Abstract: An exposure method is disclosed. An image is captured using current exposure settings. The image is displayed on a screen which is subdivided into several areas to provide judgement of whether the current exposure settings are desired or not and allow determination of adjustment of metering weights for the areas if the current exposure settings are not desired. The adjustment of the metering weights for the areas is carried out based upon the determination. Light in the scene is measured based upon using the adjusted metering weights. New exposure settings are calculated based upon the measurement of light. The above steps are circled through until a desired exposure has been obtained.

Abstract: A projector includes: an imaging structure that photographs an image projected on a projection object to take a photographed image; an imaging control module that performs exposure adjustment in the imaging structure to attain a preset target exposure; a control module that sets the target exposure in the imaging ctrl module; an angle information acquisition module that obtains angle information representing an inclination of the projector to the projection object; and a storage unit that stores a map representing a variation in target exposure against the angle information. The control module controls the angle information acquisition module to obtain the angle information, refers to the map stored in the storage unit to specify a target exposure corresponding to the obtained angle information, and sets the specified target exposure in the imaging control module.

Abstract: A digital camera includes an imaging device for capturing images of an object, a signal processor which performs signal processing on a signal captured by the imaging device to obtain an image signal, and a single measuring device for measuring color of at least a part of the object, and for measuring a color temperature of the object to adjust white balance of the image signal.

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 digital camera includes: an image sensor that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal; and a control device that engages the image sensor to capture an image at an exposure value having been set, makes a decision as to whether or not an overflow or an underflow deviating from a dynamic range of the image sensor manifests, calculates an exposure correction quantity with which the exposure value having been set is to be corrected in order to reduce the overflow or the underflow based upon results of the decision and engages the image sensor to capture a new image at an exposure value having been corrected in correspondence to the exposure correction quantity.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an automatic exposure controller automatically controls ISO sensitivity in response to the output signal of an exposure metering circuit, and controls the exposure so that exposure setting is determined based on the brightness values of both the central photometry area and the remaining photometry area of an imaging frame. The automatic exposure controller controls the exposure setting so that when the ISO sensitivity is set to its higher value, the weighting factor of the central photometry area is higher than that of the remaining photometry area. The automatic exposure controller further determines whether or not a light source is behind an object, and, if it is the case, reduces the adjusted exposure setting so as to increase the amount of light incident on the image pickup apparatus.

Abstract: Provided are a method and system for determining an optimal exposure of a structured light based 3D camera. The system includes a projecting means for illuminating a predetermined pattern on a target object, an image capturing means for capturing an image of the target object with the pattern projected, and a processing means for reconstructing 3D data for the target object by identifying the pattern of the captured images from the image capturing means. The system automatically determines an optimal exposure of the structured light based 3D camera system through analyzing the captured image of the target object.

Abstract: In a digital camera 1, in an automatic shooting stand-by state, when judged at Step S26 that an automatic shooting condition has been satisfied (N at Step S26), whether or not to issue an AE re-processing command is judged. In other words, whether or not the current shooting condition is similar to a condition where an automatic shooting condition is satisfied is judged. When judged to issue the AE re-processing command, exposure tracking in an aperture-priority mode is performed (S28), and shooting exposure conditions excluding the aperture value for still-image shooting in the aperture-priority mode are determined. Then, the storage is updated (Step 29), and the process returns to Step S26. When judged at Step S26 that an automatic shooting condition has been satisfied (Y at Step S26), record processing for still-image shooting is performed with the updated shooting exposure conditions without changing the aperture value (Step S30).

Abstract: An automatic exposure control method is used to control a shooting exposure parameter for shooting an image by a shooting end. At least one middle brightness value is acquired between a brightness value of a background region and an overall brightness value, and then a relation between working distances of a flash light and a practical distance of an object is determined sequentially from the brightness value of the background region to extend towards the overall brightness value, in which the working distances of the flash light are respectively corresponding to the brightness value of the background region, the middle brightness values, and the overall brightness value, so as to obtain a shooting exposure parameter and to selectively activate the flash light, thereby adjusting the overall brightness of the image to be shot, so as to obtain an image with a proper overall brightness.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus and method are provided that are capable of suppressing noise generation in a captured image obtained by photographing an object by radiating light uniformly over the entire screen. Such capability results even from a light emitting unit which performs pulse light emission when exposure timing differs for every horizontal line. The photographing apparatus includes an X-Y address type photographing device and exposes the X-Y address type photographing device to photograph an object. The photographing apparatus includes a pulse light emitting unit repeating light emission and light non-emission toward the object in association with a photographing manipulation and a light emission time control unit controlling light emission such that a period of light emission or light non-emission of the pulse light emitting unit is equal to 1/n of an exposure time of the X-Y address type photographing device, wherein n is an integer greater than 1.

