Abstract: A light receiver includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions each of which includes a photoelectric conversion element configured to receive light, and a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse signal corresponding to an amount of light received by the photoelectric conversion element. The light receiver includes a plurality of bit counters each of which is configured to count the pulse signal of the pulse generator, and the plurality of bit counters are dispersed in the plurality photoelectric conversion portions.

Abstract: An accessory apparatus including an optical member, and configured to be detachably attached to an image pickup apparatus, includes a communication unit. The communication unit is configured to communicate with the image pickup apparatus with a first communication for the image pickup apparatus to perform notification to the accessory apparatus that the image pickup apparatus communicates with the accessory apparatus, and a second communication and a third communication to be used for performing communication between the image pickup apparatus and the accessory apparatus that has received the notification. A time interval between two request signals for requesting standby of communication between the image pickup apparatus and the accessory apparatus with the third communication is longer than that with the second communication.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.

Abstract: An imaging device and a focusing control method are provided. The imaging device includes: an imaging element, having pixels including phase-difference detecting pixels and imaging a subject through an imaging optical system including a focus lens; and a focusing controller, selectively performing focusing control using a phase difference AF method or focusing control using a contrast AF method in a mode in which focusing control for focusing on a main subject by driving the focus lens is continuously performed multiple times. The focusing controller performs the focusing control using the contrast AF method in a case where a state in which a degree of reliability of the focusing control using the phase difference AF method is equal to or less than a threshold value persists N times (N=2 or more), while the focusing control using the phase difference AF method is continuously performed.

Abstract: An imaging system is described having at least three cameras and a processing unit. The at least three cameras have a common field of view and camera centres positioned along a line. The at least three cameras are configured to image a calibration object to generate a set of calibration object images, wherein the calibration object is located nearby the at least three cameras and in the common field of view. The at least three cameras are further configured to image a scene comprising a set of distant scene position points to generate a set of position point images. The processing unit is configured to generate a set of calibration parameters in dependence on the set of calibration object images and the set of position point images.

Abstract: A vibration type motor has a vibrator; a frictional member, a pressurization unit that causes the vibrator and the frictional member to come into pressure-contact with each other, a retaining member that retains the frictional member, and a fixing unit that fixes the friction member to the retaining member, and the vibrator and the frictional member make relative movement by the vibrator being vibrated. The frictional member has a first area including an area that contacts the vibrator and a second area including an area that is retained by the retaining member. A size of the first area in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both the direction of the relative movement and a pressure direction of the pressurization unit is smaller than a size of the second area in the orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a first calculating unit configured to calculate a defocus amount by a focus detection of a phase difference method, a second calculating unit configured to calculate a contrast evaluation value of an image, a third calculating unit configured to calculate a function indicating a relationship between the defocus amount and the contrast evaluation value calculated at each of a plurality of lens positions, and a fourth calculating unit configured to calculate an adjusting value of the defocus amount based on an extreme value of a function.

Abstract: Autofocus methods and devices are provided. The method includes: controlling a lens group to move at a first speed, and photographing an image at a preset photographing frequency when the lens group moves at the first speed; when a definition of the image photographed by the lens group in a state of moving at the first speed satisfies a preset condition, reducing a moving speed of the lens group to a second speed, and photographing images at the preset photographing frequency when the lens group moves at the second speed; and when a first image with a highest definition is determined in the images photographed by the lens group in a state of moving at the second speed, controlling the lens group to decelerate, and controlling, when the lens group stops moving, the lens group to return to a position of the lens group where the first image was photographed.

Abstract: An exchangeable lens includes: a mount unit at which a camera body is detachably engaged; a plurality of drive target members, conditions of which change as a drive force is applied thereto; an initialization unit that executes initialization processing for each of the plurality of drive target members; an initialization status transmission unit that transmits initialization statuses, each indicating a status of the initialization processing executed for one of the drive target members, to the camera body via a first transmission path over predetermined first cycles; and a drive condition transmission unit that transmits a drive condition of at least one drive target member among the plurality of drive target members to the camera body via a second transmission path different from the first transmission path over predetermined second cycles different from the predetermined first cycles.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus acquires first image data of a background portion stored in advance and read by a reading unit, acquires second image data by reading the background portion, generates third image data by increasing resolution of the first image data and fourth image data by increasing resolution of the second image data, detects an amount of shift of an image sensor relative to a lens array in a predetermined direction by shifting a specific pixel range of the fourth image data relative to the third image data and comparing the specific pixel range with the third image data, and compares fifth image data obtained by shifting the fourth image data in accordance with the shift amount with the third image data, so as to determine whether each of pixels included in the fifth image data is a defective pixel having an abnormal value.

