Abstract: A method for blending resembling blocks, performed by a processing unit, at least contains: determining a target block of a frame to be fused; determining a search window for the target block and obtaining m neighboring blocks from the search window; calculating the difference between the target block and each neighboring block; selecting n resembling blocks from the m neighboring blocks according to the differences; calculating a weighting for each resembling block; and fusing each pixel value of the target block with corresponding pixel value of each of the resembling blocks according to the weighting.

Abstract: An image processing method includes the steps of obtaining information on an optical transfer function used for image capturing, generating correction information used to correct the optical transfer function based on a first image generated by the image capturing and a second image that is focused on a defocus area in the first image, and performing a filter process for the first image using the correction information and information on the optical transfer function.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to systems and methods to intelligently reduce the dynamic range of a signal. Using a histogram analysis of the signal, significant and insignificant portions of the original dynamic range can be identified. Compaction can then be focused on the insignificant portions of the dynamic range, resulting in significant dynamic range reduction with less signal loss. By compacting the little used portions of the original signal, the dynamic range of the rest of the signal can be largely maintained which results in little loss to signal fidelity, and thus mitigates saturation, quantization, signal mutual suppression, and other issues observed in prior art methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptive denoising of source video in a video conference application is provided. Video captured is analyzed on a frame by frame basis to determine whether denoising of the frame should be performed prior to providing the source frame to an encoder. If the frame is to be denoised, the frame is divided into a plurality of blocks and a local denoising process is performed on a block per block basis.

Abstract: A pixel biasing device includes a ramp ground noise unit, a bias current generation unit, and a pixel biasing unit; the ramp ground noise unit being suitable for generating a ramp ground noise and for transferring the ramp ground noise to the bias current generation unit; the bias current generation unit being suitable for generating a bias current by combining an inputted reference current with the ramp ground noise received from the ramp ground noise unit; and the pixel biasing unit being suitable for performing a biasing operation on an inputted pixel signal based on the bias current.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adaptive shading correction method for correcting an image for lens shading, including segmenting the image into a plurality of blocks of pixels and identifying hue-flat blocks with a relatively low hue variance, where the hue-flat blocks are clustered into at least one cluster based on a spatial distribution of the blocks. Selected modification parameters for modifying an average shading mesh are identified by modifying the average shading mesh along a plurality of dimensions using a plurality of modification parameters, and processing the at least one cluster with the average shading mesh as modified so as to identify the selected modification parameters. The average shading mesh is modified using the selected modification parameters to generate a shading correction mesh, which is used to correct the image for lens shading.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a signal processing device, a controlling method, an image sensing device, and an electronic device capable of inhibiting deterioration in image quality of a captured image. The signal processing device of the present technology connects an output of a comparing unit which compares a signal read from a unit pixel with reference voltage to a floating diffusion of the unit pixel, thereby feeding back the output of the comparing unit to the floating diffusion as a reset level, and disconnects the output of the comparing unit from the floating diffusion of the unit pixel, thereby allowing the floating diffusion to maintain the reset level. The present technology may be applied to the image sensing device and the electronic device, for example.

Abstract: A digital imaging device including a sensor array, an analog front end and a digital back end. The sensor array is configured to output black pixel data and normal pixel data. The analog front end is configured to amplify the black pixel data and the normal pixel data with a gain, and calibrate the amplified black pixel data and the amplified normal pixel data with a calibration value. The digital back end is configured to digitize the amplified and calibrated black pixel data, calculate a data offset according to digital black pixel data, determine a dynamic adjust scale, calculate the calibration value according to the gain, the data offset and the dynamic adjust scale, and adjust the gain according to the dynamic adjust scale.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device capable of reducing an area of a chip, capable of realizing both reduction of voltage and prevention of inversion video noise and consequently capable of realizing a higher image quality having a pixel portion and a clipping circuit capable of clipping a pixel readout voltage in accordance with a clipping voltage, wherein the pixel includes a photo-electric conversion element PD, a transfer element capable of transferring a charge accumulated in the photo-electric conversion element in a transfer period, a floating diffusion FD to which the charge accumulated in the photo-electric conversion element is transferred through a transfer element, a source-follower element which converts the charge in the floating diffusion to a voltage signal in accordance with a charge quantity, and a reset element which resets the floating diffusion to a predetermined potential in a resetting period, and the clipping circuit is arranged in an ineffective region of the pixel portion, a driving method

