Abstract: Described is a method and apparatus for obtaining additional information from an object and a method for surface imaging and three-dimensional imaging. Single lens, single aperture, single sensor system and stereo optic systems are enhanced via selective filtering, use of defocusing information, use of an addressable pattern, image matching, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a focus detection optical system for digital single-lens reflex cameras or the like and an imaging apparatus incorporating the same. A pupil division optical system comprises an aperture stop having a pair of openings with an optical axis of said taking lens held between them, and a pair of re-imaging lenses, each consisting of a double-convex lens having a convex entrance-side surface and a convex exit-side surface.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, a control method and a program are provided. The image pickup apparatus includes an imaging module which takes an image; a display module which displays the image taken by the imaging module; a touch panel configured integrally with the display module and manipulatable by a user; a focus frame control module which controls a focus frame in accordance with a manipulation of the touch panel by the user, the focus frame being set at a given position on the image displayed on the display module and being used for focus control; and a focus control module which controls focus based on an image inside the focus frame on the image displayed on the display module.

Abstract: Provided is an optical tomographic imaging apparatus that is capable of shortening a period of time of focusing at multiple focus positions when images split in a depth direction are obtained by zone focusing. The optical tomographic imaging apparatus includes: a focus position setting device for splitting a zone within a predetermined imaging depth range into multiple focus zones so as to set multiple focus positions; a reference position setting device for setting at least two reference positions in an imaging depth direction within the predetermined imaging depth range; and a focus controlling device for performing focusing at the multiple focus positions sequentially based on focus position information generated by the focus position setting device and determining a focus condition of an in-focus state for the at least two reference positions set in advance by the reference position setting device.

Abstract: An image forming state detection device comprises a micro-lens array that is disposed at a position set apart from a predetermined focal plane of an image forming optical system by a specific distance and includes a plurality of micro-lenses arrayed with a predetermined pitch, a light-receiving portion array that includes a plurality of light-receiving portions each corresponding to one of the micro-lenses in the micro-lens array and receives an image on the predetermined focal plane via the individual micro-lenses, a signal string extracting means that extracts a pair of signal strings corresponding to images, formed with light fluxes having passed through different pupil areas of the image forming optical system, based upon light reception outputs obtained from the plurality of light-receiving portions, and an image forming state calculating means that calculates an image forming state at the image forming optical system by detecting an offset with regard to the phases of the pair of signal strings extracte

Abstract: A plurality of imaging optical lenses (301a to 301c) form a plurality of subject images on a plurality of imaging regions (302a to 302c), respectively. When viewed along a direction parallel with optical axes, at least one straight line connecting corresponding points in at least one pair of the subject images that are formed by at least one pair of the imaging optical lenses is inclined with respect to a direction in which pixels are arranged in the imaging regions. In this way, a high-resolution image always can be obtained regardless of the subject distance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a digital camera which detects a focus of a lens unit by a method selected from a plurality of focus detection methods based on information on the lens unit taken from the lens unit attached to the digital camera. As an example of a focus detection method, there is a method by a phase difference system or a contrast system, but the method is not limited to this example.

Abstract: A focus detection device includes an image sensor and a plurality of lenslets. Each of the plurality of lenslets has a distinct conjugate length and is associated with a distinct portion of the image sensor.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a focusing image and shifting the focusing image to obtain a shifted focusing image. In the method, a focus metric of the focusing image is calculated from the focusing image and the shifted focusing image, where the focus metric is configured for use as a factor in making an automatic focus adjustment determination. An automatic focusing apparatus includes a controller configured to implement the method.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes an image sensor that applies photoelectric conversion to incident light and accumulates charge, a first output unit that outputs electric signals based on the charge accumulated in the image sensor through multiple channels, and a focus detection unit that detects a phase difference on the basis of the electric signals outputted from the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing an image on a pixel array. The method includes the steps of continuously changing the distance between a lens and a pixel array between a first distance and a second distance and obtaining an image projected onto the pixel array through the distance is changing. The apparatus includes a lens and an electromechanical structure to continuously change the distance between the lens and the pixel array between the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: A correlation operation method includes: first processing executed to match a signal level of an AC component contained in a first signal data string made up with a plurality of sets of first signal data with a signal level of an AC component contained in a second signal data string made up with a plurality of sets of second signal data; and correlation degree calculation processing executed to calculate a correlation degree indicating a degree of correlation between the first signal data string and the second signal data string having undergone the first processing.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus comprising a focus detection unit adapted to employ a photoelectric conversion element to detect a relative positional relationship between a pair of object images corresponding to a focus detection field; and wherein the focus detection unit are switchable between a first mode of operation in which such an object image corresponding to a focus detection field is detected by using a first number of areas of the photoelectric conversion element, and a second mode of operation in which such an object image corresponding to a focus detection field is detected by using a second number of areas of the photoelectric conversion element, different from the first number.

