Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for an automatic chromatic aberration correction. The method comprises the steps of setting a range of test correction factors, applying the test correction factors of the range, incrementally, to a test block of the image, measuring chromatic aberration error at the test block after application of each of the test correction factors, and selecting a test correction factor having a lowest chromatic aberration error.

Abstract: Quality of an image inputted from a video input terminal is adjusted at an image processing unit using a parameter set fitted for the image selected from a plurality of parameter sets received in a parameter set receiving unit. The using parameter set is stored in a parameter memory. A scene judging unit generates a hue histogram of each frame. When a change of the parameter set is necessary, a parameter mixing unit gradually replaces values of the parameter set stored in the parameter memory with a new parameter set selected by a selector. The replaced parameter set is stored in the parameter memory and is used in the image processing unit for adjusting the image quality.

Abstract: The first values of position and orientation of an image sensing device are obtained by using positions of all indices in a frame image. Indices having the same inherent information between a first index group (FIG) in the frame image and a second index group (SIG) in a preceding frame image are detected as a common index. If the information of the SIG contains information different from that of the FIG, second values of the position and orientation are obtained by using the positions of the common indices in the preceding frame image. If the information of the FIG contains information different from that of the SIG, third values of the position and orientation are obtained by using the positions of the common indices in the frame image. The first values are corrected by using correction values based on the obtained first to third values.

Abstract: Methods, machines, and machine-readable media for processing multiple exposure source images, including a reference image and one or more non-reference images, are described. In one aspect, respective sets of motion vectors that establish correspondences between respective pairs of the source images are calculated. Ones of the source images are warped to a reference coordinate system based on the sets of motion vectors. For each of the non-reference ones of the warped images, a respective set of one or more measures of alignment confidence between the non-reference warped image and the reference image in the reference coordinate system is computed. Saturated pixels and unsaturated pixels are identified in the warped images. An output image with pixel value contributions from unsaturated pixels in the warped images is generated based on the computed alignment confidence measures.

Abstract: A framework is disclosed for robust click-point linking, defined as estimating a single point-wise correspondence between a pair of data domains given a user-specified point in one domain. It can also be interpreted as robust and efficient interactive localized registration of a monomodal data pair. To link visually dissimilar local regions, the concept of Geometric Configuration Context (GCC) is introduced. GCC represents the spatial likelihood of the point corresponding to the click-point in the other domain. A set of scale-invariant saliency features are pre-computed for both data, and GCC is modeled by a Gaussian mixture whose component mean and width are determined as a function of the neighboring saliency features and their correspondences. This allows correspondence of dissimilar parts using only geometrical relations without comparing the local appearances. GCC models are derived for three transformation classes: 1) pure translation, 2) scaling and translation, and 3) similarity transformation.

Abstract: An image processing device is disclosed that classifies images in an image database and displays the classified images for searching, and is able to easily narrow a range of candidate images and improve operability. The image processing device includes a first classification unit, a display image controller that generates a display image for displaying a status of the classification performed by the first classification unit; a second classification unit that enables a user to select one or more categories included in the display image, and classifies image documents included in a selected category; a detection unit that detects a searching status; and a classification key selection unit that selects a classification key for the second classification unit in response to detection results of the detection unit.

Abstract: A feature extracting unit obtains sensor data from a plurality of sensors to calculate each feature. When an event determining unit determines the occurrence of an event based on each feature, a display data constructor generates remote-controller display data for displaying the event, and controls a remote-controller display device to display the remote-controller display data. When a user decision is input from a user input if based on this display, a control unit controls the sensors to be turned ON or OFF. When an infrared sensor detects an abnormality, a microwave sensor whose power consumption is small after the infrared sensor is turned ON. When the microwave sensor detects an abnormality, a video camera and a microphone are turned ON, and the microwave sensor is turned OFF. A communication unit wirelessly transmits an image signal captured by the video camera and an audio signal processed by the microphone.

Abstract: A multi-handle utility bag comprising a durable outer body and underframe, multiple handles, and a series of externally-disposed pockets. Extending from the peripheral lip or mouth of the bag are two pairs of diametrically-opposed handles, wherein the first pair of handles enables single-person carriage of the bag, whereas the second pair of handles enables, at a minimum, two-person in-line or side-by-side carriage of the bag.

