Abstract: A plurality of images is captured, and a positional displacement between the images is determined. The images may be captured as still images or as moving images. Moving images may include, for example, images that are captured as part of the recording of a video or as live image data that is played back in real time. Different positional displacement techniques are be used to determine the positional displacement between the images, based on how the images are captured. For example, a first positional displacement technique may be used if the images are still images and a second positional displacement technique if the images are moving images. The images may then be synthesized images based on the determined positional displacement of the images to generate a synthesized image. The images may be synthesized using a weighted synthesis technique, a simple synthesis technique, or other appropriate synthesis technique.

Abstract: An imaging assembly for marine use. The imaging assembly includes a stand having a magnetic base adapted for releasably attaching the stand to a vessel. In use, the stand extending upward from the base to an upper portion. The assembly includes a night vision imaging device mounted on the stand for imaging a selected field of view and a power source mounted on the stand and operatively connected to the imaging device for providing power to the imaging device. The imaging assembly also includes a transmitter mounted on the stand and operatively connected to the imaging device for transmitting a signal corresponding to the selected field of view to a remote location.

Abstract: A hybrid image of a scene is formed by obtaining a visible light image and a quantum entanglement image of the scene. Light intensity channel information is extracted from the visible light image of the scene, and a ghost image of the scene is constructed by cross-correlating the extracted light intensity channel information with the quantum entanglement image. The visible light image is thereafter fused with the ghost image so as to form a hybrid image of the scene.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for High Dynamic Range (HDR) image creation by generating a mean difference curve for use in aligning the images of a sequence of images taken with different exposures, wherein the difference in exposure might derive from a difference in exposure time or a difference in aperture size. A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method for HDR image creation by generating images with different exposures from a single image. A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method for HDR video creation by generating frames with different exposures from a single frame.

Abstract: A digital image capture system and method uses a display device to illuminate a target with light for improved image capture under poor lighting conditions. Various characteristics of the flash (e.g., brightness, color, duration, etc.) can be adjusted to improve image capture. Users are provided with feedback (e.g., live video feed, audio and/or visual countdowns, etc.) to assist them in preparing for image capture. The captured images are seamlessly integrated with existing applications (e.g., video conferencing, instant text messaging, etc.).

Abstract: Reference data associated with an image capture device is collected while the image capture device is directed toward a scene area. A capture control on the image capture device is automatically adjusted based at least in part on the reference data.

Abstract: A head-mounted display (HMD) that enables a wearer to favorably view and recognize images even in a very bright environment, has a HMD in which image display light emitted from a display element is guided to an eye of an observer via a visor, whereby a virtual image of an observed subject is formed in front of the observer. In the HMD, light source devices are a first light source, outputting light of a high intensity, and a second light source, outputting light of a. low intensity. The light source devices have a switch to switch between the first and second light sources. The display element, the visor and the second light source are attached to a mount, worn on the head of the observer. The first light source is installed in a moveable body with the observer, and is connected to the mount via light transmission paths.

Abstract: A pixel design is disclosed. The pixel includes a photo-sensitive element. A first reflective layer substantially overlies the photo-sensitive element. A second reflective layer substantially underlies the photo-sensitive element and forms a cavity with the first reflective layer that is non-resonant with respect to photon absorption. An aperture is formed in either the first reflective layer or the second reflective layer. When electromagnetic radiation enters the aperture, the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer are configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation substantially toward each other until substantially absorbed in the cavity.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes an optical system; an image sensor; an AGC circuit; an image processing unit configured to perform at least an MTF correction process; and a control unit configured to control the image processing unit so as not to perform the MTF correction process in the event that the control unit determines that illuminance is low based on information which directly or indirectly indicates the illuminance.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus capable of selectively performing an imaging operation in normal imaging mode and that in composite imaging mode, an object is imaged by performing the imaging operation in normal imaging mode to generate an exposure image signal, a brightness rate of a bright portion and dark portion of the object is calculated by detecting the exposure image signal, an exposure rate, which is a ratio of a long-time exposure time and a short-time exposure time in composite imaging mode, is calculated, and the imaging mode of the imaging apparatus is switched from the normal imaging mode to the composite imaging mode based on a comparison result of the brightness rate and the exposure rate.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an infrared video camera. The infrared video camera includes a sensor array operable to produce successive video images in the form of pixelated two-dimensional images. The imaging apparatus further comprises a processing arrangement operable to reduce or increase the overall brightness of an image in dependence upon the overall brightness of the pre-enhanced image and the overall brightness of the preceding enhanced image, so that the change in the overall brightness (DC-level) between the enhanced image and the preceding enhanced image is decreased.

