Abstract: Many electrical sensing devices include an array of transducer elements for converting external stimuli to electrical indications. Novel technologies to realize improvements in low power consumption, low noise, and analog output path which occupies minimal die area while maintaining certain data rates are disclosed. A two stage pipeline architecture of the invention in the analog output path maintains fast pixel rates with minimal ADC (analog digital converter) arrangement. A novel power supply and the use of differential amplifiers in connection with a black signal level as a reference voltage are also described.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: an image-capturing device which captures an image of a photographic subject which passes through a photographic lens, and outputs image data; a gain adjustment section which performs gain adjustment by multiplying the image data output from the image-capturing device by a predetermined gain; a detection section which detects an optical axis of the photographic lens upon the image-capturing device; and a gain adjustment coefficient calculation section which calculates a gain adjustment coefficient according to distance between a position of a part of the image on the image-capturing device and the optical axis, and the gain adjustment section performs gain adjustment of image data corresponding to the position of the part of the image on the image-capturing device using the gain adjustment coefficient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for expanding the dynamic range of an optical imager, comprising individually controlling the integration time of each pixel of a sensor array, and providing a corresponding scaling factor for the electrical output of each individual pixel during the frame time. The integration time of each pixel is controlled as a function of light intensity received by each individual pixel, by resetting the pixel after a predetermined threshold for the output signal, has been reached.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a solid-state image pickup element including a sensor unit including a plurality of lines of photoelectric conversion units for generating charges from received light by photoelectric conversion, a memory unit including a plurality of lines of storage units for storing signals from the plurality of lines of photoelectric conversion units, a transfer unit for transferring a signal from the sensor unit to the memory unit, a control unit for causing storage units of an arbitrary block in the memory unit to output an image signal from the photoelectric conversion units and causing the photoelectric conversion units corresponding to the storage units of the arbitrary block to output a noise signal, and a subtracting unit for calculating a difference between the image signal and the noise signal.

Abstract: A camera for capturing an image and printing a first interface onto a first surface, in response to a user input, and for printing a second interface onto a second surface, in response to first indicating data received from a sensing device in the form of a stylus. The first indicating data is sensed by the stylus from first coded data. The first interface includes the first coded data. The camera includes a camera module, an input module and a printing module. The camera module inclues an image sensor. The camera module is configured to receive a user input, and, in response to the user input, capture the image via the image sensor. The input module is configured to receive the first indicating data from the stylus, the first indicating data being at least partially indicative of response data. The input module generates second indicating data based on the first indicating data, the second indicating data being at least partially indicative of the response data.

Abstract: The electronic camera can realize menu functions that make it easier for a user to select each function and change various set items in accordance with how the user uses the camera. When a menu/execution button is pressed in a manual capturing mode, control goes to a capturing setting menu screen. The capturing setting menu is composed of a plurality of menu items such as white balance, ISO sensitivity, brightness (exposure correction), quality, etc. The menu items are automatically disposed in descending frequency order or in a display order specified by the user freely. It is also possible to set a starting position of a cursor at the item used most frequently on an initial menu screen while a display order of the menu items is kept unchanged. The display order of the menu items may also be fixed to that set in the initial state at the shipping time.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a solid-state image sensing apparatus capable of performing high-precision AF and AE without adding any camera mechanism or increasing power consumption. To achieve this object, at least S1 and S2 among photoelectric conversion cells output signals not for forming an image signal in a solid-state image sensing apparatus in which photoelectric conversion cells for converting an optical image formed by an optical system into an electrical signal are two-dimensionally laid out.

Abstract: The first electronic imaging device, which performs a photoelectric-conversion of a subject light with an imaging element and records it, according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a first lens arranged along a first optical axis to take a luminous flux from the subject, an optical axis conversion material which bends the luminous flux which passes the first lens along a second optical axis which intersects with the first optical axis, a second lens which images the luminous flux bent along the second optical axis to the imaging element arranged on the second optical axis, and an optical amount adjustment device provided between the imaging element and the optical axis conversion material.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus such as digital still camera and video camera having a lens barrel which is driven to extended-out and retracted-in positions. The apparatus comprises an external operation device externally operated by a user. When the image sensing apparatus is released from a disabled mode, the user is allowed to make a selection between cases where the optical system is positioned in the extended-out position and retracted-in position, through the operation device.

Abstract: In a solid-state image sensing device, photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arrayed in a matrix on a semiconductor substrate. A transfer gate portion is arranged adjacent to each photoelectric conversion element to read signal charges stored in the photoelectric conversion element. A vertical CCD is arranged adjacent to the transfer gate portion to transfer the signal charges read from the photoelectric conversion element in a vertical direction. A horizontal CCD transfers the signal charges transferred from the vertical CCD in a horizontal direction. A charge detection portion detects the signal charges transferred from the horizontal CCD and outputs them. Four vertical transfer electrodes are formed adjacent to each other on the vertical CCD in a vertical transfer direction of the signal charges. The vertical transfer electrodes include first and second transfer electrodes adjacent to each other in the vertical transfer direction.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image capturing device comprises a plurality of laser devices, and an imaging device, such as a CCD, having a plurality of photo-diodes. Each of the laser devices radiates a pulse modulated laser beam so as to detect distance information or data relating to a topography of a measurement subject. The laser beam is radiated onto the measurement subject and a reflected light beam is sensed by the CCD. Signal charge corresponding to a distance from the image capturing device to the measurement subject is accumulated in each of the photo-diodes, and thus the above distance information is sensed. Each laser beam, respectively radiated from each of the laser devices, shares illuminating area at the distance of the measurement subject, so that radiant energy of each laser beam can be reduced by sharing a single distance measurement operation among the plurality of laser devices.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided with a reflecting/transmitting-type liquid crystal display unit that includes a backlighting device for controlling whether backlighting is turned on or off. The shutter-release button of the camera is provided with a touch sensor. Backlighting is turned on when the touch sensor is touched. Thus, backlighting is turned on only when a subject is photographed, thereby making it possible to conserve power.

