Abstract: An image-taking apparatus includes a lighting section having LEDs that individually correspond to areas, into which a field is divided, and that each emit light to the corresponding one of the areas. The apparatus also includes a CCD and an AF section. The lighting section is configured to emit light to the field after an amount of emitted light for each of the divided areas is adjusted based on subject brightness information from the CCD and subject distance information from the AF section according to field conditions.

Abstract: An electronic flash, imaging device and method for producing flashes of light uses a diffractive optical element to produce a flash of light having a rectangular radiation pattern. The diffractive optical element is configured to diffract light emitted from a light source such that the radiation pattern of the light emitted from the diffractive optical element is rectangular to produce the rectangular flash of light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital camera that is capable of capturing a picture in which the brightness between a main subject and a nighttime background are well balanced. When an image capture instruction is received while a night scene portrait mode is set, in a pixel addition output mode, an image sensor 16 is set to a high sensitivity state by performing pixel addition, and outputs low resolution non-flash image data. Further, in an overall pixel output mode, the image sensor 16 outputs high resolution flash image data in a low sensitivity state without performing pixel addition. Next, a resolution conversion circuit 40 converts a resolution of non-flash image data to be equivalent to a resolution of flash image data. Then, an image combining circuit 60 adds respective pixel values of corresponding pixels in the non-flash image data and the flash image data having the same resolution and combines both sets of image data to generate image data for recording.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an imaging optical system, an image sensor, an image signal processing section and a light-amount characteristic giving section. The imaging optical system has a distortion in such a way as to form an image whose center part is stretched, and whose peripheral part is squeezed. The image sensor has a light reception surface at which a subject image is formed through the imaging optical system, and converts the formed subject image into image signals. The image signal processing section performs an image processing for correcting the image signals with respect to the distortion. The light-amount characteristic giving section gives the subject image a characteristic in which the amount of light at a center part of the subject image formed at the light-reception surface of the image sensor is larger than that at a peripheral part of the subject image.

Abstract: An illuminating system for a camera that can illuminate an area according to an angle of view of the camera for stroboscopy is provided. The illuminating system includes: a light source emitting light; and an illuminating lens arranged in an optical path of the light emitted from the light source and having a fly-eye lens surface with a plurality of lens cells thereon and an aspherical or spherical lens surface opposite to the fly-eye lens surface.

Abstract: A system provides a multi-axis translation and orientation capability for optical imaging. The system includes an optical imaging apparatus providing a signal representing a digitized image, and a mechanical frame. The frame includes a first set of articulations capable of independently translating the optical imaging apparatus in multiple linear directions. The system also includes a second set of articulations formed as joints providing at least three independent degrees of rotation of the optical imaging apparatus. The system also provides an opening configured to permit the frame to be postured about a patient such that an isocenter corresponds to a region of interest of the patient, and includes an illumination source attached to the frame and configured to direct illumination towards the isocenter. The system also comprises a camera system co-located with the illumination source and having a focal plane at the isocenter.

Abstract: A system and method for stereo photography is provided. The system comprises a first light source, a second light source and a photodetector. The first light source is configured to illuminate one or more first non-white colors on an object. The second light source is configured to illuminate one or more second non-white colors that are different from the first non-white colors on the object. The photodetector is configured to detect a three dimensional representation of the object at a single moment in time in response to the first light source illuminating the first non-white colors and the second light source illuminating the second non-white colors on the object.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus estimates a distance based on a reflectance value of a subject estimated with improved precision. An illumination unit illuminates a subject with illumination light. An imaging unit captures a plurality of images each under a different condition of the illumination unit. An illumination light element obtaining unit obtains an image formed with an element of the illumination light from the plurality of images. A reflectance estimation unit eliminates illumination variations from one of the plurality of images or from the image formed with the illumination light element, and estimates a reflectance of the subject corresponding to each pixel. A distance information estimation unit estimates a distance to the subject corresponding to each pixel based on the image formed with the illumination light element and the reflectance of the subject.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising an imaging element for focusing incident light to a light receiving element by the shutter opening to generate image data; a flash for emitting a flash toward an imaging direction of the imaging unit; a controller for controlling the imaging element so as to continuously open the shutter a plurality of times and controlling the flash so as to emit a flash at a second and following opening timings among the plurality of opening timings; and an image processor for generating new image data based on the image data generated by the imaging element by the imaging at the opening timing when the flash does not emit a flash and the image data generated by the imaging element by the imaging at the opening timing when the flash emits a flash.