Abstract: A digital camera (10) includes a CCD imager (16). An image signal corresponding to an optical image is output from the CCD imager (16), and an incident light amount to the CCD imager (16) is restricted by an aperture unit (14). A CPU (40) adjusts an exposure time period of the CCD imager (16) on the basis of an average luminance value of a normal evaluation area assigned to the center of a screen out of the image signals output form the CCD imager (16). The CPU (40) also adjusts an aperture amount of the aperture unit (14) on the basis of an average luminance value of a specific evaluation area assigned to the end of the screen out of the image signals output form the CCD imager (16).

Abstract: A camera phone and method for automatically adjusting the exposure of a camera in order to improve image of an object is previewed with a current exposure, data is extracted from frames of the previewed image and analyzed to determine illumination of the previewed object, and an exposure is adjusted according to the analyzed result.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a mechanical shutter in addition to a mechanical diaphragm. The optical apparatus obtains a shutter shifting amount based on acceleration data of the shutter, obtains a total light exposure in a period of time required for the shutter to completely close an aperture of the diaphragm having a predetermined F-number, and calculates an actual exposure time by dividing the total light exposure by a light exposure per unit time calculated from an aperture area of the diaphragm having the predetermined F-number in an opened state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in digital imaging for adjusting exposure, in which one or more exposure parameters (ET, AG) of a camera device are adjusted in connection with imaging. In the method, a histogram formed from a raw image frame (12) is analysed, from which one or more special values (Rhigh, Rlow) are specified and which compared with a target level (Htgt, Ltgt) set for them, and, if a special value (Rhigh, Rlow) differs from the target level (Htgt, Ltgt), the exposure parameters (ET, AG) are adjusted to achieve the target level (Htgt, Ltgt).

Abstract: An electronic device includes a camera that includes an automatic exposure module. The automatic exposure module is configured to determine an exposure for a picture by automatically adjusting an aperture size, shutter timing, and/or an ISO setting. The automatic exposure module is further configured to automatically adjust at least one parameter in addition to the aperture size, shutter timing and/or ISO setting in determining the exposure for the picture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of a photographing apparatus, the photographing apparatus and a control program, which are capable of automatically determining a photographing mode capable of generating a sharper image. If a first exposure time is equal to or shorter than a first threshold value, a control circuit 18 makes a decision to take an input image in a first mode. The first exposure time is an exposure time required for taking one input image on the assumption that a photographing operation is carried out in the first mode for generating one output image by taking one input image. If the first exposure time is neither equal to nor shorter than the first threshold value, on the other hand, the control circuit 18 makes a decision to take a plurality of input images in a second mode provided that a second exposure time is equal to or shorter than a second threshold value.

Abstract: An optical apparatus, such as an image pickup apparatus, includes a detector configured to detect whether a manual aperture operation unit is operated by an amount greater than or equal to a predetermined amount during automatic aperture control. When an aperture fixing switch is operated or when the detector detects that the manual aperture operation unit is operated by an amount greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, automatic aperture control is disabled and manual aperture control is enabled.

Abstract: The image capture apparatus changes a time from the commencement of the operation of the accumulation of the electrical charge to the shuttering, by the shutter blade unit, of the pixel within the image capture element by way of the reset operation in a state of retracting the shutter blade unit from the light path of the image capture element.

Abstract: When a brightness level of an object is below a predetermined level, an ND filter is removed from an iris opening to fully open the iris opening, and when the brightness level of the object is above a predetermined level, the ND filter is placed to the iris opening to fully close the iris opening. When the ND filter is moved between the fully-opened state and the fully-closed state, an exposure change amount corresponding to an amount offsetting the exposure change amount due to a state transition is generated by controlling iris blades.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: an image sensor that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal; and a control device that engages the image sensor to capture an image at an exposure value having been set, makes a decision as to whether or not an overflow or an underflow deviating from a dynamic range of the image sensor manifests, calculates an exposure correction quantity with which the exposure value having been set is to be corrected in order to reduce the overflow or the underflow based upon results of the decision and engages the image sensor to capture a new image at an exposure value having been corrected in correspondence to the exposure correction quantity.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an imaging device, for taking images under different exposure conditions to create a single image, which includes a first condition-obtaining device configured to obtain a first exposure condition candidate for an Nth imaging according to image signals of the imaging prior to the Nth imaging; a second condition-obtaining device configured to obtain a second exposure condition candidate for the Nth imaging according to imaging conditions of the imaging prior to the Nth imaging; and a condition-determining device configured to determine exposure conditions for the Nth imaging according to at least one of the first and second exposure condition candidates.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method of generating a final exposure setting, including, (a) selecting one of a number of predetermined exposure settings as a current exposure setting for a solid state camera having a camera imager, (b) generating a captured scene by the camera imager using the current exposure setting, (c) selecting according to an automated search methodology another one of the exposure settings to be the current setting in response to the captured scene being underexposed or overexposed, and, (d) repeating (b) and (c) until the captured scene is neither underexposed or overexposed.

