Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and associated structures, methods and features. The features of the systems and methods described herein may include providing improved resolution and color reproduction.

Abstract: Image quality of an imaging element having a configuration in which pixels having color filters are arranged two-dimensionally is prevented from being lowered. An imaging element includes a plurality of pixels and incident light attenuation sections. The pixel includes a color filter transmitting incident light having a predetermined wavelength, and a photoelectric conversion section that produces an electric charge according to the light transmitted through the color filter. The incident light attenuation section is disposed between the color filters of the adjacent pixels, is configured to be different in surface height from the color filters, and attenuates light not transmitted through the color filter but incident on the photoelectric conversion section of the pixel where the color filter is disposed.

Abstract: Described is a wide field of view, high resolution digital night vision system that uses transparent, repositionable eyepieces to present night vision information in the field of view of the user. The WNVS is advantageous in that it can be used in both night environments, but also in daytime environments by using clear eye pieces that allow the user to concurrently see the outside environment or allowing the eyepieces to be positioned out of the field of view of the user without significantly occluding the user's field of use during daytime use.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate having a plurality of pixel regions, a lower layer on the substrate; a plurality of color filters on the lower layer, and a micro-lens layer on or covering top surfaces of the color filters. The micro-lens layer extends to a location between two of the color filters and contacts the lower layer on one of the pixel regions. The color filters are spaced apart from the lower layer.

Abstract: A 3 MOS camera includes a first prism that has a first reflection film which reflects IR light that causes a first image sensor to receive the IR light, a second prism that has a second reflection film which reflects A % (A: a predetermined real number) visible light and that causes a second image sensor to receive the A % visible light, a third prism that causes a third image sensor to receive a (100?A) % visible light, and a video signal processor that combines a first video signal, a second video signal, and a third video signal of an observation part. The video signal processor performs pixel shifting on one of the second video signal and the third video signal having substantially same brightness to generate a fourth video signal and outputs a video signal obtained by combining the fourth video signal and the first video signal.

Abstract: The method comprises flying at least a probe carrier flying vehicle above a dropping area on the ground, the probe carrier flying vehicle carrying probes and a launcher, configured to separate each probe from the probe carrier flying vehicle; activating the launcher to separate at least one of the probes from the probe carrier flying vehicle above the dropping area; falling of the probe from the flying vehicle in the ground of the dropping area; at least partial insertion of the probe in the ground of the dropping area. When the probe carrier flying vehicle is located above a target dropping area, before activating the launcher, the method comprises determining a vegetation information at the target dropping area using a flying vegetation detector.

Abstract: A medical camera includes a camera head having a first a first color separation prism, a second color separation prism, a third color separation prism, and a fourth color separation prism. The four color separation prisms respectively separate light incident from an affected area into a blue, red and green color components, and an infrared (IR) component. A light emission surface of the first color separation prism is disposed opposite to a light emission surface of the second color separation prism. A light emission surface of the third color separation prism is disposed across an incident ray which is incident vertically to an object side incident surface of the first color separation prism.

Abstract: A hybrid spectrophotometric instrument utilizing absorption and fluorescence observations requires different cell parameters for optimal performance. The ability to have an instrument with a variable optical path length with a single set of optical surfaces and one detector to reduce system variance is unique. A Zero Angle Photon Spectrometer with the additional hardware and software to support a variable path length instrument is described.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus including as image acquiring section that acquires a plurality of images obtained by imaging, at different times, a subject irradiated with lights intensity-modulated with a plurality of modulation frequencies or modulation frequency bands; and a demodulating section that demodulates pixel values of the plurality of images with a plurality of demodulation frequencies or demodulation frequency bands based on the plurality of modulation frequencies or modulation frequency bands, for each pixel, thereby generating a plurality of pieces of pixel information indicating subject light amounts from the subject caused by each of the lights intensity-modulated with the plurality of modulation frequencies or modulation frequency bands, for each pixel.

Abstract: An image sensor including a color filter isolation layer and a method of manufacturing the image sensor. The image sensor includes a plurality of color filters that transmit light of a predetermined wavelength band to a light sensing layer. The image sensor also includes an isolation layer disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of color filters. The isolation layer is formed of a material having a lower refractive index than a refractive index of the color filters, thus totally internally reflecting light incident on the isolation layer from one of the plurality of color filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing device for processing image data from a digital camera comprising an image sensor with a regular pixel arrangement and an associated color filter with a predetermined color pattern. Said image processing device is designed to carry out all image processing operations with respect to a pixel of interest using image data from a single predetermined environment comprising several pixels.

