Abstract: A photographing apparatus may include an image pickup device which captures an image and converts the captured image into an electric image signal. A luminance detector may calculate a plurality of luminance evaluation values corresponding to a plurality of metering modes using light measurement areas of the image of the electric image signal. The light measurement areas corresponding to each of the plurality of metering modes may be different from each other. An exposure value calculator may calculate an automatic exposure value based on the luminance evaluation value corresponding to each of the plurality of metering modes. The apparatus may also include a photographing controller which performs photographing in a plurality of times corresponding to the metering modes by operating the image pickup device using the automatic exposure values to capture a plurality of photographed images. A display unit may display the plurality of photographed images.

Abstract: In a CMOS image sensor (10) including a pixel array unit (12) having pixels separately arranged in even-numbered pixel rows and odd-numbered pixel rows, a reading operation performed on odd pixels having a short accumulation time is performed in an exposure start portion of even pixels having a long accumulation time. By this, even when the even pixels are saturated and signal charges overflow from the even pixels, and therefore, part of the signal charges intrude into the odd pixels adjacent to the even pixels, an adverse effect of blooming due to the saturation of the even pixels to signals of the odd pixels is eliminated since the reading operation performed on the odd pixels has already been completed. The adverse effect due to the blooming to the low-sensitive signals is eliminated when a method for attaining a dynamic range by differentiating accumulation times between adjacent pixels is employed.

Abstract: In an image capturing apparatus that is capable of selecting a display mode for live view display from multiple display modes, the difference between a measured subject brightness and an image brightness obtained from an exposure condition for acquiring live view images is obtained. Then, exposure conditions for acquiring the live view images are changed depending on a threshold corresponding to the selected display mode and on the value of the obtained difference. The image capturing apparatus allows for control of the exposure conditions for acquiring the live view images in accordance with the selected live view display mode.

Abstract: A method for forming a final digital color image includes capturing an image using an image sensor having panchromatic pixels and color pixels corresponding to at least two color photoresponses; providing from the captured image a digital panchromatic image and an intermediate digital color image; and using the digital panchromatic image and the intermediate digital color image to provide the final digital color image.

Abstract: An error reduction apparatus includes a combing absence detector to detect absence of combing from a luminance signal, a combing presence detector to detect presence of combing from a color-difference signal, a vertical low-pass filter to receive the color-difference signal, and a selector to select one of the color-difference signal and a color-difference signal to which the vertical low-pass filter is applied based on detection results of the combing absence detector and the combing presence detector, and if combing is absent in the luminance signal and combing is present in the color-difference signal, the error reduction apparatus applies the vertical low-pass filter to the color-difference signal and outputs the signal.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprising: A spatial light modulator (30) operable to receive incident light (34) representing an incident light image and to intensity modulate said incident light to form spatially modulated (38) light; and an image capture device (42) operable to receive said spatially modulated light and to detect an intensity value for different portions of said spatially modulated light to form a modulated light image therefrom; wherein said spatial light modulator attenuates different parts of said incident light by different proportions such that intensity values of said incident light image are given by a combination of intensity values of said modulated light image captured by said image capture device and data representing proportions of attenuation applied to corresponding parts of said incident light image by said spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. A continuous shooting speed of the digital photographing apparatus may be improved by simultaneously performing a shutter operation and a read out operation of image data. A disclosed method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus includes displaying an image signal input through an image pickup device as a live view image, performing a first operation by driving a shutter, reading data from the image pickup device, and performing a second operation by driving the shutter during a time period overlapping the reading of the data.

Abstract: Shutter blades are driven so that light which hits an image sensor which has been hit by the light is blocked (timing t5). That the shutter blades have moved a predetermined amount is detected before the start of the shutter blades blocking the light (timing t6), and furthermore, reset scanning of the exposure amount of the image sensor vertically upwards is started at a reset timing according to the detection before the start of the shutter blades blocking the light (timing t7). Due to this, it is possible for the exposure amount of the image sensor to be reset at a timing corresponding to the type of driving of the shutter for each camera in a case where there is variation or change in the type of driving due to individual unit differences or changes over time in the shutter mechanism.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises: an imaging element (1) capable of reading accumulated charges of different exposure times in a predetermined frame period, the imaging element being divided into groups for long-time exposure and short-time exposure; and a timing pulse generator (2) for adjusting read timings of the imaging element (1). A first read timing at which an accumulated charge of long-time exposure is read from the group for long-time exposure and a second read timing at which an accumulated charge of short-time exposure is read from the group for short-time exposure are adjusted separately from each other. This provides an imaging device that can extend the dynamic range according to the degree of contrast between light and shade of a subject.

