Patent ID: 7893971
Filing Date: 2011-02-22
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A light source estimation device that estimates information relating to a light source lighting an area, comprising: an imaging device condition determination section for determining whether an imaging device is being used by a cameraman to capture images, wherein the imaging device is used for both capturing a light source image at a first time when it is determined that the imaging device is not being used by the cameraman to capture images and a subsequent image at a second time, wherein the subsequent is an image of an object captured in response to the cameraman's operation of the imaging device; a light source image obtaining section for capturing the light source image by the imaging device when it is determined that the imaging device is not being used by the cameraman to capture images; a first imaging device information obtaining section for obtaining first imaging device information representing a condition of the imaging device at the first time; a second imaging device information obtaining section for obtaining second imaging device information representing a condition of the imaging device at the second time; and a light source information estimating section for estimating light source information for use in relation to the subsequent image, the light source information including at least one of a direction and a position of a light source at the second time; wherein the light source information is based on the light source image and the first and second imaging device information.