Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, devices and methods utilized to quantitatively measure the level of mottle in multilayer laminates. The systems and method are generally free of the inconsistencies, variability and inherent biases of the traditional subjective process by which a person of ordinary skill in the art can assess and categorize the mottle of a multilayer laminate. In the method, variations in the images of mottle produced by a shadowgraph are quantified, measured and classified.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with producing spatially varying spectral response calibration data are described. One example method includes controlling a digital camera to capture characteristic data arrays from light sensors in the digital camera in response to the digital camera being exposed to light stimuli from a multi-spectral reference display. The data arrays will be acquired multiple times at multiple locations in multiple stimuli provided from the multi-spectral reference display. The method also includes controlling a calibration logic to manipulate characteristic data arrays to produce spatially varying spectral response calibration data as a function of using characteristic data arrays and known wavelengths of the light in light stimuli. The method may also include providing the spatially varying spectral response calibration data to a downstream consumer (e.g., correction process, quality control process), displaying the data, or storing the data.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview back-up system includes a backup camera, a display, a calculator, a storage unit, a detector, and a moving unit. The backup camera captures an image of a parking spot when the vehicle is backed-up to a predetermined position. The display displays the captured image and an outlined parking spot in the captured image defined by the driver. The calculator calculates an imaging ratio between the size of the captured image and the size of the outlined parking spot. The display displays a vehicle image in a predetermined region according to the calculated imaging ratio. The detector detects moving direction and moving distance of the vehicle. The moving unit moves the vehicle image in the display according to the moving direction and moving distance of the vehicle, and the calculated imaging ratio for implementing the back-up process of the vehicle.

Abstract: An image pickup device that acquires images is controlled by an image pickup device controller that accepts image acquisition requests from multiple application programs, and an application scheduler selects application programs to be executed. Information indicative of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates required for each of the multiple application programs is stored and used to select multiple concurrently executable application programs on the basis of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates. An image acquisition scheduler determines the timing and intervals at which the multiple executable application programs repeat receiving image data from the image pickup device, without overlapping in terms of time. In addition, an operations section, which explicitly presents concurrently executable application programs to a user and commands the startup of these programs, is displayed on a navigation screen menu.

Abstract: A rear vision video camera and display screen system for a motor vehicle (10) has externally mounted left and right side view video cameras (24, 26) for viewing regions to the side of the vehicle, and a rear view video camera (22) mounted at the rear of the vehicle for viewing a region behind the vehicle. The system also includes a monitor display screen (12) located on a dashboard of the vehicle for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The display screen (12) receives and displays views of each of the regions taken by the video cameras. The rear view video camera (22) is controlled by a swivel mechanism which moves the camera to a first position when the driver shifts into reverse gear. The first position allows the camera (22) to observe the region immediately behind the vehicle. The swivel mechanism also moves the camera (22) to a second position when the driver engages a gear for forward motion, whereby a wider field of view is observable at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle surroundings awareness support device capable of providing a prompt for a driver to intuitively direct their attention, without the driver feeling hassled. Captured images comprising a plurality of frames taken sequentially by an onboard camera for imaging the surroundings of the vehicle are received; an optical flow is computed on the basis of feature points contained in the plurality of frames imaged at different times; moving objects in the surroundings of the vehicle are detected on the basis of the optical flow; and a display for showing movement trajectories for the moving objects is superimposed on the captured images on the basis of the optical flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing information to a vehicle operator or occupant, which includes a receiver, for receiving a request for information from a vehicle operator or occupant, a processing device, for processing the request for information, and a transmitter, for transmitting the requested information to the vehicle operator or occupant. The information includes video information regarding one of a traffic condition and a road condition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a system for controlling and monitoring a point of sale, said point of sale having an opening (A), said method and system controlling the potential customers that pass through said opening (A) of said point of sale. Particularly, the system comprises a passage sensor (2), adapted to be disposed in the proximity of said opening (A) for generating a passage signal (Sp) when a person (P) passes through said opening (A), imaging means (5) adapted to be disposed in the proximity of said opening (A) for acquiring an image (6) of at least one person (P) that passes through said opening (A) and connection and control means, for connecting said passage sensor (2) with said imaging means (5) so that, upon generation of said passage signal (Sp), said imaging means (5) acquire the image of said person (P) that is passing through said opening (A).

