Abstract: A multi-dimensional imaging device and method for automated exposure control that implement two distinct modules to control the exposure and gain settings in the imager so that processing can occur in a multi-tasking single CPU environment. The first module, referred to herein as the imager control module, controls the exposure and gain settings in the imager. The first module is typically implemented in a high priority routine, such as an interrupt service routine, to insure that module is executed on every captured frame. The second module, referred to herein as the histogram processing module, calculates a target contrast (the product of the targeted exposure and gain settings) based on feedback data from the first module and image data from memory. The second module is typically implemented in a low priority routine, such as a task level routine, to allow for the routine to be executed systematically in accordance with priority.

Abstract: When user gives instruction to perform front photographing correction (keystone distortion correction) while a digital camera displays an image photographed and stored by itself on a monitor in play mode, the digital camera identifies quadrangular contours to be used as correction reference, from the displayed image. The digital camera moves a quadrangular frame to be overlaid upon the identified contours in accordance with user's switching operation, thereby allowing the user to select a desired contour. The digital camera writes coordinate information of four vertexes of the contour selected by deciding operation, in the header of the image file of the displayed image. Thereafter, when front photographing correction is performed on the image by an image processing apparatus, the coordinate information is read from the image file, so that correction is performed based on a quadrangle represented by the coordinate information and having the four vertexes.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for obtaining relatively high dynamic range images using a relatively low dynamic range image sensor without significant loss of resolution. The image sensor has an array of light-sensing elements with different sensitivity levels in accordance with a predetermined spatially varying sensitivity pattern for the array of light-sensing elements. An image of a scene is captured with the image sensor and stored as brightness values at respective pixel positions in a linear or two-dimensional uniform grid. The brightness values of the captured image at the pixel positions are then used to estimate the brightness values at off-grid positions of a uniform off-grid array located at respective interstices of the pixel position grid.

Abstract: A digital camera includes an image pick-up element which receives light reflected from an object and generates image data of the object, and a light-receiving element which receives light reflected form the object and outputs light-quantity data for the object. The light-receiving element differs from the image pick-up element. In the sequence photograph mode, the exposure amount of the image pick-up element is controlled based on the light-quantity data output from the light-receiving element. In the other modes, the exposure amount of the image pick-up element is controlled based on the image data generated by the image pick-up element itself.

Abstract: Wide dynamic range operation is used to write a signal in a freeze-frame pixel into the memory twice, first after short integration and then after long integration. The wide dynamic range operation allows the intra-scene dynamic range of images to be extended by combining the image taken with a short exposure time with the image taken with a long exposure time. A freeze-frame pixel is based on voltage sharing between the photodetector PD and the analog memory. Thus, with wide dynamic range operation, the resulting voltage in the memory may be a linear superposition of the two signals representing a bright and a dark image after two operations of sampling.

Abstract: A shot image degraded by an asymmetric degrading filter is corrected, the corrected shot image is modified into an updated image, the updated image is degraded by use of the degradation function obtained at the time of shooting, and the residual between the degraded modified image and the shot image is calculated. Then, with the modified image as a new image to be processed, the image modification and update, the image degradation and the residual calculation are iterated until the calculated residual is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. When the residual is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the corresponding updated image is used as the restored image.

Abstract: Two subject images shot by an imaging section before real exposure are captured, and the difference between data is obtained for each corresponding pixels of the subject images by an interframe difference calculation section. The difference is compared with a threshold value by a threshold value comparison section, the pixels of levels not less than the threshold value level are extracted as a non-correlated portion, and the ratio of the area of the non-correlated portion to all the detected pixels is obtained by a non-correlated portion area calculation section. When the ratio of the area of the non-correlated portion is high, it is determined that the subject movement is large, so that a speed priority program line is selected by an exposure calculation block and the exposure time is set to be shorter than the normal exposure time, thereby preventing subject image blur.

