УСТРОЙСТВО ЗАХВАТА ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ И СПОСОБ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ИМ

Изобретение относится к области оптического приборостроения и касается устройства захвата изображения. Устройство включает в себя блок восприятия изображения, блок управления и блок вычислений. Блок восприятия изображений осуществляет фотоэлектрическое преобразование изображения объекта. Блок управления считывает сигналы изображения из пикселей в первой и второй зонах. Блок вычислений осуществляет вычисление значений фокуса на основе сигналов второй зоны пикселей при перемещении фокусной линзы и определяет положение наилучшей фокусировки. В устройство включены блок фотометрии и блок оценки, который определяет наличие точечного источника в области обнаружения фокуса. Кроме того, устройство может включать в себя командный блок и блок подсчета, выполненный с возможностью подсчета среди сигналов изображения для обнаружения фокуса числа тех сигналов изображения, которые имеют значения яркости, большие или равные заранее определенному значению. Дополнительно устройство включает в себя блок обнаружения ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ И СИСТЕМА КАМЕРЫ

Изобретение относится к изобретение относится к устройствам формирования изображения. Техническим результатом является исключение обработки аналоговых сигналов, чтобы устранить шум в схеме, возникающий в AD преобразователе и при обработке аналоговых сигналов, без уменьшения числа диафрагмы пикселей. Результат достигается тем, что устройство формирования изображения включает в себя: блок матрицы пикселей, имеющий массив пикселей, каждый из которых имеет устройство фотоэлектрического преобразования и выводит электрический сигнал в соответствии с входным фотоном; блок чувствительной схемы, имеющий множество схем датчика, каждая из которых выполняет двоичный выбор, поступил ли входной фотон в пиксель в заданный период после приема электрического сигнала от него; и блок IC результата решения, который интегрирует результаты решения, полученные из чувствительных схем, пиксель за пикселем или для каждой группы пикселей, множество раз для генерирования отображаемых данных с градацией, причем блок ...

СИСТЕМЫ, СПОСОБЫ И АППАРАТ ДЛЯ СОЗДАНИЯ И ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ОЧКОВ С АДАПТИВНОЙ ЛИНЗОЙ НА ОСНОВЕ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ РАССТОЯНИЯ НАБЛЮДЕНИЯ И ОТСЛЕЖИВАНИЯ ВЗГЛЯДА В УСЛОВИЯХ НИЗКОГО ЭНЕРГОПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ

ТВЕРДОТЕЛЬНЫЙ ФОРМИРОВАТЕЛЬ СИГНАЛОВ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ И СИСТЕМА ФОТОКАМЕРЫ

... 1. Твердотельный формирователь сигналов изображения, содержащий: ! блок растровых элементов, на котором в виде матрицы размещены множество схем растровых элементов со свойствами для преобразования оптического сигнала в электрический сигнал и накопления электрического сигнала в соответствии со временем экспозиции; ! блок возбуждения растровых элементов, имеющий возможность выполнения операции шторки в упомянутом блоке растровых элементов и операции считывания в соответствии с данными установки; и ! секцию интерфейса, выполненную с возможностью сохранения данных установки шторки и данных установки усиления, поданных извне, и управления тактированием для отражения установки шторки и установки усиления на, по меньшей мере, упомянутый блок возбуждения растровых элементов; ! при этом упомянутая секция интерфейса выполнена с возможностью отражения усиления на кадр, следующий на один кадр после установки. ! 2. Твердотельный формирователь сигналов изображения по п.1, в котором упомянутая секция ...

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur individuellen Anpassung von Parametern eines Röntgen-Flachdetektors

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Bildgebung mittels einer Röntgenvorrichtung und eine Röntgenvorrichtung. Die Röntgenvorrichtung weist eine Röntgenquelle und einen ortsauflösenden Röntgendetektor mit einer ortsabhängig einstellbaren Empfindlichkeit auf. Das Verfahren weist die Schritte auf: Erfassen einer ersten Menge an ortsabhängigen Detektionswerten mittels des ortsauflösenden Röntgendetektors mit einer niedrigen Strahlungsmenge; Ermitteln einer zweiten Menge von zu erwartenden ortsabhängigen Detektionswerten bei einer Bestrahlung mit einer höheren Strahlungsmenge mittels der ersten Menge; Anpassen der ortsabhängigen Empfindlichkeit des ortsauflösenden Röntgendetektors in Abhängigkeit von den zu erwartenden Detektionswerten der zweiten Menge, sodass bei einer Bestrahlung des ortsauflösenden Röntgendetektors mit der höheren Strahlungsmenge die Detektionswerte einen Wertebereich zwischen einem vorbestimmten unterem Grenzwert und einem vorbestimmten oberen Grenzwert einnehmen und ...