Abstract: Multiple visual perspectives in video of private and public activities including those in public areas such as entertainment venues captured by cameras located near the activities can be transmitted over data networks to a server where video-related data is processed and recorded for selective display by authorized, remote video display devices (e.g., HDTV, set-top boxes, computers, handheld devices) in wired/wireless communication with the server. Users can be registered and authorized to access the server to provide/access video captured by cameras at activities. Wireless handheld devices can selectively retrieve video-related data captured at activities for server storage and subsequent display by video display devices. Captured video/pictures can be organized in a server based on at least one of: activity title, activity time, activity date, activity place, wireless handheld device location at time of video recording, distance from location of interest.

Abstract: The present invention deals with an identification apparatus (100) in a video surveillance system for identifying properties of an object captured in a video sequence by a video surveillance camera. The identification apparatus comprises: an object identification unit (102) for identifying a specific object in a video sequence; a color histogram generator (104) for generating a color histogram in at least two dimensions of a color space based on color and intensity information of the specific object identified in the video sequence, the color and intensity information originating from a plurality of images of the video sequence; and an object properties identificator (106) for identifying properties of the object based on the generated color histogram. The identified properties can then be used in a tracking device (200) of the video surveillance system for tracking an object between different video sequences, which may be captured by two different video surveillance cameras.

Abstract: A video surveillance system includes a plurality of video sources, at least one processing server in communication with the video sources, and at least one monitoring station viewing video from the video sources. The video sources are distributed over a target area to be monitored by the surveillance system and are attached to a video network. The processing server allocates bandwidth to the video sources with an accuracy function which provides event/object detection accuracy as a function of image/video quality transferred over the network. The image accuracy is the accuracy with which the processing server identifies features in a video image. Bandwidth is allocated by optimizing the overall event/object detection accuracy by adjusting image/video quality for each video source optionally subject to the dynamic network conditions experienced by each video source.

Abstract: A system and method for hyperspectral imaging to detect hazardous agents including explosive agents. A system comprising a tunable laser, a collection optics, and one or more hyperspectral imaging detectors configured for hyperspectral imaging of a target comprising an unknown material. A method comprising illuminating a target comprising an unknown material via a tunable laser to thereby generate a plurality of interacted photons. Detecting said interacted photons to generate at least one hyperspectral image representative of the target. One or more hyperspectral images may be obtained including SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR hyperspectral images. Algorithms and chemometric techniques may be applied to assess the hyperspectral images to identify the unknown material as comprising an explosive agent or a non-explosive agent. A video imaging device may also be configured to provide a video image of an area of interest, which may be assessed to identify a target for interrogation using hyperspectral imaging.

Abstract: An infrared camera system for low contrast employs a focal plane array (FPA) of a plurality of detector diodes. A read out integrated circuit (ROIC) including a plurality of integration switches is connected to the plurality of detector diodes. A frame mean calculator receives raw data from the FPA and an integration time servo receives a frame mean from the frame mean calculator and a preprogrammed target mean. The integration time servo compares the frame mean and target mean and provides an integration time output to the ROIC responsive to the comparison for control of the integration switches.

Abstract: The present application provides increased flexibility and control to a user by providing a camera and camera controller system that is responsive to a user-defined script. The user-defined script can allow a user to choose a subject and have the camera follow the subject automatically. In one embodiment, a camera is provided for taking still or video images. Movement of the camera is automatically controlled using a camera controller coupled to the camera. A user script is provided that describes a desired tracking of an object. The camera controller is responsive to the script for controlling the camera in order to track the object.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an object region tracking and picturing module is constructed on a moving platform of a mobile end and a remote control module is constructed on anther platform for an image object region tracking system. The two modules communicate with each other via a digital network for delivering required information. The object region tracking and picturing module uses a real-time image backward search technology to store at least an image frame previously captured on the moving platform into a frame buffer, and start tracking an object region from the position pointed out by the remote control module to a newest image frame captured on the moving platform, then find out a relative position on the newest image frame for the tracked object region.