Abstract: An optical measuring device comprises: a lens to form an image with reflected light from a measuring object; an image sensor to receive the reflected light that has passed through the lens and generate an image representing the measuring object; a driver to drive a drive object, the drive object being at least one of the lens and the image sensor; and a controller to control the optical measuring device. The controller acquires, from the image sensor, a plurality of images generated by the image sensor successively imaging the measuring object while the driver is driving the drive object in accordance with a predetermined driving pattern, and outputs the plurality of images.

Abstract: A shake correction device that corrects a shake of a captured image captured by an imager which images subjects through an imaging optical system, and includes: a movement detection sensor as defined herein; a drive mechanism as defined herein; an optical splitter as defined herein; a subject light detector as defined herein; and a processor as defined herein, and the processor calculates distances of the subjects formed on the light receiving surface of the subject light detector from the imaging optical system based on output signals of the subject light detector, and detects the movement amount as the second movement in a case where a movement amount of the subject of which the distance is maximum exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a lens apparatus includes: an imaging optical system including lenses; a focus position change unit changing a position of a focal plane by changing a focus position based on driving of at least one of the lenses; an operation unit operating the driving of the at least one of the lenses by the focus position change unit; an operation amount detection unit detecting an operation amount of the operation unit; a tilt driving unit changing a tilt of the focal plane by driving the imaging optical system; and a tilt amount detection unit detecting a tilt amount that is a drive direction and a drive amount of the imaging optical system by the tilt driving unit.

Abstract: The present specification provides a two-dimensional code identification method and device, and a two-dimensional code positioning and identification model establishment method and device. The two-dimensional code identification method includes: obtaining a to-be-identified two-dimensional code, and performing global feature positioning detection on the to-be-identified two-dimensional code by using a pre-established two-dimensional code positioning and identification model; performing focus adjustment, based on a predetermined image resolution, on the to-be-identified two-dimensional code on which positioning detection is performed; and decoding the to-be-identified two-dimensional code on which focus adjustment is performed. The present specification can improve the identification accuracy of two-dimensional codes shot in complex scenarios.

Abstract: A radiation analysis apparatus includes an excitation source unit irradiating an object, for which the radiation analysis apparatus analyzes property or a structure, with a first radiation, a radiation detection unit including three or more radiation detectors that detect a second radiation generated from the object irradiated with the first radiation, a radiation focusing unit disposed between the object and the radiation detection unit, and focusing the second radiation, a position changing unit changing a relative positional relationship between the radiation focusing unit and the radiation detection unit, and a control unit controlling the position changing unit to change the positional relationship, based on first information which is stored in a storage unit and indicates an intensity distribution of the second radiation emitted from the radiation focusing unit and second information indicating a distribution based on a detection count of the second radiation detected by each of the radiation detectors.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program are disclosed. In the information processing apparatus, circuitry is configured to transmit an input command to at least one of a plurality of imaging devices that are associated with the information processing apparatus, the command being executable as a synchronous operation or an asynchronous operation based on information relating to at least one of the imaging devices. The information may, for example, be the number of the imaging devices to which the input command is transmitted. In that example, when the number of the imaging devices is below a threshold amount, the input command is transmitted as the synchronous operation, and when the number of the imaging devices is above the threshold amount, the input command is transmitted as the asynchronous operation.

Abstract: In a lens apparatus, an interchangeable lens includes an optical system including first and second focus lens units each configured to move in loci different from each other in focusing and a lens control unit configured to control positions of the first and second focus lens units. The lens control unit controls the positions of the first and second focus lens units based on target positions of the first and second focus lens units which are determined according to information about an optical element disposed between the optical system and an image sensor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store beforehand a focus position serving as a reference for a predetermined subject, and a unit configured to drive a focus lens at a position away by a predetermined depth from the focus position serving as a reference that is stored, and calculate a defocus amount.

