Abstract: A method, image recognition system, computer program, etc., for determining image orientation. The invention classifies potential sky pixels in the image by color, identifies spatially contiguous regions of the potential sky pixels, identifies actual sky regions by eliminating ones of the spatially contiguous regions that have a texture above a predetermined texture threshold, computes desaturation gradients of the actual sky regions, classifies the image as one of portrait and landscape based on average absolute values of horizontal and vertical desaturation gradient of pixels within each of the actual sky regions, determines orientation of the image based on a polarity of the average horizontal and vertical desaturation gradients, and confirms that the actual sky regions are true sky regions by comparing the desaturation gradients with a predetermined desaturation gradient for sky.

Abstract: Template regions are set on a single radiation image, which is among a plurality of radiation images. Template matching is carried out, with which the template regions are matched with the radiation images other than the single radiation image. At least three corresponding points are thereby obtained in each of the plurality of the radiation images. The corresponding points in a single radiation image, which is among the plurality of the radiation images, are taken as reference corresponding points, and factors of affine transformation are calculated with the method of least squares. Affine transformation is then carried out by using the calculated factors of affine transformation.

Abstract: The present invention allows the positional relationship among a plurality of image layers constituting a composed image to be precisely recognized. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an image composition processing apparatus which generates a composed image which is a superposition of a plurality of image layers and displays it within a window of the screen. When the user designates one of the image layers and moves the pointer into the displayed composed image, the image composition processing apparatus converts only a predetermined area of the image layers above the designated image layer, for example, the area which is superposed in the range of a radius of m picture elements centering the coordinate of the pointer in the composed image, to a translucent state.

Abstract: A process for measuring the alignment of different layers on a semiconductor wafer (33) includes forming repetitive alignment marks (14, 24) having substantially the same period on the different layers on the wafer (33). The images of the overlay alignment marks (14, 24) are converted from space domain to frequency domain through Fourier transformations. The alignment measurements are performed by calculating the phase difference between the images corresponding to the repetitive patterns (14, 24) on different layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing system for scanning a rectangular document. The system comprises a scanner with a scanning module and a computer. The computer has a memory, a processor, a scanner control program, and an image processing program. Depression of a start button generates a start signal that prompts the image processing system to rotate the document image from the scanned rectangular document by a tilting angle as well as to correct the image shape based on angle variation. This produces a straight and rectangular document image.

Abstract: For raising a frame rate, first a sequence of source frames is received at a source frame rate. For a pair of immediately adjacent source frames of this sequence, one or more intermediate frames are synthesized through a geometrical transform. In particular, each intermediate frame is based exclusively on an immediately preceding source frame. Display frames are selected from the sequence of the intermediate frames, and as the case may be, also from the source frames.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for improving the appearance of electronic images, and more specifically, to the efficient use of template rotation within a template matching process to enhance such images. The invention reduces the number of entries that are stored in a look up table by eliminating identical patterns that differ only by the angle at which they are output. The appropriate templates are then rotated it by the required angle for output subsequent to their retrieval from the lookup table.

Abstract: The invention provides a subpixel accuracy registration technique where accuracy is not lost even where an image is subjected to deformation due to influences of the characteristics of the imaging device or noise. A fitting range setting device 105, sets a range of pixels of an input image with large differential values as a fitting range. A function fitting device 104, fits a mono-peak function for each fitting range, and obtains the edge position at subpixel accuracy. Registration is then effected with a pixel accuracy registration device 107. A corresponding candidate curve generating device 108, with respect to an edge point on a certain one image, makes a corresponding plurality of edge points on an other image corresponding candidate curves joined in a curve.

Abstract: A super-resolution-enhanced mosaic image generating system is provided for generating a super-resolution-enhanced mosaic image from a plurality of image frames, each image frame being associated with image data representative of an image of a portion of a scene. The mosaic image generating system comprises a mosaic image generator and a super-resolution generator. The mosaic image generator uses the image data from the image frames to generate mosaic image data representing a mosaic image. The super-resolution generator uses the mosaic image data and the image data from the image frames to generate the super-resolution-enhanced mosaic image. In that process, the super-resolution generator divides the mosaic image into a plurality of patches, each patch associated with at least one image frame, and performs a super-resolution operation in connection with the patch and image frames associated therewith to generate the super-resolution-enhanced mosaic image.