Abstract: An exposure control apparatus according to this invention includes an image sensing unit that senses an object image, and an exposure controller that performs the exposure control for photographing by selectively using a first exposure control mode in which an exposure value for photographing is determined while exposure control is performed in accordance with the brightness of object images repetitively sensed by the image sensing unit, and a second exposure control mode in which an exposure value for photographing is determined by performing exposure control by using a plurality of preset exposure values.

Abstract: In a CMOS image sensor, it is important to control the exposure time or gain. For varying changes in ambient light, the exposure time of the array must be changed. The present invention describes a method for controlling the exposure time or gain to ensure a smooth and fast change in the brightness of the obtained image. If the exposure time is the be decremented or incremented, then the gain control is increased or decreased, respectively to smooth out the changes in image brightness. This substantially reduces image flicker.

Abstract: In an electronic still camera having a charge storage type image-capturing element, electrical charges are stored at the image-capturing element in correspondence to the subject brightness distribution and the stored charges are read out from the image-capturing element as image data and are temporarily stored. Then the image data are compressed and recorded into a recording medium. In an ultra high-speed continuous shooting mode for performing an ultra high-speed continuous photographing operation at 30 frames per second, charge storage at the image-capturing element and read of stored charges at the image-capturing element having undergone a culling process are repeatedly performed and the image data in the preceding frame are compressed while electrical charges are being stored for the next frame.

Abstract: A method of eliminating a hot spot of a digital photograph. A light recording area for receiving a light reflected from a scene to be photographed is segmented into a grid of a plurality of squares. Each of the squares is identified with a coordinate. An exposure value of each square is defined. The exposure value of one of the squares is selected as a key exposure value. A neutral density or color with a certain degree is applied to any square that is over-exposed. The over-exposed square has an exposure value larger than the key exposure value with at least a predetermined number of stops.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, for equally dividing an area of an arbitrary figure by pixel units by a number of parallel lines, which includes an input element for inputting a dividing number for a figure obtaining element which obtains a total number of pixels of the figure, a calculating element for calculating an initial ideal value by dividing the total number of pixels by the dividing number, a computing element for computing an ideal value of the number of pixels of a kth divided region in the figure using the initial ideal value and a sum of determined values of the numbers of pixels of a first to a (k?1)th divided region, and a determining element for determining a determined value of the number of pixels of the kth divided region such that an error between the determined value of the number of pixels of the kth divided region and the ideal value of the number of pixels of the kth divided region is minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for auto-exposure control in a scene under artificial illumination that synchronizes the exposure control algorithm and final image capture with the intensity variations in the artificial illumination.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an imaging apparatus constructed as follows. The imaging apparatus picks-up a subject image formed by a imaging optical unit, and comprises an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting a subject image, a memory for storing gamma property data of the image pickup device and light quantity distribution data of incident light in accordance with pixel positions on the image pickup device; and a correcting circuit for correcting image signals outputted from each pixel of the image pickup device based on the gamma property data and light quantity distribution data that are stored in the memory. Thereby, a drop in peripheral light quantity can be electrically corrected while reflecting the gamma property of the image pickup device without an increase in noise, whereby a high-quality image accurately reproducing the actual brightness distribution in a shooting range can be obtained.

Abstract: A proportional counting circuit generates count values for use in variably adjusting gain and exposure time of an image sensor array. The count values are adjusted in proportion to the current count value. This technique allows for fast and accurate adjustment of gain and exposure time without sacrificing the visual performance defined by the contrast difference. At least one break-in signal disables counting in some lower bits when a particular higher bit is asserted and allows the count values to be adjusted by a different increment when the count value reaches a predetermined value by asserting the particular higher bit. Break-out signals are used in less significant bits to disable counting in all lower bits than the bit being disabled by the break-in signal from the more significant bit.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a timing generator. The timing generator reads shutter speed data out of a register in response to a vertical synchronizing signal outputted from a signal generator, and controls exposure by a CCD imager according to this shutter speed data. The data in the register is updated in predetermined timing based on a vertical synchronizing signal. As a result, continuous shots of a subject are performed with different exposures.