Abstract: A plurality of imaging optical lenses (301a to 301c) form a plurality of subject images on a plurality of imaging regions (302a to 302c), respectively. When viewed along a direction parallel with optical axes, at least one straight line connecting corresponding points in at least one pair of the subject images that are formed by at least one pair of the imaging optical lenses is inclined with respect to a direction in which pixels are arranged in the imaging regions. In this way, a high-resolution image always can be obtained regardless of the subject distance.

Abstract: A light beam is used to illuminate a spot on a lens element which is shifted along the optical axis of an imaging system for auto-focus or optical zoom purposes. The light beam is arranged such that the reflected light beam from the lens element encounters a spot on the image sensor. The spot location on the image sensor is determined by a signal processor. As the lens element is shifted along the optical axis, the spot location changes accordingly. Based on the moving distance of the spot, the signal processor determines the shifting distance of the lens element and hence the position of the lens element. Based on the shifting distance of the lens element, a control module is used to adjust the lens position along the optical axis to achieve the desired focusing or zooming effects.

Abstract: An image data processing method for sharpening a captured image; the method defines a first transformation equation to change the pixel values of a defocused image into a focused image using the coordinates of the defocused image and the focused image as arguments, calculates a DetailedFocus function from the optimal solution of the first transformation equation by giving the pixel values of the focused image and the defocused image as educational data, extracts a predetermined number of important points on the DetailedFocus function, defines a second transformation equation to change the pixel values of the important points of a defocused image into a focused image using the coordinates of the defocused image and the focused image as arguments, calculates a SmartFocus function from the second transformation equation, and produces a focused image from a defocused image using the SmartFocus function.

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 focus detection device comprises: an image shift detection unit that detects a relative shift amount of a pair of images formed by a pair of light fluxes having passed through an optical system; and a conversion unit that converts the shift amount to a defocus amount based upon dimensional information of an exit pupil corresponding to an aperture restricting light flux in the optical system and distance information of the exit pupil indicating distance to the exit pupil from a predetermined imaging plane of the optical system.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, in which a light is projected toward a physical object by projection means, and based on the reflected light by the physical object of the light, a defocus amount is detected (steps S2003 to S2008) by the first focus detection means and the second focus detection means, respectively, and a correction value for matching the defocus amount detected by the first focus detection means with the defocus amount detected by the second focus detection means is calculated and kept stored (step S2009), and at the photographing time, based on the defocus amount detected by the first focus detection means and the correction value kept stored, a focus adjustment lens within a photographic lens is driven, thereby preventing an inappropriate correction of the defocus amount.

Abstract: A camera having an electronic image pickup element and a distance-measuring circuit that uses light signals obtained from light images of a plurality of distance-measuring areas set in a photographing screen to select a main subject and measure the distance to the subject. The camera has a focusing component, operating when the position of the main subject cannot be identified by the distance-measuring circuit, to divide the photographing screen into a plurality of areas to identify an area in which the main subject is present on the basis of a luminance distribution obtained from the areas other than those overlapping the distance-measuring areas. The focusing component focuses a photographing lens on the position of the highest contrast signal while scanning the lens position of the photographing lens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing an in-focus image of an area on a sample plate for an ion source, e.g., a matrix-based ion source or any other type of ion source that employs a sample plate onto which samples are deposited. The method generally includes: a) positioning an area of the sample plate in the field of view of an imaging device; b) producing a plurality of images of the area having different in-focus regions; and c) generating an in-focus image of the area using the plurality of images. The in-focus image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Systems and programming for performing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and device for generating image data are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the method comprises focusing an image of an object onto a two-dimensional photosensor array, wherein an optical element is located between the object and the two-dimensional photosensor array. The optical element is moved, wherein the moving causes the image focused on the two-dimensional photosensor array to move parallel to the two-dimensional photosensor array. Data representative of the image is generated by the two-dimensional photosensor array while the optical element is moving.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image reading apparatus which includes an illumination system, a reading unit, and an imaging optical system for imaging imagewise information provided on a surface of an original as illuminated by the illumination system, upon a surface of the reading unit. The imaging optical system includes, in an order from the original surface side, a first lens group of negative refractive power, a second lens group of positive refractive power, and a third lens group of negative refractive power. The image reading apparatus has a focal point position adjusting function and a focal length changing function based on movement of at least one of the lens groups of the imaging optical system. In the imaging optical system, a condition 0.01<R×K/F<1.00 is satisfied where R is resolution per single line in a main scan direction of said image reading apparatus, K is picture element size of the reading unit, and F is F number of the imaging optical system at a largest imaging magnification.

