In Solid-state Picture Signal Generation (epo) Patents (Class 348/E5.079)
  • Patent number: 11978228
    Abstract: Embodiments for determining an orientation of a scanned image. In an exemplary embodiment, a method comprises receiving image data of an image of one or more objects. Each object of the one or more objects in the image includes a plurality of points on a surface of the object. The method further comprises generating a plurality of subsets of points of the plurality of points and fitting a parametric model to more than one subset of the plurality of subsets to generate a plurality of parametric models. Further, the method identifies a parametric model of the plurality of parametric models that includes the largest number of points and orients the image based on the parametric model that includes the largest number of points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: KI MOBILITY LLC
    Inventors: Douglas H. Munsey, Jr., Daniel H. Packard, Thomas J. Whelan, Patrick Abadi, William G. N. Coon, Robin D. Knight, Kimberly M. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 11968448
    Abstract: An imaging support device that supports imaging performed by an imaging apparatus includes an acquisition portion that acquires an in-image shift amount between a predetermined position in a captured image obtained by capturing an imaging region by an imaging element and a position of a target subject image showing a target subject, and a focal length of the imaging apparatus, a derivation portion that derives a movement amount required for moving the position of the target subject image to a specific position by a position adjustment portion which adjusts the position of the target subject image in the captured image, based on the in-image shift amount acquired by the acquisition portion, the focal length acquired by the acquisition portion, and information related to a pixel interval of pixels in the imaging element, and an output portion that outputs the movement amount derived by the derivation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichiro Fujiki, Tetsuya Fujikawa, Junichi Tanaka, Atsushi Kawanago
  • Patent number: 11962919
    Abstract: For example, analog pixel circuitry may include a first input to input an analog pixel signal of the pixel; Sample and Hold (SH) circuitry to provide an analog sample of the pixel based on the analog pixel signal; one or more second inputs to input analog samples of one or more binning pixels, respectively; a plurality of capacitors having capacitor outputs connected to a common output terminal, wherein a capacitor input of a first capacitor is connected to an input terminal to input the analog sample of the pixel from the SH circuitry, wherein capacitor inputs of one or more second capacitors are connected to the one or more second inputs, respectively; and an amplifier configured to provide an amplified analog signal by amplifying an analog signal from the common output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Faingersh, Vered Antebi, Raz Reshef
  • Patent number: 11948897
    Abstract: Integrated circuits (ICs) that avoid or mitigate creation of changes in accumulated charge in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, particularly an SOI substrate having a trap rich layer. In one embodiment, a FET is configured such that, in a standby mode, the FET is turned OFF while maintaining essentially the same VDS as during an active mode. In another embodiment, a FET is configured such that, in a standby mode, current flow through the FET is interrupted while maintaining essentially the same VGS as during the active mode. In another embodiment, a FET is configured such that, in a standby mode, the FET is switched into a very low current state (a “trickle current” state) that keeps both VGS and VDS close to their respective active mode operational voltages. Optionally, S-contacts may be formed in an IC substrate to create protected areas that encompass FETs that are sensitive to accumulated charge effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: pSemi Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mark Englekirk, Keith Bargroff, Christopher C. Murphy, Tero Tapio Ranta, Simon Edward Willard
  • Patent number: 11942056
    Abstract: A display device includes a lighting device, a display panel, a memory, and a correction circuit. The lighting device includes a light exit area defined into light exit sections corresponding to light sources. The display panel includes a display area disposed opposite the light exit area and including pixels. The memory stores data of pixel matrix linked to the display sections. The memory stores position data of the pixels that are not disposed opposite the corresponding light exit sections and deviation data when a position error is caused between the light exit area and the display area. The correction circuit is configured to determine whether the memory stores the position data of the pixels and link new pixel matrix units to the corresponding display sections based on the deviation data if a determination result is affirmative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Sharp Display Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Tomokawa, Yasutomo Nishihara, Yohji Inui, Kohichi Ohhara, Katsutoshi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 11908152
