Abstract: A method of managing user data-files in a portable digital apparatus capable of inserting and ejecting a recording medium and having a display device includes the steps of generating representative voice files and data-files in a particular (i.e., corresponding) directory according to manipulation of a user, indices according to an order of generation of the representative voice files and the data-files being sequentially included in names of the representative voice files and the data-files (a file generation step), grouping the data-files by unit of the representative voice file according to the indices of the representative voice files and the data-files (a group generation step), and displaying representative data-files of the respective groups in the particular directory and reproducing the representative voice file corresponding to a group to which the representative data-file selected by the user belongs (a display and reproduction step).

Abstract: Provided are an improved solid-state image-sensing device for averaging sub-sampled analog signals and a method for driving the same. The solid-state image-sensing device receives a video signal from each pixel column and converts the video signal into a digital signal while a switch for averaging is turned off when the solid-state image-sensing device captures a still image. When the solid-state image-sensing device photographs a moving picture, one of two CDS circuits receives a signal corresponding to an average of video signals of columns having the same color pixel and converts the signal into a digital signal using the switch turned on.

Abstract: In an initial stage where an image obtained by image sensing is displayed, image data in a resolution depending on an image display area of display unit is displayed, thereby a high response can be maintained with respect to a request to display a next image or the like. Further, if a request with an enlargement ratio higher than that in the initial stage has been made, a display image is generated based on image data in a high resolution, thereby a user's request for enlarged display or the like can be fulfilled. When an image (JPEG file) stored in a recording medium is to be displayed, low resolution image data in 640×480 pixel size equivalent to the resolution of the display unit and high resolution image data in an original high resolution indicated with the image file are generated. In the initial stage, the low resolution image data is displayed. If an enlargement request has been made, partial image data cut out from the high resolution image data is resized and is displayed.

Abstract: A digital camera has a storage medium which stores imagedata and a DPOF associated with a print process of the image data, acquires information associated with the function of a printer upon connection of that printer, sets a CDPS job command associated with the print process of the image data on the basis of the acquired information associated with the functions, sets a print condition for the printer on the basis of the DPOF and CDPS command, and sends a print instruction. The printer acquires image data stored in the storage medium in accordance with the designated print condition and prints the image data.

Abstract: An electronic imaging apparatus includes an imaging optical system which forms an optical image of an object. A photoelectric conversion element converts the optical image into an electric signal. The optical element is arranged between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion element. An excitation unit vibrates the optical element at a set frequency, and vibrates the optical element at least in in accordance with the mounting of an accessory device.

Abstract: A flicker noise detecting method that shortens the time for detecting flicker noise. The method sets two of a plurality of horizontal lines forming a frame as average brightness calculation regions that are separated from each other by the predetermined number of the horizontal lines, calculates an average brightness of the two average brightness calculation regions for each of three frames, multiplies each average brightness by a product sum calculation coefficient, and adds the products to generate a sum and generate a detection signal of flicker noise based on the sum. The product sum calculation coefficient is obtained by plotting one cycle of a sine wave and one cycle of a cosine wave at intervals of ?/3.

Abstract: A lens unit consists of a plurality of lens frames, a stepping motor, and a driving control unit. The plurality of lens frames for holding an imaging optical system lies in a lens barrel and moves over a stowage interval and a zoom interval. The stowage interval is an interval between a position of stowage at which the lens frames are stowed and a ready-to-image position at which imaging is enabled. The zoom interval is an interval over which the ready-to-image position exists and a power varying action is executed. The stepping motor moves the plurality of lens frames. During execution of a thrusting action or storing action, the driving control unit drives and controls the stepping motor in a first driving mode. The thrusting action is executed for moving the plurality of lens frames from the position of stowage to the ready-to-image position. The stowing action is executed for moving the lens frames from any position within the zoom interval to the position of stowage.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus can provide final image data with a good quality irrespective of overexposure or underexposure. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit capturing a subject image to produce image data, a conversion unit performing a gradation conversion on the image data, a modification unit determining the level of brightness of the image data before the gradation conversion, and modifying input/output characteristics for the gradation conversion on the image data when a brightness level of the image data is lower than a reference level of brightness. The input/output characteristics include a gamma characteristic portion and a knee characteristic portion. The modification unit modifies the input/output characteristics such that output level is increased within a range of part of input level corresponding at least to the gamma characteristic portion, in comparison with the input/output characteristics of the image data with the reference level of brightness.

Abstract: An image unsharpness test method for a camera device, wherein firstly, during the focusing stage of an electronic camera device, the image with the highest sharpness is selected to be a contrast image; next, the contrast image is compared with a captured image to obtain the sharpness difference is too great, the captured image is determined to unsharp; vice versa, if the difference is very small, the captured image is determined to be sharp. Thereby, the image unsharpness test method for a camera device of the present invention not only can determine whether a captured is sharp enough but also can reduce the photographic errors and promote photographic efficiency.

