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: There is provided a communication device capable of improving a decline in the usability caused by an angle of view of a camera. The communication device includes: a camera capturing a picture; an information processing section detecting a face image from the picture captured by the camera, to generate a partial picture including the detected face image; a transmitting section encoding the partial picture to generate encoded data, and transmitting the encoded data to a counterpart; and a first receiving section receiving data transmitted from the counterpart, and decoding the received data to generate a picturephone picture.

Abstract: A camera for recording an image captured using image-capturing element in a recording medium is provided with a focal point detection device for detecting a focal point adjustment state of a photographic lens in each focal point detection region of a plurality of focal point detection regions set inside an photographic field. When electronic zoom shooting is carried out, part of an imaged picture is trimmed and an image for recording in the recording medium is created. For a plurality of focal point detection regions the focal point detection regions are changed according to the trimming range of the imaged picture. Focal point adjustment of the photographic lens is carried out based on focal point detection results for focal point detection regions that have been changed.

Abstract: The endoscopic image processing device includes an image acquisition section that acquires a normal observation image and a zoom observation image, the normal observation image being an image that includes an image of an object, and the zoom observation image being an image that magnifies the image of the object within an observation area that is part of the normal observation image, an attention area determination section that specifies an attention area on the zoom observation image, and a boundary setting section that detects a position of a boundary on the normal observation image that corresponds to a boundary of the attention area specified on the zoom observation image based on pixel values of the zoom observation image, and sets a boundary image at the detected position of the boundary on the normal observation image.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path.

Abstract: When a user selects digital zooming in a camera such as might be included in a wireless telephone or PDA, a series of images are automatically obtained and superimposed using super-resolution techniques to produce an improved digital zoom image transparently to the user.

Abstract: A dual sensor camera that uses two aligned sensors each having a separate lens of different focal length but the same f-number. The wider FOV image from one sensor is combined with the narrower FOV image from the other sensor to form a combined image. Up-sampling of the wide FOV image and down-sampling of the narrow FOV image is performed. The longer focal length lens may have certain aberrations introduced so that Extended Depth of Field (EDoF) processing can be used to give the narrow FOV image approximately the same depth of field as the wide FOV image so that a noticeable difference in depth of field is not see in the combined image.

Abstract: A process for pre-calibrating illumination sources permits illumination light intensities to be set to a near optimal level during training of an optical inspection system. Applicants have found that the illumination source intensities for a category of illuminators are sufficiently constant from machine to machine that the data collected during calibration of an illumination source on a machine using a particular type of source may be used on other machines of the same type using the same type of illumination source when combined with the reticle light intensity data for different zoom magnification's of the particular machine being used. That is, using known data for particular machine and the illumination source light intensity data for the same type of machine and illumination source permits accurate presetting of an illumination source.

Abstract: A method for interpolation includes receiving an input image having a plurality of pixels. The edge direction proximate a first pixel of the input image is estimated using a first technique from a plurality of discrete potential directions. An edge direction is selected based upon the estimating the edge direction proximate the first pixel of the input image using a second technique. The pixels proximate the first pixel are interpolated based upon the selected edge direction. The pixels proximate the first pixel are interpolated based upon another technique. An output image is determined pixels having more pixels than the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: A device is provided, in which a display screen displays an image; an image analyzer determines at least one potential area of interest in the image; a visual indicator highlights at least a boundary of the at least one potential area of interest, and an optical zoom and/or a digital zoom changes the magnification level of an area of interest selected from the at least one potential area of interest. The device permits a user to zoom in and/or zoom out of the selected area of interest by displacing the boundary of the selected area of interest over at least a portion of the display screen.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus capable of switching between an optical viewfinder and live view which involves periodically reading out an image signal out of an image sensor and sequentially displaying the image signal on a display unit, comprises a phase difference focus control unit that performs auto focus control using a phase difference detection method; a selection unit that selects one of a plurality of focus detection areas used for the auto focus control; an electronic zoom unit that changes an angle of view; and a control unit that causes the phase difference focus control unit to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area if the selected focus detection area is located within the changed angle of view, otherwise not to perform auto focus control by the phase difference detection method using the selected focus detection area.

Abstract: A method of processing an image of a portable terminal, the portable terminal comprising an image signal processor (ISP) and an application processor (AP) includes: acquiring, at the ISP, an image from a camera unit of the portable terminal for each frame of a plurality of frames during an operation of the camera; generating, at the ISP, a display image and a compression image by processing the acquired image; transmitting the display image generated by the ISP for each frame and the compression image at a preset frame interval; and displaying, at the AP, the acquired display image and buffering, at the AP, the compression image.

