Abstract: Imaging methods and imagers for image capture devices. Still images are captured by gathering ambient light data using an ambient light sensor of the image capture device, selecting a frame rate for the imager corresponding to the gathered ambient light data, determining optimal image capture parameters for the imager by executing an auto exposure algorithm with a processor using the selected frame rate as an initialization parameter for the auto exposure algorithm, and capturing a still image with the imager after execution of the auto exposure algorithm using the selected frame rate.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a system for at least partially removing intrinsic static noise from data obtained by an optical time-of-flight sensor using full-waveform analysis. The method includes receiving a plurality of calibration traces, the calibration traces being obtained in a controlled environment wherein no object is present in a field of view of the optical time-of-flight sensor; determining a noise template using the calibration traces by performing a statistical analysis on the calibration traces to determine a shape and an amplitude of the intrinsic static noise in the calibration traces; receiving a normal operation trace, the normal operation trace being obtained in an uncontrolled environment wherein a presence of the object in the field of view is unknown; subtracting the noise template from the normal operation trace, obtaining and outputting a denoised signal.

Abstract: An auto exposure method for an image capture device includes the steps of gathering ambient light data using an ambient light sensor of the image capture device, selecting a frame rate corresponding to the gathered ambient light data, and determining an optimal image capture frame rate for the image capture device. The auto exposure method determines the optimal image capture frame rate by executing an auto exposure algorithm with a processor using the selected frame rate as an initialization parameter for the auto exposure algorithm.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining a maximum exposure time and a first candidate exposure time for capturing one or more image frames from a video clip. The first candidate exposure time is based on an amount of motion of the computing device and a light level. If the first candidate exposure time is less than the maximum exposure time, then the method includes capturing the image frames with the first candidate exposure time. If the first candidate exposure time is greater than the maximum exposure time, then the method includes dividing the first candidate exposure time by an integer to determine a second candidate exposure time and capturing the image frames with the second candidate exposure time. A number of image frames equal to the integer are then combined.

Abstract: An imaging unit includes: a semiconductor package including an image sensor and a connection electrode; a circuit board including a main body including a connection land, and an attachment portion protruding on a back surface of the main body and including cable connection electrodes formed on at least two opposing side surfaces; electronic components mounted on an electronic component mounting area on the back surface; and cables electrically and mechanically connected to the cable connection electrodes of the attachment portion. The attachment portion protrudes from the main body such that a center plane of the two side surfaces is shifted from a center plane of side surfaces parallel to the two side surfaces, and at least one side surface is perpendicular to the back surface of the main body. The electronic component mounting area is arranged on the back surface of the main body side-by-side with the attachment portion.

Abstract: Continuously autofocusing eyeglass systems include focus adjustable lenses and a controller to automatically adjust focus power of the lenses to match the correction needed for each eye at the depth of gaze of a user. Focus depth is determined using an image obtained by illuminating the eyes with a structured light illumination source.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor acquires signals through sequential reading, in signal lines disposed along a column direction, of signals from pixels disposed in the form of a matrix. The solid-state image sensor has a plurality of first pixels that are disposed in the form of a matrix in the solid-state image sensor; and a plurality of second pixels having an in-pixel memory and disposed in the form of a matrix in columns different from those of the plurality of first pixels in the solid-state image sensor. A difference in exposure timings of the second pixels between adjacent rows is caused to be different from that of the first pixels between adjacent rows, through reading of signals from the plurality of second pixels after holding in the in-pixel memories for a predetermined charge retention time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for obtaining a video quality parameter and an electronic device. The method includes dividing a target video segment into at least one video subsegment, where duration of every video subsegment is at least time perceivable by human eyes; obtaining a video quality parameter of the video subsegment; and processing the video quality parameter of the video subsegment, and obtaining a video quality parameter of the target video segment.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes first and second sets of pixels. The first pixels have light reception elements and a discharging unit that discharges charge corresponding to light received by the first pixels. The second pixels have corresponding light reception elements but are covered with a light shielding film. Signals stored in the second light reception elements are read to a next stage when the discharging units corresponding to the first light reception elements are enabled.

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: Spatial or temporal interpolation may be performed upon source video content to create interpolated video content. A video signal including the interpolated video content and non-interpolated video content (e.g. the source video content) may be generated. At least one indicator for distinguishing the non-interpolated video content from the interpolated video content may also be generated. The video signal and indicator(s) may be passed from a video source device to a video sink device. The received indicator(s) may be used to distinguish the non-interpolated video content from the interpolated video content in the received video signal. The non-interpolated video content may be used to “redo” the interpolation or may be recorded to a storage medium.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor includes multiple vertical charge-coupled device (VCCD) shift registers and independently-controllable gate electrodes disposed over the VCCD shift registers and arranged into physically separate and distinct sections that are non-continuous across the plurality of VCCD shift registers. The CCD image sensor can be configured to operate in two or more operating modes, including a full resolution charge multiplication mode.

