Abstract: Large format, digital camera systems (10, 100, 150, 250, 310) expose single detector arrays 20 with multiple lens systems (12, 14, 16, 18) or multiple detector arrays (104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 152, 162, 172, 182, 252, 262, 272, 282, 322, 324) with one or more single lens systems (156, 166, 176, 186) to acquire sub-images of overlapping sub-areas of large area objects. The sub-images are stitched together to form a large format, digital, macro-image (80, 230?, 236?, 238?, 240?), which can be colored. Dampened camera carrier (400) and accelerometer (404) signals with double-rate digital signal processing (306, 308) are used.

Abstract: An immersive scanning camera provides for a high speed imager to capture a scene of interest on a pixel by pixel basis. Distance data is collected for each pixel. This distance data is representative of the distance from the immersive camera of the object depicted by the pixel data.

Abstract: An image processing unit (20) includes a averaging circuit (21) and a memory (22) for storing pixel data. The memory (22) is a memory for storing the pixel data subjected to analog-to-digital conversion. The averaging circuit (21) performs an averaging process between two adjoining pixels on each line stored in the memory (22). The digital pixel data is stored in the memory (22) and the averaging process is performed between the two pixels in the main scanning direction using the pixel data read by a first photoelectric conversion element trains and the pixel data read by a second photoelectric conversion element trains. Therefore, the noise component can be reduced, whereas the S/N ratio can be improved. Accordingly, image quality is made improvable with a simple arrangement.

Abstract: A digital video camera system may utilize a concurrent dual video and still image pipeline that simultaneously acquires, processes, transmits and/or stores digital video and high resolution digital still image photographs. The concurrent dual pipeline may include a video pipeline optimized for digital video and a still image pipeline optimized for high resolution digital still images. As a result, high resolution still image photographs may be acquired during video recording without any interference with the video recording or any impact on the quality of the video or the still image photographs.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention permits a user to load two images into a computer system so that two images may be combined into a stereoscopic image pair. An additional embodiment permits a user to load a single 2D image into the system to be combined into a stereoscopic image pair. An additional embodiment permits a user load a single 2D image to be loaded into a computer to be morphed into a stereoscopic image pair. The term “morphing is derived from the term metamorphis. Morphing refers to the process of gradually changing one visual image to another or merging two or more images into a single image.

Abstract: A technique for producing electronic video signals representative of color images of a scene, includes the following steps: providing a luminance sensor and a color sensor having a color filter thereover; providing a pellicle beamsplitter, and providing a motion picture film camera type of lens system that focuses light from the image, via the beamsplitter, onto the luminance sensor and the color sensor; and producing electronic video signals from outputs of the luminance sensor and the color sensor. The pellicle can be ultrasonically excited to effect optical prefiltering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for correcting the chromatic aberrations (1) of a color image (3) composed of a plurality of digitized color planes (4). This color image (3) is assumed to have been produced by means of an optical system (5). According to the invention, the geometric anomalies of the said digitized color planes (4) are modeled and corrected, at least partly, in such a way as to obtain corrected digitized color planes (17). The corrected digitized color planes (17) are then combined in such a manner as to obtain a color image (19) corrected completely or partly for the chromatic aberrations (1). The invention is applicable to photographic or video image processing, in optical devices, industrial controls, robotics, metrology, etc.

Abstract: The preset invention provides an image device, which combined scanning device with video device. Due to the scanning device and video device have image data treating elements are identical in function, thus, the two image data processing elements within the scanning device and video device could combine to be an image device to process the two different image data type and the image data could output by one image device to diminish the cost.

Abstract: A technique for producing electronic video signals representative of color images of a scene, includes the following steps: providing a luminance sensor and a color sensor having a color filter thereover; providing a beamsplitter, and providing a motion picture film camera type of lens system that focuses light from the image, via the beamsplitter, onto the luminance sensor and the color sensor; and producing electronic video signals from outputs of the luminance sensor and the color sensor.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus for capturing parallax images for the left eye and right eye which meet a fusion condition. A stereo camera image-captures a subject and displays captured parallax images on a stereoscopic display. An observer looks at the screen of the display. The lines of sight of both eyes of the observer are then detected, and a distance from the view point of the observer to the subject is measured based on the line-of-sight data. Instead of the observer, the apparatus determines whether the subject distance satisfies the fusion condition. The apparatus thus determines an image-fusible range, based on a (known) convergence angle, a (known) base line distance, a (known) size of the display, and the distance of distinct vision of the observer.

