Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for processing an image. A first tone value is determined for a location within the image based upon attributes of pixels within a first neighborhood surrounding the location. The first tone value specifies a local weight for a first tone adjustment in the image. A second tone value is determined for the location based upon attributes of pixels within a second neighborhood surrounding the location. The second tone value specifies a local weight for a second tone adjustment in the image. The image is adjusted at the location using the first and second tone adjustments according to the local weights specified by the first and second tone values, respectively.

Abstract: A method is presented for processing an image of a two-dimensional (2D) matrix symbol having a plurality of data modules and a discontinuous finder pattern, each distorted by “donut effects”. A resulting processed image contains an image of the 2D matrix symbol having a continuous finder pattern suitable for conventional 2D matrix symbol locating techniques, and having a plurality of data modules, each data module having a center more truly representative of intended data, and suitable for conventional 2D matrix symbol sampling and decoding. The method includes sharpening the distorted image of the 2D matrix symbol to increase a difference between low frequency and high frequency image feature magnitudes, thereby providing a sharpened image, and smoothing the sharpened image using a moving window over the sharpened image so as to provide a smoothed image, the moving window and a module of the 2D matrix code being of substantially similar size.

Abstract: An integrated method for both super-resolution and multi-frame demosaicing includes an image fusion followed by simultaneous deblurring and interpolation. For the case of color super-resolution, the first step involves application of recursive image fusion separately on the three different color layers. The second step is based on minimizing a maximum a posteriori (MAP) cost function. In one embodiment, the MAP cost function is composed of several terms: a data fidelity penalty term that penalizes dissimilarity between the raw data and the super-resolved estimate, a luminance penalty term that favors sharp edges in the luminance component of the image, a chrominance penalty term that favors low spatial frequency changes in the chrominance component of the image, and an orientation penalty term that favors similar edge orientations across the color channels. The method is also applicable to color super-resolution (without demosaicing), where the low-quality input images are already demosaiced.

Abstract: A method of image-resolution enhancement employing partial-template matching, including storing at least a portion of an image, and selecting from the image a window comprising a plurality of adjacent line segments having pixels, the window including a target pixel. The method also includes comparing the pixels of the window with a template for a partial match, and responsive to a partial match being found, substituting an enhancement pixel for the target pixel. By allowing a partial match for enhancement instead of requiring a 100-percent match of the prior art, the method provides image-resolution enhancement for digital-image data having noise or other errors.

Abstract: A method filters pixels in an image, by first partitioning the image into blocks. Edge block are identified. A variance of an intensity for each pixel in each edge block is determined. Then, each pixel in each edge block is filtered with a filter that is dependant on the variance of the pixel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for filtering an image including a plurality of pixels. A forward kernel centered at a first pixel in the image is received. The forward kernel assigns forward weights to pixels in a neighborhood surrounding the first pixel. A backward kernel centered at a second pixel within the neighborhood surrounding the first pixel is specified based on a local attribute of the image at the second pixel. The backward kernel assigns backward weights to pixels in a neighborhood surrounding the second pixel. A convolution weight of the second pixel is determined based on the backward kernel and the forward kernel. The convolution weight and a pixel value of the second pixel are used to generate a new value of the first pixel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and associated system for processing a digital medical image. The method includes defining a plurality regions of an initial digital medical image, wherein the initial digital medical image is a combined initial digital medical image formed from the digital pasting of a plurality of individual initial digital medical images, and wherein the initial digital medical image is an exposure-normalized initial digital medical image; measuring an intensity for each of the plurality of regions of the initial digital medical image; deriving an intensity weighting function using the intensity measured for each of the plurality of regions of the initial digital medical image; and applying the intensity weighting function to the initial digital medical image to form a final digital medical image.

Abstract: A surveillance system includes an image deformation unit for deforming the image captured or picked up by a surveillance camera so that the appearance of a specified region within this image has the same geometric shape as that of its corresponding region on the map, and an image synthesis display unit operable to extract the specific region of the deformed image and synthesize it in the corresponding map region for on-screen visualization, obtaining the mutual relationship of a plurality of images.