Abstract: A “Transform Invariant Low-Rank Texture” (TILT) Extractor, referred to as a “TILT Extractor” accurately extracts both textural and geometric information defining regions of low-rank planar patterns from 2D images of a scene, thereby enabling a large range of image processing applications. Unlike conventional feature extraction techniques that rely on point-based features, the TILT Extractor extracts texture regions from an image and derives global correlations or transformations of those regions in 3D (e.g., transformations including translation, rotation, reflection, skew, scale, etc.). These image domain transformations inherently provide information relative to an automatically determinable camera viewing direction. In other words, the TILT Extractor extracts low-rank regions and geometric correlations describing domain transforms of those regions relative to arbitrary camera viewpoints.

Abstract: A “Camera Calibrator” provides various techniques for recovering intrinsic camera parameters and distortion characteristics by processing a set of one or more input images. These techniques are based on extracting “Transform Invariant Low-Rank Textures” (TILT) from input images using high-dimensional convex optimization tools for matrix rank minimization and sparse signal recovery. The Camera Calibrator provides a simple, accurate, and flexible method to calibrate intrinsic parameters of a camera even with significant lens distortion, noise, errors, partial occlusions, illumination and viewpoint change, etc. Distortions caused by the camera can then be automatically corrected or removed from images. Calibration is achieved under a wide range of practical scenarios, including using multiple images of a known pattern, multiple images of an unknown pattern, single or multiple images of multiple patterns, etc.

Abstract: In a method for identifying discrepancy of a captured digital image of an object, a standard image of the object is obtained. A first difference value between an IAED value of the digital image and an IAED value of the standard image is calculated. Both the two images are divided into N pixel blocks. A second difference value between an IAED value of each pixel block of the digital image and an IAED value of each pixel block of the standard image is calculated. A coefficient T is generated for comparing the digital image and the standard image, and each block of the digital image is compared with each pixel block of the standard image. The same pixel blocks between the digital image and the standard image are eliminated from the digital image, and a discrepant image is generated according to remaining pixel blocks of the digital image.

Abstract: A method for distributing a digital image of a customer includes receiving a request from a customer to a human representative (i.e., a “roving” photographer) for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. An image of the customer is captured by the “roving” photographer at the site in response to the received request. The image is transmitted to a remote processor. An electronic request is received from the customer to view the transmitted image, and the image is transmitted from the remote processor to the customer's communication device. If the customer decides to purchase the image, a transaction is finalized by receiving payment data from the customer, and the final image is provided to the customer. A commission is then paid to the photographer for the transaction. The cost may be subsidized by advertisement pushed to the customer's communication device.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes: a receiving portion; a buffer; a buffer control portion; a display portion; and a display control portion.

Abstract: An audio signal acquired by an audio acquisition unit during a predetermined period from when a drive signal has been output is analyzed, and a noise reduction period is determined based on a specific frequency component included in the audio signal of the predetermined period. The noise generated in the noise reduction period is then reduced from the audio signal acquired by the audio acquisition unit.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an image processing device is provided. The image processing device may include: a first image acquirer configured to acquire a first image of a first spatial resolution; a second image acquirer configured to acquire a second image of a second spatial resolution, wherein the second spatial resolution may be higher than the first spatial resolution; a determiner configured to determine in the first image a location of a part of the first image that corresponds to a pre-determined part of the second image based on a pre-determined similarity criterion; and a copying circuit configured to copy the pre-determined part of the second image to a location in an output image based on the determined location.

