Abstract: The invention relates to a binocular observation device, in particular a field glass, with two visual optical paths and with a laser distance meter with a laser transmitter and a laser receiver and with an opto-electronic display element. A part of an optical path of the laser transmitter is integrated in a first visual optical path and a part of an optical path of the laser receiver is also integrated in the first visual optical path.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an imaging apparatus includes: a focus detection unit configured to execute focus detection based on a phase difference between image signals obtained through photoelectric conversion of a light flux passing through different pupil partial regions of an imaging optical system; a first image blur compensation unit configured to compensate for image blur; a second image blur compensation unit configured to compensate for image blur; and a control unit that controls driving of the first image blur compensation unit and the second image blur compensation unit. The control unit controls a driving amount of the first image blur compensation unit and a driving amount of the second image blur compensation unit such that a change in vignetting occurring in the light flux passing through the imaging optical system is equal to or less than a predetermined value during a period in which the focus detection unit executes the focus detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithography apparatus which forms a pattern on a substrate with a beam, the apparatus comprising a stage configured to hold the substrate and be movable, and a controller configured to control focus driving of the stage based on a measurement value obtained for the focus driving with respect to a measurement point on the substrate and a correction value for the measurement value, wherein the controller is configured to generate the correction value so as to reduce a focus error in a case where the stage is driven based on the measurement value.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a characteristic of an eye of a subject receive data pertaining to the subject; assign the subject to an assigned age category based on the data pertaining to the subject; adjust a brightness level of a fixation target according to the assigned age category for the subject; provide the fixation target for a subject to view; and objectively measure at least one characteristic of the eye of the subject while the subject views the fixation target at the adjusted brightness level.

Abstract: Image scanning apparatus and method of operating an image scanning apparatus, the image scanning apparatus including a line scan detector and being configured to image a surface of an object mounted in the image scanning apparatus in a plurality of swathes, wherein each swathe is formed by a group of scan lines, each scan line being acquired using the scan line detector from a respective elongate region of the surface of the object extending in a scan width direction, wherein each group of scan lines is acquired whilst the object is moved relative to the scan line detector in a scan length direction.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source that emits light in a main scanning direction to a subject to be read, a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by the subject to be read, and an optical system that images the light reflected by the subject to be read and guides the light to the light receiving unit. The optical system includes a reflector mirror that reflects the light reflected by the subject to be read, and an optical element that is disposed adjacent to the reflector mirror and images the light reflected by the subject to be read. The optical element is held by the reflector mirror.

