Abstract: To output a color image signal of an arbitrary basic block and facilitate processing on the output side, an image pickup element including a plurality of photodetectors each having a color filter array, a vertical direction selection circuit for selecting in the vertical direction an arbitrary basic block having at least one of the plurality of photodetectors, a horizontal direction selection circuit for selecting the arbitrary basic block in the horizontal direction, and an output circuit for parallelly outputting outputs from the photodetectors in the arbitrary basic block selected by the vertical direction selection circuit and horizontal direction selection circuit is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reconstruction of a full colour image from image mosaic data in particular where the image mosaic data is unequally weighted between different colours. The image mosaic is composed of a plurality of image pixels. Each image pixel has one of at least three colour values and has a luminance value representing the intensity of the colour value for that pixel in the image mosaic. The pixels of each colour value are interleaved across the image mosaic with pixels of different colour values to form the image mosaic. For each colour value, both a low spatial frequency monochrome image and a high spatial frequency luminance image are generated, the high spatial frequency luminance image extending only across pixels locations of the image mosaic for that colour value. Each of the high spatial frequency luminance images is then combined with a corresponding low spatial frequency monochrome image to form the full colour image.

Abstract: A line buffer and a method of providing data to a 3×3 line interpolation processor using the line buffer in an image processing system, such as a digital camera, includes a readable and writable single memory, a buffer register having a prior data area storing first line image data, which has been stored in a memory, in a unit of 2m bits, and having a present data area storing second image data, which is inputted from an image sensor in a unit of m bits, in a unit of the 2m bits, and a memory controller providing the memory with a chip enable signal, a write enable signal, and an address indicating locations of the first and second line image data stored in the buffer register, reading and writing the first and second line image data from and on the memory, and outputting the first and second line image data and a third line image data, which is inputted from the image sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for transferring image signals to readout electronics from image sensors. Electronic charges from multiple photosensitive elements are combined during and after transfer to detection electronics resulting in a greater signal to noise ratio. This enhanced signal to noise ratio provides the ability to make focus and exposure level measurements at lower light levels and often at greater speeds.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus is provided, in which the charges of four pixels that are adjacent in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are mixed and output, and combinations of pixel mixings in the horizontal direction are changed at each line, so that signals after four pixels have been mixed are in an offset sampling relation for each line. Furthermore, a color filter of, for example, an RGB primary color stripe arrangement is provided such that three independent color signals can be attained in both a still picture image sensing (all pixel readout) mode and in a moving picture image sensing (four pixel mixing readout) mode.

Abstract: Two plane parallel plates, orthogonally intersecting each other, are provided in front of a CCD device. The plane parallel plate is supported by its two ends which are deviated from an optical path. Each end of the plane parallel plate includes an armature made of soft electromagnetic iron, and two electromagnets are provided in the optical axis direction, while sandwiching each armature. By the on/off state of the two electromagnets, the armature can control the optical device in three angled positions, thus the optical device can have three shift positions with respect to the optical axis. Therefore, by virtue of the optical devices, an optical path can be determined by selecting a shift position of said optical device from nine shift positions (3×3).

Abstract: A method of field sequential color image capture includes optically capturing a scene; filtering the scene through an active color filter to product first color components, thereby modifying the spectral transmission of the scene as a function of time; detecting the scene with a single, monochrome sensor and dividing the scene into multiple second color components, whereby each first color component of the scene is detected at a different point in time; aligning the second color components in time for each frame interval; storing each color component in a memory unit; combining the stored second color components into a frame image; and processing the frame image for color reproduction and format.

Abstract: Geometric configurations for photosites found on photosensitive chips for creating electrical signals from an original image, as would be found, for example, in a digital scanner, copier, facsimile machine, or other document generating or reproducing device. The photosensitive chips are mounted on a substrate to form a photosensitive array in a full width scanner or other photosensitive device. The geometric configurations reduce the Moiré patterns to provide a higher quality image.