Abstract: A method of enhancing data which is rendered as a bi-tonal bit-mapped image for subsequent printing on a printer. The method involves receiving a source bit-mapped image at a low resolution for printing on a printer at a higher resolution. The bitmap is convoluted with a gradient operator to generate horizontal and vertical gradient values for each pixel. The bitmap is then expanded by a predetermined factor to the higher resolution for sending to the printer, and finally a value is assigned to each pixel in the expanded bitmap which is dependent on the value of pixels in the source bitmap and also the horizontal and vertical gradient values.

Abstract: A scanning system is calibrated to correct for possible panel misalignments errors. A reference slide or data point is used to obtain a series of measurements with the scanning system. These measurements are compared with the expected results to determine systematic alignment errors in the scanning system. A model is created to correct the alignment errors during the scanning process, thus providing a plurality of more accurate scans. The plurality of scans may then be assembled to create a complete image of the scan area.

Abstract: Image position correcting processing is performed on a low energy image signal and/or a high energy image signal, and a pair of corrected original image signals are thereby obtained. First energy subtraction processing is performed on the pair of the corrected original image signals, and second energy subtraction processing is thereafter performed with respect to the low energy image signal and the high energy image signal. The second energy subtraction processing is performed by the utilization of the pair of the corrected original image signals, which have been obtained at the time of the first energy subtraction processing.

Abstract: When a GC (i.e., computer graphics) image is synthesized with an actual photographic image (dynamic image), it occurs that the synthesized image appears unnatural. An image pickup section 2 picks up a plate 1 while moving. When synthesizing a ball formed through CG with a continuous image picked up by the image pickup section 2, how 12 patterns (in the portion enclosed by a frame 21) Aj (j=1 . . . , 12) present a ball 5 are transferred in the continuous image picked up by the image pickup section 2 is shown by a rotational transform function and a rectilinear transform function to obtain the synthesis position of the projected image of the ball 5 in each image by using the rotational transform function and rectilinear transform function.

Abstract: A method for transforming a video file provided to a computer into an object in a zooming universe established in such computer, which zooming object may be enlarged and panned by manipulation by a user via a computer input device. At the time a video file is opened in a video player library on such a computer, a zooming engine is enabled on the computer and a zooming universe is enabled therefrom. Frames of the video file being played on the computer video player library are copied to a video object in the zooming universe and displayed there. By manipulation of the parameters of the bounding box enclosing the zooming video object, through use of a computer input device, the user is able to scale and pan the video image in the zooming universe display up (or down) to a desired viewing size and perspective.

Abstract: Bi-directional multi-resolution scanner having software/firmware for 1- to 2-pass high resolution scanning, enabling the scanner to capture and render image data both the standard direction, top to bottom pass, as well as the return direction, that is, bi-directional scanning, in contrast to prior art scanners which return to the start position after each pass without reading (scanning). Typical current B&W scanning of an 8½×11″ image at 600 dpi takes a total time from start to reload to the next image of on the order of 42-67 seconds. In contrast, the inventive system scans and displays the high resolution image in about 37 seconds, some 7-30 seconds faster than a conventional scanner. In multiple image scanning, since the time for the two return passes and the preview pass is eliminated, the productivity is increased from 20 to 300% or more. Since multiple non-scan return passes are eliminated, the inventive system is also a substantial improvement for limited power bus devices.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method for measuring pitch in data obtained from metrology and imaging systems is provided. A data set from a metrology or imaging instrument is obtained. The data set is converted into digital format if not already in that format. The digitized data set is mapped into a one-dimensional profile data if the digitized data set is not already one-dimensional. The one-dimensional profile data denoted by f(x) is a function of x position values corresponding to equally spaced or nearly equally spaced pixels. A criteria function g(T) is constructed as a one-dimensional data array from the profile data f(x) or any of its derivatives and a translation of the profile data f(x) denote by f(x+T) or any of its derivatives. Here, T represents the amount of translation, and g(T) is a function of T translation values corresponding to equally spaced or nearly equally spaced pixels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus capable of performing image formation by automatically discriminating and correcting the direction of an original without sorting originals including both portrait and landscape ones. Image data is read, and the direction of the read image is discriminated. In accordance with the discrimination result, a synthesis image to be synthesized suited to the direction of the image is selected. The synthesis image is rotated, where necessary, so that the synthesis image points in the same direction as the read image, and the two images having the same direction are synthesized and output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus electronically correct real image distortions caused by lens defects, designed-in distortions (fish-eye lenses), and angular distortion (due to trigonometry, and present in all lenses). The distorted images is directly detected by a photo-sensor array (e.g. a CCD image pickup) as pixel data representing the distorted image; optionally the lens is scanned over a small CCD array to generate different images. The raw image data is downloaded to a computer, in which special software corrects the distortions and reconfigures each raw image onto a virtual spherical surface. The corrected images are juxtaposed to build up a composite virtual image on the virtual sphere. Data representing the virtual image can be transformed back to a flat display surface for viewing any portion of the composite scene without distortion and without discontinuities between juxtaposed images.