Abstract: An image processing method generates a combined image from first and second images of a plurality of images obtained through continuous shooting. The method includes: detecting a noise level in accordance with the first and second images; calculating a shift amount for making the noise level small; generating a transformed image by shifting coordinates of each pixel of the second image in accordance with the shift amount; and combining the first image and the transformed image to generate the combined image.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first imaging unit which does not include a phase difference detecting pixel on an imaging element; a second imaging unit which includes a phase difference detecting pixel on an imaging element; a pixel comparing unit which compares first obtained image obtained by the first imaging unit with a second obtained image obtained by the second imaging unit; a correcting unit which corrects phase difference information obtained by the second imaging unit based on a comparison result by the image comparing unit; a phase difference applying unit which applies the phase difference information corrected by the correcting unit to the first obtained image; and a recording unit which records image information.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: a reproduce control unit to reproduce an image imaged by an imaging unit in response to an input of an imaging instruction in a case where an attitude determination unit determines that a body of the imaging device has taken a specific attitude; and an inhibition control unit to inhibit the reproduce control unit from reproducing the imaged image, in a case where the attitude determination unit determines that the body of the device has not taken the specific attitude until a predetermined time elapses after the imaging instruction is inputted, even if the body of the imaging device has thereafter taken the specific attitude.

Abstract: A data clustering method, a data clustering device using the same, and an image processing apparatus and a data processing apparatus equipped with the data clustering device are provided. The method includes sorting a plurality of data point to be clustered and generating a processing sequence based on the sorting, wherein each of the data point has at least one feature value. The method also includes using a non-iterative mechanism to cluster the data points into a plurality of data clusters according to the processing sequence. The method further includes optimizing the generated data clusters. Accordingly, the data clustering method can fast cluster the data points.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to improving a user experience when operating a mobile device that includes a display. In one example, a mobile device is configured to render an image via a display of the mobile device. The image includes one or more properties. The mobile device may identify, using one or more sensors, one or more characteristics of a relationship between the mobile device and an optical environment of the mobile device. One or more indications of the identified characteristics may be provided to a graphics processing pipeline of the mobile device configured to present images via the display. The graphics processing pipeline may modify the one or more properties of the image to reflect the identified characteristic.

Abstract: Image pickup means is capable of picking up an image at a first frame rate and a second frame rate that is higher than the first frame rate. A highlight scene is detected by detection means. When detecting the highlight scene, image pickup operation is performed at a high speed mode and an image signal at high frame rate (240 fps) is produced for a period of predetermined time. When detecting no highlight scene, image pickup operation is performed at a normal mode and an image signal at normal frame rate (60 fps) is produced. It is possible to save time and labor for performing a switchover operation of a frame rate when imaging a highlight scene. It is also possible to save power consumption and a capacity of a storage medium.

Abstract: A video signal transfer system including an imaging apparatus for capturing an object to be imaged and generating a consecutive plurality of picture data forming a moving image, selecting from the plurality of picture data picture data positioned in advance at predetermined intervals to generate a plurality of lines (series) of video signals, and transmitting the plurality of systems of video signal, and a signal processing apparatus having a plurality of signal processing circuits, outputting the plurality of lines of video signals received from the imaging apparatus to the plurality of signal processing circuits, and making them process the signals in parallel.

Abstract: An imaging control unit includes: a calculating unit that obtains block brightness-values of a plurality of blocks from each pixel of an image data of a frame, the image data of a frame being divided into the plurality of blocks; a limiting unit that limits to a first limit brightness-value a block brightness-value which is larger than the first limit brightness-value among the plurality of block brightness-values; and a controlling unit that controls an exposure amount of an imaging unit so that a representing brightness-value of the plurality of the block brightness-values correspond to a target brightness-value which is less than first limit brightness-value.

Abstract: This is generally directed to systems and methods for providing shiftable column circuitry for a pixel array of an imaging system. Columns of a pixel array can be switchably coupled (e.g., through multiplexers) to their default column circuitry as well as coupled to one or more instances of a neighboring column's column circuitry. In response to an instance of default column circuitry being identified as defective, its corresponding column may “shift” and choose to couple to the neighboring column circuitry. Similarly, all following columns may also shift and couple to a neighboring column circuitry. In some embodiments, the defective column circuitry can be identified during wafer testing and identifying information (e.g., an address) of the defective column circuitry stored in memory. The identifying information may then be accessed from memory and, during an image signal readout phase, used to suitably shift the columns to avoid the defective column circuitry.

