Abstract: A method for detecting traffic lights is provided. The method includes: obtaining a color image captured by a camera; converting the color image into a first monochrome scale image; converting the first monochrome scale image into a first binary image; identifying a first set of candidate blobs in the first binary image based on at least one predetermined geometric parameter; and determine whether a first region in the color image, which first region corresponds to one of the first set of candidate blobs, is a green traffic light using a green traffic light classifier. The accuracy and efficiency may be improved.

Abstract: In a VIF circuit for synchronously detecting a picture signal from an AM-modulated PIF signal, the accuracy of a picture signal to be demodulated is maintained even in a state of overmodulation. A comparator (68) determines whether the picture signal exceeds VTH, which is a state of overmodulation. In a period in which the signal is less than or equal to VTH, a switch circuit (56) inputs an output voltage of an APC filter (54) to a VCO (48), and a PLL is formed. The PLL operates so as to lock onto the PIF signal, and reproduces a carrier wave. On the other hand, in a period in which the signal exceeds VTH, the switch circuit (56) inputs an output voltage VSH of an SH circuit (58) to the VCO (48). The SH circuit (58) holds the voltage of the APC filter (54) that is in a locked state in a horizontal synchronizing period and uses the voltage to control the VCO (48), whereby free run and frequency drifting are minimized.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: a plurality of light receiving parts for generating electric charge by photoelectric conversion; a shift register for transferring the electric charge generated by the plurality of light receiving parts to the output-side end portion of the shift register; and an electric-charge discharge portion which is provided in a midway-portion of the shift register and includes an electric-charge discharge gate for controlling import of the electric charge from the shift register for discharging the electric charge of the shift register via the electric-charge discharge gate.