Abstract: The ratio between an image A and an image B is calculated as the comparison result of the images A and B obtained from a pair of optical images. The variance is then calculated in order to evaluate the statistical fluctuation of the ratio obtained for each pixel. The fluctuation due to the variance is evaluated for each phase difference while the phase between the image A and the image B is shifted. The phase difference detection is performed on the basis of the evaluation result of the fluctuation.

Abstract: In a light spot position detection device, in one frame of operation, under control of a control unit, pixel data obtained in a pixel section in exposure of a solid-state image sensor in synchronization with light emission of a light emitting element are added to corresponding storage portions in a memory unit, and pixel data obtained in exposure of the image sensor asynchronous to the light emission of the light emitting element are subtracted from the corresponding storage portions, to store pixel data of only signal light in the storage portions. A given number of frames of operation are repetitively performed to accumulate pixel data of only the signal light in the storage portions. The position of a light spot on the pixel section is calculated based on the pixel data of only the signal light and outputted whether the storage portions are saturated or not with the pixel data.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an apparatus body having an outer casing, at least a shutter mechanism and an imaging device placed inside the outer casing, an opening formed in the outer casing, and a storage space and a placement space defined inside the outer casing and communicating with the opening and the storage space, respectively, a strobe unit having a lid part and a light-emitting part and connected to the apparatus body so as to be movable between close and open positions, a sensor unit placed in the placement space and having an autofocus sensor and a sensor adjusting part having plural adjusting screws, and a mirror placed inside the outer casing to reflect part of incident light toward the autofocus sensor. When the strobe unit is moved to the open position, the storage space is defined as an adjustment space into which an adjustment jig can be inserted.

Abstract: A back focus adjustment apparatus of a camera includes a casing, an adjusting module and an image capturing device. The adjusting module includes a fixed support, a movable support and a drive module. The drive module includes an adjustment wheel and two drive wheels. The lens module is mounted on a bottom surface of the casing. The fixed support is fixed in the casing and opposite to the bottom surface thereof. The image capturing device is mounted on the movable support. The drive module is defined on the fixed support. The drive module is connected to the movable support through worm gears defined on drive wheels. The drive wheels and the adjustment wheel are gearingly engaged. The image capturing device moves back and forth according to the adjustment of the adjusting wheel of the adjusting module.

Abstract: A method of operating a 3D camera and a frame-linked 2D/3D camera system. The 3D camera may receive data conveying operating parameters of at least one 2D camera. Operating parameters of the 3D camera including a pan angle ?3D, a tilt angle T3D, a lens focal length FL3D, and a lens focus distance FD3D may be set based on, at least in part, the received data. An interocular distance IOD of the 3D camera may be set and a stereo convergence angle ? of the 3D camera may be set based on IOD and FD3D.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a lens barrel having a lens opening, and a lens positioned in the lens opening of the lens barrel, the lens having an optical center, a focal length F, an aperture diameter D, and an aperture number FN=F/D. An image sensor comprises an array of light sensing pixels that each have a dimension P, the sensor spaced apart a distance S from the optical center of the lens such that a focus offset gap X=F?S. The pixel dimension P and aperture number FN are selected such that 2·P·FN?X.

Abstract: A lens barrel assembly for a camera is disclosed. The lens barrel assembly comprises a lens barrel, at least one optical element disposed within the lens barrel, and an actuator configured to move the optical element. The actuator can be disposed entirely or partially within the lens barrel. The actuator can be a MEMS actuator, such as a MEMS actuator that is formed at least partially of silicon. The optical element can be a lens.

Abstract: A lens displacement mechanism using shaped memory alloy (SMA) applied to an auto-focusing lens module is disclosed. The lens displacement mechanism comprising at least one SMA wire. Two opposite ends of the SMA wire are fixed and a longitudinal mid-point of an intermediate movable portion between the two opposite ends is tightened and is fixed on a corresponding hook disposed on an outer edge of the lens so that the intermediate movable portion is tightened between the two opposite ends. When the SMA wire is heated, the intermediate movable portion contracts to pull the hook of the lens for driving the lens to move and slide along with an optical axis so as to achieve auto-focus control. The present lens displacement mechanism is simple in structure and reflow process. Therefore, the present displacement mechanism is suitable to be used in portable camera or mobile phone or PDA, which needs to be small and have easily mass production by SMT.

