Abstract: The digital camera includes: a storage unit that stores a plurality of images captured by an image sensor when a multiple exposure photographic mode is set; a gain impartation unit that imparts, to the plurality of captured images, gains based upon the number of shots of multiple exposure photography and determined so that their sum equals unity; and a combination unit that creates a multiple exposure photographic image by combining the plurality of images, after the gains have been imparted by the gain impartation unit.

Abstract: A signal processing unit or an electronic camera according to the present invention performs signal processing on an output signal from an image pickup part in the order of horizontal shading correction and OB clamp. In the horizontal shading correction, shading correction is also pre-performed on a lateral OB signal serving as a standard of the OB clamp. The OB clamp is performed using the shading-corrected lateral OB signal as a standard, whereby a noise generated due to shading correction can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes an image pickup device, a partial image area position detecting section, a maximal image correcting value output section, and an image processing section. The image pickup device includes a light-receiving plane photoelectrically converting a subject image, and reads any partial image area from a maximal image area used to generate an image with maximum pixel numbers on the plane. The partial image area position detecting section detects positional data on the partial image area according to the maximal image area. The maximal image correcting value output section outputs maximal image correcting values, that are set based on the entire characteristic of the maximal image area and used for image processing image signals of the maximal image area. The image processing section extracts applied correcting values based on positional data and performs image processing on image signals of the partial image area using the applied correcting values.

Abstract: An electronic camera of the present invention includes an image pickup device, a positional data generating section, a memory, and an image processing section. The image pickup device includes a light-receiving plane photoelectrically converting a subject image. On the image pickup device any given partial image area is readable from a maximal image area. The positional data generating section generates positional data on the partial image area to the maximal image area. The memory holds a first edge enhancing filter used for data on the entire image and a second edge enhancing filter whose filter size is set smaller than that of the first edge enhancing filter. The image processing section performs, using the second edge enhancing filter, edge enhancement processing on data on a partial image extracted from the partial image area based on the positional data.

Abstract: A CCD captures a subject image having passed through a taking lens and an image processing circuit performs various types of image pre-treatment including gamma correction and white balance on image data corresponding to n lines×m rows output by the CCD. The image processing circuit also performs format processing on the data. The data are then compressed at a compression circuit. The white balance adjustment and the like are implemented in line sequence at a line processing circuit which engages in signal processing in pixel sequence in units of individual lines in the output from the CCD. The image data having undergone the pre-treatment are then subjected to format processing prior to JPEG compression, at a block processing circuit that engages in signal processing in units of individual blocks each ranging over an n×m (N>n, M>m) block. In other words, the signal processing is performed in block sequence.

Abstract: A CCD captures a subject image having passed through a taking lens and an image processing circuit performs various types of image pre-treatment including gamma correction and white balance on image data corresponding to n lines×m rows output by the CCD. The image processing circuit also performs format processing on the data. The data are then compressed at a compression circuit. The white balance adjustment and the like are implemented in line sequence at a line processing circuit which engages in signal processing in pixel sequence in units of individual lines in the output from the CCD. The image data having undergone the pre-treatment are then subjected to format processing prior to JPEG compression, at a block processing circuit that engages in signal processing in units of individual blocks each ranging over an n×m (N>n, M>m) block. In other words, the signal processing is performed in block sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a signal processing device for removing image noise. The device includes a first storage part for recording first image data captured from a field of view, a second storage part for recording second image data captured under a different light-receiving condition, and a processing part for reading and performing data processing on the first and second image data. Particularly, the processing part determines the noise situation of each pixel in the image sensor, and in accordance with the noise situation, selectively performs, pixel by pixel, the replacement processing for replacing an output value of the first image data with an output value of a proximate pixel of the same hue as the first image data, and subtracting processing for subtracting the output value of the second image data from the output value of the first image data.

Abstract: An image processing system can obtain images exhibiting colors desired by a user, while minimizing his/her efforts required for edit operations. The image processing system includes an imaging device and an information-processing device. The information-processing device includes: an input unit inputting, from the exterior, information indicative of a type of color transformation processing desired by the user; a parameter-creating unit that refers to the input information to create at least one parameter necessary for providing the color transformation processing to image data; and a transmitting unit transmitting information of the created parameter to the exterior. The imaging device includes: a receiving unit receiving the information of the parameter from the exterior; a storage unit storing the received information of the parameter; and a setting unit that refers to the information stored in the storage unit to perform a setting necessary for the color transformation processing using the parameter.

Abstract: Image data photographed by an image capturing apparatus is temporarily stored in a volatile memory. The volatile memory temporarily is supplied with power from a battery to store the image data temporarily. The remaining capacity of the battery is detected, and a maintainable time of the image data maintained in the volatile memory is calculated based on the detected remaining capacity of the battery. The calculated maintainable time is displayed on a display.

