Abstract: A device may include an image capturing assembly to frame an image of a subject for capturing; and a processor to automatically identify a shadow or a reflection corresponding to a user of the device in the framed image. The image capturing assembly is configured to capture the image following the automatic identification of the shadow or the reflection. The processor is configured to perform one of: adjusting the image capturing assembly based on the automatic identification of the shadow or the reflection prior to the capturing of the image, or modifying the captured image based on the automatic identification of the shadow or the reflection.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus provides improved expressive capability during presentations. Image, sound, memo information and other related input data that are recorded in an electronic camera are set to be reproduced in a predetermined order. When reproducing information that is set, images are displayed on a liquid crystal display that is part of an electronic camera and, in addition, similar images can be displayed on a separate monitor connected to the electronic camera. If it is desired to provide supplementary information during a presentation with the electronic camera, such supplementary information may be overlaid on any arbitrary section of the image being displayed using a pen type pointing device, for example. Furthermore, the supplementary overlaid information may be erased independently from other recorded information as needed because the supplementary information is stored in a different area of memory from the image and memo information.

Abstract: An image reproducing arrangement reproduces plural segments of moving image data showing a series of moving images from a recording medium and arbitrarily designates a reproduction start position in selected moving image data of the plural moving image data segments. Plural representative images corresponding to the plural moving image data segments are displayed on the same screen. An indicator is displayed on the screen that is moved to indicate the designated reproduction start position in the selected moving image data at a predetermined position associated with the position where a representative image of the selected moving image data is displayed. The reproduction is controlled to reproduce the selected moving image data from the designated reproduction start position.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an image of a desired composition in case the user is unsatisfied with the composition of an image already captured. An image capturing apparatus for capturing an image is provided, wherein the apparatus includes an image capturing designation range acquiring unit for acquiring an image capturing designation range designated by a user; an image capturing unit for capturing an image of a range wider than the image capturing designation range; a storing unit for storing information indicative of the image capturing designation range corresponding to the captured image; and an image displaying unit for displaying at least an image within the image capturing designation range out of the captured image by making the user recognize the image capturing designation range.

Abstract: An embodiment of a camera apparatus includes transferring a compressed playback streaming signal output from a recording medium to a map defined in a memory circuit, decoding the transferred playback streaming signal by a decoder, converting the decoded signal to a YUV signal in an image processing unit, transferring the converted signal to the map as a YUV signal, generating a magnified or reduced image from the YUV signal in the image processing unit, and storing the image on the map, overlaying a magnified or reduced image prepared on the map according to a magnified playback request, and outputting the overlaid image for seeking an output position.

Abstract: An image-data loading unit loads image data of an image requested to be displayed based on an input signal in an image memory. A display-image determining unit determines an image to be displayed on the display device based on a priority of the image after the image data is loaded in the image memory. An image-data output unit reads out the image data of the image determined to be displayed by the display-image determining unit from the image memory, and outputs read image data to a display device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for obtaining a gazing direction of a user of an image-capturing device relative to an image of an object to be captured; identifying an area of the image based on the obtained gazing direction; and performing optical focusing for the identified area using an autofocus arrangement of the image-capturing device.

Abstract: The image capturing apparatus includes: a taking optical system which includes a focusing lens; an imaging unit which receives a subject light through the taking optical system and converts the subject light to image data representing frame images; a face detection unit which detects a face region of a person in a first frame image that is one of the frame images sequentially supplied by the imaging unit; a face detection setting unit which sets, for the face detection unit, a position and a size of a face region detection area in a second frame image supplied after the first frame image by the imaging unit, in accordance with a position and a size of the face region detected by the face detection unit in the first frame image; a focus region defining unit which defines, in accordance with a position and a size of the face region detected by the face detection unit in the second frame image, a focus evaluation value calculation region in a third frame image supplied after the second frame image by the imaging

Abstract: An ocular fundus is photographed as an electronic image via photographic stops, and the image of the photographed ocular fundus is recorded in a recording apparatus. The photographic stops are selected by moving a movable stop unit. Alignment observation or monocular photography is performed when a center photographic stop is selected. Left and right images for stereoscopic viewing are acquired when left and right photographic stops are selected. The acquired ocular fundus images are recorded in association with the position of the photographic stop used when the images were acquired. Therefore, the left image can be displayed on the left side of the monitor and the right image can be displayed on the right side by referring to the information of the photographic stop position when the left and right images for stereoscopic viewing are displayed on the monitor. This makes reliable stereoscopic viewing of the ocular fundus possible.

Abstract: A focus area contains one or more areas, into which an image signal captured by an image sensor (14) is segmented by an image segmentation section (15). The focus area follows movement of an object in accordance with feature point positional information of an image extracted by a feature point extraction section (34) and a feature point positional calculation section (35). Further, after a low-pass filter (36) extracts a low frequency component of a time-series oscillation frequency using the feature point positional information, and a focus area selection section calculates a display position, the focus area is displayed on a display section (17). Therefore, an imaging device, which does not cause discomfort even when the focus area displayed on the display section (17) fluctuates by tracking movement of the object, is provided.

Abstract: When a main shooting subject is moving, the movement of the main shooting subject naturally viewed and recognized by a user is different from an actual frequent movement of the main shooting subject. If the display of an object identification mark accurately follows up a moving object, the visibility of the mark may deteriorate. The present invention provides a display method for differentiating the follow-up response characteristics of the mark depending on a shift direction of a main shooting subject. For example, the follow-up response of the mark is lowered if a main shooting subject causes an up-and-down motion.

Abstract: An image processing method is provided for detecting the position of a specific subject from a movie and combining a display of detection result indicating the detected position with the movie. The image processing method includes a step of determining, depending on a display time of the detection result, whether the detection result should be continuously displayed, when the subject cannot be detected during the display of the detection result combined with the movie.

Abstract: In a unit for setting a function of a displayed menu, a choosing and displaying operation of selecting one of a plurality of groups of a menu and displaying all the functional particulars belonging to the chosen group chosen from the plurality of divided groups of the menu, on a same screen page of a display is performed, a choosing operation of selecting one of the plurality of functional particulars displayed on the display and a choosing and setting operation of selecting and setting one of a plurality of functional condition values displayed on the display corresponding to the selected functional particular are performed, and a displaying operation of displaying the plurality of the functional condition values which correspond to the selected functional particular.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes an image pickup unit configured to convert a subject image to image data and to output the image data and a face image recognition unit configured to recognize a face image from the image data. When the face image is recognized by the face image recognition unit, the face image portion is cut out and stored as a separate image file.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided, comprising an image system having a unique combination of features that aid in generating creative, high-quality images. The system presents a variety of overlays, each having prescribed attributes, e.g., ranging in size, opacity, and functionality, and from iconic overlays to full-scale overlays having varied opacity. The overlays can be used as an aid in composing a live image for digital capture, either as a constant or intermittent presence on the view-screen of the camera. In an exemplary embodiment, the camera can create a composite photograph in which a live image and the overlay are combined together. In an independent aspect, the camera can include an auto-compositing feature that aids in creating images free of improperly exposed regions. Thus, a photographer can create and combine images “on location” in a unique manner.

Abstract: A focus area contains one or more areas, into which an image signal captured by an image sensor (14) is segmented by an image segmentation section (15). The focus area follows movement of an object in accordance with feature point positional information of an image extracted by a feature point extraction section (34) and a feature point positional calculation section (35). Further, after a low-pass filter (36) extracts a low frequency component of a time-series oscillation frequency using the feature point positional information, and a focus area selection section calculates a display position, the focus area is displayed on a display section (17). Therefore, an imaging device, which does not cause discomfort even when the focus area displayed on the display section (17) fluctuates by tracking movement of the object, is provided.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus including: a mode determiner configured to determine a mode that is set; an automatic focus detectable frame display controller configured to, if a predetermined mode is found set by the mode determiner, control displaying an automatic focus detectable frame for a predetermined period of time to delete the displayed automatic focus detectable frame after passing of the predetermined period of time; and a main controller configured to, if an automatic focus point is set at a position outside the automatic focus detectable frame, make the automatic focus detectable frame display controller control redisplaying the automatic focus detectable frame.

Abstract: An image processing device appropriately extracts an entire object from an image even if the object is not completely included in an initial region designated by a user. The image processing device includes: a designation unit designating a position on the image; a setting unit setting a first combination consisting of a first object region candidate and a first background region candidate, and a second combination; a histogram generation unit generating a normalized color histogram of each of the regions; a similarity calculation unit calculating a similarity regarding each of the combinations; and a selection unit configured to select a combination from the first and second combinations so that the selected combination has the similarity lower than the similarity of the non-selected combination.

Abstract: A digital image processing apparatus configured to display a guide image of a previously captured image in a portion of a screen and a live view image in another portion of the screen, and configured to notify a user when the guide image and the live view image match each other. A method of operating a digital image processing apparatus that includes displaying a guide image on a display and trimming a central portion of the guide image; displaying a live view image in a central area of the display where the guide image is not displayed; and capturing the live view image when the guide image and the live view image are matched with each other.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject field and can vary a magnification of the optical image; an imaging section that converts the optical image formed by the optical system, into an electrical image signal; a display section that displays an image taken by the imaging section; a subject detecting section that detects a main subject in the image taken by the imaging section; a framing controlling section that controls framing based on information about a position of the main subject detected in the subject detecting section; a controlling section that selectively executes one of a first framing support mode that presents on the display section a display that supports the framing based on the information about the position of the main subject detected in the subject detecting section, and a second framing support mode that operates the framing controlling section based on the information about the position of the main subject detected in the subject detecting sect

Abstract: An image processing method is provided for detecting the position of a specific subject from a movie and combining a display of detection result indicating the detected position with the movie. The image processing method includes a step of determining, depending on a display time of the detection result, whether the detection result should be continuously displayed, when the subject cannot be detected during the display of the detection result combined with the movie.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device which captures an image regarding an object image, an object detector detecting a specific object from the captured image, a focus control unit configured to execute a focusing operation on the basis of a phase-difference detection signal obtained from a distance measurement area set at a predetermined position in an image capturing area, a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display a display element indicating a position of the specific object, and a first determining unit configured to determine whether or not the focusing operation has been executed on the basis of the phase-difference detection signal regarding the specific object. The display control unit changes a display mode of the display element indicating the position of the specific object in accordance with the result of the determination performed by the first determining unit.

Abstract: An overall in-focus position is calculated based on an in-focus position of each clip image, an image size of each clip image, and an image size of each output image. Focus control for an imaging apparatus is performed based on the calculated overall in-focus position.

Abstract: A camera and camera insert having an improved crop area either on a crop guide or otherwise provided on a display. The composition guide can be molded into the insert, such as a camera screen, or alternatively printed or painted thereon. The crop area can be horizontal and/or vertically oriented and/or provide an ability to identify both 8×10 as well as wallet sized images depending upon the embodiment utilized.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a memory, a communication unit, and a processor. The memory stores a guiding system configured for guiding a user to capture an image including himself. The processor is configured for activating the system to: perform a facial recognition function on a current checking image to determine a face portion in the checking image, determine if the face portion is fully within a predetermined region of the checking image, and control the communication unit to instruct the user to adjust position of the image capturing device according to the position of the face portion in relation to the predetermined region upon the condition that the face portion is not fully within the predetermined region.

Abstract: A second-frame is displayed while a through image is displayed for a reviewing purpose immediately after the photographing operation is performed. The user is allowed to combine an object image of ID photograph with the second-frame. The user obtains plural ID photograph sizes with respect to the previously set display language by operating SET key (at step S14). The ID photograph sizes are different from country to country. The user trims portions of an image of image data defined by the second-frame based on plural ID photograph sizes to produce plural trimmed-images (images of ID photograph of different sizes (at step S15). One layout image is produced using the plural trimmed-images based on a layout chosen by the user (at step S18), and is recorded (at step S19).

