Abstract: A method for optimizing focus of an optical system passively includes the following steps: discretizing optical positions with respect to precision requirements; initializing an idle counter to zero, going to the initial optical position, initializing a best position to current position, clearing a sharpness array; calculating correspondence; adding a sharpness value to a sharpness array; calculating a longest increasing subsequence on the sharpness array; checking if the longest increasing subsequence length increases; clearing the idle counter; setting the best position to the current position; incrementing the idle counter; checking if the termination threshold is reached; checking if the current position corresponds to the end of discrete optical positions if the termination threshold is not reached; driving motors to the next position; optionally improving the best position; going to the best position and terminating the method.

Abstract: An object tracking method includes measuring ambient light by a camera to determine an ambient exposure value on the condition that an illuminating object being off, controlling the illuminating object to be on and configuring a luminance value of the illuminating object according to the ambient exposure value, and tracking the illuminating object based on at least one image captured from the camera by the ambient exposure value.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for calibrating a camera device are described. The camera device may capture a first set of images of a physical environment and a second set of images of the physical environment having at least one illuminated reference point. The camera device may use a multi-dimensional target for calibration that may be formed by a quantity of illuminated reference points. That is, the illuminated reference points may be part of the multi-dimensional target. The camera device may determine a location of at least one illuminated reference point in an image of the second set based on an image of the first set and the image of the second set, and determine an association between the location of the at least one illuminated reference point in the image of the second set to a physical location of the illuminated reference point in the physical environment. As a result, the camera device may be calibrated.

Abstract: An optical shutter apparatus has at least one shutter blade that is movable between a first position blocking at least a portion of an aperture and a second position spaced apart from the first position. A linkage member is coupled to the at least one shutter blade and has a magnetic material. An actuator is coupled to the linkage member and is energizable to translate the at least one shutter blade between the first and second positions. An intermediate plate has a friction surface of a non-magnetic material. A magnet positioned away from the friction surface of the intermediate plate is disposed to urge the linkage member against the friction surface of the intermediate plate.

Abstract: A camera comprises: a photographing unit converting an image formed by a shooting lens into an electric signal; a subject brightness obtaining unit; an exposure computing unit computing a shutter speed and an aperture value; a shutter controlling a time period in which the photographing unit accumulates the electric signal; and an aperture control unit controlling an aperture value of an aperture unit that limits a quantity of light incident from the shooting lens, wherein the exposure computing unit calculates a deviation between a previous exposure amount and a proper exposure amount on the basis of brightness information relating to a previous exposure and output by the subject brightness obtaining unit, the aperture value of the aperture unit, and the shutter speed of the shutter, and computes an aperture value of the aperture unit for a subsequent exposure on the basis of the deviation.

Abstract: A calibration method in a camera with a P-Iris lens having an adjustable iris opening including the steps of adjusting the size of the iris opening between a first opening position and a second opening position, recording a plurality of images during the adjusting, analyzing the images, and determining an iris opening based on the analysis, that obtains a high quality image. The analyzing includes use of high frequency content in the recorded images.

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

Abstract: A method for capturing an improved archival image using an electronic image capture device having a flash, comprising: capturing at least two preview images of a scene at different capture times using the image capture device; determining a scene brightness; using a processor to analyze the captured preview images to determine a motion velocity for the scene; determining a flash exposure setting and an ambient exposure setting responsive to a ratio between the determined scene brightness and the determined motion velocity; and capturing an archival image using the determined flash exposure setting and the determined ambient exposure setting.

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: The present invention provides, a camera comprises: a photographing unit converting an image formed by a shooting lens into an electric signal; a subject brightness obtaining unit; an exposure computing unit computing a shutter speed and an aperture value; a shutter controlling a time period in which the photographing unit accumulates the electric signal; and an aperture control unit controlling an aperture value of an aperture unit that limits a quantity of light incident from the shooting lens, wherein the exposure computing unit calculates a deviation between a previous exposure amount and a proper exposure amount on the basis of brightness information relating to a previous exposure and output by the subject brightness obtaining unit, the aperture value of the aperture unit, and the shutter speed of the shutter, and computes an aperture value of the aperture unit for a subsequent exposure on the basis of the deviation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration method in a camera with a P-Iris lens having an adjustable iris opening.

