Abstract: The aerial photograph image pickup method comprises a first step of acquiring still images along an outward route and a return route respectively, a second step of preparing a stereo-image with regard to three images adjacent to each other in advancing direction, and of preparing another stereo-image by relative orientation on one more set of adjacent images and of preparing two sets of stereo-images, a third step of connecting two sets of stereo-images by using feature points extracted from a portion of an image common to the two sets of stereo-images, a step of connecting all stereo-images in the outward route direction and in the return route direction according to images acquired in the first step by repeating the second and third steps, and a step of selecting common tie points from the images adjacent to each other in the adjacent course and connecting the adjacent stereo-images in the course.

Abstract: A driving assist apparatus acquires vehicle information which includes a gear state and speed of a vehicle; judges a state of preparing for movement, a state of starting movement, and a state during movement; generates a wide-angle image that is an image that can see a wide range although having distortion when the vehicle state is the state of preparing for movement or the state of starting movement; and generates a no-distortion image that is an image in which the distortion due to the lens shape and the distortion by the projection system are eliminated from the camera image when the vehicle state is the state during movement.

Abstract: Video frames of a baseball game are analyzed to determine a track for the participants in the game and to update a digital record of the game. The merging of participants in a video frame is resolved by associating the participants' tracks before and/or after the merging with a most likely participant role, such as a player, coach or umpire role. The role of one merged participant can be used to deduce the role of the other merged participant. In this way, the digital record can be completed even for the merged period. The role of a participant can be based, e.g., on the location of the participant relative to a base, a coach's box region, a pitcher's mound, a dugout, or a fielding position, or by determining that a participant is running along a path to a base or performing some other movement.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus of the invention which is capable of photographing a desired object by making a plurality of photographing apparatuses cooperative with one another includes: an image pickup section; a detection section for acquiring photographing information related to an image acquired by the image pickup section; a transmission section for transmitting the photographing information acquired by the detection section; a reception section for receiving an image photographed and transmitted by another photographing apparatus based on the photographing information; and a memory control section for storing the image acquired by the image pickup section and the image received by the reception section in association with each other.

Abstract: A customer support technique for an electronic system includes engaging in a video chat with a remote customer support device using a first camera of a computerized apparatus while simultaneously acquiring images of the electronic system using a second camera and sending the images to the customer support device. A user of the computerized apparatus can thus engage in a face-to-face video chat with a customer support agent operating the customer support device while the customer support agent simultaneously sees both images of the user and images of the electronic system or portion thereof to which the user is pointing the second camera. The disclosed technique thus provides a near-hands-on support experience from a remote customer support agent regardless of the customer support agent's physical location.

Abstract: A method for thermographic imaging is described. The method captures a plurality of thermal images of a surface of an object, at non-linear intervals over a period of time, each of the thermal images being associated with temporal data. The method then processes the plurality of thermal images and the temporal data, and identifies features within the object based on the processing.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for operating an image-processing device in which an image signal on which a noise signal is superimposed is digitally transmitted between a transmitter and at least one receiver, and in which the image signal comprises a timed sequence of images, each containing its own image content and a noise pattern of the noise signal superimposed on the image content. At least certain areas of at least two successive images of the image signal are compared to each other after the transmission, and if a difference is found between the noise patterns contained in the images, it is concluded that the images have been transmitted successfully even if the image content of the images is identical. The invention also pertains to an image-processing device for the digital transmission of an image signal on which a noise signal is superimposed.

Abstract: An image stabilization control apparatus including a mechanism which causes a vibration when the mechanism moves is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vibration correction unit configured to correct image shake occurring due to vibration applied to the image stabilization control apparatus. A correction value of an angular velocity of the vibration is calculated based on signals based on the angular velocity and an acceleration of the vibration, frequency bands of the signals are narrowed. During the mechanism is moving, the image shake is corrected by driving the vibration correction unit based on the angular velocity of the vibration which is corrected by the corrected value calculated before the mechanism moves.

