Abstract: An image sensor includes: a first photoelectric conversion unit that photoelectrically converts light to generate an electric charge; a first output unit that outputs a first signal based on the electric charge generated by the first photoelectric conversion unit; a plurality of second photoelectric conversion units that photoelectrically convert light to generate electric charges; a plurality of second output units that output second signals based on the electric charges generated by the second photoelectric conversion units; an output line to which the first output unit and the plurality of second output units are connected, and from which at least one of the first signal and the second signals is output; a first control line for controlling the output of the first signal from the first output unit; and second control lines for controlling the outputs of the second signals from the plurality of second output units.

Abstract: Devices disclosed herein feature a Wide camera with a Wide field of view (FOVw), a folded Tele camera with a Tele field of view (FOVT) smaller than the FOVw and including an optical path folding element (OPFE). The device may be configured to rotate the OPFE to thereby shift FOVT relative to FOVw in response to recognition of an object or subject of interest detected in FOVw or FOVT. The device can have high resolution in this overlapping FOV either by fusing the Wide and Tele images or by capturing and saving the Tele image.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments may include a system that may receive first level authentication data from a first user, identify a first user device associated with the first user, and determine whether a current location of the first user device is within a predetermined proximity of a first computing device. In response to the determination, the system may detect one or more objects within the predetermined proximity of the first computing device using the one or more positional sensors. The system may determine that at least one of the one or more objects is associated with a human, and in response, trigger a security measure. The system may transmit an indication of the triggered security measure to the first computing device, and may transmit instructions to the first user device configured to cause the first user device to provide an alert to the first user.

Abstract: A multi-lens camera module and its multi-lens camera module conjoined stand, and the application thereof. The multi-lens camera module includes at least two lens assemblies, at least two photosensitive assemblies and an integrated multi-lens camera module conjoined stand. The multi-lens camera module conjoined stand has an upside and a downside. Each lens assembly is connected to the upside of the multi-lens camera module conjoined stand. Each photosensitive assembly is connected to the downside of the multi-lens camera module conjoined stand. Each of the camera assembly is located along a path of photoreception of the respective photosensitive assembly. By this means, technical defects in the conventional art, including positional deviations and angle deviations among stands when separate stands are connected, can be avoided. Therefore, the imaging quality of the multi-lens camera module is improved.

Abstract: A time of flight sensor has an image region and a storage region on a device which may be a CCD. A pulse of light illuminates an object, and an image illumination stripe is recorded on the image region. In a distance determining step, the image region is clocked after emitting the pulse of light and the row in which the image illumination stripe is illuminated gives a measure of the distance to the object. The apparatus can self calibrated by emitting a pulse of light without clocking the image region.

Abstract: A plenoptic camera for mobile devices is provided, having a main lens, a microlens array, an image sensor, and a first reflective element configured to reflect the light rays captured by the plenoptic camera before arriving at the image sensor, in order to fold the optical path of the light captured by the camera before impinging the image sensor. Additional reflective elements may also be used to further fold the light path inside the camera. The reflective elements can be prisms, mirrors or reflective surfaces of three-sided optical elements having two refractive surfaces that form a lens element of the main lens. By equipping mobile devices with this plenoptic camera, the focal length can be greatly increased while maintaining the thickness of the mobile device under current constraints.

Abstract: A camera rig including one or more stereoscopic camera pairs and/or one or more light field cameras are described. Images are captured by the light field cameras and stereoscopic camera pairs are captured at the same time. The light field images are used to generate an environmental depth map which accurately reflects the environment in which the stereoscopic images are captured at the time of image capture. In addition to providing depth information, images captured by the light field camera or cameras is combined with or used in place of stereoscopic image data to allow viewing and/or display of portions of a scene not captured by a stereoscopic camera pair.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for placing a window object within a computer-generated scene. The computer-generated scene includes a pair of stereoscopic cameras adapted to capture an image of at least one computer-generated object and the window object. A left portion and right portion of the image along the left and right edges of the image are obtained. The nearest computer-generated object to the pair of stereoscopic cameras within the left and right portions of the image is identified. The window object is placed between the identified computer-generated object and the stereoscopic cameras at an offset distance from the identified computer-generated object.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a flexible display that overlaps an axis. The display may be supported by a housing. The housing may have first and second portions that rotate relative to each other about the axis. The housing may be placed in an unfolded configuration to support the display in a planar state. The housing may also be placed in a folded configuration by rotating the first and second portions relative to each other. A hinge mechanism may be used to ensure adequate separation between the first and second portions when the housing is bent. Movable flaps may be retracted when the housing is bent to create room for a bent portion of the display.