Abstract: An image sensor comprises a pixel array having a plurality of pixel regions, wherein the pixel array is adapted to generate at least one signal from each pixel region and a separate signal from a subset of pixels within each pixel region, both during a single exposure period. In one embodiment, the sensor is in communication with a shift register which accumulates the separate signal and transfers the separate signal to an amplifier. The shift register further accumulates the at least one signal from the pixel region after the separate signal has been transferred to the amplifier and transfers the at least one signal to the amplifier.

Abstract: A method for de-interlacing interlaced video includes receiving a first video field and a second video field of an interlaced video frame, generating a first video frame from the first video field and a first synthesized video field, where video data of the first synthesized video field is based exclusively on video data of the first and second video fields, generating a second video frame from the second video field and a second synthesized video field, where video data of the second synthesized video field is based exclusively on the video data of the first and second video fields, and outputting two de-interlaced video frames for every received interlaced video frame. The first (second) synthesized video field is generated by combining image data from the second (first) video field with image data from corresponding lines of an up-scaled first (second) field generated by a scaler.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor includes multiple vertical charge-coupled device (VCCD) shift registers and independently-controllable gate electrodes disposed over the VCCD shift registers and arranged into physically separate and distinct sections that are non-continuous across the plurality of VCCD shift registers. The CCD image sensor can be configured to operate in two or more operating modes, including a full resolution charge multiplication mode.

Abstract: A method for identifying state of macro block of de-interlacing computing and an image processing apparatus are provided, the method is as follows. A video frame is divided into a plurality of regions, where each of the regions includes a plurality of macro blocks. Then, a basic threshold corresponding to each of the regions is provided according to a position of each of the regions in the video frame, and a first macro block is identified to be a first type macro block or a second type macro block according to the basic threshold corresponding to one of the regions where the first macro block of the macro blocks locates. Then, a corresponding de-interlacing computing step is performed on the first macro block according to an result that the first macro block is identified as the first type macro block or the second type macro block.

Abstract: In various embodiments, image-capture methods include a mode in which an image is acquired via charge accumulation in multiple regions of an imaging array and read out to one or more outputs, and/or a mode in which an image is acquired via charge accumulation in a first region of an imaging array, held in vertical CCDs of another region of the imaging array, and read out along with a second image acquired via charge accumulation in the first region of the imaging array.

Abstract: A method for increasing the resolution of a frame of a video includes receiving at least three frames of the video and compensating for the motion of a portion of at least two of the frames with respect to another one of the frames. After the motion compensation, spatially processing each of the frames of the video to increase the resolution of each of the at least three frames of the video. After the spatial processing, temporally processing at least three frames to determine the increased resolution of the frame of the video, wherein the frame is one of the at least three frames of the video.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus which subjects signal electric charges of photodiodes of IT-CCD for interlaced scanning of 1080 effective scanning lines to vertical pixel addition to be read out as image signals, at least one of vertical transfer at the last horizontal period and horizontal transfer at half period in reading of pixels is stopped while fixing pairs of vertical pixels to be subjected to vertical pixel addition to be read out as image signals of progressive scanning of 540 effective scanning lines from the CCD and the read-out image signals of 540 effective scanning lines are subjected to scanning line conversion of 3 to 4 to be converted into image signals of progressive scanning of 720 effective scanning lines, the image signals of progressive scanning of 720 effective scanning lines being outputted.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus and an image pickup device thereof include an image pickup device of which an image pickup area includes a plurality of pixels and is divided into a plurality of sub-image pickup areas, and at least one pixel included in each of the sub-image pickup areas outputs image signals at a same time.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, improving video image sharpness and a continuous-light-emitting video display system employing the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system for improving video image sharpness includes: (1) a sub-frame generator configured to receive a frame of a video image and generate plural sub-frames therefrom and (2) a spatial filter, associated with the sub-frame generator and configured to cause the plural sub-frames to be spatially filtered with respect to one another based on a display sequence thereof.

Abstract: In a solid state image sensor having a pixel array, a first frame is imaged using varying exposure times in a series of zones. The exposure time for a subsequent frame is selected from the results of the first frame, The exposure times are controlled in a rolling blade manner by controlling the number of lines between reset and readout. The sensor is particularly suited to use in bar code readers.

