Abstract: An imaging method and apparatus is disclosed which improves the depth of field of an image by, in one exemplary embodiment, capturing a plurality of images at respective different focus positions, and combines the images into one image and sharpens the one image. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a single image is captured while the focus positions change during image capture, and the resulting image is sharpened.

Abstract: A digital camera includes an imaging system which performs a photographing operation and records captured image files in a buffer memory; an AF system which performs a focus-state detection process, in which the AF system detects a focus state, and a focusing lens group driving process, in which the AF system moves a focusing lens group to an in-focus position; and first and second switches which actuate the AF system and the imaging system, respectively. While the first and second switches are held ON, the digital camera performs a continuous shooting process in which the imaging system repeatedly performs the photographing operation and the AF system repeatedly performs the focus-state detection process. Upon the buffer memory becoming full during the continuous shooting process, the imaging system suspends the photographing operation and the AF system performs the focus-state detection process and the focusing lens group driving process.

Abstract: A camera having a depth of field which can be modified to produce desired photographic effects. The camera determines the depth of field for a subject when the subject is focused upon. A modification to the depth of field is determined based upon the distance to the subject, and the depth of field is modified to produce the desired photographic effect. In one embodiment, the depth of field is reduced, while, in another embodiment, the depth of field is shifted to place the subject slightly out of focus and to alter the focus of the background.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid-lens assembly using an electrowetting method. The liquid-lens assembly includes a liquid-lens module, a barrel supporting the liquid-lens module, and a housing coupled to the barrel and having an image sensor. Electrodes are provided on the barrel and the housing, so that current is applied to the liquid-lens module through the electrodes.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes: (a) a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor; a first lens for forming a first image on the first image sensor; and a first lens focus adjuster for adjusting focus of the first lens responsive to a first focus detection signal; and (b) a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor; a second lens for forming a second image on the second image sensor; and a second lens focus adjuster for adjusting focus of the second lens responsive to a second focus detection signal. A processing stage (a) selects the sensor output from the first imaging stage and uses the sensor output from the second imaging stage to generate the first focus detection signal, (b) selects the sensor output from the second imaging stage and uses the sensor output from the first imaging stage to generate the second focus detection signal.

Abstract: A camera module 1 of the present invention includes a moving magnet type mechanical shutter 2 and a lens unit 3 (lens drive section) for driving a lens by electromagnetic force. A magnetic field for driving the lens is set so that a light path is closed by a shutter fin while a magnetic field leaked from the lens unit 3 is acting on a drive mechanism of the mechanical shutter 2. With the configuration, the leak magnetic field leaked from the lens unit 3 causes the light path to be closed at a faster speed by the shutter fin of the mechanical shutter 2. Accordingly, generation of a smear can be prevented by the camera module including the lens drive section and the moving magnet type mechanical shutter, which are driven by the electromagnetic force.

Abstract: A digital camera includes an imaging device for capturing images of an object, a signal processor which performs signal processing on a signal captured by the imaging device to obtain an image signal, and a single measuring device for measuring color of at least a part of the object, and for measuring a color temperature of the object to adjust white balance of the image signal.

Abstract: An electronic device includes circuitry for carrying out an operation unrelated to camera operation, and camera circuitry for carrying out a camera related operation, the camera circuitry including circuitry for providing autofocus control. The electronic device further includes a camera lens operatively coupled to the camera circuitry, a focus state of the camera lens being controlled by the camera circuitry. In addition, the electronic device includes an operator input operatively coupled to at least the camera circuitry for enabling an operator to provide an input unrelated to focus control of the camera lens in a first operating condition, and to provide a manual focus control input to the camera lens in a second operating condition.

