Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A circuit for calibrating a focus position of an optical module includes a calibration signal generating unit and a focus position adjusting unit. The calibration signal generating unit is utilized for generating a calibration signal according to a first focus signal and a second focus signal at the same time, where the first focus signal and second focus signal correspond to a first focus position and a second focus position, respectively, and the first focus position is different from the second focus position. The focus position adjusting unit is coupled to the calibration signal generating unit and is utilized for adjusting the focus position of the optical module to a specific focus position according to the calibration signal.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises a CCD for subjecting subject light flux incident from a photographing lens to photoelectric conversion and outputting subject image signals, a movable mirror section, arranged in the imaging light path of the CCD, for reflecting some of the subject light flux and transmitting the remainder, a range finder/photosensor for receiving subject light flux reflected by the movable mirror member and carrying out ranging integration, and an optical system drive mechanism for carrying out focal point adjustment of the photographing lens based on output of the range finder/photosensor. In a sequential shooting mode for sequentially acquiring images using the CCD, during the imaging operation by the CCD ranging integration by the range finder/photosensor 217 is carried out using subject light flux that has been reflected by the movable mirror member.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an element-including optical system, a variable aperture, a detector, and a converter. The element-including optical system has an optical system and an optical wavefront modulation element which modulates an optical transfer function. The detector picks up an object image that passes through the optical system, the variable aperture, and the optical wavefront modulation element. The converter generates an image signal with a smaller blur than that of a signal of a blurred object image output from the detector. Positions at which the element-including optical system and the detector are attached are adjusted by stopping down a variable aperture included in the element-including optical system.

Abstract: An auto-focus method, medium, and apparatus for image-capturing. The auto-focus method includes obtaining a first image by placing a focus lens of a corresponding image-capturing apparatus at a first fixed position, obtaining a second image by placing the focus lens at a second fixed position; calculating blur levels of the first and second images, and determining a position of the focus lens by substituting the blur levels of the first and second images into each of a plurality of blur level relational expressions, which are derived from a plurality of pairs of images of respective corresponding objects at different distances from an image sensor module, each of the pairs of images being obtained by placing the focus lens at the first and second fixed positions, respectively.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes a drive portion driving a focus lens included in a photographing optical system in a focus adjustment direction when a shutter button is pressed, a photographing portion continuously and sequentially outputting images of an object formed on an image forming surface through the photographing optical system as the shutter button is pressed once, as image data corresponding to the number of all pixels, an in-focus position detection portion detecting an in-focus position of the focus lens based on the image data sequentially output from the photographing portion, an in-focus control portion maintaining the focus lens at the in-focus position by controlling the drive portion based on a result of the detection by the in-focus position detecting portion, and a recording portion sequentially recording the image data output from the photographing portion during which the focus lens is maintained at the in-focus position after the shutter button is pressed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for forming an optical image of a subject on a light-receiving surface of an imaging element via a photographing lens; the imaging apparatus comprising: a first focusing position detection device which extracts a particular portion of the subject based on image signals obtained from the imaging element and detects the focusing position of the photographing lens based on the size of the extracted particular portion; a second focusing position detection device which calculates focus evaluation values of the subject based on image signals obtained from the imaging element and detects the focusing position of the photographing lens based on the calculated focus evaluation values; and a setting device which sets any one of the first focusing position detection device and the second focusing position detection device as a device which detects the focusing position of the photographing lens.

Abstract: A positioning system and method for focusing a charge coupled device (CCD) lens on a selected surface of an object to be measured is provided. The positioning system and method moves the CCD lens downwards to approximate an estimate Z-axis coordinate of the CCD lens, and moves the CCD lens upwards to find an accurate Z-axis coordinate of the CCD lens according to the selected surface of the object. The system and method further moves the CCD lens to a position corresponding to the accurate Z-axis coordinate to focus the CCD lens on the selected surface.

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: Provided is a focus lens control apparatus, including: an evaluation signal acquisition unit for acquiring an evaluation signal indicating an in-focus condition from a high frequency component of an acquired image by causing an actuator to drive a focus lens; a detection unit for detecting a driving condition of the actuator; and a drive control unit for performing driving of the focus lens based on the evaluation signal and, after calculating an in-focus position from the evaluation signal, performing the driving of the focus lens under closed-loop control based on an output from the detection unit.