Abstract: A pouch is defined by first and second panels of a flexible laminate. The first and second panels each have an outside first face, an inside first face and a barrier layer disposed between the outside first face and the inside first face. The pouch has first and second gusset portions each having an inside face, a gusset outside face and a barrier layer disposed between the inside face and the outside face. A bottom portion of the inside face of the first panel is bonded to a bottom portion of the inside face of the first gusset. A bottom portion of the inside face of the second panel is bonded to a bottom portion of the inside face of the second gusset. A top portion of the inside face of the first panel is bonded to a top portion of the inside face of the second panel.

Abstract: A linear motion guide system is disclosed in which a clearance between a slider and a guide rail is closed truly to clear foreign matter away from entering inside the system through any end of the slider traveling on the guide rail. Thus, the linear motion guide system is befitting to severe working environment where much foreign matter occurs. A highly-tight sealing unit is comprised of a cassette constituted with a front panel and an enclosure, sealing plates stowed into the cassette, lubrication plates each interposed between any two adjacent sealing plates, and a rear panel to close-an open edge of the enclosure. The sealing plates are each composed of an intermediate spongy medium flanked by skin layers and impregnated with lubricant. The lubrication plates have pores filled with lubricant.

Abstract: A roller holder includes a number of rollers disposed in an outer holding device and partially extended out of the outer holding device and alternately disposed between the rollers and arranged in different direction relative to each other for engaging with different directions between two moving members and for facilitating the sliding movement between the two moving members. The outer holding device includes a number pairs of spacers disposed alternately relative to each other, and retained together with one or more flexible rods for retaining the rollers between the spacers. The spacers each include opposite curved recesses for rotatably receiving the rollers between the spacers.

Abstract: The present invention aims to make it possible to form a dynamic pressure generating portion by a simple process with high accuracy at a low cost. In order to achieve the object, in the present invention the dynamic pressure generating portion A is formed by the step of supplying a small amount of an ink 12 onto a surface of a material 2a? to print the dynamic pressure generating portion A for generating a dynamic pressure of fluid in a bearing gap with an aggregate of the ink, and the step of hardening the ink 12.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheel design that incorporates both a shield and seal on both sides of the guide wheel to eliminate direct liquid pressure on the seal. By retaining the lubrication, bearing life is extended, dramatically reducing machine downtime. In the presently preferred embodiment, the combination of a guide wheel with two rubber spring return (RSR) seals in-bound of two shields, increases guide wheel life through the following: The shields prevent the direct force of a high pressure wash-down from reaching the seal directly. There is a non-direct path between the shield and the outer raceway of the guide wheel to allow any trapped liquid to seep back out of the guide wheel. Also, as the guide wheel rotates, any liquid between the shield and seal is spun-out by centrifugal force.

Abstract: Grease for a slide bearing, which can suppress unusual noise attributable to a slip caused between a shaft and a bearing when a machine is stopped. In slide bearing grease 24 supplied to between a slide bearing 16 formed of a porous sintered alloy-made bushing having pores 30 impregnated with lubricating oil 31 and a shaft 22 inserted in the slide bearing 16 and supported to be slidingly rotatable in the circumferential direction, the slide bearing grease 24 employs base oil having dynamic viscosity of 10-70 mm2/s at 40° C. and exuding under a load of the shaft 22 to form an oil film 35 between the slide bearing 16 and the shaft 22.

Abstract: A bearing mechanism having a sleeve including at an inner circumferential surface thereof a first bearing surface and a relief portion including a diameter greater than that of the first bearing surface is used in a spindle motor. An axial length of the first bearing surface is between approximately 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm. By virtue of such configuration, characteristics of the spindle motor are improved and an operating life of the spindle motor is extended.

Abstract: A rolling bearing made of stainless steel is provided which in use conditions where hydrofluoric acid or fluorine grease is present, can prevent boundary lubrication due to invasion of metal corrosion powder into rolling surface of the bearing, and rapid advance of internal wear and which is highly durable and has a long life even if used in metal corrosive environments. A deep-groove rolling bearing is proposed which comprises bearing rings (inner ring and outer ring), rolling elements and a retainer all made of stainless steel, and solidified lubricating oil sealed in the rolling bearing. The solidified lubricating oil is made by heat curing a mixture of lubricating oil or grease containing perfluoropolyether and a thermoplastic resin. Contact seals made of fluorine rubber seal the solidified lubricating oil. Even if metal abrasion powder is produced by effect of perfluoropolyether or hydrofluoric acid, it will be held embedded in the solidified lubricating oil, so that abnormal wear will not occur.

