Correction Or Equalization Of Amplitude Response, E.g., Dark Current, Blemishes, Non-uniformity (epo) Patents (Class 348/E5.081)
  • Patent number: 11960064
    Abstract: A Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) objective and relay lens system has an F# of 3.33 and angular field of view of 15.28°. It is deployed, with a focal plane and scanning system, on airborne platforms for wide area motion imagery. It is corrected for monochromatic and chromatic aberrations over of 3.3 to 5.1 micrometers. Effective focal length is 20 inches, and the overall length is 40.70 inches. The lens has, from object to image, two groups of optical elements with a cold shield/aperture stop 6 inches from the image plane. Group 1 acts as an objective lens with a positive power and three elements, Group 2 acts as a relay lens has a positive power and four elements. The lens is made of Germanium and Silicon. It used in a scanning system in a pre-objective configuration where the fast scan mirror is located in front of the lens system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Reven, Daniel Engheben, Jacinto E. Malabuyoc
  • Patent number: 11908106
    Abstract: Data processing systems (e.g. image processing systems) and methods are provided for processing a stream of data values (e.g. pixel values). The image processing system comprises a processing module configured to: receive a plurality of pixel values; and implement processing of a particular pixel value by operating on a particular subset of the received pixel values, by: defining a set of one or more groups into which pixel values within the particular subset can be grouped; classifying each of the pixel values within the particular subset into one of the groups of the set of one or more groups based on the value of that pixel value; processing the particular pixel value using one or more of the pixel values of the particular subset in dependence on the classification of the pixel values of the particular subset into the one or more groups; and outputting the processed particular pixel value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Imagination Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Lee
  • Patent number: 11852528
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for measuring a flicker frequency of a light source configured to implement at least one phase lock loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventors: Mickael Guene, Salim Bouchene, Cedric Grospellier, Jean-Jacques Rouger, Pascal Mellot
  • Patent number: 11854161
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to reduce noise in captured images using frame-to-frame shifts of scene information. In one example, a system includes an imager and a processor. The imager is configured to capture a plurality of image frames comprising scene information. The image frames exhibit frame-to-frame shifts of the scene information caused by a motion pattern associated with the imager. The processor is configured to distinguish noise in the image frames from the frame-to-frame shifts of the scene information. The processor is also configured to update non-uniformity correction terms to reduce the noise. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: FLIR Systems AB
    Inventor: Stefan F. Olsson
  • Patent number: 11843878
    Abstract: A sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes an image sensor having a plurality of photo-sensitive pixels configured to measure light received from a scene. The image sensor is configured to output image data indicative of measurement values of at least part of the plurality of photo-sensitive pixels. Additionally, the sensor device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a histogram based on the image data. The histogram represents a distribution of the measurement values. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine whether an object is present in the scene based on the histogram. In addition, the sensor device includes interface circuitry configured to output presence data indicating whether the object is present in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hannes Plank
  • Patent number: 11828655
    Abstract: A method and system of two-point correction based on temperature substitution, includes: a black body related to the lens temperature is arranged outside a lens, a first black body arranged in front of the lens of an infrared thermal camera, so as to collect a gray value of the first black body; a temperature of the first black body being equal to the lens temperature; a second black body arranged in front of the lens of the infrared thermal camera, so as to collect a gray value of the second black body; a temperature of the second black body being higher than the lens temperature. Two correction parameters obtained by black body calculation related to temperature are strongly applicable, which eliminates the problem of image quality deterioration caused by temperature changes and greatly eliminates the pot lid phenomenon due to non-uniformity, thereby accurately calculating the corrected gray value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    Inventors: Yun Zhou, Jian Lv, Longcheng Que, Kang He, Guanyu Mi
  • Patent number: 11782176
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing and/or calibrating underperforming pixels in detectors in a small pixelated photon counting CT system utilizes a series of tests on image data acquired in-situ as part of a series of calibration scans in the CT system. Tests are performed on the acquired data to determine the existence of underperforming pixels within the detectors such that the information acquired by those pixels can be replaced by alternate data from surrounding pixels (e.g. by interpolation). The underperforming pixels are stored in “bad” pixel tables and may be specific to a type of image (e.g., spectral or counting) and a specific protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaohui Zhan, Xiaochun Lai, Yi Qiang, Kevin Christopher Zimmerman, Zhihong Ye