Abstract: A tunable optical imaging system uses a fixed lens and a tunable liquid crystal lens that is operated only outside of an operational range of high aberration. A voltage range applied to change the optical power of the liquid crystal lens is limited to a continuous tunable range of low aberration. The relative positioning between the lens and a corresponding photodetector, and the relative lens powers of a fixed lens and the tunable lens, may be selected to compensate for any optical power offsets resulting from the limitation of the voltage range of the tunable lens. The lens may be operated in either positive tunability or negative tunability mode.

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: The arrangement of focus-detecting sensors for autofocus in multipoint range finding and the arrangement of light detection sensors for focus detecting regions are optimized. Further, the chip area and power consumption are reduced. Light detection sensors are provided on the sensor chip in a manner such as to be disposed between focus-detecting sensors provided on the same sensor chip.

Abstract: Provided are a lens driving motor and an elastic member of the lens driving motor. The elastic member of a lens driving motor, the elastic member includes a first spring and a second spring. The second spring is different from the first spring and disposed together with the first spring on one side of a carrier to support the carrier. A first lead line of a coil and a first external power source are connected to the first spring, and a second lead line of the coil and a second external power source are connected to the second spring to supply power to the coil. Since the carrier can be assembled to other part after a (+) lead line and a (?) lead line of the coil are connected to the first and second springs, respectively, using solder, a process is simple and convenient.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a focusing unit configured to focus an object to be shot by an imaging unit, a first shooting control unit configured to control the imaging unit in order to continuously shooting at first time intervals upon detecting a shooting instruction, a determining unit configured to determine whether the object moves in a distance direction during a control operation of the first shooting control unit, and a second shooting control unit configured to control the imaging unit in order to continuously shoot at second time intervals and to control the focusing unit in order to focus the object when the determining unit determines that the object moves in the distance direction.

Abstract: A temperature compensated liquid lens is disclosed in which wait times for the liquid lens to respond to an applied control voltage or calculated in advance and stored in a table. A temperature sensor is utilized with the liquid lens that provides temperature data to the controlled circuitry. The wait time for the liquid lens to respond is then minimized to be no more than the minimum required time for the liquid lens to respond to the controlled voltage enough to focus the image to a prescribed level of quality.

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: A digital imaging apparatus and method by which an auto-focus (AF) operation may be effectively performed during capture of a moving image. The apparatus performs the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that a lens is appropriate for capturing the moving image based on received lens information and stops the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that the lens is inappropriate for capturing the moving image. When the lens inappropriate for capturing the moving image is mounted, the AF operation may be performed using an additional switch or a manual-focus (MF) operation may be performed.

Abstract: A method and a camera device that includes a proximity sensor that senses a current distance between a user and the camera device. The method and camera device acquires the current distance sensed by the proximity sensor, and triggers the camera device to take a photo of an object when the current distance is less than a preset distance of the camera device.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus with an AF sensor unit fixed thereto promptly with high precision by a parallax adjustment method. The image pickup apparatus with the AF sensor has a stationary cylinder. The stationary cylinder constitutes an image pickup lens barrel with a first axis and a second axis that are perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens barrel and are perpendicular to each other. An AF sensor holder is configured to hold said AF sensor. An AF sensor holder-mounting unit is mounted on the stationary cylinder through a first axis rotation-adjusting mechanism rotatably with respect to the first axis, and configured to support said AF sensor holder through a second axis rotation-adjusting mechanism rotatably with respect to the second axis. The first axis rotation-adjusting mechanism and the second axis rotation-adjusting mechanism are directed in the same direction at operation sides thereof, respectively.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A camera acquires a 4D light field of a scene. The camera includes a lens and sensor. A mask is arranged in a straight optical path between the lens and the sensor. The mask including an attenuation pattern to spatially modulate the 4D light field acquired of the scene by the sensor. The pattern has a low spatial frequency when the mask is arranged near the lens, and a high spatial frequency when the mask is arranged near the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods to achieve an auto-focus camera module having a precise bearing with low friction have been disclosed. Ball bearings are guiding a lens barrel. The balls of the ball bearings are running in guide slots and are held together by ball cages. Creeping of the balls is prevented by a positioning pin being deployed between a fixed part of a carrier of the camera module and a movable part of the lens barrel.

