Abstract: A movable unit of an electronic apparatus is movable between an accommodated position within an apparatus body and a use position projected therefrom. The movable unit popped up by pop-up springs are further popped up by an assist lever and a toggle spring. The toggle spring urges the assist lever in a first arc direction and urges the same in a second arc direction opposite to the first arc direction after passing an inflexion point. The assist lever is brought into contact with a first latching pin when the movable unit reaches an end point of a movement stroke After the movable unit has reached the end point of the movement stroke, the assist lever is brought into contact with the first latching pin to urge the movable unit in the same direction as urged by the pop-up spring.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques to enhance computer vision application processing are disclosed. In particular, the methods, systems, and techniques may reduce power consumption for computer vision applications and improve processing efficiency for computer vision applications.

Abstract: The runway illumination light inspection apparatus includes: an illumination light detection unit; an image capturing unit; and a determination unit. The illumination light detection unit detects an illumination light embedded in a runway the image capturing unit captures, when the illumination light detection unit has detected the illumination light, an image of the illumination light, and the determination unit determines whether or not the illumination light is abnormal, based on the captured image of the illumination light.

Abstract: A fill light providing method includes obtaining an automatic exposure parameter of an image sensor and controlling a fill light lamp to provide a fill light based upon the automatic exposure parameter.

Abstract: A control method of an electronic device with an image capture function is provided. The control method includes the following steps: detecting a distance between the electronic device and at least one subject in a scene to be captured to generate a distance detection result; and utilizing a controller for referring to the distance detection result to determine whether to turn on or turn off a flashlight of the electronic device to capture the scene.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light emitting unit, a movable unit, including the light emitting unit, that is rotatable relative to a main body unit, an obtaining unit that obtains first distance information about a distance to a target in a shooting direction of the imaging apparatus to which the illumination apparatus is attached, and second distance information about a distance to a target in a direction different from the shooting direction, a determination unit that determines, based on the first distance information and the second distance information obtained by the obtaining unit, a lighting direction of the light emitting unit, wherein the obtaining unit obtains, in a case where a self-timer mode is set in the imaging apparatus, the first distance information after a lapse of a predetermined time following obtainment of the second distance information.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal panel, a backlight, a liquid crystal panel drive controller, and a backlight drive controller determining a luminance pattern defining a magnitude of luminance of each of the plurality of illumination parts on the basis of luminance information corresponding to each area to perform an area control for separately controlling the luminances of the plurality of illumination parts in accordance with the luminance pattern, the backlight drive controller having a special area control mode for performing the area control by determining the luminance pattern common to a plurality of frames of the image displayed on the display region, wherein the backlight drive controller, in the special area control mode, performs computation of an average value of the luminances of respective pixels of the image on the basis of the image signal for the plurality of frames to determine the luminance pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments may be implemented by a computing device, such as a head-mountable display or mobile phone, in order to pre-emptively warm up the device's camera, when it is probable that a user will be taking a photo. An illustrative method involves a computing device (a) receiving sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the computing device, wherein the computing device comprises an image-capture device, (b) analyzing the sensor data to detect at least one pre-image-capture signal, wherein the at least one pre-image-capture signal indicates a subsequent image-capture signal is likely to be received, and (c) in response to detecting the at least one pre-image-capture signal, causing the computing device to initiate an image-capture preparation process that prepares the image-capture device to capture an image.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a first optical member configured to receive light from a flash unit, in a first direction, to refract the received light, and to output the refracted light in a second direction, different to the first direction; and a first actuator configured to move the first optical member between a first position in which light from the flash unit is not substantially refracted, and a second position in which light from the flash unit is refracted by the first optical member in the second direction.

Abstract: A pop-up flash assembly including a main body comprising an opening; a moving unit linearly movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the moving unit is received in the opening at the first position and protrudes from the opening at the second position; a flash installed on the moving unit and generates light; a first link that has an end that is rotatably coupled to the main body; a second link that has an end that is rotatably coupled to another end of the first link, and another end of the second link being rotatably coupled to the moving unit; and a driver for rotating the first link.

Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling a light emission device. The control device includes a light metering unit configured to acquire respective light metering values from a plurality of light metering regions. The control device further includes a correction unit configured to correct information about a light metering value of a target region based on a result of comparison between the light metering value of the target region and the light metering value of the light metering region at the periphery of the target region among the plurality of light metering regions, the result being acquired by the light metering unit allowing the light emission device to perform pre-flashing. Also, a calculation unit is provided which is configured to calculate a main light emission amount of the light emission device based on the information about the light metering value corrected by the correction unit.

Abstract: A pop-up flash assembly including a main body comprising an opening; a moving unit linearly movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the moving unit is received in the opening at the first position and protrudes from the opening at the second position; a flash installed on the moving unit and generates light; a first link that has an end that is rotatably coupled to the main body; a second link that has an end that is rotatably coupled to another end of the first link, and another end of the second link being rotatably coupled to the moving unit; and a driver for rotating the first link.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit, a light emission unit, an image acquisition unit configured to drive the image pickup unit and the light emission unit to acquire an image while the light emission unit is emitting light and acquire images while the light emission unit is emitting no light at substantially the same view angle, a difference acquisition unit configured to acquire a luminance difference between the image acquired while the light emission unit is emitting light and one of the images acquired while the light emission unit is emitting no light, and an image composing unit configured to compose a composite image from the images acquired while the light emission unit is emitting no light and the image acquired while the light emission unit is emitting light, using the luminance difference acquired by the difference acquisition unit as transmission intensity data.

Abstract: A flash module including a main body, a fixing base, a rotating structure, a switch and a linking structure is disclosed. The rotating structure is movably connected between the main body and the fixing base. The switch has a moving part. The linking structure is connected between the rotating structure and the moving part. The linking structure moves the moving part to an open position from a close position and rotates the rotating structure, so that the main body is moved relative to the fixing base.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a circuit board, and a camera module. The camera module includes a camera unit, a flash device, and a protective cover. The camera unit records and stores images, and the protective cover protects the camera unit and the flash device. The protective cover includes an opening, a light hole, and a separation portion located between the opening and the light hole. The light from the flash device is diffused and passes through the light hole. The camera unit and the flash device are separated by the separation portion to prevent the light of the flash device from entering camera unit through the opening.

Abstract: A camera-based mobile communication device includes a light sensor, a camera module, a flashlight, and a micro-processing unit (MPU). The light sensor is operable to detect a brightness value of an external light source. The camera module is operable to photograph an image. The flashlight is operable to generate a flash. The MPU is electrically connected to the light sensor, the camera module, and the flashlight. The MPU includes a comparison module, a face recognizing module, and a flashlight control module. The comparison module is operable to compare the brightness value with a threshold brightness value. The face recognizing module is operable to determine whether there exists a facial feature in the image. The flashlight control module is operable to turn on the flashlight when the detected brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value and the facial feature is recognized from the image.

Abstract: A camera-based mobile communication device includes a light sensor, a camera module, a flashlight, and a micro-processing unit (MPU). The light sensor is operable to detect a brightness value of an external light source. The camera module is operable to photograph an image. The flashlight is operable to generate a flash. The MPU is electrically connected to the light sensor, the camera module, and the flashlight. The MPU includes a comparison module, a face recognizing module, and a flashlight control module. The comparison module is operable to compare the brightness value with a threshold brightness icy value. The face recognizing module is operable to determine whether there exists a facial feature in the image. The flashlight control module is operable to turn on the flashlight when the detected brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value and the facial feature is recognized from the image.

Abstract: When the depth information indicating a difference among a plurality of subjects in the size of subject distance is large, an imaging apparatus lowers a threshold value of the subject luminance to be referred to when determining whether to perform a shooting operation with light emission by an illumination device.