Improvements in or relating to sensors

Exposure Controller

An image sensor provides a first image with a first exposure and a second image with a second exposure. An exposure controller sets the first exposure in dependence on pixel 5 intensities of at least one of the images. It sets the second exposure in dependence on a factor and the first exposure. The factor is determined in dependence on pixel intensities of at least one of the images.

Image capturing apparatus, and control method and program thereof

Image capturing apparatus, and control method and program thereof

An image capturing apparatus comprises image capturing means (such as a digital camera), and communication means (e.g. via wireless, local area network, LAN) arranged to communicate with a distribution server via the internet; the image capturing apparatus comprises: time measuring means arranged to measure, if a distribution instruction for live distribution using the distribution server has been given, an elapsed time since the distribution instruction has been given; and control means arranged to start, if the elapsed time measured by the time measuring means has reached a set time, distributing an image captured by the image capturing means to the distribution server via the communication means. The set time or a plurality of set times may be set by a user.

SOLID PICTURE RECORDING DEVICE, HEADING FOR PROCEDURE FOR IT AND VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM

CONTROL PROCEDURE FOR PHOTO SENSOR SYSTEM

Adaptive illumination for a time-of-flight camera on a vehicle

Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for capturing an image. In one aspect an electronic camera apparatus includes an image sensor with a plurality of pixel regions. The apparatus further includes an exposure controller. The exposure controller determines, for each of the plurality of pixel regions, a corresponding exposure duration and a corresponding exposure start time. Each pixel region begins to integrate incident light starting at the corresponding exposure start time and continues to integrate light for the corresponding exposure duration. In some example embodiments, at least two of the corresponding exposure durations or at least two of the corresponding exposure start times are different in the image.

Light sensing device

Photosensor system and drive control method thereof

Active pixel sensor array with electronic shuttering

СИСТЕМА ФОТОДЕТЕКТОРОВ И СПОСОБ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ЕЮ

... 1. Система фотодетекторов, содержащая матрицу (100) фотодетекторов, образованную путем размещения в двумерный массив множества фотодетекторов (10); и средство формирования изображения, предназначенное для формирования изображения объекта с предварительно определенной чувствительностью восприятия матрицей (100) фотодетекторов, отличающееся тем, что она также содержит средство предварительного формирования изображения, предназначенное для формирования изображения объекта перед операцией формирования изображения с одновременным изменением чувствительности восприятия матрицы (100) фотодетекторов на множестве этапов; средство выбора оптимальной чувствительности восприятия, предназначенное для выбора оптимальной чувствительности восприятия, подходящей для операции формирования изображения объекта, на основе предварительно определенной совокупности измерений, относящейся к картинке изображения объекта, сформированного средством предварительного формирования изображения; и средство установки чувствительности ...

Image sensor, method for reducing flicker of light emitting diode, and imaging system

Sectional exposure imaging automatic exposure adjusting method and system

IMAGE ACQUISITION METHOD BY A CMOS IMAGING SENSOR FOR RECOGNITION OF OPTICALLY READABLE CODE

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, A METHOD THEREOF, AND A PROGRAM CAPABLE OF PREVENTING DISTORTION OF A PHOTOGRAPHING IMAGE IN AN IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE

PURPOSE: An image processing apparatus, a method thereof, and a program are provided to prevent distortion generated from a focal plane operation and to prevent the distortion of a photographing image in an image pickup device. CONSTITUTION: An intermediate image generator sets up a different exposure time in each area. The intermediate image generator receives a photographed image. The intermediate image generator generates a plurality of exposure pattern images. The intermediate image generator generates a plurality of timing images. A distortion correction processor(218) generates an exposure processing image of predetermined exposure time. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2013 [Reference numerals] (204) Correcting image pixel; (211) Sensor output image pixel; (212,213) Frame buffer; (214,215,216) Intermediate image generating unit; (217) Scanning line location information; (218) Distortion correcting processing unit ...

