Abstract: The present invention provides an electric apparatus including an image sensor that starts to accumulate electric charges at different timings in different regions, and an optical filter that can be changed between a first concentration and a second concentration higher than the first concentration. The apparatus includes a first mode of executing a global shutter function so as to start exposure for each pixel included in a predetermined region of the image sensor at substantially the same timing, and a second mode of starting exposure for the respective pixels of the image sensor at different timings. A change in a pixel count of image data read out from the image sensor in accordance with information concerning an exposure time set by a user is larger in the first mode than in the second mode.

Abstract: A vehicular image pickup device includes an image capturing unit and a processing unit. The image capturing unit captures a plurality of driving images sequentially. The driving images each include an object image. The processing unit performs an image analysis on two of the plurality of driving images to obtain a variance of the object image and sets a shutter speed of the image capturing unit according to the variance.

Abstract: A video process is controlled through a one-dimensional control function to affect the two outcomes of processing time and processing error. Points are generated in error/time space corresponding to multiple combinations of parameter values applied to the process using reference input data. A subset of points is selecting in which each point is such that all other points in the space have either a higher error or a higher time, to define the one-dimensional control function.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, vehicles, and methods for detecting optical defects in an optical path of a camera system. An example system may include an image sensor configured to provide images of a field of view via an optical path that extends through an optical window. The system also includes at least one phase-detection device and a controller. The controller is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory so as to carry out various operations, including receiving, from the image sensor, first pixel information indicative of an image of the field of view. The operations additionally include receiving, from the at least one phase-detection device, second pixel information indicative of a portion of the field of view. The operations yet further include determining, based on the first pixel information and the second pixel information, at least one optical defect associated with the optical path.

Abstract: An optical prism that includes an interlock structure that precisely couples to a complementary structure of a refractive lens. For precision, the interlock structure may be formed at the same time and using the same technique as the optical surface of the prism. The interlock structure provides high accuracy when assembling a folded lens system by precisely aligning the object side optical surface of the lens with the image side optical surface of the prism so that the optical axis is centered in the lens. The prism may have refractive power. A portion of the object side surface may be coated with an opaque material to provide an aperture stop at that surface.

Abstract: Environmental information is managed by a neural network. An image detection module includes a first neural network, a first communication module, a first position sensor, a first processor, and a passive element. The first neural network includes an imaging device. The imaging device has a function of obtaining an image, and the first position sensor has a function of detecting positional information on where the image is obtained. When the first neural network determines whether the image has learned features, the first processor can transmit the positional information on where the image is obtained. The first processor receives a detection result through the first communication module, and the first processor can operate the passive element in accordance with the detection result.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image processing method, an image processing apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The method includes: when a camera continuously outputs original images, a first frame image output by the camera is acquired; it is determined whether to perform a brightness compensation on the camera according to a brightness value of the first frame image and a brightness threshold range; and it is repeatedly continued to acquire an image to be measured output by the camera after a preset time interval and determined whether to perform the brightness compensation on the camera according to a brightness value of the image to be measured and the brightness threshold range, until the camera stops outputting the original images.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a projection optical system for an image projection device, that includes a plurality of lenses. The projection optical system satisfies conditional expression (1): where fw is a focal length of a lens having the weakest refractive power in the lenses and f is a focal length of the whole projection optical system. 0.01 ? ? f f w ? < 0.

Abstract: An actuator includes a magnet, a driving coil facing the magnet, a driver, and a position calculation processor. The driver is configured to move the magnet in at least one of an optical axis direction and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis by applying a driving signal to the driving coil. The position calculation processor includes sensing coils, and is configured to calculate a position of the magnet according to inductance levels of an inductor of the sensing coils. The inductance levels vary according to movements of the magnet.

Abstract: The present application discloses a portable electronic device. The device includes a case; a camera lens fixed to the case; a sound generator attached to the case for producing sounds; and a central process unit and a circuit system for providing controlling current to the camera lens. The camera lens includes a side wall and a lens holder moveable relative to the side wall. The lens holder is driven to a predetermined position farther away from the case than an initial position, when the sound generator is producing sounds. The present application further provides a method for eliminating noise by applying controlling current to the lens holder to move the lens holder to a position farther away from the case for avoiding collision between the case and the lens holder.

