Abstract: An image pickup apparatus corrects defocusing caused by an aperture difference to prevent degradation in AF focusing accuracy. In the image pickup apparatus, an image shift amount is detected based on a pair of picture signals by a phase difference AF method. When a first aperture at a time of a focus detection operation for detecting an image shift amount by a focus detection unit differs from a second aperture at a time of an image shooting operation for recording an image signal acquired from an image pickup device, a correction amount of a position of a focus lens due to a difference between a first aperture and a second aperture is calculated, by using a correction amount acquired from a first storage unit and a difference in the position of the focus lens between the first aperture and the second aperture acquired from a second storage unit.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of performing intermittent photography while suppressing unnatural changes in degree of blur of an object. The image pickup apparatus obtains a plurality of images by causing an image pickup section to intermittently photograph an object at predetermined time intervals. One of photography modes is selected according to the object, exposure control values to be used in photographing by the image pickup section are determined based on the selected photography mode, and exposure control is performed according to the determined exposure control values. When the selected photography mode in first photographing is a first photography mode in which an aperture value as one of the exposure control values is variable, the other exposure control values in second photographing performed after the first photographing are determined by using the aperture value determined in the first photographing.

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention, using image data that has been continuously read out at specified time intervals from an image sensor, generates relatively dark combination image data resulting from relatively dark combination using darker pixel data of each pixel of image data is generated, and relatively bright combination image data resulting from relatively bright combination using brighter pixel data of each pixel of image data, and difference output image data is generated from the relatively bright combination image data and the relatively dark combination image data. With the generated relatively dark combination image data as background image data and the difference output image data as light trace output image data, respective brightness is adjusted, and by subjecting each of the image data after adjustment to addition combination, it is possible to respectively independently adjust background brightness and light trace brightness.

Abstract: A camera includes a lens assembly and a stereoscopic display for displaying an image captured by the camera, and automatically determines a correct focus for the camera using the stereoscopic display to show an icon on the image appearing to move perpendicularly, relative to a first plane corresponding to a surface of the stereoscopic display, from different perceived depths corresponding to different planes parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a motion time-lapse photography device. The device includes an outer enclosure, base, motor, controlling circuitry, stepper-motor, a plurality of gears, a backlash mitigation membrane, and an external interface panel. Embodiments of the motion time-lapse photography device enable the capture of a sequence of photographs at an interval in coordination with axial movement in at least one rotational degree of freedom of a photographic capture device attached to the motion time-lapse photography device.

Abstract: A method for generating a series of time-lapse photographs exhibiting minimal flicker is presented. The preferred method is adaptable to capture a series of time-lapse photographs of a sunset from full daylight to darkest night or vice versa while minimizing flicker between the images. The method utilizes a software program designed to achieve an even transition of the time-lapse and to minimize flickering of an image sequence. The software program features a flicker minimizing function designed to control several factors affecting the time-lapse technology. The present method utilizes data regarding a time-of-day a time zone at a geographic location. Latitude and longitude coordinates are utilized to automatically adjust the rate of change of exposure in a period of twilight. The software program is executed with a time-lapse interval between a plurality of images.

Abstract: An engine-powered vehicle includes an engine, a battery corresponding to a battery voltage, a starter, an alternator, a plurality of switchable electrical loads, a key switch configured to control the switchable electrical loads and corresponding to a key voltage, and an electrical system health monitor (ESHM) controller. The ESHM controller is configured to monitor a plurality of voltages, to determine an operating state based on the plurality of voltages, and to determine whether an operating state is a valid operating state or a fault state. The ESHM controller is configured to set a fault alert for vehicle maintenance when the operating state is a fault state and, when the operating state is a valid operating state, to monitor a predetermined set of input parameters corresponding to the operating state, to detect certain anomalies based voltage waveforms of the plurality of voltages, and to perform a corrective action based on the anomalies.

