IP Library Granted Patent US 8,384,815
Granted Patent B2
US 8,384,815 · App. 12/708,132 · Granted Feb 26, 2013

Imaging apparatus

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,384,815
App. No.
12/708,132
Granted
Feb 26, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device for performing photoelectric conversion to convert light from an object into an electrical signal; a phase difference detection section for receiving the light from the object to the imaging device while the imaging device receives the light, and performing phase difference detection; a focus lens group for adjusting a focus position; a focus lens position detection section for detecting a position of a focus lens; and a control section for calculating an object distance based on an output of the focus lens position detection section and an output of the phase difference detection section and automatically selecting one of a plurality of shooting modes according to the calculated object distance.

Claims (20)

1. An imaging apparatus, comprising:

an imaging device for performing photoelectric conversion to convert light from an object into an electrical signal;

a phase difference detection section for receiving the light from the object to the imaging device while the imaging device receives the light, and performing phase difference detection;

a focus lens group for adjusting a focus position;

a focus lens position detection section for detecting a position of a focus lens; and

a control section for calculating an object distance based on an output of the focus lens position detection section and an output of the phase difference detection section before focusing on the object and automatically selecting one of a plurality of shooting modes according to the calculated object distance, wherein:

the imaging device performs photometry for measuring an amount and distribution of light entering the imaging device,

the control section selects a first shooting mode when the calculated object distance is smaller than a predetermined first distance, and a second shooting mode when the calculated object distance is larger than a predetermined second distance which is larger than the first distance, and

the control section measures, when the calculated object distance is between the first distance and the second distance, the amount and distribution of the light entering the imaging device, based on an output from the imaging device, and selects a third shooting mode, based on the amount and distribution of the light.

2. The imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein

if a contrast value based on the output from the imaging device is reduced when the focus lens group is driven in a defocus direction, based on a detection result of the phase difference detection section, the control section stops focus driving according to phase difference detection.

3. The imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein in the plurality of shooting modes a focusing operation is performed.

4. An imaging apparatus, comprising:

an imaging device for performing photoelectric conversion to convert light from an object into an electrical signal;

a phase difference detection section for receiving the light from the object to the imaging device while the imaging device receives the light, and performing phase difference detection;

a focus lens group for adjusting a focus position;

a focus lens position detection section for detecting a position of a focus lens; and

a control section for calculating an object distance based on an output of the focus lens position detection section and an output of the phase difference detection section before focusing on the object and automatically selecting one of a plurality of shooting modes according to the calculated object distance, wherein:

the imaging device is configured so that light passes through the imaging device, and

the phase difference detection section is configured so as to receive light which has passed through the imaging device.

Assignments (3)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ERRONEOUSLY FILED APPLICATION NUMBERS 13/384239, 13/498734, 14/116681 AND 14/301144 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 034194 FRAME 0143. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Dec 24, 2020
From: PANASONIC CORPORATION
To: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 056788/0362 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 10, 2014
From: PANASONIC CORPORATION
To: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 034194/0143 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 6, 2010
From: SHINTANI, DAI
To: PANASONIC CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 024345/0599 →