Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of determining a reference depth level within a cell sample. The method comprises obtaining data representative of a series of images captured by performing a depth scan of the cell sample using a digital microscope, the series of images being associated with a series of depth levels of the cell sample; processing said data for detecting at least one depth level corresponding to a drop in image contrast; and identifying the detected depth level as the reference depth level.

Abstract: An imaging unit causes each exposure corresponding to one frame period of respective second image signals in a first mode, and causes each exposure in divided sections of one frame period of the respective second image signals under different imaging conditions in a second mode. An image processing unit generates frames of respective first image signals based on each imaging signal read out in such a manner as to correspond to each exposure corresponding to one frame period in the first mode, and generates frames of the respective first image signals based on each imaging signal read out in such a manner as to correspond to each exposure of the divided sections in the second mode. An image output unit sequentially outputs frames of the second image signals set to a signal format common to the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: Provided are an immersion-type online multiphase measuring instrument and method. The instrument includes a package tube; a viewport; LED lamps and a brightness-adjustable light source system including a power supply, a signal generator and an oscilloscope; a telecentric lens and an image sensor; a controller; a signal processing and outputting system; and a display system. The LED lamps, the telecentric lens and the image sensor are located in the package tube. The exposure period of the image sensor is less than the pulse period of the signal generator. The photographic probe used in this measuring instrument has the advantages of online quantitative measurement, small size, portability, less-impact of fluid temperature and the surrounding environment, adaptability to transparent and opaque reactors with two-phase, three-phase and more than three-phase.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a microcomputer that sets, when a proper exposure time is longer than a frame period, one or more long exposure times equal to or shorter than the frame period and a short exposure time such that a total time of the one or more long exposure times and the short exposure time is equal to the proper exposure time, an image pickup device that outputs a long exposure image and a short exposure image for every frame period, and a cumulative addition processing section that adds the short exposure image and the long exposure image or long exposure images of one or more frames to generate a synthetic image corresponding to the proper exposure time.

Abstract: To prevent an increase in memory capacities in a device for performing image combination. A data generation unit executes long exposure processing and short exposure processing in sequence, the long exposure processing being performed to generate data including a plurality of pixel data items as long exposure data by performing exposure over a longer time period of two different exposure time periods, the short exposure processing being performed to generate data including a plurality of pixel data items as short exposure data by performing exposure over a shorter time period of the two different exposure time periods after the long exposure processing. A compression unit compresses the long exposure data to generate compression data. A memory holds the compression data over delay time corresponding to the shorter time period of the two exposure time periods. A decompression unit decompresses the held compression data to restore the long exposure data.

Abstract: Augmented reality can be used to display previously captured images on a viewfinder of a camera as the camera's active position nears a position from which the picture was originally taken. A histogram file may associate the original image with positional information of the camera when the image was captured. When the cameras active position nears those coordinates, a transparent version of the digital image is displayed on the viewfinder of the camera. The positional information may include a spatial location of the camera (e.g., GPS coordinates, etc.) as well as an orientation of the camera (e.g., yaw, pitch, roll, etc.). Augmented reality can be used to guide the user to configure/re-configure the camera in order to correct (or avoid) an image quality issue/defect when re-taking a picture.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit; a division photometry unit that detects a brightness of an object in each of a plurality of divided areas; a weighting unit that weights a photometric value of each of the divided areas; an exposure determination unit that determines exposure based on weighting; and a control unit that performs control such that a degree of reflection of the condition of the object on weighting is different between a case where object image capture is performed intermittently by the image capturing unit in order to generate a time-lapse movie, and a case where object image capture is performed by the image capturing unit in order to generate a movie whose ratio of playback time to image capture time is larger than the time-lapse movie.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bit rate controller comprising: a light determination block configured to determine a light level in images of a captured scene; and a maximum bit rate setting block. The maximum bit rate setting block is configured to: upon the light level being determined to be a low light level, set a low-light maximum bit rate; upon the light level being determined to be an intermediate light level, set an intermediate-light maximum bit rate; or upon the light level being determined to be a high light level, set a high-light maximum bit rate. The low-light maximum bit rate is lower than the intermediate-light maximum bit rate. The high-light maximum bit rate is lower than the intermediate-light maximum bit rate.

