Abstract: Methods for taking a panoramic photo are disclosed. One method includes the steps of measuring photographing parameters for an object to be photographed and determining if a focal distance of the measured photographing parameters belongs to a preset reference distance. If the focal distance belongs to the preset reference distance, warping a partial edge image of a previously photographed scene onto a photographing plane of a scene being photographed as a guide image in photographing of each scene. The method also includes the steps of displaying the warped image on a preview screen, and photographing a plurality of scenes constituting the panoramic photo by using the measured photographing parameters according to a user's operation.

Abstract: A driving device includes: a movable frame; a frame shaped supporting body arranged on an outer side of the movable frame; and bending drive elements arranged on a surface of the movable frame. The supporting body and the movable frame each have two sets of opposing sides. Supporting parts arranged on first set of opposing sides of the supporting body support first set of opposing sides of the movable frame. The bending drive elements are arranged on the first set of opposing sides of the movable frame. A region arranged with the bending drive elements of the movable frame bends in a thickness direction of the movable frame.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging device comprises: a lens array having a center lens for receiving light entering in a front range of at most 60° in a capture angle and left and right side lenses formed on the same plane as that with the center lens formed thereon and having optical axes parallel to that of the center lens for receiving lights entering in left and right ranges each of at most 60° in the capture angle; and prisms or mirrors placed on light entrance side of the lens array for guiding and reflecting lights entering in the left and right ranges, such that each light entering each side lens is directed along the optical axis of each side lens. Images formed by the center lens and the left and right side lenses are combined into a panoramic image with a picture angle of at least 120°.

Abstract: A print-direct printer for receiving and printing JPEG data from a DSC divides the area of a memory into a plurality of blocks, stores the received JPEG data in the memory on a block-by-block basis and decompresses the compressed JPEG data that has been stored in the memory, thereby expanding the JPEG data into image data. If it is determined that JPEG data to be expanded next has not been stored in the memory, then the DSC is requested for JPEG data corresponding to at least one block, in an amount that is less than the maximum amount of data transferable from the DSC, in addition to the JPEG data to be expanded.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a method and apparatii for using a photosensitive element that is photosensitive to light within a predetermined range of exposures to capture images including exposures that are outside of the predetermined exposure range. In this method the photosensitive element is exposed to light from the scene. The light from the scene is fractured into concentrated portions and residual portions; with the concentrated portions directed at concentrated images areas of the photosensitive element to form a pattern of concentrated image elements providing a concentrated image when light from the scene is within a first exposure range. The residual portions of the light are directed at a residual image area of the photosensitive element and form an image in the residual image area when light from the scene is within a second exposure range. Wherein the combination of the first range and second range is greater than a predetermined range of exposure.

Abstract: A panoramic high-dynamic range (HDR) image method and system of combining multiple images having different exposures and at least partial spatial overlap wherein each of the images may have scene motion, camera motion, or both. The major part of the panoramic HDR image method and system is a two-pass optimization-based approach that first defines the position of the objects in a scene and then fills in the dynamic range when possible and consistent. Data costs are created to encourage radiance values that are both consistent with object placement (defined by the first pass) and of a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Seam costs are used to ensure that transitions occur in regions of consistent radiances. The result is a high-quality panoramic HDR image having the full available spatial extent of the scene along with the full available exposure range.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an element layout apparatus, an element layout program and an element layout method which lay out a plurality of images taken by a camera, a video recorder or the like, so as to express a sense of time or ambience with the lapse of time on an album board.

