter to the photoelectric conversion device; and a focal adjustment state calculation means that calculates a focal adjustment state of the photographic optical system based upon the signal output from the photoelectric conversion device having received the modulated subject light flux.

Abstract: A camera includes a sensor array which can detect a brightness signal of a subject and has a plurality of segments for focal point detection, a first photometry unit for calculating the brightness signal of the subject on the basis of an output of one segment or outputs of the segments of the sensor array, a second photometry unit which can detect a brightness signal of the subject in a detection range wider than that for the detection of the subject brightness signal by the sensor array, and a determination unit for determining on the basis of an output of the second photometry unit whether the use of the first photometry unit is forbidden. The camera can determine backlight without any inconvenience even on photographing condition close to the very limit of a photometrical range.

Abstract: Camera having a sensor for outputting subject image data to perform distance measuring or focusing of the camera, wherein in the event that a comparison is made between subject image data output from the sensor at predetermined intervals, and detection of blurring is performed based of the image offset from the subject image data, the usage range of the subject image data by sensor is made proper.

Abstract: A photometric device according to the present invention performs the steps of: performing photometry in a first area of an overall area where photometry can be performed; performing photometry in a plurality of second areas, each included in the first area; and when a difference greater than a predetermined value exists among the photometric results in the plurality of second areas, correcting the photometric result in the first area based on the photometric results in the plurality of second areas and determining a backlight state exist based on the corrected photometric result.

Abstract: A camera includes a sensor array which can detect a brightness signal of a subject and has a plurality of segments for focal point detection, a first photometry unit for calculating the brightness signal of the subject on the basis of an output of one segment or outputs of the segments of the sensor array, a second photometry unit which can detect a brightness signal of the subject in a detection range wider than that for the detection of the subject brightness signal by the sensor array, and a determination unit for determining on the basis of an output of the second photometry unit whether the use of the first photometry unit is forbidden. The camera can determine backlight without any inconvenience even on photographing condition close to the very limit of a photometrical range.

Abstract: A camera according to this invention includes a backlight judgment section which determines whether the photographic scene is against light by comparing the average luminance of the entire photographic screen obtained by photometry with the luminance of the main subject at a distance-measuring point selected by distance measurement. With the backlight judgment section, the camera performs suitable exposure control accompanied by illumination, such as supplementary light, at the time of exposure in a photographic scene where the main subject is against light.

Abstract: In a pair of photometric sensors which receive an object light flux through a pair of the light-receiving lenses are formed on a semiconductor chip on which a pair of the sensor arrays are formed. Further, one of a pair of the photometric sensor performs photometry at an upper part of the footage, and the other photometric sensor carries out photometry at a lower part of the footage.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention comprises a sensor array wherein multiple pixels are arrayed in the base-length direction, a focusing unit for performing focusing of the camera based on the image output from the sensor array, a first detection unit for detecting the movement of the image signals in the base-length direction, a second detection unit for detecting the change in a predetermined pixel signal of the image signals over time, and a movement detection unit for performing movement detection based on the output from the first and second detection units.

Abstract: In an auto focusing system of the present invention, a light from an object is guided by an optical section to a light receiving section constituted of an imager such as a photoelectric transducer, and the object is imaged as a digital image at the light receiving section. A movable split image prism is arranged between a position immediately before a light receiving surface of the light receiving section in an optical path of the optical section and a position outside the optical path. Then, a deviation amount of a vide signal based on light rays passed through the split image prism is detected by a control section, and focusing of the optical section is carried out based on the deviation amount.

