Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for preprocessing, prior to encoding with an external encoder, image data using a preprocessing network comprising a set of inter-connected weights is provided. At the preprocessing network, image data from one or more images is received. The image data is processed using the preprocessing network to generate an output pixel representation for encoding with the external encoder. The weights of the preprocessing network are trained to optimize a combination of at least one quality score indicative of the quality of the output pixel representation and a rate score indicative of the bits required by the external encoder to encode the output pixel representation.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to systems and methods for processing an image in optical microscopy, such as for a CMOS camera used as an optical detector in a line confocal fluorescent imager. The method includes acquiring a raw image with a microscope, and asymmetrically deconvolving at least a portion of the raw image using a point-spread function that is different in an X-direction than in a Y-direction in order to generate an asymmetrically deconvolved image. When the image is a monochromatic fluorescence image, the method also includes compressing CMOS camera noise. Also provided is a system for processing an image in optical microscopy and an image processing system for processing a monochromatic image from a CMOS camera-based line-scan confocal fluorescent microscope.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, the system and method disclosed herein process light-field image data so as to mitigate or remove the effects of pixel saturation in light-field images. A light-field image may be captured with a light-field image capture device with a microlens array. The light-field image may be demodulated, and then a recovered value for each saturated pixel of the demodulated light-field image may be obtained. This may be done by comparing a saturated value of each saturated pixel with reference values of reference pixels proximate the saturated pixel and, if the proximate pixels have a higher reference value than the saturated value, setting the saturated pixel to the reference value. This process may be carried out iteratively until recovered values are obtained for the saturated pixels. A demodulated, saturation-recovered light-field image may then be generated and displayed with the recovered values for the saturated pixels.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that processes image data output from an image sensing device including a plurality of pixels, comprises: a storage unit that stores defect data at least including first information showing grades of defective pixels that are subject to correction and, with respect to each defective pixel among the plurality of pixels, address information, second information showing a grade of the defective pixel; an acquisition unit that acquires an imaging condition and an imaging environment at a time of image sensing; a determination unit that compares the first information and the second information, and determines whether defect correction of each defective pixel is necessary or not based on a comparison result; and a correction unit that performs the defect correction on image data output from a defective pixel for which the determination unit determines that defect correction is necessary.

Abstract: A large difference in exposure timing is prevented from arising in cases in which plural pixels have a common amplifier, even when image data is read by thinning An imaging apparatus (10) includes: an image pickup device (14) including plural photoelectric conversion elements arrayed in first and second directions; an amplification means that treats (K×L) pixels as respective common pixels and amplifies an image capture signal for each of the common pixels; a color filter that is provided with a repeatedly disposed basic array pattern or first and second filters placed in a predetermined pattern of (N×M) pixels; and an image processing section (20) and a drive section (22) that perform charge sweeping by applying sequential shutter pulses to the image pickup device (14) in turn to each pixel, or to each scan line, or to each of plural pixels on a scan line, that read pixel signals of the plural pixels at a set cycle, that, from the read pixel signals, generate line image data of pixels that are arrayed runnin

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors using a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the projector optics, for modifying the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) for receiving signals from the video input board, the adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, the signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector.

Abstract: A method and system operative to process color image data are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can comprise the steps of receiving color image data, determining the color ranges to be applied to the color image data, assigning each of the pixel positions in the image data a color range, assigning a different spatial binary pattern to each color range, and assigning each of the pixel positions a binary output pixel value that corresponds to the spatial binary pattern assigned to the color range assigned to that pixel position. The resulting binary image data can be written to a file for subsequent storage, transmission, processing, or retrieval and rendering. In other embodiments, a system can be made operative to accomplish the same.

Abstract: A method for forming an image, implemented at least in part by a data processing apparatus, by obtaining a first image of a scene from a first subset of pixels in an image sensor array at a first f/# setting, adjusting the imaging optics that obtain light from the scene at a second f/# setting, obtaining a second image of the scene from a second subset of pixels in the image sensor array, and forming a composite image by combining image data from at least the first and second images.

Abstract: A monitor device for use with an endoscope apparatus, which has first and second display modes. In the first display mode, the monitor device displays, in real time, any image transmitted in a normal radio communication state. In the second display mode, the monitor device displays a noise-free image in real time, if a radio communication error occurs. If one-frame (or one-field) image data is not received within the frame (or field) time due to a communication error, the monitor device displays, in the second display mode, the image data received in a normal state immediately before the one-frame (or one-field) image data, and informs the operator of the communication error.