Abstract: A photographing device comprises a detecting unit for extracting at least one characteristic point in each image of multiple images and detecting movement of the characteristic point on another image as to a characteristic point on a reference image; a coordinate converting unit for performing coordinates conversion of the other image so as to match the characteristic point on the other image with the characteristic point on the reference image based on the detected results of the detecting unit; a synthesizing unit for synthesizing the reference image and the other image subjected to coordinates conversion by the coordinate converting unit; a determining unit for determining whether or not the characteristic points from the multiple images acquired by the image sensor can be extracted by the detecting unit; and a warning unit for warning users when the determining unit cannot extract characteristic points. A user-friendly photographing device can thus be provided.

Abstract: A stable display of an image on a screen with no motion blur which is obtained without providing a camera with a sensor for detecting vibration. A vehicle-mounted camera apparatus detects vibrations transferred to a vehicle from signals detected by a road surface sensor 4c that detects variation of force applied to a piston rod 6a of a shock absorber 6 constituting a suspension of the vehicle and corrects image motion blur based on the detected vibrations. This allows stable display of the image, with no motion blur, on the screen without providing the camera with a sensor for detecting vibration.

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

Abstract: A paper cartridge for a detachable printer unit of a camera, the camera including a casing having an elongate socket that is open at one end and closed at the other end; a first industry standard interface located at the closed end of the socket; a printer unit including a printhead, the printer unit being received within the socket, the printer unit having a second interface compatible with the first interface, whereby the printer unit is detachably engaged with the casing by inserting the unit into the socket to engage the first and second interfaces together; the paper cartridge being configured for holding a plurality of individual pages, wherein, when the printer unit is engaged in the socket, substantially the entire paper cartridge is located within the socket.

Abstract: A camera module package includes an image sensor module that can be formed as a chip scale package (CSP) with a wire bonding structure. The image sensor module includes an image sensing device unit having an image sensing device, a pixel area part formed on a surface of the image sensing device, and a device connecting pad formed on a surface of the image sensing device for electrically connecting to external devices; a circuit board to which the image sensing device unit is attached on one surface, to which a board connecting pad that is electrically connected to the image sensing device unit is formed on the other surface, and that contains holes corresponding to locations of the pixel area part and the device connecting pad; and a connecting unit for connecting the device connecting pad and the board connecting pad.

Abstract: An area image sensor outputs the difference between charges received by light-receiving cells arranged in an array pattern. A system controller generates a timing signal for generating a pulse or modulation signal. A control signal generator generates a control signal for separately controlling the light-receiving timings of the light-receiving cells of the area image sensor on the basis of the timing signal from the system controller. A light emitting controller controls a light source to generate light, the intensity of which changes on the basis of the timing signal from the system controller. A reflected light image processor extracts a reflected image of an object from the difference outputted from the area image sensor.

Abstract: The image capturing apparatus extracts and records an effective image Ap from a captured image Ao obtained by imaging of incident light from a subject on an image capturing element by an optical system composed of optical members. When an angle of view of an image that is to be recorded is large, the image capturing apparatus adjusts an angle of view of the effective image Ap by an optical zoom unit and records the effective image Ap while correcting camera shake by a mechanical camera-shake correction unit. Only when a magnification of the optical zoom unit for the captured image Ao is maximal, the image capturing apparatus further adjusts the angle of view of the effective image Ap by an electronic zoom unit and records the effective image Ap while correcting camera shake by an electronic camera-shake correction unit.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image detector includes a sensitive semiconductor layer for converting optical information or radiological information corresponding to a two-dimensional image of a detection subject into electrical charge information; an active matrix substrate for retrieving the electrical charge information converted on the sensitive semiconductor layer; an amplifying electric circuit portion for amplifying the electrical charge information retrieved on the active matrix substrate and converting the electrical charge information into an electrical signal for an image; a disturbance-causing member attached to one side of the amplifying electric circuit portion which may cause a disturbance in the electrical signal. A first disturbance blocking buffer is disposed between the disturbance-causing member and the amplifying electric circuit portion for blocking the disturbance.

Abstract: To provide an auto white balance apparatus capable of performing stable white balance adjustment. A parent block is divided into child blocks by a block-dividing circuit 110, and a typical value is calculated every child block by a typical-value calculating circuit 120, and then the distance between the typical color difference component of each parent block and the typical color difference component of each child block is obtained on a color difference plane. A child block satisfying a condition equal to or less than a threshold value S is selected to recalculate reliability of a parent blocks by using only selected child blocks. Moreover, a white balance evaluating circuit 130 corrects reliabilities of parent blocks in accordance with the number of unselected child blocks.

Abstract: A printing system is constructed of an image transmitting apparatus that has a non-contact ID tag permitting non-contact reading and transmits image data by a different communication method from that for the non-contact ID tag, and a printing apparatus that receives the image data transmitted from the image transmitting apparatus, prints an image based on the image data, reads ID information regarding the image transmitting apparatus from the non-contact ID tag, and outputs a printing, which is generated by a printing unit, on the basis of the ID information.

Abstract: Processing of a mosaic digital image includes interpolating values of a first color at pixels where the first color was not sampled. The interpolation of the first color value at a given pixel includes determining likelihoods of the given pixel belonging to the same region as each of at least two other pixels having sampled values of the first color. The other pixels are in different directions relative to the given pixel. The interpolation further includes using the likelihoods and the sampled values of the other pixels to interpolate the first color at the given pixel.