Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a temporary image accumulating unit in which still images are stored, the still images being captured automatically and continuously regardless of an instruction of a user; an image capturing timing data storage unit in which image capturing timing data is stored, the image capturing timing data including speech information based on sound data and delay time information which are associated with each other; an image capturing timing data specifying unit specifying image capturing timing data containing speech information corresponding to the sound data from the plurality of image capturing timing data; a sound event detecting unit detecting a sound event from the sound data; and a temporary image selecting unit selecting the still image captured at a time before the sound event from the temporary image accumulating unit based on the sound event and the delay time of the specified image capturing timing data.

Abstract: A system for creating an image with a wide dynamic range includes an imaging unit, a processing unit and a control unit operatively connected to each other. The imaging unit is configured to acquire a plurality of images of a scene at respective exposure times such that each of the respective exposure times are different from one another. The images are each represented by a set of pixels, each defining a respective pixel intensity. The processing unit is configured to combine the plurality of images to produce a combined image based at least in part on weighting factors assigned to each pixel and a mapping graph.

Abstract: Embodiments of imaging devices of the present disclosure correct chromatic aberrations present in color images obtained from an image sensor having a color filter mosaic based on a series of several images taken at different focal positions of an optical imaging lens possessing uncorrected chromatic aberration(s).

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device, comprises an image capture device and logic to receive a first set of input frames from an image capture device, analyze the first set of input frames to determine whether multi-image processing is to be implemented, and in response to a determination that multi-image processing is to be implemented, determine a number of image frames required to capture a dynamic range of a scene, capture at least the number of image frames, align the number of images and merge the number of images into a merged image. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensor constructed by replacing some of a plurality of image forming pixels of the image sensor with focus detecting pixels, a comparison unit configured to compare outputs of the image forming pixels as a plurality of correction targets adjacent to the focus detecting pixel with outputs of a plurality of reference image forming pixels of the same color as the plurality of image forming pixels arranged in the vicinity of the plurality of image forming pixels adjacent to the focus detecting pixel, and a correction unit configured to execute correction processing of the outputs of the image forming pixels as the plurality of correction targets in accordance with a comparison result of the comparison unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing an image in a portable terminal equipped with a dual camera are provided. The method includes selecting an image synthesis mode, performing a simultaneous or a sequential photographing of a front camera and a rear camera, obtaining a first image and a second image through the front camera and the rear camera, detecting an object image from one of the first image and the second image, and generating a synthesized image by synthesizing the object image to the other of the first image and the second image in which the object image was not detected.

Abstract: An apparatus including an image processor configured to receive a video, superimpose an object on the video at a distance from a reference point, and modify a location of the object based on a distance between the object and the reference point in a later frame.

Abstract: Various methods are provided for automatically adjusting a zoom feature in accordance with a camera movement to perform a dolly zoom effect. One example method may include causing reception of a first image frame from video data, wherein the first image frame comprises two or more interest points, causing reception of a second image frame from the video data, wherein the second image frame comprises the two or more interest points in a different location, and tracking a difference in location of the two or more interest points from the first image frame to the second image frame. The method may also include calculating a scaling factor and applying the scaling factor to the second image frame.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprising a positive first lens unit composed of three or four lens elements, a negative second lens unit, and subsequent lens units, wherein the subsequent lens units include an aperture diaphragm, an image blur compensating lens unit, and a focusing lens unit, which are provided on the image side relative to the aperture diaphragm, and the conditions: 1.8<|(YW/fW)×FNOT×(fT/fW)|<4.5 and 0.001<(D1W+D2T)/fW<0.200 (YW=fW×tan(?W), fW, fT: focal length of the zoom lens system at wide-angle limit, telephoto limit, ?W: half view angle at wide-angle limit, FNOT: F-number at telephoto limit, D1W: inter-apex distance between the first and second lens units at wide-angle limit, D2T: inter-apex distance between the second lens unit and a most object side lens unit among the subsequent lens units at telephoto limit) are satisfied.

Abstract: A noise elimination device includes a low pass filter unit, a noise filtering unit and a signal synthesis unit. The low pass filter unit generates a low frequency image signal by separating low frequency elements from an input image signal. The noise filtering unit generates a filtered image signal by suppressing noise in the low frequency image signal in horizontal and vertical directions. The signal synthesis unit generates an output image signal by combining the high frequency image signal and the filtered image signal.

