Exposure Control Patents (Class 348/221.1)
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Publication number: 20100201831Abstract: A method is described by which two, asymmetrically configured sensors, one being panchromatic and the other recording color, may be employed in a digital camera so as to exceed the performance, in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and dynamic range, and with regard to visual perception, of a single sensor of the same approximate size.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Larry R. Weinstein
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Patent number: 7760241Abstract: An image capturing apparatus capable of shooting still images during moving image shooting generates an alternate frame image corresponding to a moving image frame dropped when acquiring a still image when performing still image shooting during moving image shooting, using the obtained still image. At this point, white balance control values are respectively set for the still image and the alternate frame image. The still image and the alternate frame image are developed using the set white balance control values.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeo Ogawa
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Patent number: 7760264Abstract: A method of creating an image 4 obtained from say a camera 1 to obtain a substantially linear representation of the brightness of the image includes, for each of a set of pixels (x, y) in a two dimensional array, calculating, in a computer 3, an estimate of the true image intensity (ixy) as a weighted average of n samples of the apparent image intensity (vn,xy). This is calculated as: i ^ xy = ? n ? ? ( w n , xy ? ( v n , xy - C KT n ) ) ? n ? w n , xy = 1 K ? ? n ? ? ( w n , xy ? ( v n , xy - C T n ) ) ? n ? w n , xy where vn,xy is the apparent intensity measured, Tn is the exposure time, K is the gain of the system, C is an offset and wn,xy is a weighting factor which is defined to maximize the signal to noise ratio and discard insignificant, that is saturated or near zero, values.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Synoptics LimitedInventor: Philip Atkin
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Patent number: 7756354Abstract: An image processing apparatus, which obtains a synthesized image whose exposure is corrected by synthesizing a first image and a second image, is disclosed. The image processing apparatus comprises a detection section which detects an amount of displacement of the second image with respect to the first image which is a reference image, a coordinate conversion section which performs coordinate conversion to the second image so as to conform to the first image, and a synthesis section which synthesizes the second image having been subjected to the coordinate conversion with the first image.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koichi Washisu
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Patent number: 7750945Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a video signal processing device, which can produce a digital video signal, excellent in image quality, fully utilizing effective picture elements of the imaging element, without performing a special control of an imaging element driving unit. In accordance with a contour correction gain calculated based on a compression ratio detecting signal outputted from an image compressing unit 21, a contour correction unit 22 can carry out a contour correction on a compressed image. Accordingly, an NTSC/PAL encoder 24 can output a preferable video signal, which has been subjected to an appropriate contour correction. Moreover, a digital outputting unit 25 outputs an uncompressed video signal, and therefore can provide a preferable video signal without deteriorating the effective picture elements of an imaging element.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masayuki Serizawa, Kenji Tabei
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Patent number: 7751642Abstract: An image processing method comprises receiving a raw color image as produced by an image sensor. A color image having a plurality of pixels is generated by processing raw image data from said raw color image, wherein pixels for which color values are absent in said raw image data are assigned color values derived from present color values in said raw image data. A sharpening term is generated by processing raw image data from said raw color image. Then, an improved color image is produced by combining said color image with said sharpening term. The raw color image may be a Bayer image, and the image processing method may be implemented in a cost and power efficient integrated circuit using limited memory.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Arm LimitedInventor: Erik Persson
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Publication number: 20100165135Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a computer-readable medium, a computer program and an apparatus for exposure control. A histogram of the number of image sensor area elements of an image sensor that receive light at specific light reception rates from an image target is determined. At least one exposure time is determined for capture of said image target based on said histogram and on a cost function that expresses a performance of said image sensor as a function of light reception rate per image sensor area element and exposure time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATIONInventor: Ossi Kalevo
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Patent number: 7746405Abstract: There is provided an illumination apparatus used for imaging a moving picture made up of a plurality of frames, and for irradiating an auxiliary light from a light source constituted by one or a plurality of LEDs onto a photo-object. The one or plurality of LEDs are duty-driven by a duty ratio smaller than 100% during an imaging period (during a period for exposing a CCD) of a frame period. The heat releasing effect and the light emitting efficiency can be improved as compared to a case where the LEDs are successively turned on during an imaging period. As a result, the light emitting intensity at the time the light emitting diodes are turned on can be heightened with the amount of consumed electricity unchanged, and the light emitting efficiency of the light emitting diodes can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masami Yuyama, Yoshiyuki Kato
