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

Abstract: Focus adjustment apparatus and methods for effectively auto-focusing on a subject by adaptively changing a shape of a focus area according to a determined image condition, and in particular, setting the focus area in a shape of which a width of an upper part is narrow according to the condition.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device; a lens optical system including a focus lens for condensing light toward the imaging device; a driving section configured to driving one of the imaging device and the focus lens to change a position to which a focus is adjusted on an object side; a shutter provided at at least one of the imaging device and a position between the lens optical system and the imaging device; and a control unit configured to control the shutter and the driving section, wherein the control unit drives the imaging device or the focus lens such that a focus is adjusted to each of first to third focusing positions of different object distances and controls the shutter and the driving section such that image signals of first to third object images at the first to third focusing positions are obtained by the imaging device.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that can efficiently obtain an offset between focal positions detected in phase difference-based focus detection and contrast-based focus detection by using results of phase difference-based focus detection at multiple points. Focal positions in a plurality of regions based on a pair of image signals obtained from different pupils are obtained. A focal position for a focus lens at which a contrast of image signals for image pickup is at a peak is detected. A target focal position is determined from the plurality of focal positions. When another focal position is present between a present focal position and the target focal position, an offset between a focal position of the focus lens at which the contrast detected at the other focal position while the focus lens is moving is at a peak and the other focal position is calculated.

Abstract: Autofocusing is performed in response to a weighted sum of previous blur difference depth estimates after being adaptively fitted at each focus adjustment iteration. Variance is also determined across both past and present estimations providing a confidence measure on the present focus position for the given picture. In one embodiment focus adjustment are repeated until the variance is sufficiently low as to indicate confidence that a proper focus has been attained. The method increases accuracy and speed of focusing by utilizing previous depth estimates while adapting the matching data to overcome distortion, such as due to saturation, cut-off and noise.

Abstract: Interpolation precision of phase difference detection pixels is raised. An image pickup device includes: a color filter disposed with a repeating basic array pattern configured by 3×3 pixel square arrays of a first array pattern and a second array pattern disposed symmetrically about a point; a first phase difference detection pixel that is placed at a position of a pixel corresponding to 1 corner portion out of the 4 corner portions of at least one array pattern in 1 pair of the first array pattern and the second array pattern out of 2 pairs of the first array pattern and the second array pattern configuring the basic array pattern; and a second phase difference detection pixel that is placed at a position of a pixel corresponding to 1 corner portion out of the 4 corner portions in the array pattern, out of the first array pattern.

Abstract: A method capable of performing an automatic focus function upon a specific movable object in a real-time manner, the method being applicable to a photographic apparatus with the automatic focus function, includes: capturing real-time image within a field of view (FOV) of a lens; comparing images of a plurality of image areas of the real-time image with a feature image of the specific movable object to identify an image area corresponding to the feature image of the specific movable object; and, performing automatic focus on the identified image area.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus detects a first subject region (e.g., face region) from an image signal, detects a second subject region (e.g., human body region), in which the first subject region can be estimated, from the image signal, and performs focus detection based on an image signal corresponding to the set focus detection area. In the case where the primary subject corresponds to the first subject region detected, the focus detection area is set to a first region, and, in the case where the primary subject corresponds to the first subject region estimated based on the second subject region, the focus detection area is set to a second region that is larger than the first region.

Abstract: An auto-focus method controls a motor to drive an optical lens of a lens module to a focus point and includes steps of: describing a first parabola according to three coordinate points in a coordinate system; describing a second parabola according to a first highest point of the first parabola and two coordinate points selected from the three coordinate points in the coordinate system, wherein the resolution values of two selected coordinate points are greater than that of unselected coordinate point; comparing a difference between the electric current value of a second highest point of the second parabola and the electric current value of the first highest point with a preset value; wherein when the difference is less than the preset value, the second highest point is regarded as the focus point.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a focus position table. The focus position table, in which focus positions for person-priority pan focus have been set, is used when a face has been detected, and the focus position table, in which focus positions for non-person priority pan focus have been set corresponding to the types of non-person priority pan focus, is used when a face has not been detected. When a face has been detected, the digital camera determines the pan focus as the person-priority pan focus, and after acquiring a focus position from the focus position table, executes the pan focus processing. On the other hand, when a face has not been detected, the digital camera acquires, from the focus position table, a focus position corresponding to a type of non-person priority pan focus determined based on the photography scene and executes the pan focus processing.