Abstract: An actuator of a camera module includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire group and a driver. The shape memory alloy (SMA) wire group includes first SMA wires driving a first lens module and second SMA wires driving a second lens module. The driver configured to drive a pair of SMA wires driving different lens modules of the first and the second lens modules among the first and the second SMA wires in a same scheme.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for perception enhancement of light fields (LFs) for use in integral display applications. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes receiving one or more LF views and a disparity map associated with each LF view. The method also includes quantizing the disparity map into planes, where each plane is associated with a selected range of depth values. The method further includes slicing the LF view into layers, where each layer comprises pixels of the LF view associated with one of the planes. The method further includes shifting each of the layers in a lateral direction by an offset distance. The offset distance is based on a viewing angle associated with the LF view and further based on the depth values of the associated plane. The method also includes merging the shifted layers to generate a synthesized LF view with increased parallax.

Abstract: Dense field imagers are disclosed which are configured to provide combined, aggregated, fused, and/or stitched light field data for a scene. A dense field imager can include a plurality of imaging elements configured to be joined into image blocks or facets that each provides light field data about a scene. The dense field imager can include a plurality of facets in a fixed or modular fashion such that the dense field imager is configured to combine, aggregate, fuse and/or stitch light field data from the plurality of facets. The facets can be mounted such that one or more facets are non-coplanar with other facets. The facets can be configured to provide a representation of the light field with overlapping fields of view. Accordingly, the dense field imager can provide dense field data over a field of view covered by the plurality of facets.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a 3D image includes an opening through which an image passes and a plurality of lens components to obtain the image, and covers up the inside thereof visible through the opening by using a covering member.

Abstract: A hand-held measurement device for appearance analyses includes a measurement array which comprises a number of illumination means for applying illumination light to a measurement field in at least three illumination directions and a number of pick-up means for capturing the measurement light in at least one observation direction. The illumination directions and the observation directions lie in a common system plane. At least one pick-up means is embodied to spectrally gauge the measurement light in a locally integral way, and at least one imaging pick-up means is embodied to gauge the measurement light in terms of color in a locally resolved way. The spectral pick-up means and the locally resolving pick-up means are arranged such that they receive the measurement light reflected by the measurement field under the same observation conditions and in particular from the same observation direction.

Abstract: An apparatus including camera optics; an array of plenoptic camera optics; an image sensor including a plurality of sensels; and a driver configured to cause relative physical movement of at least the camera optics and the array of plenoptic camera optics.

Abstract: A multi display device and a method of photographing thereof. The multi display device includes a first body having a first display unit, a second body having a second display unit, a hinge unit disposed to connect the first and second bodies to each other, a first imaging unit provided in the first body, a second imaging unit provided in the second body, and a controller which, if photographing is performed by the first or second imaging unit when the first or second body pivots based on the hinge unit, combines a plurality of photographed images to generate a panorama image content.

Abstract: A digital refocusing method includes: a plurality of images corresponding to multiple views in a scene are obtained, the images include a central view image and at least one non-central view image; a pixel shift or a pixel index shift is performed to the non-central view image; a line scan along a pre-determined linear path is performed to the central view image and the non-central view images to obtain corresponding pixels of the central view image and corresponding pixels of the non-central view images; view interpolation based on the disparities defined in a disparity map is performed, target pixels corresponded to a novel view image are obtained from the corresponding pixels of the central view image and the corresponding pixels of the non-central view according to a target disparity; and a refocused novel view image is obtained by averaging and compositing the target pixels of novel views.