Abstract: A device that analyzes an image. The device includes a circuit that receives an image that includes a plurality of pixels. The circuit creates a histogram of the image and analyzes the histogram to determine an acceptable exposure of the image. The histogram may include a plurality of bins versus a population of pixels associated with each bin. By way of example, the bins may be associated with an intensity of light. The images and histograms may include data defined by low dynamic range number of bits and/or an extended dynamic range number of bits. Certain features and criteria of the image may be determined and analyzed to determine whether the image has an acceptable exposure. If the image is unacceptable, an exposure characteristic can be changed and the process can be repeated until an acceptable image is obtained.

Abstract: A digital camera system (1) is disclosed, comprising at least one pixel (3); a shutter means (4) for the pixel (3), whereby the shutter means (4) is adapted to generate at least one shutter pulse Stmax, Stmin during a frame period t for the pixel (3), whereby the pixel (3) is switched from a non-sensitive state to a sensitive state during the at least one shutter pulse t; and a memory means (5) for storing light information collected by the pixel (3) in the sensitive state during the frame period t; whereby the shutter means (4) is adapted to generate at least two shutter pulses for the pixel (3) during the frame period t.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging section receiving color light and interpolation light including at least a part of a wavelength range of the color light in order to interpolate the brightness of the color light and converting the received color light and interpolation light into a signal; a control section controlling a first exposure time of the color light and a second exposure time of the interpolation light separately according to the brightness of an object to be imaged; and an image creating section creating an image on the basis of a color signal, which is output when the imaging section receives the color light, during the first exposure time controlled by the control section and on the basis of an interpolation signal, which is output when the imaging section receives the interpolation light, during the second exposure time controlled by the control section.

Abstract: A backlight adjustment device of a camera equipped terminal of an example of the invention comprises a storage unit which stores relational data indicating relationship between an integrated value and a luminance, an integrated value calculation unit which determines an integrated value of imaging data of a camera or data in a predetermined range of the imaging data, a first control unit which determines a luminance with respect to the integrated value determined by the integrated value calculation unit based on the relational data stored in the storage unit, and a second control unit which controls brightness of a backlight of an image display unit according to the luminance determined by the first control unit.

Abstract: A detection system for an image capture device includes an image detecting unit, a calculation unit, a selection unit and a switching unit. The image detecting unit provides a plurality of focus modes suitable for different ambient light conditions, and acquires image parameters. The calculation unit determines exposure time suitable for the current ambient light conditions based on the acquired parameters. The selection unit selects a suitable detection mode based on the determined exposure time. The switching unit switches the image capture device to the selected suitable detection mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging device including: an imaging element configured to carry out photoelectric conversion of subject image light incident through a lens and produce a video signal; an imaging element controller configured to control timing of readout of the video signal from the imaging element; a circular disk shutter configured to have a light-blocking part and a passage part, the shutter being driven to rotate by a motor; a shutter position detector configured to detect a rotational position of the shutter; and a shutter controller configured to control a rotational speed of the shutter and cause the imaging element controller to start readout of a video signal from the imaging element when the light-blocking part of the shutter is located in front of the imaging element based on information on the rotational position of the shutter, detected by the shutter position detector.