Abstract: An exchangeable lens includes: a mount unit at which a camera body is detachably engaged; a plurality of drive target members, conditions of which change as a drive force is applied thereto; an initialization unit that executes initialization processing for each of the plurality of drive target members; an initialization status transmission unit that transmits initialization statuses, each indicating a status of the initialization processing executed for one of the drive target members, to the camera body via a first transmission path over predetermined first cycles; and a drive condition transmission unit that transmits a drive condition of at least one drive target member among the plurality of drive target members to the camera body via a second transmission path different from the first transmission path over predetermined second cycles different from the predetermined first cycles.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: a display unit visible via an eyepiece viewfinder; a proximity detection unit configured to detect proximity of an object to the eyepiece viewfinder; a specific operation unit arranged on a main body of the image capturing apparatus on a subject side with respect to an eyepiece unit, or arranged on a circumference of a barrel of an imaging lens; a memory; and at least one processor which functions as a control unit configured to perform control such that in a case where proximity of an object is detected, specific processing is performed in response to an operation made on the specific operation unit, and in a case where proximity of an object is not detected, the specific processing is not performed even when an operation is made on the specific operation unit.

Abstract: There is provided a lens unit equipped with multiple focus lenses provided inside a lens barrel, multiple actuators corresponding to the respective multiple focus lenses and configured to move each of the multiple focus lenses inside the lens barrel, and a control circuit configured to control movement of the multiple focus lenses according to different rules between a case of a position of each of the multiple focus lenses being inside a designated range of satisfactory optical performance, and a case of being outside the range.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mobile device with two circuit boards and certain shared resources, in order to provide the security of physically separate devices, yet do so in a single device using shared resources that do not affect security. Specifically, the invention has two boards connected via input/output switch, each having its own System-on-a-Chip (SoC), Memory (RAM), Storage and Radio Module (SIM(s)/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi), and may include one or more SIM cards. Touchscreen, battery, physical buttons and other peripherals are shared between boards. Each shared peripheral hardware module will be used by a single board only (the active in-use board being the “Foreground Board”); another board (the inactive “Background Board”) uses an emulated version of the same hardware module. At any moment, a user can switch between Boards and the Background Board becomes the active Foreground Board and vice versa.

Abstract: A distance measuring device for human body features is provided. The device comprises: an image capturing unit configured to capture a plurality of groups of human images of at least one part of human body in a time interval; an image processing unit configured to analyze to recognize a plurality of feature points in each group of the human images to generate three-dimensional coordinates for each feature point; and a processing unit configured to calculate a distance between a first feature point and a second feature point, calculate a deflection angle for each group of the human images, and generate a weight value. The processing unit has a weighted average calculation based on the weight values and the distances to generate a measurement result.

Abstract: An image depth calculating device, which can calculate depth information of a binocular video with reduced computation, includes multiple modules. Modules receives a first frame information set that corresponds to a first frame time of the binocular video and establishes a first rhombic area that centers on a first pixel in a first viewing angle frame, to calculate a total pixel value of the first rhombic area. Modules further establishes a plurality of second rhombic areas that center on a plurality of second pixels of a pixel area in a second viewing angle frame to calculate a second total pixel value of each of the plurality of second rhombic areas. A depth calculating module compares the first total pixel value with each second total pixel value and calculates first frame depth information according to the result. An image depth calculating method is also provided.

Abstract: An image generating device for generating a depth map is provided. The image generating device includes an image sensor including phase detection pixels, a lens driver adjusting a position of a lens to adjust a distance between the lens and an object, a phase difference calculator calculating first phase differences based on first phase signals generated when the lens is placed in a first position and calculating second phase differences based on second phase signals generated when the lens is placed in a second position being different from the first position, and a depth map generator generating first and second depth data associated with a distance between the phase detection pixels and the object based on the first and second phase differences and generating a depth map based on the first and second depth data.