Abstract: A photosensor system is provided which includes a photosensor array constituted by two-dimensionally arraying a plurality of photosensors, a driver circuit for supplying a drive signal to the photosensors, and a controller for controlling a reading operation of a subject image and a sensitivity setting. Before the start of normal reading operation of a subject image, a pre-reading operation of changing the image reading sensitivity at a plurality of stages for respective rows is executed. A row in an optimal image reading state is easily determined based on the dynamic range distribution of the lightness data of read image data or a dynamic range distribution from which an abnormal value deviating from the main change trend of lightness data is removed, and the linearly differentiated value of the dynamic range. An image reading sensitivity set for this row is set as an optimal sensitivity.

Abstract: A photosensor system performs a sensitivity-adjusting reading operation with respect to a subject image, while simultaneously changing the image reading sensitivity stepwise for each of rows of a photosensor array or for specific rows thereof. The dynamic ranges of the lightness data on the read subject image are checked to see how they are distributed in relation to the image reading sensitivities. On the basis of this distribution, an image reading sensitivity that contributes to an optimal image reading state is extracted as an optimal image reading sensitivity.

Abstract: A rolling electronic snap enables each row to integrate for a defined period of time. A control system for the rolling electronic snap includes a latched row logic which latches into reset. The device can be removed from reset in order to integrate. After integrating, the row is selected to receive the information therefrom and then the reset is again maintained. By latching the row in and out of reset, its state can be maintained for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the exposure of a video camera characterized in one embodiment by a desired effective exposure which is determined responsive to measurement of a brightness parameter, a gain to be applied to amplification of an image which is derived from the desired effective exposure and the integration time period applicable to capture of the image, and an integration time period to be applied to image capture of an image which is derived from the desired effective exposure and a nominal gain.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a shutter for intercepting light incident to the image sensor. A controller determines a first exposure value based on the incident light and a second exposure value that effects lower exposure than the first exposure value. The optical image is photoelectrically converted over an exposure time that consists of a first and a second period of time corresponding to the first and second exposure values, respectively. At the end of the exposure time, the shutter intercepts the incident light to thereby end the second period of time following the first period of time. After the image sensor has output the first signal corresponding to signal charges generated by the photosensitive cells during the first period of time, the image sensor outputs a second signal corresponding to signal charges generated by the photosensitive cells during the second period of time. An exposure amount ratio is calculated between the first and second signals.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided with a reflecting/transmitting-type liquid crystal display unit that includes a backlighting device for controlling whether backlighting is turned on or off. The shutter-release button of the camera is provided with a touch sensor. Backlighting is turned on when the touch sensor is touched. Thus, backlighting is turned on only when a subject is photographed, thereby making it possible to conserve power.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for providing image processing services and deriving revenue from such services as well as revenue from placement of advertising information passed on to users. A local image service center connected to a server computing system, offers services for uploading image data from a storage medium to local and/or remote storage as well as other services for processing uploaded image data. Access to uploaded image data is available via a cable television system. Revenue is derived from the services provided as well as from advertisers whose information is passed along to users.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a photographing condition estimation unit for estimating a photographing condition of the input image based on photometric information and focal information. A Y/C separation unit separates the input image into a luminance signal and a color difference signal; a luminance correction unit extracts an edge from the luminance signal and corrects the luminance signal by a gradation conversion curve; a color difference correction unit corrects the color difference signal based on luminance signals obtained before and after the gradation correction and a theoretical limit characteristic of color reproduction; a skin color correction unit performs skin color correction depending on the photographing condition; and a Y/C synthesis unit synthesizes the luminance signal and the color difference signal obtained after the correction. Gradation correction is performed on the input image such that appropriate hue and saturation are achieved while emphasizing a main object.

