Abstract: It is so arranged that the portion of the image of a subject that is a face takes on an appropriate brightness. The image of the subject is obtained by imaging the subject. The subject image is subjected to face detection processing and an area construed as being the face-image portion is found. An area corresponding to this area is set in an image obtained by standardizing the subject image. An AE area used in control of exposure is specified from the area that has been set. Brightness is calculated based upon image data representing the image within the specified AE area, and exposure is controlled. Even if an image such as a tree is in the background of the face image, the brightness of the face-image portion is calculated comparatively accurately and a subject image having the appropriate brightness is obtained.

Abstract: A method and system for additively, manually sequentially or manually in parallel, selecting multiple points or regions of interest in the analog or digital viewfinder of a photo or video camera with automatic controls like auto-focusing, auto-metering and auto white-balancing. Points or regions capable of being selected, within a grid of elements comprising a camera's evaluative matrix and represented to the user in a viewfinder or other display, may be hard-coded (pre-defined, selectable regions) or any point, pixel, or group of pixels. Data from the selected regions is used to simultaneously, dynamically adjust focus related parameters, light metering and white balancing of the camera and is tied into these features. Point selection may be via touch screen or by holding down a lock button. The selected points or regions may be applied to focus and aperture related adjustments or for any other camera function related to measurement of the scene.

Abstract: An image apparatus (10) for providing an adjusted image (474) of a scene (12) that includes an photo-emissive object (18) includes an apparatus frame (228), a capturing system (232), and a control system (236). The capturing system (232) captures a raw captured image (466) of the scene (12). The control system (236) identifies a captured photo-emissive object (418) in the raw captured image (466). Further, the control system (236) can perform a different level of image compensation on the captured photo-emissive object (418) than on other portions of the captured image (466). Stated in another fashion, the control system (236) can perform a first level of white balance correction on at a first region (482A) of the captured image (466) and can perform a second level of white balance correction on a second region (482B) of the captured image (466). With this design, the control system (236) can provide the adjusted image (474) having a more uniform and acceptable white balance correction.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor; a strobe unit; a preliminary. illumination controller which instructs the strobe unit to preliminarily illuminate for a predetermined period before main illumination; a reading controller which divides the image sensor into a plurality of regions, controls an exposure period for each region, corresponding to the preliminary illumination, and reads an image signal from each of the regions; and an imaging exposure setting unit which sets an appropriate amount of strobe light to be fired during imaging according to the image signals read from the regions; wherein the reading controller controls the exposure period for each region so that an overlapping period with the preliminary illumination period of the strobe unit is different from each other.

Abstract: Automatic photographing condition setting is achieved with accuracy. For example, when a shutter button is half-pressed, preliminary photographing is carried out under different photographing conditions to acquire preview images. Then, each of the preview images is subjected to a face detection process. Photographing conditions for photographing a person are automatically adjusted to be suitable for a face area in one of the preview images from which a face has been detected.

Abstract: Techniques are described for dynamic automatic exposure compensation within image capture devices. The techniques include dynamically adjusting a default target brightness for a scene to compensate an exposure value (EV) selected by an automatic exposure process. A sensor array obtains light information from the scene at a default target brightness and an image capture controller calculates brightness values of a plurality of regions in the scene based on the light information. An automatic exposure compensation module dynamically adjusts the default target brightness based on the brightness values for the plurality of regions in the scene and threshold values set for the sensor array to set an adjusted target brightness. The sensor array may then capture an image frame of the scene using an EV for the adjusted target brightness. The techniques also include building a hysteresis zone to substantially stabilize the adjusted target brightness over a sequence of image scenes.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control method is used to control a shooting exposure parameter for shooting an image by a shooting end. At least one middle brightness value is acquired between a brightness value of a background region and an overall brightness value, and then a relation between working distances of a flash light and a practical distance of an object is determined sequentially from the brightness value of the background region to extend towards the overall brightness value, in which the working distances of the flash light are respectively corresponding to the brightness value of the background region, the middle brightness values, and the overall brightness value, so as to obtain a shooting exposure parameter and to selectively activate the flash light, thereby adjusting the overall brightness of the image to be shot, so as to obtain an image with a proper overall brightness.