Abstract: Provided is an image sensor including a pixel array which provides a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns. The plurality of pixels include: a plurality of image sensing pixels each including a plurality of image sensing sub pixels that include the same color filter; and a plurality of phase detection pixels each including at least one phase detection sub pixel which generates a phase signal for calculating a phase difference between images, wherein the plurality of image sensing sub pixels included in the same image sensing pixel are connected to one selection signal line and receive the same selection signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for automatically focusing a microscope on a specimen and collecting a focused image of the specimen are provided. Aspects of the methods include detecting the presence of a substrate in a microscope, determining whether the substrate is in a correct orientation for imaging, focusing the microscope on a specimen that is placed on the substrate, and collecting one or more images of the specimen. Systems and devices for carrying out the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method provides phase disparity data. First phase disparity data for a first image frame of a first scene is computed using a phase disparity engine of an image capture device. The method determines whether the image capture device is receiving light from a second scene that is different from the first scene and corresponds to a second image frame. The phase disparity engine discontinues computing of phase disparity data, in response to a determination that the second scene is not different from the first scene. The first phase disparity data are output in connection with the second image frame, in response to determining that the second scene is not different from the first scene.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting installation flatness of a lens in real time are provided. The method comprises: acquiring an image captured by a camera in real time, where the image comprises at least two groups of testing charts regarding different positions; pre-processing the image to obtain each group of testing charts by separation; calculating and displaying, based on each group of testing charts, a real-time resolution value of a camera photosensitive surface to each group of testing charts in real time; and adjusting the installation angle of the optical axis of the camera lens relative to the camera photosensitive surface in real time based on the real-time resolution value of the camera photosensitive surface to each group of testing charts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a temperature in an electronic device. An amount of light of an optical signal reflected off of an object is measured, and a size of a temperature measurement expectation area on the object based is determined based on the measured amount of light. A temperature measurement guide message is output based on a result of comparing the determined size and a reference area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of digital pathology and in particular to whole slide scanners. Autofocus imaging can be performed by sampling a first number of pixels of a primary image sensor which is a time delay integration (TDI) sensor, and sampling a second number of pixels of an autofocus image sensor, wherein the second number is between one quarter and three quarters of the first number. Thus, continuous autofocus for rapid light scanning may be provided based on an additional image sensor that is tilted with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of digital pathology and in particular to whole slide scanners. Autofocus imaging can be performed by sampling a first number of pixels of an image sensor and sampling a second number of pixels of the image sensor, wherein the second number is between one quarter and three quarters of the first number. Thus, continuous autofocus for rapid light scanning may be provided using data from a single sensor based on sampling data along a tilt with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (600) includes a determiner (607) which determines correction data for each of a plurality of positions in an image based on a point spread function (PSF) relating to each of the plurality of positions, and an image restorer (608) which repeats predetermined image processing by using the correction data to perform image restoration processing, the image restorer is configured to repeat the predetermined image processing N times (N is a positive integer) to perform the image restoration processing, the predetermined image processing includes processing of generating an (n+1)-th intermediate image based on an n-th image (1<n?N), and processing of generating an (n+1)-th image based on the (n+1)-th intermediate image, the n-th image, and the correction data, and the correction data are coefficient data for a difference between the (n+1)-th intermediate image and the n-th image.

Abstract: A pixel cell includes a second photodiode laterally surrounding a first photodiode in semiconductor material. The first and second photodiodes are adapted to photogenerate image charge in response to incident light. A floating diffusion is disposed in the semiconductor material proximate to an outer perimeter of the second photodiode. A first transfer gate is disposed proximate to the semiconductor material over a first channel region between the first and second photodiodes. The first transfer gate is coupled to transfer the image charge from the first photodiode to the second photodiode. A second transfer gate is disposed proximate to the semiconductor material over a second channel region between the second photodiode and the floating diffusion. The second transfer gate is coupled to transfer the image charge from the second photodiode to the floating diffusion.

Abstract: A laser is used to emit a diverging laser flash configured to illuminate a detection zone. A pseudoimaging optical receiver system is used to detect reflections from objects in the detection zone. The receiver system includes a time-gated photodetector array that is used to record signatures in a voxel array. A voxel processing module receives the voxel array and detects a reference clutter signal within the array. Potential targets are then detected according to target signals in relation to the reference clutter signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an identification-mark making unit. The identification-mark making unit makes a page identification mark for identifying a page, on a predetermined position of a paper sheet during printing. The identification-mark making unit, based on the page identification mark made in a previous printing, includes a correction/addition mark that indicates an existence of a correction page or an additional page since the previous printing in a part of the page identification mark when a new print output is performed.

Abstract: A focus detection device includes: a sensor outputting a pair of focus detection signal sequences, each of which being made of a plurality of focus detection signals; a difference calculation unit obtaining a plurality of differences by sequentially calculating differences between focus detection signals corresponding to each other in the pair of focus detection signal sequences; a division unit dividing the pair of focus detection signal sequences into at least two pairs of partial signal sequences based on the plurality of differences; a focus detection parameter calculation unit calculating a first focus detection parameter according to a phase difference amount of a first pair of partial signal sequences and a second focus detection parameter in accordance with a phase difference amount of a second pair of partial signal sequences; and a focus adjustment parameter determination unit determining either the first or second focus detection parameters, as a focus adjustment parameter.