Abstract: A image pickup system has an image pickup apparatus including a spectral prism and two image pickup devices. The spectral prism has a spectral face formed from a dichroic film. The spectral face has spectral transmission characteristics of color filters disposed for each pixel in the image pickup devices, that is, a wavelength characteristic which divides a wavelength band of each of RGB colors. Incident light from a subject is split into two optical paths by the spectral face, and spectral images of the subject traveling in the optical paths are obtained by the image pickup devices. Thus, a plurality of spectral images can be obtained in one shot with excellent efficiency regarding the quantity of light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjustment of a line sensor in a film scanner. A glass disk is arranged between each emitting surface of a color separator and the respective line sensor. Said disk may be rotated in two directions, out of a plane lying perpendicular to the beam direction, such that the light emitted from the glass disc is displaced, depending on the angle of the rotation.

Abstract: An area image sensor outputs the difference between charges received by light-receiving cells arranged in an array pattern. A system controller generates a timing signal for generating a pulse or modulation signal. A control signal generator generates a control signal for separately controlling the light-receiving timings of the light-receiving cells of the area image sensor on the basis of the timing signal from the system controller. A light emitting controller controls a light source to generate light, the intensity of which changes on the basis of the timing signal from the system controller. A reflected light image processor extracts a reflected image of an object from the difference outputted from the area image sensor.

Abstract: Digital Camera includes separate preview engine, burst mode compression/decompression engine, image pipeline, CCD plus CCD controller, and memory plus memory controller. ARM microprocessor and DSP share control, and preview engine register provide parameters for preview engine image processing hardware.

Abstract: A synchronous signal superimposing apparatus and a synchronous signal superimposing method are disclosed which do not require a high power supply voltage, and do not bring about the deterioration in the frequency property of a termination system caused by frequency properties of a coupling capacitor and a driver, and do not require the mechanism for changing the setting of a termination circuit through a switching operation and the like, correspondingly to a camera side. In this apparatus, a constant current driver for responding to an external synchronous signal and a capacitor for stopping a direct current component in an output signal from this constant current driver are placed correspondingly to each of a plurality of cables connected to image pickup units.

Abstract: An image sensing device operates in a first and a second picture image mode. The image sensing device includes a pixel area having a first vertical transferring CCD to transfer a first electric charge converted from an optical image and a second vertical transferring CCD to transfer a second electric charge of optical black level respectively. The image sensing device includes a block portion for selectively blocking the first and second electric charge, wherein the first and second electric charges are outputted without block operation of the block portion and transferred to the horizontal CCD in the first picture image mode and wherein the block portion selectively blocks the first electric charge, and the first electric charge unblocked and the second electric charge are transferred to the horizontal CCD at different timing in a second picture image mode.

Abstract: A 4:2:2 RGB, or YCrCb camera, comprising two photodetectors, a prism, and a filter mask. The prism receives light indicative of an image. The prism splits the light into a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam is a first color and is directed to one of the photodetectors. The filter mask has a predetermined pattern of a second color and a third color. The second filter mask receives the second light beam and transmits light of the first and second colors in the second light beam to the other one of the photodetectors.

Abstract: In a machine vision system, four images are acquired from overlapping fields of view. There is sub-pixel movement between images of either half pixel or third pixel. The images are combined to provide a single image of higher resolution. The camera and the object are displaced relative to each other by movement of the camera on a gantry system or by tilting the lens with respect to the camera.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus, a control method applied to the image-pickup apparatus, and a control program for operating a computer used for the image-pickup apparatus are provided. The image-pickup apparatus comprises an image-pickup element for picking up the images of a subject. The image-pickup element can output image signals for performing finder display and focal-point detection. The image-pickup apparatus further comprises a control device for performing first-image pickup a predetermined number of times for performing the finder display and for performing second-image pickup for performing the focal-point detection every time the first-image pickup is performed the predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A light valve such as an active matrix LCD between crossed polarizers, utilizing, for instance, individual transistors to control each “pixel area” of the LCD and storage elements to store video signal data for each pixel, with optically shielded “dead spaces” between pixels to eliminate electric field cross-talk and non-information-bearing light bleed-through, is illuminated with a bright independent light source which creates a video image projected via specialized projection optics onto an internal or external screen without distortions, regardless of the angle of projection onto the screen. Use of heat sinks, IR reflective coatings, heat absorbing optics, optional fluid and a thermistor controlled pixel transistor bias voltage injection servo circuit stabilizes image performance, maintaining accurate color and contrast levels as the LCD changes temperature.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of realizing highly reliable search with high precision by obtaining a clear view image over a wide view. In particular, a reflection mirror is formed so as to correspond to an image pick-up element at a focus surface of a converging lens of an image pick-up camera and the image pick-up camera is arranged to be capable of freely performing scanning by a scanning mechanism portion. As a result, with the image pick-up camera kept performing linear scanning, the reflection mirror performs triangular scanning in a direction opposite to the scanning direction of the image pick-up camera for every frame cycle T and a light wave taken in by the converging lens is introduced to the image pick-up element for every one frame, thereby to obtain a static view image. The desired object is thus achieved.