Abstract: A focus adjustable method of an optical image is implemented by a numerical analysis. An external light beam is allowed to pass through a lens module, thereby generating an optical image. The focus values of the optical image at four corners thereof are computed according to specified formulas to obtain a two-dimensional geometric tilt vector T(X,Y), an image diagonal spinor D and an image tetragonal average value M. According to the values T(X,Y), D and M, the tilt amount and the tilt direction of the lens module are adjusted, the optical quality of the lens module is discriminated and the focus value distribution of the lens module is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera for generating digital images with an image sensor that is configured to convert an image formed by a lens into electronic signals. The digital camera is characterized by that the image sensor is attached to a movement element with a controllable drive, the movement element rendering the image sensor tiltable so that an angle between the axis of the lens and a plane of the image sensor is modifiable.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for optical focusing and stabilizing using a hydraulic component, called focusing stabilizer, in an image focusing module of the electronic devices. This focusing stabilizer is capable of doing focus adjustment and/or image stabilization. The focusing stabilizer can comprise two optical elements (e.g., two plates or prisms, two lenses, or one plate or prism and one lens) and a liquid between them. The refractive index and thickness of the liquid changes a length of the optical path from the object to the photosensitive surface such that the system focus shift depends on a liquid lens thickness in the direction of the optical axis. In addition, adjusting two optical components using a predetermined criterion provides a stabilization of the focused image.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a driver driving an optical element of an image pickup device to adjust a focus position of the image pickup device in the capturing of an image of a subject, includes a relative angle variation calculating unit for calculating a relative angle variation, a mode change detecting unit for detecting of a change of a mode of the relative angle variation through determining whether the mode of the relative angle variation, calculated by the relative angle variation calculating unit, is a stable mode involving a small amount of change or an unstable mode involving a large amount of change, and a focus position control process startup unit for managing a startup of a focus position control process controlling the focus position through controlling the driver in response to a pattern of the change of the mode detected by the mode change detecting unit.

Abstract: The image taking lens has the minimum effective diameter lens whose effective diameter is minimum, and the maximum effective diameter lens whose effective diameter is maximum on the most image side, and in the space generated in the minimum effective diameter lens periphery by the difference of the outer diameter of the minimum effective diameter lens and the outer diameter of the maximum effective diameter lens, at least a part of an actuator for driving focusing lens group moving at the time of focusing is arranged.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for calibrating imaging systems are provided. The imaging system has a body, a scene image capture system that captures images using a taking lens system that can be set to a plurality of different focus distances, and a rangefinder that is capable of determining a distance between the imaging system and at least one portion of a field of view of the taking lens system. The method comprises: automatically capturing a first calibration image of a first field of view through the taking lens system with the taking lens system set to a first focus distance setting; identifying a portion of the first calibration image having a predetermined degree of focus; using the rangefinder to determine a first calibration distance from the imaging device to the identified portion. A focus correlation is determined based upon the first calibration distance and the first focus distance setting.

Abstract: An image taking device has a multifocal lens which changes its focal length to change the image taking area on a subject from which an image is to be taken by an image pickup sensor, a distance sensor for measuring the distance to the subject, an image taking distance buffer unit for temporarily storing the image taking distance measured at a past time, a focal length computation unit which computes the focal length of the multifocal lens on the basis of the image taking distance at the present time measured by the distance sensor and the image taking distance supplied from the mage taking distance buffer unit, and a focus control unit which controls the focal length of the multifocal lens so that the focal length of the multifocal lens equals the focal length computed by the focal length computation unit.

Abstract: In a camera system including an interchangeable lens and a camera body, a body controller performs control a drive signal transmission unit to drive a focus lens in a predetermined direction, and transmit a timing signal to the interchangeable lens. The lens controller performs control to detect a position of the focus lens in synchronization with the timing signal received from the camera body and store the detected position in a storage unit.

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: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods of position sensing that use a sensing target with a pattern of features thereupon, and to positioning modules and systems that position functional elements using such position sensing systems. A position sensing system includes an encoding module and a processing module. The encoding module has an active encoding region through which the sensing target is configured to move. Further, the encoding module is configured to generate a signal based on a portion of the sensing target within the active encoding region. The active encoding region has a dimension greater than the average critical dimension of the pattern of features. The processing module is configured to convert the signal generated into a position data based on an input range condition and an initial position condition.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus (1) includes a light projection part (32, 33) projecting light to an object, a focus detection part (26) detecting a focus state, a light-source detection part 31 detecting information relating to a light source. When a focus detection is performed without lighting of the light projection part, a controller (100) generates information used for focusing control based on a focus state detection result and the information relating to the light source. When the focus detection is performed with lighting of the light projection part, the controller generates the information used for the focusing control based on the focus state detection result and correction information depending on a wavelength of the light projected from the light projection part without using the information relating to the light source. Thus, a highly-accurate AF control can be performed under various light sources including an AF assist light.