Abstract: When the depth information indicating a difference among a plurality of subjects in the size of subject distance is large, an imaging apparatus lowers a threshold value of the subject luminance to be referred to when determining whether to perform a shooting operation with light emission by an illumination device.

Abstract: When an auxiliary emission auto focus has been set by operation and through image display is started, a CPU 9 starts an operation of acquiring a single frame among those sequentially picked up at a predetermined interval. Next, the CPU 9 calculates an EV value, judges whether a LED 16 state. If the LED 16 is in the ON state, the CPU 9 judges the calculated EV value. If the EV value is equal to or more than EV5, the CPU 9 images a single frame after temporarily turning OFF the LED 16, and then turns the LED 16 ON to judge whether the shooting scene is really dark. Next, the CPU 9 calculates the EV value. When judged that the EV value is not equal to or less than EV3, the CPU 9 judges that the shooting scene is not dark and turns OFF the LED 16.

Abstract: A face-image area is decided with comparatively good accuracy. An (N?1)th frame of a subject image ?1 and an Nth frame of a subject image ?2 are obtained by sensing the image of a subject successively. Face-image detection processing is applied to the frames of the subject images ?1 and ?2 to detect face-image areas C1, C2 and C3. The face-image area C2 is construed to be linked to the face-image area C1, which is the corresponding face-image area. Since a face-image area that corresponds to the face-image area C3 does not exist, the face-image area C3 is construed as not being linked. The linked face-image area C2 in the Nth frame of the subject image ?2 is decided upon as a face-image area. Thus, face areas can be decided with comparatively good accuracy.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an emission device for illuminating a subject, a preliminary emission control device for controlling preliminary emission before photographing, a photometry device for measuring a reflected light volume from the subject in the preliminary emission so as to obtain a photometric result, and a main emission control device for controlling main emission when photographing, the main emission control device has a first emission control for conducting emission by adjusting emission volume by using the photometric result, and a second emission control for conducting emission until the reflected light volume from the subject reaches a predetermined volume, the main emission control device conducts an emission control by either the first emission control or the second emission control according to the photometric result.

Abstract: Two photography operations are performed without emitting flash during a second photography operation, to obtain image signals P1 and P2. A flash influence signal value F1 is calculated in image signal P1. A flash influence signal value F2, which is the amount of influence due to flash in the case that flash was emitted during the second photography operation, is calculated based on the differences between the imaging conditions of the first photography operation and the second photography operation and the flash influence signal value F1. An image signal P2?, which is an image signal which is estimated to be obtained in the case that flash was emitted during the second photography operation, is obtained by adding flash influence signal value F2 to image signal P2 obtained by the second photography operation. A dynamic range expanded image signal Pc is calculated based on image signal P1 and image signal P2?.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus having a flash unit locating at a storing position or a projecting position, in which either an automatic mode to automatically move the flash unit from the storing position to the projecting position or a manual mode to manually execute the operation can be set. The apparatus includes a first operating unit which selects either the automatic mode or the manual mode and a second operating unit which moves the flash unit from the storing position to the projecting position when the manual mode is selected by the first operating unit. The first and second operating units are provided in close positions.

Abstract: A method of obtaining sharp pictures by calibrating blurred picture generated due to vibration while a photograph is taken is disclosed. First, a first picture is captured. The flash is judged to see if it is switched on. If the first picture is captured when the flash is switched off, then a second picture is captured when the flash is switched on. The first picture is calibrated based on the second picture, and stored after calibration.