Abstract: A technique for producing electronic video signals representative of color images of a scene includes use of a regular CCD for the color channel and a back-thinned CCD for a luminance channel; a technique for deriving blue and reconstructing full resolution R, G, B from full resolution white and a red and green checkerboard pattern; and a technique for deriving an automatic gain control signal using an unshielded white area on the CCD to obtain a white reference.

Abstract: An image sensing device senses an image of an object in a first luminous exposure in a predetermined image sensing position to obtain image data of the image, and a second luminous exposure which is different from the first luminous exposure is determined on the basis of the image data, and the image sensing device senses an image of an object again in the determined second luminous exposure and another image data is obtained. The image data of the two images sensed in two different luminous exposures is combined to generate image data of a single image of expanded dynamic range, and stored in a memory. Thereafter, the image sensing device is shifted to one or more predetermined positions by a pixel shifting unit, and two images are sensed at each position in the first and second luminous exposures, and image data of a single image of expanded dynamic range is obtained on the basis of the two images at each position.

Abstract: A CCD (charge coupled device) camera system capable of a multi-media response includes: a prism which disperses according to frequency optical signals of an object focused on the prism by a lens; first and second CCDs for converting optical signals which are imaged by the prism into electrical signals, and having mutually different color filter arrays consisting of a complementary color stripe pattern and an effective number of pixels corresponding to the international standard; first and second sample and hold circuits for removing noise from the output video signals of the first and second CCDs; first and second analog to digital converters for converting the analog video signals of the first and second sample and hold circuits into digital signals; and a CCD video signal processor for calculating the sum of and the difference between the two sets of signals output by the first and second sample and hold circuits so as to generate brightness signals and color signals.

Abstract: A special synchronization frame generator is used for creating simultaneous easily visible synchronization markers as part of a multi-channel image generating system. It does not rely upon any external objects or markers being simultaneously present in the field of view of several cameras in a multi-camera system, or upon a separate synchonization signal being recorded simultaneously along with the image information, or upon any post-processing of the recorded image to add synchronization markings common to the various channels of the system. The generation of synchronization frames can be applied to either multichannel video or film systems.

Abstract: A technique for producing electronic video signals representative of color images of a scene, includes the following steps: providing a luminance sensor and a color sensor having a color filter thereover; providing a beamsplitter, and providing a motion picture film camera type of lens system that focuses light from the image, via the beamsplitter, onto the luminance sensor and the color sensor; and producing electronic video signals from outputs of the luminance sensor and the color sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting digital color imaging signals to a camera controlling unit at a pre-set sampling rate obtained on imaging using a CCD imaging device. The sampling rate of at least one of plural signal components making up the digital color imaging signals is converted so that the sampling rate will be higher than the pre-set sampling rate. The digital color imaging signals containing at least one signal component having the converted sampling rate are transmitted to the camera control unit.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus of this invention includes: a lens, a half mirror, and a first CCD arranged along a same optical axis; and a second CCD arranged on an axis of light reflected from the half mirror, wherein one of the first and second CCDs outputs a normal image of an input image input via the lens while the other CCD outputs an Inverted image of the input image.

Abstract: First and second optical images of an object are respectively taken using two optical filters, having different optical transfer properties, which are placed one at a time in the optical path of the taken images. The first and second optical images are converted to first and second memories, respectively. The first digital signal indicative of the first optical image is provided to a luminance-signal generator which produces a luminance signal. The second digital signal indicative of the second optical image is provided to a color-signal generator which produces a color signal. A combining unit combines the luminance signal and the color signal to produce a single image signal of the object having a suppressed color moire. An image reproduction device receives the single image signal to reproduce the image of the object.