다수의 짧은 노출들을 이용하여 디지털 이미지들을 캡처하기 위한 시스템 및 방법

... 다수의 짧은 노출들을 지원하는 중첩된 노출 브라켓들을 갖는 이미지 센서들을 위한 방법들, 디바이스들, 및 컴퓨터 프로그램 제품들이 설명된다. 하나의 양태에서는, 이미지를 캡처하는 방법이 개시된다. 방법은 이미지 센서 상의 픽셀들의 제 1 서브세트 상에서, 제 1 노출 길이를 갖는 제 1 이미지를 캡처하는 단계를 포함한다. 방법은 이미지 센서 상의 픽셀들의 제 2 서브세트 상에서, 제 2 노출 길이를 갖는 복수의 이미지들을 동시에 캡처하는 단계로서, 제 2 노출 길이는 제 1 노출 길이보다 더 짧은, 상기 복수의 이미지들을 동시에 캡처하는 단계를 더 포함한다. 방법은 제 2 노출 길이를 갖는 복수의 이미지들을 제 2 이미지로 합성하는 단계를 더 포함한다. 최종적으로, 방법은 제 1 이미지 및 제 2 이미지를 합성하는 단계를 포함한다.

Master-slave system, command execution method and data access method

Image sensor pixel cell with non-destructive readout

IMAGING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED SIGNAL TO NOISE PERFORMANCE

A variable integration circuit processes an image based on variable pixel integration times. The variable integration circuit includes a threshold detect circuit that detects whether a threshold charge level has been reached at a pixel output. If the threshold charge has been reached at the pixel output, the threshold detect circuit generates a trigger indicating that the threshold charge has been reached. The trigger resets the pixel output. The variable integration circuit also includes a threshold detect time store circuit that receives the trigger and stores a time-to-threshold. The trigger resets the pixel output to an initial state.

PREVENTING BLUR CAUSED BY MOTION OF THE SUBJECT IN A DIGITAL IMAGE

A digital camera has a sensor array which removes subject motion blur by monitoring the rate at which charge is collected by the individual sensors within the array during scene imaging. If the rate at which photons are striking the sensor varies, then the brightness of the image which the sensor is viewing must be changing. When a circuit built in to the sensor array detects that the image brightness is changing, the amount of charge collected is preserved and the time at which brightness change was detected is recorded. Each pixel corresponding to each sensor where exposure was stopped is adjusted to the proper exposure by linearly extrapolating the exposure the sensor did receive so that he pixel corresponding to the sensor has an intensity corresponding to the dynamic range of the entire image. The image sensing array will preferably be implemented as active-pixel sensor CMOS image sensors.

Image pickup apparatus, image pickup apparatus control method, and program

There is provided an image pickup apparatus including: a control unit generating exposure time control data in which an exposure time of an image sensor is set in pixel region units; and an image sensor inputting the exposure time control data and carrying out image acquisition based on exposure time control in the pixel region units. The control unit successively and sequentially generates the exposure time control data in region units based on luminance information in the pixel region units that form part of a preceding picked-up image and outputs the exposure time control data to the image sensor. The image sensor inputs the exposure time control data in the region units from the control unit and successively and sequentially uses the inputted exposure time control data to carry out the image acquisition based on the exposure time control in the pixel region units.

Method and device for video processing using a neighboring frame to calculate motion information

A video processing method includes: dividing a currently processed frame into a top field and a bottom field, and performing field exposure on the top field and the bottom field respectively to acquire an exposed top field and an exposed bottom field, where a field exposure time length of the top field and that of the bottom field are different; processing the exposed top field and the exposed bottom field by using a de-interlacing technique to acquire two reconstructed exposed frames; and performing image enhancement processing on the two reconstructed exposed frames to acquire an image of the currently processed frame.

SENSOR DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE

A multispectral sensor device may include a sensor array comprising a plurality of channels and one or more processors to determine that a time-sensitive measurement is to be performed, wherein the time-sensitive measurement is to be performed using data collected by one or more channels of the plurality of channels; cause the data to be collected by a proper subset of channels, of the plurality of channels, wherein the proper subset of channels includes the one or more channels; and determine the time-sensitive measurement based on the data.