Abstract: A device for determining an amount of focus adjustment for an image-forming optical system which forms an image on a predetermined image plane includes a sensor, an image-re-forming optical system which re-forms the image on the sensor, and a reference member disposed at a position close to the predetermined image plane of the image-forming optical system. The projection image of the reference member is detected by the sensor, and a correction calculation is performed on the basis of the displacement of the projection image of the reference member from a preset position, so that errors in detection results caused by temperature variation, etc., are corrected.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus with a simple mechanism in which an AF sensor is employed as a light adjusting sensor. The apparatus includes a multi-AF sensor having a plurality of detecting areas for receiving light passing through a photographing lens, an AF controller for determining a focus area based upon signals outputted from the multi-AF sensor, and a light emitter for projecting light towards an object to be photographed. Prior to a main flash emission, the light emitter emits light preliminarily. On the basis of signals which are outputted from the detecting areas of the multi-AF sensor and which correspond to a reflected light from the object at time of emitting the preliminary flash light, a suitable area which outputs a suitable signal for photography is selected. On the basis of the signal of the suitable area thus selected, the amount of light of the main flash emission is determined.

Abstract: A camera includes a sensor array which can detect a brightness signal of a subject and has a plurality of segments for focal point detection, a first photometry unit for calculating the brightness signal of the subject on the basis of an output of one segment or outputs of the segments of the sensor array, a second photometry unit which can detect a brightness signal of the subject in a detection range wider than that for the detection of the subject brightness signal by the sensor array, and a determination unit for determining on the basis of an output of the second photometry unit whether the use of the first photometry unit is forbidden. The camera can determine backlight without any inconvenience even on photographing condition close to the very limit of a photometrical range.

Abstract: A camera with through-the-lens lighting, comprising: a light source that produces incoherent light; a photosensitive surface; focusing optics, having an optical axis, that forms an image of a scene, within a field of view, on the photosensitive surface, wherein the light is boresighted with the optical axis and directed toward the scene, illuminating substantially only the field of view of the camera.

Abstract: An electron-beam controller (EBC) capable of controlling the power in an electron-beam is disclosed. The EBC can be implemented with an emitter, an extractor, a current mirror, and an input current having a magnitude responsive to the desired electron beam current. An EBC suited for low-efficiency emitters is also disclosed. A method for controlling the power intensity of an electron-beam over time is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing an emitter at a first voltage, (2) providing a target at a second voltage, (3) introducing an extractor at a controllable third voltage, (4) estimating the actual electron beam energy by sensing the emitter current; and (5) adjusting the third voltage in response to the sensed emitter current.

Abstract: A focusing detection sensor is positioned in a viewfinder in a single-lens reflex camera but is nevertheless able to determine a focal point on an image of an object with enhanced accuracy. For that purpose, a single-lens reflex camera includes a camera body having a focusing plate with a reference mark in an optically equivalent position to film, a viewfinder replaceably attached to the camera body, a focal point detecting means for determining a focal point, deviation detection means for determining deviations for both the reference mark and the focal point, respectively, calibration means for correcting focal point data based on the output from the deviation detecting means, and a trigger means for enabling a user to activate the calibration means.

Abstract: A lens cap detection system and method for an image capturing device are provided according to the invention. The lens cap detection system in one embodiment includes a lens apparatus and a lens cap detector that is capable of detecting the presence of a lens cap on the lens apparatus and outputting a signal indicative thereof. The lens cap detection system further includes a processor that communicates with the lens cap detector. The processor generates an alert if the lens cap is detected by the lens cap detector, and does not generate an alert if the lens cap is not detected.

Abstract: A method of controlling exposure of a scene image comprising the following steps: sensing a scene for image data; deriving values representative of a brightness map of the scene; sensing the scene for image data; deriving values representative of a range map; comparing the range map with the scene brightness map; and controlling the exposure by controlling artificial illumination upon the scene. In an alternate aspect, a system is provided for controlling exposure of a scene image comprising the following elements: at least one sensor assembly; a source of artificial illumination; and a processing means.

Abstract: A camera system uses a “focus attracting” remote control. The remote control signals its position in the camera's field of view a by emitting a distinguishable light signal. The camera selects a focus region at the position indicated by the remote control and performs its automatic focus function. Objects in the vicinity of the remote control are sharply focused in the resulting photograph. The photograph can thus include the photographer, who is also a photographic subject, in good focus even though the photographer is positioned in the scene away from the center of the camera's field of view.