Abstract: A device and method of doubling a vertical line speed for a camera for domestic use, the method including the steps of a) writing G1 channel data output from a G1 CCD of a 4CCD for a period of 0.5H, where H is a horizontal sync period, and then reading the written G1 channel data at a speed twice a first writing speed, b) writing G2 channel data output from a G2 CCD of the 4CCD for a period of 0.5H, and then reading the written G2 channel data at a speed twice a second writing speed, and c) alternately selecting data read out by the steps a) and b), thereby outputting G signals of a broad-band. As a result, the line memory of 4H used in a device of doubling a line speed of a G channel signal can be reduced to 1H.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed which is integrally provided with two image pickup systems for respectively converting subject light into image signals and two displays for respectively displaying images relative to the image signals obtained by the two image pickup systems. In the disclosed imaging apparatus, since the operations of the two image pickup systems are synchronized, it is not necessary to insert an element, such as a prism, in each optical path. Further, since a common signal processing circuit is provided for performing predetermined processing of the image signals outputted from the two image pickup systems, the size of the imaging apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: Colored optical sensing module comprising a color adjustment device positioned in front of a colored charge coupler device array. The color adjustment device purifies the color component of the image data input into the charge coupler device array. The present invention also discloses a image scanner comprising said color adjustment device.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus comprising plural line sensors for converting light from an object into image signals, charge transfer unit for transferring the image signals, converted by the line sensors, mutually among the line sensors, correction unit for correcting signal levels of the image signals and control unit for effecting control so as to vary a manner of correction by the correction unit, according to a direction of transfer of the image signals by the charge transfer means among the line sensors.

Abstract: Video data storage apparatus stores on a hard disk plural fields of video data and header data associated with each field of video data. The video data is reproduced from the hard disk and the reproduced video data is processed by an image analysis algorithm. Data indicative of the outcome of the image analysis is then recorded on the hard disk as part of the header data.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing and storing video data includes a video camera for generating video data and analysis circuitry for analyzing the video data generated by the video camera to detect a predetermined characteristic of the video data. The apparatus also includes first and second storage devices, and routes the analyzed video data to a selected one of the first and second storage devices in response to detection of the predetermined characteristic of the video data.

Abstract: An imaging device, such as an electric camera, in which an optical image of an object is converted into a set of image data. The device includes a line sensor and an area sensor. A lens system impinges the optical image onto the line and area sensors, where the first and second data are produced, respectively. At this time, a scanning mechanism moves the line sensor relative to the optical image to scan the optical image. The first and second data is then synthesized into the image data to be output.

Abstract: A position detecting system for detecting a position of a movable object having a light emitter without contact, the system includes: a first light sensor which has a first view area and receives light from the light emitter of the movable object in the first view area to produce image data, and a second light sensor which has a second view area and receives light from the light emitter of the movable object in the second view area to produce image data, a combination of the first and second view areas covering a space in which the movable object moves, and the first and second view areas overlapping each other; and a processor which calculates a position of the movable object based on image data produced by the first and second light sensors.

Abstract: Each solid image pick-up element of G, R and B channels has a light-receiving portion composed of light-receiving pixels arranged two-dimensionally, that is, in the horizontal and the vertical scanning directions. The light-receiving pixels of the second and the third solid image pick-up elements are shifted to a horizontal direction by a half of a horizontal interval between the adjacent pixels with respect to the light-receiving pixels of the first solid image pick-up element in the horizontal scanning direction. The output of the first solid image pick-up element is sampled at every predetermined period so that the video signal of the G channel is obtained. The output of the second and the third solid image pick-up elements are sampled at every predetermined period to obtain the video signals of the R and the B channels so that the video signals are out of phase by 180 degrees with respect to the video signal of the G channel.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus capable of outputting video signals in a plurality of formats is disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed which is integrally provided with two image pickup systems for respectively converting subject light into image signals and two displays for respectively displaying images relative to the image signals obtained by the two image pickup systems. In the disclosed imaging apparatus, since the operations of the two image pickup systems are synchronized, it is not necessary to insert an element, such as a prism, in each optical path. Further, since a common signal processing circuit is provided for performing predetermined processing of the image signals outputted from the two image pickup systems, the size of the imaging apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: A dual type imaging device includes a first CCD and a second CCD, on which complementary color filters with a checkerboard (or matrix) arrangement are disposed. The complementary color filters have the same construction as each other, having magenta elements, yellow elements, cyan elements and green elements arranged in a regular manner. The arrangement of the color elements of the filter of the first CCD is offset, by a width of one light-sensitive element, with respect to the arrangement of the color elements of the filter of the second CCD. An R-signal, a G-signal and a B-signal are sensed in accordance with four light-sensitive elements which are arranged in a 2.times.2 matrix.

