Abstract: A digital camera includes a first imaging section for acquiring subject image data, a movable mirror for guiding the light beam of the subject to a finder optical system, and a second imaging section for capturing the subject image data in the finder optical system. In this structure, the image acquired by the first imaging section and the image acquired by the second imaging section are switched and selectively displayed depending on the movement of the movable mirror. For example, the digital camera can be configured such that the first imaging section is used to acquire a shot image and the second imaging section is used to acquire a live image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has a grip portion, a camera portion, and a monitor portion for displaying an image captured by the camera portion. The camera portion has an imaging optical system and an imaging device for capturing the image of a subject guided by the imaging optical system. The grip portion has a grip casing resembling a flat plate. The casing has a width greater than its thickness and a length greater than the width. The camera portion is connected to a longitudinal end of the grip casing rotatably about a first axis extending along the width. The monitor portion is connected to the camera portion so as to be rotatable together with the camera portion about the first axis and is connected rotatably about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The imaging optical system of the camera portion has an optical axis located on the first axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic motion picture camera having an optical receiving system and a beam splitter which splits the receiving beam path into a taking beam path leading to an optoelectronic taking sensor and a viewfinder beam path leading to an optical viewfinder. The camera has an electronic display for the reproduction of an additional image. An optical vision mixer is arranged in the viewfinder beam path by which the taken image and the additional image can be directed in the direction of the viewfinder such that the taken image or the additional image, or the taken image and the additional image as a uniform image, can be observed in the viewfinder.

Abstract: A “Panoramic Viewfinder” provides an intuitive interactive viewfinder display which operates on a digital camera display screen. This interactive viewfinder provides real-time assistance in capturing images for constructing panoramic image mosaics. The Panoramic Viewfinder “brushes” a panorama from images captured in any order, while providing visual feedback to the user for ensuring that desired scene elements will appear in the final panorama. This visual feedback presents real-time stitched previews of the panorama while capturing images.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic imaging apparatus capable of selecting a first observation mode in which a subject image is observed using an optical finder and a second observation mode in which the subject image is acquired as image data from an image pickup device and is displayed in a monitor. In this electronic imaging apparatus, subject information (e.g., a person position) recognized based on the image data from the image pickup device in the second observation mode is succeeded even in the first observation mode, and shooting conditions can be set based on the subject information even in the first observation mode.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying a virtual image superposed upon a real world image, which can automatically set the focus of a lens to the virtual image, a virtual world image object having a high importance degree or a real world image object having a high importance degree. The display apparatus has a lens for capturing light from a real world, a lens state control unit for controlling a state of the lens including a focus, a storage unit for storing computer image data, a computer image generation unit for generating a computer image by using the computer image data stored in the storage unit in accordance with lens state information of the lens state and the like; and a synthesis display unit for synthesizing an image captured via the lens and the generated computer image and displaying a synthetic image.

Abstract: An electronic appliance is provided, which can be produced at a low cost, and in which there is a degree of freedom in a setting value and any one of a number of setting values can be set as an operating condition with a simple operation. A digital camera 1 includes a first operation switch (for example, a shutter dial 2) that allows an operator to select a first state assigned one setting value (for example, a shutter speed) or a second state assigned a plurality of setting values, a liquid crystal monitor 9 that displays the setting values assigned to the second state when the second state is selected with an operation switch, and a second operation switch (for example, an auxiliary dial 7) that allows the operator to select any one of the setting values displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 9.

Abstract: An image processor includes a zoom lens for performing optical zooming by moving in a first range, an imaging unit for converting an object image obtained via a zoom lens into an image signal, and an electronic zooming unit for performing an electronic zooming operation on the image signal. The electronic zooming unit performs the electronic zooming operation as a result of moving the zoom lens into a second range when the zoom lens is in the first range and outside the second range.

Abstract: The image of a subject is sensed, the image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of a digital still camera and the image of a face is detected in the image of the subject. The image of the subject is shifted in such a manner that the center of the detected face image becomes the center of the display screen, and the image is enlarged and displayed on the display screen. Since the image of the face is displayed in enlarged form, it becomes easier to check the face even if the display screen is small in size.