Abstract: A bevel inspection module for capturing images of a substrate is provided. The module includes a rotational motor, which is attached to a substrate chuck and is configured to rotate the substrate chuck thereby allowing the substrate to revolve. The module further includes a camera and an optic enclosure, which is attached to the camera and is configured to rotate, enabling light to be directed toward the substrate. The camera is mounted from a camera mount, which is configured to enable the camera to rotate on a 180 degree plane allowing the camera to capture images of at least one of a top view, a bottom view, and a side view of the substrate. The module yet also includes a backlight arrangement, which is configured to provide illumination to the substrate, thereby enabling the camera to capture the images, which shows contrast between the substrate and a background.

Abstract: A bracket suitable for supporting a flash.

Abstract: A method generates a high dynamic range image by first acquiring a set of images of a scene illuminated by different lighting conditions. The set of images are then combined to generate a high dynamic range image.

Abstract: Optical system (40) for observing multiple objects (61, 63) positioned distal from one another, having a camera unit (42) comprising a first prism unit (43) positioned on the optical axis (41) and/or in the beam path (47) of the camera unit for producing two partial beam paths (48, 49) as well as two object prism units (51, 52), each of which is situated in a partial beam path and assigned to an object.

Abstract: This invention allow a photographer to quickly and easily flip their on camera flash to a vertical position when taking a vertical photograph using a hinge that allows it to tilt to the left and right with wiring to transfer information between the flash and camera. The invention can be built into a flash or a separate device. This eliminates the need for a bracket and off camera flash cord cost, storage space in camera bag, and bulkiness when taking photos.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus performs photographing multiple times and composing the multiple images to obtain one image of a correct exposure. The apparatus includes an image capturing unit, an illumination unit and an image composition unit. The image capturing unit captures an optical image of an object as an electrical signal. The illumination unit performs illumination on photographing by the image capturing unit. The image composition unit composes multiple images obtained by multiple times of photographing by the image capturing unit. All of the multiple images are the images shot by performing illumination with the illumination unit.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for illumination and photographic capture of a subject includes a base, a linear drive unit carried on the base, a light bar configured to produce a band of illumination and connected to the drive unit, and system controls operatively connected to the drive unit and light bar to achieve controlled linear movement of the light bar and progressive illumination of the subject with the band of light. A method for illumination and photographic capture of the subject includes establishing a band of light projecting across one direction of the subject, powering the band of light at a controlled speed through a second direction to progressively illuminate the subject; and making a photographic exposure of the subject with a camera while progressively illuminating the subject with said band of light.

Abstract: A light diffuser for a camera used in macro photography, the diffuser formed from a prism having a body that includes an opening to accommodate the camera lens such that the body is positioned adjacent the camera flash unit for receiving and redirecting light throughout the body to exit a front face thereof around the lens and illuminate the subject in a desirable manner. Ideally the body is a unitary transparent material having facets formed thereon to provide internal reflection. One or more filter elements aid in conditioning the light processed in the diffuser body, such as diffusing, adding color to, and focusing the light.