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of image processing and computer vision, and discloses an acceleration method of depth estimation for multiband stereo cameras. In the process of depth estimation, during binocular stereo matching in each band, through compression of matched images, on one hand, disparity equipotential errors caused by binocular image correction can be offset to make the matching more accurate, and on the other hand, calculation overhead is reduced. In addition, before cost aggregation, cost diagrams are transversely compressed and sparsely matched, thereby reducing the calculation overhead again. Disparity diagrams obtained under different modes are fused to obtain all-weather, more complete and more accurate depth information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, PENG CHENG LABORATORY
    Inventors: Wei Zhong, Hong Zhang, Haojie Li, Zhihui Wang, Risheng Liu, Xin Fan, Zhongxuan Luo, Shengquan Li
  • Patent number: 11874166
    Abstract: The present application discloses a light sensor circuit, which comprises a photodiode and a capacitor unit. The cathode of the photodiode is controlled by a capacitive unit to maintain the same or close voltage level as the anode of the photodiode, which significantly reduces the effect of the dark current of the photodiode. Thus, the light sensor circuit can effectively maintain the performance and accuracy of an analog-to-digital converter applying the light sensor circuit. The circuit design difficulty and manufacturing cost are also significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Sensortek Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Wen-Cheng Chen, Kai-Hsiang Chan, Sheng-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 11877075
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a sensing circuit coupled to at least one of the first transistor and the second transistor. The sensing circuit includes a diode, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor. The diode has a first terminal. The third transistor has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the first terminal of the diode. The fourth transistor has a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the third transistor, and a second terminal coupled to a data driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: InnoLux Corporation
    Inventors: Hui-Ching Yang, Tao-Sheng Chang, Te-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 11865731
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for dynamic filtering of high intensity broadband electromagnetic waves in image data from a sensor of a robot are disclosed herein. According to at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, sunlight or light emitted from nearby fluorescent lamps may cause a robot to generate false positives of objects nearby the robot as the light may be of high intensity and large bandwidth. These false positives may cause a robot to get stuck or navigate without use of a camera sensor, which may be unsafe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Brain Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Hrabe, Abdolhamid Badiozamani
  • Patent number: 11871122
    Abstract: A computational pixel imaging device can include multiple counters per pixel that can be used to acquire in-pixel histogram data representative of a signal detected by a pixels detector. Multiple pixel counters can also be used to execute simultaneous signal-processing threads on acquired image data. The imaging device can also include infinite dynamic range sensing and perform signal down-sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Anduril Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Kelly, Curtis Colonero, Christopher David
  • Patent number: 11843891
    Abstract: An AD conversion device includes a comparison circuit, an upper-level DA conversion circuit, a level shift circuit, a lower-level DA conversion circuit, and a correction device. The comparison circuit includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The comparison circuit is configured to compare a first voltage level of a signal input to the first terminal with a second voltage level of a signal input to the second terminal. The upper-level DA conversion circuit includes a plurality of capacitance elements electrically connected to the second terminal. Capacitive values of the plurality of capacitance elements are weighted by binary numbers. The level shift circuit includes one or more capacitance elements electrically connected to the second terminal. The lower-level DA conversion circuit includes a plurality of capacitance elements electrically connected to the second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshio Hagihara
  • Patent number: 11826016
    Abstract: A method for removing external light interference according to the present disclosure includes: performing the scan in the state where external light is turned on, performing the scan in the state where the external light and internal light are turned on together, and calculating a brightness value from an obtained image. Further, by subtracting the brightness value obtained in the brightness calculating step from a color value of the image through an operation, it is possible to obtain an image and a three-dimensional scan model with the influence of the external light being minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: MEDIT CORP.
