Abstract: An imaging control method, an electronic device and a computer readable storage medium are provided. The imaging control method includes: determining a target combination from a plurality of preset exposure level combinations according to a brightness of a shooting scene; performing shooting according to each exposure level comprised in the target combination to obtain a corresponding image of each exposure level; and performing synthesis processing on images of the plurality of exposure levels of the target combination.

Abstract: An operation method of a multiple lenses system applied in an electronic device is provided. The multiple lenses system includes at least one first lens and at least one second lens. The operation method includes: selecting a present capturing mode from a plurality of capturing modes; obtaining a preview image; estimating a focus distance by obtaining a sharpness of an object's edge in the preview image; determining whether the focus distance crosses a threshold; and switching from the at least one first lens to the at least one second lens or switching from the at least one second lens to the at least one first lens to obtain the preview image if the focus distance crosses the threshold. An electronic device is also provided.

Abstract: A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system comprise: a light source configured to emit a multi-pulse sequence to measure a distance between the Lidar system and a location in a three-dimensional environment, and the multi-pulse sequence comprises multiple pulses having a temporal profile; a photosensitive detector configured to detect light pulses from the three-dimensional environment; and one or more processors configured to: determine a coding scheme comprising the temporal profile, wherein the coding scheme is determined dynamically based on one or more real-time conditions including an environment condition, a condition of the Lidar system or a signal environment condition; and calculate the distance based on a time of flight of a sequence of detected light pulses, wherein the time of flight is determined by determining a match between the sequence of detected light pulses and the temporal profile.

Abstract: A configurable optical baffling includes an outer housing positioned above a fixed platform and has an outer opening. An inner housing is layered below the outer housing and above the fixed platform and has inner openings and inner shaded sections. The outer opening includes an elongated sensing boresight having a longitudinal boresight axis and opposing ends. An outer boresight opening end is open to the light from the scene, and a reflecting end has a flat fold mirror that is configured to reflect light from the outer boresight opening in towards the inner housing so that the optical baffling is configured to receive light from the scene solely from a single look direction along the boresight axis, the single look direction being changeable by rotation of the outer housing.

Abstract: An image capturing terminal includes a first camera module, a second camera module, and a processing module. The first camera module and the second camera module are used for framing concurrently a same scene and for detection and analysis according to contrast ratios of different frames of images, in which a focus search range includes a first focus area and a second focus area that do not overlap each other. The processing module is used for controlling the first camera module to search for a focus in the first focus area and, at the same time, for controlling the second camera module to search for a focus in the second focus area, and for capturing focus information of either the first camera module or the second camera module, and is used for controlling, according to the focus information, the first camera module to capture an image at the focus point.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a first camera including a first angle of view, a second camera including a second angle of view, a display, an input device for obtaining a set ratio, and a processor. If the ratio is within a specified range, the processor sets the first camera to a specified first frame rate, and the second camera to a second frame rate slower than the first frame rate, and displays a first image, which is obtained at the first frame rate using the first camera. If the ratio is within other specified range, the processor sets the second camera to a specified third frame rate, the first camera to a fourth frame rate slower than the third frame rate, and displays a second image, which is obtained at the third frame rate using the second camera.

Abstract: A method includes capturing a first image of a scene, detecting a face in a section of the scene from the first image, and activating an infrared (IR) light source to selectively illuminate the section of the scene with IR light. The IR light source includes an array of IR light emitting diodes (LEDs). The method includes capturing a second image of the scene under selective IR lighting from the IR light source, detecting the face in the second image, and identifying a person based on the face in the second image.

