Abstract: A pixel array, an image sensor, and a self-checking method of the image sensor are provided. The pixel array includes a photosensitive pixel region, a first reference pixel region and/or a second reference pixel region; the photosensitive pixel region includes M rows and N columns of pixels arranged in an array; the first reference pixel region includes n columns of first reference pixels disposed corresponding to N columns of pixels of the photosensitive pixel region; the second reference pixel region includes m rows of the second reference pixels disposed corresponding to the M rows of pixels of the photosensitive pixel region. The first reference pixel region and/or the second reference pixel region can be used to implement a real-time self-checking function of the readout circuit and/or the control circuit in the image sensor, check in real time whether the image signal output by the image sensor is correct.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting laser radiation comprises: a first lens array comprising a plurality of first lenses arranged next to one another to permit the laser radiation to at least partially pass through the first lens array; a second lens array comprising a plurality of second lenses arranged next to one another to at least partially pass through the second lens array laser radiation that has passed through the first lens array; a rotatable or pivotable first mirror arranged between the first and second lens arrays to deflect in a direction of the second lens array the laser radiation that has passed through the first lens array; and an objective lens to focus laser radiation that has passed through the second lens array into a working plane.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging sensor that outputs an imaging signal representing a sequence of frame images of a photographic subject. A buffer memory temporarily stores data of the sequence of frame images from the imaging signal. A release switch is actuated by a user to output an image-taking signal. A controller, upon receipt of the image-taking signal from the release switch: (i) generates moving image data from at least some of the plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory, (ii) generates at least one piece of still image data based on at least one frame image of the plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory, and (iii) associates the moving image data with the still image data and records the moving image data and the still image data in a recording medium.

Abstract: An image sensor includes pixels each including: a first transistor and a first switch that are connected in series between a first node configured to receive a first potential and an internal node of the pixel, a gate of the first transistor being coupled with a floating diffusion node of the pixel; a capacitive element, a first terminal of which is connected to the floating diffusion node of the pixel; and several assemblies each including a capacitance connected in series with a second switch coupling the capacitance to the internal node. The sensor also includes a control circuit configured to control, each time a voltage is stored in one of the assemblies of a pixel, an increase of a determined value of a difference in potential between the floating diffusion node and the internal node of the pixel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image adjustment apparatus including a receiver which is configured to receive a first input image of an object which is time-synchronously captured and a second input image in which a motion event of the object is sensed time-asynchronously, and an adjuster which is configured to adjust the first input image and the second input image.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a rod-shaped light guide, a light guide holder, and an opening optically communicating with the hole. The opening is formed in a first flat surface opposite to a surface into which an end surface of the light guide is inserted. The device also includes a housing, a light source base plate, and a base plate protection layer being formed on a region of the light source base plate other than at least a region on which a light source element is formed. At least one of the light source base plate and the second flat surface of the base plate protection layer is pressed against the housing or the first flat surface at a position at which light emitted by the light source element enters the end surface of the light guide exposed from the opening.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device, a driving method therefor, and an electronic apparatus capable of acquiring a signal to detect phase difference and a signal to generate a high dynamic range image at the same time. The solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array unit in which a plurality of pixels that receives light of a same color is arranged under one on-chip lens. The plurality of pixels uses at least one pixel transistor in a sharing manner, some pixels out of the plurality of pixels are set to have a first exposure time, and other pixels are set to have a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a solid-state imaging device or the like.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array with rows and columns of pixels. Each row of the pixel array has a first end that is opposite a second end of each row of the pixel array. Control circuitry is coupled to the first end of each row of the pixel array to provide control signals to each row of the pixel array from the first end of each row of the pixel array. Far end driver circuitry coupled to the second end of each row of the pixel array to selectively further drive from the second end of each row of the pixel array the control signals provided by the control circuitry from the first end of each row of the pixel array. The control circuitry is further coupled to provide far end control signals to the far end driver circuitry.

Abstract: Embodiments describe optical imagers that include one or more micro-optic components. Some imagers can be passive imagers that include a light detection system for receiving ambient light from a field. Some imagers can be active imagers that include a light emission system in addition to the light detection system. The light emission system can be configured to emit light into the field such that emitted light is reflected off surfaces of an object in the field and received by the light detection system. In some embodiments, the light detection system and/or the light emission system includes micro-optic components for improving operational performance.