Abstract: A digital camera automatically changes its imaging sensitivity based on a proper exposure value that is calculated at a predetermined standard imaging sensitivity based on subject brightness measured from a photometry area of a scene to shoot. When the decided imaging sensitivity is higher than a predetermined sensitivity threshold value, the scene is judged to be a low brightness backlit scene that contains a higher brightness portion around a dark main subject, and a lower brightness portion around the higher brightness portion. A rear light judgment value is calculated as a difference between a central photometric value and a peripheral photometric value of a photometry area, and is compared with a predetermined rear light threshold value, to judge whether the scene is backlit or not. When the scene is judged to be a backlit scene or a low brightness backlit scene, the digital camera emits a flash light synchronously with an exposure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of faces in a digital image captured under a variety of lighting conditions are provided. Rather than subjecting an entire image to computationally intensive face detection analysis, the image is subjected to computationally simply analysis to identify candidate pixels likely to be of skin colour. Only those pixels having such color are subject to computationally intensive face detection analysis. The pixels are selected by first selecting a color distribution model based on an image capture condition provided with the color digial image. Then, the color of the pixels is tested using the distribution model to determine those pixels having predominantly skin color. Preferably, the distribution model is selected from among a number of different distribution models with each of the distribution models associated with a different set of lighting conditions.

Abstract: A camera according to this invention determines whether a subject to be photographed is backlit; and when it is backlit, compares a brightness of the subject with a brightness of a background of the subject by emitting strobe light onto the subject; and changes an amount of correction by at least one of a gamma conversion processes and a contour emphasizing process based on a result of the comparison, thereby processing a subject image signal detected by an imaging section.

Abstract: A strobe apparatus includes a xenon tube, which is a discharge tube, having a discharge light emitting portion and a light emitting portion terminal. Light is emitted from the xenon tube and is reflected in a predetermined direction by a reflection umbrella. A transparent electrode is coated on the external surface of the xenon tube from the discharge light emitting portion to the terminal. When trigger voltage is applied to the xenon tube through the transparent electrode, strobe light is emitted by the discharge light emitting portion. By using the strobe apparatus, the orientation characteristic of the discharge tube can be improved without uneven light distribution and a shortage of a light amount.

Abstract: A camera includes a luminance distribution detecting unit, a changing point determining unit, and an exposure controller. The luminance distribution detecting unit detects distribution of brightness in a photographing picture. The changing point determining unit determines a changing point of a bright portion and a dark portion with reference to the distribution of brightness detected by the luminance distribution detecting unit. The exposure controller decides that exposure is to be executed on the bright portion or the dark portion based on a position of the changing point determined by the changing point determining unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a built-in flash mechanism that will pop up when the illumination is insufficient or it is manually switched on. The present invention comprises a flash unit having a buckle, a driving motor, a driving gear set formed on said driving motor, a axle wheel portion having a clip, a driven gear set formed on said axle wheel portion, a light-sensitive sensor, and a pusher for obstructing light into said light-sensitive sensor. When the light is obstructs by the pusher, the sensor will activate the driving motor to release the flash device or lock the flash unit at a receiving chamber.

Abstract: A camera having a blur notifying function according to one aspect of the present invention has a blur mode setting section which is used to set a blur notification mode in which a blur is detected in the camera and a blur state is notified, a blur detection section which detects a blur state of the camera, a blur calculation section which calculates a generated blur state quantity based on an output from the blur detection section, a blur judgment section which judges a blur state based on the generated blur state quantity, and a blur notification section which performs a notification operation concerning occurrence of a blur state based on a judgment result of the blur judgment section, the blur notification section starting the notification operation when the blur mode setting section sets the blur notification mode.

Abstract: A camera includes a sensor array which can detect a brightness signal of a subject and has a plurality of segments for focal point detection, a first photometry unit for calculating the brightness signal of the subject on the basis of an output of one segment or outputs of the segments of the sensor array, a second photometry unit which can detect a brightness signal of the subject in a detection range wider than that for the detection of the subject brightness signal by the sensor array, and a determination unit for determining on the basis of an output of the second photometry unit whether the use of the first photometry unit is forbidden. The camera can determine backlight without any inconvenience even on photographing condition close to the very limit of a photometrical range.

Abstract: Mechanisms for compensating for backlight conditions in a scene for use in an image capture device that includes a flash and a flash control signal for activating the flash when the flash control signal is asserted are described. First, a meter matrix for a scene that includes a plurality of points, where each point can include brightness information and distance information, is generated. Second, a flash control signal is selectively asserted based on the meter matrix.

