Abstract: An imaging apparatus for outputting image signals by effecting photoelectric conversion of images formed at an optical system by an image sensor having a color filter array having various spectral transmittance disposed on a front surface thereof includes an image size setting means for setting one selected from a plurality of previously provided image reducing rates for determining an image size of image signals output from the image sensor; and a readout control means for controlling pixel locations at which image signals are read out from the image sensor, wherein the readout control means reads out image signals from the image sensor in accordance with a readout rule corresponding to the image reducing rate set by the image size setting means.

Abstract: An image input apparatus has an image sensor for photoelectrically converting image information of an object into an electric signal and outputting the signal, and a correction circuit for adjusting a fluctuation of offset components generated during photoelectric conversion contained in the signal output from the image sensor to correct the offset components. Images of good quality can be obtained by correcting the offset components contained in the signal output from the image sensor.

Abstract: An image transmission system comprises: one or a plurality of image pickup apparatus each having a unique identifying number and having an encrypting function for encrypting a picked-up image for transmission to a network; a key generating apparatus for generating, for each image pickup apparatus, an encryption key for encrypting the image and a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted image; a memory card for recording the decryption key and the identifying number of the image pickup apparatus in association with each other; a viewing apparatus connected with the memory card and having a decrypting function for decrypting the encrypted image using the decryption key, for viewing the image transmitted via the network by the image pickup apparatus; and an authenticating server for authenticating the image pickup apparatus accessible from the viewing apparatus.

Abstract: In the digital camera that can be used in connection to a mobile phone or other mobile electronic devices and the system thereof, a battery mounted in each device is shared to allow power to be supplied between the devices, and allow both devices to be used for longer hours. The digital camera and the mobile phone are electrically connectable by a connection cable. Generally, a power supply selection switch is set to A, and a power supply selection switch is set to D. The digital camera receives power supplied from a battery, and the mobile phone receives power supplied form a battery. From this state, when the power supply selection switch is switched to C, power is supplied from the battery to the mobile phone. On the other hand, when the power supply selection switch is set to B, and the power supply selection switch is set to D, power is supplied from the battery of the mobile phone to the digital camera.

Abstract: Described are autofocusing algorithms and system implementations for machine inspection applications. The disclosed algorithms depend neither on the type of image (visual, infrared, spectrometric, scanning, etc.) nor on the type of image detector. Disclosed image filtering techniques, image focus measure functions and adaptive velocity control methods can be used in computer-based inspection systems for many different types of cameras and detectors as well as for a variety of magnification levels. The proposed autofocusing system can utilize the existing imaging hardware of the inspection system and does not require any additional components.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting flicker in a digital image. The system and method detects flicker by performing a frame-to-frame comparison of image data. The frame-to-frame comparison of image data is based on dividing each image into multiple columns, and performing a weighted sum of the pixel luminance in each column using a pattern of alternating sign weights. The weighted sum of luminance for each column in a first frame is compared to the weighted sum of luminance for that column in a second frame to determine if there is a simultaneous luminance variation in those columns. For example, if the difference between weighted sums of luminance between frames exceeds a threshold value in a predetermined number of columns then there is a simultaneous luminance variation in those columns, and a horizontal pattern of flicker has been detected in the image data.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes a light receiving pixel group having light receiving pixels to convert photoelectrically incident light and to be two-dimensionally arranged; a microlens array to be two-dimensionally arranged to correspond in position to the light receiving pixels; a transparent member to be arranged on a light entering side of the microlens array; and a protrusion to support the transparent member, wherein the protrusion is higher than the microlens array and is formed to be integrated with the microlens array.

Abstract: A series of time delay integration TDI stages each integrate a photocurrent from a separate detector such as detectors in an array. In a first stage 20, a first integrator is initialized with a fixed bias 30, and integrates a signal from a first detector 22 during a first time interval. Next, a reset switch 26n causes that integrated first detector signal to bias a second integrator 24n. During a second integration interval, the second integrator integrates a signal from a second detector 22n. Multiple stages may be arranged in series so that an integrated signal from a previous stage biases an integrator in the current stage. At a final stage, an Nth integrator outputs the resulting signal Vfinal. Any bias used to initialize the first integrator is removed from Vfinal to achieve a total integrated signal from the detectors. A bi-directional switch 38 at each stage enables a forward or backward scan of the detectors.

Abstract: To provide a processing apparatus for performing synthesis of video data to which video data of optically overlapped (duplicated overlap) video images are imparted. An image processor includes gamma removal units 810, 811, and 812 which remove gamma processing performed on video data to which video data of optically overlapped (duplicated overlap) video images are imparted, a video synthesis unit 825 which synthesizes video data adjacent to each other in the video data from which the gamma processing is removed, and a gamma addition unit 826 which re-performs gamma processing on the synthesized video data.

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 method for decreasing aliasing in an electronic image includes estimating an amount of aliasing in a first channel in the electronic image based on luminosity values in a second channel in the electronic image, and processing the first channel based on the estimated amount of aliasing to decrease aliasing in the first channel.

