Abstract: A determination unit determines a weighting coefficient for a second light metering area corresponding to a focus detection area at which a second defocus amount having an absolute value larger than an absolute value of a first defocus amount is acquired relatively smaller than a weighting coefficient for a first light metering area corresponding to a focus detection area at which a first defocus amount is acquired, and changes a difference between the weighting coefficient for the first light metering area and the weighting coefficient for the second light metering area based on a plurality of defocus amounts including the defocus amount of the focus detection area not corresponding to the first light metering area and the second light metering area.

Abstract: The focus detection accuracy of a focus detection device that employs an external AF sensor unit having a pair of line sensors that are each comprised of multiple unit line sensors is improved. The individual line sensors are arranged so that the center of the field of view of an imaging optical system at a predetermined subject distance, at which field-of-view adjustment for causing the field of view of the imaging optical system and the field of view of a focus-detection optical system to match has been carried out, corresponds to the center of one of the multiple unit line sensors included in the individual line sensors.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus that supports a fast multi-autofocusing (AF) method, in which, when AF peaks of a subject of a central multi-point and a subject of a nearest multi-point are detected, further scanning is not performed. In addition, scanning is not performed on a region from which it is difficult to detect a peak, so that fast and accurate AF may be performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically focusing applied to a camera module. The method comprises the following steps: (a). determining a value of a modulation transfer function of an image at a center area and four corner areas of a lens by a processing unit; (b). determining whether the number of times of decreased or unchanged of the value of the modulation transfer function at the center area is over a predetermined value; and (c). if over the predetermined vale, then determining the average of the value of the modulation transfer function at the four corner areas by the processing unit, to determine the maximum of the value of the modulation transfer function at the center area.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes a first detector detecting a first in-focus position by a phase difference detection method using paired image signals, a controller controlling position of a focus lens a basis of the first in-focus position to perform focusing, a second detector detecting a second in-focus position by a contrast detection method, a calculating part calculating a correction value for correcting the first in-focus position in image capturing on a basis of difference between the first and second in-focus positions, and a determining part determining a level of reliability of the first in-focus position. The controller calculates the correction value when the level of reliability is a first level, and to restrict the calculation of the correction value when the level of reliability is a second level lower than the first level.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-lens device and method having improved autofocus. The method comprises: determining from a first focus value and second focus value whether a focus distance of a first lens or a focus distance of a second lens corresponds to a peak focus position; and adjusting the focus distance of the first lens and second lens when neither the focus distance of the first lens nor the focus distance of the second lens corresponds to the peak focus position.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an imaging terminal having an image sensor array and a variable lens assembly for focusing an image onto the image sensor array. In one embodiment, an imaging terminal can include one or more focusing configuration selected from the group comprising a full set focusing configuration, a truncated set focusing configuration and a fixed focusing configuration. When a full set focusing configuration is active, a full set of candidate focus settings can be active when the imaging terminal determines a focus setting of the terminal responsively to a trigger signal activation. When a truncated set focusing configuration is active, a truncated range of candidate focus settings can be active when the imaging terminal determines a focus setting of the terminal responsively to a trigger signal activation.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus capable of switching between an optical viewfinder and live view which involves periodically reading out an image signal out of an image sensor and sequentially displaying the image signal on a display unit, comprises a phase difference focus control unit that performs auto focus control using a phase difference detection method; a selection unit that selects one of a plurality of focus detection areas used for the auto focus control; an electronic zoom unit that changes an angle of view; and a control unit that causes the phase difference focus control unit to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area if the selected focus detection area is located within the changed angle of view, otherwise not to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area.

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: An imaging device includes: an optical system which obtains an optical image of a photographic subject; an image sensor which converts the optical image to an electric signal; a digital signal processor which produces image data based on the electric signal; a display section which displays a photographic subject image expressed by the image data; and an operating section which performs a necessary setting regarding imaging, the digital signal processor including: an autofocus operation section which performs an autofocus operation based on data of an autofocus area set in the photographic subject image; a main area setting section which sets a main area in the photographic subject image; and a blurring operation section which performs a blurring operation on an area other than the main area in the photographic subject image, wherein the autofocus area is set automatically to overlap with at least a part of the main area.

