With Color Filter Or Operation According To Color Filter Patents (Class 348/273)
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Patent number: 9991307Abstract: A back side illumination (BSI) image sensor with a dielectric grid opening having a planar lower surface is provided. A pixel sensor is arranged within a semiconductor substrate. A metallic grid is arranged over the pixel sensor and defines a sidewall of a metallic grid opening. A dielectric grid is arranged over the metallic grid and defines a sidewall of the dielectric grid opening. A capping layer is arranged over the metallic grid, and defines the planar lower surface of the dielectric grid opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yun-Wei Cheng, Horng Huei Tseng, Chao-Hsiung Wang, Chun-Hao Chou, Tsung-Han Tsai, Kuo-Cheng Lee, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Yung-Lung Hsu
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Patent number: 9941314Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device and a driving method thereof, and an electronic apparatus that make it possible to improve the precision of phase difference detection while suppressing deterioration of resolution in a solid-state imaging device having a global shutter function and a phase difference AF function. Provided is a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel array unit including, as pixels including an on-chip lens, a photoelectric conversion unit, and a charge accumulation unit, imaging pixels for generating a captured image and phase difference detection pixels for performing phase difference detection arrayed therein; and a driving control unit configured to control driving of the pixels. The imaging pixel is formed with the charge accumulation unit shielded from light.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Jun Okuno, Kazuyoshi Yamashita
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Patent number: 9911059Abstract: A process for recovering a vehicle includes obtaining a red green blue (RGB) image comprising a target on a recovery device. An input received from a user designates a target hue value and a target luminance value. The RGB image is converted to a hue value saturation (HSV) color model. The HSV color model is split into a hue value plane and a luminance value plane. A hue band pass filter and a luminance band pass filter are configured with appropriate thresholds. The configured hue band pass filter and the luminance band pass filter are applied to the hue value plane and the luminance value plane, respectively. The filtered hue value plane and the filtered luminance value planes are combined to yield a plurality of potential target pixel groupings. The most probable target is determined from the plurality of potential target pixels. The vehicle is directed to the target.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Michael L. Anderson, Charles B. Wilson, Michael A. Hyde
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Patent number: 9883125Abstract: Electronic devices may include image sensors. Image sensors may be used to capture images having rows of long-exposure image pixel values that are interleaved with rows of short-exposure image pixel values. The long-exposure and short-exposure values in each interleaved image frame may be interpolated to form interpolated values. A combined long-exposure image and a combined short-exposure image may be generated using the long-exposure and the short-exposure values from the interleaved image frames and the interpolated values from a selected one of the interleaved image frames. The combined long-exposure and short-exposure images may each include image pixel values from either of the interleaved image frames in a non-motion edge region and image pixel values based only on the image pixel values or the interpolated values from the selected one of the interleaved images in a motion or non-edge region. High-dynamic-range images may be generated using the combined long-exposure and short-exposure images.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Huai Dong Li, Peng Lin
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Patent number: 9848116Abstract: A solid-state image sensor of an electronic device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form and having a plurality of phase difference pixel of the plurality of pixels. The plurality of phase difference pixels are arranged at locations of pixels that are commonly read out in a plurality of different skip readout modes.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuichi Shimokawa, Dong-min Kim, Sang-min Lee, Kwi-sung Yoo, Seung-hyun Lim, Woo-seok Choi, Beoung-ouk Min, Takafumi Usui
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Patent number: 9786710Abstract: An image sensor device includes a substrate, a color filter layer, at least a pixel, a main isolation structure and a sub-isolation structure. The color filter layer is disposed over the substrate. The color filter layer includes a first color filter having a single one of primary colors. The pixel is disposed in the substrate and aligned with the first color filter. The main isolation structure surrounds the pixel in the substrate. The sub-isolation structure is disposed to divide the pixel into a plurality of sub-first pixels. The sub-pixels correspond to the first color filter having the single one of primary colors, and each of the sub-first pixels includes a radiation sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Su-Hua Chang, Volume Chien, Yung-Lung Hsu