Abstract: An imaging device (1) includes an all-pixel readout imaging element (2) outputting a LONG signal and a SHORT signal in one field period for each pixel line, a mixing level calculator (7) calculating for each pixel line a mixing level at which the luminance level of the LONG signal is saturated, and an offset calculator (8) calculating for each pixel line an offset that raises the luminance level of the SHORT signal to the mixing level. Level mixing means (9) generates a level mixed signal for each pixel line so as to obtain a LONG signal when the luminance level is lower than the mixing level and obtain a SHORT signal with the offset added when the luminance level is higher than the mixing level. Consequently, an image having a wide dynamic range and a high resolution can be obtained and line-to-line luminance differences in the obtained image can be suppressed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for correcting image artifacts in a high dynamic range image formed by combining a plurality of exposures taken at different integration periods. A determination is made as to whether there is motion between the exposures. If motion is detected, pixel signal values chosen are replaced with pixel signal values from another exposure.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus that carries out image sensing continuously and inputs a plurality of images, having a digital signal processing circuit that detects, at each input image, from image data thereof, an object that satisfies a preset condition, a first exposure value determination unit that calculates a first exposure value from the image data, a second exposure value determination unit that calculates a second exposure value based on the detected object, and a selection unit that selects either the first exposure value, the second exposure value, a currently set exposure value, or an exposure value calculated based on a luminance of an area referenced when calculating a currently set exposure value as an exposure value to be used for a next image sensing based on object detection results obtained by the digital signal processing circuit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an electric charge accumulation unit configured to accumulate electric charge in accordance with an incident light quantity; a tracking unit configured to perform tracking; and an exposure control unit configured to perform exposure control, wherein the electric charge accumulation unit performs a first accumulation, and then performs a second accumulation after the first accumulation, wherein the tracking unit performs the tracking based on an image signal obtained through the first accumulation, and wherein the exposure control unit computes a control value for the exposure control based on at least the image signal obtained through the second accumulation of the image signal obtained through the first accumulation and an image signal obtained through the second accumulation.

Abstract: Several methods for operating a built-in digital camera of a portable, handheld electronic device are described. In one embodiment, the device receives a user selection (e.g., tap, tap and hold, gesture) of a region displayed on the display screen (e.g., touch sensitive screen). A touch to focus mode may then be initiated in response to the user selection and exposure and focus parameters determined and adjusted. Then, an automatic scene detection mechanism can determine whether a scene has changed. If the scene has changed, then the touch to focus mode ends and a default automatic focus mode initiates. This mode sets a new exposure metering area and focus area prior to determining and adjusting exposure and focus parameters, respectively.

Abstract: Imaging signal obtained through exposure for divided exposure times is A/D converted to digital imaging signal. Dark current component is subtracted from the digital imaging signal. The result of subtraction is accumulated and stored in a first memory. Next, exposure for divided exposure times is performed with the imaging device shielded from light. The obtained imaging signal is A/D converted to digital imaging signal. Dark current component is subtracted from the digital imaging signal. The result of subtraction is accumulated and stored sequentially in a second memory. The digital imaging signal stored in the second memory is subtracted from the digital imaging signal stored in the first memory. Then the result of subtraction is output. The word length allocated to one pixel in the first and second memories is longer than the word length of one A/D converted pixel.

Abstract: The present invention is applicable to, for example, a camera-integrated video tape recorder, displaying a marker M so that a luminance level, converted into a specific pattern by zebra display, can be specified on a histogram 80.

Abstract: A user interface can display active and passive content. For example, a camera viewfinder image can be displayed on a screen, as part of a strip, concatenated with one or more other images, for example, images that were previously taken with the camera. A user can cause the viewfinder image and the other images to move together across the screen. This can allow a user to easily examine the other images and the viewfinder image without, for example, switching between different screens in a user interface. Media captured with a device can be associated with a media category by positioning a user interface element near one or more other elements associated with the category.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes: an image sensor which generates an electrical signal commensurate with an amount of incident light, and has a photoelectric conversion characteristic comprised of a linear characteristic area where the electrical signal is outputted after being linearly converted in relation to the amount of incident light, and a logarithmic characteristic area where the electrical signal is outputted after being logarithmically converted in relation to the amount of incident light; an exposure evaluation value detector which detects an exposure evaluation value based on luminance information acquired from a subject in sensing an image of the subject; and an exposure controller which acquires a setting value for exposure based on the exposure evaluation value detected by the exposure evaluation value detector to control exposure of the image sensing apparatus, wherein the exposure controller determines a subject luminance for exposure setting based on the exposure evaluation value, and con

Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, and method for dynamically setting a camera's exposure parameters based on face detection are disclosed. When taking a picture or video of a person in front of a bright background, standard exposure algorithms tend to overexpose the background. In one embodiment disclosed herein, a face detection algorithm is run on the current picture or video frame, and the exposure metering region is inset over the detected face. Exposure time, gain, or other exposure parameters may be set based on the pixels within the exposure metering region. In another embodiment, the exposure metering region tracks a moving face according to lag parameters so that the exposure metering region remains substantially over the face. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of faces may be tracked, with the exposure parameters set based on a weighted average of the pixels within the plurality of face-containing exposure metering regions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-exposure imaging are provided. Multiple images may be captured having different exposure times. The multiple images may be processed to produce an output image. Multi-exposure images may be summed prior to linearization. Pixel values in multi-exposure images may be summed to nonlinear pixel values. The nonlinear pixel values may be linearized using one or more knee points. Multi-exposure imaging may be used to motion-intensive application such as automotive applications.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus that carries out exposure control by driving an aperture includes: an image sensor, including multiple pixels, that accumulates and transfers charges per predetermined pixel group; a determination unit that determines an image region in the image sensor that serves as a region from which to output image data for recording or image data for display; and a control unit that drives the aperture within a period in which charge accumulation for the image data for recording or the image data for display is not being carried out for the pixels included in the image region determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: A mobile phone apparatus is provided with a camera module 36 having an image sensor and an exposure evaluating circuit. When a camera function is turned on, an image sensor outputs image data, and the exposure evaluating circuit performs AE controlling processing based on an exposure time in correspondence with a luminance evaluated value of the image data. Also, in a case that the ambient is dark, and thus, illumination of an object is low, that is, in a case that the luminance evaluated value of the image data is less than a predetermined value, an LED 40 emits light as a flash in imaging. At this time, the AE controlling processing is suspended to thereby change the current exposure time into a predicted exposure time. Then, the AE controlling processing is started regarding the changed predicted exposure time as a starting point of the control.

Abstract: Simulating a long exposure-time image from a sequence of short exposure-time images captured at slightly different times. The sequence of images is combined in a temporal integration process to create a long exposure image that simulates the output from a still camera, steadied by a tripod, whose light-sensitive material has been exposed to the same scene from the time of the beginning of the first input image of the sequence to the last image of the input sequence. The method overcomes limitations of hand-held video and image recording devices, allowing the user to easily create effects normally associated with high-end digital still cameras under expert control.

Abstract: A focal plane shutter, a photographing apparatus including the same, and a photographing method for the photographing apparatus are provided. More specifically, provided are a focal plane shutter, which is easily manufactured and controlled because of its simple mechanical structure and can offer a live view function, a photographing apparatus including the focal plane shutter, and a photographing method for the photographing apparatus. The focal plane shutter includes a front curtain and a rear curtain for moving relative to each other to expose and conceal the focal plane shutter, a cam for independently controlling movements of the front curtain and the rear curtain, a front curtain lever interposed between the front curtain and the cam to transmit movement of the cam to the front curtain, and a rear curtain lever interposed between the rear curtain and the cam to transmit movement of the cam to the rear curtain.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus senses first and second images, and produces a merged image by merging the first and second images together. An exposure time for the second image is longer than an exposure time for the first image. By sensing the first image before the second image, the first image is prevented from being sensed during a camera-shake-increase period starting a long time after the input of a image-sensing-start instruction. Also, by waiting for an image-sensing standby time to elapse before sensing the first image, the first image can be sensed during a period of a particularly small camera shake.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a fixed focused lens, an image sensor having a image matrix of a plurality of pixels arranged on a semiconductor substrate and supplying image data, and electronic means for reading the image matrix. The image sensor also comprises at least two ambient light sensors arranged on the semiconductor substrate on opposite sides of the image matrix, and configured to capture an ambient light intensity through the fixed lens, and the electronic means is also configured to read the two ambient light sensors and to supply ambient light data and the image data.