    Inventor: Sung Bin Im
  • Patent number: 11798963
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate including an active pixel region and an inactive pixel region, having a smaller area than the active pixel region; a plurality of active pixels in the active pixel region, each of the plurality of active pixels including a first transfer transistor, a first reset transistor, a first driving transistor, and a first selection transistor; and a plurality of inactive pixels in the inactive pixel region, each of the plurality of inactive pixels including a second transfer transistor, a second reset transistor, a second driving transistor, a second selection transistor, and a switch transistor connected to a node between the second driving transistor and the second select transistor. The plurality of switch transistors, included in the plurality of inactive pixels, are connected to each other by a connection wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yunhong Kim, Yunhwan Jung, Heesung Chae
  • Patent number: 11758296
    Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device including: a plurality of pixel circuits each including a photoelectric conversion unit configured to generate charges by photoelectric conversion and a transistor configured to transfer the charges from the photoelectric conversion unit; and a plurality of exposure control circuits each including a capacitor configured to hold a signal corresponding to an exposure period in the photoelectric conversion unit and a comparator circuit configured to compare a potential of a first terminal of two terminals of the capacitor with a threshold potential. Each of the plurality of exposure control circuits controls an exposure period of the photoelectric conversion unit by outputting a signal based on a comparison result caused by the comparator circuit to a control terminal of the transistor and driving the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noriyuki Shikina, Shinya Igarashi
  • Patent number: 11729373
    Abstract: A head-mountable device can include display elements and/or cameras that can be calibrated for accurate recording and visual output. Whereas some aspects of a head-mountable device can be calibrated at the time of production, usage and wear of the head-mountable device can result in certain components becoming misaligned. A case or other reference can be used to calibrate the cameras of the head-mountable device to ensure that the captured images are recorded in a target alignment. The case can be operated with the head-mountable device to calibrate the display elements of the head-mountable device to ensure that the images are output in a target alignment. Such calibration can include consideration of any lenses installed in front of the display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ritu Shah, Forrest C. Wang
  • Patent number: 11695883
    Abstract: It is an object to realize a correcting process for correcting a defective image in a region of interest (ROI) that is a partial region segmented from a captured image. A transmitting apparatus includes a controlling section that controls the holding of defect correcting information for use in correcting a defect in an image included in a ROI and a transmitting section that sends out image data of the image included in the ROI as payload data and sends out ROI information as embedded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoki Nakazato, Yoshiaki Matsubara, Hideyuki Someya
  • Patent number: 11662483
    Abstract: A signal readout circuit is a circuit for reading out a signal from a photodetection element having a plurality of photodetection pixels each generating a detection signal according to light incidence, and includes N light incidence detection units (N is an integer of 2 or more) each for inputting the detection signal from each of N photodetection pixels and outputting a signal indicating the light incidence, and a total value detection unit for detecting a total value of the output signals from the N light incidence detection units. Each light incidence detection unit outputs the signal weighted differently corresponding to each photodetection pixel. A weight thereof is set such that the total values are different for respective photodetection pixels and all combination patterns of the photodetection pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Takeshi Watari
  • Patent number: 11656124
    Abstract: A sensing device provided herein includes a first pixel circuit, a readout circuit, a first switch, a second switch, and a first capacitor. The readout circuit is electrically connected to the first pixel circuit. The first switch is electrically connected between the first pixel circuit and the readout circuit. The second switch is electrically connected between the first switch and the readout circuit. The first capacitor includes a first electrode electrically connected to the first switch and the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: INNOLUX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuko Furui, Akihiro Iwatsu, Shuji Hagino
  • Patent number: 11640965
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate having a first conductivity type, a first charge accumulation region disposed in the substrate and having a second conductivity type, a second charge accumulation region connected with the first charge accumulation region, having the second conductivity type and extending downward from an edge of the first charge accumulation region, a pinning region disposed on the first charge accumulation region and having the first conductivity type, a floating diffusion region spaced laterally from the pinning region, a channel region disposed between the pinning region and the floating diffusion region, and a gate structure disposed on the channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: DB HITEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Jun Oh, Jong Min Kim, Man Lyun Ha, Jae Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11637984
