With Auxiliary Sensor Or Separate Area On Imager Patents (Class 348/350)
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Publication number: 20130321694Abstract: Image sensors include an array of image sensor pixels therein. This array of image sensor pixels includes a first focus detection pixel and at least a first color pixel. A switching network is provided, which is electrically coupled to the array. This switching network may be configured to generate a first mixed image signal by electronically mixing a focus detection signal generated by the first focus detection pixel with at least one color pixel signal generated by the at least a first color pixel. The first focus detection pixel can be a color-blind pixel, which may include a light-blocking shield mask therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin Hun Shin, Ji Min Cheon, Dong Hun Lee, Hyeok Jong Lee, Jin Ho Seo, Woo Seok Choi, Seog Heon Ham
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Patent number: 8599304Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor having image forming pixels for receiving light that has passed through an entire pupil area of an imaging lens which forms an object image, and focus detection pixels, which are arranged discretely among the image forming pixels, for receiving light that has passed through part of the pupil area of the imaging lens; a detection unit configured to detect an edge direction of an object based on an image signal acquired by the image sensor; an averaging unit configured to average image signals, while shifting a phase of the image signals, which are acquired respectively from each of the focus detection pixels, based on the edge direction detected by the detection unit; and a calculation unit configured to calculate a defocus amount of the imaging lens using the image signal averaged by the averaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshitaka Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8582019Abstract: A technology of a phase-difference detecting image pickup element that can precisely detect a focus by a phase difference detection method and that can be properly produced even if pixels are becoming finer is provided. An image pickup element of an image pickup device includes an AF pixel pair 11f performing a pupil division function by receiving an object light beam transmitted through a pair of portions Qa, Qb in an exit pupil; and ordinary pixels that are not provided with the pupil division function. The AF pixel pair 11f includes a pair of photoelectric converters PD having the same size as photoelectric converters of the ordinary pixels and being disposed adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction. A light-intercepting section LS and one microlens ML are provided above the pair of photoelectric converters PD. The light-intercepting section LS has two light-intercepting areas Ea, Eb that intercept the light beam transmitted through the exit pupil.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shinichi Fujii, Hiroki Ui, Yutaka Nishimura
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Patent number: 8576329Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes an image sensor including pixels for focus detection for receiving a pair of respective light beams transmitted through different pupil areas of a photographing lens to output a pair of signals; an acquisition unit for acquiring exit window information on the photographing lens; an arithmetic circuit for calculating a tilt for detection area in the detecting position, depending on an image height for a detecting position in which a focus state is detected and on the exit window information; and a calculation unit for calculating the shape of the detection area depending on the calculated tilt, in which the defocus amount is detected on the basis of a phase difference between the pair of signals obtained from pixels for focus detection included in the calculated detection area.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Takamiya
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Publication number: 20130271646Abstract: An image capture apparatus comprises an image sensor including at least three focus detecting pixels, an optical axis displacement unit which displaces an optical axis of an imaging optical system by driving at least part of the imaging optical system, and a focus adjustment unit which performs focus adjustment by a phase-difference detection method using a pair of images detected in the at least three focus detecting pixels, wherein if the optical axis displacement unit moves the at least part of the imaging optical system, the focus adjustment unit performs focus adjustment using detection results of a pair of focus detecting pixels, among the at least three focus detecting pixels, other than a focus detecting pixel in which a common part of an exit pupil area and the light-receiving area of the focus detecting pixel is smallest.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hideyuki Hamano
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Patent number: 8553137Abstract: A method of processing image data generated using an image capture device comprising a lens, the method comprising, generating metric data for a plurality of regions of an image, the data representing a plurality of focus measures for each region generated at a plurality of lens positions, processing the metric data in order to cluster regions into at least one group on the basis of their respective focus measures, and determining a lens position for a group corresponding to a position of true focus for the group.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Stephen B. Pollard
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Patent number: 8547475Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniveristyInventors: Yi-Ren Ng, Patrick M. Hanrahan, Mark A. Horowitz, Marc S. Levoy
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Patent number: 8525918Abstract: A portable electronic device and an autofocus control method of a camera of the portable electronic device are disclosed. The portable electronic device provides a G-sensor to detect the orientation of the portable electronic device, and provides a storage unit to store autofocus lookup tables for different orientations of the portable electronic device, respectively. According to orientation information from the G-sensor, the central processing unit of the portable electronic device selects one autofocus lookup table from the storage unit and thereby generates an actuating signal for a focus model. The focus model of the portable electronic device is actuated by the actuating signal to adjust an image distance between a lens module and an image sensor of the camera.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: HTC CorporationInventors: Li-Yin Chen, Chun-Ta Lin, Yi-Tsung Cheng
