Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and indicating faults in image acquisition systems is proposed, a self-diagnosis function being provided which detects and classifies image faults. The image acquisition system outputs fault signals which indicate the presence of the image fault and the type of image fault.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for driving a liquid crystal display device that prevents a deterioration of picture quality. More specifically, in the method and apparatus, a determination as to whether input data should be modulated is made in accordance with the compared results of the most/least significant bit data with the first and second reference values.

Abstract: An apparatus processes a video image. The apparatus includes an imaging device, a frame grabber device, and a host computer. The imaging device (20) produces a gray level image representing the video image. The frame grabber device conducts preprocessing functions on the gray level image and produces a plurality of image types from the gray level image. The host computer has a memory for storing the plurality of image types. The plurality of image types are transferred directly from the frame grabber device to the memory of the host computer.

Abstract: Signal levels of input three, R, G, and B, color video signals are examined by a level examining circuit. After a knee-compression is performed to the video signals, a selector selects the maximum knee-compressed color signal and the minimum knee-compressed color signal. A compression coefficient calculator calculates a compression coefficient of each color signal before and after the knee-compression. A medium color signal calculator determines a medium color signal. Another selector turns the compressed video signals back to three, R, B, and G, color signal outputs and releases them. Because the difference between any two of the R, G, and B color signals is equally compressed before and after the high-brightness compression, any change in a hue can successfully be avoided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided with an imaging element for outputting both a color signal of high-power image data and a color signal of low-power image data; gamma correcting means for gamma-correcting the high-power image data and for gamma-correcting the low-power image data; image synthesizing means for adding the high-power image data which has been gamma-corrected by the gamma correcting means to the low-power image data which has been gamma-corrected by the gamma correcting means, and also for multiplying the added image data by a total gain value in response to a scene so as to perform an image synthesizing operation; converting means for converting the synthesized image data synthesized by the image synthesizing means into both a luminance signal and a color difference signal; and saturation correcting means for performing a saturation correcting process operation with respect to the color difference signal in response to the luminance signal obtained by the converting means and a dynamic range of

Abstract: A method and system for determining a transition model between input pixel samples from which output sample values are calculated based on various relative background and brightness conditions of the input pixel samples. A brightness condition is determined from the input sample values associated with the input pixel samples. A first transition model that preserves a constant luminance is used where the brightness condition is indicative of light isolated pixels and a second transition model that preserves a constant darkness is used where the brightness condition is indicative of dark isolated pixels. The resampling circuit may also use alternative models for other brightness conditions, such as for pixel transitions without any emphasis or alternating pixels. The resampling circuit may also perform modified operations for pixels arranged in a diagonal fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the information image recognition. Its usage for the adaptive processing and classification of an information stream allows to increase the recognition accuracy for a wide class of objects. The method for adaptive recognition of information images is implemented in the corresponding system including an adaptive information image processing unit, a model image comparison unit and a model image correcting unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing circuit for performing contrast highlighting and smoothing of an image-related apparatus such as a color camera or a monitor. The image processing circuit according to the present invention comprises first means for calculating an average luminance in a portion surrounding a target pixel, and second means for controlling input-output characteristics on the basis of the average luminance calculated by the first means, to control the luminance of the target pixel.

Abstract: A system and method for performing real-time gamma correction of video in which a pixel having multiple components, e.g., RGB components, can be gamma corrected through a single access to a lookup table.

Abstract: The optimum reproduction of high-contrast motifs in digital imaging technology is limited owing to the limited dynamic range of present-day image sensors. The reproduction of high-contrast motifs is intended to be improved using active pixel image sensors. The sensitivity of the sensor pixels is adapted, controlled in an analogous manner to the blurred brightness distribution in the motif, to ensure that the dark and bright image regions of the motif are also reproduced, well illuminated, without any loss of detailed contrast. This results in a particularly natural and balanced image impression. This method may be used in numerous fields for digital image processing.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method and apparatus for NTSC and PAL image sensors which employs fusion of adjacent row pixel charge samples to generate image data for a row. A variety of fusion schemes are possible for fusing the pixel signals from the adjacent rows. The rows of pixels are scanned so that each scan takes an odd row signal sample and, in some cases, an adjacent even row signal sample when specified conditions are met. One sampled row of the two adjacent rows integrate an image with a first integration period while the other adjacent row integrates an image with a second integration period.