Abstract: A screen creating unit selects component contents for displaying a station name array, in which a plurality of station names on a route are arrayed in order of arrival, from a component-content storing unit, moves, according to component arrangement definition data and component motion definition data, the component contents little by little in an array direction from a state in which only a part of station names on a starting station side among the station names are arranged in a scroll display region to a state in which only a part of station names on a terminal station side are arranged, and creates an image of only a portion in the scroll display region without creating the image of a portion outside the scroll display region among the component contents to thereby create a plurality of frames continuous in time series.

Abstract: A detection device includes a first holding member holding a light receiving element, a second holding member holding an optical system, and first and second fixing members fixing the first and second holding members with the first and second holding members separated from each other, in a direction parallel to a second direction orthogonal to a first direction in which an optical axis of the optical system extends, at least one of a first surface of the first holding member opposite to the second holding member and a second surface of the second holding member opposite to the first holding member has a plane inclined with respect to the first direction, and the first and second fixing members are provided on the inclined plane and disposed between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera includes an image sensor within a camera housing that converts light entering the camera housing through an optical filter into digital image data. The optical filter can have a variable opacity. A processor in communication with the image sensor identifies operation settings for the optical filter and adjusts an opacity level of the optical filter over an exposure period in accordance with the operation settings for the optical filter. In addition, the processor modifies values of the digital image data based at least on the operation settings for the optical filter.

Abstract: A three-chip camera apparatus includes: a color separation prism which includes an incident surface perpendicular to an optical axis, a first emission surface parallel to the incident surface, a second emission surface inclined at a first inclination angle with respect to the optical axis, and a third emission surface inclined at a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle; a first imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the first emission surface; a second imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the second emission surface; and a third imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the third emission surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a photo diode is provided. The method includes: forming a first pair of electrodes and a second pair of electrodes over a substrate by using a conductive layer; forming a dielectric layer over the substrate; patterning the dielectric layer over the substrate; forming a photo conversion layer over the substrate; and forming a color filter layer over the photo conversion layer, wherein at least a portion of the dielectric layer separates a first portion of the color filter layer corresponding to a first pixel from a second portion of the color filer layer corresponding to a second pixel, and a refractive index of the dielectric layer is lower than a refractive index of the color filter layer, wherein the first pair of electrodes corresponds to the first pixel and the second pair of electrodes corresponds to the second pixel.

Abstract: There is a provided an image processing apparatus comprising an image generation unit to generate a processed image using an image group having a plurality of images captured from multiple view points, a first image recognition unit to recognize a particular object from the processed image, a second image recognition unit to recognize respective objects which appear in the image group, a determination unit to compare the results by the first and second image recognition units and to determine an object of interest and an object of noninterest, and an attribute generation unit to generate attribute information including the result of determination by the determination unit, in the processed image.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprising: a sensor unit including a plurality of sensor arrays that output first imaging data formed by an optical system; an array converter that generates second imaging data by converting the first imaging data output by the sensor unit into an order corresponding to a predetermined arrangement; a first signal processor that performs first signal processing on the second imaging data output by the array converter; and a second signal processor that performs second signal processing on the first imaging data output by the sensor unit.

Abstract: A digital camera component is described that has a light splitter cube having an entrance face to receive incident light from a camera scene. The cube splits the incident light into first, second, and third color components that emerge from the cube through a first face, a second face, and a third face of the cube, respectively. First, second, and third image sensors are provided, each being positioned to receive a respective one of the color components that emerge from the first, second, and third faces of the cube. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and camera for generating a high dynamic range (HDR) image comprising the following steps: receiving a first optical signal from a lens and generating a first output signal at a first image acquisition chip, wherein the first image acquisition chip is coated with a first partial reflection coating; reflecting the first optical signal off the first partial reflection coating to create a second optical signal such that the second optical signal has a lower intensity than the first optical signal; receiving the second optical signal and generating a second output signal at a second image acquisition chip; and combining the first and second output signals to create the HDR image.

