Processing Circuit Patents (Class 396/125)
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Publication number: 20130322862Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-lens device and method having improved autofocus. The method comprises: determining from a first focus value and second focus value whether a focus distance of a first lens or a focus distance of a second lens corresponds to a peak focus position; and adjusting the focus distance of the first lens and second lens when neither the focus distance of the first lens nor the focus distance of the second lens corresponds to the peak focus position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventor: Cheng-Sheng HSU
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Patent number: 8598508Abstract: An imaging device including an electronic shutter and a pixel array with color pixels with different characteristics of spectral sensitivity arranged. The pixel array part has at least one clear pixel, the plurality of color pixels including (i) a first color filter pixel having a peak of spectral sensitivity characteristics for red, (ii) a second color filter pixel having a peak for blue, and (iii) a third color filter pixel having a peak for green. The clear pixel has a high transmittance arranged in an oblique pixel array system at a given position of a given row and a given column with respect to the first color filter pixel, the second color filter pixel, and the third color filter pixel. An electronic shutter is separately driven for the at least one clear pixel and for the plurality of color filter pixels.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Junichi Kanai, Nobuo Nakamura
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Publication number: 20130308933Abstract: A lens apparatus detachable from an image pickup apparatus includes a focus lens, a driver configured to drive the focus lens, a first position detector configured to detect a position of the focus lens, and a controller configured to correct the position of the focus lens detected by the first position detector to a position of the focus lens in a predetermined optical characteristic, to transmit a corrected position of the focus lens to the image pickup apparatus, to correct driving information of the focus lens in the predetermined characteristic received from the image pickup apparatus to driving information of the focus lens in a current optical characteristic, and to instruct the driver to drive the focus lens in accordance with the position of the focus lens detected by the first position detector and corrected driving information of the focus lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKIKI KAISHAInventor: Minoru Uchiyama
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Publication number: 20130308932Abstract: A lens barrel includes a moving lens unit that moves in accordance with a zooming operation, a focus lens that moves to correct an image plane variation caused by a movement of the moving lens unit, a driver that moves the focus lens, a controller that controls the driver, a zoom state detector that detects a zoom state, a focus lens detector that detects a position of the focus lens, a storage portion that stores tracking data indicating the position of the focus lens to correct the image plane variation, and a data correction portion that measures a real position of the focus lens in an in-focus state in a plurality of zoom states for each zooming operation in directions from wide angle to telephoto sides and from the telephoto to wide angle sides to generate correction data and correct the tracking data based on the correction data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuki Nagao
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Patent number: 8577216Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for calibration of an auto-focus process in an image capture device. The techniques may involve calibration of a lens actuator used to move a lens within a search range during an auto-focus process. For example, an image capture device may adjust reference positions for the search range based on lens positions selected for different focus conditions. The different focus conditions may include a far focus condition and a near focus condition. The focus conditions may be determined based on a detected environment in which the device is used. Detection of an indoor environment may indicate a likelihood of near object focus, while detection of an outdoor environment may indicate a likelihood of far object focus. An image capture device may detect indoor and outdoor environments based on lighting, exposure, or other conditions.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Jingqiang Li, Szepo Robert Hung, Chinchuan Andrew Chiu
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Patent number: 8571403Abstract: In an autofocus system, a focus measurement unit receives an image, and accordingly generates an associated focus value. A focus transform unit receives and then transforms the focus value provided by the focus measurement unit, therefore generating an associated transformed focus value. An in-focus position estimation unit obtains an in-focus position, in an analytical manner, according to some transformed focus values and some associated lens positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Tung-Chan Tsai, Homer H. Chen
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Patent number: 8571404Abstract: Provided are a digital photographing apparatus, a method of controlling the same, and a computer-readable medium for storing a program for executing the method. In the method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus, at least one target subject is determined from an input image. A target subject focus value of the at least one target subject is extracted while auto-focusing the at least one target subject. It is determined whether the target subject focus value stays within an in-focus range for a reference time or longer. The at least one target subject is auto-photographed when the target subject focus value is stays within the in-focus range for the reference time or longer.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyeon-cheol Jo, Jae-myung Lee
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Patent number: 8554068Abstract: In a camera system according to the present invention, a lens controller obtains an exposure synchronizing signal that is generated by a camera controller from a camera body, causes a configuration formed of a first encoder, a second encoder and a counter to detect the position of a focus lens according to the obtained exposure synchronizing signal, and notifies the camera body of the detected position of the focus lens. The camera controller associates the position of the focus lens or the mechanism member obtained from the lens controller with an AF evaluation value based on the exposure synchronizing signal, and controls an autofocus operation of the camera system based on the position and AF evaluation value that are associated with each other. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy of an autofocus operation with a contrast system.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kouji Shibuno, Mitsuyoshi Okamoto, Taizo Aoki