Abstract: An imaging device comprising: an image sensor includes a first focus detection pixel being arranged at a position corresponding to a first color filter of the imaging pixel, and a second focus detection pixel being arranged at a position corresponding to a second color filter, a read-out section mixes a plurality of pixel signals including the output of the first focus detection pixel and reads out a first mixed pixel output, in mixing and reading out the outputs of the imaging pixels corresponding to the first color filter, while the read-out section mixes a plurality of pixel signals without including the output of the second focus detection pixel and reads out a second mixed pixel output, in mixing and reading out the outputs of the imaging pixels corresponding to the second color filter.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor having a plurality of pixels and being capable of outputting a plurality of image signals read out using different methods for individually reading out the signals of the plurality of pixels and correction signals for correcting the plurality of image signals, a processing unit for processing the correction signals so as to handle the reading methods for the plurality of image signals, and a correction unit for correcting the plurality of image signals using the correction signals processed by the processing unit.

Abstract: A mobile device method for certifying a mobile device includes: generating first fixed pattern noise (FPN) information based on column FPN of an image sensor included in the mobile device; and controlling the mobile device to perform a certification by using the first FPN information.

Abstract: System and method can support an image processing device. The image processing device operates to obtain a first set of characterization values, which represents a first group of pixels that are associated with a denoising pixel in an image. Also, the image processing device can obtain a second set of characterization values, which represents a second group of pixels that are associated with a denoising reference pixel. Furthermore, the image processing device operates to use the first set of characterization values and the second set of characterization values to determine a similarity between the denoising pixel and the denoising reference pixel. Then, the image processing device can calculate a denoised value for the denoising pixel based on the determined similarity between the denoising pixel and the denoising reference pixel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to: an imaging element and an imaging-element drive method which enable negative-voltage fluctuation to be suppressed without increasing negative-voltage capacitance; an electronic device; and a program. A dual circuit is prepared for negative voltages. At times other than during exposure and reset, the negative voltage is supplied to readout transistors in lines other than a readout line. At timings other than these times, the negative voltage is supplied to the aforementioned readout transistors. Accordingly, even if the negative voltage fluctuates during exposure and reset, a stable negative voltage is supplied at timings at which other pixel data is read out, and thus fluctuation is suppressed. The present disclosure is applicable to imaging elements.

Abstract: An image system is provided. The system comprises: a pixel unit configured to have a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels including at least a white pixel; a crosstalk amount calculating unit configured to calculate an evaluation value of crosstalk amount included in an output signal from a pixel to be corrected in the pixel unit; a crosstalk correction coefficient calculating unit configured to calculate a crosstalk correction coefficient based on the evaluation value output from the crosstalk amount calculating unit; and a crosstalk correcting unit configured to eliminate crosstalk amount included in the output signal of the pixel to be corrected, using the crosstalk correction coefficient.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor that sharpens an input image on the basis a difference between a filter and a low pass filter, which are generated using of information regarding a point spread function of an optical system corresponding to an image pickup condition of the optical system, or a difference between an image obtained by applying the filter to an input image generated by imaging through the optical system and an image obtained by applying the low pass filter to the input image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an imaging element, a control method, a program, and an electronic device that can provide an electronic ND function by means of a simpler configuration. The imaging element includes a reference signal generation unit and an A/D conversion unit that includes a comparison unit and a switching unit that switches a capacitance connected to a terminal through which the pixel signal is inputted to the comparison unit and A/D-converts the pixel signal. In the case where the exposure time at the time when the image one frame before was captured is smaller than a prescribed first threshold, the switching unit is controlled so as to increase the capacitance connected to the terminal through which the pixel signal is inputted to the comparison unit. The present technology can be applied to a CMOS image sensor, for example.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit and a transmission unit. The imaging unit is configured to capture two images that are different from each other by a predetermined amount of an optical distance (focus) between an objective lens and an imaging device having a first resolution. The transmission unit is configured to transmit the captured images.

