Abstract: A subject detection unit of an imaging apparatus detects a subject image from an image. An automatic zoom control unit determines whether the subject detection unit detects the subject image in a specific region and performs first control such that a zoom magnification is controlled on a telephoto side based on a determination result when the subject image is not detected in the specific region. The automatic zoom control unit changes the first control to second control when the subject detection unit detects the subject image in the specific region, and controls the zoom magnification based on a reference size and a sequentially detected size of the subject image.

Abstract: A perception-based image processing apparatus includes an image analyzing circuit and an application circuit. The image analyzing circuit obtains training data, sets a perception model according to the training data, performs an object detection of at least one frame, and generates an object detection information signal based at least partly on a result of the object detection of said at least one frame. The application circuit operates in response to the object detection information signal.

Abstract: A subject detection unit of an imaging apparatus detects a subject image from an image. An automatic zoom control unit determines whether the subject detection unit detects the subject image in a specific region and performs first control such that a zoom magnification is controlled on a telephoto side based on a determination result when the subject image is not detected in the specific region. The automatic zoom control unit changes the first control to second control when the subject detection unit detects the subject image in the specific region, and controls the zoom magnification based on a reference size and a sequentially detected size of the subject image.

Abstract: In one example, a plurality of image frames captured by a digital camera unit is received. It is determined that a condition is met that requires a switch between image capture states. In response, automatic adjustment of at least one image capture parameter without user input is enabled or disabled.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a tilt angle of a portable computing device using a sensor indicating gravitational pull on the device; determining the tilt angle of a camera of the device; identifying a tilt angle range from a plurality of predetermined tilt angle ranges; determining a first focal length setting using a first array that associates the tilt angle range with the first focal length setting; determining an adjustment increment using a second array that associates the adjustment increment with the tilt angle range; and determining a second focal length setting of the camera using the adjustment increment according to an autofocus scan range algorithm. A portable computing device including a processor; a camera; and a memory device including instructions operable to be executed by the processor to perform a set of actions, enabling the portable computing device to perform the method.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes a focus detection unit configured to detect a focus state in each of a plurality of focus detection regions, an acquisition unit configured to acquire an adjustment value used for adjustment of a detection result, for each of the focus detection regions, and a control unit configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode based on focus states detected in the focus detection regions. In the first mode, the acquisition unit acquires the adjustment values for the focus detection regions, based on a focus state in a specific first focus detection region. In the second mode, the acquisition unit acquires the adjustment value for each of the focus detection regions, based on a focus state detected in each of the focus detection regions.

Abstract: A motionless adaptive focus stereoscopic scene capture apparatus employing tuneable liquid crystal lenses is provided. The apparatus includes at least two image sensors preferably fabricated as a monolithic stereo image capture component and at least two corresponding tuneable liquid crystal lenses preferably fabricated as a monolithic focus adjustment component. Using a variable focus tuneable liquid crystal lens at each aperture stop provides constant magnification focus control. Controlled spatial variance of a spatially variant electric field applied to the liquid crystal of each tuneable liquid crystal lens provides optical axis shift enabling registration between stereo images. A controller implements coupled auto-focusing methods employing multiple focus scores derived from at least two camera image sensors and providing multiple tuneable liquid crystal lens drive signals for synchronous focus acquisition of a three dimensional scene.

Abstract: A method, performed in an electronic device, for connecting to a target device is disclosed. The method includes capturing an image including a face of a target person associated with the target device and recognizing an indication of the target person. The indication of the target person may be a pointing object, a speech command, and/or any suitable input command. The face of the target person in the image is detected based on the indication and at least one facial feature of the face in the image is extracted. Based on the at least one facial feature, the electronic device is connected to the target device.

Abstract: A method, performed in an electronic device, for connecting to a target device is disclosed. The method includes capturing an image including a face of a target person associated with the target device and recognizing an indication of the target person. The indication of the target person may be a pointing object, a speech command, and/or any suitable input command. The face of the target person in the image is detected based on the indication and at least one facial feature of the face in the image is extracted. Based on the at least one facial feature, the electronic device is connected to the target device.

Abstract: By determining using a linear adjustment, a directional adjustment, or a focus scan adjustment on a movable lens unit according to which range region the sharpness of a digital image or a region of interest of the digital image falls in, best focus control performance may be simply and rapidly fulfilled.

Abstract: A focusing method includes operations (a) through (d). In (a), a maximum focus value generated during a searching is set as a first maximum focus value. In (b), the focus lens moves to a first position that is the position of the first maximum focus value. In (c), a focus value generated when the focus lens moves to the first position is set as a second maximum focus value. In (d), if it is determined that a difference value between the first maximum focus value and the second maximum focus value is greater than a first set allowance value, a position of a focus value, whose difference value from the first maximum focus value is less than a second set allowance value, is searched for within a second range that has the first position as its center and is narrower than the first range.