  • Patent number: 11774293
    Abstract: An ultra-small thermal imaging core, or micro-core. The design of the micro-core may include substrates for mounting optics and electronic connectors that are thermally matched to the imaging Focal Plane Array (FPA). Test fixtures for test and adjustment that allow for operation and image acquisition of multiple cores may also be provided. Tooling may be included to position the optics to set the core focus, either by moving the lens and lens holder as one or by pushing and/or pulling the lens against a lens positioning element within the lens holder, while observing a scene. Test procedures and fixtures that allow for full temperature calibration of each individual core, as well as providing data useful for uniformity correction during operation may also be included as part of the test and manufacture of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Seek Thermal, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Parrish, Andreas Engberg, Jason Wolfe, Derek Moran, Blake Henry, Ross Williams, Russ Mead
  • Patent number: 11770622
    Abstract: An image processing device, which includes processing circuitry configured to cause the image processing device to first detect a first bad pixel based on first image data, correct the first bad pixel based on first values of first peripheral pixels in response to the first detection to obtain a first correction result, the first peripheral pixels being peripheral to the first bad pixel, second detect the first bad pixel and a second bad pixel based on the first image data, the second bad pixel being adjacent to the first bad pixel, correct the second bad pixel based on second values of second peripheral pixels to obtain a second correction result, the second peripheral pixels being peripheral to the second bad pixel, and correct the first bad pixel by using the first correction result stored in a buffer in response to the second detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deokha Shin, Youngjun Choi, Eunji Jeong
  • Patent number: 11751757
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for widening dynamic range within an image in a light deficient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Blanquart, John Richardson
  • Patent number: 11750783
    Abstract: A demosaic operation circuit includes a white pixel value estimation circuit suitable for acquiring an RGB channel average value and a directional gradient value of a white pixel for each direction using source pixel data provided from a pixel array, and estimating a white pixel value based on the RGB channel average value and the directional gradient value of the white pixel; a fine adjustment circuit suitable for finely adjusting an estimated white pixel value by removing noise through a different filter based on weight values which are differently allocated according to a gradient of a center pixel and a neighboring white pixel; a chroma estimation circuit suitable for estimating a chroma by calculating a chroma array based on the source pixel data and an adjusted white pixel value; and a color correction circuit suitable for correcting a color based on a finely adjusted white pixel value and the chroma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Su Ram Cha
  • Patent number: 11694705
    Abstract: A sound signal processing system includes: a sound signal processing apparatus executing non-linear signal processing on a collected sound signal collected by a microphone, and transmitting, to an information processing apparatus, both a pre-execution sound signal before the non-linear signal processing is executed and a post-execution sound signal after the non-linear signal processing is executed; and the information processing apparatus receiving the pre-execution sound signal and the post-execution sound signal from the sound signal processing apparatus, and executing first processing on the pre-execution sound signal and executing second processing on the post-execution sound signal, the second processing being different from the first processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Tamaru, Tetsuro Horikawa
  • Patent number: 11659286
    Abstract: Provided are a sensor module including an event-driven vision sensor that includes a sensor array having a sensor that generates an event signal when the sensor detects a change in intensity of incident light, and a shutter that can shield or open an angle of view of the sensor array, and an electronic device including such a sensor module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Hiromasa Naganuma
  • Patent number: 11647307
    Abstract: A CMOS optical sensor comprises spare readout channels to replace readout channels found defective at the end of the manufacturing process. These spare readout channels are dispatched over the width of the optical sensor (corresponding to the row direction) in the form of spare groups Gm1, Gm2, Gm3 of m spare readout channels each, m integer at least equal to 1. Each spare group is inserted between two successive default groups Gn1 and Gn2 of n default readout channels each and coupling means SW1 are configured to replace a defective default readout channel in a default group as well as any default readout channels of the group between the defective one and the spare group next to the default group of concern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TELEDYNE INNOVACIONES MICROELECTRONICAS SLU
