Abstract: An interchangeable lens including a focus lens for collecting subject light, an imaging sensor operable to generate an image signal based on the subject light, a shutter device that is arranged between the interchangeable lens and the imaging sensor and includes a first curtain and a second curtain, a pulse counter operable to detect positions of the first curtain and the second curtain, and a body controller operable to start capturing of a signal from the imaging sensor based on the positions of the first curtain and the second curtain detected by the pulse counter are provided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, including an imaging device determining an index value representing differences in sizes of plural polarization components having polarization directions different from each other included in light from each point in an imaging area, and continuously image a polarization information image having a pixel value based on the determined index value to form a moving image of the polarization information image; and a light exposure adjuster adjusting a light exposure such that the differences in sizes of the plural polarization components are maximum at a predetermined light exposure adjustment time during the continuous imaging.

Abstract: An information communication method selects between a visible light communication mode, in which information is obtained from a subject using an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines, and a normal imaging mode. The information communication method includes obtaining first image data by image capture with a first exposure time in the normal imaging mode and obtaining second image data by image capture with a second exposure time, shorter than the first exposure time, in the visible light communication mode. When the second image data is obtained by capturing a plurality of subjects reflected on a reflection surface, the information is obtained by separating a bright line corresponding to each subject from bright lines included in the second image data according to a strength of the bright line and demodulating, for each subject, the data specified by the pattern of the bright line.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting a photographic lamp of an electronic device, the electronic device obtains a preview image from a camera device of the electronic device, and obtains a brightness value of an ambient environment of the electronic device. When a human face is detected in the obtained preview image, the electronic device changes a current output power value of the photographic lamp to be a first output power value, according to the obtained brightness value. When no human face is detected in the obtained preview image, the electronic device changes the current output power value to be a second output power value according to the obtained brightness value.

Abstract: An information communication method selects between a visible light communication mode in which information is obtained from a subject using an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines and a normal imaging mode. The method includes obtaining first image data by image capture with a first exposure time in the normal imaging mode. When an image is presented that prompts a user of a terminal device including the image sensor to move the terminal device to enable the information to be obtained, second image data is obtained by image capture with a second exposure time, shorter than the first exposure time, in the visible light communication mode. The information is obtained by demodulating data specified by a direction in a pattern of a bright line appearing in the second image data and corresponding to the exposure lines that is substantially perpendicular to the exposure lines.

Abstract: An information communication method selects between a visible light communication mode in which information is obtained from a subject using an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines and a normal imaging mode. The information communication method includes obtaining first image data by image capture with a first exposure time in the normal imaging mode by sequentially starting exposure of each of the exposure lines of the image sensor at different times. Second image data is obtained by image capture with a second exposure time in the visible light communication mode. The information is obtained by demodulating data specified by a direction in a pattern of a bright line corresponding to the exposure lines, the second exposure time being shorter than the first exposure time. The second image data is obtained by capturing light emitted from the subject and spread by an optical system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for realizing a processing with which a pixel gravity center control can be conducted when a pixel number reduction image is generated in an image pickup apparatus. A pixel unit configured to output a pixel addition signal obtained by adding output pixel signals from pixels having different sensitivities to each other and a pixel information synthesis unit configured to execute a weighted addition processing of multiplying plural pixel addition signals output from the pixel unit by a previously set gain and calculate a configuration pixel value of a pixel number reduction image where a total number of pixels is lower than a number of pixels of the pixel unit are provided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to image a subject, a photometry unit, an exposure compensation unit, an exposure control unit configured to control exposure for a captured image and a display control unit configured to control display of the captured image on a display unit. The photometry unit is configured to perform photometry, based the imaging unit's output, to obtain an exposure value. The exposure compensation unit is configured to compensate the obtained exposure value to an exposure value that would be used for exposure control, if photometry of the photometry unit is not fixed. The exposure control unit is configured to allow exposure control at an exposure value within wider range than a range of available exposure values of the cases where photometry of the photometry unit was not fixed, if photometry of the photometry unit is fixed.

Abstract: A determination unit determines a weighting coefficient for a second light metering area corresponding to a focus detection area at which a second defocus amount having an absolute value larger than an absolute value of a first defocus amount is acquired relatively smaller than a weighting coefficient for a first light metering area corresponding to a focus detection area at which a first defocus amount is acquired, and changes a difference between the weighting coefficient for the first light metering area and the weighting coefficient for the second light metering area based on a plurality of defocus amounts including the defocus amount of the focus detection area not corresponding to the first light metering area and the second light metering area.