Abstract: Provided is a lens barrel having, in order from an object side to an image side, a first to a third group lens, the lens barrel including: a fixed frame; a cam frame supported by the fixed frame so as to be rotationally movable in a optical axis direction between a forward and a backward movement ends; and a shutter frame which moves in the optical axis direction in a rotation restricted state, through the rotation of the cam frame, in which: a third group frame is fixed to the shutter frame so that the object side of the third group lens is arranged on an inner peripheral side of the shutter frame; and the second frame is configured so that the image side of the frame is stored on the inner peripheral side of the shutter frame when the cam frame is positioned at the backward movement end.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling the apparatus are provided that can realize high-accuracy correction of image shake due to shift shake. Rotation radiuses at a plurality of frequencies among the frequency components of the shift shake are obtained. Correction amount is determined based on a result of assigning a respective weight to the rotation radius at each of the plurality of the frequencies based on information regarding at least one of an angular velocity and acceleration.

Abstract: A method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus successively photographs one short exposure image and a plurality of long exposure images. A global motion of each of the long exposure images is compensated based on the one short exposure image. A Point Spread Function (PSF) of each of the one short exposure image and the long exposure images are extracted. A shake correction image is extracted through a repeat estimation by determining an initial value of the repeat estimation based on the one short exposure image and the long exposure images and using each PSF.

Abstract: An image stabilizing apparatus and method for correcting an image that is shaken due to a movement of a camera is provided. The image stabilizing apparatus includes a reference image setting unit including: a sample frame extract unit which extracts a plurality of image frames taken for a certain period of time from image data generated by photographing an object; and a reference frame extract unit which the plurality of image frames with one another to extract a most stabilized image frame and set the extracted image frame as a reference image frame.

Abstract: An architecture has one or more systems for generating augmented reality environments configured to access cloud services over a network. A user is authenticated within the environments, and once authenticated is permitted to interact with the cloud services using the augmented reality environments as well as client resources provided within the environments. The client resources may include devices or things that are primary intended for use within the environments, and devices or things that are not typically associated with augmented reality environments. The architecture enables the client resources to function as thin client interfaces to the cloud services.

Abstract: A pan-tilt camera is arranged to include a camera head, a stationary unit, an intermediate member arranged between the camera head and the stationary unit, a first rotary joint rotatably connecting the camera head to the intermediate member, and a second rotary joint, rotatably connecting the intermediate member to the stationary unit. A communication path is provided between the camera head and the stationary unit, including an optical waveguide arranged between the camera head and the stationary unit. The optical waveguide has a first end positioned at the first rotary joint to receive light from the camera head through the first rotary joint. The other end of the waveguide is positioned at the second rotary joint and is arranged to send light to the stationary unit through the second rotary joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communication device wherein, in order to improve operability when sending electronic mail to which image data has been attached, the communication device is provided with an image capture means for capturing image data of a subject; a storage means for storing registered information associating a predetermined action with a destination address; and a control means that, in response to a predetermined action being performed during operation of the image capture means, controls the image capture means so that the storage means records image data that is being captured by the image capture means, and additionally set a destination address recorded in the registered information associated with the predetermined action as a destination, and creates an electronic mail message to which the recorded image data has been attached.

Abstract: A remotely controlled automatic camera tracking system for self-photography is disclosed. The systems hereof combine the functions of remote camera operation, including closed loop automatic zoom control, and camera tracking by employing a system architecture that eliminates the requirement to have microprocessors coupled to the tracking station for the calculation of range and bearing. The system enables range and bearing information to be viewed by the operator, if desired, and conserves radio power.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving a plurality of images corresponding to a time period covering the intended moment for releasing the shutter; receiving an audio signal associated with the plurality of images using audio capturing means; analyzing the received audio signal in order to determine an auditory event associated with a desired output image; and selecting at least one of the plurality of images on the basis of the analysis of the received audio signal for further processing in order to obtain the desired output image.