Abstract: A subject image with little blur is provided even when the subject exists in a wide range of distance. An image capturing module includes: a plurality of image capturing systems, each including an optical system and capturing a an image of a subject by light in a wavelength region different from each other to generate a wavelength component signal representing an image of light in the corresponding wavelength region; and an image generating section that combines the wavelength component signals generated by the plurality of image capturing systems thereby generating an image signal representing an image of the subject, where an image capturing system, from among the plurality of image capturing systems, which generates a wavelength component signal having a greater contribution to brightness in the image of the subject includes an optical system having a deeper focal depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing dynamic range increase (DRI) or a high dynamic range (HDR) pictures, in which differently exposed individual images are combined by image processing to form an HDR or DRI picture. In order to also allow moving objects to be recorded more easily, and to overcome the restrictions relating to lack of mobility of a recording device, the exposure can be carried out by laser radiation containing wavelengths at different intensities.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a camera module including a housing of a substantially cuboid shape, a light reflecting portion, a plurality of solid-state imaging device, a lens, and an optical spectroscope. The light reflecting portion is arranged inside the housing and reflects the light incident from the opening portion which is formed on a top surface of the housing, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing. Each of a plurality of solid-state imaging devices has a light receiving surface which is provided in the housing vertically to the bottom surface of the housing. The lens is arranged inside the housing such that an optical axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The optical spectroscope is arranged inside the housing and separates the light which has passed through the lens into lights.

Abstract: Provided is a signal processing circuit including an image processing unit that performs, at an early stage, a process common to first image signals input using a predetermined number of signal lines in correspondence with first image sensors having a first pixel array and second image signals input using a number of signal lines and commonly used to input the first image signals in correspondence with second image sensors having a second pixel array, and performs specific processes specific to the first and second image signals at a later stage, a conversion unit that converts the second image signals subjected to the specific process according to a format of the first image signals, and a selection unit that selects one of the first image signals subjected to the specific process and the converted second image signals and outputs the selected image signals using the predetermined number of signal lines.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include camera modules. A camera module may be formed from an array of lenses and corresponding image sensors. The array of image sensors may include three color image sensors for color imaging and a fourth image sensor positioned to improve image depth mapping. Providing a camera module with a fourth image sensor may increase the baseline distance between the two most distant image sensors, allowing parallax and depth information to be determined for objects a greater distance from the camera than in a conventional electronic device. The fourth image sensor may be a second green image sensor positioned at a maximal distance from the green color image sensor used for color imaging. The fourth image sensor may also be a clear image sensor, allowing capture of improved image depth information and enhanced image resolution and low-light performance.

Abstract: A method includes sampling a first intensity of light with a first array of photo detectors of a digital camera. A second intensity of light is sampled with a second array of photo detectors of the digital camera. A first channel processor coupled to the first array of photo detectors generates a first image using first array data which is representative of the first intensity of light sampled by the first array of photo detectors. A second channel processor coupled to the second array of photo detectors generates a second image using second array data which is representative of the second intensity of light sampled by the second array of photo detectors. The first array of photo detectors, the second array of photo detectors, the first channel processor, and the second channel processor are integrated on or in a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a camera module includes a plurality of sub-camera modules. The sub-camera modules include imaging elements and imaging lenses. At least two of the sub-camera modules include the imaging lenses, subject distances of which when best-focused are set different from each other.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprising: a sensor unit including a plurality of sensor arrays that output first imaging data formed by an optical system; an array converter that generates second imaging data by converting the first imaging data output by the sensor unit into an order corresponding to a predetermined arrangement; a first signal processor that performs first signal processing on the second imaging data output by the array converter; and a second signal processor that performs second signal processing on the first imaging data output by the sensor unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device that generates, for each of a red color, a green color, and a blue color, an image signal having pixels arranged adjacent to each other in a two-dimensional array, including a red color imaging element that senses incident light to output a red color signal (20R) having pixels arranged in a check pattern, a green color imaging element that senses the incident light to output a green color signal (20G) having pixels arranged in a check pattern, a blue color imaging element that senses the incident light to output a blue color signal (20B) having pixels arranged in a check pattern, interpolation means for interpolating a blank pixel using neighboring pixels, and correlation means for determining a correlation of the neighboring pixels of the blank pixel, wherein the correlation means determines a correlation for each of the red color signal, the green color signal, and the blue color signal on the basis of at least one color signal of the red color signal, the gr

Abstract: A plurality of image pickup areas is disposed in a semiconductor substrate so as to be separate from one another. Disposed in each of the image pickup areas are rows and columns of unit pixels, each of which includes a photoelectric conversion part and signal scanning circuit parts. Formed on the image pickup areas of the semiconductor substrate and opposite a interconnect layer formed on the semiconductor substrate are optical image formation lenses used for forming object images. Further, between the image pickup areas on the semiconductor substrate is a driving circuit area in which driving circuits are formed for driving the signal scanning circuit parts.

