Abstract: A focus adjustment device, comprising a focus detection section that, if, at the time of correction of an evaluation value by a correction section, it is determined that the corrected evaluation value is smaller than a specified threshold value, makes a determination threshold value for detection of a focus position at which the evaluation value exhibits an extreme value, stricter than for a case when it is determined that the corrected evaluation value is greater than the specified threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for detecting whether a photograph is of a flat surface, e.g. a “photograph of a photograph”, or of a real three dimensional scene. The method includes using a digital camera to take a photograph, and within a predetermined time period either before or after taking the photograph, recording focal length information from a plurality of focus areas using the autofocus routine of the digital camera. The recorded focal length information forms the input to a machine learning classifier which has been trained to classify scenes as “flat” or “3D”.

Abstract: A camera module and an auto focusing method of the camera module are provided, the camera module including a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) including a rotor including a lens distanced from a reference plane, in a case no driving signal is applied, a posture detection sensor determining a posture of the VCM; an ISP (Image Signal Processor) generating a driving signal for driving the VCM using an optimum focus value of the lens calculated by an auto focus algorithm in response to a posture of the VCM determined by the posture detection sensor, an image sensor changing lens-passed light to a digital signal, and a controller controlling the VCM, the posture detection sensor, the image signal processor and the image sensor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens detachable from a camera includes a variator lens configured to change a focal length by moving in an optical axis direction, a focus lens configured to change a focusing state of an object image by moving in the optical axis direction, a diaphragm configured to adjust an amount of light, an acquisition unit configured to acquire an amount of change in image magnification corresponding to information about a position of the variator lens, a position of the focus lens, and an aperture value of the diaphragm, and a lens control unit configured to transmit the amount of change in image magnification to the camera.

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 multiple focus approaches to improve focus speed and precision. In particular, the system moves multiple lenses simultaneously to perform focusing for reducing focus time efficiently.

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: 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.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus comprises: a moving unit configured to move a focus position of a photographing lens relative to an image sensor at a predetermined amplitude by changing a distance in an optical axis direction between the photographing lens and the image sensor; detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image obtained from the image sensor; and defocus correction unit configured to perform defocus correction on the image obtained from the image sensor during motion performed by the moving unit, based on the focus state detected by the detection unit, so that the focus state of each image for display on the display device at least approaches the focus state for an in-focus image.

Abstract: An autofocus apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an object image entered through a focus lens and output image data, a detection unit configured to detect a focus signal based on the image data, a focus adjustment unit configured to perform a focus adjusting operation for adjusting a position of the focus lens based on the detected focus signal, an acquisition unit configured to acquire information relating to a distance to an object, and a change unit configured to change at least one of a time interval, a movable range of the focus lens in acquiring the focus signal in the subsequent focus adjusting operation, and an amount of movement of the focus lens in acquiring the focus signal in the subsequent focus adjusting operation, according to the information relating to the distance to the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining confidence in focus direction detection, including the steps of capturing a plurality of images, calculating sets of matching errors and blur difference estimations relating to the images, capturing a plurality of object images; calculating sets of matching errors and blur difference estimations relating to the images, calculating a confidence indicator as a function of either the matching errors or blur difference estimations, and automatically adjusting a focus control element in response to said confidence indicator exceeding a threshold value.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus comprises: a moving unit configured to move a focus position of a photographing lens relative to an image sensor at a predetermined amplitude by changing a distance in an optical axis direction between the photographing lens and the image sensor; detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image obtained from the image sensor; and defocus correction unit configured to perform defocus correction on the image obtained from the image sensor during motion performed by the moving unit, based on the focus state detected by the detection unit, so that the focus state of each image for display on the display device at least approaches the focus state for an in-focus image.

Abstract: In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention there is at least a method, executable computer program, and apparatus to provide operations including logically separating into a plurality of parts at least one sub-window of interest of a plurality of sub-windows of interest arranged in a grid formation in an autofocus window of interest, assigning a focus value mask to each of the plurality of parts of the at least one sub-window, and executing an autofocus algorithm using the assigned focus value masks.

Abstract: In a case in which flickers are detected from a live-view image, at least one of a start timing and an end timing of charge accumulation at an image sensor is fixed by setting the image-sensing frame rate during execution of image-sensing plane AF to a value synchronized with the flicker cycle. In an image sensing apparatus for carrying out image-sensing plane AF with the use of live-view images, aperture control and accumulation time control with a high degree of freedom can be achieved even under a flicking light source.