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Patent number: 8503873Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Daisuke Inoue, Tomohisa Kinugasa, Hirofumi Totsuka
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Patent number: 8463118Abstract: An imaging system includes an interchangeable lens and a camera body. The camera body includes a main body controller operable to transmit a reference signal for providing a reference of a driving start timing of the focus lens and delay time information indicating delay time with respect to the reference signal, to the interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens includes a lens controller operable to control the focus lens to be driven at a timing obtained by delaying the timing provided by the reference signal by the delay time based on the reference signal and the delay time information received from the main body controller. The delay time is set so that, for example, an exposure timing of a predetermined area in the imaging element is substantially coincident with a stop period of the wobbling operation of the focus lens.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kenji Kawazoe, Mitsuyoshi Okamoto, Naotake Kitahira, Koji Shibuno
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Patent number: 8433187Abstract: An electronic device including a camera adapted to capture images is provided. The camera includes a lens having a first focusing state and a second focusing state; an image sensor adapted to capture a first image of an object in the first focusing state and a second image of the object in the second focusing state. The electronic device further includes a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor coupled to the memory and the camera, wherein the processor is adapted to determine a distance to the object based on the first image and the second image. A lens system including an actuator to modify a configuration of the lens system is also provided, having a first and second focusing state; a memory; and a lookup table to estimate a distance from the lens system to an object.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation MEMSInventors: Noy Cohen, Gal Shabtay
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Publication number: 20130094844Abstract: The present invention discloses a camera module having an auto-focus apparatus including: a piezoelectric actuator for generating a force for moving a driven member; a rod connected to the piezoelectric actuator and transmitting the force of the piezoelectric actuator to the driven member; a lens barrel having at least one lens; and a connecting member for coupling the rod and the lens barrel together by a magnetic force. The connecting member has a rod guide groove corresponding to the rod and the rod is inserted and coupled to the rod guide groove in a movable manner. Since the lens barrel as a driven member is magnetically coupled to the rod which is adapted to move by the piezoelectric actuator, it is possible to easily assure the tilting performance of lens while securing and maintaining a preload. In addition, the overall size of the camera module can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Byung Hoon Kang, Dong Kyun Lee, Chuel Jin Park
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Patent number: 8422877Abstract: An imaging system includes an interchangeable lens and a camera body. The camera body includes a main body controller operable to transmit a reference signal for providing a reference of a driving start timing of the focus lens and delay time information indicating delay time with respect to the reference signal, to the interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens includes a lens controller operable to control the focus lens to be driven at a timing obtained by delaying the timing provided by the reference signal by the delay time based on the reference signal and the delay time information received from the main body controller. The delay time is set so that, for example, an exposure timing of a predetermined area in the imaging element is substantially coincident with a stop period of the wobbling operation of the focus lens.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kenji Kawazoe, Mitsuyoshi Okamoto, Naotake Kitahira, Koji Shibuno
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Patent number: 8391698Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing Z-buffer generation in a camera are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise exposing a plurality of pixels on an image capture device to a modulated light signal reflected from different regions of a scene adjacent a camera after different delays. The method may also comprise correlating intensity of the modulated light signal received by the image capture device for each the different delays to determine a flight time of the modulated light signal. The method may also comprise generating a Z-buffer corresponding to the different regions of the scene based on the correlation.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Richard Turley, Andrew C. Goris, David Branson, David R. Lawson, Donald J. Stavely, David K. Campbell
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Patent number: 8385734Abstract: A focus control apparatus for use in an imaging apparatus includes an exchangeable lens and a camera body. The exchangeable lens includes an optical system including a focus lens. The camera body is able to hold the exchangeable lens and includes an imaging element. The apparatus further includes a pan•tilt detection unit, a decision unit, and a control unit. The pan•tilt detection unit detects a pan and tilt of the camera body. The decision unit determines whether the exchangeable lens is able to achieve wobbling. The control unit controls an automatic focusing process of the focus lens in accordance with an image data generated by the imaging element. The control unit executes a different automatic focusing process in accordance with a decision made by the decision unit, when the pan or tilt of the camera body is detected to have started.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.Inventor: Tetsuo Kikuchi
