Abstract: An ambient light sensing method is provided. The ambient light sensing method comprises: acquiring the sensitivity settings, an exposure time and obtaining a sensing signal of a light sensor according to the sensitivity settings and the exposure time; determining whether the magnitude of the sensing signal is within a predetermined range when the sensing signal is available, wherein the predetermined range has an upper value and a lower value; updating the sensitivity settings and the exposure time of the light sensor according to the determined result for the magnitude of the sensing signal; and acquiring the sensing signal of the light sensor with the updated sensitivity settings and the updated exposure time.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a normal light image acquisition section that acquires a normal light image that includes an object image and includes information within a wavelength band of white light, a special light image acquisition section that acquires a special light image that includes an object image and includes information within a specific wavelength band, a correction section that performs a correction process on the special light image, and a blending section that performs a blending process that blends the normal light image and a corrected special light image that is the special light image corrected by the correction section. The blending section blends a component G of the normal light image and a component G of the corrected special light image, and blends a component B of the normal light image and a component B of the corrected special light image.

Abstract: An image processing device configured to be installed in a vehicle includes an image acquirer, an image selector, a first luminance adjuster, a synthetic image generator, and an image provider. The image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. The image selector selects one of the camera images as a representative image based on luminances of the camera images. The first luminance adjuster adjusts a luminance of at least one of the other camera images based on a luminance of the representative image. The synthetic image generator generates a synthetic image showing a periphery of the vehicle, based on the representative image and the other camera images the luminance of at least one of which has been adjusted by the first adjuster. The image provider outputs, to a display device installed in the vehicle, information corresponding to the synthetic image.

Abstract: A method of using a scanning microscope to rapidly form a digital image of an area. The method includes performing an initial set of scans to form a guide pixel set for the area and using the guide pixel set to identify regions representing structures of interest in the area. Then, performing additional scans of the regions representing structures of interest, to gather further data to further evaluate pixels in the regions, and not scanning elsewhere in the area.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an illuminating section which sequentially irradiates an object with first and second illuminating light beams polarized in first and second directions. First and second polarization images are generated based on signals representing light transmitted through polarizers having the polarization transmission axis in respective directions that are parallel to, and intersect with, the first direction while the object is being irradiated with the first illuminating light beam, and third and fourth polarization images are generated based on signals representing light transmitted through polarizers having the polarization transmission axis in respective directions that are parallel to, and intersect with, the second direction while the object is being irradiated with the second illuminating light beam.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a photoelectric conversion element; a contour enhancing section that detects an edge component in a picked-up image subjected to the photoelectric conversion, thereby generating a contour enhancement signal; an electronic zoom region determining section that determines an electronic zoom region in the picked-up image based on a strength of the contour enhancement signal; an instruction section that provides an instruction for enlargement/reduction of the image; a parameter setting section that sets a zoom parameter for an electronic zoom section according to the instruction provided by the instruction section; and the electronic zoom section that performs an electronic zoom of the picked-up image for the electronic zoom region determined, according to the parameter set by the parameter setting section.

Abstract: An image with an expanded depth of field is more effectively acquired while reducing the manufacturing cost, without enlarging the apparatus. Provided is an endoscope system including: an objective optical system that is provided at an insertion portion tip and that acquires a subject image; an optical path division means for dividing the subject image into two optical images with different focuses; an imaging element that forms the two optical images with different focuses at the same time to acquire two images; an image correction means that corrects the two images acquired by the imaging element so that differences other than the focuses become substantially the same; and an image combination processing unit that selects an image with a relatively high contrast in predetermined corresponding areas between the two images corrected by the image correction means to generate a combined image.