Abstract: Geometric configurations for photosites found on photosensitive chips for creating electrical signals from an original image, as would be found, for example, in a digital scanner, copier, printer, facsimile machine, or other document generating or reproducing device. The photosensitive chips are mounted on a substrate to form a photosensitive array in a full width scanner or other photosensitive device. The geometric configurations reduce the Moiré patterns to provide a higher quality image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating the power spectral density of an unknown illuminant that does not require direct spectral measurements. The apparatus and method allows calibration of color images taken with commercially available digital cameras in arbitrary illumination. Besides an imaging system, a digital computer, a means for transferring image information from the imaging system to the digital computer, and software to carry out the method, the only additional equipment a photographer needs is a set of color standards.

Abstract: A plurality of sensor portions detect a variety of physical characteristics of objects to be detected, which are being conveyed on a conveyance passage to asynchronously transmit electric signals indicating results of detection to a processing unit. The processing unit causes an A/D converter to A/D-convert the electric signals transmitted from the sensor portions. A mixer adds, to data, an identifier indicating the sensor portion from which data has been transmitted to sequentially output data for each of the sensor portions. A detection-result processing means receives data output from the mixer to identify the sensor portion from which data has been transmitted in accordance with the identifier contained in received data so as to perform a process for detecting the variety of the physical characteristics. The structure and circuit structure of the transmission passage in the detecting apparatus can be simplified.

Abstract: A sequential color scanner capable of generating both two and three dimensional moving color images has only one x- and y-deflection channel. The system includes first, second, and third optical signal generators for generating a first, second, and third optical signal, respectively. Each optical signal is characterized one of the three primary colors. The first, second, and third light signals are blue, green, and red, although not necessarily in that order. The first optical signal is generated along an optical axis. First and second beam combiners direct the second and third optical signals, respectively, along the optical axis. A first optical deflector deflects the optical signals in a first plane, and a second optical deflector for deflecting the optical signals in a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane. First, second, and third modulators modulate the intensity of the first, second, and third optical signals, respectfully.

Abstract: A color filter array and its signal process circuit in which vertical interpolation process is not needed, which can be applied to the field of image signal input and signal process such as video camera, digital camera and color scanner, and color copier which process image signal. The color filter array is constituted such that the number of green color filter becomes double of those of red and blue color filter respectively in order to make human color recognition easy, and that the red and blue color filters are placed every four pixels and green color filter is placed every other pixel, such as a filter pattern consisting of R-G-B-G, G-R-G-R and B-G-R-G filter groups.

Abstract: An infrared digital electronic camera includes a solid state color image sensor having an array of image sensing elements and an array of color filter elements including infrared color filter elements arranged over the image sensing elements for producing a color image signal. A signal processing circuit processes the color image signals from the image sensor to produce a false color image signal.

Abstract: A compact light source for an optical color correction system selectably removes under electronic control zero, one, two, or all three primary color components from an input beam of white light. The system polarizes the input beam linearly and passes it through three filter assemblies. Each filter assembly comprises a half-wave plate whose optic axis may be rotated between two different positions under electronic control and a colored polarizer. With the optic axis in one position, the half-wave plate passes the incoming polarized light unaltered. With the optic axis in a second position, the half-wave plate rotates the incoming polarized light. The colored polarizer removes a primary color component only when the light passing through it is polarized along its principal axis, and passes the incoming light unaltered when that light is polarized along the orthogonal axis.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus used by being connected to external equipment, a personal computer, with a simplified construction. The image pick-up apparatus is operated by the clock CK2 of the BUS for the external equipment, and output digital chrominance signals DR, DG and DB to the BUS.

Abstract: A method is proposed for processing transitional regions in a picture signal. The picture signal comprises a sequence of digital pixel values. A number of adjacent pixel values, which contain a processing pixel value, are combined to form a processing block. A corrected pixel value is calculated for the processing pixel value. The maximum and minimum pixel values are first determined in the processing block to define the transitional region. The transitional region is then split into a number of sections on the basis of the magnitude of pixel value. Finally, a determination is made as to the section in which the processing pixel value is located. The processing pixel value is allocated a corresponding correction value in order to increase, to reduce or to leave unchanged the processing pixel value, in accordance with a predetermined transfer function.