Abstract: In a bearing device, a double row rolling bearing for supporting a pinion gear-side portion of a pinion shaft on a case (annular wall) is formed by a tandem-type double row angular contact ball bearing. A first row of balls having a larger pitch circle diameter are disposed between inner and outer rings of the double row angular contact ball bearing at a region near to the pinion gear, and a second row of balls having a smaller pitch circle diameter are disposed between the inner and outer rings at a region remote from the pinion gear. A bearing internal space is divided into a first bearing internal space containing the first ball row and open toward the pinion gear and a second bearing internal space containing the second ball row and sealed by partition walls formed respectively by bearing seals, lubricating grease being sealed in the second bearing internal space.

Abstract: A double-row roller bearing comprises a one-piece bearing ring, a bearing ring that is split in the axial direction, and rolling bodies that are arranged between the two bearing rings. The rolling body of the first row has a first diameter, and the rolling body of the second row has a second diameter that is different to the diameter of the rolling body of the first row. The rolling bodies consist of a ceramic material, and the contact angle of the first rolling body row is different to the contact angle of the second rolling body row.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide line comprising a substrate; a central electrode strip on the substrate; first and second electrode strips disposed on opposite sides of the central electrode strip and extending parallel thereto; first and second optical waveguides on the substrate, the optical waveguides being positioned between the first and central electrode strips and extending parallel thereto; the central electrode comprising at least one T-rail extending proximate to the first optical waveguide; the first electrode comprising at least one T-rail extending proximate to the second optical waveguide; the substrate comprising an n+ electrically conducting layer extending between the optical waveguides; wherein the coplanar waveguide line further comprises an electrical connection between first and second electrode strips.

Abstract: A monolithic device for determining a translation, the monolithic device being fabricated from a single continuous piece of a glass substrate. The monolithic device comprises at least one frame, a moving platform linked to the at least one frame and an optical transducer. The at least one frame is fabricated from the glass substrate. The moving platform is fabricated from the glass substrate, wherein the moving platform is linked to the at least one frame via at least one elastic hinge. The at least one elastic hinge is also fabricated from the glass substrate. The optical transducer is imbedded into the moving platform and the at least one frame.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a semiconductor optical device integrally formed on the substrate and having a device end face; and a low-index planar optical waveguide integrally formed on the semiconductor substrate at the device end face. The waveguide is end-coupled at its proximal end to the optical device through the device end face and is arranged so as to comprise a waveguide mode converter. The waveguide is arranged at its distal end to transmit or receive an optical signal through its distal end to or from another low-index optical waveguide end-coupled with the integrally-formed waveguide and assembled with the integrally-formed waveguide, optical device, or substrate. The optical apparatus can further comprise a discrete low-index optical waveguide assembled with the integrally-formed waveguide, optical device, or substrate so as to be end-coupled with the integrally-formed waveguide at its distal end.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chip comprising an array of modulated sources, each providing a modulated signal output at a channel wavelength different from the channel wavelength of other modulated sources and a wavelength selective combiner having an input optically coupled to received all the signal outputs from the modulated sources and provide a combined output signal on an output waveguide from the chip. The modulated sources, combiner and output waveguide are all integrated on the same chip.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chip comprising an array of modulated sources, each providing a modulated signal output at a channel wavelength different from the channel wavelength of other modulated sources and a wavelength selective combiner having an input optically coupled to received all the signal outputs from the modulated sources and provide a combined output signal on an output waveguide from the chip. The modulated sources, combiner and output waveguide are all integrated on the same chip.

Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot filter (8, 118, 218, 318, 418) includes substrates (10, 12) with parallel generally planar facing principal surfaces (14, 16) including spaced apart facing reflective surface regions (20, 22) that are at least partially reflective over a wavelength range and define an optical gap (Gopt) therebetween. At least one substrate of the pair of substrates is light transmissive over the selected wavelength range to enable optical coupling with the optical gap. Electrodes (24, 26) are disposed on the facing principal surfaces of the substrates. The electrodes on the facing principal surfaces of the substrates are define an electrode gap therebetween such that electrical biasing of the electrodes simultaneously modifies the optical and electrode gaps.