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Patent number: 8379138Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a control unit configured to move a focusing lens, and detect a focus position; wherein the control unit executes auto-focus (AF) scan processing in which only a part of a range of movement of the focusing lens is set as a scan range, as first scan processing, and executes auto-focus (AF) scan processing in which a region including a region differing from the scan region of the first scan processing is set as a scan range, as second scan processing, in the event that a focus point is not detected in the first scan processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tetsuo Mise, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Eiji Shintaku, Manabu Yamauchi, Toshiki Ono
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Patent number: 8351777Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a focus detector that utilizes a phase detection method, an image pickup device, an optical path switch configured to switch a path of light from an object between a first optical path used to lead the light to the focus detector and a second optical path used to lead the light to the image pickup device, a face detector configured to detect a face of the object from the image data, and a controller configured to provide such a control that the optical path switch can set the second optical path after the optical path switch sets the first optical path and the focus detector detects the on-focus state using the phase difference method, and allows the face detector to detect the face of the object after the optical path switch can set the second optical path.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Isao Nakazawa
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Patent number: 8340513Abstract: A camera and a method for performing auto-focusing applying thereto are provided. The camera adjusts a focus using two auto-focusing methods if specific photographing conditions are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventor: Woo-Seok Choi
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Publication number: 20120301126Abstract: An interchangeable lens to be removably attached to a camera body, includes: a receiving device that receives predetermined control data from the camera body through a first transmission path; a control device that executes predetermined control processing based upon the control data upon reception of the control data by the receiving device; a generation device that executes at predetermined intervals generation processing for generating predetermined lens data which indicates an operating state of the interchangeable lens; a transmission device that transmits the lens data to the camera body through a second transmission path, which is different from the first transmission path, upon generation of the lens data by the generation device; and a prioritizing device that gives priority to the generation processing by the generation device over the control processing by the control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Kazuharu IMAFUJI
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Publication number: 20120294598Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Masafumi OIKAWA, Kazuharu IMAFUJI, Shigeo TAKAHASHI, Shunji NAGAYA
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Patent number: 8302007Abstract: The present invention relates to navigating in a geographic information system. In an embodiment, a method tours geographic information in a geographic information system. A set of actions for a tour is received. Each action includes a tour time. A tour time of at least one of the actions is defined by a user. Each action in the set of actions is executed to tour geographic information in the geographic information system.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Daniel Barcay, Michael Weiss-Malik
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Patent number: 8280239Abstract: Provided are a digital image photographing apparatus which easily captures an image of a composition intended by a user, a method of controlling the apparatus, and a recording medium having a program for executing the method. The apparatus includes: an image capturing device for receiving light to generate data on an image; and an auto-focusing tracking unit for allowing a lens to be auto-focused on a subject selected by a user. The image capturing device generates data on a still image when the subject on which the lens is auto-focused is located in a predetermined region of interest (ROI).Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyu-ern Hwang, O-hyun Kwon
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Publication number: 20120243858Abstract: In an autofocus system, a focus measurement unit receives an image, and accordingly generates an associated focus value. A focus transform unit receives and then transforms the focus value provided by the focus measurement unit, therefore generating an associated transformed focus value. An in-focus position estimation unit obtains an in-focus position, in an analytical manner, according to some transformed focus values and some associated lens positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Tung-Chan TSAI, Homer H. CHEN
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Publication number: 20120237194Abstract: An imaging system includes an interchangeable lens and a camera body. The camera body includes a main body controller operable to transmit a reference signal for providing a reference of a driving start timing of the focus lens and delay time information indicating delay time with respect to the reference signal, to the interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens includes a lens controller operable to control the focus lens to be driven at a timing obtained by delaying the timing provided by the reference signal by the delay time based on the reference signal and the delay time information received from the main body controller. The delay time is set so that, for example, an exposure timing of a predetermined area in the imaging element is substantially coincident with a stop period of the wobbling operation of the focus lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: KENJI KAWAZOE, MITSUYOSHI OKAMOTO, NAOTAKE KITAHIRA, KOJI SHIBUNO
