Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for selecting a cropping area in a sequence of images captured by a camera. First external motion data including data of external factors affecting movement of the camera is correlated with internal motion data describing a movement of the camera. The first external motion data and the internal motion data are obtained during a first time interval. Second external motion data is obtained during a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval. A sequence of images being captured during a third time interval is stabilized by selecting a cropping area based on the correlation and the second external motion data. The cropping area remains constant and maximized in size with respect to the field of view of the images during the third time interval. The third time interval is subsequent to, or partly overlapping with, the second time interval.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the measurement of signal intensity across a large dynamic range. The systems disclosed herein employ an iterative image collection strategy that utilizes structured illumination to achieve greater than 1,000,000-fold dynamic range measurements, representing a dramatic improvement over the prior art.

Abstract: A light-induced luminous keyboard includes a keyboard main part, a power supply, and a first circuit, a second circuit and a third circuit parallel to each other. The above circuits include two transistors and a negative coefficient photoresistor. While being played in a decreasing light intensity environment, the light-induced luminous keyboard has an increased resistance of a negative coefficient photoresistor and thus an increased voltage is divided for the negative coefficient photoresistor, the point that the base of the first transistor is connected with the first circuit is in a high level, thus the first transistor is available, the point that the base of the second transistor is connected with the second circuit is drawn down to zero volt, the second transistor is available, the luminous apparatus is turned on and the keyboard illuminates. Therefore, automatic illumination of the keyboard is implemented dependent on environmental light intensity.

Abstract: This invention discloses an image pickup device and an image synthesis method thereof The image pickup device comprises an image-pickup module, an image-synthesis module, a database and a processing module. The image-pickup module captures a plurality of temporary images of a scene. The image-synthesis module extracts a part of each temporary image and combines the parts to form a panorama temporary image, and splits the panorama temporary image into a plurality of zone-areas according to at least one threshold value and a panorama luminosity histogram. The database stores a lookup table for recording a plurality of exposure values. The plurality of the exposure values correspond to luminance values of the zone-areas respectively. The processing module obtains the plurality of exposure values corresponding to the luminance values and obtains a weighting-exposure value by an equation, and controls the image-pickup module to capture the panorama image according to the weighting-exposure value.

Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, and method for dynamically setting a camera's exposure parameters based on face detection are disclosed. When taking a picture or video of a person in front of a bright background, standard exposure algorithms tend to overexpose the background. In one embodiment disclosed herein, a face detection algorithm is run on the current picture or video frame, and the exposure metering region is inset over the detected face. Exposure time, gain, or other exposure parameters may be set based on the pixels within the exposure metering region. In another embodiment, the exposure metering region tracks a moving face according to lag parameters so that the exposure metering region remains substantially over the face. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of faces may be tracked, with the exposure parameters set based on a weighted average of the pixels within the plurality of face-containing exposure metering regions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and a computer readable medium for an improved automatic exposure algorithm attempt to classify an image into a particular “scene category,” and, based on the determined scene category, meter the scene according to a generated metering weighting matrix. In one embodiment, the average luminance is calculated for a central exposure metering region of the image and a plurality of peripheral exposure metering regions surrounding the central exposure metering region. Based on comparisons of the average luminance values of the peripheral exposure regions to the average luminance of the central exposure region, a target metering weighting matrix may be generated. In another embodiment, the scene category corresponds to a predetermined metering weighting matrix.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus that measures, in advance, and stores shading coefficients for light sources of different types, and in a focus detection operation, generates light source information for determining a light source that irradiates an object based on outputs from a plurality of photometry sensors with different spectral characteristics and switches the shading coefficient of a focus detection sensor among shading coefficients stored according to the light source information.

Abstract: A determination unit determines a weighting coefficient for a second light metering area corresponding to a focus detection area at which a second defocus amount having an absolute value larger than an absolute value of a first defocus amount is acquired relatively smaller than a weighting coefficient for a first light metering area corresponding to a focus detection area at which a first defocus amount is acquired, and changes a difference between the weighting coefficient for the first light metering area and the weighting coefficient for the second light metering area based on a plurality of defocus amounts including the defocus amount of the focus detection area not corresponding to the first light metering area and the second light metering area.

Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, and method for dynamically setting a camera's exposure parameters based on face detection are disclosed. When taking a picture or video of a person in front of a bright background, standard exposure algorithms tend to overexpose the background. In one embodiment disclosed herein, a face detection algorithm is run on the current picture or video frame, and the exposure metering region is inset over the detected face. Exposure time, gain, or other exposure parameters may be set based on the pixels within the exposure metering region. In another embodiment, the exposure metering region tracks a moving face according to lag parameters so that the exposure metering region remains substantially over the face. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of faces may be tracked, with the exposure parameters set based on a weighted average of the pixels within the plurality of face-containing exposure metering regions.

