Imaging device
US8830338B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/741
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In an imaging device with a wide dynamic range function by combining images, focus is controlled to establish an in-focus state for each image to enlarge the dynamic range with reducing blur, thereby improving visibility. The device includes an imaging unit with a variable focal distance focus lens, an exposure controller for controlling the imaging unit's exposure to implement several shooting operations for a subject with different sensitivity, a processing unit for processing a signal outputted from the imaging unit to generate an image signal and a focus evaluation value indicating focus degree, an image combining unit for combining signals generated by the processing unit and outputting the combined signal, the processing unit generates a focus evaluation value for each outputted signal and the focus controller controls the focus lens for shooting operations of the imaging unit with mutually different sensitivity values, based on focus evaluation values respectively associated therewith.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.