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Patent number: 7733384Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention includes a solid-state image sensing device; a vertical transfer drive circuit for feeding a subpulse to the solid-state image sensing device; and a control circuit, and repeats a series of photographing operations in a cycle same as or longer than a period during which the series of photographing operations are performed, the series of photographing operations including an exposure operation for exposing an imaging area after the subpulse is fed to the solid-state image sensing device to sweep out electric charges accumulated in pixels. The control circuit stops the subpulse from being fed from the vertical transfer drive circuit to the solid-state image sensing device during a period during which the exposure operation included in the series of photographing operations is not performed.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Kido
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Patent number: 7733414Abstract: There is disclosed a photographic device that uses an image sensor and an electronic viewfinder. When a release button is pressed halfway, an aperture value, an electronic shutter speed and a photosensitivity are decided based on the present subject brightness to provide a proper exposure value for photographing a still image. So long as the release button is kept being pressed halfway, a timing generator drives the image sensor to shoot video images at a frame rate of 20 Hz, and the aperture value decided for still image photography is fixed, whereas the electronic shutter speed and the photosensitivity are adjusted according to the subject brightness by use of an aperture-priority type video program. When the release button is pressed to the full, an exposure for a still image is done with the fixed aperture value.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Koji Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7719573Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photographing device that includes a number of light-receiving elements, a number of vertical transfer registers, a first drive-voltage applying electrode, and a second drive-voltage applying electrode. The light-receiving elements are arranged in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The vertical transfer registers transfers the electric charges accumulated in the light-receiving elements in the vertical direction. The first drive-voltage applying electrode is arranged parallel to the vertical transfer registers, for applying a drive voltage to a specific one of the vertical transfer registers. The second drive-voltage applying electrode is arranged perpendicular to the vertical transfer registers, for applying a second drive voltage to the vertical transfer registers at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kouichi Harada, Tomoo Mitsunaga, Seiji Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7719574Abstract: A CPU 231 calculates modified brightness correction amount tCurve_Y with consideration of exposure correction amount (or exposure value) EV if photography information PI (or Exif IFD) is included in image data GF. Specifically, the modified brightness correction amount tCurve_Y is calculated by dividing original brightness correction amount tCurve_Yorg by 2|EV|. Therefore, it decreases in geometrical progression as the exposure correction amount increases. The CPU 231 applies the obtained modified brightness correction amount tCurve_Y to a tone curve to adjust image quality including brightness. More specifically, it uses the modified brightness correction amount tCurve_Y to modify the characteristics of the tone curve, and then uses the modified tone curve to adjust the image quality of the image data.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Nakami, Ikuo Hayaishi
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Patent number: 7720372Abstract: A photographing device configured to photograph a plurality of images consecutively by changing an exposure value is provided. The photographing device may include a control-range-determination unit configured to determine a control range which is a range where the exposure value is varied, and an interval-calculation unit configured to calculate a control interval which is an interval between photographing-exposure values that are exposure values existing in the control range and that are exposure values of the photographed images so that the photographing-exposure values are uniformly distributed over the control range according to a number of the photographed images.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kazuhiko Nishiwaki
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Patent number: 7714897Abstract: The invention relates to a digital camera comprising at least a memory unit for saving pictures and a control unit that is adapted to control the operation of the camera and to form a trigger tone on the basis of the state of the camera. The trigger tone indicates the triggering of the camera and the current state of the camera. The invention also relates to a method and a computer program product for forming an information tone of a digital camera.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Kaj Mäkelä, Severi Uusitalo
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Patent number: 7710494Abstract: A control method of a digital camera includes: displaying a moving image on a screen based on charges stored in an image sensor by an electronic shutter with a shutter curtain opened; detecting illuminance of the shutter curtain with the shutter curtain closed; setting a still image exposure period based on the detected illuminance of the shutter curtain; exposing the image sensor in the still image exposure period with the shutter curtain opened; and storing a still image in a recording medium based on the charges stored in the image sensor in the still image exposure period.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Ryuichi Shiohara, Ryohei Ito
