Abstract: In a focus detection apparatus, an accumulation-type sensor formed of a plurality of sensor cells accumulates an image signal, and a component of the image signal is read from each cell for a focus detection calculation. A signal is read from a part of the cells in the sensor, and it is determined from the signal whether an image signal has a low contrast. When it is determined that the image signal has a low contrast, reading signals from the other cells is disabled to omit unnecessary signal reading operations.

Abstract: An image recorded on a photo film is projected through an imaging lens onto an image sensor. In accordance with a selected mode, set values are read out from a data ROM and are applied to a band pass filter having programmable digital filters. Pixel signals from the image sensor are converted into evaluation signals that are correlative with spatial frequencies of the image, and are filtered through the band pass filter with the frequency band determined by the set values. The evaluation signals are integrated, and a peak value of integration values obtained at different focusing positions is determined to be an in-focus position.

Abstract: An automatic focus adjustment device has an image sensing element for converting an object optical image into an electrical signal, and outputting an image signal, a filter for extracting high-frequency components of the image signal obtained by the image sensing element, an integrator for integrating the high-frequency components extracted by the filter and outputting an integrated value, a peak hold circuit for detecting and outputting a peak value of the high-frequency components extracted by the filter, a discrimination unit for discriminating the luminance distribution of the object optical image, and a focus adjustment unit for making focus adjustment using one of the integrated value output from the integrator and the peak value output from the peak hold circuit in accordance with the discrimination result.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an image sensing method which allows object focus tracking during zooming regardless of the shutter speed. In order to achieve this object, a zoom motor for driving a zoom lens is controlled by a lens control microcomputer to decrease the zoom speed.

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

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an autofocus apparatus and method, and an image sensing apparatus capable of shortening the AF time without decreasing the AF precision even when the total number of acquired AF evaluation signals is large. To achieve this object, whether previous and current photographing conditions satisfy a predetermined requirement in photographing is determined. When the previous and current photographing conditions are determined to satisfy the predetermined requirement, a focusing state only near an in-focus position in previous photographing is detected. When the previous and current photographing conditions are determined not to satisfy the predetermined requirement, a focusing state in the object region is detected. An in-focus position is determined by detecting the focusing state, and the in-focus position and photographing conditions are stored for the next photographing. A focus lens is moved to the in-focus position to photograph.

Abstract: A luminance signal is extracted from an image pickup signal photographed by a solid state image pickup device and at least a high frequency component in the extracted luminance signal is extracted by a filter. A gain of at least the high frequency component in the luminance signal extracted by a filter is varied. The luminance signal from a luminance signal extracting unit and at least the high frequency component in the luminance signal in which the gain has been varied by a gain control unit are added, thereby emphasizing an edge portion. A focusing lens is driven on the basis of the level of at least the high frequency component in the luminance signal extracted by the filter, thereby controlling an in-focus point.

Abstract: A subject selection device comprises a light source and an imaging device, such as a CCD, having a plurality of photo-diodes. The light source radiates a distance measuring light beam toward a plurality of objects. A reflected light beam, generated by the objects due to the distance measuring light beam, is received by the, photo-diodes. A signal charge is integrated in each of the photo-diodes, so that three-dimensional information, which includes distances from the camera to each point on a surface of the objects, is obtained. A histogram indicating a distribution of the distances is generated. Based on a peak value of the histogram, a subject to be photographed is selected from the objects. An in-focus portion indicating device indicates a portion of the subject, which is in focus, based on the peak value.

Abstract: A camera includes an imaging element that picks up an image of an object through a taking-lens, an evaluation value calculator that calculates focus evaluation value based upon a picked-up imaging signal, a selector that selects one focusing mode from a plurality of focusing modes, a focusing device that performs a focusing operation based upon the focus evaluation value and the selected focusing mode and a rebooting device that reboots the focusing operation after the focusing operation finishes, wherein further includes an evaluation value memory device that stores a plurality of focus evaluation values calculated by the evaluation value calculator in time sequence after the focusing operation finishes and a fluctuation evaluator that evaluates fluctuation in focus evaluation value stored into the evaluation value memory device, wherein, when the rebooting device reboots the focusing operation, the selector selects one focusing mode from a plurality of focusing modes.