Abstract: Decrease in optical near-field intensity is prevented when an light propagating medium made of a high refractive index material, such as a waveguide or a lens, is combined with a scatterer for producing optical near-field. Near the optical near-field generating element, a second light propagating medium is disposed in contact with a first light propagating medium of a high refractive index material, such as a waveguide or a lens. The refractive index of the second light propagating medium is made smaller than the refractive index of the first light propagating medium.

Abstract: A cylindrical lens array cannot be manufactured so that each cylindrical lens has the same radius of curvature and the same accuracy in the surface. Therefore, when the laser annealing is performed using the cylindrical lens array, the beam spots divided by the cylindrical lens array cannot be superposed completely in the same surface. As a result, there is a region where the energy is attenuated in the edge portion of the rectangular beam to be formed, and therefore the intensity distribution of the laser beam becomes inhomogeneous. In the present invention, the cylindrical lens array is used in combination with the optical waveguide. After dividing the laser beam in a predetermined direction by the cylindrical lens array, the divided beams are combined, and then the laser beam is incident into the optical waveguide that acts upon the same direction as the predetermined direction. This can correct the variation in the intensity of the laser beam due to the processing inaccuracy of the cylindrical lens array.

Abstract: An optical fiber comprises core and cladding regions configured to guide the propagation of light (or radiation) in the core region. The cladding region includes a periodic structure configured to produce light guiding by bandgap confinement. In order to suppress higher order odes (HOMs) in the core region, the cladding region includes at least one perturbation region configured so that a mode of the cladding region is resonant with a HOM of the core region. In a preferred embodiment of my invention, the perturbation region is configured so that the fundamental mode of the cladding region is resonant with a HOM of the core region.

Abstract: An exemplary directional light homogenizer includes a one-piece, hollow hexagonal cross-section tube. The tube has an internal highly light reflective surface. The tube defines a first end configured to receive a non-homogenous light from a light source and a second end configured to output homogenized light. At least one curved section is disposed between the first end and the second end, and the curved section has a curvature greater than zero degrees and less than one hundred eighty degrees. An output section of the tube is straight, has a finite length, and terminates at the second end.

Abstract: There is provided a recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing data on and from a recording medium with a sequential access system. The apparatus includes a connection unit configured to connect a network, a processor configured to mount a disk apparatus, to reproduce data from the recording medium, to convert the reproduced data into files, to write the files in the disk apparatus based on receiving first information via a network that instructs the recording and reproducing apparatus to import data recorded on the recording medium into the disk apparatus, to read the files from the disk apparatus, and to record data converted from the read files on the recording medium based on receiving second information via a network that instructs the recording and reproducing apparatus to write the files in the disk apparatus on the recording medium.

Abstract: A method for video program processing includes searching for a static image in a video segment, a static image comprising an image in the video segment that does not significantly change over a predetermined time of the video segment. Upon finding a static image, an indication is given to an image processor that the video segment is a program segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording/reproducing apparatus in which a rotary head records digital data in tracks inclined to the lengthwise direction of a magnetic tape and reproduces the digital data recorded in the inclined tracks. In a reproducing system (20), the capstan-servo operation unit (71) locks the phase in ±24-times fast reproduction so that the rotary head may trace and reproduction search data. That is, the phase is locked at an inclined track of a specified track number. It is then determined whether the search data has been detected. If the search data is not acquired, the magnetic tape is fed in a prescribed direction. The phase at the next error-correction block is thereby locked. This process is repeated twice at the position remotest from a target position. Then, the phase is locked when the search data is acquired.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive television broadcasting to generate an output signal, a signal processing unit configured to generate image data of a broadcast program using the output signal, a display unit configured to display an image represented by the image data of the broadcast program on a display apparatus, a reservation information obtaining unit configured to obtain program reservation information for reserving reception of a scheduled broadcast program, and a control unit configured to, responsive to the receiving unit receiving a program preview of a scheduled broadcast program associated with the program reservation information, control the display unit to display the program reservation information on the display apparatus.

