Abstract: Provided is a control device that includes a calculation unit that calculates, on a basis of a result of capturing a subject image passed through a focus lens by using an imaging element including a plurality of phase difference detection regions, a focus position of each of the phase difference detection regions and a determination unit that determines a position of the focus lens on a basis of an average value of the focus positions of the phase difference detection regions calculated by the calculation unit and falling within a predetermined range from the focus position on an infinity side or macro side.

Abstract: Provided is a control device that includes a calculation unit that calculates, on a basis of a result of capturing a subject image passed through a focus lens by using an imaging element including a plurality of phase difference detection regions, a focus position of each of the phase difference detection regions and a determination unit that determines a position of the focus lens on a basis of an average value of the focus positions of the phase difference detection regions calculated by the calculation unit and falling within a predetermined range from the focus position on an infinity side or macro side.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes a selection unit configured to select as the focus detection area a first focus detection area and a second focus detection area including the first focus detection area and its periphery, and an information acquiring unit configured to acquire first information on whether or not the object moving within the imaging screen can be continuously captured in the first focus detection area. The selection unit selects the first focus detection area when the first information indicates that the object can be continuously captured in the first focus detection area, and the selection unit selects the second focus detection area when the first information indicates that the object cannot be continuously captured.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing device, a detection unit configured to detect the subject from the image captured by the image capturing device, a setting unit configured to set a plurality of focus detection frames inside the image based on a result of the detection by the detection unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focus state and reliability thereof in each of the plurality of focus detection frames; and a selection unit configured to select a main focus detection frame for performing focus adjustment based on results of the detections by the detection unit and the focus detection unit, wherein the selection unit is configured to cause a method of selecting the main focus detection frame to vary depending on a part of the subject detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor, at least one memory, and at least one processor in communication with the at least one memory. The sensor is configured to pick up a plurality of images of an object, wherein the plurality of images is overlapped in at least a part of field angle and different in focal position. The at least one memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to acquire distance information on the object and acquire difference of distances based on the distance information, set an aperture value based on the difference of distances, and combine the plurality of images. The sensor picks up the plurality of images at the set aperture value.

Abstract: A focusing adjustment method includes calculating an in-focus level of an imaging optical system including a diaphragm and a focus lens based on an output signal of an image sensor, setting an optional focus lens position based on an instruction from a user, performing first control for determining a diaphragm driving direction and a diaphragm driving amount, based on the in-focus level; and performing second control for determining a moving direction of the focus lens, based on an output signal of the image sensor and determining a driving amount of the focus lens based on the diaphragm driving amount, wherein, in the first control and the second control, the diaphragm and the focus lens are controlled in such a range that a specific region of captured image can be included in depth of field.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a control unit that determines whether or not to operate a pre-autofocus function according to a setting state in which the pre-autofocus function is set to be valid or invalid, the pre-autofocus function adjusting a position of a focus lens to focus on the subject in the autofocus frame, regardless of whether the shutter button is half-pressed or not. In the control unit, when the position of the autofocus frame is changed using the first operation unit, the pre-autofocus function is operated regardless of the setting state, and when the position of the autofocus frame is changed using the second operation unit, the pre-autofocus function is operated according to the setting state.

Abstract: An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an image sensor for generating image data on the basis of incident light; and a plurality of image processing blocks (IP blocks), and may comprise an image signal processor (ISP) for processing the image data. The image signal processor may set a first processing path and a second processing path by at least one IP block among the plurality of image processing blocks on the basis of designated control information, divide the image data into first image data and second image data when the image data is received, process the first image data by using a first group image processing block on the first processing path, and process the second image data by using a second group image processing block on the second processing path. Various other embodiments understood from the specification are also possible.