Abstract: The drive unit includes a tubular fixed part, a tubular movable part, and a voice coil motor. The tubular fixed part is with a given axis as center, a tubular movable part 3 is located inside of the fixed part and having the axis as center, and a voice coil motor is capable of moving the movable part relatively with respect to the fixed part in the axial direction by a coil located in the fixed part and a magnet located in the movable part. In a state where the magnet is placed in the movable part, a first distance from the axis to the diametrically outer surface of the magnet is longer than a second distance from the axis to the inner circumference surface of the fixed part.

Abstract: Provided is an inspection method including: irradiating a sample to be inspected with illuminating light; acquiring a first image of the sample to be inspected, with an auto focuser using the illuminating light reflected from the sample to be inspected; storing autofocus function coordinates acquired with the auto focuser in the acquiring the first image; calculating a two-dimensional polynomial approximation of the autofocus function coordinates; and controlling focusing in acquiring a second image of the sample to be inspected, with the two-dimensional polynomial approximation.

Abstract: Measuring machine and method for acquisition of small scale 3D information using a camera and a laser distance measuring unit with a laser source emitting a laser light beam having an oval or line-like cross-section onto a surface of an object to be gauged so that it is reflected to a detecting portion of a laser light sensor, and provide distance information based on the reflected laser light of said oval or line-like laser beam detected by the detecting portion.

Abstract: A histopathology system includes an elongated, cylindrical probe having therein one or more scanners connected to a distal end of the probe and configured to capture digital images of tissue. Neuro-navigation circuitry is configured to navigate the probe to a tissue examination site. The probe is inserted into an outer casing having a mesh plate integrally formed at a distal tip of the outer casing through which a tissue is drawn. At least one balloon is attached to an inner surface of the outer casing and when inflated creates a pressure differential that draws the tissue into viewing range of the one or more scanners. At least one server is configured to digitally stain a tissue image obtained by the one or more scanners of the tissue, and match the tissue images to one or more stored tissue samples.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image sensor, calculation method, and electronic device that increase flexibility of the arrangement of light-shielded pixels and detect the phase difference with high precision. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image sensor includes: a pixel unit in which light-shielded pixels are arranged among normal pixels; a setting unit (texture determination unit) configured to determine texture around the light-shielded pixel as a pixel of interest present in a region of interest, and set a weighting coefficient on the basis of the texture; a calculation unit (correlation calculation unit) configured to calculate a correlation value between a pixel value of the light-shielded pixel and a pixel value of the normal pixel around the light-shielded pixel; and a generation unit (phase difference calculation unit) configured to generate a degree-of-correlation histogram. The present disclosure is applicable to an imaging apparatus with focal plane phase detection AF.

Abstract: A lens driving apparatus includes a lens holding member for holding a lens movably in an optical axis direction; a first guide bar and a second guide bar that support the lens holding member movably in the optical axis direction; first driving unit and second driving unit that drive the lens holding member in the optical direction; and first position detection unit and second position detection unit that are positioned close to the first driving unit and the second driving unit to detect a position in the optical axis direction. Upon driving the lens holding member, either of or both of the first driving unit and the second driving unit are driven and controlled from a position detection result of the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit in such a manner that the first and second driving units are positioned at a predetermined position.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a detection-difficulty determination unit and a detection-parameter setting unit. The detection-difficulty determination unit calculates a degree of detection difficulty indicating a degree of difficulty in detection of a target cell contained in a specimen, based on a test object condition of the specimen. The detection-parameter setting unit sets a detection parameter for the detection of the target cell from a captured image of the specimen, based on the degree of detection difficulty.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an x-ray image data record of a target location subjected to a movement using an x-ray device. A number of basic images of the target location are recorded using a basic exposure time in each case and the x-ray image data record corresponding to an x-ray image with a longer exposure time is determined by combining basic images registered with one another. At least one quality value assigned hereto and relating to the movement in the target location during the recording is determined for each basic image and the contribution of a basic image to the x-ray image data record is determined as a function of the quality value.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for simulating a aperture in a digital imaging device, the aperture simulation generated by a multi-diode pixel image sensor. In one aspect, a method includes detecting light incident on a first light sensitive region on a first photodiode of a pixel, and detecting light incident on a second light sensitive region on a second photodiode of the pixel. The method further includes combining, for each pixel, signals from the first and second light sensitive regions, and generating, for a first aperture setting, a first image based at least in part on the light received from the first light sensitive region, and generating, for a second aperture setting, a second image based at least in part on the light received from the second light sensitive region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically aligning a confocal aperture utilize a confocal imaging system and a computer controlled optimization algorithm such as the Nelder-Mead algorithm for imaging an in-vivo eye having chromatic aberration. When using a confocal aperture of 3.4 Airy disks in diameter, images were obtained using retinal radiant exposures of less than 2.44 J/cm2, which is ˜22 times below the current ANSI maximum permissible exposure. The embodied method can be used, e.g., to study RPE morphology in AMD and other diseases, providing a powerful tool for understanding disease pathogenesis and progression, and offering a new means to assess the efficacy of treatments designed to restore RPE health.