Abstract: A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system comprise: a light source configured to emit a multi-pulse sequence to measure a distance between the Lidar system and a location in a three-dimensional environment, and the multi-pulse sequence comprises multiple pulses having a temporal profile; a photosensitive detector configured to detect light pulses from the three-dimensional environment; and one or more processors configured to: determine a coding scheme comprising the temporal profile, wherein the coding scheme is determined dynamically based on one or more real-time conditions including an environment condition, a condition of the Lidar system or a signal environment condition; and calculate the distance based on a time of flight of a sequence of detected light pulses, wherein the time of flight is determined by determining a match between the sequence of detected light pulses and the temporal profile.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for converting a frame rate are provided. According to the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a memory, a first black-and-white image sensor, a second image sensor, and a processor. The processor is configured to set different values as a first setting value for the first black-and-white image sensor and a second setting value for the second image sensor, if an illuminance value indicating an illuminance at an arbitrary time point does not satisfy a predetermined illuminance value, to acquire a black-and-white image of an object based on the first setting value using the first black-and-white image sensor, to acquire at least one color image of the object based on the second setting value using the second image sensor, to generate a color image by synthesizing the black-and-white image with a color determined based on at least part of color information of the at least one color image, and to store the generated color image as video data in the memory.

Abstract: An optical image capturing module is provided, including a circuit assembly and a lens assembly. The circuit assembly may include a circuit substrate, a plurality of image sensor elements, a plurality of signal transmission elements, and a multi-lens frame. The image sensor elements may be connected to the circuit substrate. The signal transmission elements may be electrically connected between the circuit substrate and the image sensor elements. The multi-lens frame may be manufactured integrally and covered on the circuit substrate and the image sensor elements. A part of the signal transmission elements may be embedded in the multi-lens frame, whereas the other part may be surrounded by the multi-lens frame. The lens assembly may include a lens base, a fixed-focus lens assembly, an auto-focus lens assembly, and a driving assembly. The lens base may be fixed to a multi-lens frame.

Abstract: A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system comprise: a light source configured to emit a multi-pulse sequence to measure a distance between the Lidar system and a location in a three-dimensional environment, and the multi-pulse sequence comprises multiple pulses having a temporal profile; a photosensitive detector configured to detect light pulses from the three-dimensional environment; and one or more processors configured to: determine a coding scheme comprising the temporal profile, wherein the coding scheme is determined dynamically based on one or more real-time conditions including an environment condition, a condition of the Lidar system or a signal environment condition; and calculate the distance based on a time of flight of a sequence of detected light pulses, wherein the time of flight is determined by determining a match between the sequence of detected light pulses and the temporal profile.

Abstract: There is provided a scanner that combines images read by a first sensor array and a second sensor array, in which the first sensor array and the second sensor array have read regions which are overlapped partially, and includes a combining section that combines a first read image read by the first sensor array and a second read image read by the second sensor array and a correction section that corrects an image after a combining based on a degree of displacement of a reading position of the document.

Abstract: A pixel cell has a large and small photodiode, transfer transistors, a reset transistor, a dynamic range enhancement capacitor, a capacitor control transistor, a storage capacitor, a storage capacitor control transistor, an amplifier transistor in a source follower configuration and a rolling shutter row select transistor and a readout circuit block. The small and large photodiodes are exposed simultaneously, the large photodiode having a constant exposure while the small photodiode has a chopped exposure and charge transfer to a storage capacitor.

Abstract: A configurable sunshade for use with a multiple-camera system that has multiple camera sensors with associated fields of view. The sunshade has multiple portions that are independently rotatable with respect to a fixed platform such that in distinct orientations with respect to each other, specified cameras may be blocked from receiving light from a scene, in whole or in part. In other embodiments, individual apertures of a multi-sunshade housing may be separately activated.

Abstract: A multiple lenses system applied in an electronic device is provided. The multiple lenses system includes a camera module, a focus module, an image sensor and a processor. The camera module includes at least one macro lens, at least one functional lens and a focus distance threshold. The focus module focuses on an object to be captured and obtains a focus distance. The image sensor captures images cooperatively with the camera module. The processor compares the focus distance and the focus distance threshold. If the processor determines the focus distance crosses the focus distance threshold, then the processor triggers the camera module to switch between the at least one macro lens and the at least one functional lens for capturing images. An electronic device employing the multiple lenses system and an operation method thereof are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises: an imaging optical-system that includes a first optical-system and a second optical-system having imaging characteristics different from each other and being arranged concentrically; and an image sensor that has a plurality of pixels composed of photoelectric conversion elements two-dimensionally arranged, respectively pupil-divides light incident through the optical-systems, and selectively receives the light by the pixels. With the imaging apparatus, the light amount of the light incident on the image sensor through each of the optical-systems is adjusted, and interference is prevented.

