Abstract: An imaging device includes a histogram unit that extracts luminance information from video signals obtained by image capture and generates a histogram, a white balance detector unit that detects the deviation in the white balance of the video signal, and a white balance processor unit that corrects the white balance of the video signal; and along with selecting the imaging conditions of the imaging unit based on the deviations detected by the white balance detector unit, also controls the white balance processor unit. When there is a large deviation in the white balance, the imaging device decides whether or not to correct the white balance according for example to the hue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for capturing or generating images using multiple optical chains operating in parallel are described. Pixel values captured by individual optical chains corresponding to the same scene area are combined to provide an image with at least some of the benefits which would have been provided by capturing an image of the scene using a larger lens than that of the individual lenses of the optical chain modules. By using multiple optical chains in parallel at least some benefits normally obtained from using a large lens can be obtained without the need for a large lens. Furthermore in at least some embodiments, a wide dynamic range can be supported through the use of multiple sensors with the overall supported dynamic range being potentially larger than that of the individual sensors. Some lens and/or optical chain configurations are designed for use in small handheld devices, e.g., cell phones.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for capturing or generating images using multiple optical chains operating in parallel are described. Pixel values captured by individual optical chains corresponding to the same scene area are combined to provide an image with at least some of the benefits which would have been provided by capturing an image of the scene using a larger lens than that of the individual lenses of the optical chain modules. By using multiple optical chains in parallel at least some benefits normally obtained from using a large lens can be obtained without the need for a large lens. Furthermore in at least some embodiments, a wide dynamic range can be supported through the use of multiple sensors with the overall supported dynamic range being potentially larger than that of the individual sensors. Some lens and/or optical chain configurations are designed for use in small handheld devices, e.g., cell phones.

Abstract: An information communication method includes: setting an exposure time of an image sensor so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to an exposure line included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject; capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time, to obtain the image including the bright line; and obtaining information by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the bright line included in the obtained image.

Abstract: A method for generating a glare-reduced image from images captured by a camera device of a subject vehicle includes obtaining a short-exposure image and a long-exposure image and generating a resulting high dynamic range image based on the short-exposure and long-exposure images. Pixel values are monitored within both the short- and long-exposure images. A light source region is identified within both the short- and long-exposure images based on the monitored pixel values. A glaring region is identified based on the identified light source region and one of calculated pixel ratios and calculated pixel differences between the monitored pixel values of the long- and short-exposure images. The identified glaring region upon the resulting high dynamic range image is modified with the identified light source region within the short-exposure image. The glare-reduced image is generated based on the modified identified glaring region upon the resulting HDR image.

Abstract: Provided is a digital image signal processing method, a recording medium for recording the method, and a digital image signal processing apparatus, in which a storage area of a memory may be efficiently used and an image desired by a user can be stored even when the storage area of the memory is insufficient. According to the present invention, a scene of an image may be recognized and a resolution and an image quality may be modified according to the recognized scene, thereby efficiently using the storage area of the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing emotional information in an electronic device are provided. At least one content is displayed. Emotional information is extracted from an image obtained via a camera. The emotional information is added to the content.

Abstract: A method for capturing an image with audio data includes recording and storing audio data, capturing an image on request, and matching and storing the recorded audio data with the captured image, thereby allowing a user to more lively record an audio signal when an image is captured. An apparatus for capturing an image with audio data includes a camera unit configured to capture an image, an audio data recording unit configured to record audio data, and a controller configured to store an image captured by the camera unit, and match and store audio data recorded by the audio data recording unit for a predetermined period of time after the camera unit captured the image.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a first image reduction unit configured to reduce the size of an image output by an image pickup element, a memory configured to store the image reduced by the first image reduction unit, an external output unit configured to output the image stored in the memory, a display configured to display an image being shot, a second image reduction unit configured to reduce, to the display size on the display, the image reduced by the first image reduction unit, without causing the reduced image to be stored in the memory and a signal processor for the display configured to perform signal processing of the image reduced to the display size on the display.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for recording image data in an electronic device are provided. The method includes storing image data of different directions obtained via a plurality of cameras. In the method for storing image data in an electronic device, first image data and second image data are obtained. A state of an object of the second image data is determined while the first image data is stored. When the state of the object of the second image data meets a certain condition, the second image data is stored together with the first image data.

Abstract: A primary exposure and an effects exposure of a scene are captured via a digital imaging sensor. During at least the effects exposure, the scene is caused to shift in a predetermined pattern relative to the digital imaging sensor via an image stabilizing device. The effects exposure and the primary exposure are combined to form a digital image.