Abstract: The filter switch device includes a casing, an electromagnetic assembly, and a plate. The casing has a first chamber and a second chamber inside. The second chamber has a first opening on a bottom side. The electromagnetic assembly is housed in the first chamber. A bottom side of the first chamber is configured with an axle, first blocks, second blocks, and a pad for fixing the electromagnetic assembly. The plate has its two opposing edges respectively received by troughs of the second chamber, where a filter is disposed on the plate. A piece is extended from a lateral edge of the plate and has a limiting hole. A swing arm of the electromagnetic element engages the plate through the limiting hole. When the swing arm turns, the plate is moved so that the filter is aligned with the first opening, thereby achieving filter switch.

Abstract: An electromagnetic driving mechanism is provided, including a first member, a second member movably connected to the first member, an electromagnetic driving assembly, and a film. The electromagnetic driving assembly includes a magnet and a coil respectively disposed on the first and second members, so as to move the second member relative to the first member. The film is formed on the second member and has positive magnetic susceptibility.

Abstract: An imaging control method, an imaging device and a computer readable storage medium are provided. The imaging control method includes: obtaining a first gain index value according to an environment luminance value of a shooting environment and a preset target luminance value; and determining a shooting mode for shooting according to the first gain index value and preset switching condition information, the shooting mode including a bright light mode and a dark light mode.

Abstract: A shutter apparatus includes a blade unit configured to open and close an opening used for exposure, a blade moving member configured to move the blade unit between an open position and a closed position of the opening, an urging member configured to urge at least one of the blade unit and the blade moving member in a direction from the closed position to the open position of the opening; and a blade cam member configured to contact the blade moving member as the blade unit moves from the closed position to the open position of the opening.

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a photoelectric conversion layer where light having entered therein undergoes photoelectric conversion; a first electrode disposed at one surface located on one side of the photoelectric conversion layer; and a second electrode disposed at the one surface so as to surround the first electrode.

Abstract: An optical lens makes object light rays transmit from an object side to an image side on an optical axis and form an image on an image plane. The optical lens comprises a lens group establishing the optical axis, comprising a first lens and a second lens arranged in order from the image side to the object side, wherein the first lens has an image-side surface which is a concave face and has a point of inflection arranged thereon; and a first aperture stop and a second aperture stop separately located on the optical axis. The optical lens meets the thinning tendency.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface to a lens iris and a processor. The processor may be configured to present to the interface a signal configured to adjust the lens iris in response to a luma value received from an image sensor. The processor may be configured to adjust coefficient values for the signal. The coefficient values may be adjusted to converge a luma difference value to a set point. The processor may implement rules to determine the coefficient values. The rules may determine the coefficient values based on flexible relationships between input values based on the luma difference value and adjustment values for the coefficient values.

Abstract: An Image capturing device and a method of driving the image capturing device are provided. The image capturing device includes an image sensor configured to generate a target image based on a predetermined first exposure target value. An image signal processor generates a second exposure target value based on brightness information of the acquired target image to control the image sensor, wherein the image signal processor includes a histogram generation circuit configured to create a luma histogram based on the brightness information of the acquired target image, a calculation circuit configured to calculate a distribution of the luma histogram, and an exposure target control circuit configured to generate the second exposure target value based on the distribution of the luma histogram to provide the second exposure target value to the image sensor.

