Abstract: The object is to provide a uniform impression of noise for an entire image signal by performing grayscale conversion and noise reduction in a balanced manner. The signal processing unit performs first signal conversion on an image signal from an image-acquisition device and transfers the processed image signal to a correction-coefficient calculation unit. The correction-coefficient calculation unit calculates, on the basis of the image signal from the signal processing unit, an area correction coefficient for each area used for grayscale conversion of each area. A noise reducing unit uses the area correction coefficients calculated by the correction-coefficient calculation unit to perform noise reduction on the image signal from the image-acquisition device and transfers the processed signal to the signal processing unit.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device including plural imaging planes each having different dark current characteristics, each of the imaging planes having an effective image area and an corresponding optical black (OPB) area. The image pickup apparatus also includes a memory that stores a dark current data table including difference data between dark current values pre-measured at upper and lower areas of the effective image area of each of the imaging planes and dark current values pre-measured at corresponding upper and lower areas of the OPB area. The image pickup apparatus further includes an image processing unit to calculate estimate dark current values for the effective image area based on the dark current data table and actual dark current values measured in the OPB area for each of the imaging planes, and eliminates the dark current components for the effective imaging areas.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus which is capable of performing a smear amount correction processing suitably according to change in the smear amount to suppress overcorrection of the smear amount. An output value of an image sensor and a smear amount on each of vertical lines of the image sensor are stored, respectively. An output signal value of an optical black portion on the image sensor stored in the first memory is compared with the smear amount stored in the second memory to determine a cyclic coefficient based on the comparison result. The smear amount is calculated based on the output signal value of the optical black portion on the image sensor stored in the first memory, the smear amount stored in the second memory, and the cyclic coefficient determined by the smear detection unit. A correction coefficient is calculated based on the smear amount determined by the smear amount calculating unit.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing method configured to process an image captured by using an optical system with a wide view angle and a large magnification chromatic aberration, wherein a magnification chromatic aberration correction is conducted by conducting no coordinate transformation for an image of a particular color component while conducting a coordinate transformation for only an image of a color component except the particular color component. There is also provided an image processing device configured to process an image captured by using an optical system with a wide view angle and a magnification chromatic aberration, including a magnification chromatic aberration correction device configured to conduct a magnification chromatic aberration correction by conducting no coordinate transformation for an image of a particular color component while conducting a coordinate transformation for only an image of a color component except the particular color component.

Abstract: An analog dark-signal averaging circuit and method for an image sensor are disclosed. Each sub-circuit of the dark-signal averaging circuit correspondingly inputs a signal from a pixel circuit of the image sensor, and each sub-circuit includes a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit. The capacitors of the sub-circuits are controllably coupled by average switches, thereby averaging the reset signals and the image signals among the black pixels.

Abstract: The signal charge corresponding to the amount of light is obtained from a photodiode section and is then stored in a charge storage section under the control of a first control gate. An additional charge storage section may be provided between the photodiode section and the charge storage section. The signal charge thus stored in the charge storage section is supplied to a charge transfer section under the control of a second control gate. The charge storage section is set to operate in a PIN-ing state during its operation, which may be carried out by, for example, covering an N-type region with a storage control electrode to which a predetermined DC bias voltage is applied, or by forming a P-type region in surface portion of the N-type region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate mitigating column gain mismatch in a CMOS imaging System-on-Chip (iSoC) sensor. Tunable voltages that mimic presence of photo-charge can be provided to test pixels in one or more rows of a pixel array. Moreover, column-specific digital gain corrections can be calibrated based upon input data received from the test pixels. During calibration, actual data can be compared to a target expected to be obtained via an analog readout architecture. The calibrated, column-specific digital gain corrections can be utilized to correct for column gain mismatch to yield output data. Further, correction values corresponding to the column-specific digital gain corrections can be retained in and retrieved from memory. The correction values, for example, can be a function of a scaling parameter that is tuned to match an available memory dynamic to a range of uncorrected gain mismatch.

Abstract: A driving method used for a solid-state imaging device according to the present invention includes: imaging an object for a first storage time when a shutter is open, in a first state that is a state where either at least a part of the peripheral circuitry is suspended or a consumption current of the peripheral circuitry is limited; imaging, in the first state, a dark output signal image including only a dark output for a second storage time when the shutter is closed; converting the dark output signal image to correspond to the image obtained for the first storage time and subtracting, from the signal image of the object, the converted dark output signal image or converting the dark output signal image to correspond to the image obtained for the second storage time and subtracting, from the signal image of the object, the converted dark output signal image.

