Abstract: A method for generating a series of images at different zoom angles is disclosed. The method comprises providing an optical device (1) having a liquid-based zoom lens (10) and image recording means (20), recording a first image of an object at a first zoom angle responsive to a user input; and automatically recording a second image of the object at a second zoom angle after recording the first image. The switching speed of a liquid-based zoom lens (10), such as a zoom lens based on electrowetting principles is utilized to automatically generate additional images at different zoom angles, which can be advantageously combined with the image taken by the user of the optical device (1).

Abstract: A movement signal generation apparatus is disclosed which can convert an analog position signal of an optical adjustment unit into digital signals representing a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit and output the digital signals. The movement signal generation apparatus includes an analog signal output section which outputs an analog signal in accordance with the position of the optical adjustment unit, and a digital signal generation section which generates two digital signals in accordance with a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit based on the analog signal.

Abstract: A lens barrel rotation detection apparatus for detecting a rotational state of a lens barrel to which a lens for image pickup is attached and which is rotated in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction by driving force of a driving section, includes: a single rotatable member rotatable together with rotation of the lens barrel; and three rotation detection section for detecting a rotational state of the rotatable member. The rotatable member has a fixed pattern formed thereon so as to be detected by said rotation detection section and a rotation limit section indicative of limit positions of a range of rotation of the lens barrel. The rotation detection section is disposed for detection of presence or absence of rotation of the rotatable member and the limit positions of the range of rotation.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and method using a face recognition function for obtaining an image in which a plurality of faces are focused by setting AF areas in the plurality of recognized faces and photographing the faces in a bracket mode based on the set AF areas. The digital photographing apparatus includes: a face recognition unit detecting face information from a real image; an AF region setting unit setting a plurality of AF areas based on the detected face information; and a control unit operating so that an image is captured by adjusting focuses of the set plurality of AF areas.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes an image sensor having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene through a focus lens. When the object scene captured by the imaging surface includes a face portion of a human, a CPU designates, as a focal-point search area a first imaging area for covering an outline of the face portion. The CPU also designates, as a frequency-component detection area, a second imaging area that is smaller than the first imaging area and is for capturing an inner side of the outline of the face portion. Subsequently, the CPU obtains a high-frequency AF evaluation value and a mid-frequency AF evaluation value detected corresponding to the frequency-component detection area, and designates, as a lens moving range, a range different depending upon a relative ratio between the high-frequency AF evaluation value and the mid-frequency AF evaluation value.

Abstract: A device for connecting a camera lens to a movie camera has a camera housing with a lens mount and a device for acquiring data relating to the camera lens connected to the lens mount. Said device further comprising a miniaturized electronic system with data memory for storing data relating to the camera lens such as lens type, serial number, conversion tables and the like, and with a contact region that is arranged on a data interface between the lens mount of the movie camera and the lens fastening means of the camera lens and which is aligned with the contact region arranged in the lens mount of the movie camera is integrated in the lens fastening means of the camera lens or in a modified lens fastening means connected to the lens fastening means of the camera lens or replacing the latter.

Abstract: At least one object of the present invention is to provide a lens barrel, including: a fixed frame (21) having a fixed cylinder (21); a telescopic cylinder (22, 23, 24, etc.) configured to be accommodated within the fixed cylinder (21); a plurality of lens groups (11, 12) configured to be retained in the telescopic cylinder; a lens driving device (51, 52, etc.) configured to drive the plurality of lens groups along a optical axis of the telescopic cylinder between a collapsed position and an extended position; and two retractable lens groups (13, 14) configured to be retracted into the telescopic cylinder when the telescopic cylinder is in the extended position and configured to be retracted out of the telescopic cylinder when the telescopic cylinder is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: An image-capture apparatus includes a variable magnification lens, imaging means for converting an image taken by the variable magnification lens into an electrical image signal, and imaging control means. By referring to a conversion coordinate coefficient, the image control means moves a point on the image and outputs the new image signal. In the variable magnification lens, in order from the object side, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group that has negative refractive power and performs a variable magnification action by shifting on an optical axis, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group that has negative refractive power and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power are arrayed.

Abstract: A system for recognizing and identifying at least one object of interest. The system includes a computer, a first camera, electrically coupled to the computer, the first camera having a wide-angle lens, and a second camera electrically coupled to the computer, the second camera operative to focus on coordinates supplied from the computer. The computer detects the at least one object of interest within a field of view of the first camera, and directs the second camera to focus on the at least one object of interest.