Abstract: The present invention allows the positional relationship among a plurality of image layers constituting a composed image to be precisely recognized. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an image composition processing apparatus which generates a composed image which is a superposition of a plurality of image layers and displays it within a window of the screen. When the user designates one of the image layers and moves the pointer into the displayed composed image, the image composition processing apparatus converts only a predetermined area of the image layers above the designated image layer, for example, the area which is superposed in the range of a radius of m picture elements centering the coordinate of the pointer in the composed image, to a translucent state.

Abstract: An image collation apparatus includes a collation unit, minimum coincidence ratio extraction unit, and determination unit. The collation unit obtains a coincidence ratio between first and second images within a printing element range for each collation unit by collating the first and second images with each other. The minimum coincidence ratio extraction unit obtains a minimum coincidence ratio from coincidence ratios obtained from the collation unit. The determination unit determines that the first and second images are identical, if the extracted minimum coincidence ratio is smaller than a predetermined threshold. An image collation method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The positional offset of an image is corrected without performing any processing for the setting of a reference position with respect to a document image, e.g., the setting of markings. Pieces of information about a reference image, including a reference position, are stored in a predetermined storage unit. Information about the input image is extracted from the input image, and a target position on the input image is calculated on the basis of the extracted information. In addition, a reference image with respect to the input image is specified on the basis of the information about the input image from the predetermined storage unit. The positional offset of the target position with respect to the reference position of the specified reference image is calculated. The positional offset of the input image with respect to the reference image is corrected on the basis of the calculated positional offset amount.

Abstract: A parameter input section inputs, as parameters, the luminance difference between a to-be-recognized object P and its background, conveyance conditions, etc. An endpoint detecting section uses the parameters to detect a plurality of border points between the object P and the background, without being influenced by external noise or a stain on the object P. A length detecting section detects vertical and horizontal lengths of the object P, and an entire-object position determining section determines the position of the entire object P using the lengths detected by the section. A recognizing section compares an image input by an image input section, with reference image data stored in a reference image data memory, thereby recognizing the object P.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for determining alignment parameters (rotation angle and translation vector) between two images of scene based on the attributes of segments associated with a pair of corresponding points, each point extracted from each of the images.

Abstract: A method for placement of a object such as a substrate or a mask on a table, said method including:

Abstract: A method for registering a pattern image with a reference image is provided. The pattern image and the reference image differ from each other by a Rotation-Scale-Translation (RST) transformation defined by a scale factor s, a rotation factor &phgr;, and a translation vector (&Dgr;x, &Dgr;y). A Fourier-Mellin invariant is used to perform image registration by isolating the rotation, scale and transformation parameters of the RST transformation between the reference image r and the pattern image p.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resolution adjustment method for adjusting the resolution of a scanning module. The scanning module is installed in a scanner for scanning a document and comprises a case with a line-shaped opening on its top for receiving light from the document, a sensor installed in the case and comprising linearly arranged sensing units for scanning the light from the document and generating correspondent image signals, a lens installed in the case for converging the light from the document to the sensor, and a mirror module installed in the case for passing the light from the document through the lens to the sensor. The resolution adjustment method provides the scanning module with a calibration picture for generating a calibration image which comprises two groups of parallel lines in two directions for calibrating the resolutions of the sensor in the two different directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening documents such as bank notes 1 for suitability for continued circulation, in which a damage index is computed for each document from a number of factors comprising a shape factor, an orientation factor, a size factor and a location factor developed for each defect in the document. Shape and rotation factors are obtained by applying Fourier and/or Wavelet transforms to sets of contour signals developed on scanning a document for defects using an optical scanner (6).