Abstract: Computer systems may be provided with additional performance for demanding applications while adding little additional hardware. For example, a slave device for a host computer system combines an embedded programmable controller with non-volatile memory, local RAM, and interface logic. The host computer system treats the slave device as if it would be a hierarchical memory system such as a conventional disk drive on which it may store and retrieve files. Additionally, the host computer system may program the controller to perform operations on stored information, including image processing and/or data compression. The non-volatile memory may include a disk drive, writable CD-ROM, optical drive, or non-volatile solid state memory.

Abstract: What is disclosed is method that interpolates missing color components for an original pixel by utilizing color medians for surrounding blocks of green pixels. A new pixel is output which has complete color information which is a function of the original pixel and interpolated color components. The interpolated pixel is a true representation of both luminance and chrominance information.

Abstract: A combination of digital camera design and digital photography technique that allows a single digital camera to be used for both single-shot and multiple-shot color operation. The invention includes a digital camera half of the light-sensing elements of which--the "majority pixels"--are sensitive to a first primary color and the other half of which--the "minority pixels"--are divided about equally between those sensitive to a second primary color and those sensitive to a third primary color. Further, these light-sensitive elements are arranged so that by a simple lateral shift of the array, typically by the width of a single pixel, every one of the majority pixels will be moved into a position previously held by one of the minority pixels. When used in conjunction with known pixel-interpolation methods this camera produces single-shot digital images equal or better in color quality to any existing single-shot digital camera.

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: An image sensing system is provided with a fluorescent lamp which performs AC lighting to irradiate an object, an inverter power source which supplies currents to the fluorescent lamp, a lighting frequency changing circuit which changes the frequency of the current supply, a lens which images an image onto a film, and a CCD image sensing device which is capable of changing the period of exposure by the formed image and which outputs the image of the object as an electric signal through photoelectric conversion. The exposure period of the CCD image sensing device is controlled by a microcomputer and a timing generator. The lighting frequency changing circuit is controlled so that the phase of the exposure period and the phase of the current supply to the fluorescent lamp are in synchronism with each other.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of photosensitive pixel lines adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction, each of the photosensitive pixel lines having a number of photosensitive pixels arranged in the main scanning direction, and horizontal transfer registers disposed outside of the photosensitive pixel lines. A storage part for saving therein signal charges on a pixel-by-pixel basis is interposed between the photosensitive pixel lines and the horizontal transfer registers. Transfer of signal charges between the photosensitive pixel lines, storage part, and horizontal transfer registers are controlled by operating shift gates so that at a time point when exposure of the inside photosensitive pixel line has been finished, signal charges of the outside photosensitive pixel line is saved into the storage part to thereby secure a transfer passage for signal charges of the inside photosensitive pixel line.

Abstract: A system and method for interpolating intensity values for a color component array are disclosed. Intensity values stored in a color component array are derived from intensity data sensed by a charge-coupled-device in a camera. First and second gradients are determined for the array elements which have no color intensity value corresponding to the color component stored in a first color component array. The gradients are used to select intensity values from the first color component array and a second color component array. The second color component array includes the intensity values for the color component which was sensed by the array element having no intensity value in the first color component array. Incorporation of intensity values of both the first and second color components reduces the likelihood of color artifacts.