Imaging system with individual pixel reset

Individual pixel reset circuits for an array of electromagnetic radiation sensors include a reset transistor connected to enable a reset of the pixel's sensor, and a logic gate connected to activate the reset transistor in response to a plurality of array reset signals. The logic gate can be implemented with only three transistors, and enables the selection of individual pixels for reset.

Semi-global shutter imager

This disclosure is directed to an image sensor. The image sensor includes a two-dimensional pixel array divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks comprising pixels arranged in at least two different rows and two different columns, and a shutter mechanism that exposes the plurality of blocks sequentially, with all pixels in each block being exposed synchronously.

Image-capturing device and timing control circuit for outputting first vertical synchronization signal and second vertical synchronization signal

An image-capturing device includes image-capturing section, an image-data-generation section, and an image capture control section. The image-capturing section is for capturing an image of a subject and starting generating of image-capture data corresponding to a single frame in synchronization with a vertical synchronization signal, The image-data-generation section is for carrying out processing for generating image data showing an image of the subject, on the basis of the image-capture data. The image capture control section is for varying, at a minimum, either a number of pulses of subsignals generated a plurality of times within a period of one cycle of the vertical synchronization signal, or the cycle for generating the vertical synchronization signal.

Circuits and methods allowing for pixel array exposure pattern control

An image processing system includes an image sensor circuit. The image sensor circuit is configured to obtain an image using a type of shutter operation in which an exposure pattern of a pixel array is set according to exposure information that changes over time based at least partially on charge accumulated in at least a portion of the pixel array. An image sensor circuit includes a pixel array and one or more circuits. The one or more circuits are configured to update exposure information based at least partially on one or more signals output from the pixel array, and to control an exposure pattern of the pixel array based on the exposure information. A pixel circuit includes a first transistor connected between a photodiode and a sense node, and a second transistor connected between an exposure control signal line and a gate of the first transistor.

Image sensor with individually selectable imaging elements

An imaging element includes a photosensor and a transfer transistor to transfer electrical charges from the photosensor to a charge accumulation node. A selector is configured to receive at least two logic selection signals and to supply an activation signal, which is a function of the selection signals, to a control terminal of the transfer transistor. The selector is configured to receive at least two selection signals, each having a positive voltage when it is at a logic value 1 and a negative voltage when it is a logic value 0, and to supply the activation signal having a negative voltage when the imaging element is not selected.

Methods And Apparatus For Superpixel Modulation With Ambient Light Suppression

An imaging system with a light source controls the sensitivity of pixels to light, by performing both superpixel modulation and curtain modulation. The superpixel modulation may facilitate rapid data acquisition. The curtain modulation may suppress the effect of ambient light. In superpixel modulation, each pixel set may be modulated by a separate superpixel modulation signal that causes sensitivity of the pixel set to light to vary over time, and each superpixel may include a pixel from each pixel set. The curtain modulation may cause pixels in only a small region of the photodetector to be sensitive to light. The curtain modulation may cause the small region to move to track the dot of light, by changing which pixels are in the region. This invention may be used for 3D scanning. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured in such a way that while the first region is located at each position in the set of positions claim 1 , the curtain modulation signals cause the number of pixels in the first region to be much less than the number of pixels in the second region.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:(a) the set of superpixel modulation signals, taken together, comprise a code; and(b) each of the superpixel modulation signals represents a digit of the code.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the system further comprises a computer that is programmed to calculate spatial coordinates of a point in the scene claim 3 , based (i) on spatial position of one or more pixels of the photodetector that take a measurement of a peak in intensity of the light claim 3 , and (ii) on which permutation of the code occurs when the measurement is taken.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the photodetector is configured in such a way that:(a) a specific signal controls storage of electric charge that accumulates in a specific pixel of the photodetector; and(b) the specific signal comprises (i) a curtain modulation signal in the set of curtain modulation ...

Exposure method, electronic device and master-slave system

An exposure method, an electronic device and a master-slave system are provided. The electronic device includes an image capturing circuit and a processor coupled to the image capturing circuit. The processor obtains an exposure command and a first quantity, controls the image capturing circuit to perform an exposure operation to capture an image according to the exposure command, and determines whether a quantity of the image reaches the first quantity. When the quantity of the image does not reach the first quantity, the processor performs the operation of controlling the image capturing circuit to perform the exposure operation to capture the image again. When the quantity of the image reaches the first quantity, the processor stops controlling the image capturing circuit to perform the exposure operation.

