Abstract: An image processor including an object extracting device extracting an object region from original image data; an object separating device separating the object region from the other region; a first filter subjecting the object region to out-of-focus filtering processing to output first image data; a second filter subjecting the other region to out-of-focus filtering processing to output second image data; an image synthesizing device synthesizing the first and second image data; a displaying device displaying the synthesized image data and original image data; a region splitting device splitting the synthesized image data into plural regions; a high-frequency component obtaining device obtaining high-frequency components in each of the plural regions; a high-frequency component analyzing device analyzing the high-frequency components; and a zooming device zooming a region among the plural regions having higher frequency components.

Abstract: An optical unit is provided to ensures what is called a night shot function and a night framing function, and to achieve considerable reduction in thickness and size of an optical barrel and a collapsible lens without using an infrared cutoff filter nor a drive mechanism for moving the filter in and out. The optical unit, including a fixed ring, a rear barrel, and a solid state image sensor disposed at a rear portion of the fixed ring, is provided with a liquid crystal panel or an electrochromic device placed at a front side portion on an optical axis of the solid state image sensor for adjusting an amount of infrared electromagnetic wave to be transmitted.

Abstract: A light-quantity adjusting apparatus which can temporarily suppress an MTF (contrast) from being deteriorated by small-aperture diffraction is disclosed. The light-quantity adjusting apparatus comprises a main body in which an opening is formed, a light-blocking member moved with respect to the opening to change an area of a light-passing aperture, an optical filter moved with respect to the opening to insert and remove with respect to a region opposed the light-passing aperture, an actuator serving as a drive source, a drive mechanism for driving the light-blocking member and the optical filter by drive force from the actuator.

Abstract: Infrared (IR) camera systems for and a method of obtaining infrared images of target subjects are provided. In one embodiment, an IR camera system (10) includes a lens (12), a number of IR pass filters (14), an optical detector (16), a processor (18) mounted on a circuit board (20), a distance sensor (22), a visible light sensor (24), an IR light sensor (26), an IR illuminator (28), and a number of video outputs (30), all of which may be disposed within an appropriately configured housing (32). The filters (14) are mounted on a juke-box like rack system (34) also included within the housing (32). The processor (18) determines which pass filter is needed in order to optimize the image and sends an electronic signal to the rack system (34) directing the rack system (34) to move the appropriate filter (14) into the optical pathway between the lens (12) and the optical detector (16) and pull all of the other IR filters (14) out of the optical pathway between the lens (12) and the optical detector (16).

Abstract: A plane parallel plate 91 constituted with optical glass and disposed further frontward relative to an image-capturing element 10 is caused to swing and vibrate by alternately expanding and contracting piezoelectric elements 92a and 92c. As the plane parallel plate 91 becomes slanted relative to the image-capturing element 10, the angle of incidence of subject light 20 changes, causing the position of the subject image projected on the image-capturing element 10 to move from point A to point B. As a result, the image forming position vibrates parallel to the x-axis, thereby enabling the plane parallel plate 91 to function as a low pass filter for the spatial frequency manifesting along the x direction.

Abstract: A lens apparatus capable of efficiently arranging a stop blade, an optical filter and a shutter blade to reduce the size of the apparatus is disclosed. The lens apparatus comprising a lens, a lens holding member which holds the lens, a stop blade which changes an area of a light-passing aperture, an optical filter which inserts and removes with respect to a region opposed to the light-passing aperture and a shutter blade which opens and closes the light-passing aperture. Here, at least one member of the stop blade, the optical filter and the shutter blade is arranged at one end side of the lens holding member and the other member is arranged at the other end side of the lens holding member.

Abstract: An area image sensor outputs the difference between charges received by light-receiving cells arranged in an array pattern. A system controller generates a timing signal for generating a pulse or modulation signal. A control signal generator generates a control signal for separately controlling the light-receiving timings of the light-receiving cells of the area image sensor on the basis of the timing signal from the system controller. A light emitting controller controls a light source to generate light, the intensity of which changes on the basis of the timing signal from the system controller. A reflected light image processor extracts a reflected image of an object from the difference outputted from the area image sensor.