Abstract: A hybrid image of a scene is formed by obtaining a visible light image and a quantum entanglement image of the scene. Light intensity channel information is extracted from the visible light image of the scene, and a ghost image of the scene is constructed by cross-correlating the extracted light intensity channel information with the quantum entanglement image. The visible light image is thereafter fused with the ghost image so as to form a hybrid image of the scene.

Abstract: An image server includes: a focus position control unit for determining a focus position based on a maximum value of focus evaluation detected by a picture signal level detection unit; and a focus lens driver for moving the focus lens in predetermined control volumes based on an instruction from the focus position control means; characterized in that, in case the exposure time is changed to a longer cycle than a predetermined cycle, the focus position control unit determines a large control volume corresponding to the change in exposure time and moves the focus lens with the control volume to detect the maximum value of focus evaluation and performs focus control.

Abstract: An infrared lens 1a includes first to third lenses L1 to L3 which are made of zinc sulfide and arranged in this order from an object side. Each of the first to third lenses L1 to L3 is configured as a positive meniscus lens of which convex surface is opposed to the object. The lenses L1 to L3 are formed by heat-press molding raw powder of zinc sulfide using a lens-shaped mold. In addition, a concave surface (the surface opposed to the image side) of the first lens L1 is formed as a diffractive surface.

Abstract: An image pickup device, a visibility support apparatus, a night vision device, a navigation support apparatus, and a monitoring device are provided in which noise and dark current are suppressed to thereby provide clear images regardless of whether it is day or night. The device includes a light-receiving layer 3 having a multi-quantum well structure and a diffusion concentration distribution control layer 4 disposed on the light-receiving layer so as to be opposite an InP substrate 1, wherein the light-receiving layer has a band gap wavelength of 1.65 to 3 ?m, the diffusion concentration distribution control layer has a lower band gap energy than InP, a pn junction is formed for each light-receiving element by selective diffusion of an impurity element, and the impurity selectively diffused in the light-receiving layer has a concentration of 5×1016/cm3 or less.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes: an image capturing processing unit capable of selectively performing a normal image capturing process in a normal image capturing mode and a combined image capturing process in a combined image capturing mode, the normal image capturing process being a process of obtaining a single exposure image signal in a unit period and generating captured image data by performing signal processing upon the obtained signal, and the combined image capturing process being a process of obtaining a long-exposure image signal and a short-exposure image signal and generating captured image data by performing signal processing including signal combination upon these obtained signals; a detection unit for performing light metering upon the captured image data; and a control unit for controlling switching between light metering methods used in the detection unit in accordance with an image capturing mode used.

Abstract: A night vision device and method for filtering a series of image frames that depict a moving subject, which thereby improves the signal-to-noise ratio of each image frame, is provided. A composite image is formed for each image frame by combining pixel values in a current image frame with pixel values in composite images corresponding to image frames acquired before the current image frame. Additionally, pixels values in image frames acquired subsequent to the acquisition of the current image frame are included when forming the composite image. A bi-directional recursive filter is used to weight the contributions from the previous composite images and subsequent image frames with a decay constant. Motion of the imaging system is optionally compensated for by establishing a moving reference frame and shifting the image frames to account for this motion; thus, registering the image frames before filtering the current image frame.

Abstract: In a solid-state image sensor in which a large number of pixel cells each comprised of a combination of a main photosensitive pixel having a relatively large area and a subsidiary photosensitive pixel having a relatively small area are arranged, if the subsidiary photosensitive pixel has a defect for any pixel cell, division photometry data during AE processing is read, and the defective pixel is replaced with a value obtained by dividing the output value of the main photosensitive pixel at the same position by a sensitivity ratio only for a section for which it is determined that the main photosensitive pixel is not saturated. Thus, the pixel value of a defective pixel can be accurately corrected without causing a reduction in resolution sensitivity compared to a conventional method of correcting a defective pixel using surrounding pixel information.