Abstract: Provided is a method of optimizing sensitivity of measurements of an optical metrology tool using two or more illumination beams directed to a structure on a workpiece comprising selecting target structures for measurement, obtaining diffraction signals off the selected structures as a function of angle of incidence for each illumination beam, determining a selected angle of incidence for each of the two or more illumination beams, setting sensitivity objectives for optical metrology measurements, developing a design for the optical metrology tool to achieve the corresponding selected angle of incidence of the two or more illumination beams, obtaining sensitivity data using the optical metrology tool, and if the sensitivity objectives are not met, adjusting the selection of target structures, the selected angle of incidence of the two or more illumination beams, the sensitivity objectives, and/or the design of the optical metrology tool, and iterating the developing of the design, obtaining sensitivity data,

Abstract: A target is provided for setting the exposure and white balance of a photographic digital camera. The target comprises a target surface that has a pre-determined reflectance for all wavelengths of visible light, and the target surface is provided with a target feature upon which the camera is able to focus while the target surface entirely fills a viewfinder of the camera.

Abstract: An exemplary method for measuring a distance from a subject to a camera includes the following operations: focusing on the subject using the imaging system; illuminating an area on the subject using auxiliary light; capturing an image of the subject, the image having an illumination portion corresponding to the illuminated area; measuring the area of the illumination portion of the image; and calculating the subject distance based on the measured area.

Abstract: A lens barrel having an increased strength against external impact. The lens barrel is configured to move in an optical axis direction. A photographic lens unit moves in the optical axis direction. A cylindrical unit is engaged with the photographic lens unit, and has an outer periphery formed thereon with a first cam groove followed by the photographic lens unit. The cylindrical unit performs rotation to thereby move the photographic lens unit in the optical axis direction. A rectilinear motion-causing restriction member is engaged with the cylindrical unit to restrict motion of the photographic lens unit to rectilinear motion. A second cylindrical unit is disposed around the photographic lens unit and the cylindrical unit to guide the photographic lens unit for rectilinear motion. A second rectilinear motion-causing restriction member restricts motion of the rectilinear motion-causing restriction member and the second cylindrical unit in a direction of rotation.

Abstract: Provided are a lens driving motor and an elastic member of the lens driving motor. The elastic member of a lens driving motor, the elastic member includes a first spring and a second spring. The second spring is different from the first spring and disposed together with the first spring on one side of a carrier to support the carrier. A first lead line of a coil and a first external power source are connected to the first spring, and a second lead line of the coil and a second external power source are connected to the second spring to supply power to the coil. Since the carrier can be assembled to other part after a (+) lead line and a (?) lead line of the coil are connected to the first and second springs, respectively, using solder, a process is simple and convenient.

Abstract: When automatic exposure (AE) for AF is performed, an imaging apparatus sets a fastest speed or a predetermined fixed speed as a diaphragm driving speed to reduce the time to be spent for the AF. On the other hand, when an interchangeable lens in which the diaphragm driving speed can be changed is attached to the imaging apparatus, and AE is performed for moving image recording, the imaging apparatus slows down the diaphragm blade driving speed compared to the speed at the time of AE for AF in consideration of the quality of moving image recording and display.

Abstract: An integrated 2D/3D camera system may include a 2D camera and a 3D camera affixed to the 2D camera. The 2D camera may include a first lens that is lens adjustable to set a 2D focus distance. The 3D camera may include a left camera and a right camera including respective left and right lenses, the left and right lenses synchronously adjustable to set a 3D focus distance. A focus mechanism may automatically set the 2D focus distance and the 3D focus distance to be essentially equal by one of adjusting the first lens based on the 3D focus distance and synchronously adjusting the left and right lenses based on the 2D focus distance.