Abstract: In a case where a weighted mean value is calculated by calculating weights according to a degree of similarity based on a target pixel, the mean value is affected by noise included in the target pixel. The mean value thereby converges at a value different from a true pixel value without noise and this appears as a remaining noise. To solve this problem, an output value of the target pixel is determined based on a correlation established among a weighted mean value of multiple reference pixels, a pixel value of the target pixel, and the true value of the target pixel.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a light receiving surface sectioned for red, green, blue, and white pixels arranged in a matrix with photodiodes formed thereon; color filters formed on the semiconductor substrate in light incident paths to the photodiodes of the respective formation regions of the red, green, and blue pixels and respectively transmitting lights in red, green, and blue wavelength regions; and photochromic films formed on the semiconductor substrate in the light incident path to the photodiodes in the formation regions of at least some of the white pixels, and containing a photochromic material having light transmittance varying in response to incident light intensity in a predetermined wavelength region, wherein a half period of the light transmittance of the photochromic films is shorter than one frame as a period in which pixel signals obtained in the pixels are read out with respect to all pixels.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a CCD sensor comprising a pixel array having a first segment configured to produce a first tap signal responsive to receipt of electromagnetic radiation from a scene to be imaged, a second segment configured to produce a second tap signal responsive to receipt of the electromagnetic radiation from the scene, a region of interest including a portion of the first segment adjacent the second segment and a portion of the second segment adjacent the first segment, and a processor configured to receive the first and second tap signals, perform level correction on one of the first and second tap signals based on magnitudes of the first and second tap signals, and perform gain correction on one of the first and second tap signals based on a comparison between magnitudes of the first and second tap signals corresponding to the region of interest.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device according to an embodiment includes: an imaging element formed on a semiconductor substrate, and including pixel blocks each having pixels; a main lens forming an image of a subject on an imaging plane; a microlens array including microlenses corresponding to the pixel blocks, the microlens array reducing an image to be formed on the imaging plane by Nf times or less and forming reduced images on the pixel blocks corresponding to the respective microlenses; and an image processing unit enlarging and synthesizing the reduced images formed by the microlenses, the solid state imaging device meeting conditions of an expression MTFMain(u)?MTFML(u)?MTFMain(u×Nf) where u denotes an image spatial frequency, MTFML(u) denotes an MTF function of the microlenses, and MTFMain(u) denotes an MTF function of the main lens.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, a two-dimensional surface on which imaging elements are arranged has a first region that includes one or more lines, and a second region other than the first region that includes a plurality of lines, each line including a light shielded region that is shielded from light and an effective region other than the light shielded region. The imaging apparatus determines a correction value for use in offset correction for each line in the first region according to the representative value derived with respect to the first region and a first determination method, and determines correction value for use in the offset correction for each line in the second region according to the representative value derived with respect to the second region and a second determination method that is independent from the first determination method.

Abstract: By utilizing scene metrics in an image processing system (such as night vision goggles or a camera), a setpoint controller can set a setpoint used by a gain controller. Using the setpoint and an average video level of a frame, the gain controller can set gain control signals sent to an image sensor and/or a high voltage power supply to adaptively adjust for higher and lower light scenarios. Scene metrics can include an amount of saturation in a frame, a number or percentage of pixels above a first threshold and a number or percentage of pixels below a second threshold.

Abstract: A module for high speed image processing includes an image sensor for generating a plurality of analog outputs representing an image and a plurality of HDDs for concurrently processing the plurality of analog outputs. Each HDD is an integrated circuit configured to process in parallel a predetermined set of the analog outputs. Each channel of the HDD can include an AFE for conditioning a signal representing one sensor analog output, an ADC for converting a conditioned signal into a digital signal, and a data formatting block for calibrations and formatting the digital signal for transport to an off-chip device. The HDDs and drive electronics are combined with the image sensor into one package to optimize signal integrity and high dynamic range, and to achieve high data rates through use of synchronized HDD channels. Combining multiple modules results in a highly scalable imaging subsystem optimized for inspection and metrology applications.

Abstract: A signal processing unit includes: a synchronizing signal control section configured to control length of a synchronizing signal for a predetermined row in a frame, in which the synchronizing signal serves as a basis of charge read processing that reads charge from a pixel array on a row basis; and a timing adjustment section configured to adjust timing of electronic shutter operation of unit pixels, according to the length of the synchronizing signal for the predetermined row controlled by the synchronizing signal control section.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device including a pixel section arranged with multiple pixel circuits in matrix having functions for converting an optical signal to an electrical signal and for accumulating the electrical signal depending on an exposure time, and a pixel driving section capable of driving through a control line to reset, accumulate, transfer, and output signal electric charge of the pixel section. The pixel section may have a pixel shared structure arranged with one selection control line, one reset control line, and multiple transfer control lines, including a readout-pixel section and an unread-pixel section in its entirety. The pixel driving section includes a pixel control section where an unread-pixel is normally fixed in a reset state. When reading a readout-pixel in a shared relationship, if its address is selected or a selection signal becomes active, the unread-pixel reset-state is cancelled to turn into an unread state.

