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: Subjects are detected in a captured image and a main subject is selected from the detected subjects. Focusing areas are set up that correspond to the detected subjects and focus detection is performed in the focusing areas that have been set up. When providing in-focus indication representing focus detection results, focus detection results associated with the particular focusing area among the focusing areas that corresponds to the main subject are displayed in a manner different from focus detection results associated with those focusing areas within the depth of field that correspond to subjects other than the main subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto focus device that automatically and easily sets an AF frame to a focus range desired by a cameraman in an AF system. An auto focus device includes: a focusing unit that performs focusing on an imaging screen of a camera; a best focus range detecting unit that detects a best focus range from the imaging screen showing the focus result of the focusing unit; and an AF frame automatic setting unit that automatically sets the position of an AF frame indicating the range of an AF area, which is a target range focused by auto focus in the imaging screen, in the detected best focus range.

Abstract: A camera has an infrared (“IR”) imaging subsystem that includes an IR detector. The camera also has a first and second visual imaging subsystem for generating a first visual image and a second visual image of an object in a scene. The first visual image and the second visual image have a parallax that is dependent on the distance to the object and based on a known parallax function. The camera also has a processor for determining the parallax between the first visual image and second visual images. The IR imaging subsystem may also include an IR optical element for focusing IR radiation on the IR detector. The IR optical element may be operable to focus the IR radiation on the IR detector based on the parallax between the first visual image and the second visual image.

Abstract: A focus control method is provided that performs focus control by sensing a plurality of images of an object while moving a position of a focusing lens and determining in-focus positions in auto focusing areas located at a plurality of positions. The focus control method calculates an in-focus position of the focusing lens based on the focusing lens position at the time of reading an image signal of each of the auto focusing areas and a degree of focused state of each of the auto focusing area that is based on the image signal of each of the auto focusing areas.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for measuring a distance between an object and a user using a camera module. According to the method, when the camera module is driven, a zooming function is performed to examine whether an image is formed on an image device. When the zooming function is completed, a focusing function is performed to examine whether focusing is adjusted. When focusing is adjusted, a focal length “f” and a distance “b” between a lens and the image device are calculated. Thereafter, a distance “a” between an object and a user is calculated and displayed using a lens Equation. Since a distance between a desired object and a user can be measured only using a zoom function and a focusing function of an existing camera module without a separate distance measurement device, the distance between the desired object and a user can be easily measured without increase in a volume of an apparatus or manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor, composition unit, coupling unit, and arithmetic unit. The image sensor has a plurality of pupil-divided focus detection portions each formed from a first focus detection pixel and second focus detection pixel. The composition unit composites signals output from the first focus detection pixels to obtain a first composite signal, and composites signals output from the second focus detection pixels to obtain a second composite signal in each of sections assigned to the image sensor to include a plurality of focus detection portions. The coupling unit couples first composite signals to obtain a first coupled signal, and couples second composite signals to obtain a second coupled signal in the plurality of sections. The arithmetic unit calculates the defocus amount of an image forming optical system on the basis of the first and second coupled signals.

Abstract: Digital camera is provided with face detection section that detects faces of a plurality of photographing objects, microcomputer performs continuous shooting in optimum photographing conditions in accordance with the number of faces of the photographing objects for each face of the plurality of photographing objects by a single shutter operation and performs control by assigning serial photographing object numbers to the images of the plurality of photographing objects taken by continuous shooting and recording the images in a single continuous-shooting image folder. Furthermore, microcomputer performs continuous shooting in predetermined order in accordance with the number of faces of the photographing objects and detects, when the photographing object speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the photographing object speed again after photographing other photographing objects.

Abstract: In an apparatus having a vertical focusing-state detection area and a lateral focusing-state detection area in a cross focusing point, wherein either one of the focusing-state detection areas has a calculation range that is overlapping with the adjacent focusing point, a photographing result desired by a photographer can be obtained without bringing into focus a subject in the focusing point adjacent to the cross focusing point selected by the photographer.