Abstract: Techniques are described for predictive focus value calculation within image capture devices. Image capture devices may include digital still cameras and digital video cameras. The techniques include performing an auto-focus process within an image capture device by predicting a focus value for a scene at a lens position of a lens included in the image capture device based on a corrupt focus value for the lens position calculated from a first frame directly after lens settlement. Therefore, the auto-focus process may determine size and direction of movement for the lens to a next lens position based on the predicted valid focus value, and move the lens to the next lens position during a second frame. In this way, the techniques may move the lens to another lens position during each frame, greatly reducing auto-focus latency by potentially doubling or tripling the speed of the auto-focus process.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus is disclosed which can prevent focus control from being performed on the basis of incorrect information on an object distance externally measured. The image-pickup apparatus includes a first detector which produces first information corresponding to a contrast state of a picked-up image, a second detector which receives light from an object to detect second information corresponding to a distance to the object, and a controller which performs focus control by using the first information and the second information. The controller performs the focus control by using the first information without using the second information when a light-receiving luminance level in the second detector is lower than a first value.

Abstract: A method for automatically selecting a scene mode applied in a photographic device is described. The method includes detecting an image to be captured; analyzing a principal feature of the image; comparing the principal feature with a feature standard of each scene mode according to a utilization rate ranging from high to low, so as to acquire a scene mode corresponding to the feature standard conforming to the principal feature; and adjusting current photographic parameters of the photographic device into photographic parameters corresponding to the acquired scene mode. By determining a comparison sequence according to utilization rate of each scene, the time for searching and comparing is reduced. Moreover, after each shooting, the utilization rate may be re-calculated according to the used scene mode, so as to quickly provide the scene mode required by a user.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An autofocus system includes: an image pickup unit that takes a subject image formed by an optical system; a target subject detection unit that detects a target subject, which is previously registered as an autofocus target, in a photographing image taken by the image pickup unit; a lens-to-subject distance calculation unit that calculates a lens-to-subject distance to the target subject based on information on a photographing angle of view depending on a focal length of the optical system, a size of the target subject in the photographing image, and a size of the target subject in real space; and a rough AF unit that controls a focus of the optical system so as to bring into focus the subject which is located at the lens-to-subject distance calculated by the lens-to-subject distance calculation 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: There are provided a lens driving apparatus and method for transferring a lens on a plurality of focus positions previously set, in which a physical or mechanical vibration generated by a lens driving actuator when auto focusing is improved. The apparatus includes: a controller controlling the lens to be suspended one or more intermediate focus positions interposed between a present focus position and a target focus position while controlling the lens to be transferred to the present focus position where the lens is presently located to the target focus position that is a target of transferring the lens among the plurality of focus positions; and a driver transferring the lens according to a driving control signal from the controller.

Abstract: There are provided a focus adjusting apparatus and method in which a look of an image plane can be improved when an object area to be focused in the image plane is judged and focused prior to image-taking preparation operation. A first operation for determining the object area to be focused is performed prior to the image-taking preparation operation, and a second operation for performing the focus adjusting operation is performed at the time of the image-taking preparation operation.

Abstract: An optical apparatus which achieves fast focusing operation and allows accurate focusing is disclosed. The optical apparatus includes a first focus detector which detects a focus state on a subject, a second focus detector which detects a focus state on the subject in a detection method different from a detection method of the first focus detector, and a controller which has a function of detecting whether or not the subject is a moving body and a function of performing focus control of an image-taking optical system in a first sequence in which at least one of the first and second focus detectors is used and a second sequence in which at least the other of the focus detectors is used. The controller preferentially uses one of the first and second sequences depending on the result of the detection with the moving body detecting function.

Abstract: A focal point detector includes: a condenser lens for transmitting a light image from an optical system; and a distance measurement sensor group for receiving a luminous flux which has passed through the condenser lens. The sensor group includes a first distance measurement sensor pair for receiving divided beams of the luminous flux for a first focus detection region which is located off the center of a shooting region. The first distance measurement sensor pair includes first and second distance measurement sensors. The first focus detection region extends in a first direction in the shooting region from a position where the first focus detection region is spaced from the center in the first direction and also in a second direction. The first and second distance measurement sensors are spaced from each other and arranged at different angles in the direction associated with the first direction on the sensor arrangement surface.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides an image taking apparatus comprising an imaging device which takes an image of a subject, an imaging instruction device for inputting an imaging instruction to take the image of the subject, a face detection device which detects a face image of the subject from a live view image taken by the imaging device in response to the imaging instruction from the imaging instruction device, an eye direction judgment device which detects an eye direction of the subject from the face image and judges whether the eye direction of the subject is directed to the imaging device, and an imaging control device which, when it is judged that the eye direction of the subject is directed to the imaging device, immediately causes the imaging device to take an image of the subject.

