TRACKING DEVICE AND IMAGE-CAPTURING APPARATUS
First Claim
1. A tracking device, comprising:
- an image sensor that obtains image information of an image present within an image plane formed via an optical system;
a tracking unit that tracks a target within the image plane based upon the image information;
a focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state of the optical system over at least one focus detection area set in the image plane;
a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment for the optical system based upon the focus adjustment state detected in the focus detection area corresponding to a position of the target;
a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the target is being tracked based upon results of tracking operation executed by the tracking unit; and
a control unit that bans the focus adjustment based upon results of the decision made by the decision-making unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tracking device includes: an image sensor that obtains image information of an image present within an image plane formed via an optical system; a tracking unit that tracks a target within the image plane based upon the image information; a focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state of the optical system over at least one focus detection area set in the image plane; a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment for the optical system based upon the focus adjustment state detected in the focus detection area corresponding to a position of the target; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the target is being tracked based upon results of tracking operation executed by the tracking unit; and a control unit that bans the focus adjustment based upon results of the decision made by the decision-making unit.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A tracking device, comprising:
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an image sensor that obtains image information of an image present within an image plane formed via an optical system; a tracking unit that tracks a target within the image plane based upon the image information; a focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state of the optical system over at least one focus detection area set in the image plane; a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment for the optical system based upon the focus adjustment state detected in the focus detection area corresponding to a position of the target; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the target is being tracked based upon results of tracking operation executed by the tracking unit; and a control unit that bans the focus adjustment based upon results of the decision made by the decision-making unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A tracking method, comprising:
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obtaining image information of an image within an image plane formed via an optical system; tracking a target within the image plane based upon the image information; detecting a focus adjustment state of the optical system in correspondence to at least one focus adjustment area set within the image plane; executing focus adjustment for the optical system based upon the focus adjustment state detected in the focus detection area corresponding to a position of the target; making a decision as to whether or not the target is being tracked; and banning the focus adjustment based upon results of the decision. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification