Abstract: An apparatus and system for projecting coded light and for imaging thereof, featuring a micro-mirror for pivoting and for causing each of a plurality of masks to be illuminated sequentially, each mask having a different pattern.

Abstract: Various approaches to imaging involve selecting directional and spatial resolution. According to an example embodiment, images are computed using an imaging arrangement to facilitate selective directional and spatial aspects of the detection and processing of light data. Light passed through a main lens is directed to photosensors via a plurality of microlenses. The separation between the microlenses and photosensors is set to facilitate directional and/or spatial resolution in recorded light data, and facilitating refocusing power and/or image resolution in images computed from the recorded light data. In one implementation, the separation is varied between zero and one focal length of the microlenses to respectively facilitate spatial and directional resolution (with increasing directional resolution, hence refocusing power, as the separation approaches one focal length).

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular to positioning of image sensors in digital cameras. By providing a digital camera comprising a lens system, at least one image sensor which is attached to a sensor disc and an axle to which the sensor disc is attached and wherein the axle is configured to allow manipulation thereof for adjusting the tilt of the at least one image sensor, a simple solution is provided, enabling adjustment of the image sensor position in the digital camera.

Abstract: A plurality of imaging regions are provided in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of optical systems and are disposed on optical axes of the respective optical systems. Each imaging region has a plurality of pixels. The imaging apparatus further comprises an origin detecting means for detecting an origin of each imaging region, a pixel position specifying means for specifying positions of a plurality of pixels included in each imaging region using the origin as a reference, and a combination means for combining a plurality of images captured by the respective imaging regions. Thereby, it is possible to make a thin imaging apparatus capable of being easily assembled.

Abstract: An image rotation adapter that is configured to be detachably mounted between an image capturing lens and a camera main body in a camera and includes a first prism configured to invert the object image passed through the image capturing lens by reflecting an odd number of times object light passed through the image capturing lens and a second prism that is supported rotatably about the optical axis, and that is configured to further invert the object image inverted by the first prism by reflecting an odd number of times the object light passed through the first prism; an operation device configured to perform an operation to rotate the second prism; and a relay optical system configured to re-form the object image passed through the second prism on the light receiving surface of the image pickup device.

Abstract: An imaging system and method that captures compressive sensing (CS) measurements of a received light stream, and also obtains samples of background light level (BGLL). The BGLL samples may be used to compensate the CS measurements for variations in the BGLL. The system includes: a light modulator to spatially modulate the received light stream with spatial patterns, and a lens to concentrate the modulated light stream onto a light detector. The samples of BGLL may be obtained in various ways: (a) injecting calibration patterns among the spatial patterns; (b) measuring complementary light reflected by digital micromirrors onto a secondary output path; (c) separating and measuring a portion of light from the optical input path; (d) low-pass filtering the CS measurements; and (e) employing a light power meter with its own separate input path. Also, the CS measurements may be high-pass filtered to attenuate background light variation.

Abstract: A compressive imaging system including a light modulator, a light sensing device and a TIR prism. The TIR prism is configured to receive an incident light beam, to provide the incident light beam to the light modulator, to receive a modulated light beam MLB from the light modulator, and to direct the modulated light beam onto a sensing path. The light sensing device receives the modulated light beam (or at least a portion of the modulated light beam) and generates an electrical signal that represents intensity of the modulated light beam (or the “at least a portion” of the modulated light beam). The TIR prism may reduce a distance required to separate the incident light beam from the modulated light beam.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing including an opening defined in a peripheral side surface thereof, a camera module mounted in the housing, and a light-reflecting member rotatably mounted at the opening. The camera module is aligned with and faces toward the opening. The light-reflecting member mounted at the opening and is configured for reflecting light into the camera module. The portable electronic device is capable of employing high resolution camera module while retaining thin thickness.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: a mirror box that defines a space in which a light flux from a photographic lens is guided to an imaging unit; a mirror unit that is arranged inside the mirror box and is configured to rotate between a viewing position in which the mirror unit is inserted in a photographic light path from the photographic lens to the imaging unit to reflect the light flux and a photographing position in which the mirror unit is retracted from the photographic light path; and an opening section that discharges from the mirror box air that is moved when the mirror unit is rotated.

Abstract: A camera device includes a camera module, a driving member, and a mirror. The camera module has an optical axis associated therewith. The driving member has a driving shaft. The mirror is coupled to the driving shaft. The driving member is configured for driving the mirror to rotate around the driving shaft. The mirror is obliquely oriented relative to the optical axis. The camera module is configured for capturing images formed in the mirror.

Abstract: An imaging system incorporates an elevated reflector mounted on a tall ground structure or a means for air flight to reflect a target area onto an imaging device, thus projecting the line-of-sight of said imaging device and enabling the imaging device to view target areas that are beyond the imaging device's direct line-of-sight.

Abstract: A method to store information in a holographic data storage medium, wherein the method supplies a holographic data storage medium comprising an encoded focusing hologram and one or more encoded data holograms. The method disposes the holographic data storage medium in a holographic data storage system, and disposes a rotatable imaging lens at an (i)th orientation. The method illuminates the encoded focusing hologram to generate an (i)th reconstructed focusing image, projects that (i)th reconstructed focusing image through the rotatable imaging lens, and onto at optical detector array. The method then calculates an (i)th measured focusing metric, and determines if the (i)th measured focusing metric is greater than or equal to the threshold focusing metric. If the (i)th measured focusing metric is greater than or equal to the threshold focusing metric, then the method decodes the one or more encoded data holograms.

Abstract: A lens module includes a holder, a barrel, a lens, and a focus ring. The barrel is accommodated in the holder and threadedly coupled to the holder. The lens is received in the barrel. The focus ring surrounds and is securely fixed with the barrel. The focus ring is sandwiched between the holder and the barrel. The focus ring has at least two protrusions formed on an outer surface thereof. The at least two protrusions are symmetrical about a center of the focus ring.

Abstract: An image processing system with ambient sensing capability includes an image sensing device and an ambient sensing device. The image sensing device is used for sensing a scene to generate original image data. The ambient sensing device is coupled to the image sensing device, for analyzing a part of the original image data to generate an ambient sensing result.

Abstract: A notebook computer with a multi-image capturing function is provided. The notebook computer includes an image pickup device and a mirror. The image pickup device is used for capturing a first image. The mirror is disposed beside the image pickup device and tilted by an angle with respect to the image pickup device. A second image reflected by the mirror is adjustable by changing the angle. The second image reflected by the mirror is also captured by the image pickup device, so that the first image and the second image are simultaneously captured by the image pickup device.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a housing defining an aperture, a first lens module arranged inside the housing, a second lens module arranged inside the housing, and a light reflection assembly aligned with the aperture. The first lens module and the second lens module are positioned at opposite sides of the aperture. The light reflection assembly includes a reflecting mirror. The light reflection assembly is rotatable between a first position where the reflecting mirror reflects light from the aperture towards the first lens module and a second position where the reflecting mirror reflects light from the aperture towards the second lens module.

Abstract: The invention takes a rear facing camera, such as those found on a mobile phone, and turns it into a forward facing camera, enabling self portrait pictures and video to be taken and viewed simultaneously. Currently, simultaneous audio and video conversations (such as mobile to mobile video conferencing) are only possible with devices that have a forward facing camera (because the user must both be able to see and be seen by the person on the other line). The invention makes a device with only a rear facing camera into a usable video phone by turning the image from rear facing to forward facing.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a lens apparatus having a zoom lens movable between a telephoto end and a wide-angle end according to the present invention comprises a selecting member which selects a zoom position between the telephoto end and the wide-angle end, a controller which has a drive range limiting function of controlling drive of the zoom lens by using the selected zoom position as a drive end, and a drive range switch member which switches the drive range limiting function between an invalid state and a valid state. The controller drives the zoom lens to the drive end when the drive range limiting function is switched to the valid state.

Abstract: A compact camera with a compact camera body integrated with a lens, a direct flash module and an indirect flash module. The direct flash unit includes a flash light emission window arranged to project direct illumination in a first direction toward an object to be photographed. The indirect flash unit includes an indirect flash light emission window arranged to project indirect bounce illumination in a second direction off of an indirect reflecting surface to the object. The camera also has a controller that receives a first signal containing information from a first light sensor connected to the direct flash unit, and a second signal containing information from a second light sensor connected to the indirect flash unit. In response to the received first and second signals, the controller selectively adjusts the amount of flash illumination projected from the direct and indirect flash units.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes an apparatus for photographing an image. The portable terminal can receive an image via a camera and recognize the received image through an image recognition process. The portable terminal can determine a photographing composition corresponding to the recognition result, and adjust an angle of the camera depending on the determined photographing composition.