Abstract: An imaging device for recognition (100) includes an image pickup unit (101) that sequentially generates a plurality of images by shooting an object, a face recognition unit (105) that recognizes, in each of the plurality of images, an object region in which the object is located in the image, a face tracking unit (106) that tracks the object region across the plurality of images, an area calculation unit (109) that calculates an area of the object region, and an exposure control unit (102) that sets a first exposure time for the image pickup unit (101) in the case where the area is smaller than a first threshold, and sets a second exposure time longer than the first exposure time in the case where the area is equal to or larger than the first threshold.

Abstract: A technique for processing at least one bad pixel occurring in an image sensing system is provided. Dynamic bad pixel detection is performed on a plurality of streaming pixels taking from at least one controlled image and value and coordinate information for each bad pixel is subsequently stored as stored bad pixel information. Thereafter, static bad pixel correction may be performed based on the stored bad pixel information. The stored bad pixel information may be verified based on histogram analysis performed on the plurality of streaming pixels. The technique for processing bad pixels in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in suitable circuitry or, more broadly, within devices incorporating image sensing systems.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera includes an image sensor within a camera housing that converts light entering the camera housing through an optical filter into digital image data. The optical filter can have a variable opacity. A processor in communication with the image sensor identifies operation settings for the optical filter and adjusts an opacity level of the optical filter over an exposure period in accordance with the operation settings for the optical filter. In addition, the processor modifies values of the digital image data based at least on the operation settings for the optical filter.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a fixed focus lens, an image sensor having an image matrix of a plurality of pixels arranged on a semiconductor substrate and supplying image data, and an electronic circuit for reading the image matrix. The image sensor also includes 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 circuit is also configured to read the two ambient light sensors and to supply ambient light data and the image data.

Abstract: A method for adaptive spectral image capture that may be performed via an image capture device is disclosed. A default capture parameter is applied to an imaging assembly and a sample image of a scene is captured by an image capture device. The sample image is analyzed to identify transition zones between multiple different regions. An initial guess as to which spectral regions a filter mode might work best is obtained based on dominant transition region spectrum and a first iterated step in which numerical values for the filter mode are calculated. A second iterated step in which each such filter mode is evaluated for effectiveness against other filter modes. The regions in which a specific filter mode works best becomes associated with the filer mode and these regions become the guess for the next iteration.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus and its control method for capturing a moving image. Plural movie capturing modes with different control parameters are set in accordance with an instruction from a user. One of selectable frame rates is selected in accordance with video output setting by the user. Moving image frames are generated based on the selected frame rate and a control parameter corresponding to the frame rate, and recorded as a moving image on a recording medium.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image obtaining unit configured to perform an image obtaining operation to obtain a plurality of frames of image data having continuity in time, a storage unit configured to temporarily store each of the plurality of frames of image data obtained by the image obtaining unit during the image obtaining operation, and an arithmetic operation control unit configured to perform an image combination process using the plurality of frames of image data sequentially stored in the storage unit during the image obtaining operation to generate combined-image data, the combined-image data being used as data used for display.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image analysis unit obtaining brightness information for respective hue regions from an image signal of a picked-up image and an exposure control unit carrying out exposure control based on the brightness information obtained in the image analysis unit.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with shape memory structures. The shape memory structures may be used to form actuators for a camera shutter, an actuator for moving an optical filter, or other actuators in an electronic device. A camera shutter may have an opaque shutter member that is movable between a first position in which the shutter is closed and blocks light from a digital image sensor and a second position in which the shutter is open and allows light to reach the digital image sensor. The camera shutter may have an associated color filter structure. Shape memory wire may be configured to form a loop that heats upon application of a signal or may be configured to form a twisting or linear actuator. The camera shutter may be provided with a controllable aperture.

Abstract: Provided is an image generation system and method, more particularly, an image generation system and method which can generate a high dynamic range image from a plurality of images acquired in a single short exposure. The image generation system To includes an image generation system having an image acquisition unit to acquire an image, an image generation unit to generate, from the acquired image, a plurality of images with different resolution and brightness, and an image synthesis unit to synthesize the generated images.