Abstract: When a brightness level of an object is below a predetermined level, an ND filter is removed from an iris opening to fully open the iris opening, and when the brightness level of the object is above a predetermined level, the ND filter is placed to the iris opening to fully close the iris opening. When the ND filter is moved between the fully-opened state and the fully-closed state, an exposure change amount corresponding to an amount offsetting the exposure change amount due to a state transition is generated by controlling iris blades.

Abstract: A color separator includes a polarization converting section for converting an incoming light ray into a linearly polarized light ray such that the polarization direction of the linearly polarized light ray is selectable from a number of predetermined directions, and a diffracting section, which is arranged so as to receive the linearly polarized light ray that has gone out of the polarization converting section and which produces a zero-order light ray in which one of multiple different wavelength components is selectively weakened according to the polarization direction at least.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic imaging system such a video camera or digital camera, whose thickness or size is reduced while performance degradation is reduced as much as possible. The system comprises a zoom lens system comprising a first G1, a second G2, a third G3 and a fourth lens group G4 and an aperture stop S, and an electronic image pickup device located on its image side I and covered with a cover glass CG. The image of a subject is formed on the photoreceptive surface of the electronic image pickup device for conversion into electric signals. The system satisfies the following conditions (1) and (2). a?4 ?m??(1) F>a??(2) Here a is the horizontal pixel pitch in ?m of the electronic image pickup device and F is the F-number of the zoom lens system at its wide-angle end.

Abstract: A photographic light is spectrally separated by a spectral prism 9 provided in an image-formation area R of the photographic light whose luminous flux is adjusted by a group of lenses 1a-1d for adjusting the luminous flux so as to image-form the photographic light. Respective lights spectrally separated by the spectral prism 9 are imaged by means of the imaging elements 2. An infrared-ray element of the photographic light whose luminous flux is being adjusted is eliminated by an infrared-ray cut filter 8. The infrared-ray cut filter 8 is advanced and retreated by a mechanism unit 14a between a position in an optica path of the photographic light and a position distant from the optical path. In the foregoing constitution, the infrared-ray cut filter 8 and the mechanism unit 14a are disposed in a luminous flux convergence area R of the photographic light whose luminous flux is being adjusted by the group of lenses 1a-1d.

Abstract: A portable camera system (100) includes a lens (104) for forming a focused image of a survey scene (106) onto a focal plane array (108). The focal plane array (108) comprises a cooled two dimensional array of quantum well infrared photo detectors, (QWIP) having a peak spectral responsivity in the wavelength range of 10.4 to 10.8 ?m. The camera includes a cooled band pass optical filter (110) having a peak spectral transmittance approximately centered at a wavelength of 10.57 ?m and a full width half maximum spectral transmittance bandwidth of approximately 10.3 to 10.7 ?m. The camera system (100) is usable to detect an invisible gas plume in a video image of a survey scene if the gas plume contains sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ammonia, (NH3), Uranyl Fluoride (U2O2F2), or any other gas having an absorption band that that at least partially falls within the wavelength band 10.3 to 10.8 ?m.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image pickup apparatus configured to switch between a color and a black & white photographing modes, which includes an image pickup optical system, an image pickup element that receives a light through the image pickup optical system and opto-electronically converts the received light, a first luminance detecting unit that detects a luminance of a photographed object based on a signal from the image pickup element, a second luminance detecting unit that detects the luminance of the photographed object by receiving a light without intervention of the image pickup optical system, and a filter converting mechanism for interposing any one of a infrared cutoff filter and an optical element in an optical path of the image pickup optical system.