Abstract: Bounded-parallax constraints are determined for the placement of a pair of stereoscopic cameras within a computer-generated scene. A minimum scene depth is calculated based on the distance from the pair of cameras to a nearest point of interest in the computer-generated scene. A near-parallax value is also calculated based on the focal length and the minimum scene depth. Calculating the near-parallax value includes selecting a baseline stereo-setting entry from a set of stereo-setting entries, each stereo-setting entry of the set of baseline stereo-setting entries includes a recommended scene depth, a recommended focal length, and a recommended near-parallax value. For the selected baseline stereo-setting entry: the recommended scene depth corresponds to the minimum scene depth, and the recommended focal length corresponds to the focal length. The near-parallax value and far-parallax value are stored as the bounded-parallax constraints for the placement of the pair of stereoscopic cameras.

Abstract: This invention improves the image quality of areas that the user want sharply focused. Depth values representing positions in a depth direction of scenes including the photographed object are estimated to generate a depth map. The focus map generation unit, based on the virtual focus parameter 305 and the depth map, generates by an area dividing operation a focus map representing an area to be sharply focused (in-focus area) and an area to be blurred (out-of-focus area). The in-focus area image processing unit places greater importance on the in-focus area in the image processing to generate an in-focus area image. The out-of-focus area image processing unit puts greater importance on the out-of-focus area in the image processing to generate an out-of-focus area image. The image blending unit generates a refocused image by blending the in-focus area image and the out-of-focus area image.

Abstract: Techniques for creating 3-D movies allow improved control over camera positioning parameters and editing of depth in post-process to provide for a smoother variation in the viewer's convergence distance and a more pleasant viewing experience. A director can define reference parameters related to a desired viewing experience, and camera positioning parameters are derived therefrom. A depth script specifying piecewise continuous variations in reference parameters can be applied in post-process to generate 3-D shots, scenes, or movies. These techniques can be applied in both computer-generated and live-action 3-D movies.

Abstract: There is disclosed an integrated 2D/3D camera system which may include a 2D camera and a 3D camera affixed to the 2D camera. An inter-camera convergence angle between the 2D camera and the 3D camera may be preset. At least some imaging parameters of one of the 2D camera and the 3D camera may be preset. Imaging parameters of the other of the 2D camera and the 3D camera may be remotely controllable.

Abstract: A dual lens camera includes a main circuit board, two lens modules positioned on the main circuit board, a controller positioned on the main circuit board, a position sensors positioned on each lens module, two tilting mechanisms positioned on the main circuit board, and each tilting mechanism being connected to a corresponding one of the lens modules, and two flexible circuit boards connecting the position sensors to the main circuit board. The controller controls the tilting mechanisms to tilt the lens modules to a position detectable by the position sensors.

Abstract: A three-Dimensional (3D) imaging apparatus is provided. The 3D imaging apparatus includes a first member including a first region and a second region therein; at least one second member movably coupled to the first member such that the at least one second member is movable out of and into the second region; a plurality of lens units disposed in the first region while the at least one second member is disposed in the second region, wherein, when the at least one second member moves out of the second region, at least one of the plurality of the lens units moves from the first region into the second region.

Abstract: A dual lens camera includes a main circuit board, two lens modules positioned on the main circuit board, a controller positioned on the main circuit board, a position sensors positioned on each lens module, two tilting mechanisms positioned on the main circuit board, and each tilting mechanism being connected to a corresponding one of the lens modules, and two flexible circuit boards connecting the position sensors to the main circuit board. The controller controls the tilting mechanisms to tilt the lens modules to a position detectable by the position sensors.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus with photographing function is disclosed. The electronic apparatus comprises a main body and a sliding structure. The main body comprises a lens module and a controlling module. The sliding structure is movably connected to the main body and comprises an optical module. The optical module comprises two light-incidence openings, and the distance between the two light-incidence openings is substantially equal to the average distance between a human's eyes. The lens module is capable of obtaining two images via the optical module through movement of the sliding structure. The two images may be processed via the controlling module to form a 3D image.