    Inventors: Jose Angel Segovia De La Torre, Rafael Dominguez Castro, Ana Gonzalez Marquez, Rafael Romay
  • Patent number: 11636702
    Abstract: A method of temperature compensation in an optical-fingerprint detection system includes acquiring a first reading associated with one or more pixels of an array. The first reading is a baseline reading. The method further includes acquiring a second reading associated with the one or more pixels of the array. The second reading includes the baseline plus a signal. Producing a temperature compensated signal reading by subtracting the first reading from the second reading. The array is an optical-fingerprint array, and each pixel of the array is coupled to a readout circuit via a pixel switch. The method includes row-based and frame-based schemes and a blind pixel scheme. Readout circuit improvements including multiplexed analog front-end (AFE), charge magnifier with column charge offset compensation and a low-noise gate driver circuit are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph H. Krah, Mohammad Yeke Yazdandoost
  • Patent number: 11614521
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system is disclosure. In one embodiment, the system includes an optical refraction device coupled to a first actuator configured to oscillate the optical refraction device. The system further includes a mirror optically coupled to the optical refraction device and coupled to a second actuator configured to oscillate the mirror. The system further includes one or more controllers communicatively coupled to the first and second actuators. The controllers are configured to control oscillation of the optical refraction device and oscillation of the mirror to steer one or more light beams both vertically and horizontally to illuminate one or more objects within a field-of-view, obtain return light, the return light being generated based on the steered one or more light beams illuminating the one or more objects within the field-of-view, and redirect the return light to a collection lens disposed in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: INNOVUSION, INC.
    Inventors: Haosen Wang, Yimin Li
  • Patent number: 11614365
    Abstract: A luminescent diode surface within the cold shield of an infrared camera to allow for continuous non-uniformity correction with uniform irradiance across an infrared IR detector array. Further provided by the inclusion of a luminescent diode surface within the cold shield paneling is the ability to change the diode bias providing a negative luminescent effect while utilizing reverse bias and an electro-luminescent effect while utilizing a forward bias. This may then further allow for multiple set points to provide continuous offset and gain correction and to correct non-linear response effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Reeves, Steven R. Jost, Paul R. Moffitt, Ian B. Murray, David J. Shelton, Raymond D. Tower, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11557063
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a photodetector array supplying a video stream includes: a determination step, wherein an offset table is determined for each current image of the video stream based on at least two corrections from among the following: a first correction from a comparison of the current image to a corresponding predetermined reference table; a second correction from a calculation of a column error of the current image; and a third correction from a high-pass temporal filtering of the video stream; and a calculation step, wherein a current value of an offset table, equal to a sum between a previous value of the offset table and a weighted sum of at least two corrections, is calculated, with each coefficient of the offset table being associated with a respective photodetector of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventor: Yves Michels
  • Patent number: 11555744
    Abstract: Methods of sensor readout and calibration and circuits for performing the methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include driving an active sensor at a voltage. In some embodiments, the methods include use of a calibration sensor, and the circuits include the calibration sensor. In some embodiments, the methods include use of a calibration current source and circuits include the calibration current source. In some embodiments, a sensor circuit includes a Sigma-Delta ADC. In some embodiments, a column of sensors is readout using first and second readout circuits during a same row time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Chan, Bing Wen, John Hong, Tallis Chang, Seung-Tak Ryu
  • Patent number: 11546576
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically calibrating an array camera to accommodate variations in geometry that can occur throughout its operational life are disclosed. The dynamic calibration processes can include acquiring a set of images of a scene and identifying corresponding features within the images. Geometric calibration data can be used to rectify the images and determine residual vectors for the geometric calibration data at locations where corresponding features are observed. The residual vectors can then be used to determine updated geometric calibration data for the camera array. In several embodiments, the residual vectors are used to generate a residual vector calibration data field that updates the geometric calibration data. In many embodiments, the residual vectors are used to select a set of geometric calibration from amongst a number of different sets of geometric calibration data that is the best fit for the current geometry of the camera array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Adeia Imaging LLC