Abstract: A method characterizes manufacturing imperfections in a camera and variations in its operating environment to allow images captured by the camera to be compensated for these defects. The method includes: (a) illuminating a field of view of the optical elements under a controlled condition; (b) exposing multiple images onto the image sensor under the controlled condition; (c) extracting from the multiple images parameter values for pixels of the image sensor; and (d) compensating images taken subsequently in the camera using the parameter values. The controlled condition includes an external light source for illumination, and the image sensor is sensitive to color components.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and an evaluation value generation apparatus can include an image data interface unit that outputs image data according to a pixel signal input from a solid-state imaging device as first image data, an image data reading unit that reads image data stored in a storage unit and outputs the read image data as second image data, an evaluation value generation unit that generates an evaluation value based on input image data, an image data selection unit that selects one of image data based on the first image data and image data based on the second image data as image data to be input to the evaluation value generation unit, and an image data writing unit that stores the image data based on the first image data in the storage unit.

Abstract: Sub-regions within a face image are identified to be enhanced by applying a localized smoothing kernel to luminance data corresponding to the sub-regions of the face image. An enhanced face image is generated including an enhanced version of the face that includes certain original pixels in combination with pixels corresponding to the one or more enhanced sub-regions of the face.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer program product cooperate in detecting a first target object contained in image information. Image information of an image is received through an interface. A processing circuit determines whether a first target object in the image information has not yet been detected. A determination is also made regarding whether a second target object in the image information has been detected. An image quality parameter of the image is modified to assist subsequent detection attempts in recognizing the first target object when the first target object has not yet been detected but the second target object has been detected.

Abstract: An image processing method of performing an image restoration processing of an image, includes the steps of generating a plurality of first optical transfer functions depending on a position of the image using coefficient data depending on an image pickup condition of the image, generating a plurality of second optical transfer functions by rotating the first optical transfer functions around a center of the image or around an optical axis of an image pickup optical system, generating an image restoration filter based on the first optical transfer functions and the second optical transfer functions, and performing the image restoration processing of the image using the image restoration filter.

Abstract: An image synthesis device includes: a first pixel selection unit which selects, from a first filter area around a pixel of interest on a first image, a first pixel having a value within a first allowable range including a value of a pixel of interest; a second pixel selection unit which sets a second filter area around a reference pixel located on a second image having a longer exposure time than the first image in the same position as the pixel of interest, and selects, from the second filter area, a second pixel having a value within a second allowable range including the value of the pixel of interest; and a synthesis unit which sets a synthetic value, acquired by synthesizing the values of the first and the second pixel, as the value of a pixel on the synthetic image in the same position as the pixel of interest.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer readable media for implementing novel dominant color alleviation techniques for color balancing are described. The techniques take advantage of unique properties of 2D image data histograms accumulated in a chromaticity space, along with other factors such as estimated scene lux and knowledge of plausible scene illuminant white point values within the chromaticity space. The accumulated 2D image data histograms may be refined and “trimmed,” such that the resultant image data passed to an auto white balance solution has much less influence from the dominant colors in the image, even those that overlap the plausible scene illuminant color region. The described techniques provide for white point estimates that are much less prone to dominant color failures.

Abstract: Several methods and apparatuses for implementing automatic exposure mechanisms for image capturing devices are described. In one embodiment, an orientation detector located in the device determines orientation data for the device. The automatic exposure mechanism projects an orientation vector into an image plane of an image sensor. Next, the automatic exposure mechanism adjusts an initial position of a metering area used for automatic exposure towards a target position based on the projected orientation vector. The automatic exposure mechanism optionally dampens the adjustment of the metering area.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus determines a scene of a captured image, and, depending on the scene determination result, performs image capture with an expanded dynamic range, or performs a dynamic range contraction process based on the captured image. In the case of executing the dynamic range expansion process, the image capturing apparatus performs image capture at a decreased ISO speed, and performs tone correction for compensating the decrease in ISO speed with respect to the captured image. The image capturing apparatus is thereby capable of performing image capture with a dynamic range that takes into consideration the subject and the scene.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a camera module has an exposure control unit. When an exposure error has reached within a coring range by first exposure control, the exposure control unit switches exposure control from the first exposure control to second exposure control. The exposure error shows a deviation of an exposure evaluation value to an exposure target value. In the second exposure control, an exposure change amount is reduced than at the time of the first exposure control. When the exposure error has reached a zero level by the second exposure control, the exposure control unit stops the exposure control.