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Patent number: 9786716Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a semiconductor image sensor device. The method includes providing a substrate having a pixel region, a periphery region, and a bonding pad region. The substrate further has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The pixel region contains radiation-sensing regions. The method further includes forming a bonding pad in the bonding pad region; and forming light-blocking structures over the second side of the substrate, at least in the pixel region, after the bonding pad has been formed.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chiu-Jung Chen, Chun-Hao Chou, Hsin-Chi Chen, Kuo-Cheng Lee, Volume Chien, Yung-Lung Hsu, Yun-Wei Cheng
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Patent number: 9774789Abstract: Systems and methods for high dynamic range imaging using array cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of generating a high dynamic range image using an array camera includes defining at least two subsets of active cameras, determining image capture settings for each subset of active cameras, where the image capture settings include at least two exposure settings, configuring the active cameras using the determined image capture settings for each subset, capturing image data using the active cameras, synthesizing an image for each of the at least two subset of active cameras using the captured image data, and generating a high dynamic range image using the synthesized images.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: FotoNation Cayman LimitedInventors: Florian Ciurea, Kartik Venkataraman
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Patent number: 9749556Abstract: An image sensor may have a pixel array that includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel may include a number of adjacent sub-pixels covered by a single microlens. The adjacent sub-pixels of each pixel may include color filter elements of the same color. Image signals from the sub-pixels may be used to calculate phase information in each pixel in the array. This information may be used to generate a depth map of the entire captured image. The pixels may each be able to detect vertical, horizontal, or diagonal edges. Additionally, the image signals from each photodiode in a pixel may be binned or average to obtain image data for each pixel. The image sensor also may generate high-dynamic-range images using the pixel array.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Douglas Fettig, Marko Mlinar, Robert M. Gravelle, Jr.
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Patent number: 9736425Abstract: Methods and systems for coded rolling shutter are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, methods and system are provided that control the readout timing and exposure length for each row of a pixel array in an image sensor, thereby flexibly sampling the three-dimensional space-time value of a scene and capturing sub-images that effectively encode motion and dynamic range information within a single captured image.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignees: Sony Corporation, The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Jinwei Gu, Yasunobu Hitomi, Tomoo Mitsunaga, Shree K. Nayar
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Patent number: 9727947Abstract: In one example, luminance information related to a digital raw image frame captured via a color filter array is obtained. Chrominance information related to the digital raw image frame is obtained. The obtained luminance information and chrominance information are downscaled to a target resolution, such that one of pixel data of the captured digital raw image frame and the obtained chrominance information has been demosaiced before the downscaling. The downscaled chrominance information is reverse-demosaiced.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventor: Samu Koskinen
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Patent number: 9710959Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing compressed three-dimensional (3D) graphics rendering exploiting psychovisual properties of the human eye. In some embodiments, the techniques can be used to render one red-green-blue (RGB) channel per pixel location. In some example such cases, green pixels are rendered at one-half resolution, whereas red and blue pixels are rendered at one-quarter resolution. In some other embodiments, multiple RGB channels can be rendered at a given pixel location. In some example such cases, green pixels are rendered at full (e.g., actual) resolution, whereas red and blue pixels are rendered at one-quarter resolution. Missing RGB channel components can be interpolated using statistical and/or frequency domain properties of color spectra, in accordance with some embodiments. The techniques can be used, for example, to improve the power efficiency and/or rendered graphics quality of a graphics processing unit (GPU) or other rendering engine, in accordance with some embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: INTEL CORPORATIONInventors: Adithya K. Pediredla, Pavan A. Kumar, Biju Puthur Simon
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Patent number: 9704048Abstract: An imaging system for imaging an environment outside of a motor vehicle combines color-coded pixels and non-color-coded pixels in a single imaging sensor of a camera. Pixel groups each include at least one color-coded pixel and at least two non-color-coded pixels. The pixel groups are arranged in a repeating pattern of partial color encoding.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Henryk Frenzel, Thorsten Koehler, Stephan Voltz, Ulrich Wagner