Abstract: A calligraphy/drawing camera image-captures a document and sends a resultant captured image to a personal computer (S101). The personal computer applies various image processes such as correction of various deformations including a trapezoidal deformation based on image information obtained from the captured image, a rotation process, a cut out process, etc. to the captured image (S102 to S104). The personal computer sends the processed image to a projector (S105). The projector projects the processed image on a screen (S106). Since the captured image is corrected based on the image information obtained from the captured image, not only correction of a trapezoidal deformation but also various other corrections can be done on the captured image.

Abstract: A method of generating an interpolation image includes dividing a first image into first blocks, searching the second image for a second block having a strong correlation, deriving a first motion vector between the first and second blocks, extracting from the first block a first sub block including pixels that an absolute difference value is less than a threshold and a second sub block including pixels that it is not less than the threshold, searching a region on the second image for a third sub block having a strong correlation with respect to the second sub block, deriving a second motion vector between the second and third sub blocks, and copying the first and second sub blocks onto a third image between the first and second frames, using the first and second motion vectors.

Abstract: An image processing device and a method thereof. The image processing device includes a mapper to map a two-dimensional plane of an input image into a three-dimensional vector surface, a coefficient calculator to calculate a coefficient with respect to an equation of a plane formed by a plurality of pixels mapped by the mapper, and an interpolator to interpolate by calculating a gray-level of a location to be interpolated based on the equation of the plane obtained by the coefficient calculator. When the pixels on the 2-D plane are mapped into the 3-D vector space, the image processing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept prevents overshoot or undershoot which may occur at the edges or on planes, and thus displays a smooth image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device, apt to generate and process optical codes at least one wavelength, comprising P inputs s, with 1?s?P, and P?1, and N outputs k, with 1?k?N and N?1, characterized in that it is apt to simultaneously generate and process Nc?2, made of C chips with time interval ?, with C?2, characterized in that the transfer function Tsk(f) from the input s to the output k satisfies the following formula: where: Fv is a transfer function of an optical filter, for v=0, 1 . . . , V?1, av is a constant value, for v=0, 1, . . . , V?1 Ssk is an integer number (Ssk?Z), Nk is a constant value, for k=2, . . . N, and V is a positive integer number with 1?V?log2N. The invention further relates to a set of optical codes, apt to be generated, in particular, by such optical device, and to networks and apparatus comprising such optical device.

Abstract: A sensing fibre for use in a distributed temperature sensing system comprises an optical fibre to be deployed in a measurement region in which a temperature measurement is to be made, which incorporates a reflective element, such as a join between portions of fibre, and a coiled fibre portion positioned adjacent a distal side of the reflective element, the coiled fibre portion contributing substantially nothing to the spatial extent of the optical fibre when deployed. In use, the effect of any forward propagating light incident on the reflective element that is returned for detection by the system, and which saturates the detector, can be eliminated by removing the part of the detected signal that corresponds to the coiled portion, after which the detector will have recovered. The remaining parts of the signal can be used to derive the distributed temperature profile since these parts represent the whole extent of the sensing fibre owing to the lack of spatial extent of the coil.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an optical acoustic sensor. In one embodiment, a method comprises winding a single-mode optical sensor fiber around at least one mandrel. The optical acoustic sensor fiber can comprise a core region having a diameter of about 2 ?m to about 8 ?m and a cladding region having an outer diameter of about 8 ?m to about 20 ?m. The method can also comprise interconnecting the at least one mandrel into an optical acoustic sensor.

Abstract: Flexible optical waveguide substrates that can be used with touch screen displays. The waveguide substrates include a flexible base material. A first optical layer having a first index of refraction value is formed on the flexible base material. A second optical layer is then formed on the first optical layer, the second optical layer being patterned to form a plurality of optical elements and waveguides respectively. The second optical layer also has a second index of refraction value higher than the first index of refraction value. Lastly, a third optical layer is formed on the second optical layer. The third optical layer has a third index of refraction value lower than the second index of refraction value. The high N second layer is therefore sandwiched between the lower N first and third layers, creating an internally reflective surface wherever the high N and low N materials are in contact. The base material and first, second and third optical layers thus form a flexible waveguide substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure that makes high-frequency transmission possible in an optical module and in the optical transmission apparatus using the module. The invention has means that excludes, from the service band of the optical module, frequency of the standing waves occurring at connection between the first high-frequency signal line substrate and second high-frequency signal line substrate in the optical module.

