Abstract: An imaging device includes a CCD-type solid-state imaging element, an imaging control section, a fill light firing section, and a light firing amount calculation section. The CCD-type solid-state imaging element includes a first photoelectric conversion element and a second photoelectric conversion element adjacent to the first photoelectric conversion element. A charge is independently readable from the first photoelectric conversion element and the second photoelectric conversion element. The imaging control section, in response to one photographing command, executes imaging by the solid-state imaging element in two exposure time periods of a first exposure time period exposing the first photoelectric conversion element and a second exposure time period exposing the second photoelectric conversion element. The second exposure time period overlaps the first exposure time period and is shorter than the first exposure time period. The fill light firing section fires fill light.

Abstract: A filed sequential color camera system includes a color camera, and an illumination unit. The color camera includes a separation optical system to separate an optical image of a subject incident from a lens in two directions; two solid-state imaging devices to convert into electric signals the respective optical images separated in the two directions; an electronic shutter control device to apply sequential exposure control to the two solid-state imaging devices within a time corresponding to a ½ frame for each one frame and at a non-overlapping interval; and a light-emitting sync signal output device to produce a light-emitting sync signal in sync with the sequential exposure control by the electronic shutter control device. The illumination unit receives the light-emitting sync signal from the color camera to emit multicolor light having different wavelength ranges in sync with exposure control of the solid-state imaging devices and in a sequential switch mode.

Abstract: A method of capturing a color image includes steps of operating a first sensor of a camera to integrate a first charge over a first time interval, operating a second sensor of the camera to integrate a second charge over a second time interval and scanning the first and second sensors to readout the respective first and second charges during a third time interval. The first time interval overlaps the second time interval. The third time interval includes no overlapping time with the first time interval. The third time interval includes no overlapping time with the second time interval.

Abstract: Calculation is made about standard deviations of portions of high-frequency components GH, RH, and BH along respective predetermined directions. The portions of the high-frequency components GH, RH, and BH represent a prescribed number of pixels including an interpolation pixel located at a position corresponding to none of photosensor pixels in G, R, and B image sensors. The smallest one is detected among the calculated standard deviations. The predetermined direction relating to the detected smallest standard deviation is labeled as a highest-correlation direction in which the highest correlation occurs. Interpolation is implemented in response to portions of the high-frequency components GH, RH, and BH which correspond to the highest-correlation direction to generate a high-frequency interpolation-result signal RGBHI for the interpolation pixel and other pixels.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image pickup apparatus that has an external sensor for detecting brightness separately from an image sensor for obtaining an image pickup signal and controls the insertion and removal of a filter into and from an image pickup optical system in accordance with the brightness of the subject, using brightness information obtained from the external sensor and the image pickup signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera and a camera zoom control method that can reduce power consumption at the time of zooming and shorten the time difference between the timing of a photographing instruction and the timing of actual photographing. Until a release button is operated, the optical zoom magnifying power of a lens is controlled to become a zoom magnifying power corresponding to an operation with respect to a zoom switch, and when the release button has been operated, the optical zoom magnifying power of the lens is controlled to become the zoom magnifying power corresponding to the operation with respect to the zoom switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for generating a 3D video signal, which produces a 3D effect when it is displayed on a screen, from an input video signal that is made up of frames, each of which has an odd field and an even field, where in order to generate the 3D video signal alternately an even field n and an odd field n?1 (or vice versa) and subsequently alternately an even field n+1 and an odd field n (or vice versa) are displayed, where in order to generate the 3D video signal a scan converter (4, 5) is used which can display two signals in the split screen mode, one of which is delayed by means of a special function memory (4) in the scan converter, where the non-delayed signal and the delayed signal are written, horizontally compressed by a factor of two, into a conversion memory (6) and, for the purposes of displaying on a screen, when they are read are scaled up by a factor of two in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging system for detecting concealed objects on an individual. The imaging system includes an imaging zone that is illuminated with millimeter wave energy. A plurality of millimeter wave cameras are focused to fully surround the imaging zone and have the ability to detect millimeter wave frequencies reflected from the imaging zone. As an individual passes through the imaging zone the plurality of millimeter wave cameras detect concealed objects by identifying differences in the millimeter wave energy reflected by the individual's body and a concealed object. A composite image is generated by a central processing unit and displayed on a monitor showing the concealed object on the individual through optical contrast.