Abstract: An auto-focus (AF) method adapted for an image capturing device includes following steps. When a first press signal generated by a user pressing a button of the image capturing device is detected, a local peak searching method is applied to perform an AF procedure. It is determined whether a second press signal generated by the user pressing the button is detected. If not, it is determined whether a first released signal generated by the user releasing the button is detected. The continuous pressing count is calculated according to the first released signal and the first press signal that are continuously generated. Whether the continuous pressing count is greater than a first threshold is determined. If yes, a global peak searching method is applied to perform the AF procedure. If not, the local peak searching method is still applied to perform the AF procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an imaging unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state of a focus lens, a designation unit configured to receive a designation of an in-screen position of an object displayed on a display screen, and a control unit configured to control a movable range of the focus lens when the focusing state is detected by the focus detection unit such that if the designation unit does not designate the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to be a first range and, if the designation unit designates the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to a second range that is wider than the first range.

Abstract: A focal point adjusting apparatus comprises: a photoelectric converting unit that photoelectrically converts at least a pair of optical images and outputs at least a pair of image signals; a phase difference detecting unit that detects the phase difference between the pair of image signals that is output by the photoelectric conversion unit; a conversion unit that carries out the conversion of a phase difference that is detected by the phase difference detecting unit into a defocus amount by using a conversion coefficient; a focal point moving unit that moves the focal point position based on the defocus amount resulting of the conversion by the conversion unit; and a calibrating unit that calibrates the conversion coefficient depending on the result of the focal point moving unit moving the focal point position when the operator photographs a subject.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a monitor unit configured to monitor and output an accumulation state of a monitor area, which is apart of the detection area, a control unit configured to start an accumulation for focus adjustment in a detection area, and to determine whether the accumulation is ended based on the accumulation state, and to end the accumulation, when it is determined that the accumulation is to be ended, and an adjusting unit configured to use, for a focus adjustment, an output signal in a first area including the monitor area in priority to an output signal in a second area not including the monitor area.