Abstract: Concentration by cytology personnel, i.e. users, is induced during scanning and marking of cytology slides, by electronic recognition of parsed voice inputs that are spoken by the users, electronic generation of selected voice output alerts that are heard by the users, and electronic processing of the voice inputs and voice outputs, for semi-automatic development of a cytology report.

Abstract: Systems and method for determining, based on a gray scale image, focus of an imaging system. A method of this invention includes the steps of: a) acquiring a gray scale image of a test target, b) binarizing the acquired gray scale image, c) analyzing the binarized acquired image, d) adjusting focus of acquisition optics of the imaging system, and e) repeating steps a) through d) until a substantially maximum number of line pairs of a number of groups of line pairs of the test target is obtained, wherein each group from the number of groups of line pairs has a predetermined spatial frequency.

Abstract: A distance measurement object is imaged by a pair of line sensors of an AF sensor, and sensor data showing the sensor images is generated. A CPU generates AF data showing the contrast of sensor images with the sensor data being sequentially acquired by the CPU for each cell. Then, the AF data is used to carry out calculation of correlation values or the like, thereby calculating the distance from the distance measurement object.

Abstract: A first and a second sensor array 21 and 22 arranged at the approximate image forming plane of a pair of optical systems, and a third sensor array 23 arranged at a spacing h from the first and second sensor arrays 21 and 22. The image interval X is corrected to a standard image interval K=X (1?tan ?/tan(?+?)) when the object image intersects the optical base length R0 via the object image inclination ?=tan?1 (h/z) calculated from the image forming positions of the object images T1 and T2 detected by the sensor arrays 21 and 22, and the dislocation angle ? formed by the sensor and the optical system detected after assembling the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autofocusing method, particularly for telescopes for surveying instruments which are fitted with image sensors that resolve the image signal into individual image elements (pixels), such as CCD lines and/or matrices as well as CMOS image sensors. On the basis of the pixel that is located closest to the optical axis, the local signal amplitude is calculated from the monotonically decreasing or increasing signal all the way to the next local maximum and minimum. In this process, as long as this local signal amplitude is considerably smaller than the maximum signal and the focusing member of the telescope lens is in the focusing position for short focusing distances, this focusing member is shifted in large increments. Depending on the magnitude of the local signal amplitude, the focusing distance is shortened in the area of greater focusing distances in relation to the maximum signal and to the position of the focusing member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system that includes an array of opto-electronic devices, an array of micro lenses, and a fore optic. The array of opto-electronic devices lie substantially along a plane, but the fore optic has a non-planar focal field. To compensate for the non-planar focal field of the fore optic, each opto-electronic device has a corresponding micro lens. Each micro lens has a focal length and/or separation distance between it and it respective opto-electronic device, which compensates for the non-planar focal field of the fore optic. The focal lengths of these lenses may differ relative to one another. As a result, light that is provided by the fore optic is reconfigured by the micro lenses having various focal lengths to be substantially focused along the plane of the array of opto-electronic devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatically focusing an optical device onto a specific and predetermined region of a specimen. The apparatus compares signals corresponding to the vertical distance between a principal objective and a region of a specimen which is in focus to the vertical distance between the principal objective and a target region on the specimen. If the comparison of the distances indicates that they are not the same, the system automatically alters the distance between the specimen and the principal objective so that the target region is properly focused.

Abstract: An auto-focusing apparatus includes a light receiving device which separates an image of an object formed via an optical system into two separate images so as to output two sets of image data; a driving device which drives a focusing optical system; an operation device which performs a predetermined operation for determining a phase difference between the two separate images while shifting at least part of one set of image data relative to the other; and a controller which limits a range of shifting of the one set of image data in accordance with an amount of movement of the focusing optical system and a moving direction thereof, when the operation device performs the predetermined operation in accordance with the two sets of image data output from the light receiving device while the driving device drives the focusing optical system along the optical axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a position system and method for correcting the position of a workpiece during a manufacturing process. The system includes a light generating means for projecting a light beam onto the top surface of the workpiece at a predetermined angle and a video capturing means for detecting the light received by the workpiece. The light projected on the workpiece is scanned to determine the deviation direction and the deviation amount from a predetermined reference point, then the position of the work piece is adjusted based on a positional relationship between a digital image of the projected light on the surface of said workpiece and the predetermined reference image.

