Provided are an imaging device, method, and a non-transitory recording medium, which simultaneously image a plurality of images and obtain images having enlarged dynamic ranges by using an imaging system, comprising a directional sensor in which light receiving sensors have directivity with respect to incidence angles of light rays. Image signals of first and second light receiving sensors are obtained in a state in which second incidence rays of an imaging lens are shielded from a directional sensor in which a ratio of sensitivity between the first and the second light receiving sensors with respect to first incidence rays incident through a first optical system of the imaging lens is M:1, and a third image having a dynamic range which is equal to or less than M times a dynamic range of a first image using the image signals of the first light receiving sensors is generated.

Provided are an imaging device, method, and a non-transitory recording medium, which simultaneously image a plurality of images and obtain images having enlarged dynamic ranges by using an imaging system, comprising a directional sensor in which light receiving sensors have directivity with respect to incidence angles of light rays. Image signals of first and second light receiving sensors are obtained in a state in which second incidence rays of an imaging lens are shielded from a directional sensor in which a ratio of sensitivity between the first and the second light receiving sensors with respect to first incidence rays incident through a first optical system of the imaging lens is M:1, and a third image having a dynamic range which is equal to or less than M times a dynamic range of a first image using the image signals of the first light receiving sensors is generated.

A camera module with non-mechanical blocking and non-blocking functions in relation to external light includes a lens, a light sensing element, and a housing. The lens includes interconnected first and second cavity regions, there being gas and/or colored liquid in the first cavity region or the second cavity region. The colored liquid exists in the first cavity region during a first state and, by the application of fingertip heat, in the second cavity region only during the second state, or the reverse. The light sensing element can receive or not receive external light representing images according to user choice. The housing receives the lens and the light sensing element.

A camera module with non-mechanical blocking and non-blocking functions in relation to external light includes a lens, a light sensing element, and a housing. The lens includes interconnected first and second cavity regions, there being gas and/or colored liquid in the first cavity region or the second cavity region. The colored liquid exists in the first cavity region during a first state and, by the application of fingertip heat, in the second cavity region only during the second state, or the reverse. The light sensing element can receive or not receive external light representing images according to user choice. The housing receives the lens and the light sensing element.

An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor; a light shielding member; a thermometer that measures temperature of the image sensor; and a controller that controls the image sensor so as to perform continuous shooting to obtain a plurality of images. The controller determines a number of images to be shot in the continuous shooting, determines, before starting the continuous shooting, whether or not to shoot a black image with the image sensor being shielded from light by the light shielding member based on the temperature measured by the thermometer and the determined number of images to be shot, and in a case where it is determined to shoot a black image, controls to shoot a black image every time an image is shot in the continuous shooting.

Provided is an electrochromic device including: an electrochromic element including an electrochromic layer disposed between a pair of electrodes; a drive unit, which is connected to a power supply portion included in each of the pair of electrodes to drive the electrochromic element; a controller, which is configured to control the power supply portion; and an orientation detection unit, which is configured to detect an orientation of the electrochromic element. The controller is configured to control the power supply portion depending on output from the orientation detection unit.

Provided is an electrochromic device including: an electrochromic element including an electrochromic layer disposed between a pair of electrodes; a drive unit, which is connected to a power supply portion included in each of the pair of electrodes to drive the electrochromic element; a controller, which is configured to control the power supply portion; and an orientation detection unit, which is configured to detect an orientation of the electrochromic element. The controller is configured to control the power supply portion depending on output from the orientation detection unit.

An automotive camera includes at least one lens unit, at least one image sensor having a plurality of light sensitive elements configured to collect incident light projected by the lens unit and transform it into an electrical signal, the image sensor being configured to read out the charge collected by the plurality of light sensitive elements with a predetermined frame rate, and at least one apparatus for light intensity adjustment which is mounted or mountable in front of the lens unit and includes a view control film (VCF).

A blade driving device comprising: a driving member; one or more blade members that are caused to undergo sliding motion by the driving member; a blade supporting unit for supporting the blade member slidably; and a frame for containing the driving member and a portion of the blade supporting unit, wherein the blade supporting unit comprises a blade chamber for containing a blade member between opposing thin plate members, along with an insertion portion that has an opening and that protrudes from a frame, wherein the opposing thin plate members are integrated together at least the tip end of the insertion portion.

Embodiments of systems and methods for using electronic diffusers to implement message indicators are described. A segment of a diffuser attached to an electronic device is configured to indicate an informational message in response to signals that result in a change to an optical property. A set of information to be displayed using the segment is determined, and a signal is transmitted to the segment to display the information.