Abstract: An image acquisition unit acquires an X-ray image obtained by irradiating a subject with an X-ray and a dark image obtained without irradiating the X-ray. A dark correction mode input unit inputs a dark correction mode for correcting the X-ray image using the dark image. A control unit sets a noise suppression parameter according to the dark correction mode received from the dark correction mode input unit. A dark correction unit corrects the X-ray image based on dark image according to the dark correction mode received from the dark correction mode input unit. A noise suppression unit performs noise suppression processing on the X-ray image corrected by the dark correction unit, using the noise suppression parameter received from the control unit.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device and an imaging apparatus are provided. The solid-state imaging device performs an AD conversion in a column parallel for an analog pixel signal outputted from each of pixels disposed in a two-dimensional matrix shape. The solid-state imaging device includes: an AD conversion unit including a plurality of pixel signal accumulating units; a first switching unit for disconnecting parallel connection of a second pixel signal accumulating unit other than a first pixel signal accumulating unit which is one of the plurality of pixel signal accumulating units; and a second switching unit for connecting the second pixel signal accumulating unit to a pixel signal line of a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel in a row direction, when parallel connection of the second pixel signal accumulating unit is disconnected by the first switching unit.

Abstract: There is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion unit which converts incident light into an electrical signal and accumulates the electrical signal, an amplifier transistor which amplifies and outputs the signal from the photoelectric conversion unit, a transfer transistor which transfers the electrical signal accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit to the amplifier transistor, and a processing transistor which performs predetermined processing, and a control circuit which sets the signal level supplied to the control electrode of the transfer transistor in order to turn off the transfer transistor to be lower than the signal level supplied to the control electrode of the processing transistor in order to turn off the processing transistor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an image sensor having a plurality of pixels arranged in an array that captures an image of a subject and outputs pixel signals; a calculation unit that calculates a correction value for correcting an error of the pixel signals read out from the image sensor for each column of the array of the pixels; and a correction unit that corrects the image signals using the correction value calculated by the calculation unit. In a live view mode, the calculation unit calculates a new correction value by averaging the calculated correction value and a correction value for a previous frame.

Abstract: A high tone image is saved in a versatile image file format to enhance usability. There are provided an imaging unit that images an original image having a predetermined dynamic range, which is a ratio between minimum luminance and maximum luminance; a synthesized image generating part that generates a synthesized image data that is higher in tone than a tone width of the original image by synthesizing a plurality of original images imaged under different imaging conditions at the same observation position; a display unit that displays the images imaged by the imaging unit; a tone conversion part that converts the synthesized image data generated by the synthesized image generating part to low tone image data having a tone width capable of being displayed on the display unit; and a tone data saving part that generates a high tone data-attached display file including a high tone image region for saving the synthesized image data serving as a basis as an image file for saving the low tone image data.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention includes: pixel units P(x, y) each of which includes a photoelectric conversion element and an amplifying unit for a pixel unit and which are two-dimensionally arranged; at least one row of optical black units Pob(x, y) each of which includes a photoelectric conversion element, an amplifying unit for a pixel unit, and a light shielding film that covers the photoelectric conversion element, the photoelectric conversion element and the amplifying unit for a pixel unit being the same as those of the pixel unit P(x, y); and at least one row of optical gray units Pog(x, y) each of which includes an amplifying unit for a pixel unit which is the same as that of the pixel unit and to which a reference voltage is input. The value of the reference voltage is less than the value of the output signal from the photoelectric conversion element in a saturated state.

Abstract: An imaging device and method for operating the device. The imaging device comprises a pixel array that comprises a plurality of imaging pixels and dark reference pixels arranged in columns and rows. The dark reference pixels produce a noise signal that is subtracted from a pixel signal produced by the imaging pixels to correct row noise. In addition, the imaging device may comprise a hot pixel filtering circuit that blocks the output from hot pixels.

Abstract: The image quality of an image frame from a CMOS image sensor array operated in global shutter mode may be enhanced by dispersing or randomizing the noise introduced by leakage currents from floating drains among the rows of the image frame. Further, the image quality may be improved by accounting for time dependent changes in the output of dark pixels in dark pixel rows or dark pixel columns. In addition, voltage and time dependent changes in the output of dark pixels may also be measured to provide an accurate estimate of the noise introduced to the charge held in the floating drains. Such methods may be employed individually or in combination to improve the quality of the image.