Abstract: A method of automatically adjusting a depth of field, suitable for adjusting settings relevant to the depth of field when pre-shooting an image to be shot through a digital camera, includes capturing an image to be shot; dividing the image into a plurality of detected blocks; performing a statistic process for an object distance on each detected block, and recording an object distance value of each detected block; generating an object-distance cumulative curve according to the object distance value of each detected block; performing a smoothing process to eliminate peak curves generated in the object-distance cumulative curve; looking up a mode of all the object distance values and a corresponding detected block according to the object-distance cumulative curve; adjusting corresponding aperture and focal length of the digital camera according to the corresponding detected block. The user shoots images at different sites without adjusting the digital camera into corresponding shoot mode.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus comprises: a moving unit configured to move a focus position of a photographing lens relative to an image sensor at a predetermined amplitude by changing a distance in an optical axis direction between the photographing lens and the image sensor; detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image obtained from the image sensor; and defocus correction unit configured to perform defocus correction on the image obtained from the image sensor during motion performed by the moving unit, based on the focus state detected by the detection unit, so that the focus state of each image for display on the display device at least approaches the focus state for an in-focus image.

Abstract: A photographing device for photographing an object in a photographing area has a detection processor, and first and second determination processors. The detection processor conducts repetitive detection processes for detecting a specific area where a specific object appears in the photographing area. The first determination processor determines the detected specific area to be a designated area. The second determination processor re-determines a substitute area including the detected specific area that has been latest detected by the detection processor to be the designated area if the specific area is not detected in the detection process.

Abstract: A focus adjusting apparatus adjusts a focus of a camera imaging a moving object. The apparatus includes a calculating unit that calculates a first out-of-focus level of a portion corresponding to the moving object within a first region of an image picked up by the camera, and calculates a second out-of-focus level of a portion corresponding to the moving object within a second region of an image; and a focus adjusting unit that shifts the focus of the camera in a direction in which the camera is focused onto the portion corresponding to the moving object within the first region when the first out-of-focus level is larger than the second out-of-focus level, and that shifts the focus in a direction in which the camera is focused onto the portion corresponding to the moving object within the second region when the second out-of-focus level is larger than the first out-of-focus level.

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: 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: A sensor that is photosensitive vis-à-vis at least part of the radiation in the visible range and/or in the near infrared range installed on a vehicle, the sensor being associated with an objective having a first zone that is focused to infinity and a second zone focused in near field.

Abstract: When it is detected that a tracking target disappears in an image range in the course of tracking the tracking target, which is a registration pattern selected as a target to be tracked from among registration patterns, an autofocus is disabled. Thereafter, the autofocus is kept being disabled even if it is detected that the tracking target having the selected registration pattern appears in the image range. Alternatively, when the tracking target disappears in the image range in the course of tracking the tracking target, the autofocus is disabled, and thereafter when the tracking target having the registration pattern appears in the image range, it is started to track the tracking target having the registration pattern.

Abstract: The image of a subject is sensed, the image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of a digital still camera and the image of a face is detected in the image of the subject. The image of the subject is shifted in such a manner that the center of the detected face image becomes the center of the display screen, and the image is enlarged and displayed on the display screen. Since the image of the face is displayed in enlarged form, it becomes easier to check the face even if the display screen is small in size.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensing device that receives object light and generates an image signal relating to the object image, a phase difference detection unit that receives the object light using a ranging sensor and generates a phase difference detection signal, a first focusing unit for performing a first focusing operation on the basis of the phase difference detection signal, and a display controlling unit for displaying a preview image on the basis of a plurality of image signals sequentially generated by the image sensing device before an image is actually recorded. The display controlling unit combines a first area for which the phase difference detection is performed using the ranging sensor and the preview image so as to display the combined image.

Abstract: A method and system for additively, manually sequentially or manually in parallel, selecting multiple points or regions of interest in the analog or digital viewfinder of a photo or video camera with automatic controls like auto-focusing, auto-metering and auto white-balancing. Points or regions capable of being selected, within a grid of elements comprising a camera's evaluative matrix and represented to the user in a viewfinder or other display, may be hard-coded (pre-defined, selectable regions) or any point, pixel, or group of pixels. Data from the selected regions is used to simultaneously, dynamically adjust focus related parameters, light metering and white balancing of the camera and is tied into these features. Point selection may be via touch screen or by holding down a lock button. The selected points or regions may be applied to focus and aperture related adjustments or for any other camera function related to measurement of the scene.

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: A focus adjusting method for adjusting focus by moving a focusing lens group of a photographing optical system, wherein the focus adjusting method includes a first search stage at which a focus search operation is performed based on an image formed in a large focus area while the focusing lens group is moved stepwise over an entire range of movement thereof from the near extremity to the far extremity, and a second search stage at which the focus search operation is performed, based on images formed in small focus areas, at front and rear close vicinities of the in-focus position while the focusing lens group is moved stepwise over a portion of the entire range of movement thereof.