Abstract: An LCD includes a backlight module, two polarizers, an LCD panel and a viewing-angle-adjustable device. The polarizers are disposed over the backlight module. The LCD panel and the first viewing-angle-adjusting device are disposed between the polarizers. The viewing-angle-adjusting device comprises a first substrate, a first electrode, a liquid crystal layer, a second electrode and a second substrate. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed on the first electrode. The second electrode and the second substrate are disposed on the liquid crystal layer. The first liquid crystal layer is sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the bottom surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: An object plane is set, and appropriate image processing is performed according to the setting of the object plane. An image processing apparatus has a controller (7). The controller (7) receives image data for a captured image and distance information on the distance to a designated point in the captured image, sets an object plane (100) containing the designated point, converts the distance information to the information on the distance from the object plane, and performs predetermined image processing according to the converted distance information.

Abstract: An imaging system and method are presented for use in compressed imaging. The system comprises at least one rotative vector sensor, and optics for projecting light from an object plane on said sensor. The system is configured to measure data indicative of Fourier transform of an object plane light field at various angles of the vector sensor rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus (200) for increasing field of view of optical system is provided. The optical system includes a lens module (20). The apparatus comprises a rotational mechanism (30) rotatably mounted in the optical system. The rotational mechanism includes a refraction means disposed on an optical axis of the lens module and configured for refracting a light signal from outside of the optical system into the lens module. The apparatus may be used in optical systems, such as camera modules, digital video cameras, image pick-up systems used in cars, infrared optical systems, projection optical systems, and real-time detector systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile camera optical lens system which assures a wide view angle by dividing a view angle into two or more view angles, and simultaneously achieves the thinness of the mobile camera optical lens system by providing separate off-axis lens systems respectively corresponding to the split view angles.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus including a half mirror, a phase difference detecting AF sensor, an image pickup device, and a display is provided. The half mirror is provided so as to be movable between a first position on an optical path of the subject image light from the photographing optical system and a second position to which the half mirror is evacuated from the optical path of the subject image light. When the half mirror is in the second position, the image pickup device generates an actual photographing image on the basis of the subject image light reaching the image pickup device from the photographing optical system without passing through the half mirror.

Abstract: At least an embodiment enables displaying of a video image of a desired subject or a direction without a need for a camera operator to pay a special attention to the desired subject or the direction. The video displaying method may include cutting out a portion of a still image imaged by the wide-angle lens and producing a display data for a first display image, specifying a changed amount of an imaging angle from the imaging timing for the previously cut-out still image to the imaging timing for the still image to be cut-out, cutting out a second or later still image imaged by the wide-angle lens as well as shifting the cut-out region for the second or later still image so as to cancel the specified change amount of the imaging angle, forming a display data for the second or later display images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellular phone which includes a function for changing the viewing angle of the display section according to the specified executing function, when the cellular phone receives a user's operation to specify the executable function through the operating section 115. The storage section 120 stores the viewing angle information table which associates the cellular phone's function with viewing angle information. The designation to specify the executing function is received from the user through the operating section 115. The viewing angle change control section 10 reads out the viewing angle information corresponding to the specified function from the table, and executes the process of changing viewing angle according to the present viewing angle information in the viewing angle information storage section 1.

Abstract: This application relates to image capturing systems and methods for the analysis of image data.

Abstract: All members of a lens-implement are arranged in a rectangular space of a main lens frame. A lens prism is fixed, three movable lens frames for zoom and focusing inserted the two guide shafts are arranged, and a image capturing lens is fixed top-to-bottom seriatim occupying the horizontal ? portion of the rectangular space, and the image capturing device is arranged at foot portion. A zoom motor is arranged at the back of the lens prism, and a zoom shaft cam, a diaphragm/shutter, a focusing ultrasonic linear motor, and a magnetic sensor are arranged along the lens frames.