Abstract: An image capturing control method includes obtaining temporally-continued image data items while driving the image capturing unit at one of predetermined continuous capturing speeds, temporarily holding the obtained image data items, sequentially compressing the temporarily held image data items at a predetermined compression ratio, determining whether or not the compressed image data items falls within a predetermined data volume, performing control of recompressing the image data items at a compression ratio higher than the predetermined compression ratio, when it is determined that compressed image data items does not fall within the predetermined data volume, and setting the number of recompression for each of the image data items according to a continuous capturing speed of the driven image capturing unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image processing system, a method thereof and a tangibly embodied computer readable storage medium. The image processing method is applied in the image processing system and comprises the steps of: storing a display content; capturing at least one image by using an image capturing unit; analyzing the appearance of an object in the at least one image to get a contour curve via a processing unit; embedding the display content into the contour curve, or changing the quantity, color, size, shape or angle of the object; and displaying the image comprising the object by a display unit after the processing unit processes the image.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging apparatus, an imaging method and a computer program which can automatically select an imaging method matching a scene and capture higher quality images. The imaging apparatus analyzes a preview image acquired from the image sensor before a shutter button is operated to classify the scene on which the preview image is obtained and, when the scene classified by the scene classifying unit is a night scene including a night view, controls the image sensor to continuously capture a plurality of images when the shutter button is operated.

Abstract: An electronic camera is provided with: an imager, having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene, for generating an object scene image; a designator for designating a specific position within the object scene image generated by the imager; a recorder for recording, together with position information of the specific position designated by the designator, the object scene image generated by the imager; and a reproducer for reproducing the object scene image recorded by the recorder, using the position information recorded by the recorder.

Abstract: A radiation sensor includes first and second pixels with a radiation absorption filter positioned over the first pixel and an interference filter positioned over both the first and second pixels. The combined spectral response of the absorption filter and the first pixel has a first pixel pass-band and a first pixel stop-band. The interference filter has a first interference filter pass-band substantially within the first pixel pass-band and a second interference filter pass-band substantially within the first pixel stop-band.

Abstract: An offset canceling circuit stores charge corresponding to a voltage difference between a reset voltage received from a unit pixel and a reference voltage, thereby canceling an offset of the unit pixel.

Abstract: An image processing method, for correcting a blur a due to an optical system of an image capturing apparatus, the image processing method including, storing a plurality of representative filters in a memory, selecting a subset of representative filters from the plurality of representative filters based on a pixel position of a pixel of interest in an image, applying each of the selected representative filter to a pixel value of the pixel of interest, and correcting the pixel value of the pixel of interest based on (a) a result of the application of filters, and (b) the pixel position of the pixel of interest.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging optical system and an image acquisition apparatus that can be suitably used in a small-diameter endoscope while having an ultra-wide angle of view. Provided is an image optical system (1) containing, in order from the object side, a negative front group (FG), an aperture stop (S), and a positive back group (BG), wherein the front group (FG) contains, in order from the object side, a negative first lens (L1) and a negative second lens (L2), and the back group (BG) contains a cemented lens (CL) constituted of at least three lenses (L5, L6, L7) joined together.

Abstract: A pedestal level compensation method includes calculating a dark level difference error depending on temperature, calculating a pedestal level offset depending on an analog gain, and compensating a pedestal level according to the dark level difference error and the pedestal level offset.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting and correcting a defective pixel with consideration of a position of the target pixel. The apparatus includes a target pixel area discrimination unit discriminating a position of a target pixel, a defective pixel determination unit selecting neighboring pixels in consideration of the position of the target pixel and determining whether or not the target pixel is defective, and defective pixel correction unit correcting the target pixel by using the neighboring pixels.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of suppressing image quality deterioration in an output image region determined based on reference pixel regions including image ends. The image processing apparatus includes a coefficient selection value generator that generates a coefficient selection value according to a filter coefficient changeover control signal supplied from a region information controller. In accordance with the coefficient selection value, filter coefficient sets are respectively output from coefficient tables. One of the filter coefficient sets is selected by a selector in accordance with a coefficient set selection value supplied from a coefficient set selection unit. Using filter coefficients that constitute the selected filter coefficient set, an image processor performs arithmetic processing on image data on a per pixel of interest basis while referring to peripheral pixels.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided in which, even if a nonlinear characteristic of a luminance-type gamma correction circuit for converting a luminance signal is changed, saturation with respect to a luminance output can be nearly constant. A signal amount of the luminance signal generated from image data that exceeds a previously defined threshold is calculated. A first nonlinear characteristic is selected from a plurality of nonlinear characteristics previously set depending on the calculated signal amount. Nonlinear conversation is performed on a signal generated from the image data to determine luminance with the selected first nonlinear characteristic. An output ratio of the first nonlinear characteristic to a second nonlinear characteristic is prepared and the second nonlinear characteristic is defined so that the output ratio is satisfied.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus comprises an image sensor array including a plurality of image sensors arranged in a two-dimensional (2-D) array and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) array including a plurality of ADCs arranged in a 2-D array. The image sensor array is divided into a plurality of sub-arrays, each of which includes at least two image sensors. The image sensor array is vertically stacked on the ADC array. Each ADC corresponds to one sub-array of image sensors and is coupled to process signals output by the image sensors in the corresponding sub-array.

