Abstract: A photographic flash power control unit has two controls for adjusting the light output in F stops. One control increments the output in whole F stops and the other increments the output in tenths of F stops.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for image exposure include capturing a first image under a first illumination condition, determining a luminance of the first image at a plurality of sectors, capturing a second image under a second illumination condition employing an artificial light source, determining a luminance of the second image at the plurality of sectors, and determining if the artificial light source should be used to capture a final image using the luminances of the first and second images at the plurality of sectors. If the artificial light source is to be used, an output level of the light source is determined.

Abstract: An image taking device with a lighting device includes a light irradiating portion for irradiating light to a subject and a light receiving portion for receiving reflected light from the subject that is irradiated by the light. The light irradiating portion is structured to have a plurality of light sources that are arranged so as to surround the light receiving portion. Each of the light sources is adjusted to emit light of an intensity corresponding to an arrangement position.

Abstract: An image sensing method and image sensing apparatus, including a subject detection unit and a flash unit, are provided. The method includes a first detection step of detecting a subject from image data obtained during preparation for main image sensing, a second detection step of detecting a subject based on reflected light data obtained during pre-flash after an instruction to begin main image sensing, a step of setting a flash illumination area based on a comparison result between a first proportion of the subject detected in the first detection step within a subject area in which the subject exists and a second proportion of the subject detected in the second detection step within the subject area, a step of calculating a flash illumination amount based on the set flash illumination area, and a step of controlling the flash unit during main image sensing based on the calculated flash illumination amount.

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: 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: An imaging device and method for producing a flash of light utilizes pulsing of one or more color lights, e.g., red, green and blue lights, emitted from light sources to produce the flash of light. The light sources may include light emitting diode dies configured to generate different color lights.

Abstract: A camera includes: a photometric unit that acquires two dimensional photometric information of an image of a photographic subject; a separation unit that separates the image of the photographic subject into two groups, based upon photometric information acquired by the photometric unit during non-emission of light by a flash light emission device; and a calculation unit that multiplies the photometric information acquired by the photometric unit during a first light emission by the flash light emission device before photography, by different coefficients for the two groups, and calculates an amount of light required for photography that is to be emitted during a second light emission by the flash light emission device, based upon the photographic information after multiplication by the coefficients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for photographic illumination comprising a light box having a top surface with spaced apart walls depending therefrom having an aperture in one wall thereby forming a chamber for the placement therein of an article or articles to be photographed and wherein said light box material is light diffusing. The method further comprises a camera mountable apparatus having means for securing said apparatus to a camera, means for producing illumination, means for producing light beams including fiber optics and multiple LEDs, means for varying the number of beams projected onto the photographic subject. The present invention uses two different light sources, for the photography of gemstones or the like.

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 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: In an image-taking apparatus, a main CPU reads a sensitivity level that has been set, thereby determining whether a subject distance measured in AF processing is longer as compared to a threshold. The threshold is variable such that the higher the sensitivity level is the longer the threshold is. When the main CPU determines that the subject distance is longer as compared to the threshold, a metering/distance-measuring CPU causes a first light emitter having a xenon tube to emit light in response to an instruction from the main CPU. When the main CPU determines that the subject distance is shorter as compared to the threshold, the metering/distance-measuring CPU causes a second light emitter having an LED to emit light in response to an instruction from the main CPU.

Abstract: A light-amount control device includes a plurality of lighting units each of which emits light for illuminating a photographing area of a photographing optical system. Further, the light-amount control device includes a peripheral light amount data calculator and a lighting unit controller. The peripheral light amount data calculator calculates a peripheral light amount data defining ratios of light emission intensities for the lighting units, to make the illuminance of an image plane of a standard object that has a flat surface being perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system and having a constant reflecting light ratio, constant when the standard object is illuminated by the lighting units. The image plane is formed by reflected light from the surface of the standard object that enters the photographing optical system.

Abstract: A method for firing a flash of an image-capturing device is disclosed. The method uses a focus parameter, which is generated during the focusing procedure of the image-capturing device, to estimate a shooting distance. Then, the method dynamically determines a flash intensity of the flash according to the shooting distance, thereby obtaining improved exposure effect. In addition, since the preflash of the flash is skipped, the method can reduce the power consumption and shorten the shooting time, thereby enhancing the performance of the image-capturing device and the flash.