Abstract: Within a digital acquisition device, acquisition parameters of a digital image are perfected as part of an image capture process using face detection within said captured image to achieve one or more desired image acquisition parameters. Default values are determined of one or more image attributes of at least some portion of the digital image. Values of one or more camera acquisition parameters are determined. Groups of pixels are identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digitally-captured image. Corresponding image attributes to the groups of pixels are determined. One or more default image attribute values are compared with one or more captured image attribute values based upon analysis of the image of the face. Camera acquisition parameters are then adjusted corresponding to adjusting the image attribute values.

Abstract: When composition of a first captured image having a tilted subject image is corrected, the first image is rotated such that the subject image stands in an erect position, according to the attitude of the camera achieved during capture of the first image. Images corresponding to missing portions, which arise in the image area for recording due to rotation, are extracted from a second captured image as compensation images. The second image is obtained by capturing an image of the same subject as that captured by the first image, at the different angle of view and attitude of the camera. An image obtained by enlarging the compensation images extracted from the second image according to the angle of view employed for capturing the first image is synthesized with the rotated first image, to thus make the subject image stand in an erect position and to obtain a corrected image without involving a decreased number of pixels.

Abstract: A digital camera generates a plurality of photograph image as a bracket image of an object. The digital camera comprises a setting processor that sets a plurality of steps for first and second parameters, a first bracket processor that obtains a plurality of intermediate images of the object based on each the step of the first parameter, and a second bracket processor that obtains a plurality of photograph images from each of the intermediate images based on each step of the second parameter.

Abstract: A head-mounted camera of the present invention includes the following elements. A first image pickup device includes a first photographing optical system that can change the focal distance and a CCD for converting a subject image formed by the first photographing optical system into an image signal. A see-through image display portion displays a photographic frame indicating the photographic range as a virtual image so that it is superimposed on a subject substantially directly observed by a photographer. A remote controller includes a second operation switch for setting the visual angle of the photographic frame when viewed from the photographer. A controller/recorder includes a first CPU for setting the focal distance of the first photographing optical system so that the visual angle of the photographic frame set by the second operation switch coincides with the field angle of the first image pickup device.

Abstract: A fully automatic, head mounted, hand and eye free camera System and photography are disclosed. The fully automatic, head mounted, hand and eye free camera System consist of three components: A) a head mounted camera header, B) a portable personal computer, and C) a hand hold controller. The component A (head mounted camera header) is composed of two set of eye ball trackers/range finder/digital camera headers. The component B (portable personal computer) control eye ball tracker and the range finder to determine the direction of eye sight and the distance between the eye and the target, and adjusts the lens of the digital camera header to aim at and focus on target to take pictures or record video and to save the pictures or video to the storage of the portable personal computer. The user control whole system by pressing the buttons at component C (hand hold controller).

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing module for capturing an image; a display module for displaying the captured image captured by said image capturing module; a main object selecting module for selecting a main object out of the captured image; a frame display module for displaying a frame, which surrounds the main object, over the captured image on the display module. The frame display module may display a frame in the neighborhood of and around the circumference of the main object, in order to capture a high quality image easily by recognizing a main object correctly and controlling an image capturing condition on the basis of the image of the recognized main object.

Abstract: An autofocus device comprising a lens-driving unit, a focal-point-position-detecting unit that detects a position of a focal point of the lens, a distance measurement sensor that measures a distance to a subject, and a focus-evaluation-value-calculating unit that calculates a focus evaluation value using a frequency component of an image signal in a particular region in an imaging frame. The device also has a user interface and a control unit that controls the lens-driving unit to drive the lens based on the focus evaluation value or the focus evaluation value, the position of a focal point of the lens, and a measured distance result measured by the distance measurement sensor, thereby meeting the position of the focal point to an in-focus position. The control unit controls the lens-driving unit, the distance measurement sensor and the focus-evaluation-value-calculating unit based on the autofocus contents set by the user interface.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises an image display unit for displaying a desired image in accordance with an image signal, and image pickup units disposed respectively on the left and right sides of the image display unit. An image picked up from the left side and an image picked up from the right side are displayed together to be synthesized as the desired image in an image display unit of, e.g., a terminal of a conversation partner. Display in eye-to-eye matching with the conversation partner is thereby realized. An image processing apparatus, such as a portable communication terminal, capable of realizing conversation in a natural eye-to-eye matching state with the conversation partner can be provided.