Abstract: A fusion night vision system having image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities includes an edge detection filter circuit to aid in acquiring and identifying targets. An outline of the thermal image is generated and combined with the image intensification image without obscuration of the image intensification image. The fusion night vision system may also include a parallax compensation circuit to overcome parallax problems as a result of the image intensification channel being spaced from the thermal channel. The fusion night vision system may also include a control circuit configured to maintain a perceived brightness through an eyepiece over a mix of image intensification information and thermal information. The fusion night vision system may incorporate a targeting mode that allows an operator to acquire a target without having the scene saturated by a laser pointer.

Abstract: A pixel and image sensor formed in accordance with the present invention has two modes of operation: a normal mode and a low light mode. The present invention switches from a normal to a low light mode based upon the amount of illumination on the image sensor. Once the level of illumination is determined, a decision is made by comparing the level of illumination to a threshold whether to operate in normal mode or low light mode. In low light mode, the reset transistor (for a 3T pixel) or the transfer transistor (for a 4T pixel) is biased positive.

Abstract: A vehicle based night-vision arrangement includes a night-vision camera, an analyzer unit for analyzing image information collected by the night-vision camera and extracting a kind and/or position of a probable obstacle ahead in a driving direction of the vehicle; and a control unit to initiate producing a light spot on the display unit indicating the probable obstacle. A method for operating such a vehicle based night-vision arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CMOS imager with a reset scheme, by which a CMOS imager generates a sub-kTC noise so that read noise does not depend on the sense node capacitance. By using a column feedback circuit, reset noise can be suppressed to a negligible amount so that photogate APS or CCD-like circuits can achieve noise performance to very efficient value. This scheme allows increasing sense node capacitance without increasing the noise and also achieves a large full-well value without sacrificing read noise performance. The feedback circuit in one of the embodiment of the present invention is located at the column side of the circuit. This design provides a minimal change to the pixel. As a result quantum efficiency or pixel size is not compromised. The present invention allows a CMOS imager to capture scene with high intra-scene contracts under low illumination with high dynamic range.

Abstract: An image capture device includes an image capture unit, a calculation unit, an assist unit, a determination unit, a storage unit, a processing unit and a first assist light control unit. The image capture unit captures information under current ambient illumination conditions. The calculation unit calculates brightness of the current ambient illumination conditions. The assist light compensates the current ambient illumination. The determination unit determines whether the current ambient illumination is sufficient and whether the current ambient illumination has been compensated. The storage unit stores a first control table. The processing unit activates the first assist light control unit when the current ambient illumination is insufficient. The first assist light control unit looks up a corresponding setting in the first control table using the calculated current ambient illumination, and controls the assist light using the acquired setting.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes: an image capturing unit that captures a subject image; an image compression unit that executes a specific type of compression processing on image data obtained by the image capturing unit; and a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not a camera-shake has occurred based upon first compressed image data resulting from the compression processing executed by the image compression unit on first image data obtained by capturing an image following a photographing instruction and second compressed image data resulting from the compression processing executed by the image compression unit on second image data captured prior to the photographing instruction.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image pickup device having a two-dimensionally arrayed pixel structure, an A/D converter which converts analog signals from the respective pixels into digital data signals, and a DSP 30 which performs signal processing for the data signals. The DSP 30 includes an image data storage 32 which stores the data signals in units of data signal sequences corresponding to pixel lines, a mask processor 34 which sets an integer n not less than 2 as a dilation coefficient and performs mask processing to dilate image components in the image data to n×n, and a data storing controller 37 which sets n calculation memory regions in which n data signal sequences corresponding to n pixel lines are stored, in the storage 32, according to the dilation coefficient n. Thereby, an imaging apparatus capable of acquiring an image with excellent visibility even under conditions of a low illuminance, etc., is realized.