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises a plurality of light-receiving circuits, each outputting a pulse signal in response to a photon being incident; a plurality of counter circuits that count the respective pulse signals output by the plurality of light-receiving circuits; and a correction circuit that corrects counts from the plurality of counter circuits and outputs the corrected counts as image data. The correction circuit calculates a correction coefficient on the basis of counts obtained by the plurality of counter circuits in a state where pulse widths of the pulse signals differ or under conditions where generation frequencies of the pulse signals differ, and performs the correction using the correction coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Ikedo, Ken Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11632503
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a reset circuit and a first image sensing circuit. The reset circuit is used to receive a reset signal and includes a plurality of transistors. The first image sensing circuit is coupled to the reset circuit and includes a photodiode, a first transistor and a second transistor. The photodiode has a first terminal. The first transistor has a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the photodiode, and a second terminal. The second transistor has a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor, and a second terminal configured to receive a row selection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: InnoLux Corporation
    Inventors: Hui-Ching Yang, Tao-Sheng Chang, Te-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 11627270
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array; a logic circuit configured to convert an image signal generated from the pixel array during a first period into image data; and a memory. The image data may be written in the memory during a second period, of which at least a portion overlaps the first period. The logic circuit may write dummy data in the memory during a third period overlapping the first period and not overlapping the second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiko Inada
  • Patent number: 11601610
    Abstract: It is an object of the present technology to provide an image sensor capable of reducing crosstalk in an AD conversion unit. The image sensor includes: capacitors in an even-numbered column region; and a capacitor in an odd-numbered column region disposed facing the capacitors in the even-numbered column region with different areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Moue, Hiroaki Yatsuda
  • Patent number: 11595594
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a light source is provided. The imaging apparatus includes a light-emitting device and a photoelectric conversion device in a pixel, and a pixel circuit has a function of outputting third data generated by multiplying obtained first data by second data (weight). Calculating the third data externally enables more detailed information on a subject with respect to a specific wavelength to be obtained. In addition, reading out collectively a plurality of pixels to which proper weight is given enables output of difference data between pixels and the like, which allows external calculation to be omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventors: Takayuki Ikeda, Yusuke Negoro
  • Patent number: 11523075
    Abstract: The imaging device includes a pixel including a photoelectric converter, an output line, a readout circuit unit connected to the output line, and a control unit. The readout circuit unit includes an amplifier circuit, a first switch for resetting the amplifier circuit, a sample-and-hold circuit, a second switch provided between the amplifier circuit and the sample-and-hold circuit, and a gain switching circuit. The control unit performs a first period of resetting the amplifier circuit by first switch, and a second period of connecting the amplifier circuit and the sample-and-hold circuit by the second switch. The first and second periods at least partially overlap with each other, and a timing at which the second switch transitions from an on state to an off state in the second period is later than a timing at which the first switch transitions from an on state to an off state in the first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Suzuki, Takanori Yamashita
  • Patent number: 11509850
    Abstract: An image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip, a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage, a selection circuit for outputting one of the external voltage, the internal voltages, and the temperature voltage, a digital code generation circuit for generating a digital code using an output voltage of the selection circuit, and a second terminal for outputting the digital code from the image sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Cho, Ji Yong Park, Dae Hwa Paik, Kyoung Min Koh, Min Ho Kwon, Seung Hyun Lim
  • Patent number: 11509845
    Abstract: A method of defect pixel correction, includes, receiving at least one center pixel signal in a plurality of frames, receiving a plurality of neighboring pixel signals adjacent the center pixel in the plurality of frames, determining a brightness of the center pixel signal, determining the brightness of the plurality of neighboring pixel signals, determining if the brightness of the center pixel signal exceeds a wounded pixel threshold of the plurality of neighboring pixel signals, determining a location of the center pixel having the brightness greater than the wounded pixel threshold in at least one frame, determining a number of reoccurrences of the center pixel having the brightness greater than the wounded pixel threshold, determining if the number of reoccurrences exceeds a defect pixel threshold and updating the at least one center pixel signal to a mean of the plurality of neighboring pixel signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Black Sesame Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jiaju Yue, Donghui Wu, Bin Chen, Chao Wang