Abstract: Mobile equipment includes LEDs supplied with a current to emit red light, green light and blue light, FETs and a booster circuit for controlling the current supplied. The current supplied is controlled to supply all of the LED with a current of a low level to illuminate an object in a shooting mode with light for illumination. Thus in the shooting mode a white spot light illuminates the object, and the object can clearly be confirmed. At the moment of shooting, a current supplied can be increased at a burst to emit white flashlight to illuminate the object. A satisfactory image can thus be obtained. The source of light for illumination can be formed of miniature, light-weight LED, and does not impair in mobility mobile equipment having the source of light incorporated therein.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit provides a daylight photography mode to select no flash emission and the small stop, a daylight synchro photography mode to select normal flash emission and the small stop, and a night view synchro photography mode to select reduced flash emission and the large stop. The small stop is composed of the small stop aperture of f/16 and an ND filter of transmittance of 25% to be attached to cover the small stop aperture. The shutter speed is set at 1/64 sec. in any modes. The photo film preloaded in the lens-fitted photo film unit has ISO sensitivity 3200. The stable photographing is achieved under the wide range of brightness by the changeover of the stop, without the change of the shutter speed. In brightness of EV 9 to 11, the exposure amount becomes proper either in the daylight photography mode and in the night view synchro photography mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for driving a LED for a flash of a camera, such as a digital camera or a camera of a mobile phone, which is capable of driving the LED in two modes to reduce power consumption. The LED drive device comprises the LED, a continuous low current driver for continuously supplying current which is lower than or equal to rated current of the LED to the LED, a high-current pulse driver for supplying current which is higher than the rated current of the LED to the LED for a predetermined period of time, and a mode selector for selecting one of the continuous low current driver and the high-current pulse driver to drive the LED. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption and deterioration of reliability of the LED, and obtain an image of brighter picture quality.

Abstract: An ND filter is made of a transparent substrate having a plane. An optical film is formed on the plane of the transparent substrate. The optical film has a lamination structure including a light absorption film and a dielectric film, and has a variable transmission density. A thickness of either the light absorption film or the dielectric film of the lamination structure is changed in an in-plane direction of the transparent substrate so that the transmission density of the optical film is controlled to vary in the in-plane direction. The light absorption film is composed of a material selected from Ti, Cr, Ni, NiCr, NiFe, NiTi and a mixture thereof, and the dielectric film is formed of SiO2, Al2O3 or a compound thereof.

Abstract: A variable candela strobe unit couples a substantially constant trigger voltage to a trigger electrode of a gas discharge tube irrespective of the voltage provided across the tube which is specified by a selected candela output value. The trigger voltage is great enough at low candela output settings to provide reliable triggering. It is not high enough even at the highest output settings to cause arcing of the associated step-up transformer.

Abstract: Mobile equipment includes LEDs supplied with a current to emit red light, green light and blue light, FETs and a booster circuit for controlling the current supplied. The current supplied is controlled to supply all of the LED with a current of a low level to illuminate an object in a shooting mode with light for illumination. Thus in the shooting mode a white spot light illuminates the object, and the object can clearly be confirmed. At the moment of shooting, a current supplied can be increased at a burst to emit white flashlight to illuminate the object. A satisfactory image can thus be obtained. The source of light for illumination can be formed of miniature, light-weight LED, and does not impair in mobility mobile equipment having the source of light incorporated therein.

Abstract: Mobile equipment includes LEDs supplied with a current to emit red light, green light and blue light, FETs and a booster circuit for controlling the current supplied. The current supplied is controlled to supply all of the LED with a current of a low level to illuminate an object in a shooting mode with light for illumination. Thus in the shooting mode a white spot light illuminates the object, and the object can clearly be confirmed. At the moment of shooting, a current supplied can be increased at a burst to emit white flashlight to illuminate the object. A satisfactory image can thus be obtained. The source of light for illumination can be formed of miniature, light-weight LED, and does not impair in mobility mobile equipment having the source of light incorporated therein.

Abstract: Mobile equipment includes LEDs supplied with a current to emit red light, green light and blue light, FETs and a booster circuit for controlling the current supplied. The current supplied is controlled to supply all of the LED with a current of a low level to illuminate an object in a shooting mode with light for illumination. Thus in the shooting mode a white spot light illuminates the object, and the object can clearly be confirmed. At the moment of shooting, a current supplied can be increased at a burst to emit white flashlight to illuminate the object. A satisfactory image can thus be obtained. The source of light for illumination can be formed of miniature, light-weight LED, and does not impair in mobility mobile equipment having the source of light incorporated therein.