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: A focus detecting apparatus, comprising a first pair of sensor blocks each including a sensor unit and a detection unit, and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the detection unit, wherein when one of the first pair of sensor blocks operates in a first mode, the other operates in a second mode, the detection unit of the sensor block operating in the first mode detects an output of the sensor unit, the sensor unit of the sensor block operating in the second mode accumulates charges and terminates the charge accumulation operation in response to the detection operation, and the power supply unit shuts off power supply to the detection unit of the sensor block operating in the second mode for at least part of the period of time during the operation in the second mode.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus 101 includes a line sensor constituted by a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and capable of performing a photoelectric conversion of a pair of object images formed by luminous flux from an image pickup optical system 102, focus detectors 105 and 118 which detect a focus state of the image pickup optical system based on a pair of image signals outputted from the line sensor, and a block dividing portion 118 which divides the line sensor into a plurality of photoelectric conversion element blocks to form a plurality of effective focus detection areas in an image taking region. The block dividing portion changes a pattern by which the line sensor is divided into the plurality of photoelectric conversion element blocks so that an arrangement of the effective focus detection areas in the image taking region is switched in accordance with an operation by a user.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus capable of switching between an optical viewfinder and live view which involves periodically reading out an image signal out of an image sensor and sequentially displaying the image signal on a display unit, comprises a phase difference focus control unit that performs auto focus control using a phase difference detection method; a selection unit that selects one of a plurality of focus detection areas used for the auto focus control; an electronic zoom unit that changes an angle of view; and a control unit that causes the phase difference focus control unit to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area if the selected focus detection area is located within the changed angle of view, otherwise not to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that includes a receiving unit configured to receive instructions for focus adjustment; an image-pickup unit configured to perform image-pickup of an object image input through a focus lens; a setting unit configured to set a focus detecting area to be used at a time of detection of a focus state of the focus lens; a light control unit configured to control an amount of light incident on the image-pickup unit; and a focus adjusting unit configured to detect a focus signal representing the focus state in the focus detecting area to move the focus lens based on the focus signal and a position of the focus lens corresponding to the focus signal.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a function of enabling focus detection at high speed while exposing an image sensor to light. Imaging apparatus 1 has: a first photoelectric converting element (image sensor 10) that converts an optical image formed on an imaging plane into an electrical signal for forming an image signal; and a second photoelectric converting element (phase difference detecting sensor 20) that receives light having passed through the first photoelectric converting element and converts light into an electrical signal for distance measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing the optical appearance of a surface (2) of a sample (1) of semitransparent material, in particular the surface (2) of a human skin, the apparatus comprising a light source (11,12,13,16,17) for illuminating at least a region of interest of the surface (2) of the sample (1) from a predetermined direction, a camera (14) for observing a response to the illumination of the region of interest and an optical focus device (21,31) for determining if the camera (14) is in focus with the surface (2) of the region of interest. The invention also relates to a method for observing the optical appearance of the surface (2) of a sample (1) of semitransparent material, in particular the surface (2) of a human skin.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert light of an object image formed by an imaging optical system to generate a signal, a first detection unit configured to detect a focusing state of the imaging optical system based on the signal generated by the imaging unit, a sensor configured to generate a signal different from the signal generated by the imaging unit without using the imaging optical system, and a second detection unit configured to detect an in-focus position of the imaging optical system based on the signal generated by the sensor. The sensor is located such that an amount of overlap between a detection range of the first detection unit and a detection range of the second detection unit at a first object distance is equal to an amount of overlap between those at a second object distance that is close to an infinite distance side compared to the first object distance.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an imaging unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state of a focus lens, a designation unit configured to receive a designation of an in-screen position of an object displayed on a display screen, and a control unit configured to control a movable range of the focus lens when the focusing state is detected by the focus detection unit such that if the designation unit does not designate the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to be a first range and, if the designation unit designates the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to a second range that is wider than the first range.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a control unit configured to move a focusing lens, and detect a focus position; wherein the control unit executes auto-focus (AF) scan processing in which only a part of a range of movement of the focusing lens is set as a scan range, as first scan processing, and executes auto-focus (AF) scan processing in which a region including a region differing from the scan region of the first scan processing is set as a scan range, as second scan processing, in the event that a focus point is not detected in the first scan processing.

Abstract: In a camera system according to the present invention, a lens controller obtains an exposure synchronizing signal that is generated by a camera controller from a camera body, causes a configuration formed of a first encoder, a second encoder and a counter to detect the position of a focus lens according to the obtained exposure synchronizing signal, and notifies the camera body of the detected position of the focus lens. The camera controller associates the position of the focus lens or the mechanism member obtained from the lens controller with an AF evaluation value based on the exposure synchronizing signal, and controls an autofocus operation of the camera system based on the position and AF evaluation value that are associated with each other. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy of an autofocus operation with a contrast system.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls an imaging apparatus that includes a focus detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image forming optical system. The control apparatus includes a collectively setting unit configured to read initial setting values corresponding to a selected operation mode from a storage unit, and set setting values of a plurality of setting items to initial setting values, and a setting value changing unit configured to individually change setting values of the setting items set by the collectively setting unit and store the changed setting values in the storage unit. An operation of the focus detection unit is controlled by the operation mode in which the setting values have been changed by the setting value changing unit.

Abstract: A focusing device includes a first focus-position determining unit configured to determine a focus position based on a change in a radio-frequency component in an image signal obtained with movement of a focusing lens, a second focus-position determining unit configured to determine a focus position by using a different process from a process performed by the first focus-position determining unit, a mode setting unit configured to select at least a first mode which uses a result with the first focusing-position determining unit together with the second focusing-position determining unit or a second mode which uses a result with the first focus-position determining unit without the second focus-position determining unit, and a control unit configured to control driving of the focusing lens according to selection by the mode setting unit such that the focusing lens is driven in the first mode at a higher speed than in the second mode.

