Abstract: An imaging system acquires an image using focal point and field depth information. The system receives focal point and field information via a user interface and analyzes the image based on the focal point and field depth information to calculate characteristics of the content of the image. In addition, the system automatically determines the image exposure based on the characteristics. Furthermore, the system determines the appropriate aperture and exposure based on the field depth information.

Abstract: A method (100) of generating a digital image of a scene is disclosed. The method (100) is particularly advantageous in situations where a light source illuminating the scene is unknown. The method (100) allows post-capture control over flash illuminant and ambient illuminant used in generating the image. The method (100) may also be used to provide a synthetic fill flash effect. The method (100) is particularly advantageous in situations where an ambient light source illuminating the scene differs in spectral character from that of a flash illuminant used to capture an image of the scene.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus includes a lighting section having LEDs that individually correspond to areas, into which a field is divided, and that each emit light to the corresponding one of the areas. The apparatus also includes a CCD and an AF section. The lighting section is configured to emit light to the field after an amount of emitted light for each of the divided areas is adjusted based on subject brightness information from the CCD and subject distance information from the AF section according to field conditions.

Abstract: A projection system may include a lamp irradiating a light, an illumination unit providing a plurality of lenses on light paths, a composition unit providing an image by separating/composing the light, a projecting lens projecting the light composed in the composition unit to a screen, a cool air injection guide provided to one side of the composition unit for guiding an air injection port to be injected into the composition unit, and an injection port guide interposed on a contact portion of the cool air injection guide and the composition unit. The injection port guide may be formed in plate-shape. An injection port may be formed on the injection port guide to eject the air to the composition unit. A fan may be formed on other side of the composition unit for transmitting a negative pressure to the side of the composition unit.

Abstract: A camera system with function of automatically coordinating flash intensity includes a lens, an image sensor, a focus system, a focus sensor and a control unit. The lens controls light amount that entrance into camera. The focusing system drives the lens to focus thereby forming a clear image on the image sensor. The focus sensor senses first step information of the focusing system during the focusing process, and sending the information to a control unit. The control unit transforms the result of the focusing system to a distance that the object apart from the camera, and configures out the guide number with the aperture number thereby calculating the flash intensity. The present camera systems may measure the distance that the objects apart from the camera, and low down the cost and power consumption. The camera systems may also precisely control the flash intensity thereby coordinating the exposure effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image-taking apparatus which includes: a first light-emitting section having a xenon tube and a main capacitor; and a second light-emitting section having an LED. When an image is to be taken with an auxiliary light emission immediately after power-on and immediately after previous image taking with a previous auxiliary light emission, recharge of the main capacitor is not completed yet. In such a case, the image-taking apparatus selects the second light-emitting section to emit auxiliary light from the LED.

Abstract: A distance to a subject in a scene is determined using an automatic focus (AF) system of a digital camera. Image stabilization and flash are selectively automatically enabled based on the determined distance to capture an image of the scene. For example, in some embodiments, an exposure time for the scene may be determined using an automatic exposure (AE) system of the digital camera, and selective use of image stabilization and flash may involve, responsive to the determined exposure time exceeding the maximum exposure time, capturing an image of the scene using the determined exposure time with image stabilization if the determined distance exceeds a maximum flash range or capturing an image of the scene using a predetermined exposure time with flash if the determined distance is within the maximum flash range.

Abstract: A camera arrangement comprising an illumination assembly for illuminating an object to be photographed by the camera arrangement, the illumination assembly comprising a sensor for sensing the object, first and second illuminators and a controller for controlling the illuminators, wherein the controller is arranged to effect operation only of the first illuminator when the sensor senses the object at a first distance from the camera arrangement, and the controller is arranged to effect operation of at least the second illuminator when the sensor senses the object at a second distance from the camera arrangement.

Abstract: A camera comprising: a photosurface comprising light sensitive pixels that generate signals responsive to light incident thereon and optics that focus an image of a scene onto the photosurface; and an illumination system for illuminating the scene, the illumination system comprising: an illuminator having a plurality of substantially contiguous, independently controllable light providing regions; optics that focuses an image or the illuminator on the scene so that light from the illuminator illuminates substantially all of and substantially only the field of view of the camera; and a controller that controls light provided by each light providing region.

