Abstract: The hand movement correction apparatus 10 which is capable of correcting hand movement includes: a position variation signal acquisition sections 13 and 17 that acquire a position variation signal; a gain controller 12 that controls the gain of the position variation signal; an exposure determination section 14 that determines whether exposure operation is in progress; a position variation signal switching section 14 that switches the position variation signal; and a hand movement amount calculation section 15 that calculates a hand movement correction amount based on the position variation signal.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.

Abstract: Embodiments of invention disclose a system and a method for increasing a temporal resolution of a substantially periodic signal. The method acquires a signal as an input sequence of frames having a first temporal resolution, wherein the signal is a substantially periodic signal, wherein the frames in the input sequence of frames are encoded according to an encoded pattern; and transforms the input sequence of frames into an output sequence of frames having a second temporal resolution, such that the second temporal resolution is greater than the first temporal resolution, wherein the transforming is based on a sparsity of the signal in Fourier domain.

Abstract: At least some of the pixels on which color filters that give the largest weight to a brightness signal or color filters that have the highest transmittance among the plurality of color filters are provided are pixels for focus detection that are designed in such a way that the direction of incidence of light beams incident thereon is restricted, the pixels other than the pixels for focus detection are pixels for image picking-up that are designed in such a way that the degree of restriction placed on light beams incident thereon is smaller than that placed on light beams incident on the pixels for focus detection, the pixels for focus detection output at least a signal for ranging, the pixels for image picking-up output at least a signal for an image, and there are at least three pixels for focus detection in an area defined between a circle having its center at the center of any one of the pixels for focus detection and having a radius equal to 3.

Abstract: A digital image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the digital image processing apparatus, the method including: generating a live view image; performing a preprocessing operation on the live view image; driving a vibration mode of a handshake correction module in response to a result of the preprocessing operation; and if a photographing signal is input, generating a photographing image after terminating the vibration mode of the handshake correction module.

Abstract: A taking lens consists of first to third lens groups. The second lens group is held in a lens frame that is coupled through an arm to a supporting shaft, and is able to rotate about the supporting shaft, to move the second lens group in a circular direction in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the taking lens. As a movable lens barrel retreats into a camera body, the lens frame rotates to remove the second lens group from an inserted position inserted in an optical path of the taking lens to a removed position set out of the optical path. The arm is provided with an actuator that causes the lens frame to move in a lengthwise direction of the arm. Because the movement in the circular direction includes a component that is perpendicular to the lengthwise movement of the arm, it is possible to move the lens frame and thus the second lens group in any directions in the perpendicular plane to the optical axis, in order to cancel a deviation of an optical image that result from a camera shake.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device in accordance with the present invention comprises an image sensor being subjected to exposure performed in a rolling shutter system, a focusing system including a focus lens for focusing on the image sensor, an AF evaluation value calculating unit calculating an AF evaluation value based on an imaging signal obtained from the image sensor, and an AF control unit controlling an operation of the focusing system based on an AF evaluation value of a focusing area set in a part of the imaging picture by the image sensor, and the AF control unit makes the AF evaluation value of a focusing area of each imaging picture and a focus lens position at the time of exposure for the focusing area correspond to each other, and drives the focusing system during the period which overlaps with an exposure period while searching the focus lens position where the AF evaluation value becomes maximum.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device receiving light from an object through an imaging lens at a predetermined imaging plane and performing photoelectric conversion of an object image to generate a captured image; a phase-difference detector for receiving the light from the object and generating a phase-difference detection signal corresponding to a focus level of the object image; an evaluation-value calculator for calculating a predetermined evaluation value corresponding to a contrast of the object image on the basis of the captured image; and a determining unit for selecting an optimum AF method from among a plurality of AF methods in which the phase-difference detection signal obtained by the phase-difference detecting unit and the predetermined evaluation value based on the captured image are used selectively or in combination, the optimum AF method being selected in accordance with image-capturing conditions of the object.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus that is capable of detecting the shaking of the apparatus by using an autofocusing (AF) process and a method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus are provided. These involve calculating a first focal value while focusing on an object by performing the AF process and comparing the first focal value with a second focal value of a location on an image captured by actually photographing the object. This location corresponds to a location corresponding to the first focal value. As a result of these features, the shaking of the digital photographing apparatus can be detected.

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: The present invention relates to a control method of a photographing apparatus, the photographing apparatus and a control program, which are capable of automatically determining a photographing mode capable of generating a sharper image. If a first exposure time is equal to or shorter than a first threshold value, a control circuit 18 makes a decision to take an input image in a first mode. The first exposure time is an exposure time required for taking one input image on the assumption that a photographing operation is carried out in the first mode for generating one output image by taking one input image. If the first exposure time is neither equal to nor shorter than the first threshold value, on the other hand, the control circuit 18 makes a decision to take a plurality of input images in a second mode provided that a second exposure time is equal to or shorter than a second threshold value.

Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus for image stabilizing comprises a movable unit and a controller. The movable unit is movable for an anti-shake operation. The controller stops the anti-shake operation after an exposure time and moves the movable unit to a first position after the anti-shake operation. The first position is a position of the movable unit before the exposure time and before the anti-shake operation. The controller moves the movable unit at a decelerated, low rate of speed before finishing its movement to the first position.

Abstract: A method of capturing a still frame is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating a plurality of initial frames with a sensor in response to an optical signal and (B) generating the still frame by combining the initial frames using a noise reduction technique.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus includes accelerometers, a proximity sensor and a processor. Each accelerometer determines acceleration along an axis of a plane parallel to a focal plane of an image capture device. The accelerometers output respective acceleration data to the processor. The proximity sensor obtains a measurement of the distance between the focal plane of the image capture device and an object plane. The proximity sensor outputs distance data to the processor. The processor processes the distance data and the acceleration data to produce correction data to correct image data captured during motion of the image capture device.

Abstract: To provide an interchangeable lens, a camera body, a camera system, and a method for controlling the same, with which a highly efficient and stable image blur correction effect can be obtained. A camera system (1) has a camera body (10) and an interchangeable lens (20) which is attachable to and detachable from the camera body (10). The camera body (10) has an imaging unit (120) for imaging a subject through the interchangeable lens (20), and a sequence microcomputer (100) capable of sending and receiving information to and from a lens microcomputer (200) and for controlling the imaging operation of an imaging unit (120).

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling the same are provided. The digital photographing apparatus obtains a first image from an input image according to a first shutter input signal, obtains a second image from the input image according to a second shutter input signal, and corrects the second image based on the first image.

Abstract: To provide a technique to obtain a synthesized image with an expanded dynamic range with ease and a technique to reduce workload of a user while maintaining the degree of freedom relating to image processing. There provides an image inputting part taking in at least one of a plurality of low-resolution images and a high-resolution image obtained by shooting the same subject while changing exposure condition, a shift detecting part detecting a positional shift of pictorial pattern between each of the plurality of low-resolution images and the high-resolution image, and a gradation expanding part generating a synthesized image in which a range of reproduced gradation is expanded by performing position alignment between each of the plurality of low-resolution images and the high-resolution image based on the positional shift, extracting a gradation information of the plurality of low-resolution images, and synthesizing it with the high-resolution image.

Abstract: A projector device that generates a projection image, photographs this projection image and performs various adjustments to the projection image.

Abstract: A camera system in normal mode and hand jitter reduction (hjr) mode may comprise generating a first exposure time-gain product by multiplying the normal mode exposure time with the normal mode gain. It may further comprise modifying the normal mode exposure time and gain and multiplying these modified parameters to generate a second exposure time-gain product for a hjr mode that reduces the difference between the first exposure time-gain product and the second exposure time-gain product. To reduce the difference the normal mode frame rate may also be modified. Operation of a camera in normal mode may be in response to a sensed light level being above a threshold. The hjr mode may be selected by the user while the camera is operating. The hjr mode may be used in response to a sensed light level being lower than the threshold.

Abstract: An imaging device and its image processing for creating an image with less blur from a small number of images under different exposure conditions in a shortened processing time. The imaging device 10 captures an image by means of an optical system 11 and an imaging element 12 in a short exposure time with a high resolution and much noise and images in a long exposure time with low resolution and less noise. After signal processing by signal processing section 13, a CPU 14 detects the position variation between captured images and blurs, separates the edges blur and the noise by using the threshold from the two difference images, combines the two images at a varied combination ratio, and thereby creates an image with no blur and reduced noise.