Abstract: A process and a device are provided for determining the pose as the entirety of the position and the orientation of an image reception device. The process is characterized in that the pose of the image reception device is determined with the use of at least one measuring device that is part of a robot. The device is characterized by a robot with an integrated measuring device that is part of the robot for determining the pose of the image reception device.

Abstract: A face-image area is decided with comparatively good accuracy. An (N?1)th frame of a subject image ?1 and an Nth frame of a subject image ?2 are obtained by sensing the image of a subject successively. Face-image detection processing is applied to the frames of the subject images ?1 and ?2 to detect face-image areas C1, C2 and C3. The face-image area C2 is construed to be linked to the face-image area C1, which is the corresponding face-image area. Since a face-image area that corresponds to the face-image area C3 does not exist, the face-image area C3 is construed as not being linked. The linked face-image area C2 in the Nth frame of the subject image ?2 is decided upon as a face-image area. Thus, face areas can be decided with comparatively good accuracy.

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: For controlling exposure in a camera, first and second brightness levels of first and second areas of a captured image are determined. First and second weight values for the first and second brightness levels are determined with an increase of the first weight value for a higher difference between the first and second brightness levels. Exposure control data is generated from the first and second weight values and the first and second brightness levels.

Abstract: A flash control device includes: a flash emission section that performs main light emission at photography and preliminary light emission before photography; a flash photometric section that divides reflected light from a photographic subject due to the preliminary light emission into a plurality of photometric areas and performs photometry thereupon; and a flash control section that performs control by, if an output from at least one photometric area of the plurality of photometric areas is outside a predetermined range, resetting a gain related to photometry for the at least one photometric area, and performing again a preliminary light emission by the flash emission section and a preliminary light emission photometry by the flash photometric section.

Abstract: A photometry device for a camera, includes a normal light sensor having spectral sensitivity characteristics close to visual sensitivity characteristics, a plurality of colorimetric sensors having spectral sensitivity characteristics that are different from each other, an exposure amount determining system that determines an exposure amount of an object in accordance with an output of the normal light sensor, a colorimetry system that judges a color of the object in accordance with the outputs of the plurality of colorimetric sensors, and a compensation amount determining system that determines an exposure compensation amount in accordance with the color judged by the colorimetry system. The compensation amount determining system compensates for the exposure compensation amount determined by the compensation amount determining system in accordance with differences among the outputs of the plurality of colorimetric sensors.

Abstract: An exposure control method and apparatus for a camera having a two-area divided brightness measurement system. A central light value is determined based on a central area brightness of a photographic scene, and a peripheral light value is determined based on a peripheral area brightness of the scene. After determining by comparison between the central and peripheral light values whether the scene is back-lighted or front-lighted, a correction coefficient specific to back-lighted scenes or that specific to front-lighted scenes is read from a memory. An exposure value suitable for a main subject is calculated according to the following equation: Es=log2{1−(1−&agr;)2LVb−LVa}−log2&agr;+LVa wherein Es represents the exposure value and &agr; represents the correction coefficient.

Abstract: A photometric apparatus for a microscope comprises a light-reception element having a plurality of concentrically arranged photometric measurement areas, the light-reception element receiving observation light from the microscope and measuring a brightness of an observation image of the observation light, a calculation circuit for calculating an exposure time necessary for photographing the observation image, on the basis of a photometric measurement value obtained from at least one of the photometric measurement areas of the light-reception element, and a control circuit for performing an exposure operation on the basis of the exposure time calculated by the calculation circuit.

Abstract: A compact and high-performance photometry/distance measuring unit in which a chip can be used in common optimally, and the characteristics of the devices can be optimized. The photometry/distance measuring unit comprises a distance measuring PSD, a spot sensor and an average metering sensor. The spot sensor, the average metering sensor, a photometry circuit and a distance measuring circuit are formed on an IC chip independent of the PSD.

Abstract: An exposure control method and apparatus for a camera having a two-area divided brightness measurement system. A central light value is determined based on a central area brightness of a photographic scene, and a peripheral light value is determined based on a peripheral area brightness of the scene. After determining by comparison between the central and peripheral light values whether the scene is back-lighted or front-lighted, a correction coefficient specific to back-lighted scenes or that specific to front-lighted scenes is read from a memory.