Abstract: An exchangeable lens includes: a mount unit at which a camera body is detachably engaged; a plurality of drive target members, conditions of which change as a drive force is applied thereto; an initialization unit that executes initialization processing for each of the plurality of drive target members; an initialization status transmission unit that transmits initialization statuses, each indicating a status of the initialization processing executed for one of the drive target members, to the camera body via a first transmission path over predetermined first cycles; and a drive condition transmission unit that transmits a drive condition of at least one drive target member among the plurality of drive target members to the camera body via a second transmission path different from the first transmission path over predetermined second cycles different from the predetermined first cycles.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for optimizing phase detection autofocus (PDAF) processing are provided. One aspect provides an apparatus comprising: an image sensor configured to capture image data of a scene; a buffer; and a processor. The processor may be configured to store the image data in the buffer as a current frame and divide the current frame into a plurality of windows each corresponding to a different spatial region of the scene. The processor may be further configured to identify a central portion of the current frame comprising a subset of the plurality of windows. The processor may be further configured to determine a depth value of the central portion based on performing PDAF on the subset of the plurality of windows and determine a confidence value for the central portion based on the depth value and image data corresponding to the subset of the plurality of windows.

Abstract: There is provided a lens unit equipped with multiple focus lenses provided inside a lens barrel, multiple actuators corresponding to the respective multiple focus lenses and configured to move each of the multiple focus lenses inside the lens barrel, and a control circuit configured to control movement of the multiple focus lenses according to different rules between a case of a position of each of the multiple focus lenses being inside a designated range of satisfactory optical performance, and a case of being outside the range.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a focus adjustment unit, an image sensor, a focus evaluation value calculation unit, and a control unit configured to drive the focus adjustment unit based on a focus evaluation value to perform an in-focus operation. A change curve representing a change amount of a focus evaluation value indicating a focusing state of an object image includes a first slope before inversion of a sign of an inclination of the change curve at a peak value on the change curve and a second slope after inversion of a sign of an inclination of the change curve at a peak value on the change curve. The control unit determines whether the focus evaluation value corresponding to the peak value on the change curve is used for the in-focus operation based on an inclination of the first slope and an inclination of the second slope.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus to which a lens unit having an optical imaging system is attachable, comprising: an image sensor configured to generate an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion on a light flux passing through the optical imaging system; a first calculation unit configured to obtain first control information for focus control by using a signal output from the image sensor; and a second calculation unit configured to obtain second control information for focus control without using a signal output from the image sensor, and transmit the second control information to the lens unit. The first calculation unit transmits the first control information to the lens unit without mediation of the second calculation unit.

Abstract: An auto-focus device, for eliminating an uncomfortable feeling when phase difference AF is switched to optical path length difference AF when an arbitrary area is set as a focusing target area, and a method for controlling operation of the same. A desired area is set as the focusing target area. Until a first threshold value position is reached, the focus lens is moved based on a phase difference AF evaluation value obtained from a phase difference AF sensor so as to bring the center portion of the imaging area into focus. Until a second threshold value position is reached, the focus lens is moved based on a phase difference AF evaluation value which is obtained from a signal of an area corresponding to the set focusing target area. When the focus lens reaches the second threshold value position, the focus lens is positioned at the focusing position.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus that, based on imaging signals obtained by picking up an optical image of an object formed via a photographing optical system including a focus lens, adjusts a position of the focus lens, reads out, in parallel with an operation of reading out first imaging signals at a predetermined frame rate, second imaging signals at a frame rate that is higher than the predetermined frame rate, the number of the second imaging signals being smaller than the number of the first imaging signals, generates first and second focus signals using the first and second imaging signals, and performs first focus adjustment according to determination of the focus state based on the first focus signal and second focus adjustment according to determination of the focus state based on the second focus signal to determine an in-focus position of the focus lens.

Abstract: An exchangeable lens includes: a mount unit at which a camera body is detachably engaged; a plurality of drive target members, conditions of which change as a drive force is applied thereto; an initialization unit that executes initialization processing for each of the plurality of drive target members; an initialization status transmission unit that transmits initialization statuses, each indicating a status of the initialization processing executed for one of the drive target members, to the camera body via a first transmission path over predetermined first cycles; and a drive condition transmission unit that transmits a drive condition of at least one drive target member among the plurality of drive target members to the camera body via a second transmission path different from the first transmission path over predetermined second cycles different from the predetermined first cycles.