Abstract: A system for backlight detection using the brightness values of the subareas in a focus area and method therefor are provided, which are applicable to an image capture device. The focus area is divided into a plurality of subareas and the brightness values of each of the subareas are calculated. Then, the brightness values of each of the subareas are converted into 0 and 1 codes, and then the codes are combined to generate the codes representing the entire focus area. The status values corresponding to each of the codes are determined with reference to a backlight detection table established in advance, so as to determine whether an object to be shot is in a backlight condition.

Abstract: An image of appropriate exposure is obtained in a short period of time. A controller and timing generator performs photometric measurement by use of an image signal acquired from a CCD, and determines appropriate light exposure. The CCD is divided into a plurality of regions: for example, an odd-number line region and an even-number line region. Timing at which accumulated electric charges are read from the respective regions is changed, thereby changing the light exposure of an image signal read from each of the regions. When the amount of light fired during the main flash is adjusted by means of causing a strobe to fire preliminary light, read timing is changed in such a way that an electric charge accumulation period of the odd-number line regions comes to an arbitrary point in time during the course of firing of preliminary light.

Abstract: A camera includes a photometry section, an exposure calculating section, and a correction calculating section. The photometry section obtains photometry values at a plurality of positions of a subject. The exposure calculating section obtains an exposure value when photographing based on the photometry values. The correction calculating section obtains a correction value for correction of the exposure value based on a highest value among photometry values belonging to a predetermined range out of the plurality of photometry values obtained by the photometry section.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus includes: a face-detecting section that detects a face in a subject image; and a face-metering section that meters individual faces when the faces are detected by the face-detecting section, thereby obtaining metered values for the respective faces. The apparatus further includes a calculation section that calculates correct exposure values for the respective faces based on the metered values obtained by the face-metering section. The apparatus further includes a shooting section that performs, in response to a single shooting instruction, shootings with correct exposures for the respective faces based on the correct exposure values for the respective faces calculated by the calculation section.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an automatic exposure controller automatically controls ISO sensitivity in response to the output signal of an exposure metering circuit, and controls the exposure so that exposure setting is determined based on the brightness values of both the central photometry area and the remaining photometry area of an imaging frame. The automatic exposure controller controls the exposure setting so that when the ISO sensitivity is set to its higher value, the weighting factor of the central photometry area is higher than that of the remaining photometry area. The automatic exposure controller further determines whether or not a light source is behind an object, and, if it is the case, reduces the adjusted exposure setting so as to increase the amount of light incident on the image pickup apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a photometry unit dividing a subject into a plurality of regions and performing a photometry, a first calculating unit calculating a first control value based on a photometry result of the photometry unit, a comparing unit comparing the first control value with a maximum value of photometry values in the plurality of regions, a second calculating unit correcting the first control value depending on a comparison result by the comparing unit to calculate a second control value, an image pickup unit picking up an image of the subject according to the second control value and generates an image data, and a third calculating unit calculating a lightness improvement amount for a correction of dark area gradation of the image data depending on the comparison result. Therefore, optimum exposure adjustment and correction of dark area gradation can be performed depending on the subject.

Abstract: In a method for processing an image, a scene to be captured is divided into multiple zones and statistical values for a plurality of the multiple zones are obtained. In addition, a short-exposure time and a long-exposure time from the statistical values of the plurality of zones are determined. A long-exposure frame is captured at the long-exposure time and a short-exposure frame is captured at the short-exposure time. The long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame are combined into a combined image while correcting for motion estimated to have occurred between the long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame, and the combined image is stored.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for achieving correct exposure, focus, or both in a panoramic photograph that is stitched together from component photographs. In one example embodiment, a camera user sweeps the camera across the scene to be photographed, at least two measurements of scene portion brightness are made during the sweep, the brightness measurements are combined, and camera exposure settings are chosen based on the combination.

Abstract: In a method for processing an image, a scene to be captured is divided into multiple zones and statistical values for a plurality of the multiple zones are obtained. In addition, a short-exposure time and a long-exposure time from the statistical values of the plurality of zones are determined. A long-exposure frame is captured at the long-exposure time and a short-exposure frame is captured at the short-exposure time. The long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame are combined into a combined image while correcting for motion estimated to have occurred between the long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame, and the combined image is stored.