Abstract: A camera according to this invention includes a backlight judgment section which determines whether the photographic scene is against light by comparing the average luminance of the entire photographic screen obtained by photometry with the luminance of the main subject at a distance-measuring point selected by distance measurement. With the backlight judgment section, the camera performs suitable exposure control accompanied by illumination, such as supplementary light, at the time of exposure in a photographic scene where the main subject is against light.

Abstract: In a pair of photometric sensors which receive an object light flux through a pair of the light-receiving lenses are formed on a semiconductor chip on which a pair of the sensor arrays are formed. Further, one of a pair of the photometric sensor performs photometry at an upper part of the footage, and the other photometric sensor carries out photometry at a lower part of the footage.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a flash emitter for emitting flash light toward a photographic object in flash photography. A flash amount control circuit quenches flash emission of the flash emitter when a value of integration of light reflected by the object as measured by a first sensor in the flash photography comes up to a predetermined level. An aperture stop device designates one of a large aperture state and a small aperture state. A switch disables the flash amount control circuit if the small aperture state is designated, and enables the flash amount control circuit if the large aperture state is designated. The switch regulates operation of the flash amount control circuit in order to raise an amount of the flash light at a time of the flash photography in the small aperture state.

Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided with a photographing device for photographing subjects and a notifying device for making an advance notice of photographing with the photographing device. In addition, in a control method for the robot apparatus, an advance notice of photographing subjects is made and then photographs of the subjects are taken. As a result, a picture can be prevented from being taken by stealth, regardless of user's intention, and thus the user's privacy can be protected.

Abstract: A method of controlling exposure of a scene image comprising the following steps: sensing a scene for image data; deriving values representative of a brightness map of the scene; sensing the scene for image data; deriving values representative of a range map; comparing the range map with the scene brightness map; and controlling the exposure by controlling artificial illumination upon the scene. In an alternate aspect, a system is provided for controlling exposure of a scene image comprising the following elements: at least one sensor assembly; a source of artificial illumination; and a processing means.

Abstract: A strobe control device for a camera is provided with a light amount measuring system that measures amount of light emitted by a strobe and reflected by an object, a comparing system that compares the measured light amount with a reference exposure light amount. The reference exposure light amount is determined in accordance with a reference control level, the strobe is controlled to stop emitting light when the measured light amount has reached the reference exposure light amount. The strobe control device is further provided with a colorimetry system that determines a color of the object, a reflection compensation value determining system that determines a compensation value for compensating for errors depending on a reflectivity of an object, and a compensation system that compensates for the reference control level in accordance with the reflection compensation value.

Abstract: A camera includes a built-in flash and a controller for controlling the camera. The controller includes different photographic modes; an auto-exposure-mode selecting mode in which an appropriate photographic mode is automatically selected from the different photographic modes based on photographic conditions, the controller allowing the built-in flash to discharge automatically in the selected appropriate photographic mode when the built-in flash discharges at a most appropriate time of exposure; and a flash-prohibiting/auto-exposure-mode selecting mode in which an appropriate photographic mode is automatically selected from the different photographic modes based on photographic conditions, the controller prohibiting the built-in flash from discharging automatically in the selected appropriate photographic mode at a time of exposure.

Abstract: In a photometry device, a pair of transistors having the same properties. The first transistor is connected at its base to the CdS photo sensor, and at its collector to a resistor. The second transistor is connected at its base to the resistor, and at its collector to the photoconductive element. When a subject brightness is below a reference level that is defined by a resistance of the resistor, the CdS photo sensor has a smaller resistance than the resistance of the resistor, so a smaller current flows into a base of the first transistor than a current flowing into a base of the second transistor. Consequently, the first transistor is turned off, and the second transistor is turned on, conducting current through a solenoid. Thereby, a stop blade is switched over to change the stop size.