Abstract: An image rotation adapter that is configured to be detachably mounted between an image capturing lens and a camera main body in a camera in which the image capturing lens is detachably provided to the camera main body and in which an object image passed through the image capturing lens is formed on a light receiving surface of an image pickup device via a prism incorporated in the camera main body, and that is configured to rotate the object image formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup device, the image rotation adapter comprising: a first prism that is formed to have an optical path length close to the optical path length of the prism incorporated in the camera main body, that is arranged in an optical path before the object image passed through the image capturing lens is formed at a predetermined position in the image rotation adapter, and that is configured to invert the object image passed through the image capturing lens by reflecting an odd number of times object light passed thro

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing including an opening defined in a peripheral side surface thereof, a camera module mounted in the housing, and a light-reflecting member rotatably mounted at the opening. The camera module is aligned with and faces toward the opening. The light-reflecting member mounted at the opening and is configured for reflecting light into the camera module. The portable electronic device is capable of employing high resolution camera module while retaining thin thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging apparatus capable of enlarging a portion of an image captured by an imaging device of a fisheye camera and displaying the enlarged image on a display screen with little distortion. The imaging apparatus enlarges a section, which is a portion of an image captured by a fisheye camera, and displays the section on a display screen such that the enlargement ratios of points in the section are different from each other. An image processing method uses a change function that changes the enlargement ratio of a field angle depending on the place is used, and converts a portion of the captured image into a central projection image to generate a display image. The use of the change function makes it possible to generate a display image having high visibility.

Abstract: Multi-angle mirror methods and related systems.

Abstract: An image analysis and enhancement system is provided with an image processor, imaging metrics, an image storage depository, and a reconfigurable sensor device that can be present at the same location. A remote reconfigurable sensor device is connected to the image processor via a communication link. Both the reconfigurable sensor device and the remote reconfigurable sensor device are equipped with selectable optical elements and imaging elements that are selected in a desired combination and orientation to capture desired image frames from a target scene or object. The selectable optical and imaging elements are provided with actuating devices to move and translate the selected optical and imaging elements into a desired orientation with one another, so that a desired imaging technique can be employed to obtain an enhanced image. The system is applicable to industrial, medical and military use.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with cameras and string-shaped members. The user is allowed to know working distances based upon the lengths of the string-shaped members. The optical axis direction of the camera is adjusted so that the leading edge of the string-shaped member is included in the viewing field of the camera, and the optical axis direction of the camera is adjusted so that the leading edge of the string-shaped member is included in the viewing field of the camera. Even in the case when no image-pickup object is present, by presuming the position of the image-pickup portion of the object, the working distance from the presumed position can be found by the string-shaped member. Moreover, since the string-shaped members are coupled to each other at the image-pickup position, the directions of the optical axes of the cameras can be determined based upon the extending directions of the string members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a multi-directional camera for a mobile device are disclosed. Embodiments of a system may include a mobile device having a chassis and a multi-directional camera attached to the mobile device. The camera may include two or more camera lenses pointing in different directions and an image sensor substantially perpendicular to an image sensor axis. Embodiments may also include a mirror to redirect light from a camera lens to the image sensor where the mirror is tilted with respect to the image sensor axis and a rotating mechanism attached to the chassis to rotate the mirror from a first position to a second position, the first position resulting in light being redirected from a first lens to the imaging sensor and the second mirror position resulting in light being redirected from a second lens to the imaging sensor. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A camera monitor comprises a main body, a camera device, and a reflecting mirror, wherein the main body has a cover pervious to light and is provided with at least a light thereon for illumination. The camera device is disposed within the main body and covered by the cover. The reflecting mirror is disposed on the cover at the location that corresponds to the camera lens within the main body so that an image outside the main body can be reflected by the reflecting mirror to the camera lens.

Abstract: A camera apparatus of the present invention comprises: an optical system for projecting image light representing an image of a wide view field area toward a prescribed direction; an imaging section for obtaining, as an image, the image light projected by the optical system; and a holding member for integrally holding the optical system and the imaging section in a state where the curved mirror and the imaging section are opposed to each other.

Abstract: Time-lapsing mirror methods and related systems.

Abstract: An image analysis and enhancement system is provided with an image processor, imaging metrics, an image storage depository, and a reconfigurable sensor device that can be present at the same location. A remote reconfigurable sensor device is connected to the image processor via a communication link. Both the reconfigurable sensor device and the remote reconfigurable sensor device are equipped with selectable optical elements and imaging elements that are selected in a desired combination and orientation to capture desired image frames from a target scene or object. The selectable optical and imaging elements are provided with actuating devices to move and translate the selected optical and imaging elements into a desired orientation with one another, so that a desired imaging technique can be employed to obtain an enhanced image. The system is applicable to industrial, medical and military use.