Abstract: A method for detecting a capsule camera entering into or exiting the GI tract, includes (a) taking a first test image under the condition that an illumination system of the capsule camera is disabled; (b) taking a second test image under the same condition as the first test image; (c) comparing selected corresponding pixel values of the first test image and the second test image to determine if a significant change in pixel values has occurred; and (d) upon detecting the significant change in pixel values, determining if the capsule camera has entered or exited the GI tract, and performing operations appropriate to follow such determination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus where the output from a high intensity light source is controlled to produce well-exposed images/videos and to reduce automatically the intensity when an unsafe issue is detected in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like. The method and apparatus overcome problems to control light sources that have high-frequency noise, slow-response time, nonlinearity, and non-monotonic response time and to protect the patients' tissues from possible overheating/burning and the eyes of personnel and patients from possible direct exposure to high intensity light used in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for illuminating tissue with monochromatic or broadband light and imaging light that has been reflected back from the tissue. Imaging may be white-light imaging or hyperspectral imaging. The system can be a stand-alone hyperspectral imaging system, integrated as part of an external video scope, or as an auxiliary imaging module on an external videoscope. Various elements of a video scope that is particularly suited for minimally invasive surgery is first presented and then its configurations suitable for hyperspectral imaging are explained.

Abstract: A method, system and reference target for estimating spectral data on a selected one of three spectral information types is disclosed. Spectral information types comprise illumination of a scene, spectral sensitivity of an imager imaging the scene and reflectance of a surface in the scene. The method comprises obtaining a ranking order for plural sensor responses produced by the imager, each sensor responses being produced from a reference target in the scene, obtaining, from an alternate source, data on the other two spectral information types, determining a set of constraints, the set including, for each sequential pair combination of sensor responses when taken in said ranking order, a constraint determined in dependence on the ranking and on the other two spectral information types for the respective sensor responses and, in dependence on the ranking order and on the set of constraints, determining said spectral data that optimally satisfies said constraints.

Abstract: Violet narrowband light Vn and green narrowband light Gn produced by a light source device are supplied to a complementary color type endoscope, and simultaneously applied to an observation object. From a complementary color type imaging device, first mixed pixels and second mixed pixels, which sense both of the violet narrowband light Vn and the green narrowband light Gn, are read out. The light amount ratio Z of the violet narrowband light Vn to the green narrowband light Gn is set within a predetermined range based on an optimal light amount ratio Z0 at which the proportion P1 of a violet narrowband light Vn component within a first mixed pixel signal becomes equal to the proportion P2 of a green narrowband light Gn component within a second mixed pixel signal. This improves color separability of an endoscope system.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a light source apparatus for emitting narrow band light of green and violet in field sequential lighting, for endoscopic imaging. An image sensor has plural pixels arranged on an imaging surface, for imaging an object in a body cavity illuminated with the narrow band light, to output a pixel signal. The plural pixels include first and second pixels. The first pixel has a lower spectral sensitivity than the second pixel. A gain corrector is supplied with the pixel signal by the image sensor, for performing gain correction of multiplying the pixel signal of the first pixel by a gain value, so as to compensate for a difference in the spectral sensitivity of the first pixel from the second pixel. Also, a noise reduction device performs noise reduction of the pixel signal after the gain correction according to the gain value.

Abstract: Violet narrowband light Vn and green narrowband light Gn produced by a light source device are supplied to a complementary color type endoscope, and simultaneously applied to an observation object. In a complementary color type imaging device, first mixed pixels and second mixed pixels, which sense both of the violet narrowband light Vn and the green narrowband light Gn, are read out. The light amount ratio Z of the violet narrowband light Vn to the green narrowband light Gn is set in such a range as to make the light amount of the violet narrowband light Vn larger than the light amount of the green narrowband light Gn, and make a signal value of the second mixed pixel higher than a signal value of the first mixed pixel.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, an illuminating unit, and an image-characteristic setting unit. The imaging unit images an object to acquire an image of the object. The illuminating unit includes a light source configured to apply illumination light beams different in optical characteristics to the object. The image-characteristic setting unit sets the image characteristics of the image data, then refers to light source characteristic information, and sets to the illuminating unit, the intensity, distribution pattern, spectrum distribution or polarization characteristic of at least one illumination light beam. The imaging unit acquires effectively image data having the image characteristics set.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope system includes: a scanning endoscope including a light-guiding section that guides illumination light, a driving section that causes the light-guiding section to swing such that an irradiation position of the illumination light draws a trajectory corresponding to a predetermined scanning pattern; and a light-receiving section that receives return light of the illumination light; a test chart device including a plane portion having first and second regions; a light detection section that outputs a signal corresponding to an intensity of the return light; a pixel generation section that generates pixels on the predetermined scanning pattern; a first correction value calculation section that calculates a correction value based on a pixel value of each of the pixels in the first region; and a second correction value calculation section that calculates a correction based on a pixel position of each of the pixels in the second region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffraction microscopy capable of reducing influence of an increase in the incident angle range of a beam. Specifically disclosed is a diffraction microscopy in which a beam is incident on a sample, in which the intensity of a diffraction pattern from the sample is measured, and in which an image of an object is rebuilt using Fourier interactive phase retrieval on the basis of the measured intensity of the diffraction pattern. In this method, Fourier interactive phase retrieval is performed using deconvolution on the diffraction pattern subjected to convolution by the increase in the incident angle range of the beam.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus generates a cross-sectional image in the longitudinal direction inside a body cavity (e.g., blood vessel) by using an interference signal. The apparatus includes an obtaining unit for obtaining line data, and a judgment unit for judging whether or not the optical probe unit operates in a normal state based on existence or non-existence of intensity change in at least a portion of signals within the obtained line date, based on existence or non-existence of change of position in the depth direction in which the portion of signals appear, or based on change quantity per unit time with respect to the position in the depth direction in which the portion in the depth direction of signals appear.

