Abstract: An imaging apparatus with an image sensor and a correction optical system movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis includes a vibration detection unit configured to detect a vibration applied to the imaging apparatus, a vibration correction unit configured to drive the correction optical system to correct an image vibration according to an output from the vibration detection unit, a motion vector detection unit configured to detect a motion vector based on an image signal output from the image sensor, an amplifier unit configured to amplify the output from the vibration detection unit, a gain setting unit configured to set a gain of the amplifier unit based on the motion vector; and a gain control unit configured to allow or inhibit the setting of the gain of the amplifier unit set based on the motion vector, according to a change of an imaging condition of the imaging apparatus, wherein the vibration correction unit performs a vibration correction based on the output from the vibration detecti

Abstract: A method and device are provided for method for stabilization of image data by an imaging device. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting image data for a first frame and a second frame, performing motion estimation to determine one or more motion vectors associated with global frame motion for image data of the first frame, performing an outlier rejection function to select at least one of the one or more motion vectors, and determining a global transformation for image data of the first frame based, at least in part, on motion vectors selected by the outlier rejection function. The method may further include determining a stabilization transformation for image data of the first frame by refining the global transformation to correct for unintentional motion and applying the stabilization transformation to image data of the first frame to stabilize the image data of the first frame.

Abstract: An auto-focusing method of creating a focus value when a point light source image and an image having a low contrast are focused, a recording medium recording the method, and an auto-focusing apparatus for performing the method are provided. In an embodiment, point light source reference graphs and non-point light source graphs are previously stored in a database, a reference graph having the most similar pattern to a focus graph is created by comparing the focus graph of input images to the point light source and non-point light source reference graphs, and a focus value is created when an image is focused using a different method according to the type of corresponding reference graph.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for image pickup and an image pickup device using the same. The image pickup device includes a lens, an image-processing program, and a user interface. The lens is utilized to obtain a main image by shooting an object. The image-processing program divides the main image into a plurality of sub-image blocks, computes the resolution of every sub-image block, and compares each resolution with a threshold. The user interface displays the compared result of each sub-image block to indicate if the lens and the object are parallel.

Abstract: An optical system comprising an aberration control optical system is disclosed. An aberration control optical system is operable to produce an image aberration, and an aperture stop is operable to limit a light beam passing through the aberration control optical system. An image pickup device is operable to capture an object image passing through the aberration control optical system, and the aberration control optical system provides inflection points within a diameter of the aperture stop to obtain a depth extending effect.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens includes an image stabilizing unit, a position detector configured to detect a position of the correction lens, and a controller configured to set a movable range of the correction lens, when the interchangeable lens is mounted on a first camera body having a function of correcting at least one of a peripheral brightness and an aberration of a picked-up image according to position information of the correction lens, the controller sets the movable range of the correction lens to a first movable range, and when the interchangeable lens is mounted on a second camera body not having a function of correcting the peripheral brightness or the aberration of the picked-up image according to the position information of the correction lens, the controller sets the movable range of the correction lens to a second movable range that is narrower than the first movable range.

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 processing method, for correcting a blur a due to an optical system of an image capturing apparatus, the image processing method including, storing a plurality of representative filters in a memory, selecting a subset of representative filters from the plurality of representative filters based on a pixel position of a pixel of interest in an image, applying each of the selected representative filter to a pixel value of the pixel of interest, and correcting the pixel value of the pixel of interest based on (a) a result of the application of filters, and (b) the pixel position of the pixel of interest.

Abstract: A device captures images that are intentionally underexposed to reduce motion-related blur. Image processing is performed on the underexposed images. The processing includes reducing noise and increasing gain in the underexposed images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a conversion section converting a moving object image being an image in a region corresponding to a moving object included in a reference image and other images constituting images generated under different exposure conditions. The image processing apparatus also includes a substitution section substituting the generated exposure level converted moving object image with a region corresponding to an exposure level converted moving object image of each of the other images corresponding to an exposure level as a reference exposure level at the time of generating the exposure level converted moving object image to generate a substitute image for each of the other images. A combination section combines the substitute image and the reference image to generate a combined image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit that generates an image signal of a picked up image by performing photoelectric conversion for an optical image formed by an imaging optical system; a shake detecting unit that detects a shake; a correction amount setting unit that sets a shake correction amount used for correcting the shake based on the shake detected by the shake detecting unit; and a correction processing unit that performs correction of distortion aberration generated by the imaging optical system for the picked up image, movement of an extraction area for an image in which the distortion aberration is corrected in accordance with the shake correction amount, and extraction of an image of the extraction area.