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: A first recording layer for recording information of an optical disk and a second recording layer of the optical disk on which a visible image can be recorded are disposed at an interval of 0.5 mm or more. Thus, even when a high power laser is used on one of the layers, data on the other layer will not be destroyed.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a viewfinder optical system that observes a subject image input from a photography optical system. The imaging apparatus also includes a transmissive member upon which is provided a line image indicating detection positions of photography supporting information relating to photography conditions, within a photography region. The photography conditions are at least one of setting information relating to a focus and setting information relating to an exposure. The imaging apparatus further includes an imaging device that acquires a photographed image relating to the subject image, the line image having been superimposed on the photographed image. In addition, the imaging apparatus includes a processing unit that corrects a part of the line image extracted from the line image shown in the photographed image, the part of the line image having been extracted corresponding to the photography conditions that have been set.

Abstract: There are provided a lens driving apparatus and method for transferring a lens on a plurality of focus positions previously set, in which a physical or mechanical vibration generated by a lens driving actuator when auto focusing is improved. The apparatus includes: a controller controlling the lens to be suspended one or more intermediate focus positions interposed between a present focus position and a target focus position while controlling the lens to be transferred to the present focus position where the lens is presently located to the target focus position that is a target of transferring the lens among the plurality of focus positions; and a driver transferring the lens according to a driving control signal from the controller.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus is disclosed which can achieve excellent focus detection performance. The apparatus detects the focusing state of an image-pickup lens based on a phase difference in a plurality of images. The apparatus includes a field lens and a light-receiving element including plural focus detection areas. The light-receiving element includes at least first and second focus detection areas which detect a phase difference in a first direction, and third and fourth focus detection areas which detect a phase difference in a second direction. The intersection position of the first focus detection area and the third focus detection area with respect to the center of the first focus detection area is different from the intersection position of the second focus detection area and the fourth focus detection area with respect to the center of the second focus detection area.

Abstract: A plurality of distance measuring points in a picture can be correctly and rapidly focused on. Images at a plurality of distance measuring points in the picture can be detected through a photographing lens by means of an image pickup element. These detected distance measuring points can be displayed on a monitor screen. Finally, a photographing lens can be controlled with respect to the displayed distance measuring points so as to cause the output from the image pickup element to reach its highest contrast.

Abstract: An optical apparatus which achieves fast focusing operation and allows accurate focusing is disclosed. The optical apparatus includes a first focus detector which detects a focus state on a subject, a second focus detector which detects a focus state on the subject in a detection method different from a detection method of the first focus detector, and a controller which has a function of detecting whether or not the subject is a moving body and a function of performing focus control of an image-taking optical system in a first sequence in which at least one of the first and second focus detectors is used and a second sequence in which at least the other of the focus detectors is used. The controller preferentially uses one of the first and second sequences depending on the result of the detection with the moving body detecting function.

Abstract: A focus detection method for detecting a focus state based on object images formed through a photographing optical system in at least one focus detection area, while performing a search operation, includes determining at least one support area which overlaps the focus detection area; determining an in-focus position of the focusing lens group in the focus detection area to be an in-focus position of the focusing lens group when a brightness of the object is one of equal to and higher than a predetermined value; and determining an in-focus position of the focusing lens group upon an in-focus state being detected in the focus detection area and in the support areas which overlaps the focus detection area when the brightness of the object is lower than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A focus detection device includes a micro lens array having a plurality of micro lenses, a light receiving element array having a plurality of light receiving elements for each micro lens and that receives light rays from a plurality of partial areas in which pupils of an imaging optical system are different from each other, in a plurality of light receiving elements respectively through each micro lens and a focus detection calculation circuit. The device generates at least three signal strings respectively corresponding to images of light rays which have been transmitted through at least three of the partial areas, based on signals output from the plurality of light receiving elements of the light receiving element array. The device obtains, from the at least three signal strings, shift amounts of two signal strings corresponding to two partial areas, and detects a focus adjustment state of an imaging optical system based on the obtained plurality of shifts amounts.