Abstract: A camera operation method and apparatus of the portable terminal includes a camera comprised of a plurality of camera modules. The camera modules are set to be enabled according to corresponding input signals for activating particular user functions, respectively. An enabled camera module captures an image that is used to support a particular user function. The camera modules are configured to be exclusively used for particular functions, respectively, thereby enhancing the data processing speed in the portable terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image sensor array having multiple pixel sensor elements along the surface area of said image sensor and outputting at a specified video frame rate subsequent video frames corresponding to the image, characterized in that each multiple pixel sensor element is arranged for generating one or more video frame segments, said segments each having a time duration being a fraction of the time equivalent to the video frame rate, and composing a single video frame from the multiple of said video frame segments. The invention also relates to said pixel sensor element for use with an image intensifier or in an electron bombarded image sensor array device according to the invention.

Abstract: A method is disclosed as including scanning a first pixel of an image with a primary scanning line of a sensor, and scanning a second pixel of the image with a secondary scanning line of the sensor, wherein the first pixel is separated from the second pixel by a pitch of one or more scan lines. A compensation value is determined for one or more pixels of the image, wherein the compensation value is determined based, at least in part, on a mathematical operation comprising pixel values associated with the first and second pixels and the pitch. The method further includes compensating the one or more pixel values based, at least in part, on the compensation value, wherein the compensation value compensates for a reflection of light between the first and second scanning lines when the first and second pixels are scanned.

Abstract: The present invention is a flatbed scanner operating with a digital image capture module comprising two-dimensional (2D) optical image photo-sensor and in particular with a digital camera or digital video camera. The present invention further relates to flatbed scanners and means and methods of supporting cameras, and particularly, although not exclusively, to a flatbed scanner housing for holding a digital camera to allow the digital camera to act as a document capture device in obtaining digital images suitable for downloading to a personal computer or other computer peripherals such as a printer. The scanner incorporates an image capturing module comprising 2D image photosensor and assembly such as flash light, electronic circuit, and software inside the flatbed scanner box to function like an image capturing module where said scanner box functions like the camera body with an internal lens internal.

Abstract: A camera body includes a body mount, a first imaging sensor, an information acquisition section, and an imaging sensor selector. The information acquisition section is configured to acquire imaging sensor information from the interchangeable lens unit. The imaging sensor selector selects a first imaging sensor as the selected imaging sensor on the basis of the imaging sensor information when an interchangeable lens unit that guides an optical image to the first imaging sensor is mounted to the body mount, and selects a second imaging sensor as the selected imaging sensor on the basis of the imaging sensor information when an interchangeable lens unit having this second imaging sensor is mounted to the body mount.

Abstract: In through image display mode, a CPU drives two CCDs under control suitable for the through image display in such a way that image data captured by both CCDs are read out alternately (S1), and displays image data output alternately from one CCD and the other CCD on a display unit (S2). In an AF mode, the CPU changes over a driving of one CCD to a driving suitable for an AF process to executes the AF process (S4), and performs through image display on image data imaged by the other CCD (S5). In a still picture shooting mode, the CPU drives the one CCD under control suitable for a still picture shooting process to execute the still picture shooting process (S10), and performs through image display on image data imaged by the other CCD (S11).

Abstract: Image sensor having a large number of image sensor units in an essentially array-like arrangement, the light-sensitive surfaces of the image sensor units being node points at a spacing relative to each other and these, together with the horizontal and vertical connection lines which connect the node points, spanning a two-dimensional network, and the array-like arrangement having a central region and an edge region, the central region and the edge region being connected to each other along at least connection line, characterised in that the spacing respectively of two adjacent node points of the array-like arrangement is different along the at least one connection line in the central region and in the edge region. Furthermore, a camera system with an image sensor according to the invention and an additionally disposed lens system is disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-color image processor according to the present invention includes an image capturing section 101 and a signal processing section 104. The image capturing section 101 includes a color separating section 10 for separating visible radiation into at least two light rays with first- and second-color components, respectively, and first and second imagers 12 and 14 that receive the light rays with the first- and second-color components. The image capturing section 101 gets images with the first- and second-color components by making the first imager 12 decimate pixels to read, but making the second imager 14 read every pixel, on a field-by-field basis on respective arrangements of pixels of the first and second imagers 12 and 14.

