Abstract:
A system and a method for object selective camera flash are provided herein. The steps of the method may include: capturing a raw image of a scene using a capturing device, wherein a scene comprises background and objects viewed by the capturing device; indicating at least one location on the captured raw image, wherein the location on the captured image corresponds with a location in the scene; calculating a volume portion within the scene based on the indicated at least one location on the captured raw image; generating a flash pulse having specified parameters directed at the scene; synchronizing an exposure of the capturing device to be carried out when reflections of the flash pulse from the calculated volume portion reaches the capturing device; and accumulating the reflections to yield an enhanced image.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a National Phase Application of PCT International Application No. PCT/IL2014/050580, International Filing Date Jun. 29, 2014, entitled: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVE IMAGING OF OBJECTS IN A SCENE TO YIELD ENHANCED IMAGE”, published on Jan. 5, 2015 as International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2015/001550, claiming priority of Israel Patent Application No. 227265, filed Jun. 30, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosed technique relates to illuminating and imaging system, in general, and to method of low light level enhancement for a camera device, in particular. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In photography, a conventional camera flash (visible or non-visible spectrum) is used to improve image picture quality in low light situations, by illuminating the scene with a burst (single pulse or multiple pulses) while a picture is taken. Typical flash light source may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or may include gas discharge lamps or even may even include a LASER. Typical camera includes a CCD, CMOS or a hybrid sensor with single exposure duration per a sensor single frame read-out. 
     Prior art such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,962,031 B2, entitled “Pulsed control of camera flash” is directed to improve the ability to subsequently discriminate the high frequency or edge components of the picture, during the subsequent deblurring or motion compensation operation. The described technique does not provide any means for illuminating a selected volume of the captured scenery image. 
     Another prior art such as U.S. Pat. No. 8,194,126 B2, entitled “Gated imaging” is directed towards a gated camera imaging system and method, utilizing a laser device for generating a beam of long duration laser pulses toward a target. A camera receives the energy of the pulses reflected from the target. The camera gating is synchronized to be set ‘OFF’ for at least the duration of time it takes the laser device to produce a laser pulse in its substantial entirety, including an end of the laser pulse, in addition to the time it takes the laser pulse to complete traversing a zone proximate to the system and back to the camera. The camera gating is then set ON for an ON time duration thereafter, until the laser pulse reflects back from the target and is received in the camera. The laser pulse width substantially corresponds to at least the ON time duration. 
     Israeli patent application IL170098 discloses a gated camera imaging system and method, utilizing a laser device for generating a beam of long duration laser pulses toward a target. A camera receives the energy of light reflexes of the pulses reflected from the target. The camera gating is synchronized to be set OFF for at least the duration of time it takes the laser device to produce a laser pulse in its substantial entirety, including an end of the laser pulse, in addition to the time it takes the laser pulse to complete traversing a zone proximate to the system and back to the camera, and set ON for an ON time duration thereafter until the laser pulse reflects back from the target and is received in the camera. The laser pulse width substantially corresponds to at least the ON time duration. Preferably, the laser device includes a Diode Laser Array (DLA). 
     Israeli patent application IL177078 discloses an imaging system, including a transmission source providing pulse(s), and a gated sensor for receiving pulse reflections from objects located beyond a minimal range. The pulse and the gate timing are controlled for creating sensitivity as a function of range, such that the amount of the energy received progressively increases with the range. Also an imaging method, including emitting pulse(s) to a target area, receiving reflections of pulses reflected from objects located beyond a minimal range, the receiving includes gating detection of the reflections, and progressively increasing the received energy of the reflections, by controlling the pulses and the timing of the gating. 
     Prior art does not provide a selective and controllable scene volume imaging in low light level conditions nor does it address imaging enhancement in low-light level in harsh weather such as rain or snow versus the proposed method. In addition prior art does not provide any solution to provide a unified image enhancement in a certain range in low-light level conditions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the disclosed technique, there is thus provided a system having a camera device for taking a picture, where a control unit is to synchronize each camera pulse light flash to each camera exposure to yield a selective and controllable scene volume. As redefined here, the term “selective scene volume” is considered as an illuminated and accumulated portion of the viewed scene wherein a minimal range (R min ≧0 m) and wherein a maximal range (R max ) maybe applicable. As redefined here, the term “controllable scene volume” is considered as a specific selective scene volume is chosen by user and/or automatically by the control unit. In addition, a single image frame (i.e. still image or a video frame) may have several selective and controllable scene volumes (e.g. two scene volumes with different R min  and different R max  or two scene volumes with similar R min  and different R max  etc.). 
