The patent is for a Dual Pixel Sensor, at least it seems that way from looking at the drawings.A look at the Figures show a dual pixel sensor.
Here is a different translation. This one is also very confusing, but I think the meaning comes thru.
However, in an imaging plane phase difference system, since the light flux in which the focus detection pixel which performs focus detection carries out light reception differs from the light flux in which the imaging pixel which acquires a captured image carries out light reception, the influences of each aberration (a spherical aberration, astigmatism, a coma aberration, etc.) of a taking lens differ with a focus detection signal and an imaging signal. Therefore, the problem that a difference arises occurs between the focusing position computed from a focus detection signal, and the best focusing position of an imaging signal.
[0009]
On the other hand, in the technology of the description to a Patent document 4, since the depth of field in which refocusing is possible is not taken into consideration, when a focus surface exists out of the refocusing possible range, refocusing processing cannot be performed correctly. In such a case, it is difficult to start what is called scan operation that looks for the minimal value of contrast evaluation value, and to accelerate processing.
[0010]
In light of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims at offer of the focus detecting device which can perform highly precise focus detection at high speed.
Now, the simplified translation of how it works - Clear as Mud! My guess is that the lens is moved to a position based on the first calculation, and then another focus try is done with the lens being already very close to perfect focus. Just a guess.
In order to attain the above-mentioned the object of this invention, according to the present invention, a focus detecting device, The pixel signal acquisition means which acquires the pixel signal which can generate a refocusing image, The first focus detection means that generates a refocusing image from the acquired pixel signal, and detects a focusing position from the generated refocusing image, Based on the result of detection of a first focus detection means, have a drive amount determination means to determine the drive amount of a focus lens, and a drive amount determination means, When a focusing position is not detected from the refocusing image generated by the first focus detection means, the aforementioned drive amount is determined according to the refocusing possible range of the generated refocusing image.