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 imaging device having a shooting optical system, including an imaging element having a pixel array capable of generating image signals regarding light from a subject coming through the shooting optical system, and a focus-detection pixel line having pairs of pixels, the pixels of each of the pairs receiving luminous fluxes from the subject coming through a pair of individually corresponding partial regions of an exit pupil of the shooting optical system; a rapid-fire shooting unit configured to perform rapid-fire shooting to generate image signals at the pixel array on each exposure and to generate certain signals at the focus-detection pixel line; a focus detection unit configured to perform focus detection by a phase-difference detection method on the basis of the certain signals; and a focus adjustment unit configured to perform focus adjustment during each interval of the exposures on the basis of a result of focus detection.

Abstract: There is disclosed stereographic camera system including a left and a right camera including respective lenses, plural mechanisms to synchronously set a focal length of the lenses, to synchronously set a focal distance of the lenses, to set a convergence angle between the left and right cameras, and to set an intraocular distance between the left and right cameras. A controller may determine a convergence based on the focal length. The controller may cause an interocular distance and a convergence angle between the left and right cameras to be set based on a maximum allowable disparity, the focal length of the lenses, the convergence distance, and a distance to an object in the scene.

Abstract: A camera capable of displaying a live view is disclosed, which has a movable reflecting mirror movable between a viewing position for reflecting a light beam from a photographing lens to guide the light beam to a finder optical system, and a position retracted from an area through which the light beam from the photographing lens passes, and which is configured such that, upon focusing the photographing lens from the state of the live view display, the movable reflecting mirror is driven without charging a shutter.

Abstract: The method of determining a focus measure from an image includes detecting one or more edges in the image by processing the image with one or more first order edge detection kernels adapted to reject edge phasing effects. A first measure of the strength of each of the edges, and the contrast of each of the edges may be determined. The method may include normalizing the first measure of the strength of each of the edges by the contrast of each of the edges to obtain a second measure of the strength of each of the edges, and resealing the second measure of the strength of each of the edges. The method may also include selecting one or more of the edges from the image in accordance with the second measure of their strengths, and calculating the focus measure from the second measure of the strengths of the selected edges.

Abstract: A target (10, 20) is disclosed suitable for setting the exposure and white balance of a photographic digital camera. The target (10, 20) comprises a target surface (12) that has a reflectance of 18% for all wavelengths of visible light. The target surface (12) is provided with a feature (16) upon which the camera is able to focus.

Abstract: A measurement device has a light source, an imaging device, and a distance measuring section The distance measuring section obtains a distance between the imaging device and a person based on a presence of occurrence of a red-eye effect at an eye of the person in an image in which the person irradiated with an illumination light emitted from the light source is imaged by the imaging device, and a distance between an optical axis of the imaging device and the light source.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a drive ring having a hollow cylindrical shape and a gear by which the drive ring is configured to rotate around an optical axis, and a lens holder configured to move in an optical axis direction relative to the drive ring and to hold a lens and located inside of the drive ring, the lens holder including an arm extending to outside of the drive ring. The drive ring has a notch that extends in a circumferential direction of the drive ring so that the notch cannot overlap the gear. The arm of the lens holder is configured to enter and retreat from the notch of the drive ring.

Abstract: A method and system for effecting adaptive autofocusing, such as for a camera, are disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining focusing information, such as historic focusing actuator current or voltage information or focusing lens position information, storing the focusing information, and subsequently using the focusing information to facilitate a determination of a best position of a focusing lens during a focusing process. The use of such focusing information can result in a better choice for the next focusing lens position to be tested, such that the focusing process can be performed more rapidly. The use of such focusing information can also mitigate the undesirable effects of production variations and/or component wear.

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

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a lens barrel having a lens opening, and a lens positioned in the lens opening of the lens barrel, the lens having an optical center, a focal length F, an aperture diameter D, and an aperture number FN=F/D. An image sensor comprises an array of light sensing pixels that each have a dimension P, the sensor spaced apart a distance S from the optical center of the lens such that a focus offset gap X=F?S. The pixel dimension P and aperture number FN are selected such that 2·P·FN?X.

Abstract: In a camera system with a variable aperture, variations can be used to tune a variety of optical parameters otherwise incapable of being tuned within the structural limitations of the camera system or to optimize tradeoffs between competing factors such as diffraction limits and lens aberrations. For example, the variable aperture can be used to avoid overexposure or underexposure of an image due to improper illumination of an object. The variable aperture can be used to tune hyperfocal distance, enabling an accurate focus of an object to be obtained even if the camera lens is incapable of auto-focusing. In a camera with a lens having a focal length that varies with radial position from the lens center, the variable aperture can achieve the effect of auto-focus.

Abstract: A method and system for effecting adaptive autofocusing, such as for a camera, are disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining focusing information, such as historic focusing information, storing the focusing information, and subsequently using the focusing information to facilitate a determination of a best position of a focusing lens during a focusing process. The use of such focusing information can result in a better choice for the next focusing lens position to be tested, such that the focusing process can be performed more rapidly.

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: A camera acquires a 4D light field of a scene. The camera includes a lens and sensor. A mask is arranged in a straight optical path between the lens and the sensor. The mask including an attenuation pattern to spatially modulate the 4D light field acquired of the scene by the sensor. The pattern has a low spatial frequency when the mask is arranged near the lens, and a high spatial frequency when the mask is arranged near the sensor.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a photograph comprises, in the following order, the steps: a) focussing, so as to reach a first focussing state (A), which is a desired in-focus state with respect to an image plane (87) of a focussed-state detection arrangement (70); b) shifting from said first focussing state (A) to a second focussing state (B), which is different from said first focussing state (A); and c) taking an image by means of said image taking element (60). The image taking apparatus (1) comprises an image-forming optical system (20); a focussing section (29); a focussed-state detection arrangement (70); an image taking element (60); and a control module (4); wherein said control module (4) is adapted to adjusting said focussing section (29), so as to shift from said first focussing state (A) to said second focussing state (B). An enhanced control of the in-focus state of taken images can be achieved.

Abstract: A surveying apparatus and method for surveying and tracking a moving object is disclosed to improve the tracking so that a moving object may be tracked reliably and automatically. The surveying apparatus comprises an optical arrangement to sight an object, and a tracking unit to track the sighted object. The tracking unit obtains an object parameter of the object, wherein the object parameter is associated with a movement of the object. Further, the tracking unit issues an instruction to the optical arrangement to change between a close range setting and a long range setting according to the obtained object parameter, the close range setting corresponding to a wide field of view and the long range setting to a narrow field of view.

Abstract: A lens barren assembly for a camera is disclosed. The lens barrel assembly comprises a lens barrel, at least one optical element disposed within the lens barrel, and an actuator configured to move the optical element. The actuator can be disposed entirely or partially within the lens barrel. The actuator can be a MEMS actuator, such as a MEMS actuator that is formed at least partially of silicon. The optical element can be a lens.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes an optical lens unit including a movable lens portion, a drive unit configured to drive the movable lens portion, a control unit configured to control the drive unit, a difference calculation unit configured to calculate a difference between command signals received at intervals of a predetermined period, and an addition unit configured to add the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit to each of the command signals, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on a result of an addition performed by the addition unit.

Abstract: An image capture device and related method are described. The image capture device includes one or more touch-detecting surfaces for detecting both a first and a second touch. The touch-detecting surfaces can be a touch screen, a touch pad, or a combination of the two. A processor in communication with the one or more touch detecting surfaces controls the execution of an auto-focus operation in response to the first touch and an image capture operation in response to the second touch.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing the resolution of a camera are disclosed. For example, a single lens can be placed at a predetermined position and the position of a lens assembly can be adjusted so as to enhance the resolution of the camera. The single lens can then be moved so as to effect focusing of the camera while the position of the lens assembly tends to maintain enhanced resolution thereof.

Abstract: An imaging device, an autofocus unit, a focusing-target registration unit, focusing-target specification unit and an authentication unit are provided. The autofocus unit performs focus adjustment of an optical system so that a subject within a certain AF area is in focus. The focusing-target registration unit registers, as information for specifying subjects to be set to a focusing target, character information and image information of the subjects. The focusing-target specification unit specifies a subject, which is a focusing target during taking, from among the registered subjects to be set to the focusing target. The authentication unit determines as to whether or not the subject being taken matches with the specified subject, which is the focusing target. If the authentication unit determines that the subject being taken matches with the specified subject, which is the focusing target, the autofocus unit performs the focus adjustment for the subject being taken.