Abstract: Provided are an imaging method, an imaging device, a rearview mirror and a storage medium. The imaging method includes: performing spot photometry on a first photometric area of a plurality of photometric areas divided from an image to be tested; and acquiring, according to a result of spot photometry on the first photometric area, a first target image corresponding to the image to be tested. By selecting an appropriate first photometric area to perform the spot photometry and then acquiring the first target image according to the result of spot photometry, the imaging of a target object contained in the first target image would be clearer since the photometric result of a spot photometry is more accurate and is not affected by other areas.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a control device capable of effectively determining a lens position even in a case where a subject close to an image capturing device and a subject far from the image capturing device simultaneously exist in a region for detecting a phase difference between subject images. [Solution] Provided is the control device including: a calculation unit configured to calculate, on a basis of a result of capturing a subject image passed through a focus lens by using an imaging element including a plurality of phase difference detection regions, a focus position of each of the phase difference detection regions; and a determination unit configured to determine a position of the focus lens on a basis of an average value of the focus positions of the phase difference detection regions calculated by the calculation unit and falling within a predetermined range from the focus position on an infinity side or macro side.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for dual phase detection auto focus (PDAF) power optimization are described. A camera device may capture a frame including a pixel array representing a scene. In some examples, each pixel of the pixel array may be a phase detection (PD) pixel having one or more values, or one or more PD pixels positioned randomly across the pixel array. The camera device may identify a configuration of the pixel array, and determine a condition of the pixel array relative to the configuration. The configuration may be a binning configuration or a frame pattern configuration, and the condition may include an illumination condition related to the pixel array representing the scene. The camera device may determine and apply a reconfiguration to at least a portion of the pixel array based on the condition of the pixel array, and determine a lens position of the camera device therewith.

Abstract: A processor of a blur correction device functions as a detection unit configured to detect motion information between a plurality of images imaged by an imaging apparatus, the detection unit detecting motion information of a plurality of image regions, and a determination unit configured to determine a target region, among the plurality of image regions, based on motion information of the imaging apparatus and motion information of a first direction detected by the detection unit. The processor also functions as a correction control unit configured to switch between a control operation in which the correction control unit corrects an image blur in a second direction of an object present in the target region based on motion information of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction in the target region, and a control operation in which the correction control unit does not correct the image blur in the second direction.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a lens may include adjusting the lens at a first focus position, and acquiring a first image of a scene through the lens. The method may further include adjusting the lens at a second focus position, and acquiring a second image of the same scene through the lens. In addition, the method may include producing respective power spectra of the first and second images, and producing a criterion representing the ratio of the power spectra to estimate a focus error of the lens.

Abstract: A method of host-directed illumination for verifying the validity of biometric data of a user is provided that includes capturing biometric data from a user with an authentication device during authentication and directing illumination of the biometric data from a host authentication system during the capturing operation. Moreover, the method includes comparing illumination characteristics of the captured biometric data against illumination characteristics expected to result from the directing operation, and determining that the user is a live user when the illumination characteristics of the captured biometric data match the illumination characteristics expected to result from the directing operation.

Abstract: A method includes determining to set a face area as a current focus window when a face is detected in a to-be-photographed image, detecting a preset location in the face area, adjusting a width of the current focus window according to the preset location in the face area, stretching a length of the current focus window according to at least a first preset ratio and a second preset ratio, calculating at least a contrast value of an image in the first focus window and a contrast value of an image in the second focus window, and determining a final focus window according to the at least two contrast values. Therefore, the width of the focus window is reduced such that the focus window is without background content.