Abstract: An electronic imaging apparatus includes a zoom optical system having, in order from the object side, a first lens unit with positive power, a second lens unit with negative power, and an aperture stop, in which the first lens unit is composed of a single positive power unit and the second lens unit has a single negative lens element located at the most object-side position, both surfaces of which are concave, and a positive lens component located at the most image-side position; an electronic image sensor located on the image side of the zoom optical system; and an image processing section electrically processing image data obtained by the electronic image sensor to change the form thereof.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing the principles of axial chromatic aberration for auto-focusing an image onto an image sensor are provided. The system and method are particularly suitable for incorporation within an optical code reader. A signal processor analyzes data signals representative of the intensity or magnitude of wavelength components of an impinged image onto the image sensor for determining a value indicative of the focus quality of the impinged image. An actuator controls movement of a lens in accordance with the determination until obtainment of a desired focus quality. A decoder decodes the image having the desired focus quality.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that can realize a subject selecting function that can easily reflect a photographer's wishes without requiring a complex operation process, can prevent occurrences of unnecessary blurred images from an outset, can achieve the advantages of a distance measurement method limited to externally inputted positions, such as a selection of the subject, without sacrificing the AF performance of the conventional center-prioritized distance measurement method, and can carry out an appropriate focus adjustment for a main subject. A CPU selects one from a plurality of focus detecting regions on the screen of a display device. An operating element is provided that enables a photographer to instruct to change the selected focus detecting region. The CPU confirms the focus detecting region instructed to change by the photographer using the operating element when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of exposure control in an image pickup apparatus includes determining whether a zoom lens has been moved, determining whether an F value obtained from information about focal position of a focus lens linked to movement of the zoom lens has changed, estimating a variation in the focus luminance before and after a change in the F value from the F values before and after the change when the F value has been changed, changing the shutter speed determined according to a focus luminance before the change to a shutter speed determined according to the focus luminance after the change, based on the estimated variation in the focus luminance, and changing a frame rate determined according to the focus luminance before the change to a frame rate determined according to a focus luminance after the change according to the changed shutter speed.

Abstract: In a digital camera (10), an imaging sensitivity setting circuit (61) selects a pair of distance range selection parameters “A” and “B” according to a zoom position of a zoom lens (41), to compare an in-focus position of a focusing lens (43) with these parameters “A” and “B”, wherein the parameters “A” and “B” correspond to a farther distance and a nearer distance respectively. If the in-focus position is farther than the parameter “A”, the imaging sensitivity is set to a high level. If the in-focus position is in between these parameters “A” and “B”, the imaging sensitivity is set to a middle level. If the in-focus position is nearer than the parameter “B”, the imaging sensitivity is set to a low level. Based on the set imaging sensitivity level and a measured subject brightness value, a system controller (41) controls the exposure value and the flashlight volume.

Abstract: A digital imaging device automatically detects that a subject is too close to the device for acceptable focus to be achieved and informs the user, takes automatic corrective action, or both.

Abstract: A focus control device includes a lens unit including a focus lens; a focus lens driving mechanism that moves the focus lens to achieve an in-focus state; a focus status detector that detects a focus status acquired by the focus lens; a drive control unit that controls the focus lens driving mechanism so that the detected focus status is the in-focus state; a change detector that detects that an evaluation value for focus control has changed by a threshold value or more; and an execution control unit that waits in a state in which the drive control unit does not control the focus lens driving mechanism for a waiting time starting from a time when the change detector detects that the evaluation value has changed by the predetermined threshold value or more, and that causes the drive control unit to control the focus lens driving mechanism when the state in which the evaluation value has changed by the predetermined threshold value or more is maintained until the waiting time has elapsed.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of suppressing an image blur at the start of zooming. The optical apparatus comprises a memory storing data indicating the position of a second lens unit according to the position of a first lens unit, and a controller. The controller controls the drive width of the second lens unit at a third position with a first driving condition in a case where the drive of the first lens unit is started from a first position, and controls the drive width of the second lens unit at the third position with a second driving condition in a case where the drive of the first lens unit is started from a second position. The drive width of the second lens unit at the third position with the first driving condition is smaller than that with the second driving condition.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit for capturing an image of an object; a focal length storing unit for storing a focal length of the object which is outside of an image capturing region of the image being captured by the image capturing unit by corresponding to a positional relationship between the image capturing unit and the object; an image capturing region variation detecting unit for detecting variation in the image capturing region of the image capturing unit; a positional relationship predicting unit for predicting a positional relationship between the image capturing unit and the object after the image capturing region of the image capturing unit is varied on the basis of the variation in the image capturing region detected by the image capturing region variation detecting unit; and a focus adjustment control unit for controlling focus adjustment by the image capturing unit on the basis of the focal length stored by the focal length storing unit, wherein the focal length is