Abstract: An image processing method of an image processing apparatus, the method includes: discerning pixels to be processed on the basis of a preset reference pixel value in a scanned image that comprises plural pixels; drawing a pixel area including the pixels to be processed from the scanned image on the basis of a preset condition; and selecting whether to apply an image process to the pixels to be processed or the drawn pixel area on the basis of a percentage of the pixels to be processed in the drawn pixel area.

Abstract: An image signal processing apparatus (1) includes: a frame memory (12) that stores image data of a complementary-color-field color-difference sequential system; an address generation unit (24) that generates the address of a correction coordinate point based on previously-provided distortion information; a color-data generation unit (28) that generates the color data of the correction coordinate point by interpolating other color data of pixels in the same color line above and below the correction coordinate point; a color-data-related luminance-data generation unit (34) that generates the first luminance data of the correction coordinate point by interpolating the luminance data of the pixels in the same color line above and below the correction coordinate point; a luminance-based-data generation unit (36) that generates the second luminance data of the correction coordinate point by interpolating the luminance data of the pixels above and below the correction coordinate point; and a complementary-color-data

Abstract: An image projection apparatus includes an image processing device, an illuminating device, a light valve, and a projection optical system; wherein the projection optical system is formed in such a way that at least one of a first deviation corresponding to an amount of the magnification chromatic aberration of a light having a central wavelength of the red light relative to the green light and a second deviation corresponding to an amount of the magnification chromatic aberration of the blue light relative to the green light is larger than a fixed-pixel pitch, and a third deviation corresponding to an amount of the magnification chromatic aberration of a light having a maximum wavelength of the red light relative to a light having a minimum wavelength of the red light is not larger than the fixed-pixel pitch; wherein the first deviation and/or the second deviation is eliminated by supplying the compensated video signal to the light valve.

Abstract: A display system 100 includes a light source 110 and a color wheel 114. An optical section 112 is arranged to receive light from the light source 110 and to direct the light toward a color wheel 114. A digital micromirror device 122 is arranged to receive the light from the color wheel 114 and to direct image data toward a display. The image data includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns. The array of pixels is arranged as curved color bands during a first time period and rectangular color bands during a second time period. The second time period being concurrent with but of a shorter duration than the first time period.

Abstract: A computer program product and method for calibrating and characterizing a color display perform calibrating and characterizing steps. A light source is operated in order to emit light from one or more light emitters on the light source. A color capture device, e.g., a digital camera, is calibrated and characterized based on the emitted light. Then, color images are displayed on the color display and captured on the color capture device. The color display is calibrated and characterized based on the captured color images. Computer program instructions are recorded on the computer readable medium, and are executable by a processor, for performing the calibrating and characterizing steps. A method for generating a controlled light source includes displaying light source selections to a user and receiving a user light source selection. Selected light emitters produce a light output matching the user light source selection.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a camera is provided. The camera comprises a lens and a sensor to record an image focused by the lens in N color bands, wherein N equals a number of color bands, with the number and respective locations and widths of the N color bands being selected to optimize the image for processing.

Abstract: For displaying a color image by recombination of several single color images, parasitic noise like speckles due to scattering within the system, in particular when laser light is involved, with the invention a significant improvement with a low number of parts can be realized by use of a color wheel that comprises in radially divided zones refractive elements for redirecting light beams incoming at different impinging angles and redistributing elements, e.g. a hologram, that provide for a defined output beam in an optical axis. The sequence of the individual light processing zones on the color wheel are synchronized with respective laser sources. The invention combines the functionality of plural elements, reduces speckles and avoids losses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rendering an image sequence. wherein an individual image is rendered by rendering monochromatic subimages in temporal succession. A subimage sequence obtained by temporal sequencing of the subimages is generated in motion-compensated fashion.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting faces at different views within images that allocates the computational effort based on a prior probability associated with a view is provided. A face detection system determines whether an image contains a face using detectors that are adapted to detect faces at various views and a filter that filters out windows of the image that are provided to a detector based on a prior probability associated with the view of the detector. Each view has an associated prior probability that a face from a collection of real-life home photographs will be at that view. The face detection system allocates increasing computational effort to a detector as the prior probability of its view increases.