Abstract: An exposure control method and apparatus for a camera having a two-area divided brightness measurement system. A central light value is determined based on a central area brightness of a photographic scene, and a peripheral light value is determined based on a peripheral area brightness of the scene. After determining by comparison between the central and peripheral light values whether the scene is back-lighted or front-lighted, a correction coefficient specific to back-lighted scenes or that specific to front-lighted scenes is read from a memory. An exposure value suitable for a main subject is calculated according to the following equation: Es=log2{1−(1−&agr;)2LVb−LVa}−log2&agr;+LVa wherein Es represents the exposure value and &agr; represents the correction coefficient.

Abstract: A camera including a first and second luminance detector, a distance detector and a calculator. The first luminance detector, having a first spectral sensitivity and receiving light from a larger region of a photographing view, generates a first luminance information. The distance detector, having a second spectral sensitivity and receiving light from a smaller region of the photographing view, generates a distance information concerning a distance to an object. The second luminance detector generates a second luminance information based on the received light of the distance detector. The calculator calculates a control luminance value for exposure control based on the first luminance information and the second luminance information when the first luminance information is above a predetermined threshold value. In addition, the calculator calculates a control luminance value based on the first luminance information when the first luminance information is below the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A photometric operation system of a camera includes a photographing lens with a variable focal length. A plurality of photometering devices independently receive and detect rays of object light within a plurality of photometering areas of different sizes. A calculator determines the brightness of an object in accordance with the photometric data supplied from the photometering devices. A smaller photometering area is contained in the larger photometering area. The photometric data is weighted in accordance with the focal length of the photographing lens in the calculation of the object brightness by the calculator devices.

Abstract: In a camera wherein a lens cap is detachably attached there are provided first and second photometric sensors on a lens barrel and the camera main frame, respectively. It is detected in accordance with the photometric values by the first and second photometric sensors whether the lens cap is mounted. According to the camera, it is possible to detect with great accuracy whether the lens cap is mounted, with a standard type lens cap.

Abstract: A video camera system and method for automatically controlling the exposure of a desired object image. A plurality of average luminance values are respectively determined by a plurality of light measurement units. A plurality of reference luminance values are obtained from a plurality of reference value circuits. Selected ones of the average luminance values and the reference luminance values are utilized to form control signals. Such control signals control the video camera so as to maintain a proper exposure of the desired object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video camera which comprises an image sensing device for sensing an incident light to generate charges and supplying an output signal corresponding to the charges, the output signal comprising a recurrent vertical scanning period and a recurrent vertical blanking period, the vertical scanning period including a plurality of horizontal scanning periods, a comparator for comparing a level of the output signal with a reference level to generate a compared output signal, a circuit for generating a first clock pulse having the same frequency as a horizontal scanning period, a circuit for generating a second clock pulse having a frequency higher than that of the first clock pulse, and an exposure time controlling circuit for receiving the compared output signal and controlling an exposure time of the image sensing device in synchronism with the first clock pulse according to the compared output signal when the exposure time is within the vertical scanning period, and the expos

Abstract: A photometry device includes a light-receiving element that photoelectrically converts light from the subject field and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the light. The light-receiving element is provided with at least one light-receiving pixel that is optically shielded from the light A photometry value input unit inputs the photometric output from the light-receiving element. An accumulation time setting unit sets the accumulation time of the light-receiving element on the basis of the output of the photometry value input unit, and computes the setting value of the accumulation time on the basis of the output of the light-receiving pixel.

Abstract: A device has a photometry unit for performing a photometry operation of an object field using an accumulation type photometry element, and an accumulation time determination unit for determining the accumulation time of the photometry element. The accumulation time determination unit determines the value of the accumulation time for the next photometry operation by calculating a weighted average of the accumulation times in previous photometry operations. Since the value of the accumulation time for the next photometry operation is determined by calculating a weighted average of the accumulation times in previous photometry operations, the influence of flickering of an illumination light source can be eliminated, and a photometered value can be output within a short period of time.

Abstract: An exposure control method and apparatus for a camera having a two-area divided brightness measurement system. A central light value is determined based on a central area brightness of a photographic scene, and a peripheral light value is determined based on a peripheral area brightness of the scene. After determining by comparison between the central and peripheral light values whether the scene is back-lighted or front-lighted, a correction coefficient specific to back-lighted scenes or that specific to front-lighted scenes is read from a memory. An exposure value suitable for a main subject is calculated according to the following equation:Es=log.sub.2 {1-(1-.alpha.)2.sup.LVb-LVa }-log.sub.2 .alpha.+LVAwherein Es represents the exposure value and .alpha. represents the correction coefficient.