Abstract: A detecting section for detecting a high-luminance object signal is provided. By using resulting detection data, an exposure control is performed so that the white levels of high-luminance objects do not become unduly high. Low-luminance objects are blacked under such imaging conditions. A gamma correction circuit is provided that can make the low-luminance objects appear good by compensating for the blackening. A control of changing the characteristic of the gamma connection circuit in real time in accordance with the object condition is performed, whereby the luminance level is raised in a low-luminance range. As a result, when wide-dynamic-range objects including the high-luminance objects and the low-luminance objects are shot, unduly high white levels of high-luminance objects and blackening of low-luminance objects are prevented and a good image is thereby produced.

Abstract: A method for reducing blurring associated with objects forming part of a grey scale image. The method includes receiving (11) a set of image pixels and then calculating (12) a gradient value for each one of the image pixels in the set. A selecting step (13) selects candidate object edge pixels from the image pixels by comparing the gradient value for each one of the image pixels in the set with a threshold value. A determining step (14) then determines a distribution of number candidate object edge pixels with specific grey level values. Thereafter, candidate object edge pixels within said distribution that have the same grey level values are identically non-linearly modified at a modifying step 15.

Abstract: A method of improving a digital image captured by a digital camera comprising: providing a digital camera having a memory for storing known values of a color chart having a plurality of color patches of different colors and a digital image processor, using the digital camera to capture an image of the color chart to produce image values of the color patches of the color chart; operating the digital image processor to process at least some of the color patch imaged values and the stored known values of the color patches to produce a color correction matrix or profile; and storing the color correction matrix or profile to correct color images subsequently acquired by the digital camera.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a digital still camera (1) using CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor as image pick-up device. This camera (1) comprises an image memory (18) in which plural images obtained by picking up images of the same object by different exposure values are stored, an image data adding circuit (17) for synthesizing the plural images stored in the image memory (18) to generate synthetic image in which dynamic range is broad, a Y gradation correction circuit (24) and a multiplier circuit (26) for compressing gradation of the synthetic image generated by the image data adding circuit (17), and a controller (29) for generating gradation conversion table for carrying out gradation compression.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a brightest luminance value of the pixels of the processing image and a darkest luminance value of the pixels of the processing image are detected. An improper white balance and a luminance gradation of the processing image are corrected. Moreover, a luminance distribution of the processing image is leveled.

Abstract: A gradation correction circuit comprises: an arithmetic means (101˜104, 106, 108˜110) for operating an output value corresponding to each broken point of a broken line in a vertical blanking period; a level detection circuit 107 for identifying a size relation between each broken line point which is an input value corresponding to each broken point and an input video signal, and calculating a difference between the input video signal and each broken line point; and a correction means (101˜102, 104, 107, 109˜111) for selecting a gradient of the broken line on the basis of the result identified by the level detection circuit 107, and performing gradation correction of the input video signal on the basis of the selected gradient of the broken line, the output value calculated by the arithmetic means, and the difference calculated by the level detection circuit, wherein the arithmetic means and the correction means share a number of circuits (102, 109, 110).

Abstract: An average signal level of imaging signals obtained by a solid-state image pickup device of an image pickup unit 112 is detected by an average signal level detection circuit 116. Based on APL (average picture level) data specifying the average signal level APL as detected by this average signal level detection circuit 116, a system control micro-computer 117 refers to a table of an average signal level versus correction level finction specifying the correction level in the plural average signal levels previously stored in a memory 118 to read out flare correction data conforming to the APL data. A D/A-LPF circuit 119 converts the flare correction data by digital/analog (D/A) conversion to generate flare correction data, which are summed by adders 114R, 114G and 114B to imaging signal obtained by said solid-state image pickup device.