Abstract: An image synthesizer where desired template image is selected, and a subject image is synthesized at a predetermined position on the selected template image. Template image data, mask image data corresponding to the template image data, and image information are pre-stored in an image synthesizer. When a user selects a desired template image by touching the screen of a display, mask image data representing a mask image corresponding to the selected template image and synthesis information are obtained. A subject image which a user has also selected on the screen is then synthesized at a predetermined position on the template image using the template image data, the mask image data and the synthesis information, and a resultant composite image is displayed and printed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system includes an ultrasonic transducer having an image data array and a tracking array at each end of the image data array. The tracking arrays are oriented transversely to the image data array. Images from the image data array are used to reconstruct a three-dimensional representation of the target. The relative movement between respective frames of the image data is automatically estimated by a motion estimator, based on frames of data from the tracking arrays. As the transducer is rotated about the azimuthal axis of the image data array, features of the target remain within the image planes of the tracking arrays. Movements of these features in the image planes of the tracking arrays are used to estimate motion as required for the three-dimensional reconstruction. Similar techniques estimate motion within the plane of an image to create an extended field of view.

Abstract: An information input apparatus, an information input method, and an information input sheet which a user can easily operate without directly having to become aware of hardware are provided. An information input sheet includes a display area having an input information area and an identification area in which an identification code of the input information is provided. The identification code of the input information is provided in the display area as a target pattern having a rotation mode in which a code is defined by a directional orientation of the target pattern. An image pickup unit generates imaging information from imaging the information input sheet. The imaging information includes imaging information of the identification area of the information input sheet. Based on this imaging information of the identification area, the rotation mode of the target pattern, as recognized by an image recognition unit, is determined. The rotation mode specifies the identification code of the information input sheet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating a correction angle that rotationally aligns a first polar centered image with a second polar centered image, wherein the first and second polar centered images includes values on a polar grid having evenly spaced polar angle coordinates for each of at least one radial distance coordinate, include the following steps: calculating a polar cross-power spectrum for the first and second polar centered images, the polar cross-power spectrum comprising a phase profile having at least polar angular frequency coordinates; and fitting a linear function of the angular frequency coordinate to the phase profile of the polar cross-power spectrum to determine the correction angle.

Abstract: An edge detection circuit receives multi-valued image data, extracts a portion that satisfies a predetermined condition from the input line, and stores its coordinate data in an edge coordinate memory. A coupling processing circuit generates a rectangular region by coupling the extracted portions, which are separated by only a predetermined distance or less from those stored in the edge coordinate memory, and stores it in a region information memory. The coupling processing circuit discriminates whether or not the generated rectangular region includes a specific image. A binary memory holds bands including the rectangular region which is discriminated to include the specific image. In this way, a specific image region can be extracted from an image signal at high speed without waiting for completion of storage of the entire image signal in a memory and without storing an unnecessary image region in a memory.

Abstract: In a point symmetry shaping apparatus used for a curved figure, any unrecorded symmetry figures are automatically shaped in a point symmetry manner within a short processing time. In the point symmetry shaping apparatus, a coordinate point which constitutes a symmetry center candidate point is calculated from all of center points of symmetry-judging-line-segments. A first point symmetry center candidate point/center point distance calculating unit calculates a distance between the symmetry center candidate point and the center point of the symmetry-judging-line-segment. A point symmetry judging unit judges a point symmetry of the input curved figure in such a manner that a calculation is made of a fluctuation value contained in the distances between the symmetry center candidate point and the center points of the symmetry-judging-line-segments, and the calculated fluctuation value is compared with a threshold value.

Abstract: An improved grid moving method of an object image and an apparatus using the same which are capable of reducing the amount of information with respect to the image of an object by moving the grid in accordance with a position in which an image of the object having shape information exists, which include the steps of: a moving step for forming a grid over an image of an object having shape information, segmenting the image into a plurality of unit regions, and moving the formed grid; a judging step for judging an amount of the information at each position to which the grid is moved in the moving step: a detecting step for detecting a position at which the amount of the information is reduced; a compaction step for reforming the grid in accordance with the position detected in the detecting step and for coding the image of the object existing in unit regions of the reformed grid; and a motion estimation step for reforming the grid in accordance with the position detected in the detecting step and for estimating

Abstract: In a copier with a stapler and a sorter, an image read with a reader unit and a mark indicating a binding position designated from an operation unit are displayed on a CRT, and after an operator checks the binding position, the image is printed out on a sheet by a printer unit and the printed sheets are stapled at the designated position with a stapler. In this manner, the sheets are prevented from being stapled at a different position from that the operator desires.