Abstract: A method for generating and evaluating an image of a section of an object using an optical sensor. To generate a bright image, individual images are recorded of a section, of which individual images at least some individual images overlap at least in part in each case, and that to generate the image, the individual images or signals are aligned with respect to one another and superposed to form an overall image as the image of the at least one section, so that the evaluation of the overall image is substantially restricted to the overlapping regions of the individual images and/or the evaluation of the overall image or of a part thereof is brought about on the basis of the overlapping regions of the individual images having the latter.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for reconstructing a space-time volume from a coded image are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, systems for reconstructing a space-time volume from a coded image are provided, the systems comprising: an image sensor that outputs image data; and at least one processor that: causes a projection of the space-time volume to be captured in a single image of the image data in accordance with a coded shutter function; receives the image data; and performs a reconstruction process on the image data to provide a space-time volume corresponding to the image data.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to defect pixel correction for image data collected by a pixel array of an image sensor. Neighborhood statistics for a given pixel from the image data are computed based on values of neighbor pixels of the given pixel from the image data. Whether the value of the given pixel is defective is detected based on the neighborhood statistics. The value of the given pixel is replaced when detected to be defective to output modified image data. Correction of the given pixel is a function of whether the given pixel is in a flat region or a non-flat region. When the given pixel is defective and in a non-flat region, a minimum edge across the given pixel is identified and the value of the given pixel is replaced with an average of values of neighbor pixels that belong to the minimum edge.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus processes an image signal obtained from an image pickup element, using an image pickup optical system arranged to obtain directional traveling information of object image light corresponding to a pupil division area of a photographing lens. The apparatus includes: a unit of setting a focal position at which the refocused image is generated; and a unit of correcting an image signal of a defect pixel of the image pickup element using an image signal of other pixel. The apparatus determines the other pixel to be used for correcting the image signal of the defect pixel on the basis of the set focal position and the directional traveling information of the object image light.

Abstract: One or more objects of interest from a scene are selected. Depth information of the one or more objects is calculated. Additionally, depth information of the scene is calculated. The calculated depth information of the one or more objects is compared with calculated depth information of the scene. Based on the comparison a blur is applied to an image that includes the scene.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element, a correction value calculating unit, and a correction unit. The imaging element images an object through a photographing lens to generate an image signal. The correction value calculating unit calculates correction values for a plurality of frequency components of the image signal, the correction values corresponding to an aperture value acquired when the object is imaged through the photographing lens. The correction unit corrects frequency characteristics of the plurality of frequency components in accordance with the correction values calculated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for capturing or generating images using multiple optical chains operating in parallel are described. Pixel values captured by individual optical chains corresponding to the same scene area are combined to provide an image with at least some of the benefits which would have been provided by capturing an image of the scene using a larger lens than that of the individual lenses of the optical chain modules. By using multiple optical chains in parallel at least some benefits normally obtained from using a large lens can be obtained without the need for a large lens. Furthermore in at least some embodiments, a wide dynamic range can be supported through the use of multiple sensors with the overall supported dynamic range being potentially larger than that of the individual sensors. Some lens and/or optical chain configurations are designed for use in small handheld devices, e.g., cell phones.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus of a dynamic range enlarged by reading out a carrier accumulated in a carrier accumulation unit at a plurality of times during a single carrier accumulation time period.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of an embodiment includes pixel units each including a photoelectric conversion unit and an amplification transistor that outputs a signal based on an electric carrier generated by the photoelectric conversion unit, a first output line to which signals from first and other pixel units are output, and a second output line to which signals from second and other pixel units are output. A connection unit is arranged to control an electric connection between input nodes of the amplification transistors of the first and second pixel units is arranged. A control unit is arranged to selectively output a signal from at least one of the first and second pixel units to the first output line out of the first and second output lines when the connection unit mutually connects the input nodes of the first and second pixel units.

Abstract: An image pickup device with a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels includes: a photoelectric conversion section formed in a semiconductor substrate; and a metallic member formed between the semiconductor substrate and a wiring layer provided in a layer on the semiconductor substrate, a part of the metallic member being configured to serve as a light-shielding member that blocks a part of light to be incident on the photoelectric conversion section.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes: a camera unit; a display unit which displays an image captured by the camera unit; and a touch panel disposed so as to overlap the display unit. When a predetermined operation is performed on the touch panel, a brightness of the display unit is changed from a first brightness to a second brightness brighter than the first brightness. The display unit displays thereon an indication showing that the brightness has increased. The indication showing that the brightness has increased is continued even at least after changing to the second brightness.