Abstract: A class of nanophotonic integrated circuit (nPIC) has been disclosed that is a platform technology for fiberoptic communication and computing, that is fabricated from waveguides that are based on natural index contrast (NIC) principle. A multifunctional nPIC and its fabrication details have been described. The nPIC is also known as an “optical processor”. A novel nanomaterial “dendrimer” is highlighted as the key ingredient that enables the fabrication of the nPICs and its multifunctionality from the same basic process. Other nanomaterials such as spin-on glass, nano-silica sol, and a combination of any of these materials can also be used via the natural index contrast method. Several preferred embodiments of the nPIC are described.

Abstract: An integrated circuit cast on a single die having a plurality of receivers in a receiver region, a plurality of transmitters in a transmitter region, and a spatial separation region having a plurality of n-type and p-type subregions disposed on the single die to separate the transmitter region from the receiver region. The pn-junctions between the n-type and p-type subregions are reverse-biased thereby reducing or eliminating coupling of noise and crosstalk between the transmitter and receiver is reduced.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a backplane includes one or more optical links and is capable of receiving one or more circuit cards. Optical signals sent via the optical links may at least partially travel in a free space region between optical elements of the circuit cards and the optical links. Optical signals may also traverse the free space between optical links in the absence of a circuit card wherein the optical signal may travel to one or more other circuit cards on the backplane. As a result, in one or more embodiments a network between one or more of the circuit cards on the backplane may be automatically configured even in the absence of one or more circuit cards from the backplane.

Abstract: Techniques for designing optical devices with high reflection isolation are disclosed. According to one aspect of the devices, a pair of conjugate optical filters is used. To preserve the performance of the filters and minimize insertion loss, a lens has a first side and a second side, the first side being preferably perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, and the second side being nearly perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. Thus one of the conjugate optical filters is deposed towards the first side of the lens and the other one of the conjugate optical filters is deposed towards the second side of the lens. When a reflected light from one filter, presumably carrying residuals of a transmitted signal, hits another filter, the residuals are blocked, resulting in great isolation for the R-channel from the T-channel.

Abstract: A method of providing dispersion compensation includes providing a dispersion signal indicative of an amount of dispersion for at least one channel of a multi-channel optical signal. A dispersion compensator is controlled in accordance with the dispersion signal to optically compensate for the dispersion of the optical signal.

Abstract: We introduce a mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we demonstrate that the transmission and reflection coefficients for light normally incident upon such structures can be highly sensitive to nano-scale variations in the spacing between the slabs. Moreover, by specifically configuring the photonic crystal structures, the high sensitivity can be preserved in spite of significant fabrication-related disorders. We expect such a structure to play important roles in micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.

Abstract: A higher order mode dispersion compensating fiber includes an optical fiber and a first loss layer which is provided within the fiber and which attenuates a lower order mode propagating through the optical fiber while not attenuating a higher order mode which is higher than the lower order mode. A dispersion compensating fiber mode converter for a higher order fiber includes a single mode fiber; a higher order mode dispersion compensating fiber; and a fused and extended portion which has been formed by fusing and extending the single mode fiber and the higher order mode fiber. The fused and extended portion converts between the LP01 mode of the single mode fiber and the LP02 mode of the higher order mode dispersion compensating fiber.

Abstract: A spark delivery system for generating a spark using a laser beam is provided, the spark delivery system including a laser light source and a laser delivery assembly. The laser delivery assembly includes a hollow fiber and a launch assembly comprising launch focusing optics to input the laser beam in the hollow fiber. In addition, the laser delivery assembly includes exit focusing optics that demagnify an exit beam of laser light from the hollow fiber, thereby increasing the intensity of the laser beam and creating a spark. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the assembly may be used to create a spark in a combustion engine. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a method of using the spark delivery system is provided. In addition, a method of choosing an appropriate fiber for creating a spark using a laser beam is also presented.