Abstract: A three in one combination imaging module comprising a light guide positioned in a light guide holder, a light emitting diode module, and a doublet or GRIN lens array held in a housing. The light guide holder and the housing comprise mating connecting elements. The connecting elements comprise locking elements, tabs, notches, slots, and clips that cooperate and interact in order to securely hold and accurately position each of the components in the housing without the use of adhesive. Light emitted by the light emitting diode module enters, travels through, and then exits the light guide and is received by the doublet or GRIN lens array and then focused on a sensor array and captured.

Abstract: A reading device includes a position reference member and a reader. The position reference member has a reference pattern that includes a line extending in a prescribed direction. The position reference member is configured to relatively move in a direction orthogonal to the prescribed direction. The reader includes a plurality of sensor chips, each of the sensor chips including a plurality of pixels. The reference pattern corresponds to each of the sensor chips of the reader.

Abstract: A time of flight sensor is disclosed. In one example, it includes a pixel array with pixels arranged in rows and columns. A global control circuit disposed along a first side of the pixel array outputs a global control signal to the pixels. The global control circuit has a clock tree structure that includes buffer circuits and driving circuits. A rolling control circuit disposed along a second side of the pixel array outputs a rolling control signal to the pixels. A column circuit with analog-to-digital converters is coupled to the pixels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image adjustment apparatus including a receiver which is configured to receive a first input image of an object which is time-synchronously captured and a second input image in which a motion event of the object is sensed time-asynchronously, and an adjuster which is configured to adjust the first input image and the second input image.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array and a test region adjacent to the pixel array. Each of the pixel array and the test region include a plurality of pixels, and each of the pixels in the test region include: a substrate including a photoelectric conversion element; and a transparent layer formed over the substrate and having an inclined top surface.

Abstract: A method performed at the electronic device for identifying an electronic device and peripheral apparatuses is provided. The method acquires image data regarding emitters of the peripheral apparatuses, determines emitting colors emitted from the emitters based on the acquired image data, and acquires identification information of the peripheral apparatuses mapped with the emitting colors.

Abstract: A method of operating an optical system is described. An image is detected. A digital image signal based on a spatially varying luminance level of the detected image is received. Horizon data, separate from the digital image signal, indicating the position of a horizon where a sky is adjacent the horizon, is received. The position of the horizon is determined based on the received horizon data. A fused image signal is provided based on the received digital image signal and the determined position of the horizon where a sky region indicative of the sky is provided with an enhanced color fused with the varying luminance level of the detected image. A full color display displays a fused image based on the fused image signal. A corresponding optical system is also described.

Abstract: A method of dicing a bowed or warped semiconductor wafer includes cutting along the saw streets in a first direction on a first half of the wafer, where the first direction is parallel to the bowing, cutting along the saw streets in the first direction on a second half of the wafer opposite to the first half, and step-cutting along the saw streets in the second direction, such that all of the dies are separated from each other, and the sides of the die in the bowing direction are flat and the sides of the die perpendicular to the bowing direction are stepped.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus comprises: a first image scanning unit that performs image scanning of a first surface of an original; a second image scanning unit that performs image scanning of a second surface of the original; and a control unit that controls output channels for outputting analog signals from the first image scanning unit, wherein the control unit changes, between a case of single-sided scanning and a case of both-sided scanning, the output channels of the analog signals output from a part of scanning region in a plurality of scanning regions of the first image scanning unit, and changes, between a case of single-sided scanning and a case of both-sided scanning, the number of output channels for outputting the analog signals from the first image scanning unit.

Abstract: A receiver circuit extracts data from a serial data signal. The serial data signal contains a data packet having a first format with a first number of bits or a second format with a second number of bits based on a selection signal. The second format comprises the bits of the first format followed by one or more additional bits. The receiver circuit has at least one shift register having a total number of bits equal or greater than the number of bits of the second format and a switching circuit that selectively connects the serial data signal to one of the shift register serial inputs as a function of the selection signal. When the first format is selected and the respective bits received, the bits are stored in given positions of the one or more shift registers. The switching circuit also, when the second format is selected and the respective bits received, stores the bits of the first format included at the beginning of the second format in the same given positions of the one or more shift registers.

Abstract: Provided is an image pickup device in which intervals at which well contacts are arranged are different.

Abstract: [Object] To prevent crosstalk between color filters and the resulting variation in sensitivity between pixels while suppressing the increase in manufacturing cost. [Solution] Provided is a solid state imaging device including: a plurality of photoelectric conversion units configured to receive incident light on a light receiving surface and generate a signal charge; color filters of at least three colors provided to correspond one-to-one to the plurality of photoelectric conversion units; and a partition wall formed between adjacent ones of the color filters so as to contain a color material of the same color as a color filter of a color different from colors of the adjacent color filters.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel circuit including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and configured to output a signal level and a reset level, an analog correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit connected to the pixel circuit and configured to perform correlated double sampling in an analog region based on the signal level and the reset level and output a result of the correlated double sampling, an analog-digital (AD) conversion circuit connected to the analog CDS circuit and configured to convert two different analog signals output from the analog CDS circuit into two digital signals, a signal processing circuit connected to the AD conversion circuit and configured to obtain a difference between the two different digital signals output from the AD conversion circuit; and a reference voltage generating circuit to output a first reference voltage that defines a clamp level of the analog CDS circuit.