Abstract: A taking lens 10 of an automatic focusing system of an optical path length difference type is configured so that AF object light is branched from a main optical path that guides object light to a video imaging device 26 of a camera main body 14, and object images are formed on AF imaging devices 22A and 22B. A ? type CCD is used as the video imaging device 26, and a ? type CCD, that is easily available and cheap, is used as the AF imaging devices 22A and 22B. In view of that sizes of the AF imaging devices 22A and 22B are smaller than that of the video imaging device 26, the object images formed on the AF imaging devices 22A and 22B are reduced by a reduction optical system 17.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: an image-capturing unit that captures an image of a photographic subject, and outputs the captured image; a shake amount detection unit that detects a shake amount of the digital camera; a shake correction actuation unit that is actuated for enabling a shake correction function; and a control unit that, when the shake correction actuation unit is actuated, enables an operation of a first shake correction function that sets image capture conditions of the image-capturing unit to image capture conditions in which emphasis is placed upon high sensitivity, and an operation of a second shake correction function that performs shake correction processing by performing image processing upon the image captured by the image-capturing unit, and moreover controls, based upon the shake amount detected by the shake amount detection unit, whether or not the second shake correction function, whose operation has been enabled, can be applied to the image.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises two photographing systems which are independent of and substantially identical to each other, and each of which includes a photographing optical system and an image pickup device. The photographing optical system is configured to include a photographing lens, a focusing lens and an aperture stop. The focusing lens of one of the photographing systems is driven stepwise from a first predetermined position at which it is to be located when a focusing position lies at an infinite distance, toward a second predetermined position at which it is to be located when the focusing position lies at the closest distance, while the focusing lens of the other photographing system is driven stepwise from the second predetermined position toward the first predetermined position every step width.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a studio video feed, including a studio subject, may be received from a studio video camera. A remote video feed, including a remote subject, may be received from a remote video camera. The remote video feed may include, for example, the remote subject positioned in from of a solid-colored background. The remote subject may be overlaid into the studio video feed to produce a composite video signal, and at least one of the studio video feed and the remote video feed may be automatically adjusted to create an impression that the studio subject and the remote subject occupy a shared physical space.

Abstract: A shake correction device includes: a first driving means for driving an imaging component, which is related with either an imaging optical system or an imaging device, in a first direction; a second driving means for driving the imaging component in a second direction which is different from the first direction; and a control means for correcting shake of the imaging apparatus by driving the imaging component on the basis of a detection result of the shake of the imaging apparatus, which is obtained by a shake detection means, using the first and second driving means, wherein the control means sequentially executes first return processing in the first direction using the first driving means and second return processing in the second direction using the second driving means when returning the imaging component to a reference position at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes: (a) an imaging device subunit having an imaging device for creating an image signal associated with a subject and a light-transmitting member mounted ahead of a photosensitive surface of the imaging device; (b) a first driver circuit for driving a first actuator that moves the imaging device subunit in a first direction; (c) a second driver circuit for driving a second actuator that moves the imaging device subunit in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and (d) first dust-removing device for shaking off dust adhering to the light-transmitting member by driving a given actuator so as to vibrate the light-transmitting member; wherein the given actuator is driven using the first driver circuit or the second driver circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for image stabilization while mitigating the amplification of image noise by using a motion adaptive system employing spatial and temporal filtering of pixel signals from multiple captured frames of a scene.

Abstract: A digital image processing method for correcting a shaking blur corrects a blurred image caused by a shake when a user shoots an image with a digital camera, which includes the following steps obtaining a safe shutter time of the digital camera; performing an exposure adjustment procedure, for adjusting an aperture and a ISO speed of the digital camera respectively, and obtaining a shutter time of the digital camera after being adjusted; performing a shooting procedure; shooting a plurality of digital images, if the shutter time of the digital camera is greater than the safe shutter time; and then performing an image compensation procedure according to the digital images, to align the same image object in the digital images and then to overlay each pixel of the digital images one by one, thereby outputting an output image.

Abstract: A solid-state electronic image sensing device senses the image of a subject repeatedly for an exposure time over which camera shake is thought not to occur, and repeatedly outputs image data representing the image of the subject. A combining device generates one frame of a combined image obtained by combining the image of the subject represented by image data that has been output from the solid-state electronic image sensing device with the image of the subject represented by image data that was output from the solid-state electronic image sensing device by an immediately preceding image sensing operation, in such a manner that the images of the subject coincide.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for outputting high-quality images in which both jerkiness and blur are reduced are provided. At generation of moving images to be output at a certain frame rate, movement velocities of a subject according to the frame rate of the output images are calculated in units of partial areas in each frame image constituting the moving images, optimal shutter speeds to reduce degradation of the output images are obtained as optimal imaging shutter speeds corresponding to the movement velocities in units of partial areas, images corresponding to the obtained optimal shutter speeds are generated in units of partial areas, and frame images generated by combining the generated partial area images are output. According to this configuration, high-quality images in which both jerkiness and blur are reduced can be output.

Abstract: Still image apparatus and methods that are suitable for compact camera environments are described. In another aspect, image segments are captured during corresponding exposure intervals of a frame exposure period. Respective motion sensor signals are generated during the respective exposure intervals of the image segments. One or more corresponding movement measures are determined from the respective motion sensor signals for each of the exposure intervals. The image segments are combined into an output image based on the one or more corresponding movement measures.