Abstract: A flash apparatus to perform preliminary flashing, detect an average brightness of surroundings in synchronization with a periodic signal subsequent to the preliminary flashing, and set main flashing time according to the detected average brightness, is controlled by controlling the flash apparatus to start preliminary flashing at a point earlier than a first point at which either a rising edge or a falling edge of a first pulse of the periodic signal is generated, detecting a first average brightness of surroundings at the first point, controlling the flash apparatus to terminate the preliminary flashing at a point later than the first point, detecting a second average brightness of surroundings at a second point at which either a rising edge or a falling edge of a second pulse subsequent to the first pulse of the periodic signal is generated, setting the main flashing time according to the detected first and second average brightness, and controlling the flash apparatus to perform main flashing according to

Abstract: Disclosed is a face image capturing device for guiding users to put their faces within a camera's field-of-view even at a relatively long distance from the camera and thereby capturing face images accurately. The device includes a light emitting device for emitting a light beam to enhance a field-of-view of the camera; a light guide path in close proximity to the camera; and guiding the light beam emitted from the light emitting device. Due to the light emitted straight forward from the end portion of the light guide path, users can first confirm the field-of-view of the camera even at a relatively long distance from the camera and then position their faces within the camera's field-of-view.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a heat generating member arranged in a body, and a heat transmission member of a shape of a three-dimensional body having at least a first surface that is joined to the heat generating member and a second surface that is joined to an inner surface of the body. The first surface of the heat transmission member has an area greater than or equal to an area of the heat transmission member joined to the heat generating member, and an entire area of the second surface is joined to the inner surface of the body.

Abstract: A video presenter of the invention includes a table with a top surface on which an object is to be positioned; a pivot member disposed at a side of the table; an arched or arc-shaped support arm rotatably coupled with the pivot member and extended therefrom; and, a camera head rotatably coupled with an end of the arched or arc-shaped support arm.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes: a photographing unit for obtaining an image representing a subject through photographing; a face detecting unit for detecting a face from the image obtained by the photographing unit; and a reflectance calculating unit for calculating a reflectance of the face. The reflectance calculating unit obtains a result of the face detection by the face detecting unit at a predetermined point of time after acquisition of the image by the photographing unit has begun, obtains images of the same subject taken with flash emission and taken without flash emission, and if the obtained detection result indicates that a face is contained, calculates the reflectance of the face based on a difference in brightness of the face between the images taken with flash emission and taken without flash emission and the size of the face.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and camera apparatus upon which can be executed an improved method enable a modular camera to be used in conjunction with a flash. In one implementation, compensation parameters that are intended for use in a non-flash situation are overwritten with compensation parameters that are configured to compensate for the combined effects of the camera and the flash and are used by an embedded compensation routine executed on the camera. In another implementation, an image signal is processed by the embedded compensation routine using the original compensation parameters, but if it is determined that the image signal is a flash image signal, the image signal is further processed by the embedded compensation routine employing an additional set of parameters which compensate the image signal for the effect of the flash.

Abstract: A camera which continuously performs shooting at predetermined time intervals in conjunction with one shutter release operation, comprises: a strobe light source which emits strobe light whose color temperature is adjustable; a light emission control device which controls the strobe light source to emit the strobe light in synchronization with each shooting in the continuous shooting; and a color temperature adjustment device which adjusts the color temperature of the strobe light emitted from the strobe light source for each shooting in the continuous shooting to vary color temperature with each shooting within a predetermined color temperature variable range which has been previously set. Thereby, even in a situation where the strobe light emission at a right color temperature is difficult, it is possible to perform the shooting with the strobe light emission at the color temperature intended by the shooter.

Abstract: A digital camera 1 comprising a xenon strobe light device 15 and an LED strobe light device 16, wherein, when strobe light consecutive imaging is performed when the strobe light is set to “automatically-switched strobe light”, the digital camera 1 illuminates a xenon tube 27 by controlling the xenon strobe light device 15 synchronously with each instance of imaging for a predetermined number of frames, and when the number of consecutively-imaged frames exceeds a predetermined number of times, the digital camera 1 switches the strobe light to the LED strobe light, and illuminates the LED synchronously with each instance of imaging in the consecutive imaging by controlling the LED strobe light device 16.

Abstract: Usability of device is improved for an imaging device that images a target object mounted on a table. In order to hold a camera head 120 and an illumination unit 130 with respect to a table 110 on which a target object is mounted, an imaging device 100 coaxially and rotatably supports a camera head holding arm 140 and an illumination unit holding arm 150 at an elevated portion 118, which is located at an inner-left corner of the table 110, such that degrees of inclinations of the arms may be variable with respect to the table 110. The arms are rotatably and axially supported at the elevated portion 118 such that the camera holding arm 140 can rotate with an accompanying rotation of the illumination unit holding arm 150 and the illumination unit holding arm 150 can rotate independently with no accompanying rotation of the camera holding arm 140.