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 method for selecting an optimum subset of images from a larger set of images for optimal HDR image creation. For each of the set of images, an exposure quality map is computed by assigning, to each pixel of the image, an exposure quality value based on the pixel brightness value of that pixel. A suitable exposure quality function, typically reflecting the properties of the imaging device, is used for this purpose. Then, for each possible subset of images, the exposure quality maps for the images in the subset are combined using a max operation to generate a combined exposure quality map for the subset. An average pixel value of the combined exposure quality map of the subset is then calculated and serves as a quality score. The subset of images processing the highest quality score are used to generate the HDR image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the effective dynamic range of an image sensor are disclosed. Each pixel in the sensor is exposed for a respective first exposure time. Each pixel's response to the respective first exposure is measured and compared to threshold values. Based on the pixel's response to the respective first exposure time, an optimal exposure is calculated for each pixel. The optimal exposure time is applied to each pixel by utilizing row-enabled and column-enabled signals at each pixel within the sensor.

Abstract: Image capture using an image capture apparatus that includes an imaging assembly. Geographic location of the image capture apparatus is received from a location sensor that obtains geographic location of the image capture apparatus. A capture mask is constructed by calculations which use the geographic location. The constructed capture mask is applied to the imaging assembly, the imaging assembly having a tunable spectral response and being tunable in accordance with the capture mask.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for performing auto-exposure operations in a digital image capture device. An image capture device's auto-exposure settings may be automatically adjusted by generating and then combining, in a dynamically weighted fashion, two sets of exposure values. One set of exposure values may be based on detected faces while the other set may be based on the image as a whole. Each set of exposure values may include a “measured” value and a “target” value, wherein each of these values may, in turn, be based on one or more (different) aspects of the image. Illustrative digital image capture devices in which the disclosed technology may be used include, but are not limited, to portable digital cameras, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, mobile music and video devices, and portable computer platforms such as notebook and tablet computers.

Abstract: A shutter control device that uses an imaging device provided in a camera body to operate a shutter housed in a lens barrel to perform photography. The shutter control device comprises a communication port and a shutter control unit. The communication port is provided for transmitting and receiving signals between the camera body and the lens barrel. The shutter control unit is provided in the camera body, and outputs a shutter control signal to operate the shutter. The shutter control signal is transmitted to the lens barrel through the communication port.

Abstract: An image recording playback apparatus which, when recording moving image data, performs image capture at high-speed read time Dt, records all the captured images, and records a playback rate Ft (Vt), the read time Dt and image valid time St, with the image data, on a recording medium. Then upon playback of moving image data, the image recording playback apparatus plays back the recorded image data within the image valid time St in accordance with the playback rate. The image recording playback apparatus having this configuration can perform playback intended by a user. Further, when sharpness is to be changed, a playback image with different sharpness can be obtained by changing the image valid time St upon playback.

Abstract: An image composition apparatus that is capable of acquiring a high-quality composite image that keeps continuity of the gradation of the whole image. Different exposures are set for images to be taken. Each of taken images is divided into small regions. A measured value is found based on brightness values in each of the small regions. A comparison value for each of the small regions is calculated based on the measured value of a small region of one image and the measurement value of the same small region of another image. A representative value is calculated based on the comparison values calculated for the respective small regions. A level-matching gain used for compositing the image data of the images is calculated based on an exposure level difference and the representative value. The image data of the images of which the image levels are adjusted are composited by multiplying the gain.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the brightness of a captured image from a digital camera includes calculating a reference exposure value using the capture parameters and calculating an actual exposure value as a function of ambient illumination parameters. The reference exposure and actual exposure values are compared to determine an actual image saturation value. The actual image saturation value is compared with the saturation value of the image sensor to determine a brightness adjustment factor, and the captured image is adjusted to compensate for overexposure or underexposure in response to the brightness adjustment factor. The image is scaled up or down using the brightness adjustment factor if the actual image saturation value is less than or more than the saturation value of the image sensor used to capture the image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to method, apparatus and computer program selecting captured images. According to an example, a method comprises causing, at least in part, actions that result in: capturing an image; associating the captured image with at least one parameter; capturing a reference image; associating the captured reference image with at least one reference parameter; and determining to select the captured image based on a comparison of its associated at least one parameter against the at least one reference parameter.

Abstract: Evaluation values relating to image capture are detected from at least two out of a plurality of images having different exposure amounts, which are used to generate a composite image. From a plurality of detected evaluation values relating to image capture, an evaluation value relating to image capture used to control an operation of an image capture apparatus is selected under a predetermined operation, thereby improving the detection accuracy of evaluation values relating to image capture in an HDR moving image capture operation.