Abstract: A method for generating a series of time-lapse photographs exhibiting minimal flicker is presented. The preferred method is adaptable to capture a series of time-lapse photographs of a sunset from full daylight to darkest night or vice versa while minimizing flicker between the images. The method utilizes a software program designed to achieve an even transition of the time-lapse and to minimize flickering of an image sequence. The software program features a flicker minimizing function designed to control several factors affecting the time-lapse technology. The present method utilizes data regarding a time-of-day a time zone at a geographic location. Latitude and longitude coordinates are utilized to automatically adjust the rate of change of exposure in a period of twilight. The software program is executed with a time-lapse interval between a plurality of images.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element including first pixels for photoelectrically converting an object image formed by a light flux from an image taking optical system and second pixels for photoelectrically converting optical images formed by light fluxes divided form the light flux from the image taking optical system, and a controller performing focus detection based on a phase difference of the optical images, control of an aperture stop included in the image taking optical system and an image capturing operation for generating a captured image by using signals obtained from the first pixels. The controller increases, when an image capturing aperture size of the aperture stop is smaller than a focus detecting aperture size in a case of performing the focus detection between the image capturing operations in continuous image capturing, the aperture size to the focus detecting aperture size in the focus detection.

Abstract: In a mode in which a lens barrel need not be extended, if it is determined that a vibration is larger than a reference value, the lens barrel is driven so as to be retracted to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A camera having a shutter button, a photo sensor array, an anti-shake module controlled by an anti-shake enable signal, and a mechanical shutter. By pressing the shutter button, a first operation and a second operation are provided to trigger an auto-focus enable signal and an image exposure control signal, respectively. The anti-shake enable signal is enabled when the auto-focus enable signal has been triggered and the image exposure control signal is disabled or has just been triggered. The photo sensor array performs image exposure according to the image exposure control signal. The mechanical shutter is disabled and closed after the image exposure control signal is triggered for exposure period.

Abstract: An imaging operation controller including a casing, a control panel attached to a back part of the casing and having a plurality of operating members and function indicators that indicate the functions of the operating members and placed near the operating members, respectively. The control panel includes a base plate attached to the casing, a mounting plate placed on the base plate and a printed indicator sheet placed on the mounting plate. The plurality of operating members are supported on the base plate, indicator lighting light sources are supported on the base plate at positions respectively corresponding to the function indicators so as to emit light backward. The indicator lighting light sources are white light-emitting diodes attached to the base plate so as to emit light backward.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element including first pixels for photoelectrically converting an object image formed by a light flux from an image taking optical system and second pixels for photoelectrically converting optical images formed by light fluxes divided form the light flux from the image taking optical system, and a controller performing focus detection based on a phase difference of the optical images, control of an aperture stop included in the image taking optical system and an image capturing operation for generating a captured image by using signals obtained from the first pixels. The controller increases, when an image capturing aperture size of the aperture stop is smaller than a focus detecting aperture size in a case of performing the focus detection between the image capturing operations in continuous image capturing, the aperture size to the focus detecting aperture size in the focus detection.

Abstract: A method for automatically selecting a scene mode applied in a photographic device is described. The method includes detecting an image to be captured; analyzing a principal feature of the image; comparing the principal feature with a feature standard of each scene mode according to a utilization rate ranging from high to low, so as to acquire a scene mode corresponding to the feature standard conforming to the principal feature; and adjusting current photographic parameters of the photographic device into photographic parameters corresponding to the acquired scene mode. By determining a comparison sequence according to utilization rate of each scene, the time for searching and comparing is reduced. Moreover, after each shooting, the utilization rate may be re-calculated according to the used scene mode, so as to quickly provide the scene mode required by a user.