Abstract: A method for displaying a live view and captured images of a digital camera is provided. In the method, a live view is displayed. A first image of the live view is captured. In response to capturing the first image, the captured first image is displayed. The captured first image is then shifted from view toward a first direction to reveal the live view.

Abstract: An imaging device and/or system which has an image sensor module for generating first image data representing images captured by the image sensor module. The imaging device also has an image processor for receiving and processing the first image data. The image processor has a power-up image circuit for generating and/or outputting second image data representing a power-up image. When the imaging device is being powered up, the image processor is capable of selectively outputting the first and second image data for display.

Abstract: An electronic image pickup apparatus of the present invention is constructed so that an image pickup lens and a diaphragm for adjusting exposure can operate in interlocking relationship with each other. Furthermore, the apparatus has a panorama mode in which an image is obtained by connecting images taken in a plurality of continuous scenes with each other, and a rapid shooting mode in which continuous image pickup is performed. If the operating mode is set to the panorama mode or the rapid shooting mode, reset of the image pickup lens and diaphragm is performed at the first shot only and the backlash cancellation of the image pickup lens is performed starting from the second shot. Preferably, the exposure adjusting mechanism automatically places a predetermined limit on the exposure time in a normal mode and permits a longer exposure time in the panoramic mode.

Abstract: A camera-projection device combines internal display and external projection of images in a portable electronic imaging device, such as a digital camera, a digital camcorder, a cell phone or a PDA. The same light source may be shared between an internal display and external projection and may be located internal or external to the camera-projection device. The same lens, such as a liquid lens, may be employed in image capture and image projection. The same display device may also be shared for internal display and external projection of the images.

Abstract: A method (50) and system for a digital reading glass (10) in a camera phone can include, a display (22), and a processor (11) coupled to the camera (14) and display. In addition, the digital reading glass can further include a light source (16 or 18). The light source can be adjustable as to maintain a predetermined brightness level. The camera phone can further include a dedicated button (26) for entering the magnifying glass mode. The processor can be programmed to selectively operate during a magnifying glass mode to have a substantially constant level of magnification regardless of focal length. The processor can also be programmed to provide image stabilization (58) during the magnifying glass mode and track image registrations (60) in an X, Y and Z direction. The processor can also be programmed to use motion detection for scrolling a previously captured image.

Abstract: A digital camera in which a recording portion made up of a microcomputer 110 and a card slot 153 performs predetermined processing on image data generated by a CMOS sensor 130 so that the image data takes on the aspect ratio accepted via an operation portion 140 while in live view mode, or performs predetermined processing on the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 so that the image data takes on the aspect ratio of an optical viewfinder while in viewfinder mode. The image data is then stored in a memory card 300. Through this configuration, it is possible to provide a digital camera in which an image of a composition that suits the user's intent can be recorded, as well as in which the image can be recorded having an aspect ratio that the user desires, selected from among a plurality of aspect ratios.

Abstract: In a lens-interchangeable digital camera having a half mirror arranged in a shooting optical path and capable of displaying a live view, the half mirror is made movable between a position inserted into the shooting optical path and a position retracted from the shooting optical path, and when power-on is detected, the movable half mirror is returned to the position in the shooting optical path, while when power-off is detected, the movable half mirror is retracted from the shooting optical path. Further, upon detecting the mounting state of a lens barrel, when removal of the lens barrel is detected, the movable half mirror is retracted, while when mounting of the lens barrel is detected, the movable half mirror is returned.

Abstract: A viewfinder of a photographing apparatus to monitor a photographed image. The viewfinder of the photographing apparatus has a viewfinder body disposed to be drawn inside of the photographing apparatus body and outside of the photographing apparatus body, and a driving unit to drive the drawing-in and drawing-out of the viewfinder body. Moreover, when an outer LCD, which is disposed at an outer part of the photographing apparatus body, is rotated by a predetermined degree in a state that the viewfinder body is drawn outside of the photographing apparatus body, the viewfinder body is automatically drawn inside of the photographing apparatus body. On the other hand, when the outer LCD is rotated on a rotating axis on a plane of the outer LCD and faces an object, the viewfinder body is drawn out again to the outside of the photographing apparatus body.