Abstract: Provided are a photographing control method and apparatus according to motion of a digital photographing apparatus. The photographing control method may prevent inconvenience when a subject is photographed while changing a viewing angle by using an additional zoom button, by sensing predetermined motion via a motion sensor comprised in the digital photographing apparatus and calculating a first motion value; comparing the calculated first motion value to predetermined threshold values; and controlling a zoom lens to be driven in a predetermined direction according to a result of the comparing.

Abstract: The optical apparatus includes an image pickup optical system including a focus lens, a controller controlling movement of the focus lens in an optical axis direction of the image pickup optical system, a shake detector detecting a shake amount of the optical apparatus in the optical axis direction, and a memory storing plural shake amounts sequentially detected by the shake detector. The controller calculates, in response to a start instruction of exposure for the image pickup and before start of the exposure, a predictive value of the shake amount for a time point of the exposure based on the plural shake amounts stored in the memory and including at least one shake amount detected after the start instruction of exposure. The controller moves the focus lens to a position corresponding to the predictive value before the start of the exposure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for obtaining a motion adaptive high dynamic range image, in which a motion degree of a first image and a second taken using different exposure times is calculated. The motion calculation intensity is adjusted based on the calculated motion degree. The motion compensation intensity involves a global motion compensation and/or a location motion compensation. Images subjected to compensation are synthesized and output, so that an image having high dynamic range is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing the optical appearance of a surface (2) of a sample (1) of semitransparent material, in particular the surface (2) of a human skin, the apparatus comprising a light source (11,12,13,16,17) for illuminating at least a region of interest of the surface (2) of the sample (1) from a predetermined direction, a camera (14) for observing a response to the illumination of the region of interest and an optical focus device (21,31) for determining if the camera (14) is in focus with the surface (2) of the region of interest. The invention also relates to a method for observing the optical appearance of the surface (2) of a sample (1) of semitransparent material, in particular the surface (2) of a human skin.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a shift lens driven to be shifted; a uniform aberration correction data storing unit storing uniform aberration correction data for correcting uniform aberration; a shift amount calculating unit calculating an amount of aberration correction shift of the shift lens for correcting uniform aberration using the uniform aberration correction data; a shift lens driving unit driving the shift lens to be shifted according to an amount of driving shift based on the amount of aberration correction shift; a concentric aberration correction amount calculating unit calculating an amount of concentric aberration correction for correcting concentric aberration with respect to a process target pixel of an input image signal; and a pixel value correcting unit correcting a pixel value of the process target pixel on the basis of the calculated amount of concentric aberration correction.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor 104 in which at least part of pixels arranged in two dimensions are configured as focus detection pixels with divided-pupil, a memory control circuit 113 configured to read out from a memory position information for the focus detection pixels 401, 402 stored in the memory, and a correction circuit 110 configured to identify positions of the focus detection pixels 401, 402 in the image sensor 104 based on the position information for the focus detection pixels 401, 402 and to correct a defective focus detection pixel signal using defect-free focus detection pixel signals.

Abstract: The image pickup system is constituted by a lens apparatus including a focus lens and an image pickup apparatus performing image pickup through the lens apparatus. The system includes an operating part being operated to instruct a movement of the focus lens, a controller performing focus position control to move the focus lens to a position corresponding to an operation amount of the operating part, a ranging part detecting an object distance in each of plural ranging areas included in an image pickup region, and a determining part determining a distance range where the object distances detected in the plural ranging areas are distributed. The system further includes a changing part changing a relationship between the operation amount of the operating part and the position of the focus lens in the focus position control according to a determination result by the determining part.

Abstract: An optical image stabilization (OIS) system may be used in a camera having an optical system which includes a motion compensating optical element driven by an actuator. The system may include a motion sensor providing a motion signal, a frequency detector for detecting a dominant frequency being that frequency within the motion signal which may produce the most significant motion blurring in the image produced by the camera, and a tunable high-pass filter for filtering the motion signal and supplying the filtered motion signal as an actuator control signal. The tunable high pass filter may be tuned based upon the dominant frequency to a filter characteristic which provides a phase lead substantially canceling a phase lag of the actuator at that frequency.