Abstract: An imaging section inputs rays of light from a subject through a lens and forms an image of the subject. A display screen of a display section displays an image of a subject focused by the lens. A focus area selecting section selects one of a plurality of focus areas displayed on the display screen. A focus adjusting section adjusts a focus on the subject in the selected focus area. A crop section automatically selects a crop area corresponding to the selected focus area and captures as a crop image an image in the selected crop area. The photographer can easily obtain a crop image by photographing a subject according to a conventional procedure.

Abstract: A camera that is adapted to present a preview image is provided. The camera has a trigger adapted to generate a trigger pulse and an image capture system for capturing images of a scene. A viewer is adapted to present one image to a first viewing area and another image to a second viewing area. A controller is adapted to receive a first trigger pulse and to cause the image capture system to capture a first image of the scene in response to the first trigger pulse. The controller is also adapted to receive a second trigger pulse and to cause the image capture system to capture a second image of the scene in response to the second trigger pulse and to cause the viewer to simultaneously present the first image to the first viewing area and to present the second image to the second viewing area. An observer positioned with a first eye in the first viewing area and a second eye in the second viewing area can detect parallax differences between the first image and the second image.

Abstract: A method (500) of providing a picture composition guide on a display device (407) of a camera (450) is disclosed. The method (500) operates by firstly detecting (502) settings of the camera (450). Image analysis (503) is then performed on an image being displayed on the display device (407), the image representing a photographic scene. Next, the presence and location of strong features are determined based on the result of the image analysis (503). One or more markers are selected (505) dependent upon the camera settings and the strong features. The one or more markers are then superimposed over the image on the display device (407).

Abstract: Using gaze detection to determine image information collected from a scene. In order to determine the gaze of persons within a scene, images of the faces of those persons are obtained, and the gaze or line of sight of those persons is determined. Image information encompassing an area of the scene at which the gazes of persons at the scene are directed is then obtained. The obtained video information may be displayed in realtime, or recorded for later viewing.

Abstract: In order to grasp an image capturing range, an image monitor is used for recognizing the range. A camera device of the present invention has a configuration that, depending on the shape and position of a shield unit that limits a range where a display lamp is visible, the range where the display lamp is visible is limited, and by making the range where the display lamp is visible and the angle of view of the camera coincident with each other, a subject can recognize to be within the image capturing angle of view during an image capturing process when the subject is in a range where the display lamp is visible and, also, can recognize to be out of the image capturing angle of view when the subject is located at a position where the display lamp is invisible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing, in response to image signals originating in an object space, mixed image signals for providing nonuniform resolution images for stimulating simulated active percepts for passive perception by a viewer in an image space. The images have a highly detailed component which has its image content changed according to changes in the direction of a simulated observer's eye position in an object space. The images may be provided stereoscopically. The images may be provided at various apparent distances and the relationship between accommodation and convergence may be preserved. Audio waves for directionally simulating that which would be heard by the simulated observer may be provided.

Abstract: A digital camera has a CCD acquiring image information expressing a subject image. Reference pattern information expressing a composition for which photographing is desired is stored in advance in a first memory. A CPU compares the reference pattern information and photograph pattern information, which is pattern information expressed by the image information acquired by the CCD and which corresponds to the reference pattern information, and determines whether or not the subject image expressed by the image information is the composition for which photographing is desired. When the CPU determines that the subject image is the composition for which photographing is desired, the CPU effects control so as to record the image information on a recording medium. Regardless of a form of usage of the digital camera, the digital camera can easily and quickly record desired image information.