Abstract: An optical element includes a substrate, a surface layer including thin films disposed on the substrate, and an absorption layer provided between the surface layer and the substrate and having transmittance that varies depending on a position on the substrate. The surface layer includes a first film disposed farthest from the substrate and having a refractive index of no less than 1.05 nor more than 1.4 at a wavelength of 550 nm. The surface layer includes a second film disposed closer to the substrate than the first film and having a higher refractive index than the substrate at a wavelength of 550 nm and a third film disposed adjacent to the second film and having a lower refractive index than the second film at a wavelength of 550 nm. The absorption layer has an extinction coefficient of no more than 0.5 at wavelengths of from 400 nm to 700 nm.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging sensor that outputs an imaging signal representing a sequence of frame images of a photographic subject. A buffer memory temporarily stores data of the sequence of frame images from the imaging signal. A release switch is actuated by a user to output an image-taking signal. A controller, upon receipt of the image-taking signal from the release switch: (i) generates moving image data from at least some of the plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory, (ii) generates at least one piece of still image data based on at least one frame image of the plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory, and (iii) associates the moving image data with the still image data and records the moving image data and the still image data in a recording medium.

Abstract: A medical observation system including a medical imaging device that captures a plurality of images of a living body while changing a focus position, and circuitry that generates a composite image by compositing the plurality of images captured by the medical imaging device, and switches output between the generated composite image and one of the plurality of images based on a result of analysis performed on at least one of the plurality of images.

Abstract: Techniques related to automatic aperture control for an imaging device are discussed. Such techniques may include implementing an aperture control value to adjust an aperture opening, measuring a rate of change in measured luminance at an image sensor in response to the aperture control value, and determining an aperture control hold value to hold the aperture opening at a current position using the aperture control value and the rate of change.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining, by an electronic device, a first set of image data recorded during an image capture event and a second set of image data recorded during an image capture event. During the image capture event, a characteristic of an image capture device is changed from a first state to a second state. The first and second sets of image data are recorded by an image capture device having one or more image recording components with one or more image sensor arrays. An image is generated based at least in part on the first and second sets of image data.

Abstract: A spectroscopic scatterometer detects both zero order and higher order radiation diffracted from an illuminated spot on a target grating. The apparatus forms and detects a spectrum of zero order (reflected) radiation, and separately forms and detects a spectrum of the higher order diffracted radiation. Each spectrum is formed using a symmetrical phase grating, so as to form and detect a symmetrical pair of spectra. The pair of spectra can be averaged to obtain a single spectrum with reduced focus sensitivity. Comparing the two spectra can yield information for improving height measurements in a subsequent lithographic step. The target grating is oriented obliquely so that the zero order and higher order radiation emanate from the spot in different planes. Two scatterometers can operate simultaneously, illuminating the target from different oblique directions. A radial transmission filter reduces sidelobes in the spot and reduces product crosstalk.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface to a lens iris and a processor. The processor may be configured to present to the interface a signal configured to adjust the lens iris in response to a luma value received from an image sensor. The processor may be configured to adjust coefficient values for the signal. The coefficient values may be adjusted to converge a luma difference value to a set point. The processor may implement rules to determine the coefficient values. The rules may determine the coefficient values based on flexible relationships between input values based on the luma difference value and adjustment values for the coefficient values.

Abstract: A subject information acquisition section acquires a subject distance difference, which is distance difference between a main subject and a subject farthest from the main subject, on the basis of an imaging signal sent from an imaging element. A program diagram storage section stores a first program diagram where an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a first amount of exposure EV1 or less, and stores a second program diagram where an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a second amount of exposure EV2, which is greater than the first amount of exposure EV1, or less.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor that reads out an image in a time period Te, a mechanical shutter that opens and closes in a traveling time Tm that satisfies Te>Tm, a system control section that controls the mechanical shutter to set a time period from opening to closing of the mechanical shutter to T1 and causes the image sensor to continuously read out images of a plurality of frames in a time period T2 that satisfies T1>T2, and an image combining section that generates a combined image from the images of the plurality of frames. The system control section performs control to fully read out electric charges exposed in any pixel in the time period T1.