Abstract: A camera module and array camera module with circuit board unit and photosensitive unit and manufacturing method thereof is provided. The array camera module comprises two or more camera lenses and a circuit unit. The circuit unit comprises a circuit board portion for electrically connecting two or more photosensitive sensors of the array camera module, and a conjoined encapsulation portion integrally encapsulated on the circuit board portion. The camera lenses are respectively arranged along the photosensitive paths of the photosensitive sensors.

Abstract: A media stream aggregation mechanism receives and analyzes multiple media streams and creates an aggregate media stream output based on user preferences. In this manner a media provider that uses the media stream aggregation mechanism potentially may provide a customized presentation to each user based on user preferences. By providing the aggregation of multiple media streams to a user, the user's experience is customized according to user preferences.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a storage, a communication unit, an image processor and a communication controller. The imaging unit generates first image data. The communication unit performs data communications between a first external apparatus and a second external apparatus. The image processor generates second image data based on the first image data. The communication controller controls communications via the communication unit. The communications includes transmission of the second image data to the first external apparatus in response to a first request. The communications includes transmission of image data related to the first image data to the second external apparatus in accordance with a second request.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling photographic capture. A first image is acquired by a first camera having a first viewing angle. A second image is acquired by a second camera having a second viewing angle, the second viewing angle being different from the first viewing angle. The first image is overlaid with at least one object from the second image, or an icon corresponding to the object. The first camera and the second camera are mounted to a same surface, or to disparate surfaces relative to one another. Photographic capture or control is triggered in response to movement of the object.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for regulating viewing image output of the image processor which processes motion and still images in a time divisional manner are provided. The image processing apparatus includes an image processor processing the viewing and still images in a time divisional manner, a timing manager storing the viewing image processed by the image processor temporarily and outputting the viewing image at a preset time of a frame period, and a controller controlling, in response to a capture request, the image processor to process the still image at a residual part of a current frame to be at a beginning part of a next frame and to process the buffered viewing image to be at the residual part of the next frame, wherein the residual part of the next frame is a part which remains after processing the still image completely.

Abstract: A method for generating a photograph image by using any of the preview images captured by multiple image sensors on the electronic device and displayed in a multi-preview mode on the device is provided. The method includes displaying a first preview image obtained from a first image sensor in a first preview area; displaying a second preview image obtained from a second image sensor in a second preview area; and upon detection of a predetermined first user input in the second preview area, generating a photograph image by using the second preview image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for regulating viewing image output of the image processor which processes motion and still images in a time divisional manner are provided. The image processing apparatus includes an image processor processing the viewing and still images in a time divisional manner, a timing manager storing the viewing image processed by the image processor temporarily and outputting the viewing image at a preset time of a frame period, and a controller controlling, in response to a capture request, the image processor to process the still image at a residual part of a current frame to be at a beginning part of a next frame and to process the buffered viewing image to be at the residual part of the next frame, wherein the residual part of the next frame is a part which remains after processing the still image completely.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical imaging of a low radiance object is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fixed polychromatic imaging device, the optical path between the polychromatic imaging device and the low radiance object being defined by a first section extending from the polychromatic imaging device to a fixed point, and a second section extending from the fixed point to the low radiance object. The apparatus also comprises a fixed high-sensitivity imaging device, the optical path between the high-sensitivity imaging device and the low radiance object being defined by a third section extending from the high-sensitivity imaging device to the fixed point, and the second section; and a focus controller arranged to control the focus of the high-sensitivity imaging device based on the focus of the polychromatic imaging device and the respective lengths of the first and third sections.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: means for processing, at a first time, a user-input to determine a position condition defined in respect of an object that is yet to be included in a sensed image; and means for automatically capturing, after the first time, a sensed image including a first object not included in the sensed image at the first time, in response to determination that the user-input position condition is satisfied in respect of the first object.

