An auto-focusing method of a camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: extracting distance information of an object by using a ToF camera; and performing auto-focusing on an RGB camera by using auto-focusing information according to the distance information, wherein the ToF camera includes an illumination unit for outputting light to the object and a sensor unit for receiving information about light reflected from the object, the sensor unit receives a plurality of pieces of information about the light reflected from the object at a plurality of phases on the basis of the output of the light, and the ToF camera extracts the distance information by using the plurality of pieces of information.

A focus control device that has an image sensor that receives light flux that has passed through a photographing lens and is capable of generating a phase difference detection signal, and that executes focus adjustment based on the phase difference detection signal, the focus control device comprising a focus detection circuit that detects ranging data representing defocus amount based on phase difference detection signals of a plurality of focus detection regions that have been set in a region of the image sensor where the light flux is received, and a processor that, with ranging data corresponding to a plurality of focus detection regions being arranged in order of short distance, performs focus adjustment based on ranging data remaining after excluding ranging data in a specified range from ranging data representing a closest range.

A focus control device that has an image sensor that receives light flux that has passed through a photographing lens and is capable of generating a phase difference detection signal, and that executes focus adjustment based on the phase difference detection signal, the focus control device comprising a focus detection circuit that detects ranging data representing defocus amount based on phase difference detection signals of a plurality of focus detection regions that have been set in a region of the image sensor where the light flux is received, and a processor that, with ranging data corresponding to a plurality of focus detection regions being arranged in order of short distance, performs focus adjustment based on ranging data remaining after excluding ranging data in a specified range from ranging data representing a closest range.

An optical distance sensor with closed-loop exposure control comprises a light source that generates and guides an illumination light beam to a measured object. A detector detects a measuring light beam caused by reflection of the illumination light beam at the measured object. A measurement controller controls the detector during detection of the measuring light beam and readout of measurement values. In one phase of a measurement operation, an evaluation unit evaluates the measurement values for determining a distance between the distance sensor and the measured object. A closed-loop controller drives the light source, the detector, and/or the measurement controller such that a received amount of light, detected during a shutter time, is in or approaching a target range. The distance sensor emits the illumination light beam and detects the measuring light beam in phases of the measurement operation and in measurement pauses between the phases of the measurement operation.

An image capturing lens system includes three lens groups including five lens elements. The three lens groups are, in order from an object side to an image side: first, second and third lens groups. The five lens elements are, in order from the object side to the image side: first, second, third, fourth and fifth lens elements. The first lens element has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has negative refractive power. At least one lens element has an inflection point. A focal length of the image capturing lens system is varied by changing axial distances between the three lens groups in a zooming process. The image capturing lens system has a long-focal-length end and a short-focal-length end. The second lens group is moved relative to the first lens group along an optical axis in the zooming process.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method for focusing a camera. In one embodiment, the method includes: dividing the field of view of the camera in to at least two segments: assigning, in each case, at least one operating element or at least one position of an operating element to the at least two segments; recognizing and tracking at least one object in at least two segments; automatically assigning the recognized at least two objects to the respective operating element or position of the operating element depending on which segment the objects are assigned to; and focusing the camera on the object assigned to the operating element or the position of the operating element in response to the operating element being actuated or the operating element being brought into the corresponding position.

A focusing method includes determining a present position of a lens, determining an initial search direction based on a relationship between the present position of the lens and a reference position, and controlling the lens to perform a focusing process in the initial search direction.

A focusing method includes determining a present position of a lens, determining an initial search direction based on a relationship between the present position of the lens and a reference position, and controlling the lens to perform a focusing process in the initial search direction.

A range imaging system includes a light source unit configured to emit an irradiation light beam to an object, an imaging unit including a solid-state imaging device, and a calculation unit. The solid-state imaging device outputs an image capture signal for forming an image and an imaging signal of a light beam which is obtained when the irradiation light beam emitted is reflected by the object. The calculation unit is configured to calculate range information from the imaging signal, the range information being stored in association with the image.

A range imaging system includes a light source unit configured to emit an irradiation light beam to an object, an imaging unit including a solid-state imaging device, and a calculation unit. The solid-state imaging device outputs an image capture signal for forming an image and an imaging signal of a light beam which is obtained when the irradiation light beam emitted is reflected by the object. The calculation unit is configured to calculate range information from the imaging signal, the range information being stored in association with the image.