Abstract: A CDS circuit is provided. The CDS circuit includes a signal compressor which compresses each of a pixel signal and a ramp signal using capacitive dividing and outputs a compressed pixel signal and a compressed ramp signal, and a comparator which compares the compressed pixel signal with the compressed ramp signal and outputs a comparative signal corresponding to a comparison result.

Abstract: A solid state image sensor has a plurality of ranging pixels on the imaging area thereof and each of the ranging pixels has a photoelectric conversion section and an optical waveguide arranged at the light-receiving side of the photoelectric conversion section. The optical waveguide has at least two optical waveguides including a first optical waveguide arranged at the light-receiving side and a second optical waveguide arranged at the side of the photoelectric conversion section in the direction of propagation of light. The core region of the first optical waveguide shows a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the core region of the second optical waveguide and is designed so as to show a high light-receiving sensitivity relative to light entering at a specific angle.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device has a semiconductor substrate, a light receiving region provided on a surface layer on a first surface side of the semiconductor substrate, the light receiving region having a silicided surface, second impurity diffusion layer provided adjacent to the light receiving region on the surface layer on the first surface side of the semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film provided adjacent to the second impurity diffusion layer on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode provided on the gate insulating film, and a third impurity diffusion layer provided on an opposite side to the second impurity diffusion layer, with the gate insulating film and the gate electrode sandwiched.

Abstract: A method of scanning pixels, each pixel including a photodiode and a sense node formed in the substrate, including a transfer gate coupled between the photodiode and the sense node, and including a memory gate coupled between the photodiode and the transfer gate. The method switches a control signal, connected to a memory gate electrode of all pixels, alternately between a first voltage and a second voltage that is intermediate between the first voltage and a substrate voltage. The first voltage transfers all photo charge in each photodiode into the respective memory gate. The second voltage both (1) holds all photo charge already transferred into the memory gate and (2) blocks further transfer of photo charges into each memory gate. The method further includes reading out photo charge from the memory gate on a row-by-row basis while the control signal is at the second voltage.

Abstract: A solid state imaging apparatus of less fixed pattern noises and less shading comprises an imaging area wherein a plurality of pixel circuits are arranged in two dimensionally, and each of the pixel circuits includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements each for generating an electric charge by a photoelectric conversion and for accumulating the electric charge, a single floating diffusion portion for accumulating the charge, a plurality of transfer switches for transferring the electric charges respectively from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements to the single floating diffusion portion and an amplifying transistor for amplifying a voltage corresponding to the electric charge accumulated by the floating diffusion portion, wherein the plurality of transfer switches transfers the electric charges from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements sequentially to the floating diffusion portion while maintaining the amplifying transistors at the activation state.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor. A first focus controller performs first focus control with a contrast detection method by using a first signal output from the image sensor. A second focus controller detects a focus state of an image-taking optical system with a phase difference detection method by using a second signal output from a focus detection element (image sensor), and performs second focus control based on the detected focus state. A charge accumulation controller causes the image sensor to alternately and repeatedly perform a first charge accumulation operation for producing the first signal and output of the first signal, and causes the focus detection element to perform a second charge accumulation operation for producing the second signal in a period between two consecutive ones of the first charge accumulation operations.