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Patent number: 8520128Abstract: Disclosed are an auto focus (AF) module and a photographing apparatus employing the same. The AF module may include an AF sensor having a plurality of AF pixels and a controller. The controller receives an information regarding the amount of light respectively received by the light receiving elements of one or more of the plurality of AF pixels from the one or more of the plurality of AF pixels. The controller of the AF sensor may be configured to control the operations, e.g., the light exposure timing, of the plurality of AF pixels based on the information received from the AF pixels.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei UniversityInventors: Il-Do Kim, Ki-Sub Song, Gun-Hee Han, Jin-Min Cheon, Jeong-Hwan Lee
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Patent number: 8508650Abstract: An image pickup system includes an image pickup apparatus and a mount adaptor that adjusts a flange focal length between the image pickup apparatus and an interchangeable lens. The mount adaptor includes a phase-difference focus detection unit that can output a first phase-difference focus detection signal, and an optical device that separates first incident light into second and third incident light. The first incident light is transmitted from the interchangeable lens. The second incident light enters the image pickup apparatus. The third incident light enters the phase-difference focus detection unit. The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device that can output a second phase-difference focus detection signal, and a controller that selects either of the first phase-difference focus detection signal and the second phase-difference focus detection signal on the basis of satisfaction of a predetermined condition and performs focusing.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Norihiko Akamatsu, Yoshitaka Miyatani
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Patent number: 8497458Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus is configured to include a plurality of pixels, a first output unit that detects a maximum value of signals output from the plurality of pixels, a second output unit that detects a minimum value of signals output from the plurality of pixels, and a signal output line via which to output signals of the first output unit and the second output unit such that when the maximum value is detected, the signal output line is charged by a source current flowing through the first output unit, while when the minimum value is detected, the signal output line is discharged by a sink current flowing through the second output unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kouji Maeda, Tomohisa Kinugasa
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Patent number: 8497919Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first output unit configured to perform first gain processing on an analog signal corresponding to an electric charge stored in a photoelectric conversion element in a first region and output the processed signal, a second output unit configured to perform second gain processing on an analog signal corresponding to an electric charge stored in a photoelectric conversion element in a second region and output the processed signal, an instruction unit configured to instruct a gain of each gain processing in the first and second output units, a first control unit configured to control a display of an image based on an output signal from the first output unit, and a second control unit configured to control an imaging condition based on an output signal from the second output unit. The second gain processing is different from the first gain processing.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Minoru Hirose
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Patent number: 8494357Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, and method for dynamically setting a camera's exposure parameters based on face detection are disclosed. When taking a picture or video of a person in front of a bright background, standard exposure algorithms tend to overexpose the background. In one embodiment disclosed herein, a face detection algorithm is run on the current picture or video frame, and the exposure metering region is inset over the detected face. Exposure time, gain, or other exposure parameters may be set based on the pixels within the exposure metering region. In another embodiment, the exposure metering region tracks a moving face according to lag parameters so that the exposure metering region remains substantially over the face. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of faces may be tracked, with the exposure parameters set based on a weighted average of the pixels within the plurality of face-containing exposure metering regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Ralph Brunner
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Publication number: 20130169858Abstract: An image sensing apparatus including: an image sensor including a plurality of focus detection pixel pairs that perform photoelectric conversion on each pair of light beams that have passed through different regions of a photographing lens and output an image signal pair; a flash memory that stores shift information on relative shift between an optical axis of the photographing lens and a central axis of the focus detection pixel pairs; a correction unit that corrects a signal level of the image signal pair based on the shift information and exit pupil information of the photographing lens so as to compensate for an unbalanced amount of light that enters each of the focus detection pixel pairs; and a focus detection unit that detects a focus of the photographing lens using the image signal pair corrected by the correction unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