Abstract: A multiple anti-shake system and a method thereof applied to a camera device. The system comprises a sensing module, a first anti-shake module and a second anti-shake module. The sensing module detects the vibration signal of the camera device and the first anti-shake module is actuated to perform a first vibration compensation according to the vibration signal, therefrom calculates a residual vibration amount according to said first vibration compensation. The second anti-shake module thereby further performs a second vibration compensation to determine the set parameter of multi-frame blending. Thereby, the user can obtain a clear image by immediately processing a blurred image through a compensation process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image capturing method in a mobile terminal equipped with a touch screen, and a mobile terminal for implementing the same. When a camera function is initiated, a preview image of an image to be captured is displayed on the touch screen. If a touch input is received on a specific position of the preview image on the touch screen, focusing of the image is performed on the specific position where the touch input has been received. When a photographing command is received, the image on which the focusing has been performed is captured.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging objects are provided. An imaging device includes a sensor to provide an image of an object. The sensor can have a sensor exposure time and a sensor gain and the image includes a plurality of frames, each of the plurality of frames that can depict at least a portion of the object. The imaging device includes a motion detector to determine whether there is movement of the at least a portion of the object between adjacent frames of the plurality of frames. The imaging device also includes a controller. The controller can set the sensor exposure time to a first value in response to a determination by the motion detector that there is movement of the at least a portion of the object between adjacent frames. The controller can also set the sensor exposure time to a second value in response to a determination that there is no movement of the at least a portion of the object between adjacent frames.

Abstract: A camera unit includes an image sensor, an image signal processor, an application processor and a frame memory. The image sensor receives an optical signal from a lens unit and converts it into an electrical signal. The image signal processor converts the electrical signal into an image signal, and includes a first sub block controlling the image sensor and the lens unit and a second sub block receiving and processing the image signal from the first sub block. The application processor receives the image signal from the second sub block and further processes the image signal. The frame memory is connected to the second sub block and the application processor to store the processed image signal. The image sensor and the first sub block constitute a first chip not connected to the frame memory, and the second sub block and the application processor constitute a second chip connected to the frame memory.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an imaging device, comprising: an imaging unit for receiving subject light flux, that has been made incident by the photographing lens, on an imaging surface, and photoelectrically converting a formed subject image to output image data; a display unit for carrying out a live view display operation using image data acquired by the imaging unit; a first contrast AF unit for obtaining contrast information of the subject information from image data acquired by the imaging unit and guiding the photographing lens into a first in-focus permissible range based on the contrast information, and a control unit for, when the live view display operation has started, executing a focus adjustment operation using the first contrast AF unit at a first time interval.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for blurring an image background, in which a moving image information and a focal distance information, which is matched to the moving image according to a movement distance of an AF motor, are obtained for the same object and background blurring is applied to a still image differentially, based on focal distances of the moving image and the still image. The apparatus includes a digital signal processing unit capturing a moving image and a still image of the same object, comparing focal distances of at least one frame forming the moving image with focal distances of the still image, and applying background blurring to the still image according to differences between the focal distances.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus capable of acquiring data about an image having a wide dynamic range and a high grayscale resolution, a method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus, and a recording medium storing a program to implement the method are provided. An embodiment includes an imaging device that acquires a reference image and additional images at different exposures and a multi-level threshold map generation unit that classifies the pixels of the images into levels according to brightness. The embodiment further includes a motion data acquiring unit that acquires motion data for each pixel based on its respective brightness level and a first weight data acquiring unit that acquires first weight data based on the motion data of each pixel. In addition, the embodiment includes a final image data acquiring unit that synthesizes the pixels of the reference image and the additional images based on first weight data.

Abstract: Effects due to user operation are reduced in scene discrimination. In an image pickup apparatus, when performing scene discrimination based on information that includes detected movement of a subject and vibration of the image pickup apparatus, and an picked up image, the degree to which one of the movement of the subject and the vibration of the image pickup apparatus while an operating instruction is being received from a user contributes to scene discrimination is restricted.

Abstract: An adaptive motion estimation and deblurring technique for acquired digital images includes acquiring multiple digital images with a moving digital image acquisition device that includes an image sensor, including a relatively sharp, underexposed reference image and a blurred image. Anb initial approximate point spread function (PSF) is estimated corresponding to the moving of the device. A different DC offset point is determined and a second PSF is calculated based on the different DC offset point.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a MOS image sensor that shoots an image of a subject, and a control unit that selects one of plural shutter drive modes and drives the MOS image sensor in the selected shutter drive mode. The control unit analyzes a through image of a subject that is obtained by the MOS image sensor before main shooting (step S3) and performs the selection automatically based on a result of the analysis (steps S6, S9, and S10).

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit operable to capture a subject image via an optical system and generate image data, a regulating unit operable to regulate an exposure amount for the imaging unit; a shake detector operable to detect a shake of the imaging apparatus; an operation unit capable of being in a first operating state and a second operating state; and a controller operable to control the recording unit to record the image data generated by the imaging unit in the recording medium, when the operation unit is in the first operating state. The controller determines whether or not the operation unit is in the second operating state before the first operating state, and regulates an exposure time of the regulating unit based on the determination result and the shake of the imaging apparatus detected by the shake detector.

