Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a motion detection part detecting motion information of an object included in a moving image frame, and a cutout region decision part deciding a region to be cutout from the moving image frame using the motion information detected for each object by the motion detection part.

Abstract: An imaging module is provided with an image pickup device unit having an image pickup device; an optical unit to form a subject image on the image pickup device; and an image stabilization mechanism having a first drive unit to move an image stabilization object element that is at least one of the image pickup device and the optical unit in a first direction that is parallel with an imaging area of the image pickup device, and a second drive unit to move the image stabilization object element in a second direction that is parallel with the imaging area and intersects with the first direction, wherein the imaging module has a rectangular shape on a plane that is parallel with the imaging area, and the first drive unit and the second drive unit are respectively arranged around the optical unit and at two neighboring sides of the imaging module.

Abstract: An autofocus method includes acquiring multiple images each having a camera lens focused at a different focus distance. A sharpest image is determined among the multiple images. Horizontal, vertical and/or diagonal integral projection (IP) vectors are computed for each of the multiple images. One or more IP vectors of the sharpest image is/are convoluted with multiple filters of different lengths to generate one or more filtered IP vectors for the sharpest image. Differences are computed between the one or more filtered IP vectors of the sharpest image and one or more IP vectors of at least one of the other images of the multiple images. At least one blur width is estimated between the sharpest image and the at least one of the other images of the multiple images as a minimum value among the computed differences over a selected range. The steps are repeated one or more times to obtain a sequence of estimated blur width values. A focus position is adjusted based on the sequence of estimated blur width values.

Abstract: A frame is divided into blocks each having a predetermined size, and motion vectors are calculated for respective blocks. The blocks are classified into an object group including an object image and a background group as a background image based on the calculated motion vectors, and representative motion vectors of the respective groups are calculated. The number of blocks included in the object group is compared with a threshold. When the number of blocks is larger than the threshold, the representative motion vector of the object group is selected as a motion vector for the entire frame. On the other hand, when the number of blocks included in the object group is smaller than the threshold, the representative motion vector of the background group is selected as the motion vector for the entire frame.

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 image-processing method for processing a time lapse image includes acquiring a first image obtained by capturing an image of an object located within a field of view using an imaging device and a second image obtained by capturing an image of the object located within the field of view using the imaging device after a predetermined time period has elapsed, calculating a positional correction value for a positional shift between the first image and the second image, by using a correlation function weighted according to an image feature of each of the objects included in the first image and the second image, and performing, based on the calculated positional correction value, a positional correction between the first image and the second image. The time lapse image is generated using the first image and the second image on which the positional correction has been performed.

Abstract: A system and method to respond to detection of blurry regions of interest in an image are disclosed. One embodiment includes a region locator to locate one or more regions of interest in an image captured by a digital image capturing device. The embodiment also includes a blurry region detector for detecting whether a region of interest is blurry. A blurry region indicator indicates to a user when a blurry region has been detected. When a blurry region is detected, a display interface provides an enlarged image of the detected blurry region. Some embodiments provide recommendations on how to capture the scene again with improved results.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus including: an image capturing unit; a light emitting unit; a first image capture controller configured to control the image capturing unit to capture a plurality of images at a first timing; a second image capture controller configured to control the image capturing unit to capture an image under a capturing condition illuminated by the light emitting unit at a second timing that is either directly before or directly after the first timing; an addition combination section configured to positionally align the images captured under control by the first image capture controller and to perform an addition combination on the aligned images to generate a combined image; and a combination section configured to combine the combined image generated by the addition combination section with the image captured under control by the second image capture controller.

Abstract: A machine-implemented method of generating a stabilized video sequence includes receiving an input video sequence captured by an image capture device. The input video sequence includes a plurality of pairs of successive frames. Motion sensor data indicative of motion of the image capture device while the input video sequence was being captured is received. A set of matching features for each pair of successive frames is identified. Global motion features are identified in each set of matching features and qualified based on the motion sensor data. The global motion features are indicative of movement of the image capture device. A stabilized video sequence is generated based on the input video sequence and the identified global motion features.

Abstract: Methods and devices for correcting for motion blur in range cameras without increasing acquisition speed or reducing the overall quality of the distance determinations, by identifying moving objects in a scene and determining the speed and direction of the objects.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing images is provided. In the system and method, preview images are acquired and global local and local motion are estimated based on at least a portion of the preview images. If the local motion is less than or equal to the global motion, a final image is captured based at least on an exposure time based on the global motion. If the local motion is greater than the global motion, a first image is captured based on at least a first exposure time and at least a second image is captured based on at least one second exposure time less than the first exposure time. After capturing the first and second images, global motion regions are separated from local motion regions in the first and second images, and the final image is reconstructed at least based on the local motion regions.