     The aforementioned user input may be carried out by selection of a specified volume such as a 3D box in the scene, selection of a specified range in the scene, and selecting one or more objects in the scene to be ignored and so not to apply the flash illumination at the ignored objects. 
     Implementing a minimal range (R min ≧0 m) accumulating in the camera provides a mean of providing an enhanced picture under low illumination with harsh weather conditions (e.g. rain, snow and fog) or in different spatial locations. 
     These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of the operation of a system, constructed and operative in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a picture taken with a typical portable camera using its flash light in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A - FIG. 3C  illustrate different selective and controllable scene volume in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A - FIG. 3E  illustrate different selective and controllable scene volume in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of operations performed by the smart camera device to yield improved picture quality in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a forward-looking view of an apparatus, constructed and operative in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6 - FIG. 8  are illustrations of a forward-looking view of an apparatus, constructed and operative to yield a selective and controllable scene volume in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of the operation of systems, constructed and operative in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the disclosed technique provides methods and systems for accumulating a selective and controllable scene volume, using electro-optical techniques based on the principle of sensor and active illumination synchronization. Accordingly, the terms “target” or “object” refer to any object in general, “camera pulse light flash” refers to any suitable source emitting of electromagnetic energy radiation (i.e. photons in any known wavelength) and “sensor” refers to any apparatus collecting of electromagnetic energy radiation (i.e. photons in any known wavelength) in the camera to provide a signal (e.g. pixel, 1D pixel array, 2D pixel array etc.). The “sensor” maybe based on; CMOS Imager Sensor, CCD, SPAD, Photo-diode, Hybrid FPA, Photomultiplier (including Image Intensifier) etc. 
     Accordingly, the disclosed technique provides for manipulation of signal capturing in a camera device, as a function of the accumulated depth-of-field, by changing the flash illumination parameters, by changing the sensor parameters. According to one embodiment, the system is part of a portable, for example, a mobile-phone, a tablet, a laptop or any other digital camera device. The disclosed technique is not limited to the embodiment of a portable and/or handheld platform. 
     A gated imaging system known in the art is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,194,126 B2, titled “Gated imaging”. Light source pulse (in free space) is defined as: 
                 T   LASER     =     2   ×     (         R   0     -     R   min       c     )         ,         
where the parameters defined in index below. Gated camera ON time (in free space) is defined as:
 
               T   ON     =     2   ×       (         R   max     -     R   min       c     )     .             
Gated camera OFF time (in free space) is defined as:
 
                 T   OFF     =     2   ×       R   min     c         ,         
where c is the speed of light, R 0 , R min  and R max  are specific ranges. The gated imaging utilized to create an image sensitivity as a function of range through time synchronization of T LASER , T ON  and T OFF .
 
     The term “raw image” as described herein may include still images, video frames but also a gated image which is the product of a gated imaging device in which one or more slices were fused together. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , which is a schematic illustration of the operation of a system, generally referenced  10 , constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique. 
     System  10  includes a flash module  14 , an imaging sensor  15  and control units ( 11 ,  12  and  13 ). Flash module  14  generates a light beam  31  in the form of pulsed (single/series of continues pulses). Flash module  14  emits light beam  31  toward the scenery. Light beam  31  illuminates a potential target  33  in the scenery. Imaging sensor  15  receives reflected light source beam  32  from target  33 . Imaging sensor  15  and flash module  14  are synchronized to each other as related to T LASER , T ON  and T OFF  by system control  11 . 
     Atmospheric conditions, such as aerosols, humidity, haze, fog, smog, smoke, rain, snow and the like, represented by zone  30 , may exist in the surrounding area of system  10 . Backscatter from the area in the immediate proximity to system  10  has a more significant influence on imaging sensor  15  than backscatter from further distanced area. Approximate range designated as R min  defines the area proximate to system  10  from which the avoidance of backscattered light emitted by flash module  14 . The potential target  33  is not expected to be located within range R min , therefore the removal of the influences of atmospheric conditions  30  in this range from the captured signal in the imaging sensor unit  15 . These atmospheric conditions interfere with light beam  31  on its way to illuminate target  33 , and with light beam  32  reflected from target  33 . For a specific volume of the scenery, imaging sensor  15  does not accumulate light beam  31  for the duration of time that light beam  31  has completely propagated a distance R min  toward target  33  in the specific volume of the scenery, including the return path to imaging sensor  15  from distance R min  the specific volume of the scenery. Distance between system  10  and potential target  33  is designated range R max  (i.e. potential target  33  can be located anywhere between ranges R min  and R max ). This technique utilizes the low reflected signal background versus the high reflected signal originating from a potential target  33 . In indoor system  10  usages, atmospheric conditions  30  is usually negligible whereas to outdoor system  10  usages may significantly deviate. 