Abstract: The present invention is applied to an image pickup apparatus for which, for example, a CMOS solid-state image pickup element is used. One screen image is divided into a plurality of blocks, and a motion is detected for each of the blocks to control the exposure time of the block.

Abstract: A method for sharpening an input digital image captured using a digital camera having a zoom lens, determining a parameterized representation of lens acuity of the zoom lens as a function of at least the lens focal length and lens F# by fitting a parameterized function to lens acuity data for the zoom lens at a plurality of lens focal length and lens F/#; using a processor to sharpen the input digital image responsive to the particular lens focal length and lens F/#corresponding to the input digital image using the parameterized representation of the lens acuity.

Abstract: A method for enabling an auto-focus function, an electronic device thereof, a recording medium thereof, and a computer program product using the method are provided for the electronic device having a function of capturing images. In the present method, whether the electronic device is in a static state is first detected. If the electronic device is remained in the static state for a first time period, an auto-focus function is enabled and the electronic device is switched to the focusing mode. As a result, a user no longer needs to start the auto-focus function manually, and convenience and fluency of capturing images can be increased substantially.

Abstract: An optical image system includes an image pickup module, a swinging mechanism, a first swinging calibration element and a second swinging calibration element. When the optical image system is tilted because of handshaking, the image pickup module is swung by the swinging mechanism. At the same time, the first swinging calibration element and the second swinging calibration element detect whether the image pickup module is swung to an ideal position where the handshaking problem is eliminated.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus comprises: a moving unit configured to move a focus position of a photographing lens relative to an image sensor at a predetermined amplitude by changing a distance in an optical axis direction between the photographing lens and the image sensor; detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image obtained from the image sensor; and defocus correction unit configured to perform defocus correction on the image obtained from the image sensor during motion performed by the moving unit, based on the focus state detected by the detection unit, so that the focus state of each image for display on the display device at least approaches the focus state for an in-focus image.

Abstract: A method including using an optical image stabilization function in an imaging apparatus comprising a lens and an image sensor; acquiring system change information, the system change information concerning changes that affect optical path through the lens to the image sensor during capturing of an image through the lens; adjusting a lens shading correction function on the basis of the acquired system change information; and applying the adjusted lens shading correction function to image data representing the captured image.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a focus state has an optical image-forming system that forms an object image, a plurality of line sensors that is arranged on a projected area of the optical image-forming system; a plurality of monitor sensors that is arranged on the projected area along the direction of a line-sensor array, each monitor sensor being adjacent to a corresponding line sensor and monitoring an amount of light incident on the corresponding line sensor; and a signal processor that outputs image-pixel signals corresponding to the object image on the basis of electric charges accumulated in the plurality of line sensors. At least an endmost monitor sensor corresponding to an endmost line sensor is arranged on the center-facing side of the endmost line sensor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor and a processor that merges together a plurality of images captured by said image sensor to produce a composite image. The positions or the plurality of images being adjusted to reduce displacement of a reference area that is determined within each one of said plurality of images before the plurality of images is merged together. The reference area includes at least one of an in-focus area determined by a focusing operation, a face area determined by face-sensing processes, a predetermined-color area determined by white-balance information and predetermined color information, and a predetermined-brightness area determined by photometry.

Abstract: An imaging method includes a step of setting, when a digital zoom operation mode for enlarging an image imaged by a imaging part of an X-Y address type is selected, a zoom magnification and enlarging the image at the zoom magnification set. The imaging method includes the steps of: setting an imaging range in a vertical direction of the imaging part according to the zoom magnification set in the digital zoom step; outputting a driving signal for scanning the shutter signal and the readout signal to perform exposure in the imaging range set in the imaging range setting step and driving the imaging part; and discarding, when the zoom magnification is changed in the digital zoom step, images imaged by the imaging part before and after the change of the zoom magnification to prevent the images from being used.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a relatively low cost technique for improving the sharpness or quality of digital images captured by a handheld portable media device. A housing of the device has integrated therein a digital camera image sensor, a camera lens, and a sensor that detects a distance measure, which is a measure of distance between the housing and an object or target in a scene that is before the lens. The device is programmed to select a point spread function, PSF, based on the detected distance measure. The selected PSF is then applied to de-blur the captured image, for becoming the final picture of the scene that is taken by the user. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An image capture device that can shoot an image at a more appropriate exposure value with the image blur compensated for properly is provided. The digital camera includes: a motion detecting section 34 for estimating a motion vector of an image shot; a blur compensating section for optically compensating for the blur of the image shot; a mode selecting section for selecting one of multiple control modes for the blur compensating section; and a setting determining section for determining a setting related to an exposure value for shooting an image based on the control mode selected by the mode selecting section and the motion vector estimated.