Abstract: A rangefinder apparatus includes an autofocus (AF) data generator; an AF data acquiring unit; an interpolated correlation extreme value computer for detecting at least one correlation extreme value from computed correlation values, and interpolating to compute the interpolated correlation extreme value(s); a highest correlation value detector for detecting a highest correlation value exhibiting the highest correlation according to the interpolated correlation extreme value(s); a shift amount computer for computing the shift amount of a window area yielding the highest correlation value; a rangefinding error detector for determining the validity of the computed shift amount depending on whether the shift amount computed is outside a predetermined range; and an object distance calculator for calculating the distance to an object according to the shift amount.

Abstract: A phase difference detection apparatus for detecting a phase difference between images formed on a pair of optical sensor arrays in which the possibility of unproductive compensation is reduced by use of a compensation effectiveness judgment unit that judges whether or not compensation of a pair of image data rows would be effective. A compensation unit calculates a compensation amount based on a difference in maximum values and minimum values in a pair of image data rows corresponding to the images produced by the optical sensor arrays and compensates the image data rows by the calculated compensation amount. Based upon the compensated values, a correlation calculation unit carries out a correlation calculation, and a maximum correlation detection unit detects a maximum correlation level. Based upon the maximum correlation level, a interpolation calculation unit carries out an interpolation calculation, and a phase difference is detected by a phase difference detection unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser processing and autofocusing system that measures the position of the work-piece at the machining spot, to allow the laser processing of work-pieces which are not flat and have surface variations, with the autofocusing system being able to compensate for these variations. During laser machining, it is desirable to keep the laser focus at the same height with respect to the surface of the sample for the best possible machining quality. Not all samples are flat, though, and it thus becomes necessary to map the surface of the sample accurately and to correct the focusing of the laser beam on the fly. The system includes a processing laser beam directed onto the surface at normal incidence and a light line projected onto the surface in the vicinity of the area being machined but at an angle with respect to the surface normal. The focusing optics for the machining laser and light line generator are fixed relative to each other on a positioning stage.

Abstract: Control to read signals from a sensor unit having a plurality of pixels by pixel blocks of a predetermined size, and the read signals are applied a sum of products operation by pixel blocks of the predetermined size. The calculated sum of products is applied to signal processes, such as signal compression, performed by a block.

Abstract: A camera includes a finder for enabling an image which is shot on a film to be monitor-displayed by branching a portion of a light beam (image) imaged by a picture-taking lens system, by an up/down movable pellicle mirror comprised of a half mirror, to let the image be received on a image pick-up device. In this camera, a pupil-dividing LCD is arranged in front of the image pick-up device to impart a phase difference to the light beam imaged by the picture-taking lens system to obtain corresponding image data. By doing so, phase difference AF control is carried out. The image pick-up device has both the function of monitoring a pick-up image and the function of detecting a just-in-focus state.

Abstract: A document image capture method and scanner, and an image processing apparatus incorporating such a scanner, in which a document is scanned two or more times. The first scan preferably provides bi-level image data, which is analyzed to identify blocks of uniform image type (for example, text, line drawing, grayscale image, or full-color image) within the document. The second scan, preferably performed at lower resolution than the first, provides grayscale or color information, which is substituted in the grayscale or color blocks, respectively, for the bi-level information obtained in the first scan. A third scan, to provide information of the third type, may also be performed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a first distance-measuring mode in which a subject distance is measured on the basis of a subject image signal produced by at least a pair of light-receiving elements receiving the light from subjects, a second distance-measuring mode in which the subject distance is measured on the basis of an image signal from which a steady-state light removing section has removed the steady-state light component from the subject image signal, while a projecting source is projecting light onto the subjects, and a CPU which causes the second distance-measuring mode to operate for a specific time and, according to the image signal obtained, selects a subject whose distance is to be measured, and which enables the setting camera operation modes. The distance-measuring device inhibits the subject from being selected according to a specific camera operation mode.

Abstract: A pair of integration-type light-receiving sensors receive the light from subjects via a taking optical system and produce a subject image signal. A light projecting section projects light onto the subjects. A steady-state light removing section obtains an image signal by removing the steady-state light component from the subject image signal the pair of integration-type light-receiving sensors produces, while the light projecting section is projecting light onto the subjects. A first distance-measuring section measures a subject distance on the basis of the image signal obtained by causing the steady-state light removing section to remove the steady-state light component from the subject image signal. A subject select section causes the first distance-measuring section to make distance measurements for a specific time, performs operation on the resulting image signal using a specific correction function, and thereby selects a subject whose distance is to be measured.