Abstract: An evaluation on image information is indicated before operating a shutter operating section. For example, a method of evaluating image information includes: (a) a step of converting an optical image of an object to be photographed into electrical image information; (b) a step of evaluating the image information that has not yet been stored in a non-volatile memory, wherein the image information is evaluated in a state in which a shutter operating section, on which a predetermined operation is performed when storing the image information in the non-volatile memory, is not being subjected to the predetermined operation; and (c) a step of outputting an evaluation result.

Abstract: Image capture systems and methods are described. In one aspect, an image capture system includes an image sensor, an image frame generator, and an image region selector. The image sensor is operable to generate raw image data from a viewed scene. The image frame generator is operable to generate image frames from the raw image data. The image region selector is operable to cause a user-selected portion of an image frame to be captured as a still image in response to user input.

Abstract: An iris authentication apparatus includes a camera for obtaining the image of an eye; a display panel arranged on the same plane as where the lens of the camera is arranged; and guide character generation means, wherein a guide character is displayed on a display panel, and the eye of a person to be authenticated who watches the guide character is guided. As a result, a satisfactory iris image can be obtained by the iris authentication apparatus of one camera type that does not have a zooming function, so that the iris authentication apparatus that can be mounted to a small body, such as a portable telephone, can be provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera that forms, on a solid state imaging device, an object image resulting from object light transmitted via a photographing optical system, to obtain image data representative of the object image, the digital camera enabling a photographer to take his or her intended photograph accurately. After a composition determining operation has been finished and before an actual photographing operation is started, an image display section displays a composition and a through image in a superimposing manner. The distance to an object is measured when the composition determining operation is performed. During the actual photographing operation, focusing is carried out in accordance with the distance measured when the composition determining operation is performed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for using gaze detection to improve information display in a healthcare environment. Certain embodiments of a system include an eyewear headset for detecting a location of a user's gaze and a display for displaying information. Information on the display, such as images and/or data, is customized for the user based on the user's gaze. In an embodiment, the eyewear headset viewer projects information into the user's oculars for an individual information display. The system may also include a conflict resolution module for determining priority and control of the display among a plurality of users. In an embodiment, a function at the display may be triggered using a voice command, a gesture, and/or a gaze, for example.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling the operation of a digital camera to order to take an identification photograph in a natural setting by displaying a frame and a reference outline of the identification photograph, performing photographing according to a photographing signal by a user, displaying a detection area to detect an outline of a figure around the reference outline on a photographed image, detecting the outline of the figure in the detection area, and forming a background image for the identification photograph in a set background area with respect to the detected outline.

Abstract: An information reception device comprising an imaging portion; a light reception portion for light reception of optional information subjected to optical modulation; a specification portion for specifying an optical modulation region contained in a capture angle of the imaging portion; a decoding portion for controlling the light reception portion in order to carry out light reception of the optical modulation region specified by the specification portion and decoding the optional information from the optical modulation content contained in the region; and a reproduction portion for reproducing the optional information decoded by the decoding portion. By acquiring a region essential for detection of optical modulation, acceleration of the information decoding process is achieved. Furthermore, position adjustment of the optical modulation region is easily accomplished.

Abstract: There are provided an image memory which stores one image of a subject, an image fetch section which takes in an image from the image memory to another memory or register in a predetermined unit, a control section which takes charge of the overall control, a face characteristic storage section which stores a plurality of characteristics of a face, a recognition and judgment section which recognizes a face from the data from the image fetch section and the data from the face characteristic storage section and judges each portion, an edge detector which detects an edge detection value from the result data thereof, and an output section which outputs the final judgment result to the outside.

Abstract: A digital imaging device detects or tracks a user's direction of gaze. The detected direction of gaze may be used to set one or more functions in the digital imaging device, and the history of the user's direction of gaze may be stored with a captured digital image for later use by an automatic image post-processing apparatus.