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Patent number: 8233787Abstract: A photographic device using a focus method includes a zoom lens, an image analyzing module, a focus distance providing module and a processing module. The zoom lens is used for capturing image information of a plurality of positions. The image analyzing module is used for analyzing contrast values of the image information of the plurality of positions. The focus distance providing module is used for providing a non-equivalent and a constant focus distance interval for capturing the image information of the plurality of positions. The processing module is electrically connected with the zoom lens, the image analyzing module, and the focus distance providing module. Whereby, the photographic device acquires the image information of the plurality of positions by the non-equivalent focus distance interval, acquires a coarse focus position, and acquires an accurate focus position by the constant focus distance according to the coarse focus position.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Altek CorporationInventors: Chih-Pin Yen, Chia-Lun Tsai, Li-Wen Kuo
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Patent number: 8233078Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: E-Cheng Chang
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Publication number: 20120170922Abstract: A method for calibrating a focus point for a camera lens may include capturing a reflection of a focus point measuring device that is affixed to the camera. The method may include evaluating a captured image of the reflection to measure a calibration amount for a focus point, and adjusting a focus point of a lens of the camera by the calibration amount. The focus point measuring device may include a substantially planar target surface defining a plane, and a ruled target surface inclined at substantially 45° to the substantially planar target and extending through the plane thereof, marked to indicate respective distances in front of and behind the plane. The device may further include a fixture for holding the substantially planar target surface and the ruled target surface in a defined orientation to the camera, enabling performance of the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Gary S. Shuster
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Publication number: 20120155847Abstract: For preventing frequent use of auto-focus control and also for acquiring stable in-focus positions for target-objects, this invention comprises system control section 60 having a second mode to drive magnification adjustment lens 11 or focus adjustment lens 12 upon a user command, and a third mode to transition to a first mode under pre-determined conditions in the second mode, and to set in-focus states of a lens group, wherein system control section 60 stores a reference target-object distance in reference target-object distance storage section 43 when focus adjustment lens 12 is driven by user commands in the second mode, drives focus adjustment lens 12 not based on a current target-object distance but the lens in-focus trajectory data to retain the reference target-object distance when the magnification adjustment lens 11 is driven by user commands, and re-transitions to the second mode without updating the reference target-object distance, after the third mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Akira ANDO, Toshiyuki YOKOYAMA, Tomoaki NISHIGUCHI
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Patent number: 8200081Abstract: The present invention further improves operability related to setting the position and size of a focus detection region. An image capturing apparatus of the invention is provided with an image sensor that photo-electrically converts an object image formed by an optical lens, a focus detection unit that detects the focus state of the object image using an image signal from a focus detection region that is a region that is a portion within a frame of the image sensor, a setting unit that sets one focus detection mode from among a plurality of focus detection modes in which the size and position of the focus detection region within the frame differ, and a storage unit that stores a focus detection region size and position for each of the plurality of focus detection modes.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Kubota, Yasutaka Naka, Hiroyuki Ogino, Nobukazu Yoshida
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Patent number: 8199248Abstract: Apparatus and method for electronically estimating focusing distance between a camera (still and/or video camera) and a subject. Images at different focal positions of a calibration target are collected with distances between subject positions. In one aspect, histogram matching is performed to reduce noise error. A focus matching model is then generated in response to detected blur differences between successive images of the calibration target. The focus matching model is preferably converted to a polynomial equation of a desired order to smooth out image collection noise. The focus matching model is stored for access during operation. In use, the distance to subject is estimated in response to capturing images, detecting blur differences between the images and entering the blur difference information into the matching model.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Pingshan Li, Earl Wong, Soroj Triteyaprasert
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Patent number: 8194995Abstract: A camera auto-focuses using computed blur differences between images of a three-dimensional scene. The camera computes the blur difference between two images of the scene acquired at two different picture numbers. The camera uses the computed blur difference to predict a third picture number, where the camera uses the third picture number to auto-focus a camera lens on the scene.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Earl Quong Wong, Makibi Nakamura, Hidenori Kushida, Soroj Triteyaprasert, Yoshihiro Murakami, Pingshan Li, Mamoru Sugiura
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Publication number: 20120106938Abstract: An imaging control unit includes: a detecting unit that detects a focused-status of a focus detecting range set to an image data of each frame; a setting unit that sets, at a position of a distinctive-region including a distinctive points of an object detected from an processed image data, a focus detecting range of an image data of a subsequent frame; and a control unit that performs, when the focus detecting range is not in focused-status, a focal length control to change a focal length of a imaging lens so that the focus detecting range is in focused-status. When a displacement amount from the focus detecting range set to the imaged image data to the distinctive-region detected in the processed image data based on the imaged image data is large, the control unit aborts performing the focal length control even when the focus detecting range is not in focused-status.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventor: Takaaki YONEKAWA
