Abstract: An image processing apparatus which can increase processing speed, reduce memory access load, and enhance ease of control in image processing. Coordinate computations through different geometric deformations are performed on respective pixels of an input image, thus calculating post-geometric deformation coordinates and coordinate moving vectors. Geometric deformation parameters for geometric deformations are output to a plurality of coordinate computation units connected in series. The coordinate moving vectors are collectively combined together to generate combined coordinate moving vectors, based on which coordinates of pixels in an image to be output are converted into coordinates of the pixels of the input image. The coordinate computations are performed based on the coordinates of the pixels of the input image and the geometric deformation parameters.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of highly efficiently realizing optical corrections of various aberrations while reducing the load imposed on a central processing unit (CPU). A plurality of optical correction units apply optical correction processes to a plurality of aberrations in an optical system. A time period assigned for the optical correction processes and a time period required for the optical correction processes are acquired. Priorities of the plurality of optical correction units are decided if the time period required for the optical correction processes is longer than the time period assigned for the optical correction processes. The plurality of optical correction units execute the optical correction processes according to the decided priorities.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus such as a digital camera and a method of controlling the same is provided. In one embodiment, the digital camera generates an HDR image by combining two of a plurality of images to be combined for normal HDR processing. Before image combining operation, the digital camera converts the tone characteristics of at least one of the two images so as to assign more tone values to a tone area of an entire tone area of the HDR image which is not properly covered by either of the two images than before conversion.

Abstract: The correction amount of an aberration caused in each pixel of the region by the optical system is calculated. A predetermined number of peripheral pixels center on a position apart from the pixel by the distance corresponding to the calculated aberration correction amount are multiplied by interpolation coefficients obtained from an interpolation function and added, thereby deriving the pixel value at the pixel position after correction. If the predetermined number of peripheral pixels around the position apart by the distance corresponding to the calculated aberration correction amount are not present in the readout region, aberration correction is implemented by changing the interpolation function.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which can increase processing speed, reduce memory access load, and enhance ease of control in image processing. Coordinate computations through different geometric deformations are performed on respective pixels of an input image, thus calculating post-geometric deformation coordinates and coordinate moving vectors. Geometric deformation parameters for geometric deformations are output to a plurality of coordinate computation units connected in series. The coordinate moving vectors are collectively combined together to generate combined coordinate moving vectors, based on which coordinates of pixels in an image to be output are converted into coordinates of the pixels of the input image. The coordinate computations are performed based on the coordinates of the pixels of the input image and the geometric deformation parameters.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus capable of operating an imaging unit in a plurality of shooting modes is provided. In response to designation of one or more keywords related to a shooting scene by a user, one or more of the plurality of shooting modes, which correspond to the one or more keywords, are selected. In shooting, a shooting scene is determined based on an image signal generated by the imaging unit. Shooting parameters are generated based on the one or more selected shooting modes and the determined shooting scene. The operation of the imaging unit is controlled using the generated shooting parameters.

Abstract: The correction amount of an aberration caused in each pixel of the region by the optical system is calculated. A predetermined number of peripheral pixels center on a position apart from the pixel by the distance corresponding to the calculated aberration correction amount are multiplied by interpolation coefficients obtained from an interpolation function and added, thereby deriving the pixel value at the pixel position after correction. If the predetermined number of peripheral pixels around the position apart by the distance corresponding to the calculated aberration correction amount are not present in the readout region, aberration correction is implemented by changing the interpolation function.

Abstract: The correction amount of an aberration caused in each pixel of the region by the optical system is calculated. A predetermined number of peripheral pixels center on a position apart from the pixel by the distance corresponding to the calculated aberration correction amount are multiplied by interpolation coefficients obtained from an interpolation function and added, thereby deriving the pixel value at the pixel position after correction. If the predetermined number of peripheral pixels around the position apart by the distance corresponding to the calculated aberration correction amount are not present in the readout region, aberration correction is implemented by changing the interpolation function.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of highly efficiently realizing optical corrections of various aberrations while reducing the load imposed on a central processing unit (CPU). A plurality of optical correction units apply optical correction processes to a plurality of aberrations in an optical system. A time period assigned for the optical correction processes and a time period required for the optical correction processes are acquired. Priorities of the plurality of optical correction units are decided if the time period required for the optical correction processes is longer than the time period assigned for the optical correction processes. The plurality of optical correction units execute the optical correction processes according to the decided priorities.

Abstract: In an image sensing apparatus, an image sensing unit generates image data formed via an optical member, a storage unit stores correction information for correcting deterioration of image quality of the image data, a reading unit reads correction information corresponding to a plurality of setting values close to a parameter used to control the optical member from the correction information stored in the storage unit, a conversion unit converts a pixel position of the image data to polar coordinates, a generation unit generates correction information by interpolating the read correction information, and a correction unit corrects the image data at the pixel position at the polar coordinates using the correction information. The storage unit stores correction information corresponding to more polar angles in a range having a greater degree of change in the deterioration of image quality in an angular direction centered on the optical axis of the optical member.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus such as a digital camera and a method of controlling the same is provided. In one embodiment, the digital camera generates an HDR image by combining two of a plurality of images to be combined for normal HDR processing. Before image combining operation, the digital camera converts the tone characteristics of at least one of the two images so as to assign more tone values to a tone area of an entire tone area of the HDR image which is not properly covered by either of the two images than before conversion.

