Abstract: A method and camera are used for optimizing the exposure of an image frame in a sequence of image frames capturing a scene based on level of motion in the scene. Based on image data from a plurality of image sensor frames, regions of the scene are determined including different level of motion. Image frame regions for the image frame are determined, wherein an image frame region corresponds to at least one region of the scene. The exposure of the image frame is optimized by emulating a region specific exposure time for each image frame region by producing each image frame region using image data from a number of image sensor frames. The number of image sensor frames used to produce a specific image frame region is based on the level of motion in the at least one corresponding region of the scene.

Abstract: An image taking unit takes an image by using a specific light projector which emits specific light in a wavelength region corresponding to one of the three primary colors of light and by exposing light receivers which are sensitive to light in wavelength regions corresponding to the three primary colors of light. A marker pulse generator generates an exposure timing pulse for the image taking unit, and an emission timing pulse for the specific light projector on the basis of a reference signal. A color image creator creates a color image from an image taken by the image taking unit. A synchronous detection processor creates a detection image by performing a synchronous detection process on the image taken by the image taking unit by use of the reference signal.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit configured to capture an image; a determination unit configured to determine a plurality of object regions from the captured image; an acquisition unit configured to acquire a photometric value for each of the object regions; a decision unit configured to decide an exposure condition from the photometric value for each of the object regions; and a tone conversion unit configured to convert a tone of the captured image based on the exposure condition.

Abstract: A lend barrel includes a first frame having a cam follower and a second frame having a cam engaged with the cam follower. The cam includes a first section extending in a rotational direction of the second frame, a second section continued with the first section and inclined to the rotational direction of the second frame, and a third section continued with the first section on a side opposite of the second section to the first section and inclined to the rotational direction. The cam follower includes a first surface arranged to face the first section of the cam, a second surface continuously formed with the first surface and inclined to the rotational direction, and a third surface continuously formed with the first surface on a side opposite of the second surface to the first surface and inclined to the rotational direction.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, system, and method to automatically determine a plurality of image acquisition settings for an scene; acquire a set of images of the scene, the set of images including multiple images acquired with a distinct plurality of the determined image acquisition settings; and generate a single image by combining the acquired set of images.

Abstract: If a flash detector determines that a video signal generated by an imager is affected by a flash when an electronic shutter is used, the imager generates the video signal representing a preceding unit image determined to be affected by the flash, and then a video signal representing a succeeding unit image that is consecutively exposed from the previous unit image for the same exposure period as the preceding exposure period, by setting a next time of a read signal to be earlier than a preceding time. A flash corrector uses the video signal representing the preceding unit image determined to be affected by the flash, and the video signal representing the succeeding unit image following the preceding unit image to generate a video signal in which a bright portion having a band shape affected by the flash is corrected.

Abstract: An imaging control unit includes: a calculating unit that obtains block brightness-values of a plurality of blocks from each pixel of an image data of a frame, the image data of a frame being divided into the plurality of blocks; a limiting unit that limits to a first limit brightness-value a block brightness-value which is larger than the first limit brightness-value among the plurality of block brightness-values; and a controlling unit that controls an exposure amount of an imaging unit so that a representing brightness-value of the plurality of the block brightness-values correspond to a target brightness-value which is less than first limit brightness-value.

Abstract: A multi-step exposed image acquisition method by an electronic shutter and a photography apparatus using the same are provided. The photography apparatus includes a controller configured to divide an image sensor into a plurality of areas and separately control an exposure time with respect to the plurality of areas of the image sensor and a display configured to display an image on which the exposure times for the areas has been controlled. Accordingly, a multi-step exposed image can be acquired from an image having varying brightness.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a histogram unit that extracts luminance information from video signals obtained by image capture and generates a histogram, a white balance detector unit that detects the deviation in the white balance of the video signal, and a white balance processor unit that corrects the white balance of the video signal; and along with selecting the imaging conditions of the imaging unit based on the deviations detected by the white balance detector unit, also controls the white balance processor unit. When there is a large deviation in the white balance, the imaging device decides whether or not to correct the white balance according for example to the hue.