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Patent number: 7710458Abstract: When a hand shake reducing mode has been set for shooting a subject, an exposure is controlled in accordance with a program diagram (solid line) B for the shake reducing mode, which is different from a program diagram (broken line) A for a normal mode. In a state where a shutter speed is set to less than “ 1/80”, two-pixel addition and/or four-pixel addition is executed on an imaging signal to amplify subject luminance, raising ISO sensitivity. A shutter speed set to fall in a high speed range reduces deterioration in image quality due to hand shake and/or subject movement during a shooting operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masami Yuyama, Tsuyoshi Matsunaga, Yoshiyuki Kato, Takeshi Tsukagoshi, Masaru Onozawa, Shohei Sakamoto
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Patent number: 7705910Abstract: A photographic device includes an image sensor in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed. A vertical scan circuit selects horizontal drive lines of the image sensor in order. And a horizontal scan circuit reads out in order voltages due to electric charges from the pixels in the horizontal row which is selected by the vertical scan circuit. A plurality of optical lenses are arranged in a direction parallel to the vertical drive lines, and these optical lenses form images of the same photographic regions upon respective pixel regions which face them. The voltages due to electric charges are read out in order from the pixels, and a plurality of images are acquired with some time difference between them. The emission of light by a light source is controlled, so that photography in each of the pixel regions is performed in different photographic conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Toyoda, Yoshizumi Nakao, Yasuo Masaki
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Patent number: 7697037Abstract: When a method or apparatus of assuring simultaneous exposure, such as a mechanical shutter, is not provided with a MOS imaging sensor, moving subjects are distorted with a MOS image sensor when capturing a still image of a fast-moving subject because imaging and reading are not simultaneous across the MOS sensor. Changing the MOS sensor exposure sequence and reading sequence, and interpolating the read data, change and correct the read sequence line by line when imaging a high resolution moving image, and thus improve distortion in moving subjects.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kazuo Okamoto, Tatsuro Juri, Yuji Nagaishi, Takuma Chiba
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Patent number: 7692715Abstract: A digital camera according to the present invention includes a device to set up a plurality of exposure conditions, a device to obtain a plurality of imaging data imaged in accordance with the plurality of exposure conditions set by the plurality exposure conditions set up device, and a device to compare a sharpness based on the plurality of imaging data obtained by the plurality of imaging data obtaining device, and a shake of the camera or a blur of a subject is determined corresponding to the comparison result of the sharpness comparison device.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Tatsutoshi Kitajima
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Patent number: 7688359Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for acquiring automatic exposure control parameters and a method for controlling automatic exposure control parameters and an imaging device. The core idea is to take the brightness weighted average value obtained according to brightness distribution weighted statistics of the image as the exposure control parameter. Then through adjusting the weighted coefficient of pixels in different brightness regions, control the influence of the pixel concentrated brightness regions on the brightness average value. Because the brightness distribution is the basis for determining weighted statistics, the control method of the present invention is not influenced by the scene assumption. Rather it can be universally adapted to a variety of different scenes, and the exposure control effect is not influenced by the position of scenes in the actual bright region/dark region and block distribution.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Guangyao Zhao, Xiaoxia Wei, Jing Wang, Haitao Yang, Yilin Chang
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Patent number: 7679652Abstract: An image processing system includes: an image capturing apparatus for obtaining an image of a subject, having a setting unit, which sets an obtaining condition for the image according to user's operation, and an outputting unit, which outputs the obtaining condition in association with the image; and an image processing apparatus for performing an image processing for the image, having a receiving unit, which receives the image and the obtaining condition, an image processing unit, which performs an image processing for the image, and a controlling unit, which controls the image processing unit based on the obtaining conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Mikio Watanabe, Koichi Sakamoto, Hisayoshi Tsubaki, Yoshihiro Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7668452Abstract: An automatic exposure control apparatus employed by an image sensor module including a lens unit, an image sensing unit having a shutter, and an image signal processing unit, the apparatus including: a brightness calculator extracting average brightness of a image signal; a brightness adjustment determiner determining whether to fix or adjust a speed of the shutter based on the average brightness; an adjustment path controller controlling the speed of the shutter by using the brightness error; a digital filter filtering the brightness error; a shutter speed adjuster adjusting a present shutter speed value by using one of the brightness error and the filtered brightness; and a shutter speed controller controlling a speed of the shutter by using the adjusted shutter speed value.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keun Woo Park, Bong Soon Kang, Joo Hyun Kim, Hyun Sik Kim, Kang Joo Kim, Tae Eung Kim