Abstract: A dynamic image masking system for providing a filtered autonomous remote sensing image through a dynamic image masking process is provided. The dynamic image masking system has a remote sensing platform and an imaging system associated with the remote sensing platform. The imaging system has an optical system and an image sensing system. The dynamic image masking system further has a multi-level security system associated with the imaging system and one or more image alteration locations located in the imaging system and the multi-level security system, wherein alteration of one or more images takes place via the dynamic image masking process. The dynamic image masking system further has a computer system associated with the imaging system. The computer system has a gatekeeper algorithm configured to send gatekeeper commands to one or more controllers that control the one or more image alteration locations through the dynamic image masking process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoding apparatus and an encoding method capable of reducing the overhead on a macroblock basis. A number of reference image decision unit 19 determines that the number of fields of the reference image in encoding is one on the basis of the bit rate of the coded data. If the number of fields of the reference image is determined to be one, a slice header generating unit 13 selects, from among pictures input to an image sorting buffer 12, one of the pictures as the reference image. The present invention is applicable to, for example, encoding apparatuses that perform video coding based on the AVC standard.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a human-machine interaction method and apparatus. The method includes: capturing a line-of-sight direction; determining a change of an angle between a line of sight and a screen, and/or a change of a distance between a user and the screen according to the line-of-sight direction; and performing, according to the change of the angle and/or the change of the distance, a corresponding operation on content displayed on the screen. Corresponding to the foregoing method, the foregoing apparatus includes: a line-of-sight tracking unit, a processing unit, and an executing unit. In the present invention, an action of a user can be determined without depending on gravity sensing, and a corresponding operation can be performed on content displayed on a screen.

Abstract: A camera array, an imaging device and/or a method for capturing image that employ a plurality of imagers fabricated on a substrate is provided. Each imager includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. Each imager may be associated with an optical element fabricated using a wafer level optics (WLO) technology.

Abstract: A method for switching cameras is disclosed. The method for switching cameras is used in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first camera disposed at a first surface of the electronic device and a second camera disposed at a second surface of the electronic device different from the first surface. The method for switching cameras includes the following steps. Whether the first camera is covered is sensed when the first camera captures. When the first camera is covered, the first camera is disabled and the second camera is used to photograph.

Abstract: In one method embodiment a method of processing of a bitstream is disclosed. The method may include receiving by a processing device a bitstream comprising a first portion of compressed pictures encoded at a first encoding level, the first portion of compressed pictures corresponding to a first picture resolution; determining a ratio of a picture size of at least one picture of the first portion of the compressed picture and a picture size of the largest picture encoded at the first encoding level; determining a first number of picture buffers for processing of the first portion of the compressed pictures, wherein the first number of picture buffers are determined based on the determined ratio; and mapping the first number of picture buffers in a memory allocated for decoding of bitstream.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling photographic capture. A first image is acquired by a first camera having a first viewing angle. A second image is acquired by a second camera having a second viewing angle, the second viewing angle being different from the first viewing angle. The first image is overlaid with at least one object from the second image, or an icon corresponding to the object. The first camera and the second camera are mounted to a same surface, or to disparate surfaces relative to one another. Photographic capture or control is triggered in response to movement of the object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to capturing images of a scene area in a synchronized manner using a plurality of optical chains are described. In various embodiments image sensors corresponding to the plurality of optical chains of a camera are operated in rolling shutter mode to read out rows of pixel values corresponding to a current scan position when the image sensors have a row of pixel values corresponding to the current scan position. In some embodiments a scene area of interest is captured by initiating a scan and thus image capture of the scene area by one or more optical chains which are operated in a coordinated manner. In some embodiments a controller controls the plurality of image sensors to perform a read out of pixel values in a synchronized manner, e.g., with rows of pixel values being read out sequentially in accordance with operation of a rolling shutter implementation.

