Abstract: Multiple cameras within a vehicle, such as placed at multiple locations inside and/or outside a bus or semi-truck and trailer, may be chained together to provide a consolidated video stream that may be recorded and/or transmitted wirelessly to a cloud storage device. Rather that each of the cameras independently recording and/or streaming video content, each camera may be configured to deserialize an input video to identify video streams from separate cameras (e.g., such as based on associate virtual channel identifiers) and reserialize its own video stream with the other video streams in the received input. The serialized video stream is then transmitted to a next camera in the daisy chain and/or a video storage device.

Abstract: Welding cameras, welding helmets, welding masks, and associated display systems are described herein that utilize darkening or attenuating filters in conjunction with long-exposure imaging to capture flicker-free video of a welding process. Example embodiments include one or more of a darkening filter, an image sensor to capture long-exposure images as frames of a video, an optical image stabilization subsystem, a data storage to store video, and an electronic display to display the video. For example, captured images may be displayed on an electronic display within the welding mask without risk of overexposure of ultraviolet radiation to the operator. In some examples, dual electronic displays are used to display different images to each eye of the operator to provide a stereoscopic video feed.

Abstract: Disclosed is Light Detection and Ranging (“LiDAR”)-based camera metering, exposure adjustment, and image postprocessing. The LiDAR-based exposure adjustment may include emitting a laser from an imaging device, obtaining one or more measurements based on the laser reflecting off one or more objects in a scene and returning to the imaging device, adjusting exposure settings of the imaging device based on the one or more measurements, and capturing an image of the scene using the exposure settings. The LiDAR-based image postprocessing may include receiving an image of a scene and measurements or outputs from a LiDAR scan of the scene, and performing different adjustments to color values, contrast, brightness, saturation, levels, and other visual characteristics of different sets of pixels in the image based on different distance, material property, and/or other measurements obtained by the LiDAR for objects represented by the different sets of pixels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for high dynamic rate processing based on angular rate measurements. For example, methods may include receiving a short exposure image that was captured using an image sensor; receiving a long exposure image that was captured using the image sensor; receiving an angular rate measurement captured using an angular rate sensor attached to the image sensor during exposure of the long exposure image; determining, based on the angular rate measurement, whether to apply high dynamic range processing to an image portion of the short exposure image and the long exposure image; and responsive to a determination not to apply high dynamic range processing to the image portion, selecting the image portion of the short exposure image for use as the image portion of an output image and discard the image portion of the long exposure image.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autoexposure function of a camera to a gray level setting, the method including exposing an imaging device of the camera for a first exposure duration and obtaining a first gray level of the imaging device of the camera, exposing the imaging device of the camera for a second exposure duration within the first exposure duration and the maximum exposure duration and obtaining a second gray level of the imaging device of the camera, determining whether the first gray level and the second gray level are upward-trending from the first exposure duration to the second exposure duration and if the first gray level and the second gray level are determined to be upward-trending, interpolating for a target exposure duration based on the gray level setting, the first exposure duration and the first gray level.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a memory storing a program, and at least one processor that executes the program. The processor sets an exposure condition for video imaging, acquires an image of the video imaged under the exposure condition, and calculates a brightness distribution from the image. The exposure condition includes a first exposure condition for causing the imaging device to capture an image using a first exposure value, and a second exposure condition causing the imaging device to capture an image using an exposure value higher than the first exposure condition and/or causing the imaging device to capture an image using a lower exposure value than the first exposure condition. The processor sets the first exposure condition or sets the first and the second exposure condition, based on the brightness distribution of the image captured under the first exposure condition after the first exposure condition is set.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for a computing system that receives images that each have a predefined exposure attribute. For each image, a first set of features of the image are extracted. The first set of features are associated with a label indicating no modification of the image is required. A luminosity characteristic of the image is adjusted to form an adjusted image. A second set of features of the adjusted image are extracted. A neural network is trained to adjust luminosity characteristics of images using the first set of features and the second set of features of the adjusted image. An exposure adjustment model adjusts luminosity characteristics of images based on correction values determined using the trained neural network.