Abstract: Electronic devices may have camera modules that include an image sensor and processing circuitry. The image sensor may capture an interleaved image having rows of long-exposure pixel values that are interleaved with rows of short-exposure pixel values. The image sensor may separate the interleaved image into first and second images each having empty image pixel values. The processing circuitry may generate interpolated long-exposure and interpolated short-exposure images by generating chroma-filtered interpolated pixel values for the empty pixel values in the first and second images. The processing circuitry may perform interpolation operations along one or more directions for the empty image pixels based on whether the empty image pixels are within a texture area or on a dominant edge of the captured image. The processing circuitry may combine the interpolated long-exposure image and the interpolated short-exposure image to generate a high-dynamic-range image.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with image sensors and light sources. The image sensors may include image pixels each having a photosensitive element, first and second storage nodes, and first and second transfer transistors coupled between the photosensitive element and the first and second storage nodes. The first and second transfer transistors may be synchronized with the light source so that charges generated by the photosensitive element of each image pixel when the light source is on are transferred to the first storage node of that pixel and charges generated by the photosensitive element of each image pixel when the light source is off are transferred to the second storage node of that pixel. The light source may be an oscillating light source that is configured to turn on and off multiple times during an image exposure. The generated charges may be used in flash-matting operations.

Abstract: Systems and approaches are provided for obtaining high quality image data from lower resolution and/or lower quality image data. An electronic device can be calibrated comprehensively prior to being provided to a user. The calibrated electronic device can be used to capture image data, image metadata, and other sensor data substantially simultaneously. Super-resolution processing can be applied to the captured image data to obtain higher quality image data than the captured image data, such as image data that corresponds to a higher resolution, has less blur, has less noise, has fewer photometric imperfections, and/or has fewer artifacts.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains a black image captured in the light-shielded state, and applies a cyclic type filter to each line in a direction parallel to the streak in the black image, reducing random noise in the first direction. The image processing apparatus deletes, from a black image obtained by applying the cyclic type filter, lines in the second direction by the group delay of the cyclic type filter. Further, the image processing apparatus generates an image having a line count corresponding to the group delay by using a final line in the second direction in the image from which lines corresponding to the group delay have been deleted. The image processing apparatus adds the generated image to the image from which lines corresponding to the group delay have been deleted, and outputs the resultant image.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing device including: a 3D-NR unit that performs, using first image data and second image data obtained by capturing images at temporally different times, 3D noise reduction (NR) processing for reducing noise in the first image data; an edge detection unit that detects an edge strength in an image indicated by the 3D-NR processed image data; and a synthesization unit that determines, based on the detected edge strength obtained by the edge detection unit, a synthesis ratio of the first image data and the 3D-NR processed image data, synthesizes the first image data and the 3D-NR processed image data, using the determined synthesis ratio, and outputs synthesized image data obtained by synthesizing the first image data and the 3D-NR processed image data.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image processing apparatus and an image processing method. The image processing method includes receiving an image, dividing the received image into a plurality of regions in a unit of a frame, acquiring information of brightness of a pixel included in each divided region, detecting a region having a flare among the divided regions by using the acquired brightness information, determining an image processing condition to be applied to the detected region having the flare, and processing the received image based on the determined image processing condition. The image processing condition applied to the region having the flare is different from an image processing condition applied to other regions.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a noise suppression unit configured to perform noise suppression processing to a plurality of color signals obtained by band dividing an image signal by color, a one-plane conversion unit configured to generate a one-plane image having one signal per pixel, from the plurality of color signals to which the noise suppression processing has been done by the noise suppression unit, a processing unit configured to perform image processing in which a frequency characteristic changes, with respect to the one-plane image, a noise extraction unit configured to extract a noise component from the image signal, and an adding unit configured to add the noise component extracted by the noise extraction unit to a signal obtained by the processing unit.