Abstract: The rotation detection apparatus includes a rotatable member rotatable with rotation of a motor and having multiple pattern element portions in its rotational direction, a signal outputter to output a detection signal changing in response to rotation of the pattern element portions, and a memory storing correction values each provided for each of the pattern element portions and used to perform correction of an error in a relation between rotational positions of the rotatable member and the change of the detection signal. A corrector performs the correction with reference to a reference position of the rotatable member in an origin state where a driven member driven by the motor is located at its origin position and by using each of the correction values for each change of the detection signal when the rotatable member is rotated from the reference position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting compression rate based on the image size analysis in a camera device are provided. The image processing apparatus includes a compression rate determiner which determines a compression rate according to complexity of an image by extracting auto focus filter values of the image acquired from the camera, a processor which processes the image acquired from the camera in a unit of the line, and a still image codec which compresses line images output from the processor at the compression rate.

Abstract: An exchangeable lens includes: a mount unit at which a camera body is detachably engaged; a plurality of drive target members, conditions of which change as a drive force is applied thereto; an initialization unit that executes initialization processing for each of the plurality of drive target members; an initialization status transmission unit that transmits initialization statuses, each indicating a status of the initialization processing executed for one of the drive target members, to the camera body via a first transmission path over predetermined first cycles; and a drive condition transmission unit that transmits a drive condition of at least one drive target member among the plurality of drive target members to the camera body via a second transmission path different from the first transmission path over predetermined second cycles different from the predetermined first cycles.

Abstract: Noise produced during phase-difference changes is minimized without decreasing the responsiveness of a vibration-wave motor. A lens-side MCU (15) for a lens barrel (10) controls a drive apparatus (14) that applies a drive voltage to the vibration-wave motor (12) by outputting an A-phase drive signal and a B-phase drive signal thereto. The lens-side MCU (15) uses, for example, a drive-voltage setting unit (152) and a duty-cycle change unit (153) to change the drive voltage. Also, the lens-side MCU (15) is provided with a phase-difference change unit (154) that changes the phase difference between the A-phase drive signal and the B-phase drive signal. When driving the vibration-wave motor (12), the lens-side MCU (15) changes the drive voltage to Vreg, and when the phase-difference change unit (154) is changing the aforementioned phase difference, the drive voltage is changed to V1, V1 being greater than zero and less than Vreg.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a common output line, a sensor cell unit which outputs a signal to the common output line, a transfer circuit unit which is connected to the common output line, holds a signal from the common output line in a transfer capacitor, and transfers the signal, first, second and third memory cell units each of which stores a signal from the common output line in a memory capacitor, inverts and amplifies the signal in the memory capacitor, and outputs the signal to the common output line.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus to which an accessory is detachably attached, said accessory including an optical member, includes a signal generation unit configured to generate a vertical synchronizing signal and output the generated vertical synchronizing signal, an imaging unit configured to accumulate charges in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal and output an imaging signal, a control unit configured to generate a clock signal and control data communication with the accessory based on the clock signal, a first terminal for sending the clock signal to the accessory, and a second terminal for communicating data with the accessory, in which the control unit, after the data communication via the second terminal, notifies timing at which the vertical synchronizing signal is output using the clock signal via the first terminal by changing a signal level of the first terminal after a lapse of a predetermined time while the signal level is kept at a predetermined level, and controls the accessory to dr

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an auto-focus system using multiple lenses and method thereof. The system is characterized in using multiple lenses and combining a focus depth based approach and a contrast value based approach to improve focus speed and precision. In particular, the system can avoid the impairment caused by the repeat pattern in the focus depth based approach.