Abstract: An optical reader includes an imaging device and an photographing optical system for reading images of an object such as a semiconductor wafer. An LED light source is provided as a dark field illumination light source for illuminating the object at an angle of illumination that deviates from the optical axis of the photographing optical system. The LED light source is supported by a swing-type support member having both ends secured to a housing of the optical reader using screws and nuts. This allows the angle and position of the dark field illumination light source to be adjusted so as to provide a first angle of illumination for illuminating the object directly with the illuminating light from the dark field illumination light source, or a second angle of illumination for illuminating the object by reflection from a half mirror that is disposed in an illumination optical system.

Abstract: A digital image capture system and method uses a display device to illuminate a target with light for improved image capture under poor lighting conditions. Various characteristics of the flash (e.g., brightness, color, duration, etc.) can be adjusted to improve image capture. Users are provided with feedback (e.g., live video feed, audio and/or visual countdowns, etc.) to assist them in preparing for image capture. The captured images are seamlessly integrated with existing applications (e.g., video conferencing, instant text messaging, etc.).

Abstract: An image composition method comprises: subjecting a first high-sensitivity image signal generated based on high-sensitivity image outputs from corresponding ones of a plurality of pixel positions in a solid-state imaging element that has imaged a subject, to a first nonlinear conversion, so as to prepare a second high-sensitivity image signal; subjecting a first low-sensitivity image signal generated based on low-sensitivity image outputs from corresponding ones of the plurality of pixel positions, to a second nonlinear conversion, so as to prepare a second low-sensitivity image signal; and subjecting the second high-sensitivity image signal and the second low-sensitivity image signal to weight adding at every common pixel position, over the entire range of an incident light exposure level exhibited by each incident light that entered to each of the plurality of pixel positions, so as to produce a composed image signal of the subject.

Abstract: An auto-focusing method and a digital image processing apparatus using the same are disclosed. The auto-focusing method includes: setting a reference noise level if an illuminance of a photographing area is larger than a predetermined reference value, and setting a variable noise level that varies according to the illuminance of photographing area if the illuminance of photographing area is smaller than or equal to the predetermined reference value; calculating a focus value of each position of the focus lens while driving the focus lens within the predetermined lens-driving range in the unit of a step and selecting a maximum focus value of the predetermined lens-driving range among the calculated focus values, wherein in the calculating of the focus value, the noise level is subtracted from a pixel data that is larger than the noise level and the result of subtracting is used as the pixel data to calculate the focus value.

Abstract: A method for, and an imaging apparatus capable of, switching between chromatic and monochromatic modes in accordance with brightness of an object being imaged. The features of the method and the apparatus include, inter alia: determining whether the present mode is a chromatic mode or a monochromatic mode; if the present mode is the monochromatic mode, determining whether a minimum illumination, which controls time for receiving an image signal from the object, is set. If the minimum illumination is set, calculating the minimum illumination value; determining whether the calculated minimum illumination is below a certain minimum illumination threshold; and if the minimum illumination value is below the minimum illumination threshold, switching from the monochromatic mode to the chromatic mode.

Abstract: A passive portable imaging system for generating a viewable image of a darkened or low-light environment including a sensor made of laser-treated semiconductor material that is sensitive to low-light radiation, in some cases radiation at wavelengths longer than those of traditional visible light imager ranges. The imaging system can be incorporated into a personal electronic product such as a cellular phone or similar compact apparatus, and can provide security to a user who moves in or wishes to view a dark area and doesn't have a light source to illuminate the dark area.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image processing method capable of effectively removing noise contained in an image photographed in a low light environment by using statistical information, and a system thereof.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, information of a distance to an object is acquired according to an image pickup direction such as panning or tilting under a condition where focusing can be conducted, an image pickup direction is detected at a present position due to a panning angle and a tilting angle in the case where focusing cannot be conducted at a low illumination level, the information of distance to an object corresponding to the detected image pickup direction is read out from the memory, and a focus lens is driven at the read position, thereby making it possible to take a photograph even under a condition where the object cannot be focused.