Abstract: A lens holder for supporting a lens is put so as to slide on a side surface of a lens barrel in which an image sensor having a light receiving portion is arranged at the bottom, and the lens barrel and the lens holder are connected together by a connecting material. A fluid is filled in a space formed by the container composed of the substrate and the lens barrel, and the lens holder, and then a position of the lens with respect to the light receiving portion is controlled by controlling a volume of the fluid in the space to thereby move a position of the lens holder with respect to the lens barrel. Positioning of the lens is easily performed even when it is a compact configuration.

Abstract: A method for operating an autofocus system for focusing an image on an electronic imager includes providing an adjustable lens system defining an optical path for scene light and having at least one movable lens to focus an image of the scene onto the electronic imager; and causing a first portion of the scene light to be obscured so that the electronic imager captures a first autofocus image and causing a second different portion of the scene light to be obscured so that the electronic imager captures a second autofocus image wherein portions of the first and second autofocus images are offset. The method further includes moving the movable lens to a position so that an image to be captured will be in focus.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided to perform focus control by detecting a facial part of a person, or to prevent focus shift to a background other than a human subject even when no facial part is detected, and to ensure that a subject desired by a user is photographed. A timer is started by a half-pressing operation of a release button. When a facial part of a person is detected, photographing is performed by focusing on the facial part. When no facial part is detected, the lengths of a time period T2 elapsed since the half-pressing operation of the release button and a threshold time period T3 are compared, and focus methods are switched according to the comparison result. For example, when the release button is full-pressed in one pressing operation, multi-AF is performed to focus on the human subject.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting the motion of items, such as camera optics, are disclosed. A motion limiting member can be used to limit the motion of the item using a surface thereof that abuts a structure of the item. Limits on the motion can be defined by a positioning member that is attached to the motion limiting member and that abuts a structure that is fixed with respect to the desired range of motion of the item whose motion is being limited. This abutment facilitates the precise definition of the limit on the motion of the item.

Abstract: A method of automatically adjusting a depth of field, suitable for adjusting settings relevant to the depth of field when pre-shooting an image to be shot through a digital camera, includes capturing an image to be shot; dividing the image into a plurality of detected blocks; performing a statistic process for an object distance on each detected block, and recording an object distance value of each detected block; generating an object-distance cumulative curve according to the object distance value of each detected block; performing a smoothing process to eliminate peak curves generated in the object-distance cumulative curve; looking up a mode of all the object distance values and a corresponding detected block according to the object-distance cumulative curve; adjusting corresponding aperture and focal length of the digital camera according to the corresponding detected block. The user shoots images at different sites without adjusting the digital camera into corresponding shoot mode.

Abstract: A focus adjusting apparatus includes an imaging unit, a calculation unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The imaging unit is configured to generate an imaging signal of an image formed by an optical system. The calculation unit is configured to calculate based on the imaging signal a focus evaluation value in accordance with a focus adjustment position of the optical system. The detection unit is configured to detect a state with respect to a size of the image. The control unit is configured to control focus adjustment of the optical system based on a rate of change in the focus evaluation value and the state with respect to the size of the image.

Abstract: A group of optical elements of a zoom lens unit has variable-focal-length lenses whose optical properties can be adjusted. A camera having this zoom lens unit incorporated therein includes a control unit into which control information, with respect to any of a plurality of variable design parameters for the zoom lens unit, is inputted by the user. The camera also has a processing unit for obtaining an optical parameter of the zoom lens unit through a simulation operation when the variable design parameters are controlled based on the control information, a display unit which displays the results of the simulation operation that is carried out by the processing unit, and a photographing control unit for controlling the variable design parameters based on the control information, so that a desired optical property can easily be obtained.

Abstract: A group of optical elements of a zoom lens unit has variable-focal-length lenses whose optical properties can be adjusted. A camera having this zoom lens unit incorporated therein includes a program memory which stores therein a plurality of mocking design data with respect to a group of parameters having any of a plurality of variable design parameters for the zoom lens unit. The camera also has a control unit into which designation information is inputted by the user which designates any one of the plurality of mocking design data and a control unit which controls the variable design parameters based on the mocking design data designated by the designation information, so that a desired optical property can easily be obtained.