Abstract: A method of creating a phase contrast image is provided. In some embodiments the method comprises illuminating the target region of a sample with a first light source to provide a first oblique back illumination of the target region of the sample, and detecting a first phase contrast image from light originating from the first light source and back illuminating the target region of the sample. In some embodiments the method further comprises illuminating the sample with a second light source to provide a second oblique back illumination of the target region of the sample, and detecting a second phase contrast image from light originating from the second light source and back illuminating the target region of the sample. In some embodiments a difference image of the target region of the sample is created by subtracting the second phase contrast image of the target region of the sample from the first phase contrast image of the target region of the sample.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a first lens set, a light source and an image forming module. The medical imaging system of the present invention configures the light source according to the object-image relationship of lens, so that illuminating light may sufficiently enter a cavity, significantly increasing the luminous efficiency. Also, the image forming and illuminating components are integrated into one system, thereby achieving advantages of reduced volume and cost saving.

Abstract: An image pickup system is an image pickup system in which an image pickup device arranged at a distal end of an insertion section of an endoscope and a processor can communicate with each other. A group of multiple control parameters to be collectively transmitted and checksum codes related to the parameters are transmitted from the processor to the image pickup device, and the image pickup device reflects the control parameters on a register only when all the received multiple control parameters are normal, on the basis of the checksums.

Abstract: A device for measuring three dimensional shape includes a first irradiation unit, a first grating control unit, a second irradiation unit, a second grating control unit, an imaging unit, and an image processing unit. After performance of a first imaging operation as imaging processing of a single operation among a multiplicity of imaging operations performed by irradiation of said first light pattern of multiply varied phases, a second imaging operation is performed as imaging processing of a single operation among a multiplicity of imaging operations performed by irradiation of said second light pattern of multiply varied phases. After completion of the first imaging operation and the second imaging operation, shifting or switching operation of the first grating and the second grating is performed simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video system for viewing an object on a body, including an endoscopic lens for capturing an image, an endoscopic camera head attached to the endoscopic lens for transmitting the image, and a camera control unit attached to the endoscopic camera head for receiving the transmitted image. The endoscopic lens has a field of view, where the object is within the field of view. The endoscopic camera lens has a depth of field between approximately 10 mm and approximately 15 mm. The system also has an arm attached to the endoscopic lens for holding the endoscopic lens between approximately 180 mm and approximately 220 mm away from the surgical field. The magnified image is conveniently seen on large high definition screen.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is provided for which a user does not need to adjust irradiation light quantity intentionally while confirming a captured image. A captured image which is bright and has stable tint can be obtained without being limited by an imaging distance with respect to the observation of the structure or components of living bodies. The endoscope apparatus includes a first light source section, a second light source section, a light source control unit which controls the irradiation and irradiation light quantity, an imaging unit which obtains a captured image, luminance value calculating unit which calculates the luminance value, a light source light quantity changing unit which changes the irradiation light quantity according to the luminance value, a white balance adjustment value calculating unit which calculates a white balance adjustment value, and a gain adjusting unit which adjusts the gain of the imaging unit.