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Patent number: 8477208Abstract: Provided are a digital image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the apparatus, and more particularly, is a digital image processing apparatus which embodies a focusing screen digitally instead of optically, and a method of controlling the apparatus. The digital image processing apparatus includes: a lens; a photographing device obtaining data of an original image from light which has passed through the lens; and a digital signal processor performing a blurring treatment on the original image obtained from the photographing device and displaying the original image.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-min Kim, Hong-ju Kim
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Patent number: 8477233Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises a photoelectric conversion unit including a first pixel group which photoelectrically converts an object image formed via a first exit pupil region of a photographing lens and a second pixel group which photoelectrically converts an object image formed via a second exit pupil region; a focus detection unit which detects a focus of the photographing lens using a first image signal obtained from the first pixel group and a second image signal obtained from the second pixel group; a calculation unit which calculates an inclination of a straight line connecting a barycenter of the first exit pupil region and a barycenter of the second exit pupil region from a pixel arrangement direction of the first pixel group and second pixel group; and a focus detection range setting unit which sets a focus detection range based on a calculation result of the calculation unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Oikawa
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Publication number: 20130162890Abstract: In a focus detection apparatus, a sensor includes a first mode for outputting via the signal line when respective stored charges corresponding to the first and the second AF areas have reached the predetermined charge amount, and a second mode for outputting via the signal line when respective stored charges corresponding to the first or the second AF areas have reached the predetermined charge amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
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Patent number: 8471952Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: an imaging lens; an image pickup element including pixels of a first and second group, the pixels of the second group including pixels for phase difference detection, the image pickup element configured to be capable of independently reading out first and second image signals from the pixels of the first and second group, respectively; a defocus amount calculation device configured to calculate an amount of defocus of the imaging lens based on image signals read out from the pixels for phase difference detection; a focus control device configured to perform a focus adjustment to make the amount of defocus “0”; an image processing device configured to read out the first and second image signals after the focus adjustment and generate an image for recording based on the first and second image signals; and a recording device configured to record the generated image.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Kouhei Awazu
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Patent number: 8466998Abstract: A solid-state image sensor executing photoelectric conversion for a subject image includes: a plurality of pixels disposed in a two-dimensional pattern and each equipped with a photoelectric conversion unit that generates and stores an electrical charge, wherein: the plurality of pixels are each one of a first pixel and a second pixel; the plurality of pixels are divided into a plurality of pixel blocks; the pixel blocks each include m×n pixels with m pixels and n pixels among the plurality of pixels set respectively along a columnar direction and along a row direction; at least one of the pixels in each pixel block is the first pixel; color filters assuming a single color are disposed at first pixels belonging to a common pixel block; and at least one pixel in at least one pixel block among the plurality of pixel blocks is the second pixel.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Satoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8416339Abstract: A method for using a capture device to capture at least two video signals corresponding to a scene, includes: providing a two-dimensional image sensor having a plurality of pixels; reading a first group of pixels from the image sensor at a first frame rate to produce a first video signal of the image scene; reading a second group of pixels from the image sensor at a second frame rate for producing a second video signal; and using at least one of the video signals for adjusting one or more of the capture device parameters.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Omni Vision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Amy D. Enge, John T. Compton, Bruce H. Pillman
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Patent number: 8405760Abstract: An image sensing apparatus including: an image sensor including a plurality of focus detection pixel pairs that perform photoelectric conversion on each pair of light beams that have passed through different regions of a photographing lens and output an image signal pair; a flash memory that stores shift information on relative shift between an optical axis of the photographing lens and a central axis of the focus detection pixel pairs; a correction unit that corrects a signal level of the image signal pair based on the shift information and exit pupil information of the photographing lens so as to compensate for an unbalanced amount of light that enters each of the focus detection pixel pairs; and a focus detection unit that detects a focus of the photographing lens using the image signal pair corrected by the correction unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryo Yamasaki
