Abstract: Color filter array patterns are provided for enhancing an image sensor's light sensitivity while preserving a color accuracy for image signal processing applications. In one example, an image sensor can include a substrate layer containing a first set of photodiodes and a second set of photodiodes, wherein each of the first set of photodiodes is larger than each of the second set of photodiodes; a first color filter array (CFA) covering the first set of photodiodes, wherein the first CFA includes a first set of color filters and a portion of the first set of color filters includes one or more clear filters; a second CFA covering the second set of photodiodes, wherein the second CFA includes a second set of color filters that is different than the first set of color filters; and one or more lenses covering the first CFA and the second CFA.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preserving dynamic range in images. In some aspects, a process can include steps for receiving, at an autonomous vehicle system, image data from an image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a high dynamic range (HDR) output by performing HDR processing on the image data from the image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a least significant bit (LSB) output by performing LSB processing on the image data from the image sensor, and generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, an 8-bit output by performing a buffer process on the HDR output and the LSB output of the image sensor.

Abstract: Color filter array patterns are provided for enhancing an image sensor’s light sensitivity while preserving a color accuracy for image signal processing applications. In one example, an image sensor can include a substrate layer containing a first set of photodiodes and a second set of photodiodes, wherein each of the first set of photodiodes is larger than each of the second set of photodiodes; a first color filter array (CFA) covering the first set of photodiodes, wherein the first CFA includes a first set of color filters and a portion of the first set of color filters includes one or more clear filters; a second CFA covering the second set of photodiodes, wherein the second CFA includes a second set of color filters that is different than the first set of color filters; and one or more lenses covering the first CFA and the second CFA.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preserving dynamic range in images. In some aspects, a process can include steps for receiving, at an autonomous vehicle system, image data from an image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a high dynamic range (HDR) output by performing HDR processing on the image data from the image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a least significant bit (LSB) output by performing LSB processing on the image data from the image sensor, and generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, an 8-bit output by performing a buffer process on the HDR output and the LSB output of the image sensor.

Abstract: Color filter array patterns are provided for enhancing an image sensor's light sensitivity while preserving a color accuracy for image signal processing applications. In one example, an image sensor can include a substrate layer containing a first set of photodiodes and a second set of photodiodes, wherein each of the first set of photodiodes is larger than each of the second set of photodiodes; a first color filter array (CFA) covering the first set of photodiodes, wherein the first CFA includes a first set of color filters and a portion of the first set of color filters includes one or more clear filters; a second CFA covering the second set of photodiodes, wherein the second CFA includes a second set of color filters that is different than the first set of color filters; and one or more lenses covering the first CFA and the second CFA.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preserving dynamic range in images. In some aspects, a process can include steps for receiving, at an autonomous vehicle system, image data from an image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a high dynamic range (HDR) output by performing HDR processing on the image data from the image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a least significant bit (LSB) output by performing LSB processing on the image data from the image sensor, and generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, an 8-bit output by performing a buffer process on the HDR output and the LSB output of the image sensor.

Abstract: Various aspects of the subject technology relate to an automotive camera unit. The automotive camera unit comprises a housing comprising an aperture, a lens positioned to receive an optical image through the aperture of the housing, and an image sensor board mounted within the housing, the image sensor board comprising an image sensor configured to convert the optical image into sensor data. The automotive camera unit further includes an image signal processor (ISP) board mounted within the housing and above the image sensor board, the image signal processor board comprising an image signal processor configured to covert the sensor data into image data for use by an automotive system.

Abstract: Various aspects of the subject technology relate to an automotive camera unit. The automotive camera unit comprises a housing comprising an aperture, a lens positioned to receive an optical image through the aperture of the housing, and an image sensor board mounted within the housing, the image sensor board comprising an image sensor configured to convert the optical image into sensor data. The automotive camera unit further includes an image signal processor (ISP) board mounted within the housing and above the image sensor board, the image signal processor board comprising an image signal processor configured to covert the sensor data into image data for use by an automotive system.

Abstract: Color filter array patterns are provided for enhancing an image sensor's light sensitivity while preserving a color accuracy for image signal processing applications. In one example, an image sensor can include a substrate layer containing a first set of photodiodes and a second set of photodiodes, wherein each of the first set of photodiodes is larger than each of the second set of photodiodes; a first color filter array (CFA) covering the first set of photodiodes, wherein the first CFA includes a first set of color filters and a portion of the first set of color filters includes one or more clear filters; a second CFA covering the second set of photodiodes, wherein the second CFA includes a second set of color filters that is different than the first set of color filters; and one or more lenses covering the first CFA and the second CFA.

Abstract: A string coiling unit is mounted in a top frame of a window shade without a pull cord. The string coiling unit includes a casing receiving a vortex spring device and two reels operably connected to the vortex spring device. Two axles are mounted in the casing. A guiding wheel is mounted around each axle, is shorter than the axle, and includes an annular first groove for receiving one of the driving strings. Each driving strings is wound around a deflecting portion of one of two string guiding mechanisms before extending through the shade unit in the vertical direction, such that drag and hindrance to portions of the two driving strings extending in the horizontal direction caused by the weight of the shade unit are interrupted to reduce deviation of the two driving strings wound around the two reels.

Abstract: A balanced folding/unfolding device includes a top housing having a first string hole and a second string hole. A reverse winding portion and forward winding portion are mounted in the top housing. A vortex spring unit is mounted in the top housing and includes a first spring mechanism directly or indirectly connected to a first end of a first driving string and a first end of a second driving string. The first driving string and the second driving string extend in the same function. A second end of the first driving string extends around the forward winding portion and then passes downwards through the first cord hole for connection with a shade unit of a window shade without a pull cord. A second end of the second driving string extends around the reverse winding portion and then passes downwards through the second cord hole for connection with the shade unit.