     Imaging sensor  15  is adapted to be synchronized to light signal (photons) and maybe adapted to accumulate photo-electrical signal prior sensor signal readout. Imaging optical module  16  maybe adapted for filtering certain wavelength spectrums, as may be performed by a band pass filter and/or adapted to filter various light polarizations. Imaging optical module  16  is adapted to operate and detect electromagnetic wavelengths similar to those provided by imaging sensor  15 . Imaging optical module  16  is further adapted for focusing incoming light onto light sensitive area of imaging sensor  15  and providing its required Field-of-View. 
     Flash module  14  is adapted to provide electromagnetic wavelengths which are detectable by imaging sensor  15 . Flash module  14  maybe adapted for projecting and/or filtering light polarization. Flash module  14  may further be adapted for diffusing light (e.g. holographic diffuser, optical lenses etc.) and projecting one or more Field Of illumination (FOI). Flash module  14  FOI may be controlled (i e make in narrow or wide) during system  10  operation. Flash module  14  further includes a pulsed light source (e.g. LED, LASER, flash lamp, etc.) to provide pulsed illumination. Flash module  14  may include a light source wavelength controller based on an electrical method (e.g. thermo electric cooler), and/or suitable mechanical method and/or any optical method and device for stabilizing illumination wavelengths, as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Flash module  14  is controlled by flash control  13  via a dedicated channel  20 . Flash control  13  is adapted to receive trigger signal from system control  11  and per each trigger to drive a pulsed event to flash module  14 . Flash control  13  may further manage flash module  14  illumination parameters such as: FOI, wavelength, pulse characteristics (e.g. raise/fall time, duration and peak power). 
     Imaging sensor  15  and imaging optical module  16  are controlled by imaging control  12  via a dedicated channel  19 . Imaging control  12  is adapted to receive trigger signal from system control  11  and per each trigger to expose imaging sensor  15 . Imaging control  12  may further manage sensor parameters (Imaging sensor  15  and imaging optical module  16 ): focus, shutter, exposure duration, gain, sensor Region-of-Interest (ROI) and sensor readout mechanism. 
     Imaging control  12  and flash control  13  are controlled by system control  11  via dedicated channels  17  and  18  respectively. System control  11  is adapted to trigger imaging control  12  and flash control  13  to provide selective and controllable scene volume imaging. Above low light level conditions, flash control  13  may not activate flash module  14  and imaging control  12  may have a different operating mode for example an CIS (imaging sensor  15 ) may be operate in gated mode during low light level whereas the sensor may operate in other lighting conditions with a “4T” mode (i.e. a photodetector, a floating diffusion, a transfer gate, reset gate, selection gate and source-follower readout transistor) or any other pixel transistor design/mode. Signal  21  controls system  10  in the portable device it is hosted. 
     R max  range may also be selected based on at least one of the following system  10  parameters; maximal imaging sensor  15  resolution, maximal flash module  14  peak power that and photography (imaging) boundary conditions (e.g. image is taken outdoors, indoors, static, on the move, etc.). For example, if the image is taken in a dark room where R max =10 m, than T ON  should not be more than 0.33 μs (i.e. may be shorter). In addition, photography (imaging) boundary conditions may also effect minimal range R min . 
       FIG. 2  is a picture taken with a typical portable camera using its flash light. This picture illustrates the problem of the signal accumulation in the camera which was reflected from the camera flash light. Three targets (people in this case) are located in three different distances as to the camera in low light level environment conditions (i.e. dark room). The accumulated signal from the closest target as to the camera is almost saturated versus the faint signal accumulated from targets in the back. This effect is due to at least two reasons: the Inverse-square law and the camera Automatic Gain Control (AGC) mechanism. In addition, current camera devices do not provide a possibility to select a specific accumulated scene volume is desired (i.e. to focus on the third target which is located in the longest distance as to the camera). 