Abstract: In order to provide a photographed image process changeover apparatus of a video telephone function which reduces the power consumption by providing only the most optimal functions in accordance with the state of a portable terminal, the comprisal at least includes an image cutout unit 11 for cutting out a predefined zone including a photography target from a photographed image taken by a camera comprised by the portable terminal, a handheld state detection unit 12 for detecting a handheld state, and a changeover unit 13 for changing over between the validity and invalidity of the image cutout unit 11 in accordance with the state of the portable terminal.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, a control unit can operate in one of a first mode which corresponds to an image capturing mode and which controls an image-blur correcting unit, and a second mode corresponding to a playback mode. When the image capturing mode is switched to the playback mode, the control unit operates in the first mode during a predetermined time after switching to the playback mode, and then operates in the second mode after the predetermined time period has elapsed. This makes it possible to immediately obtain an anti-shake effect even if the playback mode is switched to the image capturing mode.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of optimizing the responsiveness of linear changes in focus to operations of a ring member without sacrificing the operability of the ring member, while using a small-sized, low-cost ring member for manual operations. The rotating operation state of a focus ring 600 is detected by ring rotation sensors 603, 604. A camera microcomputer 116 causes a focus lens 105 to be moved and stopped in an optical axis direction thereof based on results of the detection by the ring rotation sensors 603, 604. The camera microcomputer 116 controls the responsiveness of linear changes in focus to the rotating operation state of the ring member detected by the ring rotation sensors 603, 604 in accordance with at least the depth of focus.

Abstract: A focus detection device includes a light receiving element, an image shift detection unit, a movement detection unit, and a focus detection unit. The light receiving element receives a pair of light fluxes passing through different regions of a pupil of an optical system. The image shift detection unit detects an image shift amount caused by the pair of light fluxes, based on outputs of the pair of light fluxes received by the light receiving element. The movement detection unit detects an image movement amount caused by the optical system. The focus detection unit detects the focus adjustment state of the optical system by correcting the shift amount detected by the image shift detection unit, with the image movement amount detected by the movement detection unit.

Abstract: Image-exposure systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a motion detecting device, and logic configured to determine when to terminate an image-exposure based on detected motion of a camera.

Abstract: An image pickup element unit is used for an image pickup apparatus having an autofocus function configured to determine a direction in which an in-focus position is located by wobbling in an optical axis direction an image pickup element configured to photoelectrically convert an optical image formed by an image pickup optical system. The image pickup element unit includes a deformable member connected with the image pickup element and configured to deform when receiving a force, a support configured to support the deformable member and to serve as a fulcrum when the deformable member deforms so that the deformable member can move the image pickup element in the optical axis direction, and a weight fixed onto the deformable member and configured to move reverse to the image pickup element as the image pickup element moves.

Abstract: Whether a digital camera body (1) is in a horizontal shooting attitude (a) or in either of vertical shooting attitudes (b), (c) is detected by using drive means of an image blurring compensation device. In the case where a focus drive means detects that the digital camera body (1) is either in an upward attitude (d) or in a downward attitude (e), a shooting attitude thereof can be inputted. The inputted shooting attitude is recorded together with an image, whereby the image can be displayed in the same orientation as the image at the time of shooting thereof, even if the image is shot either in the upward attitude (e) or in the downward attitude (e).

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging part that images a subject to generate image data, an image storage part that temporarily stores original image data that was imaged by the imaging part, an image data size reducing part that forms image data for display by reducing the size of image data stored in the image storage part, and an image display part that displays image data for display that was formed by the image data size reducing part; the imaging apparatus further comprising a camera shake state detection part that detects a camera shake occurrence state of the imaging part, a camera shake decision part that decides whether or not camera shake occurred for image data for display that was reduced by the image data size reducing part based on a camera shake state that was detected by the camera shake state detection part, and a camera shake correction part that, when a result decided by the camera shake decision part is that a camera shake occurrence state exists, subjects the image data for display to

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing element which photoelectrically converts an object image formed by an image capturing optical system, a camera shake correction lens which moves the object image relative to the image capturing element, a camera shake detection sensor which detects a camera shake, a driving unit which drives the camera shake correction lens on the basis of the output from the camera shake detection sensor and a predetermined offset amount that changes in every image capturing, and a control unit which acquires a plurality of object images.