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Patent number: 7667763Abstract: A digital still camera records image data by picking up an image of an object. One mode is set among plural photographing modes including a standard photographing mode and a portrait mode adapted to an image containing an abrupt change in gradation. An optimized exposure amount is acquired according to brightness derived from the image data. When the portrait mode is set, portrait mode image data is acquired by setting exposure lower than the optimized exposure amount. The image data is processed in gradation conversion by use of first or second gamma conversion table. The first gamma conversion table is used for the standard photographing mode. The second gamma conversion table is used for the portrait mode, predetermined to extend a dynamic range of the image data after the gradation conversion in comparison with the first gamma conversion table, to process the portrait mode image data in gradation conversion.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Koji Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7656456Abstract: Both a specific target and the background thereof in the image of a subject are caused to take on brightnesses that are relatively appropriate. Preliminary image sensing is performed to obtain a preliminary image of the subject. The image of a face is detected from within the preliminary image of the subject and the representative luminance of the face image is calculated. If the representative luminance calculated is not appropriate, then amount of exposure is adjusted so as to make the face image slightly darker than the appropriate brightness. Regular image sensing is then carried out. If the representative luminance of the face image in the image of the subject obtained by regular image sensing is not appropriate, a tone adjustment is applied utilizing a tone curve. Thus there is obtained an image of the subject in which both the face image and its background exhibit brightnesses that are relatively appropriate.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Yitong Zhang
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Patent number: 7639294Abstract: Disclosed is an image pickup apparatus having a liquid crystal light controlling device in front of an image pickup device. A liquid crystal light controlling device has a rear face facing an image pickup device and has input terminals disposed at the circumferential positions of the rear face. An image pickup device has a package and a sensor portion held in the package for picking up an image of a subject. At positions of the package facing the liquid crystal light controlling device, there are disposed output terminals for supplying driving voltage to each of the input terminals of the liquid crystal light controlling device. The driving voltage is supplied from the output terminals on the package to the input terminals through a conducting portion of a holding member.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Motoshige Ito
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Patent number: 7639281Abstract: In an image sensing apparatus such as a digital camera, digital video camera, or the like, if a photography mode which requires photography with priority on precision is selected, photography is executed in accordance with precision priority setting even when the photography setting is so made as to put a higher priority on speed. This makes it possible to prevent the user's intention from disagreeing with setting as to whether a higher priority is put on speed or precision in photography.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Sudo
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Patent number: 7630107Abstract: A setting for white balance used by a camera during image-capturing can be reflected in a printer, thereby preventing, during printing, execution of such correction as negates an atmosphere of a light source in a recorded image in which the atmosphere has been intentionally allowed to remain. A camera used for a system of the present invention is a digital camera having a white balance process function of allowing the atmosphere of a photographing light source to remain in an image. During image-capturing, WB adaptation rate information indicative of a level of white balance correction is recorded on a recording medium as additional information. A printer reads the WB adaptation rate information for the camera via the recording medium to control white balance in accordance with the setting for the WB adaptation rate. For example, if the WB adaptation rate is less than 100%, then an AWB process executed by the printer is turned off to print the recorded image without changing its tints.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Koji Ichikawa, Koichi Sakamoto, Masahiko Sugimoto, Hiroshi Tanaka
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Patent number: 7626613Abstract: Auto focus control processing for still image recording is performed while continuously performing movie recording when an initiation instruction for a still image recording preparation process is issued during movie recording. Movie recording is interrupted to perform still image recording processing only when an initiation instruction for still image recording processing is detected during movie recording. In addition, in the auto focus control for still image recording during movie recording, focus detection is performed within a distance range that is narrower than the distance range during auto focus control performed for normal still image recording.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaru Kawamura