Abstract: Exposure control for a solid-state imaging apparatus can be completed in a short time. First exposure information D1 and second exposure information D2 are prepared. The first exposure information D1 is for adjustment of an exposure time L for a CCD (1) through extension or reduction in the unit of one horizontal scanning period; the second exposure information D2 is for direct designation of an exposure time L. When the power is switched on, the second exposure information D2 is selected for supply to a timing control circuit (3). After a lapse of a predetermined time, the first exposure information D1 is then selected.

Abstract: There is disclosed a command-answer type serial communication device between TV lens and TV camera, or between TV lens and accessory. In the command-answer type serial communication, answer data is transferred in response to a command in ordinary communication, but data to be processed at high speed on the side of a device having transferred the command is transmitted to a camera from a lens even if no command is transmitted, so that high-speed communication can be performed.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device including: a plurality of pixel groups disposed on a two-dimensional plane defined by horizontal and vertical directions, the plurality of pixel groups being juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, each of the pixel groups including a first pixel column and a second pixel column, the first pixel column including a plurality of pixels regularly disposed at a first pixel pitch in the vertical direction, the second pixel column including a plurality of pixels regularly disposed at a half pitch of the first pixel pitch in the vertical direction relative to the first pixel column, the second pixel columns being disposed in the horizontal direction at a half pitch of a second pixel pitch of pixels of adjacent first pixel columns of the pixel groups; a first separation region formed between pairs of the pixel groups adjacent in the horizontal direction; a single vertical charge transfer path extending in the vertical direction and weaving between the first and second pixel columns o

Abstract: An electronic camera has an imaging optical system for taking in a light beam from a subject along a first optical axis, deflecting the light beam along a second optical axis crossing the first optical axis, and focusing the light beam. An image-pickup element is mounted on an image-pickup board. The image-pickup element receives the light beam focused by the imaging optical system, photoelectrically converts the light beam, and thus acquires image data. The image-pickup board is disposed to extend in a plane oblique to a bottom surface of a housing. An input/output terminal for detachably attaching a cable for electrical connection with an external device is disposed in a space defined between the image-pickup board and the bottom surface of the housing.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image capturing device comprises a light source and an imaging device, such as a CCD, having a plurality of photo-diodes. The light source outputs a pulsed distance measuring light beam simultaneously with a discharge of unwanted charges from the photo-diodes due to an electric charge discharging signal. A reflected light beam, generated by a measurement subject due to the distance measuring light beam, is received by the photo-diodes. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the distance measuring light beam, an electric charge transfer signal is output so that electric charge, i.e. signal charge accumulated in each of the photo-diodes, is transferred to the vertical transfer unit. The electric charge and the electric charge discharging signal are repeatedly output, so that the signal charge is integrated in the vertical transfer unit.

Abstract: A CCD is driven by a drive circuit, whereby an independent readout drive of all pixels is carried out. Data of 4 lines are input in parallel to a two-dimensional register array by 4 scanning line delay devices. Interpolation is carried out for every color signal of green, magenta, cyan and yellow by an interpolation processing circuit according to data corresponding to pixels of 4 rows and 6 columns. A color difference signal generation circuit carries out a color separation process on the basis of the color signal subjected to an interpolation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital apparatus, such as a digital camera, which generates a digital representation of an image. The digital apparatus includes an image sensor having an array of pixels. An analog-to-digital converter converts electrical signals from the array of pixels into digital data representative of the image. Information indicative of locations of defective pixels in the pixel array is stored in a pixel defect memory. Compensation circuitry compensates the digital data representative of the image using the information indicative of the locations of the defective pixels. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a digital apparatus having compensation for defective pixels.

Abstract: In an image pick-up mode, when a piece of image information is picked-up by an image information acquisition unit, pieces of position information acquired by a position measurement unit are stored in a storage unit together with the pieces of image information in association with each other. In a playback mode, when the scroll key of a key input unit is kept pressed for a predetermined time or more, pieces of position information stored in the storage unit in association with pieces of image information are sequentially read out. An arithmetic unit sequentially calculates the distance between pick-up points of two pieces of image information, and a search unit determines whether the calculated distance is equal to or longer than a predetermined distance acquired by a condition acquisition unit. When the search unit searches for a calculated distance equal to or longer than the predetermined distance, a display control unit displays, on a display unit, a searched item of image information, i.e.