Abstract: In a digital still camera, an image is picked up by detecting object light from a lens system having a focus lens. A region of a human face is detected within the image by image analysis thereof. An estimated distance of the facial region is determined according to a size of the facial region. A lens moving distance of the focus lens is determined according to the estimated distance. A contrast value of the image is acquired in moving the focus lens by the lens moving distance. An in-focus lens position is determined according to the contrast value, to set the focus lens in the in-focus lens position. Furthermore, before the image pickup step, so great an aperture value of the lens system on the optical path is set as to enable image pickup of the facial region within a depth of field.

Abstract: An easy-to-carry image pickup device is provided to obtain images with multiple view angles in which a target subject is positioned in an appropriate size. When capturing an image of a person as a target subject, the size and position of the person's face in the image are detected as a specified part, and a zoom magnification ratio for a lens unit and a shift amount of the incident light position for a light-axis shifting unit are automatically controlled based on the detected size and position of the person's face, so that the person's face has a predetermined size and is positioned in a predetermined position in the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for focusing an image of a target object. The apparatus comprises imaging circuitry for analyzing an image reflected from a target object that is projected onto an imaging sensor coupled to the imaging circuitry. A fixed imaging lens having an optical axis in alignment with the imaging sensor focuses the reflected image onto the imaging sensor. One of a plurality of apertures located within a selectable aperture of varying sizes is selected for optically enhancing the fixed imaging lens. An actuator is coupled to the selectable aperture for selectively selecting the one of the plurality of apertures in a direction transverse to optical axis for optically enhancing the fixed imaging lens.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus capable of appropriate AF control without depending on a zoom enlargement ratio is disclosed. The image-taking apparatus includes a signal processing section which generates an image signal based on the output signal of an image-pickup device and has an electronic zoom function electrically processing part of the image signal to generate an enlarged output image and a controller which controls the driving of the focus lens by using a first control method and a second control method which is different from the first control method. The controller changes a control method to be used between the first and second control method in a first zooming state including at least a state in which the electronic zoom function is not in use and a second zooming state using the electronic zoom function which has a zoom enlargement ratio larger than that of the first zooming state.

Abstract: A storage unit is configured to store beforehand a table that shows a relation between spread parameters and command values supplied to a control unit to acquire a focused image of an object, and information that designates a command value corresponding to an inflection point on an approximated curve showing the relation that the spread parameters have with the command values, the control unit being configured to control a state of an optical system in accordance with an input command value. The luminance information about the object that lies at a distance falling within a range over which focusing should be detected is acquired, at the position of the optical system, which is obtained by the command value corresponding to the inflection point shown in the table.

Abstract: A method for compensating hardware misalignments in a camera is presented. The camera includes a maneuverable part and a fixed part, and the maneuverable part is controlled by a steering motor system. In a first step of the method mechanical coordinates from the steering motor system is received, wherein the mechanical coordinates correspond to a pan and tilt position, the pan and tilt position having a complementary pan and tilt position. Next, pre-determined calibration data corresponding to the received mechanical coordinates is read from a memory wherein the pre-determined calibration data describes a relationship between a pan and tilt position and a complementry pan and tilt position, and then compensated coordinates are determined based upon the received mechanical coordinates and the pre-determined calibration data.

