Image capturing apparatus and image capturing method
US8648961B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/959
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image capturing apparatus has a function of automatically focusing on an object to be photographed. The apparatus includes a first image-obtaining unit that includes a picture-taking lens which includes a focusing lens, and a first imaging sensor to obtain a first image of the object; a second image-obtaining unit that includes a range-finding lens and a second imaging sensor to obtain a second image of the object; a range finder that calculates a distance to the object by using the first image data and the second image data; and a focus control unit that moves the focusing lens according to the distance calculated by the range finder to attain focus on the object. The range finder includes an image-forming-position determining unit which determines a first image forming position and a second image forming position, based on which a distance calculating unit calculates a distance to the object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.