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor may include an active pixel sensor array and a noise canceller array corresponding to the active pixel sensor array. A method of operating such an CMOS image sensor may involve generating a varying reference signal that mirrors noise external to the active pixel sensor array, outputting the varying reference signal to the noise canceller array, and using the varying reference signal in the noise canceller array to cancel noise both internal to and external to the active pixel sensor array.

Abstract: An image capturing system includes a signal correction unit which corrects a signal output from a defective pixel in an optical black region based on a signal output from a normal pixel. The optical black region has a plurality of pixel blocks. Each of the plurality of pixel blocks has a plurality of pixels each including one or more elements which have the same functions as in the remaining pixels and which have relative positions different from the remaining pixels. The signal correction unit corrects the signal output from the defective pixel in the optical black region based on a signal output from a normal pixel which is included in another pixel block different from the pixel block of the defective pixel in the optical black region and includes one or more elements having the same functions and same relative positions as in the defective pixel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate mitigating pixel or column fixed pattern noise in a CMOS imaging System-on-Chip (iSoC) sensor. Pixel or column fixed pattern noise can be recognized by gating a pixel array without firing a transfer signal (TX). Inhibiting the transfer signal can cause zero input to be provided to pixels in the pixel array; thus, the sampled output from the pixels under such conditions can be a function of noise. Calibration and correction can thereafter be effectuated. Additionally or alternatively, pixel or column fixed pattern noise can be managed by controlling a frame rate; thus, the frame rate can be reduced under low light conditions to enable integrating incident light for longer periods of time as well as providing reference frames of pixels generated from zero input that can be utilized for calibration and correction of pixel or column fixed pattern noise associated with other frames.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array divided into two or more corresponding sub-arrays. The pixel array includes an imaging area having a plurality of pixels and one or more reference areas each having a plurality of reference pixels. A continuous non-uniform light shield overlies, or individual non-uniform light shields overlie, each reference pixel in a row or column of reference pixels. An image sensor can include one or more rows or columns of reference pixels. An output channel is electrically connected to each sub-array for receiving the signals generated by the plurality of pixels and reference pixels in each sub-array. The pixel signals generated by the reference pixel pairs in one or more rows or columns in corresponding sub-arrays are used to determine one or more correction factors that compensate for the differences or mismatches between the output channels.

Abstract: A light-sensitive pixel array has an active area and an additional area of optically shielded pixels. A “noise figure” is derived as a measure of the prevalence of noise in the image signal without being affected by the presence of moving detail in the image. The noise figure is derived by measuring the difference in output between the pixels of at least one pair of pixels in the optically shielded area in one frame, repeating this measurement in a subsequent frame, and then subtracting one pixel pair difference from the other to give a difference of differences. In a preferred form, four pairs of pixels are used. The noise figure may be used to control digital signal processing of the image signal, such as be smoothing.

Abstract: An opening is made in a surface intercepting a wave propagating through space. An image of an object is formed on an intermediate surface from the wave passing through this opening. After wave conversion, that is to say, after the entity of a wave is converted into a detectable wave from which a two-dimensional image can be picked up, an image is picked up with a two-dimensional image pick-up device. Distortion caused by the two-dimensional image pick-up device is corrected using a calibration grid pattern provided on the intermediate surface. The intermediate surface provides a wave converting function, distortion calibrating function, distortion-free wide field of view ensuring function, and wave entity converting function, and a place of detection elements themselves.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pickup apparatus, including: an image pickup section of the plural channel output type configured to output signals individually corresponding to divisional regions of an image pickup device; a plurality of signal processing sections configured to individually receive the output signals of the plural channels of the image pickup device as inputs thereto to produce digital data corresponding to pixel values, and a digital signal processing section configured to receive the pixel value data produced by the signal processing sections as inputs thereto to execute an image correction process.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion element which photoelectrically converts an optical image formed by an imaging optical system to acquire image data, a read control unit which thins out pixels, as needed, and reads the image data acquired by the photoelectric conversion element, a region setting unit which sets the region of an output image, a read rule selection unit which selects the pixel thinning read rule of the read control unit, and a distortion correction unit which corrects distortion of the image data read from the photoelectric conversion element. The distortion correction unit includes a filter processing unit which executes filter processing for the image data, and a filter coefficient setting unit which sets the filter coefficient of the filter processing unit in accordance with the pixel thinning read rule.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus having a shutter for making an image capturing element enter a light-shielded state or a light-unshielded state comprises an image capturing condition storing unit for storing a plurality of image capturing conditions, a dark-time image data storing unit for storing a plurality of pieces of dark-time image data captured with the image capturing element under the image capturing conditions in the light-shielded state, a bright-time image data storing unit for storing bright-time image data captured with the image capturing element in the light-unshielded state, a dark-time image data extracting unit for extracting a dark-time image captured under an image capturing condition corresponding to an image capturing condition under which the bright-time image is captured, and a correcting unit for correcting the bright-time image data based on the dark-time image data extracted by the dark-time image data extracting unit.

