Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera device for outdoor photography and a method to capture wildlife photographs. The camera device comprises: a four sided block; a solar panel on the top side of the block, where the solar panel supplies power to the camera device; a camera lens on each side of the block; a sensor on each side of the block, where the sensor detects motion and activates the camera lens associated with said sensor; and a programming panel on each side of the block, where the programming panel may program the functionality of each camera and sensor. The camera device also includes adequate memory and a processor, where the memory stores photographs taken by each camera and the processor executes commands related to the functionality of each camera and sensor of the camera device.

Abstract: Without use of special hardware such as an angular rate sensor, a direction of blur can be judged with high accuracy. A parameter acquisition unit obtains weighting parameters for principal components representing directions of blur in a predetermined structure in an image by fitting to the structure a mathematical model generated by a method of Active Appearance Models (AAM) using a plurality of sample images representing the structure in different conditions of blur. A blur direction judgment unit judges the direction of blur based on the weighting parameters, and a blur width acquisition unit finds a width of blur based on an edge component found by an edge detection unit in the direction perpendicular to the direction of blur. A blur correction unit corrects the blur in the image based on the direction and the width of blur.

Abstract: An auto focus unit, comprising a pursuit block, a lens driver, a detection block, and a controller, is provided. The pursuit block pursues the movements of an optical image of the target-object. The auto focus unit brings an optical image of the target-object into focus on a light-receiving surface. The target-object is desired to be brought into focus. The lens driver causes a focus lens to move so that an optical image of a scanning-area is brought into focus. The detection block detects the light intensity of an area including the scanning area. The controller causes the pursuit block to suspend a pursuit of the target-object when the light intensity detected by the detection block is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image capture device and a technique for capturing an image. The technique includes selecting at least one subject displayed on an image capture device as an image trigger condition and entering a threshold level corresponding to the at least one image trigger condition. The technique further provides monitoring a signal from at least one sensor detecting the at least one image trigger condition and obtaining at least one digital image upon detecting the sensed image trigger condition meeting the threshold level.

Abstract: A microscope examination apparatus including a light source; an illumination optical system configured to guide light from the light source to a specimen; an objective lens configured to collimate return light from the specimen, the objective lens being provided in such a manner as to be displaceable at least in a direction intersecting an optical axis of the objective lens; an image-forming lens configured to image the return light from the specimen, which is collimated by the objective lens; an optical detector configured to detect the return light imaged by the image-forming lens; a microscope main body including the image-forming lens and the optical detector; and an objective-lens driving mechanism configured to drive the objective lens in a direction correcting image blur due to a displacement of the specimen.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a housing, viewing electronics mounted within the housing, an IR emitter exposed on a surface of the housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller operatively coupled to the viewing electronics, the IR emitter, and the motion detector, wherein the controller is adapted to send an activation signal to the IR emitter and to the viewing electronics when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector

Abstract: A camera is provided which is configured to receive a photographic lens having a diaphragm. The camera includes a defocus amount detection unit configured to detect first information corresponding to a defocus amount, from light passing through the photographic lens mounted on the camera; an acquisition unit configured to acquire second information corresponding to an image-forming position from a lens position output unit provided on the photographic lens; and an image-forming position prediction unit configured to predict a change in image-forming position based on a change in the second information and a plurality of the past first information stored in a memory, wherein the image-forming position prediction unit predicts the image forming position in consideration of third information corresponding to time required for diaphragm driving that is acquired from a diaphragm driving time prediction unit provided on the photographic lens.

Abstract: A focus control apparatus includes a signal generator for generating a first signal in accordance with a predetermined frequency component of an image signal obtained by photoelectrically converting an image of a subject formed by an image-taking optical system, a detector for detecting a second signal different from the first signal, and a controller for detecting a movement of the subject based on the second signal and for switching driving of the image-taking optical system based on the detection, wherein the controller controls driving of the image-taking optical system based on the first signal.

Abstract: An image pickup device and image pickup method are disclosed, wherein an image is picked up by changing the shutter speed in accordance with the illuminance of an object in the case where the rate at which the object moves in the whole image is smaller than a predetermined value, and an image is picked up without changing the shutter speed regardless of the illuminance of the object in the case where the rate at which the object moves in the whole image is not smaller than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A motion sensor incorporates an internal light source, typically a super bright LED and an optical projection system visible to an observer standing in the motion sensor coverage zone(s) to simplify orientation of the sensor on installation. A multi-lens system or an arrangement of small windows in front of the LED projects a visible light pattern that mimics the detection pattern of the motion sensor to an observer standing in the detection zone and looking at the sensor.