Abstract: High Dynamic Range (HDR) spherical images can be obtained without a requirement for special purpose cameras having linear optical sensors. Various examples of the present invention can use a standard single lens reflex (SLR) camera with a fisheye lens to obtain spherical images. The camera is positioned to obtain a plurality of images at different exposures with the camera facing up and again with the camera facing down. The images may then be processed to obtain an HDR spherical image. A center post of a tripod, an offset arm and a rotational mount may be used to position the camera. The offset arm and rotational mount can enable the camera to be oriented straight up or straight down along an optical axis separated from the center post of the tripod.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus displays a realistic image depending on a user's viewpoint. A sensor control unit 41 detects a user's viewpoint and a point of interest based on signals from various sensors, and outputs the detected viewpoint and point to a depth-of-field adjusting unit. The depth-of-field adjusting unit reads, from the image database, a depth of field set beforehand (or designated each time) and image data of images captured from different positions according to user's viewpoints, and outputs the read depth of field and data to an image combining unit. The image combining unit combines a plurality of image data items output from the depth-of-field adjusting unit and displays a combined image on a display. The present invention is applicable to a television apparatus.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a first image sensor, a first wide angle lens for forming a first image of a scene on the first image sensor; a second image sensor, a zoom lens for forming a second image of the same scene on the second image sensor, a control element for selecting either a first sensor output from the first image sensor or a second sensor output from the second image sensor, and a processing section for producing the output image from the selected sensor output. In one variation of this embodiment, the first lens is also a zoom lens, where the maximum focal length of the first lens is less than or equal to the minimum focal length of the second zoom lens.

Abstract: A digital still camera has a function to perform first and second exposures in a single imaging sequence. In the first exposure, imaging conditions are determined to obtain proper exposure amount of the background with available light. Then, the second exposure is carried out with the flashlight to illuminate the main subject. The photographic sensitivity, the shutter speed, and the aperture value for the second exposure are determined such that the exposure value in the second exposure is under-exposure by two steps or more, compared to that in the first exposure. Images obtained by first and second exposures are synthesized to obtain a composite image.

Abstract: Image information necessary to display a three-dimensional image of an object in a space is acquired with a simple structure, and a three-dimensional dynamic image in a true sense is displayed with a simple structure. Part of light from an object (10) falls on a polarizer (11). The polarizer (11) passes the component of the incident light polarized at a predetermined angle to the surface of the polarizer (11) and allows the component to emerge from the polarizer (11) as parallel light perpendicular to the surface of the polarizer (11). The parallel light passes through a condenser lens (12), a pinhole member (13), and a condenser lens (14) and falls on a CCD (15). The angle of incident light selected by the polarizer (11) can be changed with time. Therefore, the image information outputted from the CCD (15) is a set of items of two-dimensional image information including the direction of imaging changing with time and is necessary to display a three-dimensional image of an object in a space.

Abstract: A dental camera is provided having multiple lenses. The dental camera has at least a first lens for use in an intra-oral mode, and at least a second lens for use in an extra-oral mode. The dental camera is switchable between the intra-oral mode and the extra-oral mode. Each lens is associated with an image sensor, for example, a CMOS active pixel sensor or a charge-coupled device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatii are provided that use a photosensitive element that is photosensitive to light within a predetermined range of exposure levels to capture images including exposure levels that are outside of the predetermined range of exposure levels. The photosensitive element is exposed to light from a scene. The light from the scene is fractured into concentrated and residual portions with the concentrated portions being directed to form a pattern of concentrated image elements on the photosensitive element when light from the scene is within a first exposure range with the residual portion of the light being directed to form a residual image when light from the scene is within a second exposure range. The light from the scene is adapted also so that the pattern of concentrated image elements is formed in a predefined pattern of concentrated image areas on the photosensitive element.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional image acquisition apparatus acquires images to be used for 3-dimensionally reconstructing an object by picking up the object by a camera twice or more in an image acquisition set including picking up at least once the object carrying a pattern projected onto it by a projection light source. The apparatus comprises a light projection information memory configured to store information on projection of light including information on the time for projecting light for the purpose of projecting the pattern in the image acquisition set, an image acquisition progress information memory configured to store information on the progress of image acquisition in the image acquisition set, and a controller configured to control the projection of light by the projection light source and the picking up by the camera on the basis of the stored information on projection of light and the stored information on the progress.