Abstract: The gradients of a reference image signal and suppression target image signals are respectively detected. Suppression coefficients are computed according to functions defined based on the magnitude relationship among the gradient value of the reference image signal and those of the suppression target image signals. The reference image signal is weighted according to the suppression coefficients, the weighted signals are combined with the corresponding suppression target image signals, and the combined signals are output as color component signals after color fringing suppression. Then, color fringing can be effectively corrected while suppressing correction errors.

Abstract: The correction amount of an aberration caused in each pixel of the region by the optical system is calculated. A predetermined number of peripheral pixels center on a position apart from the pixel by the distance corresponding to the calculated aberration correction amount are multiplied by interpolation coefficients obtained from an interpolation function and added, thereby deriving the pixel value at the pixel position after correction. If the predetermined number of peripheral pixels around the position apart by the distance corresponding to the calculated aberration correction amount are not present in the readout region, aberration correction is implemented by changing the interpolation function.

Abstract: In an image sensing apparatus, an image sensing unit generates image data formed via an optical member, a storage unit stores correction information for correcting deterioration of image quality of the image data, a reading unit reads correction information corresponding to a plurality of setting values close to a parameter used to control the optical member from the correction information stored in the storage unit, a conversion unit converts a pixel position of the image data to polar coordinates, a generation unit generates correction information by interpolating the read correction information, and a correction unit corrects the image data at the pixel position at the polar coordinates using the correction information. The storage unit stores correction information corresponding to more polar angles in a range having a greater degree of change in the deterioration of image quality in an angular direction centered on the optical axis of the optical member.

Abstract: The gradients of a reference image signal and suppression target image signals are respectively detected. Suppression coefficients are computed according to functions defined based on the magnitude relationship among the gradient value of the reference image signal and those of the suppression target image signals. The reference image signal is weighted according to the suppression coefficients, the weighted signals are combined with the corresponding suppression target image signals, and the combined signals are output as color component signals after color fringing suppression. Then, color fringing can be effectively corrected while suppressing correction errors.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a monitor for displaying a menu screen, a menu button for operating a menu on the menu screen, a hardware key such as a button for setting a picture-taking condition, and a storage medium removably mounted in a body of the image pickup apparatus for storing picture data. The image pickup apparatus stores in the storage medium an operation control file in which information on contents of actions associated with operation of the menu button or the hardware key is stored. Further, the image pickup apparatus reads the operation control file stored in the storage medium and changes the actions associated with operation of the menu button or the hardware key according to information stored in the operation control file.

Abstract: In an image sensing apparatus using a non-interlace scanning type image sensing element, image data as well as a signal indicating whether the image data is sensed in a mode which is suitable for sensing a moving image (field image sensing mode) or sensed in a mode which is suitable for sensing a still image (frame image sensing mode) are recorded in a recording medium. In reproducing the image data from the recording medium, in a case where the recorded image data is sensed in the frame image sensing mode and a moving image output is required, an interpolation filter controller controls an interpolation filter to generate and output field images interpolated between consecutive frame images on the basis of the reproduced even or odd line field image data of the two consecutive frame images, thereby obtaining a smooth moving image.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a monitor for displaying a menu screen, a menu button for operating a menu on the menu screen, a hardware key such as a button for setting a picture-taking condition, and a storage medium removably mounted in a body of the image pickup apparatus for storing picture data. The image pickup apparatus stores in the storage medium an operation control file in which information on contents of actions associated with operation of the menu button or the hardware key is stored. Further, the image pickup apparatus reads the operation control file stored in the storage medium and changes the actions associated with operation of the menu button or the hardware key according to information stored in the operation control file.

Abstract: Two image signals from a non-interlace scanning type CCD at predetermined horizontal and vertical sampling frequencies are respectively inputted to automatic gain controllers, then to a color separator where the input signals are separated into luminance signal and color difference signals. The luminance signal is processed by a two-dimensional filter which traps frequency components having ½ of the horizontal and vertical sampling frequencies. Accordingly, a variation in amplification characteristics of the automatic gain controllers is compensated as a variation of luminance signals having Nyquist frequencies in the horizontal and vertical directions. Thereby, bad effect due to variations in amplification characteristics of the automatic gain controllers is reduced even through two output signals from the non-interlace scanning type CCD are processed by the respective automatic gain controllers.

Abstract: In an image sensing apparatus using a non-interlace scanning type image sensing element, image data as well as a signal indicating whether the image data is sensed in a mode which is suitable for sensing a moving image (field image sensing mode) or sensed in a mode which is suitable for sensing a still image (frame image sensing mode) are recorded in a recording medium. In reproducing the image data from the recording medium, in a case where the recorded image data is sensed in the frame image sensing mode and a moving image output is required, an interpolation filter controller controls an interpolation filter to generate and output field images interpolated between consecutive frame images on the basis of the reproduced even or odd line field image data of the two consecutive frame images, thereby obtaining a smooth moving image.