Abstract: An auto focus (AF) apparatus and method for a camera that improves the AF action by reducing the number of time and steps required of a conventional apparatus and method. An encoder initial value is detected by measuring an initial position of a lens unit by means of an encoder; matching the measured encoder initial value to an initial position value to which the lens unit is to move while performing the auto focus; performing the auto focus starting from the matched initial position value, and dividing a distance that the lens unit is to cover into sections corresponding to a preset number of steps; detecting an edge value which shows a brightness change for a contour of a subject for as many as the number of the preset steps. The AF is completed by moving the lens unit to a position corresponding to a maximum edge value selected from among the detected edge values.

Abstract: A focus control method is provided that performs focus control by sensing a plurality of images of an object while moving a position of a focusing lens and determining in-focus positions in auto focusing areas located at a plurality of positions. The focus control method calculates an in-focus position of the focusing lens based on the focusing lens position at the time of reading an image signal of each of the auto focusing areas and a degree of focused state of each of the auto focusing area that is based on the image signal of each of the auto focusing areas.

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: A camera has a contrast detector that successively detects contrast data of an object image that is formed on a light-receiving surface of an image sensor, and a focus detector that successively calculates a difference value between currently detected contrast data and previously detected contrast data, and that detects a focused situation on the basis of the difference value and the detected contrast data. The camera further has a focus adjuster that drives a photographing optical system so as continuously to shift an image-formed surface from a given position along an optical axis. While the photographing optical system is driven, the focus detector determines whether the image-formed surface surpasses a focused-position corresponding to a position of the light-receiving surface, on the basis of a decreasing-amount of the difference value.

Abstract: A focusing device capable of setting (S402) a focusing area according to a detection result of a target subject, wherein even if the target subject is no longer detected, when the target subject is assumed to be present, the velocity of the movement of the focusing lens (104) is made slower. Thus, even if the target subject can no longer be detected, it is possible to suppress the in-focus position from changing significantly.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and auto-focusing method for the same are disclosed. The auto-focusing method uses a lens position error compensation and includes: detecting a target object during a photograph mode; determining a lens position at which a focus value gradient related to the detected target object changes sign while moving a lens of the camera module in units of one step size; and performing lens position compensation by moving the lens to the found lens position. As a result, the lens position errors caused by a conventional a voice coil motor are compensated, thereby providing rapid and fine auto-focusing.

Abstract: An autofocusing method is implemented in an image capture device comprising a lens and a sensor module. The relative positions of lens and the sensor module are adjusted for autofocusing based on a factor. First, the relative positions of the lens and the sensor module are adjusted based on a first unit of the factor to determine a plurality of states of the lens and the sensor module, where the lens renders clearer images on the sensor module. The states are utilized to estimate a best state achievable by focusing based on a second unit of the factor, where the lens renders a clearest image on the sensor module. The second unit is finer than the first unit. The lens or the sensor module is driven to the best state.

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: In order to carry out relatively accurate AF control while eliminating the adverse effect on a reproduced moving picture, a subject is imaged every 1/30 seconds, so that subject images are obtained. Image data representing the subject images respectively corresponding to odd-numbered frames are recorded on a memory card as image data representing the moving picture. At timing where the subject images respectively corresponding to even-numbered frames are obtained by the imaging, auxiliary light is irradiated onto the subject. A high-frequency component is extracted from the image data representing each of the subject images respectively corresponding to even-numbered frames, so that focusing data representing the degree of focusing of the subject image is obtained. Since the subject image used for focusing control is bright, focusing control can be carried out relatively accurately.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auto focus system capable of having an AF area which is a target range of auto focus (AF) automatically follow a follow-up target subject as a focusing target, wherein the system changes a size of a range for capturing an image of the follow-up target subject as a reference pattern image out of the range of a photographing image according to a target subject distance and a focal length of a photographing lens so as to appropriately perform detection of the image of the target subject and automatic follow-up of the AF area even in the case where the size of the image of the target subject in the photographing image of the camera changes such as the case where the distance between the camera and the follow-up target subject changes or the case where the focal length of the photographing lens (optical system of the camera) changes.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a capturing module with at least one lens for capturing an image from a scene, a driving module for driving the at least one lens to different focusing positions using different driving steps, a flat-scene judging module, and a step-judging module. The flat-scene judging module divides the image into a central area and a plurality of peripheral areas, and determines whether the captured scene is a flat scene according to the divided image. The step-judging module determines whether the driving steps corresponding to a maximum focusing value of the central area of the image are same as driving steps corresponding to respective maximum focusing values of the peripheral areas of image, and changes the driving steps corresponding to the maximum focusing value of the central area to the driving steps corresponding to the greatest one of the maximum focusing values of the peripheral areas.