    Inventors: Florian Ciurea, Dan Lelescu, Priyam Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 11503982
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to: calculate a motion evaluation value on a motion of a subject in a determination target frame; acquire a difference evaluation value of the determination target frame; determine whether to perform defective pixel detection on an image of the determination target frame by using the motion evaluation value and the difference evaluation value; and when it is determined that the defective pixel detection is to be performed, detect a defective pixel by determining whether a pixel of interest that is a determination target is a defective pixel with respect to the image of the determination target frame, based on a pixel value of the pixel of interest and pixel values of neighboring pixels that are located in a vicinity of the pixel of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruaki Yamasaki, Hiroki Maruyama
  • Patent number: 11509847
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image sensing system (10), including a first pixel circuit (120), wherein the first pixel circuit includes a photosensitive device (PD); a first transmission gate (TG1), under the control of a first transmission signal and conducted during a first conduction time interval; and a collection gate (CG), coupled between the photosensitive device and the transmission gate and configured to receive a collecting signal (CX); and a control unit (14), configured to generate the collecting signal to the collection gate, wherein the collecting signal has a non-fixed voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Meng-Ta Yang
  • Patent number: 11496715
    Abstract: An image color brightness compensation method includes generating image data of a plurality of pixels by using a Bayer color filter of an image sensing unit, generating demosaic image data after the image data of the plurality of pixels is processed by a demosaic process, executing a linear combination process of the demosaic image data by using at least one matrix for generating output image data, processing the output image data by using a blending unit for generating blended image data, generating a brightness compensation gain of the blended image data, and compensating image brightness of the blending image data for generating brightness compensated image data according to the brightness compensation gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: WELTREND SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
    Inventors: Te-Wei Hsu, Hsuan-Ying Chen, Chien-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 11399796
    Abstract: Provided is a technology with which defective pixel information in taking a radiation image and defective pixel information in detecting a dose can be generated efficiently. Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus including: a plurality of pixels arranged to convert radiation into an electric signal; and a generation unit configured to generate, based on the electric signal obtained as a result of a conversion by the plurality of pixels, first defective pixel information indicating a defective pixel in taking a radiation image among the plurality of pixels, and second defective pixel information indicating a defective pixel in detecting a dose among the plurality of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuaki Umekawa
  • Patent number: 11142744
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for monitoring a cell culture comprising a) one or more infrared sensors positioned adjacent to a cell culture, the one or more infrared sensors capable of recording an infrared heat signal from the cell culture; b) a power source in electrical communication with the one or more infrared sensors; c) a data storage and computation device configured to receive and analyze the infrared heat signal from the one or more infrared sensors; and d) a transmitter device in electrical communication with the storage and computation device; wherein the apparatus monitors the pattern of heat production in the cell culture. The present invention is also directed to methods for monitoring and analyzing the metabolic activity of cells using the above apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amos Cahan, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 10735680
    Abstract: An infrared imaging device includes an imaging element including a plurality of infrared detection pixels which are two-dimensionally arranged and an FPN calculation unit that selects a plurality of selected captured image data items from a plurality of captured image data items obtained by capturing an image of an object including a moving body, which moves with respect to the imaging element, using the imaging element, averages the plurality of selected captured image data items to generate average image data, and stores the average image data as fixed pattern noise which is output from the plurality of infrared detection pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kawai
  • Patent number: 10462388
    Abstract: A method of correcting an infrared image including a plurality of pixels arranged in an input image array, a first pixel in the plurality of pixels having a first pixel value and one or more neighbor pixel with one or more neighbor pixel values. The first pixel and the one or more neighbor pixels are associated with an object in the image. The method includes providing a correction array having a plurality of correction pixel values, generating a corrected image array by adding the first pixel value to a correction pixel value in the correction array, and detecting edges in the corrected image array. The method also includes masking the detected edges in the corrected image array, updating the correction array, for each correction pixel value in the correction array and providing an output image array based on the correction array and the input image array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Bailey, Rustin W. Allred