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: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of shooting a still image and a moving image and displaying an exposure parameter interlocking range. A light metering unit meters an object brightness. A camera microcomputer performs exposure control such that an exposure becomes equal to a target exposure determined based on a result of metering by the light metering unit. The camera microcomputer causes the image display section to display a first image representing the object brightness metered by the light metering unit and a second image representing an object brightness that can be set as the target exposure by the exposure control.

Abstract: A motion compensation apparatus for a camera module with a half-shutter function is provided. The apparatus includes an initialization unit for selecting a subject, a motion of which is to be detected, from images secured in a half-shutter state, and calculates motion information of the subject; a tracking unit for tracking the selected subject and the motion information provided from the initialization unit, and calculates prediction information of the subject; and a controller for generating a control signal for controlling a speed of a shutter and a sensibility of an image sensor based on the prediction information provided from the tracking unit.

Abstract: A light quantity adjusting device includes a plate, an upper diaphragm blade, a lower diaphragm blade, and a diaphragm blade driving unit. The upper diaphragm blade has a semicircular upper main opening and a semicircular upper sub opening. The lower diaphragm blade has a semicircular lower main opening and a semicircular lower sub opening formed. The diaphragm blade driving unit is formed so as to be capable of switching between a state in which a circular main diaphragm opening is formed by the upper main opening and the lower main opening with an optical axis being the center and a state in which a circular sub diaphragm opening that is smaller than the main diaphragm opening is formed by the upper sub opening and the lower sub opening with the optical axis being the center.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus has an integrator for generating plural secondary-light-source images for generating illumination light with a uniform intensity; and a variable stop mechanism arranged at or near a position conjugate with the secondary-light-source images. The variable stop mechanism has a base plate having a fixed aperture; and a stop blade which moves across the aperture for changing a quantity of light. The change in the quantity of light passing through said variable stop caused by the movement of said stop blade is greater than a change in a size of an effective region of a stop aperture.

Abstract: A method of controlling exposure under low brightness conditions, comprising calculating an automatic exposure time such that an exposure time is substantially in inverse proportion to the brightness of a subject; when the automatic exposure time is smaller than a first exposure time value, setting a control exposure time as the automatic exposure time; when the automatic exposure time is greater than or equal to the first exposure time and smaller than or equal to a second exposure time, setting the control exposure time as the first exposure time; when the automatic exposure time is greater than the second exposure time, setting the control exposure time to be substantially in proportion to the automatic exposure time such that the control exposure time is smaller than the automatic exposure time by predetermined steps; and increasing sensitivity according to a difference between the automatic exposure time and the control exposure time.

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 electronic camera includes: an image sensor that captures an image of a subject and outputs image data; a projection device that projects an image based upon image data; a single mode switching operation member operated to select a mode; and a control device that selects a photographing operation mode in which image data output by the image sensor are saved into a recording medium or a projection operation mode in which an image is projected by the projection device based upon image data read out from the recording medium in correspondence to a position to which the single mode switching operation member is operated.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit is preloaded with a roll of photo film whose film speed is ISO3200, and has a mode selection member that is manually operated to select one of a standard photography mode, an indoor photography mode and a night-view photography mode. In the standard photography mode, an exposure is made without flash with a small aperture size and at a high shutter speed. In the indoor photography mode, an exposure is made with a flashlight, with a middle aperture size and at a high shutter speed. In the night-view photography mode, an exposure is made with a flash light, with a large aperture size and at a low shutter speed.

Abstract: A camera uses a program shutter as a shutter device. When an exposure value becomes larger than EV9, a stop of the camera is closed down so as to increase an f-number. In a case that the camera is loaded with a photographic film having film sensitivity of ISO 1000 or more, an upper limit of a focus set position of a taking lens is fixed to 3 m. By utilizing a depth of field, a picture is taken in a state that a blur is reduced, relative to a subject existing within a range from a comparatively short photographic-distance to a far photographic-distance.