Abstract: The correction value calculating method of the reading apparatus includes a reading value acquiring step of acquiring reading values at respective pixels for respective reading positions at both ends of a reading range of the reference member and reading values at respective two or more pixels for respective reading positions in the reading range except the reading positions, and reading values for respective two or more reading positions at respective pixels while relatively moving an image pickup element in which a plurality of pixels are arranged along a first direction and the reference member which becomes a reference for shading correction, and a correction value calculating step of calculating a correction value for shading correction based on the acquired reading values.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus is disclosed in which, in a first unit cell, light is collected to maximize an amount of light received when the light is incident at a first angle-of-incidence, and in a second unit cell adjacent to the first unit cell, light is collected to maximize an amount of light received when the light is incident at a second angle-of-incidence, the amount of light received when the light is incident at a third angle-of-incidence on the first unit cell is equal to the amount of light received when the light is incident at the third angle-of-incidence on the second unit cell, the first angle-of-incidence is greater than the third angle-of-incidence by a predetermined amount, and the second angle-of-incidence is smaller than the third angle-of-incidence by the predetermined amount.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus including a correction unit that corrects a tilt of each partial image data item which is a result of plural sensors reading a medium on which an image of image data is formed so that at least part of a reading region which is read by each of the plural sensors overlaps a reading region of an adjacent sensor, an extraction unit that extracts the image data at a position and in a size at and in which the image data matches the respective partial image data, and a comparison unit that compares partial image data corrected by the correction unit with extracted image data extracted by the extraction unit.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a first-conductivity-type semiconductor well region, a plurality of pixels each of which is formed on the semiconductor well region and is composed of a photoelectric conversion portion and a pixel transistor, an element isolation region provided between the pixels and in the pixels, and an element isolation region being free from an insulation film and being provided between desired pixel transistors.

Abstract: Provided are a solar cell and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell includes: a substrate; a back electrode layer on the substrate; a light absorbing layer on the rear electrode layer; a window layer on the light absorbing layer; a plurality of beads in the light absorbing layer; and a trap layer on each surface of the plurality of beads.

Abstract: A plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) are mounted upon a metallic plate member, and thus heat from the plurality of LEDs is transmitted to the metallic plate member. The plate member functions as a heat radiating plate. In addition, a light guide is fixed to the plate member so that a surface of the light guide and a surface of the plate member that face each other are parallel.

Abstract: An image sensing and printing digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing further storing therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots on the card and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; and a printing mechanism for printing the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media. The microcontroller integrates on a single chip a VLIW processor, a printhead interface, and an output buffer effecting communication between the VLIW processor and the printhead interface.

Abstract: An image reading device includes: a sensor unit; a first reading part at which the sensor unit reads a document through a first transparent member; a second reading part at which the sensor unit reads a document through a second transparent member different from the first transparent member; and a color reference, wherein measurement of the color reference is able to be performed through the first transparent member by the sensor unit for calibration for reading at the first reading part, and measurement of the color reference is able to be performed through the second transparent member by the sensor unit for calibration for reading at the second reading part.