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: The present invention provides a visible and infrared light photographing lens system. A color separating prism or the like divides an object light entering a photographing lens and then passing through a focus lens, into an object light in a visible light region and an object light in an infrared light region. A visible light image pickup element and an infrared light image pickup element are used to pick up images of the respective object lights. Further, a compensation lens can be used to adjust a position where an image of the object light in the infrared light region is formed. Consequently, visible light photographing and infrared light photographing can be simultaneously carried out by focusing on an object at the same distance.

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system in which, while high image quality is maintained with the influence of diffraction minimized, the quantity of light is controlled, and which enables the length of the zoom lens to be cut down. The imaging system comprises a zoom lens comprising a plurality of lens groups G1 and G2 wherein the spacing between individual lens groups is varied to vary a focal length and an aperture stop located in an optical path for limiting at least an axial light beam diameter, and an electronic image pickup device I located on the image side of the zoom lens. The aperture stop has a fixed shape, and a filter S2 for performing light quantity control by varying transmittance is located on an optical axis of a space located at a position different from that of a space in which the aperture stop is located.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a wavelength dependent aperture stop, which transmits light with different ranges of wavelengths through apertures of different diameters. Thus, different colored light will have different F-stops, which can be selected based on the power transfer and image quality requirements for the different colored light. For example, a smaller F-stop may be used with a weaker light source to produce a higher throughput for a specific range of wavelengths. Accordingly, the optical system's design and optimization is wavelength and F-stop dependent.

Abstract: An optical device, such as an optical low-pass filter, and a production method therefor, which prevents damage, and thus maintains optical characteristics are provided. The optical device includes a plurality of optical plates joined together with adhesive. The adhesive is spread to extend to the peripheral edge of the optical plates and to the outer periphery of the principal plane surrounding the plurality of optical plates, thus forming a protective coating.

Abstract: An image sensor module includes a lens member, a resin frame that holds the lens member, a diaphragm formed on the lens member, an image sensor chip that receives light converged by the lens member, and a supporting board upon which the image sensor chip is mounted. The board is fixed to the bottom side of the resin frame. The diaphragm includes an opening for allowing the passage of light, and a light-shielding portion which is entirely held in contact with the lens member. The lens member is glued to the frame so that any additional fixing element such as a lens cap is unnecessary.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for wavelength-dependent detection are provided. A detector includes a hybrid filter having unpatterned and patterned filter layers and at least one light-detecting sensor that detects light in first and second wavelength bands from the patterned filter layer of the hybrid filter. The unpatterned filter layer passes light in two nonoverlapping wavelength bands relative to light in wavelength bands between or among the nonoverlapping wavelength bands. The patterned filter layer includes first and second regions configured respectively to pass light in the first and second wavelength bands of the nonoverlapping wavelength bands passed by the unpatterned filter layer.

Abstract: A vehicular camera for detecting desired imaging objects by shooting the surroundings of a vehicle includes a lens for forming an image of light on an image pickup device, an optical filter capable of selectively transmitting a component of light in a particular wavelength range, the image pickup device for performing photoelectric conversion on the image formed thereon, and an image processing unit for producing a prescribed video signal by processing a signal produced by the image pickup device.

Abstract: Provided is a camera module having a lens with a plurality of IR cut-off filters. The IR cut-off filters are vacuum deposited in a thin film type on surfaces of two aspherical plastic lenses among a plurality of aspherical plastic lenses mounted within the camera module. The height of the camera module can be minimized and the manufacturing cost can be saved because the number of processes is reduced by the reduced number of parts.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus 1 comprises: a semiconductor imaging device 5 which converts incident light to an electrical signal; an optical filter 4 which is opposed to an incident surface of the semiconductor imaging device 5 and transmits light of a certain wavelength; and a three-dimensional substrate 2 fixing the optical filter 4 by means of adhesion using a filler-containing adhesive 6; wherein the diameter of the filler is smaller than or equal to the pixel size of the semiconductor imaging device 5. Degradation of image quality of the imaging apparatus 1 caused by the dropped filler can thus be reduced.