Abstract: A main electronic imaging device takes in as a taken-image an image of a subject obtained through an imaging lens. An electronic finder device photoelectrically first generates the image of the subject and generates an image signal. Based on the generated image signal, the electronic finder device places the imaging range PA substantially at the center, generates an image of finder range FA that is one size larger than the imaging range PA, and provides the image of finder range FA that is generated with an imaging frame 47a that expresses the outer border of the imaging range so as to obtain the image as a finder image, and controls so that the finder image is displayed on a display 47. As a result, the imaging range PA is smaller than the finder range FA but is smaller by only one size. The ratio occupied by the imaging range PA within the finder range FA is accordingly sufficiently large, and the imaging range PA can be recognized easily and without fail.

Abstract: A single-lens reflex camera has a first image pickup device as a main image pickup device, a second image pickup device for live-view observation, a reflection mirror which switches an optical path between an optical path directed toward the first image pickup device and an optical path directed toward the second image pickup device, and a control section. When the shooting operation is instructed with the second image pickup device driven and a live-view displayed, the control section starts driving the reflection mirror to retract the reflection mirror from the optical path, and stops the second image pickup device and starts driving the first image pickup device while the reflection mirror is driven in a retracting direction.

Abstract: A digital single-lens reflex camera with preview functionality is provided that includes an imaging device, a monitor, and a preview image display processor. The imaging device captures an image through a photographing lens. The monitor displays the image captured by the imaging device. The preview image display processor displays the preview image captured by the imaging device on a monitor.

Abstract: A viewfinder to be used with a photographing apparatus or a camcorder to monitor an image being photographed. The viewfinder has a viewfinder body disposed to be drawn inside of the photographing apparatus body and to be drawn out of the photographing apparatus body, a compressing spring to press the viewfinder body to draw the viewfinder body outside of the photographing apparatus body, a locking unit to secure the viewfinder body within the photographing apparatus body, and an unlocking member to unlock the locking unit. Therefore, if the locking unit is unlocked, the viewfinder body is drawn out from a camcorder body by a restoration force of the compressing spring. On the other hand, when a user presses the viewfinder body against the photographing apparatus body, the viewfinder body is drawn into the photographing apparatus body. Thus, the appearance of the photographing apparatus is more appealing to the eye, and storage and handling of the photographing apparatus is easier.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system equipped with an electronic viewfinder suitable for compactness and having a sufficient angle of viewing field and satisfactory optical performance, especially the ability to prevent harmful light. The imaging system comprises an image pickup optical system, an image pickup device for receiving a light beam guided by the image pickup optical system, an image display device for displaying an image thereon, a controller for converting image information obtained from the image pickup device into signals capable of being displayed on the image display device, and a viewing optical system for guiding an image appearing on the image display device to a viewer's eye. The viewing optical system comprises, in order from an image display device side, one negative lens and one positive lens.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus has an electronic view finder assembly. The assembly has a casing including inner and outer casings; an accommodation spacing, an opening, a cover, an eye cup portion, a stopper, and a dust prevention cushion. The accommodation spacing accommodates the inner casing held in the same extension direction as the outer casing. The opening is provided in the outer casing for insertion of the inner casing into the accommodation spacing. The cover closes the opening. The eye cup portion is attached to a rearward end of the outer casing. A stopper stops forward movement of the inner casing accommodated in the accommodation spacing in the state of the opening closed by the cover. The dust prevention cushion is interposed in a compressed state between overall circumferential peripheries of respective rearwardly facing and forwardly facing wall faces of the inner and outer casings in the state where the forward movement of the inner casing is stopped by the stopper.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided for reproducing light incident thereto as an image. The image device included a photodetector adapted to translate incident light of an image to a representative electronic signal. A white balance control configures the white balance of the representative electronic signal in accordance with a white balance gain value. A selector interface is operably linked to the white balance control. The selector interface selects among a plurality of predetermined values to set the white balance gain value in accordance with an imaging application. An adjustment interface adjusts the selected value of the plurality of predetermined values. A display of the imaging device provides information of the set value.