Abstract: A light-amount control device includes a plurality of lighting units each of which emits light for illuminating a photographing area of a photographing optical system. Further, the light-amount control device includes a peripheral light amount data calculator and a lighting unit controller. The peripheral light amount data calculator calculates a peripheral light amount data defining ratios of light emission intensities for the lighting units, to make the illuminance of an image plane of a standard object that has a flat surface being perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system and having a constant reflecting light ratio, constant when the standard object is illuminated by the lighting units. The image plane is formed by reflected light from the surface of the standard object that enters the photographing optical system.

Abstract: An electronic stroboscope including a generally longitudinal light discharge tube and a reflector comprising a first reflecting part which reflects light radiated from the light discharge tube and a second reflecting part which reflects light directly radiated from the light discharge tube and light reflected from the first reflecting part to exit out of an opening. The first reflecting part includes first curved parts formed on an opposite side of the light discharge tube from the opening, planar parts connected to the first curved parts and disposed closer to the opening than the first curved parts, and circular parts connected to the planar parts and disposed closer to the opening than the planar parts, and the second reflecting part includes second curved parts connected to the circular parts of the first reflecting parts and disposed closer to the opening than the first curved parts.

Abstract: A method for firing a flash of an image-capturing device is disclosed. The method uses a focus parameter, which is generated during the focusing procedure of the image-capturing device, to estimate a shooting distance. Then, the method dynamically determines a flash intensity of the flash according to the shooting distance, thereby obtaining improved exposure effect. In addition, since the preflash of the flash is skipped, the method can reduce the power consumption and shorten the shooting time, thereby enhancing the performance of the image-capturing device and the flash.

Abstract: A flash controlling method is disclosed. The method includes: acquiring image data by photographing a subject; detecting a predetermined target object from the image data; calculating a distance to the predetermined target object based on a size of the detected predetermined target object; controlling an amount of flash light to be emitted based on the calculated distance; setting a predetermined threshold based on a reachable distance of the flash light; and inhibiting emission of the flash light when the calculated distance is larger than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus in which the ratio between the brightness just before preliminary light emission and the brightness at preliminary light emission is calculated for each of a plurality of photometric areas. The highest ratio among the ratios in the areas is extracted as a reference value, the extracted reference value is compared with the ratio in each area, and a weighting coefficient in each area is calculated. By using the obtained weighting coefficient, the amount of light to be emitted for obtaining correct exposure is calculated.

Abstract: When the focal length of a photographic lens is less than a first focal length, a dimming correction amount deltaY is set to a certain minus value (deltaYW=?WddY) (S100, S150). When the focal length is greater than a second focal length, the dimming correction amount deltaY is set to a dimming correction amount deltaYT for a longer focus side (S110, S160). For the focal length falling between the first and second focal lengths, the dimming correction amounts deltaY is calculated with the deltaYW and the deltaYT being weighted and mixed according to focal-length information. Accordingly, even when a photographic lens having a short focal length is used, flashing can always be controlled stably with accuracy.

Abstract: A camera according to this invention determines whether a subject to be photographed is backlit; and when it is backlit, compares a brightness of the subject with a brightness of a background of the subject by emitting strobe light onto the subject; and changes an amount of correction by at least one of a gamma conversion processes and a contour emphasizing process based on a result of the comparison, thereby processing a subject image signal detected by an imaging section.

Abstract: A camera includes a luminance distribution detecting unit, a changing point determining unit, and an exposure controller. The luminance distribution detecting unit detects distribution of brightness in a photographing picture. The changing point determining unit determines a changing point of a bright portion and a dark portion with reference to the distribution of brightness detected by the luminance distribution detecting unit. The exposure controller decides that exposure is to be executed on the bright portion or the dark portion based on a position of the changing point determined by the changing point determining unit.

Abstract: An illumination system (20, 72, 110, 142) for illuminating a scene comprising: an illuminator (24, 74, 116) having a plurality of substantially contiguous independently controllable light (26, 76) providing regions each of which provides light that illuminates a different region of the scene; optics (30) that directs light from the illuminator to the scene; a range finder (22, 64, 112) that determines distances to regions of the scene; and a controller (28, 29, 118) that controls the plurality of light providing regions to provide light for illuminating the scene responsive to distances determined by the range finder (22, 64, 112).