Abstract: An image sensor includes: image-capturing pixels that generate first image signals with a charge storage time controlled by a first storage control signal; and focus detection pixels that generate second image signals with a charge storage time controlled by a second storage control signal generated independently of the first storage control signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for light-field imaging. Light-field camera designs are described that produce higher spatial resolution than conventional plenoptic camera designs, while trading-off the light-field's angular sampling density. This lower angular resolution may be compensated for by a light-field image processing method that inserts data synthesized by view interpolation of the measured light-field. In one embodiment, a light-field image processing method that performs three-view morphing may be used to interpolate the missing angular samples of radiance. The light-field camera designs may be implemented in hand-held light-field cameras that may capture a light-field with a single exposure. Some of the light-field camera designs are internal to the camera, while others are external to the camera. One light-field camera design includes a single, relatively large lens and an array of negative lenses that are placed in front of (external to) the main lens of a conventional camera.

Abstract: There is disclosed an integrated 2D/3D camera system which may include a 2D camera and a 3D camera affixed to the 2D camera. An inter-camera convergence angle between the 2D camera and the 3D camera may be preset. At least some imaging parameters of one of the 2D camera and the 3D camera may be preset. Imaging parameters of the other of the 2D camera and the 3D camera may be remotely controllable.

Abstract: A stereo-image photographing apparatus enabling readily, short time-span realization of lens-barrel optical-axis adjustment in left- and right-eye imaging devices is afforded. The apparatus includes: a beam splitter having an incident surface of rectangular form, on which imaging light from a photographic subject is incident, an optically functional surface that reflects first imaging light, being a portion of incident imaging light, in a direction paralleling the shorter side of the rectangular form and that passes second imaging light being the remaining portion of the incident imaging light, a first light-exit surface through which the first imaging light exits, and a second light-exit surface through which the second imaging light exits; a first lens barrel directly facing the first light-exit surface; a second lens barrel directly facing the second light-exit surface; a first imaging device mounted on the first lens barrel; and a second imaging device mounted on the second lens barrel.

Abstract: A three-dimensional camera module includes a base plate, a first rotating shaft, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a first lens unit, a second lens unit mounted, a first piezoelectric actuator, a second piezoelectric actuator and a image processor. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft is positioned on the base plate. The first supporting member and the second supporting member are rotatably fixed to the first rotating shaft and second rotating shaft, respectively. The first lens unit and the second lens unit are mounted on the first supporting member and the second supporting member, respectively. The first piezoelectric actuator abuts the first supporting member to drive the first supporting member to pivot around the first rotating shaft. The second piezoelectric actuator abuts the second supporting member. Both of the first lens unit and the second lens unit are electrically connected to the image processor.

Abstract: A three-Dimensional (3D) imaging apparatus is provided. The 3D imaging apparatus includes a first member including a first region and a second region therein; at least one second member movably coupled to the first member such that the at least one second member is movable out of and into the second region; a plurality of lens units disposed in the first region while the at least one second member is disposed in the second region, wherein, when the at least one second member moves out of the second region, at least one of the plurality of the lens units moves from the first region into the second region.

Abstract: A system and method for generating 3D images comprising a plurality of fully-adjustable optical elements arranged in pyramidical configurations on parallel planes such that the cameras have different convergent points and focal points.

Abstract: An exemplary camera module array includes lens modules, a first holder, image sensors, a second holder, an optical element, and an image processor. The lens modules are threadedly coupled to the first holder. The image sensors are in optical alignment with the lens modules in one-to-one relation. The image sensors are received in the second holder. The optical element is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder. The image processor is electrically connected with the image sensors. The image processor is configured for processing image signals from the image sensors and thereby obtaining a compound image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) video imaging device includes a lens array unit, a substrate and a display unit. The lens array unit includes a plurality of lenses, and a plurality of light-shielding elements are installed on either a top surface or a bottom surface of the substrate and arranged with an interval apart from each other and corresponding to respective gaps between the lenses. The substrate is disposed above or under the lens array unit, or the substrate is integrally formed with the lens array unit, or the substrate is omitted. The light-shielding elements are installed directly onto a light entry surface of the lens array unit to simplify the stacked structure and the manufacturing process. The 3D video imaging device can achieve the effects of preventing stray lights, enhancing 3D image sharpness, and maintaining a high-resolution display.