Abstract: A computing device may capture a first image using a first exposure length. It may be determined that x pixels in the captured first image are properly-exposed and that y pixels in the captured first image are improperly-exposed. Based on the y improperly-exposed pixels, a second exposure length may be determined. A second image may be captured using the second exposure length. The second image may include y? pixels that correspond to the y improperly-exposed pixels in the first image. At least some of the x properly-exposed pixels from the first image may be combined with at least some of the y? pixels from the second image to form a composite image.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging device including: an image pick-up device for imaging a chemiluminescent imaging subject; a pre-exposure section that performs pre-exposure of the image pick-up device to the imaging subject plural times to acquire plural pre-exposure images; a light emission characteristic calculation section that calculates the light emission characteristics of the chemiluminescent imaging subject based on the plural pre-exposure images; an exposure time calculation section that calculates an exposure time for main exposure corresponding to a target density for the imaging subject based on the light emission characteristics; and a main exposure section that performing main exposure to the imaging subject with the calculated exposure time so as to acquire a main exposure image.

Abstract: There is provided an image shooting device including a pixel part that is formed with a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a timing control part that provides an exposure start timing and a reading timing after exposure to the pixel part, in which the timing control part controls the exposure start timing and the reading timing such that a time interval between the exposure start timing and the reading timing is longer than the frame rate and that a row that outputs the reading timing is different for each frame when reading a plurality of successive images at a preset frame rate.

Abstract: Imaging systems, such as time-of-flight imaging systems, and methods with pixel sensitivity adjustments. An embodiment includes a method, comprising: for a plurality of pixels having a first output and a second output, measuring the first outputs and the second outputs in response to a demodulation signal; and adjusting the demodulation signal such that a combination of the first outputs is substantially similar to a combination of the second outputs.

Abstract: A moving subject detection map is generated by performing moving subject region determination based on input image information from an image capture portion, and is used to set an exposure pattern for a moving subject detected pixel region. The exposure pattern is cyclically arranged with multiple different exposure times. The exposure time for a stationary subject region is set according to the brightness of the subject. Regarding an image captured based on the exposure time control, an output image is generated by computing pixel values for a moving subject region, using pixel value combination processing that utilizes the pixel values of pixels with a plurality of different exposure times being set, and by computing pixel values for the stationary subject region by multiplying a gain according to the exposure time. This achieves the acquisition of a dynamic range image while keeping deterioration of the resolution to a minimum.

Abstract: An automatic tracking camera system includes: a rotating unit for panning and tilting an image pickup unit including a lens apparatus and an image pickup apparatus; a tracking object detector; a motion vector detector for detecting a motion vector of the object to be tracked; a capture position setting unit for setting a capture position of the object to be tracked in the picked up image; and a controller for controlling drive of the rotating unit. The controller controls the rotating unit in a capture mode to capture the object to be tracked at the capture position based on the motion vector detected by the motion vector detector after the tracking object detector has detected the object to be tracked in the picked up image, and a maintenance mode to continuously capture the object to be tracked at the capture position after the capture mode.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.

Abstract: A camera array, an imaging device and/or a method for capturing image that employ a plurality of imagers fabricated on a substrate is provided. Each imager includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. Each imager may be associated with an optical element fabricated using a wafer level optics (WLO) technology.

Abstract: There is provided an image-taking system including an information processing apparatus and an image-taking apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a detector configured to detect brightness of an object image, and to output external brightness information, a determining unit configured to determine if an external image-taking apparatus exists or not, and an output unit configured to output the external brightness information to the image-taking apparatus if the image-taking apparatus exists. The image-taking apparatus includes a detector configured to detect brightness of an object image, and to output internal brightness information, and a controller configured to control exposure based on an exposure value, the exposure value being based on the internal brightness information detected by the detector and external brightness information received from an external apparatus.

Abstract: A method of reducing light damage in a shutterless imaging device includes receiving a signal from a hardware device. The signal from the hardware devices is analyzed. In response to the analysis of the signal from the hardware device, a lens of the shutterless imaging device is adjusted. Adjusting the lens spreads out energy of far-field image light incident on an image sensor of the shutterless imaging device.

Abstract: An image capture method includes performing light metering with respect to a subject in response to a first control signal, setting an ISO value and a shutter speed value based on result of the light metering, increasing the ISO value by a first amount and decreasing the shutter speed value by a second amount in response to a second control signal to capture a plurality of images, where the second amount is greater than the first amount, performing gamma correction with respect to the plurality of images to increase brightness of each image, and synthesizing the plurality of gamma corrected images to obtain a single image with improved brightness.