Abstract: An information recording control apparatus including: a selection section; a video acquiring section to acquire digital video data in a digital broadcast signal; an audio acquiring section to acquire digital audio data of a specific language selected on the selection section from the digital audio data of a plurality of languages in the digital broadcast signal; a video converting section to convert the acquired digital video data into an analog video signal; an audio converting section to convert the acquired the digital audio data of specific language into an analog audio signal of the specific language; and an output section to output, to a recording device, the converted analog video signal, and the converted analog audio signal of the specific language.

Abstract: The horizontal blanking interval (HBI) of a normal video signal is modified to enhance the playability of the applied copy protected video signal while maintaining the copy protection effectiveness. As generally known, a copy protected video signal with positive-going pulses in a back porch region causes possible black level depression. The addition of a negative-going pulse and/or negative-going and positive-going pulse pair immediately prior to the H sync signal in the front porch region causes a reduction in such black level depression while resulting in enhanced playability. In other embodiments, an amplitude extending pulse is added to a latter portion of the H sync pulse or to a latter portion of a pseudo sync pulse, to increase the negative-going amplitude of the respective pulse. Various combinations of the added pulses also are possible.

Abstract: An optical disc recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing information on an optical disc with format other than video recording format, includes a record control portion that records apparatus information indicating the apparatus on a DVD and stores record elapsed time in a recording process and aspect information indicating an aspect ratio of a TV broadcasting program to be recorded in a memory of the apparatus when the TV broadcasting program is recorded on the DVD in a format except a; and a reproduction control portion that corrects the aspect ratio in accordance with the record elapsed time and the aspect information stored in the memory if the apparatus information recorded on the DVD matches the apparatus information stored in the memory, when the DVD is reproduced.

Abstract: A CDA processing section extracts an unused area of an information recording medium via a disc status management section and a drive control section. The CDA processing section divides the extracted unused areas by a division criteria value MAS, which allows continuous reproduction of a video and audio stream, and reserves areas having the size of the division criteria value MAS as CDAs. This enables continuous reproduction of AV data, and multiple data can be recorded simultaneously.

Abstract: A U-shaped bolt including a closed end and two legs at an open end is self-retaining on a first object. The U-shaped bolt includes projections forming an opening to the closed end adapted to be smaller than the width of the first object. The projections retain the U-shaped bolts on the first object. The U-shaped bolt is used in conjunction with a space heater having a plurality of heating elements connected by channels. The U-shaped bolt is retained on the channels to warrant proper assembly of the space heater.

Abstract: A fluid warming cassette for use in a fluid warming system includes a first sheet, a second sheet and a flexible spacer having a serpentine opening. At least one of the first and second sheets is a flexible plastic sheet. The spacer is positioned between the first and second sheets and the first and second sheets are joined together over the spacer to form a fluid container having a fluid channel. The fluid container includes a fluid channel with inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The fluid warming cassette is capable of operating under negative pressure without collapse of the fluid channel in the cassette.

Abstract: An underwater housing for containing a monitoring device includes a tubular housing body having a front end formed with an inward flange. The inward flange has a rear side surface formed with an annular groove defined by a groove-defining wall. A transparent plate is disposed fixedly within the housing body, and is located behind and adjacent to the inward flange. An annular water seal is disposed within the annular groove and in contact with the inward flange and an outer peripheral portion of the front side surface of the transparent plate so as to establish a watertight seal between the transparent plate and the housing body. An annular cover is disposed fixedly and fittingly within the inward flange, and has a rear end in contact with the front side surface of the transparent plate and in proximity to the water seal for covering the water seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image shooting device with a camera shake correction function capable of avoiding the deterioration of image quality due to performing camera shake correction. The image shooting control unit of the image shooting device of the present invention can be configured to select to take in either one piece of image data for ordinary image shooting or a plurality of pieces of image data for camera shake correction, on the basis of the determination result of a determination unit. It also can be configured to take in both one piece of image data for ordinary image shooting and a plurality of pieces of image data for camera shake correction.

