Abstract: In an automatic shooting mode, a CPU of a digital camera displays on an LCD a number setting display for setting the number of people to be taken. After the number of people to be taken is set, a through image taken by the CCD is stored in a frame memory and displayed on the LCD. A face detecting section detects and counts faces contained in the through image, and outputs the number of faces as the number of detected people to a number matching section. The number matching section judges whether the set number stored in the frame memory matches the detected number input from the face detecting section. When the number matching section judges that the numbers match each other, the CPU performs an image-taking processing after AF control and AE control.

Abstract: A plurality of strands (7) of sectorial cross-section is stranded around a central core such as an optical fiber conductor. First, a rigid type stranding machine is used to impart a spiral twist to each strand (7). Then, the twisted strand (7) is heat-treated or otherwise treated to remove any stress caused by the twisting. These strands are then fed to a planetary type stranding machine which provides a planetary motion in which the strands perform an orbital rotation around the optical fiber core of an optical conductor or conductors without rotation about its own axis, whereby the strands are stranded together on the optical fiber core.

Abstract: A method of stranding profiled strands comprises the steps of stranding a plurality of profiled strands (7) together around an optical fiber conductor or cable (2) which serves as a central core while imparting twist to each profiled strand by the use of a rigid type stranding machine, and then heat-treating the strands (7) along with the optical fiber conductor or cable (2) so as to remove strains or stress from the heat treated strands.