Abstract: The present invention provides a lens device, a drive method, a recording medium, and an image capturing device. According to an aspect of the present invention, in an one-sided drive mode which allows the lens to move beyond a target position, and then to move in a reverse direction and stop at the target position, the control part controls the lens on the basis of the brake ON/OFF information so that when the lens is temporarily stopped, braking by the brake part is not applied, and only when the lens is stopped at a final target position, braking by the brake part is applied.

Abstract: A communication device in a system including a first device and a second device includes an input unit configured to receive a predetermined control command, and a shift unit configured to cause the wireless communication unit to shift to any of operation modes including a reception mode for receiving a signal from another device and a transmission mode for not receiving a signal from another device. In a case where the input unit receives a control command, the shift unit causes the wireless communication unit to shift to the transmission mode without shifting to the reception mode.

Abstract: An information communication method that enables communication between various devices includes: setting an exposure time of an image sensor; obtaining a bright line image including a bright line, by capturing a subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time; setting a longer exposure time than the exposure time; obtaining a normal captured image by image capture by the image sensor with the longer exposure time; generating a synthetic image by specifying, in the normal captured image, a part that corresponds to the bright line included in the bright line image and superimposing a signal object on the normal captured image, the signal object being an image indicating the part; displaying the synthetic image; and obtaining information by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the bright line included in the obtained bright line image.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a frontmost lens unit, which is located closest to the object side and a plurality of lens units located closer to the image side than the frontmost lens unit. All the distances between adjacent lens units vary during zooming in the state in which the zoom lens is focused on an object at infinity. One of the plurality of lens units is a first focusing lens unit. During focusing from an object at infinity to an object at a short distance in a first shooting mode, only the first focusing lens unit moves. During focusing from an object at infinity to an object at a short distance in a second shooting mode, two lens units in the zoom lens move.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for producing high dynamic range images by applying a variable weighting factor to a sample prior to combining the sample with another sample. In one example, a method includes sampling a first pixel cell signal at a first time to produce a first sample, sampling a second pixel cell signal at a second time to produce a second sample, applying a variable weighting factor to the second sample, wherein the variable weighting factor is defined based on a function, and combining the first sample and the weighted second sample.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that can reduce the area where acquired images are held and reduce the load in image synthesis when successive images are to be generated. Acquired images are sequentially acquired and held in an acquired image storage circuit. A first set number of acquired images among the acquired images are synthesized to generate first composite images. The first composite images are held in a grouped image storage circuit. Second composite images from an image generated last to an image corresponding to a second set number among the first composite images are synthesized to generate a second composite image. The acquired images used to generate the first composite images are sequentially deleted.

Abstract: Systems and methods of adjusting camera image data include receiving image data from a visible light camera module are described. A quality factor of the image data can be determined based on at least one predetermined characteristic. The quality factor can be compared to a predetermined threshold. Image data from a non-visible light camera module can be requested when the quality factor is below the predetermined threshold. Image data from the non-visible light camera module can be received in response to the request. The received image data from the visible light camera module can be augmented with the received image data from the non-visible light camera module to form hybrid image data. The image sensor can be adjusted based on a quality factor of the hybrid image such that the visible light camera captures a subsequent image having a quality factor that meets or is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit which captures a plurality of images having different in-focus positions; a defocus amount calculating unit which calculates a defocus amount of an image captured by the image capturing unit; a filtering unit which performs filtering on an original image according to the defocus amount calculated by the defocus amount calculating unit; and a displacement amount detecting unit which detects a displacement amount between the images having different in-focus positions using the image on which filtering was performed by the filtering unit.

Abstract: A portable device and image processing method for the device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an image, performing an eye-gazing detection process on the image to detect an eye-gazing direction of at least one eye of at least one object in the image, determining whether the eye-gazing direction meets a gazing criterion, wherein the gazing criterion defines a specific angle of the eye-gazing direction of the at least one eye of the at least one object with respect to the portable device, and wherein the eye-gazing direction is determined by analyzing pupils of the at least one eye, and triggering an application of the portable device in response to the eye-gazing direction meeting the gazing criterion.