  • Patent number: 11503237
    Abstract: Provided are a solid state imaging device, an imaging apparatus, and an imaging method that may acquire a desired image without using a frame memory. The solid state imaging device includes: a sensor unit that generates pulses at a frequency in accordance with a frequency of photon reception; a count unit that generates an image signal by counting the number of signals generated from the sensor unit; and a processing unit that performs a predetermined process on a count value obtained in acquisition of a first image signal, and the count unit combines a second image signal and a value obtained by performing a predetermined process on the count value obtained in the acquisition of the first image signal to generate a third image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuma Sakato, Yohei Horikawa
  • Patent number: 11475545
    Abstract: An image processing circuit for correcting a distorted image includes an internal memory and a correction circuit. The internal memory of the image processing circuit is configured to store a radial look-up table (LUT), a set of tangential LUTs, and co-ordinates of a correction center of the distorted image. The radial LUT and the set of tangential LUTs include first and second sets of parameters to correct radial and tangential distortion of the distorted image, respectively. The correction circuit is configured to reconstruct portions of the correction LUT on-the-fly based on the radial LUT, the set of tangential LUTs, and the co-ordinates of the correction center, and correct portions of the distorted image based on the reconstructed portions of correction LUT to generate the portions of the corrected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ankur Bindal, Sharath Subramanya Naidu, Juhee Mala
  • Patent number: 11475243
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a training method and device for an image enhancement model and a storage medium. The method can include inputting each training input image group into the image enhancement model to obtain a predicted image output by the image enhancement model, and training the image enhancement model until convergence through each loss function respectively corresponding to each training pair. Each loss function can include a plurality of gray scale loss components corresponding to a plurality of frequency intervals one to one, and each gray scale loss component is determined based on a difference between a gray scale frequency division image of each predicted image and a gray scale frequency division image of the corresponding target image in each frequency interval, and different gray scale loss components correspond to different frequency intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Pinecone Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 11425322
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments having cancelled fixed pattern noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Blanquart, John Richardson
  • Patent number: 11356623
    Abstract: A system and method for processing an image including the steps of receiving an input image having a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels have one or more pixel characteristics; and processing the input image to generate an enhanced image by applying a pixel/image relationship to each of the plurality of pixels of the input image, wherein the pixel/image relationship is arranged to adjust the one or more pixel characteristics of each of the plurality of pixels of the input image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Sam Tak Wu Kwong, Chongyi Li
  • Patent number: 11317041
    Abstract: A method for black-level calibration for an image-sensing device is provided. The image-sensing device includes a pixel array that has a first non-light-sensing region, a second non-light-sensing region, and an image-pixel region. The method includes the following steps: receiving a first analog signal, a second analog signal, and a third analog signal respectively from the first non-light-sensing region, the second non-light-sensing region, and the image-pixel region every predetermined scanning period; utilizing an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the image-sensing device to convert the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal to a first digital signal, a second digital signal, and a third digital signal, respectively; and performing a black-level-calibration (BLC) process on the first digital signal, the second digital signal, and the third digital signal to generate a black-level-calibrated digital signal, wherein the BLC process is implemented using a Kalman filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: SILICON OPTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Sheng-Yi Peng
  • Patent number: 10542228
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a first illuminator that irradiates a subject with light whose intensity varies over time; and a first imaging device that includes a first imaging cell having a variable sensitivity, and a first sensitivity control line electrically connected to the first imaging cell. The first imaging cell includes a photoelectron conversion area that receives light from the subject to generate a signal charge, and a signal detection circuit that detects the signal charge. During an exposure period, the first sensitivity control line supplies to the first imaging cell a first sensitivity control signal having a waveform expressed by a first function that takes only positive values by adding a first constant to one basis from among bases of a system of functions constituting an orthogonal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Nozawa, Yasuo Miyake