Abstract: A distance-measuring apparatus for a camera comprises an area sensor, an integration circuit, and a switching circuit. The above-mentioned area sensor receives light of a picture image in the image plane. The integration circuit integrates output signals of this area sensor. The control circuit controls operations of starting and stopping the integration of the above-mentioned integration circuit, based on output signals corresponding to a specific block of the above-mentioned area sensor. The switching circuit switches the above-mentioned specific block according to using state of the camera.

Abstract: Stereoscopic device including a lenticular lens layer and light sensor array, the lenticular lens layer includes a plurality of lenticular elements, the sight sensor array includes a plurality of light sensors, wherein selected ones of the light sensors detect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths and wherein at least selected others of the light sensors detect light at at least another predetermined range of wavelengths and wherein each of the lenticular elements is located in front of a selected group of the light sensors, thereby directing light from different directions to different light sensors within the selected group of the light sensors.

Abstract: A multipoint focus detecting apparatus of a camera includes a plurality of exit-pupil dividing devices for dividing an exit pupil of a photographing lens into a plurality of detection sub-zones which correspond to a plurality of arrays of light receiving elements; a plurality of pairs of light distribution forming devices, each of which receives light bundles which are passed through a corresponding pair of the plurality of detection sub-zones to form a corresponding pair of light distributions; a focus detection zone determining device; and a light intercepting member which is positioned in a vicinity of an intersection between the at least two light bundles so that each of the at least two light bundles is not incident on any of the plurality of arrays of light receiving elements other than a corresponding one of the plurality of arrays of light receiving elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a distance measuring apparatus for measuring the distance to an object. The apparatus has a line of charge couple device (CCD) elements which are operated as two sensors (PSA, PSB) for passive sensing and one sensor (AS) in combination with a light emitting element (40) for active sensing. An infrared light cut-off filter (33) is provided on the light receiving surface of all the elements while a visible light cut-off filter (34) is overlaid the light receiving surface of the elements corresponding to the active sensor. An optical system (20) is located to form an image of the object on the sensors. A control circuit (50) initially operates the passive sensors during passive sensing and then operates the active sensor during active sensing. The provision of both passive and active sensing in one apparatus enables miniaturization, a decrease in weight, and cost-savings.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system uses apertures through which images are projected. The image through each aperture is obtained by a different camera element. The camera elements can be totally physically separate, multiple receiving parts of a single camera, or a single camera which is effectively spatially modulated so that the single camera receives different images at different times. The outputs from the camera are used to form three-dimensional information about the object.

Abstract: An electro-optical system comprising a turret and a thermal reference source that is located exterior to the turret. The turret houses a detector array and optical elements that provide different fields of view for the detector array. One or more windows are provided in the turret through which energy passes to the detector array. The optical elements and detector are moveable or rotatable so that the detector array may view the exterior thermal reference source for calibration purposes and an image scene during normal operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating and imaging two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects located at various distances. The apparatus includes a non-monochromatic light source, a diffractive optical element having a strong chromatic aberration that focuses the light beam generated from the source at various focal distances at where the various objects are located. The light beams are then reflected by the various objects and are received through the diffractive optical element onto an imager.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining the alignment of an object, whose image is to be recorded, with a coupling eyepiece and an image capture apparatus that defines an image plane (Pi), comprising: an image capture apparatus (2) equipped with the ability for adjusting its own position; a light source (1) that emits at least two non-focused luminous dots (1a, 1b); eyepiece coupling lens(es) or element(s) (3) that focus on an object plane (Po); an opaque mask (4) that is perforated with at least two holes (5a, 5b) and that is positioned in front of light source (1) such that it transmits at least part of the light emitted by the light source; and calculating mechanism for determining whether alignment exists and, in the case of non-alignment, for quantifying the non-alignment.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus including (A) a semiconductor integrated circuit, for photoelectrically converting an incident optical signal, that includes a first temperature dependent element having a characteristic which exhibits a predetermined change in accordance with a change in temperature and a detection circuit for detecting temperature information, (B) a device arranged outside of the semiconductor integrated circuit, and (C) at least one second temperature dependent element which is arranged inside the device and has a characteristic which exhibits a predetermined change in accordance with a change in temperature. The detection circuit detects temperature information of the first temperature dependent element and temperature information of the at least one second temperature dependent element.