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Patent number: 9686453Abstract: Pivot mechanisms for tracking cameras are disclosed herein. A tracking camera assembly includes a camera head having a housing and a pivot joint disposed within the housing. The pivot joint fitting is configured to rotate with respect to the housing. A cable is in electrical communication with the camera head and is fixedly coupled to the pivot joint fitting and extends away from the camera head. A stand pole is fixedly coupled to the pivot joint fitting and extends away from the camera head.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Glen Jason Tompkins, Simon Morris Shand Weiss, Peter Wesley Bristol, Enric Vial Roig
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Patent number: 9679470Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a new remote controlled device is disclosed. A digital image of the new device is generated and sent to a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) server, along with MCDN account information. The digital image may be used to identify the new device. Programming codes may be retrieved and sent to client premises equipment (CPE) at an MCDN client identified by the MCDN account information. The CPE may be instructed to reprogram the URC to control the new device using the programming codes. The digital image may be sent to the server using wireless telephony service provided by the MCDN service provider.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: James Pratt, Marc Sullivan
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Patent number: 9681017Abstract: A method and an apparatus arranged to obtain raw image data acquired by an image sensor to be applied in an image processing algorithm; adjust, in the processor miming the image processing algorithm, logical dimensions of the image such that logical width of the image is doubled and logical height of the image is halved; adjust the image processing algorithm to take into account the adjusted logical dimensions of the image; and apply the image processing algorithm with the adjusted logical dimensions of the image.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventor: Tomi Aarnio
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Patent number: 9641818Abstract: A digital camera is configured to display a continually updated preview image of an observed scene, wherein kinetic objects that appear in the observed scene do not appear in the continually updated preview image. An observed scene includes static objects and kinetic objects. The observed scene is recorded using a digital imaging sensor which forms part of a smartphone. A live camera feed results, the live camera feed comprising a plurality of frames, each depicting the observed scene at a specific time. A median color value is evaluated over m non-consecutive frames captured from the live camera feed. The median color values are used to generate an output feed that is displayed at a reduced frame rate as compared to the live camera feed. The resulting displayed scene includes the same static objects which appeared in the observed scene, but does not include the kinetic objects.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventors: Ashutosh Sharma, Damanjit Singh
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Patent number: 9626918Abstract: In a color display device, when using white (W) sub-pixels in addition to subpixels of red (R) and green (G) plus blue (B) without increasing a wiring line number, the per-color pixel number in a unit area decreases so that the image resolution is deteriorated. The area and number of subpixels are adjusted in accordance with the visual sensitivity or luminosity required. Practically, the area of red (R) and blue (B) subpixels which are relatively low in luminosity is set to be about two times greater than the area of green (G) and white (W) subpixels that are relatively high in luminosity while letting the number of green (G) and white (W) subpixels be twice the number of red (R) and blue (B) subpixels. A larger subpixel is configured from a plurality of unit subpixels. A smaller subpixel is formed of a one unit subpixel.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignees: Japan Display Inc., Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoichi Hirota, Shinichi Komura, Yoshifumi Sekiguchi, Tsunenori Yamamoto, Masaya Adachi
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Patent number: 9578223Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for CMOS visible image sensors incorporating multiple image sensing elements with different integration times to extend dynamic range are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a method of taking an image using a CMOS visible image sensor that includes at least one first light sensing element with a first well capacity and at least one second light sensing element with a second well capacity, where the second well capacity is greater than the first well capacity is disclosed. The method includes determining a first integration time for each of the at least one first light sensing elements. The method further includes determining a second integration time for each of the at least one second light sensing elements, where the second integration time is different than the first integration time.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Jiafu Luo, Peng Lin
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Patent number: 9568713Abstract: Methods and apparatus for capturing or generating images using multiple optical chains operating in parallel are described. Pixel values captured by individual optical chains corresponding to the same scene area are combined to provide an image with at least some of the benefits which would have been provided by capturing an image of the scene using a larger lens than that of the individual lenses of the optical chain modules. By using multiple optical chains in parallel at least some benefits normally obtained from using a large lens can be obtained without the need for a large lens. Furthermore in at least some embodiments, a wide dynamic range can be supported through the use of multiple sensors with the overall supported dynamic range being potentially larger than that of the individual sensors. Some lens and/or optical chain configurations are designed for use in small handheld devices, e.g., cell phones.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Light Labs Inc.Inventor: Rajiv Laroia