Abstract: A shake detection device detecting a camera shake amount generated when photographing a subject includes a detection sensor detecting a rotation speed around a predetermined axis of the camera, a first image shift amount calculation unit driving the detection sensor to detect the rotation speed and, for an image of the subject photographed by the camera, calculating a first image shift amount as an image shift amount in a first direction based on the rotation speed, a second image shift amount calculation unit performing a predetermined image analysis on the image of the subject photographed by the camera and, for the image of the subject photographed by the camera, calculating a second image shift amount as an image shift amount in a second direction based on the analysis result, and a shake amount estimation unit estimating the camera shake amount using the first and second image shift amounts.

Abstract: There is provided an image stabilizing unit 1 small in size in one direction perpendicular to an optical axis, including, on a base member 2, a movable compensation member 5 which can displace an image forming position by moving in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis Z, and two drive units 6, 7 for displacing the movable compensation member 5 in the directions of R and S which are different from each other for 90 degrees, wherein the directions in which the drive units 6, 7 respectively move the movable compensation member 5 are inclined 45 degrees to a direction X which connects the drive units 6, 7 and the optical axis center Z of the movable compensation member 5.

Abstract: An adaptive illumination device comprising first and second lighting units connected to each other by way of a hinge mechanism, and further provided with a gear mechanism such that angular movement of the first lighting unit about the hinge causes equivalent angular movement of the second lighting unit in an opposite direction about the hinge.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a lens barrel in which operability for a user is increased and a reduction in parts is achieved while provided with a manual operating member.

Abstract: An integrated optical auto focus and zooming system is provided, which includes a first optical lens, a first hollow casing, a second hollow casing, a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The first optical lens is placed in the first hollow casing, the first hollow casing and the second hollow casing are screwed with each other, and the plurality of piezoelectric elements are attached either on the first hollow casing or the second hollow casing. Upon the excitation of mechanical vibrations by the plurality of piezoelectric elements, a traveling wave is generated on the attached casing, so as to drive the other casing to rotate and then to move axially. Additional lens groups and casings can be added in the same way so to achieve multiple relative motions between lens groups and image sensor, and thus achieving the objectives of focusing and zooming.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a face detecting section, a focusing section, an area specifying section, and a controlling section. The face detecting section detects a face area within a shooting image plane. The focusing section has plural optional areas within the shooting image plane. Further, the focusing section obtains an image phase difference amount of a pair of images based on luminous flux having passed through a shooting lens in each of the optional areas. The area specifying section specifies a focusing area from among the optional areas corresponding to the face area. Further, the area specifying section changes a method of specifying the focusing area in accordance with the size of the face area. The controlling section performs a focusing operation of the shooting lens on the basis of the image phase difference amount in the focusing area.

Abstract: An optical member includes a body made of an optical material and formed in a square sectional shape, and a lens disposed on at least one end face of the body so that the distances from the lens center to each of the side faces of the body are all different. The optical member is incorporated in an optical communication module as a component for coupling light from a light-emitting device to the end face of an optical fiber.

Abstract: A problem that the invention is to solve is to provide a camera and a camera system which can provide the driver with information on a three-dimensional object lying on the periphery of the vehicle which is assumed to be highly inevitable for the driver in the form of a good image. In this invention, there is provided a camera system including a camera (1) for photographing the periphery of the vehicle, a monitor (4) for presenting the driver with an image photographed by the camera and a sensor unit (3) for detecting a three-dimensional object lying on the periphery of the vehicle, wherein the camera (1) includes an adjusting unit (15) for automatically adjusting gain and aperture and a criteria determination unit (14) for determining on an image area which should constitute an adjusting criteria using an output of the sensor unit (3).

Abstract: In an image record organization method, camera, and system, a plurality of image records are provided and a value index is determined for each of the image records. The image records are classified into unacceptable records having respective value indexes within a predetermined threshold and acceptable records having respective value indexes beyond the threshold. The unacceptable records are demarcated from the acceptable records.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging device comprises: a lens array having a center lens for receiving light entering in a front range of at most 60° in a capture angle and left and right side lenses formed on the same plane as that with the center lens formed thereon and having optical axes parallel to that of the center lens for receiving lights entering in left and right ranges each of at most 60° in the capture angle; and prisms or mirrors placed on light entrance side of the lens array for guiding and reflecting lights entering in the left and right ranges, such that each light entering each side lens is directed along the optical axis of each side lens. Images formed by the center lens and the left and right side lenses are combined into a panoramic image with a picture angle of at least 120°.