Abstract: An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display, a camera module comprising a camera, a memory, and a processor connected electrically to the display, the camera module, and the memory. The memory can store instructions which when executed by the processor cause the electronic device to perform a set shutter input method comprising, moving a lens of the camera module to a first location if the set shutter input method is a predetermined shutter input method, moving the lens of the camera module to a second location if the set shutter input method is not the predetermined shutter input method, receiving a shutter input, and capturing an image using the camera module in response to the received shutter input.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a portable camera equipped with an autofocus system is also equipped with a microelectromechanical rotation sensor. The camera's processor uses rotation data provided by this sensor to correct focus as the camera is a rotated and displays the new orientation of the area of interest for autofocus to the user on a display. Focus may be adjusted on user command only or continuously, and one or more areas of interest may be chosen. Additional applications are shown.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes an imaging-plane tilter configured to tilt an imaging plane, formed by a photographing optical system, relative to a plane that is orthogonal to an optical axis of the photographing optical system; a focus detector provided with a plurality of focus detection areas; and a tilt controller configured to control the imaging-plane tilter to tilt the imaging plane based on focus deviation amounts of the plurality of focus detection areas.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes imaging techniques and devices having improved autofocus capabilities. The imaging techniques can include actively illuminating a scene and determining distances over the entire scene and so that a respective distance to each object or point in the scene can be determined. Thus, distances to all objects in a scene (within a particular range) at any given instant can be stored. A preview of the image can be displayed so as to allow a user to select a region of the scene of interest. In response to the user's selection, the imager's optical assembly can be adjusted automatically, for example, to a position that corresponds to optimal image capture of objects at the particular distance of the selected region of the scene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral optical sensor package. More particularly, the present invention relates to an integral optical sensor package in which a light sensor for receiving a visible light band and a remote control sensor for receiving a light signal of an IR band are integrated such that the two sensors may receive the light of the unique light bands thereof without mutual interference. Further, a light-emitting means for indicating the operation of the remote control sensor can be integrated with the light sensor and the remote control sensor, thus reducing the number of processes and costs for manufacturing an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for displaying at least one light field based image on a user's device is disclosed. Such a method comprises displaying the image focused according to at least one focusing parameter determined as a function of a pose of the user's device. A sensor embedded in the users' device, which may be a handheld device, may estimate the pose.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program wherein the apparatus includes an image sensor, an optical arrangement including at least one adjustable focusing element; wherein the adjustable focusing element is configured to alternate between a first focus distance and a second focus distance as an image is captured by the image sensor.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing image pickup signals of subpixels of an image pickup element including a plurality of unit pixels each of which has a plurality of subpixels for receiving light passing through different partial pupil areas of a focusing optical system and generating image data of a photographed image, obtains in-focus information of the photographed image, sets a first area and a second area different from the first area onto the photographed image on the basis of the obtained in-focus information, and adds a part of the image pickup signals of the subpixels obtained from the image pickup element so that the number of image pickup signals of the subpixels per unit pixel in the image data of the photographed image corresponding to the first area is larger than that of the image data of the photographed image corresponding to the second area.

Abstract: A terminal device retains a character image of an own terminal user and a character image of a second terminal user acquired from an AR database server (or second terminal devices) as a character definition in an AR control unit. The terminal device can acquire the position of the second terminal device and a direction in which a camera unit is oriented. The terminal device of a photographer determines whether the user of the second terminal device which is being searched for is present in the acquired direction by causing image recognition unit to identify a face image of a specific user of the second terminal device. When the specific user of the second terminal device is present, the character image of the specific user of the second terminal device is combined in the vicinity of a face image region of the image obtained by the camera unit and is displayed.

Abstract: To achieve focusing suitable for a perspective-conflict object in AF control using a phase difference detection method, a focus adjustment apparatus detects a defocus amount of an image pickup optical system based on plural image signals generated from an exit pupil of the system, sets plural areas including a predetermined area used for focus adjustment of the system as areas of the plural image signals used for detecting the defocus amount, generates a focus adjustment signal for performing the focus adjustment based on the defocus amount detected in the predetermined area, and determines whether a perspective conflict occurs in the predetermined area according to the defocus amount detected in each set area. If the perspective conflict occurs in the predetermined area, the area used for the focus adjustment is changed from the predetermined area to any of other set areas, according to the defocus amount detected from each area.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an imaging unit, a sensor unit, a first focus detection unit configured to detect a first in-focus position based on a pair of image signals, a second focus detection unit configured to detect a second in-focus position based on a signal output from the imaging unit, a control unit configured to control a position of the focus lens and control display indicating the focus detection areas, and a correction unit configured to acquire a correction amount for correcting the first in-focus position, wherein the correction unit determines a first focus detection area from which the correction amount is to be acquired while the focus lens is moved to the second in-focus position, and wherein the control unit controls the first focus detection area to be identifiable.

Abstract: An imaging device according to the present invention includes: an imaging circuit to obtain image data by imaging an object; an image synthesis circuit to synthesize synthesis image data using the image data; an image synthesis estimation circuit to estimate whether an object possibly to be synthesized is included or not in the image synthesis circuit; and an image capturing instruction circuit to instruct the imaging circuit to capture an image, wherein the image capturing instruction circuit instructs the imaging circuit to capture a plurality of images according to an estimation result of the image synthesis estimation circuit.