Abstract: A color printer 20 allocates all of the image processing memory resources for image processing on image data GD lined up in the main scanning direction of a print head IH, secures an amount of memory resources for each of the lined up image data GD, and releases the memory resources as the image processing completes. A CPU 51 secures image processing memory resources for an image datum 1 in the storage area of a RAM 53, and releases the secured memory resources when the image processing on the image datum 1 is complete. The CPU 51 repeatedly implements this processing on each image datum contained in one print job.

Abstract: In a video signal processing method of processing a luminance signal of a video signal generated by causing a CCD to receive light transmitted through color filters, a control signal yf1 is generated by calculating Cy/Y using a complementary color signal Cy and a luminance signal Y, and coring correction is performed to the luminance signal by using the control signal yf1. The characteristic difference between the color filters is suppressed, and, as a result, flickers are suppressed from being generated.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to provide an electronic camera which is able to precisely evaluate the type of a subject and perform an optimal gray-scale transformation on the image of the subject. The electronic camera comprises: an histogram creation unit for creating an intensity histogram of an image obtained with an image sensor; and a setting unit for setting a gray-scale transformation characteristic to be applied to the image according to the created intensity histogram. Using the created histogram makes it possible to precisely evaluate the type of the subject and set an optimal gray-scale transformation characteristic.

Abstract: A digital imaging system uses an analog/multi-level memory to store image data. The stored analog/multi-level data can then be accessed directly by an analog device or the data can be accessed by an A/D converter for conversion to a digital format. The digital data is then routed to any number of desired digital devices. By using an analog/multi-level memory instead of a digital memory to store image data, problems associated with storing large amounts of digital data are minimized or eliminated, such as loss of information from image compression and high costs of large digital memories and signal processing and compression circuits.

Abstract: Color filter array interpolation with directional derivatives using all eight nearest neighbor pixels. The interpolation method applies to Bayer pattern color CCDs and MOS detectors and is useful in digital still cameras and video cameras.

Abstract: Digital correction of non-linearity using a piecewise linear approximation method generates uniform errors of minimal magnitude regardless of the size of an input signal. The non-linear curve is partitioned into a number of sections which are increased over conventional techniques, without increasing the number of function values, or the amount of hardware required. A non-linear curve is divided into a first direct line and a second direct line using a piecewise linear approximation method. A third direct line links two points spaced to either side of an inflection point at the intersection of the first and second direct lines by a predetermined distance. The slope of the third direct line corresponds to the average of the slopes of the first and second direct lines. When an input x lies in the section of the third direct line, a corrected signal according to the third direct line is generated.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a determination part, an information obtaining part, a dynamic range setting part and a processing part. The determination part determines whether or not an image includes an area where destruction of gradation due to contrast correction tends to be conspicuous. The information obtaining part obtains information of the area when the determination part determines that the image includes such an area. The dynamic range setting part sets a dynamic range using the information obtained by the information obtaining part. The processing part performs the contrast correction on the image using the dynamic range set by the dynamic range setting part.

Abstract: A method and system using a sensor array includes a programmable analog/multi-level memory array for modifying individual outputs from elements in the sensor array in order to obtain a desired sensor array output. The memory array can be programmed with data corresponding to desired modifications, such as low and high offset voltage correction, low gain correction, and gamma correction. Consequently, by utilizing arithmetic circuits, the adverse effects of corrupted elements in a sensor can be corrected by re-programming the memory array with different modification data as the need arises.