Abstract: A charge coupled device imager, which can operate in time delay and integration mode, can be adapted to include variable columns having one or more blocking gates or other barriers that can be independently controlled and used to divide a used portion from an unused portion. The blocking gates may require less power to electrically insulate used from the unused sections. In this regard, an imager's charge handling capacity and dynamic range can be improved, while lowering CCD operating power requirements. Blooming drains can also be included to enhance the functionality of the imager and enable bidirectional imaging capability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for creation, modification and implementation of dither pattern structures. The dither pattern structures may be at least one of spatially interrelated, chromatically interrelated, or temporally interrelated using feedback.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image sensing unit that performs image sensing by converting incoming light into electrical signals, a control unit that controls driving of the image sensing unit so as to read out the electrical signals by each area of a plurality of areas of the image sensing unit, and a signal processing unit that processes the electrical signals read out by each of the plurality of areas. The control unit varies a horizontal cycle that drives the image sensing unit for each of the plurality of areas.

Abstract: A sensing device is provided with an image sensor for capturing images of coded data disposed on a surface, a framestore for storing frames of the captured image as image data, subsampling means for subsampling the stored image date to generate subsampled image data, and an image processor for processing the subsampled image data to generate interaction data based on the sensed coded data and indicative of interaction of the sensing device with the surface. The image processor is integrated on a monolithic integrated circuit, the monolithic integrated circuit including a first subsampled framestore for storing the subsampled image data based on image data from the framestore.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a solid-state imaging device which is provided with plural pixels arranged in two-dimensional array form on a photodetecting surface of a semiconductor substrate, pixels on even-numbered rows are shifted from pixels on odd-numbered rows by a half pixel pitch, color-filters are Bayer-arranged over the respective pixels of the odd-numbered rows, and color-filters are Bayer-arranged over the respective pixels of the even-numbered rows; and an imaging device driving section for reading shot image signals of the pixels of the odd-numbered rows and shot image signals of the pixels of the even-numbered rows divisionally in separate frames. A color contamination correction is performed on a shot image signal of a pixel of attention using shot image signals of plural pixels around the pixel of attention among shot image signals, read out divisionally, of the pixels of one of the odd-numbered rows.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor includes multiple vertical charge-coupled device (VCCD) shift registers and independently-controllable gate electrodes disposed over the VCCD shift registers and arranged into physically separate and distinct sections that are non-continuous across the plurality of VCCD shift registers. The CCD image sensor can be configured to operate in two or more operating modes, including a full resolution charge multiplication mode.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a horizontal shift register electrically connected to a pixel array for receiving charge packets from the pixel array. A non-destructive sense node is connected to an output of the horizontal shift register. A charge directing switch is electrically connected to the non-destructive sense node. The charge directing switch includes two outputs. A charge multiplying horizontal shift register is electrically connected to one output of the charge directing switch. A discharging element is connected to the other output of the charge directing switch.

Abstract: An image playback method that performs a sequential display of a plurality of image data including a moving image stored in a memory unit while each being switched at predetermined time intervals, includes converting a format of moving image data for the sequential display into a predetermined format for the sequential display prior to the sequential display.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus comprises: a pixel array; a driving unit; a readout unit which, when performing still image shooting parallel to movie shooting, reads out, in each of successive frame periods, first signals from a first pixel group, and reads out, over the successive frame periods, second signals of a first frame period from pixels of a second pixel group that are different from each other between the successive frame periods; and a generation unit which generates an image signal for a movie of one frame in each of the successive frame periods from the first signals read out in each of the successive frame periods, and also generates an image signal for a still image of one frame in the first frame period by composing the first signals read out in the first frame period and the second signals read out over the successive frame periods.

Abstract: A driving method of a solid-state imaging device vertically transfers a signal charge obtained by photoelectric conversion and horizontally transfers the signal charge vertically transferred to output an imaging signal corresponding to the signal charge. For every charge packet unit for transferring the signal charge, the charge packet unit being formed of columns of transfer channels used in the vertical transfer, a backward transfer channel behind the charge packet in a vertical transfer direction is turned off substantially simultaneously with turning on of a forward transfer channel ahead of the charge packet.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