Abstract: A tracking apparatus includes a grouping setting unit, a tracking feature detection unit, a tracking unit. The grouping setting unit groups a plurality of focus detection areas with an in-focus state. The tracking feature detection unit detects a feature amount of the tracking target in areas of the groups grouped. The tracking unit tracks the tracking target in accordance with a first or second tracking position depending on the number of the set groups.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor configured to capture an image, a focus detection area setting unit configured to set a focus detection area with respect to a face detection area of the object within an imaging plane of the image sensor, and a focus detection unit configured to obtain a focus evaluation value indicating contrast in a focus evaluation direction of the object in the focus detection area set within the imaging plane of the image sensor based on an image signal obtained by photoelectric conversion by the image sensor, and the focus detection area setting unit sets the focus detection area such that a length of the focus detection area in the focus evaluation direction is shorter than a length of the focus detection area in a second direction perpendicular to the focus evaluation direction regardless of a tilt of a face of the object.

Abstract: A focusing method having depth-of-field adaptability and aperture adaptability is provided. The method is applied to an image capture unit. A plurality of first images are captured in an image capture window according to a plurality of objects for obtaining a plurality of distances between the plurality objects and the image capture unit. Thereby, a focus distance of the image capture unit is given. Then, according to a maximum value and a minimum vale of the plurality of distances, the first aperture is adjusted to a second aperture, so that the image capture unit can acquire a complete depth of field by means of the second aperture and the focus distance. Accordingly, the preferred focus distance and depth of field satisfying the requirements for theme or special depth of field can be acquired. In addition, image capturing can be performed for a shorter exposure time.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor photoelectrically converting paired object images formed by light fluxes from mutually different pupil areas of an image capturing optical system, a signal producing part producing, by using output from each of plural pixel lines in a focus detection area in the image sensor, paired image signals corresponding to the paired object images for each pixel line, a calculating part calculating a defocus amount by using the paired image signals produced for each pixel line. The calculating part shifts the paired image signals relatively, produce first correlation data showing change of a correlation value of the paired image signals according to their relative shift amount, adds the first correlation data produced for the respective plural pixel lines to produce second correlation data, and calculates the defocus amount from the second correlation data.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus comprises: a photoelectric converter including a pair of line sensors to output electrical signals; a selection unit constructed to select one of focus detection points; a control unit constructed to divide the pair of line sensors into a plurality of pairs of blocks in accordance with different divisional patterns which make the resultant plurality of pairs of blocks respectively corresponding to the focus detection points, and read out electrical signals from each pair of blocks when the levels of the electrical signals of the pair of blocks reach a level suitable for focus detection; frame memories, constructed to store the read out electrical signals, corresponding to the divisional patterns; and a focus detection unit constructed to detect a focus state of an imaging lens, on the basis of a phase difference between electrical signals of the pair of blocks corresponding to the selected focus detection point.

Abstract: This invention discloses an image pickup device and an image synthesis method thereof The image pickup device comprises an image-pickup module, an image-synthesis module, a database and a processing module. The image-pickup module captures a plurality of temporary images of a scene. The image-synthesis module extracts a part of each temporary image and combines the parts to form a panorama temporary image, and splits the panorama temporary image into a plurality of zone-areas according to at least one threshold value and a panorama luminosity histogram. The database stores a lookup table for recording a plurality of exposure values. The plurality of the exposure values correspond to luminance values of the zone-areas respectively. The processing module obtains the plurality of exposure values corresponding to the luminance values and obtains a weighting-exposure value by an equation, and controls the image-pickup module to capture the panorama image according to the weighting-exposure value.

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 camera includes: a first sensor of a storage type that has a plurality of pixels; a focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state of a photographic optical system based upon a detection signal from the first sensor for a photographic subject; a second sensor that acquires an image of the photographic subject; an extraction unit that extracts a main photographic subject region from image information acquired by the second sensor; and a control unit that controls accumulation of electrical charge by the first sensor, based upon values outputted from pixels of the first sensor that correspond to the main photographic subject region.