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Patent number: 8401228Abstract: An image recognition device includes a detection unit which is configured to detect a first difference between at least a part of the first image information and the reference information, a second difference between at least a part of the second image information and the reference information, and a third difference between at least a part of the third image information and the reference information. A recognition unit is configured to make a first determination whether the first difference is within a predetermined range, and to make a second determination whether the second difference is within the predetermined range. A changing unit is configured to change the predetermined range based on the first and second determinations. The recognition unit is configured to recognize an area corresponding to the reference image in the third image information based on the third difference and the predetermined range which has been changed.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Keiko Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8400557Abstract: An apparatus that detects an in-focus state has a plurality of line sensors and an image signal output processor. The plurality of line sensors is arranged on a projection area. The image signal output processor outputs image signals of an object on the basis of electric charges accumulated in the plurality of line sensors. Each line sensor is equipped with a plurality of pairs of photoelectric converters, which are arrayed along the longitudinal direction of the line sensor, and a plurality of image-pixel signal-reading circuits. Each image-pixel signal-reading circuit reads electric charges from a corresponding pair of photoelectric converters. Also, each image-pixel signal-reading circuit has a first circuit that reads electric charges accumulated in one photoelectric converter and a second circuit that reads electric charges accumulated in the other photoelectric converter.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Sato, Kazuo Sugitani
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Patent number: 8395696Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Yi-Ren Ng, Patrick M. Hanrahan, Marc A. Levoy, Mark A. Horowitz
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Patent number: 8390733Abstract: A camera system includes an interchangeable lens and a camera body to which the interchangeable lens can be mounted, either directly or via an adapter. A lens microcomputer of the interchangeable lens is configured to hold lens information including information related to a focal point detection method. A body microcomputer of the camera body is configured to select a focal point detection method on the basis of lens information. The body microcomputer is configured to select a contrast detection method as the focal point detection method if the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection method. The body microcomputer is configured to select a phase difference detection method as the focal point detection method if the interchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection method, and the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detection method.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Dai Shintani, Kenichi Honjo, Norikazu Katsuyama
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Patent number: 8384803Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for creating an omni-focused image. Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for electronically amalgamating images using real-time distance information to create an omni-focused image. The system of the invention comprises one or more video cameras aimed at a scene each generating a video output focused at a different distance, a distance mapping camera providing distance information for one or more objects in the scene, and a pixel selection utility wherein the pixel selection utility uses the distance information to select pixels from the video outputs to be used to generate a video display. The system is then operable to focus and amalgamate the video outputs to produce one image with multiple focal points or an omni-focused image.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Inventor: Keigo Iizuka
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Patent number: 8379136Abstract: A system and method for high numeric aperture imaging systems includes a splitter, a defocusing system, and a combiner. The splitter reflects a portion of collected light and transmits another portion of the collected light. The defocusing system is configured to modify optical power of either the transmitted portion or reflected portion of the collected light. The combiner is oriented with respect to a mechanical angle. The combiner recombines portions of the transmitted portion and the reflected portion such that the transmitted portion and reflected portion are subsequently transmitted being separated by an optical separation angle based upon the mechanical angle of orientation of the combiner. Various other implementations are used to maintain focus with regards to the imaging systems involved.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Amnis CorporationInventors: William E. Ortyn, David A. Basiji, David J. Perry
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Patent number: 8373792Abstract: An autofocus apparatus with a photographic optical system having a movably disposed focus adjusting lens, an optical element to split light beams received from an object, a plurality of image forming lenses to form images from portions of the split light beams, a plurality of focusing estimating portions to create focusing data for focusing the image of the object on the corresponding image forming lenses, a data detecting device to detect data for focusing the image, a data creating device to correct the detected focusing data, a selecting portion to select from among the focusing estimating portions, and a moving device to move the focus adjusting lens.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Kurokawa, Hirotake Nozaki, Koutarou Murakami
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Patent number: 8363153Abstract: A focus detection device includes: a defocus information detection unit that detects phase difference information indicating a phase difference manifested by a pair of images formed with a pair of light fluxes having passed through different areas of a photographic optical system and detects defocus information based upon the phase difference information; and a correction unit that executes correction for correcting the defocus information, detected by the defocus information detection unit, in correspondence to a predetermined direction extending between a first direction that orthogonally intersects an optical axis of the photographic optical system and radially extends from the optical axis and a second direction that orthogonally intersects the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Shinichi Tsukada