Abstract: A method including: obtaining, with an image processing apparatus, a white point that corresponds to an image captured by a camera with only the natural light as a light source; obtaining, with the image processing apparatus, a white point that corresponds to an image captured by the camera with only the artificial light as a light source; determining, with the image processing apparatus, a ratio of an intensity of natural light for a pixel to an intensity of an artificial light for the pixel within an image captured by a camera under mixed illumination of the natural light and the artificial light; and determining, with the image processing apparatus, a white point for the pixel in the image under mixed illumination based on the ratio of the intensity of natural light to the intensity of artificial light for the pixel in the image, the white point for only the natural light, and the white point for only the artificial light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing a dynamic range of an image by using a first electronic shutter and a second electronic shutter of a camera is provided. The method includes initiating exposure of an image sensor by moving a first electronic front curtain according to a first control pulse signal of the first electronic shutter; moving a second electronic front curtain with respect to at least one pixel of the image sensor according to a second control pulse signal of the second electronic shutter; blocking the exposure of the image sensor by moving a mechanical rear curtain included in the camera; and acquiring, after blocking the exposure, a long exposure image using the first electronic front curtain and a short exposure image using the second electronic front curtain.

Abstract: A photographing information management method, which includes: judging whether there is equality between photographing position information added to an image file stored in an external storage medium which is detachably attachable to an imaging apparatus and photographing position information stored in an internal memory of the imaging apparatus; and when it is judged that the two pieces of photographing position information have the equality, displaying an image and the photographing position information of the image file on a display screen of the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile computing device includes a housing, a camera, a display, a memory, and a processing circuit. The housing is configured to be carried by a user while in use. The camera is configured to output image data. The memory is configured to store geographic element data representing one or more geographic elements. The processing circuit is configured to receive the geographic element data for the plurality of geographic elements. The processing circuit is configured to determine a camera orientation. The processing circuit is configured to concurrently display the image data and geographic element data for the plurality of geographic elements on the display.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing unit configured to capture image data of a subject and to store the captured image data in an image-capturing operation; a speed detector configured to detect speed information; and a controller configured to control the image-capturing unit so that, in an automatic image-capturing process that is not based on a shutter operation of a user, a distance moved by the image-capturing apparatus is computed on the basis of information from the speed detector, and the image-capturing operation is performed in response to the fact that a computation result indicating that the image-capturing apparatus has moved a predetermined distance is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a light-sensitive device comprising a matrix of light-sensitive points arranged into lines and columns. The invention can essentially but not exclusively be used in light-sensitive devices used for detecting X-ray images. The method includes a step (E2) of acquiring an image during which each light-sensitive point can accumulate a charge, and a step (E3) of reading said image. The reading step (E3) comprises a preliminary sub-step (E31) of converting the charges accumulated at the different light-sensitive points into analog signals representative of said charges, and a sub-step (E32) of processing the analog signals in order to obtain a digital image.

Abstract: A correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit includes a correction circuit configured to receive an input pixel signal through a first node via a column line, correct the input pixel signal, and output the corrected pixel signal through a second node; and a comparator including first and second input terminals, the first input terminal being connected to the second node and being configured to receive the corrected pixel signal, and the second input terminal configured to receive a ramp signal, the comparator being configured to compare the corrected pixel signal with the ramp signal and output a comparison signal indicating a result of the comparing, wherein the correction circuit includes, a first capacitor connected between the first and second nodes, and one or more metal lines disposed adjacent to the first capacitor, and wherein at least one other capacitor is formed by the first capacitor and the metal line.

Abstract: A method for controlling a pixel including at least one photodiode capable of being connected to a sense node, the method including the steps of: a) at the beginning and at the end of a first integration period included within a second integration period, controlling the pixel to transfer the charges stored in the photodiode above a first threshold onto the sense node; and b) at an intermediate time between the beginning of the second period and the beginning of the first period, controlling the pixel to transfer the charges stored in the photodiode above the first threshold onto the sense node.