Abstract: During a period before focusing is instructed, contrast detection is used to detect positions at which focus evaluation values reach a peak in regard to detection regions obtained by dividing a region containing a region in which phase-difference detection pixels of an imaging element are disposed; when focusing is instructed, focus evaluation value peak positions of each of the detection regions are acquired; if an optical system is in a focused state, the number of detection regions whose deviation in focus evaluation value peak position is within a threshold value is counted; if the number of applicable detection regions is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, focus position detection and focus control are performed by phase-difference detection, and if the number of detection regions is less than the predetermined value, focus position detection and focus control are performed by contrast detection.

Abstract: A remote display system having a server to transmit moving image content data to a network, and a display terminal to receive and reproduce/display the image data, transmits the image data to which an error resilience code is attached, displays the image content together with other display elements on the display terminal, determines a display shape of the image content in the display, and changes an error resilience method in accordance with a result of the display shape determination.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes an image pickup element having imaging pixels and focus detection pixels, and configured to read a signal for which a photoelectric conversion has been performed in a first direction, a focus detector capable of detecting a focus state using a phase difference of a pair of images in the first direction and a pair of images in a second direction based on outputs of the focus detecting pixels, a flicker reduction portion configured to reduce the flicker, and a controller configured to control a focal point in accordance with the focus state obtained from a phase difference of the pair of images in the first direction before an operation of the flicker reduction portion.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is arranged to receive from a lens unit a predetermined signal for indicating whether or not a focus lens is movable by a mount of movement corresponding to first information within a predetermined time, if the received predetermined signal indicates that the focus lens is movable by the amount of movement corresponding to the first information within the predetermined time, make first information on the basis of a focus signal generated from an image signal corresponding to charges accumulated during a first period, and if the received predetermined signal indicates that the focus lens is not movable by the amount of movement corresponding to the first information within the predetermined time, make the first information on the basis of a focus signal generated from the image signal corresponding to the charges accumulated during a second period after the first period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus improves an auto focus system by altering, such as by positioning, at least one lens of a digital camera to a plurality of predetermined nonuniform lens positions corresponding to predetermined nonuniform lens position data. The method and apparatus selects a final lens position for the lens based on the predetermined nonuniform lens position data. In one example, a fixed number of predetermined nonuniform lens positions define a set of lens positions used to capture images during an auto focus operation. A final image is captured using a final lens position. The final lens position is determined by comparing focus metric information from each of the frames obtained at the various predetermined nonuniform focus lens positions and selecting the frame with, for example, the best focus metric as the lens position to be used for the final picture or image capture.

Abstract: A light field data acquisition device includes optics and a light field sensor to acquire light field image data of a scene. In at least one embodiment, the light field sensor is located at a substantially fixed, predetermined distance relative to the focal point of the optics. In response to user input, the light field acquires the light field image data of the scene, and a storage device stores the acquired data. Such acquired data can subsequently be used to generate a plurality of images of the scene using different virtual focus depths.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes a first detector detecting a first in-focus position by a phase difference detection method using paired image signals, a controller controlling position of a focus lens a basis of the first in-focus position to perform focusing, a second detector detecting a second in-focus position by a contrast detection method, a calculating part calculating a correction value for correcting the first in-focus position in image capturing on a basis of difference between the first and second in-focus positions, and a determining part determining a level of reliability of the first in-focus position. The controller calculates the correction value when the level of reliability is a first level, and to restrict the calculation of the correction value when the level of reliability is a second level lower than the first level.