Abstract: An electronic camera of the present invention includes an image pickup device, a positional data generating section, a memory, and an image processing section. The image pickup device includes a light-receiving plane photoelectrically converting a subject image. On the image pickup device any given partial image area is readable from a maximal image area. The positional data generating section generates positional data on the partial image area to the maximal image area. The memory holds a first edge enhancing filter used for data on the entire image and a second edge enhancing filter whose filter size is set smaller than that of the first edge enhancing filter. The image processing section performs, using the second edge enhancing filter, edge enhancement processing on data on a partial image extracted from the partial image area based on the positional data.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes an image pickup device, a partial image area position detecting section, a maximal image correcting value output section, and an image processing section. The image pickup device includes a light-receiving plane photoelectrically converting a subject image, and reads any partial image area from a maximal image area used to generate an image with maximum pixel numbers on the plane. The partial image area position detecting section detects positional data on the partial image area according to the maximal image area. The maximal image correcting value output section outputs maximal image correcting values, that are set based on the entire characteristic of the maximal image area and used for image processing image signals of the maximal image area. The image processing section extracts applied correcting values based on positional data and performs image processing on image signals of the partial image area using the applied correcting values.

Abstract: The noise reduction device includes an image storage unit, a blackout image processing unit, and a noise processing unit. The image storage unit captures image data obtained by imaging a field with an image sensor, and stores the image data therein. The blackout image processing unit captures blackout image data obtained by imaging by the image sensor that is shaded, and extracts a specific noise component of the blackout image data. The noise processing unit reduces a noise in the image data based on the specific noise component of the blackout image data.

Abstract: A signal processing unit or an electronic camera according to the present invention performs signal processing on an output signal from an image pickup part in the order of horizontal shading correction and OB clamp. In the horizontal shading correction, shading correction is also pre-performed on a lateral OB signal serving as a standard of the OB clamp. The OB clamp is performed using the shading-corrected lateral OB signal as a standard, whereby a noise generated due to shading correction can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: An image processing system can obtain images exhibiting colors desired by a user, while minimizing his/her efforts required for edit operations. The image processing system includes an imaging device and an information-processing device. The information-processing device includes: an input unit inputting, from the exterior, information indicative of a type of color transformation processing desired by the user; a parameter-creating unit that refers to the input information to create at least one parameter necessary for providing the color transformation processing to image data; and a transmitting unit transmitting information of the created parameter to the exterior. The imaging device includes: a receiving unit receiving the information of the parameter from the exterior; a storage unit storing the received information of the parameter; and a setting unit that refers to the information stored in the storage unit to perform a setting necessary for the color transformation processing using the parameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a signal processing device for removing image noise. The device includes a first storage part for recording first image data captured from a field of view, a second storage part for recording second image data captured under a different light-receiving condition, and a processing part for reading and performing data processing on the first and second image data. Particularly, the processing part determines the noise situation of each pixel in the image sensor, and in accordance with the noise situation, selectively performs, pixel by pixel, the replacement processing for replacing an output value of the first image data with an output value of a proximate pixel of the same hue as the first image data, and subtracting processing for subtracting the output value of the second image data from the output value of the first image data.

Abstract: Image data photographed by an image capturing apparatus is temporarily stored in a volatile memory. The volatile memory temporarily is supplied with power from a battery to store the image data temporarily. The remaining capacity of the battery is detected, and a maintainable time of the image data maintained in the volatile memory is calculated based on the detected remaining capacity of the battery. The calculated maintainable time is displayed on a display.

Abstract: A stepping motor driving device which is capable of correcting a micro step moving angle during micro step driving. This stepping motor driving device includes a motor control portion for giving instruction as to a moving amount, a CPU for outputting the number of motor drive pulses according to a moving amount instructed by the motor control portion, a motor drive circuit for driving a motor according to the motor drive pulses and a memory for storing a pulse number showing an actual moving angle closest to an ideal moving angle as a correction pulse number corresponding to a micro step angle based on an error between an actual moving angle and the ideal moving amount with respect to each micro step angle within a full step angle. The CPU outputs pulses in the correction pulse number stored in the memory correspondingly to the micro step angle to the motor drive circuit in order to perform micro step driving by the micro step angle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for efficiently installing lines, pipes or cables underground. In operation, a boring head which forms an elongated bore underground along with the movement of a boring device is disposed underground. A flat plastic sheet is continuously reeled out and is formed into a rigid plastic tube. A hauling rope is simultaneously reeled out into the rigid plastic tube, such plastic tube and hauling rope have their front extremities connected to the rear end of the boring head. The plastic tube is continuously installed underground along with the movement of the boring head. The movement of the boring head also provides simultaneous extending of the hauling rope in and along a installed plastic tube. The front portion of the line, pipe or cable is connected to the tail portion of the extended hauling rope. Finally, only the hauling rope is pulled or hauled within and along the plastic tube so as to install the line, pipe or cable in and along the plastic tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming and installing underground drainpipe in subterranean passages. The pipe is formed from a web of porous or non-porous sheet plastic which is drawn from a dispensing roll through curling and shaping devices protected by a transparent shield to provide a tube, these devices being mounted on a frame positionable in a trench or other depression in the soil. The end of the tube is attached to a mole at the end of a power driven blade, with the mole forming an underground passage for the following tube. Tensioning and positioning rollers are carried on the frame to feed the web to the tube forming devices at a predetermined angle and tension. A pressor roller and its support bracket interengage complimentary tongues and slots formed along the edges of the web for holding the web in its tubular form.