  • Patent number: 10404931
    Abstract: A defective-pixel detection method included in an image-processing procedure, including a pixel-processing procedure applied to pixels of an image supplied by an image sensor. Each pixel is associated with a classification value representing a state of said pixel. The method includes, for each pixel: applying the pixel-processing procedure; analyzing a result of the pixel-processing procedure; in the event of obtaining an unusual result representing a defect on a photosite of the image sensor that supplied said pixel, incrementing a number of detections of an unusual result for said pixel; and associating said pixel with a classification value representing a defective pixel when said number reaches a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE SAS
    Inventors: Dominique Maltese, Mathieu Oudinot, Quentin Perdriau, Thomas Devichi
  • Patent number: 10375263
    Abstract: A reading apparatus includes a first line sensor and a second line sensor, and a plurality of signal processing circuits including a first signal processing circuit, the plurality of signal processing circuits configured to receive signals from a corresponding line sensor. The first line sensor corresponds to the first signal processing circuit, and the first line sensor and the second line sensor are arranged in such a way as to be separate from each other in a transport direction and overlap with each other in an intersecting direction. A space is adjacent to the second line sensor in the intersecting direction, and the first signal processing circuit is arranged in the space. The first signal processing circuit is arranged to be adjacent to the first line sensor in the transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaaki Takizawa
  • Patent number: 10270995
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving a plurality of communication events associated with a pixel of an imaging device; identifying a frequency associated with the communication events, wherein the identifying a frequency comprises determining a number of communication events occurring within a predetermined time interval or determining a time interval between the communication events; determining, from the identified frequency, whether the pixel comprises a non-conforming pixel; and masking, if the pixel comprises a non-conforming pixel, subsequent communication events from the non-conforming pixel. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: KROMEK GROUP, PLC
    Inventors: Rolf Martin Clajus, Franklin Dean Walker, James William Hugg, Brian William Harris
  • Patent number: 10230912
    Abstract: An imaging system whose Field of View FOV experiences occasional motion in relation to viewed scenes may be configured to reduce Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN) of acquired image data. FPN may be reduced by developing a pixel by pixel FPN correction term through a series of steps including blurring the image, identifying pixels to exclude from some calculations, a motion detector and an FPN updater for frames under motion and an FPN decay element for frames that are still.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Seek Thermal, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Williams, William J. Parrish, Jason Wolfe
  • Patent number: 10226222
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus which can improve operability is provided. This apparatus comprises a top configured to move, a bed including the top, an X-ray tube configured to generate X-rays applied to an object placed on the top, a peripheral unit used around the bed, and control processing circuitry configured to generate a control signal. The peripheral unit moves in a self-propelled manner between a first position and a second position by a motor. The control processing circuitry generates a control signal for controlling the movement of the peripheral unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuru Sakata
  • Patent number: 10225534
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for characterization of subjective speckle formation, especially for quantification of the speckle contrast. The device has a projection surface (9) and a coherent or partly coherent light source (10) for projecting of an image onto the projection surface (9), a detection unit (11) for generating of speckle images (13) of the image projected onto the projection surface (9), as well as a data acquisition and analysis unit (12) for processing and evaluation of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Frank Schliep
  • Patent number: 9971046
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system for performing a plurality of times of radiation imaging is provided. A readout circuit generates a value corresponding to a signal read out from each pixel. A control unit causes the readout circuit to generate a first pixel value corresponding to a signal read out from each pixel, and a first offset value of the readout circuit before starting the plurality of times of radiation imaging. The control unit causes the readout circuit to generate a second pixel value corresponding to a signal read out from each pixel, and a second offset value of the readout circuit during a plurality of times of radiation imaging. A correction unit corrects the second pixel value by using the first pixel value, the first offset value, and the second offset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya Ryu, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Atsushi Iwashita, Eriko Sato, Hideyuki Okada, Kosuke Terui
