Patent ID: 6542637
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A picture frame decision apparatus comprising:identification means for identifying whether a plurality of picture frames of a film have a region with a predetermined density in a common location relative to each picture frame of the plurality of picture frames; computation means for determining a density of each of the plurality of picture frames while excluding the region with the predetermined density in the common location relative to each picture frame of the plurality of picture frames; sectioning means for sectioning at least one picture frame into two naturally through areas and a panoramic area located therebetween; decision means for deciding whether a panoramic image is formed in the at least one picture frame; wherein said computation means determines an average density of each of the naturally through areas while excluding the region with the predetermined density from each of the naturally through areas when the plurality of picture frames of the film have the region with the predetermined density at the common location relative to each picture frame of the plurality of picture frames, wherein said decision means decides based on a comparison of the average density of the naturally through areas; wherein said computation means determines a difference between a maximum density and a minimum density in each of the naturally through areas of the at least one picture frame, and wherein said decision means decides whether the panoramic image is formed based on a comparison of the average density of the naturally through areas and a comparison between a difference of each of the naturally through areas and a predetermined value.