Abstract: A non-transitory storage medium storing a program readable by a computer of a mobile terminal including: a storage configured to store an image data set containing image data having order numbers; and a display. The program causes the computer to function as a display controller that controls displays a first image based on image data that is a selected one of the image data. The display controller, where images respectively based on the image data have a two-page-spread relationship, displays the first image and a second image consecutive to the first image in a two-page spread layout in which the first image and the second image are arranged respectively on one and the other of the right and left pages; and where the images do not have the two-page-spread relationship, displays the first image in a layout that differs from the two-page spread layout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device having good focusing properties, a method for manufacturing such a solid-state imaging device, and an electronic apparatus. The solid-state imaging device has a semiconductor substrate 11 and a photoelectric conversion part formed in the semiconductor substrate 11. In the solid-state imaging device, a laminate including an organic material layer and an inorganic material layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate with at least one stress relaxation layer 22 interposed between the organic and inorganic material layers. This technology is applicable to, for example, solid-state imaging devices having pixels and microlenses placed thereon.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes: a plurality of light receiving elements that are arranged in a main-scanning direction, are arranged in a sub-scanning direction according to colors of light to be received, and accumulates electric charge due to light exposure; and a plurality of AD conversion units that convert analog signals that indicate quantities of electric charge accumulated in the light receiving elements into digital signals are provide for each of groups each consisting of a predetermined number of pixels corresponding to the light receiving elements arranged in the sub-scanning direction. The AD conversion units convert the analog signals into the digital signals in an order in which the light receiving elements in the group are exposed to light. The light receiving elements constitute a correction unit that performs correction so as to reduce a difference relating to the timings in the sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: An image sensing and printing digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing further storing therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots on the card and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; and a printing mechanism for printing the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media. The microcontroller integrates on a single chip a VLIW processor, a printhead interface, and an output buffer effecting communication between the VLIW processor and the printhead interface.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a first tray, a frame member, and a feeder. The frame member includes a first wall portion facing in a width direction and a first tray portion disposed above the first tray and extending inward in the width direction from the first wall portion. The first tray has a first end on a side far from the feeder. The first tray portion of the frame member has a second end on the side far from the feeder and a third end on a side near the feeder. The second end is closer to the feeder than the first end. The first wall portion extends from the third end toward the first end.

Abstract: A contact image sensing device includes a housing, a light emitting unit, a red lens array, a sensing unit, and a protecting component. The housing includes a top surface, a bottom surface, an accommodating groove, and a slot. The bottom surface is opposite to the top surface. The accommodating groove is formed on the top surface and concave toward to bottom surface. The slot penetrates the top surface and the bottom surface. The light-emitting unit is arrange within the accommodating groove. The rod lens array is arranged within the slot. The sensing unit is arranged below the housing. The protecting component includes a main body, a recess, and a lighting slot communicating with the recess, a top end of the rod lens array is assembled with the recess. The main body of the protecting member forms at least one containing recess. A combining component for combining the rod lens array and the protecting member is disposed within the containing recess.

Abstract: A cable wiring structure includes: a base member; a movable member configured to reciprocate in a first direction and in a second direction relative to the base member; a cable; a tension applying member, which is attached to the movable member and is movable in the first direction and in the second direction relative to the movable member, wherein when the movable member moves in the second direction, the tension applying member is coming in contact with an inner circumference of the curved portion to apply tension to the cable in response to movement of the movable member; and a load adjustment portion, which is configured to increase a load that is applied between the tension applying member and the movable member in a case where the movable member moves in the second direction as compared with a case where the movable member moves in the first direction.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: light-receiving elements arranged in a main-scanning direction to perform photoelectric conversion pixel by pixel; AD converter units that convert each piece of analog data photoelectric-converted by the light-receiving elements into parallel pieces of digital data; a storage unit that stores therein each of the digital data converted by the AD converter units; a converter unit that reads the digital data stored in the storage unit and converts the read digital data into serial data in the main-scanning direction; a readout control unit that changeably controls a readout start pixel and a readout end pixel of the serial data in the main-scanning direction; and a period change unit that changes a period in which the converter unit converts digital data into serial data in the main-scanning direction based on the readout start pixel and the readout end pixel.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element comprises: a plurality of light-receiving elements that generates a charge for each pixel according to an amount of received light; and a plurality of pixel circuits that operates so as to derive the charge generated by the plurality of light-receiving elements from the plurality of light-receiving elements for each pixel. The plurality of light-receiving elements is arranged in a light-receiving area that receives light from outside, and the plurality of pixel circuits is provided in a non-light-receiving area that does not receive the light from outside.

Abstract: A 3D scanner for recording the 3D topography of an object, the 3D scanner includes an illumination unit configured for providing probe light for illuminating the object, where the probe light includes a pattern of light rays; an image sensor for acquiring one or more 2D images of light rays returning from the illuminated object; an optical system including an optical element arranged such that the patterned probe light passes through it when propagating towards the object from the illumination unit along an optical path; and a device for changing the configuration of the optical system between a first and a second configuration, where the change in configuration comprises a change in orientation of the optical element between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the optical path of the probe light.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus comprises a plurality of unit cell groups including a plurality of unit cells each including a plurality of light shielded optical black pixels, non-light shielded effective pixels and amplifying circuits for amplifying signals from the pixels; and holding capacitors each receiving a signal from corresponding unit cell, so that signals are transferred from all the pixels by a vertical transfer operation and a horizontal transfer operation, each of which is repeated by the number of times equal to the number of the unit cell groups, such that the signals from an optical black pixel and an effective pixel are respectively transferred by the vertical transfer operation and the signals transferred by the vertical transfer operation are successively read out by the horizontal transfer operation to reduce the degrading image quality due to artifact by properly removing an offset varying for each output if it occurs.