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Publication number: 20120082444Abstract: A camera system having a camera body and an interchangeable lens is made more convenient to use. A camera system 1 includes an interchangeable lens unit 2 and a camera body 3. A body microcomputer 10 of the camera body 3 decides whether or not the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving picture mode on the basis of lens information about the interchangeable lens unit 2. If the interchangeable lens unit 2 is not compatible with moving picture mode, the body microcomputer 10 prevents the operation of an imaging sensor 11 from being set to moving picture mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: NAOTO YUMIKI, MITSUYOSHI OKAMOTO
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Publication number: 20120076482Abstract: In a camera system according to the present invention, a lens controller obtains an exposure synchronizing signal that is generated by a camera controller from a camera body, causes a configuration formed of a first encoder, a second encoder and a counter to detect the position of a focus lens according to the obtained exposure synchronizing signal, and notifies the camera body of the detected position of the focus lens. The camera controller associates the position of the focus lens or the mechanism member obtained from the lens controller with an AF evaluation value based on the exposure synchronizing signal, and controls an autofocus operation of the camera system based on the position and AF evaluation value that are associated with each other. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy of an autofocus operation with a contrast system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kouji SHIBUNO, Mitsuyoshi OKAMOTO, Taizo AOKI
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Publication number: 20120062786Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus includes a diaphragm aperture adjustment unit configured to adjust a diaphragm aperture area of a photographic lens, a focus detection unit configured to detect a defocusing amount by using a pair of light fluxes passed through different areas of the photographic lens, a detection result correction unit configured to calculate, during focus detection after the diaphragm aperture area has changed by a value equal to or larger than a predetermined value, a reduced defocusing amount correction value with respect to the defocusing amount, and a focus adjustment unit configured to execute control to adjust a focus based on the defocusing amount correction value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hideyuki Hamano
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Publication number: 20120051730Abstract: Techniques are provided for determining an optimal focal position using auto-focus statistics. In one embodiment, such techniques may include generating coarse and fine auto-focus scores for determining an optimal focal length at which to position a lens associated with the image sensor. For instance, the statistics logic may determine a coarse position that indicates an optimal focus area which, in one embodiment, may be determined by searching for the first coarse position in which a coarse auto-focus score decreases with respect to a coarse auto-focus score at a previous position. Using this position as a starting point for fine score searching, the optimal focal position may be determined by searching for a peak in fine auto-focus scores. In another embodiment, auto-focus statistics may also be determined based on each color of the Bayer RGB, such that, even in the presence of chromatic aberrations, relative auto-focus scores for each color may be used to determine the direction of focus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Guy Côté, Jeffrey E. Frederiksen
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Publication number: 20120051731Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masataka Hamada, Kenji Ishibashi
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Patent number: 8107806Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaaki Uenishi
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Publication number: 20120008929Abstract: A linear motion control device for use in a linear control system is presented. The linear motion control device includes a coil driver to drive a coil that, when driven, effects a linear movement by a motion device having a magnet. The linear motion control device also includes a magnetic field sensor to detect a magnetic field associated with the linear movement and an interface to connect an output of the magnetic field sensor and an input of the coil driver to an external controller. The interface includes a feedback loop to relate the magnetic field sensor output signal to the coil driver input.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Paul David, Shaun D. Milano
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Publication number: 20120008038Abstract: An assisting focusing method is applicable in an image capture device having an auto focusing (AF) procedure. The AF procedure has a preset sampling interval. The assisting focusing method includes the following steps. An image for focusing is captured. A face parameter of a face block in the image for focusing is calculated. According to the face parameter, a parameter-to-focus conversion table is looked up to acquire a focusing section. According to the focusing section and a face sampling interval, the AF procedure is performed to acquire a target focus. The face sampling interval is smaller than the preset sampling interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATIONInventors: Chih Pin Yen, Chia Lun Tsai, Li Wen Kuo
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Patent number: 8093934Abstract: A timing adjustment circuit includes at least one data line; a phase synchronization circuit that includes a plurality of oscillation delay elements which oscillate an oscillation signal, and that is configured to oscillate the oscillation signal by synchronizing a phase of a feedback clock with a phase of a reference clock; at least one delay circuit that includes a delay element which is disposed on the data line and which is equivalent to one of the plurality of oscillation delay elements, and that is configured to delay data which is to be transmitted on the data line; and a delay adjustment unit configured to adjust an amount of delay of the delay element of the delay circuit in accordance with a signal associated with oscillation of the phase synchronization circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masahiro Hatano, Masaru Kikuchi