Abstract: An image processing device capable of obtaining a high precision image while aberration asymmetry is corrected. An image processing device includes image obtaining means configured to obtain an input image, image restoration means configured to restore the input image using a generated or selected image restoration filter in accordance with a transfer function of an image pickup system used for forming the input image from an object image. The image restoration filter makes a difference between absolute values of transfer functions of two azimuthal directions at a time when the restoration image is obtained from an object smaller than a difference between absolute values of transfer functions of the two azimuthal directions of the image pickup system.

Abstract: A switcher control device includes: a superimposition determining unit that determines whether a superimposition image is superimposed on an image taken by a camera based on angle information and zoom value information about the camera in selecting a camera image when an effects switcher selects the image taken by the camera as a background image; and a switcher instructing unit that instructs the effects switcher to superimpose the superimposition image based on a determined result of the superimposition determining unit.

Abstract: The present invention sets an auto-zooming frame that includes a plurality of selected subjects from among subjects detected from a captured image. Then, the angle of view is adjusted so that the entire auto-zooming frame is captured. Auto-zooming frame setting and angle of view adjustment are continuously performed on images that are consecutively captured, thereby providing auto-zooming control for a plurality of subjects.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a first image and a second image taken at a different focus position from the first image, an image magnification calculator (1109) configured to calculate a first image magnification of an object in the first image and a second image magnification of the object in the second image, an image size changer (1110) configured to change an image size of at least one of the first and second images so as to reduce a difference between the first and second image magnifications that are calculated by the image magnification calculator, according to the difference between the first and second image magnifications, and a processor (1104-1107) configured to perform a calculation using the first and second images after the image size is changed by the image size changer.

Abstract: A high-performance zoom lens system which is compact and has a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit and a high zooming ratio in a balanced manner, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having negative optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, and a fourth lens unit having positive optical power, wherein the first lens unit is composed of at most two lens elements, the second lens unit is composed of two lens elements, the third lens unit is composed of three lens elements, in order from the object side to the image side, including an object side lens element having positive optical power, a lens element having negative optical power, and an image side lens element having positive optical power, and the conditions: ?W?36 and fT/fW>4.

Abstract: An image sensor of an electronic camera photoelectrically converts a subject image obtained by a shooting optical system to generate an image signal. A image processing section generates face registration image data and moving image data. A face detecting section detects a face area inside a shooting screen based on the moving image data. A controlling section adjusts shooting parameters of the shooting optical system, depending on a position detected at the face area. A face image generating section cuts out an image of the face area to generate face image data. A face recognizing data generating section extracts feature points of the face of a captured person from a part of the face area of the face registration image data and generates face recognizing data. A recording section records the face recognizing data or face image data.

Abstract: Digital camera or device comprising is digital camera unit is controlled in a process having steps of: receiving images from an image sensor of a digital camera unit; and in a first operational state, determining a change in the size of objects in the received images and to responsively causing changing of zooming by the digital camera unit in compensation of the determined change.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided with a focusing function and a focal length varying function of a main lens. The digital camera includes a main imaging unit configured to generate a main image by performing a photoelectric conversion from a subject obtained via the main lens, a sub-imaging unit configured to generate a sub-image by performing a photoelectric conversion from the subject obtained via a sub-lens, a focal length acquiring unit configured to acquire the focal length of the main lens, a magnification setting unit configured to set a level of magnification on the basis of the focal length, a composite image generating unit configured to generate a composite image by combining the main image and the sub-image, after at least one of the main image and the sub-image is magnified at the level of magnification, and an image display unit configured to display the composite image.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a zoom optical system including a light wavefront modulation element which has a light wavefront modulation function and is able to adjust a light wavefront modulation pattern, an imaging element capturing an image of an object passed through the zoom optical system, a modulation pattern control part controlling the light wavefront modulation pattern of the light wavefront modulation element, and an image processing part applying predetermined processing to an image signal of the object from the imaging element.

Abstract: A networked jump safety system and method for monitoring a jump area is described. The system comprises a safety analysis station connected via a network to least one monitoring station. The output of a sensor is analyzed at the safety analysis station to determine if it is safe for a rider to enter a jump area. A status corresponding to the determination is transmitted via the network from the safety analysis station to a light emitting output.