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 shatter device includes an exposure opening. Shutter blades slide in an opening direction to a maximum open position to open the exposure opening so as to provide an exposure. Then the shutter blades slide in a closing direction to close the exposure opening. An opening diameter is determined in accordance with the maximum open position, and is controlled smaller according to highness of subject brightness. A solenoid slides the shatter blades in the opening direction. A position detecting photo interrupter detects a reach of the shutter blades to a reference position while the solenoid slides the shutter blades in the opening direction. A controller obtains a timer time in accordance with the subject brightness, and starts measuring elapsed time in response to a signal from the photo interrupter. The solenoid is turned off when the measured elapsed time comes up to the timer time while the shutter-blades are slid further in the opening direction.

Abstract: An exposure controlling device comprises, a controlling unit that controls, at the time of an exposure, the DC motor to rotate forward to open the shutter blades and then to rotate reversely to close the shutter blades, a calculating unit that calculates a time period for driving the DC motor in the forward direction between a predetermined starting point and a point where a required aperture area is obtained, a detecting unit that detects the starting point that is an intermediate point of the range of a shutter actuation, and a timer for counting the calculated time period.

Abstract: A multi-function and high function photographic device having optional setting of only those functions desired by the photographer, thereby omitting complicated setting operations, such as the selection of unnecessary function mode settings or function ranges. The photographic device includes an LCD to display plural function operation elements which are operational modes relating to photography or numerical values indicating operation ranges relating to photography. The photographic device further includes a manual operation device to select optional elements from among the function operation elements which are displayed on the LCD. A control device inhibits operation of the optional elements which were selected by the manual operation device. Moreover, control device controls display or non-display of function operation elements on the LCD, to indicate operation or operation inhibition states.

Abstract: A shutter apparatus is provided wherein openings for defining a secondary aperture are formed in respective shutter blades, such that an amount of light transmitted through the secondary aperture is detected, and the drive force for driving the shutter blades is changed so that the amount of the received amount increases in the opening stroke according to a predetermined function. When the integrated quantity of the received light reaches a threshold value, the movement of the shutter blades is reversed, and the shutter speed is determined based on the integrated light quantity obtained upon completion of shifting to the closing stroke. Thus, variations in the exposure amount that occur upon reversal of the shutter blades are canceled in the closing stroke.

Abstract: An image pickup device capable of exposure control utilizing the iris aperture, shutter speed and gain as three control parameters, comprising means for setting a photometry area in the image frame; means for setting an input parameter as a reference for evaluation, based on the luminance information in an image signal obtained from the photometry means; means for determining the values of the three control parameters for exposure control, according to the value of the input parameter; switch means for switching, according to the phototaking mode, a program setting the control caharacteristics of each control parameter as a function of the input parameter; and photometry area switch means for switching the set state of the photometry area in the image frame, in linkage with the switching operation of the switch means, wherein the phototaking mode is switched according to the phototaking conditions, thereby controlling the parameters and the light metering area according to a program matching the phototaking m

Abstract: A camera system comprises a brightness measuring circuit, a exposure line choosing circuit, an operable switch, a film driver and a film driving mode selector. The brightness measuring circuit measures brightness of a photographic scene to send a brightness value. The exposure line choosing circuit chooses one of a plurality of exposure lines in which each lines selects a combination of an aperture value and a shutter speed value at each brightness value. The film driver drives a film in either of a first mode in which the film is wound only one frame in response to the operation of the operable switch and a second mode in which the film is wound frame by frame continuously as long as the operable member is operated. The film driving mode selector selects one of the modes in accordance with the exposure line chosen by the choosing circuit.