Abstract: A camera with a photographing optical system, including a focus adjusting system which captures images at different focal positions via an image pickup device while moving a focusing lens group within a controllable searching range, and moves the focusing lens group to the in-focus position; a memory which stores a first image captured when an in-focus state is achieved; and a comparing device which compares the first image stored in the memory with a second image captured via the image pickup device before commencement of movement of the focusing lens group. The focus adjusting system operates within a limited searching range including a current position of the focusing lens group when predetermined conditions are satisfied, including a condition upon which it is determined that the first image and the second image match each other completely or by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus and method prevent a resolution of a peripheral portion of an image from being degraded with a simple structure. These employ an in-focus state detector for detecting evaluation values for auto in-focus operation representing an in-focus state of an image from a first in-focus state detection region disposed on a center portion of the image, and at least one second in-focus state detection region disposed on a peripheral portion of the image, a flat subject determiner that determines whether a subject is flat based on the detection result of the evaluation values for auto in-focus operation, a flat subject focusing position calculator that calculates a final focusing position based on the evaluation values when the subject is determined as being flat, and a three-dimensional subject focusing position calculator that calculates a final focusing position based on the evaluation value when the subject is not flat.

Abstract: A focus adjustment device includes: a first focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state for a subject image in a first focusing area; a second focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state in a second focusing area through a method different from a method adopted by the first focus detection unit; a judgment unit that makes a judgment as to whether or not the first focusing area and the second focusing area have a specific positional relationship; and a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment based upon focus detection results obtained via the first focus detection unit and focus detection results obtained via the second focus detection unit when the judgment unit decides that the first focusing area and the second focusing area have the specific positional relationship.

Abstract: A camera (210) for providing an adjusted image (214) of a scene (12) includes an apparatus frame (224), an optical assembly (222), a capturing system (226), and a control system (232). The optical assembly (222) is adjustable to alternatively be focused on a first focal area (356A) and a second focal area (356B) that is different than the first focal area (356A). The capturing system (226) captures a first captured image (360A) when the optical assembly (222) is focused at the first focal area (356A) and captures a second captured image (360B) when the optical assembly (222) is focused at the second focal area (356B). The control system (232) provides the adjusted image (214) of the scene (12) based upon the first captured image (360A) and the second captured image (360B). Additionally, the control system (232) can perform object depth extraction of one or more objects (16) (18) (20) in the scene (12).

Abstract: An image sensor includes: three or more photoelectric conversion devices; and a storage control circuit that controls storage operations at the photoelectric conversion devices, and the storage control circuit commonly controls the storage operations at two or more photoelectric conversion devices that are not disposed directly next to one another among the photoelectric conversion devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods of implementing dynamic focus zones for cameras are disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, a method may include selecting a reference image from a scene being photographed. The method may also include selecting a plurality of difference images from regions adjacent the reference image. The method may also include comparing the reference image and the plurality of different images. The method may also include selecting a plurality of distinct focus zones based on correlation of the compared reference image and the plurality of difference images.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto focus device that automatically and easily sets an AF frame to a focus range desired by a cameraman in an AF system. An auto focus device includes: a focusing unit that performs focusing on an imaging screen of a camera; a best focus range detecting unit that detects a best focus range from the imaging screen showing the focus result of the focusing unit; and an AF frame automatic setting unit that automatically sets the position of an AF frame indicating the range of an AF area, which is a target range focused by auto focus in the imaging screen, in the detected best focus range.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus capable of accurate focus detection is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first image-forming lens unit including a first pair of lens portions forming a first pair of images on a first pair of light-receiving element arrays with luminous fluxes from an image-pickup optical system after the luminous fluxes pass through a first pair of apertures making a pair in a first direction, and a second image-forming lens unit including a second pair of lens portions forming a second pair of images on a second pair of light-receiving element arrays with luminous fluxes from the image-pickup optical system after the luminous fluxes pass through a second pair of apertures making a pair in a second direction. A midpoint between the second pair of lens portions is located between the first pair of lens portions and displaced from a midpoint between the first pair of lens portions.

Abstract: An image taking method includes the steps of taking an image of an object to be taken, thereby generating image data. A predetermined objective body is detected from the image data. Exposure and/or focusing position are determined for each of the detected objective bodies. The image taking means is caused to take an image of each objective body according to the exposure and/or the focusing position determined for each of the detected objective bodies in response to one image-taking action.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system comprises: a region configuring device which configures a main subject region including a main subject within a photographing screen; a focusing control device which controls focusing so that a focus state of the main subject is a best focus state; a focus state obtaining device which divides the photographing screen into a plurality of regions and obtains a focus state from each region; a device storing the focus state obtained from each region; a movement detecting device which references the stored focus state of each region to detect the movement of a group of regions located either within the main subject region and its vicinity or within the main subject region and are in a best focus state; and a region moving device which moves the main subject region in accordance with the movement of the group of regions that are in the best focus state.