Abstract: A method includes sampling a first intensity of light with a first array of photo detectors of a digital camera. A second intensity of light is sampled with a second array of photo detectors of the digital camera. A first channel processor coupled to the first array of photo detectors generates a first image using first array data which is representative of the first intensity of light sampled by the first array of photo detectors. A second channel processor coupled to the second array of photo detectors generates a second image using second array data which is representative of the second intensity of light sampled by the second array of photo detectors. The first array of photo detectors, the second array of photo detectors, the first channel processor, and the second channel processor are integrated on or in a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A digital camera component is described that has a light splitter cube having an entrance face to receive incident light from a camera scene. The cube splits the incident light into first, second, and third color components that emerge from the cube through a first face, a second face, and a third face of the cube, respectively. First, second, and third image sensors are provided, each being positioned to receive a respective one of the color components that emerge from the first, second, and third faces of the cube. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A camera adjusting system includes a first camera, a second camera, and a control apparatus. The first camera is movably arranged on a sliding rail to monitor a locale. The second camera captures a three dimensional (3D) image of a head of a subject. The control apparatus receives the captured 3D image of the head of the subject and simulates a corresponding 3D model according to the captured 3D image, and compares the actual 3D model with a reference 3D model, to compute a compared result, and outputs a control signal to the first camera to adjust parameters of the first camera according to the compared result.

Abstract: An imaging system (10) and method (200) for reading residential and/or commercial meters. The system and method comprise a transmission element (12) that attaches to an external location of a meter (24). The transmission element (12) selectively communicates a reading signal (40) corresponding to a meter value. The system and method further comprise an imaging unit (14) located within the transmission element (12) that images the meter value at a prescribed frequency. The system and method also comprise a transceiving arrangement (16) that receives the reading signal (40) communication from the transmission element. The transceiving arrangement (16) also comprises a converter (44) that analyzes and converts the reading signal (40) communication to a use signal (46).

Abstract: Interpolations systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes an input to receive image data. The system also includes an image processing system responsive to the image data and including a demosaicing module. The demosaicing module is configured to use adaptive bi-cubic spline interpolation. The system further includes an output responsive to the image processing system and adapted to provide output data.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging device including: forming a first pattern having an independent island shape configured by an optical filter material on some of photoelectric conversion units among a plurality of photoelectric conversion units arranged on the surface of a substrate; forming a mixed color prevention layer on a side wall of the first pattern; and forming a second pattern having an independent island shape configured by an optical filter material on the rest of the photoelectric conversion units among the plurality of photoelectric conversion units while the mixed color prevention layer is closely disposed between the first pattern and the second pattern.

Abstract: A subject image with little blur is provided even when the subject exists in a wide range of distance. An image capturing module includes: a plurality of image capturing systems, each including an optical system and capturing a an image of a subject by light in a wavelength region different from each other to generate a wavelength component signal representing an image of light in the corresponding wavelength region; and an image generating section that combines the wavelength component signals generated by the plurality of image capturing systems thereby generating an image signal representing an image of the subject, where an image capturing system, from among the plurality of image capturing systems, which generates a wavelength component signal having a greater contribution to brightness in the image of the subject includes an optical system having a deeper focal depth.

Abstract: A camera includes a first substrate having a convex refractive element, a second substrate having a concave refractive element, a separation between the first to second substrates, the separation including an air gap between convex refractive element and the concave refractive element, and a third substrate having a detector array thereon, the concave refractive element being closer to the detector than the convex refractive element, at least two of the first to third substrates being secured along a z-axis, wherein the z axis is perpendicular to a plane of the detector array, e.g., at a wafer level. The convex refractive element may include a plurality of convex refractive elements, the concave refractive element may include a plurality of concave refractive elements, and the detector array may include a plurality of detector arrays, each of the plurality forming a plurality of sub-cameras.