Abstract: A CCD sensor structure adapted for backside illumination, has a wide depletion layer separating the illuminated surface from potential barrier-like structures, e.g., in the form of a series of p-wells, that shield portions of the CCD channels and that cause the photoelectrons to converge through "ports" between the p-wells into selected regions of the CCD channels. The potential barriers are thus arrayed to delineate at the CCD surface a series of charge-packet-forming or integrating regions, each of which has two (or more) adjacent shielded charge-packet-holding or storage regions into which the frame-indicative charge packets are successively shifted upon receipt of the light from successive image frames. With an anti-reflective coating on the illuminated back surface, this device not only provides 100% fill-factor for each of the successive frames, but also can provide very high quantum efficiency (QE) across the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A color classification system and method for classifying, judging and/or identifying objects by color. An optical system utilizes light from an object to form an image on an imaging device. A plurality of optical band-pass filters each having a different pass band are provided between the object and the imaging device. The optical band-pass filters include a plurality of measurement filters for use in measuring a color of the object and a test filter for use in judging which one of the measurement filters should be applied to the object. A changeover section changes between the optical band-pass filters. A computing circuit performs at least one of a color classification and a color judgment based on a spectral characteristic of the imaged object through a statistical approach, and a control section causes the changeover section to select an effective one of the measurement filters based on a judgment by the computing circuit of a result sensed by the test filter.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a CCD for receiving light emanated from an object through a color filter and converting it into a video signal; a color separator circuit for separating the video signal from the CCD into R, G, and B, signal components; three, R, G, and B signal converters for converting the R, G, and B signal components from the color separator circuit to a high resolution R signal component, a high resolution G signal component, and a high resolution B signal component respectively which are higher in the resolution than the original signal components; and a signal processor circuit for receiving and processing the high resolution R, G, and B signal components of their respective signal converters to yield a luminance signal as well as a chrominance signal.

Abstract: A color calibration system comprises a processor for receiving and transmitting data. A first sensor coupled to the processor detects emissive color images for providing first color sampling data to the processor. A second sensor coupled to the processor detects reflective color images for providing second color sampling data to the processor. A color output device coupled to the processor is calibrated in response to data generated by at least one of the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A digital imaging device captures an image and generates a color signal from the image for application to an output device having specific color sensitivities, the imaging device further being one of many devices of the same type useful with the output device. The digital imaging device, for example a digital camera, includes a color sensor for capturing the image and generating a color signal from the captured image, the color sensor having predetermined spectral sensitivities, and an optical section that is interposed in the image light directed to the color sensor, the optical section also having predetermined spectral characteristics. The combination of the spectral sensitivities of the color sensor and the spectral characteristics of the optical section uniquely distinguish this particular imaging device from other imaging devices of the same type.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for processing a digitized image signal obtained from an image sensor having color photosites aligned in rows and columns that generate at least three separate color values but only one color value for each photosite location, and a structure for interpolating color values for each photosite location so that it has three different color values. The apparatus includes a memory for storing the digitized image signal and a processor operative with the memory for generating an appropriate color value missing from a photosite location by the interpolation of an additional color value for such photosite locations from color values of different colors than the missing color value at nearby photosite locations.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for processing a digitized image signal obtained from an image sensor having color photosites aligned in rows and columns that generate at least three separate color values but only one color value for each photosite location, structure for interpolating color values for each photosite location so that it has three different color values. The apparatus includes a memory for storing the digitized image signal and a processor operative with the memory for generating an appropriate color value missing from a photosite location by the interpolation of an additional color value for such photosite locations from color values of different colors than the missing color value at nearby photosite locations.

Abstract: An image is captured into a video signal by an array sensor with color stripes. The system first interprets the highest frequencies of the signal as an upper sideband of the I color component so as to double the recoverable bandwidth of color detail. From the upper sideband of the signal, the corresponding lower color sideband is predicted and its effect is then subtracted from the luminance component, from which, in turn, an image is generated. The resulting image is enhanced in sharpness and has fewer artifacts. Color may be demodulated from sensor signal and the predominant I color vector demodulated from the color carrier utilizing an asymmetric sideband filter.

