Patent ID: 8994871
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: G02B,G03B,H04N

Abstract:
1. A focus controller for an image pickup apparatus that includes an optical system including a focus lens movable in an optical axis direction and generating an optical image of a subject and also includes an imaging unit including a plurality of pixel parts and imaging the optical image, comprising: an evaluation value generating unit configured to obtain a first evaluation value based on a first signal output from the pixel part by scanning the pixel part in a first direction and obtain a second evaluation value based on a second signal output from the pixel part by scanning the pixel part in a second direction different from the first direction, the first and second evaluation values indicating a contrast of the subject; and a control unit configured to, while moving the focus lens, determine a movement direction of the focus lens to focus the focus lens based on each of changes of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value and, in the case where a first movement direction is determined based on the first evaluation value and a second movement direction is determined based on the second evaluation value are in the same direction, perform an auto focus operation in order to move the focus lens in the movement direction determined as the same direction.