Abstract: When a user selects digital zooming in a camera such as might be included in a wireless telephone or PDA, a series of images are automatically obtained and superimposed using super-resolution techniques to produce an improved digital zoom image transparently to the user.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a frame containing an object of interest and determining a current pixel density of the object of interest. The current pixel density is compared to a minimum pixel density to generate a comparison result and an indication is received of available throughput of a wireless network used to transmit the video. Based on the comparison result and the available throughput, a pixel density compensation method is selected from multiple methods, which include adjusting a zoom feature of a camera used to capture the video and adjusting encoded frame resolution. Using the selected pixel density compensation method, a pixel density compensation parameter is determined to adjust the current pixel density with respect to the minimum pixel density for the object of interest. The pixel density compensation parameter is provided to one or both of the camera or an encoder that sends the video over the wireless network.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that is capable of changing a zoom speed in a wide range in accordance with an amount of movement of a zoom lever without oversizing the zoom lever, and has excellent operability of the zoom lever. An amount of change of zoom speed relative to an amount of movement of the zoom lever during when the zoom lever is operated from a first neutral position in a first or second direction differs from that during when the zoom lever is operated from a second neutral position in the first or second direction. Thus, the zoom speed can be varied in a wide range according to the amount of movement of the zoom lever, while ensuring the operability of the zoom lever.

Abstract: A high-performance zoom lens system which is compact and has a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit and a high zooming ratio in a balanced manner, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having negative optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, and a fourth lens unit having positive optical power, wherein the first lens unit is composed of at most two lens elements, the second lens unit is composed of two lens elements, the third lens unit is composed of three lens elements, in order from the object side to the image side, including an object side lens element having positive optical power, a lens element having negative optical power, and an image side lens element having positive optical power, and the conditions: fT/fW>6.

Abstract: A high-performance zoom lens system which is compact and has a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit and a high zooming ratio in a balanced manner, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having negative optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, and a fourth lens unit having positive optical power, wherein the first lens unit is composed of at most two lens elements, the second lens unit is composed of two lens elements, the third lens unit is composed of three lens elements, and the condition: nd>1.75 (nd: a refractive index to the d-line of each lens element constituting the zoom lens system) is satisfied; an imaging device; and a camera are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for controlling camera aiming and operation through a convenient and intuitive interface using correlative touch and feel, which allows a camera operator to primarily pay attention to a game or event, while simultaneously controlling a still or video camera in three control dimensions, with a high degree of accuracy or quality.

Abstract: A method of reducing shutter-lag in a camera image sensor may include maintaining a sensor output image to have a low resolution in a preview mode of a camera image sensor; changing a resolution of the sensor output image from a low resolution to a high resolution in response to a capture preparation signal to change an operation mode of the camera image sensor from a preview mode to a capture preparation mode, the low resolution being a resolution equal to or below a reference resolution, the high resolution being a resolution above the reference resolution; and capturing the sensor output image in response to a capture signal in the capture preparation mode of the camera image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and method capable of improving operability regarding a zooming operation and suppressing the photographing of an unstably focused image. A zoom information acquisition section 201 acquires the information specifying both a zoom direction of zoom-in or zoom-out and a zoom speed. A subject information acquisition section 202 acquires the information, which specifies the coordinate position of the upper left corner of an AF tracking frame and the area of the AF tracking frame, regarding a detected subject. A threshold value setting section 203 sets the value of a predetermined zoom speed as a threshold value for determining whether or not to release a subject tracking AF function. A switching determination section 204 determines whether or not to release the subject tracking AF function on the basis of the zoom speed acquired by the zoom information acquisition section 201 and the threshold value set by the threshold value setting section 203.

Abstract: An information processing device including a control unit that, based on a specific subject that is an imaging target of a during-exposure zoom imaging operation, performs control decide control details for a zoom lens in the during-exposure zoom imaging operation.

Abstract: A projector includes: an OSD processing section that generates a synthesized image formed by synthesizing an OSD image on a main image; an image projecting section that projects and displays the synthesized image; a zoom adjusting section that adjusts a zoom state of the image projecting section; and a zoom state detecting section that detects the zoom state that is adjusted by the zoom adjusting section, wherein the OSD processing section adjusts a size of the OSD image with respect to the main image based on the detection result of the zoom state detecting section.