Abstract: A collapsible type optical unit is described that is capable of moving its optical system between a working position and a retracted position as well as an image-pickup apparatus including the optical unit. The optical unit and the image-pickup apparatus are capable of acquiring lens-position information by detecting a position of a lens barrel supported to be movable with respect to a fixed barrel. The collapsible type optical unit includes a second group lens frame movable along a direction of its optical axis with respect to a fixed ring and rear barrel, and a solid-state image-pickup device provided behind the second group lens frame, in which on the movable second group lens frame, a position-detecting means for detecting a position of the second group lens frame is provided.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to increase the precision and speed of autofocusing operation.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method for testing the zoom of a miniature digital camera module is presented. A combination of focus targets are illuminated by different colors of light and simultaneously viewed by the digital camera module. The focus targets range from a far target to a close target and are positioned in the apparatus accordingly. The zoom capability of the camera can be either electrical or manual, and the test apparatus can be adapted to either zoom configurations allowing the zoom of the camera lens to be controlled by a tester. The brightness of the image of the focus targets captured by the digital camera is monitored to determine whether the focus of the camera is maintained over the range of zoom.

Abstract: When an object image at a preset position is zoomed in at a target magnification by a zoom lens, the focus point position N of the object image at the zoom position Z1 of the target magnification is calculated. In addition, the mutual relation value (interior division ratio x:y) between the tracking curve I, II and the focus point position is calculated and the position or the focus lens is controlled so that the mutual relation value is kept with respect to the tracking curve when zoom-in is carried out. Accordingly, an object image in focus can be picked up at all times even during zooming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost zoom lens which has high optical performance specifications such as a wide angle of view and a high zoom ratio of as high as 5, is extremely small in depth and ensures that the optical path of the optical system can easily be bent by a reflecting optical element. A zoom lens includes a first lens group G1 with a positive power, a second lens group G2 with a negative power, a third lens group G3 with a positive power, a fourth lens group G4 with a positive power, a fifth lens group G5 with a negative power, and a sixth lens group G6 with a positive power, wherein upon zooming from a wide-angle end to telephoto end, the first lens group G1 remains fixed relative to an image surface I and at least second and fourth lens groups G2 and G4 move, the first lens group G1 includes, in order from the object side, a negative lens, a reflecting optical element P for bending an optical path, and a positive lens, and conditional expression (1) is satisfied.

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: A camera system is disclosed, which can obtain an accurate target driving amount when the target driving amount of a focusing lens is calculated while the focusing lens is driven. The camera system has a camera and a lens apparatus which has an image taking optical system including a focusing lens and is mounted on the camera. The camera has a photoelectric conversion element which photoelectrically converts an optical image, a focus information producing section which produces focus information based on the output of the photoelectric conversion element, and a communication unit which transmits timing information of the photoelectric conversion and the focus information to the lens apparatus. The lens apparatus has a memory which stores an optical information changing according to the position of the focusing lens, and a controller which controls the driving of the focusing lens.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided for generating a manipulated output image. The camera focuses an image using an automatic focusing technique thereby generating focus settings. The focus settings are stored in a memory of the digital camera and used in manipulating the captured image to produce an enhanced image. The digital image manipulation process is selected from the group consisting of applying a face detection algorithm to the captured focussed image and producing a painting effect within the captured focussed image.

Abstract: A method for focus adjusting through which a subject image formed with a photographic optical system is captured by an image-capturing device and a focus match position for the photographic optical system is calculated based upon focus evaluation values calculated by using image-capturing signals includes steps for: obtaining focus evaluation values over first sampling increments in a focus adjustment range of the photographic optical system; making a decision as to whether or not a sampling position corresponding to a largest value among the focus evaluation values obtained over the first sampling increments is substantially at an end point of the focus adjustment range; obtaining focus adjustment values over second sampling increments smaller than the first sampling increments in a range that contains the end point and is smaller than the focus adjustment range if the sampling position corresponding to the largest value among the focus evaluation values is at the end point of the focus adjustment range; and

Abstract: A mobile terminal and auto-focusing method for the same are disclosed. The auto-focusing method uses a lens position error compensation and includes: detecting a target object during a photograph mode; determining a lens position at which a focus value gradient related to the detected target object changes sign while moving a lens of the camera module in units of one step size; and performing lens position compensation by moving the lens to the found lens position. As a result, the lens position errors caused by a conventional a voice coil motor are compensated, thereby providing rapid and fine auto-focusing.

Abstract: A lens structure disposed in an image capturing device is provided, and is imaged by a lens group and an image capturing unit. When the user presses a zooming key of the image capturing device, a driving mechanism drives a zoom lens group having a plurality of lenses to rotate, so as to rotate one of the lenses to reach a position at the same optical axis as the lens group and the image capturing unit.