Abstract: A method and instrument for making photos of various background art works with disposable camera. A negative filmstrip with various preset backgrounds in one canister is prepared using a negative image duplicator of this invention in a dark room. The filmstrip is rolled into a canister as conventional photo film and installed in a disposable camera in a dark room. The objective lens of the disposable camera, for a photo of this invention, is covered with an annular mask of black opaque plastic sheet, except for the center, through which only the image of objectives to be taken picture can be seen. Developed photos of this invention are decorated with many phrases and artworks for specific moments surrounding the objective human.

Abstract: A transfer pressure roll is characterized in that a cylindrical roll body and an elastic layer which coats the surface of the roll body and comes into contact with an image protection film at the pressurizing time are included, and the hardness of an elastic matter forming the elastic layer is HA 40 degrees or more by a measuring method specified by JIS-K6253.

Abstract: A photographic article. According to one embodiment, the photographic article comprises: a first image area comprising a photographic film negative of an image; and a second image area, different than the first image area, comprising a positive image of the image.

Abstract: The invention discloses an imaging system for producing double exposure composite images and application method therefor. This system includes a cartridge-clip camera and a cartridge-clip film. The cartridge-clip camera can achieve a conversion between a full-frame transmission and a half-frame transmission by a fixed-frame wheel, and can also provide a single-sheet-film card. The film may be a kind of information medium, on which there are various pre-exposed picture-and-word information latent images. When the cartridge-clip camera uses the cartridge-clip film, it can employ a positioning means for locating to make the cartridge clip provided with the film to be conveniently and accurately located in the cartridge-clip camera, and can produce accurately located double exposure composite images, thereby overcoming the drawback of known art, using conveniently and avoiding waste.

Abstract: A finder apparatus which is used together with a photographing apparatus presents a marker for positioning for setting relative positions of the photographing apparatus and an object for calibration so as to be visually recognizable by an operator in a finder configured to present an image of a subject so as to be visually recognizable by the operator, when photographing the object for calibration including at least one of a known shape and a known surface attribute in order to acquire parameters of a photographing optical system of the photographing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for providing X-server interface to a Unix server using any television from any location that has a connection between them. Providing flexible and economical computer access to the users. This connection can be achieved using standard telephone lines, local area network, Wireless connection, an Internet Service Provider or any other communication system that can get the connection in operational status.

Abstract: A method for orienting a digital panoramic image obtained using at least one initial wide-angle image the image points of which are transferred into a three-dimensional coordinate system includes inserting an orientation mark into the initial image at the time of the exposure. The method further includes detecting the location of the orientation mark in the digital panoramic image, performed by an image analysis algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera support device including an attachment device for a camera fitted or capable of being fitted with a first lens, and a mechanism for rotating around an axis. The attachment device also includes a device for attaching an adapter lens, particularly a panoramic adapter lens, arranged to hold the adapter lens in line with the first lens without the need to attach the adapter lens to the camera.

Abstract: A photographic film strip in the form of a length of photographic film has a pre-exposed area and an unexposed area. The pre-exposed area is continuous and extends along one edge of the strip between ends of the strip. The unexposed area is also continuous and has a length suitable for making multiple single exposure frames with adjacent frames being separated by a frame line. Upon development the film, an image formed by the pre-exposed section of each print will extend between opposite edges of prints formed by individual frames without the need to preregister the film in a camera The pre-exposure comprises a contact exposure. A strip of film can be placed in contact with a partially pre-exposed master on a cylindrical drum in a light tight housing so that pre-exposed section of the film can be exposed by one activation of an electronic flash located in the center of the drum.

Abstract: In order to prevent the upper part of a subject such as a multistoried building or the like from being photographed in a short form when a wide angle shot is carried out, image pick-up means 5 are provided at intervals of 90 degrees on a base 4. The image pick-up means 5 respectively have front convex lenses 8 and image pick-up parts 7 along vertical planes parallel to each other. The front convex lenses 8 are displaced along the vertical planes so as to be provided at higher positions than those of the image pick-up parts 7. The NP points of the image pick-up means 5 are arranged to respectively correspond to each other so that a parallax is reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatii are provided that use a photosensitive element that is photosensitive to light within a predetermined range of exposure levels to capture images including exposure levels that are outside of the predetermined range of exposure levels. The photosensitive element is exposed to light from a scene. The light from the scene is fractured into concentrated and residual portions with the concentrated portions being directed to form a pattern of concentrated image elements on the photosensitive element when light from the scene is within a first exposure range with the residual portion of the light being directed to form a residual image when light from the scene is within a second exposure range. The light from the scene is adapted also so that the pattern of concentrated image elements is formed in a predefined pattern of concentrated image areas on the photosensitive element.