Abstract: In the AF processing section, the parameter obtaining section obtains a weighting parameter value for a principal component that represents a sharpness level of a face portion of an image, an example of a predetermined structure in an image, detected by the face detection section by applying the detected face portion to a model generated by a predetermined statistical processing, such as AAM or the like, based on a plurality of images that represent the face portion in different sharpness levels, and the control amount determination section determines the focus control amount according to the obtained parameter value.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus comprises: a photographing device which takes an image of a subject; a focusing control device which controls the focusing status of the photographing device in response to an input of a focusing instruction; a focusing judgment device which, upon an input of the photographing instruction after the input of the focusing instruction, judges whether or not a focus position at the time of the input of the focusing instruction is optimum; and a photographing control device which controls to execute photographing using the focus position as it is if the focus position at the time of the input of the focusing instruction is judged to be optimum, and controls to execute photographing after performing focusing control again if the focus position is judged to be not optimum.

Abstract: A positioning system and method for focusing a charge coupled device (CCD) lens on a selected surface of an object to be measured is provided. The positioning system and method moves the CCD lens downwards to approximate an estimate Z-axis coordinate of the CCD lens, and moves the CCD lens upwards to find an accurate Z-axis coordinate of the CCD lens according to the selected surface of the object. The system and method further moves the CCD lens to a position corresponding to the accurate Z-axis coordinate to focus the CCD lens on the selected surface.

Abstract: A focus adjustment device includes an image sensor that includes imaging pixels for capturing an image formed via an imaging optical system and focus detection pixels for detecting a focus adjustment state at the imaging optical system through a first pupil division-type image shift detection method, a focus detector that detects a focus adjustment state at the imaging optical system through a second pupil division-type image shift detection method different from the first pupil division-type image shift detection method, and a focus adjustment controller that executes focus adjustment for the imaging optical system based upon the focus adjustment states detected by the image sensor and the focus detector.

Abstract: An operating system extension is used to implement embedded information on a DVD. The operating system extension examines DVD sector addresses requested from the DVD hardware. When address associated with an embedded link is requested, an application program that can run the embedded link is started, and the embedded link is provided to the application program. The system of the present invention has the advantage that it does not require modifying the DVD software program and thus can be used with a variety of different DVD software programs.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, once the mode setting device sets the person photographing mode, and the face zooming instruction device instructs zooming to the face of the person, the detection device detects the size of the face of the person captured by the image pickup device. The zooming device is then controlled so as to capture the face of the person in a certain size based on the detection result. Subsequently, the photographer instructs zooming in the telephoto direction or the wide direction using the zooming instruction device as necessary to thereby allow fine adjustment of the composition. This enables to easily and quickly photograph an image in a user's desired composition.

Abstract: Multiple sets of pixel values representing a captured image of a scene are received, with each set representing an image captured with a corresponding degree of focus. An image processor may identify a region of interest in the captured image, automatically determine the configuration parameters for a lens assembly to provide a desired degree of focus for the region of interest, and generate signals to configure a lens assembly. In an embodiment, the region of interest is a face, the desired degree of focus of the face is determined by computing a rate of variation of luminance of pixels representing the face, and the desired degree is the degree of the image having the maximum degree of focus.