Abstract: A data processor controlled user interactive display system for displaying hypertext documents, each including a sequence of display screen pages including text and image information received over a communications network such as the World Wide Web by first determining the more significant page edge based upon the horizontal direction in which the natural language of the text is read. Visual information density at a sequence of horizontal positions in a medial direction with respect to said significant page edge is then sampled, and each sequential sample of said visual information is compared to a selected density level. As a result of this comparison, the visual information in the window is positioned with respect to a reference margin determined by a sample of said visual information attaining said selected density level.

Abstract: A system and method for determining offset errors between line and pixel coordinates of landmarks in a digitized image generated by an imaging system disposed on a spacecraft and line and pixel coordinates predicted by a mathematical model of the imaging system using landmark geodetic coordinates on the Earth. The system and method use landmarks in symbolic form, such as perimeters of lakes and islands that are stored in a database. A digitized image generated by the satellite-based imaging system is processed to extract a patch of the image containing a landmark. The image patch is then upsampled (magnified). The landmark boundary is processed using a mathematical model of the imaging system to generate absolute coordinates of the boundary pixels, which are upsampled and rasterized to produce a landmark mask.

Abstract: An improved video window control apparatus and a method thereof which are capable of generating a plurality of video windows on a television or a computer monitor, controlling the size and position thereof, and providing a video window overlap function and a picture-in-picture function.

Abstract: A method for producing a cephalometric lateral profile usable for growth forecasts and treatment simulations particularly for use by orthodontists and maxillo-facial surgeons in planning treatments for their patients. The method includes obtaining a lateral cephalometric x-ray and image of a subject, e.g. by an x-ray machine and a video camera, creating a polyline outline of the lateral profile of the image, identifying a set of pre-defined points on the outline, and converting the polyline outline to a corresponding series of Bezier curves using the identified points as anchor points. The pre-defined points preferably include a set of points on the polyline outline at which the ratio of the subject's soft tissue to the subject's hard tissue is known, e.g. the glabella, the soft nasion, the tip of the nose, the subnasal, the soft A-point, the upper lip, the upper lip embrasure, the lower lip embrasure, the lower lip, the soft B-point, the chin, and the soft menton.

Abstract: A source relative warping technique for corner pinning calculates a final projection matrix representing a desired video effect. At least three non-collinear points are specified in an input video signal representing an image in a source plane. One or more of the non-collinear points are "deformed", and then the points as deformed are processed by the final projection matrix to produce projected points in a target plane. A new projection matrix is defined that projects the original non-collinear points in the source plane onto the projected points in the target plane. The new projection matrix is finally substituted for the final projection matrix.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional shape extraction apparatus, a distance distribution extraction unit (54) obtains the distance distribution of an object on the basis of a plurality of images which are sensed by a camera at different image sensing positions, so that the images of the object partially overlap each other, and the position information of the respective image sensing positions of the camera. A three-dimensional model forming unit (55) forms a three-dimensional model of the object by sequentially combining the sequentially calculated distance distributions and the sensed images using the position information. A 3D display image generation unit (56) generates and displays a two-dimensional image from the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: A method of determining an indicator for the presence of an image is disclosed in which the image is comprised of a two dimensional array of pixels. The method finds particular use in the prevention of fraudulent copying of images, such as bank notes using colour laser copiers and printers. The method firstly imposes a grid of cells over a portion of the image. Then a representative value for each of the cells is determined. Next, a measure of the difference between the representative values of adjacent cells of the grid is determined over the whole of the grid. The first three steps are then repeated for substantially all possible positions of the grid of cells to determine a grid position having an overall maximum positional difference. Finally, the grid position and the representative value for each of said cells is used as a representation of the image. The representation can thus comprise a template used in an image detection system.