Abstract: Motion of an image of a scene being captured by a digital image acquisition device is detected and used to control parameters of illumination of the scene by a flash lamp that is typically built into the device. Parameters that may be controlled include the intensity, duration and timing of light emitted by the flash lamp. Such control of the flash illumination is preferably performed in conjunction with adjusting one or more exposure parameters used to capture an image. Such exposure parameters include duration, aperture and sensor gain. Motion blur caused by movement of the camera or by movement of an object within the scene being photographed is reduced by selecting appropriate exposure parameters and flash light characteristics.

Abstract: A covert camera for surveillance in an aircraft comprises a front panel that can have an appearance other than a conventional camera. The front panel can include at least one aperture therethrough. A lens can be in or near the aperture, the lens having a field of view. A camera mount can be positioned on the front panel. The camera mount can include a sensor capable of receiving an image of at least a portion of the field of view. The camera mount can be capable of adjustment without movement of the lens.

Abstract: A subject shake detection device includes a shake detection unit that detects a shake amount of an imaging unit for photographing a subject, a subject shake detection unit that detects an image shake amount from a motion picture to be photographed by the imaging unit and acquires a subject shake amount on the basis of a difference between the image shake amount and the shake amount, and an informing unit that informs a subject shake on the basis of the subject shake amount.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

Abstract: An exposure control method adjusts an exposure setting used for capturing an image including a foreground object and a background. The foreground object is extracted from the image by an object detection procedure. If the area of the foreground object is greater than a predetermined area value, the brightness of both the foreground object and the background is analyzed. On the contrary, if the area of the foreground object is not greater than the predetermined area value, only the brightness of the background is analyzed. The exposure setting is adjusted according to the analysis result. Accordingly, greater brightness stability is provided during the capture of the following images.

Abstract: A device for tracking a moving object comprises a receiver, an evaluation unit, a camera and a control unit. The receiver is implemented to receive a signal transmitted by a mobile transmitter which is located at the moving object and follows movements of the object. The evaluation unit determines position data of the moving object from the received signal. The control unit aligns the camera to the moving object based on the determined position data.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and camera system detect a change in motion of at least a portion of an object framed in a viewing field of a camera. At least one picture of the object is taken based upon, at least in part, the change in motion of at least a portion of the object if a level of light is at least a predefined threshold level of light.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

Abstract: In a method for processing an image, a scene to be captured is divided into multiple zones and statistical values for a plurality of the multiple zones are obtained. In addition, a short-exposure time and a long-exposure time from the statistical values of the plurality of zones are determined. A long-exposure frame is captured at the long-exposure time and a short-exposure frame is captured at the short-exposure time. The long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame are combined into a combined image while correcting for motion estimated to have occurred between the long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame, and the combined image is stored.

Abstract: Quantities of motion between images of an electronic camera are calculated and used to adjust the exposure time and one or more other exposure parameters used to capture an image in order to improve the quality of the image. Motion blur caused by movement of the camera or by movement of an object within the scene being photographed is reduced by selecting appropriate exposure parameters. Further, when there is little or no motion detected, the exposure parameters may be selected to improve the depth of field and reduce the noise in the captured image.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus includes a LED emission section that irradiates a subject with light by causing a LED to emit the light and a xenon-tube emission section that irradiates a subject with light by causing a xenon tube to emit the light. The light from the xenon-tube emission section has higher intensity than the light from the LED emission section. The image-taking apparatus also includes a shake detection section that predicts a shake that will occur at shooting by detecting a shake before shooting. The image-taking apparatus also includes an emission control section that causes the xenon-tube emission section to irradiate a subject with light when the detected shake is above a predetermined level, and causes the LED emission section to irradiate a subject with light when the detected shake is equal to or below the predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus suitably detects a recording trigger even in a low-brightness or low-light-intensity environment, and acquires, from a recorded image, a high-quality image from which a person or the like can be easily recongized. When a recording trigger is to be detected, this apparatus disables an infrared reduction filter, so a recording trigger can be suitably detected even in an environment in which the brightness or light inensity is low. When an image is to be recorded, this apparatus records a color image by enabling the infrared reduction filter.

Abstract: A motion sensor incorporates an internal light source, typically a super bright LED. A multi-lens system or an arrangement of small windows in front of the LED projects a visible light pattern that mimics the detection pattern of the motion sensor to an observer standing in the detection zone and looking at the sensor.

Abstract: Traveling photographing of a camera is controlled in accordance with a plurality of photographing parameters and priority orders of the plurality of photographing parameters, respective stored in a storage unit, a motion of an object photographed with the camera is detected on the basics of the photographing parameters, and the priority order corresponding to the photographing parameters used when the motion is detected is changed.