Abstract: A signboard apparatus includes: light panel apparatuses arranged two-dimensionally, and each having a transmission function and a light-emitting face for visible light communication; and a control apparatus that performs, with respect to the light panel apparatuses, exclusive control of the transmission function. The light panel apparatuses are arranged as a collective signboard.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus. A calculation unit calculates a difference in a signal level, for each area, between a first image obtained by shooting a subject under a first shooting condition and a second image obtained by shooting the subject under a second shooting condition in which high-frequency components of an optical image of the subject are reduced compared to the first shooting condition. A mixing unit mixes a signal level of the first image and a signal level of the second image at a ratio based on the difference, so as to generate a third image. The mixing unit sets a ratio of the second image when the difference is a first value, to be larger than a ratio of the second image when the difference is a second value that is smaller than the first value.

Abstract: A system is provided that converts an input, such as audio data, into one or more haptic effects. The system applies a granular synthesis algorithm to the input in order to generate a haptic signal. The system subsequently outputs the one or more haptic effects based on the generated haptic signal. The system can also shift a frequency of the input, and also filter the input, before the system applies the granular synthesis algorithm to the input.

Abstract: This application is directed to dynamic control for data capture. A device may comprise a capture logic module to receive at least one of biometric data from a biometric sensing module, context data from a context sensing module or content data from a content sensing module. The capture logic module may determine if a capture scenario exists based on at least one of the biometric data and context data. The determination may be weighted based on an operational mode. If a capture scenario is determined to exist, the capture logic module may then determine whether to capture data based on at least the content data. Captured data may be stored in a capture database in the device (e.g., along with enhanced metadata based on at least one of the biometric data, the context data or the content data). The device may also comprise a feedback database including feedback data.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus provided with an image capturing unit that captures a first image, a scene discrimination unit that discriminates a scene of an object a candidate generation unit that generates a shooting setting candidate, based on a result of the discrimination, an image generation unit that generates, based on the shooting setting candidate, an image reflecting an effect obtained by the shooting setting candidate, and a display device. The candidate generation unit performs at least one of a first operation for generating a plurality of shooting setting candidates in which a predetermined parameter is separated by greater than a threshold value and a second operation for generating at least one shooting setting candidate based on the result of the discrimination, and the display device preferentially displays the shooting setting candidates generated by the first operation.

Abstract: An imaging device that shoots and records a moving image, the device comprising: an imaging section configured to repeatedly perform imaging at a cycle shorter than the frame rate of the moving image and output image data; an image processing section including a plurality of image composition processing, which is preliminarily determined, and configured to generate a composite image by performing image composition on a series of the image data, which are output from the imaging section, in one processing of the plurality of image composition processing; and an exposure calculation section configured to instruct, based on a field brightness, one processing of the plurality of image composition processing of the series of image data.

Abstract: A method of operating a device that includes an image sensor including a plurality of pixels includes: detecting visible light communication (VLC) signals with the image sensor; obtaining image data based on the VLC signals, the image data including a set of brightness components and possibly a set of chrominance components, and each brightness component of the set of brightness components being associated with a respective pixel of the plurality of pixels and (if available) each chrominance component of the set of chrominance components being associated with a respective pixel of the plurality of pixels; and decoding the set of brightness components to obtain information encoded in the VLC signals using a processor of the device without decoding, if available, the set of chrominance components.

Abstract: A control apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a frame rate control unit configured to control a frame rate of imaging, and a transmittance control unit configured to control transmittance of a filter which transmits light incident on an imaging element according to change of the frame rate so that brightness of an imaged subject is maintained. According to this configuration, even when the frame rate changes, it is possible to maintain fixed brightness according to change of the frame rate without causing change in imaging quality.

Abstract: An encoder receives an input enhanced dynamic range (EDR) image and a corresponding lower dynamic range (LDR) image to be coded at a given target rate. Before coding, a pre-dithering process is applied to the input LDR image to generate a dithered LDR image at a second bit depth, lower than its original bit depth. The pre-dithering process includes: generating uniformly-distributed noise, applying a spatial filter to the noise to generate low-pass or high-pass filtered noise, applying a temporal high pass or low pass filter to the spatially-filtered noise to generate output noise, adding the output noise to the input LDR image to generate a noise-enhanced LDR image, and quantizing the noise-enhanced image to generate the dithered LDR image. Selecting the characteristics of the dithering filters is based on both the target bit rate and luminance characteristics of the pixels in the input LDR image.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate integrated with at least one first photo-sensing device configured to sense light in a blue wavelength region and at least one second photo-sensing device configured to sense light in a red wavelength region, a color filter layer on the semiconductor substrate and including a blue color filter configured to selectively absorb light in a blue wavelength region and a red color filter configured to selectively absorb light in a red wavelength region, and a third photo-sensing device on the color filter layer and including a pair of electrodes facing each other, and a photoactive layer between the pair of electrodes and configured to selectively absorb light in a green wavelength region.