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of photographing in a camera having a flash and a distance measurement unit to measure a distance from the camera to the object, which includes determining whether instructions to perform consecutive photograph are given, measuring a distance from the camera to the object, if consecutive shooting instructions are given, and determining a flash trigger time according to the result of measuring the distance, emitting a flash for the determined flash trigger time while photographing is performed, and performing the measurement and determination operation, if consecutive shooting is not completed.

Abstract: Guide numbers tgn1, tgn2 as expected light amounts of a main flashlight and a remote flashlight are added for the calculation of an expected illumination amount of each divided photometric region. If there is an over-illuminated region, among the divided photometric regions, in which the expected illumination amount exceeds a proper illumination amount for a subject, the guide numbers tgn1 and tgn2 are decreased such that of the two flashlights, the one illuminating the over-illuminated region more is given a larger decrease. In this manner, guide numbers gn1, gn2 for main flash of the main flashlight and the remote flashlight are calculated so as to adjust the expected illumination amount of the over-illuminated region to a proper value.

Abstract: Strobe light emission is controlled with precision with precision of distance information. A photometry unit measures light reflected by an object to be photographed by preliminary emission in a collection of divided regions. An object distance detection unit detects an object distance. A distance precision determination unit determines a distance precision. A first calculation unit calculates a proper photometry level from an object distance. A second calculation unit calculates an identification level for identifying an abnormal reflection region on the basis of the proper photometry level and a distance precision. A determination unit compares the photometry values of the divided regions with the identification level, thereby determining an abnormal reflection region. A third calculation unit calculates the photometry values of reflected object light in the divided regions from which the abnormal reflection region is excluded.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to performing proper strobe light photographing which is almost free from the influence of the object reflectance and an autofocus detection error. This disclosure includes a first calculation unit which calculates first photometry data on the basis of a photometry value obtained by a photometry unit for measuring light reflected by an object to be photographed by preliminary emission, an object distance detection unit (#120) which detects object distance information, a second calculation unit (#121) which calculates proper second photometry data corresponding to the object distance information, a third calculation unit (#122 and #123) which calculates third photometry data on the basis of the calculation results of the first and second calculation units, and a control unit (#124 to #126) which controls an main emission amount and performs strobe light photographing on the basis of the calculation result of the third calculation unit.

Abstract: Mechanisms for compensating for backlight conditions in a scene for use in an image capture device that includes a flash and a flash control signal for activating the flash when the flash control signal is asserted are described. First, a meter matrix for a scene that includes a plurality of points, where each point can include brightness information and distance information, is generated. Second, a flash control signal is selectively asserted based on the meter matrix.

Abstract: A camera according to this invention includes a backlight judgment section which determines whether the photographic scene is against light by comparing the average luminance of the entire photographic screen obtained by photometry with the luminance of the main subject at a distance-measuring point selected by distance measurement. With the backlight judgment section, the camera performs suitable exposure control accompanied by illumination, such as supplementary light, at the time of exposure in a photographic scene where the main subject is against light.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of photographing in a camera having a flash and a distance measurement unit to measure a distance from the camera to the object, which includes determining whether instructions to perform consecutive photograph are given, measuring a distance from the camera to the object, if consecutive shooting instructions are given, and determining a flash trigger time according to the result of measuring the distance, emitting a flash for the determined flash trigger time while photographing is performed, and performing the measurement and determination operation, if consecutive shooting is not completed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing a photographic image from being taken has a triggering mechanism which will generate a signal when detecting a light signal indicative of a camera flash. A flash unit is coupled to the triggering mechanism for generating a counteracting flash after receiving the signal generated by the triggering mechanism. By generating a counteracting flash a very short time after detecting the flash, the apparatus saturates an area of the camera's image field during the camera's exposure period. Thus the image in that area is obscured.