Abstract: A stage apparatus in which a movable stage is guided in first and second directions orthogonal to each other on a stationary member, includes a pair of first elongated holes formed on one of the movable stage and the stationary member and are elongated in the first direction; a pair of link members having two engaging pins at first ends thereof which are engaged in the pair of first elongated holes to be movable therein, respectively, one of second ends of the pair of link members being pivoted at the other of the movable stage and the stationary member, and the other of the second ends of the pair of link members being supported by the other of the movable stage and the stationary member; and a link-member support mechanism for moving the movable stage in the second direction while maintaining a symmetrical shape thereof.

Abstract: A motion-detecting device for reducing assembly tolerance includes a connection unit, a light-emitting unit, an image-sensing unit and a positioning unit. The connection unit has a first fixing portion formed on one side thereof and a second fixing portion formed on another side thereof. The second fixing portion has a receiving space and a through hole communicating with the receiving space. The light-emitting unit is fixed in the first fixing portion of the connection unit for generating a projection beam. The image-sensing unit is received in the receiving space of the second fixing portion for capturing images. The positioning unit is positioned over the receiving space of the second fixing portion and electrically connected to the image-sensing unit. The transparent base is disposed under the connection unit and mated with the second fixing portion of the connection unit.

Abstract: By using input image signals of a plurality of frames, the motions of prescribed areas within an image based on the input image signals are detected, and then a layering is performed. An image signal of a peripheral image which occurs at the same time as an objective frame in the input image signals, and is different in view angle from the image of the objective frame is generated using the input image signals of the plurality of the frames based on the detected motions and the layering.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed which analyzes image data of a subject acquired by an image pickup device to select an appropriate combination of exposure time, aperture, and exposure sensitivity upon shooting in order to perform exposure control. As an example of image data analysis methods, there is shown a method of detecting the movement of a characteristic point in an image, or a method of detecting luminance variations in a specific block or area in the image to detect the subject movement. As another exemplary method, a face of the subject is detected. The present invention can also be combined with a shake reduction mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling cameras and performing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) of a container code and a chassis code on a containers and a chassis associated with a truck has at least one camera capable of viewing the truck as it passes the camera. When the truck passes the camera, which the camera may determine when it is in a first viewing position, and the truck stops, which may be determined by the camera when it is in a second viewing position, the camera views the truck and determines if it has a chassis and container, and if so, what is the container size. The camera then pans to another viewing position depending on container size, and images a container code. Another camera may determine chassis code.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an element layout apparatus, an element layout program and an element layout method which lay out a plurality of images taken by a camera, a video recorder or the like, so as to express a sense of time or ambience with the lapse of time on an album board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of faces in a digital image captured under a variety of lighting conditions are provided. Rather than subjecting an entire image to computationally intensive face detection analysis, the image is subjected to computationally simply analysis to identify candidate pixels likely to be of skin colour. Only those pixels having such color are subject to computationally intensive face detection analysis. The pixels are selected by first selecting a color distribution model based on an image capture condition provided with the color digial image. Then, the color of the pixels is tested using the distribution model to determine those pixels having predominantly skin color. Preferably, the distribution model is selected from among a number of different distribution models with each of the distribution models associated with a different set of lighting conditions.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

Abstract: By using input image signals of a plurality of frames, the motions of prescribed areas within an image based on the input image signals are detected, and then a layering is performed. An image signal of a peripheral image which occurs at the same time as an objective frame in the input image signals, and is different in view angle from the image of the objective frame is generated using the input image signals of the plurality of the frames based on the detected motions and the layering.

Abstract: AF is started in response to the depression of a shutter button 61 by the user, and a plurality of images are obtained in succession with a time interval while a first image and a second image are obtained in this order with a time interval by a CCD 11. With respect to the AF area, of the first image, set so as to be used for the evaluation of the focus condition, the number of pixels belonging to a region in a predetermined color space is counted, and with respect to a plurality of color evaluation areas (the area corresponding to the AF area and a plurality of areas in the vicinity thereof) set for the second image, the number of pixels belonging to the region in the predetermined color space is counted. Then, the amount of shift between the color evaluation area where the number of pixels closest to the number of pixels counted with respect to the first image is counted, and the AF area is detected as the object movement amount.