Abstract: A calibration method is described for a telecentric imaging 3D shape measurement system, including step S1: establishing a telecentric 3D shape measurement system; S2: controlling a telecentric projection equipment to project a sinusoidal fringe pattern to a translation stage, and collecting the sinusoidal fringe pattern by a telecentric camera equipment; moving the translation stage to different depth, then obtaining absolute phase values of a pixel for calibration by a phase-shifting method; and conducting linear fitting on the series of absolute phase values of the pixel and the corresponding depths to obtain a phase-depth conversion of the measurement system; and S3: transforming pixel coordinates on the image plane of the telecentric camera equipment into world coordinates through calibrating parameters of the telecentric camera equipment. A relationship between phase and depth herein is linear, and only needs to calibrate the linearity of one pixel.

Abstract: There are provided a solid-state image pickup device and a camera system that include no useless pixel arrangement and are capable of suppressing decrease in resolution caused by adopting stereo function. A pixel array section including a plurality of pixels arranged in an array is included. Each of the plurality of pixels has a photoelectric conversion function. Each of the plurality of pixels in the pixel array section includes a first pixel section and a second pixel section. The first pixel section includes at least a light receiving function. The second pixel section includes at least a function to detect electric charge that has been subjected to photoelectric conversion. The first and second pixel sections are formed in a laminated state. Further, the first pixel section is formed to have an arrangement in a state shifted in a direction different from first and second directions that are used as references. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: An autofocus apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with an image acquirer, a pattern controller, and a focus controller. The image acquirer includes an optical system which forms an image of an object at a predetermined magnification and an image capturer which photographs the image of the object formed by the optical system. The pattern controller includes a generator which generates a pattern in a size according to the predetermined magnification of the optical system and a projector which projects the pattern generated by the generator onto the object. In the focus controller, an image of the projected pattern formed by the optical system at the predetermined magnification controls a focus position of the optical system based on the image of the object photographed by the image capturer.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to apparatuses and methods of evaluating an endface of an optical communication link, such as a fiber optic cable. In at least one embodiment, a camera probe includes an imaging device that includes one or more feedback mechanisms, such as an alignment feedback mechanism that communicates alignment information regarding an alignment of the optical communication link under test with an image sensor of the camera probe. The alignment feedback mechanism may be visual and/or aural. The alignment feedback mechanism may provide directional information to the user indicative of a direction to move the imaging device relative to the optical communication link. In addition or alternatively, the feedback mechanism may include a focus feedback mechanism that communicates focus information regarding a focus of the endface in an obtained image of the endface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, are described for automatically and/or interactively editing image metadata. In one aspect, the methods include the actions of obtaining two from among three items of geo-metadata associated with an image. The three items of geo-metadata include an acquisition geo-location for the image, an acquisition geo-orientation for the image and a geo-location of a subject depicted in the image. The methods further include the actions of representing on a map the two obtained items of geo-metadata associated with the image, and determining candidates for the third item of geo-metadata based on the representations of the two obtained items of geo-metadata. In addition, the methods can also include the actions of determining the third item of geo-metadata associated with the image from among the generated candidates.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system automatically adjusts the size of a selection area to aid in a selection of an object generated by a computerized system. The method and system detect a series of movements of a pointer, where the pointer is utilized to select an entity of the object. The series of movements are small and continuous. A set of entities that occupies the selection area is determined and the entities are analyzed for an indication of a level of difficulty in selecting one of the entities. The size of the selection area is reduced when the indication implies that the level of difficulty will be decreased after reducing the size of the selection area.