Abstract: System, methods, devices, and instructions are described for fast boot of a processor as part of camera operation. In some embodiments, in response to a camera input, a digital signal processor (DSP) of a device is booted using a first set of instructions. Capture of image sensor data is initiated using the first set of instructions at the DSP. The DSP then receives a second set of instructions and the DSP is programmed using the second set of instructions after at least a first frame of the image sensor data is stored in a memory of the device. The first frame of the image sensor data is processed using the DSP as programmed by the second set of instructions. In some embodiments, the first set of instructions includes only instructions for setting camera sensor values, and the second set of instructions includes instructions for processing raw sensor data into formatted image files.

Abstract: The invention provides a matrix observation device where a location to be irradiated with a laser beam that provides high efficiency of the ionization can be found from among sample spots arranged on a sample plate. The device is formed of: a stage 31 on which a sample plate 20 on which a sample is to be arranged is to be placed; a light source unit 40 that emits ultraviolet rays for observation with which the sample plate 20 is irradiated; and an image acquisition unit 50 for detecting light from the sample plate 20 so as to create an optical image, and the sample contains a matrix that absorbs the ultraviolet rays for observation.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus capable of reproducing or outputting moving image data at a rate corresponding to the real time even if the frame rate is changed during recording of a time code adapted to a high frame rate. A time code to be added to each frame of moving image data is generated. The time code includes a type for differentiating between frames at a high-frame rate. The time code is added to each frame of the moving image data. An image-capturing frame rate of the moving image data is changed according to a frame rate-changing request from a user. The image-capturing frame rate of the moving image data is changed at a timing at which the value of sub frame of the time code becomes zero.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a medical light source device and a medical observation system capable of switching a light source while suppressing an increase in size and complication of a device. [Solution] A medical light source device according to the present disclosure includes: a plurality of light sources; and a light source switching section that holds an end section of a light guide that transmits light, and is capable of disposing the end section on one of optical paths of light emitted by the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to systems, methods, and computer readable media for data pre-processing for stereo-temporal image sequences to improve three-dimensional data reconstruction. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to systems, methods, and computer readable media for improved correspondence refinement for image areas affected by oversaturation. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to systems, methods, and computer readable media configured to fill missing correspondences to improve three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction. The techniques include identifying image points without correspondences, using existing correspondences and/or other information to generate approximated correspondences, and cross-checking the approximated correspondences to determine whether the approximated correspondences should be used for the image processing.

Abstract: A multi-camera system, including a first camera apparatus, a second camera apparatus, and an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a communication interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive a predetermined user input and in response to the predetermined user input, send, via the communication interface, a first control signal to the first camera apparatus that captures a first video, and send, via the communication interface, a second control signal to the second camera apparatus that captures a second video. The first control signal causes the first camera apparatus to assign first unique identifiers to frames of the first video captured by the first camera apparatus. The second control signal causes the second camera apparatus to assign second unique identifiers to frames of the second video captured by the second camera apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscopic system including an endoscope, a light source for the endoscope and at least one image sensor for capturing a plurality of images of a body cavity. The light source is configured to emit light from the endoscope and into the body cavity such that the light is reflected off of a plurality of locations in the body cavity. The system also includes a control system for controlling both the light source and the at least one image sensor to vary parameters of the light source and the at least one image sensor such that the plurality of images have underexposed and overexposed regions. The endoscopic system could alternatively include a variable-attenuator element device adjacent the image sensor and configured to be located between the body cavity and the image sensor for capturing a single clear image with the image sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a processor configured to perform operations including the steps of: receiving, from a sensor array of an image sensor, data sensed by the sensor array, the sensed data comprising image data and ambient light information; determining whether the image data matches a predetermined exposure criterion; and in response to the image data not matching the predetermined exposure criterion, obtaining the ambient light information from the sensed data; and selectively configuring a new exposure value for a plurality of imaging pixels in the image sensor to capture new image data according to the obtained ambient light information.

Abstract: A method for automatic gain adjustment based on illuminance of video content and a camera are provided. The method includes arranging a first gain value for an image sensor according to a list of preset gain values; obtaining frequency domain data using frequency domain transformation on illuminance components of the image; setting a constant percentage value and summing up the percentage of the frequency domain data accumulated from the highest signal amplitude to obtain a first high frequency information cumulative value; repeating above steps according to a preset gain value arrangement order to obtain a number of high frequency information cumulative values; and using the gain value corresponding to a maximum high frequency information cumulative value in gain adjustment for the image sensor.