Abstract: Apparatus described for processing a digitized image signal obtained from an image sensor having red, green, and blue color photosites aligned in rows and columns that generate at least three separate color values but only one color value for each photosite location. An arrangement is disclosed for averaging existing green values for green photosite locations which includes structure for storing the digitized image signal, defining green classifiers based upon adding the Laplacian second-order values, and the gradient values to define a classsifier, and modifying a measured green pixel based upon adjacent pixel classifiers. The apparatus further includes structure for determining which classifiers represent a pixel neighborhood of slowly changing scene detail, and replacing the measured green values for a green photosite location with an average of surrounding predicted green pixels as a function of the number of classifiers which are below a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a color CCD (charge-coupled device) imaging device where chromatic filter components are formed on sensor units functioning as pixels, respectively, and small condenser lenses are provided on the respective chromatic filter components, it is so constructed that areas of the small condenser lenses are varied, depending upon film thickness of the respective chromatic filter components. Then, the sensitivity increasing rates for the respective pixels of the color CCD imaging device are uniformed.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device is exposed to a color portion of an image, thereby generating charge packets in the array of photosensitive storage regions. The charge packets stored in a first set of horizontal rows of photosensitive storage regions are then moved into a second set of horizontal rows of photosensitive storage regions, remaining in the array for subsequent exposures. These exposing and moving steps are repeated for each color exposure in excess of two. Charge packets from each successive exposure are combined in the array in a predetermined manner with charge packets from previous exposures. Finally, the charge-coupled device is exposed to a final color portion of the image, thereby generating final charge packets in the array. Selected ones of the final charge packets comprise charge from more than one photosensitive storage region and from more than one exposure stored in a single photosensitive storage region.

Abstract: An image storage system for storing in a storage medium digital image data corresponding to an image. An object is imaged and the digital image data are stored in the storage medium according to either of a first storage mode, and a second storage mode, the second digital image data being supplied from outside the system. Thus, it becomes possible to efficiently store digital image data in a storage medium.

Abstract: To obtain an image pickup device capable of obtaining wide-band R, G, and B signals, R, G, and B signals are generated by a coincidence and matrix circuit using Ye/Cy and Mg/G components of outputs from an image pickup element in units of pixels. A wide-band signal generation circuit generates wide-band signal components from another arithmetic operation using the outputs from the image pickup element. The resultant wide-band signal components are mixed with the R, G, and B signals using an adder and a subtracter, thereby obtaining wide-band R, G, and B signals. Therefore, the wide-band R, G, and B signals suitable for multimedia applications and free from color blurring at a high resolution can be obtained.

Abstract: A CCD camera is adapted for detecting red and near-infrared wavelengths by employing filters that are constructed to allow for the passage of only red light in certain areas and near-infrared light in other areas of the filter. The areas are designed to match the pixel geometry of the lens of a primary color CCD camera that has a predefined pattern of red, blue and green pixels. The match is such that the red bandpass filter areas overlay the red pixels, and the near-infrared bandpass filter areas match the blue and green pixel areas. The red, green and blue output lines of the CCD camera are supplied to a signal processor which uses the signals on these lines to provide combinations of red and near-infrared magnitude that are capable of detecting vegetation from a background. The camera is suitable for full color use again merely by removing the filter that provides R and NIR sensing without otherwise disabling or modifying the camera.

Abstract: A color video camera includes a CCD, and digital signals of 4 lines produced on the basis of an outputs from the CCD are applied to a selection circuit which selectively outputs digital signals of 3 lines. A horizontal interpolation circuit and a vertical interpolation circuit perform interpolation calculation on the basis of the digital signals, and outputs a plurality of horizontal color signals and a plurality of vertical color signals, respectively. A horizontal correlation detection circuit and a vertical correlation detection circuit evaluate a horizontal correlation value and a vertical correlation value of a specific pixel with respect to pixels around the specific pixel.

Abstract: A color image pickup apparatus using a single-plate type solid-state image sensor is arranged to obtain a signal of an excellent color separation characteristic. An object image is formed on the photoelectric conversion part of the image sensor with color filters of different colors disposed on each of the picture elements of the image sensor. A signal outputted from the solid-state image sensor is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter. The digital signal is taken in by a signal processing circuit to separate chrominance signals superposed on a luminance signal. At that time, signals for primary color components are formed by carrying out a matrix computing process by using coefficients obtained from the image pickup output of the solid-state image sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for processing a digitized image signal obtained from an image sensor having color photosites aligned in rows and columns that generate at least three separate color values but only one color value for each photosite location, a structure is provided which interpolates color values for each photosite location so that it has three different color values. The apparatus includes an image buffer for storing the digitized image signal and a processor operative with the buffer storing means for generating an appropriate color value missing from a photosite location by the interpolation of an additional color value for such photosite locations from color values of different colors than the missing color value at nearby photosite locations.