Abstract: An imaging pickup apparatus includes a lens module and a motor. The body includes a camera module configured for sensing an image. The motor is configured for driving the lens module to move in increments that are multiple steps of the motor. The multiplier used are “x” and “y” during an auto focus process. The image pickup apparatus includes a preset step number. Initially, the motor drives the lens module to move by increments of “x” steps. When the number of steps moved by the motor is greater than or equal to the preset step number, the motor drives the lens module to move by increment of “y” steps.

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

Abstract: A focus detection method, for detecting a focus state of an object image in accordance with a contrast of the object image which is formed in a focus detection area, includes capturing the object images while moving a focusing lens group of a photographing lens stepwise within a predetermined range of movement thereof; determining contrast values of the plurality of object images in the focus detection area; and setting a position of the focusing lens group as an in-focus position when a contrast value, attained when the focusing lens group is positioned at one of the closest focus position and the infinite-focus position or at a position within a predetermined range of steps from the one of the closest focus position and the infinite-focus position toward the other of the closest focus position and the infinite-focus position, is at a maximum contrast value.

Abstract: A camera module with an autofocus function includes a lens holder, a lens barrel, a light-sensing element, an actuator, and a controller. The lens barrel is coupled to the lens holder and has a number of optical elements received therein. The light-sensing element is accommodated in the lens holder and optically aligned with the optical elements of the lens barrel. The actuator includes a substrate and a shape-memory alloy film formed on the substrate. The substrate is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the camera module and interconnects the lens barrel and the lens holder. The controller is configured for applying an electric current to the shape-memory alloy film to bend the shape-memory alloy film, thereby allowing the lens module to move along the optical axis of the camera module.

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: An imaging device includes an autofocusing section, which moves at least a part of an imaging lens as a focusing lens, and focuses the imaging device on a subject, a photographing distance range setting section, which sets a predetermined distance range including a subject distance to the subject obtained by the autofocusing section as a photographing distance range for photographing, a continuous shooting section, which continuously photographs at a plurality of focused positions in the photographing distance range while moving and stopping the focusing lens according to input of a photographing instruction, and a display section, which displays an image of the subject focused by the autofocusing section and the photographing distance range set by the photographing distance range setting section.

Abstract: Methods and related computer program products, systems, and devices for auto-focusing in an image-capturing system includes sampling output signals from an auto-focusing circuit in a first interval of lens distances and determining a first lens distance and a second lens distance corresponding to the two highest values of the sampled output signals in the first interval of lens distances.

Abstract: An exemplary automatic focusing system adopted in a camera includes a brightness detecting unit, a recording unit, a correcting unit, and a selecting unit. The brightness detecting unit is configured for detecting a general brightness value of an environment of a subject prior to a focusing operation of the camera and outputting a correction factor associated with the general brightness value. The recording unit is configured for storing a first set of brightness values and the first set of contrast values. The correcting unit stores a preset brightness value and a preset contrast value. The correcting unit is configured for calculating a number of second contrast values according to the correction factor, the first set of brightness values, a preset brightness value, and a preset contrast value. The selecting unit is configured for choosing a maximum contrast value from the number of second contrast values of the subject.

Abstract: An autofocus method and apparatus provides a reduction in time required for performing the autofocusing procedure, preferably occurring during a one-time frame exposure. A distance between a focus of a lens system and a light receiving plane of an image sensor is varied, an image frame is formed by sequentially exposing pixels on the light receiving plane during a time period while varying the distance between the focus and the light receiving plane, a plurality of sub-blocks are set on the image frame and edge values are obtained for the respective plurality of sub-blocks. The maximum edge value is determined from among the obtained edge values, and a focus position of the lens system is identified based on the maximum edge value. The lens system is moved to the focus position.

Abstract: A storage unit is configured to store beforehand a table that shows a relation between spread parameters and command values supplied to a control unit to acquire a focused image of an object, and information that designates a command value corresponding to an inflection point on an approximated curve showing the relation that the spread parameters have with the command values, the control unit being configured to control a state of an optical system in accordance with an input command value. The luminance information about the object that lies at a distance falling within a range over which focusing should be detected is acquired, at the position of the optical system, which is obtained by the command value corresponding to the inflection point shown in the table.

Abstract: Both of a high speed AF using contrast control and a high precision AF using a color temperature sensor are achieved. A focus detection device has: a first sensor which outputs a signal for a focus detection by detecting a phase difference; and a second sensor having a plurality of pixels whose spectral sensitivities are different. Accumulation start timing of the first sensor and that of the second sensor are different. The first sensor controls an accumulation time period and a read-out gain based on a difference between the maximum and minimum values of an accumulation signal. The accumulation of the second sensor is finished in a timing when the accumulation of the first sensor is finished.