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: According to the first aspect of the present technology, there is provided an action control device, including a transmittance specifying unit configured to specify a transmittance of a variable-transmittance neutral density (ND) filter having a transmittance that varies according to an applied voltage, and an applied voltage control unit configured to control a voltage to be applied to the variable-transmittance ND filter such that the transmittance specified by the transmittance specifying unit is obtained. The applied voltage control unit controls the voltage to be applied to the variable-transmittance ND filter such that the transmittance of the variable-transmittance ND filter specified by the transmittance specifying unit is maintained at a timing at which an imaging preparation instruction or an imaging instruction is given.

Abstract: Image capture by using an imaging assembly having spectral sensitivities which are tunable in accordance with a capture parameter. First and second capture parameters are applied respectively to first and second regions of a scene, and a preview image is captured and displayed, together with a user interface which permits a user to adjust a transition of the capture parameter at a boundary between the first and second regions. Further preview images may be captured and displayed until the user is satisfied with the appearance of the preview image at the boundary of the first and second regions. A final image is captured using the first and second capture parameters together with any adjustment to the transition of the capture parameters at the boundary between the first and second regions.

Abstract: The variable liquid device includes: a chamber including a channel, in which a fluid flows, having an inconsistent height in at least a part of the channel; a first fluid filled in the chamber and formed of a non-transmissive material; and a second fluid filled in the chamber and formed of a light transmittable material that does not mix with the first fluid, wherein an aperture, through which light is transmitted, is adjusted according to a variation of an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an accumulation control section controlling an accumulation operation in an imaging section; an accumulation start timing setting section setting a timing of accumulation start in the imaging section; and a flash light emission control section controlling the start and stop of light emission in the flash light emission section, wherein the accumulation control section instructs the flash light emission control section to start the flash light emission and causes the imaging section to start the accumulation based on an output of the accumulation start timing setting section, and the flash light emission control section causes the flash light emission to be started in response to the flash light emission start instruction of the accumulation control section and causes the flash light emission section to stop the light emission based on an appropriate light emission amount output by an exposure calculation section.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus having LED 1j for emitting light toward an object, an imaging unit 1 having CCD 1d generates a first object image with LED 1j emitting light and a second object image with LED 1j emitting no light. Average brightness of the first object image and average brightness of the second object image are calculated. Brightness difference between the average brightness of the first object image and the average brightness of the second object image is calculated. Brightness difference of the object is obtained using the calculated brightness difference between the first and second object images, and under control of CPU 9, a process is executed for adjusting exposure conditions based on the brightness difference of the object.

Abstract: There is provided an image capturing apparatus. An image capturing control unit performs image capturing using a first pixel group of an image capturing unit during a first exposure time to obtain a high-exposure image. It also performs image capturing using a second pixel group of the image capturing unit during a second exposure time which is shorter than the first exposure time to obtain a first low-exposure image. It also performs image capturing using the second pixel group during a third exposure time which is shorter than the first exposure time to obtain a second low-exposure image. The second and third exposure times at least partially overlapping the first exposure time. A detection unit compares the first low-exposure image with the second low-exposure image to detect a motion of the subject.

Abstract: A system and method to enhance dark areas of a scenes while preventing bright areas of the scenes from distorting or skewing exposure settings of video cameras. The video cameras capture images and identify bright areas in the captured images. The video cameras calculate exposure settings while excluding the bright areas in the captured images to enhance the dark areas in the captured images. Camera control parameters are then adjusted based on the calculated exposure settings.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, methods and systems for user guided automatic exposure control. Multiple sequential user settings for ordered choices of image capture settings and associated limit values are used to determine values of image capture settings including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, such that a proper exposure is obtained within the guides set by a user.

Abstract: A camera is provided with an imaging element, and detects a timing of blinking of light which blinks periodically at a reference timing, based on a timing of variation in luminance of an image obtained by the imaging element, wherein the image is taken by the imaging element under a condition that the light blinks periodically at the reference timing. Further, the timing of exposure of the imaging element is adjusted based on the detected timing of the blinking light, thereby synchronizing shooting operations of plural cameras with each other.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including an HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing unit inputting images picked up while exposure control that changes an exposure time is being carried out with a predetermined spatial period and a predetermined temporal period on pixels that compose an image sensor, and carrying out image processing. The HDR processing unit generates a first combined image by combining pixel values of a plurality of images with different sensitivities generated by an interpolation process using a plurality of consecutively picked-up images, generates a second combined image by combining pixel values of a plurality of images with different sensitivities generated by an interpolation process that uses a single picked-up image, and generates an HDR image by executing a pixel value blending process on the first combined image and the second combined image in accordance with a blending ratio calculated in accordance with movement detection information.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for continuous image capturing are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes continuously capturing a sequence of images with an image capturing device. The method may further include storing a predetermined number of the sequence of images in a buffer. The method may further include receiving a user request to capture an image. In response to the user request, the method may further include automatically selecting one of the buffered images based on an exposure time of one of the buffered images. The sequence of images is captured prior to or concurrently with receiving the user request.