Abstract: This invention provides an image free from camera shake by using a plurality of images captured by a camera array image capturing apparatus. A determination unit determines whether to execute a camera shake correction processing. A memory unit temporarily stores only a group of images determined by a determination unit to be camera shake corrected. A camera shake correcting unit synthesizes images to correct blurs in the images. A matching point searching unit determines matching pixels by checking pixel value similarity between images. A moving amount calculating unit, based on the result acquired by the matching point searching unit, calculates a moving amount of each pixel between images. A position correcting unit, based on the moving amount of each pixel calculated by the moving amount calculating unit, corrects the positions of the images. An image synthesizing unit synthesizes a group of images that are position-corrected by the position correcting unit.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus includes an object detection unit configured to detect feature information of an object, a plurality of signal generation units configured to accumulate charges to generate and output a pair of image signals respectively, and a focus detection unit configured to control charge storage of the plurality of signal generation units and detect a focus based on a phase difference between a pair of image signals output from a first signal generation unit corresponding to the feature information of the object detected by the object detection unit, wherein if reliability of detection by the object detection unit is a first level which is higher than a second level, the focus detection unit sets charge storage time of the first signal generation unit longer than that in a case of the second level.

Abstract: A captured image obtained by capturing, by an image capturing unit, a target object to which a pattern has been projected is acquired. At least either of a first parameter for controlling brightness of the pattern projected from a projection unit configured to project the pattern, and a second parameter for controlling the exposure amount of the image capturing unit is adjusted in accordance with the luminance value of the pattern in the acquired captured image.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a processor configured to control a flash unit in an exposure time period of an image sensor array, to provide a first non-zero light intensity in a first portion of the exposure time period and to provide a second non-zero fight intensity, different to the first light intensity, in a second portion of the exposure time period.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for transforming an image from a Low Dynamic Range (LDR) image obtained with a given camera to a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image, the method comprising: obtaining the exposure-pixel response curve (21) for said given camera converting the LDR image to HSB color space arrays (22), said HSB color space arrays including a Hue array, a Saturation array and a Brightness array; and determining a Radiance array (23, 24) by inverse mapping each pixel in said Brightness array using the inverse of the exposure-pixel response curve (f?1).

Abstract: An image pickup unit includes: an image pickup section having a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion device and a field effect transistor; and a driving section, by using the transistor, that executes read driving and reset driving on a signal charge stored in the pixel. The driving section intermittently executes the reset driving a plurality of times in a one-frame term, and executes on-operation of the transistor by applying, to the transistor over at least one resetting term in the one-frame term or over a partial term in the at least one resetting term, a second voltage that is lower than a first voltage applied in a resetting term in the one-frame term other than the at least one resetting term.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus has: a first exposure mode in which an exposure condition is determined based on pixel data generated by photoelectrically converting, by a plurality of pixels, light rays entering through a pupil division unit, a state of vignetting of the photographing optical system is determined based on information about a construction of a photographing optical system, and an exposure condition is determined based on the pixel data selected from the pixel data generated in accordance with the vignetting state; and a second exposure mode in which an exposure condition is determined based on data obtained by adding the generated pixel data with respect to the exit pupil area of the photographing lens.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element to obtain an image of a subject using a plurality of pixels which are classified into a plurality of pixel groups and are arranged in a matrix pattern, a controller to apply a reset signal to start exposure of a pixel on a pixel group basis in sequence, to read out pixel values of the plurality of pixel groups on the pixel group basis in sequence according to the reset signal applying order, and to control the image pickup element such that each of the pixel groups has a same exposure time, and a storage unit to store the pixel values read out on the pixel group basis in sequence.

Abstract: A color image sensor having a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, wherein the sensor elements each include an optical filter whose transmission behavior is electrically adjustable, and wherein the color image sensor includes a control for controlling the optical filters.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of generating a strobe emission signal in a proper timing even when an electronic front curtain shutter is used in strobe photographing. The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device having pixels arranged in matrix and configured to store charges generated according to a received amount of light. A vertical scanning circuit controls travel of the electronic front curtain shutter such that the image pickup device sequentially receives light on a per line basis, starting from a first scan line. When it is detected that the electronic front curtain shutter reaches a predetermined scan line, a NOR gate outputs a light emission timing signal, whereby light is emitted from a light emission unit such as a strobe.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and an evaluation value generation apparatus can include an image data interface unit that outputs image data according to a pixel signal input from a solid-state imaging device as first image data, an image data reading unit that reads image data stored in a storage unit and outputs the read image data as second image data, an evaluation value generation unit that generates an evaluation value based on input image data, an image data selection unit that selects one of image data based on the first image data and image data based on the second image data as image data to be input to the evaluation value generation unit, and an image data writing unit that stores the image data based on the first image data in the storage unit.