Abstract: To enhance accuracy in correction of a defective pixel. An image of an object is captured using a digital camera, and stored in an image memory 14. A processor 16 detects a defect, using pixels located in the vertical and horizontal directions relative to, in lines of the same color as, and separated by one line from, the focused line. With any defect found, the presence or absence of line crawl is next determined. When it is determined that line crawl is present, the presence or absence of a diagonal edge is then determined. Subsequently, the surrounding pixels used to correct a defective pixel are selected in consideration of whether or not line crawl or a diagonal edge are present.

Abstract: An image-processing device including a pulverization-core unit configured to divide input-image data into blocks, generate basic blocks by reducing each of the blocks in size, and arrange the basic blocks into the blocks so that processed-image data including at least one noise particle of the input-image data is generated, where the noise particle included in the processed-image data is reduced in size, an edge-detection unit configured to detect an edge degree from the input-image data, and an edge-blend unit configured to subject a pixel value of the input-image data and a pixel value of the processed-image data to load addition and output output-image data based on the detection result so that a weight to the pixel value of the input-image data increases as the edge degree increases is provided.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a single photographing optical system, an image sensor having a plurality of pixels for obtaining a plurality of viewpoint images by photo-electrically converting a luminous flux passing through different regions of the photographing optical system, and a shading correction part for conducting a shading correction to the plurality of viewpoint images. The shading correction part varies the amount of shading correction based on light-reduction property for one viewpoint image among the plurality of viewpoint images with respect to the amount of shading correction based on light-reduction property for the other viewpoint image among the plurality of viewpoint images.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for applying high-speed dark shading correction and reducing random noise in a black image is provided. The image pickup apparatus has an image pickup element capable of reading image signals corresponding to one frame, which are obtained by photoelectric conversion, on a field-by-field basis. With the image pickup element exposed to light, first image signals corresponding to one frame are read. Then, with the image pickup element shielded from light, second image signals are read from fields that are fewer than fields constituting one frame. Each of third image signals is generated by averaging the second image signals for each of blocks obtained by dividing the image pickup element and converting the average image signal for each block to a resolution of the first image signals. The third image signals are subtracted from the first image signals.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an image sensor and method of using an image sensor are described. In an example embodiment, the image sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of pixel regions with each pixel region comprising an optically sensitive material over the substrate and positioned to receive light. There is a bias electrode for each pixel region, with the bias electrode configured to provide a bias voltage to the optically sensitive material of the respective pixel region. Also included is a pixel circuit for each pixel region with each pixel circuit comprising a charge store formed on the semiconductor substrate and a read out circuit, the charge store being in electrical communication with the optically sensitive material of the respective pixel region.

Abstract: In an imaging device, a cooling unit cools an imaging element. A storage unit stores table data representing correspondence relationships between signal values based on luminescences of detection targets, cooling temperatures, exposure times, and S/N ratios. A S/N calculating unit calculates a S/N ratio at a time when pre-imaging has been performed. A determination unit determines, from the table data and as a cooling temperature and an exposure time for the imaging, a combination of a cooling temperature and an exposure time with which the S/N ratio becomes equal to or greater than the reference S/N ratio on the basis of a result of comparison between the calculated S/N ratio and a predetermined reference S/N ratio. A control unit controls the imaging element and the cooling element such that a subject is imaged at the cooling temperature and in the exposure time that are determined.

Abstract: A circuit and method of detecting a saturation level of an image sensor including a photodiode using a black pixel circuit included in the image sensor. The saturation level detecting circuit includes a pixel unit, a reset node and a detection controller. The pixel unit includes a floating diffusion node connected to, or disconnected from, the photodiode and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage of the floating diffusion node. The reset node is connected to, or disconnected from, the floating diffusion node. The detection controller transfers a power voltage or a reference voltage to the reset node.