Abstract: This invention reads image data of a subject by performing pre-reading operation while changing the image reading sensitivity at a plurality of stages immediately before the start of normal reading operation of a subject image, calculates the absolute difference value between adjacent pixels of lightness data of the read image data, and sets as an optimal reading sensitivity an image reading sensitivity having a maximum absolute difference value among calculated absolute difference values in a photosensor system having a photosensor array constituted by two-dimensionally arraying a plurality of photosensors, a driver circuit for supplying a drive signal to the photosensors, and a controller for controlling reading operation of a subject image and sensitivity setting. Even when ambient light changes or the characteristics of the photosensor change, an optimal image reading sensitivity can be set in accordance with the changes.

Abstract: A method for processing images that reduces an enormous number of images down to images suitable for measuring a similarity index and that measures the similarity index between the reduced number of images more suitably. Image data and attribute information stored in an HDD are read, and an image data unit is selected as a reference on the basis of displaying data according to an image-displaying program. Then, a similarity-measuring program is activated, and the attribute information of the selected image data unit is compared with the attribute information of other image data units. An image data unit to be used for measuring the similarity index is determined, and the similarity index is measured between the selected image data unit and the determined image data units.

Abstract: The camera reads identification information of the user, which is contained in an identification card, through a card reading part. The camera connects automatically to a server designated in accordance with the read identification information through a communication interface. Then, the camera transmits and stores the data of recorded images to the designated server. The camera retrieves the image data stored in the server, and reproduces and displays the image on an image display at the back of the camera. A plurality of cameras in which the same user's identification information is set can be controlled altogether in the image-recording and reproduction by one camera. One camera in which the identification information of a plurality of user's is set can distribute the recorded image data to the servers of the users simultaneously.

Abstract: A video recording system for effectively recording video images of unaware subjects under a broad range of lighting conditions automatically in response to detection of motion by such subject using a camera system having controls enabling selective operation of such camera system. The video recording system comprises a motion detector operatively associated with such a camera system in order to selectively produce, in response to detection of motion as by such a subject, an output signal for selectively adjusting such camera's light sensitivity and for selectively causing such camera system to begin recording video images of such subject. The video system also comprises a light sensitivity adjustment system for ensuring that such camera is able to effectively record video images of such subject under such broad range of lighting conditions in response to receipt of the output signal.

Abstract: In this image recording apparatus, imaging sensor obtains two video signals of different signal charge accumulation periods, in a given signal charge accumulation period which is represented by a field or a frame of a video signal, and the two video signals are recorded on a record medium, whereby a video signal of an object having a wide luminance distribution can be recorded, and as for the image reproducing apparatus, a correcting circuit corrects standard-illuminance video information and high-illuminance video information which are reproduced by a reproducing circuit, the user designates an object illuminance range to be output, through an object illuminance range designating circuit, and a level converter converts the luminance into a luminance level which can be output by a display apparatus or a printer, thereby allowing portions which are largely different in object illuminance, to be selectively displayed or output in reproduction.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus having an image sensing device, an image sensing time fixing instruction device for instructing to fix the image sensing time so as to inhibit the image sensing time of the image sensing device from changing in each image sensing, and a signal processing device for performing a first image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in an exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and a second image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in a non-exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and processing the sensed image signal obtained by the first image sensing operation by the sensed image signal obtained by the second image sensing operation, the signal processing device having a first mode for making the image sensing device perform the first image sensing operation and then the second image sensing operation, and a second mode for making the image sensing device perform