Abstract: One example configuration as discussed herein includes a multi-stage image processing system. A first stage image processor in the multi-stage image processing system analyzes a first window of settings produced by an array of sensor elements in an image sensor. The first stage image processor scales one or more color ranges to detect defective sensor elements and produces corrective values on an as-needed basis. A second stage image-processing resource processes a second window of settings including original settings and/or substitute settings as produced by the first stage image processor. The second stage image processor applies a debayering algorithm to the second window of values to produce final display settings for the sensor elements.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes a signal level comparing circuit. The signal level comparing circuit compares the levels among the signals of first peripheral pixels, the levels among the signals of second peripheral pixels, the levels among the signals of third peripheral pixels. The first peripheral pixels are arranged with the pixels for colors other than the color for the target pixel interposed between the first peripheral pixels and the target pixel. The second peripheral pixels are disposed on extension lines in directions from the target pixel to the first peripheral pixels, and the third peripheral pixels are disposed between the second peripheral pixels.

Abstract: A three-mirror anastigmatic with at least one non-rotationally symmetric mirror is disclosed. The at least one non-rotationally symmetric mirror may be an electroformed mirror shell having a non-rotationally symmetric reflective surface formed by a correspondingly shaped mandrel.

Abstract: A plurality of kinds of color filters are disposed at each of pixels in accordance with a color array of two rows and two columns at a pixel section of a solid state imaging device. A first signal outputting circuit and a second signal outputting circuit each perform an addition read of electrical signals from the pixels of one/the other color included in a line to be read. An addition controlling circuit shifts sampling positions of the pixels which are added at a time of the addition read by a unit of the color array between the first signal outputting circuit and a second signal outputting circuit.

Abstract: An image sensor module includes a ceramic substrate, an image sensor, a conductive film, and a bottom plate. The ceramic substrate includes an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, a side surface connected between the upper surface and the lower surface. The ceramic substrate has a through hole through the upper and lower surfaces, a receiving recess on the lower surface, and an air hole on the side surface. The through hole communicates with the receiving recess, and the air hole communicates with the receiving recess. The image sensor is received in the receiving recess and is electrically connected to the ceramic substrate. The bottom plate is positioned on the lower surface and electrically connected to the ceramic substrate by the conductive film.

Abstract: An image sensor system using a circuit that automatically provides a multiple point output which represents, in a first mode, each of the multiple points receiving outputs at substantially the same time delayed only by a transit time across a wire connecting the multiple point outputs, and in a second mode, each of the multiple points producing outputs that are delayed by a delay time, where each output is delayed relative to each other output by said delay time in the second mode.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, wherein the pixel array has a region formed from one of an electrical conductor and a semiconductor to which a fixed electric potential is supplied, each pixel includes a photoelectric converter, a charge-voltage converter which converts charges generated by the photoelectric converter into a voltage, and an amplification unit which amplifies a signal generated by the charge-voltage converter by a positive gain and outputs the amplified signal to an output line, and the output line comprising a shielding portion arranged to shield at least part of the charge-voltage converter with respect to the region.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of unit pixels. Each unit pixel has a photodiode, a reading transistor, a floating diffusion, a capacitance adding transistor, and a reset transistor. The reading transistor reads signal electric charges from the photodiode. The floating diffusion accumulates the signal electric charges read from the reading transistor. The capacitance adding transistor selectively adds capacitance to the floating diffusion. The reset transistor resets an electric potential of the floating diffusion.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging element includes a plurality of semiconductor layers stacked, a plurality of stack-connecting parts for electrically connecting the plurality of semiconductor layers, a pixel array part in which pixel cells that include a photoelectric conversion part and a signal output part are arrayed in a two-dimensional shape, and an output signal line through which signals from the signal output part of the pixel cells are propagated, in which the plurality of semiconductor layers includes at least a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer, and, in the first semiconductor layer, the plurality of pixel cells are arrayed in a two-dimensional shape, the signal output part of a pixel group formed with the plurality of pixel cells shares an output signal line wired from the stack-connecting parts, and the output signal line has a separation part which can separate each output signal line.