Abstract: A termination is formed on an optical fiber by securing the fiber in a mold which defines a cavity for forming the termination. A liquid is injected into the cavity, which solidifies to form the termination. At least a portion of the mold is removed to expose the termination.

Abstract: An optic device, system and method for making are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The optic device may be fabricated by vapor depositing a first layer and then vapor depositing a second layer thereupon. The first layer may be deposited onto a blank or substrate. The blank or substrate may be rotated during deposition. Further, a computer-controlled shutter may be used to alter the deposition rate of material along an axis of the optic device. Alternatively, the optic device may be moved at varying speeds through a vapor stream to alter the deposition rate of material.

Abstract: A fiber optic array is miniaturized in a configuration that includes an input collimator, a first birefringence crystal, a waveplate, a Faraday rotator, a second birefringence crystal and a second collimator. The elements are aligned along a common optical axis. A light beam along the optical axis that is passed through the first collimator emerges off of the optical axis and through the remaining elements. It re-emerges from the fiber optic array on axis. The configuration provides substantial attenuation in a backward direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wavelength selective optical focusing device using the cladding-etching of an optical fiber and an optical module using the same. The wavelength selective optical focusing device includes a core for transmitting an optical signal therethrough; and a cladding layer surrounding the core and having a plurality of grooves formed in the outer circumferential surface thereof such that the grooves are changed at a designated rate, wherein an optical signal having a designated wavelength guided by the core is focused to the outside of the cladding layer by the grooves.

Abstract: A single-mode optical waveguide with a core, surrounded by a cladding consisting of an inner soft layer and an outer harder layer is described. The outer layer has a grating structure on its inner surface, whose spatial frequency is the same as that of the guided mode. The thickness of the inner cladding is sufficient to keep the grating outside the mode field in undeformed regions of the waveguide, so that normally no out-coupling of the light results. Connections are made by crossing two such waveguides at an angle and pressing them together. This results in deformation of the two waveguides such that the gratings are brought into proximity with the cores. Light is coupled out of one waveguide and into the other in the deformed region, resulting in a self-aligning optical connection. The out-coupled light propagates normal to the waveguide axis, so errors in the crossing angle cause little change in efficiency.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupler can include at least a first input optical fiber and an output optical fiber, where the first input optical fiber can comprise an antiguiding core, a first cladding disposed about the antiguiding core and a second cladding disposed about the first cladding so as to tend to confine light to said first cladding. The output fiber can comprise a guiding core, a first cladding disposed about the guiding core and a second cladding disposed about the first cladding of the output fiber for tending to confine light to the first cladding of the output fiber. Optical fibers are also disclosed, as are methods.

Abstract: Super-resolution optical components and left-handed materials thereof are provided. A left-handed material includes a substrate, a plurality of deformed split ring resonators (DSRR), and a plurality of metallic bars, wherein the DSRR and the metallic bars are disposed on the substrate with each DSRR and metal bar alternately arranged.

Abstract: An optical power monitor capable of being reduced in size even when designed as a multi-channel monitor, and having a reduced light transmission loss is disclosed. The optical power monitor has two optical fibers provided on the light transmission upstream and downstream sides and having cores, the end surfaces which are opposed to each other with the core optical axes offset from each other, and which are fusion-spliced to each other in a fusion splicing portion, a light reflection surface which faces a portion of the upstream-side optical fiber core end surface offset to protrude from the downstream-side optical fiber core end surface in the fusion splicing portion, and which is provided in the downstream-side optical fiber cladding layer, and a photo-diode positioned opposite from the light reflection surface with respect to the downstream-side optical fiber core.