Abstract: A method for compensating an automatic exposure of a camera in a mobile communication terminal. The method includes determining a presumptive error value based on an average luminance value of an input current image frame and a particular target luminance value, selecting a convergent coefficient value based on the determined presumptive error value, determining a weight value of an adaptive filter based on the determined convergent coefficient value, and determining an exposure value for a next image frame based on the selected weight value, the determined presumptive error value and the exposure value of the current image frame.

Abstract: An image processor, which determines appropriate exposure parameters for a shutter assembly in a camera. The image processor may computationally determine a region of interest in a scene sought to be captured, and set the parameters to ensure that the exposure parameters are set to capture an image of the scene with the region of interest having a desired brightness level. In an embodiment, pixel values of multiple frames (each frame with a corresponding set of configuration parameters of the shutter assembly) may be examined to determine the frame having pixel values with the region having the desired brightness level. The shutter assembly may be configured with the parameters corresponding to such a frame to provide an auto-exposure feature.

Abstract: A method and circuit for excluding regions from an exposure calculation is described. The method includes obtaining pre-image data representing an image of a scene and dividing the image into a plurality of regions. Regions that contain a predetermined number of bright pixels are identified, bright pixels being pixels that are brighter than a threshold level of brightness. Each region that has at least the predetermined number of bright pixels from the exposure calculation are excluded.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for dynamic range estimation of imaged scenes for automatic exposure control. For a given exposure time setting, certain areas of a scene may be brighter than what a camera can capture. In cameras, including those experiencing substantial lens vignetting, a gain stage may be used to extend dynamic range and extract auto-exposure data from the extended dynamic range. Alternatively, dynamic range can be extended using pre-capture image information taken under reduced exposure conditions.

Abstract: An image window is subdivided into a plurality of sub-windows arranged in a rectangular grid pattern. The average brightness of the window and each sub-window is determined. A sub-window is tagged as dark if its average brightness is a predetermined percentage of the window average brightness. If the sub-window in the center of the grid pattern is considered to be dark, a segmentation is performed to detect a main backlit subject. The comparison of sub-window brightness is continued from the center sub-window in outward sequential, side adjacent rows and columns of sub-windows. Each sub-window that meets the above-described criterion for being dark is tagged as dark. The image is considered to have a main backlit subject if, in one embodiment, the subject is comprised of a predetermined quantity of continuous, dark sub-windows.

Abstract: In order to perform personal identification by matching a first body image that is obtained in advance by an image taking process with a second body image that is obtained when the identification is performed, an image taking device (1) for obtaining the second body image includes a shooting condition storage portion (203) for storing a shooting condition for each person in connection with an ID given to the person, the shooting condition being used when a body image of the person is taken for obtaining the first body image, an interface (24) for entering the ID of a person to be an object of the identification, and a shooting control portion (201) for controlling to take the body image under the shooting condition corresponding to the entered ID for obtaining the second body image of the person to be an object of the identification.

Abstract: Techniques are described for dynamic automatic exposure compensation within image capture devices. The techniques include dynamically adjusting a default target brightness for a scene to compensate an exposure value (EV) selected by an automatic exposure process. A sensor array obtains light information from the scene at a default target brightness and an image capture controller calculates brightness values of a plurality of regions in the scene based on the light information. An automatic exposure compensation module dynamically adjusts the default target brightness based on the brightness values for the plurality of regions in the scene and threshold values set for the sensor array to set an adjusted target brightness. The sensor array may then capture an image frame of the scene using an EV for the adjusted target brightness. The techniques also include building a hysteresis zone to substantially stabilize the adjusted target brightness over a sequence of image scenes.

Abstract: An image of appropriate exposure is obtained in a short period of time. A controller and timing generator performs photometric measurement by use of an image signal acquired from a CCD, and determines appropriate light exposure. The CCD is divided into a plurality of regions: for example, an odd-number line region and an even-number line region. Timing at which accumulated electric charges are read from the respective regions is changed, thereby changing the light exposure of an image signal read from each of the regions. When the amount of light fired during the main flash is adjusted by means of causing a strobe to fire preliminary light, read timing is changed in such a way that an electric charge accumulation period of the odd-number line regions comes to an arbitrary point in time during the course of firing of preliminary light.