Abstract: The peak of a histogram in a first flash preemission and the peak of a histogram in a second flash preemission performed with a light emission amount different from that of the first flash preemission are obtained, and the change ratio of the histogram peak value with respect to a change in flash light emission amount is calculated. By taking this change ratio into consideration, a flash light emission amount for image sensing is calculated. Image sensing is performed by causing the flash to emit light with this image sensing light emission amount.

Abstract: An image apparatus and method is disclosed for extending the dynamic range of an image sensor. A first linear pixel circuit produces a first pixel output signal based on charge integration by a first photo-conversion device over a first integration period. A second linear pixel circuit produces a second pixel output signal based on charge integration by a second photo-conversion device over a second integration period, where the second integration period is shorter than the first integration period. A sample-and-hold circuit captures signals representing the first and second pixel output signals.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided. One exemplary system incorporates multiple lenses that are individually configured to receive visible light from an object to be imaged, and to direct this light upon a corresponding sensor array. Luminance information is then derived from signals generated in one or more of the sensor arrays. When chrominance information is desired, an optical filter is interposed between a lens and the corresponding sensor array. The mosaic pattern contained in the optical filter is tailored to provide advantageous chrominance information. One or more such filters with different mosaic patterns may be employed. The luminance and chrominance information obtained from the sensor arrays are combined to generate an image of the object.

Abstract: An image composition method comprises: composing a high-sensitivity image signal H and a low-sensitivity image signal L, so as to generate a composite image signal Gc according to a composing expression: Gc=k·H+(1?k)·L where k is a composite parameter satisfying 0?k?1, wherein the high-sensitivity image signal H is generated based on high-sensitivity image outputs from corresponding ones of a plurality of pixel positions in a solid-state imaging element that has imaged a subject; the low-sensitivity image signal L is generated based on low-sensitivity image outputs from corresponding ones of the plurality of pixel positions in the solid-state imaging element; and the composing is performed at every common pixel position by determining k at every common pixel position.

Abstract: Method and apparatuses processing pixel values from a captured image include receiving an array of digital pixel values corresponding to a captured image, and computing a rolling sum of the array of pixel values. Computing a rolling sum includes selecting successive groupings of the pixel values, each grouping comprising N×M pixel values, summing pixel values in each of the successive groupings, and forming an output image using the summed pixel values.

Abstract: A number of different elements are added together in a staggered way to avoid the total loss of resolution caused by the binning process. The circuit for doing this includes a variable gain. In a second circuit for carrying this out, to fixed pattern noise reduction circuits are used.

Abstract: An image server includes: a focus position control unit for determining a focus position based on a maximum value of focus evaluation detected by a picture signal level detection unit; and a focus lens driver for moving the focus lens in predetermined control volumes based on an instruction from the focus position control means; characterized in that, in case the exposure time is changed to a longer cycle than a predetermined cycle, the focus position control unit determines a large control volume corresponding to the change in exposure time and moves the focus lens with the control volume to detect the maximum value of focus evaluation and performs focus control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing image noise of a camera having an illumination sensor. The method includes: grasping the noise response characteristics of the camera and storing mean signal-to-noise ratio values for respective illumination values in a low frequency region and a high frequency region; acquiring the present illumination value using the illumination sensor when photographing an image; reading mean signal-to-noise ratio values of the low frequency region and the high frequency region corresponding to the present illumination value from the stored mean signal-to-noise ratio values; and applying the read mean signal-to-noise values to filters for respective frequency regions, thereby filtering the signals of the photographed image.

Abstract: When capturing video imagery at night a camera must be more sensitive to incoming light sources. When the light source for the image capture is strobe-like, and the surface of the object to be captured is highly reflective, captured imagery is obscured by light clutter. This invention is a method and process for capturing clear video imagery of an object despite significant light reflection from a strobe-like light source. Light clutter is minimized through de-synchronization of the light source and the image data capture rate.

Abstract: A fusion night vision system having image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities includes an edge detection filter circuit to aid in acquiring and identifying targets. An outline of the thermal image is generated and combined with the image intensification image without obscuration of the image intensification image. The fusion night vision system may also include a parallax compensation circuit to overcome parallax problems as a result of the image intensification channel being spaced from the thermal channel. The fusion night vision system may also include a control circuit configured to maintain a perceived brightness through an eyepiece over a mix of image intensification information and thermal information. The fusion night vision system may incorporate a targeting mode that allows an operator to acquire a target without having the scene saturated by a laser pointer.