Abstract: The present invention, employing a method of obtaining a final focus position by re-driving a lens before an actual image sensing operation in the vicinity of a focus position which has been obtained by the hill-climbing focusing method, has as its object to enable accurate focusing even in a case where a focus position is not yet obtained by the hill-climbing focusing method. To achieve this object, the driving range of the focus lens at the time of actual exposure is changed in accordance with whether or not AF operation in the hill-climbing mode has been completed and a peak position has been detected. Furthermore, a focus evaluation value is compared with a predetermined value, and the driving range of the focus lens at the time of actual exposure is changed in accordance with the comparison result.

Abstract: There is disclosed an integrated circuit for focus control, which is obtained by integrating, on a single chip, a filter circuit for extracting a predetermined signal component, which changes in accordance with a focusing state, from an image pickup signal, a gate circuit for extracting a focus signal, corresponding to a portion in a focus detection region in a photographing frame, from a focus signal extracted by the filter circuit, an arithmetic circuit for generating an evaluation signal of the focusing state by performing predetermined signal processing for the focus signal extracted by the gate circuit and corresponding to the portion in the focus detection region, a region setting circuit for controlling the positions or the number of focus detection regions in the photographing field by controlling the gate circuit, and an interface for connecting the respective circuits to an external circuit, and allowing the circuits to be controlled by a command from the control circuit.

Abstract: An efficient and reliable method that identifies possible reference sites in an image is disclosed. The method emphasizes customizing the identification of reference sites for each application by providing for initialization of various parameters, such as the size of the reference site. The method then uses a series of measurable parameters to filter possible reference sites in the image and produces and ordered set of possible reference sites. The highest-ranking site of the ordered set is expected to be chosen as the reference site for production. A preferred implementation is disclosed that uses multi-resolution images to enhance efficiency of the identification and that specifically measures the symmetry, orthogonality and uniqueness of the windows.

Abstract: A focusing device includes a movable focusing lens adapted to be moved to different positions, a conversion element for converting light incident on and transmitted through the focusing lens into a signal, and a lens driving mechanism for moving the focusing lens. The focusing device further includes a focus evaluation value calculation unit for calculating a focus evaluation value for each position of the focusing lens based on the signal from the conversion element, and a lens position specifying unit for specifying a position of the focusing lens causing a maximum focus evaluation value as an in-focus lens position. The lens driving mechanism moves the focusing lens in response to the in-focus lens position specified by the lens position specifying unit.

Abstract: An image recorded on a photo film is projected through an imaging lens onto an image sensor. In accordance with a selected mode, set values are read out from a data ROM and are applied to a band pass filter having programmable digital filters. Pixel signals from the image sensor are converted into evaluation signals that are correlative with spatial frequencies of the image, and are filtered through the band pass filter with the frequency band determined by the set values. The evaluation signals are integrated, and a peak value of integration values obtained at different focusing positions is determined to be an in-focus position.

Abstract: In a foldable portable terminal unit containing a picture taking camera capable of transmitting an image and voice, monitoring through a display device is enabled in case of taking picture of himself or herself with that picture taking camera as well as taking picture of an outside object. A lid portion (3) is made foldable with respect to a case main body (2) of the portable terminal unit and rotatable with respect to the case main body (2). A display device (6) provided in the lid portion (3) is rotated with respect to the picture taking camera (11) fixed on rear face or a side face of the case main body (2) corresponding to the state of taking a picture so as to enable monitoring.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus with operation modes including a normal-resolution mode and a high-resolution mode has the capability of automatically adjusting the focus by driving a part of an imaging optical system wherein the minimum amount of movement in driving the part of the imaging optical system is set to a value which differs between the normal-resolution mode and the high-resolution mode.

Abstract: An adaptive peak value detector, wherein the peak value for a peak hold section is detected, the peak hold section being selected by a peak hold control circuit. A solid-state imaging sensor generates pixel signals representative of an image and the peak value of portions of the pixel signals is detected. The exposure time of the sensor is adjusted as a function of the detected peak value and auto-focusing of the image for the camera is carried out on the basis of the image received during the adjusted exposure time.