Abstract: A still-video camera has a white balance adjustment device. The white balance adjustment device includes a filter film which has a translucent opal filter portion and a transparent filter portion. The filter film is moved by a motor. During a white balance adjustment, the translucent opal filter portion is positioned in front of a first CCD, and in an image recording operation, the transparent filter portion is positioned in front of the first CCD. When the white balance adjustment is to be carried out, an output signal from a second CCD is transmitted to an AF control circuit, and thus an AF adjustment is also performed. The AF adjustment is carried out in such a manner that a spatial frequency of the output signal of the second CCD has a highest value.

Abstract: A power drain and noise reduction control circuit and method for a synchronous vector processor (SVP) device having a plurality of one-bit processor elements organized in a linear array. This control circuit substantially reduces the power drain by only powering up the portion of the circuit being written. Also noise which would otherwise be present on the data lines is reduced.

Abstract: A smear noise eradication method in a charge-coupled device (CCD) type camera comprises the steps of inputting respective image signals from one pair of CCD image pick-up devices whose lengthwise directions of corresponding vertical CCDs are perpendicularly disposed with respect to each other, and which are installed on an optical path, and eradicating smear noise after comparing the one pair of image signals according to corresponding pixels. Using the one pair of CCD image pick-up devices, the image signals of the CCD image pick-up devices are compared with each other. When the smear noise is generated, it is eradicated to obtain a high quality image signal.

Abstract: A video camera or a camcorder including: a first conversion portion for converting an object image captured by first lenses into an electrical signal; a second conversion portion for converting an object image captured by second lenses into an electrical signal provided independently from the signal from the first lenses; a video signal producing portion provided commonly for both conversion portions for producing a video signal based on the electrical signals converted by these converting portions, in order to implement an image sensing apparatus; and an image sensing apparatus with recording function which has the function of reproducing a plurality of object images captured by a plurality of optical systems by switching them or combining them, in a structure advantageous for cost reduction as well as size reduction. A switching circuit for selectively applying either one of the output signals of the conversions portions is provided between the conversion portions and the video signal producing portion.

Abstract: A dual type imaging device includes a first CCD and a second CCD, on which complementary color filters with a checkerboard (or matrix) arrangement is disposed. The complementary color filters have the same construction as each other, having magenta elements, yellow elements, cyan elements and green elements arranged in a regular manner. The arrangement of the color elements of the filter of the first CCD is offset, by a width of one light-sensitive element, to the arrangement of the color elements of the filter of the second CCD. An R-signal, a G-signal and a B-signal are sensed in accordance with four light-sensitive elements which are arranged in a 2.times.2 matrix.

Abstract: In an image sensing device having an image sensor which converts the image of an object to be photographed into an electrical signal and an automatic gain control circuit which automatically controls the gain of the electrical signal, the operation of the automatic gain control circuit is limited according to the mode selected from various special photographic modes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the processing of sets of digital signals coming from different outputs of an optical sensor such as a line of photo-detectors. There is proposed a device which, singly or severally and after simple programming of the circuits that form it, can be used to make a video transformer for optical sensors. This device comprises chiefly:--several memorization circuits each designed to receive a digital signal coming from one of the outputs of the sensor; --programmable addressing means to write in the memorization circuits and to read these circuits;--change-over or selector means to offer the choice from among different configurations of links between the inputs of the device and the ports of the memorization circuits. Application in particular to the processing Of the digital video signals coming from lines of photo-detectors.

Abstract: A moving picture monitoring device includes a first CCD on which an infrared-cut-filter is provided, and a second CCD on which an infrared-cut-filter and a complementary colors filter are provided. The complementary colors filter has magenta filter elements, green filter elements, yellow filter elements and cyan filter elements, which are disposed in a predetermined arrangement. In a monitor-through mode, only the second CCD is operated. A digital signal processing circuit generates differential color signals (R-YL, B-YL) and a luminance signal (YL). These signals (R-YL, B-YL, YL) are outputted to a display device, so that a color moving picture is indicated thereon.

Abstract: A dual waveband signal processing system (DWSPS) is disclosed for differentiating between an primary target signal and background clutter to detect targets and objects with a particularly unique spectral characteristic. The DWSPS is responsive to a plurality of sensors operating on different wavelengths. The output wavebands of the sensors are filtered by either spatial or temporal high-pass filters, and is processed through a network comprising a series of multipliers, dividers, comparators, and subtractors to obtain the weighted correlation functions or "alpha coefficient", which, when compared to the input wavebands, produces a filtered or processed output signal of the detected features.