Abstract: When still images are captured, signals read from all pixel cells of a pixel cell array having a Bayer array of color filters are selected, as a first output to be recorded and displayed, by an output selector. When moving images are captured, a 9-pixel binned signal is selected as the first output by the output selector, and a differential component between an output signal of a pixel cell located at the center-of-mass position of the 9 pixels, and the 9-pixel binned signal, is supplied as a second output from a memory circuit. Contrast information of a subject image is acquired based on the second output to perform lens focus adjustment.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array section having unit pixels arranged two-dimensionally in a matrix form. Each of the unit pixels includes a charge generation section configured to generate a signal charge, charge transfer sections configured to transfer the signal charge generated by the charge generation section, and a signal output section configured to generate and output a target signal commensurate with the charge of the signal generated by the charge generation section. The plurality of charge transfer sections are provided for each of the charge generation sections. The plurality of charge transfer sections are connected, on the side opposite to the charge generation section, to the signal output sections in different rows.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to creation, modification and implementation of dither pattern structures applied to an image to diminish contouring artifacts. Some aspects relate to dither pattern structures with pixel values in a first color channel pattern that are spatially dispersed from pixel values in a corresponding pattern in a second color channel. Some aspects relate to application. Some aspects relate to systems and apparatus for creation and application of these dither pattern structures comprising pixel values dispersed across color channels.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and a method of operating an image pickup device reduce generation of smear. The image pickup device includes a matrix of photoelectric converters which generate charges from incident light, vertical transfer paths for reading charges generated in the photoelectric converters and for transferring the read charges in a vertical direction, and a horizontal transfer path for transferring the charges on the vertical transfer paths in a horizontal direction. The method includes: applying vertical and horizontal transfer signals for causing the charges generated in photoelectric converters defining a subset of rows of the photoelectric converters to be read by the vertical transfer paths and to be transferred in the horizontal direction along the horizontal transfer path; and providing a predetermined period of time in which the horizontal transfer signals are not applied to the horizontal transfer path while charges are being transferred to the horizontal transfer path.

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a pixel array block configured to get image data by photoelectrically converting light; a register group configured to store information associated with processing of the image sensor; and a parallel interface configured to output the image data to outside in parallel output; wherein the parallel interface further outputs a register value group stored in the register group to outside when the image data is not being outputted to outside.

Abstract: An image converter tube 2c and a plurality of image sensors CCDs 1 (eight CCDs 1 here) are provided, and the respective CCDs 1 and image positions in the image converter tube 2c are in one-to-one correspondence. By carrying out at least one of a control to make a shift to a different image position after image formation in one and the same image position for a predetermined number of frames, and a control to make a shift to a different image position in an imaging cycle with a predetermined time interval, various image pickup situations can be accommodated without changing the structure of CCDs 1 per se.

Abstract: A solid-state image capturing apparatus has a plurality of light receiving sections for performing photoelectric conversion on incident light to generate a signal charge, a charge transfer section provided along a light receiving section arranged in a column direction among the plurality of light receiving sections, for transferring signal charges generated in the light receiving section arranged in the column direction to a predetermined direction, and at least two layers of charge transfer electrodes provided on the charge transfer section via an insulation film, where a plane view width readable from the light receiving section is 50% to the whole edge of the edge of the light receiving section on the charge transfer section side.

Abstract: An image sensor circuit comprises at least one pixel cell for providing an output signal which is variable according to illumination of said pixel cell between a maximum and a minimum level, an analogue-to-digital converter for converting output signals from said pixel cell into digital data, and an offset signal source for providing an offset signal having a level between said maximum and minimum levels. The analogue-to-digital converter is fully differential and is connected to said pixel cell and to said offset signal source.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting a raw data with horizontal division is provided. The apparatus includes a frame memory and a frame data sorting device coupled to the frame memory. The frame memory stores a frame data having m vertical fields, and each of the vertical fields has n horizontal fields. The frame data sorting device sorts at least one first data block having Vstripe rows of the frame data according to the value n to generate a sorted first data block and overwrites the first data block with the sorted first data block. The frame data sorting device also sorts at least one second data block having Hstripe columns of the frame data according to the value m to generate a sorted second data block and overwrites the second data block with the sorted second data block.

Abstract: When a signal is read from a CCD solid-state image pickup element, the CCD solid-state image pickup element is driven with at least two driving voltages so that high-speed reading is performed with generation of noise due to interference between the driving voltages reduced. The CCD solid-state image includes a charge storage section between a vertical transfer register and a horizontal transfer register. By performing the transfer of charge in the direction of columns during an effective transfer period of the transfer in the direction of rows, signal charge of one row generated by a light receiving sensor is transferred to the charge storage section, and by performing the transfer outside the effective transfer period in the transfer in the direction of the row, the signal charge of one row transferred to the charge storage section is transferred to the horizontal transfer register.

Abstract: A transfer pulse supplying circuit for supplying transfer pulses to a solid-state imaging apparatus including a charge transfer unit includes N (N is an integer of two or more) transfer pulse supplying wirings to which the transfer pulses are supplied, and lead-in wirings connecting the transfer pulse supplying wirings to corresponding lead-out wirings from the charge transfer unit. The respective lead-in wirings have almost the same width and length as one another. At least part of the lead-in wirings is divided into a first region and a second region by slits, and the first region is connected to the transfer pulse supplying wirings and the lead-out wiring, the second region is connected to the lead-out wiring. Regions of the respective lead-in wirings connected to the transfer pulse supplying wirings have almost the same ratio of width to length as one another.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.