Abstract: A focus detection method includes moving a focusing lens group from the near extremity toward the far extremity in a search operation, and stopping the focusing lens group upon first detecting an in-focus state to determine an in-focus position of the focusing lens group when detecting a focus state in each of a plurality of focus detection areas while performing the search operation, and moving the focusing lens group firstly to one of the near extremity and the far extremity which is closer to a current position of the focusing lens group and subsequently toward the other thereof, and stopping the focusing lens group upon first detecting an in-focus state to determine an in-focus position of the focusing lens group when detecting a focus state in the single focus detection area while performing the search operation.

Abstract: To provide an image in which a plurality of subjects are focused and which has an extended depth of field even if the image capturing apparatus captures a plurality of subjects with different focus distances each other. The image capturing apparatus includes: a focus control section for focusing on each of the plurality of subjects; an image capturing section for capturing a first captured image when the focus control section focuses on a first focus distance, and for capturing a second captured image when the focus control section focuses on a second focus distance; an image generating section for generating capturing range image information by combining the first captured image and the second captured image; and a moving image recording section for recording plural pieces of capturing range image information as moving image data.

Abstract: A camera includes a photometry section, an exposure calculating section, and a correction calculating section. The photometry section obtains photometry values at a plurality of positions of a subject. The exposure calculating section obtains an exposure value when photographing based on the photometry values. The correction calculating section obtains a correction value for correction of the exposure value based on a highest value among photometry values belonging to a predetermined range out of the plurality of photometry values obtained by the photometry section.

Abstract: A camera described herein captures a plurality of images at different focus settings to improve the probability that the camera captures a clear representation of a desired object in a potentially ambiguous scene. According to one exemplary embodiment, the camera selects a plurality of focus settings corresponding to different focal points in a range of focal points. Subsequently, the camera automatically captures successive images of the scene at the selected focus settings in response to a single activation of a shutter control. The user may select one or more of the captured images for storage, transmission to a remote device, and/or further processing.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect an object image to be focused from a captured image, a setting unit configured to set a focus detection region in the captured image, and a focus adjustment unit configured to adjust an in-focus state of an imaging optical system depending on AF evaluation values based on output signals from the focus detection region. First and second focus detection regions are set for a region which has followed the object image detected and a region which does not follow the object image detected. The focus adjustment unit performs a weighted addition of the AF evaluation values based on the output signals in the first and second focus detection regions at ratios depending on at least either a size of an object image within a screen, a position of the object image within the screen and a shooting mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately auto focusing a lens of an imaging device. In an exemplary embodiment, an imaged scene is split into an array of zones. The minimum and maximum sharpness score for each zone is determined over a plurality of lens positions. A histogram of the lens positions of the corresponding maximum sharpness score for each zone is created. The peak of the histogram is determined to be the best focus position for a given scene.

Abstract: A focus adjustable method of an optical image is implemented by a numerical analysis. An external light beam is allowed to pass through a lens module, thereby generating an optical image. The focus values of the optical image at four corners thereof are computed according to specified formulas to obtain a two-dimensional geometric tilt vector T(X,Y), an image diagonal spinor D and an image tetragonal average value M. According to the values T(X,Y), D and M, the tilt amount and the tilt direction of the lens module are adjusted, the optical quality of the lens module is discriminated and the focus value distribution of the lens module is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for mitigating and/or minimizing effects of hand jitter or shaking during an auto-focusing process of an image-capturing device. In order to more accurately focus a lens for capturing a digital image, the lens is moved between a minimum and maximum position (along an axis) while capturing sample image frames using a focus window at various lens positions. Improved auto-focusing is achieved by dynamically adjusting the relative position of the focus window for each image frame to cover substantially the same image portion of the target image. By adjusting the focus window for each image frame to cover substantially the same image portion of the target image, variations from shaking may be minimized, thereby improving auto-focusing.

Abstract: A phase difference sensor is arranged toward a target object such that the sensor can rotate at least 180° on its sensor optical axis. As the phase difference sensor rotates, the angle of a sensor viewing field is changed, and the distance to the target object is correctly computed using results measured before and after the change in the angle.