Abstract: For generating a stereoscopic image, a first parallax optical element directs a first parallax image to an optical selector. A second parallax optical element directs a second parallax image to the optical selector. The optical selector alternates between directing the first parallax image and the second parallax image to a video camera.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically integrating disparate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems are disclosed. The systems and methods provide bi-directional interoperability between disparate CAD systems and maintain stateful ongoing interactions between interconnected CAD systems. Information objects in one CAD system are associated and bound to related objects in other CAD systems through a centralized information hub that transforms data items intelligently to facilitate communication and interaction between the CAD systems connected to the hub. The described systems and methods maintain complete and current perspectives of all relevant information for each CAD system connected to the information hub, thereby eliminating the need for point-to-point intelligence maintained by the CAD systems about the other interconnected CAD systems.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards eye gaze detection based upon multiple cameras and/or light sources. The cameras and/or light sources are configured to provide eye gaze detection for a device display at different orientations, at different tilt angles, at different user positions, at different user distances, and so on. Also described is a controller that selectively controls light source power and camera on/off state to provide images of the eye having sufficient quality for eye gaze detection and/or to conserve power.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: a white-balance processing unit that multiplies a first pixel that includes a plurality of colors constituting a pickup image that is picked up by an imaging unit by a gain value according to the colors and thereby generates a second pixel; a value adjusting unit that generates a third pixel by maintaining the second pixel that is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value out of the second pixel as it is, and by replacing, with the predetermined value, the second value that is larger than the predetermined value out of the second pixel; and a restoration processing unit that restores, by a restoration filter, resolution that has been reduced due to an optical system, on the third pixel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described to overcome the perception in viewed video or other presentations containing moving vehicles that the apparent rotation rate of their wheels is frequently inappropriate for the vehicle speeds, which is caused by the stroboscopic interaction between the wheel spokes and the rate at which the images are presented. A currently preferred embodiment operates off-line under human control on a previously recorded video, identifying the wheels and replacing them with suitably altered images which are perceived to rotate at rates appropriate to the vehicle speeds; or to suppress inappropriate perception of rotation. The apparatus and method results in a new recording of the original video in which the wheels appear to rotate at the correct rate for all vehicle speeds. Alternate embodiments implement a similar but automated process operating in near-real time for operating in-line on streaming videos; and variations achieving the same ends.

Abstract: A natural stereoscopic image is displayed and eye strain is mitigated. A face image is detected in a stereoscopic image composed of a left-eye image and a right-eye image. The left-eye and right-eye images are shifted in such a manner that visual disparity of the detected face image is removed. Furthermore, a display area containing the face image is calculated. The calculated display area is enlarged so as to be displayed over the entirety of the display screen. Since a double image that appears in front of the face image is excluded, the strain upon the eyes of the observer is mitigated.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit that has image sensors for each image of red, green, and blue which have a two-line addition function respectively. The imaging unit outputs image signals of red and blue and an image signal of green of which sample phases in a space are shifted by one pixel interval in a vertical direction using the two-line addition function. A resolution conversion unit obtains image signals of red, green, and blue of which the number of lines is doubled by performing interpolation processing on the image signals of red and blue and an image signal of green output from the imaging unit.

