Abstract: An image sensing device, such as an electronic camera, has different operating modes that are suited for sensing images of documents and sensing images of landscapes and the like. In the document mode, since information in the document is important, the image sensor is set at a maximum resolution. In the landscape mode, the resolution is varied in accordance with image brightness, to optimize the exposure conditions. Additional image processing is carried out in the document mode to enhance the sensed image and increase the efficiency with which memory is utilized.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control apparatus comprises a skin color extracting circuit for extracting a skin-colored portion from an input video signal and a focus condition detecting circuit for detecting a focus condition of the skin-colored portion. Exposure is controlled based on outputs of the two circuits. That is, when a skin-colored portion is extracted and it is detected that the skin-colored portion is in an in-focus condition, exposure is controlled so as to be appropriate with respect to the skin-colored portion. A skin color correction unit can correct colors corresponding to the skin color from the video signal.

Abstract: An image sensing device that provides image data to an external device adjusts the resolution at which the image is sensed in accordance with format requirements of the external device. The format requirements of the external device can be automatically detected, or entered by a user. The operating parameters of a line sensor, to scan the image in a subscanning direction, are varied in accordance with the format requirements. These operating parameters can be the integration cycle of the sensor, and/or the speed at which the image is optically scanned past the sensor.

Abstract: An imaging device, such as an electric camera, in which an optical image of an object is converted into a set of image data. The device includes a line sensor and an area sensor. A lens system impinges the optical image onto the line and area sensors, where the first and second data are produced, respectively. At this time, a scanning mechanism moves the line sensor relative to the optical image to scan the optical image. The first and second data is then synthesized into the image data to be output.