       FIG. 3A - FIG. 3C  illustrate one of the benefits of using the described method as to prior art. System  10  illuminates and accumulates the reflected illuminated flash light in different scene volumes (i.e. different minimal range R min  and different maximal range R max ) in a specific scene  50 . Three targets ( 51 ,  52  and  53 ) are located in the scene at different ranges as to system  10 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates a selective accumulated scene volume represented by  54  with target  52 . In this illustration the rest of the targets ( 51  and  53 ) may not have the minimal signal level to be noticed.  FIG. 3B  illustrates a selective accumulated scene volume represented by  55  with targets  52  and  53 . In this illustration third target ( 51 ) may not have the minimal signal level to be noticed.  FIG. 3C  illustrates two selective accumulated scene volumes represented by scene volume  56  with target  51  having R min ( 2 ) and R max ( 2 ), whereas scene volume  57  with target  53  having R min ( 1 ) and R max ( 1 ). In this illustration, third target ( 52 ) may not have the minimal signal level to be noticed (e.g. is darker as to other targets in the scene). In addition, a single image frame (i.e. still image or a video frame) may have several selective and controllable scene volumes (e.g. two or more scene volumes with different R min  and different R max  or scene volumes with similar R min  and different R max  etc.). 
     Specific scene volume distance (e.g. R min  and/or R max ) estimation can be calculated based on geometrical dimensions of viewed object (e.g. an object of length of 1 m at a distance of 2 m will be larger than an object of the same length at a distance of 4 m). Another method of estimation volume distance (e.g. R min  and/or R max ) may be performed by means of direct distance measurement (such as time of flight principle). Another method of estimation volume distance (e.g. R min  and/or R max ) may be performed by changing the R min  from a certain minimal value up to a desired value in each frame which corresponds with an adequate SNR for the selected R min . 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates one of the benefits of using the described method as to prior art. System  10  illuminates and accumulates the reflected illuminated flash light in different scene volumes (i.e. different minimal range R min (A), R min (D) and different maximal range R max (A), R max (D) respectively) in a specific scene  50 . Scene  50  is divided to multiple scene volumes ( 57 A,  57 B,  57 C and  57 D). Three objects ( 53 A,  53 C and  53 D) are located in the scene at different ranges as to system  10 . Selective accumulated scene volumes are represented by  57 A with object  53 A,  57 C with object  53 C and  57 D with object  53 D. Each one of the scene volumes ( 57 A,  57 B,  57 C and  57 D) may have different system setup conditions for example: camera pulse flash duration (T LASER ), camera pulse flash intensity, camera pulse flash raise/fall time, delay time between camera pulse flash to camera exposure (T OFF ), camera exposure duration (T ON ), camera exposure raise/fall time and the number of camera pulse flashes/number of camera exposures. The captured scene volumes ( 57 A,  57 B,  57 C and  57 D) maybe overlapping as to each other, partly overlapping as to each other or not overlapping at all as to each other. The captured scene volumes ( 57 A,  57 B,  57 C and  57 D) may further be processed by means of: fusion of one or more scene volumes captured images, selecting one or more scene volumes images to display or any other super-position image processing of the captured scene volumes. This method provides an enhanced image to the user. The output of the image processing in  FIG. 3D  is an enhanced image where objects  53 A and  53 D are optimized (i.e. have the best signal, SNR, focus), whereas object  53 C may have low signal levels (i.e. darker than  53 A and  53 D). 
       FIG. 3E  illustrates one of the benefits of using the described method as to prior art. System  10  illuminates and accumulates the reflected illuminated flash light in different scene volumes (i.e. different minimal range R min (A), R min (B), R min (C) and different maximal range R max (A), R max (B), R max (C) respectively) in a specific scene  50 . Scene  50  is divided to multiple scene volumes ( 59 A,  59 B and  59 C). Two objects ( 58 A and  58 C) are located in the scene at different ranges as to system  10 . Selective accumulated scene volumes are represented by  59 A with object  58 A,  59 B with the same object  58 A and  59 C with object  58 C. Each one of the scene volumes ( 59 A,  59 B and  59 C) may have different system setup conditions for example: camera pulse flash duration (T LASER ), camera pulse flash intensity, camera pulse flash raise/fall time, delay time between camera pulse flash to camera exposure (T OFF ), camera exposure duration (T ON ), camera exposure raise/fall time and the number of camera pulse flashes/number of camera exposures. In this illustration R max (B)=R min (C). The captured scene volumes ( 59 A,  59 B and  59 C) maybe overlapping as to each other, partly overlapping as to each other or not overlapping at all as to each other. The captured scene volumes ( 59 A,  59 B and  59 C) may further be processed by means of: fusion of one or more scene volumes captured images, selecting one or more scene volumes images to display or any other super-position image processing of the captured scene volumes. This method provides an enhanced image to the user. The output of the image processing in  FIG. 3E  is an enhanced image where objects  58 A and  58 C are optimized (i.e. have the best signal, SNR, focus), whereas the rest of the scene  50  may have low signal levels. 