Abstract: A passport and identification card reader minimizes the time and effort required for an operator to read/scan a passport or piece of identification. An immigration official, for example, can slide a passport into place with one hand while tending to other important security activities with the other hand. Once in place, the passport will be automatically detected and read. Numerous passports bound together by a traveler with multiple visas can be held flat in place and accurately read, even with one hand, despite the natural tendency of the passport(s) to return to a closed position.

Abstract: An image reading device includes an illuminating means for illuminating a reading position through which a sheet conveyed by conveying means passes, optical reading means for reading reflected light of the sheet illuminated by the illuminating means when the sheet passes the reading position, a white reference plate disposed opposite to the optical reading means with the reading position sandwiched therebetween, and moving structure means for moving a placement position of the illuminating means based on a placement position of the white reference plate, and storage means is included for storing information in a searchable manner.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes a sensor configured to receive light from a document, an imaging lens configured to form an image of light from the document on the sensor, a first holding member to which the imaging lens is fixed, and a second holding member to which the sensor is fixed, wherein the first holding member and the second holding member are fixed using an adhesive and solder.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source, a light guide, and a holding member configured to hold the light source and to hold the light guide via a fixing member. Within a cross section including a plane normal direction of an exit surface of the light source and a plane normal direction of an entrance surface of the light guide, the plane normal direction of the entrance surface of the light guide or a direction within a surface of the light guide contacting the fixing member and the plane normal direction of the exit surface of the light source or a maximum intensity direction in light emission of the light source are inclined relative to each other such that a ray of light from the light source in the maximum intensity direction is refracted at the entrance surface of the light guide in a direction away from the fixing member.

Abstract: A light guide includes a plurality of boss portions. A round hole portion is provided near the center of a base member for fixing the light guide, and slit portions are provided on both ends thereof. The round hole portion supports one boss portion in both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the light guide. The slit portions support boss portions in the lateral direction of the light guide, but are free in the longitudinal direction of the light guide. That is, the center of the light guide is fixed from both directions, and thus both ends of the light guides can expand away in the longitudinal direction. This cuts the influence of expansion by half.

Abstract: A contact image sensing device includes a housing, a light emitting unit, a red lens array, a sensing unit, and a protecting component. The housing includes a top surface, a bottom surface, an accommodating groove, and a slot. The bottom surface is opposite to the top surface. The accommodating groove is formed on the top surface and concave toward to bottom surface. The slot penetrates the top surface and the bottom surface. The light-emitting unit is arrange within the accommodating groove. The rod lens array is arranged within the slot. The sensing unit is arranged below the housing. The protecting component includes a main body, a recess, and a lighting slot communicating with the recess, a top end of the rod lens array is assembled with the recess.

Abstract: A light source driving circuit that drives a light source includes a driving electric current generator that generates a driving electric current including a predetermined electric current, a first auxiliary current, and a second auxiliary current; and a controller that sets values of the first and second auxiliary currents by using first and second lighting pattern signals, wherein each of the first and second lighting pattern signals is for controlling supply of the predetermined electric current to the light source. After setting a first value of the first auxiliary current, a second value of the second auxiliary current is set by using the second lighting pattern signal that defines a time period for stopping supply of the predetermined electric current to be shorter than a time period for stopping the supply of the predetermined electric current that is defined by the first lighting pattern signal.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes: a rod-like light guide member that directs light emitted from a first light source and a second light source from an emission surface to an illuminated body while propagating the light by reflection surfaces; and a light blocking member including a second surrounding portion slidably covering another end of the light guide member, wherein the second surrounding portion includes: a light blocking portion protruding toward one end of the light guide member and covering the emission surface of the light guide member; and a cut-out portion adjacent to the light blocking portion and exposing the reflection surface of the light guide member.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: an imaging sensor 110 configured to capture an optical image of an object and generate image data; a main circuit substrate 120 configured to perform signal processing of the image data generated by the imaging sensor 110; a mounting component 130 configured to mount the imaging sensor 110; a metal plate 150 disposed between the mounting component 130 and the main circuit substrate 120; and an electrically-conductive section 190 configured to electrically connect between a ground conductor of the main circuit substrate 120 and the metal plate 150. The electrically-conductive section 190 is positioned in an area where the metal plate 150 and the imaging sensor 110 overlap each other in the case of a back surface of the metal plate 150 being viewed in a direction orthogonal thereto.