Abstract: An apparatus includes a capturing device configured to capture an image of a subject; an estimation unit configured to estimate, from the captured image of the subject, a speed of the subject at a time point of image capture of a subsequent image, the estimation being performed using a learned model generated through machine learning, and a control unit configured to, based on the estimated speed of the subject, control an image capturing operation for the image capture of the subsequent image by the capturing device.

Abstract: A dual tube night vision device comprises a pair of independently pivoting night-vision monoculars connected to a bridge member. Each night-vision monocular is attached to the bridge member by a rotating arm and comprises a pod containing an image intensifier tube. Each arm allows the attached night-vision monocular to move through a rotational travel path, between a stowed position and a deployed position. The dual tube night vision device is configured to detect when the night-vision monoculars are, individually or collectively, moved to a stowed position and then temporarily cut off power to the stowed monocular(s) to increase battery runtime. Power is automatically restored, individually or simultaneously, to the night-vision monoculars when they are rotated back to the deployed positions. The dual tube night vision device uses one or more accelerometers to detect when the night-vision monoculars, individually or collectively, are in the stowed position or the deployed position.

Abstract: A LiDAR system is provided. The LiDAR system comprises a plurality of transmitter channels and a plurality of receiver channels. The plurality of transmitter channels are configured to transmit a plurality of transmission light beams to a field-of-view at a plurality of different transmission angles, which are then scanned to cover the entire field-of-view. The LiDAR system further comprises a collection lens disposed to receive and redirect return light obtained based on the plurality of transmission light beams illuminating one or more objects within the field-of-view. The LiDAR system further comprises a plurality of receiver channels optically coupled to the collection lens. Each of the receiver channels is optically aligned based on a transmission angle of a corresponding transmission light beam. The LiDAR system further comprises a plurality of detector assemblies optically coupled to the plurality of receiver channels.

Abstract: A device for camera processing is configured to receive a preview image, and determine if the preview image is a high dynamic range (HDR) scene based on brightness values of pixels of the preview image. The device may further determine to use a single frame image capture technique based on a determination that the preview image is not an HDR scene, and determine to use one of a plurality of HDR image capture techniques based on a determination that the preview image is an HDR scene, and further based on motion detected in the preview image. The device may then generate an output image using one or more images captured using the single frame image capture technique or one of the plurality of HDR image capture techniques.

Abstract: A method of light compensating for a computer system includes utilizing a camera of the computer system to capture a profile of a user to establish a user identity; receiving a setting signal, wherein the setting signal is used for setting an environment configuration of a display device of the computer system; and controlling the display device to compensate lights according to a plurality of first modes, a plurality of second modes and the environment configuration when the user utilizes the video camera to capture images; wherein the plurality of first modes are related to a plurality of video events created by the user, and the plurality of second modes are generated according to adjustments and setups made by the user for the plurality of first modes during each light compensating process.

Abstract: An electronic device according to the present invention, includes at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: a detecting unit configured to detect a movement operation involving a movement of an operating body; and a control unit configured to perform control such that in a first case where a number of candidates as a selected position for a predetermined function is a first number, the selected position for the predetermined function is moved in accordance with an operation amount of the movement operation exceeding a first threshold, and in a second case where the number of candidates as the selected position for the predetermined function is a second number, the selected position for the predetermined function is moved in accordance with the movement operation even when the operation amount of the movement operation does not exceed the first threshold.

Abstract: There is provided an optical system comprising a light conduit. The light conduit comprises a first light pipe, a second light pipe, and a first bridge to mechanically couple the first light pipe to the second light pipe. The first light pipe has a first inlet to receive a first input light signal and a first outlet to emit at least a portion of the first input light signal to form a first output light signal. Moreover, the second light pipe has a second inlet to receive a second input light signal and a second outlet to emit at least a portion of the second input light signal to form a second output light signal. Furthermore, the first bridge has a first end mechanically coupled to the first light pipe and a second end mechanically coupled to the second light pipe.