Abstract: Edge enhancement processing is implemented on an image data, and distortion correction processing is implemented on the image data subjected to the edge enhancement processing to correct a distortion by executing local enlargement processing or reduction processing corresponding to an optical distortion characteristic of a lens employed during an image pickup operation. At this time, the edge enhancement processing performed on the image data to be subjected to the distortion correction processing is modified in accordance with the local enlargement processing or reduction processing.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described for an image capture system that may include an image sensor, a flash for providing illumination, a data storage, and a processor operatively associated with the data storage. The processor may be adapted to execute computer implemented instructions to pre-store one or more image capture device characteristics in the data storage, acquire data in a pre-capture phase, model shadow effects based on either or both of the pre-stored data and the acquired data, modify one or more image capture device settings based on the modeled shadow effects, and record image data with the image sensor. Illumination may be provided substantially coincident with recording of the image data.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a photoelectric transformation portion and a micro lens, the micro lens has a first refractive index layer which is a first refractive index and a second refractive index layer which is a second refractive index different from the first refractive index, wherein the micro lens is configured so that a vertical cross section, which is a surface perpendicular to the capturing surface, has a rectangular shape, wherein each of the first refractive index layer and the second refractive index layer are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction along the capturing surface, and an interface between the first refractive index layer and the second refractive index layer in the vertical cross section is formed so as to follow a direction perpendicular to the capturing surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving dynamic range in image sensors are disclosed. An image sensing device comprises an image sensor having a plurality of rows of pixels, and a controller for controlling the exposure of each row of pixels. The controller is programmed to perform a shutter operation for one of the plurality of rows of pixels, and to sample the one of the plurality of rows after a predetermined duration following the performance of the shutter operation. The predetermined duration is different from a multiple of a row time period of the image sensing device.

Abstract: An image sensor package includes an image sensor, a window, and a molding, where the molding includes a lens holder extension portion extending upwards from the window. The lens holder extension portion includes a female threaded aperture extending from the window such that the window is exposed through the aperture. A lens is supported in a threaded lens support. The threaded lens support is threaded into the aperture of the lens holder extension portion. The lens is readily adjusted relative to the image sensor by rotating the lens support.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a solid state imaging device that includes first photoelectric conversion elements and second photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a two dimensional array, comprises a device control unit that performs a driving in which a first signal according to electrical charges accumulated in the first photoelectric conversion elements during a first exposure period and a second signal according to electrical charges accumulated in the second photoelectric conversion elements during each of second exposure periods are read by sequentially exposing the second photoelectric conversion elements for the second exposure periods, each of which overlaps with the first exposure period and has different length of time, during periods overlapped with the first exposure period while simultaneously exposing the first photoelectric conversion elements for the first exposure period.

Abstract: In a photoelectric conversion device, groups of unit pixels are arranged in a well, where each of the unit pixels includes photoelectric conversion elements, an amplifier transistor, and transfer transistors. The photoelectric conversion device includes a line used to supply a voltage to the well, a well-contact part used to connect the well-voltage-supply line to the well, and transfer-control lines used to control the transfer transistors. The transfer-control lines are symmetrically arranged with respect to the well-voltage-supply line in respective regions of the unit-pixel groups.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is capable of simplifying the pixel structure to reduce the pixel size and capable of suppressing the variation in the characteristics between the pixels when a plurality of output systems is provided. A unit cell (30) includes two pixels (31) and (32). Upper and lower photoelectric converters (33) and (34), transfer transistors (35) and (36) connected to the upper and lower photoelectric converters, respectively, a reset transistor (37), and an amplifying transistor (38) form the two pixels (31) and (32). A full-face signal line 39 is connected to the respective drains of the reset transistor (37) and the amplifying transistor (38). Controlling the full-face signal line (39), along with transfer signal lines (42) and (43) and a reset signal line (41), to read out signals realizes the simplification of the wiring in the pixel, the reduction of the pixel size, and so on.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device according to the present invention includes: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of pixels disposed on the semiconductor substrate in rows and columns; a column signal line formed for each of the columns; an inverting amplifier connected to the column signal line; and a feedback line, provided for each of the columns, to feed back output signal of the inverting amplifier to pixels in a corresponding column, wherein the amplifying transistor includes a gate connected to the pixel electrode and outputs signal voltage corresponding to the pixel electrode to a column signal line via the selection transistor, and one of a source and a drain of the reset transistor is connected to the pixel electrode and the other is connected to a corresponding feedback line.