Abstract: A camera system for imaging a document, the camera system including at least 2 adjacently disposed image sensors with coupling optics. The adjacently disposed image sensors are configured to acquire respective image frames of at least a portion of the document, thereby obtaining a set of corresponding two-dimensional image frames. The system further includes a processor for processing the corresponding two-dimensional image frames. The processor is facilitated to combine the corresponding two-dimensional image frames into a single image frame.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes an adjustment assembly and two camera modules. The adjustment assembly includes a base, a driving member fixed on the base, and two supporting boards. The driving member includes an elastic connecting board having two ends connected to the base, a rigid board fixed to the elastic connecting board facing the base, and a cam rotating unit positioned between the base and the rigid board. The cam rotating unit abuts the rigid board and is rotatable to cause the rigid board to move toward or away from the base. The two supporting boards are attached to the elastic connecting board opposite to the base and spaced apart from each other. The two camera modules are fixed to the two supporting boards respectively.

Abstract: A camera module includes a substrate, an image sensor, a shell, and at least two lens modules. The image sensor comprises at least two image sensor portions connecting with each other via a connecting portion. The at least two image sensor portions are mounted on the substrate. The connecting portion is separated from the substrate. The shell is mounted on the substrate and has a chamber for receiving the image sensor. The lens modules are each mounted in the shell corresponding to the image sensor portions. The lens module captures and transmits images to the image sensor portion of the image sensor.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor includes a first image sensing device, a first flexible substrate connected to the first image sensing device, a second solid-state image sensing device, and a second flexible substrate connected to the second solid-state image sensing device. The solid-state image sensing devices are disposed adjacently to each other such that light receiving surfaces are perpendicular to each other. The second solid-state image sensing device directly receives incident light. However, the first solid-state image sensing device receives the incident light reflected by a mirror. Electronic components are mounted on the two flexible substrates. The first flexible substrate is bent at two bending positions to face the second flexible substrate and electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: A high-precision imaging device implemented by minimizing the number of members interposed between imaging surfaces of imaging elements and minimizing the cumulative error between the imaging surfaces of the imaging elements. The imaging device comprises imaging elements each including pixels having a photoelectric conversion function and a support in which the imaging elements are mounted. The imaging elements are positioned in respective optical axis directions by abutting on the support.

Abstract: Present embodiments relate to techniques for capturing images. One embodiment may include an image sensor, comprising a substrate, a first pixel cell array disposed on the substrate, a first photographic lens arranged to focus light onto the first pixel cell array, a second pixel cell array disposed on the substrate, a second photographic lens arranged to focus light onto the second pixel cell array, and an image coordination circuit configured to coordinate the first array and lens with the second array and lens to provide an image. The first pixel cell array and the first photographic lens may be configured to cooperate to capture a first image of a scene, and the second pixel cell array and the second photographic lens may be configured to cooperate to capture a second image of the scene.

Abstract: A system for reducing the substantially vertical extent of a wide-area biometric system and for reducing the cost and complexity of installation while maintaining high biometric performance, using a substantially horizontally configuration of cameras, preferably with an attention mechanism, and using a precision calibration system that can be used by an unskilled technician and that does not require an accurate site survey or additional materials or equipment.

Abstract: An imaging system implementing a scheme for enhancing the dynamic range of the device. An array of radiation detecting pixels produces an output in response to a stimulus. The signal from each pixel is read once for evaluation. If the voltage at an individual pixel satisfies a programmed condition, such as exceeding a predetermined threshold voltage at a particular time, that pixel is reset and begins producing an output signal anew. If the pixel output signal does not satisfy the condition, it is allowed to continue producing the signal without being reset. After the evaluation read, all of the pixels are then read row by row into a buffer and digitally processed. A memory register tracks which pixels have been reset, and the corresponding output signals are adjusted accordingly. This scheme allows the system to process input signals across a broader range of intensity without losing information due to pixel saturation or sacrificing sensitivity.