Abstract: Full-color images of low-light scenes are generated by the systems and methods described herein using only two light channels. An array of photosensitive pixels includes two sets of pixels, the first sensitive only to light associated with a first light channel, the second only to light associated with a second light channel. Thus the first set of pixels generate a first set of electrical signals in response to incident light within the first light channel, and the second set of pixels generate a second set of electrical signals in response to incident light within the second light channel. An image processor receives the first and second sets of electrical signals and generates a full-color image of the scene by processing only signals generated by the first and second sets of pixels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile terminal devised to achieve a reduced F-number and an increased T-number by enhancing the brightness of an optical system provided therein. In the mobile terminal including an optical module that configures a single optical system, the optical module includes a lens group configured with five or more refractive lenses including at least one glass lens. The glass lens has a thickness equal to or greater than 0.3 mm, an effective diameter equal to or greater than 1.5 mm and equal to or less than 8.0 mm, a refractive index below 1.6, and an Abbe's number equal to or greater than 60.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods, systems and devices for color night vision that reduce the number of intensifiers and/or decrease noise. In some embodiments, color night vision is provided in system in which multiple spectral bands are maintained, filtered separately, and then recombined in a unique three-lens-filtering setup. An illustrative four-camera night vision system is unique in that its first three cameras separately filter different bands using a subtractive Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) color filtering-process, while its fourth camera is used to sense either additional IR illuminators or a luminance channel to increase brightness. In some embodiments, the color night vision is implemented to distinguish details of an image in low light. The unique application of the three-lens subtractive CMY filtering allows for better photon scavenging and preservation of important color information.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are provided for processing one or more low light images. For example, a short exposure image associated with one or more shutter speeds can be obtained. A long exposure image is also obtained, which is captured using a slower shutter speed than the one or more shutter speeds associated with the short exposure image. An output image can be generated by mapping color information from the long exposure image to the short exposure image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image input section through which a two-dimensional image signal is input; an image converting section which receives the image signal output from the image input section and generates and outputs a left eye image and a right eye image for realizing stereopsis; and an image output section which outputs the left eye image and the right eye image output from the image converting section. The image converting section extracts a spatial characteristic amount of the input image signal, generates at least one of the left eye image and the right eye image through an image conversion process in which the characteristic amount is applied, and performs the image conversion process of a different type according to a comparison result of distance information of a preset region unit in the input image signal and a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A camera device includes multiple sensors with each sensor including an integrated multi-element filter. Because of the use of different filters in different sensors, a wide variety of filter patterns can be supported in a single camera device without the need for moveable or otherwise changeable filters. While multiple optical chains and sensors are included which sensors are used during a given time period are determined based on the whether a power save mode of operation is active and/or the image capture mode being used. Fewer optical chains are used during power save mode for capturing images corresponding to the image mode in use, e.g., color, IR, or monochrome. While the camera device may include a large number of optical modules, e.g., 4, 10 or more, in some embodiments sensors of optical chains not selected for use during a given time period are intentionally powered down to conserve power.

Abstract: A device for generating depth information includes a plurality of light sources, an image capture unit, a control unit, and a processing unit. Each light source of the plurality of light sources emits a corresponding intensity light. The control unit controls the each light source of the plurality of light sources to emit the corresponding intensity light in turn, and controls the image capture unit to capture a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of light sources. The processing unit generates a plurality of depth information corresponding to the plurality of light sources according to the plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of light sources and a background image after the image capture unit captures the plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of light sources and the background image.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for determining a depth or reflectance of objects. Example methods may include illuminating a scene within a field of view of a device at a first illuminance value, detecting a reflected illuminance value, and determining a first reflectance value for a first object in the scene. Example methods may include identifying the first object, determining an orientation of the first object, and determining an estimated distance between the device and the first object based at least in part on the first illuminance value, the reflected illuminance value, and the first reflectance value.

Abstract: A compact viewing device (M) has a receiving sensor assembly (10) with a display (12) that generates a visible output image (14) and an output sensor assembly (16) that receives and processes the visible output image (14) from the receiving sensor assembly (10) into an electronic image format. A wide field of view (WFOV) lens assembly (18) conveys the visible output image (14) from the receiving sensor assembly (10) to the output sensor assembly (16). The WFOV lens assembly (18) is positioned between the receiving sensor assembly (10) and the output sensor assembly (16), and has a central longitudinal axis (20) through the WFOV lens assembly (18) that is co-linear with both a central optical axis (22) of the receiving sensor assembly (10) and having an centered input sensor (42) which is co-linear with the central longitudinal axis (20).