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Patent number: 9548326Abstract: Disclosed is a solid-state imaging device including a plurality of pixels and a plurality of on-chip lenses. The plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix pattern. Each of the pixels has a photoelectric conversion portion configured to photoelectrically convert light incident from a rear surface side of a semiconductor substrate. The plurality of on-chip lenses are arranged for every other pixel. The on-chip lenses are larger in size than the pixels. Each of color filters at the pixels where the on-chip lenses are present has a cross-sectional shape whose upper side close to the on-chip lens is the same in width as the on-chip lens and whose lower side close to the photoelectric conversion portion is shorter than the upper side.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Rena Suzuki, Hiroki Tojinbara, Ryoto Yoshita, Yoichi Ueda
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Patent number: 9543342Abstract: A plurality of first pixels P1 corresponding to color filters of two or more colors constitute a pixel group. A plurality of the pixel groups are arranged so that each of the pixel groups corresponds to one of second pixels P2. The light which is transmitted through the color filters enters first photoelectric conversion units of the first pixels P1 corresponding to the color filters. The light which is transmitted through the pixel group enters a second photoelectric conversion unit of the second pixel P2 corresponding to the pixel group. The number of colors of the color filters corresponding to the plurality of first pixels P1 that constitute the pixel group, and the number of the first pixels P1 corresponding to each color are equal to each other among the plurality of pixel groups.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Mitsuhiro Tsukimura
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Patent number: 9524998Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels arranged in two dimensions, wherein at least one pixel includes: a photoelectric conversion layer formed in a substrate; a first color filter layer formed over the photoelectric conversion layer; and a second color filter layer formed over the first color filter layer and defining an opening that is eccentrically formed with respect to an optical axis of the photoelectric conversion layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.Inventor: Sang-Sik Kim
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Patent number: 9515120Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate with a unit pixel defined by a first separation pattern, a photoelectric conversion part in the substrate, a photocharge storage in the substrate, the photocharge storage being adjacent to the photoelectric conversion part, a second separation pattern between the photoelectric conversion part and the photocharge storage, a shielding part on a bottom surface of the substrate to cover the photocharge storage, the shielding part including a first protrusion extending into the substrate and toward the first separation pattern, and an extension extending from the first protrusion to cover the bottom surface of the substrate; and an anti-reflection layer between the shielding part and the substrate, the anti-reflection layer having an overhang structure between the first protrusion and the extension.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Changyong Um, Youngwoo Jung, Jungchak Ahn
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Patent number: 9515110Abstract: There is provided a solid-state imaging device including: a semiconductor substrate that is formed with a photodiode for each pixel; a light shielding film that is laminated on the semiconductor substrate on a side of a light irradiated surface which is irradiated with light, and is formed to include an opening corresponding to a spot in which at least the photodiode is arranged; and a photoelectric conversion film that is laminated to cover the light irradiated surface of the semiconductor substrate and the light shielding film, and is configured to generate an electrical charge by absorbing light. The photoelectric conversion film is formed of a material which has higher light absorptivity than light absorptivity of the semiconductor substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Terumi Kambe
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Patent number: 9509890Abstract: A solid image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a device chip including a first principal surface and a second principal surface, a CMOS device and an electrode portion being formed on the first principal surface; a holding block including a joining surface joined to the second principal surface and an inclined surface inclined inward at a predetermined angle relative to the joining surface; a wiring board including a distal end portion including a connection portion connected to the electrode portion on the first principal surface, an extending portion that is in contact with the inclined surface, the extending portion being joined to the inclined surface via a bonding layer; and a flexure portion flexed at the predetermined angle between the distal end portion and the extending portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Takashi Nakayama
