Abstract: A position control apparatus (optical apparatus) is disclosed which is capable of preventing disadvantages caused by the absence of a dead band while achieving a required accuracy of positional control. The position control apparatus comprises a controller which controls the drive of an object (optical member) so that the position of the object, which detected by a position detector, moves closer to a target position. The controller has a control function which does not drive the object in a case where the difference between the position detected by the position detector and the target position is within a predetermined range, and changes the predetermined range according to control modes relating to the drive of the object.

Abstract: A zoom camera having enhanced focusing stability during high magnification zooming under environments of high temperatures or low temperatures. When the zoom camera performs zoom-in operations in an environment of high or low temperatures, aperture control is added as the zoom magnification becomes higher and the temperature becomes higher or lower whereby the depth of field is made deeper to assure the presence of a range with good focusability.

Abstract: If an aperture of the objective-imaging is the same as an aperture when a state has turned into a focused state with autofocus before the objective-imaging or if an F value of the objective-imaging is equal to or greater than an F value when a state has turned into a focused state with autofocus before the objective-imaging, the focused state is maintained and the focusing of the objective-imaging is skipped. Even in other cases, a in-focus position is detected near the in-focus position before the objective-imaging. Alternatively, if the user selects a speed priority, the in-focus position is detected in a narrow range near the in-focus position before the objective-imaging. This enables to achieve both enough speed and focus accuracy of the main-photographing.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of optimizing the responsiveness of linear changes in focus to operations of a ring member without sacrificing the operability of the ring member, while using a small-sized, low-cost ring member for manual operations. The rotating operation state of a focus ring 600 is detected by ring rotation sensors 603, 604. A camera microcomputer 116 causes a focus lens 105 to be moved and stopped in an optical axis direction thereof based on results of the detection by the ring rotation sensors 603, 604. The camera microcomputer 116 controls the responsiveness of linear changes in focus to the rotating operation state of the ring member detected by the ring rotation sensors 603, 604 in accordance with at least the depth of focus.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting a reference position, a detection unit for detecting a relative position, and a control unit for outputting a control signal for the optical apparatus after an operation speed of a moveable input member for drive-controlling the optical apparatus becomes equal to or slower than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographing apparatus that may accurately determine focus positions of two photographing sections in the same degree of time as in the past and a focus position determining method in the photographing apparatus. A search range setting section calculates one boundary value Pn? of a second search area from an equation Pn?=Pn+N and calculates the other boundary value Pf? of the second search area from an equation Pf?=P1?F on the basis of a focus position P1 of a first focus lens FLA detected by an AF detecting section and a boundary value N of a search area on a near side and a boundary value F of a search area on a far side stored in a flash ROM. A main CPU receives a result of the calculation and causes the AF detecting section to search for a focus position P2 while instructing a second F lens driving section 104B to move a second focus lens FLB in a second search area (Pn? to Pf?) narrower than a first search area.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a control unit configured to detect a focus position by moving a focusing lens before and after a preset position which is a focusing lens position set by a focus preset function, with the control unit setting a scan range which is a movement range of the focusing lens to a different range according to a setting state of a zoom lens, obtaining an AF evaluation value along with movement of the focusing lens within the set scan range, and determining a focus position based on the obtained AF evaluation value.

Abstract: An auto-focus (AF) camera enables AF operation with high speed and enhanced accuracy. The AF operation encompasses step-scanning the focus lens of the camera from the closest focal position to infinity, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the steps in the step-scanning are made smaller around a position judged to be close to the focus position, and the steps are made larger at other positions.

Abstract: In the image taking method where images of an object are taken by a running image taking portion provided with a zoom lens, and at least one image taking portion for measuring a distance provided with a fixed focus lens equal to the wide-angle-side end of the zoom lens to generate image data, an image taking method includes the steps of simultaneously taking an image by each image taking system and detecting and storing a zoom position at an arbitrary angle of view of the zoom lens. A search space in a photographing field in the stored zoom position is set. When it is determined that no corresponding point is on one of the end faces of the set space, a running image is taken after the zoom lens is moved to the stored zoom position by the zoom lens drive means.