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus having an image sensing device, a signal processing device for performing a first image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in an exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and a second image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in a non-exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and processing the sensed image signal obtained by the first image sensing operation by the sensed image signal obtained by the second image sensing operation, the signal processing device having a first mode for making the image sensing device perform the first image sensing operation and then the second image sensing operation, and a second mode for making the image sensing device perform the second image sensing operation and then the first image sensing operation, and a storage device for storing signals obtained in the first and second modes processed by the signal processing device.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an image sensing apparatus capable of sensing an image in consideration of the influence of inserting/removing an optical filter, an image sensing method, a recording medium, and a program. To achieve this object, a brightness value calculation unit calculates the first brightness value representing the brightness of part or all of an object which is imaged on a CCD image sensing element. A brightness value correction unit calculates the second brightness value by correcting the first brightness value calculated by the brightness value calculation unit on the basis of the light reduction amount generated by inserting an ND filter. A system controller controls an optical system and signal processing in a DSP circuit by using the second brightness value calculated by the brightness value correction unit.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus has an image sensor having first-type, second-type, and third-type pixels each producing a signal corresponding to a first, a second, and a third color respectively. The pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional array consisting of first-type and second-type lines arranged alternately, with the first-type lines each composed of first-type and second-type pixels arranged alternately and the second-type lines each composed of first-type and third-type pixels arranged alternately. The image pickup apparatus also has a first subtracter for calculating the difference between the outputs of the first-type pixels and the outputs of the second-type pixels on the first-type lines, and a second subtracter for calculating the difference between the outputs of the first-type pixels and the output of the third-type pixels on the second-type lines.

Abstract: An image acquiring apparatus includes a pixel shifting section which changes the relative position between luminous flux incident on an imaging element and the imaging element to a plurality of specific positions, an imaging section which photographs in at least one of a plurality of specific positions including an initial position, an image creating section which creates a high-resolution new image based on at least one item of image data photographed by the imaging section, and a display control section which displays at least one image photographed by the imaging section before the high-resolution new image has been created.

Abstract: An electronic image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes a holding barrel, a lens frame supported by guide shafts inside the holding barrel and slidable and moveable in a direction of an optical axis, a light beam adjusting unit including an aperture and/or shutter for mechanically adjusting a light beam passing through the lens frame, and an image pickup element for converting an object image passed through the light beam adjusting unit to an electrical signal. The light beam adjusting unit comprises a base plate arranged perpendicular to the optical axis inside the lens barrel, an aperture member and/or a shutter member attached to the base plate, and an aperture driver for driving the aperture member and/or a shutter driver for driving the shutter member, arranged on the base plate.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus having the following functions can be operated in a more easily comprehensible manner to users. A simulation is electrically performed to generate a plurality of images according to various shutter speeds and iris values. The images generated by the simulation are displayed on a touch panel display of the image sensing apparatus. Users can select a final image by touching a desirable image out of a plurality of displayed images on the touch panel display so that a desirable shutter speed and a desirable iris value are determined. A computer program to carry out the above-mentioned functions, is stored in a memory media.

Abstract: It is difficult to simplify the structure of a video camera system having various adjusting functions. Therefore, the video camera system has an information-obtaining-region setting function for setting an information-obtaining region in a screen according to the output of an image pickup device, an information-obtaining-region moving function for moving an information-obtaining region in the screen every predetermined cycle of the output of the image pickup device, an information-obtaining function for obtaining predetermined information-obtaining-region information based on the output of the image pickup device in the information-obtaining region every predetermined cycle, and control information generating function for generating control information in accordance with the obtained-region information obtained by an information-obtaining means.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises a flash unit. When the electric camera takes a picture using the flash unit, the electronic camera determines a first optimum flash exposure for a central area of the object to be taken and a second optimum flash exposure for a background area of the object to be taken. Further, the camera produces first image data corresponding to a picture taken under the first optimum flash exposure and second image data corresponding to a picture taken under the second optimum flash exposure. The central area of the first image data is cut out from the first image data and written over the second image data.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus comprising a CCD image pickup device made up of a plurality of pixels constituted by photodiodes which are two-dimensionally arrayed, a vertical register and a horizontal register, and a CPU for driving and controlling the CCD image pickup device, the CPU has a driving function in an all-pixel read mode for reading pixel signals from all the pixels of the CCD image pickup device, a driving function in a thinning (skipping) read mode for reading pixel signals from all the pixels in a thinned-out fashion, and a device shutter function for extracting signal electric charges from each pixel to control an exposure time. In the thinning read mode, the operation of extracting the signal electric charges from each pixel is carried out one or more times for each read period of one frame.