Abstract: A camera for use with film bearing a series of latent pre exposed images for subsequent user-exposure, comprises a film sprocket wheel (34) extending into a film passageway, the sprocket wheel comprising a wheel having a plurality of equidistantly-spaced teeth one (42) of which is visually distinguishable from other teeth, for example being formed of a contrasting colour.

Abstract: A camera is provided. The camera has a primary lens adapted to focus light from a scene and an array of micro-lenses with each micro-lens having a light receiving surface to receive light from the primary lens and a light focusing surface confronting a photosensitive element. The light focusing surface is adapted to concentrate the received light onto the photosensitive element. A spacer positions the photosensitive element separate from the light focusing surfaces of the micro-lenses and a shutter assembly controllably passes light from the scene to the array of micro-lenses.

Abstract: When a stop aperture formed by a shutter blade has reached a diameter corresponding to a predetermined f-number, a flash light is emitted and an exposure is performed with the flash light. Successively, the diameter of the stop aperture is gradually increased. When the stop aperture has reached a diameter corresponding to a set f-number, a color-temperature conversion filter is placed at a photographic optical path. Another exposure is performed with an illumination light which has passed through the color-temperature conversion filter.

Abstract: A camera for use with film bearing a series of latent pre-exposed images for subsequent user-exposure, comprises a film sprocket wheel (34) extending into a film passageway, the sprocket wheel comprising a wheel having a plurality of equidistantly-spaced teeth one (42) of which is visually distinguishable from other teeth, for example being formed of a contrasting colour.

Abstract: A method of pre-exposing photographic film with latent images comprises the steps of: providing a film container (18) having a housing defining a film slot therein and a film-winding tool (46) opening; providing a roll of unexposed film; securing a leading end of the film to a film-winding tool (46) arranged on the opposite side of an exposure opening from said roll of unexposed film and enclosing the film leading end and winding tool end (46) in the container (18) with the tool extending from the film-winding tool opening; enclosing the film container and roll of film in a light-tight enclosure (12, 14); sequentially exposing the film to a series of images directed onto the film, and advancing the film by rotating the film-winding tool (46) between each exposure; withdrawing the film-winding tool (46) from the container (18) and closing said opening therein; and opening the enclosure and removing the film container (18) having the pre-exposed film loaded therein.

Abstract: A light emission device includes organic light emission element arrays for red, green and blue, each of which has a plurality of microscopic organic light emission elements arranged in line. Three-color recording light beams of one line emitted from said organic light emission element arrays are applied to an instant photo film through corresponding condenser lenses and graded-index type optical fiber. The condenser lenses are formed integrally with a surface of a transparent plate, on the other side of which the organic light emission element arrays for red, green and blue are stacked. In order to correct axial chromatic aberration, radius of curvature of each condenser lens is varied in accordance with the color of light beam emitted from corresponding organic light emission element.

Abstract: In a camera, an image correcting apparatus, an image correcting system, an image correcting method or a computer program product providing the image correcting method, an object image is recorded as a photo-taking image, and an object image obtained at a point of time different from a point of time at which the photo-taking image is obtained is recorded as a correction image to be used for correcting the photo-taking image.

Abstract: A photographic film strip in the form of a length of photographic film has a pre-exposed area and an unexposed area. The pre-exposed area is continuous and extends along one edge of the strip between ends of the strip. The unexposed area is also continuous and has a length suitable for making multiple single exposure frames with adjacent frames being separated by a frame line. Upon development the film, an image formed by the pre-exposed section of each print will extend between opposite edges of prints formed by individual frames without the need to preregister the film in a camera The pre-exposure comprises a contact exposure. A strip of film can be placed in contact with a partially pre-exposed master on a cylindrical drum in a light tight housing so that pre-exposed section of the film can be exposed by one activation of an electronic flash located in the center of the drum.