Abstract: An electronic device may have an array of image sensors that capture image data using different exposure times. Processing circuitry may be used to combine image data with a first exposure time and image data with a second exposure time to create a high-dynamic-range image. The image sensors may use electronic rolling shutter and global shutter image capture schemes. Using the electronic rolling shutter scheme, the reset signals for each sensor may be staggered and the read signals for each sensor may be aligned to allow synchronized readout from the image sensors. When using the global shutter scheme, image capture operations associated with a shorter exposure time may be centered in time within image capture operation associated with a longer exposure time to minimize motion artifacts. Multiple image sensors may also be used to capture short-exposure-time data that is spaced evenly in time within the longer exposure time data.

Abstract: Multiple uncompressed digital images, each at a different exposure, may be captured automatically in response to an image capture request. The set of uncompressed digital images may be stored as a single data object and manipulated to produce a final digital image.

Abstract: An imaging display device of the present invention comprises an imaging element 1 photoelectrically converting an optical image, a readout control unit 6 controlling a readout position of the imaging element 1, an image processing unit 2 processing image signal readout from the imaging element 1, an image display unit 4 displaying image signal output from the image processing unit 2, a pixel shift unit 5 shifting an observation pixel position displayed on the image display unit 4, a pixel shift control unit 7 controlling the pixel shift unit 5, and a system control unit 8 controlling the readout control unit 6 and the pixel shift control unit 7 so that image signal photoelectrically converted by the imaging element 1 is displayed on the image display unit 4 and shifted by the pixel shift unit 5. According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce delay time from imaging to displaying and to raise spatial resolution and motion resolution.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a photographing unit, a processing unit, and a display unit. The photographing unit creates an image signal and captures a first image corresponding to a first shutter release signal. The processing unit creates a first quick view image of the first captured image and creates a live view image based on the image signal. The display unit displays the first quick view image and the live view image. If a second shutter release signal is inputted within a first reference time from a moment at which the first shutter release signal is inputted, the processing unit creates and displays, at the display unit, a second quick view image corresponding to the second shutter release signal. If the second shutter release signal is not inputted within the first reference time, the processing unit creates and displays, at the display unit, the live view image.

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 device for controlling exposure of a camera is provided. An image of an area ahead of a vehicle is acquired by a camera provided in the vehicle. A traveling speed of the vehicle is acquired. An exposure area in the acquired image is set by a setting section, in which the exposure area is used for exposure control of the camera. By a calculating section, a control value for performing the exposure control is calculated based on pixel values of pixels included in the exposure area. The setting section changes a size of the exposure area based on the traveling speed, such that, when the traveling speed is a first speed, the size of the exposure area in the acquired image is smaller compared to that when the traveling speed is a second speed that is lower than the first speed.

Abstract: An image pickup system that performs image pickup control of a rolling shutter type such that an all line exposure period and a non-all line exposure period are generated and controls a light source of illumination light to increase or decrease, in a first light adjustment mode, while maintaining a light amount of the illumination light in a first period during the all line exposure period at a predetermined level, a light amount of the illumination light during a second period including the all line exposure period other than the first period and the non-all line exposure period compared with an immediately preceding second period.

Abstract: An electronic shutter control part is configured to control an electronic shutter. A mechanical shutter has a light-shielding part. The mechanical shutter is configured to end exposing the first and second photoelectric conversion elements by moving the light-shielding part. The assessing part is configured to assess whether the length of a exposure time is longer or less than a threshold value. The electronic shutter control part is configured to control the electronic shutter to start exposing the first photoelectric conversion element at a first exposure-start timing and control the electronic shutter to start exposing the second photoelectric conversion element at a second exposure-start timing in order to make the first exposure time to be closer to the second exposure time when the exposure time is less than a threshold value, than when the exposure time is longer than a threshold value.