Abstract: A high definition television image pickup apparatus includes a high definition television image pickup element for outputting a video signal, and a high definition television video signal correction circuit for correcting the video signal and outputting a corrected video signal having a first predetermined characteristic value being suitable for high definition television system which is a high definition television video signal. A transmission path transmits the high definition television video signal and a television signal conversion circuit converts the high definition television video signal into a first standard television video signal. A standard television video signal correction circuit corrects the first standard television video signal and outputs a corrected video signal having a second predetermined characteristic value suitable for a second standard television video signal.

Abstract: An illumination intensity correcting circuit including a curve fitting circuit formed by differential amplifier circuits and a load resistor, wherein the amplification factor of the curve fitting circuit is changed before and after each breakpoint voltage, the reference voltages of the differential amplifier circuits are set so that at least two breakpoint voltages are arranged in the range of a voltage of a video signal, and the amplification factors of the differential amplifier circuits are set so that the amplification factor of the curve fitting circuit in the range of the signal voltage inside of the two breakpoint voltages is smaller than the amplification factor outside of the two breakpoint voltages.

Abstract: High frequency components of a video signal are attenuated for avoiding aliasing when the video signal is corrected by a non-linear gamma correction circuit. Such high frequency components arise from the video signal harmonics, and also are generated in image contour processing of the video signal. The high frequency components are band limited, thereby linearizing the gamma correction circuit and preventing aliasing. Up-converting the sampling frequency increases a desired band limitation area and defers the generation of high frequency components that cause aliasing. The non-linear gamma correction function is divided into a plurality of sections which are replaced by respective straight-line segments each represented by a linear expression, and gamma correction is effected with a straight-line segment corresponding to the amplitude of the digital video signal.

Abstract: A system and a method solve the estimation problem of finding reflectance R and illumination L. The system and method to solve a functional of the unknown illumination L such that a minimum of the functional is assumed to yield a good estimate of the illumination L. Having a good estimate of the illumination L implies a good estimate of the reflectance R. The functional uses a variational framework to express requirements for the optimal solution. The requirements include: 1) that the illumination L is spatially smooth; 2) that the reflectance values are in the interval [0,1] —thus, when decomposing the image S, the solution should satisfy the constraint L>S; 3) that among all possible solutions, the estimate of the illumination L should be as close as possible to the image S, so that the contrast of the obtained R is maximal; and 4) that the reflectance R complies with typical natural image behavior (e.g., the reflectance is piece-wise smooth).

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus to selectively compress digital image data for the supply of that information to digital display screens or storage. The invention utilizes a digital input containing a non-linear representation between the value and the intended intensity and linearizes this into a higher order number. If the higher order number is below at least a first threshold, it is transmitted or stored on a lower order data system noting that the higher order bits or channels should all be zero. If the higher order value is above the threshold, the highest order bits of that value are transmitted or stored on the lower order data system so that only the lowest order bits are lost. The received input from the lower order data system can then be decoded and the data sent to drive a digital display or otherwise utilized.

Abstract: In an image input apparatus having an image sensor composed of plural chips, the stepwise difference in density on a chip boundary is made inconspicuous by a few compensation memories.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an imaging apparatus constructed as follows. The imaging apparatus picks-up a subject image formed by a imaging optical unit, and comprises an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting a subject image, a memory for storing gamma property data of the image pickup device and light quantity distribution data of incident light in accordance with pixel positions on the image pickup device; and a correcting circuit for correcting image signals outputted from each pixel of the image pickup device based on the gamma property data and light quantity distribution data that are stored in the memory. Thereby, a drop in peripheral light quantity can be electrically corrected while reflecting the gamma property of the image pickup device without an increase in noise, whereby a high-quality image accurately reproducing the actual brightness distribution in a shooting range can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention improves the contrast of the image signal before further adjustment by the principle of superposition of the optical-transferring system. There are two ways to carry out the principle of superposition one is in space domain, the other is in frequency domain. Each of them can be implemented by the system or method of the present invention. To implement the compensation in space domain, the present invention utilize the result of scanning the correction board to compensate the optical energy scattered by the optical-transferring system. A pixel in object space can be expressed in terms of the linear combination of the corresponding pixels in image space according to the principle of superposition. Thus is obtained by extracting the coefficients of the linear combination. The pixels of desired picture in image space is multiplied by the compensation vector and the image with sharp contrast is produced by the present invention in space domain.