Abstract: Disclosed is an eye-start system that includes a light source adapted to be housed within a viewfinder of a device, and a light sensor also adapted to be housed within the device viewfinder, the light sensor being configured to sense light from the light source that reflects off of a user looking into the viewfinder. With this system, light reflected off of the user is sensed by the light sensor and, upon such an occurrence, a device action is activated.

Abstract: A camera divides a light beam having passed through a taking lens unit into two light beams. One light beam forms an image on a silver salt film. Another light beam forms an image on a CCD. A light path for said another light beam is provided with an aperture diaphragm. The taking lens unit has an aperture diaphragm. Said two aperture diaphragms are correlatively controlled by a controller incorporated in the camera.

Abstract: A camera phone and photographing method for a camera phone is provided which allows a camera phone to easily and precisely set a composition of a subject to be photographed. If a standard, preset composition guideline is not appropriate for a particular subject to be photographed, a user may select from a plurality of additional composition guidelines stored in a memory portion of the camera phone. These selections may be altered to select a particular subject by varying characteristics such as type, shape, and color, and may be further altered by adjusting coordinate values of the related composition guideline to further suit the particular subject to be photographed. This camera phone and photographing method provide enhanced precision and ease of use when both photographing with a camera phone and editing using various computer-related tools.

Abstract: A camera is made compact with its internal temperature adjusted to a more appropriate temperature. A temperature T is read from a temperature sensor disposed within the camera (S100) and it is judged whether or not the temperature T exceeds a threshold Tref1 (S102). When the temperature T exceeds the threshold Tref1, the operation of the camera is changed to a power-saving mode where the power consumption is lower than in the ordinary mode (S104). The threshold Tref1 is determined to be a rated temperature at which the camera can operate stably or a temperature lower than that. Thus, the temperature in the camera can be made appropriate.

Abstract: In an image sensing device in which a hinge mechanism is secured to the side face of the main body of the image sensing device and an image display unit for displaying a captured image is mounted by the hinge mechanism so as to be free to rotate, a light-emitting device for emitting light toward a subject is accommodated inside the hinge mechanism.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup apparatus body, an image recording/reproducing section placed on the right-hand side within the image pickup apparatus body when viewed in a photographing direction, an image-displaying monitor disposed on the left-hand side within the image pickup apparatus body when viewed in the photographing direction, and a power-supplying battery located on a side surface of the image pickup apparatus body.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus comprising an optical finder for optically displaying an object image, an image pickup device for receiving the object image and converting it into an image signal for photographing, an electronic finder for displaying the object image received by the image pickup device on the basis of the image signal converted by the image pickup device, a focal plane shutter for shielding the image pickup device from light, and a beam guide device for guiding a beam from the object to the optical finder and the image pickup device, and a control method and a control program applied to the image pickup apparatus, the beam from the object guided by the beam guide device is changed over from the optical finder to the image pickup device and the focal plane shutter is rendered into its opened state so that before photographing, the image pickup device can receive the object image displayed by the electronic finder.

Abstract: An image processor includes a zoom lens for performing optical zooming by moving in a first range, an imaging unit for converting an object image obtained via a zoom lens into an image signal, and an electronic zooming unit for performing an electronic zooming operation on the image signal. The electronic zooming unit performs the electronic zooming operation as a result of moving the zoom lens into a second range when the zoom lens is in the first range and outside the second range.

Abstract: An apparatus, a control method, and a control program which permit a first change operation of optically changing magnifications of a taken image and a second change operation of changing the magnifications by signal processing and in which a predetermined restriction that is not imposed on transition from the second change operation to the first change operation is imposed on transition from the first change operation to the second change operation.