Abstract: In an image taking system, when a running image is to be taken by the use of a self-timer or an automatic image taking system, exposure conditions and a focusing position are determined according to result of detection of the predetermined objective body at least once between the time when instruction to take a running image is done and the time when the running image is actually taken.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for an image capture device having a learning function. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises at least one manual control adapted to generate a control signal that controls image capture operation, the control operable by a user of the image capture device; at least one sensor adapted to sense an operating condition during image capture; a first element adapted to analyse inputs from the sensor to learn at least one associated operating condition, and adapted to analyse the control signal to learn a corresponding preference of the user; a second element adapted to predict a value corresponding to the control signal and the associated operating condition; and a third element adapted to compare the predicted value and the control signal, and adapted to determine a confidence level from the compared predicted value and control signal, wherein the confidence level corresponds to a degree of confidence in the predicted value.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes a shutter button. When the shutter button is half-depressed, a photographing condition such as an exposure time period and an aperture amount is adjusted by a main CPU, and characters indicative of the adjusted photographing condition are displayed on an LCD. When the shutter button is full-depressed, an image signal of an object is recorded in a recording medium. It is noted that a time difference between a timing of half-depressing the shutter button and a timing of full-depressing the shutter button is lower than a threshold value, a flag is set to “1”, and a display of the characters is prohibited. Prohibiting the characters from being displayed makes it possible to promptly execute a photographing of the object in response to the full-depression of the shutter button.

Abstract: A method of performing an automatic focusing procedure is used with a digital image capturing device. The method includes the steps of: executing an image capturing procedure; activating a pre-control signal by a processor; activating a control signal by a timing generator; executing an automatic focusing procedure; clearing the pre-control signal and the control signal immediately after the automatic focusing procedure is executed; and executing an exposure procedure.

Abstract: In a digital camera, a focus lens is moved at a low speed between a timing at which a shutter key is half pressed and a timing at which the shutter key is fully pressed to detect a focused position. When the shutter key is fully pressed by a user before the focus lens reaches a focused position, the focus lens is moved at a higher speed than that of a case in which the shutter key is half pressed, and a focused position is detected. Thereby, even when the shutter key is fully pressed by a user before the focus lens reaches the focused position, the digital camera can realize focusing with less delay in capturing.

Abstract: A camera having a shutter button, a photo sensor array, an anti-shake module controlled by an anti-shake enable signal, and a mechanical shutter. By pressing the shutter button, a first operation and a second operation are provided to trigger an auto-focus enable signal and an image exposure control signal, respectively. The anti-shake enable signal is enabled when the auto-focus enable signal has been triggered and the image exposure control signal is disabled or has just been triggered. The photo sensor array performs image exposure according to the image exposure control signal. The mechanical shutter is disabled and closed after the image exposure control signal is triggered for exposure period.

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

Abstract: A method for automatically selecting a scene mode applied in a photographic device is described. The method includes detecting an image to be captured; analyzing a principal feature of the image; comparing the principal feature with a feature standard of each scene mode according to a utilization rate ranging from high to low, so as to acquire a scene mode corresponding to the feature standard conforming to the principal feature; and adjusting current photographic parameters of the photographic device into photographic parameters corresponding to the acquired scene mode. By determining a comparison sequence according to utilization rate of each scene, the time for searching and comparing is reduced. Moreover, after each shooting, the utilization rate may be re-calculated according to the used scene mode, so as to quickly provide the scene mode required by a user.

Abstract: In an image capture device comprising an image capture unit which captures an object and outputs image data, and a shutter button which is half pressable, fully pressable, and pressable at one stroke, a first determining unit determines whether the shutter button is half pressed, and a second determining unit which determines whether the shutter button is pressed at one stroke. When the first determining unit determines that the shutter button is half pressed, a first capture control unit executes a first capture process for recording the image data, and when the second determining unit determines that the shutter button is pressed at one stroke, a stop control unit stops the first capture process, and a second capture control unit executes a second capture process which differs from the first capture process after the first capture process is stopped by the stop control unit.