Abstract: A flash apparatus or an image capture apparatus includes a charging unit, configured to boost a voltage of an electric source and a control unit, configured to calculate the sum of the light emission amount within a predetermined period of time. The control unit reduces the temperature rise of components which generate heat due to the continuous light emission when the sum of the light emission amount reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flash shutter mechanism (105) and a method (200) of operating same. The mechanism can include a flash (114) that may illuminate when an image is captured and a lens (116) that can cover the flash, including when the flash is illuminated. The lens can have a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state. In particular, the lens can be in the substantially transparent state when a camera mode is activated and can be in the substantially opaque state when the camera mode is deactivated. In one arrangement, the shutter mechanism can be positioned in a camera phone (100), and when the lens is in the substantially opaque state, the lens can have a color that may substantially match a portion of a housing (118) of the camera phone. The lens may also cover an image capture device (112).

Abstract: A device may include a camera to capture an image, a sensor to measure information indicative of a color characteristic of light in an environment, and a processor to adjust a color characteristic of a flash based on the color characteristic of the light in the environment and activate the flash for capturing the image according to the adjusted color characteristic.

Abstract: To provide an imaging device that can use a single illumination device to offer a light source suitable for imaging a translucent target object, while also enabling the imaging device to be mounted on a platform such as a desk. In case of slide film imaging, an illumination unit holding arm 150 is rotated into a position at a table side and an illumination unit 130 is brought into a sub illuminating attitude where the illumination unit 130 is laid over a top surface of the table 110. On that condition, a film stage 200 is mounted on the table 110 in a manner opposed to a camera head 120, and front end of a stage 202 is overlapped with and engaged to upper end of a casing of the illumination unit 130 that takes the sub illuminating attitude. Light irradiated by the illumination unit 130 in this state enters a region under the stage 202 of the film stage 200, goes through an opening 210 of the stage 202, and at last reaches the camera head 120.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a single-lens reflex camera configured such that, upon viewing a subject image through a finder optical system, a movable reflecting mirror reflects the optical axis of a light beam from a shooting optical system at an obtuse angle to guide the light beam to an optical element such as a pentamirror or a pentaprism. According to the present invention, since the light beam from the shooting optical system is reflected at the obtuse angle by the movable reflecting mirror, the overall pentagonal section as a reflective member, for example, for guiding a viewing image to an eyepiece optical system is arranged on a more rear side than that in such a structure that the light beam is reflected at right angles. This configuration of the invention can result in a reduction in camera size in the direction of the shooting optical path.

Abstract: Various image-capturing systems are disclosed that use polarized filters to reduce or control glare effects on captured images. In one embodiment, the system includes a light source, a first polarized filter adapted to polarize light emanating from the light source; a second polarized filter adapted to perform polarized filtering on received light; and an image-capturing device adapted to receive the filtered light. In another embodiment, the system further includes an actuator to selectively move any of the polarized filter into and out of the light path. In yet another embodiment, a method of forming a resultant image comprises recording a first image with a filter set to a first polarization angle, recording a second image with the filter set to a second polarization angle, and blending the first and second images. The recording of the first and second images may be performed simultaneously or at different times.

Abstract: An imaging device, such as a digital camera, has a mechanism for compensating an image blur caused by hand jiggling and is capable of consecutively shooting, through one operation of a shutter operation section (36), frames of an image in a state where the mechanism (20) is operational and in a state where the mechanism is not operational.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to capture images using a laser projection display (LPD). In a full color LPD camera, three lasers (red, blue, and green) are deployed to scan an image and receive reflected laser light therefrom. The reflected laser light may be analyzed and assembled into a picture. The LPD may also be used to display the picture, to operate as a viewfinder, to print the picture, to operate as a range finder, and the like.