Abstract: A technique processes captured data on a device, wherein selected captured data of a given quality resolution is transferred via a communication link to a separate storage location for future availability. A storage protocol may include various storage organization categories. A possible aspect may provide an identifier record to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames having different quality characteristics and/or formats. Initial and ongoing coordination as well as correlation may be facilitated between video and still image data derived from related fields of view.

Abstract: Provided is a pixel array having a wide dynamic range, good color reproduction, and good resolution and an image sensor using the pixel array. The pixel array includes a plurality of first type photodiodes, a plurality of second type photodiodes, and a plurality of image signal conversion circuits. A plurality of the second type photodiodes are disposed between the first type photodiodes which are two-dimensionally arrayed. A plurality of the image signal conversion circuits are disposed between the first type photodiodes and the second type photodiodes to process image signals detected by the first type photodiodes and the second type photodiodes. An area of the first type photodiodes is wider than an area of the second type photodiodes.

Abstract: An exemplary camera module includes a base, a number of image sensors and a number of lens modules. The base includes a bottom surface and a number of sloping surfaces sloped relative to the bottom surface. The sloping surfaces are oriented in different planes from each other. The image sensors are positioned on the sloping surfaces, respectively. The lens modules are positioned on the respective sloping surfaces above the respective image sensors.

Abstract: An image capture device includes first and second image sensors arranged to capture first and second images respectively of a same scene, each of the first and second images including pixel values; an objective lens associated with each of the image sensors, one objective lens being axially offset with respect to the other and having the same focal length as the other; a unit for analyzing the sharpness of each image; and a unit for selecting the image of desired sharpness.

Abstract: A face-image area is decided with comparatively good accuracy. An (N?1)th frame of a subject image ?1 and an Nth frame of a subject image ?2 are obtained by sensing the image of a subject successively. Face-image detection processing is applied to the frames of the subject images ?1 and ?2 to detect face-image areas C1, C2 and C3. The face-image area C2 is construed to be linked to the face-image area C1, which is the corresponding face-image area. Since a face-image area that corresponds to the face-image area C3 does not exist, the face-image area C3 is construed as not being linked. The linked face-image area C2 in the Nth frame of the subject image ?2 is decided upon as a face-image area. Thus, face areas can be decided with comparatively good accuracy.

Abstract: A plurality of imaging regions (104, 105 and 106) capture a plurality of images, respectively, via a plurality of imaging optical systems (101, 102 and 103) corresponding one to one to the plurality of imaging regions. An image combining means (115) eliminates a difference among the plurality of images and combines the plurality of images into a single image. Thereby, it is possible to obtain a combined image of high quality.

Abstract: An exemplary camera module includes a barrel, first and second lens assemblies, a circuit board, first and second image sensors. The barrel includes a first inner space, a first light incident opening in communication with the first inner space, a second inner space and a second light incident opening in communication with the second inner space. The first and second lens assemblies are received in the first inner space and second inner space, respectively. The circuit board is positioned between the first inner space and the second inner space, and has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first image senor is mounted on the first surface of the circuit board, and configured for detecting light from the first lens assembly. The second image sensor is mounted on the second surface of the circuit board, and configured for detecting light from the second lens assembly.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes first and second imaging stages for capturing separate images of a scene, one of the stages being designated as a default imaging stage. A processor enables capture and display of the separate images, and further responds to an operator selection of one of the imaging stages as a primary capture unit which is to be primarily used for capturing an image of the scene that is stored by the digital camera. If the operator selection does not occur within a predetermined time period, or if the camera is actuated before the time has run out, the processor automatically selects the default imaging stage as the primary capture unit.

Abstract: A system and method for realizing a multi-camera system having two optical paths with a single processing path for the two optical paths. Such a multi-camera system typically includes a first image-capture device associated with a first optical train wherein the first image-capture device is typically pointed in a first direction (i.e., away from the user). The multi-camera system further includes a second image-capture device having a second optical train wherein the second image-capture device is typically pointed in a second direction (i.e., toward the user). The multi-camera system further includes a single processing block coupled to the first image-capture device and the second image-capture device. The processing block is typically operable to process image data captured at each image-capture device.