Abstract: A three-dimensional camera module includes a base plate, a first rotating shaft, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a first lens unit, a second lens unit mounted, a first piezoelectric actuator, a second piezoelectric actuator and a image processor. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft is positioned on the base plate. The first supporting member and the second supporting member are rotatably fixed to the first rotating shaft and second rotating shaft, respectively. The first lens unit and the second lens unit are mounted on the first supporting member and the second supporting member, respectively. The first piezoelectric actuator abuts the first supporting member to drive the first supporting member to pivot around the first rotating shaft. The second piezoelectric actuator abuts the second supporting member. Both of the first lens unit and the second lens unit are electrically connected to the image processor.

Abstract: An integrated 2D/3D camera system may include a 2D camera and a 3D camera affixed to the 2D camera. The 2D camera may include a first lens that is lens adjustable to set a 2D focus distance. The 3D camera may include a left camera and a right camera including respective left and right lenses, the left and right lenses synchronously adjustable to set a 3D focus distance. A focus mechanism may automatically set the 2D focus distance and the 3D focus distance to be essentially equal by one of adjusting the first lens based on the 3D focus distance and synchronously adjusting the left and right lenses based on the 2D focus distance.

Abstract: A dual lens camera for producing a three-dimensional image includes plural lens systems and a zoom mechanism. Initial correction data is constituted by a displacement vector of an amount and a direction of misalignment between plural images according to a superimposed state thereof for each of zoom positions of the lens systems. A vector detector, if a calibration mode is set, obtains a current displacement vector related to one first zoom position. A data processor outputs current correction data by adjusting the initial correction data according to the initial correction data and current displacement vector. If the current correction data is stored, a displacement vector is obtained from the current correction data according to a zoom position of the lens systems upon forming the plural images, to carry out image registration between the images according to the obtained displacement vector for producing the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: First macro photography is performed with each of the imaging systems being focused on a main subject to obtain first images, second photography is performed with one of the plurality of imaging systems being focused on a position farther away than the main subject to obtain a second image, processing is performed on each of the first images to transparentize an area other than the main subject, and each of the transparentized first images and an area other than the main subject of the second image are combined to generate a combined image corresponding to each of the imaging systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a merchandise package capable of presenting a three-dimensional image. An image A is disposed on one surface 11a of two surfaces of a merchandise package 11 and an image B is disposed on the other surface 11c thereof so that a three-dimensional image is formed by the images A and B becoming a pair. When the images A and B are juxtaposed while being paired, the two images provide a three-dimensional image to an observer. With this, novel distinguishing ability is given to the merchandise package and a customer who purchases the merchandise can enjoy the three-dimensional image by juxtaposing the merchandise packages, and thus a novel function is given to the merchandise package.

Abstract: Stereo photographs and panoramic photographs can be taken separately without enabling cameras to rotate relative to a casing in which the cameras are placed. A camera device capable of selectively photographing panoramic images and stereo images includes a casing (1D) fixed with a photographic lens (11D), and a casing (1U) that is fixed with a photographic lens (11U) and that moves relative to the casing (1D) while facing the casing (1D); wherein in cases in which the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are disposed in open, mutually spaced apart positions by relative movement of the case (1U), the optical axes of the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are placed in positions capable of photographing stereo images; and in cases in which the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are disposed in closed, mutually proximal positions by relative movement of the case (1U), the optical axes of the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are placed in positions capable of photographing panoramic images.

Abstract: An exemplary camera module array includes lens modules, a first holder, image sensors, a second holder, an optical element, and an image processor. The lens modules are threadedly coupled to the first holder. The image sensors are in optical alignment with the lens modules in one-to-one relation. The image sensors are received in the second holder. The optical element is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder. The image processor is electrically connected with the image sensors. The image processor is configured for processing image signals from the image sensors and thereby obtaining a compound image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile camera optical lens system which assures a wide view angle by dividing a view angle into two or more view angles, and simultaneously achieves the thinness of the mobile camera optical lens system by providing separate off-axis lens systems respectively corresponding to the split view angles.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus, such as a digital camera, having a movable lens barrier or cover which can easily be opened and closed to operate the image capturing apparatus in various predetermined modes depending on the position of the lens barrier. In one preferred embodiment, the image capturing apparatus has a body having a front face, a back face and a side face, which is between the front face and back face. A lens section is provided on the body and is operable to form an image. A lens barrier is operable to cover the front face, back face and side face of the body and to pivotally move around an axis which is substantially parallel to an optical axis of the lens section.