Abstract: A method of imaging a specimen container and/or specimen. The method includes providing a specimen container containing a specimen at an imaging location, providing one or more cameras configured to capture images at the imaging location, providing one or more light sources adjacent to the imaging location, illuminating the imaging location with the one or more light sources, and capturing multiple images including: specimen images of the image location at multiple different exposures, with the specimen container and specimen being present at the image location. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus including a quality check module are described herein, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensor including a plurality of pixels and at least one processor or circuit configured to function as: a readout unit that, to carry out a live view display, reads out pixel signals from the image sensor in a first readout mode, and to obtain a still image during the live view display, reads out pixel signals from the image sensor in a second readout mode that is different from the first readout mode; and a control unit that controls the readout unit so that a readout time in the first readout mode is equal to a readout time in the second readout mode.

Abstract: An imaging method applied to an image device and to a terminal containing the image device includes determining a brightness of an environment background of an object to be shot; determining a number of images of the object to be shot continuously according to a relationship between the brightness of the environment background, a preset brightness, and the number of the images continuously shot. A noise reduction process is carried out on the images continuously shot to complete an imaging process. All images continuously shot are processed to expand an original information amount of the images. Image definition is not reduced in the noise-canceling process, and a high-quality image can be achieved even under a weak light conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a shooting control apparatus, a shooting control method for controlling operations of a shooting part mounted on a mobile object such as automobile, and a shooting apparatus mounted on a mobile object for use. A center region includes fine pixels, for high-resolution shooting. On the other hand, peripheral regions includes large-size pixels or are at a high sensitivity by pixel addition, thereby reducing blur or focal plane distortion by shortening the exposure time when fast driving or shooting a moving object. Further, while traveling during the nighttime or in a dark place, the peripheral regions not irradiated by the headlamps can be shot in a long exposure time and at a sufficient sensitivity.

Abstract: An image sensor, comprising: a plurality of photo-diodes arranged divided in a specified pupil division direction, so that a pixel signal is generated by subjecting respective light flux, that passes through different exit pupil regions of an imaging optical systems for a single micro-lens, to photoelectric conversion, and a control circuit that implements an imaging mode for alternately and repeatedly executing a first imaging operation and a second imaging operation, wherein the first imaging operation combines pixel signals corresponding to the pupil division direction and generates and outputs a pixel signal for storage, and the second imaging operation generates and outputs a pixel signal corresponding to the pupil division direction, for focus detection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the brightness of images. In some implementations, an exposure bracketed set of input images produced by a camera is received. A brightness adjustment is determined for at least one input image from the set of input images. The determined brightness adjustment is applied to the input image. An output image is produced by exposure fusion from the set of input images, using the input image having the determined brightness adjustment. The output image is transmitted where, the transmitting causes display of the output image on a user device.

Abstract: A method for generating video data using an imaging device is provided. The method includes capturing, by a first sensor of the imaging device, a first set of sub-sampled monochrome frames, capturing, by a second sensor of the imaging device, a second set of sub-sampled color frames, reconstructing one or more high resolution monochrome frames using the first set of sub-sampled monochrome frames, and generating one or more high speed high resolution color frames based on the second set of sub-sampled color frames and the reconstructed one or more high resolution monochrome frames.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided that includes an array of light sensitive pixels configured in a predetermined pattern of light sensitive pixels that alternates between broadband visible light sensitive pixels and infrared light sensitive pixels, each broadband visible light sensitive pixel being configured to have increased sensitivity to light of the visible light spectrum and to have reduced sensitivity to light of the infrared light spectrum compared to each infrared light sensitive pixel, and each infrared light sensitive pixel being configured to have increased sensitivity to light of the infrared light spectrum and to have reduced sensitivity to light of the visible light spectrum compared to each broadband visible light sensitive pixel.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first camera supporting a first FOV, a second camera supporting a second FOV, and a processor. The processor is configured to obtain a first image having the first FOV using the first camera, to obtain a second image, which is associated with the first image and has the second FOV using the second camera, to adjust at least one operation attribute of the first camera based on the second image, and to obtain a third image having the first FOV based on the adjusted at least one operation attribute using the first camera.