Abstract: An auto focus camera includes a motor drive circuit. This motor drive circuit causes an AF lens to move by a first predetermined amount a time. A micro-computer determines AF evaluation values at respective lens positions. The AF evaluation values thus determined have a mountain-like characteristic form with a focal point as a summit. The micro-computer detects a maximum AF evaluation value and two AF evaluation values smaller than that value, and determines a deviation of a maximum evaluation position corresponding to the maximum AF evaluation value from a focal point. If the deviation is small, the micro-computer takes the maximum evaluation position as an optimal position. On the other hand, if the deviation is large, the micro-computer takes as an optimal position a position deviated by a second predetermined amount from the maximum evaluation position.

Abstract: In a digital camera, a pre-measuring device obtains color temperature information according to external light in a preliminary exposure. A white balance control value is then determined. The white balance is subsequently adjusted when a strobe light is generated. A regular exposure is thereafter made using the strobe light and the image is recorded for future processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an auto-focus measurement value for use in performing an auto-focus operation on the basis of contrast components in a video signal. The apparatus includes a line peak circuit which sequentially receives lines of the video signal and generates therefrom a sequence of maximum values of the contrast components of each of the lines. An averaging circuit calculates a rolling average of the line maximum values to form average values. A peak hold circuit outputs a maximum value of the average values as the auto-focus measurement value. The resulting auto-focus measurement value is not greatly affected either by noise or by moving objects within the image represented by the video signal.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus which corrects a variation in a focus position due to a zooming operation by driving a compensator lens at a standard speed according to a predetermined cam locus is arranged to determine a correction direction on the basis of an integral value of a high-frequency component and a correction speed on the basis of the ratio of the high-frequency component to a luminance difference, and to combine the correction speed based on the state of focus with the standard speed.

Abstract: An automatic focus adjusting apparatus comprises: a focus detecting circuit for detecting a focusing state and generating a signal according to the focusing state; a speed control circuit to switch a focus adjusting speed to a plurality of stages on the basis of an output of the focus detecting circuit; a depth detecting circuit to detect a depth of field; and a control circuit to change a threshold value of a speed switching point in the speed control circuit on the basis of an output of the depth detecting circuit.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus includes a circuit to generate a focus evaluating value; a control unit for moving a focusing lens position so that the focus evaluating value attains the maximum value; four memories for respectively storing four successive focus evaluating values; and four memories for storing four position data of the focusing lens corresponding to the focus evaluating values. The automatic focusing apparatus further includes a circuit for calculating an amount of change of the focus evaluating value based on the focus evaluating values of the current and second last fields, a circuit for calculating an amount of change of the lens position corresponding thereto, and a circuit for calculating the rate of change of the focus evaluating value based on these amounts of change.

Abstract: A zone for measuring distance is enlarged by adding an area where a contrast ratio is relatively high in the case of the photographing against the light. Thus, the sensitivity for judging a contrast ratio is increased and improper focusing is prevented. The brightness when an evaluative value is a maximum and the brightness at a moment when the evaluative value is not at maximum, for example when it is at a minimum, are compared. If the difference of brightness becomes too large, the maximum evaluative value is ignored and the detection is repeated. The determination of when the difference in brightness is too large is made to be dependent on parameters such as gain of the AGC circuit, gain of the amplifier and iris opening which affect the noise in the evaluative value so as to more accurately judge when the when the maximum evaluative value should be ignored.

Abstract: An image sensor and a focus detection device or distance detection device using the image sensor, wherein the accumulation time of the image sensor is controlled by a characteristic value of the subject image signals without all subject image signals produced by the image sensor having to undergo analog-to-digital conversion. The image sensor includes a light receiving unit having a light receiving element. The image sensor produces electric charges corresponding to light incident on the light receiving element, accumulates the corresponding electric charges, produces a charge signal corresponding to the accumulated electric charges and outputs the charge signal so that the charge signal can be provided to a device which is external to the image sensor.