     In another embodiment, different scene volumes captured by device  10  may be referred by different capturing modes. For example, the nearest captured volume scene can be referred as Sport Mode (e.g. a short frame image duration of the range of 500 μs with specific exposure timing sequence), the further away captured volume scene can be referred as Night Mode (e.g. a long frame image duration of the range of a few ms with specific exposure timing sequence) and the third captured volume scene can be referred as Regular Mode (e.g. a typical frame image duration of the range of 1 ms with specific exposure timing sequence). All these capturing Modes can be controlled by the user or alternatively selected by the capturing device  10 . This method provides an additional layer of flexibility of capturing an enhance image. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of operations performed by the smart camera device to yield improved picture quality in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The operations of the method may be performed by the device  10 , and in particular by the system controller  11  described above. After system (or device)  10  has been turned on, and the smart camera function is ready to take pictures, input (block  61 ) is received to take a picture. The picture may be a single still image frame, or it may be a single image video frame. 
     At this point, camera function may detect scene conditions such as ambient lighting, target conditions (e.g. static or moving), based on which it may then determine the required exposure time, lens position (zoom and focus) and determine if flash is required. Flash usage may be decided by the user or automatically determinate based on scene lighting conditions. 
     Once the viewed scene requires a flash light to enhance image quality, block  62  then provides (displays) a basic raw image (still image or a video feed) of the viewed scene. Basic raw image may be illuminated or not illuminated by flash module  14 . 
     In this stage input (block  63 ) is received to select a specific scene volume (a specific depth-of-field). Specific scene volume may be chosen by indicating at least one point on the captured image. For example, the volume selection may be carried out automatically based on data recognition of one or more objects within the scene. 
     The camera function then sets the appropriate camera flash and camera exposure timing sequence (i.e. the required T LASER , T ON  and T OFF  to provide the selected specific scene volume) in block  64 . This internal automatic input (block  65 ) repeats the camera flash and camera exposure timing sequence followed by the accumulated signal camera readout. This multiple flash/camera exposure sequences provide the desired signal level versus the camera noise. Each timing sequence may have different system setup conditions for example: camera pulse flash duration (T LASER ), camera pulse flash intensity, camera pulse flash raise/fall time, delay time between camera pulse flash to camera exposure (T OFF ), camera exposure duration (T ON ), camera exposure raise/fall time etc. As the selected specific scene volume is created (based on block  63  inputs) an additional input (block  66 ) may update a new specific scene volume which may set a new/updated timing sequence and different system setup condition as described above. 
     In this stage an internal automatic input (block  67 ) is received to readout and store the accumulated signal (image) including system  10  parameters such as: system setup conditions (as described above), camera zoom, camera exposure time, flash module FOI, system  10  time-tag, location (may be based on GPS data), etc. 
     Image processing may then be performed upon the stored picture file, using the stored system parameters (block  68 ). This process may include prior art such as: artifacts removal, deblur operation, motion compensation etc. In addition, scene range data can be extracted from the timing sequence (T LASER , T ON  and T OFF ) to be added to the picture. Finally, the processed picture is stored (block  69 ) to be displayed latter or extracted from the memory for other use. 
     Indicating at least one point on the captured image comprises at least one of: a tactile event, a visual event, a sound event and a predefined setting. Specifically, the indicating can be carried out automatically and without input from the user, based on the predefined settings or criteria. 
     Predefined setting conditions or criteria may include configurations that can be set in advance for at least one of the parameters of system  10  such as: illumination and exposure timing sequence (T LASER , T ON , T OFF ), number of flash illumination/sensor exposures and even region of interest of flash illumination and sensor signal accumulation. Predefined setting selection may be based on pattern recognition in the imaged scenery. In such a configuration, an image is processed (block  62 ) to recognize a specific pattern (for example a face of a family member). The output of this recognition may be to provide the best Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of the specific pattern (in this example, the face of a family member) out of the viewed scenery. Another output of this pattern recognition may be to exclude this specific pattern (in this example, the face of a family member) out of the viewed scenery, hence to provide a lower SNR versus the background to this object. 