Abstract: A method for controlling the preview of images taken by multiple cameras includes displaying a first preview image of a first camera on a screen, detecting a first user gesture through a second camera and a second user gesture on a touch panel mounted on the screen, and displaying a second preview image of the second camera along with the first preview image of the first camera in response to the first and second user gestures. A mobile terminal includes a first camera and a second camera, and a control unit configured to detect a first user gesture through a second camera and a second user gesture on a touch panel in a state of displaying the first preview image.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus is provided. The digital photographing apparatus includes a photographing unit that generates photographed images from incident light, a live view generator that generates a live view image from the photographed images, and a display unit that displays the live view image. The live view generator determines the number of real-time photographed images to be combined, according to a set exposure time. The live view generator combines the real-time photographed images of the determined number to generate the live view image. The live view generator combines latest real-time photographed images of the determined number to update the live view image whenever a real-time photographed image is input.

Abstract: A method for providing camera operations using a haptic function, and an electronic device implementing the same are provided. The method of operating the electric device includes receiving, by an electronic device including a camera, an input to activate the camera; receiving a request to output guidance information for assisting with photographing with the camera; determining haptic feedback corresponding to the guidance information; and outputting the determined haptic feedback.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element including a pixel portion having a plurality of photoelectric conversion units with respect to one micro lens and color filters which are regularly arranged for each micro lens. The imaging apparatus generates a first signal and a second signal for phase difference-type focus detection based on an output of the imaging element. Each of the first signal and the second signal consists of a plurality of unit signals, and the unit signal of each of the first signal and the second signal is a signal obtained by mixing image signals from the same combination of the color filters.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels, each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements; a readout unit that reads out a signal from a portion of the photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel as a first signal and reads out a sum of signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel as an image signal; a generation unit that generates a second signal for each pixel using the image signal and the first signal; and a calculation unit that calculates a moving amount of a focus lens for achieving an in-focus state based on a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. The calculation unit performs the calculation without using a signal from a defective line.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for generating a wide dynamic range image by executing a pixel value combination process of a plurality of different exposure time setting pixels. Control of a different exposure time is performed for each of a plurality of pixels of the same colors configuring a pixel block and an addition pixel value obtained by adding outputs of the plurality of pixels of the same colors of the pixel block is generated. The generation of the addition pixel value is executed in an operation unit having an adding unit that that adds the outputs of the plurality of pixels of the same colors of the pixel block. Or, the generation of the addition pixel value is executed by a floating diffusion (FD) set in a pixel block unit and a charge output from each of the plurality of pixels of the same colors configuring the pixel block is accumulated and output in the floating diffusion (FD).

Abstract: A camera module includes a body having recesses in a first datum surface. A filleted edge may join the recesses to the first datum surface. An image sensor is coupled to the body at a known distance from the first datum surface. A movable lens mechanism includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is coupled to the body. The movable portion includes a lens assembly and protrusions arranged to fit within the recesses in the first datum surface and to define a second datum surface. A resilient stop plate covers the recesses in the first datum surface with an elastic sheet material. A spring may hold the protrusions in contact with the resilient stop plate when the movable lens mechanism is unpowered. The resilient stop plate may include a rigid support plate coupled to the body by heat staking. The elastic sheet material may be viscoelastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an array camera. The array camera includes an array camera comprising an image sensor sectioned into at least two channels and at least two lens modules each positioned on a top of one of the channels. Each channel consists of an active sensor area and a dead space. Each lens module has a barrel. Each barrel of the lens modules has an inner sidewall facing the adjacent lens modules and an outer sidewall opposite to the inner surface. Wherein, a projection of the inner sidewall of each barrel along the optical axis is an inner line on the corresponding channel of the image sensor and the inner line is substantially superposed with a part of the outline of the active sensor. The array camera has a small size.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for capturing or generating images using multiple optical chains operating in parallel are described. Pixel values captured by individual optical chains corresponding to the same scene area are combined to provide an image with at least some of the benefits which would have been provided by capturing an image of the scene using a larger lens than that of the individual lenses of the optical chain modules. By using multiple optical chains in parallel at least some benefits normally obtained from using a large lens can be obtained without the need for a large lens. Furthermore in at least some embodiments, a wide dynamic range can be supported through the use of multiple sensors with the overall supported dynamic range being potentially larger than that of the individual sensors. Some lens and/or optical chain configurations are designed for use in small handheld devices, e.g., cell phones.