Abstract: A video traffic system comprises a dual-slope, high dynamic range CMOS camera. Shutter, gain, and pedestal control and set-points for the dual-slope integration knee threshold and trigger time are computed from an operational model of the camera response using an input from a wireless light sensor. Darker pixels can integrate over the full shutter period, but bright pixels that are integrating too quickly and will saturate are reset to an adjustable level around 78% of maximum. Such reset occurs at an adjustable time about 93% of the full shutter period. The bright pixels are released to integrate from that point until the shutter closes.

Abstract: Provided are a digital image processing apparatus capable of photographing an image of which an ISO sensitivity-to-noise ratio is improved by adjusting a size of the image to be photographed in low light conditions, and a method of controlling the digital image processing apparatus. The method includes the operations of receiving an input image; measuring input brightness of the input image; determining whether the input brightness is lower than an appropriate brightness; and generating an intermediate image by reducing a size of the input image by using an add mode for each pixel if the input brightness is lower than the appropriate brightness.

Abstract: A method for producing a digital image from pixel signals captured by an image sensor array is disclosed. The method includes: providing an image sensor array having at least two groups of pixels wherein the pixels of each group are uniformly distributed over the sensor; exposing the image sensor array to scene light and reading pixel charge from only the first group of pixels to produce a first set of pixel signals; after producing the first set of pixel signals, exposing the image sensor array, and then reading pixel charge from the second group of pixels and reading again pixels from the first group to produce a second set of pixel signals; and using the first and second sets of pixel signals to produce the digital image.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to solid state cameras and sensor systems that include a pickup surface thereof with both a distance detecting area for measuring a distance from a moving object and a movement detecting area for detecting the object's movement. The device can also include an optical communication area for communicating with an outside communication device. Therefore, the device enables a single pickup surface to include at least the following three functions: distance measurement; movement detection; and optical communication. The above-described sensor systems can output a control signal for collision avoidance with stationary or moving obstacle(s) by using the solid state camera. Because the sensor system can be integrated as a single chip IC with a small size, the system is useful as a sensor device in a vehicle, a robot, and the like.

Abstract: In an apparatus, operation is switchable between first and second modes. In the first mode, a photoelectric conversion part and a charge storage part are released from a reset state for all pixels included in an image acquisition area to start a period, and, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the photoelectric conversion part and an overflow drain region of each pixel are turned onto end the period, and finally the charge stored in the charge storage part is transferred to the amplifier part. In the second mode, after a mechanical shutter is opened to start a period, the mechanical shutter is closed to end the period, and stored charge is transferred to the amplifier part.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a controlling unit moving an electronic front curtain in a simulated manner from an exposure start position towards an exposure end position by successively performing reset operations on a plurality of pixels in an image pickup element in a predetermined direction; a rear curtain that moves from the exposure start position towards the exposure end position by a biasing force of a biasing unit; and a storage unit storing data indicating a change in movement characteristics of the rear curtain with time. On the basis of the data, the controlling unit changes movement characteristics of the electronic front curtain in accordance with the change in the movement characteristics of the rear curtain with the time.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus including an image sensor having a first area and a second area and a gradation converter for applying a gradation conversion to an image signal is provided with a gradation conversion LUT storage storing at least two kinds of gradation conversion information. The image sensing apparatus is also provided with a gradation conversion information rewriting section for rewriting the gradation conversion information into new gradation conversion information. There can be provided an image sensing apparatus capable of carrying out a precise gradation conversion even in the case that the inflection point between the first area and the second area of the image sensor constantly changes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a synchronizing signal generation portion outputting a synchronizing signal periodically; a diaphragm; an imaging portion operated based on the synchronizing signal to pick up a subject image through the diaphragm and generate image data; a trigger input portion operable to input a trigger signal commanding a start of a photographing operation by the imaging portion; and a control portion controlling the operation of the imaging portion. The control portion controls synchronous processing for operating the diaphragm in synchronization with the synchronizing signal. When the trigger signal is input, the control portion stops the generation of the synchronizing signal by the synchronizing signal generation portion and thereafter resumes the generation of the synchronizing signal, while when the synchronous processing is being performed, the control portion initializes the synchronous processing before resuming the generation of the synchronizing signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for correcting the backlight of a camera are disclosed. When the camera for photographing a moving image by a photographing device, such as a general-purpose CCD or a general-purpose CMOS, enters into a backlight shooting state for simultaneously photographing an object with a very high luminance level and an object with a very low luminance level, as the shutter speed of the photographing device is varied to a long shutter speed and a short shutter speed, an image shot with the long shutter speed and an image shot with the short shutter speed are synthesized and outputted, thereby enabling a proper luminance level object photographing operation for each of the objects. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently prevent the phenomenon that the object with the low luminance level looks dark due to the object with the high luminance level.