Abstract: An optronic observation device including a detector having a photocathode and a sensor arranged to receive an incident light beam. The device also including a switch to position an optical element opposite the detector in the pathway of the incident beam or to retract the optical element and a focusing element to focus an incident ray on the photocathode when the optical element is in a retracted position. When the optical element is positioned opposite the detector, it is able to focus the beam on the sensor and to filter the beam spectrally to block all or part of the wavelengths for which the responsiveness of the photocathode is greater than a given threshold.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an image signal processor, comprising a receiver, a mixing block, and an adjustment block, is provided. The receiver receives first, second, and third color pixel signals which an imaging device outputs. The mixing block generates first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals. The first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals are generated by mixing the first, second, and third color pixel signals generated by all the first, second, and third color pixels occupying a space of which the area is a second predetermined area whose the center is in agreement with the center of the first, second, and third color mixed pixel areas, respectively. The adjustment block adjusts the signal levels of the first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals based on first, second, and third pixel numbers.

Abstract: To provide an optical filter switching device for a camera in which a clear image can always be obtained during the day and at night. In a cameral in which an image is formed on an image pick-up element (2) through a lens (1a) provided on a camera body (1) and is converted into an electric signal through the image pick-up element (2), thereby obtaining an image signal, optical filter switching means (3) for switching optical filters (3a) and (3b) depending on a level of the image signal is provided on a front surface of the image pick-up element (2) and a clear image can always be obtained during the day and at night. Therefore, in the case in which such a camera is used for a surveillance camera, the reliability of a monitoring system can be enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a digital still camera (1). This camera carries out a framing process by using an infrared pick-up image and a visible light photographing by using a flash or a low speed shutter in a still image pick-up process. Upon automatic focusing, the light of an auxiliary visible light source (23) for automatic focusing is emitted to apply the visible lights and carry out an automatic focusing process. In the digital still camera, the framing process can be carried out which allows the image of a subject which is to be picked up to be displayed on a finder even under an environment of low illuminance such as photographing a dark place and a user to recognize the contents of the photographed image. Further, after that, even when the visible light photographing is carried out through the irradiation of flash or the low speed shutter, an accurate focusing can be realized.

Abstract: A digital low-light viewing device comprises a housing having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end defining an optical input aperture and the second end defining an optical output aperture; an infra-red camera assembly responsive to low intensity light and infra red energy received via the input aperture for generating an output image; a signal processor coupled to the camera assembly for processing the output image; a display assembly coupled to the camera assembly for displaying the processed image; a zoom lens assembly coupled to the camera assembly for electronically variably focusing the output image; and control electronics responsive to a control mechanism disposed on a surface of the housing for controlling operating functions of the low-light viewing device, the control mechanism navigable via a user's digit for controlling the operating functions.

Abstract: For a digital imaging device having automatic gain control, a system and method have been provided for noise compensation in low-light conditions. The method comprises: receiving digital image information; compressing the image information; supplying the compressed image information; monitoring an automatic gain control signal; comparing the monitored gain control signal to a predetermined threshold gain value; in response to monitoring a high gain control signal, selecting a low-light processing algorithm; and, in response to the low-light algorithm, controlling the volume of the supplied compressed image information. Selecting a low-light processing algorithm includes selecting an algorithm that limits decreases in the compression ratio by changing parameters in a compression algorithm. Alternately, the low-light processing algorithm, prior to compressing, filters noise from the received digital image information.

Abstract: In a digital camera using an image pickup device such as CCD, a high resolution and properly exposed image is obtained by composition a plurality of image data of the same object taken by a plurality of image pickup operation when a luminance of the object is lower. Each image data is taken under a condition that an integration time (a charge storage time) of the image pickup device is shorter than a limit integration time causing a camera shake. A position of a frame on the image pickup device from which electric charges of the pixels are read out as the image data is corrected so as to cancel the movement of the camera between the image pickup operations.