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing the throughput of a metrology system generating measurement signals based on at least two different optical properties of the illumination light are presented. A detector having a two dimensional photosensitive area is subdivided into multiple photosensitive stripes by multiple, independent linear arrays of shift register elements located within the photosensitive area. Charge transfer from pixels within each stripe is directed to a distinct linear array of shift register elements. Each photosensitive stripe is able to resolve an optical property dispersed across the length of each stripe with relatively high resolution. In addition, the detector is able to resolve another optical property dispersed across several photosensitive stripes in a direction orthogonal to each linear array of shift registers at a relatively low resolution.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising: an analog to digital converter including: a clipping detector; and a post-processor, wherein the post processor generates synchronous values of clipped data based on non-clipped values of non-clipped data.

Abstract: A camera for enhanced color imaging in a low light environment including: one or more illuminators for illuminating a R, a G, and a B light at different time periods; an image sensor for capturing R G and B image frames; and a processor configured to generate an intermediate color frame from each of the R, G and B image frames; determine moving pixels in the each of the intermediate color frames; determine a true color for the moving pixels in each intermediate color frame; generate a true color frame for each intermediate color frame by substituting color of the moving pixels with respective true colors of the moving pixels, in intermediate color frame; calculate scene color metrics from the true color frame or intermediate color frame; and adaptively adjust illumination of one or more of the R, G, and B lights to enhance a next frame.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method thereof are provided The display apparatus includes: an image processor configured to process an image of content; a display configured to display the processed image of the content; a camera configured to capture an image of a remote controller; a storage configured to store information regarding a plurality of appearance states of the remote controller corresponding to user commands; and a controller configured to determine an appearance state from among the plurality of appearance states of the remote controller based on the image of remote controller captured by the camera, and control the display section to display the image of the content according to a user command corresponding to the determined appearance state of the remote controller.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire an image signal obtained by imaging an object by an image sensing unit; a generation unit configured to obtain a luminance distribution of the object based on the obtained image signal; a division unit configured to divide a region having a luminance lower than a predetermined luminance in the generated luminance distribution into a predetermined number of sub-regions, and obtain a most frequent region having a highest luminance frequency from the divided sub-regions; a selection unit configured to select a correction table corresponding to the obtained most frequent region from a plurality of correction tables stored in a storage unit; and a processing unit configured to perform a tone correction process on the image signal by using the selected correction table.

Abstract: A brightness tracking system for an optical device includes a first imager for viewing a target of interest, a second imager for viewing the same target of interest, and a photodiode circuit. The photodiode circuit (a) measures brightness levels of the target of interest received from the first imager, and (b) controls output brightness of the second imager, based on the measured brightness levels received from the first imager.

Abstract: A light source sensing device and a light source sensing method thereof are provided. The light source sensing device includes an optical sensor, a rod, a motor and a controller. The optical sensor is used for sensing lighting brightness emitted by the light source. The rod is disposed on a circular track which surrounds the optical sensor. When the light source irradiates the rod, a shadow is formed on a sensing surface of the optical sensor. The motor drives the rod to move along the circular track in a moving speed. The controller is coupled to the motor and the optical sensor, and controls the optical sensor to sample in a sampling frequency during a sampling period for obtaining a plurality of brightness values. The controller calculates and processes the brightness values for obtaining an irradiating angle of the light source.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging device including an image sensor that performs photoelectric conversion on subject light to generate an image signal, a photographing optical system that forms an image of the subject light on the image sensor, and a first optical member that transmits the subject light incident on the image sensor via the photographing optical system. The first optical member changes transmittance of a first band of the subject light according to an angle with respect to an optical axis of the photographing optical system.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a photocathode, configured to be gated ON/OFF at a selected gating frequency, for converting photons from an object into electrons and selectively transmitting the electrons toward an imaging sensor. The imaging sensor is configured to receive the electrons and provide a rolling shutter read out of rows of pixels. The imaging sensor includes a variable well selectively set to charge the rows of pixels to a first intensity level during a first integration period and charge to a second intensity level during a second integration period. The second integration period is longer than an OFF time of the photocathode gating frequency. The first and second integration periods are equal to a frame duration of the imaging sensor, defining a number of frames per second, and the selected gating frequency of the photocathode is higher than the number of frames per second.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an image. Light is passed though an opening of a housing. The light has an intensity. At least a portion of the light received through the opening is increased using an intensifier unit to form intensified light. The intensified light is converted into a number of signals for the image using an image detection system located inside of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are present for increasing an intensity of light. Light is sent into an input of a housing in which a vacuum is substantially provided in the housing. The light sent into the input of the housing is converted into initial electrons. Movement of the initial electrons is caused to diverge from an axis through the housing to form diverged electrons. Additional electrons are generated to form an increased number of electrons in response to receiving at least a portion of the diverged electrons. The increased number of electrons is converted into output light that exits an output of the housing.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus estimates a distance based on a reflectance value of a subject estimated with improved precision. An illumination unit illuminates a subject with illumination light. An imaging unit captures a plurality of images each under a different condition of the illumination unit. An illumination light element obtaining unit obtains an image formed with an element of the illumination light from the plurality of images. A reflectance estimation unit eliminates illumination variations from one of the plurality of images or from the image formed with the illumination light element, and estimates a reflectance of the subject corresponding to each pixel. A distance information estimation unit estimates a distance to the subject corresponding to each pixel based on the image formed with the illumination light element and the reflectance of the subject.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing element configured to receive object light and generate image signals representing an object image; a display unit; a phase-difference detector configured to receive the object light using a range-finding sensor and generate a phase-difference detection signal; a first focus detection unit configured to perform focus detection on the basis of the phase-difference detection signal; a display control unit configured to display a preview image before actual image capturing on the display unit on the basis of the image signals that are sequentially generated by the image-capturing element; and a setting unit configured to set whether or not an area display mode in which an area in which focus detection is possible on an image-capturing plane is combined with the preview image and displayed on the display unit should be enabled.