Abstract: A strobe apparatus includes a xenon tube, which is a discharge tube, having a discharge light emitting portion and a light emitting portion terminal. Light is emitted from the xenon tube and is reflected in a predetermined direction by a reflection umbrella. A transparent electrode is coated on the external surface of the xenon tube from the discharge light emitting portion to the terminal. When trigger voltage is applied to the xenon tube through the transparent electrode, strobe light is emitted by the discharge light emitting portion. By using the strobe apparatus, the orientation characteristic of the discharge tube can be improved without uneven light distribution and a shortage of a light amount.

Abstract: A jumper, by its insertion at a particular position of a circuit board, selects one of plural strobe intensities. The jumper includes a flag listing available strobe intensity values. The flag is seated in a pocket when the jumper is inserted onto the circuit board, one face of said pocket comprising a viewing slot. The selected strobe intensity value on the jumper flag is observable through the viewing slot during normal operation of the visual notification appliance.

Abstract: An illumination system (20, 72, 110, 142) for illuminating a scene comprising: an illuminator (24, 74, 116) having a plurality of substantially contiguous independently controllable light (26, 76) providing regions each of which provides light that illuminates a different region of the scene; optics (30) that directs light from the illuminator to the scene; a range finder (22, 64, 112) that determines distances to regions of the scene; and a controller (28, 29, 118) that controls the plurality of light providing regions to provide light for illuminating the scene responsive to distances determined by the range finder (22, 64, 112).

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an input that receives a stream of image pixels such as high addressable bits, multiple bits per pixel or binary image bits representing an input image and a processor that processes and directs signals to an LED bar that selectively exposes areas of a photoreceptor. The exposed areas of the photoreceptor form a latent image, controlled by the processor, of areas of varied exposure based on surrounding pixels. The processor examines the pixels to determine an image structure beneficially adaptable to varied exposure and selects a pixel for varied exposure, such as increased or decreased exposure or altered timing to apply the pixel.

Abstract: A selectable candela strobe alarm unit includes an energy storage circuit to reliably discharge a gas filled output device. The circuit includes a primary energy storage capacitor and a secondary energy storage capacitor. The capacitors can be configured in series or in parallel to produce a selected candela output from the gas filled output device.

Abstract: A fundus image-taking and recording apparatus emits an appropriate amount of light at the time of taking an image by determining an appropriate light exposure from the amount of observation light during observation. In particular, even when the brightness varies during fluorescence image-taking, the fundus image-taking apparatus can provide an image having adequate brightness by measuring the sensitivity of a television camera for observation to thereby determine an appropriate amount of image-taking light.

Abstract: A strobe light responds to both an input voltage range of about 8-40 volts and a selectable candela output. A programmed processor stores a plurality of electrical parameters which correspond to respective selectable candela. For repetitive fixed periods, the light is repetitively driven by a variable duty cycle signal that takes into account both applied voltage and selected candela output.

Abstract: A flash control device for controlling a slave SB that emits a flash upon receiving an operational instruction via optical communication has a flash emitting part for emitting an optical signal used for the optical communication, and a power supply detecting part detecting the attachment of a power pack. The detection result is transmitted to a camera microcomputer via an SB microcomputer. A communication intensity designating part and a communication intensity determining part decide, based on the detection result received via the camera microcomputer, the intensity of the optical signal to be emitted by the flash emitting part.

Abstract: A camera to which an external strobe device is detachably attachable is disclosed. The camera has an operational member for setting an emission intensity of the external strobe device through an operation by a photographer, and an instructing unit for instructing a set signal set by the operational member to the strobe device.

Abstract: A dimming plate for dimming light from an internal flash device of a camera, is disposed on the external flash device of the present invention which is mounted for use on a mounting seat of the camera. A two-lamp-lighting photographing is carried out in a state where the light from the internal flash device of the camera is dimmed by covering a luminescent unit of the internal flash device with the dimming plate of the external flash device. Thereby the two-lamp-lighting photographing can be carried out easily and reliably, where the light emission of the external flash device is used as a main light source, and the light emission of the internal flash device of the camera as a supplementary light source. The external flash device becomes inexpensive because the two-lamp-lighting photographing can be carried out only by incorporating the dimming plate therein without a special sub-luminescent unit disposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic flash device capable of dimming control, particularly with the objective of enhancing the dimming precision in weak light emissions. The electronic flash device of the present invention thus predicts the quantity of overrun light after stopping of the emission based on the target quantity of emission, and performs correction to advance emission stop timing in accordance with the quantity of overrun light. Here, the rate between the target quantity of emission and the quantity of full emission by the emission means (the rate of emission) is preferably obtained so that the quantity of overrun light after stopping of the emission is predicted based on the rate of emission. In split emission, the emission stop timing is preferably corrected on each chopper emission.