Abstract: An image display device including a display that displays an image according to a piece of photography image data on a display screen based on plural pieces of photography image data stored in a storage unit, so as to display another image that includes photography attitude angle information that represents an attitude angle with an angle altered according to the attitude angle alteration amount with respect to an attitude angle which is represented by the photography attitude angle information of the image which is displayed.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit that captures an image by photoelectrically converting a subject image; a feature calculating unit that calculates, per region included in the image, a feature value related to suitability for motion detection; a region-motion detecting unit that detects a motion vector per the region; and a whole-motion calculating unit that calculates a motion quantity of a whole image from the feature value and the motion vector.

Abstract: An imaging device (1) includes: an imaging element (33) which outputs a signal expressing an optical image of an imaging object upon an imaging process; a particular object detection unit (14) which successively acquires a frame image based on an output signal of the imaging element and detects the position of the particular object contained in the imaging object on the frame image according to the image signal of the frame image; a cut-out unit (15) which sets in the frame image, a cut-out region smaller than the entire region of the frame image according to the detected position and extracts the image in the cut-out region as a cut-out image; and an image quality compensation unit (16) which improves the resolution of the cut-out image.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor configured to capture an image; a vibration detection unit configured to detect a vibration; a vector detection unit configured to detect a motion vector from images; a first correction unit configured to optically correct an image blur; a second correction unit configured to electrically correct the image blur; a first calculation unit configured to calculate, on the basis of the vibration, a first vibration correction amount for controlling the first correction unit; a second calculation unit configured to calculate, on the basis of the motion vector, a second vibration correction amount for controlling the second correction unit; and a control unit configured to control the first and second calculation units so that the first and second vibration correction amounts are suppressed when a vibration amount is greater than a first threshold.

Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus comprises: an image stabilization unit that reduces image blur due to a shake by moving a driven unit; a calculation unit that estimates the shake based on a position of the driven unit and a driving force applied to the driven unit and that calculates a translational shake correction amount based on the estimated shake; and a driving unit that drives the driven unit of the image stabilization unit based on the translational shake correction amount. When the driven unit is at a position away from a center of a range of movement of the driven unit, the calculation unit sets the translational shake correction amount to be smaller than that when the driven unit is at the center of the range of movement.

Abstract: An imaging platform minimizes image distortion when there is relative motion of the imaging platform with respect to the scene being imaged where the imaging platform may be particularly susceptible to distortion when it is configured with a wide field of view or high angular rate of movement, or when performing long-stares at a given scene (e.g., for nighttime and low-light imaging.) Distortion correction may be performed by predicting distortion due to the relative motion of the imaging platform, determining optical transformations to prevent the distortion, dynamically adjusting the optics of the imaging platform during exposure, and performing digital image correction.

Abstract: An image-based motion sensor includes a camera system and a processing system. The camera system is arranged for generating an image output including a plurality of captured images. The processing system is arranged for obtaining a motion sensor output by processing the image output, wherein the motion sensor output includes information indicative of at least one of a motion status and an orientation status of the image-based motion sensor. For example, information indicative of the orientation status of the image-based motion sensor may includes roll, pitch, and yaw related motion information, and information indicative of the motion status of the image-based motion sensor may includes speed, acceleration and displacement information.

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: A method, of selectively reading less than all information from an image sensor for which member-pixels of a subset of the entire set of pixels are individually addressable, may include: sampling information from a targeted member-pixel of the subset without having to read information from the entire set of pixels; and adaptively reading information from another one or more but fewer than all member pixels of the entire set based upon the sampling information without having to read all pixels on the image sensor. A related digital camera may include features similar to elements of the method.