Abstract: A method for assist in focal length detection is adapted to a digital camera having a flash. The method includes the following steps. First, the flash of the digital camera is actuated and an image having a face portion is captured. Afterwards, an exposure feature value of the face portion in the image is calculated. A focus range comparison table is looked up according to the exposure feature value to obtain an initial focus position. Then, a focus procedure is performed according to the initial focus position to obtain a target focal length. After the target focal length is obtained, a flash feature value of the image is further calculated, and a guide number (GN) and a diaphragm value are set according to the flash feature value.

Abstract: An adjusting method for a lens unit used in an image reading apparatus which images image information of an original onto an image reading unit by the lens unit and reads the image information, the lens unit including rotationally-symmetrical lenses, a lens barrel including the rotationally-symmetrical lenses and an adjusting lens, the adjusting method including: performing rotational adjustment of the lens barrel with respect to the adjusting lens; and imaging an adjusted chart onto one-dimensional photoelectric transducers via the lens unit, obtaining contrast depth characteristics of images corresponding to at least three angles of field of the lens unit among images of the adjusted chart, and, according to the obtained contrast depth characteristics, performing position adjustment of the adjusting lens in at least one of an array direction of the one-dimensional photoelectric transducers, a direction orthogonal to the array direction and an optical axis direction of the lens unit.

Abstract: A microshutter array has a frame having a light transmissive portion. Linear microshutter elements extend across the light transmissive portion and in parallel to each other. Each microshutter element has a flat blade extended in a length direction and first and second torsion arms extending outwards from each side of the blade in the length direction, the blade extending across the light transmissive portion. A control circuit provides a separately-controlled and independent voltage that is applied to each of the linear microshutter elements. A controller sets the respective voltages applied to each of the linear microshutter elements.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

Abstract: Provided are a digital image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The digital image processing apparatus includes a digital signal processing unit that recognizes a facial expression of a face from a photographed image, determines whether the eyes of the subject's face are closed, and re-photographs the image when the eyes are closed. The method of controlling the digital image processing apparatus includes: (a) receiving an image; (b) generating a photographed image by photographing the image; (c) checking whether the eyes on a face photographed on the photographed image are closed; and (d) generating a re-photographed image by re-photographing the image when the eyes are closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus motion triggered image stabilization. The method includes computing projection vector for at least a portion of a frame of an image using horizontal and vertical sums, performing motion estimation utilizing projection vector with the shift of the projection vector from a previous frame, performing temporal IIR filter on the motion vector, calculating the maximum horizontal and vertical motion vectors, obtaining exposure time based on the horizontal and vertical motion vectors and the gain, returning the exposure time and the gain to the auto-exposure, utilizing the returned exposure time and gain, and producing a frame with less motion blur.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes a menu providing section that provides a focus area selection menu that allows a user to select a focus area, a characterizing portion detecting section that detects a characterizing portion of an object, and an area setting section that sets a focus area based on the characterizing portion detected by the characterizing portion detecting section. The focus area selection menu that is provided by the menu providing section to the user includes, as a selection item, a focus area to be set by the area setting section.

Abstract: A digital camera has an optical system, an image capturing unit, an aperture adjuster, a focal point adjuster, and a body microcomputer. The aperture adjuster has an aperture included in the optical system and is capable of adjusting the state of the aperture. The focal point adjuster has a focus lens included in the optical system and is capable adjusting the focal state of the optical system by using the focus lens by contrast detection method. The body microcomputer controls the operation of the aperture adjuster so that the aperture value of the optical system will be at or below a set aperture value before the focal state is adjusted by the focal point adjuster.