Abstract: Video components attributable to ambient lighting in a stream of digital images of a scene illuminated by both ambient and active sources are eliminated in each image frame, leaving only video components attributable to the active source. The spectrum of the active source is encompassed by the ambient source, and spectral filtering defines a primary channel comprising video components in a primary spectrum encompassing both active and ambient lighting and a secondary channel comprising video components in a secondary spectrum encompassing only ambient lighting. The pixels of the secondary channel are scaled by a factor correlating the spectral reflectances of the primary and secondary spectra, and the scaled secondary channel is subtracted from the primary channel to produce an ambient corrected image. The pixels of the ambient corrected image are further scaled to compensate for spectral filter bleeding of the active source into the secondary channel.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus and method that can combine a plurality of images photographed by time division exposure. The photographing apparatus and method employ a photographing device having an entire reset mode in which entire pixels are exposed simultaneously right after a flash is shot, and a sequential exposure mode in which exposure time is different according to a state where a flash is not shot, and an image combining unit that combines images photographed by the photographing device, such that the photographing device performs photographing in combination of the entire reset mode and the sequential exposure mode in sequential photographing operations.

Abstract: A device that enlarges text and images to enable a low vision person to see the text and images includes a hollow structure including a top housing and a bottom housing that are connected to one another. A camera aperture is formed in the bottom housing and a transparent light guide lens is disposed in closing relation to the camera aperture so that all light entering the camera aperture must first pass through the light guide lens. A cavity formed in the light guide lens is bounded by walls that are positioned at a critical angle. Light-emitting diodes are positioned at critical locations about the periphery of the light guide lens to illuminate the object being viewed.

Abstract: An adaptive fill-flash technique for digital photography that employs flash and no-flash image pairs. A flash image, captured using a flash of known characteristics and ambient light, and an ambient light image, which is taken with only ambient light, of the same image subject matter are acquired. A flash only image, computed by subtracting the known ambient light image from the flash and ambient light image, is computed. The flash only image and the ambient light image are then each white balanced to the flash light and the ambient light, respectively, to form two white-balanced images. These two white-balanced images are then added to form a white balanced image, I, in which the flash and ambient light color agree. It is also possible to reduce the hot spots in image I, and adjust flash strength.

Abstract: A biometric authentication apparatus includes an illumination section, an imaging section, a photographic subject placing section, and an authentication section. The illumination section irradiates at least near infrared light onto a biological portion placed in contact with a housing surface. The imaging section images a near infrared light image of the biological portion. The photographic subject placing section is provided in the vicinity of the illumination section, in which at least a part of the light emanation portion of the illumination section on a side where the imaging section is disposed is covered by the photographic subject when the photographic subject is placed. The authentication section performing biometric authentication by making a comparison between a specific pattern extracted from the near infrared light image of the biological portion imaged by the imaging section and a preliminarily registered specific pattern.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is disclosed, with which an illumination optical system can be made small while attaining uniform light distribution properties within an irradiation region of light, by properly designing the shape of a reflection member. The illumination apparatus of the present invention includes a light source and a reflection member which reflects toward an irradiated side a first light flux emerging from the light source and having an emergence angle with respect to an irradiation optical axis which is larger than a predetermined angle. The reflection member reflects a light ray of the first light flux for which the emergence angle is maximal in a direction intersecting with the irradiation optical axis, and satisfies the following condition: ?1<?2 where ?1 and ?2 are angles defined by, respectively, a first and a second light ray before and after reflection at the reflection surface.

Abstract: A mobile telephone quipped with a camera may employ, as a camera flash, one or more RGB tri-color LEDs arranged on a face of the mobile telephone which is aligned with the direction in which a photograph may be taken by the camera. The viewing angle of the RGB tri-color LED may be greater than the field angle of the camera, and a lens may be arranged in front of emitting portion(s) of the RGB tri-color LED so as to cause illuminance to be uniform within the field angle of the camera. The RGB tri-color LED may also serve as an indicator of telephone functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for object-of-interest image capture accomplishes the functions of capturing (120) a current image, determining (125) an object region of the object-of-interest in the current image, calculating (130) a contrast measurement of the object region, and identifying (135) the current image as having an optimized object region when an iteration measure meets a criterion. The current image is captured using a local exposure value determined from luminance readings of pixels within an object region of an object-of-interest of a previous image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of artificial illumination in a scene powered by alternating current by sampling the light in a scene at a periodic rate.