Abstract: An image of appropriate exposure is obtained in a short period of time. A controller and timing generator performs photometric measurement by use of an image signal acquired from a CCD, and determines appropriate imaging exposure. The CCD is divided into a plurality of regions: for example, an odd-number line region and an even-number line region. Timing at which accumulated electric charges are read from the respective regions is changed, thereby changing the imaging exposure of an image signal read from each of the regions. When the amount of light fired during the main flash is adjusted by means of causing a strobe to fire preliminary light, read timing is changed in such a way that an electric charge accumulation period of the odd-number line regions comes to an arbitrary point in time during the course of firing of preliminary light.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an automatic exposure controller automatically controls ISO sensitivity in response to the output signal of an exposure metering circuit, and controls the exposure so that exposure setting is determined based on the brightness values of both the central photometry area and the remaining photometry area of an imaging frame. The automatic exposure controller controls the exposure setting so that when the ISO sensitivity is set to its higher value, the weighting factor of the central photometry area is higher than that of the remaining photometry area. The automatic exposure controller further determines whether or not a light source is behind an object, and, if it is the case, reduces the adjusted exposure setting so as to increase the amount of light incident on the image pickup apparatus.

Abstract: In order to perform a brightness correction that is suited to a face image in a moving image, a still-image brightness correction parameter for performing a brightness correction suited to a subject image is calculated from a face image in the subject image and the overall subject image. A moving-image brightness correction parameter is calculated using the calculated still-image brightness correction parameter and a moving-image brightness correction parameter that has been calculated in a subject image of a previous frame. By using the moving-image brightness correction parameter calculated, the brightness of a subject image obtained subsequent to the first-mentioned subject image is corrected.

Abstract: It is so arranged that the portion of the image of a subject that is a face takes on an appropriate brightness. The image of the subject is obtained by imaging the subject. The subject image is subjected to face detection processing and an area construed as being the face-image portion is found. An area corresponding to this area is set in an image obtained by standardizing the subject image. An AE area used in control of exposure is specified from the area that has been set. Brightness is calculated based upon image data representing the image within the specified AE area, and exposure is controlled. Even if an image such as a tree is in the background of the face image, the brightness of the face-image portion is calculated comparatively accurately and a subject image having the appropriate brightness is obtained.

Abstract: A camera includes a photometry section, an exposure calculating section, and a correction calculating section. The photometry section obtains photometry values at a plurality of positions of a subject. The exposure calculating section obtains an exposure value when photographing based on the photometry values. The correction calculating section obtains a correction value for correction of the exposure value based on a highest value among photometry values belonging to a predetermined range out of the plurality of photometry values obtained by the photometry section.

Abstract: In a distance measurement and photometry sensor device in which sensors are arranged on the same plane to be formed in the form of a semiconductor chip, a photometry sensor is arranged such that its sensor center is deviated by a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to a base length direction in which sensor centers of a pair of first and second line sensors are connected with each other.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to increase the precision of an exposure value in a scan AE scheme. To achieve this object, an image is picked at a plurality of exposure values. Screen-split brightness values and exposure value differences are obtained for the respective exposure values. Two screen-split brightness values and exposure value differences are selected from the relationship between the exposure value differences. A brightness value is calculated from the selected values to decide an exposure value in actual exposure.

Abstract: A camera is disclosed which is provided with a sensor device that includes: a substrate having formed thereon which first and second line sensors that are arranged a fixed baseline length apart from each other and a third sensor for receiving light from a field which is arranged on a line in arrangement direction of the first and second line sensors, a first light receiving optical unit for condensing light from the field onto the first line sensor, a second light receiving optical unit for condensing light from the field onto the second line sensor, a third light receiving optical unit for condensing light from the field onto the third sensor, wherein, when focal lengths of the first, second, and third light receiving optical units are assumed to be f1, f2, and f3, respectively, the following condition is satisfied: f1=f2?f3.

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: In order to realize a photometry/ranging solid state image pick-up device having high performance AE and multi-point functions by a single chip, a plurality of ranging photoelectric conversion element columns 1A to 7A and 1B to 7B for multi-point ranging and automatic focusing of a plurality of positions in a photographing area, spot photometry photoelectric conversion elements S1 to S7 for spot photometry of a plurality of ranging positions, and a whole area photometry photoelectric conversion element WO for photometry of a whole of the photographing area are integrated on the same semiconductor substrate 107. By comparing a spot photometry value with a whole area photometry value, it becomes possible to distinguish between a front light scene and a rear light scene.