Abstract: A camera has a shutter release button, held in an initial position, that is movable from the initial position to a full-pressed position via a half-pressed position. The camera has three detectors for detecting that the shutter release button is in the initial, half-pressed and full-pressed positions respectively. When the first detector detects that the shutter release button is displaced from the initial position, it is determined that the shutter release is being activated, so the camera starts preparatory operations for shooting. When the second detector detects the shutter release button in the half-pressed position, the camera completes preparatory operations for shooting. When the third detector detects that shutter release button in the full-pressed position, the camera carries out an actual shutter release to write image data on a memory card.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using a mobile device camera, and particularly to implementing the camera rapidly and easily. The method according to the invention for triggering a mobile device camera (322) includes a predetermined key sequence for triggering the camera (322), so that as a response to feeding a predetermined key sequence, the camera is triggered (105, 205) irrespective of the current mode of the mobile device.

Abstract: A method of performing an automatic focusing procedure is disclosed. The method is used to a digital image capturing device. The method includes the steps of: executing an image capturing procedure; activating a pre-control signal by a processor; activating a control signal by a timing generator; executing an automatic focusing procedure; clearing the pre-control signal and the control signal immediately after the automatic focusing procedure is executed; and executing an exposure procedure.

Abstract: In an image taking system, when a running image is to be taken by the use of a self-timer or an automatic image taking system, exposure conditions and a focusing position are determined according to result of detection of the predetermined objective body at least once between the time when instruction to take a running image is done and the time when the running image is actually taken.

Abstract: A key assembly applicable in an electronic device for performing preset functions is provided. The key assembly includes a control member and at least one sensor, wherein the control member selectively enables any sensor to sense the external operation, and when an external operation is sensed, the sensor outputs a triggering signal for performing the corresponding function.

Abstract: An image sensing device allows to shoot an image using correct object distance information and light emitting amount when the main light emitting amount upon shooting an object image is calculated by making the pre-light emission after the auto-focusing process. When a predetermined button independent of a release button is operated, a focusing process is executed first. Then, photometry is made while inactivating a strobe, and an exposure value is determined based on an object distance. Then, pre-light emission is made, light reflected by the object in the pre-light emission is measured, and the photometry result under the available light is subtracted from that in the pre-light emission, so as to obtain a brightness value of object reflected light of only the pre-light emission.

Abstract: An imaging device controller that controls an imaging device, comprising a detector and a driver, is provided. The imaging device is mounted in an image capturing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus has plural functions. The detector detects that the first function among the functions is carried out. The driver orders the imaging device to capture an optical image in a first interval before or after a detection period. The detector is detecting that the first function is carried out during the detection period. The driver orders the imaging device to capture an optical image in a second interval during the detected-period. The second interval is longer than the first interval.

Abstract: To provide a self-luminous device capable of clear, multi-gray scale, color display and an electric machine provided with the same. Gray scale display is attained by a time division driving method in which an EL element (109) provided in a pixel (104) is controlled to emit light or not to emit light by means of time, thereby avoiding being affected by fluctuation in characteristic in current controlling TFTs (108).

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

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus is basically composed of a driving circuit for driving a plurality of loads contained in a plurality of motors, and a control circuit for controlling the driving circuit to sequentially drive the plurality of the motors. The driving circuit has at least two channels which are controlled by the control circuit concurrently with each other. Each channel is controlled by the control circuit such as to selectively drive the loads. The channel is provided with at least (n+1) number (n: integer of 2 or greater) of output terminals to connect at most n number of the loads. The control circuit controls the driving circuit to perform an intra-channel driving mode in which one pair of the output terminals are selected from one channel and allocated to drive one load, and an inter-channel driving mode in which another pair of the output terminals are selected from two channels and allocated to drive another load.

Abstract: A lens drive control apparatus for a camera having a zoom lens provided with variable lens groups, at least one of the variable lens groups including a switching lens group having two sub lens groups, wherein one of the two sub lens groups serves as a movable sub lens group. The lens drive control apparatus includes a main drive device for moving the plurality of variable lens groups; and a sub lens group drive device for moving the movable sub lens group within the switching lens group to be positioned at a movement extremity on the object side or the image side, with respect to the other sub lens group, in accordance with a zooming zone from the short focal length extremity to an intermediate focal length position, or a zooming zone from the intermediate focal length to the long focal length extremity.