Abstract: An exposure controlling device comprises, a controlling unit that controls a DC motor, a calculating unit that calculates a time period between a predetermined starting point and a point where a predetermined aperture area is obtained during the forward rotation of the DC motor, and a timer for counting the time period from the starting point. The controlling unit controls, at the time of an exposure, the DC motor to rotate reversely for a predetermined time period at a first step, to rotate forward to open shutter blades of a lens shutter at a second step and to rotate reversely to close the shutter blades at a third step.

Abstract: The exposure controlling device comprises a controlling unit that controls, at the time of an exposure, the DC motor to rotate forward to open the shutter blades and then to rotate reversely to close the shutter blades, a calculating unit that calculates a time period for driving the DC motor in the forward direction between a predetermined starting point and a point where a required aperture area is obtained, a timer for counting the time period from the starting point, a memory for storing data of relationship between the time period and the aperture area, and means for storing an individual data of the relationship into the memory.The calculating unit calculates the time period based on a required aperture area by using the data of relationship stored in the memory for compensating individual differences among lens shutters.

Abstract: A method of noise reduction processing for reducing noise generated when an image of a photographic film is converted to a digital image signal includes the steps of: measuring a large area transmission density of each of a plurality of image frames recorded on the photographic film; classifying measured values of the large area transmission density into a plurality of groups; reading the image signals of the same image frame by an amount corresponding to the number of inputs of the image signals of the same image frame set in advance for each of the classified groups; and subjecting the image signals of the same image frame which have been read to averaging processing.

Abstract: In the blur prevention mode, which prevents photographic blurring caused by the vibration of the camera body which occurs when the mirrors are elevated, an anticipated drive quantity required for focusing the taking lens on a moving photographic subject at the time of exposure is calculated based on the results of distance measurement and a drive quantity equivalent to the distance traveled by the image surface of the moving photographic subject during the time T by which the exposure operation is delayed after mirror elevation is also calculated based on the results of distance measurement to be added to the anticipated drive quantity. The taking lens is driven in the amount of the total drive quantity that is the result of this addition. At the same time, the mirrors are elevated and then exposure is performed when the delay time T has elapsed after the mirrors are fully elevated.

Abstract: In a camera having a function or recording a scope of printing (printing scope) in an exposed picture of a film, under a panoramic photography mode, that is, a mode in which the ratio of the horizontal dimension to the vertical dimension of a printing scope is larger than that of a standard picture from a film, an aperture is controlled to be smaller than in standard photography.

Abstract: A camera having a manually actuable switch for temporarily shifting the camera to an optimum exposure value so that exposure factors, based upon a manually set shutter speed and a manually set aperture value, are replaced by optimum exposure factors based upon a metered brightness of the object to be photographed when the camera is set to a non-program exposure mode. A clear button associated with the camera functions as a manually actuable switch for temporarily shifting an exposure mode of the camera to another exposure mode when the camera is set to a hyper-manual exposure mode. In the hyper-manual exposure mode, a photographer sets exposure factors by actuating a Tv electronic dial and an Av electronic dial. Actuation of the clear button when the camera is set to the hyper-manual exposure mode causes the set exposure factors to be replaced with optimum exposure factors that are automatically calculated in accordance with an object brightness Bv.

Abstract: A camera having an auxiliary photographing function comprises photometering device for photometering an area to be photographed, exposure value calculation device for calculating an exposure value in accordance with the output of said photometering device, photographing mode selection device for selecting a photographing mode, and exposure value setting device for setting a final exposure value in accordance with the mode selected by said photographing mode selection device and the exposure value calculated by said exposure value calculation device.

Abstract: A camera capable of operation in continuous photography and one-frame photography modes has an automatically activated flash device the operation of which may be inhibited by the user when desired. In a preferred embodiment, when the camera is in the continuous photography mode and the user has inhibited the flash device, the inhibition of the flash device is maintained upon completion of continuous photography. One-frame photography may be performed while the camera is in the continuous photography mode, and while maintaining inhibition of the flash device, by momentary depression of the shutter release button. If the camera is operated in the one-frame photography mode and the flash device is inhibited, inhibition of the flash device is automatically cancelled after each exposure.