Abstract: An auto focus image system that includes a pixel array coupled to a focus signal generator. The pixel array captures an image that has at least one edge with a width. The focus signal generator may generate a focus signal that is a function of the edge width and/or statistics of edge widths. A processor receives the focus signal and/or the statistics of edge widths and adjust a focus position of a focus lens. The edge width can be determined by various techniques including the use of gradients. A histogram of edge widths may be used to determine whether a particular image is focused or unfocused. A histogram with a large population of thin edge widths is indicative of a focused image. Edge corruption/partial corruption may be detected. Partially corrupted edge may have edge width calculated by relying more on the side that is not corrupted and less on the side that is corrupted. Edge or edge side corruption may be detected by detecting a presence of an adjacent edge of the opposite sign.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition section that acquires a plurality of images that differ in in-focus state, a reference point setting section that performs a reference point setting process on each of the plurality of images, the reference point setting process setting a reference point that is set to an attention area, a distance estimation section that estimates distance information about a distance to a corresponding point based on a pixel value corresponding to the reference point, the corresponding point being a point in real space that corresponds to the reference point, and an additional information generation section that generates additional information based on the estimated distance information, the additional information being information that is added to the attention area to which the reference point is set.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of adjusting an auto focus are provided. The apparatus includes: an imaging pickup device for generating an image signal by capturing light passing through an imaging lens; a shutter for controlling light exposure of the image pickup device; a focus detector that calculates a contrast value from the image signal and detecting a focus from the contrast value; and a release controller for controlling a release operation constituting a photographing operation of a still image, wherein the release controller includes, as driving modes, a first mode that directs a focus lens included in the imaging lens to be driven while driving the shutter, and a second mode that directs the focus lens not to be driven while driving the shutter. Accordingly, a photographing time is reduced.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an imaging element that includes a pixel portion sets a first readout area and then performs detection processing for detecting the phase difference of an image signal read out from the area to thereby output the reliability of the phase difference. If the imaging apparatus determines that phase difference detection has been successful, the imaging apparatus executes focus adjustment processing based on the detected phase difference. If the imaging apparatus determines that the phase difference has failed to be detected, the imaging apparatus sets a second readout area having a range wider than that of the first readout area as a readout area, and then sets an area other than an area which is included in the first readout area from the second readout area and is used for generating a display image as a trimming target.

Abstract: A method and system for image processing comprising an opening for entrance of light for forming an image by the system; at least one optical element through which the light passes; a variable aperture operatively associated with the at least one optical element placed in the optical train at an image plane and comprising a plurality of settings comprising first mask settings for shielding portions of the light and second mask settings for selectively masking portions of the light that pass through the first mask settings; an imager, the at least one processor being operatively connected to the variable aperture and imager for controlling the passage of the light through the variable aperture by selecting one of plurality of first mask settings and associated second mask settings, obtaining image results using the settings, comparing image results obtained by the respective mask settings, and determining the optimal first mask setting.

Abstract: A compressive imaging (CI) device including a light modulator and a light sensor (e.g., a single-element sensor or a sensor array). The CI device may support the focusing of light on the light modulator and/or on the light sensor in a number of ways: (1) determining a focus indicator value by analyzing a 1D or 2D image in the incident light field; (2) measuring light spillover between modulator regions and light sensing elements—either at the level of voltage measurements or the level of reconstructed images; (3) measure noise in reconstructed sub-images; (4) measuring an amount high-frequency content in the incident light field; (5) incorporating a range finder to measure distance to the object being imaged; (6) incorporating an image sensor downstream from the modulator; and (7) splitting a portion of the incident light onto an image sensor, prior to the modulator.