Abstract: Solid-state imaging devices and electronic apparatuses are provided. More particularly, a solid-state imaging device that includes first and second substrates are provided. The first and second substrates are stacked on top of one another. The first substrate includes a pixel array and a peripheral circuit. The second substrate also includes a peripheral circuit. The device can be configured such that all resistors are formed in the second substrate, with no resistors being formed in the first substrate. Alternatively, the device can be configured such that all capacitors are formed in the second substrate, with no capacitors being formed in the first substrate. As yet another alternative, the second substrate can be configured such that it contains all resistors and capacitors of the peripheral circuits, with no resistors or capacitors being formed in the peripheral circuit of the first substrate.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a first semiconductor chip having a first surface and a second surface, the first semiconductor chip a including an array of unit pixels configured to capture light corresponding to an image and to generate image signals based on the captured light; and a second semiconductor chip having a first surface and a second surface, the second semiconductor chip including first peripheral circuits configured to control the array of pixels and receive the generated image signals, the first peripheral circuits including a vertical scanning circuit, a horizontal scanning circuit, and a signal read-out circuit, the first semiconductor chip being stacked on the second semiconductor chip, the first semiconductor chip not being smaller than the second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus that generates an RGB pattern data from an image pickup signal by an image pickup element having an RGBW pattern and a method. An edge detection unit analyzes an output signal of the image pickup signal of the RGBW pattern to obtain edge information corresponding to the respective pixels, and a texture detection unit generates texture information. Furthermore, a parameter calculation unit executes an interpolation processing in which an applied pixel position is changed in accordance with an edge direction of a transform target pixel to generate parameters equivalent to an interpolation pixel value.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a reference-signal output section that outputs a reference signal; a comparator that compares an electrical signal output from a pixel with the reference signal; a counter that obtains a count value as an AD conversion result of the electrical signal, the count value being obtained by counting time taken for the reference signal to change until the electrical signal and the reference signal match each other; and an auto-zero control section that performs control so that auto zero processing for setting the comparator is completed in a reset period, in which the pixel is reset, so that a comparison result indicating that two input signals supplied to the comparator match each other.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including at least one active pixel and at least one line-optical black (L-OB) pixel arranged in a matrix including first to nth rows and first to mth columns, the pixel array configured to output a pixel signal and a dark-level offset signal in units of columns during a read-out operation in one of the first to nth rows; a row driver configured to output a selection control signal to the first to nth rows; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) block configured to digitize the pixel signal and the dark-level offset signal. In the pixel array, a dark-level offset signal is simultaneously output from an L-OB pixel in another row during the read-out operation in one of the first to nth rows. Here, ‘n’ and ‘m’ each denote an integer that is equal to or greater than ‘2’.

Abstract: There are provided an imaging apparatus, an imaging system, and a method for driving the imaging apparatus, which include a pixel including a conversion unit and an AD conversion unit for converting a signal output from the conversion unit into a digital signal, a first bias line electrically connected to the conversion unit, and a capacitance element for storing the voltage based on the potential of the first bias line, wherein the AD conversion unit is driven by the voltage stored in the capacitance element.

Abstract: An image sensor supporting a normal sampling mode and a 1/N sampling mode for transmitting image data detected by a plurality of unit image sensors and stored in a plurality of latch circuits to a data processor using a plurality of transmission lines, wherein N is a natural number greater than 2, the image sensor including a horizontal address generator configured to generate horizontal addresses corresponding to addresses of the plurality of latch circuits, and to generate, based on the horizontal addresses, a first channel selection control signal and a second channel selection control signal of which activation times at least partially overlap.