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

Abstract: When the present position of a focus lens is on the closest distance side with respect to a predetermined position, the focus lens is driven and controlled using a TV-AF method without using the output result of an external ranging unit, and thereby a malfunction of an AF control due to parallax between an image pickup optical system and an external sensor is prevented.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suitably perform a zooming control operation in the case that a zoom ring is provided at a lens-side portion and zoom switches are provided at a camera-body-side portion of a lens-interchangeable video camera. To achieve this object, in the case-that no zoom lens stop request is provided from the camera-body-side portion, it is judged from information sent from the camera-body-side portion which of a tele direction and a wide direction the moving direction of the zoom lens group is. Moreover, when the zoom angle is not placed at a tele end or at a wide end, lenses are driven by calculating data for driving the lenses. Thereafter, tele information is set or cleared according to whether the zoom lens group is placed at the tele end. Subsequently, zoom-ring operating information is detected. The detected zoom-ring operating information is sent to the camera-body-side portion.

Abstract: A method for assisting in focal length detection is applicable to a digital camera having the flash. The method includes the following steps. First, the flash of the digital camera is actuated and a first image is captured. Afterwards, a characteristic exposure value of the first image is calculated. A focus range comparison table is looked up according to the characteristic exposure value to obtain an initial focus position. Then, a focus procedure is performed according to the initial focus position to obtain a target focal length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera and a camera zoom control method that can reduce power consumption at the time of zooming and shorten the time difference between the timing of a photographing instruction and the timing of actual photographing. Until a release button is operated, the optical zoom magnifying power of a lens is controlled to become a zoom magnifying power corresponding to an operation with respect to a zoom switch, and when the release button has been operated, the optical zoom magnifying power of the lens is controlled to become the zoom magnifying power corresponding to the operation with respect to the zoom switch.

Abstract: A variable focal length lens sensor system for use with UAVs is disclosed. A variable focal length lens camera for use with cell phones. One or more static optical components and one or more are within a housing. The variable focal length lens includes a sidewall and first and second optical surfaces defining an aperture. One or more of the optical surfaces are at least partially elastic. One or more lens fluids are disposed between the aperture and sidewall. An actuator is configured to apply a force to a portion of the variable focal length lens. The applied force results in a change in focal length of the variable focal length lens. The combination of static optical components and variable focal length lenses are capable of providing variable zoom and focus. An image sensor is optically coupled to the variable focal length lens for capturing images. Control electronics are configured to control the fluidic lens and sensor.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus is configured to move a focus lens and an image pickup element to perform focusing, the image pickup element being moved in a predetermined movable range. The image pickup apparatus includes a position detector configured to detect a position of the image pickup element moved for the focusing; and a controller configured to move, after the focusing, the image pickup element to a specific position closer to a center of the predetermined movable range than the position detected by the position detector and to move the focus lens so as to decrease generation of defocus due to the movement of the image pickup element to the specific position.

Abstract: There is disclosed an imaging apparatus for displaying a live view image, in which an enlargement ratio of the live view image dynamically changes according to changes in in-focus state of a subject.

Abstract: A novel imaging apparatus capable of correcting a focus state by an AF detection value both simply and surely has been disclosed. The imaging apparatus comprises an auto-focus drive section for moving a lens, an AF processing section for calculating an AF detection value indicating the focus state from imaging data, a luminance processing section for calculating a luminance value from the imaging data, a correction section for calculating a corrected AF detection value by correcting the calculated AF detection value by the calculated luminance value, and a control section for controlling the auto-focus drive section based on the calculated corrected AF detection value. The imaging data is data not having been subjected to auto-exposure processing.

Abstract: When the mode is set to a pan focus mode, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention displays types of a shooting scene in an image display section 15 (S1), judges whether or not the user has designated the shooting scene (S2), acquires two focus positions corresponding to the thus designated shooting scene when it judges that the shooting scene is designated, and moves the CCD 6 and the CCD 7 to the thus acquired two focus positions (S3). Next, the imaging apparatus synthesizes image data picked up by the CCD 6 and the CCD 7, displays the thus synthesized image data as through image (S4), and acquires two focus positions corresponding to the lens position of the zoom lens every time a zoom operation is performed, and moves the CCD 6 and the CCD 7 (S5 to S8).

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

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes a finder optical system for viewing a subject image. An imaging section obtains the subject image. A display section displays the subject image based on image data associated with the subject image obtained by the imaging section. A mode selecting section selects either a first mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while a user views the subject image through the finder optical system or a second mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while the user views the subject image on the display section. A first focus detection circuit performs a first focus detecting operation when the first mode is selected by the mode selecting section. A second focus detection circuit performs a second focus detecting operation when the second mode is selected by the mode selecting section.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a lens apparatus having a zoom lens movable between a telephoto end and a wide-angle end according to the present invention comprises a selecting member which selects a zoom position between the telephoto end and the wide-angle end, a controller which has a drive range limiting function of controlling drive of the zoom lens by using the selected zoom position as a drive end, and a drive range switch member which switches the drive range limiting function between an invalid state and a valid state. The controller drives the zoom lens to the drive end when the drive range limiting function is switched to the valid state.