Abstract: A mirror box includes a mirror that is selectively set to one of a reflecting position, which is on an optical path between a photographing lens and an imaging device so that incident light passing through the photographing lens is reflected to a view-finder, and a retracted position, which is out of the optical path so that said incident light is led to the imaging device. A filter is selectively set to one of a non-functioning position, which is close to the mirror, when the mirror is set to the reflecting position, and a functioning position, which is on the optical path so that a predetermined light component contained in the incident light is blocked, when the mirror is set to the retracted position. The filter comprises an optical low-pass filter, and the mirror comprises a half-mirror which is integrally provided on an incident surface of the optical low-pass filter.

Abstract: The imaging device includes an image sensor, a lens member adapted to focus external radiation towards the image sensor and a heat shield to inhibit thermal damage to the lens member. The heat shield may include an optical filter between the lens member and the external radiation.

Abstract: A broadband light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), such as a superluminescent light-emitting diode (SLED), has its mean wavelength stabilized by using a filter to pass a characteristic of the output of the source, detecting the filtered output, and adjusting a parameter affecting the wavelength of the source, such as drive current or temperature. A Gaussian or near-Gaussian filter can be used to obtain an intensity detection, or two narrowband filters can be used where one filter passes a wavelength greater, and one passes a wavelength less, than the desired mean wavelength.

Abstract: Management data for managing an image sensing device can be read from the device even after the device has been mounted. To accomplish this, the management data is recorded in a non-effective imaging zone that surrounds an effective imaging area in the read-out area of the image sensing device. The non-effective imaging zone is a zone from which an output signal is not used in generating a sensed target image. The management data can be sensed from the signal output by the image sensing device. In another aspect, management data for managing an image sensing device can be read from the device even after the device has been mounted on a circuit board. To accomplish this, the management data is recorded on a protective glass, which covers the device, using an ink that reflects infrared radiation. A target image having a uniform pattern is sensed using a light source whose emission includes infrared radiation, and the image obtained by such sensing is displayed on a display.

Abstract: A camera is provided that includes a dust-proofing member which has a transparent portion through which a visible light component is transmitted among beams incident from a photographing lens and which absorbs an infrared component, opposed to the front of an image pick-up device at a predetermined interval. A member for vibration is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member. And a sealing structure portion is arranged at a portion formed by opposing the image pick-up device and the dust-proofing member, for sealing a space portion that is substantially sealed at peripheral portions of the image pick-up device and the dust-proofing member.

Abstract: A movement control system useful for an apparatus comprising a movable member movable between two positions, a motor and a sensor device for producing an output value which changes during the movement of the movable member. The control system drives the motor in a first amount so as to move the movable member from one of the two positions to the other position and thereafter drives the motor in a second amount to move the movable member toward said one position when the output value of the sensor device remains unchanged. When the sensor device produces a changed output value, the system drives the motor in a third amount to move the movable member toward said one position. Subsequently, the system drives the motor in a fourth amount when the output value of the sensor device is different from the output value before the motor is driven in the first amount, so as to move the movable member toward said other position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a digital still camera (1). This camera carries out a framing process by using an infrared pick-up image and a visible light photographing by using a flash or a low speed shutter in a still image pick-up process. Upon automatic focusing, the light of an auxiliary visible light source (23) for automatic focusing is emitted to apply the visible lights and carry out an automatic focusing process. In the digital still camera, the framing process can be carried out which allows the image of a subject which is to be picked up to be displayed on a finder even under an environment of low illuminance such as photographing a dark place and a user to recognize the contents of the photographed image. Further, after that, even when the visible light photographing is carried out through the irradiation of flash or the low speed shutter, an accurate focusing can be realized.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for imaging a first object at a normal distance and a second object nearer than the first object readily with high precision. The imaging apparatus has an imaging lens, an imaging device for capturing an image formed by the imaging lens, and a camera control unit. The imaging lens is a multifocal lens and contains a first lens portion having a first focal length for imaging the first object (e.g., the user of the imaging apparatus) at a normal distance and a second lens portion having a second focal length for imaging the second object (e.g., a bar code) nearer than the first object. The first and second lens portions are arranged on the same plane and formed in one piece. The information collected by imaging the second object is used for processing such as communications or displays.