Abstract: A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.

Abstract: A technique is provided for generating sharp, well-exposed, color images from low-light images. A series of under-exposed images is acquired. A mean image is computed and a sum image is generated each based on the series of under-exposed images. Chrominance variables of pixels of the mean image are mapped to chrominance variables of pixels of the sum image. Chrominance values of pixels within the series of under-exposed images are replaced with chrominance values of the sum image. A set of sharp, well-exposed, color images is generated based on the series of under-exposed images with replaced chrominance values.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel having a protection circuit connected to a charge multiplying photoconversion layer. The protection circuit prevents the pixel circuit from breaking down when the voltage in the pixel circuit reaches the operating voltage applied to the charge multiplying photoconversion layer in response to the image sensor being exposed to a strong light. The protection circuit causes additional voltage entering the pixel circuit from the charge multiplying photoconversion layer over a predetermined threshold voltage level to be dissipated from the storage node and any downstream components.

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: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: A dual camera system uses a single lens and no moving parts in the optical path. A single lens directs a desired scene to a partially reflective beamsplitting mirror, thence to a pair of image sensors. For day/night operation, one sensor may be optimized for nighttime sensitivity, while the other is optimized for daytime operation. Alternatively, one optical path may have greater magnification, thus allowing electronic zooming with no resolution loss. The system may be enhanced with an image intensifier for nighttime operation; digital sensors for improved resolution, or orthogonal gyroscopic accelerometers for image stabilization. Additionally, the monochrome and color images may be produced simultaneously and ‘fused’ algorithmically, yielding an improvement in sensitivity and color resolution compared with a conventional color camera.

Abstract: A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.

Abstract: A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

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 video camera 100 for remote operation or surveillance has a lens system 1 supported on a fixed base plate 26 and a pair of image sensors 14, 15, 204 mounted onto a movable plate 13. A pair of balls slides 11, 12 are attached to the fixed base plate 26 and the movable plate 13 to provide linear movement of the movable plate along a linear motion axis 50. An actuator 5 is disposed between the fixed base plate 26 and the movable plate 13 to move the movable plate 13 and each of the image sensors 14, 15, 204 along the linear motion axis 50 to dispose either the first image sensor 14 or the second image sensor 15 in and imagining position where the lens system 1 forms a scene image onto its active surface. In a preferred embodiment, the first image sensor 14 is an Electron Multiplication CCD array suitable for night time imaging and the second sensor 15 is a color CCD array suitable for day light imaging.

Abstract: A dual camera system uses a single lens and no moving parts in the optical path. A single lens directs a desired scene to a partially reflective beamsplitting mirror, thence to a pair of image sensors. For day/night operation, one sensor may be optimized for nighttime sensitivity, while the other is optimized for daytime operation. Alternatively, one optical path may have greater magnification, thus allowing electronic zooming with no resolution loss. The system may be enhanced with an image intensifier for nighttime operation; digital sensors for improved resolution, or orthogonal gyroscopic accelerometers for image stabilization. Additionally, the monochrome and color images may be produced simultaneously and ‘fused’ algorithmically, yielding an improvement in sensitivity and color resolution compared with a conventional color camera.