Abstract: A video recording camera system configured to record video to a non-volatile memory configured as a circular video recording buffer. In an embodiment, the video recording camera system includes a non-volatile storage medium and a processor is configured to manage at least a portion of the non-volatile storage medium as a circular buffer, replacing recorded video data stored in a subset of memory addresses corresponding to an older recorded video frame with the data corresponding to a newer video frame. In further embodiments, clip files may be partitioned from the circular buffer to prevent logical portion of the recorded video from being overwritten upon reaching a capacity of the circular recorded video buffer.

Abstract: A system consisting of a phase camera with microlenses placed in the focal point of a converging lens, wherein the camera data, processed using a combined Fourier “Slice” and fast Fourier transform edge detection technique, provide both a three-dimensional wavefront map and a real scene depth map within a broad range of volumes. The invention is suitable for use in any field where wavefronts need to be known such as earth-based astronomical observation, ophthalmology, etc., as well as in fields requiring metrology, e.g. real scenes, CCD polishing, automobile mechanics, etc. The invention is applied to the particular case of atmospheric tomography using ELTs (large-diameter telescopes: 50 or 100 meters).

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is equipped with: imaging means constituted by a great number of first light receiving elements and second light receiving elements that photoelectrically convert light from subjects, which are capable of being controlled to be driven independently form each other and are arranged in a predetermined arrangement, for obtaining image signals based on the output of the first light receiving elements and/or the second light receiving elements; image signal processing means, for generating image data from the image signals obtained by the imaging means; subject discriminating means, for discriminating subject scenes based on the image signals; subject field data obtaining means, for obtaining subject field data based on the image signals; and control means, for selecting a drive mode to drive the imaging means and the image signal processing means, based on the discriminated subject scenes and the obtained subject field data.

Abstract: An video signal processing method and system thereof are disclosed. The system comprises four cameras for capturing four video signals (1373×986 pixels, frame rate is 22.5 fps). Each video signal may be adjusted and encoded in the camera to form an output video signal (960×540 pixels, frame rate is 19.98 fps). Each frame (960×540 pixels) of the output video signal may be segmented into three fields (720×240 pixels) to be the output video of the camera. Each camera transmits the processed output video (three fields, each field is 720×240 pixels, frame rate is 19.98 fps) to a digital video recorder via a coaxial cable. The digital video recorder may decode and restore the processed output video signal to the output video signal (960×540 pixels).

Abstract: Using correction values obtained based on image signals outputted from an image sensing unit by controlling the image sensing unit in the first mode, in which image signals are read out from a first photoelectric conversion element group arranged in a first region of an image sensing plane, the image signals outputted from an image sensing apparatus by controlling the image sensing unit in the second mode, in which image signals are read out from a second photoelectric conversion element group arranged in a second region that is smaller than the first region of the image sensing plane, are subjected to a white balance process.

Abstract: An optical lens system of a mobile camera is provided. The lens optical system includes: an optical lens in which bilaterally symmetrical off-axis lens systems corresponding to the divided view angles are integrally formed and arranged in parallel on the same plane, the optical beams incident at the divided view angles being transmitted through the respective off-axis lens systems; and an image sensor for receiving the optical beams transmitted through the off-axis lens systems, the image sensor being bisected into a green light receiving region and a mixed light receiving region of red and blue colors. Accordingly, the mega resolution can be achieved using the optical lens having the height of VGA grade. Moreover, as the whole length of the optical lens system in the mega optical system is greatly reduced, the camera optical system can have the slim profile.

Abstract: A sensor array module with wide angle for creating a composite image includes a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a storage unit and a processor. The first image sensor is for capturing a first image. The second image sensor is for capturing a second image and has a relative spatial relationship with respective to the first image sensor. The storage unit stores at least one transformation matrix obtained according to the relative spatial relationship between the first and the second image sensors. The processor combines the first image and the second image by using the transformation matrix to create the composite image. The present invention also provides an image calibration method, an operation method and an application for a sensor array module with wide angle.