Abstract: A restoration filter generation device which generates a restoration filter for performing a restoration process on luminance system image data, the restoration process being based on a point-image distribution in an optical system, the luminance system image data being image data relevant to luminance and being generated based on image data for each color of multiple colors, the restoration filter generation device including an MTF acquisition device which acquires a modulation transfer function MTF for the optical system; and a restoration filter generation device which generates the restoration filter based on the modulation transfer function MTF, the restoration filter suppressing an MTF value of image data for each color of the multiple colors to 1.0 or less at least in a region of a particular spatial frequency or less, the image data for each color of the multiple colors corresponding to the luminance system image data after the restoration process.

Abstract: A restoration filter generation device which generates a restoration filter for performing a restoration process on luminance system image data, the restoration process being based on a point-image distribution in an optical system, the luminance system image data being image data relevant to luminance and being generated based on image data for each color of multiple colors, the restoration filter generation device including an MTF acquisition device which acquires a modulation transfer function MTF for the optical system; and a restoration filter generation device which generates the restoration filter based on the modulation transfer function MTF, the restoration filter suppressing an MTF value of image data for each color of the multiple colors to 1.0 or less at least in a region of a particular spatial frequency or less, the image data for each color of the multiple colors corresponding to the luminance system image data after the restoration process.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a first signal processing circuit arranged in a first direction to process a signal from a first group of pixels; a second signal processing circuit arranged in a second direction to process a signal from a second group of pixels; a first external connecting terminal arranged in the first direction to supply a first potential to the first signal processing circuit; a second external connecting terminal arranged in the second direction to supply the first potential to the second signal processing circuit; a third external connecting terminal arranged in the first direction to supply a second potential to the first group of pixels; and a fourth external connecting terminal arranged in the second direction to supply the second potential to the second group of pixels.

Abstract: A load voltage control device, comprising: a load disposed in a tip portion; a power supply circuit and a controller disposed in a proximal end portion; and a cable connecting the tip portion with the proximal end portion, the cable comprising a first and second power supply lines, the power supply circuit comprising at least one power supply, wherein the controller operates to: obtain a voltage applied to the load based on a voltage applied to an input point of the first power supply line, a current flowing through the first power supply line, a voltage applied to an input point of the second power supply line and a current flowing through the second power supply line; and adjust the power supply voltage by controlling the at least one power supply so that the voltage applied to the load becomes substantially equal to a predetermined reference voltage.

Abstract: A method of vehicle monitoring includes: obtaining a frame of an image before exposure; outputting a luminance value of each partition of the image, accumulation number of pixels lower than a first set threshold, accumulation number of pixels higher than a second set threshold, to generate an evaluation data; generating eigenvalues of a plurality of illuminance evaluation areas based on the evaluation data and the preset illuminance evaluation area distribution table; estimating the illuminance of an environment of a vehicle according to the eigenvalues of the plurality of illuminance evaluation areas and differentiation characteristics between normal illuminance and low illuminance; switching the region of interest of a current exposing image based on the estimating results, generating a weight table based on the content of the current exposing image and the switched region of interest, controlling the exposing of the region of interest based on the weight table.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, which captures and records a moving image and which can generate still image data from moving image data, evaluates validity of image capturing conditions related to imaging parameters such as focus, exposure, white balance, and image blur, generates a degree of appropriateness corresponding to each imaging parameter, and based on at least one of the degrees of appropriateness, changes characteristics of control of imaging parameters corresponding to the other degrees of appropriateness.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals thereof are disclosed. The apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, the apparatus comprises an encoder to encode service data, a time interleaver to interleave the encoded service data, a frame builder to build at least one signal frame including the time interleaved service data, wherein the at least one signal frame includes a plurality of OFDM symbols, a modulator to modulate data in the built at least one signal frame by an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) scheme, and a transmitter to transmit the broadcast signals having the modulated data.