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Patent number: 9467665Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of a color filter array including a plurality of tiled minimal repeating units. Each minimal repeating unit comprises a set of individual filters grouped into an array of M rows by N columns, wherein each set of individual filters includes a plurality of individual filters having at least first, second, third, and fourth spectral photoresponses. If M equals N, at least two directions within each minimal repeating unit include individual filters having all the spectral photoresponses, the at least two directions being selected from a set of directions consisting of row, column, major diagonal and minor diagonal. And if M?N at least two directions within each of one or more N×N or M×M cells within the minimal repeating unit include individual filters having all the spectral photoresponses, the at least two directions being selected from a set of directions consisting of row, column, major diagonal and minor diagonal of each cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jing Wang, Donghui Wu, Jizhang Shan
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Patent number: 9443913Abstract: A color display is provided that includes a light emitting sub-pixel and a filter layer including first and second color filter materials. The first color filter material is adapted to reduce transmittance of visible light outside a first transmittance spectrum corresponding to a first color, and the second color filter material is adapted to reduce transmittance of visible light outside a second transmittance spectrum corresponding to a second color. The second color is different than the first color. A color display having a white-balanced pixel is provided. A method of white-balancing a light emitting device is provided. A method of reducing unwanted light output due to electrical leakage is provided to fall below a pre-determined threshold. An opaque layer may be interposed between the sub-pixels and/or may frame illuminated areas of sub-pixels, and may be a combination of red, green, and/or a blue filter material.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: eMagin CorporationInventors: Amalkumar P. Ghosh, Scott Ziesmer, Ilyas Khayrullin
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Patent number: 9369693Abstract: Provided is a technique for improving the quality of an image obtained by a pupil-division-type stereoscopic imaging device. First and second images obtained by the stereoscopic imaging device according to the present invention have the shading of an object in a pupil division direction. Therefore, when the first and second images are composed, reference data in which shading is cancelled is generated. The amount of shading correction for the first and second images is determined on the basis of the reference data and shading correction is performed on the first and second images on the basis of the determined amount of shading correction.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Hidekazu Kurahashi
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Patent number: 9337241Abstract: An electronic device may include a display having an array of organic light-emitting diode display pixels. The display pixels may have subpixels of different colors. The subpixels may include red subpixels, green subpixels, and blue subpixels. The subpixels may be provided with shapes and orientations that improve manufacturing tolerances. Subpixels such as green and red subpixels may have hexagonal shapes while blue subpixel structures may be provided with diamond shapes coupled in pairs to form barbell-shaped blue subpixels. Subpixels can also be angled at 45° relative to horizontal. Subpixels ma have shapes that overlap adjacent display pixels. For example, an array of display pixels that has been rotated by 45° relative to the edges of a display substrate may have blue subpixels and or red subpixels that are shared between pairs of adjacent display pixels in an at of display pixels.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jungmin Lee, ChoongHo Lee, Jinkwang Kim
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Patent number: 9324132Abstract: An image signal processing device is disclosed, including a sensitivity improvement unit, a Bayer RGB conversion unit, and a color correction unit. The sensitivity improvement unit interpolates input white, red, green, and blue (WRGB) data, mixes a luminance signal of first color space data for the interpolated WRGB data with a first type pixel signal of the interpolated WRGB data to convert the first color space data into second color space data, and converts the second color space data into converted RGB data. The Bayer RGB conversion unit converts color spaces of a second type pixel signal, a third type pixel signal, and a fourth type pixel signal of the interpolated WRGB data to generate the first color space data, and separates the luminance signal and color difference signals from the first color space data. The color correction unit corrects the converted RGB data into output RGB data.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Su Hee Kim, Jung Gap Kuk
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Patent number: 9325918Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a shaking estimating unit configured to estimate the shaking information of an image generated within a predetermined period of time; a short-time-exposure shaking correcting unit configured to correct the shaking of a plurality of short-time-exposure images generated due to intermittent exposure within the predetermined period of time based on the estimated shaking information; a long-time-exposure shaking correcting unit configured to correct the shaking of a long-time-exposure image generated due to consecutive exposure within the predetermined period of time based on the estimated shaking information; and an image synthesizing unit configured to synthesize the corrected short-time-exposure images and the corrected long-time-exposure image.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoo Mitsunaga