Abstract: A dynamic iris is located on the imaging path of an optical lens system that includes a relay lens system and at least one projection lens system. A dynamic iris modulates image frames in an image data stream, resulting in a reduction in light transmission associated with the modulated image frames. A dynamic iris may be configured to change the size of its aperture as fast as or faster than the image frame period of the image data stream, and may be located at or near the pupil of a relay lens system, a projection lens system, or both. A second dynamic iris in the imaging path further modulates the image frames, resulting in a further reduction in light transmission. A dynamic iris may modulate an image frame based on an electronic preview of the image frame or based on metadata associated with the image frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting brightness of a scene are disclosed. The predictions are used to set exposure settings of an imaging sensor, such as exposure time or sensor gain. In one aspect, a method include capturing an image with the imaging sensor, determining a pan direction of the imaging sensor, predicting a brightness of a next image based on the pan direction, adjusting a gain or an exposure time of the imaging sensor based on the brightness prediction, and capturing the next image using the adjusted image sensor gain or exposure time.

Abstract: System and apparatus including: a plurality of lens elements; and an aperture module coupled to the plurality of lens elements and including an array of pixels, wherein the aperture module is configured to be variable in pattern and transparency. Key words include variable aperture and pixels.

Abstract: Provided is an interchangeable lens including: at least one shared communication terminal configured to be shared and used in synchronous communication that is communication performed synchronously with a synchronization signal and in asynchronous communication that is communication performed asynchronously with the synchronization signal.

Abstract: Certain aspects pertain to aperture-scanning Fourier ptychographic imaging devices comprising an aperture scanner that can generate an aperture at different locations at an intermediate plane of an optical arrangement, and a detector that can acquire lower resolution intensity images for different aperture locations, and wherein a higher resolution complex image may be constructed by iteratively updating regions in Fourier space with the acquired lower resolution images.

Abstract: An image of a user's eyes and face may be analyzed using computer-vision algorithms. A computing device may use the image to determine the location of the user's eyes and estimate the direction in which the user is looking. The eye tracking technology may be used in a wide range of lighting conditions and with many different and varying light levels. When a user is near a light source, an automatic exposure feature in the camera may result in the user's face and eyes appearing too dark in the image, possibly reducing the likelihood of face and eye detection. Adjusting attributes such as the camera exposure time and the intensity and illumination interval of the light sources based on motion and light levels may improve detection of a user's features.

Abstract: A system camera lens adaptor that enables iris adjustment by a cameraman at hand is provided. According to the present invention, provided is a system camera lens adaptor enabling mounting, on a camera device, of a lens device originally not mountable on the camera device, including an iris volume capable of adjusting an iris of the lens device.

Abstract: A system and method for determining information about a scene of an image capture event, wherein a first set of image data and a second set of image data of a scene is recorded during an image capture event. Information is determined about the scene by comparing the first and second sets of image data and an image is generated based on the determined information. In some embodiments, depth map information is further generated based on the information. In some embodiments, the image is deblurred based on the information.

Abstract: Provided is an optical measuring device that can realize a wide measurement region without an increase in the measurement time or a reduction in the measurement region while avoiding damage to a measurement target due to excessive light exposure, using a simple configuration. The device includes a light source, an optical splitting unit configured to split a light beam emitted from the light source into a signal beam and a reference beam, an objective lens configured to focus the signal beam and irradiate a measurement target with the signal beam, a scanning unit configured to move the focus position of the signal beam, an optical element having lower transmissivity in its peripheral portion than in its central portion, interference optics configured to combine the reference beam with the signal beam reflected or scattered by the measurement target, thereby generating interference beams, and photodetectors configured to detect the respective interference beams.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes an optical system, an imaging device that converts image light passing through the optical system into an electrical signal, and a light amount reduction filter that is disposed on a light path of the image light incident on the imaging device and reduces an amount of light having a wavelength of 450 nm to 600 nm.

Abstract: A device uses a pressure-sensing touch screen to detect the pressure from a touch input on the touch screen. Based on whether the pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure value or not, and the type of the touch input, various picture-taking operations are performed.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus with a detachable lens includes a communication unit capable of switching a communication mode used in communication with the mounted lens unit between a first communication mode of transmitting first control information to the mounted lens unit and a second communication mode of transmitting a second control information different from the first control information to the mounted lens unit, and a control unit configured to control a communication with the mounted lens unit, wherein the control unit controls the communication such that, until the control started based on either one of the first control information and the second control information is ended, the other one of the first control information and the second control information is not transmitted.