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Patent number: 7623179Abstract: A method and a storage medium for auto exposure control are provided. A desired image is divided into a plurality of sample blocks, each includes red, green, and blue subpixels. A maximum exposure ratio and an average exposure ratio are obtained according to the maximum and average values of each red, green, and blue subpixel retrieved from each sample block and a predetermined desired maximum brightness and a predetermined desired average brightness. It is determined whether the maximum exposure ratio is smaller than the average exposure ratio. If it is, a strobe of the storage medium shines a flashlight based on the average exposure ratio, and, if it is not, the strobe shines a flashlight based on the maximum exposure ratio.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.Inventors: Wen-Hung Hsieh, Ching-Jung Tsai, Shu-Chen Hsiao
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Publication number: 20090284612Abstract: An interchangeable lens mountable to a camera body includes an optical system operable to collect light from a subject to form a subject image, a diaphragm operable to adjust an amount of light of the subject image to be collected by the optical system, a driving unit operable to drive the diaphragm based upon an aperture value within a predetermined range, a storage unit operable to store speed information relating to a speed at which the driving unit can be set to drive the diaphragm, and a transmitting unit operable to transmit the speed information stored in the storage unit to the camera body. The speed information is provided for each of a plurality of aperture value ranges which are obtained by dividing the predetermined range of the aperture value, and relates to the speed indicating a settable rate of change in the light amount which changes as the driving unit drives the diaphragm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi ABE, Koji SHIBUNO
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Patent number: 7616243Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic image sensor having a base exposure, followed by a second or multiple exposures that are formed during signal readout. A timing controller controls the signal readout, such that as each line is read, the second and subsequent exposures are subsequently added to the base exposure to enrich the dynamic range. The image sensor may further include an analog-to-digital converter and noise suppression to further enhance the efficacy of the dynamic range enrichment. The system may also include additional signal processing and scaling functions.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: AltaSens, Inc.Inventor: Lester J. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 7612813Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing automatic exposure control based on current measured luminance of an image and dynamic/modifiable target luminance levels. Exposure adjustments and/or adjustments to the dynamic/modifiable target luminance windows are based on the measured luminance and threshold settings to improve image quality while avoiding oscillations and other problems typically associated with automatic exposure.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Aptina Imaging CorporationInventor: Kevin Hunter
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Patent number: 7609320Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for performing dynamic assignment of an output image in a dynamic range according to a subject. An image pickup device picks up an image of a subject, a signal processing section generates a composite image having a relatively wider dynamic range than at least either of the dynamic ranges of a long-time exposure image picked up with a relatively long exposure time by the image pickup device and a short-time exposure image picked up with a relatively short exposure time by the image pickup device, by synthesizing the long-time exposure image and the short-time exposure image A, control section compresses the composite image and dynamically varies the assignment proportion of a high luminance dynamic range to a low-middle luminance dynamic range in a dynamic range of an output image to be outputted as a video signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Keisuke Okamura
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Patent number: 7598998Abstract: To effective increase the dynamic range of a pixel array, a plurality of brightness groups is set. The pixels of a pixel array are then distributed among the groups according with their likely brightness. Each image frame is scanned in the order of brightness, with the pixels in the group likely to be the brightest being scanned first and the pixels in the group likely to be the darkest being scanned last. The brightness groups are adjusted at the boundary of the frame scan.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Andrei Cernasov, Fernando De La Vega
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Patent number: 7589769Abstract: In a camera having a gamma-correction circuit on an output signal processing path of a CCD, an incident light path leading to the CCD is kept opening in a state where nonlinear gamma-correction processing in the gamma-correction processing circuit is prohibited, first image data (CCD output data; DATA1) are generated based on electric signal output from the CCD, incident light path leading to the CCD is kept closing, second image data (CCD output data; DATA2) are generated based on electric signal output from the CCD and lastly, the second image data DATA2 are subtracted from the first image data DATA1, thereby correcting to eliminate dark voltage component included in the first image data DATA1.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakata, Noriyasu Murata