Abstract: An image detection system is disclosed for the detection of an image in an input pixel stream. An image is input as a input pixel stream and accumulated and converted into cells which are formed into cell data portions from regions of a corresponding image of the input pixel stream. A template storage ROM stores at least one template that comprises a multiplicity of cell data entries derived form an desired image to be detected. A comparator matrix is connected to the cell converter and the template ROM for comparing the cell data portions with a multiplicity of cell data entries to derive a template detection signal when a predetermined number of the cell data portions match with the multiplicity of said cell data entries. The system finds particular use in the prevention of fraudulent copying of images, such as bank notes using colour laser copiers and printers.

Abstract: A bounding box is generated for a scanned image. A vertical edge of the scanned image is detected. A horizontal edge of the scanned image is also detected. The vertical edge is used as a rightmost edge of the bounding box. The horizontal edge is used as a bottom edge of the bounding box. The vertical edge is detected by, for each scan row, detecting when a first pixel in a substep of pixels of the scan row has a grey value which differs from a grey value of a pixel immediately to the right of the first pixel by at least a first predetermined constant. When such a first pixel is found, any edge from a previous row which is continued by the first pixel is detected. A longest edge in any row continued by the first pixel a length of the longest edge is stored. Also stored is an indication of a rightmost pixel of any edge continued by the first pixel.

Abstract: A digital image processing system reduces errors in the parameters of a sensor geometry model, through which points in a captured digital image are geolocated to the surface of the earth by means of a `real time` co-registration mechanism that refines the geometry model associated with the working image in a matter of seconds. Using a co-registration mechanism such as that described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,937, the system co-registers the reduced accuracy working digital image with a reference image, geographical spatial locations of respective pixels of which have been previously determined with a high degree of accuracy. The imagery co-registration operator adjusts the respective geometry models associated with its input images, in accordance with differences in cross-correlations of the respectively different spatial resolution versions of the two images, so as to bring the respective images into effective co-registration on image registration surface.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image is registered as a model image by setting a window after calculating a main axis angle of the model image stored in an image memory, the main axis angle being defined on a display screen, and then rotating the model image so that the main axis angle becomes a predetermined angle.

Abstract: There are provided a copying machine executing the processing for reading image data from a document and the processing for printing the image data, a computer for editing image data read by the copying machine, and a memory board having a memory for storing therein image data to which an image data bus of the copying machine and an internal bus of the computer are connected respectively, and the copying machine executes the processing for reading image data from a document and writing the image data in a memory, the computer executes the processing for reading the image data from a memory, editing the image data, and writing the edited image data again in the memory, the copying machine executes the processing the reading the edited image data from the memory and printing the image data, and the memory board controls the operations for reading and writing the image data by the copying machine.

Abstract: The invention provides improved machine vision methods for determining a calibration relationship among the imaging reference frames of multiple cameras (or other image acquisition devices) that acquire images of a common moveable object. The calibration relationship includes parameters for transforming positional coordinates among the camera's respective imaging reference frames. The method includes placing on the common object, stage, or belt a plurality of fiducials, e.g., calibration marks, that are at known positions relative to each other with respect to a frame of reference referred to as the "alignment reference frame"; aligning an axis of the alignment reference frame with an axis of the object's reference frame of motion, i.e.

Abstract: A method and system for compositing graphical images, wherein an advanced adjustment layer may be applied during a compositing process to a set of image layers 1 . . . n, or to any subordinate subset of such image layers. One or more adjustment layers are applied to an intermediate merged image, generated by compositing previous image layers, and the adjusted result is stored as a temporary image. The temporary image is then in turn composited with the intermediate merged image. Any remaining image layers are then composited in with the intermediate merged image to generate a final merged image. The invention allows a user to apply a vast array of effects without requiring significant new knowledge on the part of the user. For example, if there are "A" adjustments and "T" transfer modes, the present invention allows A.times.T effects which leverage existing knowledge of the user of only A+T functions.

Abstract: An image input system includes: an image pickup device movable at least from side to side; an image pickup direction designating device for designating the direction of movement at least from side to side of the image pickup device; a display form switching device for switching a display form for an image picked up by the image pickup device between two display forms: a real image display form in which the image is displayed as it is and a mirror image display form in which the image is displayed reversed left to right; and a control direction changing device which, when the display form is switched by the display form switching device, changes the correspondence of the designation regarding the direction of movement from side to side, given by the image pickup direction designating device, and the direction of movement from side to side effected in response to the designation.