  • Patent number: 9936100
    Abstract: A printing system and method to process image data is disclosed. The printing system includes an identification module and image pipeline module include a linear threshold array algorithm and a halftoning algorithm to process the image data. An image pipeline module applies a linear threshold array algorithm to line regions and a halftoning algorithm to the non-line regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Garcia Reyero Vinas, Jan Morovic, Peter Morovic, Lluis Abello Rosello
  • Patent number: 9934420
    Abstract: A fingerprint information processing method and apparatus in which the method includes: obtaining a fingerprint image; calculating an average value of shading values of pixels in a specific region based on a pixel with respect to each pixel of the fingerprint image, performing a first processing of calculating a sum of average values of shading values of pixels included in an expanded region while gradually expanding the specific region, and generating a first processing image for the fingerprint image using a first processing-performed value for each pixel; and forming a window including a predetermined region in the first processing image, and selecting feature points among pixels in a window region while moving the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: CRUCIALTEC CO., LTD., CANVASBIO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Baek Bum Pyun, Woo Taek Lim, Eun Kyung Ma
  • Patent number: 9879216
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for monitoring a cell culture comprising a) one or more infrared sensors positioned adjacent to a cell culture, the one or more infrared sensors capable of recording an infrared heat signal from the cell culture; b) a power source in electrical communication with the one or more infrared sensors; c) a data storage and computation device configured to receive and analyze the infrared heat signal from the one or more infrared sensors; and d) a transmitter device in electrical communication with the storage and computation device; wherein the apparatus monitors the pattern of heat production in the cell culture. The present invention is also directed to methods for monitoring and analyzing the metabolic activity of cells using the above apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amos Cahan, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 9749592
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for processing of successive digital image data, acquired by a camera immersed in a liquid comprising turbulence, such as water in a nuclear reactor core, this turbulence causing an effect of apparent displacement of pixels of the images. The processing comprises advantageously: a modelling of the effect of the turbulence on the pixels of the images, and a deconvolution by this modelling of a time-averaged image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventors: Nicolas Paul, Antoine De Chillaz
  • Patent number: 9716844
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing an infrared imaging system, especially for low power and small form factor applications. In one example, a system includes a focal plane array (FPA). The FPA includes an array of infrared sensors adapted to image a scene. A low-dropout regulator (LDO) is integrated with the FPA and adapted to provide a regulated voltage in response to an external supply voltage. The FPA also includes a bias circuit adapted to provide a bias voltage to the infrared sensors in response to the regulated voltage. The FPA also includes a read out integrated circuit (ROIC) adapted to provide signals from the infrared sensors corresponding to captured image frames. Other implementations are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Nussmeier, Eric A. Kurth, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp
  • Patent number: 9712768
    Abstract: The teachings herein provide a method and apparatus for detecting erroneous pixel addressing in an imaging sensor. The method and apparatus advantageously leverage the characteristic “fixed pattern noise” of the sensor to detect addressing errors. Broadly, pixel addressing errors are detected based on comparing the pattern noise seen in data read outs from a targeted address of the sensor with characteristic fixed pattern noise known for the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tani, John Drinkard
  • Patent number: 9681075
    Abstract: The teachings herein provide a method and apparatus for detecting erroneous pixel addressing in an imaging sensor. The method and apparatus advantageously leverage the characteristic “fixed pattern noise” of the sensor to detect addressing errors. Broadly, pixel addressing errors are detected based on comparing the pattern noise seen in data read outs from a targeted address of the sensor with characteristic fixed pattern noise known for the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tani, John Drinkard
  • Patent number: 9633416
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, articles, and methods are described below including operations for adaptive control for denoise filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teahyung Lee, Hyeong-Seok Victor Ha, Yi-Jen Chiu
  • Patent number: 9560294