Abstract: [Object] The present technique relates to an image pickup device, an image pickup method, and a program that enables pixels having 4 types of spectral sensitivities to be controlled while changing exposure times. [Solving Means] The present technique is applicable to an image pickup device including pixels having 4 types of spectral sensitivities, that include pixels having a panchromatic spectral sensitivity and are arranged on an image pickup surface, pixels that realize a first exposure and pixels that realize a second exposure different from the first exposure being arranged on the image pickup surface with respect to the 4 types of spectral sensitivities.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes an image obtainer configured to obtain a captured image; a quick view image generator configured to generate a quick view image showing a region of the captured image based on a user profile determined according to a type of the captured image; and a display unit configured to display the generated quick view image according to a preset method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing image data is provided. The method includes the steps of employing a main processing network for classifying one or more features of the image data, employing a monitor processing network for determining one or more confusing classifications of the image data, and spawning a specialist processing network to process image data associated with the one or more confusing classifications.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an imaging device having an imaging optical system, the device including: an imaging element configured to include a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels arranged along a predetermined direction; a first processor configured to execute focal detection processing by a phase difference detection system based on charge signals obtained from the plurality of second pixels; and a second processor configured to execute specific processing based on charge signals obtained from the plurality of first pixels, the specific processing being different from the focal detection processing by a phase difference detection system and being necessary for a function of the imaging device.

Abstract: Techniques and tools for high dynamic range (HDR) image rendering and generation. An HDR image generating system performs motion analysis on a set of lower dynamic range (LDR) images and derives relative exposure levels for the images based on information obtained in the motion analysis. These relative exposure levels are used when integrating the LDR images to form an HDR image. An HDR image rendering system tone maps sample values in an HDR image to a respective lower dynamic range value, and calculates local contrast values. Residual signals are derived based on local contrast, and sample values for an LDR image are calculated based on the tone-mapped sample values and the residual signals. User preference information can be used during various stages of HDR image generation or rendering.

Abstract: A multiview imaging part includes a plurality of imaging units. An exposure setting section individually sets an exposure value in each of the plurality of imaging units. The exposure setting section sets, in each of the imaging units, an individual reference exposure value and relative exposure values. The relative exposure values are obtained by changing the reference exposure value in a given number of steps in such a manner that the relative exposure values are centered around the reference exposure value. A panoramic image storage section stores captured images having different exposure values captured by the imaging units whose exposure values have been set by the exposure setting section. An HDR synthesis section synthesizes the captured images having different exposure values so as to generate a captured image having an adjusted dynamic range.

Abstract: Described herein is a device for traffic light detection. The device comprises a memory and a traffic light detection module. The memory may store information, the information comprising first traffic light data of a first traffic light and second traffic light data of a second traffic light. The traffic light detection module may receive an image comprising a first candidate and a second candidate; determine a first region of interest based, at least in part, on the first traffic light data, the first region of interest comprising the first candidate; determine a second region of interest based, at least in part, on the second traffic light data, the second region of interest comprising the second candidate; and determine a confidence score for a first state of the first candidate, the confidence score based, at least in part, on a spatial relationship factor between the first candidate and the second candidate.

Abstract: A projector calculates an input-output characteristic for converting a tone value of an input image so as to perform display in a given projectable luminance range in a display absolute luminance range of an input signal, in accordance with the brightness of the projection surface. An output signal is generated from the input signal and projected, based on the calculated input-output characteristic. With the disclosed projector, image data having an input luminance range that is different from the output luminance range can be appropriately displayed.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an image sensor and a sensor module have a configuration in which the image sensor outputs first brightness information representing brightness information of first image information obtained with a first exposure time and second brightness information representing brightness information of second image information obtained with a second exposure time separately from a composite image obtained by synthesizing the first image information and the second image information, updates the first and second exposure times based on an exposure time set value externally generated based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information, and changes a synthesis set value used for synthesis of the composite image based on the exposure time set value externally generated based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information.

Abstract: The following steps are performed in connection with a photodiode circuit: a) resetting the photodiode circuit; b) determining when a photodiode voltage changes in response to illumination to reach a threshold; and c) updating a counter in response to the determination in step b). The steps a) to c) are repeated until an end of a measurement period is reached. The value of the counter at the end of the measurement period is then output to indicate an intensity of the illumination.