Abstract: An electronic device includes two cameras each with a light sensor. The electronic device uses the light sensor of one of the two cameras which is operational to detect an ambient luminance, and determines if the detected ambient luminance is less than a preset shading value. In response to the detected ambient luminance being less than the preset shading value, the electronic device interchanges the cameras to work. That is, the electronic device powers down the one of the two cameras which is operational and activating the other one of the two cameras.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: a cover glass portion having a function of a right angle prism; an image pickup device substrate portion including an image pickup device on a first principal surface and a back-face electrode on a second principal surface, the back-face electrode being connected to the image pickup device via a through-wiring; and a bonding layer that bonds the cover glass portion and the image pickup device substrate portion that have a same outer dimension.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for capturing or generating images using multiple optical chains operating in parallel are described. Pixel values captured by individual optical chains corresponding to the same scene area are combined to provide an image with at least some of the benefits which would have been provided by capturing an image of the scene using a larger lens than that of the individual lenses of the optical chain modules. By using multiple optical chains in parallel at least some benefits normally obtained from using a large lens can be obtained without the need for a large lens. Furthermore in at least some embodiments, a wide dynamic range can be supported through the use of multiple sensors with the overall supported dynamic range being potentially larger than that of the individual sensors. Some lens and/or optical chain configurations are designed for use in small handheld devices, e.g., cell phones.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to advanced digital signal processing including digital watermarking. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: memory for storing a color video signal or color image signal comprising first data representing a first chrominance direction and second data representing a second chrominance direction; and a processor programmed for: transforming the first data representing the first chrominance direction by encoding a first digital watermark component in the first data, the encoding a first digital watermark component in the first data utilizing a first encoding gain, and transforming the second data representing the second chrominance direction by encoding a second digital watermark component in the second data, the encoding a digital watermark signal in the second data utilizing a second encoding gain, wherein the second digital watermark component comprises an inverted signal relative to the first digital watermark component.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a filtering engine for selecting a subset of hyperspectral imaging wavebands having information useful for detecting a target in a scene. Selecting these wavebands, called “sparse bands,” is an iterative process. One or more search techniques of varying computational complexity are used in the process. The techniques rely on various selection criteria, including a signal to clutter ratio that measures the “goodness” of band selection. A convenient example of the filtering engine uses several of the techniques together in a layered approach. In this novel approach, simpler computational techniques are applied, initially, to reduce a number of bands. More computationally intensive techniques then search the reduced band space. Accordingly, the filtering engine efficiently selects a set of sparse bands tailored for each target and each scene, and maintains some of the detection capability provided with a full set of wavebands.

Abstract: Provided are a timing control unit and method for adjusting a speed of a system and a display apparatus and method using the same. The display apparatus includes: a panel unit including a plurality of cells and a plurality of electrodes for driving the plurality of cells; and a driving controller which, when a three-dimensional (3D) image signal is input, sends a common signal to an electrode group combining a certain number of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A pixel that detects short-wavelength light is provided in a light receiving unit on a silicon substrate and has a first color filter. A pixel that detects long-wavelength light is provided in the light receiving unit on the silicon substrate, is provided in a position closer to an outer edge of the light receiving unit than the pixel that detects the short-wavelength light, and has a second color filter. A longest-wavelength transmission band of the first color filter is a first transmission band, and the longest-wavelength transmission band of the second color filter is a second transmission band. The second transmission band has a longer wavelength than the first transmission band.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for simultaneous real and Fourier plane imaging. In one example, an imaging system includes at least one optical element configured to receive and focus incident electromagnetic radiation from a viewed scene, a first detector positioned at an image plane of the at least one optical element and configured to produce a first image of the viewed scene, and a second detector positioned at a Fourier plane of the at least one optical element and configured to produce a second image of the viewed scene, the first and second detectors configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation and produce the first and second images, respectively. The system may additionally include an optical component, such as a beamsplitter, for example, configured to divide and direct the incident electromagnetic radiation to the first and second detectors.

Abstract: A photographic stage is provided that includes at least one camera, a scanner, and a computer configured to capture a plurality of images from the at least one camera. The computer is also configured to detect a tagged item based on data from the scanner and to identify the tagged item in at least one of the images. A method of using the photographic stage and an apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes a first image sensor for photoelectrically converting subject light and generating an image, a second image sensor for photoelectrically converting the subject light and generating an image for a live view, a first optical member for transmitting the subject light and allowing the subject light to enter the first image sensor, and at the same time, reflecting the subject light, and a second optical member for leading the subject light reflected by the first optical member to the second image sensor and allowing the subject light to enter the second image sensor.