Abstract: When trimming is performed on a photograph image obtained by a photography apparatus, a plurality of trimming range candidates is set by analyzing the photograph image. A judgment is made as to whether the zoom magnification ratio of the photography apparatus during photography corresponds to a predetermined limit, the limit being a maximum zoom magnification ratio or a minimum zoom magnification ratio that can be set by the photography apparatus. A trimming range is set by selecting one of the plurality of trimming range candidates. If the zoom magnification ratio is judged to be a magnification ratio corresponding to the predetermined limit, a trimming range candidate that has a smaller or larger range than that of a trimming range candidate selected if the zoom magnification ratio is judged to be a magnification ratio that does not correspond to the predetermined limit is selected as the trimming range.

Abstract: A system for selecting a zoom size of an anatomical image for display includes an image detector having a pre-defined field of view defining a maximum and minimum analog zoom fields of view corresponding to maximum and minimum analog zoom settings for at least one anatomical image; an image display displaying the anatomical image within the pre-defined field of view; a processing unit providing a selection of at least one anatomical image; and a network configured to interface the detector with the processing unit and the image display with the processing unit. The system enables establishment of at least one intervening selectable zoom setting corresponding to an intervening selectable zoom field of view between the maximum and minimum analog zoom fields of view, thereby establishing a first user profile. A second user profile overriding the first user profile can be established. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A zoom magnification is calculated based on a focal length of a photographing lens obtained before zooming and the focal length of the photographing lens obtained after the zooming. Then, an object movement amount in an image pickup area of an image pickup element is calculated based on the zoom magnification and an object position obtained before the zooming. Thus, a change in the position of the cropping area is controlled.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to perform photoelectric conversion of an optical image, an optical zoom unit configured to perform optical magnification variation in response to a zooming operation, an electronic zoom unit configured to perform electronic magnification variation on a signal output from the imaging unit, and a controller configured to operate the electronic zoom unit together with the optical zoom unit in a first zoom range in response to the zooming operation, to operate the optical zoom unit without operating the electronic zoom unit in response to the zooming operation in a second zoom range, which is closer to a telephoto side than the first zoom range, and to operate the electronic zoom unit together with the optical zoom unit in response to the zooming operation in a third zoom range, which is closer to the telephoto side than the second zoom range.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus captures an image in a shooting operation and records an image file in a folder of a recording medium. A user interface enables a user to set the units of date/time for automatically creating a new folder that can store image files. A first storage unit stores the units of date/time being set by the user through the user interface. A folder creation unit creates a new folder in the recording medium by the units of date/time stored in the first storage unit. And, a recording unit records the image file obtained by the shooting operation in the new folder created by the folder creation unit.

Abstract: An image-data processing apparatus includes a writer which writes image data into a memory according to a non-interlaced-scanning or an interlaced-scanning of each N line. An updater updates a cumulative zoom coefficient by accumulating, for each line, a decimal portion of the cumulative zoom coefficient to a first numerical value corresponding to the zoom coefficient. An accumulator accumulates, for each line, a second numerical value corresponding to an integer portion of the cumulative zoom coefficient. A reader reads out image data in a line corresponding to an accumulated value of the accumulator. A first setter sets N-times the zoom coefficient to the first numerical value in the non-interlaced-scanning, and sets the zoom coefficient to the first numerical value in the interlaced-scanning. A second setter sets an integer portion to the second numerical value in the non-interlaced-scanning, and sets N-times the integer portion to the second numerical value in the interlaced-scanning.

Abstract: Processing images of a scene taken with different focus includes, for each of at least some of the images, determining at least one portion of the image having a predetermined characteristic. A representation of the scene is generated that includes an array of elements, where each of at least some of the elements corresponds to a determined portion of at least one of the images. An element of the array is based on a correspondence between a distance associated with a determined portion of at least one image and a focused distance associated with at least one image. The generated representation is stored or provided as output.

Abstract: A platform for a stereographic camera system, a stereographic camera, and a method for operating a stereographic camera. The platform may include a base and a fixed camera mounting plate attached to the base, the fixed camera mounting plate defining a line of sight. A first linear motion mechanism mounted to the base may be configured to adjust a first distance, normal to the line of sight, between the line of sight and a first rotation axis. A second linear motion mechanism mounted to the base may be configured to adjust a second distance, normal to the line of sight, between the line of sight and a second rotation axis. A movable camera mounting plate may be rotatably coupled to the first linear motion mechanism at a first rotation axis and rotatably coupled to the second linear motion mechanism at a second rotation axis.