Abstract: A flash control device comprises a distance input part, a calculating part, and an emission control part. When an electronic flash device is in an FP flash mode, the calculating part calculates a proper flash intensity according to an object distance, an f-number, and sensitivity, the f-number and the sensitivity of a camera. When the electronic flash device is in a discrete flash mode, the calculating part calculates a proper flash intensity according to an object distance, an f-number, and the sensitivity. The emission control part instructs the electronic flash device to flash with a proper flash intensity. The flash control device controls flashing so that the object is illuminated with a proper exposure amount.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to performing proper strobe light photographing which is almost free from the influence of the object reflectance and an autofocus detection error. This disclosure includes a first calculation unit which calculates first photometry data on the basis of a photometry value obtained by a photometry unit for measuring light reflected by an object to be photographed by preliminary emission, an object distance detection unit (#120) which detects object distance information, a second calculation unit (#121) which calculates proper second photometry data corresponding to the object distance information, a third calculation unit (#122 and #123) which calculates third photometry data on the basis of the calculation results of the first and second calculation units, and a control unit (#124 to #126) which controls an main emission amount and performs strobe light photographing on the basis of the calculation result of the third calculation unit.

Abstract: An electronic camera of the present invention includes a CCD, a diaphragm, an EEPROM, and a CPU. The CCD has a condenser micro-lens opposed to a light receptor. The diameter of the diaphragm is variable in relation to a plurality of f-numbers. In the EEPROM, data items of outputs of the CCD associated with the plurality of f-numbers or ratios of the outputs are stored in advance. The CPU calculates an exposure time according to an output of the CCD associated with a given f-number, controls exposure, and corrects an exposure time according to data stored in the EEPROM during recording.

Abstract: A computation expression is stored by which an emission time period for obtaining a predetermined amount of emitted light is obtained by using temperature as a variable. An emission time period is obtained from a temperature on the basis of this computation expression. When a red-eye prevention mode is selected and when preliminary light emission and main light emission are performed continuously, the emission time period for main light emission is adjusted by detecting the voltage across a main capacitor through a voltage monitor. If a reference emission time period Tf is shorter than a predetermined time period of 30 &mgr;sec, the emission time is adjusted according to information including t0 corresponding to an emission delay time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lens apparatus that can switch the aperture diameter of the light-blocking member using a body structural member constituting a portion of the lens apparatus. The lens apparatus includes a lens unit that is moved in a direction of an optical axis, a light-blocking unit having a plurality of light-blocking members forming an aperture portion through which light passes, and a body structural member. The light-blocking unit and the body structural member move relative to one another in the direction of the optical axis according to a movement of the lens unit, and an aperture diameter of the aperture portion is switched by moving the body structural member between a first position in which the light-blocking members are prevented from opening beyond a predetermined aperture diameter, and a second position in which the light-blocking members are allowed to open beyond a predetermined aperture diameter.

Abstract: A camera and method for image capture at less than a nominal minimum focus distance provide for initiating image capture through a variable aperture at a first aperture size, collecting a predetermined amount of ambient scene light during image capture, initiating closing of the variable aperture, and illuminating a flash unit during closing of the variable aperture at a predetermined restricted second aperture size.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lens apparatus that can switch the aperture diameter of the light-blocking member using a body structural member constituting a portion of the lens apparatus. The lens apparatus includes a lens unit that is moved in a direction of an optical axis, a light-blocking unit having a plurality of light-blocking members forming an aperture portion through which light passes, and a body structural member. The light-blocking unit and the body structural member move relative to one another in the direction of the optical axis according to a movement of the lens unit, and an aperture diameter of the aperture portion is switched by moving the body structural member between a first position in which the light-blocking members are prevented from opening beyond a predetermined aperture diameter, and a second position in which the light-blocking members are allowed to open beyond a predetermined aperture diameter.

Abstract: A flash control device comprises a distance input part, a calculating part, and an emission control part. When an electronic flash device is in an FP flash mode, the calculating part calculates a proper flash intensity according to an object distance, an f-number, and sensitivity, the f-number and the sensitivity of a camera. When the electronic flash device is in a discrete flash mode, the calculating part calculates a proper flash intensity according to an object distance, an f-number, and the sensitivity. The emission control part instructs the electronic flash device to flash with a proper flash intensity. The flash control device controls flashing so that the object is illuminated with a proper exposure amount.