Abstract: According to the present invention, when a lens is moved in an operation of an operation device, the focal information calculated for each travel position of the lens can be graphed corresponding to the lens position, and the focal information about the current lens position can be identified from the focal information about another position. Thus, a manual focus adjustment can be made while checking the graph. Especially, since the history of the focal information calculated for each lens travel position can be graphed, the lens can travel to the lens position in which a desired peak can be obtained when there are a plurality of peaks of focal information on the graph.

Abstract: A light quantity detecting apparatus is disclosed which includes: an integration detection section configured to output a signal that varies with integrated quantities of light received by a light-receiving device; a comparison section configured to compare the signal output by the integration detection section with a reference value in order to output a signal representing a result of the comparison; a dummy signal generation section configured to generate a signal equivalent to the comparison result signal output by the comparison section; a changeover section configured to change the output of the comparison section with the output of the dummy signal generation section in response to a control signal; and an integration signal generation section configured to generate a signal indicating an end of the integration of the quantities of received light in accordance with the signal forwarded via the changeover section.

Abstract: Pattern data for specifying a face image of a person is registered in a pattern data storage unit 32 of a tracking device 16. When a face recognition auto-tracking mode is selected, a face image coinciding with the registered pattern data is detected, and an AF area is set to track the face image.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that includes a receiving unit configured to receive instructions for focus adjustment; an image-pickup unit configured to perform image-pickup of an object image input through a focus lens; a setting unit configured to set a focus detecting area to be used at a time of detection of a focus state of the focus lens; a light control unit configured to control an amount of light incident on the image-pickup unit; and a focus adjusting unit configured to detect a focus signal representing the focus state in the focus detecting area to move the focus lens based on the focus signal and a position of the focus lens corresponding to the focus signal.

Abstract: A method of performing fast autofocus (AF) in a digital image processing apparatus having a plurality of lenses mounted therein. By dynamically setting AF search start positions and AF search directions by using current AF position information, fast AF may be performed.

Abstract: A focus adjusting device in which, when a detecting unit that detects an object image to be focused from a picked up image is capable of detecting the object image to be focused, a setting unit that sets a focus detection area when a focused state of an image pickup optical system is detected sets a second focus detection area after setting a first focus detection area and in accordance with the position of the first focus detection area, corresponding to the object image that is detected by the detecting unit and that is to be focused. Then, on the basis of signal outputs at the set focus detection area, the image pickup optical system is driven to perform focus adjustment.

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

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus has focus state detection areas, photometry areas, a defocus amount obtaining unit that obtains a defocus amount of each focus state detection area, a photometry unit that obtains a photometric value of each photometry area, and a determination unit that determines a weighting coefficient for each photometry area. The photometry areas includes a first photometry area, corresponding to any of the focus state detection areas, for which the weighting coefficient is determined using a defocus amount of the corresponding focus state detection area, and a second photometry area for which the weighting coefficient is determined using the weighting coefficient for the first photometry area or the defocus amount of the focus state detection area corresponding to the first photometry area.

Abstract: Disclosed are a focus detecting apparatus capable detection in various light illumination conditions and an image acquiring apparatus having the same. The focus detecting apparatus may include a mark disposed on a primary image plane. A pair of images of the mark is detected by a sensor, the distance between which images is used to determine the main wavelength of the light received from a subject. The main wavelength is used in determining the chromatic aberration correction by which the defocus amount may be adjusted.