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: An imaging optical system includes an image forming optical system forming an image of an object, an imaging device placed in the proximity of the image of the object, a liquid crystal element placed at a preset position on the optical path between the object and the imaging device; and an optical element placed on the object side of the liquid crystal element. The optical element is constructed of a medium in which the transmittance of light at a wavelength of 500 nm is 20% or more and which exhibits different refractive indices with respect to light, the directions of vibrations of which are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an image receiving unit for receiving an input image, and a spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator is interposed between the image receiving unit and an input image. The spatial light modulator is for selectively modulating the input image such that at least one portion of the input image may be blurred as it passes through the spatial light modulator toward the image receiving unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical filter switching apparatus used in an optical instrument for converting externally input image information into video image information and outputting the video image information. The apparatus comprises: an optical filter holding section holding a first optical filter and a second optical filter; an actuator having a rotary solenoid which rotates between a first position and a second position. A rotational power transmission section transmits the rotational force of the rotary solenoid to the optical filter holding section; and a microprocessor controls the rotary solenoid of the actuator in accordance with at least one external input signal and the power level of the video image information. The rotary solenoid is rotated to at least one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A mirror box comprises a quick return mirror and an optical low-pass filter. When observing a subject image, the quick return mirror is set to a reflecting position, in which the quick return to mirror is inclined to the optical axis of a photographing lens group by approximately 45 degrees so that incident light is reflected to a view-finder. The optical low-pass filter is set to a non-functioning position, in which the optical low-pass filter is inclined to be parallel to the quick return mirror, and is close to the quick return mirror. When carrying out a photographing operation, the quick return mirror is retracted from the optical axis, and is set to a retracted position, which is parallel to the optical axis. The optical low-pass filter is set to a functioning position which is perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method for producing electronic signals representative of images on a source film includes the following steps: illuminating the film with a light source to obtain an illuminated frame; providing an electronic image sensor; providing a lens array for projecting the illuminated frame on the electronic image sensor, and providing an aperture in conjunction with the lens array for high spatial frequency cutoff in the image; and reading out image representative electronic signals from the electronic image sensor.

Abstract: A diaphragm device of a lens for a CCTV camera includes a lens barrel, a diaphragm, a base plate which supports the diaphragm, a diaphragm driver for driving the diaphragm to adjust a size of an aperture formed by the diaphragm, an optical filter, and a filter driver for moving the optical filter into and out of an optical path of the lens; wherein each of the diaphragm and the optical filter lies on a corresponding surface of the base plate. The diaphragm, the base plate, the diaphragm driver, the optical filter, and the filter driver are provided in the lens barrel.

Abstract: Light emitted from a taking lens 20 enters a first birefringent plate 1a to be spatially divided along a first direction extending perpendicular to the direction in which the light advances to achieve two separate rays L10 and L20. The vibrational planes of the two light fluxes L10 and L20 emitted from the first birefringent plate 1a are converted to a circularly polarized light by a phase plate 1c. The two light fluxes L10? and L20? emitted from the phase plate 1c are each spatially divided into two by a second birefringent plate 1d along a second direction extending perpendicular to the first direction to achieve four separate rays L11, L12, L21 and L22, to be guided to an imaging plane 15a of an imaging device 15. At least either the first birefringent plate or the second birefringent plate is constituted of lithium niobate, rutilo, Chilean nitrate, or the like.

Abstract: A camera comprises a sensor such as a CCD or ICCD for receiving radiation representative of a scene, a filter such as an arrangement of parallel neutral density stripes, arranged to attenuate the radiation reaching the sensor, and decoding electronics such as comb filters which decode the encoded video output of the sensor, to produce a compressed video image, from which the pattern of the filter has been removed.