Abstract: A photometric device according to the present invention performs the steps of: performing photometry in a first area of an overall area where photometry can be performed; performing photometry in a plurality of second areas, each included in the first area; and when a difference greater than a predetermined value exists among the photometric results in the plurality of second areas, correcting the photometric result in the first area based on the photometric results in the plurality of second areas and determining a backlight state exist based on the corrected photometric result.

Abstract: A camera is provided which includes a backlight judgment section which determines whether the photographic scene is backlit 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. 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: 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: 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: The present invention provides a photometer for making the photometry that can deal with various back light situations. For this purpose, a screen is two-dimensionally divided into plural areas, whereby one-dimensional projection data is calculated from the brightness data acquired from plural areas, and the maximum value of the calculated one-dimensional projection data is detected. Thus, the exposure compensation is made based on the detected maximum value.

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: The present invention provides a photometer for making the photometry that can deal with various back light situations. For this purpose, a screen is two-dimensionally divided into plural areas, whereby one-dimensional projection data is calculated from the brightness data acquired from plural areas, and the maximum value of the calculated one-dimensional projection data is detected. Thus, the exposure compensation is made based on the detected maximum value.

Abstract: In a camera a pickup element images an object image. An A/D converter A/D converts an output of the pickup element. A processing section includes a night scene judging section for judging whether or not the scene to be photographed is the night scene on the basis of a digital image signal output from the A/D converter. In a distance measuring apparatus of the camera. An area sensor is used for an auto-focus. A first judging section judges that the scene to be photographed is a night scene on the basis of an output of the area sensor. In the case where the first judging section judges that the photography scene is not the night scene, a second judging section judges whether or not the scene to be photographed is the reverse light scene. A main object specifying section specifies the main object in the case where either the first judging section or the second judging section judges the scene to be photographed is either the night scene or the reverse light scene.

Abstract: A photometric apparatus that enables highly precise backlight evaluation by selecting areas in a photographic frame using geometric data measured by a geometric part and comparing the brightness of a selected area with that of remaining areas. In general, the selected areas are those likely include the main subject. For example, brightness of and distance to the subject are measured in the plural area of the photographic frame. The plural areas are grouped depending on the distance measurements to the subject. Photometric measurements are made for the respective groups using brightness measurements of the subject. One group (the main subject) is selected and the difference in photometric measurement between the selected group and the others is calculated. The evaluation value for evaluating the backlight is changed depending on the position and size of the selected group in the photographic frame.

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: A camera with through-the-lens lighting, comprising: a light source that produces incoherent light; a photosensitive surface; focusing optics, having an optical axis, that forms an image of a scene, within a field of view, on the photosensitive surface, wherein the light is boresighted with the optical axis and directed toward the scene, illuminating substantially only the field of view of the camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides the position detector (line sensors) for outputting the information concerning the position of each distance measuring point within a picture to be taken by a camera, the multi-point photometer (correlation computer and integral controller) for outputting the incident light luminance information of each distance measuring point and the priority determiner (selector) for determining the priority of the distance measuring point according to the information concerning the position and incident light information of each distance measuring point within a picture, and is capable of executing the integral control of all the distance measuring points within a picture, determining the priority of the distance measuring point according to the luminance distribution within the picture and executing the interpolation computation for only the distance measuring points within the predetermined range of distance.

Abstract: A method of fast converging an appropriate exposure value. By establishing a EV lookup table of exposure valuescamera characteristics that can be easily modified, the image extracted by an optical sensor of a digital camera is fast converged into an appropriate exposure value quickly in a close-loop computation. Therefore, the multi-variable (exposure time, gain value and f-number number) exposure control can be easily achieved to fast converge the appropriate automatic exposure value.

Abstract: A photometry device for a camera is provided with a normal light sensor having a spectral sensitive characteristics close to those of a human eye, and a plurality of colorimetric sensors. The device further includes a photometry value determining system, a colorimetric compensation value determining system that determines a color of an object at each of the plurality of photometry areas and a colorimetric compensation value based on the determined color, and an exposure value determining system that compensates for the photometry value determined by the photometry value determining system for each of the plurality of photometry areas, and determines an exposure value based on the compensated photometry values. In the photometry device configured as above, the colorimetric compensation value determining system determines different colorimetric compensation values for different one of the plurality of photometry areas.