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: 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: A range-finding device includes: a plurality of image capturing elements that are provided at a predetermined interval; a lens that forms an image of a range-finding object on each of the image capturing elements; a distance calculating unit that calculates a distance to the range-finding object for each of a plurality of range-finding areas that are set on the respective image capturing elements based on an image signal output from each of the range-finding areas according to the image that is formed; a distribution generating unit that generates a distribution of the calculated distances; and a position specifying unit that specifies a position where the range-finding object is present in the range-finding area based on the distribution of the distances.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a focus detector configured to detect a focus state of a focus detection area by detecting a shift amount between a pair of image signals of an object image, a memory configured to store an image photoelectrically converted and output from an image pickup device, the focus detection area, and the image signals, a setting unit configured to set a designated area in the image stored in the memory, a calculating unit configured to calculate a defocus amount of the designated area using the pair of image signals corresponding to the designated area among the image signals stored by the memory, and a display unit configured to display the defocus amount of the designated area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and provides an application displaying method and a mobile communication terminal based on a user's habit. The method includes: when the mobile communication terminal runs an application, acquiring a statistical value of displaying in a landscape manner and a statistical value of displaying in a portrait manner when the mobile communication terminal previously ran the application, comparing the statistical value of the landscape-manner displaying and the statistical value of the portrait-manner displaying to acquire a displaying manner corresponding to a larger displaying statistical value; and displaying a display interface of the application of the mobile communication terminal in the displaying manner corresponding to the larger displaying statistical value.

Abstract: A focus detection device includes a focus detector, an object detector, a selector, a divider, and a controller. The focus detector is configured to detect a plurality of focus adjusting states at focus detecting positions in an image plane of an optical system. The object detector is configured to detect image information corresponding to a specified object in an image of the optical system. The selector is configured to select focus adjusting states among the plurality of focus adjusting states based on the image information detected by the object detector. The divider is configured to find variation in the selected focus adjusting states and configured to divide the selected focus adjusting states into a plurality of groups based on the variation. The controller is configured to find a final focus adjusting state based on a pre-final focus adjusting state in a group selected from the plurality of groups.

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

Abstract: In 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: Provided are a method and an apparatus for processing digital images, and more particularly, a method and an apparatus for face determination, wherein it is determined if a subject is a true subject based on distance information regarding a distance to the subject and face detection information. In an embodiment, the face detecting apparatus is a digital image processing apparatus and includes a digital signal processor for determining if a subject is a true subject based on distance information regarding a distance to the subject and face length information.

Abstract: A face detecting section of a camera detects a face area in a shooting screen under an output of an image sensor. A focus detecting section calculates a defocus amount from a relative interval of a pair of images under an optical flux passed through a shooting lens in each of optional areas in the shooting screen. A first focus controlling section specifies a focus detecting area from the optional areas under an output of the face detecting section, and performs a focus operation under the defocus amount of the focus detecting area. A second focus controlling section calculates a focus evaluation value in the face area under an output of the image sensor, and performs a focus operation by using the focus evaluation value. A control section causes at least one of the first focus controlling section and the second focus controlling section to perform a focus operation.

Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, and method for dynamically setting a camera's exposure parameters based on face detection are disclosed. When taking a picture or video of a person in front of a bright background, standard exposure algorithms tend to overexpose the background. In one embodiment disclosed herein, a face detection algorithm is run on the current picture or video frame, and the exposure metering region is inset over the detected face. Exposure time, gain, or other exposure parameters may be set based on the pixels within the exposure metering region. In another embodiment, the exposure metering region tracks a moving face according to lag parameters so that the exposure metering region remains substantially over the face. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of faces may be tracked, with the exposure parameters set based on a weighted average of the pixels within the plurality of face-containing exposure metering regions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and a computer readable medium for an improved automatic exposure algorithm attempt to classify an image into a particular “scene category,” and, based on the determined scene category, meter the scene according to a generated metering weighting matrix. In one embodiment, the average luminance is calculated for a central exposure metering region of the image and a plurality of peripheral exposure metering regions surrounding the central exposure metering region. Based on comparisons of the average luminance values of the peripheral exposure regions to the average luminance of the central exposure region, a target metering weighting matrix may be generated. In another embodiment, the scene category corresponds to a predetermined metering weighting matrix.

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 method applies fast and accurate autofocusing (AF) by using a contrast AF method in a digital photographing apparatus. In the digital photographing apparatus, 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: There are provided a focus adjusting apparatus and method in which a look of an image plane can be improved when an object area to be focused in the image plane is judged and focused prior to image-taking preparation operation. A first operation for determining the object area to be focused is performed prior to the image-taking preparation operation, and a second operation for performing the focus adjusting operation is performed at the time of the image-taking preparation operation.