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

Abstract: To provide an imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the apparatus that enables improved automatic focus adjustment performance also in relation to an image having a shallow depth of field. An imaging element 103 includes a focus state detection unit for detecting a phase difference. A camera signal processing unit 106 generates a focus adjustment signal based on the imaging signal and outputs the signal to a camera control unit 109. The camera control unit 109 acquires an in-focus lens position in accordance with a focus lens based on a focus deviation amount based on a focus state detection result, calculates distance information related to the in-focus distance on the image screen, and controls the driving of the focus lens 102 based on the distance information and the focus adjustment signal from the camera signal processing unit 106.

Abstract: A camera includes a depth-sensing lens, an auto-focusing apparatus, and a display screen. In an auto-focusing method of the camera, a focusing position of the depth-sensing lens is determined when an image of the scene is shown on the display screen. The depth-sensing lens senses a depth between the object and the camera, and determines a distance between the object and the focusing position of the depth-sensing lens. An optimal focus of the camera is calculated according to the depth and the distance. The auto-focusing apparatus controls the depth-sensing lens to move from the focusing position to the optimal focus of the camera. The camera controls the depth-sensing lens to capture an image of the scene based on the optimal focus when a user presses a button of the camera.

Abstract: A light-emitting element driving apparatus comprising a light-emitting element, a driving unit including a control terminal for driving the light-emitting element based on a potential of the control terminal, and a controlling unit including a voltage holding unit, wherein the controlling unit controls the potential of the control terminal such that an emitted light amount approaches a target value and causes the voltage holding unit to hold a voltage corresponding to the potential of the control terminal, when the light-emitting element is in an emitting state, controls the potential of the control terminal to inactivate the driving unit, when setting the light-emitting element in a non-emitting state, and controls the potential of the control terminal by using the voltage of the voltage holding unit, when setting the light-emitting element in the emitting state again.

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

Abstract: The camera body includes a synchronizing signal generator that generates a synchronizing signal, a body controller that controls the camera body and generates a command to control the interchangeable lens. The body controller performs control to send the interchangeable lens a command to set the interchangeable lens to a synchronous mode in which operation of the interchangeable lens is controlled in synchronization with the synchronizing signal and a command to set the interchangeable lens to an asynchronous mode which is a mode other than the synchronous mode. The interchangeable lens includes a lens controller that controls the operation of the interchangeable lens. The lens controller controls the operation of the interchangeable lens in the synchronous mode or the asynchronous mode according to the command received from the camera body.

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

Abstract: An imaging device includes an AF section that determines in-focus positions for subjects; a determination section that determines a main subject; a shifting section that, if a difference between an in-focus positions of the main subject and a non-main subject is a first threshold value or greater, shifts a focal position for the non-main subject from the in-focus position towards the main subject side; an imaging section that sequentially captures images at the in-focus position of the main subject and the shifted focal position of the non-main subject; a detection section that detects corresponding points of the subjects between a reference image and a non-reference image; an deformation section that deforms the non-reference image to match the corresponding points thereof with those of the reference image; and an generation section that generates a blur-adjusted image based on the reference image and the deformed non-reference image.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for automatically progressively determining focus depth estimates for an imaging device from defocused images. After a depth-from-defocus (DFD) system generates sometimes-noisy estimates for focus depth and optionally a confidence level that the focus depth estimate is correct, embodiments of the present invention process a sequence of such input DFD measures to iteratively decrease the likelihood of focus depth ambiguity and to increase an overall focus depth estimate confidence level. Automatic focus systems for imaging devices may use the outputs of the embodiments to operate more quickly and accurately, either directly or in combination with other focus depth estimation methods, such as calculated sharpness measures. A depth map of a 3D scene may be estimated for creating a pair of images based on a single image.

Abstract: A camera includes a depth-sensing lens, an auto-focusing apparatus, and a display screen. In an auto-focusing method of the camera, a focusing position of the depth-sensing lens is determined when an image of the scene is shown on the display screen. The depth-sensing lens senses a depth between the object and the camera, and determines a distance between the object and the focusing position of the depth-sensing lens. An optimal focus of the camera is calculated according to the depth and the distance. The auto-focusing apparatus controls the depth-sensing lens to move from the focusing position to the optimal focus of the camera. The camera controls the depth-sensing lens to capture an image of the scene based on the optimal focus when a user presses a button of the camera.