Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing, in response to image signals originating in an object space, mixed image signals for providing nonuniform resolution images for stimulating simulated active percepts for passive perception by a viewer in an image space. The images have a highly detailed component which has its image content changed according to changes in the direction of a simulated observer's eye position in an object space. The images may be provided stereoscopically. The images may be provided at various apparent distances and the relationship between accommodation and convergence may be preserved. Audio waves for directionally simulating that which would be heard by the simulated observer may be provided.

Abstract: A method which includes Steps 1 to 5 is provided. In Step 1, the location of a dark distribution is determined, and a dark distribution histogram ratio is calculated. Next, in Step 2, the location of a bright distribution is determined, and a high-brightness slice set value is set. In Step 3, a determination is made as to whether or not a subject is in a backlighted state. Here, backlight determining means determines that the subject is in a backlighted state when a dark_ratio falls within a range of from 0 dB to less than −6 dB, while it determines that the subject is in a backlighted state when the dark_ratio falls within a range of from −6 dB to −30 dB. The dark_ratio is explained in the section describing means for determining the location of the dark distribution and calculating the dark distribution histogram ratio. When the subject is not in a backlighted state, the high-brightness slice set value is used unchanged in Step 4.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus for capturing a video signal from a predetermined range in an image pickup screen and performing an AF operation based on the signal, a setting position of the range is made variable in the image pickup screen, the range is arranged to be moved to a viewpoint position detected by a viewpoint detecting device, and the AF operation is inhibited for a predetermined time if the setting position of the range is changed. The AF operation is also inhibited if the position to which the range is moved is in a low-contrast state or if the position is for example a display position where characters are displayed.

Abstract: The zoom speed of a zoom function is detected by a zoom lever detection circuit. A sensed image is displayed on a monitor, and a desired partial region in that sensed image is designated using a region designation lever. A compression circuit compresses the designated region and a non-designated region using different characteristics. A region detector controls the designated region on the basis of the detected zoom speed.

Abstract: The image of a subject obtained by photography is displayed on a display unit provided on a digital still camera. The user designates a zoom area and magnification on the displayed image of the subject. The illumination angle of a strobe light-emission unit is controlled in such a manner that a position on the subject that corresponds to the center of the designated zoom area is illuminated with strobe light. The zoom image thus obtained is brightened in emphasized fashion by the strobe light-emission unit.

Abstract: Motion of a user's line of sight is detected. If motion of the user's line of sight stops for a period of time greater than a fixed period of time, a shutter-release operation is performed. Image data representing the image of aL subject obtained by shutter release is recorded on a memory card. This makes it possible to record image data on the memory card without pressing a shutter-release button.

Abstract: An image pickup device including a photoelectric conversion device for converting an optical image, obtained from an object through an optical system, into an electrical signal and a monitor for displaying the object image on a monitor image frame based on the electrical signal from the photoelectric conversion device, is provided with a watching point detecting device for detecting the watching point of the operator; a discrimination circuit for discriminating whether the watching point, detected by the watching point detecting device, is positioned inside a predetermined area on the monitor image frame; a detection area setting circuit for setting a detection area, for extracting information for controlling an object of control from an image pickup area, in the image pickup area; and a control circuit for controlling the detection area setting circuit based on the output of the discrimination circuit, in such a manner as to set the detection area at the watching point if the discrimination circuit identifie

Abstract: Picture-taking apparatus having viewpoint detecting structure includes viewed-point detecting circuitry for detecting a viewed-point of an operator on a display screen. Area setting circuitry is provided for setting a predetermined processing area at the viewed-point detected by the view-point detecting circuitry. Display circuitry is provided for displaying a mark at a predetermined position on the display screen. Processing circuitry is provided for performing a predetermined function corresponding to the mark in response to a detection of the viewed-point being on a predetermined area including the display position of the mark. Control circuitry is provided for causing the area setting circuitry to inhibit displacement of the predetermined area and to freeze the predetermined area at a fixed position on the screen in the case that the display circuitry displays the mark on the display screen.