Abstract: A camera includes a camera control unit configured to acquire information on an accessory mounted on the camera by performing communication with an accessory control unit included in the accessory and to control a photographing operation based on the information on the accessory. When the camera control unit acquires, from the accessory control unit, first information that is required prior to start of photographing and second information that is required prior to generation of image data after the start of photographing, if the camera control unit determines that a photographer has performed an operation to start a photographing operation during a period in which the camera control unit is performing communication to acquire the second information, the camera control unit executes a photographic sequence in priority to acquiring the second information and thereafter acquires the second information.

Abstract: A camera is configured to adaptively determine camera settings. The camera includes a plurality of sensors elements configured to acquire a current image of a scene according to a current set of camera settings. A number of sensor elements having a set of desirable properties is measured. Then, a next set of camera settings that maximize an overall number of sensor elements having the set of desirable properties is determined to acquire a next better image.

Abstract: A plurality of images are obtained in photography according to a plurality of photography methods, and photography result scores are calculated for the respective images. Judgment is made as to whether a highest score among the scores calculated for the respective images is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value. If a result of the judgment is affirmative, the image having the highest score is recorded in a recording medium. If the result of the judgment is negative, the images are displayed on display means to receive selection of a desired one of the images. The selected image is recorded in the recording medium.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for determining a mechanical shutter exposure time (e.g., an actual closing time) with a rolling readout of an image (e.g., complimentary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor using a predetermined calibration area of the image sensor in digital cameras or in electronic devices with digital cameras.

Abstract: A protector device is provided which includes a projecting system, a photographing system, and a control section. The projecting system includes a light source lamp, a micromirror element, and a projecting lens, and each image for each of a plurality of color components is time-divided by use of a color wheel, projected, and displayed with respect to an input color image signal. The photographing system includes a photographing lens, a CCD, and a processing circuit in which the projected and displayed image is photographed in accordance with an instruction, when the photographing of the projected and displayed image is instructed. And the control section detects a rotation position of the color wheel with a marker sensor and controls the photographing system to execute the photographing in synchronization with a time division period for each color component in the projecting system.

Abstract: A portable composite apparatus and a method of controlling photographing modes. The portable composite apparatus includes a decision unit to decide whether current time information is included in a time range corresponding to a current photographing mode by referring to a prestored time information table, and an operation control unit to change priority levels of photographing modes based on the decision result from the decision unit and the time information table. As photographing modes of the portable composite apparatus are prioritized differently based on the current time information and the time information table, user convenience and expedition of operating (or setting) a desired photographing mode can be enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photographing apparatus comprising: a photographing device which photographs an image of a photographic subject; a display device which displays a photographic image photographed by the photographing device; a face detection device which detects a face of a person of the photographic subject from the photographic image; a photographing mode changing device which changes a photographing mode between a manual mode that a user controls exposure manually and another mode that exposure is controlled automatically; an exposure control device which controls exposure by executing an exposure calculation based on information on a detected face if the face is detected from the photographic image in case that the photographing mode is set to the manual mode; and a display control device which controls a display of the display device based on a result of the exposure calculation.

Abstract: Maximum and minimum aperture sizes are regulated with regard to a diaphragm in order to secure predetermined optical capability in an optical unit which includes a taking lens and the diaphragm. In a normal taking, the diaphragm is used within a normal taking range from the maximum to the minimum aperture sizes. In the present invention, an aperture size which is larger than the maximum size and a size which is smaller than the minimum size (extra aperture size or extra small size) are respectively set at outside the range that secures the capability. The aperture sizes of the diaphragm at outside the specified range are used at least for one of the following: automatic exposure (AE) adjustment, auto focus (AF) adjustment, electronic zoom, displaying a moving image, taking for recording the moving image, and taking under a low resolution by thinning out pixels.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device configured to convert a monitored object image into an electrical image signal and to output the image signal, a clock generator configured to generate a constant cyclic drive frequency to drive the image pickup device, and an external device configured to output a brightness signal based on a brightness of the monitored object. Further, a sensitivity to light of the external device is higher than that of the image pickup device. Also included is an image signal reading unit configured to synchronize the image signal with a frequency based on the drive frequency and to read the image signal in a constant read frequency, a brightness signal obtaining unit configured to obtain the brightness signal of the object from the external device, and a read frequency changing unit configured to change the read frequency based on corresponding to the obtained brightness signal.