Abstract: A process for providing event photographs for inspection, selection and distribution via a computer network generally includes the steps of taking event photographs, associating identifying data with each photograph taken, transferring the photographs to a computer network server, and permitting access to the server for searching of a particular photograph utilizing the identifying data. The identifying data can include a name of an event participant, a number corresponding to a number worn by the event participant, the date and time the photograph was taken, or a code captured from a component as it passes a sensor. Such a component can be passive or active and can include a bar code, inductive device or an electronic transmitting device which is worn by the event participant. The event participants are informed of the identifying data by posting the identifying data associated with each photograph so that it is made available to the participants of the event for later use in searching the server.

Abstract: A process for providing event photographs for inspection, selection and distribution via a computer network generally includes the steps of taking event photographs, associating identifying data with each photograph taken, transferring the photographs to a computer network server, and permitting access to the server for searching of a particular photograph utilizing the identifying data. The identifying data can include a name of an event participant, a number corresponding to a number worn by the event participant, the date and time the photograph was taken, or a code captured from a component as it passes a sensor. Such a component can be passive or active and can include a bar code, inductive device or an electronic transmitting device which is worn by the event participant. The event participants are informed of the identifying data by posting the identifying data associated with each photograph so that it is made available to the participants of the event for later use in searching the server.

Abstract: A motion detector camera including a housing having a mounting member in a bottom surface for mounting the housing to a tripod, the housing having an film advance mechanism for automatically advancing a film of the camera after each exposure. The camera includes a wide angle lens attached to a front surface of the housing, a motion detector attached to a front surface of the housing, and a flash attached to the housing and having a range of at least 23 feet. The camera also includes a controller for controlling the flash and a shutter of the camera, wherein the controller receives a signal from the motion detector indicating a triggering event and the controller causes the flash to flash if necessary and causes the shutter to form an exposure on the film.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus automatically determines the photographing mode and displays on a display a kind of the photographing mode with the image of the subject. The image forming apparatus comprises an image pickup part for forming an image of the subject, a photographing mode automatically setting part for automatically selecting one photographing mode from among a plurality of photographing modes based on a photographing condition when the subject is photographed, and setting the selected photographing mode, a display part for displaying the image of the subject; and a display control part for displaying on the display part a kind of the photographing mode set by the photographing mode automatically setting part together with the image of the subject.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device of camera is adapted to control the lens to focus on an object moving along the optical axis of the lens. The focus detecting section of the device outputs a plurality of focus detection signals according to the focused state of the image of the object formed by the camera lens. The correlation computing section of the device computationally determines the correlation between the last focus detection signal and the preceding focus detection signals in order to predict the movement of the object according to the plurality of focus detection signals output from the focus detecting section. A reliability judging section of the device judges the reliability of the outcome of the computationally determining operation of the correlation computing section.

Abstract: A camera having a photographic mode automatic selecting apparatus. A photographic mode selecting device selects a photographic mode from a plurality of photographic modes. A photographic distance detecting device detects photographic distance data of a photographic lens. The photographic mode selecting device selects an appropriate photographic mode from the plurality of photographic modes based on the photographic distance data of the photographic lens.

Abstract: A photographic subject position predicting apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a focal point detection device that detects the focal point adjustment state of the photographic lens, a moving speed detection device that detects the moving speed of the photographic subject, a prediction time calculation device that calculates the photographic subject position prediction time in accordance with the photographic subject moving speed detected by the moving speed detection device, and a prediction device that predicts the photographic subject position after the photographic subject position prediction time has elapsed, based upon the focal point adjustment state detected by the focal point detection device.

Abstract: An autofocus control device to perform lens drive control with moving body tracking control. The autofocus control device includes a defocus amount computation device to determine a defocus amount representing an amount of deviation in the optical axis direction of an image formed by the lens and an image forming plane. A drive position computation device computes a position to which the photographic lens is to be driven based upon the defocus amount. A first drive direction computation device and a second drive direction computation device both determine a direction in which the lens is to be driven based upon different information. A field travel speed computation device computes a field travel speed for the subject based upon computed drive positions for the photographic lens.

Abstract: An autofocus adjustment device capable of computing the confidence level of focus detection accurately is disclosed. The autofocus adjustment device includes a focus detection device to determine focus detection results of the phototaking lens and a confidence value calculation device to calculate a confidence value to determine whether the results of said focus detection means have a sufficient level of confidence. The confidence value calculation device includes a plurality of confidence value calculation units with each calculation unit executing a different calculation process.

Abstract: A camera includes an autofocus adjustment device. The autofocus device comprises a lens and camera body. The lens is comprised of a shooting lens, a lens information circuit, and a lens movement mechanism. The camera body has a main mirror, a submirror, an AF module, a sensor drive circuit, a controller, a lens drive control circuit, and motor. The autofocus adjustment device uses image plane movement velocity for the determination of a moving object and uses focus position change velocity in lens drive control.