Abstract: A video outputting method is provided, in which a standard image is displayed, and has a standard aspect ratio. A widescreen (wide) image is displayed, and has a widescreen aspect ratio that is horizontally longer than the standard aspect ratio. Upper and lower blank masked regions are created along and outside upper and lower edges of the standard and widescreen images irrespective of the standard and widescreen aspect ratios. So first and second processed images are created by addition of the upper and lower blank masked regions, for outputting to a widescreen (wide) display device. A lateral blank masked region is created along and outside each one of two lateral edges of the standard image. The first processed image is created further by addition of the lateral blank masked region. The widescreen display device, when the processed images are input, cuts off the upper and lower blank masked regions.

Abstract: A shake sensor outputs an analog shake detection signal representative of a shake of a camera body. An amplifier operates for amplifying the analog shake detection signal to generate an analog amplification-resultant signal. The analog shake detection signal and the analog amplification-resultant signal are converted into a digital shake detection signal and a first digital amplification-resultant signal, respectively. A signal value represented by the digital shake detection signal is amplified on a digital basis to generate a second digital amplification-resultant signal. A decision is made as to whether or not the signal value represented by the first digital amplification-resultant signal remains greater than a predetermined reference value during at least a prescribed time interval. One is selected from the first and second digital amplification-resultant signals in response to the result of the decision. A shake corrective signal is generated in response to the selected signal.

Abstract: A digital camera module is conveniently packaged within an electronic device for sliding motion between a stored position and an operational position. The camera module is nested within the electronic device in the closed position to provide a streamlined external contour.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided which enables a user to follow up an object while viewing a display screen, and can prevent an image shake from being reflected on the display screen. An image pickup device outputs a signal in response to light received from an object via a lens section unit. A drive ring is rotated by the driving force of the AF motor to enable the lens section unit to move in a direction along the optical axis, to thereby carry out focus adjustment based on the signal output from the pickup device. A LCD displays an image based on the signal output from the image pickup device. The LCD displays the image according to through display when the lens section unit is being moved in a direction of extension, and the through display by the LCD is restrained after the lens section unit is reversed and is moved in a direction of retraction and until it is stopped.

Abstract: A method for conveniently applying various effects to a captured digital image is disclosed. A digital camera to carry out the method includes a reader to image manipulation instructions printed on a card and an image printer for printing manipulated images. The method involves reading the image manipulation instructions from the card and manipulating a pre-captured image on the basis of the instructions. Complex manipulations can be readily carried out by inserting a sequence of the cards in a particular order to apply a desired effect to the captured image. Once the desired image manipulations have been applied the manipulated image is printed out.

Abstract: A solid state imager converts analog pixel values to digital form on an arrayed per-column basis. An N-bit counter supplies an N-bit DAC to produce an analog ramp output with a level that varies corresponding to the contents of the counter. A ripple counter or equivalent is associated with each respective column. A clock supplies clock signals to the counter elements. A comparator in each column gates the counter element when the analog ramp equals the pixel value for that column. The contents of the counters are transferred sequentially to a video output bus to produce the digital video signal. Additional black-level readout counter elements can create and store a digital value that corresponds to a dark or black video level. A subtraction element subtracts the black level value from the pixel value to reduce fixed pattern noise. An additional array of buffer counter/latches can be employed.

Abstract: A compact camera module is disclosed that is capable of preventing adhesion of dust to an image pickup device in the compact camera module. The compact camera module includes a lens unit including a lens and a lens holder holding the lens therein and an image pickup unit attached to the lens unit. The image pickup unit includes a circuit board, an image pickup device on the circuit board, a cover member arranged on the circuit board to cover the image pickup device, and an optical filter arranged with respect to the cover member to face the image pickup device. The image pickup device is disposed in a substantially closed space formed by the circuit board, the cover member, and the optical filter. After the image pickup device is mounted on the circuit board, the image pickup device is disposed in the substantially closed space, and therefore, the compact camera module can be assembled with no occurrence of dust adhesion to the image pickup device.

Abstract: A digital camera comprising: a solid-state image pickup device having an image pickup region; a signal processing unit for generating a through-image on a basis of an image signal read from a region extracted from a through-image extraction frame of said image pickup region; a display unit for displaying said through-image generated by said signal processing unit; a camera shake detection unit for detecting an amount of camera shake; and a control unit for calculating an amount of displacement by amplifying said amount of camera shake detected by said camera shake detection unit and shifting said through-image extraction frame on a basis of said amount of displacement.

Abstract: Evaluation values are extracted at first timings with respect to a movement of a focus lens, and evaluation values are extracted at second timings having higher frequency than the first timings on the basis of the evaluation values extracted at the first timings. Then, even if the evaluation values have been extracted at the second timings in such a way, the focus lens is moved on the basis of the evaluation values extracted at the first timings. Thereby, the fast and suitable movement of AF can be implemented.