Abstract: An information communication method that obtains information from a subject includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor that, in an image obtained, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears, according to a change in luminance of the subject. A bright line image, in which the bright line is shown along with surroundings of the subject, is obtained by starting exposure of each of the exposure lines included in the image sensor at a sequentially different time. The bright line image is displayed and information is obtained when, in the bright line image, a part corresponding to the bright line is tapped, by demodulating data specified by a direction generally perpendicular to the exposure line in a pattern of the bright line corresponding to the tapped part.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a counter circuit configured to count a first clock signal to output a count signal thereof, a second clock signal generation unit configured to generate a second clock signal based on the first clock signal, and a clock synchronization unit configured to output a count start signal in synchronization with the second clock signal, wherein the counter circuit performs a counting operation in response to the count start signal synchronized with the second clock signal.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a first photoelectric conversion element supplying charges to a first charge storage node, a first charge storage element adjusting an amount of charges supplied from a charge supply source to the first charge storage node in response to a feedback signal, and a feedback signal generating circuit generating the feedback signal based on an amount of charges in the first charge storage node.

Abstract: A camera body (3) includes a display unit (20) and a body microcomputer (10). The display unit (20) is able to display a zoom display bar (105) that expresses the focal length of the optical system (L). The body microcomputer (10) controls the display unit (20) so that the direction in which a zoom ring (64) moves when the user operates the zoom ring (64) substantially coincides with a change direction in which the zoom display bar (105) shown on the display unit (20) changes according to the operation of the zoom ring (64).

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a focus lens, an image sensor which captures an image and a controller which moves the image sensor or the focus lens. A distance measurer measures a distance to a subject based on a first image and a second image. A focal position moves for the first focal range by moving the image sensor or by moving the position of the focus lens during the first exposure time period, and the focal position moves for the second focal range by moving the image sensor or by moving the position of the focus lens during the second exposure time period.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus disclosed in the present application includes a lens optical system including a lens and a stop; an imaging; and an array-form optical element located between the lens optical system and the imaging device and including optical components extending in a row direction in a plane vertical to an optical axis of the lens optical system, the optical components being arrayed in a column direction in the plane. The imaging device includes pixel groups, each of which includes first pixels arrayed in the row direction and second pixels arrayed in the row direction at positions adjacent, in the column direction, to the first pixels. The pixel groups are arrayed in the column direction. Border positions between the optical components are respectively offset in the column direction with respect to corresponding border positions between the pixel groups.

Abstract: A focus controller includes an evaluation value generating unit and a control unit. An evaluation value generating unit obtains a first evaluation value based on a first signal output from a pixel part of an imaging unit by scanning the pixel part in a first direction and obtains a second evaluation value based on a second signal output from the pixel part by scanning the pixel part in a second direction different from the first direction. When a first movement direction of a focus lens based on the first evaluation value and a second movement direction of a focus lens based on the second evaluation value are in the same direction, the control unit performs an auto focus operation in order to move the focus lens in the movement direction determined as the same direction.

Abstract: A shift amount between a plurality of image signals that is obtained from pixels in each of which a plurality of photoelectric conversion units are provided is computed from an amount of correlation based on a difference value between the plurality of image signals. Also, if the difference value that is used for computing the amount of correlation is not less than a predetermined upper limit, a predetermined value that is not more than the upper limit is used as the difference value.