Abstract: An imaging device having a hybrid RGBYC color filter using a primary color system RGB filter and a complementary color system YC filter is composed. Four G filters that directly relate to resolution and that is close to a luminance signal that human eyes sense are arrayed in a checker shape so that the number of the G filters is four times larger than the number of filters of each of the other colors. An array shown in FIG. 10A is composed of low resolution rows (G, R, G, and B) and high resolution rows (C, G, Y, and G) that are alternately arrayed in each line. When signals are read if exposure times are varied for individual lines, the signals that are read can easily have a wide dynamic range. An array shown in FIG. 10B has two Gs, a low sensitivity color, and a high sensitivity color in each line and each row. Thus, the luminance difference is small in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Thus, the reading method in the array shown in FIG.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a camera is provided. The camera comprises a lens and a sensor to record an image focused by the lens in N color bands, wherein N equals a number of color bands, with the number and respective locations and widths of the N color bands being selected to optimize the image for processing.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a computer system platform the ability to create image content is provided. Captured image data of an original image is received and information corresponding to colorimetric points is measured. Automatic determinations are made as to whether information of additional colorimetric points need to be measured to reproduce an accurate color representation of the original image. In response, the computer system platform can identify portions of a displayed image where information of colorimetric points needs to be measured. In addition, the system can automatically measure information of the additional colorimetric points needed. An image and color gamut representation are displayed allowing a user to manipulate measured information of colorimetric points and change the view of the color gamut representation, thereby allowing a user to create an accurate color representation of the original image.

Abstract: For implementing an anthropomorphic visual telepresence system with high resolution and low loop latency a sequential color video loop is provided. A sequential color camera sequentially captures color images, each captured image consisting of a portion of a single color component, and provides information as separate color information relating to portions of the sequentially sensed color images. The information is transmitted as separate color information. A sequential color display receives the transmitted information and displays sequentially each color image within the received information. Synchronization means synchronize the sequence and color of corresponding portions of images comprising a single color in said display with the portions of the images sensed by said camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus on which an image forming engine for forming a full-color image by using color materials corresponding to data of color tones on the basis of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) data is mounted. The image processing apparatus includes: a color converting component for converting R (red), G (green), and B (blue) data input from the outside to C(1), M(1), and Y(1) data which depends on a characteristic of the image forming engine; a lightness acquiring component for acquiring lightness from the C(1), M(1), and Y(1) data obtained by the conversion of the color converting component; a memory for storing a lightness-gray value characteristic table; a gray value reading component; a first arithmetic component for obtaining C(2), M(2), and Y(2) data; a K data generating component; and a second arithmetic component for calculating C, M, and Y.

Abstract: Data is encoded in a solid state image sensor that includes a sensor pixel array by varying the color processing applied to at least some of the border pixels of the sensor pixel array. Data may be encoded in the color processing by varying the pattern of a color filter mosaic and by varying a pattern of a microlens array in accordance with a predetermined scheme. This scheme includes omission of color filter material and omission of the microlens array from selected pixels. The data, typically encoded in a binary format, is read by illuminating the sensor pixel array and by processing the output signals from the border pixels. The encoded data may include color process codes, mask revision codes and product codes.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus principally includes a liquid crystal display device which comprises a pair of electrodes and a liquid crystal and is driven in a succession of frame periods by applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes, a light source capable of emitting light while changing a lighting duty in a frame period, and control means for controlling the light source so as to provide a constant time-integrated luminance in each frame period over the succession of frame periods regardless of the change in lighting duty.

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: A method of field sequential color image capture includes: optically capturing a scene frame-by-frame; filtering the scene through an active color shutter to produce a first color component set having plural first color components therein; detecting the scene with a color filter array area sensor, wherein each first color component of the first color component set of the scene is detected at different points in time within a frame; dividing the detected scene into a second color component set having plural second color components therein; aligning the second color component set in time for each frame interval; and combining the stored second color components into a frame image.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing a digital image without distortion of the color. The result is an adjusted image which preserves the essential color of each and every dot in the input digital image while varying the effective light gathering power—like a virtual flash. The image enhancement is performed in RGB color space and comprises determining the maximum strength of the R,G, and B of a dot's RGB triplet and similarly for all dots. The dot maximums are scaled through a scaling function which is constrained in domain and range to the system's dynamic range. The same scaling factor that is applied to a dot maximum is also applied to each of R,G and B in the triplet. Preferably, a continuous scaling function is provided which smoothly approaches the minimum and maximum of the system's dynamic range for providing an aesthetically pleasing enhancement while maintaining true color.

Abstract: Apparatus for image capture via a blemished sensor, comprising: a large area pixel based image sensor being actuatable to move between a first image capture position and a second image capture position, an image capture controller for controlling said sensor to move between said image capture positions during an image capture operation thereby to take a sub-image at each one of said positions so that each part of an image subject is captured by at least two separate pixels of said sensor, and an integrator, associated with said sensor, for integrating said sub-images into a single full image. Preferably, the sensor is tested to find blemish positions and a shift is calculated that minimizes the number of blemish positions that superimpose between the two pixel positions.