Abstract: Light is made incident on a pair of photo-sensors having different sensitivity characteristics. One of them has higher spectroscopic sensitivity than the other within a specified range of wavelength, but the other has spectroscopic sensitivity over a wider range of wavelength than this specified range. Both of the photo-sensors are adjusted so as to have approximately same photo-sensitivity against external background light. A difference current with intensity equal to the difference between the currents generated by this pair of photo-sensors is obtained by a subtraction circuit and is compressed by a compression circuit by a specified ratio, and the compressed current thus obtained is outputted.

Abstract: A photometric device that makes improved accuracy of screen photometry possible is disclosed. The photometric device includes a screen component that transmits a luminous flux from a subject field, a light emitting indicating device that is placed in the vicinity of the screen component and that indicates light emitting photographic information, and a photometry component that receives the transmitted luminous flux and outputs the received luminous flux as a first photometric value of the subject field. The photometric device is equipped with an adjustment device that determines a second photometric value based on a higher order or non-linear function of the first photometric value that differs from the first photometric value by a photometric value adjustment amount to compensate for the emitted light of the light emitting indicating device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video camera which comprises an image sensing device for sensing an incident light to generate charges and supplying an output signal corresponding to the charges, the output signal comprising a recurrent vertical scanning period and a recurrent vertical blanking period, the vertical scanning period including a plurality of horizontal scanning periods, a comparator for comparing a level of the output signal with a reference level to generate a compared output signal, a circuit for generating a first clock pulse having the same frequency as a horizontal scanning period, a circuit for generating a second clock pulse having a frequency higher than that of the first clock pulse, and an exposure time controlling circuit for receiving the compared output signal and controlling an exposure time of the image sensing device in synchronism with the first clock pulse according to the compared output signal when the exposure time is within the vertical scanning period, and the expos

Abstract: In a camera with a finder device which is capable of diopter adjustment, a visual axis detection unit detects the visual axis direction and the fundus imaging state of an observer, a multi-distance measurement unit measures distances to a plurality of points in a photographing frame, a diopter driving unit adjusts the imaging position, and a diopter controller drives the diopter driving unit in accordance with the outputs from the visual axis detection unit and the multi-distance measurement unit. Therefore, since diopter correction is attained based on distance measurement information corresponding to visual axis information, a finder image in which an object at an observation position of an observer is always in focus can be realized.

Abstract: An accumulation-type light receiving element photoelectrically converts light from the subject field and outputs an electric signal on the basis of the brightness. An accumulation time setting component sets the accumulation time of the light receiving element and an accumulation operation component carries out accumulation in the light receiving element on the basis of the information from the accumulation time setting component. A photometric value input component inputs the photometry output from the light receiving element. A brightness value calculating component calculates the brightness value of the subject field on the basis of the outputs of the accumulation time setting component and the photometric value input component and further corrects the accumulation time of the light receiving element that has been input from the accumulation time setting component.

Abstract: An illumination measuring device for panoramic picture taking has a first photoelectric illumination intensity receiver which diffusely determines light falling in a first measuring region and illuminating a first panoramic portion, at least one further photoelectric illumination intensity receiver which diffusely determines light falling in a second measuring region and illuminating a further panoramic portion, and an evaluating unit determining a deviation of an illumination intensity determined by the further illumination intensity receiver from an illumination intensity determined by the first illumination intensity receiver.

Abstract: An optical low-pass filter is built with circular phase components consisting of randomly distributed convex and concave surfaces. The area of the phase components is structured to cover 1/2 the entire surface area of the low-pass filter. Moreover, the phase components are set to a height such that the phase difference between the light passing through the phase components and the other areas of the filter is 1/2 its wavelength. The optical low-pass filter is installed in front of the photometric optical system. It is therefore possible to precisely measure light regardless of incidence of light from the photographic subject even when using photometric sensors that have been divided into multiple units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a camera photometry system which uses accumulation-type photoelectric elements to output photometry information related to the brightness of the subject field. Its purpose is to provide a camera photometry system which has a simple structure and which contains a two dimensional photometry mechanism with a wide dynamic photometry range. A camera photometry system using this invention is composed of a two dimensional photometry mechanism made of multiple accumulation-type photoelectric elements, and an accumulation control mechanism which controls the accumulation time of the photoelectric elements, with the system structured so that the multiple photoelectric elements are grouped in separate areas and the accumulation control mechanism is positioned at each of these areas and controls the accumulation time of the photoelectric elements in each separate area.