Abstract: A method and system for generating highlights from scored data streams is disclosed. According to one embodiment, media content containing time-stamped payloads is received in a data stream from one or more sources. The received media content is recorded in a buffer for a predetermined period of time and sliced into data buckets. For each of the data buckets, a score is assigned according to user-provided keywords. The data buckets are recorded along with the assigned score to generate highlights from the one or more sources using the scores of the recorded data buckets.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a reference value acquisition unit, an image processing unit, and a threshold specification unit. The reference value acquisition unit acquires a reference value to become a reference of brightness from a facial area of a human contained in a captured image. The image processing unit divides the facial area of the human into multiple exclusive portions. The threshold specification unit specifies a threshold for brightness used for the division into the multiple portions by the image processing unit based on the reference value acquired by the reference value acquisition unit. The image processing unit performs processing of correcting brightness in all the multiple divided portions by applying different correction modes.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, computer-readable medium, and systems are disclosed for performing automatic exposure control (AEC). In one embodiment, a first digital image is captured while applying a first set of values to one or more exposure control parameters. At least one computer vision (CV) operation is performed using image data from the first digital image, thereby generating a first set of CV features from a set of possible CV features. A mask is obtained comprising a value for each feature of the set of possible CV features. Using the mask, a first measure of abundance is obtained of relevant CV features among the first set of CV features extracted from the first digital image. Based on the first measure of abundance of relevant CV features, an updated set of values is generated for applying to the one or more exposure control parameters for capturing a subsequent digital image of the scene.

Abstract: A lens barrel including: an optical system which includes a focus adjustment optical system; an aperture which limits the light beam which pass through the optical system to predetermined range at the time of detection of the focus state of the optical system; a drive which drives the focus adjustment optical system; a memory which stores a first predetermined value which is a aperture value within the predetermined range; and a transmitter which sends the first predetermined value to the camera body.

Abstract: A method and program for generating a responsive image is provided. The method includes obtaining, by a computer, a first image, receiving, by the computer, an input for specifying a specific playback range, and specifying playback range, the playback range corresponding to an entire interval or a partial interval in the first image, connecting, by the computer, a specific input operation to an entire region or a specific region of one or more image frames included in the playback range. The input operation adjusts movement of the image frames in the playback range and corresponds to motion of an object of the playback range in the first image. The computer connects an image captured by a typical image capture device to a specific input operation such that a user feels as if the image detects and responds to his or her input operation upon playback.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting and ranking individuals includes capturing live image data of a scene using an imaging device and identifying overlap between reference image data of the selected individuals and the live image data, wherein the overlap includes image data of the selected individuals in the scene. The method also includes capturing sets of image data of the selected individuals while the imaging device is in motion and recording the movement to provide a tracking record having instructions for positioning the imaging device where the imaging device captured the sets of image data of the selected individuals in the scene. The method further includes determining a score for each of the selected individuals in the scene based on a value related to an ability to view each friend and/or a social relationship value in order to enable a user to select who to aim the imaging device at.

Abstract: A structure of a mobile terminal for visible light communication is disclosed. The mobile terminal, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a light reception unit for receiving visible light; and a control unit for extracting, from the received visible light, data corresponding to the turning on/off of an external lighting, wherein the light reception unit comprises at least one among an illuminance sensor, a first image sensor disposed on the front of the mobile terminal, and a second image sensor disposed on the back of the mobile terminal, and comprises a guide member for guiding the traveling direction of visible light outputted from the lighting.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting and ranking individuals includes capturing live image data of a scene using an imaging device and identifying overlap between reference image data of the selected individuals and the live image data, wherein the overlap includes image data of the selected individuals in the scene. The method also includes capturing sets of image data of the selected individuals while the imaging device is in motion and recording the movement to provide a tracking record having instructions for positioning the imaging device where the imaging device captured the sets of image data of the selected individuals in the scene. The method further includes determining a score for each of the selected individuals in the scene based on a value related to an ability to view each friend and/or a social relationship value in order to enable a user to select who to aim the imaging device at.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a plurality of pixels, each of which including a first pixel element including a first photoelectric conversion unit, and a second pixel element including a second photoelectric conversion unit lower in sensitivity than the first photoelectric conversion unit, a readout circuit configured to read out a first image signal based on signal charge generated in the first pixel element during a first accumulation period, and a second image signal based on signal charge generated in the second pixel element during a second accumulation period longer than the first accumulation period, the second image signal being synchronized with the first image signal, and a control unit configured to control the readout circuit so that a first readout period for reading out the first image signal is performed during the second accumulation period.