Abstract: An auto focus method adapted to adjust relative positions between an optical system and a sensing unit so as to make an image surface lying in the depth of field is disclosed. The optical system includes at least a focusing lens. The method returns the focusing lens and the sensing unit to zero, change relative distances between the focusing lens and the sensing unit to evaluate evaluation values of lying the image surface in the depth of field, and adjusts towards the evaluation values until the image surface by the sensing unit lies in the depth of field to complete auto focus. When performing the task of auto focus, the driving unit only reverses once in shuttling runs. The auto focus method not only increases focusing speed, but also enhances precision and degree of wear resisting, which prolong lifetime of the apparatus.

Abstract: An optical system includes a first deformable lens having a membrane with a deformable portion. A sensor is configured to receive the light focused by the first deformable lens. An optical path extends through the first deformable lens and to the sensor. The first deformable lens is tuned according to an applied electrical signal in order to directly focus light traversing the optical path onto the sensor. A first volume of a first optical media and a second volume of a second optical media are defined at least in part by the deformable portion of the membrane. The first volume and the second volume are completely enclosed by the housing. The first volume and the second volume remain substantially constant for all configurations of the first deformable lens.

Abstract: An automatic focusing method for a camera, including scanning in a macro mode, scanning in a normal mode, and additional scanning. In the scanning in the macro mode, a region within a first distance is scanned if the macro mode is set by a user. In the scanning in the normal mode, a region beyond the first distance is scanned if the normal mode is set by the user. In the additional scanning, the scanning in the normal mode is performed additionally if it is determined that the position of the focus lens found in the scanning in the macro mode does not have the largest focus value, and the scanning in the macro mode is performed additionally if it is determined that the position of the focus lens found in the scanning in the normal mode does not have the largest focus value.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a focal point evaluation value that changes in correspondence to a position assumed by a focus lens based upon image signals; a focal adjustment unit that executes an AF search by detecting a focus match position based upon resulting focal point evaluation values and driving the focus lens to the focus match position; a face recognition unit that recognizes a face of a person in an image by analyzing the image signals; a distance calculation unit that determines an approximate distance to the face based upon the recognized face size; and a lens position determining unit that determines a focus lens position to be set as a start point of the AF search by the focal adjustment unit based upon the approximate distance to the face having been determined by the distance calculation unit.

Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 130 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, and the microcomputer 110 controls so that movable mirrors 121a and 121b to enter an optical path of an image pickup optical system after the amount of light from a subject is obtained based on the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130, a strobe 137 emits light, and measurement results of an AE sensor 133 are obtained. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.

Abstract: Provided is a lens apparatus in which serial communication and parallel communication between a camera body and the lens apparatus are performed and resumption of the serial communication is accomplished after occurrence of a communication error, and controlling of a controlled object being controlled through the parallel communication is transferred to temporally controlling through the serial communication, in which, by setting a state of the controlled object when the controlling is transferred to controlling through the serial communication, to be coincident with a state during controlling through the parallel communication, the controlled object to be controlled through the parallel communication is not affected by an effect caused due to a communication error in the serial communication.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises optics for forming an image on an image plane; an image sensor arranged at the image plane and arranged to transform the image to an image signal to form an initial image; an image analyzer arranged to receive the image signal, to find at least one object in the initial image, and to determine at least one zoom area for each found object; an image cut generator arranged to define a result image to comprise at least one of the at least one determined zoom areas; and a storage memory arranged to store the defined result image. A method and computer program for the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An iris recognition camera is provided which includes a driving barrel configured to support a lens, a moving unit configured to reciprocatingly move the driving barrel to perform both focus and zoom operations, and a position sensor configured to detect a position of the driving barrel.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes an imaging optical system including a focus lens unit, a branching optical unit disposed at the image side of the focus lens unit, a focus-state detecting unit including a focus detecting element having a focus detection area that receives light beams from the branching optical unit, and detecting a focus state by using the focus detecting element, an actuator that drives the focus lens unit in an optical axis direction thereof, a controller that controls the actuator, in accordance with an output from the focus-state detecting unit, and a movable image-side optical unit disposed at the image side of the branching optical unit. The controller changes the size of the focus detection area of the focus detecting element within a range in accordance with the position of the image-side optical unit.