  • Patent number: 10034652
    Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays; and a detector which is configured to detect the X-rays radiated by the X-ray source, and includes a counting detection region configured to generate X-ray data corresponding to the detected X-rays according to a photon counting method, and an integrative detection region which is configured to generate the X-ray data corresponding to the detected X-rays according to a charge integration method, and is formed on an outer portion of the counting detection region with respect to a rotation axis of a gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Kook Cho, Byung Sun Choi
  • Patent number: 10003708
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a modulation clock generator, a line synchronization signal generator, a line image sensor, and an image processor. The modulation clock generator is configured to generate the modulation clock by modulating a frequency of a reference clock at a predetermined modulation cycle. The line synchronization signal generator is configured to generate, on the basis of the modulation clock, a line synchronization signal whose line cycle varies from line to line. The line image sensor is configured to sequentially read an image of one line of a document at a timing corresponding to the line synchronization signal and to output image data. The image processor is configured to process the image data on the basis of the modulation clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Akizo Otani
  • Patent number: 9929815
    Abstract: Adaptive communications focal plane arrays that may be implemented in, e.g., a specially-configured camera that can be utilized to receive and/or process information in the form of optical beams are presented. A specialized focal plane array (FPA) having a plurality of optical detectors is utilized, where one or more optical detectors are suppressed such that data is not allowed to be output from the one or more suppressed optical detectors, and only a significantly smaller number or subset of optical detectors receiving optical beams are allowed to output data. In this way, the rate at which data is to be output by an adaptive communications FPA (ACFPA) can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SUREFIRE LLC
    Inventors: John C. Bortz, Narkis Shatz
  • Patent number: 9740958
    Abstract: Method and apparatuses for correcting vignetting effects of an image are disclosed. A method for vignetting correction of an image according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise receiving a two-dimensional image; calculating a radial bright channel representing intensity of the two-dimensional image; estimating a vignetting function of the two-dimensional image having similarity to the calculated radial bright channel; and correcting the vignetting effects of the two-dimensional image by using the estimated vignetting function. The vignetting correction methods and apparatuses according to the present disclosure can rapidly correct vignetting effects of an image by using a smaller memory, and correct vignetting effects of an arbitrary single image without being affected by a camera setting and camera lenses used for the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Seung Yong Lee, Ho Jin Cho, Hyun Joon Lee
  • Patent number: 9020269
    Abstract: There is provided an image processing device including a synthesis processing portion configured to perform a synthesis process of performing addition on pixels including a region of a subject included in an input image and terminate the synthesis process on the basis of a detection result of a subject detection portion which detects the subject of the input image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yuta Nakao
  • Patent number: 7432985
    Abstract: Pixels in a window, which corresponds to the position of an input pixel and has a predetermined size, are extracted from a reduced image obtained by reducing an input image to a predetermined scale. Substitute data used to substitute the value of the input pixel is generated based on the extracted pixels in the window. The difference value between the substitute data and input pixel value is calculated and is compared with a first threshold value. When the difference value is smaller than the first threshold value, the input pixel value is substituted by the substitute data. Thus, low-frequency noise reduction can be attained using a minimum required memory size while suppressing adverse effects such as a resolution drop and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisashi Ishikawa, Makoto Fujiwara, Masao Kato, Tetsuya Suwa, Fumitaka Goto, Kazuya Imafuku
  • Patent number: RE45493
    Abstract: An image sensor system using offset analog to digital converters. The analog to digital converters require a plurality of clock cycles to carry out the actual conversion. These conversions are offset in time from one another, so that at each clock cycle, new data is available. A CMOS image sensor converts successive analog signals, representing at least a portion of an image, into successive digital signals using an analog to digital circuit block. Multiple clock cycles may be used by the circuit block to fully convert an analog signal into a corresponding digital signal. The conversion of one analog signal into a corresponding digital signal by the circuit block may be offset in time and partially overlapping with the conversion of a successive analog signal into its corresponding successive digital signal by the circuit block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Fossum, Sandor L. Barna