Abstract: Provided is an image pickup device capable of facilitating distinction between a normal area and a specific area for a camera for medical or industrial use. The image pickup device for picking up images in a plurality of wavelength bands includes a first image pickup part for picking up an optical image in a near-infrared band, a second image pickup part for picking up an optical image in a visible-light band, an image processing part for performing processing for extracting necessary information from a near-infrared image acquired by the first image pickup part, and a synthesized-image generating part for adding a visible image acquired by the second image pickup part and an image obtained by the image processing part at a predetermined ratio to generate a synthetized image.

Abstract: The invention provides a flash light device, which includes a light source, a light diffuser and a light diffuser's driving unit. The light diffuser's driving unit provides the light diffuser with a required driving voltage according to a voltage information, in which the voltage information is determined according to an original image without light-complementing of the light source and a pre-flash image with light-complementing of the light source.

Abstract: This invention discloses an image pickup device and an image synthesis method thereof The image pickup device comprises an image-pickup module, an image-synthesis module, a database and a processing module. The image-pickup module captures a plurality of temporary images of a scene. The image-synthesis module extracts a part of each temporary image and combines the parts to form a panorama temporary image, and splits the panorama temporary image into a plurality of zone-areas according to at least one threshold value and a panorama luminosity histogram. The database stores a lookup table for recording a plurality of exposure values. The plurality of the exposure values correspond to luminance values of the zone-areas respectively. The processing module obtains the plurality of exposure values corresponding to the luminance values and obtains a weighting-exposure value by an equation, and controls the image-pickup module to capture the panorama image according to the weighting-exposure value.

Abstract: In a medical device, a field-of-view switching mechanism which moves a field of view imaged by an observation section, and an illumination-light switching mechanism including an illumination section having an illumination range of illumination light whose entire field of view is covered by movement, are configured integrally with each other. The illumination light is illuminated to the current field of view by moving the illumination range of the illumination light, in synchronism with pivoting of an observation and in compliance with the field of view.

Abstract: The present invention ensures the visibility of a character or a drawing displayed on a screen. The illuminance of one or more partial areas forming a display unit is measured, and a video display position is set to an area except for the partial area where the illuminance is a reference value or more.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for monitoring a field of regard. At least a part of a field of regard is imaged by concurrently collecting a plurality of light components propagating from a plurality of zones, respectively, located within the field of regard, a combined collected light beam is produced, and corresponding data is generated being indicative of a combined image of the at least part of the field of regard formed by the collected light components. This image data indicative of the combined image data is processed and analyzed, and if existence of a certain condition or event is identified in the image data, a corresponding control signal is generated.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a flash memory that stores a reference value of a color balance adjustment value of an endoscopic image of an endoscope that picks up an object through a polarizer. The endoscope calculates, from the reference value and the color balance adjustment value of the endoscope after elapse of a predetermined time period, an amount of change in the color balance adjustment value; judges whether or not the calculated amount of change is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold; and, when the amount of change is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold, outputs a predetermined output.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus having an image pickup system operating as follows. Before picking up a still image in a body cavity that almost no light can reach, the system extinguishes LED and resets charges accumulated in respective pixels in a CMOS image sensor. In this reset state, the system illuminates LED and allows the CMOS image sensor to pick up a still image. While the charges are being read from the pixels, the system extinguishes LED and prevents further charges from being accumulated in the pixels from which the charges have not been read yet.