Abstract: When a displacement between a reference frame of a plurality of images acquired by continuous image pickup and a target frame is less than a first threshold indicating that such a frame is not likely to be affected by occlusion, smoothing is performed on an object area through a morphological operation with a normal process amount. Conversely, when a displacement between the reference frame of the plurality of images acquired by continuous image pickup and a target frame is larger than or equal to the first threshold, smoothing is performed with the process amount of morphological operation being increased than a normal process amount.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device improving and stabilizing imaging characteristic by optimizing a location of a positive hole accumulation layer to an electrode at the periphery of a light receiving portion, and having light receiving portions formed on a substrate and electrodes formed on the substrate at the periphery of the light receiving portion, each electrode including at least a first electrode to which a positive voltage is applied and a second electrode to which only 0 volt or a negative polarity voltage is applied, each light receiving portion having a signal charge accumulation region formed on the substrate and a positive hole accumulation region formed in a surface layer portion of the signal charge accumulation region, each positive hole accumulation region arranged at a distance from the first electrode and arranged so as to overlap the second electrode, and method of producing the same and a camera.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including a motion detecting unit for detecting the motion quantity of an image on the basis of plural frame images photographed by a CMOS image capturing device; a motion predicting unit for predicting a traveling speed of the image capturing apparatus when capturing an image on the basis of the motion quantity; a correction value calculating unit for calculating a correction value for correcting the motion quantity of the image so that, the larger the traveling speed is, the longer the traveling motion of the image capturing apparatus intended by a user remains; and a motion compensating unit for performing compensation that allows only the traveling motion of the image capturing apparatus intended by the user to remain in the image with the use of the correction value.

Abstract: An imaging device that captures an image using an imaging section includes a control section that controls a signal modulation process that decreases or increases a signal level of an image signal acquired by the imaging section during an exposure period from a start of exposure to an end of exposure when the imaging section captures an image, and a blur correction section that performs a blur correction process on the image signal subjected to the signal modulation process.

Abstract: A video stabilization method includes detecting a plurality of feature points of an inputted image frame. Next, a block motion estimation is performed onto the inputted image frame according to the feature points, thereby generating a plurality of block motion vectors corresponding to the feature points. Then, the block motion vectors are converted to a histogram to perform a statistical process. Thereafter, an initial static background motion vector is determined according to a statistic value of the histogram. Thereafter, a Gaussian distribution model and a Maximum a Posteriori (MAP) estimation are adopted to correct the initial static background motion vector to generate a global motion vector. Then, a smoothing process is performed onto the global motion vector to generate a smoothed global motion vector.

Abstract: A difference degree evaluation device includes a signal acquisition unit which acquires at least two signals which are objects of matching, a memory unit which stores one of the two signals, which are acquired by the signal acquisition unit, as a reference signal, and stores the other of the two signals as an object signal, a sample extraction unit which extracts sample points in a predetermined block from the reference signal that is stored in the memory unit, and extracts sample points corresponding to the sample points of the reference signal from the object signal, and an arithmetic process unit which finds absolute difference values between the sample points of the reference signal and the sample points of the object signal, which are extracted by the sample extraction unit, and calculates a maximum value of the absolute difference values as an evaluation value.

Abstract: The present invention is an anti-vibration actuator (10) for moving an image stabilizing lens (16), having: a fixed portion (12); a movable portion (14) to which an image stabilizing lens is attached; a movable support member (18) for supporting this movable portion so that it is movable within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image stabilizing lens; drive coils (20) attached to one of either the fixed portion or the movable portion; drive magnets (22) attached to the other of either the fixed portion or the movable portion so as to respectively face these drive coils; and at least one yoke (26) disposed on the side of the drive coils not facing the drive magnets; whereby magnetic force suppressing cutouts (26a) are provided on the yoke in a position overlapping the drive coils in order to suppress magnetic force received from the drive coils.

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: An imaging apparatus capable of preventing photographing sensitivity from being increased more than necessary, reducing image quality degradation caused by camera shake or object shake and easily photographing images in good image quality. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a photographing object. An imaging sensor receives the optical image and converts the optical image to an electrical image signal. A detector determines, based on the image signal, whether the photographing object is a specific photographing object likely to move while a photograph is being captured that corresponds to information stored in a memory device provided to the imagining apparatus. A control section establishes an operational mode causing the imaging apparatus to continuously take a plurality of photographs of the photographing object when the photographing object is determined to be the specific photographing object that is likely to move.