     Predefined setting selection may also be based on signal identification in the imaged scenery. In such a configuration, signal recognition may be based on specific platform ID (e.g. for mobile phone the ID is the mobile phone number). The output of this identification may be to provide the best SNR of the specific platform (in this example, the person with the mobile phone) out of the viewed scenery. Another output of this identification may be to exclude this specific platform (in this example, person with the mobile phone) out of the viewed scenery, hence to provide a lower SNR versus the background to this object. 
     In another embodiment, predefined setting selection may be based also on photography (imaging) boundary conditions (defined hereinafter). 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of a forward-looking view of apparatus  70  having a display  71  displaying three targets ( 80 ,  81  and  82 ) located at different ranges, as to apparatus  70 , within the viewed scenery. System  10  maybe part of, or integrated within or connected to apparatus  70  to provide image enhancement as described aforementioned. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of a forward-looking view of apparatus  70  utilizing system  10  to capture an enhance image on target  81  within the viewed scene. A selective and controllable scene volume ( 84  defined by R min  and R max ) containing target  81  is provided as described in flow chart in  FIG. 4 . Input  63  and input  66  ( FIG. 4 ) are provided in  FIG. 6  by tactile indicating in at least one point on the captured image. Display  71  may be a touchscreen where a single stylus or a single finger  72  is used per touch. Tactile method, R min  and R max  may be defined, for example, by at least one of the following options (Option A to Option C) hereinafter. 
     Option A may consist of the following steps; touching  72  target  81  on the display  71  until R min  is selected (i.e. system  10  sweeps T OFF  until finger  72  is raised), touching  72  again target  81  on the display  71  until R max  is selected (i.e. system  10  sweeps T ON  and T LASER  until finger  72  is raised) and raising finger  72  to take a gated picture. 
     Option B may consist of the following steps; touching  72  the display  71  until R min  is selected (i.e. system  10  sweeps T OFF  until finger  72  is raised), touching  72  again the display  71  until R max  is selected (i.e. system  10  sweeps T ON  and T LASER  until finger  72  is raised) and raising finger  72  to take a gated picture. 
     Option C may consist of the following steps; touching  72  target  81  on the display  71 , R min  is selected (i.e. system  10  sweeps T OFF  until target  81  is noticeable with a good signal), R max  is selected (i.e. system  10  sweeps T ON  and T LASER  until target  81  is noticeable with a good signal) a gated picture is taken. 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of a forward-looking view of apparatus  70  utilizing system  10  to capture an enhance image on target  81  within the viewed scene. A selective and controllable scene volume ( 84  defined by R min  and R max ) containing target  81  is provided as described in flow chart in  FIG. 4 . Input  63  and input  66  ( FIG. 4 ) are provided in  FIG. 7  by tactile indicating in at least one point on the captured image. Display  71  may be a touchscreen where two points of interest are made by two fingers  76  per touch. Tactile method, R min  and R max  may be defined, for example, by at least one of the following options (Option D) hereinafter. 
     Option D may consist of the following steps; touching  76  target  81  on the display  71  until R min  and R max  is selected (i.e. system  10  sweeps T ON  and T LASER  until fingers  76  are raised). Gated picture is taken once fingers  76  are raised. 
     In another embodiment, indicating one point on the captured image (input  63  and input  66  in  FIG. 4 ) may be provided by a sound method. For example, a voice command can indicate R min  or R max  or a specific object in the captured image. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of a forward-looking view of apparatus  70  utilizing system  10  to capture an enhance image on target  81  within the viewed scene. A selective and controllable scene volume ( 84  defined by R min  and R max ) containing target  81  is provided as described in flow chart in  FIG. 4 . Input  63  and input  66  ( FIG. 4 ) are provided in  FIG. 8  by visual indicating in at least one point on the captured image. Eye tracking module  73  may be located in apparatus  70  to provide eye  75  position  74  and movement data for setting at least one of the following: R min , R max  and desired object in the displayed image. 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration of a situation with multiple devices ( 10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c ) such as system  10  described hereinabove. These systems may communicate between each other to transfer photography (imaging) boundary conditions. For example, distances between systems (e.g. device  10   a  with device  10   b  and device  10   c ) may be transferred. These inputs may be used to set some of the illumination and exposure timing sequence of one of the devices ( 10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c ) where an image is taken. 
     In another embodiment, a situation (i.e. multiple devices) such as described in  FIG. 9  a specific device may use another device to illuminate a flash and/or even take the image. This method utilizes the spread of devices ( 10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c ) in a certain volume to optimize and maximize the captured image. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.