Abstract: The present invention is a method of image data processing that includes determining whether the image data indicates photodiode saturation, and removing contouring from the image data caused by the saturation. The contour artifact removal is accomplished by adding a random number to adjusted photodiode data from an extended range imager when the data from the imager indicates that the photodiode has been saturated. The adjusted photodiode data is a sum of photodiode data and spillover rate adjusted diffusion data.

Abstract: A method for decreasing integration time of saturated paxels within an imager; wherein the method includes decreasing the integration time of the saturated paxels within an imager according to scene data from a captured image.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of image data processing that includes determining whether the image data indicates photodiode saturation, and removing contouring from the image data caused by the saturation. The contour artifact removal is accomplished by adding a random number to adjusted photodiode data from an extended range imager when the data from the imager indicates that the photodiode has been saturated. The adjusted photodiode data is a sum of photodiode data and spillover rate adjusted diffusion data.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of image data processing that includes determining whether the image data indicates photodiode saturation, and removing contouring from the image data caused by the saturation. The contour artifact removal is accomplished by adding a random number to adjusted photodiode data from an extended range imager when the data from the imager indicates that the photodiode has been saturated. The adjusted photodiode data is a sum of photodiode data and spillover rate adjusted diffusion data.

Abstract: The present invention is a black clamp circuit for an electronic imager having black reference pixels. The circuit includes an average value circuit determining an average of a number of the black reference pixels, a correction circuit determining the black level correction from the average, and a modifier circuit modifying image pixels with the black level. The average value is used in a real time feedback loop that removes offset errors in the signal processing chain and establishes a corrected black level in output image data. The feedback can be either digital or analog. The correction circuit can include a comparator that allows a hysteresis in the feedback to avoid hunting as well as multiple levels of feedback based on several thresholds. The corrected black level can also be controlled by a digital transfer function. The black clamp circuit can be used for a series of images, an image frame and an image line.

Abstract: The present invention is a black clamp circuit for an electronic imager having black reference pixels. The circuit includes an average value circuit determining an average of a number of the black reference pixels, a correction circuit determining the black level correction from the average, and a modifier circuit modifying image pixels with the black level. The average value is used in a real time feedback loop that removes offset errors in the signal processing chain and establishes a corrected black level in output image data. The feedback can be either digital or analog. The correction circuit can include a comparator that allows a hysteresis in the feedback to avoid hunting as well as multiple levels of feedback based on several thresholds. The corrected black level can also be controlled by a digital transfer function. The black clamp circuit can be used for a series of images, an image frame and an image line.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of image data processing that includes determining whether the image data indicates photodiode saturation, and removing contouring from the image data caused by the saturation. The contour artifact removal is accomplished by adding a random number to adjusted photodiode data from an extended range imager when the data from the imager indicates that the photodiode has been saturated. The adjusted photodiode data is a sum of photodiode data and spillover rate adjusted diffusion data.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an active pixel area for image capture; one or more black pixel areas disposed in a pre-determined, significant spaced apart distance from the active pixel area; and a light shield to prevent light from illuminating the black pixel areas.

Abstract: An image capture device for capturing an image includes an image sensor for receiving incident light; a microprocessor for assisting the image sensor in image capture; and non-volatile, programmable memory for storing predetermined variables that are loaded into the image sensor upon startup.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an active pixel area for image capture; one or more black pixel areas disposed in a pre-determined, significant spaced apart distance from the active pixel area; and a light shield to prevent light from illuminating the black pixel areas.

Abstract: The clock synthesizer includes an oscillator section for providing a train of pulses corresponding to the transitions of a master clock signal, a first register coupled to the oscillator for dividing the train of pulses by a fixed integer to produce a plurality of first phase shifted signals corresponding in number to said integer, and a plurality of second shift registers corresponding in number to the integer and each having a clocking input coupled to a respective one of the first phase shifted signals. The second registers produce a plurality of second phase shifted signals having leading edge transitions separated from each other by displacements corresponding to the transitions of the master clock signal. The second phase shifted signals are then combined to generate the lower frequency clock pulses, which may be used, e.g., in the clocking of a charge coupled device image sensor.

Abstract: An adaptive dual range analog to digital converter particularly adaptive for use with film scanners employs a set-up parameter input arrangement for receiving externally generated control signals for adjusting the digital quantization step size of the analog to digital converter to compensate for quantization errors. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the adaptive dual range analog to digital converter further includes an input signal range selection device for selecting a segment of the input analog signal to be converted to digital form using fine resolution quantization.

Abstract: The present image sensor mounting system is particularly adapted to the mounting of a linear sensor array, of the type having a transparent window on a front surface and a thermal and electrically conductive back surface. The system provides superior electrical and thermal transfer characteristics. A heat sink having at least one flat surface is positioned to make thermal contact with the back surface of the image sensor. A multilayer circuit board having layers of conductive material separated by layers of insulating material and having an opening therethrough sufficient in size to accept the heat sink provides the system support. A metal plating extends from one surface of the board through the opening in the board to the opposite surface of the board with selected ones of the layers of conductive material making electrical contact with the metal plating. The heat sink is mounted in the multilayer circuit board opening in thermal and electrical contact with the metal plating.

Abstract: The synthesizer of the present invention is a multiple clock synthesizer for generating multiple clock signals with improved clock width and position accuracy. Within the synthesizer an oscillator provides a train of pulses corresponding to a base signal. A plurality of delay devices, formed of differing lengths of cables, are coupled to the oscillator with each cable providing a different delay to the train of pulses to in turn provide a plurality of delayed clocking signals. A plurality of registers, each having, a clocking input, a plurality of output taps, and load inputs and corresponding in number to the plurality of delay devices receive on their clocking inputs a delayed clocking signal from an associated one of the plurality of delay devices.