Abstract: Provided is a solid-state image pickup element including: a plurality of pixels arranged in a pixel well region; a readout circuit arranged in a peripheral well region, having a first input terminal for receiving the pixel signals from the plurality of pixels and a second input terminal for receiving a reference signal; and a reference signal circuit arranged in the peripheral well region, having a first electrode to which a ground voltage is supplied, and being configured to output the reference signal to the second input terminal of the readout circuit, wherein a resistance value R1 of an electrical path from one of a plurality of pixel well contacts to the first electrode and a resistance value R2 of an electrical path from one of a plurality of peripheral well contacts closest to the first electrode to the first electrode satisfy a relationship of R1<R2.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, comprising: a receiving unit receiving a first image and image-capturing information associated with the first image; a determining unit determining, based on the image-capturing information, whether or not the first image is an image of a subject image in a view point direction corresponding to the aperture mask, using an output signal of an image sensor that includes a pixel array including first parallax pixels having the aperture mask with asymmetric directional properties in the long axis and short axis with respect to incident light flux of a single optical system and positioned to permit a portion of the light flux to pass; and an outputting unit outputting a corrected first image by carrying out a correction process having different frequency properties between the long axis direction and the short axis direction on the subject image in an unfocused region of the first image.

Abstract: An photographing apparatus includes: an image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels and is configured to perform a first readout on charges stored in a group of pixels among the plurality of pixels at a first readout time and perform a second readout on charges stored in the plurality of pixels, including the group of pixels, at a second readout time; and an image processor configured to detect a pixel in which a light leakage has occurred of among the plurality of pixels based on at least one of a value the first readout charges and a value of the second read out charges, and perform a correction on the detected pixel to generate an image.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing device capable of suppressing a dark current and transfer failure during a global shutter operation is provided. The solid-state image sensing device according to one embodiment includes: a semiconductor substrate having a main surface and a back surface being on the opposite side of the main surface; a well region arranged in contact with the main surface in the semiconductor substrate; a photoelectric conversion region arranged in contact with the main surface in the well region; a charge holding region arranged in contact with the main surface in the well region; a floating diffusion region arranged in contact with the main surface in the well region; a first transfer gate so formed as to face the well region and the charge holding region; and a second transfer gate so formed as to face the well region.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a pixel cell including: a first photoelectric converter that generates a first electrical signal; and a first signal detection circuit that detects the first electrical signal. The first signal detection circuit includes: a first transistor one of a source and a drain of which is electrically connected to the first photoelectric converter; a first capacitor having first and second ends, the first end being electrically connected to the other of the source and the drain of the first transistor, a reference voltage being applied to the second end; and a second transistor having a gate electrically connected to the first photoelectric converter. The pixel cell outputs, in one frame period, a first image signal and a second image signal in sequence, the first image signal being output when the first transistor is off, the second image signal being output when the first transistor is on.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for an image sensor. The image sensor may be configured as a stacked image sensor with two or more chips stacked vertically. The image sensor may comprise a plurality of pixel circuits, wherein portions of the pixel circuit are arranged on separate chips. Each pixel circuit may comprise an amplifier with a first feedback network to increase the sensor sensitivity, to reduce noise in the pixel signal, and to reduce the voltage swing on the FD node. Each pixel circuit may further comprise a second feedback network to stabilize the common-mode voltage of the pixel signal amplifier.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a point-image restoration processing unit 40 which receives a photographic image as input, and subjects the photographic image to a point-image restoration process based on point-image restoration information to generate a restored image, an area information output unit 45 which outputs area information relating to a specific area in the restored image where restoration strength of the point-image restoration process based on the point-image restoration information is equal to or greater than a threshold value, a display control unit 50 which receives the restored image and the area information as input and performs display control to highlight the specific area in the restored image based on the area information, and a display unit 55 which highlights at least the specific area based on the display control by the display control unit 50.

Abstract: A plurality of adjacent pixels is provided adjacently in a plurality of directions to a first pixel. A direction with a highest correlation is derived from signals of the plurality of pixels, and the direction with the highest correlation is reflected to interpolation processing to be performed on the signal of first pixel.

Abstract: A sensor has an image sensing unit including pixel blocks, and a readout unit for reading out a signal from the image sensing unit. The pixel block includes a photoelectric converter, first and second transistors, and a current source. First main electrodes of the first and second transistors are connected to a common node, and the current source is provided between the common node and a predetermined voltage. A signal readout operation includes an operation in which a voltage corresponding to charges in the photoelectric converter is supplied to a control electrode of the first transistor, and a temporally changing reference voltage is supplied to a control electrode of the second transistor. The readout unit reads out a signal from the image sensing unit via a second main electrode of the first transistor.