Abstract: A method executes a gyroscope function to unlock a portable electronic device. A user can rotate the portable electronic device to set a predetermined rotation direction and a predetermined rotation angle for unlocking the portable electronic device. In an unlock procedure, the gyroscope detects the rotated portable electronic device and outputs detected information of the portable electronic device. If the rotation direction and the rotation angle are the same as the predetermined rotation direction and the predetermined rotation angle, the locked portable electronic device is unlocked.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing image data captured by a device. In one implementation, a system is provided to process primary image data based on motion of the device during generation of the image data, as detected by a secondary image sensor. In another implementation, a method is provided for processing image data by generating primary image data, generating secondary image data, calculating, using the secondary image data, at least one motion vector based on motion of the device during generation of the primary image data, processing the primary image data based on the at least one motion vector, and outputting the processed primary image data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments for automatically capturing images in a mobile electronic device. One embodiment comprises sensing device motion and automatically triggering image capture when the device is stationary. Use of this approach reduces image blur and avoids the need for subsequent image alteration or compensation for camera motion. Images can simply be captured in-between motions by leveraging high-resolution sensors and computational assets available to the mobile device to accurately assess when to trigger the shutter. Images can then be saved in a memory within the device. Enhancements to the disclosed method of automatic image capture include pre-selecting a set of threshold values for image acceptance.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a global motion estimation apparatus that performs global Motion Estimation on current and reference images and then outputs a Motion Vector, wherein the global motion estimation apparatus includes a motion estimation processing unit that has a function of executing an LK method two or more times across a whole screen to perform the global motion estimation between the current and reference images; and the motion estimation processing unit obtains a set of motion vectors based on at least information about pixel value variations and information in which a calculation result of an arbitrary calculation expression is added across a whole screen in first motion estimation, and determines whether to perform addition on each pixel according to a set condition when obtaining the at least information, and obtains and outputs a new set of motion vectors as a result of a second LK method when the condition is satisfied in second motion estimation.

Abstract: An image processing device and method, a program, and a recording medium whereby the detection precision of a motion vector by the gradient method is further improved. A counter value computing unit acquires the number of valid pixels, the number of pixels having no gradient in the horizontal direction, and the number of pixels having no gradient in the vertical direction from a valid pixel number counter, a no-horizontal-gradient counter, and a no-vertical-gradient counter, computes the ratio between valid pixels within a computation block and one-sided gradient pixels among the valid pixels, and controls the value of a flag which a flag setting unit sets in accordance with the computation results. The flag setting unit sets the value of a gradient flag, and outputs the gradient flag to the subsequent stage. At the subsequent stage, gradient method computation and vector evaluation processing are executed based on the gradient flag.

Abstract: A method of compensating for vibration and an imaging apparatus are provided. The method of compensating for vibration includes determining whether a vibration compensation starting condition is satisfied, and starting compensating for vibration prior to operating a shutter, if the vibration compensation starting condition is satisfied. Accordingly, a shutter lag is reduced and power consumption is reduced, and accuracy of vibration compensation is improved.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided that includes an image blur evaluator, an imaging processor, an edge contour extraction processor, an image divider, and a distance information detector. The image blur evaluator evaluates the amount of blurring in an image. The imaging processor captures secondary images of the same object at different lens positions. The edge contour extraction processor extracts edge contour components of the secondary images and creates an edge-contour extracted image for each of the secondary images. The image divider divides each edge-contour extracted image into a plurality of relatively large blocks when blurring is evaluated to be relatively substantial, and into relatively small blocks when the blurring is evaluated to be moderate. The distance information detector detects distance information of the objects captured in each block based on the contrast.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided that includes an image blur evaluator, an imaging processor, a distance map generator and a filter. The image blur evaluator evaluates the amount of blurring due to a camera shake. The imaging processor captures a plurality of secondary images of the same object at different lens positions by driving a photographing lens. The distance map generator prepares a distance map including distance information of the objects captured in each area of an image based on the contrast in each of the areas. The filter reduces noise in the distance map. A relatively large filter area is selected for the filter when blurring is evaluated to be relatively small and a relatively small filter area is selected for the filter when the evaluated blurring is relatively large.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for recording and reproducing RAW image data to more precisely correct for hand tremble in response to an electronic hand tremble correction when an image is recorded. The recording apparatus includes an image developing processor performing an image developing process on raw data sequentially output from an image sensor in frames and generating completely developed image data in frames, an electronic hand tremble correction unit performing an electronic hand tremble correction process on the completely developed image data and generating completely electronic hand tremble correction processed image data, a moving quantity data obtaining unit obtaining data of moving quantity in frames used for the electronic hand tremble correction process performed by the electronic hand tremble correction unit, and a storage medium recorder sequentially recording in frames the RAW data, the completely developed image data, and the data of moving quantity to a storage medium per frame.