Abstract: A camera system includes a plurality of first cameras and a second camera. Each of the plurality of first cameras has a first receiving section that receives a control signal, a first image pickup section that photographs a first image based on the control signal, and a first transmitting section that transmits the first image and terminal information based on the control signal. The second camera has a second image pickup section that photographs a second image, a second transmitting section that transmits the control signal, a second receiving section that receives the first image and the terminal information, a camera selecting section that selects the first camera that satisfies a predetermined condition as control target camera based on the terminal information, and a storing section that stores the second image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention a method for capturing images on a screen is disclosed. The method includes directing light from a surface of a spatial light modular to an image field using a projection system; capturing light from the image field using the projection system, the projection system directing at least a portion of the captured light to the spatial light modulator; and directing at least a portion of the received captured light to an image capture system using the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: There is provided a display control apparatus including an external memory accommodating unit for accommodating a removable external memory; a database recognizing unit for recognizing a database stored in the external memory, the database being recorded with an image stored in the external memory and information related to the image in correspondence to each other; a display method setting unit for setting either display method of a stored first display method or a second display method of displaying the image stored in the external memory without using the database based on a recognition result of the database recognizing unit; and a display controlling unit for displaying the image stored in the external memory by the display method based on the set display method.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus (10) that acquires captured image data determines whether a position determining unit of the information processing apparatus detects a location of the information processing apparatus; controls a user interface to prompt a user to enter information when it is determined that a location of the information processing apparatus has not been detected; and receives location information that is extracted based on a user input received at the user interface in response to the prompt.

Abstract: A digital device according to an embodiment includes a sensor unit configured to sense a user input to the digital device and to provide a signal corresponding to a sensed result to a processor, a camera unit configured to acquire an image, a display unit configured to display the acquired image, and the processor configured to control the sensor unit, the camera unit, and the display unit. The processor is further configured to: display the image acquired through the camera unit on the display unit, and provide a preview interface indicating a to-be-captured area in the displayed image, wherein the preview interface includes a first frame indicating a preview area of a first picture and a second frame indicating a preview area of a second picture.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup section configured by an image pickup optical system, and an image pickup device for a storage section for temporarily storing image data, a display section, a dividing operation section for instructing that a region to be displayed on the display section is to be divided, and a signal processing control section including at least a display control section, and an image processing section, wherein the signal processing control section performs display control of displaying, on the display section, an image based on the image data, dividing a display region of the display section after receiving a division instruction from the dividing operation section, and causing a second image to be displayed in one of regions obtained by the division, and repeatedly updating/displaying a first image in a display region, of the display section, different from an image display region.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention relates to methods, systems, architectures, algorithms, designs, and user interfaces for light-field based autofocus. In response to receiving a focusing request at a camera, a light-field autofocus system captures a light-field image. An image crop that contains a region of interest and a specified border is determined. A series of refocused images are generated for the image crop at different scene depths. A focus metric is calculated for each refocused image. The scene depth of the refocused image with the best focus metric is identified as the appropriate focus. The focus motor position for the appropriate focus is selected and the focus motor is automatically driven to the selected focus motor position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for taking a photograph by using a widget are provided. The method includes displaying, on a touch screen, a widget including a storage location name corresponding to a storage location where an image photographed in a camera application is stored, a preview area which displays a photo image stored in the storage location, and a photographing button, changing the preview area to a view finder area in response to a first touch detected in the widget, photographing a subject displayed on the view finder area in response to a second touch detected in the photographing button, and storing a photographed image corresponding to the subject in the storage location.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for displaying a portrait on a display by a portable terminal. It is determined whether an image is a character-photographed image. If the image is the character-photographed image, face detection is executed from the image. A character area in the image is set based on a result of the face detection. The character area is enlarged and displayed in a form of a new window.

Abstract: An antenna for a camera, comprising a camera having a communication module provided therein, a first radiator provided in a predetermined position of a lens barrel of the camera and having a length and a width for receiving a signal from a first wireless communication system, a power feeding line configured to feed a power from the communication module of the camera to the first radiator, and a ground line configured to ground the first radiator.

Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is a birefringent transfer foil, comprising a temporary support, an orientation layer, a birefringent layer (preferably a patterned optically anisotropic layer) formed from a composition comprising a liquid-crystal compound having at least one reactive group, said orientation layer being in contact with the temporary support or a releasing layer, wherein the releasing layer being in contact with the temporary support, and said orientation layer being a layer comprising a cellulose alkyl ether or a hydroxyalkyl derivative of cellulose alkyl ether. In the birefringent transfer foil of the present invention, the above orientation layer also functions as a protective layer and a detachment layer, enabling to reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A finder optical system includes an erecting optical system, an eyepiece optical system, and a light metering optical system. An optical axis of the light metering optical system is non-parallel to an optical axis of the eyepiece optical system. The light metering optical system includes a first lens having positive refractive power and a second lens having negative refractive power in this order from a side of the erecting optical system to a side of an image sensor, and the second lens is a prism body reflecting a light flux incoming from an incident surface off an inner reflection surface and outputting the light flux from a light outputting surface.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus, including computer program products, for adjusting the focus of an image capturing device. An apparatus for capturing a focused digital image of a scene includes a lens having an optical surface including a deformation that is asymmetric with respect to an optical axis of the lens, and an aperture component configured to adjust a position of the aperture stop of the lens on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. The apparatus includes an image sensor configured to capture a digital image of an optical image formed by the lens, the digital image being defocused based on the position of the aperture stop. The apparatus includes a digital image processor configured to generate a focused digital image based on the digital image captured by the image sensor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided which includes: an imaging unit that captures an image through an optical system and outputs an image signal corresponding to the captured image; a focus detection unit that uses the image signal as the basis to detect a focal state of the optical system at a plurality of focus detection positions set in an image plane of the optical system; a calculation unit that calculates a limit value at a closing side of an aperture value of the optical system as a closing side limit value, the limit value corresponding to a focus detection position when the focus detection unit performs focus detection; and a control unit that, when the focus detection unit performs focus detection, sets the aperture value of the optical system on the basis of the closing side limit value corresponding to the focus detection position for performing focus detection.