Abstract: An improved approach to focusing a camera is provided. In one embodiment, a method of adjusting a focus of a camera includes translating a lens to a first position. The lens is vibrated relative to the first position, and a first image is captured on an image sensor while the lens is vibrated relative to the first position. A first sharpness score associated with the first image is calculated. The method also includes translating the lens to a second position. The lens is vibrated relative to the second position, and a second image is captured on the image sensor while the lens is vibrated relative to the second position. A second sharpness score associated with the second image is calculated. The first and second sharpness scores may be compared, and one of the first or second positions may be selected based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and system for additively, manually sequentially or manually in parallel, selecting multiple points or regions of interest in the analog or digital viewfinder of a photo or video camera with automatic controls like auto-focusing, auto-metering and auto white-balancing. Points or regions capable of being selected, within a grid of elements comprising a camera's evaluative matrix and represented to the user in a viewfinder or other display, may be hard-coded (pre-defined, selectable regions) or any point, pixel, or group of pixels. Data from the selected regions is used to simultaneously, dynamically adjust focus related parameters, light metering and white balancing of the camera and is tied into these features. Point selection may be via touch screen or by holding down a lock button. The selected points or regions may be applied to focus and aperture related adjustments or for any other camera function related to measurement of the scene.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a focusing image and shifting the focusing image to obtain a shifted focusing image. In the method, a focus metric of the focusing image is calculated from the focusing image and the shifted focusing image, where the focus metric is configured for use as a factor in making an automatic focus adjustment determination. An automatic focusing apparatus includes a controller configured to implement the method.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus comprises an image sensor, a driving unit that drives the image sensor so as to output electrical signals through multiple readout modes including at least a full pixel readout mode and a thinning readout mode, an acquisition unit that acquires lens magnification chromatic aberration correction information, a correction coefficient calculation unit that obtains a coefficient for a first magnification chromatic aberration correction method during full pixel readout and a coefficient for a second magnification chromatic aberration correction method during thinning readout, and a digital signal processor that corrects the electrical signals using the obtained coefficients. In the second magnification chromatic aberration correction method, the thinned and read-out electrical signals are corrected based on positions in the image sensor of pixels corresponding to the electrical signals.

Abstract: An AF camera includes a focusing lens group; an autofocus system which performs a searching process for detecting an in-focus position by moving the focusing lens group within a predetermined searching range to move the focusing lens group to the in-focus position; and a first switch and a second switch. After completion of the searching process, the autofocus system repeats the searching process over a first searching range closer to a far side than a near-side movable end upon the first switch being turned ON, with a current position of the focusing lens group serving as the near-side movable end; and the autofocus system repeats the searching process over a second searching range closer to a near side than a far-side movable end upon the second switch being turned ON, with a current position of the focusing lens group serving as the far-side movable end.

Abstract: 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, a distance measurement unit measuring a distance to a subject and output a distance measurement result, a control unit outputting instruction values based on the evaluation values and determining whether a subject image is in-focus or out-of-focus, and a storage storing the distance measurement results and lens positions. In the apparatus, after searching the peak of the evaluation values, the control unit returns the lens to the position at which the relative maximum has been detected, obtains evaluation values, stores lens positions and distance measurement results when the evaluation values satisfy a prescribed condition, and retrieves distance measurement results and lens positions when the number of times that results are stored reaches a prescribed number, and computes a correction amount.

Abstract: Autofocus device has a lens-driving unit, a focal-point-position-detecting unit, and a distance measurement sensor that measures a distance to a subject. The device also has a control unit for controlling the lens-driving unit to drive the lens, thereby meeting the detected position of the focal point of the lens to an in-focus position. If a restart condition has not yet been satisfied after meeting the position of the focal point to the in-focus position to stop the focus operation, the control unit determines a switch of focusing on subjects based on the detected position of the focal point and a measured distance result by the distance measurement sensor and then restarts the focus operation based on a determination result thereof, thereby driving the lens to meet the position of the focal point to an in-focus position based on a measured distance result by the distance measurement sensor.

Abstract: A method for automatic focus for an image capture device comprising a lens, the method comprising, for a first lens position, processing image data generated at a plurality of local focus positions of the lens in order to generate first metric data representing a focus measure for the first lens position, adjusting the lens position on the basis of the first metric data, and generating corresponding second metric data for at least one local focus position at the new lens position, and determining an estimated point of true focus for the lens on the basis of the first and second metric data.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus to which a lens apparatus is detachably attached includes an image sensor configured to generate an image signal by photoelectrically converting an object image, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a contrast value of the image signal acquired by the image sensor, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire lens position information at a predetermined time interval, and a focus detection unit configured to detect a focal position based on outputs of the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit, wherein the focus detection unit selects the lens position information that corresponds to the contrast value acquired by the first acquisition unit from a plurality of pieces of the lens position information acquired by the second acquisition unit at the predetermined time interval, and detects the focal position.

Abstract: A lens module with adjustable magnification is installed in a scanner. The lens module can be used to collect and focus a scanning light beam to form an image onto at least one optical sensing device, which may be replaceable. The lens module includes a primary lens and at least one correction lens. The correction lens is with respect to the size of the optical sensing device, such as the total length of the effective pixels, and is installed at a location in front of the light collection end or between the image output end and the optical sensing device. This allows the size of the image focused by lens module to match with the size of the optical sensing device, so that the image can be captured by the optical sensing device.