Abstract: A camera system is disclosed which allows different types of lens apparatuses to be used in combination with a single image-taking apparatus without requiring changes of focus control signals on the side of the image-taking apparatus depending on the type of a lens apparatus mounted on the image-taking apparatus. The camera system includes an image-taking apparatus which outputs a focus control signal and a lens apparatus which includes a focus lens and is mounted on the image-taking apparatus. The lens apparatus includes a controller which produces a drive signal according to a type of focus of the lens apparatus based on the focus control signal and controls drive of the focus lens based on the drive signal.

Abstract: A webcam with an optical lens that can manually be moved into a position in front of the camera lens. The lens may slide or be rotated to a position in front of the camera lens. The optical lens may be a zoom lens, such that, in combination with the lens of the camera, a fixed zoom or magnification function is provided. Alternately, at least a second lens may also be provided, such as to provide two fixed zoom positions. The two lenses could be moved together with a single mechanical structure, or separately with two different manual controls.

Abstract: A human face is detected from an image. On the basis of a size of the detected face and a focal length of a taking lens, a subject distance is calculated. Further, a depth of field is calculated on the basis of the calculated subject distance, the focal length of the taking lens and a stop diameter. The calculated depth of field is analyzed. When it is judged that the depth of field is deep, shooting is performed as it is. When it is judged that the depth of field is shallow, the stop diameter is reduced to deepen the depth of field. In addition, sensitivity of a CCD image sensor is heightened to correct brightness of the image.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of accurately acquiring evaluation values at target positions for contrast evaluation value acquisition to thereby suppress degradation of accuracy of autofocus due to skipping the reading of a contrast evaluation value at an in-focus position and an increase in autofocus time. The image pickup apparatus acquires from an interchangeable lens at least one of a drivable defocus amount of the interchangeable lens, and a driving speed in driving of a focus lens to focus adjustment positions. The image pickup apparatus changes a lens driving method for focus detection, based on at least one of the drivable defocus amount, the driving speed, and a charge storage interval for charge storage in an image pickup element for acquiring a signal for use in focus detection.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to attain accurate control by correcting any deviation of a cam locus due to manufacturing errors and the like upon controlling a zoom lens and focus lens along a theoretical cam locus. To attain this object, a differential locus between the theoretical cam locus (stored cam locus) and a true cam locus due to an error obtained by a measurement is obtained, and is stored as cam correction data. The lens control is made while correcting the theoretical cam locus by the correction data.

Abstract: A lens-controlling device controls a first lens unit which moves for zooming and a second lens unit which moves for correcting the displacement of an image plane caused by zooming and for focusing. The lens-controlling device includes a memory which stores data for obtaining target-position information representing a target position to which the second lens unit is to be moved, the target position corresponding to a position to which the first lens unit is moved from a current position and a controller which generates the target-position information on the basis of the data and controls the movement of the second lens unit on the basis of position information of the first lens unit and the target-position information.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an optical apparatus which includes an acquisition unit adapted to acquire position information of a lens, and a control unit adapted to control a position of the lens by an amount of rotation of an operating member and the position of the lens. The control unit initializes a corresponding relationship between the amount of rotation of the operating member and the position of the lens when the position control of the lens is started.

Abstract: A camera apparatus includes: a base; an outer case provided on the case for rotation around a first imaginary axis passing the base; an inner case provided on the outer case for rotation around a second imaginary axis extending on a plane intersecting with the first imaginary axis; a camera section incorporated in the inner case and having an image pickup optical system; a first driving section for rotating the outer case; a second driving section for rotating the inner case; and a conversion lens supported on the outer case; the inner case being rotated by the second driving section between a conversion lens use position at which an optical axis of the image pickup optical system is aligned with an optical axis of the conversion lens and a conversion lens non-use range within which an optical path of the image pickup optical system is displaced from the conversion lens.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes an imaging device. The imaging device has an imaging surface irradiated with an optical image of an object scene. A CPU executes an AF process based on output of an AF evaluating circuit to adjust a position of a focus lens to a position to be optically converged on a specific object present in an object scene. Upon completion of the AF process, the CPU detects a distance from a lens distal end to the specific object by referencing a current position of the focus lens, and further detects brightness information of the object scene based on output of an AE/AWB evaluating circuit. Moreover, the CPU adjusts an imaging parameter by determining whether or not an object scene attribute including the detected distance and brightness information satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method for capturing video comprising: capturing video of a moving object, the video comprising a current image and a subsequent image; selecting a portion of each image of the captured video which contains the moving object; copying the selected portions as new images; and encoding the new images into new video.