Abstract: A method and a system of generating an image sequence of an object within a scene. According to one embodiment, the method includes capturing an image (images I1-N) of the object with a plurality of camera systems, wherein the camera systems are positioned around the scene. Next, the method includes 2D projective transforming certain of the images (I2-N) such that a point of interest in each of the images is at a same position as a point of interest in a first image (I1) from one of the camera systems. The method further includes outputting the transformed images (I2′-N′) and the first image (I1) in a sequence corresponding to a positioning of the corresponding camera systems around the scene.

Abstract: A photographic film strip in the form of a length of photographic film has a pre-exposed area and an unexposed area. The pre-exposed area is continuous and extends along one edge of the strip between ends of the strip. The unexposed area is also continuous and has a length suitable for making multiple single exposure frames with adjacent frames being separated by a frame line. Upon development the film, an image formed by the pre-exposed section of each print will extend between opposite edges of prints formed by individual frames without the need to preregister the film in a camera. The pre-exposure comprises a contact exposure. A strip of film can be placed in contact with a partially pre-exposed master on a cylindrical drum in a light tight housing so that pre-exposed section of the film can be exposed by one activation of an electronic flash located in the center of the drum.

Abstract: A film assembly comprises a pair of film containers 13, 15 with a length of film extending therebetween with a major part of the film wound in one of the containers, with a backing strip 17 of flexible material secured to each container to extend therebetween.

Abstract: A flash unit comprising a flash light source (2) and a projector lens (8) positioned to project light from the flash source onto a subject. In a preferred embodiment there are two flash light sources for projecting patterned and unpatterned light respectively on to the subject, and a circuit is provided to trigger the two flash sources with a predetermined time interval therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for pre-exposing a camera film with images has a microprocessor-based control unit having a storage device (300, 316) for storing said images, an image generator such as a cathode ray tube (110) or graphics display (301) controlled by the control unit to produce an image for pre-exposing the film with said images, and a lens (130, 306) for focusing the image onto the film for said image pre-exposure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a single-exposure synthesized image on film is provided where an instantaneous image is combined with an image from a prepared picture on film. The preparation picture is reflected by a reflective mirror, and then is refracted by the objective lens of the camera to form a prepared image. The reflective mirror has a central hole that is located in front of the objective lens. The prepared picture also has a central hole, or a central transparent portion, and is located in a space between the objective lens and the reflective mirror, so that the reflecting surface of the reflective mirror faces the picture and the objective lens. Light rays from the prepared picture are reflected by the reflective mirror, pass through the central hole or the central transparent portion of the picture and through the objective lens to image the prepared picture image on the circumferential portion of the film.

Abstract: A lens-fitted film unit includes: a main body; a photographic lens provided in the main body, having an aperture value; an aperture provided in the main body; a shutter provided in the main body, having a shutter speed; a photographic film loaded in the main body, having image frames each including an unexposed portion and a pre-exposed portion on which a latent image has been formed; and a masking member for masking the pre-exposed portion of the photographic film when a photographing operation is conducted. The latent image has been formed on the photographic film with a same exposure amount as that obtained when an object to be photographed having a brightness of not less than 10 and not more than 12.5 in terms of light values in which a photographic film whose ISO sensitivity is 100, is exposed to light with an aperture value of the photographic lens set by the aperture and with the shutter speed of the shutter.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging apparatus which includes a housing that encloses, in a common cavity thereof, an arrangement comprising a pair of independent cameras constructed in combination with each other, said pair of cameras being a digital camera and a photosensitive film camera.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a panoramic image of a scene, including an image capture device, which is adapted to capture a plurality of sub-images of the scene at a respective plurality of orientations of the device. The apparatus further includes a direction indicator, which is coupled to the image capture device so as to determine the orientation of the device and to indicate the orientations at which the sub-images should be captured so that the plurality of sub-images can be stitched together to form the panoramic image of the scene. The apparatus is able to produce a panoramic image of a horizontal or of a vertical scene.