Abstract: The light quantity control apparatus includes multiple blade members each including a first curved surface-shaped portion and a hole portion, and a member including multiple protrusion portion each inserted into the hole portion of each of the blade members. The member includes a second curved surface-shaped portion in contact with the first curved surface-shaped portion of each of the blade members. The protrusion portions extend from the second curved surface-shaped portion in parallel to each other.

Abstract: An image sensor that has a pixel array section in which pixels are arrayed in a two-dimensional manner in vertical and horizontal directions and that controls an exposure time of each pixel in a rolling shutter method is disclosed. The sensor includes control means for determining an electronic shutter occurrence number within one horizontal scanning period, which is the number of rows where electronic shutters are simultaneously performed in one horizontal scanning period, by an operation based on an address addition amount (P1, P2, P3, . . . , PN) when a vertical address movement amount of the pixel array section for every one horizontal scanning period in an exposure regulation shutter, which is an electronic shutter for regulating exposure, executed corresponding to electric charge reading in each pixel is expressed as repetition of the address addition amount (P1, P2, P3, . . . , PN).

Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a solid state imaging device that includes first photoelectric conversion elements and second photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a two dimensional array, comprises a device control unit that performs a driving in which a first signal according to electrical charges accumulated in the first photoelectric conversion elements during a first exposure period and a second signal according to electrical charges accumulated in the second photoelectric conversion elements during each of second exposure periods are read by sequentially exposing the second photoelectric conversion elements for the second exposure periods, each of which overlaps with the first exposure period and has different length of time, during periods overlapped with the first exposure period while simultaneously exposing the first photoelectric conversion elements for the first exposure period.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving dynamic range in image sensors are disclosed. An image sensing device comprises an image sensor having a plurality of rows of pixels, and a controller for controlling the exposure of each row of pixels. The controller is programmed to perform a shutter operation for one of the plurality of rows of pixels, and to sample the one of the plurality of rows after a predetermined duration following the performance of the shutter operation. The predetermined duration is different from a multiple of a row time period of the image sensing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens device, a drive method, a recording medium, and an image capturing device. According to an aspect of the present invention, in an one-sided drive mode which allows the lens to move beyond a target position, and then to move in a reverse direction and stop at the target position, the control part controls the lens on the basis of the brake ON/OFF information so that when the lens is temporarily stopped, braking by the brake part is not applied, and only when the lens is stopped at a final target position, braking by the brake part is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing a dynamic range of an image by using a first electronic shutter and a second electronic shutter of a camera is provided. The method includes initiating exposure of an image sensor by moving a first electronic front curtain according to a first control pulse signal of the first electronic shutter; moving a second electronic front curtain with respect to at least one pixel of the image sensor according to a second control pulse signal of the second electronic shutter; blocking the exposure of the image sensor by moving a mechanical rear curtain included in the camera; and acquiring, after blocking the exposure, a long exposure image using the first electronic front curtain and a short exposure image using the second electronic front curtain.

Abstract: A method and a system for forming an image of a scene are provided. The method includes capturing an image of the scene by exposing an image sensor to radiation from one part of the EM spectrum using one aperture and to radiation from another part of the EM spectrum using another aperture having a different size than the first aperture. Simultaneously with capturing the image, the scene is illuminated with radiation from the second part of the EM spectrum. The image is then formed on the basis of image data generated by the radiation from the first part of the EM spectrum and image data generated by radiation from the second part of the EM spectrum.

Abstract: Image data may be color graded, distributed and viewed on target displays. Mappings that preserve mid-range points and mid-range contrast may be applied to view the image data for color grading and to prepare the image data for display on a target display. The image data may be expanded to exploit the dynamic range of the target display without affecting mid-tone values.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising an imaging section for repeatedly forming subject images at a set period, while performing a bulb exposure operation, and outputting image data; an adding processing section for performing adding processing of the image data and previously output image data; an added image storage section for sequentially storing a plurality of added images that have been determined by the adding processing section; and a selection section for selecting any of the plurality of added images that have been stored in the added image storage section, after completion of the bulb exposure operation.