Abstract: An auto focus method of a digital camera for moving a lens of the digital camera to the maximum focus value position is provided. According to certain criteria, the lens movement states are categorized into four states, i.e. an initial state, a coarse state, a mid state and a fine state. The numbers of search steps for the lens in different states are different.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and auto-focusing method for the same are disclosed. The auto-focusing method uses a lens position error compensation and includes: detecting a target object during a photograph mode; determining a lens position at which a focus value gradient related to the detected target object changes sign while moving a lens of the camera module in units of one step size; and performing lens position compensation by moving the lens to the found lens position. As a result, the lens position errors caused by a conventional a voice coil motor are compensated, thereby providing rapid and fine auto-focusing.

Abstract: A camera focusing system and a method thereof are provided. The focus of the camera is moved to three equidistant reference positions Xi, Xj and Xk to get three image contrasts Yi, Yj and Yk respectively. Then, quadratic equation Y=aX2+bX+c is solved with (Xi, Yi), (Xj, Yj), and (Xk, Yk) to obtain the coefficients a, b and c. Accordingly equation Xm=(?b)/(2a)=Xj+s(Yk?Yi)/2(2Yj?Yk?Yi) is solved to get the optimal target focusing position Xm. According to the present invention, the optimal focusing position can be obtained instantly and the exposure time can be reduced by utilizing least reference points and simple procedure.

Abstract: Image capture methods and systems. When a shutter of a camera is pressed, a diaphragm of the camera is set to a maximum diaphragm, and an image is photographed accordingly. The diaphragm is switched to a next level diaphragm of the maximum diaphragm, and another image is photographed accordingly. The switch of the diaphragm and the photographing is repeated until the diaphragm is the minimum diaphragm.

Abstract: A method of real-time auto focus includes: (a) judging whether a focus environment is changed by a focus environment judgment unit of a real-time auto focus system; (b) if the focus environment has been changed, figuring out a contrast value by a frame that is captured via a sensor of the real-time auto focus system; (c) judging whether the contrast value is larger than last contrast value by comparing the contrast value with last contrast value; (d) if the contrast value is larger than last contrast value, letting a lens move along one direction, and then if the contrast value is not larger than last contrast value, letting a lens move along the other direction; and (e) repeating the cycle of the step (b)-(d) until the total number of the cycle time reaches the predetermined total cycle time.

Abstract: A focusing method for an image capturing device is disclosed. In the focusing method, a focus lens shifts step by step from the current position toward a selected direction, and generates a corresponding contrast value for each position. If the generated contrast values show an increasing trend, the focus lens continually shifts toward the selected direction; if a decreasing trend, then turns toward an opposite direction. In this way, an optimal position with the maximum contrast value can be found. An advantage of the focusing method is that the optimal position can be found quickly when it is not far away from the current position of the focus lens, thereby saving the focusing time.

Abstract: A auto-focusing method comprises setting a plurality of active windows composed of a central window and a plurality of peripheral windows surrounding the central window and allocating weights to the plurality of active windows so as to calculate an auto-focus value for each step; calculating a rate of change in auto-focus value between a previous step and a current step from the auto-focus value calculated for each step; comparing the calculated rate of change in auto-focus value with preset auto-focus reference values and then changing a step size in accordance with the comparison result; transferring a lens to a position corresponding to the changed step size; repeating the above processes from the setting of the plurality of active windows to the transferring of the lens until the auto-focus value of the previous step becomes larger than that of the current step and then determining whether the maximum auto-focus value is detected or not; and transferring the lens to a position corresponding to the maximum

Abstract: System controller (10) seeks a focus adjusting evaluating value which is indicative of focus adjusting state as a criterion from object image information, and searches a focus adjusted position where focus adjusting evaluating value becomes the most appropriate and drives the focus operating means to the focus adjusted position to perform a focus adjusting by a focus adjusting scan to obtain a plurality of focus adjusting evaluating value by operating the focus adjusting evaluating value detecting means while driving focusing lens (1a) in at lease one way of continuous way or intermittent way which varies focus adjusting state of the object image. System controller (10) shifts a scan starting point from an initial locating position Po of the focusing lens (1a) in a first predetermined amount of distance in a predetermined direction then initiate scan from the initial locating position toward an opposite direction to the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An autofocusing apparatus and method which prevents erroneously detecting a focus position due to a contrast pseudo peak. The system extracts an image component from an image signal and computes a contrast value. On the basis of the number of edges and the edge width center of gravity value the system determines whether the focusing lens is positioned close to the focus position or not. Even if the contrast value peaks, if the focusing lens is not close to the focus position, the lens position is not employed as a focus position.

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

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

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

Abstract: A method and device for improving the generation of the focus signal in the auto-focus system of a camera.