Abstract: A user interface to a virtual camera for a 3-D rendering application provides various features. A rendering engine can continuously refine the image being displayed through the virtual camera, and the user interface can contain an element for indicating capture of the image as currently displayed, which causes saving of the currently displayed image. Autofocus (AF) and autoexposure (AE) reticles can allow selection of objects in a 3-D scene, from which an image will be rendered, for each of AE and AF. A focal distance can be determined by identifying a 3-D object visible at a pixel overlapped by the AF reticle, and a current viewpoint. The AF reticle can be hidden in response to a depth of field selector being set to infinite depth of field. The AF and AE reticles can be linked and unlinked, allowing different 3-D objects for each of AF and AE.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods disclosed herein operate to monitor times of receipt of start-of-frame indications associated with frames received from multiple image sensors at a video controller. Time differences between the times of receipt of the frames are calculated. Embodiments herein alter one or more frame period determining parameter values associated with the image sensors if the time differences equal or exceed frame synchronization hysteresis threshold values. Parameter values are adjusted positively and/or negatively to decrease the time differences. The parameter values may be reset at each image sensor when the time differences become less than the frame synchronization hysteresis threshold value as additional frames are received at the video controller.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide improved image resolution using a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image sensor. A computing device calculates long exposure settings and short exposure settings for image sensors of a computing device. The long exposure settings and the short exposure settings are applied to a first image sensor of the image sensors, and only the short exposure settings are applied to a second image sensor of the image sensors. Some embodiments use an interleaved High Dynamic Range (iHDR) image sensor as the first image sensor, and a Clear or Mono image sensor for the second image sensor. Various embodiments generate a synchronized image that includes a first image generated by the first image sensor and a second image generated by the second image sensor. Upon receiving the synchronized image, some embodiments fuse the first image and the second image to improve the image resolution of the first image capture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for generating a wide dynamic range image by executing a pixel value combination process of a plurality of different exposure time setting pixels. Control of a different exposure time is performed for each of a plurality of pixels of the same colors configuring a pixel block and an addition pixel value obtained by adding outputs of the plurality of pixels of the same colors of the pixel block is generated. The generation of the addition pixel value is executed in an operation unit having an adding unit that that adds the outputs of the plurality of pixels of the same colors of the pixel block. Or, the generation of the addition pixel value is executed by a floating diffusion (FD) set in a pixel block unit and a charge output from each of the plurality of pixels of the same colors configuring the pixel block is accumulated and output in the floating diffusion (FD).

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of appropriately performing a flicker detection process depending on presence or absence of flicker. A detection unit performs a detection process of detecting a change in brightness or a detection process set in advance other than the detection process of detecting the change in brightness depending on an image acquired by picking up a subject every predetermined detection cycle. A control unit controls a frequency to perform the detection process of detecting the change in brightness and a frequency to perform the detection process set in advance using the detection unit depending on a result of the detection of the change in brightness performed by the detection unit at a time of picking up the subject.

Abstract: A sensor network comprising a first sensor (104) and a second sensor (101, 108), characterized in that: the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (101, 108) are configured to detect an event and to generate a message (M1, M2, M3) corresponding to the detected event; and wherein the sensor network is configured to provide an assessment of the message (M1) from the first sensor (104) based on the message (M2, M3) from the second sensor (101, 108).

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a touch panel; a camera; and a processor coupled to the touch panel and the camera and configured to: display first guide information on the touch panel, display second guide information at a location different from a location of the first guide information on the touch panel when an operation to the first guide information is detected, acquire a plurality of images of a first palm photographed during a period from when a finger touching to the first guide information has been detected to when a finger touching to the second guide information has been detected, and extract a first authentication image for use in authentication of a user from the plurality of images of the first palm.