Abstract: At power-on, a digital camera starts to operate with a display unit off (state S1). At a subsequent half shutter press of a shutter button, a quick return mirror is flipped down and phase difference AF is performed with live view display off (state S3). At a subsequent full press of the shutter button, the digital camera enters an image capture operation. With a quick return mirror in the up position, a focusing lens is moved to its in-focus, front focus and rear focus positions, at each of which contrast in an AF area of predetermined partial portion of an image is obtained for comparison to select a position of the focusing lens with maximum contrast (state S4). Then, image data is obtained and recorded on a memory card (state S5). With the above processing, the digital camera can perform autofocusing, as circumstances demand, by a contrast AF method.

Abstract: A multiple camera tracking system for interfacing with an application program running on a computer is provided. The tracking system includes two or more video cameras arranged to provide different viewpoints of a region of interest, and are operable to produce a series of video images. A processor is operable to receive the series of video images and detect objects appearing in the region of interest. The processor executes a process to generate a background data set from the video images, generate an image data set for each received video image, compare each image data set to the background data set to produce a difference map for each image data set, detect a relative position of an object of interest within each difference map, and produce an absolute position of the object of interest from the relative positions of the object of interest and map the absolute position to a position indicator associated with the application program.

Abstract: There is disclosed a distance measuring equipment capable of enhancing an accuracy of focusing, and a camera capable of enhancing an accuracy of focusing and/or reducing a cost with a small scale of circuit. In the event that a photography is performed at the relatively short distance, first and second switches of an SPD are switched by an MPU to turn off and turn on, respectively. An AF-dedicated photo detector circuit determines a distance up to a subject in accordance with both the photo-currents I1 and I2 obtained through two signal electrodes. On the other hand, in case of the relatively long distance, the MPU switches the first and second switches of the SPD are switched to turn off and turn on, respectively, so that another AF-dedicated photo detector circuit determines a distance up to the subject in accordance with photo-current I3 obtained from one of the signal electrodes.

Abstract: A camera including a first and second luminance detector, a distance detector and a calculator. The first luminance detector, having a first spectral sensitivity and receiving light from a larger region of a photographing view, generates a first luminance information. The distance detector, having a second spectral sensitivity and receiving light from a smaller region of the photographing view, generates a distance information concerning a distance to an object. The second luminance detector generates a second luminance information based on the received light of the distance detector. The calculator calculates a control luminance value for exposure control based on the first luminance information and the second luminance information when the first luminance information is above a predetermined threshold value. In addition, the calculator calculates a control luminance value based on the first luminance information when the first luminance information is below the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A camera wherein the light emitted by a subject, which has passed through a photographic optical system, is formed as an image on an area sensor, and which includes an electronic viewfinder that indicates the image of the subject based on the output from the area sensor and an apparatus that detects image shaking caused by camera shake, based on the output from the area sensor.

Abstract: An exposure control apparatus for a camera includes a focus detection device which receives object light within a predetermined distance measuring area to measure the object distance, a photometering device which receives object light within a plurality of photometering areas to measure the object brightness, and a backlight detection device which obtains a main photometering value based on the object light received by the focus detection device and for detecting the presence of backlight based on the main photometering value and a reference photometering value measured by the photometering device.

Abstract: There is provided a distance measuring apparatus in lens-shutter type camera provided with a photographic lens, a focal length of the photographic lens being variable.

Abstract: An apparatus has a member to be driven, an actuator for driving the member, a position detector and a controller. The actuator drives the member to move by an amount proportional to a given number of pulses. The position detector detects a position of the member in predetermined detection steps. The controller determines in steps smaller than the predetermined detection steps a target position up to which the member is to be moved. Then, it controls the actuator up to a detection-step position before the target position by closed-loop control in accordance with a detection result from the detector. Further, it controls the actuator from the detection step position to the target position by open-loop control.

Abstract: A release switch apparatus having a release button which is supported in a camera body so as to move between an initial position and a specific operational position in which the release button is pushed down. The apparatus includes a light emitter provided in the release button or in the vicinity thereof and an emission controller for causing the light emitter to emit light when the release button is moved from the initial position. A light receiver is provided in the camera body or in the release button to receive light emitted from the light emitter, and a controller is provided which operates in response to the output to the light receiver.