Abstract: A small, low-profile imaging device that obtains imaging signals having similar light intensity distributions for different colored light, even when there is variability in component precision or assembly. The imaging device (101) includes a plurality of lens units (113) each including at least one lens, a plurality of imaging areas corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of lens units, and each having a light receiving surface (123) substantially perpendicular to an optical axis direction of the corresponding lens unit, an imaging signal input unit (133) that receives as input a plurality of imaging signals each output from a different one of the plurality of imaging areas, and an intensity correcting unit (142) that corrects the intensity of each of the plurality of imaging signals, so that the degree of correction changes depending on the position of the imaging area.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a camera module includes a plurality of sub-camera modules. The sub-camera modules include imaging elements and imaging lenses. At least two of the sub-camera modules include the imaging lenses, subject distances of which when best-focused are set different from each other.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing device comprising, light-receiving regions and a color filter which transmits red light, a color filter which transmits blue light, and a color filter which transmits green light is provided. The color filters are arranged on a one-to-one basis above the light-receiving regions. Above the light-receiving region where the color filter which transmits red or blue light is arranged, a light-transmitting film, an antireflection film, a light-transmitting film, an antireflection film, and a light-transmitting film are arranged, in this order from the light-receiving region, between the light-receiving region and the color filter. Above the light-receiving region where the color filter which transmits green light is arranged, a light-transmitting film, an antireflection film, and a light-transmitting film are arranged, in this order from the light-receiving region, between the light-receiving region and the color filter.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image-pickup lens having an aperture diaphragm, an image-pickup element that has a color filter which is periodically allocated colors in units of a predetermined unit array and that generates picked-up image data including pixel data of colors using received light, the color filter being adjacent to a light receiving surface, a microlens array unit that is arranged on an image forming surface of the image-pickup lens and whose microlenses are each allocated a plurality of pixels of the image-pickup element, and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the picked-up image data generated by the image-pickup element. The image processing unit includes a parallax component image generation unit that generates a plurality of parallax component images and an interpolation processing unit that performs color interpolation processing for each of the parallax component images.

Abstract: A camera module that can be made thinner and achieves a beautiful image over an entire image region regardless of a subject distance is provided.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: An image processing device and an image processing method capable of generating a moving image having a high resolution and a high frame rate are provided by suppressing the reduction in the amount of incident light on each camera.

Abstract: An image processing method comprising a step of performing a color interpolation process on image data output from a single-chip color image capturing sensor to calculate color data for each pixel and a step of converting the color data using a predetermined transformation formula and of filtering the converted data, and the transformation formula is replaced based on the magnitude of a color value of the color data. When a color value of a specific color is large, the transformation formula can be appropriately changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lowering of the overall resolution without being affected by the resolution of the color. Further, it is possible to reliably reproduce a smooth and natural edge of an image without adding other processes to the color interpolation process.

Abstract: A versatile analog front end and timing generator (AFE/TG) integrated circuit has output modes wherein multiple identical AFE/TGs output digitized sensor data to a single digital image processor (DIP) without intervening discrete multiplexing circuitry. In one embodiment, the AFE/TG is operable in either a bit slice mode or a time slice mode. In the bit slice mode, each of the multiple AFE/TGs sections up a word of pixel information into subsets of bits, and then communicates the subsets in parallel, one subset after another, across point-to-point connections to corresponding terminals of the DIP. The DIP captures the subsets of bits, and reassembles the subsets to recreate the word of pixel information. Each of the multiple AFE/TGs communicates words of pixel information to a different set of terminals on the DIP in this way, thereby avoiding timing complications, loading and/or expense associated with communicating the pixel information using time multiplexing techniques.

Abstract: The shooting, recording and playback system 100 of the present invention receives incoming light 101, stores an image shot, and then subjects the image shot to be reproduced to resolution raising processing, thereby outputting RGB images with high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution (ROUT GOUT BOUT) 102. The system 100 includes a shooting section 103, a color separating section 104, an R imaging sensor section 105, a G imaging sensor section 106, a B imaging sensor section 107, an image shot storage section 108, an image shot writing section 109, a memory section 110, an image shot reading section 111, a spatial resolution upconverter section 112, a temporal resolution upconverter section 113, an output section 114, and a line recognition signal generating section 185. The system can get image data with high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution without getting the camera configuration complicated and without decreasing the optical efficiency.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: By mounting a camera to rotate with a rotating component to be viewed it is possible to review the whole component illuminated by a light source. Generally the component will be specifically marked with target markings to highlight its profile to allow images produced by the camera to be compared for distortion and displacement. Such in situ monitoring arrangements also allow profiling of the surface, and by projection of a grid or matrix onto a component surface any distortion in that matrix is indicative of variations in the surface or through use of astigmatic techniques variations in the incident image pattern can be utilized in order to determine distance variations.