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: A digital photographing apparatus capable of precisely and immediately performing autofocusing on a person being photographed, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The digital photographing apparatus comprises a face detecting unit that detects a face, a body detecting unit that detects a body, which may or may not exclude the face, an autofocus information obtaining unit, and an autofocus object determining unit. The autofocus object determining unit analyzes face autofocus information obtained from the face by the autofocus information obtaining unit and body autofocus information obtained from the body, and then selects the face part and/or the body as an object of autofocusing.

Abstract: Provided are a digital photographing device, a method of controlling the same, and a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program for executing the method. The method includes calculating a degree of motion of a subject; determining whether a photographing mode change condition is satisfied based on the degree of motion; determining whether to change a photographing mode according to a predetermined reference, if the photographing mode change condition is satisfied; and changing the photographing mode if it is determined to change the photographing mode, wherein the photographing mode is one of a still image capturing mode and a video capturing mode.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: a motion vector receiving unit configured to receive, from frame image data made up of frame images, motion vectors representing motion of the frame images; a modeling unit configured to model the motion vector, received from the motion vector receiving unit, to a component separation expression in which a camera motion component and a focal plane distortion component are separated, using component parameters respectively representing camera motion which is motion of a camera, and the amount in change in focal plane distortion; and a component calculation unit configured to calculate the component parameters used in the component separation expression, thereby calculating the focal plane distortion component in the motion vector.

Abstract: To provide an anti-vibration actuator capable of obtaining a large drive force while avoiding an increase in size. An anti-vibration actuator (10) for moving an image-stabilizing lens (16) within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis thereof, including a fixed portion (12); a movable portion (14) to which the image-stabilizing lens is attached; a movable portion support means (18) for supporting the movable portion to permit translational and rotational movement within a plane parallel to the fixed portion; and first drive means (20a, 22a), second drive means (20b, 22b), and third drive means (20c, 22c) respectively disposed around the image-stabilizing lens for driving the movable portion relative to the fixed portion; whereby the drive force which can be generated by the third drive means differs from the drive forces which can be generated by the first and second drive means.

Abstract: A system comprising at least one processor, at least one sensor electronically connected to the at least one processor, at least one means for electronically connecting at least one broadcasting device to the system, wherein the at least one means for electronically connecting at least one broadcasting device is electronically connected to the at least one processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and operative to use the at least one sensor to determine how many persons or the identity of a person that is capable of perceiving a content broadcasted through at least one broadcasting device electronically connected to the system.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes: a taking lens including a movable focusing lens; an image pickup portion that converts an optical image obtained via the taking lens into an image signal; a movement determining portion that determines movement of the photographing apparatus in an optical axis direction of the taking lens; and a recording portion that continuously records therein a plurality of images obtained by the image pickup portion with the focusing lens being set to a fixed position so that the taking lens is at a predetermined focused position as the photographing apparatus moves in the optical axis direction of the taking lens.

Abstract: In an image capturing apparatus with an operation mode for carrying out expression detection, it is determined whether or not the image capturing apparatus is operated in the operation mode for carrying out expression detection. In a case in which the image capturing apparatus is operated in the operation mode for carrying out expression detection, setting in such a way that images with a resolution higher than in a case in which the image capturing apparatus is not operated in the operation mode are read out from an image sensor allows the expression of a face of a person to be detected efficiently.

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: 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: An image stabilization apparatus has an angular velocity detector detecting an angular velocity applied thereto and outputting the angular velocity, an acceleration detector detecting an acceleration applied to the image stabilization apparatus and outputting the acceleration, a principal point calculation unit calculating a principal point position of a shooting optical system, an rotation angular velocity calculation unit calculating a rotation angular velocity component about the principal point of the shooting optical system based on an output of the angular velocity detector, a revolution angular velocity calculation unit calculating a revolution angular velocity component about an object based on the output of the acceleration detector and a calculation result of the rotation angular velocity calculation unit and correcting the calculated revolution angular velocity component according to the principal point position, and a controlling unit performing image stabilization control based on a difference be

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus for correcting a motion blur or an out-of-focus blur of images continuous in time, including an extraction unit for extracting a frequency component not included in an image of interest using a predetermined filter from a corrected image in which the motion blur or the out-of-focus blur is corrected as an image temporally previous to the image of interest aligned with the image of interest, and a synthesis unit for synthesizing the frequency component extracted by the extraction unit with the image of interest.