Abstract: A V-LED emits violet narrowband light. A G-LED emits green light. A filter limits wavelengths of the green light to pass green narrowband light. The V-LED and the G-LED are turned on alternately to apply the violet narrowband light and the green narrowband light alternately to an object. A complementary color image sensor has a Cy pixel and an Mg pixel, which are sensitive to both the violet narrowband light and the green narrowband light. The complementary color image sensor images the object under illumination of the violet narrowband light to output a first image signal and images the object under illumination of the green narrowband light to output a second image signal. Based on the first and second image signals, a special image, in which surface structure (surface blood vessels) and subsurface structure (subsurface blood vessels) are isolated from each other, is produced and displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: An endoscope having a single-use disposable illumination and camera module is provided in which an imaging element is disposed within an annular tube of optically transparent material having proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end is configured to engage a plurality of LEDS and the distal end has a cross-section in the form of an arc of a circle or ellipse, so that the annular tube serves as a light mixer and diffuser, providing uniform illumination within the field of view of the imaging element. Methods of analyzing and displaying the output of the endoscope also are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: an imaging module configured to have a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to a frame composed of a plurality of lines, with start of an accumulation period of electric charge by the plural photoelectric conversion elements being different depending on each of the lines, and reading the accumulated electric charge to repeatedly output the read electric charge as an image signal; a light source configured to irradiate an imaging range of the imaging module; and a controller configured to control an irradiation time of the light source according to a motion of an image captured by the imaging module.

Abstract: An embodiment of an image processing apparatus includes: an illuminating section which sequentially irradiates an object with a first and second illuminating light beams polarized in different directions. The section emits the polarized light beams sequentially so that the wavelength ranges of the light beams do not overlap with each other. The apparatus further includes: a polarization image sensor; a polarization mosaic processing section which obtains a first polarization image while the object is being irradiated with the first illuminating light beam and a second polarization image while the object is being irradiated with the second illuminating light beam; a depressed area detecting section which detects a depressed area on the surface of the object based on the polarization images; and an image forming section which forms an image representing the depressed area in an enhanced form.

Abstract: An endoscope system according to the present invention includes: a CMOS imaging element; a timing generator and an AFE unit that are provided on a board connected to a light receiving unit and reads pixel information by causing the pixel information to be output from a pixel designated as a target to be read in the CMOS imaging element; a control circuit that is provided on the board and controls a pixel information output process by a light receiving unit and a pixel information reading process by the timing generator and the AFE unit; and an abnormality determining unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in the pixel information read by the timing generator and the AFE unit and outputs, to the control circuit, a notification signal for causing the control circuit to execute control on an occurrence of the abnormality.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope system includes a fiber, a first actuator that is provided laterally of the fiber to swing the fiber, a second actuator that is arranged at a position opposite to the first actuator with the fiber intervened in between to swing the fiber, and a driver unit that outputs, to the first actuator, a first drive signal having either a first waveform such that a minimum value of a voltage value, which varies periodically with a positive voltage value as a center, is not less than zero, or a second waveform such that a maximum value of a voltage value, which varies periodically with a negative voltage value as a center, is not more than zero, and configured to output, to the second actuator, a second drive signal having the same waveform as the first drive signal and different phase from the first drive signal.

Abstract: An endoscope unit includes a sequence pattern setting section in which a combination of sequence pattern which includes a plurality of parameters, each corresponding to imaging conditions of the image sensor on a frame-by-frame basis according to the type of the light source and control signal is set, an imaging condition setting section in which imaging conditions corresponding to each parameter are set, and an imaging control section that obtains the sequence pattern based on a control signal outputted from a control section of a processor unit, reads out the imaging conditions corresponding to each parameter included in the sequence pattern from the imaging condition setting section, and controls the imaging operation of the image sensor on a frame-by-frame basis based on the imaging conditions.

Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring an image of a particle flowing in a vessel, the system comprising a light source for generating an illuminating light, an imaging probe for laterally statically illuminating at least a portion of said vessel with the illuminating light, a detection unit for detecting emitted light from an illuminated portion of said particle, and a processor unit for reproducing an image of the illuminated portion of said particle from the emitted light.