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 sequential color display system (10) suited to receive data (20) at different rates without discarding or filtering video data. The mismatch of bandwidths between the input source video data and the output sequential color display is accommodated by retaining a modified synchronous operation. A color wheel (50) having a plurality of segments is utilized whereby the input frame rate in reference to the color wheel rate is always a ratio of integers. Using a digital micromirror device (44) spatial light modulator, no mixing of frame-to-frame bit planes is required during a colored segment. In the preferred embodiment, the ratio of integers is 7-to-6 for a 50 hertz input, such as a PAL system, or a 5-to-6 ratio for a 72 hertz input. The color wheel is maintained at about a 60 hertz rate.

Abstract: A memory efficient system of storing color correction information for liquid crystal tuning filters when used with electronic imaging cameras to produce color images, which color correction information is stored with maximum possible gain to optimize accuracy preparatory to compression. The system bins the color correction image, for example, from a 4K.times.4K CCD sensor into a 500.times.500 or 1K.times.1K file, and then applies the JPEG and/or wavelet compression algorithm with a default configuration and/or a custom quantization table that emphasizes low frequency changes with more bits than high frequency changes with less bits. At the end of the compression, the compressed R, G, B files and an n-point correction executable algorithm are stored on floppy disk or CD ROM and are used to automatically take control of image enhancement when invoked by the photographer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cropping an image in digital form. The image to be cropped is represented as a first digital array which is operated on by an edge enhancement transformation to generate a second, binary digital array wherein edges of the image are emphasized. The second digital array is then partitioned into predetermined segments which are typically rows and columns of the array and the pixel values of each row and column are summed to generate brightness sums. The second digital array is then partitioned into a first, brighter, central group of rows and a second, less bright group consisting of upper and lower borders of rows; and a third, brighter, central group of column and left and right borders of columns in accordance with predetermined criteria relating to the brightness sums.

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 device and method provides high-speed processing in a color television camera without color mixing and achieves a color balance. The device comprises a color filter for color separating the light from the object being photographed, a solid state imaging element that forms an image from the light separated by the color filter, and with which control of charge accumulation is possible; and an accumulation time regulating device that sets the charge accumulation time of the solid state imaging element so as to avoid the color mixing interval during which color boundaries of the color filter are passing over the solid state imaging element. Color balance of a field-sequential color television camera can be set without relying on a signal executing circuit.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus, wherein a light emitting device sequentially emits a plurality of colors of light to a subject, a mono-color image pick-up element photo-electrically converts light reflected by or transmitted through the subject into color-field sequential signals, a memory stores the color-field sequential signals separately in connection with respective colors, and a convertor sequentially or simultaneously reads out the color-field sequential signals stored in connection with the respective colors in the memory and converts them into desired video signals of various color spaces. A disc shaped light shield device with a slit intermittently interrupts light from the light emitting device.

Abstract: A device and method provides high-speed processing in a color television camera without color mixing and achieves a color balance. The device comprises a color filter for color separating the light from the object being photographed, a solid state imaging element that forms an image from the light separated by the color filter, and with which control of charge accumulation is possible; and an accumulation time regulating device that sets the charge accumulation time of the solid state imaging element so as to avoid the color mixing interval during which color boundaries of the color filter are passing over the solid state imaging element. Charge is only accumulated during intervals other than the color mixing interval. Color balance of a field-sequential color television camera can be set without relying on a signal executing circuit.

Abstract: A method of operation for a digital color camera permits the rapid accumulation of three basic color images that can be combined into a full-color reproduction. The scene to be captured is focused through a blue filter onto the active array of a conventional frame transfer CCD. The data representing the received image is condensed, by summing or bining, to reduce the number of pixels representing the image, and is transferred to the storage array of the CCD where it occupies one-half of the available storage area. The first exposure of the active array is terminated by a filter/shutter mechanism that also serves to replace the blue filter with a red one. The scene is then focused on the active array through the red filter and the exposure again terminated by the filter/shutter assembly. The data representing this image are then summed or bined to reduce the number of pixels representing the image and the data is transferred to the unoccupied one-half of the storage array.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for propagating robust scanning signals in pixel addressing operations in a pixel-to-pixel sequence that produces a predetermined pattern of alternating colors in an image signal so that a single channel, sequential color signal is generated from the pixel addressing operations in optoelectronic image transducers to reduce complexity and improve image fidelity.