Abstract: A method for compensating movement of an image capturing apparatus is applied in a photographing mode whose exposure time is greater than the safe shutter time. The method includes the steps of: capturing a long exposure image under the desired exposure time and a short exposure image with an exposure time smaller than or equal to the safe shutter time, and recording a camera motion signal in the exposure time of the long exposure image. The image-shift signal is used to reconstruct the short exposure image and form a reconstructed image, and an image analyzing algorithm is utilized to extract the reconstructed image and the short exposure image of a different frequency component. Finally, different frequency components of the image are fused according to the specific ratios to produce a clear output image.

Abstract: A digital camera 100 is provided with an optical unit 1, CCD 3, a CCD holder 27 for holding CCD 3, actuator 10 for connecting the CCD holder 27 with the optical unit 1, wherein the actuator changes in shape when a voltage is applied across a front surface and rear surface thereof, and flexible printed circuits 8, 9 for applying voltages to driving members 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d in response to detection of camera shake to move the CCD holder 27 such that an optical axis Z of the optical unit 1 passes through the center of the image capturing plane 300 of CCD 3.

Abstract: There is provided a solid-state imaging device having a pixel array section in which pixels including photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a matrix form, and sweeping out unnecessary charges by setting a predetermined number, two or more, of adjacent rows or a predetermined number, two or more, of adjacent columns, in the pixel array section, to a single group, and by applying a shutter pulse in units of groups before storing signal charges, and sequentially reading the signal charges in the units of groups. In the solid-state imaging device, a pre-shutter pulse is applied to pixels belonging to at least a single row or a single column within a succeeding group and adjacent to a preceding group, prior to the shutter pulse, before a reading timing for the preceding group, to sweep out unnecessary charges stored in the pixels.

Abstract: The invention discloses a focusing control apparatus applied in an image recording system. The focusing control apparatus of the invention includes an evaluating unit and a control module. The evaluating unit can generate a plurality of focus values in accordance with an image sensed by a sensor. Furthermore, the control module can calculate a weight focus value in accordance with the focus values, and selectively generates a control signal based on the weight focus value and a depth of focus table, so as to control the movement of a lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus capable of obtaining good shake-corrected images in electronic image stabilization irrespective of changes of image-taking conditions. An image processing apparatus comprising: a shake correcting part that performs coordinate transformation processing based on shake information to an input image that is generated by use of an image-pickup device; and a method changing part that changes a coordinate transformation method for the coordinate transformation processing.

Abstract: An image capture device (10) incorporates motion sensing means (12a/12b), a controller (16) and setting controls (14) for the image capture device (10), wherein the controller (16) is operable to store a plurality of configurations of the setting controls (14) as preset configurations, wherein each of said preset configurations is associated with a particular output of the motion sensing means (12a/12b).

Abstract: When an input image is received from an imaging element, a detection circuit detects frequency information of the input image, and an electronic shake processing circuit detects shake information (motion amount) of the input image. A CPU receives the frequency information and the shake information via an image processing circuit. The CPU increases a compression ratio of the input image when high frequency components are dominant, and decreases the compression ratio when low frequency components are dominant. The CPU also increases the compression ratio when the input image is moving, and decreases the compression ratio when the input image is not moving. A compression/decompression circuit compresses the image based on the compression ratio thus set.

Abstract: An image-capturing lens has, in order from an object, an object side lens group G1 and an image side lens group G2 which is disposed next to the object side lens group G1 with an air space, and focusing is performed from a distant object to a close object by moving at least a part of the image side lens group G2 along an optical axis as a focusing lens group, and image stabilization is performed by moving at least a part of the image side lens group G2 as a shift lens group so as to have components roughly orthogonal to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method for capturing an image using an image capturing module with multiple pixels configured in a 2-dimensional matrix and a focal plane electronic shutter function which sequentially slides the exposure timing by constant interval by pixel group which is a unit of predetermined number of the pixels while scanning; the method includes an image data input process for detecting shutter operation, obtaining a reference image while skipping one or more of the pixel groups by sequentially sliding the exposure timing by the constant interval, and obtaining a target image while not skipping pixel groups to be captured, a motion data detection process for calculating the motion data of the target image based on the reference image, and a distortion compensation process for compensating for distortion in the target image according to the motion data.

Abstract: A method for suppression of image blur is applied to an image capturing apparatus in a photography mode whose exposure time is set to be greater than a safe exposure time. The method comprising the following steps: capturing a long exposure image with the present exposure time, and a short exposure image with an exposure time smaller than or equal to the safe exposure time in the same landscape. Besides, obtain a locus signal in the process of long exposure image capture. Afterwards, execute an arithmetic procedure to smooth the short exposure image, and then produce a point scale image using the auxiliary arithmetic of locus signal. Finally, process the long exposure image and the point scale image with multiplication arithmetic to restore the long exposure image, thus forming an output image.