Abstract: To display a brownish area distinguishably from residuum, a B image signal having a blue narrow-band signal corresponding to blue narrow-band light and a G image signal, out of a color image signal obtained by an endoscope, are inputted to a processor device. The B image signal is assigned as a B display image signal. The B display image signal and the G image signal are weighted independently, and the sum of the weighted B display image signal and the weighted G image signal is assigned as a G display image signal. The G image signal is assigned as an R display image signal. Based on the RGB display image signals, a special light image is displayed on a monitor. In the special light image, the residuum or residual fluid is displayed in a yellowish color, and structure including blood vessels and a lesion is visible translucently under the residuum.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope system including: a light source apparatus detecting which color LED fails by a color sensor; a scope that irradiates a subject with illuminating light and takes in an optical image of the subject; a CCD that picks up an image of the optical image of the subject; a video processor that processes the picked up image; and a monitor that displays a processed image, wherein if a failure of any of the LEDs is detected by the color sensor, the light source apparatus generates illuminating light using LEDs of colors other than a color of the light-emitting device for which the failure is detected, and wherein the video processor switches image processing to image processing according to a color of the LED for which the failure is detected.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a light source apparatus, and a light-adjusting circuit. The light-adjusting circuit, based on a first image signal with a first wavelength band having a peak wavelength of a spectral characteristic and a second image signal with a second wavelength band having a peak wavelength of a spectral characteristic providing a value lower than that of the first image signal in the absorption characteristic and providing a suppressed scattering characteristic of the body tissue between a wavelength band providing a maximal value and a wavelength band for a minimal value in an absorption characteristic of a body tissue of a subject, provides a weight larger than that of the second image signal to the first image signal to calculate a light adjustment signal for adjusting a light amount in a light source apparatus and outputs the light adjustment signal.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: an illumination unit that emits illumination light to illuminate a subject; a light receiving unit in which pixels that receive light and photoelectrically convert the received light to generate an electric signal are two-dimensionally arranged; a read unit that sequentially reads the electric signal from the pixels for each horizontal line; and an illumination controller that controls the illumination unit to emit a pulse of the illumination light during a period straddling a read period of the read unit for a first horizontal line and a read period for a second horizontal line which is adjacent to the first horizontal line and which is read immediately after the first horizontal line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus where the output from a high intensity light source is controlled to produce well-exposed images/videos and to reduce automatically the intensity when an unsafe issue is detected in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like. The method and apparatus overcome problems to control light sources that have high-frequency noise, slow-response time, nonlinearity, and non-monotonic response time and to protect the patients' tissues from possible overheating/burning and the eyes of personnel and patients from possible direct exposure to high intensity light used in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope apparatus including a light-guiding part that guides illumination light emitted from a light source to the distal end of an inserted portion; a scanning part that makes the light-guiding part vibrate with a predetermined period, thus two-dimensionally scanning the illumination light emitted from the inserted portion on an observation subject; an image-acquisition part that receives return light of the illumination light coming from the observation subject and that generates an image signal based on a position scanned by the scanning part and an intensity of the return light; and a light-source control part that controls the light source so as to change the intensity of the illumination light emitted from the inserted portion in accordance with an angle formed between the longitudinal direction of the inserted portion and a direction in which the illumination light is emitted toward the observation subject.

Abstract: A traffic signal system with dual light sources includes a signal displaying module, an ambient light module and a supplementary light module. The ambient light from environment is assembled by the ambient light module for generating a first light beam. A second light beam is provided by the supplementary light module disposed near the ground for easy maintaining and avoiding danger. The supplementary light module includes a sensor and a control circuit. The sensor senses the brightness of the first light beam passing through the signal displaying module and generates a photosensitive signal. The brightness of the second light beam is regulated by the control circuit according to the photosensitive signal. The brightness of the first light beam is supplied by regulating the brightness of the second light beam, so the signal displaying module has high-brightness light source and achieves the energy conservation.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus performs controlling to read pixel information from pixels belonging to target area by each frame. One frame period is period from when an exposure period for exposing pixels on a horizontal line that is to be read first from among horizontal lines belonging to the target area of a sensor is started and until when reading of the pixel information generated by each of the pixels on the horizontal line is completed. The imaging apparatus sequentially emits, by each illumination period of a length corresponding to at least two frame periods, illumination lights in synchronization with start of the exposure period. The imaging apparatus performs a predetermined controlling by performing controlling to exclude, from predetermined processing target, image data corresponding to the pixel information read during first frame period of the illumination period, while by acquiring image data corresponding to the pixel information read during other frame period.

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.