Abstract: A camera having a camera-blur warning function which is adapted to switch between executing a camera-blur detecting mode and stopping the camera-blur detecting mode by the setting of a camera strobe mode. In a photographing scene where occurrence of a camera-blur is on a user's mind, a camera-blur detecting mode is set, thereby to detect vibration. In case any camera-blur occurs, warning is made so that the user may recognize it. Furthermore, at the time of determining holding, a conventional optical sensor which is already mounted as a sensor for measuring distance is utilized for determining the camera-blur.

Abstract: An imaging device according to the present invention has: a photometric circuit that detects a brightness of a photographic subject based on a light flux from the photographic subject that passes through a photographic lens; an exposure calculation circuit that calculates an aperture value and a shutter speed based on the detected brightness of the photographic subject; an imaging element that converts the light flux from the photographic subject received on each photo-electric element to an electric signal and outputs the electric signal, the imaging element having a plurality of the photo-electric elements and a micro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of the photo-electric elements in order to converge the light flux from the photographic subject to a light receiving surface of each of the photo-electric elements; and a correction circuit that corrects the aperture value calculated by the exposure calculation circuit so that a signal level of the electric signal of the lig

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of photographing the skin of a person comprising the steps of: (i) illuminating the skin with at least one light source, where the light emitted from the light source is filtered using a polarizing filter; and (ii) capturing the image of the illuminated skin with a camera; wherein the angle formed by the light source, the skin, and the camera is from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees.

Abstract: In a camera system according to the invention, a camera body and an interchangeable lens have respective identification data tables that are congruous with each other. As an appropriate data address is indicated to the interchangeable lens by the camera body, an identification data that is stored in the identification data storage section and corresponds to the indicated address is transmitted from the interchangeable lens to the camera body. The identification data judging section of the camera body compares the identification data transmitted back from the interchangeable lens and the identification data that is stored in the identification data storage section and corresponds to the address. As a result, it is determined if the dedicated accessory device is mounted on the camera body or not.

Abstract: An electric discharge tube withstands a large electric input, and has a small size. This discharge tube provides a small photographic strobe device and a small photographic camera. The discharge tube includes a glass bulb having a wall thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm and filled with rare gas, a pair of main electrodes provided at both ends of the glass bulb, respectively, a trigger electrode formed on the outer surface of the glass bulb, and a film of silicon dioxide having a thickness ranging from 0.05 to 0.11 &mgr;m formed inside of the glass bulb. An electric power not larger than 0.90 Ws/mm3 with respect to the inner volume of the glass bulb is applied between the main electrodes.

Abstract: A system digitizes a three-dimensional object as a three-dimension model by placing the object on a turntable while taking two sets of corresponding images. The first set of images and the second set of images are obtained while rotating the turntable to a various positions and illuminated the object with the overhead lights and backlights. There is a one to one correspondence for images in each set for each position of the turntable. Object shape data and texture data are respectively extracted from the first and second set of images. The object shape data is correlated with the object texture data to construct the three-dimensional digital model stored in a memory of a computer system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for photographing lustrous objects, including even spectacle frames with highly reflective surfaces such as metal frames, that enables the objects to be photographed more naturally and aesthetically without any reflection on the surface of the camera or lens. The present invention also provides a method for photographing spectacle frames and a method for creating an electronic spectacle frame catalogue using this method. The method is one in which the camera 2 photographs the lustrous object 1. Optical shield members 3, 4, and 5 are placed between the camera body 21 and the lens 22 of the camera 2, and the lustrous object 1 so that a reflection of said camera 2 is not be formed on the photographed image of the lustrous object. In addition, an opening 41, having a size and shape suitable for photographing an image of the lustrous object 1, is provided in the shield member 4 of the lens 22.