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Patent number: 9319647Abstract: In an original image color pixels and transparent pixels are arranged, the color pixels having gradation values assigned according to received light levels of respective color light-receiving pixels and the transparent pixels having gradation values assigned according to received light levels of respective transparent light-receiving pixels. An image processing device includes an image generation unit which generates a high-sensitivity image for the original image by calculating for each color pixel, a corrected gradation value correcting a first reference gradation value of gray calculated based on the gradation value of itself or the gradation values of other color pixels in the periphery, according to the gradation values of transparent pixels in the periphery; and the corrected gradation value of each color pixel and the gradation value of each transparent pixel are assigned as gradation values of the pixels in the corresponding arranged positions of the high-sensitivity image.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadahiko Kanou, Masahiko Adachi
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Patent number: 9293493Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus at least includes an insulating film, a plurality of high-refractive-index members provided so as to correspond respectively to individual photoelectric conversion portions, being surrounded by the insulating film and having a refractive index higher than the refractive index of the insulating film, and a high-refractive-index film provided on the insulating film so as to connect the plurality of high-refractive-index members to one another and having a refractive index higher than the refractive index of the insulating film, and lens portions lying next to each other from among a plurality of lens portions border each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahiro Kobayashi, Masaki Kurihara, Takeshi Ichikawa, Yasuhiro Sekine, Mahito Shinohara, Taro Kato, Genzo Momma
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Patent number: 9294743Abstract: An image capture apparatus 1000 includes an image capture unit C1, a signal processor unit C2, and a pixel interpolation unit 100. In the image capture apparatus 1000, with respect to an image signal captured by the image capture unit C1 which includes a single image sensor having three-color filters in arbitrary colors, a plurality of pairs of correlation degrees of two directions which are perpendicular to each other are obtained using image data of pixels provided around an observed pixel, and a pixel interpolation process is carried out using the correlation degrees as a reference for determination.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MegaChips CorporationInventors: Junji Moriguchi, Hiromu Hasegawa
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Patent number: 9288454Abstract: A color imaging apparatus comprising: a color imaging element comprising a plurality of pixels and color filters of a color filter array arranged on the plurality of pixels, the color filter array including first filters corresponding to a first color that most contributes to obtaining luminance signals and second filters corresponding to two or more second colors, and the first filters including two or more sections adjacent each other in horizontal, vertical, and oblique directions; a direction determination unit acquiring pixel values of pixels of the two or more sections of the first filters near a target pixel of demosaicking processing and determining a correlation direction of luminance; a demosaicking processing unit that calculates a pixel value of another color at a pixel position of the target pixel and that uses one or more pixels of another color in the correlation direction to calculate the pixel value.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Seiji Tanaka
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Patent number: 9276140Abstract: An imager module having an interposer chip electrically connected to and routing signals between an image sensor, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a voice coil motor (VCM) is disclosed. In some example embodiments, one or more surface mount devices (SMDs) may further be attached to the interposer chip, the PCB, or both the interposer chip and the PCB. The interposer chip may further have a cavity therethrough to allow light to impinge in the image sensor. The interposer chip may still further have through silicon vias (TSVs) to route signals from the PCB to the VCM.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Samuel Waising Tam
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Patent number: 9264622Abstract: A photographing apparatus, and a photographing method thereof. The photographing method of the photographing apparatus determines if an instruction to photograph is input, and if the instruction to photograph is input, displays a live view by using a first data output from a first pixel group included in an image sensor, and combines a second data output from a second pixel group included in the image sensor with the first data and generates a photographed image, and stores the generated photographed image. Accordingly, the user is continuously provided with the live view even after photographing. Specifically, in continuous photographing, since the user is provided with the live view through which he or she can check the moving subject of photography, the user is enabled to compose images as he or she wishes.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae-young Jang, Shuichi Shimokawa, Hisashi Tatamiya