Abstract: An image pickup element having a pixel array of a plurality of pixels, with first and second areas: generates a correction data based on the image signal read from the first area; stores the generated correction data in addresses of a memory corresponding to horizontal positions of the read pixels in the first area; reads the correction data from the addresses of the memory corresponding to a horizontal range set in the second area, and corrects the image signal read from the range set in the second area, using the read correction data; and updates the correction data stored in a predetermined range of addresses in the memory, based on the image signal read from a horizontal range in the first area corresponding to the predetermined range of addresses, and irrespective of the range set in the second area.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus has a single shooting mode and a continuous shooting mode, and includes: an imaging element configured to generate image data; a mechanical shutter configured to control exposure of the imaging element; a charge block including a driving mechanism configured to drive the mechanical shutter and a motor configured to provide a driving force for the driving mechanism, and a control section configured to control the charge block. The control section performs a charging operation for charging the driving mechanism by causing the motor to rotate in a capturing operation, performs the charging operation in a first time period in a case where the imaging apparatus is in the continuous shooting mode, and performs the charging operation in a second time period which is longer than the first time period in a case where the imaging apparatus is in the single shooting mode.

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: An electronic device includes a camera module and a shielding assembly. The shielding assembly includes at least one window glass and a smart film mounted to the window glass. The shielding assembly covers the camera module by turning opaque. If the camera module is in use, the shielding assembly is provided with electricity, and changes transparent. If the shielding assembly is not being provided with electricity, the shielding module becomes opaque to blind the camera module. A shielding assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to receive light beams split after passing through an aperture and output a plurality of stereopsis image data. When the object brightness falls within a predetermined range and the image capturing unit performs image capturing in which a plurality of stereopsis image data are output, the aperture is controlled to open much more than when the image capturing unit performs image capturing in which a plurality of stereopsis image data are not output at the same exposure.

Abstract: There is provided an interchangeable lens mountable to a camera body. The interchangeable lens includes a zoom lens which can change a field angle of a subject image, a receiving unit for receiving sound pickup property information from the camera body, the sound pickup property information indicating sound pickup property of the camera body, and a lens controller for controlling drive of the zoom lens. The lens controller decides an available driving speed based on the sound collecting property information, the available driving speed being a driving speed settable to the zoom lens.

Abstract: A dome-type camera includes a camera lens capable of rotating in a tilt direction, a dome cover for covering the camera lens, and an aperture control unit for controlling the amount of aperture of the camera lens. The amount of aperture is set to become smaller from an open value toward a closed value in accordance with the tilt angle of the camera lens becoming smaller from a zenith direction of the dome cover toward a horizontal direction. According to this dome-type camera, a desirable low tilt angle image with a reduced blur may be obtained even with a megapixel dome camera.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a flash unit, an image sensor and a computing unit. The image sensor captures at least one first image and a second image, and captures a third image with the flash unit. The computing unit mixes the first images and the second image to form a mixed image. Besides, the computing unit integrates the mixed image and the third image to form an integrated image.

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: An image processing apparatus including circuitry configured to cause an aperture diaphragm to move from a starting position toward first and second diaphragm positions of the aperture diaphragm such that the aperture diaphragm reaches the first diaphragm position at the beginning of an exposure period. The circuitry is further configured to cause the aperture diaphragm to move from the first diaphragm position to the second diaphragm position during the exposure period.

Abstract: A light emission control unit includes: a light emission control section configured to control a light emission timing of a flash used in an image pickup unit, in which the image pickup unit has a function of variably controlling, during exposure, an aperture diaphragm between a first diaphragm position and a second diaphragm position at which the aperture diaphragm is closed more than at the first diaphragm position, and the light emission control section allows the flash to emit light at a first timing at which the aperture diaphragm is closed to the second diaphragm position in an exposure section.