Abstract: A camera includes a focus adjusting system; first and second switches for a focus adjusting system and an exposure device; and a controller. If the second switch is operated before the focusing lens group reaches a specified focal length position, the search operation stops and the exposure device activates after the focus adjusting system performs the search operation until an infinite focus position. If the second switch is operated after the focusing lens group reaches the specified focal length position, the search operation immediately stops and the exposure device activates. If the in-focus position is detected by the search operation after completion thereof, the focusing lens group moves to the in-focus position and the exposure device activates. If no in-focus position is detected by the search operation after completion thereof, the focusing lens group moves to the specified focal length position and the exposure device activates.

Abstract: An autofocus device comprising a lens-driving unit, a focal-point-position-detecting unit that detects a position of a focal point of the lens, and a distance measurement sensor. The sensor measures a distance to a subject based on a reference field of view for distance measurement and a field of view for distance measurement being offset outwardly from the reference field of view and/or a field of view for distance measurement having a field of view that is different from the reference field of view. The device has a control unit that controls the lens-driving unit to drive the lens to meet the position of the focal point of the lens to an in-focus position thereof. The focusing operation starts by setting the lens drive based on a representative value selected from measured distance results obtained by the distance measurement sensor and the position of the focal point of the lens.

Abstract: An autofocus device comprising a lens-driving unit, a focal-point-position-detecting unit that detects a position of a focal point of the lens, a distance measurement sensor that measures a distance to a subject, and a focus-evaluation-value-calculating unit that calculates a focus evaluation value using a frequency component of an image signal in a particular region in an imaging frame. The device also has a user interface and a control unit that controls the lens-driving unit to drive the lens based on the focus evaluation value or the focus evaluation value, the position of a focal point of the lens, and a measured distance result measured by the distance measurement sensor, thereby meeting the position of the focal point to an in-focus position. The control unit controls the lens-driving unit, the distance measurement sensor and the focus-evaluation-value-calculating unit based on the autofocus contents set by the user interface.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus having a first focus detection unit and a second focus detection unit of a scheme differing from that of the first focus detection unit, for detecting the shift amount of a focal position by the first and second focus detection units, includes (a) an instruction unit capable of instructing a detection mode for detecting the shift amount, and (b) an image producing unit, when given the instructions for the detection mode from the instruction unit, for producing an object image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an object information holding unit to hold a size of a predetermined object included in a subject; an imaging unit to convert incident light from the subject to a captured image; an object detecting unit to detect the object included in the captured image and a size of an object image; an object-autofocus-range calculating unit to calculate an object-autofocus-range that is a limited movement range of a focus lens; a use determination range calculating unit to calculate a use determination range that is a range to determine whether detection of an in-focus position of the detected object is to be performed in the object-autofocus-range and that includes the object-autofocus-range; and an autofocus control unit to detect the in-focus position by setting the object-autofocus-range and moving the focus lens in the object-autofocus-range if a current position of the focus lens is within the use determination range.

Abstract: An auto-focus method for camera is provided. First, a digital signal processor sets a first parameter p and a second parameter q. An image capture unit captures an only image. Then, the digital signal processor utilizes the only image, the first parameter p and the second parameter q to compute an object distance. Then, an optical focusing device utilizes the object distance to regulate a focal position. Therefore, the present invention substantially shortens the time for regulating the focal position.

Abstract: In a digital camera, a focus lens is moved at a low speed between a timing at which a shutter key is half pressed and a timing at which the shutter key is fully pressed to detect a focused position. When the shutter key is fully pressed by a user before the focus lens reaches a focused position, the focus lens is moved at a higher speed than that of a case in which the shutter key is half pressed, and a focused position is detected. Thereby, even when the shutter key is fully pressed by a user before the focus lens reaches the focused position, the digital camera can realize focusing with less delay in capturing.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which is capable of performing accurate focusing even when a shake occurs. The image-taking apparatus comprises an image-pickup element which photoelectrically converts an optical image formed by an image-taking optical system; a controller which performs a first focusing control based on a phase difference of plural optical images formed of luminous fluxes not passing through the image-taking optical system, which plural optical images are detected by a light receiving sensor that photoelectrically converts the plural optical images, and a second focusing control based on an image signal generated by an output from the image-pickup element; and a shake detector which generates information on a shake. The controller preferentially performs one of the first focusing control and the second focusing control in accordance with the information on the shake.