Abstract: A focusing device includes a first focus-position determining unit configured to determine a focus position based on a change in a radio-frequency component in an image signal obtained with movement of a focusing lens, a second focus-position determining unit configured to determine a focus position by using a different process from a process performed by the first focus-position determining unit, a mode setting unit configured to select at least a first mode which uses a result with the first focusing-position determining unit together with the second focusing-position determining unit or a second mode which uses a result with the first focus-position determining unit without the second focus-position determining unit, and a control unit configured to control driving of the focusing lens according to selection by the mode setting unit such that the focusing lens is driven in the first mode at a higher speed than in the second mode.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes an image pickup element that receives light of an object image formed by a picture-taking lens; and a focus detection filter section that is so disposed near the image pickup element and on the side of the picture-taking lens as to be able to be inserted or withdrawn. The focus detection filter section, from the side of the picture-taking lens, includes a field diaphragm that includes a plurality of openings; a condenser lens disposed near a focus detection area on the surface of the field diaphragm; a pupil division diaphragm that corresponds to the opening of the field diaphragm and includes a pair of openings arranged at such an interval as to secure focusing accuracy; and a re-imaging lens group that includes a plurality of re-imaging lenses that are so arranged as to correspond to the openings of each of the pupil division diaphragms.

Abstract: A camera and a method for selecting a focus region in a camera view have a plurality of focus regions that are defined in the camera view. A focus distance of the camera is repeatedly set to focus at different distances by setting a lens distance of the camera to different lens distance values. A focus value is determined for each focus region at the set lens distance value. A function for a plurality of focus regions is estimated based on a plurality of determined focus value and lens distance value pairs. A local maximum point of the function is calculated for each focus region for which a function has been estimated, where the local maximum point has a lens distance value. Focus regions are grouped, rated and selected based on the lens distance value of the local maximum point of the focus regions and spatial distances between the focus regions.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes an image sensor which includes a pair of pixel groups, outputs a first image signal from one of the pair of pixel groups, and outputs a second image signal from the other of the pair of pixel groups, where the pair of pixel groups receive luminous fluxes passing different pupil regions of an imaging optical system which forms an object image; a calculation unit which generates a first corrected image signal by subtracting the second image signal multiplied by a coefficient from the first image signal and generates a second corrected image signal by subtracting the first image signal multiplied by a coefficient from the second image signal; and a focus detection unit which detects a defocus amount based on a phase difference between the first corrected image signal and the second corrected image signal generated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: A focusing device includes a first focus-position determining unit configured to determine a focus position based on a change in a radio-frequency component in an image signal obtained with movement of a focusing lens, a second focus-position determining unit configured to determine a focus position by using a different process from a process performed by the first focus-position determining unit, a mode setting unit configured to select at least a first mode which uses a result with the first focusing-position determining unit together with the second focusing-position determining unit or a second mode which uses a result with the first focus-position determining unit without the second focus-position determining unit, and a control unit configured to control driving of the focusing lens according to selection by the mode setting unit such that the focusing lens is driven in the first mode at a higher speed than in the second mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to track and to photograph a mobile object over a wide range, by a cooperative operation of multiple cameras. In addition, a mobile tracking system is provided for tracking the mobile object by the cooperation of multiple cameras, in which each camera includes a photographing device which photographs and recognizes the mobile object, a changing device which changes a view angle of the photographing device, a position deriving device which derives a position of the camera, a distance deriving device which derives the distance between the camera and the mobile object, and a communication device which transmits an identifier of the camera, a position of the camera, a moving direction of the mobile object and the distance between the camera and the mobile object to another camera and receives an identifier of the other camera, a position of the other camera, a moving direction of the mobile object and a distance between the other camera and the mobile object from the other camera.