Abstract: An auto focusing method for improving an auto focusing speed by implementing auto focusing by determining a motion direction of the focus lens at a current position of the focus lens, a recording medium for recording the auto focusing method, and an auto focusing apparatus. The auto focusing method is implemented by determining a current position of a focus lens; determining whether a first image input at the current position of the focus lens has image blurring; if the current position of the focus lens is a position for long range focusing and the first image has image blurring, determining that a motion direction of the focus lens is toward longer range focusing; and if the current position of the focus lens is a position for long range focusing and the first image has image blurring, determining that the motion direction of the focus lens is toward closer range focusing.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus which includes an image pickup element having first and second photoelectric conversion elements sharing a lens, wherein the first and second photoelectric conversion elements perform a photoelectric conversion of images passing through different exit pupils of an image pickup optical system so as to output a focus detection signal used for focusing by a phase difference detection method, the focus detection apparatus includes an image shift amount calculator which performs a correlation calculation by using each of signal values obtained independently from the first and second photoelectric conversion elements and calculate an image shift amount, a defocus amount calculator which calculates a defocus amount by multiplying the image shift amount by a coefficient, and a coefficient correcting portion which corrects the coefficient in accordance with the signal value obtained from the first photoelectric conversion element or the second photoelectric conversion element.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus includes an AF region setting unit for setting an AF region, a luminance detection area setting unit for setting a luminance detection area, a luminance calculation unit for calculating luminance values of the AF region and the luminance detection area, and a determination unit for calculating a luminance difference value that is a difference value between the luminance value of the AF region and the luminance value of the luminance detection area, and determining validity of an AF evaluation value with respect to the AF region according to the luminance difference value.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging device including: a lens optical system L including at least an optical plane area D1 and an optical plane area D2, the optical plane area D2 having an optical property that causes a focusing property of the optical plane area D2 to differ from a focusing property of the optical plane area D1 due to a light beam that has passed through the optical plane area D1; an imaging element N including at least a plurality of pixels P1 and a plurality of pixels P2 which allow light that has passed through the lens optical system L to enter; and an array-shaped optical element K that is arranged between the lens optical system L and the imaging element N and is configured to cause light that has passed through the optical plane area D1 to enter the plurality of pixels P1 and to cause light that has passed through the optical plane area D2 to enter the plurality of pixels P2.

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

Abstract: An imaging device includes a micro lens that collects light from a subject, a light sensing element that generates a signal for performing focusing determination through phase difference detection by sensing subject light collected by the micro lens, a first light blocking unit that performs pupil division by blocking a portion of the subject light, and a second light blocking unit that is disposed between the first light blocking unit and the micro lens, and blocks the portion of the subject light which is incident to the first light blocking unit, wherein an aperture area of the second light blocking unit is smaller than an aperture area of an image generation pixel.

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention comprises a facial organ detection section for detecting eyes from a digital image, an eye-priority AF section for setting an AF region to a detected eye and focusing on the eye, and an image processing section for carrying out image processing on the digital image to feather the periphery of an eye that the eye-priority AF section has focused on, wherein the facial organ detection section detects facial organs from a digital image that has been captured by the imaging section, and determines inclination of a face based on the detected facial organs, the eye-priority AF section selects one eye based on the inclination of the face, and carries out focusing on the selected eye, and the image processing section carries out processing to feather eyes that have not been selected, and varies feathering strength in accordance with inclination of the face.

Abstract: In automatically focusing on a subject in the field of view of a camera device, the camera device sets a focal length successively at one or more focal positions with an angle of the focus plane tilted so as not to be orthogonal to a normal optical path through the camera device. An image is taken at each of the focal positions. A comparison of data from each image is made so as to determine best focus. This comparison includes comparing data from at least two different locations along the tilted focus plane of at least one of the images.

Abstract: Image data is processed to facilitate focusing and/or optical correction. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an imaging arrangement collects light data corresponding to light passing through a particular focal plane. The light data is collected using an approach that facilitates the determination of the direction from which various portions of the light incident upon a portion of the focal plane emanate from. Using this directional information in connection with value of the light as detected by photosensors, an image represented by the light is selectively focused and/or corrected.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit; a focal range control unit configured to cause the imaging unit to capture a first image and a second image which have mutually different focal ranges, changing a focal position of the imaging unit; a reference image generation unit configured to generate, using the first image and the second image, a reference image to be used as a blur standard; and a distance measurement unit configured to measure a distance to the subject based on a difference in blur degrees between the reference image and each of the first image and the second image. The focal ranges of the first image and the second image are independent of each other, and an out-of-focus space is provided between the focal ranges.