Abstract: An auto-focus system suitable for a spectroscopy system uses the same illumination beam as the exciting light for spectroscopy. This is focused to a spot or line focus on the sample. An image of the spot or line focus is directed to a detector via one or more pupils located eccentrically of the optical axis, so that the focus condition is indicated by displacement of the image on the detector. The spot or line focus on the sample provides contrast in the image to enable auto-focusing without the need to observe contrast over an area of the sample. A method of scanning the surface of a sample is also described, in which a topographical map of the sample is built in a pre-scan with an objective lens having a long working distance. This enables selection of an objective with a shorter working distance for a subsequent scan.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image sensor having a flexible property, the image sensor includes multiple pixels provided in an active area where incident light is detected, the multiple pixels having a photoelectric conversion element and an image correction pattern positioned at a front of the photoelectric conversion element in a direction of an incident surface to which the light is incident, the image correction pattern being formed of a material blocking the light.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device including a lens, a first light receiving element, a second light receiving element, and an element separation area. The first light receiving element is configured to receive light from the lens. The second light receiving element is configured to receive light from the lens. The element separation area is between the first light receiving element and the second light receiving element. The lens has an optical axis, which is offset from a center of the element separation area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and handling deformed substrates, thus allowing them to be processed, and for increasing device yield on the substrate is herein disclosed. A sensor detects deformity, then the substrate is flattened, allowing a support to hold it securely.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device, a readout unit, and a correction unit. The readout unit performs a first reading operation of reading out a first signal corresponding to accumulated electric charge on a pixel included in a first area of the imaging device, and performs a second reading operation of reading out a second signal corresponding to accumulated electric charge on a pixel included in a second area different from the first area. The correction unit corrects image signals based on signals obtained from the first and second areas by use of neighboring image signals obtained from neighboring pixels located near a pixel targeted for the correction process, and coefficients corresponding respectively to the neighboring pixels. The correction unit sets a coefficient corresponding to each of the neighboring pixels in accordance with the first or second reading operation executed on a neighboring pixel of the neighboring pixels.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. The lens control apparatus includes a microprocessor which obtains a correction defocus amount so that the correction defocus amount obtained by the microprocessor when a zoom speed is a first speed is greater than the correction defocus amount obtained by the microprocessor when a zoom speed is a second speed which is less than the first speed.