Abstract: Circuitry to reduce signal noise characteristics in an image sensor. In an embodiment, a bit trace line segment is located between neighboring respective segments of a source follower power trace and an additional trace which is to remain at a first voltage level during a pixel cell readout time period. In another embodiment, for each such trace segment, a smallest separation between the trace segment and the respective neighboring other one of such trace segments is substantially equal to or less than some maximum length to provide for parasitic capacitance between the bit line trace and one or more other traces.

Abstract: An image sensor in which one unit structure includes a plurality of photo-electric conversion units, a floating diffusion, a plurality of transfer transistors which are arranged in correspondence with the plurality of photo-electric conversion units so as to transfer charges respectively converted by the plurality of photo-electric conversion units to the floating diffusion, a source-follower amplifier which outputs a voltage signal according to a charge amount of the floating diffusion, and a reset transistor which resets the plurality of photo-electric conversion units and the floating diffusion, and a plurality of unit structures are two-dimensionally arranged in a row direction and a column direction, the image sensor comprising a control unit which divides the plurality of unit structures into a plurality of groups, and controls the transfer transistors for each divided group.

Abstract: A image pickup apparatus includes a touch panel configured to detect a touch operation, an image pickup element arranged to pick up a moving image, and a system control unit configured to control to record the moving image picked up by the image pickup element and control to make the operation-receiving sensitivity of the touch panel for the touch operation in moving image recording higher than in a state other than the moving image recording.

Abstract: A camera system includes an imaging optical system, an imaging unit, a reflecting mirror that is in a first state of being positioned in an optical path extending from the imaging optical system to the imaging unit or in a second state of being retracted from the optical path, an aperture adjustment unit, an image adjustment unit, a release button, and a control unit. The imaging unit performs focusing by detecting contrast in an image of the subject, and while the reflecting mirror is kept in the second state, the image adjustment unit increases the brightness of the image on a display when the aperture adjustment unit changes the aperture value of the imaging optical system to a larger aperture value, and by operation of the release button, the imaging unit performs the focusing, and then the photographing of the subject is started.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that includes a camera unit that captures image data; a display unit that displays the image data captured by the camera unit; a control unit that sets a photographing target region specified at a desired position on a screen of the display unit, and instructs the camera unit to start photographing when a photographing target is detected in the photographing target region in the image data captured by the camera unit; and a memory unit that stores an image captured by the camera unit after the instruction to start photographing.

Abstract: A dust removing device includes an oscillation body including at least an elastic member and an electromechanical energy conversion element which is fixed to the elastic member, wherein the electromechanical energy conversion element is configured to excite oscillation in the elastic member to remove dust. A rigidity-increasing member configured to enhance rigidity of the oscillation body in the direction of a node line of the oscillation is provided on at least one of the elastic member and the electromechanical energy conversion element.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is configured to execute a manual focus mode in which focusing is performed by an operation of a manual operating unit by moving an image pickup optical system configured to form an optical image of an object. The optical apparatus includes a diaphragm configured to adjust a light quantity, and a controller configured to control a movement of the image pickup optical system in accordance with an operating amount of the manual operating unit so that a unit moving amount that is a moving amount of an in-focus position of the image pickup optical system per unit operation of the manual operating unit corresponds to a product between a diameter of a minimum confusion circle of the image pickup optical system, a diaphragm value of the diaphragm in the manual focus mode, and a coefficient that is a natural number or a reciprocal of the natural number.