Abstract: An aberration correction apparatus includes: a correction data holding section that holds correction data on a correction level used to correct chromatic aberration of magnification; a center position discrepancy data holding section that holds center position discrepancy data on the discrepancy between the center of an image area and the position of an aberration center of the chromatic aberration of magnification; an aberration center calculating section that selects one of the center position discrepancy data that corresponds to a combination of the discrepancy variation conditions in an imaging apparatus and calculates the position of the aberration center based on the selected center position discrepancy data; an image height calculating section; a magnification chromatic aberration correction level calculating section; and a pixel value correcting section.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes: a lens array having a plurality of lenses; a plurality of image pickup regions (123) disposed to correspond to the plurality of lenses one-to-one and each including a light receiving surface substantially perpendicular to a direction in which an optical axis of the corresponding lens extends; a temperature sensor (126) disposed in the vicinity of the lens array to detect a temperature; a correction coefficient generating portion (142) configured to generate, based on the temperature, correction coefficients including correction coefficients correlated to magnifications of images taken in the image pickup regions; and a correction calculating portion (143, 144) configured to correct, based on the correction coefficients, image pickup signals generated in the image pickup regions and calculate a parallax using the corrected image pickup signals.

Abstract: An image capture system is configured to automatically focus upon an object (113) electronically, without moving mechanical parts. In one embodiment, a focal length alteration device (104), examples of which include an electronically switchable mirror (3041,3042) or an interference layer (204), is disposed between a lens assembly (102) and a reflective surface (103). The focal length alteration device (104) is configured to alter the distance light travels from the lens assembly (102) to the image sensor (101). In another embodiment, a light redirection device (1003), such as a phase shifting mirror (703), is configured to alter phases of various polarizations of light. An image processing circuit (105) then resolves images into a single, focused, composite image (113).

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a camera configured to output a camera preview image; a display unit configured to display the camera preview image output by the camera; and a controller configured to set a reference region on the display unit, and to output position information regarding positions of an object included in the camera preview image and the set reference region.

Abstract: A movement signal generation apparatus is disclosed which can convert an analog position signal of an optical adjustment unit into digital signals representing a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit and output the digital signals. The movement signal generation apparatus includes an analog signal output section which outputs an analog signal in accordance with the position of the optical adjustment unit, and a digital signal generation section which generates two digital signals in accordance with a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit based on the analog signal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and image processing method generate a motion picture with smooth zooming changes when a user manually operates a zoom lens while the motion picture is being captured. The image capturing apparatus includes a recording unit in which a plurality of images that are captured while a zoom lens, which enlarges or reduces images of an object, is manually operated by a user, and in which focal lengths corresponding to the plurality of images are recorded; a focal length calculating unit that calculates smoothing focal lengths based on the recorded focal lengths for smooth chronological variations of focal lengths; and an image generating unit that generates smoothing images having a viewing angle corresponding to the smoothing focal length based on the smoothing focal length, the recorded focal lengths, and the recorded image data.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus operable for processing images is disclosed. The image processing method allows for drawing any given image in an output image on which various types of image processing have been performed. Such various types of image processing are, for example, correction of an image having distortion due to the distortion aberration of an imaging lens, an image having unnatural perspective distortion of a subject due to high-angle or overhead photography, generation of an output image with the viewpoint changed from the viewpoint of a captured image, mirror-image conversion of a captured image, and electronic zooming. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to an imaging apparatus that uses the image processing method.

Abstract: Sound correction processing is performed for a sound signal obtained from a sound collecting portion. In particular, sound correction processing is performed after determining what is performed as the sound correction processing based on an image signal paired with a sound signal, the image signal obtained from an imaging portion, the sound signal, control data of the imaging portion, and the like.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided that has a rear-side and a front-side, a first microphone that generates a first signal, and a second microphone that generates a second signal. An automated balance controller generates a balancing signal based on a proximity sensor signal. A processor processes the first and second signals to generate at least one beamformed audio signal, where an audio level difference between a front-side gain and a rear-side gain of the beamformed audio signal is controlled during processing based on the balancing signal.

Abstract: A display control unit controls an image presentation unit such that when an image display apparatus displays a partial area of an image stored in an image storage unit, an image presentation unit displays a whole image stored in the image storage unit and display information indicating the partial area in the whole image.