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Patent number: 8358354Abstract: Digital images are computed using an approach for correcting lens aberration. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a digital imaging arrangement implements microlenses to direct light to photosensors that detect the light and generate data corresponding to the detected light. The generated data is used to compute an output image, where each output image pixel value corresponds to a selective weighting and summation of a subset of the detected photosensor values. The weighting is a function of characteristics of the imaging arrangement. In some applications, the weighting reduces the contribution of data from photosensors that contribute higher amounts of optical aberration to the corresponding output image pixel.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Yi-Ren Ng, Patrick M. Hanrahan, Mark A. Horowitz, Marc S Levoy
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Patent number: 8358367Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Yi-Ren Ng, Patrick M. Hanrahan, Marc A. Levoy, Mark A. Horowitz
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Patent number: 8358370Abstract: The invention refers to a flash light compensation system and corresponding method for digital camera systems, wherein a luminance compensation is carried out on an image of a scene (3) picked-up by an image sensor (1), on the basis of a respective intensity field measured by a plurality of sensors (4, 5), when the scene is illuminated by flash light emitted by a flash device (2). Depending upon the output signals of the plurality of sensors a depth field of the scene is estimated, and this estimation provides a basis for the luminance adjustment on the scene picked up as an image while illuminated by the flash device. The system and method is suitable for effectively reducing the problem of unevenly distributed lighting on a picked-up image of the scene.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Richard Petrus Kleihorst, Serafim Efstratiadis
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Patent number: 8350953Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus which includes a photoelectric conversion cell group in which, a plurality of photoelectric conversion cells which convert an optical image formed by an optical system to an electrical signal, are arranged two-dimensionally, at least some photoelectric conversion cells from among the plurality of photoelectric conversion cells are formed to output an image signal and a signal for ranging, and areas of a photoelectric conversion regions of photoelectric conversion cells which output the image signal, including the photoelectric conversion cells which output the image signal and the signal for ranging having the same spectral sensitivity of light received, in the photoelectric conversion cell group are substantially same, and the photoelectric conversion cells are arranged such that, for at least two photoelectric conversion cells which are necessary for ranging, a distance between centers of gravity of areas of the photoelectric conversion region of the photoelectric conversion celType: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Hisashi Goto
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Patent number: 8330851Abstract: An image pickup apparatus including a half mirror, a phase difference detecting AF sensor, an image pickup device, and a display is provided. The half mirror is provided so as to be movable between a first position on an optical path of the subject image light from the photographing optical system and a second position to which the half mirror is evacuated from the optical path of the subject image light. When the half mirror is in the second position, the image pickup device generates an actual photographing image on the basis of the subject image light reaching the image pickup device from the photographing optical system without passing through the half mirror.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Nobuharu Murashima
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Patent number: 8279324Abstract: A control method of detecting an object image to be focused from a sensed image, setting a focus detection area in detecting an in-focus state of a photographing optical system, and exercising control such that the photographing optical system is moved based on a signal output in the focus detection area to carry out focus control, wherein, in the setting of the focus detection area, a first focus detection area corresponding to an object to be focused detected from the sensed image and a second focus detection area which is larger than the first focus detection area are set, and in the focus control, control is exercised such that the photographing optical system is moved based on output signals in the set first and second focus detection areas.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hitoshi Yasuda
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Patent number: 8279326Abstract: A light quantity detecting apparatus is disclosed which includes: an integration detection section configured to output a signal that varies with integrated quantities of light received by a light-receiving device; a comparison section configured to compare the signal output by the integration detection section with a reference value in order to output a signal representing a result of the comparison; a dummy signal generation section configured to generate a signal equivalent to the comparison result signal output by the comparison section; a changeover section configured to change the output of the comparison section with the output of the dummy signal generation section in response to a control signal; and an integration signal generation section configured to generate a signal indicating an end of the integration of the quantities of received light in accordance with the signal forwarded via the changeover section.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Shinya Yoshida