Abstract: The apparatus displays a standard image capturing screen for capturing an image using a first image capturing unit in the case where an operation of a release member has been detected while a standard playback screen for performing playback using a first playback unit is being displayed, and, in the case where an operation of the release member has been detected while a predetermined image capturing screen for capturing an image using a second image capturing unit is not being displayed and a screen of the predetermined application is being displayed, displays the predetermined image capturing screen.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of shortening a time period required for photometric measurement and obtaining an accurate photometric measurement value when there has been a shift from a photometric measurement operation using an image pickup device to a photometric measurement operation using a linear photometric sensor. When there has been no shift from a photometric measurement operation by the image pickup device to a photometric measurement operation by the photometric sensor, the photometric sensor performs a first photometric measurement operation for a plurality of times, and when there has been a shift from a photometric measurement operation by the image pickup device to a photometric measurement operation by the photometric sensor, a second photometric measurement operation is performed for a smaller number of times than that of the first photometric measurement operation according to a result of photometric measurement performed by the image pickup device.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array and a plurality of control circuits. The pixel array includes a plurality of sub-arrays arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, each of the plurality of sub-arrays including a plurality of pixels. The plurality of control circuits are coupled to the pixel array, and configured to control exposure of the plurality of sub-arrays. At least a first of the plurality of control circuits is configured to control exposure of a first of the plurality of sub-arrays according to a first set of exposure times. At least a second of the plurality of control circuits is configured to control exposure of a second of the plurality of sub-arrays according to a second set of exposure times. The first set of exposure times is different from the second set of exposure times.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an image capture, curation, and editing system that includes a resource-efficient mobile image capture device that continuously captures images. The mobile image capture device is operable to input an image into at least one neural network and to receive at least one descriptor of the desirability of a scene depicted by the image as an output of the at least one neural network. The mobile image capture device is operable to determine, based at least in part on the at least one descriptor of the desirability of the scene of the image, whether to store a second copy of such image in a non-volatile memory of the mobile image capture device or to discard a first copy of such image from a temporary image buffer without storing the second copy of such image in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems may provide for operating a machine learning device by obtaining training image data, conducting an offline prediction analysis of the training image data with respect to one or more real-time parameters of an image capture device, and generating one or more parameter detection models based on the offline prediction analysis. Additionally, methods, apparatuses and systems may provide for operating the image capture device by obtaining a candidate image associated with the image capture device, determining that the candidate image corresponds to a particular type of scene represented in a parameter prediction model, and adjusting one or more real-time parameters of the image capture device based at least in part on one or more parameter values associated with the particular type of scene.

Abstract: A system and method for creatively directing a promotional campaign comprised of photos or videos captured by a plurality of remote contributors. The method may comprise creating, via a graphical user interface of a computing device, a list of shot templates for desired photos or videos, each shot template comprising shot specifications. The shot specifications may comprise a description of a desired subject of the shot template and one or more desired camera settings. The method may then comprise generating a notification regarding the list of shot templates from the graphical user interface, sending the notification to an image capture device of one or more of the plurality of remote contributors, and displaying the list of shot templates on the image capture device.

Abstract: Method of implementing stacked chip HDR algorithm in image sensor starts with pixel array capturing first frame with first exposure time and second frame with a second exposure time that is longer or shorter than the first exposure time. Pixel array is disposed in first semiconductor die and is partitioned into pixel sub-arrays. Each pixel sub-array is arranged into pixel groups, and each pixel group is arranged into pixel cell array. Readout circuits disposed in second semiconductor die acquire image data of first and second frame. Each pixel sub-array is coupled to a corresponding readout circuit through a corresponding one of a plurality of conductors. ADC circuits convert image data from first and second frames to first and second ADC outputs. Function logic on the second semiconductor die adding first and second ADC outputs to generate a final ADC output. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for systems and methods to process images to reduce consumption of an available output dynamic range by the sky in images. For example, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a region or area in images that may correspond to the sky may be identified based on the location of the horizon in the images. A distribution of irradiance levels in the identified sky region may be analyzed to determine a dynamic range attributable to the sky region. A transfer function that compresses the dynamic range attributable to the sky region may be generated and applied so that the sky in the images may be suppressed, thereby advantageously preserving more dynamic range for terrestrial objects and other objects of interest in the images.

Abstract: A method for adjusting predetermined ISO-dependent image processing parameters for images captured by a digital camera includes measuring the exposure deviation in exposure units from an optimal exposure as determined by the camera during an image capture process, deriving an estimated camera sensitivity from the exposure deviation, and adjusting the ISO-dependent image processing parameters for images captured by the camera as a function of the derived estimated camera sensitivity.

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a plurality of light-receiving elements that receive light from a subject and are arranged in a 2-dimensional form; a detection unit that detects a movement amount of a projected image of the subject projected to the plurality of light-receiving elements arranged in the 2-dimensional form; and a light-receiving element control unit that adaptively controls a timing at which pixel data is read from the plurality of light-receiving elements arranged in the 2-dimensional form for each line according to the movement amount.