Abstract: A modeless electronic imaging apparatus, such as a digital still camera, uses a touch-sensitive shutter button to automatically display “live” images from an image sensor whenever a user touches the shutter button. When the user is not touching the shutter button, the apparatus displays stored image data of the last stored image, or may display menu data according to actuation of system navigation buttons. The apparatus does not require the switching of modes between image capture mode and stored image display mode, but is always capable of image capture as well as stored image display.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying a virtual image superposed upon a real world image, which can automatically set the focus of a lens to the virtual image, a virtual world image object having a high importance degree or a real world image object having a high importance degree. The display apparatus has a lens for capturing light from a real world, a lens state control unit for controlling a state of the lens including a focus, a storage unit for storing computer image data, a computer image generation unit for generating a computer image by using the computer image data stored in the storage unit in accordance with lens state information of the lens state and the like; and a synthesis display unit for synthesizing an image captured via the lens and the generated computer image and displaying a synthetic image.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an apparatus which can match the brightness of an image displayed on a viewfinder with a target luminance level in actual exposure. To achieve this object, the apparatus has an image sensing sensor for converting an optical image into an image signal, a viewfinder for displaying the image signal obtained by the image sensing sensor, and a correction device for correcting the brightness of the viewfinder in accordance with the difference between the luminance level of the image signal obtained by the image sensing sensor, and a target luminance level.

Abstract: A viewfinder for mounting on a camera having a video signal tap, such as a professional video camera, to extend forwardly and laterally of the camera. A pivotable member is connected to a support base for selectively pivoting about a laterally extending axis and being selectively locked in any angular position. A viewing module is releasably connected to the pivotable member to extend rearwardly along the side of the camera and has a CRT facing rearwardly with an eyepiece for viewing the CRT. The viewing module has controls for the CRT on an outwardly facing surface for manually adjusting the controls. Cooperating and releasable electrical connectors are provided between the pivot member and the viewing module for transmitting video signals and electrical power therebetween. An extension member, either of a fixed length or telescoping, may be installed between the pivot member and the viewing module and has the same electrical connectors.

Abstract: The camera apparatus comprises a camera-body portion 1; a display pane 2 attached to the camera-body 1 as an outwardly fixing type with freely rotary operation; and a lens block 5 provided at the upper portion of the camera-body 1 and having a pop-up portion rotatable between a stored position within the camera-body 1 and a pop-up position by making a support-axis 14 as a support, wherein the lens block 5 is housed within the camera-body 1 when the camera is not in a taking-picture condition such that the lens surface protected by the outer body and lens block 5 is made up be a pop-up condition with an angle of a predetermined elevation-angle relative to the camera-body 1 when the camera is in a taking-picture condition.

Abstract: A finder apparatus which is used together with a photographing apparatus presents a marker for positioning for setting relative positions of the photographing apparatus and an object for calibration so as to be visually recognizable by an operator in a finder configured to present an image of a subject so as to be visually recognizable by the operator, when photographing the object for calibration including at least one of a known shape and a known surface attribute in order to acquire parameters of a photographing optical system of the photographing apparatus.

Abstract: In a camera and method, a white-compensator propagates neutral light at a preset color temperature independent of a displayed electronic image. The camera has a body and an electronic imager disposed in the body. The imager generates an electronic image responsive to an incident light image. A display is disposed on the outside of the body. The display is operatively connected to the imager. The white-compensator neighbors the display.

Abstract: A camera and method are usable for capturing images of scenes illuminated by ambient light. The camera has a body and an electronic imager disposed in the body. The electronic imager captures an ambient light image as a multicolored electronic image. A color detector is disposed in the body. The color detector measures the ambient light to provide a color value. A user interface disposed on the outside of said body, shows the electronic image and an indication of the color value. The indication is independent of the color balance of the electronic image.