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Patent number: 7590267Abstract: A method and system for detecting faces at different views within images that allocates the computational effort based on a prior probability associated with a view is provided. A face detection system determines whether an image contains a face using detectors that are adapted to detect faces at various views and a filter that filters out windows of the image that are provided to a detector based on a prior probability associated with the view of the detector. Each view has an associated prior probability that a face from a collection of real-life home photographs will be at that view. The face detection system allocates increasing computational effort to a detector as the prior probability of its view increases.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Rong Xiao, Lei Zhang, Yan-Feng Sun, Wei-Ying Ma
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Patent number: 7583305Abstract: A method for decreasing integration time of saturated paxels within an imager; wherein the method includes decreasing the integration time of the saturated paxels within an imager according to scene data from a captured image.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Bruce C. McDermott
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Publication number: 20090213237Abstract: The system control unit executes the following control when switching the mode from the first mode to the second one. When the first accumulation period is shorter than the first readout period, the system control unit controls the image sensor driving circuit and readout circuit so that the sum of the first and second readout periods fits into a 2-frame period. When the first accumulation period is longer than the first readout period, the system control unit controls the image sensor driving circuit and readout circuit so that the sum of the first accumulation period and second readout period fits into a 2-frame period.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshiki Ishida
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Patent number: 7580076Abstract: Methods of calculating pixel values representative of a scene are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the method comprises focusing light representative of the scene onto a photosensor for a period of time using at least one exposure setting, wherein the photosensor has a plurality of pixels. Numeric values corresponding to the intensity of light received by each of the pixels during the period are generated. At least one exposure setting is changed and pixel values are generated by the photosensor based on the changed at least one exposure setting are calculated. The number of calculated pixel values that are greater than a first preselected value are then determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Amy E. Battles, Jason Yost, John A. Mick
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Patent number: 7573505Abstract: An image capturing apparatus having an auto focus function or an auto exposure function stores digital image data output from an A/D conversion unit as first image data directly or after performing predetermined processing, and stores the digital image data serving as a base of the first image data as second image data after performing predetermined processing for the digital image data. The apparatus then detects a face region from the second image data, and displays the image on the basis of the image data output from the A/D conversion unit while the face region is detected form the second image data. After completion of detection of the face region from the second image data, the apparatus extracts information for auto focus, auto exposure, or white balance by using, of the first image data, data at a portion corresponding to the face region that is detected by said face detection means, and performs auto focus control, auto exposure control, or white balance control.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Zenya Kawaguchi, Yoshihiro Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7573506Abstract: An imaging apparatus evaluation method of the present invention comprises obtaining an output function of original image data by comparing a plurality of sets of image data which are obtained by imaging the same spatial brightness distribution surface with different exposure times.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Kaneyasu Okawa
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Patent number: 7574129Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a photographing mode selector allowing a user to select an interval photographing mode from among a plurality of predetermined photographing modes, a determining unit determining a range of selectable time intervals for interval photographing in accordance with the interval photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selector, a notifying unit notifying the user of the range of selectable time intervals determined by the determining unit, a time interval selector allowing the user to select a time interval for interval photographing in response to the notification of the notifying unit, and an interval photographing controller performing interval photographing on the basis of the interval photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selector and the time interval selected by the time interval selector.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kumiko Tsukuda
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Patent number: 7570289Abstract: An electronic camera includes a CCD imager. A first specific evaluation area is assigned to one end in a horizontal direction of an effective area formed on an imaging surface, and a second specific evaluation area is assigned to the other end in a horizontal direction of the effective area. Also, a first clamp area is assigned in an optical black area in vicinity of the first specific evaluation area, and a second clamp area is assigned in an optical black area in vicinity of the second specific evaluation area. A luminance evaluation circuit obtains a first luminance evaluation value with respect to the first specific evaluation area and obtains a second luminance evaluation value with respect to the second specific evaluation area. In addition, a clamp circuit performs a clamping process on a raw image signal taking note of the first clamp area or the second clamp area.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Okasaka