Abstract: A camera capable of detecting an abnormality has photographing operation programs, an abnormality detection program, and a checking operation program installed therein. The photographing operation programs cause a plurality of mechanisms included in the camera to act sequentially. The abnormality detection program detects an abnormality in an action of a predetermined one of the plurality of mechanisms. Responsive to detection of the abnormality in the action of the predetermined mechanism, as detected by the abnormality detection program, the checking operation program causes the predetermined mechanism alone to act again for checking of the predetermined mechanism under conditions different from those under which the predetermined mechanism has acted to have the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection program.

Abstract: A camera includes a plurality of camera operation mechanisms, a sun gear which rotates by means of a motor, a planetary gear which revolves around the sun gear, and a plurality of output gears each capable of meshing with the planetary gear by means of revolution of the planetary gear. The plurality of output gears transmit power to the plurality of camera operation mechanisms, respectively. An unlocking device removes backlash by causing the planetary gear to rotate temporarily in an opposite direction when the planetary gear is to be switched from one of the plurality of output gears in mesh therewith, to another one of the plurality of output gears. A locking device prevents the planetary gear and such one output gear from coming out of mesh with each other until the backlash is removed when the unlocking device causes the planetary gear to rotate in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a camera, comprises a plurality of operation mechanisms, a first rotation member, such as a sun gear, rotatable by operation of a motor, a second rotation member, such as a planetary gear which revolves around the sun gear, and a plurality of force transmitting members, such as output gears, each capable of meshing with the planetary gear by revolution of the planetary gear around the sun gear, where the plurality of output gears transmit power to the plurality of operation mechanisms, respectively, and a limiting structure, e.g., a stopper that limits revolution of the planetary gear around the sun gear. In one aspect, the limiting structure limits the revolution of the planetary gear at a revolution position where the planetary gear does not mesh with any of the plurality of output gears, and a position of the planetary gear during revolution thereof is determined on the basis of the position where revolution of the planetary gear is limited by the limiting structure, e.g.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first non-volatile memory for storing a control program for controlling an operation of the electronic device, and a second non-volatile memory for storing at least one modifying program for modifying the control program. The second non-volatile memory also stores modification information related to a modification of the control program. At least one predetermined portion of the control program can call a software modification management routine. The modification information is then read and the electronic device determines whether a modifying program to be executed is present in accordance with the modification information and address information, which indicates a current operating position of the control program, in response to the calling of the software modification management routine. The control program and the modifying program are then executed if the electronic device determines that the modifying program is present.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic camera is disclosed which checks the state of each of components operating to take a picture and, upon detecting the occurrence of an abnormal operation, stops the camera operation, reads a corresponding error code from an error code storage unit, and adds the error code to an error history storage unit through an add and update unit. When the storage capacity of the error history storage unit is reached, error codes already stored are transferred to the memory in the add and update unit. Address shift is then made to remove the least recently stored error code and add the most recent error code to the end. The updated error codes in the memory are written again into the error history storage unit. The error codes are read to outside as required.

Abstract: A time-sharing drive apparatus for a camera having a plurality of motors includes a motor drive control system which alternately drives the motors in a time-sharing control. When the camera includes a zoom lens provided with a first stationary lens group, a second movable lens group and a third movable lens group, the motors are composed of a first motor which opens and closes a diaphragm of the zoom lens, a second motor which moves the second lens group, and a third motor which drives the third lens group. The motor drive control system which drives the first, second and third motors is controlled via a time-sharing system.

Abstract: A camera having a built in microprocessor for accepting configuration data from an external device. The camera has a serial port, and a slot for receiving standard type II and III PCMCIA cards for data input and output. These features provide the camera with the capability of being programmed by an external device, including downloading configuration data including a particular operating system, custom modules, graphics and textual data, and data base information and operational parameters. The configuration data can also be downloaded from one camera to another.