Abstract: A method for providing content via a computer network and computing device, which may include: storing data associated with and indicative of a plurality of presentations; receiving a request to host an audio presentation; receiving and storing data associated with the requested audio presentation; initiating and recording one or more telephone calls; and, presenting at least a portion of the stored data for selection by the computing device; wherein, selection causes the stored data indicative of the selected audio/visual or audio presentation to be provided to the computing device for playback thereby via the computer network. The method may include storing data associated with and indicative of a first plurality of presentations; storing data associated with a plurality of second presentation feeds: automatically and periodically accessing each of the feeds; and aggregating each of the presentations for delivery via the computer network.

Abstract: An imaging system for obtaining an image of a display of an electronic device presented by a presenter holding the electronic device includes a housing having an imaging subsystem disposed in the housing. The imaging subsystem comprising an image sensor array and an imaging assembly operative for focusing an image of the display on the electronic device onto the image sensor array. A support comprising a support surface is operable for allowing the presenter to hold the electronic device against the support surface so that the display on the electronic device is positioned towards the imaging system while the image of the display is obtained.

Abstract: An image-capturing device includes a detector which detects that a resistance value of an actuator, made of shape memory alloy, is maintained within a predetermined range. The image-capturing device moves a lens step by step from a place corresponding to a first field in order to obtain image data from each one of the fields provided in a focus region. The image-capturing device also calculates a target place, where the lens should be finally positioned, by using the obtained image data, and then positions the lens at the calculated target place. The foregoing structure allows obtaining reliable and stable data.

Abstract: A camera system includes an interchangeable lens and a camera body. The camera body includes a first detecting unit for detecting an autofocus evaluation value, a second detecting unit for detecting that a position of a focus lens comes close to a focus position before running past the focus position, and a signal generating unit. In an autofocus control, the signal generating unit generates a control signal for controlling a driving unit to drive the focus lens at a first speed before the second detecting unit detects that the position of the focus lens comes close to the focus position, and to drive the focus lens at a second speed lower than the first speed based on a change rate of the autofocus evaluation value after the second detecting unit detects that the position of the focus lens comes close to the focus position.

Abstract: A focus evaluation value generation apparatus includes a low frequency image data generation unit configured to generate low frequency image data, a thinned image generation unit configured to generate thinned input image data and thinned low frequency image data, and a focus evaluation value generation unit configured to generate the focus evaluation value based on the thinned input image data and the thinned low frequency image data.

Abstract: A mobile phone apparatus 10 is equipped with a camera module 36 including an image sensor (52), an AE evaluation circuit (60), etc. When a camera function is executed, an exposure is adjusted such that an exposure evaluated value is equal to an exposure target value, whereby, an AF controlling processing is executed. For example, when a shutter key is operated, the exposure target value is changed to an exposure target value for AF control being smaller than an exposure target value for normal photographing. Furthermore, a frame rate is increased such that the exposure evaluated value having a correlation to the frame rate is smaller than the exposure target value in response to the change of the exposure target value. Then, the AF controlling processing is executed on the basis of the image data every frame output from the image sensor (52) at the increased frame rate.

Abstract: A photographing device according to the present invention comprises: an imaging section that captures a subject image and outputs image data; a motion picture recording section that records a motion picture based on the image data; a parameter setting section that sets a photographing parameter to change a photographing state; and a parameter control section that automatically changes the photographing parameter during the recording of the motion picture regardless of the set photographing parameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of imaging devices of the present disclosure obtain color images from a monochromatic image sensor based on a series of several images taken at different focal positions of an optical imaging lens possessing a chromatic aberration.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus having auto focusing function using fractal dimension and an auto focusing method of an image pickup apparatus are disclosed, the apparatus characterized by comprising: a pickup unit; a fractal controller generating a fractal dimension value indicating chrominance information change per pixel of a pickup image of the pickup unit to determine whether the auto focusing has been adjusted; and an auto focusing adjustor adjusting a focus of the pickup unit in response to an auto focus adjustment signal from the fractal controller.