Abstract: A system has video output connections capable of connecting to different display devices. The system has input connections capable of receiving image signal from multiple sources. A table of gamma values is indexed by both the display type and image source type. A software or hardware module applies a gamma correction from the table to the received video to transform it to have a gamma consistent with that of the display device. In a further embodiment, the images are encoded with a gamma identifier which is used to index into the table of system gammas. A video card that detects video source and display is also described. The video card utilizes a table of gamma values indexed by video source and display type and operating mode. Images are then corrected by the card to display properly on the display.

Abstract: A solid state image sensing device provided with a gamma correction circuit which corrects a logarithmically converted value derived from the logarithmic conversion of individual pixel data output from individual photoelectric conversion elements, thereby easily correcting discrepancies and differences in the gamma characteristics of the individual pixels of a photoelectric conversion element which converts a light signal to an electrical signal.

Abstract: A digital camera with interchangeable displays having a built-in display device and an image output terminal for transmitting image signals to an external monitor device, characterised in that it has a plurality of means for processing the image, outputting a suitable image to the built-in display device or to the external monitor device by switching between the means for processing the image on the basis of prescribed signals.

Abstract: High frequency components of a video signal are attenuated for avoiding aliasing when the video signal is corrected by a non-linear gamma correction circuit. Such high frequency components arise from the video signal harmonics, and also are generated in image contour processing of the video signal. The high frequency components are band limited, thereby linearizing the gamma correction circuit and preventing aliasing. Up-converting the sampling frequency increases a desired band limitation area and defers the generation of high frequency components that cause aliasing. The non-linear gamma correction function is divided into a plurality of sections which are replaced by respective straight-line segments each represented by a linear expression, and gamma correction is effected with a straight-line segment corresponding to the amplitude of the digital video signal.

Abstract: In a digital-signal-processing circuit comprising an LUT memory used for storing a gamma-correction LUT used for carrying out gamma correction on an input digital video signal and a front-stage signal-processing unit provided at a stage preceding the LUT memory and used for carrying signal processing such as contrast adjustment, after the input digital video signal having a typical width of 8 bits is subjected to signal processing such as contrast adjustment in the signal-processing unit to be transformed into a digital video signal with a width of 11 bits, the 11-bit digital video signal is supplied to the LUT memory having an output bit count of 10 bits, which is smaller than the 11-bit width of the digital video signal supplied to the LUT memory but greater than the 8-bit width of the digital video signal input to the signal-processing unit.

Abstract: Preference of tone and color for a specific target is reflected on image data obtained by a digital camera, and colors and tones can be set as desired for each model of a digital camera. A reference tone setting menu and a model tone setting menu are prepared in a memory and can be customized when provided to tone setting means. Color correction means can also select and customize a desired one of reference color correction conditions and a desired one of model color correction conditions from a reference color correction menu and a model color correction menu prepared in a memory.

Abstract: In a video conferencing system, digital data representing pixels of a selected scene are stored in a Video accumulator Array Memory cells (VAM), each cell having memory with several register structures and having the capability of processing the digital data to facilitate compression of the digital data. The VAM has the ability to tell the processor information about the temporal nature of the video data without requiring the processor to first read the data and then test the data. In accordance with the present invention, the capability of processing the video data is designed directly in the memory function as they are stored. The memory array, by providing a capacity of temporal processing wherein the digital data in one video frame can be logically interacted with another video frame later in time, can make a significant reduction in the bandwidth required to transmit a video frame.