Abstract: A camera for taking both stereo and mono photographs is provided. The camera includes a body that has a mono aperture and a pair of stereo apertures. The camera also includes a lens panel that has a pair of lenses. The lens panel is moveable between a mono position and a stereo position. In the mono position, one of the pair of lenses is aligned with the mono aperture to project a single image of a subject on a film exposure. In the stereo position, the pair of lenses are aligned with the pair of stereo apertures to project dual images of a subject onto a film exposure. There is further provided a shutter assembly for covering and exposing the apertures in the camera body. The shutter assembly includes a first, pivotable shutter blade and a second, pivotable shutter blade. The pivot points of the first and second shutter blades are on opposite sides of the apertures.

Abstract: A camera case and film cartridge system that can be used with captioned film (i.e., film that has a pre-exposed caption such as “Happy Birthday” or “It's a Boy” on each film frame such that when the remainder of the film frame is exposed with the camera in the normal course, the each resulting picture will include the caption) in which the film cartridge is designed and constructed to use the standard 35 mm film cannister (or any other standard film cannister) so that the film, once exposed in the normal course, can be developed at any retail or commercial developing facility that is equipped to handle the standard film cannister. The film cartridge includes a diffuser that partially shields the pre-exposed, captioned portion of the film from further exposure. Because the diffuser is incorporated into the film cartridge instead of the camera case, the same camera can be used with different captioned formats.

Abstract: A camera includes a casing having an optical device disposed in the front portion and a film disposed in the rear portion. One or more image sheets are detachably securing to the middle portion of the casing and between the film and the optical device by magnetic members. The magnetic members of the casing or the magnetic members of the image sheets are different from each other for checking the image sheets at the correct position. The casing includes a window having an additional image sheet for checking whether the image sheets are at the correct position.

Abstract: A camera case and film cartridge system that can be used with captioned film (i.e., film that has a pre-exposed caption such as “Happy Birthday” or “It's a Boy” on each film frame such that when the remainder of the film frame is exposed with the camera in the normal course, the each resulting picture will include the caption) in which the film cartridge is designed and constructed to use the standard 35mm film cannister (or any other standard film cannister) so that the film, once exposed in the normal course, can be developed at any retail or commercial developing facility that is equipped to handle the standard film cannister. The film cartridge includes a diffuser that partially shields the pre-exposed, captioned portion of the film from further exposure. Because the diffuser is incorporated into the film cartridge instead of the camera case, the same camera can be used with different captioned formats.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for capturing a sequence of subsections of a flat field subject image. The image capturing apparatus includes a camera assembly, preferably including a digital camera, and a lighting assembly. The image capturing apparatus further includes an image positioning jig for moving the subject image to a series of predetermined positions relative to the camera assembly for the capture of the subsections of the subject image by the camera. The image positioning jig includes a backing plate for supporting the subject image in an image plane, and a positioning rail for abutting an edge of the subject image for slidable movement along the X-axis of the image plane. A plurality of rail locators are arranged on the backing plate for attaching the positioning rail to the backing plate at predetermined positions along the Y-axis of the image plane.

Abstract: A mechanism for and a method of pre-exposing a camera film with images. The mechanism comprises a control unit having a storage device for storing said images, a light generator controlled by the control unit to produce a scanning light beam for pre-exposing the film with said images, and a lens aligned with the tube for focusing the light beam onto the film for said image pre-exposure. The mechanism is arranged to be used at least partially in an absolute dark environment. The method resides in the operation of this mechanism.

Abstract: A method of forming a combined image from a filmstrip carrying a plurality of user exposed first images and second image information defining a second image. A user exposed image associated with a predetermined designation for referencing the second image, is identified. The user exposed image associated with the designation is scanned to obtain a resulting scanned image signal. Second image information from the filmstrip is read to obtain a second image signal. A combined image is formed from the resulting scanned image signal and the read second image. A filmstrip and film assemblage is provided which can be used in a method of exposing according to the present invention, then developed and processed according to the above method.