Abstract: A remote follow spot system includes a remote controller that has separately movable parts that are movable in two orthogonal directions, and a display attached to one of said two separately movable parts. The display receives a video feed from a controlled light, that is controlled to move in the same directions as remote controller. The display hence shows the field of view where the light is pointing. In this way, an operator of the follow spot can control the light without physically being near the light.

Abstract: A method for reducing fixed pattern noise of an image sensor is provided. The method includes: accessing pixel data of at least one test frame in a test environment; and calculating/deriving average values of each column based on at least one portion of pixel data of the column in the at least one test frame, wherein the average values of columns are used as calibration values for calibrating image pixel data of columns when the image sensor operates in a normal light source environment.

Abstract: An imaging device, an imaging method, and a recording medium storing an imaging program are provided. Each of the imaging device, imaging device, and the recording medium storing the imaging program outputs image data of an object on an image output unit, stores multiple levels of luminosity of the object in a memory in association with a plurality of set values that are referred to when image processing is performed on image data, specifies the level of luminosity of the object, selects one of the set values stored in the memory based on the level of luminosity specified by the specifying, and performs image processing on the image data output from the image output unit, based on the set value selected by the selecting.

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention comprises a first combination processing circuit that carries out first cumulative combination processing for every pixel of image data that has been generated by the image sensor and image data that has been stored in a memory, and updates pixel data, a second combination processing circuit that carries out second cumulative combination processing for every pixel of image data that has been generated by the image sensor and image data that has been stored in the memory, and updates pixel data, and a controller that determines whether or not level of each pixel data constituting image data is a given threshold level or greater, and in accordance with the result of determination selects to either carry out the first cumulative processing by the first combination processing circuit, or to carry out the second cumulative processing by the second combination processing circuit.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for generating a digital image is disclosed. The system includes a first image sensor configured to capture a first image that includes a plurality of chrominance values, a second image sensor configured to capture a second image that includes a plurality of luminance values, and an image processing subsystem configured to generate a resulting image by combining the plurality of chrominance values with the plurality of luminance values. The first image sensor and the second image sensor may be distinct image sensors optimized for capturing chrominance images or luminance images.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of setting a shutter speed for moving image shooting up to a speed closer to a long exposure-side limit value irrespective of the setting exposure step increments for setting a shutter speed for still image shooting. Exposure step increments which values of a shutter speed can be set are set to one of a plurality of settings of exposure step increments according to a user's operation. A frame rate of a moving image to be shot is set in the moving image shooting mode. A shutter speed is set based on the set exposure step increments. In the moving image shooting mode, control is performed so as to make it possible to set a shutter speed which is the reciprocal of the set frame rate and does not conform to the set exposure step increments.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises an image sensor for providing initial sensor image data and final sensor image data; a lens for exposing the image of a scene onto the image sensor; an exposure control system for adjusting an exposure level of a final image on the image sensor in response to a scene type; and a processor for processing the initial sensor image data to select one of a plurality of scene types, and to process the final sensor image data in response to the scene type.

Abstract: A system for identifying objects within an image. Disclosed are methods and systems for an image processing system to segment digital images. Generally stated, certain embodiments implement operations for consolidating shapes in a digital image, including: performing a shape identification analysis of pixels within the digital image to identify shapes within the digital image; analyzing each shape to identify attributes of each shape; comparing the identified attributes of each shape to the identified attributes of other shapes to determine if the shapes are sufficiently related to constitute an object; and if the identified attributes are sufficiently related, associating the shapes with each other to form an object.

Abstract: There are provided a photographing apparatus and a photographing method capable of generating an added image by adding up images, the apparatus and the method achieving image quality of the added image. A photographing apparatus includes: a photographing section that photographs a subject a plurality of times sequentially; an image processing section that adds up images so as to generate an added image; and an exposure condition calculation section that calculates the minimum number of shots of the photography, which is for calculating a plurality of predetermined exposure time periods, and unit exposure time periods of the shots of the photography performed the minimum number of times, on the basis of set and input exposure conditions. The image processing section generates an added image of the plurality of exposure time periods by adding up images which are captured through the shots of the photography for the unit exposure time periods.