Abstract: The variable liquid device includes: a chamber including a channel, in which a fluid flows, having an inconsistent height in at least a part of the channel; a first fluid filled in the chamber and formed of a non-transmissive material; and a second fluid filled in the chamber and formed of a light transmittable material that does not mix with the first fluid, wherein an aperture, through which light is transmitted, is adjusted according to a variation of an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to an image signal processing system that includes a flash controller that is configured to activate a flash device prior to the start of a target image frame by using a sensor timing signal. In one embodiment, the flash controller receives a delayed sensor timing signal and determines a flash activation start time by using the delayed sensor timing signal to identify a time corresponding to the end of the previous frame, increasing that time by a vertical blanking time, and then subtracting a first offset to compensate for delay between the sensor timing signal and the delayed sensor timing signal. Then, the flash controller subtracts a second offset to determine the flash activation time, thus ensuring that the flash is activated prior to receiving the first pixel of the target frame.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic body is provided at a front-surface side of a reference plane and located outside a region that overlaps an electronic device in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane, and a conductor is provided at a back-surface side of the reference plane and that overlaps the electronic device in the direction perpendicular to the reference plane.

Abstract: The invention provides for a front cover (10) adapted for a housing enclosing a camera. The front cover (10) comprises an aperture (12) covered by a window (14) made of a flexible material, the window (14) being fixed to the front cover (10) by a flexible adhesive (16).

Abstract: An image pickup unit according to the present invention includes: a lens frame that internally holds an image pickup optical system; and a backside illuminated image pickup device which has a light-receiving section that receives light entering the lens frame via the image pickup optical system and which is held inside the lens frame, wherein a claw portion of the lens frame abuts an opposing surface that opposes a light-entering surface of the image pickup device so as to define a position of the image pickup optical system in an optical axis direction L with respect to the light-receiving section using the opposing surface as a reference.

Abstract: Methods and system for processing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving content data in a first format and context description data relating to a portion of the content data. The method may further comprise converting the portion of the content data to an intermediate format, and converting the portion of the content data from the intermediate format to a second format based at least in part upon the context description data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices comprising small form factor pluggable units (SFP) having connectors for receiving and sending signals and a processor for converting the received signals prior to sending the converted signals. Received or sent signals may comprise video signals in various analog or digital formats. Conversion of the received signals may comprise analog to digital or digital to analog conversion, serializing or deserializing a digital signal, frame synchronization of a video signal, and/or cross conversion of a video signal from a first format to a second format.

Abstract: A device for transmitting multiple control formats from an audio/video source to an audio/video monitor receiver. The device includes a high definition multimedia interface cable that has a plurality of communication channels, including a consumer electronic control channel. Furthermore, a pair of plugs are coupled to the respective ends of the high definition multimedia interface cable and can be coupled to audio/video sources and receivers. A pair of interface ports are further coupled to the high definition multimedia interface cable and communicatively coupled to the consumer electronic control channel. The device transmits a first control format on the consumer electronic control channel when the input port is not coupled to a switching device and transmits a second control format on the consumer electronic control channel when the input port is coupled to a switching device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for media content streaming can include communicating with a remote device to stream media content to the remote device, accessing hint information associated with the media content, and transmitting a data stream to the remote device based on the hint information. The hint information can include message headers arranged in a transmission order sequence that correspond to respective media data samples. Accessing hint information can include accessing a hint segment that includes the message headers interleaved with the media data samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting a volume are provided. A presentation of a media asset is generated with a user equipment device at a first volume level. A user request to adjust a volume level of the media asset is received. Subject matter of the media asset currently being presented is determined. A volume adjustment rate is automatically set based on the determined subject matter. The volume level of the media asset is gradually adjusted from the first volume level to a second volume level at a rate corresponding to the volume adjustment rate based on the user request.