Abstract: A more preferable WB gain is calculated during strobe illuminated photography. When a WB gain for an image captured through strobe illuminated photography is calculated, the degree of contribution of strobe light is first estimated. When the degree of contribution is estimated, the image is first divided into a plurality of blocks, and typical brightness values and typical color values of the respective blocks are determined (S23). Subsequently, the highest-brightness block among the blocks analogous to the color of strobe light is identified as a strobe color block (S26). When there is a strobe color block, the degree of contribution of strobe light is estimated on the basis of the position of the strobe color block, a difference between the brightness of the strobe color block and the brightnesses of other blocks, and the like (S32 to S48).

Abstract: Provided are a photographing apparatus and method which can obtain the same effect as in a weighted summation method by capturing a plurality of images of a subject while appropriately controlling exposure time for each of the images and adding up the images and can correct distortions in the images obtained using a typical exposure time division method. The photographing apparatus includes: an exposure compensation value calculation unit which calculates a plurality of exposure compensation values for a plurality of exposure operations respectively corresponding to a plurality of diaphragm values based on a predefined parameter; an exposure unit which respectively performs the exposure operations for exposure times determined based on the exposure compensation values; and an image synthesis unit which synthesizes a plurality of images respectively obtained by the exposure operations.

Abstract: A projector includes an image projection section which projects a white image and a black image, a sensor which has an exposure adjustment function, generates first sensing information by sensing the white image, and generates second sensing information by sensing the black image, a sensing condition setting section which controls exposure of the sensor so that the sensor senses the white image at an automatic exposure setting and senses the black image at the exposure setting determined when sensing the white image, a difference information generation section which generates difference information based on the first sensing information and the second sensing information, and an endpoint detection section which detects an endpoint of a projection region in a sensing region based on the difference information.

Abstract: A digital camera includes an image pick-up element which receives light reflected from an object and generates image data of the object, and a light-receiving element which receives light reflected form the object and outputs light-quantity data for the object. The light-receiving element differs from the image pick-up element. In the sequence photograph mode, the exposure amount of the image pick-up element is controlled based on the light-quantity data output from the light-receiving element. In the other modes, the exposure amount of the image pick-up element is controlled based on the image data generated by the image pick-up element itself.

Abstract: A photo-timer module, including a upper cover which has a hollow window; a lower cover which could affix to said upper cover; a control and power circuit which is placed into said upper cover, wherein a portion of said control and power circuit is revealed in said hollow window, said control and power circuit has a plurality of input pins and a plurality of output pins wherein the plurality of input pins and the plurality of output pins are stretching out of said lower cover; a mask plate placing above said hollow window comprises at lease one hole thereon, so that a portion of said control and power circuit is revealed in said hollow window, and a transparent plate placing above said mask plate is used for protecting and convenient observing said control and power circuit. After assembly, said control and power circuit could control a power on or off by sensing variation of a light and show the status on said hollow window.

Abstract: In a quantity-of-light adjusting apparatus having an iris and an ND filter which limit incident light, a control method for the quantity-of-light adjusting apparatus, and a computer program product providing a control program for the quantity-of-light adjusting apparatus, a state of limitation of the incident light by the iris is changed at a first changing speed, and, when a state of limitation of the incident light by the ND filter is changed, the state of limitation of the incident light by the iris is changed at a second changing speed different from the first changing speed.

Abstract: A photometric apparatus includes an exposure value calculator for calculating an exposure value based on light data from a photo sensor and an inputted photosensitivity; an exposure value difference calculator for calculating a difference between a calculated exposure value and a reference exposure value; a gamma characteristic provider, which provides a gamma characteristic concerning a relationship between the exposure value difference and a gradation value of digital data; a gradation calculator for calculating, based on the exposure value difference and the gamma characteristic, a gradation value of digital data in connection with an object having the calculated exposure value when the object is photographed at the reference exposure value; and an indicator for indicating the calculated gradation value of digital data in connection with the object.