Abstract: Video data that includes a plurality of images acquired over time are processed in an apparatus immediately after acquiring the video data, or during some later post-processing of the video data, to reduce the effects of unintended motion in the acquired images. Coarse and fine compensation for motion is performed on video frames that correspond to the acquired images. A coarse compensation value is employed to compress each video frame that is both coarse and fine motion compensated.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes a first detection unit detecting information corresponding to an object distance in each of plural areas, without through an image taking optical system, a second detection unit detecting a size and a position of a specific object area in object image data, and a controller performing focus control of the image taking optical system on the basis of the information corresponding to the object distance. The controller acquires specific object distance information on a distance to a specific object, on the basis of the size of the specific object area and information on a focal length of the image taking optical system, and selects, from the plural areas, an area where the information corresponding to the object distance to be used in focus control is detected, on the basis of the specific object distance information and the position of the specific object area.

Abstract: A continuous focusing method for a digital camera is described, which is applicable to determine whether the digital camera performs a focusing procedure or not when the digital camera switches from a first scene to a second scene in a live view stage. The continuous focusing method includes the following steps. A preview image of a second scene is obtained. A blur detection procedure is performed on the preview image, so as to acquire a corresponding focus value. It is determined whether the focus value exceeds a focusing threshold value or not; if not, a focusing procedure is performed; otherwise, if the focus value is greater than the focusing threshold value, the digital camera still maintains a current focusing focal length, which represents that a focusing focal length of the second scene is the same as that of the first scene.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes: a switch for switching between single and plural modes for using lens apparatus singularly and plurally, respectively; a communication unit to communicate with external device; a unit to set all elements to first state in single mode and set the respective elements to second or third state in plural mode; a control source output unit to output, for each state of the elements, control source information for determining a control command to drive the element; and a unit to determine a command for controlling drive of the elements based on the control source information determined by the control source output portion, wherein in the second state, control commands for corresponding elements are output to other lens apparatuses through the communication unit, and in the third state, the control source output portion outputs control source information different from that in the first and second states.

Abstract: A method (300) and image capture device (100) are provided for determining whether an image incident upon an image sensor (101) is sufficiently stable prior to executing an auto-focus process. An image stability mechanism (104) compares attribute data—such as luminance or frequency spectrum—from successive images to determine whether a change between the attribute data from image to image is within a predetermined range (710). The image stability mechanism (104) can also be configured to determine whether a scene incident upon the image sensor (101) has changed. Where the image is sufficiently stable, an indicator module (107) provides an image stability indication to a control circuit (102). The control circuit (102) can then be configured to execute the auto-focus operation when the image is sufficiently stable, or when both the scene has changed and the image is sufficiently stable.

Abstract: A system and method for using images captured from a digital camera to control navigation through a three-dimensional user interface. The sequence of images may be examined to identify feature points to be tracked through successive frames of the images captured by the camera. A plurality of classifiers may be used to discern shift from rotation gestures, based on expected behavior of feature points in the image when the camera is shifted or rotated in position. The various classifiers may generate voting values for shift and rotation gestures, and the system can use historical gesture information to assist in categorizing a current gesture.

Abstract: Background blurring is provided when capturing an image using an image capture device. Input is received for initiating an image capture process for capturing an image at an image capture device. A background is automatically blurred based on a depth of field automatically adjusted towards the image capture device for capturing the image with background blurring in response to receiving the input for initiating the image capture process.

Abstract: A digital single-lens reflex camera is configured for making it possible to reduce deterioration in image quality due to a camera shake or an object movement and to easily pick up an image with a good image quality. In a digital single-lens reflex camera (1), when an object speed is detected on the basis of a detected object movement, a body microprocessor (12) judges if the object speed is equal to a threshold value (A) or more and, if it is smaller than the threshold value (A), controls a conversion lens camera shake correcting device (82) in a conversion lens (2) or a camera body shake correcting device (75) in a camera body (3) to carry out the camera shake correction.

Abstract: Simulating a long exposure-time image from a sequence of short exposure-time images captured at slightly different times. The sequence of images is combined in a temporal integration process to create a long exposure image that simulates the output from a still camera, steadied by a tripod, whose light-sensitive material has been exposed to the same scene from the time of the beginning of the first input image of the sequence to the last image of the input sequence. The method overcomes limitations of hand-held video and image recording devices, allowing the user to easily create effects normally associated with high-end digital still cameras under expert control.