Abstract: An image capturing system for capturing an object image of low light intensity comprises an image capturing means, a motion value detection means, a motion value detection means, an image data memory, and a preview image display. The image capturing means outputs a first frame and multiple second frames of object image data. The motion value detection means detects motion values between the first frame and each second frame. The superposition/addition means superposes/adds each second frame to the first frame or a prior superposed/added frame shifting in a reverse direction of the motion value. The image data memory temporally stores image data of the superposed/added frames and sends the image data of a frame superposed/added by a predetermined number of second frames to a predetermined device. The preview image display displays the object image prior to a still image capturing according to the image data of the superposed/added frames.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel having a protection circuit connected to a charge multiplying photoconversion layer. The protection circuit prevents the pixel circuit from breaking down when the voltage in the pixel circuit reaches the operating voltage applied to the charge multiplying photoconversion layer in response to the image sensor being exposed to a strong light. The protection circuit causes additional voltage entering the pixel circuit from the charge multiplying photoconversion layer over a predetermined threshold voltage level to be dissipated from the storage node and any downstream components.

Abstract: A low-light viewing device includes a housing, having mounted thereto: a lens, an electronic camera for receiving light focused by the lens and for providing an output signal; a display for receiving the output signal and displaying an image detected by the camera; a controller for controlling the camera and the display, and a user interface for operating the controller. The lens may be a fixed focus lens having an F number of less than about 1, and a T number of less than about 1.5. The display may have a resolution at least as great as the resolution of the camera. The device may have a processor programmed to provide control signals to the camera and display depending on a selected light environment.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. One adapter's collar includes a gripping mechanism to grip one end of the night vision monocular. The other adapter's collar includes one or two channels to each receive a pin on the other end of the night vision monocular and a locking mechanism to secure one pin in its channel. Attachments members on each adapter include mechanical and electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

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: The subject of this invention is the network camera sensitive to both visual and near-infrared or infrared spectral bands and comprising two or more image sensors with different spectral responses, one or more image processors, and network interfaces. In the preferred embodiment the network camera disclosed in this invention comprises two image sensors with individual optics, where both sensors have similar fields of view. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention one of the sensors is color image sensor with infrared-cut filter positioned in front of pixel array, while the other sensor is monochrome image sensor with optics characterized by lower f-number than that used for color sensor and without infrared-cut filter in its field of view. In one of the embodiments of this invention, monochrome sensor has larger pixel sizes than color sensor to provide for higher low-light sensitivity.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus estimates a distance based on a reflectance value of a subject estimated with improved precision. An illumination unit illuminates a subject with illumination light. An imaging unit captures a plurality of images each under a different condition of the illumination unit. An illumination light element obtaining unit obtains an image formed with an element of the illumination light from the plurality of images. A reflectance estimation unit eliminates illumination variations from one of the plurality of images or from the image formed with the illumination light element, and estimates a reflectance of the subject corresponding to each pixel. A distance information estimation unit estimates a distance to the subject corresponding to each pixel based on the image formed with the illumination light element and the reflectance of the subject.

Abstract: A readout circuit is adapted for receiving a line analog image signal from an image sensor array of an image sensor. The readout circuit includes an amplifying unit, an m-bit analog-to-digital converter, and an m-to-n bit digital converting unit. The amplifying unit is adapted for amplifying and correcting amplitude of the line analog image signal, and outputs an amplified and corrected analog signal. The m-bit analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the amplifying unit, and is operable to convert the amplified and corrected analog signal into a corresponding m-bit digital signal. The m-to-n bit digital converting unit is coupled to the m-bit analog-to-digital converter, receives the m-bit digital signal from the m-bit analog-to-digital converter, and is responsive to a k-bit control signal for converting the m-bit digital signal into an n-bit digital signal, wherein m is greater than or equal to n.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel having a protection circuit connected to a charge multiplying photoconversion layer. The protection circuit prevents the pixel circuit from breaking down when the voltage in the pixel circuit reaches the operating voltage applied to the charge multiplying photoconversion layer in response to the image sensor being exposed to a strong light. The protection circuit causes additional voltage entering the pixel circuit from the charge multiplying photoconversion layer over a predetermined threshold voltage level to be dissipated from the storage node and any downstream components.