Abstract: This application describes, among others, wafer designs, testing systems and techniques for wafer-level optical testing by coupling probe light to/from the top of a wafer. A wafer level test system uses optical and electronic probes to search for and align with an optoelectronic alignment structure. The test system uses a located optoelectronic alignment structure as a reference point to locate other devices on the wafer. The system tests the operation of selected devices disposed on the wafer. The optoelectronic alignment loop is also used as an alignment reference of known performance for an adjacent device of unknown performance.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable comprising at least one light transmitter extending longitudinally along the cable and a body encompassing the light transmitter. The body includes an exposed surface having an array of fastener elements extending therefrom. The fastener elements arranged and constructed to engage mating fastener elements associated with a supporting surface to selectively secure the cable to the supporting surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for acquiring image information using array of image acquisition units, each having an optical device. The apparatus for acquiring image information includes a geometric array of image acquisition units, each having optical device generating source electrical signal depending on image intensity of a subject, and an image signal output unit for receiving electrical signal generated from the array and generating source electrical signal to process analog image. According to the present invention, costs required for building a system for acquiring image information may be reduced. In addition, it is possible to fast acquire image information, thereby usefully applying to image information acquisition in fast total inspection process. Furthermore, various values with respect to a dimension of the subject are easily calculated by using a geometry location and dimension information of the image acquisition units.

Abstract: A light diffusing tip is provided. The light diffusing tip comprises a housing and a monolithic light scattering medium disposed within the housing. The monolithic light scattering medium comprises a first scattering region at a first position, the scattering region having a first scattering property and a second scattering region at a second position, the second scattering region having a second scattering property different from the first scattering property, wherein the first scattering region and the second scattering region are coextensive along a substantial portion of a length of the housing. A light diffusing applicator also is provided. The light diffusing applicator comprises at least one optical waveguide, a first termination coupled to a first end of the at least one optical waveguide, the first termination to couple to a light source and a light diffusing tip coupled to a second end of the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: An optical fiber comprising: (i) a silica based passive core having a first index of refraction n1; (ii) a silica based cladding surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction n2, such that n1>n2, said cladding having at least one stress rod and at least one air hole extending longitudinally through the length of said optical fiber; and (iii) wherein said optical fiber supports a single polarization mode or poses polarization maintaining properties within the operating wavelength range.

Abstract: A transducer comprises a conductive pin and a waveguide for directing electromagnetic radiation onto the pin, wherein the pin is configured to create a rectangular flat top field distribution at a surface of a storage medium positioned adjacent to an end of the pin, leading to a flat top thermal profile within the storage medium. A second pin can be included in the transducer. Recording heads that include the transducer, disc drives that include the recording head, and a method of heating a portion of a storage medium that is performed by the recording head, are also included.

Abstract: A waveguide has upper and lower cladding regions. A core of the waveguide made of a non-linear optical polymer is positioned between the upper and lower cladding regions. A first electrode is connected to the upper cladding region and a second electrode is connected to the lower cladding region. The upper cladding region and the lower cladding region are made of photonic band gap materials and have multiple periods of cladding layers with each period having a first layer having a linear refractive index of n1 and each period having a second layer having a linear refractive index of n2. The waveguide allows for minimal distances to exist between the electrodes while allowing for virtual lossless cm-long transmission of propagating light. By applying a voltage to the electrodes, the propagated light can be modulated.

Abstract: An optical fiber connection jig which is small in size, lightweight and excellent in portability, simple in structure, can be produced at a low cost, and enables an optical fiber-connecting operation at the field to be carried out easily and positively. The optical fiber connection jig includes a jig body having wedge pieces which are fitted respectively into wedge insertion slits in a splice member by a grasping operation for a pair of left and right grasp frames opposed to each other with the splice member disposed therebetween, thereby forcibly expanding an optical fiber holding groove, and a fiber insertion guide which is mounted on the jig body, and guides a coated optical fiber generally onto a center axis of the optical fiber holding groove by a coated fiber guide groove extending in a direction of the center axis Y1 of the optical fiber holding groove.

Abstract: A splice protection heater capable of quickly and efficiently performing a fusion process without an excessive heating time, a fusion splicer including the splice protection heater, and a fusion splicing method are provided. The apparatus has a heating part for heat shrinking a protection sleeve that covers a fusion spliced portion of an optical fiber, a plurality of heating elements that can individually heat a plurality of protection sleeves with different timings by being individually turned ON/OFF by switches, or a heating element turned ON/OFF by a switch. This apparatus may also be provided with detecting section that detects whether or not the protection sleeve is set on the heating element, and turns the switch ON/OFF.