Abstract: In a digital camera, when flash shooting is performed, a maximum distance at which a subject can be illuminated to appropriate brightness is calculated based on the guide number of a flash and the open aperture value of an aperture stop, and the distance to the subject measured is compared with the maximum distance. If the distance to the subject is equal to or shorter than the maximum distance, the exposure time is set at a predetermined value, and the amount of the flash light emitted is controlled based on the amount of the light reflected from the subject, and white balance of the taken image is adjusted in accordance with the color characteristics of the flash light. If the distance to the subject is greater than the maximum distance, the exposure time is set to be longer than the predetermined value in order to use a larger amount of ambient light to illuminate the subject, and white balance of the taken image is adjusted in accordance with the color characteristics of the ambient light.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for compensating auto-focus of image capture device by utilizing red-eye eliminating function. An auto-focus module preliminarily determines a first distance from an object to the image capture device based on a first focal length evaluation value of the object, so as to perform a rough adjustment of the focal length. Whenever a red-eye eliminating device flashes to eliminate red-eye effect, the image sensor captures the image of the object so as to obtain a second focal length evaluation value of the object. The auto-focus module determines a second distance from the object to the image fetching device based on the second focal length evaluation value of the object, thereby performing a fine adjustment of the focal length.

Abstract: In a camera having an automatic flash light control system, a quantity of flash light illuminating an object is restricted by a value as an upper limit or a lower limit which is calculated by a distance to the object and an aperture value of a taking lens. When there is any factor for affecting the calculation of the value such as a high reflectance of the object, a specific lens system of the taking lens and a position of the flashing unit with respect to the camera, the limit value is compensated or the restriction by the value is release. When the flash light control has completed, the flash light control mode is distinguished by indication manner corresponding to the result of the actual flash light control.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for compensating auto-focus of image capture device by utilizing red-eye eliminating function. An auto-focus module preliminarily determines a first distance from an object to the image capture device based on a first focal length evaluation value of the object, so as to perform a rough adjustment of the focal length. Whenever a red-eye eliminating device flashes to eliminate red-eye effect, the image sensor captures the image of the object so as to obtain a second focal length evaluation value of the object. The auto-focus module determines a second distance from the object to the image fetching device based on the second focal length evaluation value of the object, thereby performing a fine adjustment of the focal length.

Abstract: A method of controlling exposure of a scene image comprising the following steps: sensing a scene for image data; deriving values representative of a brightness map of the scene; sensing the scene for image data; deriving values representative of a range map; comparing the range map with the scene brightness map; and controlling the exposure by controlling artificial illumination upon the scene. In an alternate aspect, a system is provided for controlling exposure of a scene image comprising the following elements: at least one sensor assembly; a source of artificial illumination; and a processing means.

Abstract: A driving gear is rotated in cooperation with zooming of a taking lens. The driving gear and a cam cylinder are attached to an axis that is supported by a finder frame. A projection of the driving gear is inserted into a cutout of the cam cylinder. Since the projection contacts with an edge of the cut out on zooming the taking lens, the rotation of the driving gear is transmitted to the cam cylinder. The cam cylinder moves a finder zoom system to change finder magnification. When the driving gear makes a reverse rotation for absorbing the backlash of the taking lens or focusing, the driving gear makes an idle rotation only for the space between the cutout and the projection. The finder magnification is unchanged while the driving gear is idly rotating. On screwing an adjustment screw of the finder frame, the cylindrical cam 36 moves towards an axial direction. The finder visibility is adjusted as zoom lenses 33, 34 move together.

Abstract: In a camera having an automatic flash light control system, a quantity of flash light illuminating an object is restricted by a value as an upper limit or a lower limit which is calculated by a distance to the object and an aperture value of a taking lens. When there is any factor for affecting the calculation of the value such as a high reflectance of the object, a specific lens system of the taking lens and a position of the flashing unit with respect to the camera, the limit value is compensated or the restriction by the value is release. When the flash light control has completed, the flash light control mode is distinguished by indication manner corresponding to the result of the actual flash light control.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus comprises a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to a subject, and a stroboscope that emits light of an intensity determined based on the measured distance. There are further provided a distance calculating section that calculates a distance to the subject based on the current feed quantity of a focus lens, when the distance measuring unit has failed in the measurement of the distance to the subject, and a light intensity determining section that determines the intensity of light to be emitted from the stroboscope based on the calculated distance.

Abstract: A signal level determining block determines whether a solid-state imaging device is under-exposed in accordance with image data captured at an electronic flash shooting. The electronic flash output determining circuit determines whether an output of an electronic flash at the electronic flash shooting is at its maximum. A CPU judges that a finger of the user obstructs the electronic flash when it is determined that the solid-state imaging device is under-exposed at the electronic flash shooting and it is determined that the output of the electronic flash is not at its maximum. Then, a warning displaying part displays a warning that the finger of the user obstructs the electronic flash.