Abstract: An exposure control method and apparatus for a camera having a two-area divided brightness measurement system. A central light value is determined based on a central area brightness of a photographic scene, and a peripheral light value is determined based on a peripheral area brightness of the scene. After determining by comparison between the central and peripheral light values whether the scene is back-lighted or front-lighted, a correction coefficient specific to back-lighted scenes or that specific to front-lighted scenes is read from a memory. An exposure value suitable for a main subject is calculated according to the following equation: Es=log2{1−(1−&agr;)2LVb−LVa}−log2&agr;+LVa wherein Es represents the exposure value and &agr; represents the correction coefficient.

Abstract: A camera includes a retractable built-in flash unit which is movable between a retracted position and a discharge position, and a controller which controls the built-in flash and provides an auto flash mode in which the controller allows the built-in flash to discharge automatically when necessary. In the auto flash mode, the controller moves the built-in flash from the retracted position to the discharge position when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and subsequently controls the retractable built-in flash unit to discharge automatically at a time of exposure. Furthermore, the controller temporarily prohibits the retractable built-in flash unit from automatically discharging if the retractable built-in flash unit is pushed down to the retracted position after the controller moves the retractable built-in flash unit from the retracted position to the discharge position.

Abstract: A camera using an image blur prevention device including exposure time calculating apparatus which calculates a first exposure time from at least photometry data, sensitivity data of a recording medium and brightness of a photographic lens, a strobe lighting designating apparatus to forcibly light a strobe when the first exposure time calculated by the exposure time calculating apparatus is longer than a predetermined value, shutter closing time setting apparatus which forcibly fixes the first exposure time calculated by the exposure time calculating apparatus at a predetermined exposure closing time Tb or Td regardless of a calculated result of the exposure time calculating means when the first exposure time is longer than the second exposure time and changing apparatus which changes a combination of the first exposure time and the second exposure time dependently on whether or not the image blur prevention device is to be used for photographing, whereby the camera is capable of taking a photograph on which

Abstract: An exposure control apparatus for a camera includes a focus detection device which receives object light within a predetermined distance measuring area to measure the object distance, a photometering device which receives object light within a plurality of photometering areas to measure the object brightness, and a backlight detection device which obtains a main photometering value based on the object light received by the focus detection device and for detecting the presence of backlight based on the main photometering value and a reference photometering value measured by the photometering device.

Abstract: There is provided a distance measuring apparatus in lens-shutter type camera provided with a photographic lens, a focal length of the photographic lens being variable.

Abstract: A photographing operation control device has an electro-developing recording medium to electronically develop an image formed thereon. An exposure calculation is performed based on a photometry value corresponding to an object to be photographed, so that the exposure period of the electro-developing recording medium is determined. When the exposure period is longer than an output period for which a recording medium activating signal for enabling the electro-developing recording medium to develop the image is outputted, it is determined that the exposure of the electro-developing recording medium is impossible, and the photographing operation is prevented and a warning indicating that the photographing operation is impossible is performed.

Abstract: A low cost, low power photometric circuit suitable for use in a low end camera includes a first counter for counting successive pulses produced by a first oscillator having a substantially constant oscillation frequency and a second counter for counting successive pulses produced by a second oscillator having an oscillation frequency which varies in accordance with ambient brightness. The ambient brightness is judged according to outputs of the counters so that even if the oscillation frequency of the second oscillator varies only slightly due to a change in ambient brightness, the slight variation is easily detectable as an accumulated count value. Accordingly, costly, high-precision components are not needed. The low cost photometric circuit requires no microcomputer, analog/digital converter or comparator and can be fabricated in a single integrated circuit operated at a low voltage of 1V or less, and is thus suitable for incorporation into a low end camera.

Abstract: A light measuring apparatus comprises an oscillation circuit, a first delaying circuit for delaying an output waveform of the oscillation circuit in accordance with a peripheral brightness, a second delaying circuit for delaying an output waveform of the oscillation circuit for a predetermined period of time, and a brightness judging circuit for judging a peripheral brightness in accordance with outputs of the first and second delaying circuits.