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Patent number: 8095000Abstract: In a camera system according to the present invention, a lens controller obtains an exposure synchronizing signal that is generated by a camera controller from a camera body, causes a configuration formed of a first encoder, a second encoder and a counter to detect the position of a focus lens according to the obtained exposure synchronizing signal, and notifies the camera body of the detected position of the focus lens. The camera controller associates the position of the focus lens or the mechanism member obtained from the lens controller with an AF evaluation value based on the exposure synchronizing signal, and controls an autofocus operation of the camera system based on the position and AF evaluation value that are associated with each other. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy of an autofocus operation with a contrast system.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kouji Shibuno, Mitsuyoshi Okamoto, Taizo Aoki
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Patent number: 8059955Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an optical system, a detector, and an image processor. The detector picks up an object image that passes through the optical system. The image processor performs a predetermined process for an object image signal obtained from the detector. A relative position between the optical system and the detector is set by adjusting an optical axis and/or a back focus in association with at least one of variation in quantity of ambient light around an image pickup area, variation in image circle, and variation in angle of view.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventors: Naoto Ohara, Yusuke Hayashi
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Publication number: 20110274420Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hitoshi Yasuda
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Patent number: 8041205Abstract: An electronic camera includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes an imaging surface capturing an object scene through a focus lens, and produces an object scene image in a designated cycle. When a shutter button is half-depressed, an adjuster adjusts a position of the focus lens based on the object scene image produced by the imaging device. Also, a determiner determines whether or not both an illuminance and a contrast of the object scene captured by the imaging surface fall below a reference in association with a position adjusting process of the focus lens, and a controller sets a length of the designated cycle when a determination result is affirmative to be longer than that of the designated cycle when the determination result is negative.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahiro Hori
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Publication number: 20110211822Abstract: A focus control apparatus for use in an imaging apparatus includes an exchangeable lens and a camera body. The exchangeable lens includes an optical system including a focus lens. The camera body is able to hold the exchangeable lens and includes an imaging element. The apparatus further includes a pan•tilt detection unit, a decision unit, and a control unit. The pan•tilt detection unit detects a pan and tilt of the camera body. The decision unit determines whether the exchangeable lens is able to achieve wobbling. The control unit controls an automatic focusing process of the focus lens in accordance with an image data generated by the imaging element. The control unit executes a different automatic focusing process in accordance with a decision made by the decision unit, when the pan or tilt of the camera body is detected to have started.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Tetsuo KIKUCHI
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Publication number: 20110188844Abstract: Provided are a digital photographing apparatus, a method of controlling the same, and a computer-readable medium for storing a program for executing the method. In the method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus, at least one target subject is determined from an input image. A target subject focus value of the at least one target subject is extracted while auto-focusing the at least one target subject. It is determined whether the target subject focus value stays within an in-focus range for a reference time or longer. The at least one target subject is auto-photographed when the target subject focus value is stays within the in-focus range for the reference time or longer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyeon-cheol Jo, Jae-myung Lee
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Patent number: 7973852Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-focus apparatus including an evaluation value calculator periodically calculating evaluation values using high frequency components of image signals in a specific region of a subject image. The auto-focus apparatus further includes a control unit for outputting instruction values provided to a lens driver based on the evaluation values, conducting operation to search the peak of the evaluation values while moving positions of the focus lens, returning the lens to the position corresponding to the point at which the relative maximum has been detected after having detected the relative maximum of the evaluation values, obtaining the evaluation values calculated by the evaluation value calculator, and determining whether or not the evaluation value satisfies a prescribed condition; and a storage for storing determination results. In the auto-focus apparatus, the control unit determines whether or not the auto-focus apparatus includes abnormal portions based on the determination results.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Yujiro Ito, Hidekazu Suto
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Patent number: 7969501Abstract: For auto-focusing of a focusing lens within an image sensing system, an N-bin luminance histogram is generated by a digital signal processor from an image. A microprocessor determines a type of the image from the N-bin luminance histogram. The microprocessor also determines a focus position using a first set of at least one focus value if the image is determined to be of a first type. The microprocessor also determines the focus position using a second set of at least one focus value different from the first set if the image is determined to be of a second type.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Andrey Lukyanov
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Publication number: 20110150448Abstract: Provided is a power saving-type autofocusing camera module and a power saving method, an auto focusing power saving-type camera module of the present disclosure, including a control part setting a controlled-output-amount of the lens to 0 in a resolving power ensured duration, the camera module containing an autofocusing-use lens actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jinwook Hyun