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Patent number: 9253456Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes pixels each having a photoelectric conversion element for converting incident light to an electric signal, color filters associated with the pixels and having a plurality of color filter components, microlenses converging the incident light through the color filters to the photoelectric conversion elements, a light shielding film disposed between the color filter components of the color filters, and a nonplanarized adhesive film provided between the color filters and the light shielding film.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tomoharu Ogita, Atsushi Yamamoto, Keiji Tatani, Yoichi Ootsuka, Kiyotaka Tabuchi
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Patent number: 9237281Abstract: The image sensor 107 includes plural pixels each including a microlens and plural photoelectric conversion portions separated from one another with a separating zone thereamong and photoelectrically converting light fluxes passing through the microlens. The microlens includes a separating zone side lens portion overlapping the separating zone in an optical axis direction of the microlens. When the photoelectric conversion portions photoelectrically convert the light fluxes passing through mutually different areas of an exit pupil of an image capturing optical system, the separating zone side lens portion provides no power or a negative power for a light flux entering the separating zone side lens portion in the light fluxes entering the microlens.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Koichi Fukuda
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Patent number: 9237319Abstract: The present invention utilizes color mixings with angle dependencies from adjacent R pixels, and in the case where a subject color is red, uses first and second B pixels as phase-difference pixels, allowing for an accurate phase-difference AF based on the output signals of the first and second B pixels. Here, it is unnecessary to provide phase-difference pixels dedicated to the case where the subject color is red, and the phase difference is detected using ordinary B pixels of an imaging element. Therefore, the resolution is not sacrificed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Arito Sawadaishi, Shu Takahashi
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Patent number: 9215984Abstract: A method for evaluation of target media parameters using visible through near infrared light is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light source, illuminator/collector, optional illumination wavelength selector, optional light gating processor, imager, detected wavelength selector, controller, analyzer and display unit. The apparatus illuminates an in situ target. The sample absorbs some light while a large fraction of the light is diffusely scattered within the sample and some light exits the sample and may be detected in an imaging fashion using wavelength selection and an optical imaging system. The method extends the dynamic range of the optical imager by extracting additional information from the detected light that is used to provide reconstructed contrast of smaller concentrations of chromophore. Using a reiterative calibration method, acquired spectra and images are analyzed and displayed in near real time in such a manner as to characterize functional and structural information of the target tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Inventors: David Hattery, Brenda Hattery
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Patent number: 9184196Abstract: A color filter array of a color imaging element includes a basic array pattern P of 4×4 pixels in which RGB filters corresponding to red (R), green (G) and blue (B) are arrayed, this basic array pattern P is repeatedly disposed in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, a G filter is disposed in each pixel line in four directions of horizontality, verticality, oblique upper right and oblique lower right, and R and B filters are disposed in each pixel line in the horizontal direction and vertical direction of the color filter array. Moreover, the color filter array includes consecutive first filters of two or more pixels in four directions of horizontality, verticality, oblique upper right and oblique lower right.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Seiji Tanaka, Kenkichi Hayashi
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Patent number: 9179113Abstract: To provide a device and a method for executing remosaic processing for performing conversion into an image of a different pixel array. Remosaic processing for inputting, as an input image, a mosaic image in which pixel blocks configured of a plurality of same-color pixels are arrayed, and converting the pixel array of the input image into a different pixel array is executed. In this remosaic processing, from among constituent pixels of the input image, pixel value gradients in eight directions in a conversion-target pixel location that is targeted for color conversion processing are detected, an interpolated pixel value calculation mode for the conversion-target pixel is decided on the basis of the pixel value gradients in the eight directions, and an interpolated pixel value for the conversion-target pixel location is calculated in accordance with the decided processing mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Masayuki Tachi