Abstract: An imaging control device for controlling a facial image taking apparatus which radiates light from a light source to a face and takes an image of the face is disclosed. The imaging control device determines an intensity of environmental light and a degree of reflection by a pair of eyeglasses. When it is determined that the intensity of the environmental light is greater than or equal to a predetermined determination value and the degree of the reflection by the eyeglasses is greater than or equal to a predetermined determination value, the imaging control device sets an intensity of the light radiated from the light source to a predetermined intensity that makes states of eyes in the facial image recognizable.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with camera function and an image capture method with auto exposure control. The disclosed method comprises the following steps: obtaining a pre-view frame from a camera module; dividing the pre-view frame into a plurality of blocks and calculating representative brightness values of the blocks; assigning weight values to the blocks according to the representative brightness values; obtaining a weighted brightness value by performing a weighted operation on the representative brightness values based on the weight values of the blocks; setting an auto exposure parameter of the camera module based on the weighted brightness value; and controlling the camera module for capturing images based on the auto exposure parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for an enhanced dynamic range image sensor. In some implementations, multiple A/D converters may be applied to sample a plurality of image exposure data while camera shutter remains open.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to systems, methods, and computer readable media for extending the dynamic range of images using an operation referred to herein as “Adaptive Auto Exposure” (AAE). According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the AAE-enabled higher dynamic range capture operations are accomplished without blending multiple or bracketed exposure captures (as is the case with traditional high dynamic range (HDR) photography). AAE also enables high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) rendering when scene content allows for it and/or certain highlight clipping is tolerable. Decisions with regard to preferred AE strategies may be based, at least in part, on one or more of the following: sensor characteristics; scene content; and pre-defined preferences under different scenarios.

Abstract: An automatic process for calibrating the optical image exposure value to compensate for changes in machine vision systems to maintain optimal exposure of captured images and adjust for the different characteristics among cameras components, such as imaging sensor sensitivity, LED strength, external lighting, reflective functions of any background material, different external lighting conditions, possible changes or updates of the systems over the years, such as LED changes, and even the aging of camera sensor and LEDs over time. A series of images of a target are captured with a predetermined sequence of exposure values, the saturation exposure percentage of a region of interest is calculated in each of the images, and the saturation exposure percentages are compared to determine the exposure value that has a saturation exposure percentage that varies the least from the saturation exposure value of the preceding and following exposure values.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a positive first lens unit, a negative second lens unit, a positive third lens unit, and a positive fourth lens unit. During zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, the first lens unit moves with a locus convex toward the image side, and the third lens unit moves toward the object side. The first lens unit includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a negative first lens, a positive second lens, and a positive third lens. A distance (d12) between the first lens and the second lens, a focal length (fw) of the entire zoom lens at the wide-angle end, and a refractive index (Np) of a positive lens having the lowest refractive index among the refractive indices of materials of all positive lenses included in the first lens unit are appropriately set based on predetermined mathematical conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or preventing image degradation due to shaking of a camera upon image acquisition is provided. The method includes determining illuminance corresponding to a subject, automatically determining a capturing mode of an electronic device based on at least the illuminance, acquiring a first resulting image of the subject based on a first exposure time, if the capturing mode is a first capturing mode, and acquiring a plurality of images of the subject based on a second exposure time, if the capturing mode is a second capturing mode, and generating a second resulting image based on at least two images among the plurality of images.

Abstract: An embedded linear motor drive for an IR camera comprising linear motor components that integrates into a sliding shutter is disclosed. The linear motor components can be a linear array of magnets, or a series of ridges or gear teeth. A motor drive is aligned with the linear motor components. The drive can be a series of coils connected to a power source that can move the shutter when the coils are energized in series. The drive can also be a pinion shaft with a friction wheel at one end or pinion gear that can connect to the ridges or gear teeth and move the shutter when the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: An image stabilized digital image capture device, comprising an image sensor for capturing a digital image; an optical system for imaging a scene onto the image sensor; an image stabilization system; an exposure control system; a memory system; and a processor. The processor is used to perform the steps of determining exposure settings using the exposure control system; selectively engaging the image stabilization system responsive to whether the determined exposure settings satisfy a predefined condition; capturing a digital image of a scene using the image sensor and the selectively engaged image stabilization system; and storing the captured digital image in the memory system.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided in which a flicker is prevented. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging part that includes an optical system to form an image of a subject and an imaging element to generate an image signal by photoelectrically converting an optical image of the subject formed by the optical system, an image processing part to perform an image processing on the image signal, a display part/operation part having at least display and setting functions, a luminance change detection part to detect change of luminance of the subject, a signal processing part to calculate flicker amounts at respective frequencies based on signal intensities with respect to luminance change information acquired by the luminance change detection part, and a control unit to cause the display part/operation part to display the flicker amounts at the respective frequencies calculated by the signal processing part.