Abstract: A comparator includes: a comparison block suitable for comparing a pixel signal and a plurality of ramp signals; a correlated double sampling (CDS) block operatively coupled among a first input terminal receiving a first ramp signal used for first and third steps, a third input terminal receiving the pixel signal, and a negative input terminal of the comparison block, and suitable for performing CDS; a switch coupled between a second input terminal receiving a second ramp signal used for a second step and a positive input terminal of the comparison block; a capacitor coupled between a ground terminal and the positive input terminal of the comparison block; an amplification block suitable for buffering a comparison signal outputted from the comparison block; and a feedback control unit suitable for generating a control signal for controlling the switch based on the buffered comparison signal.

Abstract: An imaging system may include an array of image pixels and column readout circuits coupled to each column. The column readout circuits may include test data injection circuitry and converter circuitry coupled to column memory via switching circuits. The injection circuitry may enable the switching circuits so that pixel data is stored on the column memory as rows of an image frame. The injection circuitry may disable the switching circuits and may inject test bits onto the column memory while the switching circuits are disabled. The column memory may store the test bits as one or more rows of the image frame interspersed among rows of the pixel data. Verification circuitry coupled to the column readout circuits may process the test data bits in the image frame to verify proper functionality of some or all of the imaging system without disrupting normal imaging operations by the imaging system.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device includes a pixel circuit 102 configured to generate a pixel signal by photoelectric conversion, a reference signal generation circuit 115 configured to generate a reference signal which changes in level with time, and a plurality of comparators configured to, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation circuit, compare a plurality of reference signals being given offset voltages differing from each other, with the pixel signal, or compare a plurality of pixel signals being given offset voltages differing from each other, with the reference signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus, a solid-state image sensing apparatus, and a camera system capable of reducing interference between signals transmitted through adjacent via holes, preventing an increase in the number of the via holes, reducing the area of a chip having sensors thereon and the number of mounting steps thereof. First and second chips are bonded together to form a laminated structure, a wiring between the first chip and the second chip being connected through via holes, the first chip transmitting signals obtained by time-discretizing analog signals generated by respective sensors to the second chip through the corresponding via holes, the second chip sampling the signals transmitted from the first chip through the via holes at a timing different from a timing at which the signals are sampled by the first chip and quantizing the sampled signals to obtain digital signals.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a pixel that generates charge; an integral amplifier that integrates charge transferred from the pixel; a low pass filter to which output of the integral amplifier is supplied and whose time constant is variable; first and second sample-and-hold circuits that sample and hold output of the low pass filter before and after the charge is transferred from the pixel to the integral amplifier, respectively; a differential circuit that outputs a difference between signals held by the first and second sample-and-hold circuits; and a control circuit that changes the time constant. The control circuit decreases the time constant after the sampling by the first sample-and-hold circuit ends, and increases the time constant in the middle of the sampling by the second sample-and-hold circuit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes pixels, reading circuits, first current sources each including a first transistor, second current sources each including a second transistor, a first control unit configured to control outputting a current from the first transistor to the reading circuit, and a second control unit configured to perform selectively supplying a voltage to a gate of the second transistor and holding a voltage at the gate of the second transistor. When the second control unit supplies the voltage to the gate of the second transistor, the second transistor supplies the reference current and the first control unit stops outputting the current from the first transistor to the reading circuit. When the second control unit holds the voltage at the gate of the second transistor, the first control unit causes the first transistor to output the current from the first transistor to the reading circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a signal readout circuit including: a first capacitor that holds a first electric charge; a second capacitor that holds a second electric charge; an amplifier section including an amplifier having first and second input terminals and first and second output terminals, outputting a first potential input to the first input terminal to the first output terminal with a gain of 1 and outputting a second potential input to the second input terminal to the second output terminal with a gain of 1; and a switch circuit that switches on/off state of a connection of a terminal of the first or second capacitor with at least one of the first and second input terminals and the first and second output terminals of the amplifier, wherein a difference between the first electric charge and the second electric charge is an amount indicating a voltage value of a predetermined voltage signal.