Abstract: First pixel data of a pixel of interest is output from a first shift register, while second and third pixel data of neighboring pixels indicative of the same color are output from second and third shift registers, respectively. Differential data between estimated pixel data calculated from the second and third pixel data and the first pixel data is input to a comparator. A threshold value stored in a register is modulated by the estimated pixel data, and is input to the comparator as modulated threshold data. When the comparator judges that the differential data is greater than the modulated threshold data, a selector outputs the estimated pixel data as corrected pixel data.

Abstract: A Optical Black Pixel (OBP) cancellation circuit corrects offsets in sensors in a CCD/CMOS image sensor when reading dark pixels such at the periphery. A pixel voltage is switched to a sampling capacitor during two phases of the same pixel pulse. Sampling capacitors and feedback capacitors connect to differential inputs of an amplifier. An accumulating capacitor accumulates voltage differences and generates a common-mode voltage that is fed back to another sampling capacitor that stores an amplifier offset. The sampling capacitor and accumulating capacitor and their associated switches form a discrete-time first-order low-pass filter that filters the pixel voltage during the first phase. In the second phase the amplifier acts as a unity-gain amplifier to output an average of the pixel voltage differences generated during an OBP time when blackened or covered pixels are read from the image sensor.

Abstract: A system and method adaptively control sensitivity, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, of a digital imager. An illumination intensity level mapping controller determines a number of pixels of image data having illumination intensity levels within a first defined range of illumination intensity levels and determines an illumination intensity level mapping function based upon the determined number of pixels within the first defined range of illumination intensity levels. An exposure controller determines a number of pixels having illumination intensity levels within a second defined range of illumination intensity levels and determines an integration time based upon the determined number of pixels having illumination intensity levels within the second defined range of illumination intensity levels.

Abstract: An imaging system capable of black level calibration includes an imaging pixel array, at least one black reference pixel, and peripheral circuitry. The imaging pixel array includes a plurality of active pixels each coupled to capture image data. The black reference pixel is coupled to generate a black reference signal for calibrating the image data. Light transmitting layers are disposed on a first side of a pixel array die including the imaging system and cover at least the imaging pixel array and the black reference pixel. A light shielding layer is disposed on the first side of the pixel array die and covers a portion of the light transmitting layers and the black reference pixel without covering the imaging pixel array.

Abstract: An imaging array and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The imaging array includes a plurality of light pixels and a sense amplifier. Each light pixel includes a photodetector that generates and couples a signal indicative of a light exposure to a light pixel node, a readout circuit, and a mixer that mixes a signal on the light pixel node with a pixel oscillator signal. The sense amplifier includes an input node that receives a signal from each light pixel, one light pixel at a time. The sense amplifier also includes a high pass filter that attenuates signals with frequencies less than a cutoff frequency and a mixer that demodulates the signal from the filter to provide a signal that is related to the potential on the light pixel node of the light pixel connected to the first input node.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided having: a pixel unit including an effective pixel region of multiple pixels accumulating charges generated according to incident light to output signals and an ineffective pixel region of multiple pixels outputting signals not dependent on incident light; a plurality of vertical signal lines provided for each column of pixels of pixel unit; a vertical scanning circuit that scans and selects pixels of pixel unit in row units to output signals of selected pixels of same row to plurality of vertical signal lines; and a horizontal scanning circuit that scans and selects signals of plurality of vertical signal lines to output signals of selected vertical signal lines; wherein the vertical scanning circuit selects pixels of same row of effective pixel region in row units once during one frame and selects pixels of same row of ineffective pixel region in row units multiple times during one frame.

Abstract: A method of correcting an image signal generated by a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor in an imaging system is provided. The imaging system stores a number of gamma correction curves, each of which includes a respective correction factor for increasing contrast in a dark portion of the image signal. The method includes: measuring gray scale value of each pixel of the CCD image sensor; estimating a contrast level of an object scene to be imaged using the measured gray scale values; and correcting the image signal using a corresponding gamma correction curve depending on the estimated contrast level of the object scene.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a lens module and a printed circuit board. The lens module includes a substrate with a lens unit and an imaging sensor mounted on a same side thereof. The substrate defines a groove therein. The printed circuit board defines a recessed portion accommodating the substrate therein, and includes a locking member engaging in the groove to detachably secure the lens module thereto.