Abstract: A technique and structure is used for producing high resolution color images using a monochrome area charge-coupled device (CCD) 64 and a sequential color illumination scheme. The monochrome CCD 64 comprises a plurality of semiconductor storage cells 76, the semiconductor storage cells 76 being configured in an array having vertical columns 74 and horizontal rows 79. The entire CCD 64 is exposed to a first color image. The charge packets 82 stored in two adjacent horizontal rows as a result of the exposure are then shifted into a third horizontal row. The CCD 64 is then exposed to a second color image. The charge packets 82 stored in the first horizontal row as a result of the second exposure are then shifted into the second horizontal row. The CCD 64 is then exposed to a third and final color image. The CCD output is digitized and stored in a frame. The color information of a particular location on the CCD array 64 is derived by utilizing a simple set of equations.

Abstract: Currently, electronic imaging cameras use expensive array photodetectors instead of inexpensive linear photodetectors because they cannot scan linear detectors across the entire image within their exposure time and because the linear photodetectors do not capture sufficient photons to produce a high quality image. An image capture system is described that has a lens to form an image on an imaging plane, a linear detector mounted to preclude translational motion, a mirror for deflecting the image to the plane of the linear detector, and a mechanism that moves the mirror to scan the image across the linear detector.

Abstract: A passive take-up chamber for temporarily receiving and storing photographic filmstrips in the transport path of a film scanner for digitizing images on the filmstrips. The take-up chamber has a cavity defined by parallel side walls and a generally circular, lateral connecting wall with a plurality of shaped interior surface segments formed in and spaced apart around the interior surface of the lateral wall and generally defining a circular path for the filmstrip within the cavity. A further plurality of guiding rollers are mounted to extend between the first and second side walls adjacent to the interior surface of the lateral wall, for rotation on contact with the longitudinal edges of the filmstrip.

Abstract: A color image reading apparatus includes a plurality of line sensors which have different color filters and each of which has a plurality of light receiving elements. One of the plurality of line sensors has an opening width larger than those of the remaining line sensors. The apparatus also includes a correcting unit such as an edge emphasis circuit for correcting image signals output from the line sensors so as to obtain identical resolutions of the image signals, and a processing unit such as a masking circuit for performing color processing of the image signals corrected by the correcting unit.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus having a linear photosensor, an imaging assembly, and a scanning displacement assembly adapted for producing relatively constant rate linear displacement between an imaged object and the imaging assembly to cause scan line portions of the object to be sequentially imaged on the linear photosensor device and an image registration holding assembly associated with the scanning displacement device to cause an image from each different scan line portion on the object to be temporarily held in registration with the linear photosensor.

Abstract: Adaptive interpolation is performed by apparatus operating upon a digitized image signal obtained from an image sensor having color photosites that generate a plurality of color values, but only one color per photosite. A digital processor obtains gradient values from the differences between luminance values in vertical and horizontal image directions. The gradient values are compared to a programmable threshold in order to select one of the directions as the preferred orientation for the interpolation of additional luminance values. The interpolation is then performed upon values selected to agree with the preferred orientation.

Abstract: A digital imaging device captures an image and generates a color signal from the image for application to an output device having specific color sensitivities, the imaging device further being one of many devices of the same type useful with the output device. The digital imaging device, for example a digital camera, includes a color sensor for capturing the image and generating a color signal from the captured image, the color sensor having predetermined spectral sensitivities, and an optical section that is interposed in the image light directed to the color sensor, the optical section also having predetermined spectral characteristics. The combination of the spectral sensitivities of the color sensor and the spectral characteristics of the optical section uniquely distinguish this particular imaging device from other imaging devices of the same type.