Abstract: In a video conferencing system, digital data representing pixels of a selected scene are stored in a Video accumulator Array Memory cells (VAM), each cell having memory with several register structures and having the capability of processing the digital data to facilitate compression of the digital data. The VAM has the ability to tell the processor information about the temporal nature of the video data without requiring the processor to first read the data and then test the data. In accordance with the present invention, the capability of processing the video data is designed directly in the memory function as they are stored. The memory array, by providing a capacity of temporal processing wherein the digital data in one video frame can be logically interacted with another video frame later in time, can make a significant reduction in the bandwidth required to transmit a video frame.

Abstract: When tone conversion processing and color correction processing is carried out on image data obtained by a digital camera, processed image data enabling reproduction of a high quality image can be obtained. A 3DLUT for carrying out the tone conversion processing and the color correction processing on the image data obtained by the digital camera is generated by image processing condition determining means. The image data are converted according to the 3DLUT by processing means, and subjected to sharpness processing to generate the processed image data. The processed image data are printed as a print by a printer.

Abstract: Of three-color signals R′, G′ and B′, obtained as output signals of multipliers 156R, 156G and 156B, designed to effectuate luminance compression of the three-color signals R, G and B sent to input terminals 151R, 151G and 151B by multiplying the signals R, G and B with a coefficient k, in such a manner as to maintain saturation and color hue of the three-color signals R, G and B, only the saturation of color video signals represented by the three-color signals R′, G′ and B′ is compressed by first saturation compression circuits 160R, 160G and 160B so that the signal level of the signal of the three-color signals R′, G′ and B′ having the highest signal level will be the clip level.

Abstract: A method for interpolating a first color value associated with a first color and a second color value associated with a second color for use in generating a pixel that represents a portion of a digital image, based on a third color value that is associated with a third color. A first matrix is created and stored, comprising first coefficient values that are associated with a other values of the first color for pixels that surround the current pixel of interest. A second matrix is stored that holds second coefficient values that are associated with a second color value. Each of the first coefficient values is bitwise shifted by a pre-determined power of 2. The first color value is created and stored by applying the first coefficient values to the other values of the first color using a bitwise shift operation. The first color value is bitwise shifted by a complement of the pre-determined power of 2.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an image conversion apparatus capable of coinciding the luminance variation ratio in the display unit of the television receiver with a variation ratio according to the linear operation though the linear operation is applied to the video signal outputted from the computer. The first &ggr; correction circuit receives the video signal outputted from the computer. This video signal intends to be inputted to a CRT display unit, therefore, the video signal is provided with an inverse &ggr; property corresponding to the luminance property of the CRT display unit. The first &ggr; correction circuit 100 applies the &ggr; correction operation to the video signal so as to remove the inverse &ggr; property in the video signal. The linear arithmetic circuit applies the linear operation to the output from the first &ggr; correction circuit.

Abstract: A gamma correction circuit includes an amplifier (A) coupled to receive an input signal (Vi), and a non-linear impedance (Rg) coupled to the amplifier (A) for determining a gain of the gamma correction circuit in such a manner that the gain increases when the input signal (Vi) increases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, a device, and a system for performing gamma correction on a set of pixel data based on a gamma correction curve table. The gamma correction curve table includes a specified total number of intensity levels associated with gamma corrected pixel values with one intensity level per pixel value. The method includes partitioning the gamma correction curve table into N segments such that each of the N segments is associated with a set of intensity levels from the specified total number of intensity levels. A plurality of intensity levels is selected for each of the N segments such that significant banding effects are not visible to the human eye between an adjacent pair of the selected intensity levels. The gamma corrected pixel values are stored for each of the N segments such that each of the plurality of selected intensity levels functions as an index to the associated gamma corrected pixel values.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for adjusting the viewing angle of a liquid crystal display. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of digital-to-analog converters are arranged in pairs which have a fixed relationship. By determining appropriate values for the digital-to-analog converters, a desired viewing angle may be obtained for a liquid crystal display.