Abstract: An optical circuit includes a selector that supplies an output current from a first photodetector to a converter provided for a second photodetector, and a processor that imaginarily calculates the level of signal light output from an optical device, which is detected by the second photodetector, based upon the level of signal light input to the optical device, which is measured by measurement means, and upon conversion efficiencies of the first and second photodetectors and that thus calculates the correlation between the output signal light level and its monitored value output from the converter provided for the second photodetector.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for obtaining information about a vehicle occupant in a compartment of the vehicle in which a light source is mounted in the vehicle, structured light is projected into an area of interest in the compartment, rays of light forming the structured light originating from the light source, reflected light is detected at an image sensor at a position different than the position from which the structured light is projected, and the reflected light is analyzed relative to the projected structured light to obtain information about the area of interest. The structured light is designed to appear as if it comes from a source of light (virtual or actual) which is at a position different than the position of the image sensor.

Abstract: A signal processing device includes a memory which stores correction data in advance. The signal processing device modifies the correction data stored in the memory on the basis of an image sensing signal obtained by causing an image sensing unit to perform image sensing operation in a non-exposure state. The signal processing device corrects by using the modified correction data an image sensing signal obtained by causing the image sensing unit to perform image sensing operation in an exposure state.

Abstract: A noise elimination method capable of handling even beat noise occurring in an oblique direction is proposed. In an image processing apparatus that is provided with a correcting unit that subtracts cyclic data of beat noise from effective pixel data included in inputted digital image data, the correcting unit comprises: a distributing unit that sequentially and cyclically distributes optical black area pixel data included in the digital image data; an integrating unit to which the optical black area pixel data distributed by the distributing unit is sequentially inputted; a first calculating unit that divides the integration result of the integrating unit by the number of integrations; a minimum value detecting unit that detects a minimum value of the output of the first calculating unit; and a second calculating unit that calculates the minimum value and the division result to obtain the cyclic data of the beat noise.

Abstract: A method for lowering dark current in an image sensor pixel, the method includes the steps of providing a photosensitive area for receiving incident light which is converted into a charge; providing a gate for transferring charge from the photosensitive area; wherein the gate is held at a voltage which will accumulate majority carriers at a semiconductor-dielectric interface during integration for the photosensitive area. Alternatively, a potential profile can be provided under the gate to drain the dark current away from the photogeneration diffusion.

Abstract: An image sensor includes multiple photoactive pixels and multiple dark reference pixels arranged in rows and columns to form a pixel array. A dark signal is read out of one or more dark reference pixels in each column and used to determine a column offset for one or more columns in the pixel array. Each time an image or frame of an image is read out, the column offset for the one or more columns is updated using dark signals read out from a given number of dark reference pixels. The column offset for the one or more columns is scaled when a gain level is changed for a captured image.

Abstract: An image sensor includes multiple photoactive pixels and multiple dark reference pixels arranged in rows and columns to form a pixel array. A dark signal is read out of one or more dark reference pixels in each column and used to determine a column offset for one or more columns in the pixel array. An offset window is used for each column in the pixel array to define an acceptable maximum dark signal and an acceptable minimum dark signal for each column. The dark signals from each column are analyzed to determine if there are any dark signals outside the offset window. If any of the dark signals are outside the offset window, the dark signal or signals can be compensated for or discarded.

Abstract: An image sensor includes multiple photoactive pixels and multiple dark reference pixels typically arranged in rows and columns to form a pixel array. A dark signal is read out from a given number of dark reference pixels in each column at a first gain level. An initial column offset correction is determined for one or more columns in the pixel array using respective dark signals read out at the first gain level. The initial column offset corrections are repeatedly scaled in response to each detected change to a different gain level. The column offset corrections can be scaled based on an amount of change between each respective different gain level and the first gain level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows for the correction of multiple defective pixels in an imager device. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of selecting a correction kernel for a defective pixel, determining average and difference values for pixel pairs in the correction kernel, and substituting an average value from a pixel pair for the value of the defective pixel.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus including: a pixel section having pixels two-dimensionally arranged into row direction and column direction, each pixel containing a photoelectric conversion section, an accumulation section for accumulating output of the photoelectric conversion section, an amplification section for amplifying output of the photoelectric conversion section accumulated at the accumulation section and outputting it as pixel signal, and a reset section for effecting reset of the accumulation section; a vertical scanning section for selecting row to be read out of the pixel section; vertical signal lines provided correspondingly to columns of the pixel section, onto which pixel signals of pixels arranged in column direction are outputted; a column amplifier section for effecting suppression of dark current component of the pixels contained in pixel signals inputted through the vertical signal line and for amplifying the pixel signals after the suppression; a horizontal scanning section for selecti