Abstract: Adaptive communications focal plane arrays that may be implemented in, e.g., a specially-configured camera that can be utilized to receive and/or process information in the form of optical beams are presented. A specialized focal plane array (FPA) having a plurality of optical detectors is utilized, where one or more optical detectors are suppressed such that data is not allowed to be output from the one or more suppressed optical detectors, and only a significantly smaller number or subset of optical detectors receiving optical beams are allowed to output data. In this way, the rate at which data is to be output by an adaptive communications FPA (ACFPA) can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An electromagnetic driving device is provided, which includes a stationary portion, a movable portion adapted to support an element, a number of rolling balls, a driving magnet, a driving coil, and a magnetic attraction element. The stationary portion and the movable portion are arranged along a main axis. The rolling balls and the driving magnet are positioned between the stationary portion and the movable portion. The driving coil is arranged to correspond to the driving magnet and configured to enable the movement of the movable portion along a direction perpendicular to the main axis. The magnetic attraction element is arranged to correspond to the driving magnet. The magnetic force between the magnetic attraction element and the driving magnet is greater than the sum of the weight of the movable portion, the element, and the magnetic member.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a lens may include adjusting the lens at a first focus position, and acquiring a first image of a scene through the lens. The method may further include adjusting the lens at a second focus position, and acquiring a second image of the same scene through the lens. In addition, the method may include producing respective power spectra of the first and second images, and producing a criterion representing the ratio of the power spectra to estimate a focus error of the lens.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for synthesizing depth of field effects in a digital image using ray tracing approximation. For each target pixel in the image, an aperture-shaped kernel is centered about a reference pixel. A cone of rays is traced through the aperture toward the image scene. The trajectory of the rays and the intersections between the rays and objects in the scene are approximated for a given scene depth, focal depth and aperture shape. The color of the pixel lying at the intersection, which may be offset from the target pixel, is sampled. This sampling process is repeated for several apertures bounding the target pixel, where each aperture is centered about a different reference pixel. The resulting color of the target pixel is acquired by integrating the colors of the pixels at each of the resulting intersections.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements, a polygon mirror which deflects light from the light source for scanning a surface of a subject, an optical element arranged between the light source and the polygon mirror, having optical power in a sub scanning direction, a synchronous detector which detects the light deflected by the polygon mirror for synchronous detection and generates a signal for controlling a timing at which the scanning of the surface is started, and a fixing element which secures one end of the optical element. The light emitting elements of the light source are aligned with a certain tilt angle relative to the sub scanning direction. Light from one of the light emitting elements disposed closest to the fixing element in a main scanning direction is used for synchronous detection.

Abstract: Microscope slide scanner. In an embodiment the microscope slide scanner comprises a single enclosure unit that includes at least one objective lens, at least one line scan camera, at least one communication port, and at least one processor. The line scan camera may be configured to capture image data of a sample as a plurality of image stripes via the objective lens. The communication port provides communication over a network. The processor may align the plurality of image stripes into a contiguous image of at least a portion of the sample, and executes a web server that provides an operator interface over the network to one or more remote devices.

Abstract: Adaptive communications focal plane arrays that may be implemented in, e.g., a specially-configured camera that can be utilized to receive and/or process information in the form of optical beams are presented. A specialized focal plane array (FPA) having a plurality of optical detectors is utilized, where one or more optical detectors are suppressed such that data is not allowed to be output from the one or more suppressed optical detectors, and only a significantly smaller number or subset of optical detectors receiving optical beams are allowed to output data. In this way, the rate at which data is to be output by an adaptive communications FPA (ACFPA) can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method and device for auto-focus control in an imaging device is provided. The imaging device includes a lens. In one aspect, a method includes: obtaining a first lens position phase difference; after obtaining the first lens position phase difference, detecting lens movement; obtaining a second lens position phase difference; comparing the second lens position phase difference to the first lens position phase difference to determine whether the second lens position phase difference is greater than the first lens position phase difference; and in response to determining that the second lens position phase difference is greater than the first lens position phase difference, determining autofocus settings by a contrast detection method.

Abstract: Method of predicting a distribution of light in an illumination pupil of an illumination system includes identifying component(s) of the illumination system the adjustment of which affects this distribution and simulating the distribution based on a point spread function defined in part by the identified components. The point spread function has functional relationship with configurable setting of the illumination settings.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprising an image sensor including a plurality of focus detection pixels for generating a focus detection image and a plurality of imaging pixels for generating a captured image, a color ratio detection unit detecting a color ratio based on a pixel value output from a pixel in a position surrounding a processing target pixel, a color conversion unit generating a first pixel value by applying color conversion with the color ratio to a pixel value output from a pixel that is located in the predetermined direction of the processing target pixel, and an adding unit generating a third pixel value by adding a second pixel value output from the processing target pixel with the first pixel value having the same color as the second pixel value.