    Abstract: An imaging system may include processing circuitry, a lens, and an array of pixels including image sensor pixels and temperature sensor pixels. The image sensor pixels may generate image pixel values in response to image light received through the lens. The temperature sensor pixels may generate thermal estimate signals based on the temperature of the pixel array. The image sensor pixels and temperature sensor pixels may generate dark current. As the temperature of the pixel array increases, the image sensor pixels and temperatures sensor pixels may generate increased dark current. Temperature sensor pixels may generate more dark current than image sensor pixels. Dark current generated by the temperature sensor pixels may be used to generate dark current compensation values that may compensate for the dark current generated by the image sensor pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery Beck, Charles McCord
  • Patent number: 9558548
    Abstract: A system includes a memory and a processor device operatively coupled to the memory to obtain an inspected noise-indicative value representative of an analyzed pixel of an inspected image of an inspected object, and a reference noise-indicative value representative for each of multiple reference pixels of the inspected image. The processor device computes a representative noise-indicative value based on the inspected noise-indicative value and multiple reference noise-indicative values, calculates a defect-indicative value based on an inspected value representative of the analyzed pixel and determines a presence of a defect in the analyzed pixel based on the representative noise-indicative value and the defect-indicative value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Materials Israel Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Amzaleg, Yehuda Cohen, Nir Ben-David Dodzen, Efrat Rozenman
  • Patent number: 9516213
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises an acquiring unit configured to acquire pixel signals in which light fluxes from a subject are stored, each pixel signal being such that a pixel has stored a pupil-divided light flux obtained by performing pupil division on the light flux; a determination unit configured to determine, with respect to pixels of the pixel signals that are associated with a predetermined region, whether or not a pixel value of each pixel satisfies a predetermined relationship to a pixel value of a pixel having stored another light flux from the same subject; and a detection unit configured to detect that there is an external factor that varies the pixel value in the predetermined region if the pixels of the pixel signals include a predetermined number or more of pixels that are determined to satisfy the predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumihiro Kajimura
  • Patent number: 9426394
    Abstract: A method of processing signals from an image sensor outputting signals from rows of pixels in the image sensor having optical signals, outputting signals from rows of pixels in the image sensor not having optical signals, and correcting the signals from the rows of pixels having optical signals based on the signals corresponding to the rows of pixels not having optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-Chan Kim, Seung-Sik Kim, Tae-Han Kim, Eun-Sub Shim, Dong-Joo Yang, Min-Seok Oh, Moo-Sup Lim
  • Patent number: 9258464
    Abstract: A radiographic video processing device includes: an acquisition section that acquires gradation signals expressing charges; and a control section that, if capture of a video image formed from plural frames is being performed with a radiation detector, and a number of the pixels, from which charges are combined and read by switching elements included in adjacent pixels of the radiation detector, has been increased, effects control such that, from a frame at a time of the increase up until a predetermined frame, the gradation signals distributed in a higher density range than that for frames subsequent to the predetermined frame are used as image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Naoto Iwakiri, Kouich Kitano
  • Patent number: 8569684
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing fixed and temporal noise in an infrared imaging system. The system may use correction tables with correction factors, each correction factor indexed to a plurality of system parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Steven J. Olson, Jordan L. Holt
  • Patent number: 8036483
    Abstract: A digital filtering algorithm preprocesses couplet defects prior to their being operated on by a main filtering algorithm that focuses on singlet defects. The preprocessing involves the replacement of one of the defective pixel values in the couplet with a pixel value that is known to be non-defective. In preferred embodiments, the selection of the pixel value in the couplet to be replaced is customized depending on the direction of scanning of the pixel array, and can take into account edge effects of border pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventors: Gary McGillvray, David Storrar, Ewen Brown, Ed Duncan
  • Patent number: 7800787
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a solid-state image sensor having a pixel array section in which pixels each including a photoelectric transducer are arrayed, a charge transfer register that transfers a signal charge transferred from each of the pixels of the pixel array section, and an output section that converts the signal charge transferred by the charge transfer register into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal; a driving unit that drives the charge transfer register according to a first timing signal, and the output section according to a second timing signal; and a power supplying unit that supplies power of different power systems to a circuit portion handling the first timing signal and a circuit portion handling the second timing signal of the driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Shimizu