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Patent number: 8269880Abstract: An imaging device includes an image sensor equipped with imaging pixels disposed in a two-dimensional array and focus detection pixels disposed along a specific direction over part of the array of the imaging pixels. The imaging device categorizes an image pattern indicating a pixel output change along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the focus detection pixels are disposed based upon the outputs from the imaging pixels present around each focus detection pixel. Then, it determines an image output at the focus detection pixel based upon the output from the focus detection pixel and the outputs from the imaging pixels present around the focus detection pixel through an arithmetic operation method corresponding to the categorized image pattern.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Yosuke Kusaka
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Patent number: 8259215Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element including image pickup pixels and focus detection pixels, and first and second focus information calculating parts respectively calculating first focus information based on outputs from the focus detection pixels and second focus information based on an output from a light-receiving element which is provided separately from the image pickup element. The focus information indicates a focus state of an image pickup optical system. The apparatus further includes a correction value calculating part calculating a correction value based on the first focus information and the second focus information, and a controlling part performing focus control of the image pickup optical system based on the second focus information corrected using the correction value.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Sugawara
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Patent number: 8243157Abstract: Digital images are computed using an approach for correcting lens aberration. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a digital imaging arrangement implements microlenses to direct light to photosensors that detect the light and generate data corresponding to the detected light. The generated data is used to compute an output image, where each output image pixel value corresponds to a selective weighting and summation of a subset of the detected photosensor values. The weighting is a function of characteristics of the imaging arrangement. In some applications, the weighting reduces the contribution of data from photosensors that contribute higher amounts of optical aberration to the corresponding output image pixel.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Yi-Ren Ng, Patrick M. Hanrahan, Mark A. Horowitz, Marc S. Levoy
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Patent number: 8243189Abstract: An image sensor includes: a plurality of imaging pixels disposed two-dimensionally in rows and columns to capture an image; a plurality of first focus detection pixels for focus detection and a plurality of second focus detection pixels for focus detection being disposed in a row in place of the imaging pixels; a row selection circuit that selects in turn a row; a column selection circuit that selects in turn a column; and an output circuit that outputs pixel signals from the pixels selected by the column selection circuit, out of the pixels in the rows selected by the row selection circuit, wherein the column selection circuit selects a column according to whether or not the row selected by the row selection circuit includes the first and the second focus detection pixels.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Yosuke Kusaka
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Patent number: 8243190Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device wherein, in order to obtain an output of large amplitude from a low-contrast object without using a bottom detecting circuit to thereby increase a capturing rate, an accumulation end is determined when a maximum value signal in a photosensor array reaches a predetermined accumulation end level, and an amplifier circuit unit is provided for amplifying a signal, which is outputted from each of the pixels of the photosensor array, with reference to the maximum value signal of the photosensor array and for outputting the signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohisa Kinugasa, Hidekazu Takahashi
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Patent number: 8233789Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, and method for dynamically setting a camera's exposure parameters based on face detection are disclosed. When taking a picture or video of a person in front of a bright background, standard exposure algorithms tend to overexpose the background. In one embodiment disclosed herein, a face detection algorithm is run on the current picture or video frame, and the exposure metering region is inset over the detected face. Exposure time, gain, or other exposure parameters may be set based on the pixels within the exposure metering region. In another embodiment, the exposure metering region tracks a moving face according to lag parameters so that the exposure metering region remains substantially over the face. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of faces may be tracked, with the exposure parameters set based on a weighted average of the pixels within the plurality of face-containing exposure metering regions.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Ralph Brunner
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Patent number: 8223255Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an imaging function having an imaging section configured such that a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, images a subject; a detecting function for detecting whether the imaging apparatus including the imaging section is held vertically or horizontally; a readout function for reading out the pixels information of the plurality of the pixels from the imaging section; a first readout controlling function for controlling a readout process of the pixel information executed by the readout function, in accordance with a detection result from the detecting section; a calculating function for calculating an auto-focus evaluation value in accordance with the pixel information read out by the first readout controlling function; and a focusing function for focusing in accordance with the auto-focus evaluation value calculated by the calculating function.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masami Yuyama