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: An information processing apparatus, an imaging apparatus, and an information processing method, and a computer program are provided. An information processing apparatus includes: an acceleration detecting part which detects an acceleration generated in the information processing apparatus; a storage part which stores history information based on information detected by the acceleration detecting part; and a control part which executes a determination process whether the information processing apparatus is in a falling state based on information detected by the acceleration detecting part and history information stored in the storage part.

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 photographing lens position control device comprises an image signal capturing unit for capturing an image signal, a focus lens moving unit for moving a focus lens while the image signal capturing unit is capturing an image signal, a retaining unit for retaining a position-dependent image signal, and a photographing lens position determining unit for determining a photographing lens position based on a position-dependent image signal. Since a focus lens is moved while an image signal is being captured as mentioned above, time required for capturing an image signal for determining a photographing lens position is shorter than before.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an auto-zooming operation of a mobile terminal. The apparatus and method for controlling an auto-zooming operation of a mobile terminal can automatically adjust the size of a target subject captured by an image capture device such as a camcorder to be equal to a predetermined size irrespective of a distance between the image capture device and the target object.

Abstract: A range in which a focus lens is to be moved is set; the focus lens is moved within the set range; an in-focus state is determined based on output signals from an image sensing unit which are obtained in association with the movement of the focus lens within the range; and the focus lens is driven so that an object image is brought into focus. When a difference between the positions of the focus lens, at which the plurality of images are brought into focus, is equal to or lower than a preset threshold, the range will be set to be wider than a range in the case where the difference exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes a first detector generating first information corresponding to a contrast state, a focus lens controller, a second detector outputting second information used for calculating an in-focus position, and a focus lens position detector. If the difference between the detected focus lens position and the calculated in-focus position is equal to or greater than a first value, the controller moves the focus lens towards the calculated in-focus position, and if the difference is less than the first value, the controller repeats focus control using the first information without using the second information. The apparatus reduces discontinuous movements of the focus lens.

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: Electrode substrates, a movable element which can freely move reciprocally by being guided by the electrode substrates, and in which electrodes are formed on a pair of surfaces thereof facing one another, and which has a lens, an image pickup element imaging an image which was image-formed by the lens, a control unit controlling a position of the movable element, and a stopper regulating movement of the movable element within the movable range thereof. The control unit positions the movable element at a predetermined position by making the movable element abut the stopper.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert an object image projected on an imaging region and to output a photoelectrically converted electrical signal starting with a selected one of a plurality of predetermined reading start positions; an electronic zooming processing unit configured to perform an electronic zooming process based on an electrical signal output from the imaging unit; a focus adjustment processing unit configured to detect a signal for focus adjustment based on an electrical signal output from the imaging unit at timing different from that of outputting of the electrical signal used in the electronic zooming process; and a control unit configured to set at least one of the plurality of predetermined reading start positions as a reading start position common to the electrical signal used in the electronic zooming process and the electrical signal used in the focus adjustment.

Abstract: A drive controller of a lens apparatus including a first lens unit moving for performing manual focus and a second lens unit moving for performing auto-focus has a control device switchable between a first mode for performing an auto-focus control of the second lens unit and a second mode for making the second lens unit unmovable at a predetermined position. The control device has a third mode for controlling drive of the second lens unit, upon receiving a command for switching from the first mode to the second mode, so as to maintain a focus state of the lens apparatus, on the basis of positional information of the first lens unit. The controller moves to the second mode upon detecting that the second lens unit has reached the predetermined position in the third mode.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image comprising: capturing the image utilizing an adjustable focusing technique; utilizing the focusing settings as an indicator of the position of structures within the image; and processing the image, utilizing the said focus settings to produce effects specific to said focus settings.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes: a focal position adjusting device operable to adjust a focal position of an optical system to a predetermined position in a first image capture period and change the focal position of the optical system in a second image capture period; a display operable to display an image captured in the first image capture period; a distribution generator operable to generate a distribution of sharpness corresponding to focal positions based on an image captured in the second image capture period; and a focused position detector operable to detect the focal position of the optical system, at which an image of a subject is in focus, based on the generated distribution of sharpness.

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: A digital camera maintains a consistent effective focal length upon switching from a first focus mode to a second focus mode, the focus modes having different maximum focal lengths. Maintaining a consistent effective focal length across focus mode changes obviates the need for a user to reframe a scene upon changing focus modes.