Abstract: Optical systems based on an objective lens comprising one or more plastic lens elements are disclosed. The inclusion of plastic lens element reduces one or more of system cost, size, weight, and/or complexity. The chromatic performance of some imaging systems in accordance with the present invention is improved by incorporation of a diffractive surface into the entry surface of the objective lens.

Abstract: An adjustable multimode lightfield imaging system. A non-homogeneous filter module is positioned at the pupil plane of the lightfield imaging system and provides the multimode capability. The filter module can be moved relative to the imaging system with the exposure conditions adjusted accordingly, thus allowing adjustment of the multimode capability.

Abstract: A portable consumer electronics device has a handheld portable device housing, and an electronic camera module integrated in the housing. The module has a focusing lens to focus light from a scene, an imaging sensor to receive the focused light, and an electro-optic variable aperture to allow different amounts of the light from the scene to reach the imaging sensor. The aperture has a stack that includes a front transparent conductor medium, an electrolyte medium, an active electro-chromic medium, and a rear transparent conductor medium. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An electro-optic aperture has a stack that includes a front transparent conductor medium, an active electro-chromic medium, and a rear transparent conductor medium. The front and rear transparent conductor mediums are directly connected to each other by a conductive section located within the imaging path. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus including a camera housing having an aperture, a camera having an imaging axis disposed in the housing with a lens disposed adjacent the aperture providing a field of view extending outwards through the aperture, around the imaging axis of the camera, at least one light source that illuminates the field of view of the camera, the light source is in an annular space between the lens and periphery of the aperture, at least one flap that supports the at least one light source, the flap extends around the annular space, the flap is pivotally attached to the camera and periphery of the aperture and an actuator that moves the camera along the imaging axis.

Abstract: The technology disclosed provides systems and methods for reducing the overall power consumption of an optical motion-capture system without compromising the quality of motion capture and tracking. In implementations, this is accomplished by operating the motion-detecting cameras and associated image-processing hardware in a low-power mode (e.g., at a low frame rate or in a standby or sleep mode) unless and until touch gestures of an object such as a tap, sequence of taps, or swiping motions are performed with a surface proximate to the cameras. A contact microphone or other appropriate sensor is used for detecting audio signals or other vibrations generated by contact of the object with the surface.

Abstract: A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) configured to have an image sensor mounted thereon; a housing unit disposed over the first PCB; a holder module spaced apart from a bottom surface within the housing unit at a specific interval and configured to have first coils wound on its outer circumferential face and to include at least lens therein; a second PCB combined with the bottom surface of the holder module; a third PCB disposed over the holder module; a plurality of wire springs each configured to have one end connected to the second PCB and the other end connected to the third PCB; and buffer units provided at the connection units of the wire springs and the third PCB and configured to surround the connection units of the wire springs and the third PCB.

Abstract: Converting a first format frame to one or more second format frames. In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a first format frame using n coefficients, where n is the total number of coefficients used for the Y, U and V planes of the first format frame. The method further includes mapping the coefficients of the first format frame to coefficients of one or more second format frames. The one or more second format frames have n coefficients across all of the second format frames matching the n coefficients of the first format frame.

Abstract: A demodulator of a video demodulation device includes an analog-to-digital converter converting an analog IF signal into a digital IF signal, a luminance gain adjuster performing gain adjustment of a luminance component included in the digital IF signal such that a maximum of the luminance component within a predetermined period becomes equal to a predetermined reference value, and a synchronization corrector receiving as input a result of the gain adjustment, correcting a signal corresponding to a signaling period of the horizontal synchronizing signal, and outputting the signal as a CVBS signal. The synchronization corrector outputs, as the CVBS signal, a composite signal containing the luminance component and a color component included in the gain adjustment result when the composite signal is smaller than the reference value, or the reference value when the composite signal is equal to or greater than the reference value.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring a temporal offset between audio content and video content that employ audio fingerprints from an audio signal in the audio content, and video fingerprints from video frames in the video content. The systems obtain reference audio and video fingerprints prior to transmission of video over a media channel, and obtain target audio and video fingerprints subsequent to transmission of the video over the media channel. Each fingerprint has an associated time stamp. Using the reference and target audio fingerprints and their associated time stamps, the systems determine an audio time stamp offset. Using the reference and target video fingerprints and their associated time stamps, the systems determine a video time stamp offset. Using the audio and video time stamp offsets, the systems determine a temporal offset between the video content and the audio content introduced by the media channel.