Abstract: An intensity value is independently estimated based upon interpolated values as well as measured sensor values according to the location of an individual sensor within a sensor unit. The interpolated values are in either CrCb or RGB values while an estimated intensity value is in Y value. The independent intensity value substantially improves color resolution.

Abstract: In a solid-state image capturing device including a pixel array arranged in a row direction and a column direction orthogonal thereto, and a vertical register having a plurality of transfer electrodes which serves to read signal charges Qa, Qb, . . . generated by light receipt of each of pixels A, B, . . . and to sequentially transfer the signal charge in the column direction upon receipt of a transfer pulse, an electric potential well for a smear charge is generated and an unnecessary charge q in the vertical register is collected into the electric potential well for a smear charge before the signal charge is read from the pixels A, B, . . . onto the vertical register (a timing t707), an electric potential well for signal charge transfer is then generated and the signal charges Qa, Qb, . . . are read from the pixels A, B, . . .

Abstract: To reduce power consumption of an image pick-up device in which an object to be photographed is illuminated, during a period until a release switch is operated, a control part controls a light emitting part to emit a smaller quantity of light than that necessary for photographing the object. When a photographing instruction is output by the release switch, the control part controls the light emitting part to emit light with the quantity of light necessary for photographing the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing an image to generate pixel data thereof. The apparatus comprises a sensor having pixel lines sequentially reset to be exposed by reflection from the image for a period of time, wherein all the exposure time periods of pixel lines overlap, a light source illuminates the image, whereby the image is reflected to the sensor, and a controller turns on the light source during the overlapping interval of the exposure time periods of pixel lines.

Abstract: In an image output system, image data generated by a digital still camera is output with a color printer. The digital still camera stores image processing control data preset by a maker of the digital still camera to be changeable for each image, and a user's setting of offset data. The image output system then generates an image file including the image data, the image processing control data, and the offset data. The color printer makes the image data to be subjected to a preset series of image processing based on the image processing control data (including the offset data) in the image file, and outputs a resulting processed image.

Abstract: An imaging device performs moving image shooting in which smearing does not occur and further performs a still image shooting by a sufficiently accurate shutter operation. The imaging device includes an imaging element that accumulates received light as a charge. A shutter travels so as to shade the imaging element. A first scanning circuit performs a charge accumulation start scanning of the imaging element at a timing and/or speed that matches the travel speed of the shutter. A second scanning circuit performs reading scanning of the charge accumulated in the imaging element. A controller controls the scanning of the first scanning circuit and the second scanning circuit and the travel of the shutter. When the still image is shot by the imaging device, the exposure time is adjusted by the controller controlling the scanning start time of the first scanning circuit and the travel start time of the shutter.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for generating variable-length timing signals in an electronic imaging device. A digital camera device includes an electronic image sensor which requires a complex set of timing signals to effectively capture image data. The digital camera therefore also includes timing generation circuitry which generates a set of precise timing signals for a variable-length frame time necessary to control and synchronize the electronic image sensor within the digital camera. The present invention includes a transfer substrate charge (Xsub) source circuit and a frame time source circuit, each containing a downcounter. The point in time when the downcounters reach zero is available as a precise and programmable timing reference. Both the Xsub time and frame time source circuits are loaded from registers under software control.

Abstract: An exposure controller comprises a discharge pulse calculation circuit for calculating a discharge pulse count to be output to a solid-state image pickup device within one field period, and a coring circuit for defining the quotient obtained from the discharge pulse count divided by a predetermined setting value and plus 1 as a coring value. In an electronic camera system incorporating an electronic iris, when one discharge pulse changes, the amount of change in the luminance level of an image signal becomes larger as an exposure time becomes shorter, whereby hunting is prevented from occurring at the convergent point of the luminance level, and an exposure controller which is compact and has excellent characteristics can be embodied.