Abstract: In an embodiment, two retro-focus lens systems are configured to provide a stereoscopic image. In an embodiment, each retro-focus lens system has a low power negative lens group with a long focal length. In an embodiment, each retro focus lens system has an optical component mounted with three points. One optical component is associated with a first of the two retro-focus lenses. The three points may be loosened, such that the optical component may be adjusted in a first direction, which in turn moves the corresponding image in the opposite direction. Another optical component is associated with the other retro focus lens system. The other optical component has a second set of points that may be loosened such that the other optical component may be adjusted in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, moving the corresponding image in the opposite direction from the second direction.

Abstract: This invention introduces, as one aspect, an apparatus for creating three-dimensional object model, comprising photographing means for photographing an object to be modeled for obtaining images to be used for creating the three-dimensional object model, setting means for longitudinally and latitudinally setting a relative position between the object and said photographing means, said setting means being capable of setting the object and said photographing means a plurality of different relative longitudinal and latitudinal positions, and control means for controlling said photographing means and said setting means so that a number of photographs taken from different relative longitudinal positions at a first relative latitudinal position is larger than that taken from different relative longitudinal positions at a second relative latitudinal position, the first relative latitudinal position being closer to a lateral position than the second relative latitudinal position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stereo imager that is reduced in the number of members, favorable in view of cost and less susceptible to variations from optical system to optical system. The stereo imager comprises a single image pickup device 4 and a stereo imaging optical system including bending member 21L, 21R, 22L and 22R for bending parallactic light beams from a subject and adapted to form on the single image pickup device 4 at least two parallactic images having mutual parallaxes. The stereo imaging optical system comprises at least one optical member 3 located in front of the single image pickup device 4 and adapted to receive light beams forming at least two parallactic images and have the same optical action or function with respect to each light beam.

Abstract: An image shooting and display apparatus includes: a plurality of image pickup portions. An image pickup controller switches image pickup portions to be used in accordance with the image shooting mode. It also switches the image shooting mode in accordance with the image pickup portions to be actuated in accordance with the usage condition of the apparatus. A mode switching controller switches shooting mode and display mode, and controls image pickup portions suitable for each mode by way of the image pickup controller and also controls an image display portion.

Abstract: There is provided a shutter device which is used in a camera having two image-capturing optical systems and enables a significant reduction in the number of components. Two shutter openings are formed in a shutter base. Shutter blades and a diaphragm plate are provided forward of the shutter base. When a cam pin is reciprocally moved from the position of a start point to an intermediate position or from the intermediate position to the position of an end point, the shutter blades open and close a shutter one or more times. When the cam pin is located at any position along the way from the start position to the intermediate position, the diaphragm plate is moved to a location where small diaphragm openings correspond to the shutter openings. When the cam pin is located at any position along the way from the intermediate position to the position of the endpoint, the diaphragm plate is moved to a location where open diaphragm openings correspond to the shutter openings.

Abstract: Stereo photographs and panoramic photographs can be taken separately without enabling cameras to rotate relative to a casing in which the cameras are placed. A camera device capable of selectively photographing panoramic images and stereo images includes a casing (1D) fixed with a photographic lens (11D), and a casing (1U) that is fixed with a photographic lens (11U) and that moves relative to the casing (1D) while facing the casing (1D); wherein in cases in which the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are disposed in open, mutually spaced apart positions by relative movement of the case (1U), the optical axes of the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are placed in positions capable of photographing stereo images; and in cases in which the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are disposed in closed, mutually proximal positions by relative movement of the case (1U), the optical axes of the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are placed in positions capable of photographing panoramic images.

Abstract: A photographing assist device for achieving stereoscopic photographing without the provision of a dedicated camera or a plurality of identical cameras. The photographing assist device comprises: a rotor made of a circular member having the shape of a ring; a camera fixing part for mounting a camera; and a support for supporting the rotor rotatably. A camera is placed on and fixed to the camera fixing part. When the rotor is rotated, the camera also makes a circular movement on the plane of rotation. Continuous shooting is performed during the rotation, whereby images shot from a plurality of points of view are obtained. A stereoscopic image or an interpolated image is obtained subsequently through image processing.