Abstract: A digital stereo camera using a single sensor array to take both left and right images for stereo (three-dimensional) image capture. In one embodiment, a micro-lens array is used to focus, at a first instant in time, light (“left light”) from a left lens system onto a sensor array for left image capture. Then, the micro-lens array is moved to focus light (“right light”) from a right lens system onto the sensor array for right image capture. In another embodiment, a portion of the left light (the portion having a first polarized direction) and a portion of the right light (the portion having a second polarized direction) are directed to a sensor array; the second polarized direction being orthogonal to the first polarized direction. To capture the left image, a polarization filter is used to allow the left light (having the first polarized direction) to pass toward the sensor array while preventing the right light (having the second polarized direction) from reaching the sensor array.

Abstract: A cover plate for covering an opening of a casing in which a solid state imaging device is disposed. The cover plate comprises a transparent cover plate member and a conductive film layer. The cover plate hermetically covers the opening of the casing and the conductive film layer covers the outermost surface of the transparent cover plate member. The transparent cover plate member is comprised of a plurality of laminated transparent plates such as lithium niobate plates for an optical low-pass filter and a plate for an infrared cut-off filter. An example of the conductive film layer is a metallic film such as Cr or Au, coated on the surface.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus for processing an image includes a camera (10), or other optical sensor means, for recording a first digital optical image of at least part of a scene illuminated by an illuminant light and for recording a second digital optical image of at least a part of substantially the same scene under substantially the same illuminant light. The images may be recorded on respectively different sensor arrays (12a and 12b). The light producing the first and second images undergoes different optical processing in order to produce those images, and processing means (18) in communication with the optical sensor means is provided for processing information relating to the first and second images. By relating the two images, the processing means (18) is able to provide information regarding the color of the illuminate light or other physical properties of the illuminated scene.

Abstract: An optical imaging system suppresses the generation of red-toned ghosting in an image particularly when there is a background light or when a strong light source shines on the screen. The optical imaging system has a reflection-type infrared cut filter comprising a multi-layer film, color filters that selectively transmit light according to the wavelength, and an imaging element. Ghosting is suppressed to inconspicuous levels by adjusting the transmittance of the color filters and the infrared cut filter, and by setting the spectral characteristics of the color filters.

Abstract: A method for modifying the spectrum of light rays passing through an objective lens to an electronic camera that includes providing an interference type filter within the objective lens. The interference type filter may be a coating on a separate optical element added to the objective lens or on a normal optical component of the objective lens. The interference filter coating is located along the optical axis where the light rays are substantially collimated and have a minimum light ray incidence angle with respect to the coating surface, which angle should not exceed 15 degrees for any of the light rays passing therethrough.

Abstract: A single-focus lens for an electronic still camera is formed of at least one meniscus lens element that is placed on the object side of a stop, with at least one surface of this meniscus lens element having a curvature such that light rays that pass through the stop are incident the surface substantially normally for all field angles, and an infrared-blocking coating is provided on the surface. Preferably, two specified conditions are satisfied to ensure that rays which are incident onto the coating are not adversely affected by the coating, thereby preventing color variations of objects which otherwise would occur.

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: A controlling method for a CCD camera in which a photographing area is divided into a number of cell regions, the illumination of each cell regions is detected, and the photographing mode of a camera is switched to a daytime or nighttime mode on the basis of the detected illumination so that an optimum image is photographed, even under conditions where the illumination of a certain position and the total illumination condition of what is photographed changes irregularly.

Abstract: Diaphragm blades move in a direction approaching to or separated from an optical axis of an incident light at the time of operation. Opening edges of the diaphragm blades are provided with neutral density (ND) filters having a predetermined transmittance to pass the incident light. Edges of the ND filters are provided with inclined surfaces having a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. With this configuration, flare is suppressed and image quality is enhanced.