Abstract: In imaging processing, image data outputted from an imaging device is acquired as a data string formed of a first display value expressed by a first number of gradations obtained through conversion of a luminance value in accordance with preset nonlinear conversion characteristics. The first display value is compressed in accordance with preset compression characteristics, and outputted as a second display value expressed by a second number of gradations smaller than the first number of gradations. A recognition target is detected from an image expressed by compressed data that is a data string formed of the second display value.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for acquiring an image in an electronic device are provided. The method includes acquiring a first image using an image sensor that comprises a plurality of first pixels having a first exposure and a plurality of second pixels having a second exposure, determining a reference exposure value based on image information, adjusting at least one of the first exposure or the second exposure based on the reference exposure value, and acquiring a second image using the image sensor based on exposure control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electronic device and method for activating a camera. It is identified whether the illuminance received by a second camera is below a threshold. When the illuminance received by the second camera falls below the threshold a predefined function is performed such as activating a first camera.

Abstract: An image sensor system with an image sensor that generates a first image and a second image. The first and second images are transmitted to a processor in a time overlapping manner. By way of example, the images may be transferred to the processor in an interleaving manner or provided on separate dedicated busses.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, a row driver configured to control an operation of each of the plurality of pixels, a voltage supply line connected to a reset transistor included in each of the plurality of pixels, and a voltage supply circuit which detects a signal from the voltage supply line and supplies one of a first voltage and a second voltage to the voltage supply line based on the signal from the voltage supply line.

Abstract: A ramp signal generating circuit and ramp signal generator, an array substrate and a display apparatus.

Abstract: Stacked chip imaging system comprising pixel array partitioned into pixel sub-arrays (PSAs) disposed in first semiconductor die and ADC circuitry including ADC circuits disposed in second semiconductor die. Each PSA is arranged into pixel groups. Each pixel group generates pixel data signals. Pixel array captures image data of first frame with first exposure time, second frame with second exposure time, third frame with third exposure time, and fourth frame with fourth exposure time. First, second, third and fourth exposure times are different. At least one of the pixel groups in each of the pixel sub-arrays is coupled to a different ADC circuit from pixels groups remaining in each of the pixel sub-arrays. ADC circuitry acquires the pixel data signals. For each frame, ADC circuits converts pixel data signal received from pixel groups respectively coupled thereto from analog to digital to generate ADC outputs. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling camera settings of a camera to improve detection of faces in an uncontrolled environment are described. A first image is received from the camera, where the first image is captured by the camera at a first set of camera settings. A face is detected in the first image. The camera is adjusted to a second set of camera settings based on the detected face, where the second set of camera settings different from the first set of camera settings. A second image is received from the camera, where the second image is captured by the camera at the second set of camera settings. The face is detected in the second image. A quality metric of the face in the second image is determined where the quality metric is indicative of an image quality of the face in the second image.

Abstract: An exposure control apparatus comprises an acquisition unit including a plurality of pixels that are arranged two-dimensionally, and configured to acquire image data, a compression unit configured to compress the image data and generate compressed data, a calculation unit configured to calculate a first photometric value based on the compressed data, a conversion unit configured to convert the first photometric value into a second photometric value corresponding to the image data before the compression; and an exposure control unit configured to perform exposure control based on the second photometric value.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an object database, a composition database, an imaging unit, a determination unit, a search unit, a priority setting unit, and a display. The determination unit extracts an image feature amount from a photographed image data, and determines a kind of an object of the photographed image data, based on data stored in the object database. The search unit detects composition assisting information corresponding to the photographed image data from the composition database, based on the kind of the object and data stored in the composition database. The priority setting unit extracts characteristic information and determines presentation priority based on characteristic information differences. The display displays the composition assisting information based on the priority.

Abstract: A user authentication system and method. The user authentication system includes a camera and a processor connected to the camera. The processor receives images from the camera, searches for a user feature in the images, determines if the images require correction, adjusts camera controls in a pre-defined order to provide desired corrections, applies the desired corrections to subsequent images and authenticates the user based on the user feature in the corrected images.

Abstract: An image processing method is provided. The method includes following steps. Firstly, a first image is obtained by shooting photo at a first shutter speed, wherein the first image includes a first object image and a first background image, and the first object image and the first background image are clear. Next, a second image is obtained by shooting photo at a second shutter speed lower than the first shutter speed, wherein the second shutter speed is lower than the first shutter speed, the first image and the second image are obtained by shooting photo within substantially the same shooting range, the second image includes a second object image and a second background image, the second object image is blurry but the second background image is clear. After that, a third image is generated from at least the first image and the second object image.