Abstract: A system, comprising: an image sensor including: a first pixel including a first photoelectric conversion element of a first phase group and configured to have a first exposure and the second photoelectric conversion element of a second phase group and configured to have a second exposure; and a second pixel including a third photoelectric conversion element of the first phase group and configured to have the second exposure and a fourth photoelectric conversion element of the second phase group and configured to have the first exposure; and an image signal processor coupled to the image sensor and configured to: receive a first image from the image sensor; receive a second image from the image sensor; and configured to output an image based on at least one of the first image and the second image; wherein the first exposure is longer than the second exposure.

Abstract: A display system that includes a display panel and a display device is provided. The display panel has display pixels each of the display pixels including two sub display pixels. The driving device includes a mode detection unit, a 1-D sub-pixel rendering unit and a 2-D sub-pixel rendering unit. The mode detection unit determines whether a predetermined condition of the first frame is met. The 1-D sub-pixel rendering unit generates first display pixel values when the predetermined condition is not met. The 2-D sub-pixel rendering unit generates second display pixel values when the predetermined condition is met. Either the first display pixel values or the second display pixel values are generated to be outputted to the display panel and are displayed by the display pixels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a marking apparatus for a display panel and a marking method for a display panel. The marking device comprises an image acquiring module, a simulated marking module and a real marking module. A simulated marking line is drawn, by the simulated marking module, in an image acquired by the image acquiring module, of a region containing a position where a defect occurs on a display panel to be marked. The real marking module automatically draws a real marking line on the display panel to be marked according to the simulated marking line. Thus, a position where a defect occurs on a display panel to be marked is accurately marked, and it is convenient for an engineer to accurately locate and sample the defective position in the subsequent analysis process.

Abstract: An image sensing device includes: a clock signal control block suitable for generating first and second clock control signals to have variable logic combinations for each unit row time; a frequency division block suitable for generating first and second clock signals having different phases based on a reference clock signal and controlling a first delay time reflected in the first clock signal and a second delay time reflected in the second clock signal for each unit row time based on the first and a second clock control signals; and a pixel signal processing block suitable for converting a pixel signal inputted for each unit row time into a digital signal based on the first and second clock signals.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a solid-state image pickup device including a pixel array unit including unit pixels. Each unit pixel includes a photoelectric converter, column signal lines and a number of analog-digital converting units. The unit pixels are selectively controlled in units of rows. Analog signals output from the unit pixels in a row selected by the selective control though the column signal lines are converted to digital signals via the analog-digital converting units. The digital signals are added among a number of unit pixels via the analog-digital converting units. The added digital signals from the analog-digital converting units are read. Each unit pixel in the pixel array unit is selectively controlled in units of arbitrary rows, the analog-distal converting units being operable to performing the converting in a (a) normal-frame-rate mode and a (b) high-frame-rate mode in response to control signals.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes at least one image sensor, and a processor for generating a plurality of images having different noise characteristics through the at least one image sensor, and combining the plurality of images.

Abstract: Provided are an image sensor and a method of driving the same. The image sensor includes n optical black pixels which are arranged in the same horizontal line; and m comparators which are matched with the n optical black pixels, wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to two, and m is a natural number greater than n.

Abstract: A method of removing a bad pixel from a pixel image is provided. The method includes determining whether a representative pixel representing at least one bad pixel is included in a kernel, determining whether a first pixel is a bad pixel when the representative pixel is included in the kernel, and compensating for the first pixel using a second pixel in the kernel when the first pixel is determined to be a bad pixel. The kernel has the first pixel at a center of the kernel.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a light receiving element, a buffer unit, a current control circuit, and an elimination circuit. The light receiving element generates electrical charge according to an amount of light received. The buffer unit buffers and outputs a voltage signal according to the electrical charge generated by the light receiving element. When the buffer unit outputs the voltage signal, the current control circuit controls electric current flowing through the buffer unit so as to be a predetermined amount of electric current. The elimination circuit eliminates high-frequency components in a band equal to or higher than a predetermined band from the voltage signal output from the buffer unit.