Abstract: A fiber optic connection panel including a chassis and a circuit module. The circuit module can include a housing, a plurality of adapters, and a plurality of fiber optic connectors connected to the adapters. The circuit module can also include an optical switch mounted to a printed circuit board, a plurality of fiber optic cables connecting the fiber optic connectors to the optical switch, and a separator plate partially covering the printed circuit board. At least some of the cables can include slack to allow the connectors to be removed from the circuit module, and the separator plate can be positioned to separate the slack of the cables from the printed circuit board. The circuit module can also include a connector edge of the printed circuit board extending through the housing, and a bracket coupled to the housing including members to surround and protect the connector edge.

Abstract: An optical component provided with a waveguide groove having, an waveguide holding plane having a surface shape extending along a specified axial direction and capable of holding at least one optical waveguide while positioning it at at least a part of at least one side face thereof; and an opening extending substantially oppositely to the waveguide holding plane and being smaller in width than the outside diameter of at least one optical waveguide in a specified widthwise direction perpendicular to the specified axial direction.

Abstract: A method for generating a trick replay video stream, including the steps of: selecting from stored data adapted for transmission as a streamed movie a sequence of Intracoded frames (I-frames), and inserting one or more difference frames between consecutive I-frames of the sequence to form the trick replay video stream. Each of the difference frames is constructed to have a zero difference with respect to a preceding I-frame in the sequence. The method further includes transmitting the trick replay video stream to a decoder for display of the streamed movie at an enhanced perceived rate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating program data acquisition. In one embodiment, a set-top box is set to enter an auto-off state based on a user-defined auto-off time. Once the set-top box has entered the auto-off state, a channel from which program guide data may be obtained may be automatically tune to. The auto-off state may be automatically exited in order to either respond to a user interaction or to avoid missing previously-programmed recordings. Upon exiting the auto-off state, the set-top box may be tuned back to the channel that it was tuned to prior to entering the auto-off state.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a watermark embedded in an MPEG compressed signal includes a conventional MPEG decoder stripped to such an extent that a modified baseband video signal suitable for watermark detection is obtained. A plurality of pictures with the embedded watermark is accumulated (2,3,4) in the transform domain, and the inverse DCT (5) is applied to the accumulated result. Conventional watermark detection (6) is then applied to the accumulated plurality of pictures in the spatial domain.

Abstract: A BD-ROM has recorded therein an AV Clip generated by multiplexing a video stream and an interactive graphics stream. The video stream representing a motion picture made of a plurality of pictures, and the interactive graphics stream representing an interactive display to be overlayed on the motion picture, where the interactive graphics stream includes state control information (ICS) stored in a packet and a graphics data sequence (ODS), and the packet includes a time stamp that indicates a time at which the initial display is performed, the time being obtained by adding a predetermined duration to a decode ending time (PTS) of graphics data positioned midway through the graphics data sequence (S-ODSsfirst, S-ODSslast).

Abstract: In recording information, an SMPTE 339M-defined UMID buried in video and audio material signals to be recorded to a magnetic tape (30) or a UMID generated from information other than the material signals, is written to a contactless memory tag (37), whereby it is made possible to acquire a UMID for material signals recorded in the recording medium without having to actually read the material signals recorded in the recording medium and use the UMID for data search, validation, etc.

Abstract: A digital motion picture decoding apparatus comprising an input buffer memory for storing coded data to be decoded, a reproduced picture memory for storing the decoded picture data to be displayed, and a display picture deciding means for deciding a reproduced picture to be output from the picture data stored in the reproduced picture memory, further comprises: a program changing means for changing the type of the coded data to be decoded; a program change detecting means for detecting from the output of the program changing means that the type of the coded data to be decoded is changed; and a display state maintaining means for controlling the picture data output from the reproduced picture memory so as to maintain the display state of the reproduced picture which is currently displayed according to the decision of the display picture deciding means, when it is detected from the output of the program change detecting means that the change of the type of the coded data to be decoded makes the coded data not c

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing unit for obtaining still-image data, a recording unit for recording, in a recording medium, the still-image data obtained by the image-capturing unit, and a play-list generating unit which, in a continuous shooting mode for obtaining a series of still images and recording a series of still-image-data items representing the still images recorded in the recording medium, generates a play list specifying a process for playing back the series of still-image-data items.