Abstract: A camera to which an external strobe device is detachably attachable is disclosed. The camera has an operational member for setting an emission intensity of the external strobe device through an operation by a photographer, and an instructing unit for instructing a set signal set by the operational member to the strobe device.

Abstract: There is described a strobe device particularly suited for image capturing apparatus equipped with wide-angle lens. The strobe device includes a reflector to reflect a strobe light, a light-emitting tube to emit the strobe light and an optical panel to transmits the strobe light. In the strobe device embodied in the present invention, a maximum luminous intensity of the strobe light, illuminated by the strobe device, is arranged in a direction being different from a direction of a strobe light axis.

Abstract: A zoom flash includes a light emitter, a zoom driver which moves the light emitter along an axis to vary an illumination angle, a detecting device which detects a zoom position of the light emitter, a calculation device which calculates a pre-flash emission level according to the detected zoom position so that illuminance on an object at a predetermined distance is substantially constant regardless of a variation of the illumination angle, and a control device which activates the light emitter to emit a preliminary flash emission, before a main flash emission, by supplying a voltage corresponding to the pre-flash emission level for the light emitter. A flash photography system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light-emission control apparatus comprising a light-receiving element 2, an A/D converting section 6, an integrating section 7, a comparing section 8, and a control section 9. The light-receiving element 2 outputs a light-reception signal corresponding to an amount of light it has received. The A/D converting section 6 converts the light-reception signal to digital data. The integrating section 7 integrates the digital data, generating an integrated value. The comparing section 8 compares the integrated value with a predetermined threshold value. The control means outputs a light-emission stop request to a light-emitting device 11, thereby causing the device 11 to stop emitting light, when the integrated value reaches the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A strobe alarm unit having a plurality of selectable candela settings or intensity levels, for allowing an alarm installer to select a particular candela setting for the alarm unit in the field. The strobe alarm unit incorporates a voltage doubler circuit that allows a single storage capacitor to provide the necessary discharge voltage across the flashtube to provide the plurality of selectable candela settings.

Abstract: A studio lighting system includes independently positionable light holding modules, i.e., shooting table, rear cove, and dome cove, each carrying a plurality of dimmable light sources surrounded by gel holders extending the length of each light source. Gels of any type, i.e., color, neutral density, or opaque, may be inserted within the gel holder, so that the light irradiated from the light source towards the object to be photographed or digitally captured is “blocked” or “gel colored”, as desired. A desired lighting scene characterized by position and type of the gels, and intensity levels of the light sources, is recorded into the memory and can be retrieved from there for reproducing the lighting scene in further photography processes.

Abstract: An electronic flash device for a camera includes a flash emitting component, substantially quadrilateral, having vertical and horizontal side lines, for emitting flash light. A light reducing plate is disposed in front of the flash emitting component, extended in a vertical direction, and has a predetermined width in a horizontal direction. The predetermined width is shorter than the horizontal side lines. The light reducing plate intercepts a central portion of the flash emitting component. First and second lateral portions of the flash emitting component remain uncovered for illumination with a restricted amount of the flash light.

Abstract: A flash device having a flash bracketing function includes a setting device for setting a flash bracketing operation, and a control circuit for, when a camera connected to the flash device is of a type having the flash bracketing function, outputting information on a reference value for exposure-amount correction and an amount of shift for flash bracketing, and for, when a camera connected to the flash device is of a type not having the flash bracketing function, outputting information on a currently-set exposure-amount correction value.

Abstract: An ever-flash exposure control system for a built-in flash camera controls a shutter to open and close so as to provide a standard exposure for scene brightness which are higher than standard scene brightness for which the shutter provides a full aperture to complete the standard exposure and triggers an electronic flash to provide illumination light at a time at which the shutter reaches an aperture according to a subject distance during exposure.

Abstract: When a sensitivity of film used for photographing is less than a predetermined sensitivity, or when an external light brightness measured by a photometry means is more than a predetermined brightness, a strobe exposure is controlled to decrease gradually from 0 EV flash, wherein a standard strobe exposure can be obtained, to -1 EV to -2 EV to -2 EV . . . . On the other hand, when the external light brightness is less than the predetermined brightness, the 0 EV flash is performed compulsively regardless of the film sensitivity, and the ratio of the strobe exposure becomes high, so that the exposure contribution rate of the external light is relatively lowered. As a result, the spectral characteristics of the external light source have small effect on the image surface when the high-sensitivity film is used, and the color fading caused by the spectral characteristics of the external light source can be prevented.