Abstract: An automatic focusing circuit comprises: a lens section including a focusing lens; photoelectric converting means for photoelectrically converting an amount of light which passed through the lens section; a first filter having first frequency characteristics to extract a first high frequency component from a luminance signal; a second filter which is used to extract a second high frequency component from said luminance signal and which has frequency characteristics steeper than those of the first filter; optical black level detecting means for detecting an optical black level of an image pickup signal; and a control section to control the focusing lens on the basis of the optical black level and the first and second high frequency components.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for automatically focusing an object in a video cameras comprises a solid state image sensor for converting a light beam transmitted through a lens and an iris into an electrical signal, an amplifier for amplifying a video signal from the solid state image sensor, a video signal processor for processing the video signal amplified by the amplifier, high pass filters for high pass filtering the video signal amplified by the amplifier, a video divider for dividing the video signals filtered by the high pass filters in the unit of field, a low pass filter for low pass filtering the video signals divided by the video divider, an A/D converter for converting the video signals filtered by the low pass filter into digital signals, an integrator for integrating the digital signals from the A/D converter to output video detect data, and a microprocessor for checking a level of the video detect data from the integrator and outputting a control signal to a lens motor driver in accordance with th

Abstract: A focusing apparatus of a video camera system and a focusing method, capable of achieving a precise focusing even for an image with both a boundary between white and black and a boundary between white and gray. The focusing apparatus achieves a precise focusing even for an image with both a horizontal luminance signal level and a vertical luminance signal level. The focusing apparatus also achieves a precise focusing even for an object bearing the same kind of colors without a difference in luminance signal level, but with different color concentrations or different kinds of colors with a difference in luminance signal level.

Abstract: An auto-focus regulating method for a video camera includes the steps of: obtaining slopes between adjacent pixels contained in a sampling area constituting at least part of a frame screen; integrating all slopes of the sampling area: calculating the difference of the integrated values between the previous and following frame screens; and performing a focus control so that the integrated values in the following frame screens are increased by the difference of the integrated values. The auto-focus regulating method for video cameras has an advantage that various focus modes can be provided compared with the conventional method by which the focus is regulated by the sum of envelopes.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device including a focus detection circuit for detecting a focus state, and a motor for driving a focusing lens in accordance with an output from the focus detection circuit. The device controls the driving state of the motor in accordance with a result of comparing the amplitude of hunting of the focusing lens with a predetermined value when the direction of the drive of the focusing lens is reversed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic focusing apparatus which permits an automatic focusing operation to occur with a high accuracy irrespective of the luminance of an object being sensed. The automatic focusing apparatus includes a focus lens, an image sensor, a focus motor for changing the position of the focus lens, a Y/C separating circuit for separating a luminance signal Y from the output of the image sensor, a non-linear circuit for subjecting the separated luminance signal Y to a non-linear processing, a high pass filter (HPE) extracting a high frequency component from the output of the non-linear circuit, an integrating circuit for integrating the extracted high frequency component and an in-focus detecting circuit for controlling the position of the focus lens based on the result of integration.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus of this invention can select one of a plurality of distance measurement areas in a photographing area, and obtains an in-focus point on the basis of contrast data of an object in the selected distance measurement area, thereby driving a photographing lens. When the selected distance measurement area is set by an area setting unit, an MTF characteristic value corresponding to the selected distance measurement area stored in a ROM is read out. An MPU obtains a contrast peak value of a first detection frequency component, and detects a position of a first peak value. The MPU predicts an existing area of a contrast peak value of a second detection frequency component higher than the first detection frequency component on the basis of the detected first peak value position and the MTF characteristic value read out from the ROM.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device including a lens group by which movement of a focused field of an object changes, a drive motor for moving the lens group, a luminance processing circuit for image-sensing the object through the lens group to extract a luminance signal, an accumulating circuit for outputting a focusing evaluation value signal for evaluating a focal condition of the object on the basis of the extracted luminance signal, a least squares circuit for determining reliability of the output focusing evaluation value signal, and a control circuit for controlling the drive motor to improve the focal condition of the object on the basis of the determined reliability.

Abstract: A differential value of a characteristic curve of a focus distance of a zooming lens versus a position of a focus lens is calculated or found from a table in a contrast or phase difference type auto focus mechanism by detecting a high frequency part of an image signal. A follow-up speed of a focus lens is stepped or continuously changed based on the differential value. A focus position of a focus lens can therefore be changed smoothly corresponding to displacement of a focus distance of a zooming lens. A current brightness and a brightness when the evaluative value is peak is compared. If a brightness difference is large, a peak is not recognized and processing is repeated. Also, a gain of an amplifier is reduced corresponding to a linear-, step- or curve characteristic of a focus position of the focus lens versus a focus distance of the zooming lens when a gain of an AGC circuit is relatively high, so that noise is a high frequency part is reduced.