Abstract: An imager is provided having an image-capturing sensor, a focusing detector, and a flicker detector. The image-capturing sensor captures a subject image with a rolling shutter and outputs image data. The focusing detector determines whether a subject image is in focus of the image-capturing sensor using the output image data. The flicker detector detects a flicker in the output image data. The focusing detector uses horizontal data without vertical data from the image data so as to determine whether a subject image is in focus, when the flicker detector detects a flicker.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus for performing image processing of image data in which information specifying, on a first coordinate system, a position of a portion of interest in an image is recorded, including an image processing unit configured to perform rotation processing of the image data using a second coordinate system having an origin different from that of the first coordinate system, and a change unit configured to change the information specifying the position of the portion of interest in accordance with a rotation amount of the image data by the rotation processing such that an image of the portion of interest specified by the information specifying the position of the portion of interest after the rotation processing matches that before the rotation processing.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus for performing phase difference detection type focus detection includes sensor units each configured to generate a signal used for detecting a phase difference, a setting unit configured to set one or more sensor units as determination targets, a determination unit configured to sequentially select a sensor unit from the determination targets, and repeatedly determine whether a signal generated by the selected sensor unit satisfies a termination condition of having a peak value greater than a threshold, and a detection unit configured to perform focus detection using the signal that satisfies the termination condition. The apparatus operates in a first mode and then shift to a second mode. The setting unit includes, in the determination targets in the second mode, a sensor unit that is not included in the determination targets in the first mode.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus comprises: an image sensor that receives images that are formed by light that passes through different pupil regions of a photographing optical system including a focus lens, and outputs a pair of image signals; a control unit that controls to acquire a pair of image signals from the image sensor at first and second lens positions of the focus lens; a conversion unit that, by multiplying a shift amount between a pair of images representing the pair of image signals by a conversion coefficient, converts the shift amount to a defocus amount; and a calculation unit that calculates the conversion coefficient based on displacement amounts of respective ones of the pair of images representing the pair of image signals acquired at the first and second lens positions, and a displacement amount of the focus lens from the first lens position to the second lens position.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus capable of switching between an optical viewfinder and live view which involves periodically reading out an image signal out of an image sensor and sequentially displaying the image signal on a display unit, comprises a phase difference focus control unit that performs auto focus control using a phase difference detection method; a selection unit that selects one of a plurality of focus detection areas used for the auto focus control; an electronic zoom unit that changes an angle of view; and a control unit that causes the phase difference focus control unit to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area if the selected focus detection area is located within the changed angle of view, otherwise not to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area.

Abstract: Several methods for operating a built-in digital camera of a portable, handheld electronic device are described. In one embodiment, the device receives a user selection (e.g., tap, tap and hold, gesture) of a region displayed on the display screen (e.g., touch sensitive screen). A touch to focus mode may then be initiated in response to the user selection and exposure and focus parameters determined and adjusted. Then, an automatic scene detection mechanism can determine whether a scene has changed. If the scene has changed, then the touch to focus mode ends and a default automatic focus mode initiates. This mode sets a new exposure metering area and focus area prior to determining and adjusting exposure and focus parameters, respectively.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes an image sensor having a pixel that photo-electrically converts an object image, a readout unit that reads out a signal for image forming and a signal for focus detection from the pixel, and a control unit that controls which one of a first readout mode to read out both the signal for focus detection and the signal for image forming from the pixel and a second readout mode to read out only the signal for image forming from the pixel is to be used to operate the readout unit.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of performing proper image evaluation in photographing a moving image by changing the exposure condition. An image pickup unit picks up an image of an object and a driving unit drives a focus lens in an optical axis direction. A control circuit controls a focus state of the object by causing the driving unit to move the focus lens in the optical axis direction. A focus evaluation value is acquired from each image. The control circuit causes the image pickup unit to pick up images of a multistage exposure image group by changing exposure time, selects an image according to exposure time, updates a direction of driving the focus lens using the focus evaluation value acquired from the selected image, and causes the driving unit to move the focus lens in the updated driving direction.