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Patent number: 9142580Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a pixel portion in which pixels are arranged, the pixels each including a first semiconductor region of first conductivity type having signal charges as majority carriers and a second semiconductor region of second conductivity type having signal charges as minority carriers, the second semiconductor region being contiguous to the first semiconductor region, the first semiconductor region being disposed between a surface of a semiconductor substrate. The pixel portion includes a class I pixel and a class II pixel located near a reference contact. A distance between the surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor region of the class I pixel is smaller than a distance between the surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor region of the class II pixel.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junji Iwata, Fumihiro Inui, Takanori Watanabe, Mahito Shinohara
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Patent number: 9100514Abstract: Methods and systems for coded rolling shutter are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, methods and system are provided that control the readout timing and exposure length for each row of a pixel array in an image sensor, thereby flexibly sampling the three-dimensional space-time value of a scene and capturing sub-images that effectively encode motion and dynamic range information within a single captured image.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Jinwei Gu, Yasunobu Hitomi, Tomoo Mitsunaga, Shree K. Nayar
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Patent number: 9092881Abstract: A color interpolation apparatus includes a threshold value determining unit that calculates a luminance value of each area set based on each pixel of a Bayer pattern image and determines edge determining threshold values, an edge information calculating unit that calculates pixel value variations in multiple directions of the set areas by using pixel values of pixels included in each area and edge information regarding each area by using the multiple directional pixel value variations, an area determining unit that determines an edge type by using the edge determining threshold values and the edge information, and a color interpolation unit that applies a color interpolation filter previously set according to the edge type to a corresponding area according to the edge type. The area determining unit uses green information or interpolated green information of a central pixel depending on whether or not a color of the central pixel is green.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Boo Dong Kwak, Bong Soon Kang, Hyun Soo Kim, Won Woo Jang, Kyung Rin Kim, Won Tae Choi, Joo Young Ha
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Patent number: 9088685Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently removing noise of an image sensor. To this end, the present invention enables: an area to be divided into an edge area, a sensitivity difference generation area, and a pattern area relative to an input image of a Bayer pattern; and different noise removing methods to be applied according to each of the divided areas. By doing this, noise can be removed efficiently since the noise is adaptively removed in each area. Further, sensitivity differences between Gr and Gb are considered in such a manner that resolution can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Min-Kyu Park, Han-Sae Song, Hee-Chan Park, Young-Kwon Yoon, Yong-Gu Lee
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Patent number: 9087479Abstract: A flat panel display device formed in a pentile structure is provided, which includes a pixel portion and a lighting tester. The pixel portion includes a first pixel column, a second pixel column and a third pixel column. In the first pixel column, first pixels for displaying a first color and second pixels for displaying a second color are alternately arranged in a direction the data lines. In the second pixel column, first and second pixels arranged in reverse order of the first pixel column in a direction parallel to the data lines. In the third pixel column, third pixels for displaying a third color are arranged in a direction parallel to the data lines. The lighting tester applies a first voltage to the first pixel column and applies a second voltage to the second pixel column during a first time period. The lighting tester applies the second voltage to the first pixel column and applies the first voltage to the second pixel column during a second time period.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ok-Kyung Park, Ji-Hyun Ka
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Publication number: 20150146054Abstract: An image sensor may be provided with an array of imaging pixels. A color filter array may be formed over photosensitive elements in the pixel array. The color filter array may include color filter elements of different sizes. The color filter array may include color filter elements of at least three different sizes. The color filter array may include color filter elements of only two different sizes. Each color filter element by be square, octagonal, or rectangular. Microlenses of different sizes may also be formed on top of the color filter elements of different sizes. Forming color filter elements with different sizes may help skew the quantum efficiency for light at particular wavelengths of interest so that smaller pixel sizes can be used without suffering from diffraction limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Aptina Imaging CorporationInventors: Brian Vaartstra, Mitchell J. Mooney, Stanley Micinski