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: 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: An imaging device includes: an optical system which obtains an optical image of a photographic subject; an image sensor which converts the optical image to an electric signal; a digital signal processor which produces image data based on the electric signal; a display section which displays a photographic subject image expressed by the image data; and an operating section which performs a necessary setting regarding imaging, the digital signal processor including: an autofocus operation section which performs an autofocus operation based on data of an autofocus area set in the photographic subject image; a main area setting section which sets a main area in the photographic subject image; and a blurring operation section which performs a blurring operation on an area other than the main area in the photographic subject image, wherein the autofocus area is set automatically to overlap with at least a part of the main area.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an imaging unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state of a focus lens, a designation unit configured to receive a designation of an in-screen position of an object displayed on a display screen, and a control unit configured to control a movable range of the focus lens when the focusing state is detected by the focus detection unit such that if the designation unit does not designate the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to be a first range and, if the designation unit designates the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to a second range that is wider than the first range.

Abstract: A method of continuous auto focusing a camera in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes setting an arbitrary area of a preview screen as a focus area, the preview screen being divided into at least one tracking area, focusing on a subject located within the focus area and fixing a focus of the subject, and adjusting the focus with respect to the focus area when a movement of the subject is detected within the tracking area that includes the focus area.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor having a focus detection pixel group including a plurality of focus detection pixels that receive light passing through a part of a pupil area of an imaging lens for forming an object image and an image forming pixel group including a plurality of image forming pixels that receive light passing through the whole of the pupil area of the imaging lens; and an image processing unit that generates an image signal corresponding to the position of each of the focus detection pixels by using at least either of a signal of the focus detection pixel at the position and signals of neighboring image forming pixels of the focus detection pixel at the position, depending on the size of an aperture of the focus detection pixels.

Abstract: Focusing methods, apparatus, and computer-readable recording media having recorded thereon the focusing methods are disclosed. In an example focusing method, a focus evaluation value is divided into first information and second information. The first information represents a difference between focus evaluation values, which are obtained according to location of a focus lens, to be relatively large, and the second information represents the difference to be relatively small. Then, at least one from among the first information and the second information is provided to a user so that the user may easily and more accurately determine whether a subject is in focus.

Abstract: Methods for automatic focus in a stereographic imaging device that includes two imaging sensor systems are provided. Focus searches are executed on both imaging sensor systems to determine optimal focused lens positions for each. The focus searches may be executed currently or sequentially, and may be at differing lens position granularities. Focal scores and spatial locations, i.e., the locations of focus regions, may be shared between the imaging sensor systems to coordinate the focus searches. Touchscreen coordinates may also be used to coordinate the focus searches.

Abstract: Apparatus for focusing a camera having an optic axis, an optic center and a field of view, to image a scene, the apparatus comprising: an illumination system controllable to illuminate substantially any region of interest (ROI) of the scene in the field of view of the camera with a relatively small fiducial spot of light; a ranging system configured to determine a range for the fiducial spot relative to the camera; and a controller that focuses the camera to a distance responsive to the determined range.

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: An apparatus includes an imaging unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state of a focus lens, a designation unit configured to receive a designation of an in-screen position of an object displayed on a display screen, and a control unit configured to control a movable range of the focus lens when the focusing state is detected by the focus detection unit such that if the designation unit does not designate the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to be a first range and, if the designation unit designates the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to a second range that is wider than the first range.

Abstract: Methods for automatic focus in a stereographic imaging device that includes two imaging sensor systems are provided. Focus searches are executed on both imaging sensor systems to determine optimal focused lens positions for each. The focus searches may be executed currently or sequentially, and may be at differing lens position granularities. Focal scores and spatial locations, i.e., the locations of focus regions, may be shared between the imaging sensor systems to coordinate the focus searches. Touchscreen coordinates may also be used to coordinate the focus searches.

Abstract: A focus-point selection system comprising an image sensor, a target detector, a location detector, and a first selector is provided. The focus-point selection system selects a subset of focus points corresponding to the location of a target in an image capturing area from a plurality of focus points positioned at predetermined locations. The target is a subject that is brought into focus according to a phase-difference autofocus method. The image sensor generates an image signal corresponding to the captured optical image. The target detector detects the target on the basis of the image signal. The location detector detects a subject location. The subject location is a location of the target detected by the target detector in the image capturing area. The first selector selects the focus point with the shortest distance from the subject location.