Abstract: In continuous shooting processing, the defocus amounts of respective focus detection areas and the reliabilities of the defocus amounts are detected from information of the focus detection areas. Weightings are determined based on the reliabilities and defocus amounts. If the detection of defocus amounts is not completed in one shooting operation during continuous shooting, weightings are determined using defocus amounts detected in a shooting operation preceding the current one during continuous shooting. If there is no defocus amount that has been detected in a shooting operation preceding the current one, weightings are determined to weight a photometry area at a predetermined position of the field. A correct exposure for shooting is determined by calculating the weighted average of photometric values obtained in a plurality of photometry areas using the determined weightings. Continuous shooting can be performed with a correct exposure without decreasing the continuous shooting speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a focus detecting apparatus detecting an image offset of an optical system. The apparatus comprises a micro lens array arranged with a plurality of micro lenses, a photo-detector having a plurality of detecting elements provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of micro lenses and receiving an optical beam from the optical system via the micro lenses, and a calculator that selects a pair of detecting elements from the plurality of detecting elements in accordance with a plurality of aperture values of the optical system and calculates an image offset of the optical system based on outputs from the pair of detecting elements. The pair of detecting elements receive respectively a pair of optical beams passing through different areas of the optical system.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes a focus detection unit, determination unit, and selection unit. The focus detection unit includes a plurality of focus detection regions in a frame. The determination unit determines whether the focus detection unit has captured an object during servo autofocus in which the focus detection unit repeats focus detection even after obtaining an in-focus object image so that the focus follows motion of the object. The selection unit selects a focus detection region indicating the closest distance from the plurality of focus detection regions if the determination unit determines that the object has not been captured. The selection unit selects, as a focusing target, a focus detection region indicating a focus detection result nearest to the previous focus detection result from the plurality of focus detection regions if the determination unit determines that the object has been captured.

Abstract: A data processing device includes: a face-detecting unit to detect a face region from an input image input from an imaging unit which images a subject including a face; a setting unit to calculate subject distance based on the face size of the face detected by the face-detecting unit, and set limits as a focus lens operation range before and after a focus lens position with the calculated subject distance as focal distance; a detecting unit to move a focus lens within the limits set by the setting unit, and detect a focal point where a detection value corresponding to the contrast intensity obtained from a face frame including the face detected by the face-detecting unit is not smaller than a threshold; and a control unit to determine, in a case wherein a focal point has been detected within predetermined set time, the focal point thereof as a focus position.

Abstract: A focus detection device includes a light receiving element, an image shift detection unit, a movement detection unit, and a focus detection unit. The light receiving element receives a pair of light fluxes passing through different regions of a pupil of an optical system. The image shift detection unit detects an image shift amount caused by the pair of light fluxes, based on outputs of the pair of light fluxes received by the light receiving element. The movement detection unit detects an image movement amount caused by the optical system. The focus detection unit detects the focus adjustment state of the optical system by correcting the shift amount detected by the image shift detection unit, with the image movement amount detected by the movement detection unit.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes an imaging surface capturing an object scene through a focus lens, and produces an object scene image in a designated cycle. When a shutter button is half-depressed, an adjuster adjusts a position of the focus lens based on the object scene image produced by the imaging device. Also, a determiner determines whether or not both an illuminance and a contrast of the object scene captured by the imaging surface fall below a reference in association with a position adjusting process of the focus lens, and a controller sets a length of the designated cycle when a determination result is affirmative to be longer than that of the designated cycle when the determination result is negative.

Abstract: Method and system for auto-focusing. The method includes checking for presence of a subject in a first frame. The method also includes determining a second frame indicative of an in-focus position of the subject if the presence of the subject is detected. The method further includes causing to focus on the subject based on the second frame. Further, the method includes checking for a change in at least one of location of the subject in the second frame, and sharpness and luminance in an area corresponding to the subject in the second frame. Moreover, the method includes causing to refocus on the subject if the change is detected.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus sets a main area and a plurality of subareas around the main area in an image obtained from an image sensor, and acquires each focusing state and each in-focus point based on the each focusing state of the main area and the plurality of subareas in an image obtained from the image sensor at each of a plurality of focus lens positions while moving a focus lens. If the focusing state of the main area does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the imaging apparatus performs focusing control using the focusing state of the main area and a focusing state of a subarea having an in-focus point located within a predetermined range from the in-focus point of the main area among the plurality of subareas.