Abstract: A lens drive device that is located inside a camera main body and can drive lenses that are interchangeably mounted to the camera main body, said lens drive device having a coupler that transmits the drive force to the lenses, a drive motor that rotates and drives the coupler, a clutch mechanism that connects and disconnects the coupler and the drive motor, and an encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the coupler while the coupler and the drive motor are disconnected by means of the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A light-emission control apparatus comprising a light-receiving element 2, an A/D converting section 6, an integrating section 7, a comparing section 8, and a control section 9. The light-receiving element 2 outputs a light-reception signal corresponding to an amount of light it has received. The A/D converting section 6 converts the light-reception signal to digital data. The integrating section 7 integrates the digital data, generating an integrated value. The comparing section 8 compares the integrated value with a predetermined threshold value. The control means outputs a light-emission stop request to a light-emitting device 11, thereby causing the device 11 to stop emitting light, when the integrated value reaches the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A photographic camera changeable between a normal photographic mode in which an almost entire area of an exposure frame of a photographic film is exposed with an intention of making a print from the exposure frame with a normal printing magnification and a pseudo magnified photographic mode in which a specific partial area of an exposure frame of a photographic film is exposed with an intention of making a print from the exposure frame with a larger printing magnification than the normal printing magnification and able to record trimming-data of an exposure frame exposed in the pseudo magnified photographic mode on the photographic film and is intended to be used in printing process comprises a distance measuring device having a measurement range greater than a focusing range of the taking lens, a lens setting mechanism for setting the taking lens in fixed positions including positions for the closest focussing distance and for infinity in accordance with camera-to-subject distance measured by the distance me

Abstract: A method of controlling exposure of a scene image comprising the following steps: sensing a scene for image data; deriving values representative of a brightness map of the scene; sensing the scene for image data; deriving values representative of a range map; comparing the range map with the scene brightness map; and controlling the exposure by controlling artificial illumination upon the scene. In an alternate aspect, a system is provided for controlling exposure of a scene image comprising the following elements: at least one sensor assembly; a source of artificial illumination; and a processing means.

Abstract: A disadvantage can be solved, in which an amount of light passing through a shutter aperture varies depending upon different reflection coefficients of objects. When a switch is set ON, a control circuit detects a reflection coefficient of a subject object on the basis of an output from a PSD. Concretely, the reflection coefficient of the subject object is detected on the basis of a correlation between a distance up to the subject object, which is found by making use of outputs from terminals of the PSD, and magnitudes of outputs from the terminals. Subsequently, an FM control value is found by calculation on the basis of the distance up to the subject object and the reflection coefficient of the subject object. A diaphragm assumes the FM control value as the shutter aperture increases. A stroboscope device is controlled by a stroboscope drive circuit to project light, and light reflected by the subject object is made to be incident on a photosensitive section through the shutter aperture for photographing.

Abstract: A camera using an image blur prevention device including exposure time calculating apparatus which calculates a first exposure time from at least photometry data, sensitivity data of a recording medium and brightness of a photographic lens, a strobe lighting designating apparatus to forcibly light a strobe when the first exposure time calculated by the exposure time calculating apparatus is longer than a predetermined value, shutter closing time setting apparatus which forcibly fixes the first exposure time calculated by the exposure time calculating apparatus at a predetermined exposure closing time Tb or Td regardless of a calculated result of the exposure time calculating means when the first exposure time is longer than the second exposure time and changing apparatus which changes a combination of the first exposure time and the second exposure time dependently on whether or not the image blur prevention device is to be used for photographing, whereby the camera is capable of taking a photograph on which

Abstract: A device having an image-providing sensor, hereinafter designated as “image sensor,” operating in the visible and near-infrared range, an thermal image-providing sensor, hereinafter designated as “thermal-image sensor,” operating in the thermal radiation range and having a lower resolution than the image sensor, and an electronic evaluation system. The evaluation system determines whether one or both of the signals generated by the sensors are used for determining whether an alarm condition exists. As a result, the detectability of low-contrast objects is increased, the false alarm rate is reduced, and object classification is made possible.