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 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: Lenses comprising first and second walls defining a cavity therebetween, which contains a fluid, are described. At least one of the walls is flexible, and the amount of fluid in the cavity can be changed to alter the shape of the at least one flexible wall, so as to alter the power of the lens. One or more flexible walls may have at least one groove formed in the wall(s) close to the periphery(ies) of the wall(s). In yet another configuration, the flexible wall and the second wall are bonded, welded, or fused together. In yet another configuration, a lens comprises a flexible wall and a second wall. The flexible wall is resilient and thinner in its central region, which is capable of being displaced relative to the second wall. Also described are methods of manufacturing a flexible wall for a lens.

Abstract: An automatic focusing mechanism (100) is suitable for a digital camera in a portable electronic device. A preferred embodiment of automatic focusing mechanism includes a barrel (1), a holder (2), an optical module (3), and an image sensor structure (4). The barrel receives at least one lens (10) therein. The holder receives the barrel and the image sensor structure therein, and the thickness of the optical module can be changed for focusing. The optical module is located between the barrel and the image sensor structure. As the thickness of the optical module can be changed for achieving the purpose of focusing, the thickness and weight of the digital camera can be decreased.

Abstract: A camera module is provided wherein an image pickup device, a camera optical system and a driver, for aligning and focusing the camera optical system, are mounted on a board; wherein a connection terminal, to be electrically connected to the driver, is formed on a mounting face of the board; and wherein the connection terminal formed on the board is connected to the driver via a flexible wiring board.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a driver driving an optical element of an image pickup device to adjust a focus position of the image pickup device in the capturing of an image of a subject, includes a focus position control process startup unit for managing a startup of a focus position control process, a focus position control process executing unit for executing the focus position control process that is started under the control of the focus position control process startup unit, and a startup condition adjusting unit for adjusting a startup condition of the focus position control process, based on a change in a saturated luminance count contained in the image captured in the focus position control process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an auto focusing apparatus and method for a camera. The auto focusing apparatus includes an image sensor unit, an Image Signal Processor (ISP) unit, a compression module, a focus value calculating unit, and an auto focus Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

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: An automatic focusing module (100) includes a lens barrel (10), a first lens (11), a piezoelectric element (14), and a deformably adjustable lens (13). The first lens is disposed in the lens barrel. The piezoelectric element is installed in the lens barrel. The piezoelectric element is connected to a piezoelectric circuit. The deformably adjustable lens is disposed in the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A scene is imaged by moving an optical lens relative to an image sensing surface (such as film or a pixel array) synchronously with exposing different portions of the image sensing surface. The synchronous actions are preferably adaptable to the scene being imaged, so objects at different object distances are focused at different times and exposed to different portions of the sensing surface at different times within an exposure frame period. Exposure time for the different portions of the sensor may be varied according to speed or brightness of the different objects in the scene to be imaged, as detected at the camera by measuring apparatus similar to auto focus distance measuring apparatus. A camera and a program of computer readable instructions are also detailed. Alternatives to moving the lens relative to the image sensing surface include changing a shape of the lens.

Abstract: A range/speed finder can be incorporated into a personal electronic device. In one example, a personal electronic device includes an automatic focus system adapted to focus an image of an object and a processor in communication with the automatic focus system adapted to detect a distance of the object using the automatic focus system. The processor can be adapted to detect a speed of the object and/or a dimension of the object using the automatic focus system. Methods and systems for determining a distance, a dimension, and/or a speed of the object relative to the personal electronic device are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging sensor for performing photoelectric conversion of incident light and a focus control portion for adjusting a focal point based on an image signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion performed by the imaging sensor. The focus control portion includes a change detecting portion for detecting a change in size of a specific subject in a moving image based on the image signal, and adjusts the focal point so that the specific subject becomes in focus with the change taken into account.

Abstract: A focus control device includes a lens unit including a focus lens; a focus lens driving mechanism that moves the focus lens to achieve an in-focus state; a focus status detector that detects a focus status acquired by the focus lens; a drive control unit that controls the focus lens driving mechanism so that the detected focus status is the in-focus state; a change detector that detects that an evaluation value for focus control has changed by a threshold value or more; and an execution control unit that waits in a state in which the drive control unit does not control the focus lens driving mechanism for a waiting time starting from a time when the change detector detects that the evaluation value has changed by the predetermined threshold value or more, and that causes the drive control unit to control the focus lens driving mechanism when the state in which the evaluation value has changed by the predetermined threshold value or more is maintained until the waiting time has elapsed.