Abstract: A camera includes a lens driving device and an image obtaining device. The lens driving device is formed from a lens holder that holds a lens and a driving device that moves the lens holder in an optical axis of the lens, wherein the lens holder is intermittently stoppable at least at two positions in the optical axis direction of the lens. The image obtaining device captures optical images of different magnifications at least at the two positions, and obtains zoom images at least between one of the optical images and the other of the optical images based on at least one of the optical images and electronic images generated based on the at least one of the optical images.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes: an image-capturing unit that creates an image by capturing an image of a subject; an enlarged image generating unit that creates an enlarged image by enlarging a portion of the image created by the image-capturing unit; an optical viewfinder that enables verification of a subject range corresponding to a range of the image created by the image-capturing unit; and a warning output unit that issues a warning when the enlarged image generating unit is in operation.

Abstract: A method of concealing image information in a digital camera includes determining whether to conceal image information during photographing an image using the digital camera, assigning a password to an image to be concealed, setting concealment, photographing an image, digitalizing the photographed image, and storing the digitalized image on a memory card, and not displaying the image set to be concealed on a display window in a reproduction mode.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus such as digital still camera and video camera having a lens barrel which is driven to extended-out and retracted-in positions. The apparatus comprises an external operation device externally operated by a user. When the image sensing apparatus is released from a disabled mode, the user is allowed to make a selection between cases where the optical system is positioned in the extended-out position and retracted-in position, through the operation device.

Abstract: A camera is provided that includes a camera housing and a TFT panel, which permits verification of a formed image, located on the back of the camera housing. A strobe unit and an electronic viewfinder unit are located in the upper part of the camera housing. The electronic viewfinder unit has a unit body including: a TFT panel permitting viewing of an object image; an eyepiece opposed to the back of the camera housing and used to view the object image displayed on the TFT panel; and a prism serving as an optical path conversion member that bends by a predetermined angle light emitted from an object image displayed on the TFT panel so as to route the light to the eyepiece, and adjoining the TFT panel and the eyepiece.

Abstract: An optical and electronic viewer of a camera has a body having entrance and exit openings and entrance and exit tunnels extending inward from respective openings. The body has a cross tunnel connecting the entrance and exit tunnels. An eyepiece is mounted at the exit opening and defines and eyepiece axis. An objective lens is mounted at the entrance opening and defines an objective axis. An electronic imager is disposed within the body, in optical alignment with the objective lens. A microdisplay is mounted in the exit tunnel interior to the eyepiece. First and second reflectors are disposed in the cross tunnel. The reflectors are aligned and are each movable, within the cross tunnel, between an optical-viewing position and a non-viewing position. The first reflector is aligned with the objective axis and the second reflector is aligned with the eyepiece axis in optical-viewing position. The reflectors are spaced from the axes and each other in non-viewing position.

Abstract: The invention proposes a camera 1 furnished with a flat screen viewfinder 4 which comprises a specific fixing system. The fixing system essentially comprises a boom 5 for connecting the viewfinder 4 and the camera body 2. The boom 5 is connected on the one hand to the camera body 2 and on the other hand to the viewfinder 4 by fixing means 6 and 7 allowing fine-tuning and positional retention. According to one embodiment, the boom 5 extends towards the rear of the camera 1 so that a possible position of the viewfinder 4 lies in the extension of the lens 3.

Abstract: An optical and electronic viewer of a camera has a body having entrance and exit openings and entrance and exit tunnels extending inward from respective openings. The body has a cross tunnel connecting the entrance and exit tunnels. An eyepiece is mounted at the exit opening and defines and eyepiece axis. An objective lens is mounted at the entrance opening and defines an objective axis. An electronic imager is disposed within the body, in optical alignment with the objective lens. A microdisplay is mounted in the exit tunnel interior to the eyepiece. First and second reflectors are disposed in the cross tunnel. The reflectors are aligned and are each movable, within the cross tunnel, between an optical-viewing position and a non-viewing position. The first reflector is aligned with the objective axis and the second reflector is aligned with the eyepiece axis in optical-viewing position. The reflectors are spaced from the axes and each other in non-viewing position.