Abstract: An electronic equipment provided with plural function performing elements for performing various functions, a first control unit, and a second control unit; wherein the first control unit, in order to perform a function specified by an operator, issues an instruction to the second control unit to perform a control operation of at least one of the plurality of function performing elements, and the second control unit performs the control operation in response to the instruction. When the electronic equipment is placed in a specific condition, the second control unit is capable of performing a control operation of a specific function performing element of the plurality of function performing elements, without an instruction from the first control unit.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to realize high-precision exposure control while maintaining a short time lag until actual exposure processing is executed after an operation input for the start of image sensing processing. To achieve this object, an exposure control value for executing proper exposure control is calculated by an exposure calculation unit upon reception of an image sensing processing preparation start instruction. Exposure is controlled on the basis of the exposure control value calculated by the exposure calculation unit, and an image is sensed. Whether the exposure calculation unit calculates an exposure control value before an image sensing processing start instruction is received upon reception of the image sensing processing preparation start instruction is determined. If no exposure control value is determined to have been calculated, the luminance level of image information of the image is corrected.

Abstract: A camera takes two photographs for a single actuation of its shutter release. One of the photographs uses the camera settings specified by the user, and the other photograph uses camera settings automatically selected by the camera. The taking of the second photograph may optionally be disabled by the camera user. The taking of the second photograph may optionally occur only if the user-specified settings differ, or differ significantly from the automatically-determined settings. The camera may optionally be a digital camera.

Abstract: There is provided an image pickup apparatus that is capable of eliminating the influence of errors attributed to differences in characteristics between lens devices attached to the image pickup apparatus such as a camera or errors attributed to differences in characteristics between optical component elements within the main body of the image pickup apparatus, to thereby enable setting a proper exposure compensation value. An image pickup device receives light passing through a lens device and outputs an image signal, and a photometric sensor receives the light passing through the lens device and outputs luminance information. A main control circuit sets an exposure compensation value according to an output from the photometric sensor.

Abstract: An imaging device for preparing a printing surface for a printing operation transfers information related to how the printing precursor should be processed to a processor. The processor is automated to make local adjustments according to the information provided. The information can be transferred for each printing precursor or only when changes occur. The transfer is automated.

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: In a digital camera having a half mirror retractable out of the optical path and an optical viewfinder receiving light reflected from the half mirror, the sensitivity of an image-sensing device is set as specified by the user. When a relatively high sensitivity is specified, an image to be recorded is shot with the half mirror operated as a quick-return mirror, and, when a relatively low sensitivity is specified, an image to be recorded is shot with the half mirror kept in the optical path. A sensitivity that cannot be coped with simply by changing the position of the half mirror is set by adjusting, in conjunction therewith, the output gain of the image-sensing device.

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.

Abstract: A shutter for a camera comprises sectors for opening and closing a shutter opening by reciprocal pivotal movement, a motor for reciprocally and pivotally moving the sectors by forwardly and reversely rotating a rotor of the motor by forward and reverse electricity conduction to a coil, a memory circuit having stored therein electricity conduction data of the coil corresponding to operational characteristics of the motor and the sectors, and a control circuit for controlling electricity conduction to the coil in accordance with a brightness of an object to be photographed and executing exposure control in accordance with the brightness of the object. The electricity conduction data includes reverse pulses for rotating the rotor in a direction reverse to a direction of opening the sectors for reducing acceleration of the sectors during opening movement thereof, and forward pulses for rotating the rotor in the direction of opening the sectors for continuing the opening movement of the sectors.

Abstract: A light emitting and receiving circuit 10 has a light emitting diode 14 with a p-n junction. The light emitting diode 14 is connected with a circuit using the light emitting diode as a light emitting element, and a circuit using the light emitting diode 14 as a light receiving element that measures the intensity of a light. A switching means 16 is connected to the light emitting diode 14, for switching an operating state between a light receiving state where a photoelectromotive force is generated in a direction of biasing the p-n junction when receiving a light and a light emitting state where a forward voltage is applied to the light emitting diode 14 to emit a light according to at least one control signal.

Abstract: A trinocular apparatus is provided for sighting and photographing subjects in the field. Images are captured electronically, and the trinocular apparatus includes a system for annotating captured images as well as apparatus for storing and transferring captured images. A text phrase is selected for use in annotating a non-text electronic file. Voice input such as a keyword is associated with a text version of the keyword which is matched to text words in stored text phrases, and the text phrases are then used to annotate the image.

Abstract: To provide a camera configured to be supported by the hands of a photographer on the bottom surface of the body thereof whose operability is improved by allowing various settings to be easily made with the camera body supported reliably and allowing a set value to be stored and retrieved with a small number of operation members, a configuration is provided which includes a grip portion protruding in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of a photographic optical system provided in a predetermined position of a lateral surface of the body of the camera and an operating member for allowing input of information to cause execution of a predetermined operation, the operating member being provided in the vicinity of the grip portion.