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Patent number: 7554588Abstract: A method of capturing an image of a scene using an image capture device having an array of pixels arranged into a plurality of rows includes, for a first duration, capturing a first portion of the scene with a first plurality of the rows and, for a second duration that is longer than the first duration, capturing a second portion of the scene with a second plurality of the rows. If a pixel value is below a first threshold, an interpolated pixel value is used. If the pixel value is above a second predetermined threshold, a different interpolated pixel value is used.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: TransChip Israel, Ltd.Inventor: Yoel Yaffe
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Patent number: 7545435Abstract: In some embodiments, images for the video conference may be white balanced and/or exposure controlled. White balancing may include dividing an image's pixels into multiple ranges according to their luminance and chrominance values. In some embodiments, blue and red analog gains may be modified to bring red and blue accumulations closer to green accumulations. In some embodiments, luminance values for an image may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing exposure. The decision whether to increase or decrease the exposure may be made by looking at statistics for luminance values of skin colored regions if there are sufficient skin colored regions on the image. Otherwise, luminance values for the entire image may be analyzed to determine whether to increase or decrease exposure.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.Inventors: Michael V. Jenkins, Bradley Richard Ree
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Patent number: 7538801Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing automatic exposure and gain control while minimizing oscillations as well as providing a good response time, for example, a lag time or a settling time of about one frame. The automatic exposure and gain controls are performed not only on the image as a whole but on a weighted region of interest. If the contrast in the image exceeds the dynamic range of the sensor array, then the image in the region of interest will improve at the expense of the remainder of the image. A region of interest is a selected subset of tiles upon which automatic exposure and gain control will be based. The tiles are defined by a grid system having grid coordinates, which are programmable. Image sensors have to receive feedback with regular updates of exposure and gain settings based on ever changing light conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shane Ching-Feng Hu, Atif Sarwari
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Publication number: 20090128647Abstract: A system and method for automatically and optically capturing an image in a handheld image capture device. The system includes an imager and an actuated mounting mechanism attached to the imager. The imager has one or more degrees of freedom (DOF) and includes at least one of a pan DOF, a tilt DOF, and a rotate DOF. In certain embodiments, the device can auto-center a selected object of interest in the image frame, auto-zoom in on the selected object of interest, and/or auto-rotate the captured image. The method includes providing an imager having a pan degree of freedom (DOF) and a tilt DOF, capturing an image by the imager to produce an image frame, selecting an object of interest from the captured image, and auto-centering the selected object in the image frame using one or both of the pan DOF and the tilt DOF.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Paul Fahn, Stefan Marti
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Patent number: 7532814Abstract: A digital camera (10) includes a CCD imager (16). An image signal corresponding to an optical image is output from the CCD imager (16), and an incident light amount to the CCD imager (16) is restricted by an aperture unit (14). A CPU (40) adjusts an exposure time period of the CCD imager (16) on the basis of an average luminance value of a normal evaluation area assigned to the center of a screen out of the image signals output form the CCD imager (16). The CPU (40) also adjusts an aperture amount of the aperture unit (14) on the basis of an average luminance value of a specific evaluation area assigned to the end of the screen out of the image signals output form the CCD imager (16).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Okasaka
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Patent number: 7528877Abstract: A circuit for reducing a mismatch between a reference path to which a reference voltage is applied and an intensity path to which an intensity voltage is applied from an active pixel sensor comprises a first and a second pair of switches and a processing circuit. The first pair of switches couple an intensity input node to which the intensity voltage is applied to a first output node and couple a reference input node to which the reference voltage is applied to a second output node during a first operating period. The second pair of switches couple the intensity input node to the second output node and couple the reference input node to the first output node during a second operating period. A polarity reversing circuit is included in the processing circuit for coupling the first and second output nodes to the processing circuit with one polarity during the first operating period and in a reverse polarity during the second operating period.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: R. Jacob Baker
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Patent number: 7525591Abstract: An image display apparatus for displaying acquired image data on a display part determines whether the acquired image data needs correcting, and when determining that some correction is necessary, causes the display part to show preset correction contents. When an operator selects one of the correction contents displayed, the image display apparatus corrects the acquired data based on the correction content selected.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.Inventor: Tomonaga Yasuda