Abstract: Autofocus operations in a digital camera are described. In one embodiment, a processor detects a face in an image captured by the camera, and calculates the size of the face. It selects from amongst a number of previously stored face sizes, one that is closest to the calculated face size. It retrieves a previously stored lens focus position that is associated with the selected, previously stored face size. It signals a moveable lens system of the digital camera to move to a final focus position given by the retrieved, previously stored lens focus position. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, wherein when performing auto focus control while continuously moving a focusing lens by using an image sensor that has a lag in timing of electric charge accumulation, a focusing accuracy can be improved. To this end, the imaging apparatus includes the rolling shutter function, an imaging unit configured to convert an object image into an image signal, and a setting unit. When a difference exceeds a predetermined amount in the barycentric position of the optical system between an upper line and an a lower line of the AF area due to the rolling shutter function, the setting unit imposes a limitation on the AF area to reduce the size of a desired AF area to an AF area where the difference in the barycentric position becomes a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method of continuous auto focusing a camera in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes setting an arbitrary area of a preview screen as a focus area, the preview screen being divided into at least one tracking area, focusing on a subject located within the focus area and fixing a focus of the subject, and adjusting the focus with respect to the focus area when a movement of the subject is detected within the tracking area that includes the focus area.

Abstract: Focusing methods, apparatus, and computer-readable recording media having recorded thereon the focusing methods are disclosed. In an example focusing method, a focus evaluation value is divided into first information and second information. The first information represents a difference between focus evaluation values, which are obtained according to location of a focus lens, to be relatively large, and the second information represents the difference to be relatively small. Then, at least one from among the first information and the second information is provided to a user so that the user may easily and more accurately determine whether a subject is in focus.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an object image input via a focus lens to output image data, a focus adjustment unit configured to perform focus adjustment by controlling a position of the focus lens based on the image data, a motion detection unit configured to detect a motion of the object image based on the image data, and a control unit configured to control the focus adjustment unit to perform a first focus adjustment operation if motion of the object image is not detected by the motion detection unit, and to control the focus adjustment unit to perform a second focus adjustment operation different from the first focus adjustment operation if motion of the object image is detected by the motion detection unit.

Abstract: Frequency of unnecessary face detection operations performed in a photographing apparatus is reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption by the face detection operations. A determining unit determines whether or not a photographing condition of the photographing apparatus satisfies a precondition for efficiently using a result of detection by a detecting unit, which detects an image representing a face from images taken through the imaging lens of the photographing apparatus. A controlling unit exerts control such that, if it is determined that the photographing condition of the photographing apparatus satisfies the precondition, the detecting unit carries out the detection, and if it is determined that the photographing condition of the photographing apparatus does not satisfy the precondition, the detecting unit does not carry out the detection.

Abstract: A data processing device includes: a face-detecting unit to detect a face region from an input image input from an imaging unit which images a subject including a face; a setting unit to calculate subject distance based on the face size of the face detected by the face-detecting unit, and set limits as a focus lens operation range before and after a focus lens position with the calculated subject distance as focal distance; a detecting unit to move a focus lens within the limits set by the setting unit, and detect a focal point where a detection value corresponding to the contrast intensity obtained from a face frame including the face detected by the face-detecting unit is not smaller than a threshold; and a control unit to determine, in a case wherein a focal point has been detected within predetermined set time, the focal point thereof as a focus position.

Abstract: Method and system for auto-focusing. The method includes checking for presence of a subject in a first frame. The method also includes determining a second frame indicative of an in-focus position of the subject if the presence of the subject is detected. The method further includes causing to focus on the subject based on the second frame. Further, the method includes checking for a change in at least one of location of the subject in the second frame, and sharpness and luminance in an area corresponding to the subject in the second frame. Moreover, the method includes causing to refocus on the subject if the change is detected.

Abstract: A focus-point selection system comprising an image sensor, a target detector, a location detector, and a first selector is provided. The focus-point selection system selects a subset of focus points corresponding to the location of a target in an image capturing area from a plurality of focus points positioned at predetermined locations. The target is a subject that is brought into focus according to a phase-difference autofocus method. The image sensor generates an image signal corresponding to the captured optical image. The target detector detects the target on the basis of the image signal. The location detector detects a subject location. The subject location is a location of the target detected by the target detector in the image capturing area. The first selector selects the focus point with the shortest distance from the subject location.

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: Disclosed is an auto focus system having an auto focus (AF) frame auto-tracking function that detects the image of an object to be tracked as an AF target using a pattern matching process and moves an AF frame indicating an AF target range to the position of the object, thereby tracking the object. When a person's face (face image) is included in the AF frame, the auto focus system having an AF frame auto-tracking function automatically sets the AF frame in an appropriate range so as to correspond to the position and size of the face image. Therefore, even when the size of the face image is changed, it is possible to appropriately track the face and perform focusing on the face.