Abstract: A system for capturing at least one image of a scene. The system estimates at least one value representative of the sharpness in at least one area of at least one initial captured image of a scene. The autofocus module captures the initial image with a predefined focus. On the basis of at least the value representative of the estimated sharpness, the system selects a first operating mode or a second operating mode. In the first mode, the autofocus module controls the focus of the system to capture a sharper image of the scene. In the second mode, the initial captured image or another captured image is processed by the digital processing unit, the other image being captured with the predefined focus.

Abstract: Subject distances of a plurality of subject areas included in a captured image are computed based on a plurality of focus evaluation values indicating in-focus positions of a plurality of focus detection areas set in the captured image. Upon detection of a change in the captured image, the subject distances of the plurality of subject areas are re-computed by re-moving a focus lens. In this case, a driving range of the focus lens includes in-focus positions corresponding to previously-calculated subject distances and corresponds to the distribution of the previously-calculated subject distances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera module having an auto focus function, the module including a lens unit having at least one lens, a barrel into which the lens unit is inserted, and connected by a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) actuator, and an image sensor discretely positioned from the lens unit to convert light having passed the lens unit to an electrical signal, where the VCM actuator includes a gap of a reference distance position value which is a position of an object catering to a lens focal length according to the camera module, and information on a focus-met lens position value, and adjusts an initial position of the lens by using the gap of reference distance position value of the lens position value during operation of the camera module.

Abstract: A system for photographic exposure via real-time broadcast of lighting parameters. The system includes a light source that emits light at different color temperatures and intensities controlled by a controller. The controller generates light source data that is transmitted to a digital imaging device. The digital imaging device includes a receiver for receiving the signal from the light source and a processor processing the light source data for determining color temperature, intensity, and timing of light emitted by the light source for generating exposure data. The exposure data determines when to commence capturing an image of a desired exposure and color temperature for achieving a desired exposure. The digital imaging device includes a display for displaying the exposure data to a user for allowing the user to select when to actuate the shutter release for capturing the image with the desired color temperature and exposure.

Abstract: A digital camera system synchronizes a flash to an array of image sensing elements. The array of image sensing elements senses an image focused on the array by a lens. The system includes an array controller that implements an electronic rolling shutter to capture the image as a frame. The electronic rolling shutter includes read and reset pointers that the array controller scans through the array to capture integrated photo charges on the image sensing elements to generate the frame. The number of lines between the reset and read pointers defines the integration time of the imager. The system also includes a flash controller that synchronizes the flash to a portion of the frame. When the flash is activated, the camera system reduces the integration time and synchronizes the flash to the scanning of a selected portion of the array.

Abstract: A camera for a vehicle includes a front housing member, a lens member, an imaging element, a circuit board and a rear housing member. The front housing member has a front housing member interior surface that has a front housing member electrically-conductive coating of electrically conductive material thereon. The rear housing member has a rear housing member interior surface that has a rear housing member electrically-conductive coating of electrically conductive material thereon. The front and rear housing members are configured to join together such that the front and rear housing member electrically-conductive coatings are electrically engaged with each other. The circuit board has a ground connector that is electrically connected to at least one of the front housing member electrically-conductive coating and the rear housing member electrically-conductive coating. The ground connector may electrically connect to ground via a wire harness that extends from the rear housing member.

Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for audio and video synchronization timestamp rollover correction. A synchronization apparatus includes a synchronizer for providing synchronization information for synchronizing a video stream with an audio stream during any point in a broadcast thereof irrespective of whether the video stream and the audio stream have different rollover points for their respective timestamps. The synchronization information is encoded for an out of band transmission with respect to the broadcast of the audio and video streams.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting a power saving mode according to a location of a device, such as a TV. The system includes an interface, e.g. GPS receiver, terrestrial broadcast receiver, network interface, etc. for coupling the device to one or more external devices; a processor; programming executable on said processor for performing the following steps: determining the location of the device via communication with the one or more external devices; establishing a power consumption mode according to the determined location of the device and one or more power consumption regulatory requirements associated with said device location; and adjusting a function of the device to modify the power consumption of the device according to said power consumption mode.