Abstract: An image composing apparatus and method of a portable terminal are provided. The image composing method includes photographing an object when a key for photographing using a background image is input; extracting contours of the background image and the photographed image; and combining the background image and the photographed image such that the extracted contours are matched with each other. The photographed image can be correctly matched with the background image through only one-time photographing, even when the shaking of the user's hand occurs or the object to be photographed moves.

Abstract: An image capture device includes a focusing unit, a focus driving unit and an autofocus control unit; the focusing unit is provided to focus on a subject. The focus driving unit is provided for driving the focusing unit to driving-target position. The autofocus control unit is provided to control driving of the focus driving unit according to a determination of executing or omitting a one-way-driving-control. One-way driving control controls driving direction of the focus driving unit into a predetermined direction at a peripheral range before driving-disactivation of the focus driving means, determined based on a shooting-condition.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment a method calibrates a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera system. The PTZ camera system may include a PTZ camera. The method may perform at least one of the following steps: determining a radial distortion of the PTZ camera; determining a base focal length of the PTZ camera; determining a zoom and magnification profile of the PTZ camera; determining an actuation delay of the PTZ camera system; determining a pan position mode speed and/or a tilt position mode speed of the PTZ camera; determining a pan velocity profile and/or a tilt velocity profile of the PTZ camera; determining a zoom position profile and/or a zoom duration profile of the PTZ camera; determining a query delay of the PTZ camera system; and determining a minimum query interval of the PTZ camera system.

Abstract: An imaging acquisition system that generates a picture depth from an auto focus curve generated from picture of a three dimensional spatial scene is described. The auto focus curve comprises a step edge. The system generates the depth based on the step edge and a reference auto focus normalization curve.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes an imaging optical system to guide light from a subject, a movement mechanism to move the imaging optical system, a sub control section to move the imaging optical system toward a predetermined position with the aid of the movement mechanism when a power supply is turned on, and a main control section to execute system initialization when the power supply is turned on, and to move the imaging optical system with the aid of the movement mechanism and interrupt the movement of the imaging optical system at the predetermined position. The sub control section may also start a lens barrel initialization processing to drive the lens barrel from a non-photographing position to a photographing standby position while the main control section executes system initialization, and the main control section may drive the lens barrel to the photographing standby position after the system initialization is finished.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus of the present invention is provided with an image-forming lens that images light from a photographic subject; an imaging part that accumulates a pixel signal that corresponds to an optical image formed by the image-forming lens, reads the pixel signal and outputs the pixel signal as an imaging signal; a lens magnification control part that controls a magnification of the image-forming lens; a read-out region control part that controls the size of a read-out region of the pixel signal; and a frame rate control part that controls a frame rate of the imaging signal. In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the magnification of the image-forming lens, the size of the read-out region, and the frame rate are controlled so that an angle of view of an image based on the imaging signal is constant.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of focusing on an object with stability based on a recognized object area. A video camera includes an image pickup device for picking up an image formed by an image-pickup optical system including a focus lens, a face detection processing circuit for detecting, based on a video signal output from the image pickup device, an object area on an imaging screen and the likelihood of an object being present in the object area, and a computer for controlling a focus adjustment based on the object area when determining that the likelihood detected by the face detection processing circuit satisfies a predetermined condition, which is varied according to an imaging state.

Abstract: A scan representation position table to which three points of focus positions which become scan representation positions are recorded respectively is stored in advance based on the lens position of the zoom lens 2b and the type of priority focus. The current zoom lens 2b lens position is acquired and determination processing for short-distance priority focus or long-distance priority focus is performed when judged that the shutter button has been fully depressed at once or when the shutter button has been fully depressed before the passage of a predetermined time duration after the shutter button was halfway depressed. Then, the focus positions are acquired from the scan representation position table based on the acquired lens position and the judged priority focus, and the contrast AF processing is executed within the range of the acquired three points of focus positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a zoom lens system including a first lens unit having a positive optical power, a second lens unit having a negative optical power, and a rear unit including at least one lens unit, which are disposed in the stated order from an object side to an image side. At least two lens units move for zooming so that a distance between adjacent lens units is changed. In this zoom lens system, the first lens unit includes a composite optical element in which a first optical element having a positive optical power and a second optical element having a negative optical power are cemented to each other. Refractive indexes and Abbe numbers of materials of the first optical element and the second optical element are set appropriately so that high optical performance is realized.