Abstract: A camera for forming an image of a scene that moves relative to the camera and the method of forming that image are disclosed. The camera includes an imaging array having a plurality of CMOS pixel sensors having a plurality of columns and rows, an imaging system, and a controller. The imaging system causes a portion of an image of a scene to be projected on the imaging array such that the image of the scene moves across the imaging array in the column direction. First and second images of the scene are formed at first and second times chosen such that the image of the scene moves a predetermined number of rows of the imaging array between the first and second times. The controller combines pixel values from rows in the first image with rows in the second image that are separated by the predetermined number of rows.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-speed photographing apparatus comprising a first camera for acquiring an image of an object, a second camera for acquiring the same image as the image acquired by the first camera, reflection means for reflecting the image of the object so that the first camera and the second camera obtain the same image with respect to the object, a controller for alternately providing a photographing signal to the first camera and the second camera at a speed higher than intrinsic photographing speeds of the first camera and the second camera such that the first camera and the second camera alternately capture images of the object, and an image synthesis section for synthesizing the alternately captured images.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for synchronizing a plurality of image sensors in a video camera system. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a video sync signal, and resetting at least one internal clock divider in each image sensor in synchronization with the video sync signal at the beginning of each video frame. Another embodiment of a method of synchronizing a plurality of image sensors in a video camera system includes detecting a phase state of a signal of at least one internal clock divider in each sensor, wherein the phase state is relative to a system sync signal, and selecting a video output signal for each sensor based on the detected phase state of the at least one internal divider. In a third embodiment, the method includes asserting an asynchronous reset signal, stopping the system clocks in the system, de-asserting the asynchronous reset signal, while the system clocks are stopped, and restarting the system clocks.

Abstract: A system and method for determining instantaneously the three-dimensional coordinates of large sets of points in space is disclosed. This system uses two or more CCD cameras (or any other type of camera), each with its own lens and pinhole. The CCD's are all arranged so that the pixel arrays are within the same plane. The CCD's are also arranged in a predefined pattern. The combination of the multiple images acquired from the CCD's onto one single image forms a pattern, which is dictated by the predefined arrangement of the CCD's. The size and centroid on the combined image are a direct measure of the depth location Z and in-plane position (X,Y), respectively. The use of a predefined pattern enables high speed computation through simple algorithmic procedures. Moreover, the use of CCD cameras allows for the recording of such datasets at the corresponding image frame rate, thus opening the use of the invention to the mapping of dynamical systems.

Abstract: A multispectral image capturing apparatus has different spectral sensitivity characteristics of at least four bands. Three primary bands of the at least four bands have spectral sensitivity characteristics of standard RGB. At least one auxiliary band of the rest of the at least four bands excluding the three primary bands has a spectral sensitivity characteristic of a narrower bandwidth than bandwidths of the RGB.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for capturing a still or moving picture is disclosed. The imaging apparatus includes a substrate and an aperture. The substrate includes an imaging array and a pixel. The aperture exposes the imaging array to radiation. The pixel is isolated from radiation passing through the aperture. In some embodiments, the radiation gathered by the pixel can be used to improve the still or moving picture captured by the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: Determining instantaneously three-dimensional coordinates of large sets of points in space using apertures associated with cameras or camera parts. An embodiment associates information from the apertures with different portions of the imager, so that portions on the imager do not overlap.

Abstract: A digital imaging system and method using multiple cameras arranged and aligned to create a much larger virtual image sensor array. Each camera has a lens with an optical axis aligned parallel to the optical axes of the other camera lenses, and a digital image sensor array with one or more non-contiguous pixelated sensors. The non-contiguous sensor arrays are spatially arranged relative to their respective optical axes so that each sensor images a portion of a target region that is substantially different from other portions of the target region imaged by other sensors, and preferably overlaps adjacent portions imaged by the other sensors. In this manner, the portions imaged by one set of sensors completely fill the image gaps found between other portions imaged by other sets of sensors, so that a seamless mosaic image of the target region may be produced.

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: A compound-eye imaging device comprises an imaging device body having 9 optical lenses and a solid-state imaging element for imaging unit images formed by the optical lenses. Assuming that the combination of each of the optical lenses with a corresponding divided area of the solid-state imaging element to image each of the corresponding unit images is an imaging unit, thereby forming multiple imaging units, the respective imaging units have randomly different optical imaging conditions. For example, the focal lengths of the 9 optical lenses are set to have random values in which the optical lenses are arranged to have random distances between adjacent ones thereof in a direction parallel to the major surface of the solid-state imaging element. This compound-eye imaging device substantially prevents unit images formed by respective imaging units from being the same, making it possible to easily increase the definition of a reconstructed image.