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Patent number: 8218962Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing optical system; a sensor unit having line sensors that receive light fluxes of an object, which have been transmitted through a pair of partial areas in an exit pupil of the image-capturing optical system; image-capturing elements having a pixel arrangement capable of generating an image signal and a focus detection pixel sequence, in which two or more pairs of pixels that receive the light fluxes of an object, are arranged in a predetermined direction; a continuous image-capturing unit configured to perform continuous image capturing of actually exposing the image-capturing elements; a signal generation unit configured to perform another exposure for the sensor unit; a first focus detection unit configured to perform focus detection of a phase-difference detection method; a second focus detection unit configured to perform focus detection; and a focus adjustment unit configured to perform focus adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shinichi Fujii, Norihiko Akamatsu
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Patent number: 8212917Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image pickup device that includes a first pixel group configured to photoelectrically convert an object image formed by a luminous flux from an imaging optical system, and a second pixel group which includes a plurality of pixels configured to photoelectrically convert a split pair of the luminous flux from the imaging optical system and a detecting unit configured to implement a first detection control that changes an imaging state of the image pickup device while detecting a contrast of the object image based on an output of the second pixel group, and then a second detection control that changes the imaging state of the image pickup device while detecting the contrast of the object image based on an output of the first pixel group.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ken-ichiro Amano
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Publication number: 20120162499Abstract: The focus detection accuracy of a focus detection device that employs an external AF sensor unit having a pair of line sensors that are each comprised of multiple unit line sensors is improved. The individual line sensors are arranged so that the center of the field of view of an imaging optical system at a predetermined subject distance, at which field-of-view adjustment for causing the field of view of the imaging optical system and the field of view of a focus-detection optical system to match has been carried out, corresponds to the center of one of the multiple unit line sensors included in the individual line sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kengo Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8200081Abstract: The present invention further improves operability related to setting the position and size of a focus detection region. An image capturing apparatus of the invention is provided with an image sensor that photo-electrically converts an object image formed by an optical lens, a focus detection unit that detects the focus state of the object image using an image signal from a focus detection region that is a region that is a portion within a frame of the image sensor, a setting unit that sets one focus detection mode from among a plurality of focus detection modes in which the size and position of the focus detection region within the frame differ, and a storage unit that stores a focus detection region size and position for each of the plurality of focus detection modes.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Kubota, Yasutaka Naka, Hiroyuki Ogino, Nobukazu Yoshida
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Patent number: 8184197Abstract: Disclosed are a focus detecting apparatus capable detection in various light illumination conditions and an image acquiring apparatus having the same. The focus detecting apparatus may include a mark disposed on a primary image plane. A pair of images of the mark is detected by a sensor, the distance between which images is used to determine the main wavelength of the light received from a subject. The main wavelength is used in determining the chromatic aberration correction by which the defocus amount may be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Shitao Deng, Kyong-Tae Park
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Patent number: 8179432Abstract: A method of autofocusing includes capturing first, second and third images of a sample, at respective first, second and third sample distances and respective first, second and third lateral positions determined with respect to an objective; determining a quantitative characteristic for the first, second and third images; determining a primary sample distance based upon at least the quantitative characteristics for the first, second, and third images; and capturing a primary image of the sample at the primary sample distance and at a primary lateral position that is offset from the first, second and third lateral positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Siavash Yazdanfar, Robert John Filkins, Elizabeth Lockenberg Dixon, Walter Vincent Dixon, legal representative, Krenar Tasimi, Kevin Bernard Kenny
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Patent number: 8139143Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus has a plurality of read out circuits (128) reading out pixel output signals from pixels in a pixel region, a common signal output line (123) connected to the plurality of read out circuits via switch units, a first load unit (124) connected to the signal output line and a positive power source, a second load unit (125) connected to the signal output line and a ground power source, a maximum value output unit outputting a maximum value of a plurality of pixel signals input to the read out circuits, a minimum value output unit outputting a minimum value of a plurality of pixel signals input to the read out circuits, and a switching unit switching output of the maximum value output unit and output of the minimum value output unit during a pixel signal accumulation period.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomohisa Kinugasa