Abstract: An example method and apparatus for audio-visual communication is provided. In some examples, a method as disclosed herein may include receiving an incoming call indication comprising a conversation request from a remote party, wherein the outgoing call request is displayed in a visual communication screen area on a display; establishing a communication link with the remote party in an instance in which an answering signal has been received, the communication link enabling a multi-directional audio and visual conversation; and causing a received video of the remote party to be displayed in the visual communication screen area, wherein the display is operable to display multimedia content in a multimedia screen area simultaneously with the received video of the remote party in the visual communication screen area.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for conducting a real-time perceptual quality analysis of a video, wherein the perceptual quality analysis includes at least one of a noise measurement, a contrast measurement and a sharpness measurement. One or more strength parameters of one or more post-processing modules in a video processing pipe may be set based on the perceptual quality analysis resulting in overall video processing that adapts to the changing perceptual quality of the input. In one example, the strength parameters include at least one of a contrast parameter and a de-noising parameter. The invention results in visually enhanced video at the output of the post-processing module.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a sight line detection unit that detects a line of sight of a user by analyzing user video information, an enhancement processing unit that detects an intersection point of the line of sight of the user detected by the sight line detection unit and a video display surface of a monitor as an attention point, which is a point on which the user focuses attention, and performs enhancement processing for the monitor by setting a higher gain amount in stages from a position of a longer distance from the attention point toward a position of a smaller distance, and a display video output control unit that outputs video via the monitor based on the gain amount set by the enhancement processing unit and display video information whose input is received by a display video information input unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast receiver includes a housing, a circuit board, a module, a holder, and a buffer. The housing is provided with a wall. The circuit board is housed in the housing and includes a first connector. The module includes a second connector to be electrically connected to the first connector and fits to the first connector with a gap therebetween. The module is movable between a first position where the length of connected portions of the first connector and the second connector is short and a second position where the length of the connected portions is long. The holder holds the module. The buffer is provided to the holder and is bent along with the movement of the module from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pre-edging lens and a method for manufacturing an edged lens, wherein provisions are made to be able to maintain the cell gap of a liquid crystal lens structure constant while, in effect, eliminating the need to incorporate any spacers in the edged lens. More specifically, the invention provides a pre-edging lens and a method for manufacturing an edged lens, wherein the pre-edging lens includes a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, a first sealing material which does not contain any spacer, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and sealed by the first seal, and a second seal which contains a spacer and which is disposed in a region provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and located outwardly of the first seal, the region being removed during edging.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device (display device) 10 according to the present invention is provided with a display area AA that displays an image, and a non-display area NAA surrounding the display area AA. The non-display area NAA includes at least a backup wire 32 as a first wire and a source wire 24 as a second wire arranged on an upper side with respect to the backup wire 32 and intersecting with the backup wire 32. The backup wire 32 includes an intersecting portion 32CP intersecting with the source wire 24. The intersecting portion 32CP includes a crank portion 35 cranked at a side edge of the intersecting portion 32CP a second wire extending direction in which the source wire 24 extends.

Abstract: In an active matrix type liquid crystal display device, in which functional circuits such as a shift register circuit and a buffer circuit are incorporated on the same substrate, an optimal TFT structure is provided along with the aperture ratio of a pixel matrix circuit is increased. There is a structure in which an n-channel TFT, with a third impurity region which overlaps a gate electrode, is formed in a buffer circuit, etc., and an n-channel TFT, in which a fourth impurity region which does not overlap the gate electrode, is formed in a pixel matrix circuit. A storage capacitor formed in the pixel matrix circuit is formed by a light shielding film, a dielectric film formed on the light shielding film, and a pixel electrode. Al is especially used in the light shielding film, and the dielectric film is formed anodic oxidation process, using an Al oxide film.

Abstract: A display apparatus including a first substrate including a pixel area; a gate line disposed on the first substrate; a data line disposed on the first substrate and insulated from the gate line; an insulating layer pattern interposed between the gate line and the data line in an area where the gate line and the data line overlap; a gate insulating layer interposed between the gate line and the data line; a pixel electrode disposed in the pixel area; and a second substrate facing the first substrate.