Abstract: There are provided a focus adjusting apparatus and method in which judgment of an object area to be focused can be favorably performed when the judgment of the object area to be focused is executed at the time of image-taking preparation operation. In the focus adjusting apparatus and method, a first operation of determining the object area to be focused is performed prior to the image-taking preparation operation, and a second operation different from the first operation is performed to execute a focusing operation at the time of the image-taking preparation operation. Prior to the first operation, whether or not an object to be focused can be predicted is judged to change a manner of the first operation based on a result of a judgment.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an imaging optical system; a display unit; a detecting unit performing focus detection in phase difference detection; a focusing unit performing focus control of a lens in the imaging optical system on the basis of the focus detection result; an imaging unit generating an image signal concerning an optical image of a subject; an electronic zoom unit zooming in or out the image of the subject displayed in the display unit on the basis of the image signal by performing signal processing; and a switching unit switching between an electronic zoom active state and an electronic zoom inactive state. The detecting unit includes a sensor unit including a first licensor and a second licensor; a setting unit that sets detection sections having the same section length in the first and second licensors; a focus detecting unit; and a section length controlling unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera module having a selective focus adjustment function. The camera module includes a lens part containing a multiple of lenses, an image sensor converting an optical image transmitted through the lens part into an electric signal, and a main control part transferring the lens part driving signal to set a focusing area around the finger end part indicated by a finger in an image obtained from the optical image in a preview state. According to the proposed invention, a focusing region is set around the end part of a finger at the time of capturing an image when a user indicates a desired focusing setting area by a finger, so that the user can take the focus by selecting a desirable focus position freely at the time of photographing an image using a portable terminal having a camera module of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an imaging unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state of a focus lens, a designation unit configured to receive a designation of an in-screen position of an object displayed on a display screen, and a control unit configured to control a movable range of the focus lens when the focusing state is detected by the focus detection unit such that if the designation unit does not designate the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to be a first range and, if the designation unit designates the in-screen position of the object, the movable range is set to a second range that is wider than the first range.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus and method are provided for a digital image processing apparatus. The focusing apparatus and method control an image sensor to read only pixels within a preset region of an image, calculate a focus value using only the read pixels, and apply the focus value to the entire image. The focusing apparatus includes: a region setting unit setting an arbitrary focus region of an image; a set region pixel reading unit reading only pixels within the set focus region; a focus value calculating unit calculating a maximum focus value according to a moving distance of a focus lens for achieving an in-focus state with respect to the pixels within the focus region read by the set region pixel reading unit; and a control unit applying the calculated maximum focus value to the entire image.

Abstract: A focus information display system is provided in which focus state detection that is performed during automatic focusing (AF) and the like is also performed during manual focusing (MF) and the like to display focus information indicating a focus state. By arranging a focus position range at which a correct focus state is determined when a correct focus display is being performed to be wider than a focus position range at which a correct focus state is determined when an out-of-focus display is being performed, stabilization of a state of correct focus display is achieved without jeopardizing correct focusing accuracy when performing focusing according to a focus information display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing an image in an image-capturing device utilizing at least one face in the image. The method includes detecting at least one face in the image, determining the size of the detected at least one face, determining the distance of the at least one face from the image-capturing device, wherein the determination utilizes the size of the detected at least one face, and focusing an image according to the determined distance of the detected at least one face.

Abstract: By using a result of a detection of an object such as a face, stable focus adjustment of the object can be performed with accuracy. Even if an area that includes the object is not detected, if a tilt of an imaging apparatus is not changed, or a panning or a tilting operation is not detected, a focus detection area, which is used when the object is detected, is maintained.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an imaging optical system; a display unit; a detecting unit performing focus detection in phase difference detection; a focusing unit performing focus control of a lens in the imaging optical system on the basis of the focus detection result; an imaging unit generating an image signal concerning an optical image of a subject; an electronic zoom unit zooming in or out the image of the subject displayed in the display unit on the basis of the image signal by performing signal processing; and a switching unit switching between an electronic zoom active state and an electronic zoom inactive state. The detecting unit includes a sensor unit including a first licensor and a second licensor; a setting unit that sets detection sections having the same section length in the first and second licensors; a focus detecting unit; and a section length controlling unit.

Abstract: The image of a subject is sensed, the image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of a digital still camera and the image of a face is detected in the image of the subject. The image of the subject is shifted in such a manner that the center of the detected face image becomes the center of the display screen, and the image is enlarged and displayed on the display screen. Since the image of the face is displayed in enlarged form, it becomes easier to check the face even if the display screen is small in size.

Abstract: Method and system for auto-focusing. The method includes checking for presence of a subject in a first frame. The method also includes determining a second frame indicative of an in-focus position of the subject if the presence of the subject is detected. The method further includes causing to focus on the subject based on the second frame. Further, the method includes checking for a change in at least one of location of the subject in the second frame, and sharpness and luminance in an area corresponding to the subject in the second frame. Moreover, the method includes causing to refocus on the subject if the change is detected.

Abstract: 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.