Abstract: A camera having a photographic mode automatic selecting apparatus. A photographic mode selecting device selects a photographic mode from a plurality of photographic modes. A photographic distance detecting device detects photographic distance data of a photographic lens. The photographic mode selecting device selects an appropriate photographic mode from the plurality of photographic modes based on the photographic distance data of the photographic lens.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an engaging mechnism. The engaging mechanism comprises a cam element which moves upon modification of an engaging position, a cam follower abutted against a cam surface of the cam element, a detecting element for detecting a position of the cam follower, and a section to be detected provided on the cam follower, for giving at least three different kinds of output values to the detecting element.

Abstract: A camera with vibration reducing function includes a vibration detecting device for detecting vibrations of a camera, a photography directing unit for directing the camera to perform photometric/distance measuring operations by a turn-ON process and stopping the photometric/distance measuring operations by a turn-OFF process, a mode setting unit for directing the camera to set a specified mode, and a control device for controlling the vibration detecting device in accordance with the directions given from the photography directing unit and the mode setting unit. The control device makes the vibration detecting device continue the vibration detecting operation for such a duration that the mode setting unit sets the specified mode and that the photography directing unit is operated in the ON-state.

Abstract: A camera includes an operation device having a plurality of operation modes for executing an operation, a mode changing device for changing over operation modes, a designation device for designating a desired operation mode as an initial mode, and a reset device for resetting the operation device to the designated initial mode.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first non-volatile memory for storing a control program for controlling an operation of the electronic device, and a second non-volatile memory for storing at least one modifying program for modifying the control program. The second non-volatile memory also stores modification information related to a modification of the control program. At least one predetermined portion of the control program can call a software modification management routine. The modification information is then read and the electronic device determines whether a modifying program to be executed is present in accordance with the modification information and address information, which indicates a current operating position of the control program, in response to the calling of the software modification management routine. The control program and the modifying program are then executed if the electronic device determines that the modifying program is present.

Abstract: An electronic still video camera has an electro-developing recording medium. As soon as an optical image is formed on the medium, the image is recorded and developed as a visible image therein. The developed image is electronically read as image data by a line sensor, and the read image data may be stored in an IC memory card, a floppy disk, a hard disk or the like. Optionally, the read image data may be transferred from the camera to an external device such as a computer, a TV monitor or the like. The developed image can be thermally erased from the medium by using an electric heater. One of these operations is executed by a depression of a single switch in accordance with a mode-selection switch.

Abstract: The camera system comprises a camera and an external device. The camera includes a microcomputer, a write control circuit for receiving replacement data from the external device and writing the replacement data into a replacement program memory of the microcomputer, and an interface circuit for controlling a camera element in accordance with the decoded value output from an instruction decoder (ID) of the microcomputer. The external device includes a memory for storing address data to be changed in the microcomputer in the camera and replacement program data, and a transmission circuit for reading out the replacement data from the memory and transmitting the read-out data to the camera.

Abstract: A camera equipped with a date imprinting circuit capable of setting multiple imprinting modes and a photographic mode setting circuit capable of setting multiple photographic modes. The camera includes an operational circuit to set and modify the previously mentioned imprinting modes and photographic modes. A detection circuit detects whether or not the camera is in a first state or a second state. A selection circuit modifies the imprinting mode by operating the operational circuit when the detection circuit detects that the camera is in the first state and modifies the photographic mode by operating the operation circuit when the detection circuit detects that the camera is in the second state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a camera comprising a plurality of controlled devices each operated in at least one of a photographing action and a photographing standby action, the photographing standby action having a first photographing standby action and a second photographing standby action, a release device having a first stroke of outputting a first signal for indicating an execution of the photographing standby action and a second stroke of outputting a second signal for indicating an execution of the photographing action and a control device for repeatedly executing a part of the second photographing standby action through a part of the controlled devices during the outputting of the first signal, repeatedly executing the first photographing action till a predetermined time elapses or till the first signal is outputted when the first signal annihilates without outputting the second signal after the first signal has been outputted, starting an execution of the second photographing standby action when the first signal is