Abstract: A thin camera having sub-pixel resolution includes an array of micro-cameras. Each micro-camera includes a lens, a plurality of sensors of size p, and a plurality of macro-pixels of size d having a feature of size q. The feature size q smaller than p and provides a resolution for the micro-camera greater than p. The smallest feature in the micro-cameras determines the resolution of the thin camera. Each macro-pixel may have any array of m features of size q, where q=d/m. Additional micro-cameras may be included to increase power.

Abstract: In an automatic focus adjusting method for adjusting the focus based on image signals in a preset focus detection area, the face is detected from an image, and the detected face area is set as the focus detection area in a front-light scene. On the other hand, when a backlight scene is identified, an area in which the detected face area is reduced is set as the focus detection area. This enables to control the focus so that the face is accurately focused on without being affected by the contrast of the contour of the face in a backlight scene (contrast of the contour of the face is strong in the backlight scene).

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated adjusting apparatus for lens is disclosed. The adjusting apparatus comprises a body capable of furnishing a lens inside, at least one permanent magnet, a first magnetic conductor and a second magnetic conductor. The first and the second magnetic conductors are respectively wound with a plurality of coils. The permanent magnet is adjoined to the body and has a first polarity and a second polarity opposing each other. The first magnetic conductor has at least a first extension member provided opposite to the first polarity. The second magnetic conductor has at least a second extension member provided opposite to the second polarity. The first extension member and the second extension member can better converge magnetic flux lines emanating from the coils when charged to the positions nearing the two polarities of the permanent magnet so high-efficiency focusing and zooming of lens can be achieved.

Abstract: A lens-placement system in accordance with the invention includes an imaging system having an imaging camera to capture an image of at least a portion of an image sensor module that is located in a fixed-focus camera. The captured image is used for placement of a lens in the fixed-focus camera.

Abstract: Unless a release button is pressed halfway to input a command to prepare for capturing a still image, a focus lens is moved at predetermined intervals to focus roughly on a subject. When the release button is pressed halfway, the present position of the focus lens is detected. If the position of the focus lens is closer to a lens terminal on a short shooting distance side, the focus lens is moved from the lens terminal on the short shooting distance side toward a lens terminal on a long shooting distance side. If the position of the focus lens is closer to the lens terminal on the long shooting distance side, the focus lens is moved from the lens terminal on the long shooting distance side toward the opposite lens terminal. When an in-focus position is detected while the focus lens is being moved, the focus lens is immediately set at the in-focus position.

Abstract: An optical element and a lens unit each includes: a liquid container transmitting light at least in a predetermined optical axis direction, the liquid container containing an insulating liquid and an ionic liquid being mutually immiscible and optically transparent, and having different refractive indices; a first electrode contacting the ionic liquid in the liquid container; and a second electrode insulated from the ionic liquid in the liquid container. The ionic fluid is not subject to electrolysis and does not evaporate easily even at high temperature. Accordingly, the optical element, the lens unit and an image taking apparatus having the optical element can maintain high light-transmission and optical characteristics over a long period even in a high temperature environment.

Abstract: An electronic camera for producing an output image of a scene from a captured image signal includes: (a) a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output; a first lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor; and a first lens focus adjuster for adjusting focus of the first lens responsive to a first focus detection signal; and (b) a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output; a second lens for forming a second image of the scene on the second image sensor; and a second lens focus adjuster for adjusting focus of the second lens responsive to a second focus detection signal.

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 machine vision image acquisition system is provided with a housing or enclosure that protects the acquisition system components from an industrial environment. The machine vision image acquisition system has a focusing mechanism that can be actuated externally to the housing. The focusing mechanism uses a gear drive to transmit externally actuated focus adjustments to the optical components of the acquisition system.

Abstract: An auto focusing device for a camera includes a focus detecting section which detects a focused state of an image taking lens an AF mode setting section sets an AF mode of the camera to either a first AF mode or a second AF mode. An auxiliary light emitting section emits an auxiliary light to the object in association with the focus detecting operation by the focus detecting section if the object has a low luminance. An emission control section limits the number of times that the auxiliary light emitting section emits the auxiliary light to the object to one per a predetermined number of operations by the focus detecting section if the AF mode setting section has set the AF mode to the second AF mode.