Abstract: A security camera has an adjustable turret that holds a lens assembly which can be aimed in various directions. The camera also has a compact housing which, in combination with the adjustable directionality of the turret, enables universal mounting to various structures and positions in an aircraft cabin. The camera operates in light and dark conditions, as the lens assembly is configured to focus visible and infrared light wavelengths onto a fixed focal plane. In an embodiment, the camera includes an infrared illumination source to illuminate a field of view during dark conditions. The lens assembly includes a rigid barrel with a pinhole aperture through which light enters a series of lens elements. An optical sensor is mounted to an opposite end of the barrel at the fixed focal plane. The sensor is rotatably adjustable to yield a correct image orientation depending on the turret position.

Abstract: A camera module includes an image sensor, a first lens, a second lens and a beam splitting and combining component. The beam splitting and combining component is disposed between the first lens, the second lens and the image sensor. The first lens is suitable for imaging a first light beam of a first object onto the image sensor, while the second lens is suitable for imaging a second light beam of a second object onto the image sensor. In addition, both the first light beam and the second light beam are imaging onto the image sensor through the beam splitting and combining component. Therefore, the camera module is able to provide a two-way image-capturing function.

Abstract: The number of drive motors in a digital camera having multiple imaging optical systems is curtailed. The digital camera has a first imaging optical system and a second imaging optical system. The first imaging optical system has a zoom lens group and a focus lens. The second imaging optical system has another zoom lens group and another focus lens. The focus lens groups are actuated commonly by a focusing drive motor. The former focus lens group is moved by a gear G3 and an outer peripheral gear of a lens guide ring. The latter focus lens group is moved by a feed screw.

Abstract: In order to prevent the upper part of a subject such as a multistoried building or the like from being photographed in a short form when a wide angle shot is carried out, image pick-up means 5 are provided at intervals of 90 degrees on a base 4. The image pick-up means 5 respectively have front convex lenses 8 and image pick-up parts 7 along vertical planes parallel to each other. The front convex lenses 8 are displaced along the vertical planes so as to be provided at higher positions than those of the image pick-up parts 7. The NP points of the image pick-up means 5 are arranged to respectively correspond to each other so that a parallax is reduced.

Abstract: A camera includes a lens unit and an imaging unit. The optical axis of the camera is defined as a reference line, and a central line of a shooting area including an object to be shot is defined as an imaging centerline. A shift lens is moved to a shift-lens position which corresponds to the count of pulses supplied to a servomotor of a pan/tilter, so that an object image travels along an optical path generated by the shift lens is incident on another lens, and is then incident on the imaging unit. Accordingly, the object image incident on the imaging unit does not change while the shift lens is moved.

Abstract: An image shooting apparatus capable of accurately connecting split images while avoiding increase in the size of the apparatus is described. The stop positions of an image forming portion 10 is detected on the order equal to the pixel pitch, the shift amounts of the shot split images are obtained from the shift amounts of the stop positions of the image forming portion 10, and for each split image, the address is converted to a normal address based on the shift amount.

Abstract: A client-server arrangement for camera viewing using digital cameras across a computer network. A camera server controls a motorized gimbal which determines the viewing angles of a set of cameras according to signals from a client computer which is equipped with an eye movement tracking system. Movements of the viewer's eyes result in changes in viewing angle of the remote cameras. A high resolution foveal field of view image centered on the user's point of interest is captured and overlaid on a lower resolution full filed of view image, rendering a combined image having a low resolution peripheral area and a high resolution foveal area, and being significantly reduced in size compared to a full resolution, full field of view image. This combined image is transmitted to the client for display to the user.

Abstract: An extensive device for use with a digital camera, including a lens and a display for showing an image received via the lens, is disclosed. The extensive device includes a housing having a window thereon and a cradle for placing the digital camera therein and an optical guiding device disposed inside the housing for guiding the image received via the lens and shown on the display to the window. The window and the lens of the digital camera in the cradle substantially orient the same first direction, so that an image information is recorded via the lens and viewed via the window in the first direction.

Abstract: A rangefinder according to the present invention includes light source section, camera section, distance-measuring sensor, exposure controller and shutter. The light source section projects light onto an object for 3D imaging purposes. The camera section receives the light that was emitted from the light source section and then reflected from the object. The distance-measuring sensor estimates an approximate distance to the object. Based on the approximate distance, the exposure controller controls the optical output power of the light source section and/or the open/closed states of the shutter. The rangefinder can control the intensity of the projected light even if the object is on the move. As a result, the rangefinder can obtain highly precise information about the 3D location of the object.