Abstract: A mechanism for facilitating dynamic timestamp-less clock generation for transmitting media streams over shared channels is described. In one embodiment, a method includes periodically counting and producing, at a first media device, a number of audio/video (“A/V”) samples, generating a pace clock based on the number of A/V samples, generating a target clock based on the pace clock, and transmitting an A/V media stream based on a frequency difference between a pace frequency relating to the pace clock and a target frequency relating to the target clock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining smooth video transition between distinct applications includes a processor, a secondary memory and a system memory. In providing a smooth transition between applications, the apparatus and method provides synchronization of the video and graphics components while transitioning from a first application to a second application. If there is no video component in either application, no action is needed to provide a smooth transition between applications, and when only the first application includes a video component, the video component need only be turned off for smooth transition between the applications to occur. When both the first application and the second application include video components, smooth transition between the applications is dependent upon the display window size of the first application in comparison to the second application. A process is triggered according to the size of the display windows of the first and second applications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing random noise in digital video streams are described. In one innovative aspect, a device for reducing noise of a video stream is provided. The device includes a ringing noise detector configured to identify ringing noise in an image included in the video stream. The device further includes a block detector configured to identify a block pattern in the image included in the video stream, the block detector configured to identify block patterns of a predetermined size and block patterns of an arbitrary size. The device also includes a noise reducer configured to filter the image based on the identified ringing noise and the block pattern.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing random noise in digital video streams are described. In one innovative aspect, the device includes a noise estimator. The device also includes a motion detector configured to determine a motion value indicative of motion between two frames of the video stream, the motion value based at least in part on the noise value. The device further includes a spatial noise reducer configured to filter the image data based at least in part on a blending factor and the noise value. The device also includes a temporal noise reducer configured to filter the video data based on the motion value and the noise value. The device also includes a blender configured to blend the spatial and temporal filtered values to provide a weighted composite filtered output image.

Abstract: In a personal interactive overhead projection IFE system, an overhead projector associated with a passenger's seat projects video onto a passive substrate attached to the seat. The passive substrate may be a tray table or a dedicated video projection screen. The passenger sitting in the seat controls the projected video by positioning his or her finger or making hand gestures proximate the passive substrate. An overhead camera records the hand actions. An overhead processor interprets the hand actions and controls the projected video based on the hand actions. The system provides highly desirable personal and interactive features while obviating the need for seatback video display units or passenger control units.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an operation apparatus capable of achieving an improvement in operability. [Solving Means] This operation apparatus includes: a casing including two surfaces opposed in front and back directions as a first surface and a second surface; a first operation input unit that is provided in the first surface and includes a detector that performs a detection of an operation of a user with respect to a predetermined coordinate detection space on the first surface; a second operation input unit provided in the second surface; a determination unit that determines an attitude of the casing when an operation of the user with respect to the coordinate detection space of the detector is performed from a side of the second surface; and a converter that converts, when the attitude is determined, information detected by the detector into information of a coordinate system of the coordinate detection space seen through from the side of the second surface.

Abstract: A television apparatus comprises a support frame and a leg member extending from the support frame to support the support frame in an inclined orientation. The television apparatus further comprises a display panel unit having a chassis movably mounted to the support frame via a first coupling assembly mounted between a right side edge portion of the chassis and a right side section of the support frame, and a second coupling assembly mounted between a left side edge portion of the chassis and a left side section of the support frame.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to video assemblies and more particularly video assemblies for on-board entertainment systems. The video assembly may include a video arm coupled with a video monitor. The video assembly may be manually moveable by a user between a stowed position and a deployed position. The video arm may include a friction torque device. The video arm may provide variable resistance depending on a direction of movement of the video assembly. In some embodiments, the video arm may provide less resistance to a user when the user moves the video assembly toward the deployed position compared to the resistance provided to a user when the user moves the video assembly away from the deployed position. Further, the video arm may provide for a low torque zone where the resistance provided to a user is reduced when the user moves the video assembly through low torque zone.

Abstract: There are provided a flat panel display device in which a flat display panel and an optical member are layered and fixed to each other without using an OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) film and a method for manufacturing the same. A flat panel display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display module that is formed by layering a flat display panel and one or more optical members having a pair of flat planes; and an adhesive that occupies mold spaces formed so as to include sides of the display module and is cured while adhering to the sides of the display module, in which the display module is fixed by the cured adhesive.