Abstract: An electronic flash device includes a first DC--DC converter circuit of separately-excited type, a second DC--DC converter circuit of separately-excited type, a capacitor to be charged by the first DC--DC converter circuit and the second DC--DC converter circuit, and a discharge tube which converts charging energy charged to the capacitor into light energy. The first DC--DC converter circuit includes a first switching element having a first control electrode, and an a first oscillation transformer to which energization is controlled by the first switching element. A first control pulse signal is supplied to the first control electrode. The second DC--DC converter circuit includes a second switching element having a second control electrode, and an a second oscillation transformer to which energization is controlled by the second switching element. A second control pulse signal is supplied to the second control electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera having strobe unit, comprising a strobe flashing unit for emitting illumination light toward an object, a switch for switching states of flashlight emanating from the strobe flashing unit by selecting normal flashlight or flashlight that is effective in alleviating a red-eye phenomenon and that contains less red light than normal flashlight, an information recorder for recording photographic information on film, and a recording control unit for allowing the information recorder to record flashlight selected by the switch.

Abstract: A close-up camera having a plurality of selectable exposure parameters such as variations in magnification, exposure trim and flash illumination includes a lookup table programmed to define follow focus flash illumination in accordance with the parameters selected. Preferably, the camera includes a plurality of exposure lenses, a pair of strobes, an exposure trim selector and a look-up table programmed to define a quench time for the strobes in accordance with the parameters selected. Filter accessories, configured to extend across the camera face, are also provided to modify both the scene light passing to the exposure lens and the illumination from the flash strobes, and the camera includes both additional look-up table capacity for selecting a proper quench time to account for the filter accessory, and means for interfacing with the accessory to automatically modify camera operation in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A strobe dimmer of which the luminous intensity and color temperature are respectively controllable comprises: a fourfold-voltage rectifier circuit(1) having two twofold-voltage rectifier circuits(11,12) for rectifying an input voltage to twofold or fourfold DC voltage depending on the magnitude of input voltage and applying the rectified input voltage to respective strobe discharge tubes(ST1,ST2,ST3); a high voltage generating circuit(5) for supplying high voltage to respective trigger terminals(Tr) of the strobe discharge tubes(ST1,ST2,ST3) through corresponding trigger coils(LT); a first luminous intensity control circuit(13) connected between a ground terminal(GND) and an output terminal(X) of the fourfold rectifier circuit(1), and connected to respective anode terminals(Ad) of the strobe discharge tubes(ST1,ST3); a second luminous intensity control circuit(13a) connected between the ground terminal(GND) and the output terminal(X) of the fourfold rectifier circuit(1), and connected to respective anode ter

Abstract: A camera system includes a camera device and a flash device. The camera device has a first mode where a control aperture value and a control shutter speed are automatically determined; and a second mode where the operator is allowed to determine either a control aperture value or a control shutter speed. The flash device is capable of emitting an instantaneous flash light and a prolonged flash light. The camera device includes a distance calculator operable to calculate a distance to an object and a light intensity calculator operable to calculate an intensity of a prolonged flash light for flash photography based on the calculated distance, a focal plane shutter having a front blind and a rear blind, and a controller operable to render the flash device emit a prolonged flash light at the calculated intensity from the start of travel of the front blind to the finish of travel of the rear blind.

Abstract: In a flash photographing system having a light receiving circuit arranged to receive a reflected light from an object caused by a light flux emitted from a flash tube and controlling the amount of flash light emission according to the amount of light thus received, the output of the light receiving circuit is inputted to an analog-to-digital conversion circuit to be converted into digital values at intervals of a predetermined period, and an adding process on the digital values is performed to detect the amount of received light, so that the amount of flash light emission is controlled.

Abstract: An automatic photography apparatus has an object illuminating mechanism that has a high illumination mode and a low illumination mode. A switching control system is provided so that when the apparatus is used to photograph white background documents the illuminating mechanism is in the low illumination mode during the exposure setting periods; during the shutter-open period the illuminating mechanism is in the high illumination mode, so as to achieve sufficient exposure to capture the white background. The switching control system can be actuated to allow the camera to photograph documents and scenes having non-white backgrounds; in such situations the object illuminating mechanism is in the high illumination mode during the exposure lock-in stage and during the shutter-open stage.