Wide dynamic range image processing method and image signal processor using the same

An image processing method includes the operations of receiving N×N raw data from an N×N sub pixel array including a plurality of first exposure pixels and second exposure pixels having different exposure times, respectively; obtaining a difference value between a value obtained by normalizing an interpolated value of the first exposure pixels and an interpolated value of the second exposure pixels for each channel in the N×N sub pixel array based on the N×N raw data; setting a mismatching value to a maximum value among difference values obtained for the respective channels; and setting a corrected value of a central pixel in the N×N sub pixel array based on the N×N raw data and based on the mismatching value and a threshold value.

Control Method and Electronic Device

A control method in an imaging device is provided. The imaging device includes a pixel-cell array including a plurality of photosensitive pixel-units, each photosensitive pixel-unit of the photosensitive pixel-units includes at least two exposure pixels including at least one medium-exposure pixel. The method includes determining an ambient brightness level of a photographing environment; adjusting a first ratio to be a first value, in response to a brightness level of the photographing environment belonging to a high-level or a low-level, wherein the first ratio indicates a ratio of the at least one medium-exposure pixel in the each photosensitive pixel-unit; and adjusting the first ratio to be a second value, in response to the brightness level of the photographing environment belonging to a medium-level, wherein the low-level, the medium-level, and the high-level are in an ascending order, and the first value is greater than the second value.

Hyperspectral imaging with tool tracking in a light deficient environment

An endoscopic imaging system for use in a light deficient environment includes an imaging device having a tube, one or more image sensors, and a lens assembly including at least one optical elements that corresponds to the one or more image sensors. The endoscopic system includes a display for a user to visualize a scene and an image signal processing controller. The endoscopic system includes a light engine having an illumination source generating one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation and a lumen transmitting one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation to a distal tip of an endoscope.

Imaging device and camera system

An imaging device includes: a pixel array section having an array of pixels each of which has a photoelectric converting device and outputs an electric signal according to an input photon; a sense circuit section having a plurality of sensor circuits each of which makes binary decision on whether there is a photon input to a pixel in a predetermined period upon reception of the electric signal therefrom; and a decision result IC section which integrates decision results from the sense circuits, pixel by pixel or for each group of pixels, multiple times to generate imaged data with a gradation, the decision result IC section including a count circuit which performs a count process to integrate the decision results from the sense circuits, and a memory for storing a counting result for each pixel from the count circuit, the plurality of sense circuits sharing the count circuit for integrating the decision results.

PHOTOSENSOR SYSTEM AND DRIVE CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL CIRCUIT

МОДУЛЬ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ, УСТРОЙСТВО ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ И УПРАВЛЯЮЩАЯ ПРОГРАММА ДЛЯ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ

Изобретение относится к модулю формирования изображений и устройству формирования изображений. Техническим результатом является расширение динамического диапазона модуля формирования изображений. Результат достигается тем, что модуль фиксации изображений, содержащий: узел фиксации изображений, включающий в себя первую группу, содержащую один или более пикселов, и вторую группу, содержащую один или более пикселов, отличающихся от пикселов, составляющих первую группу; и узел управления, который выводит соответствующие пиксельные сигналы посредством выполнения накопления заряда в случае первой группы в период, в который выполняется цикл накопления единичного заряда, и в случае второй группы, посредством выполнения накопления заряда для числа циклов накопления заряда, отличающегося от числа циклов накопления заряда в случае первой группы. 8 н. и 28 з.п. ф-лы, 12 ил.

УСТРОЙСТВО ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ

Изобретение относится к устройству формирования изображений. Технический результат заключается в обеспечении линии управления для каждой ячейки в модуле формирования изображений. Предложен элемент формирования изображений, содержащий: модуль формирования изображений, который имеет: множество групп, каждая из которых включает в себя, по меньшей мере, один пиксель; и множество модулей считывания сигналов, каждый из которых обеспечен для каждой из групп и считывает сигнал из пикселя; и модуль управления, который управляет модулем считывания сигналов в, по меньшей мере, одной группе из множества групп. Каждая из множества групп может включать в себя множество пикселей. Модуль управления может выбирать, по меньшей мере, одну группу из множества групп и управлять модулем считывания сигналов посредством использования параметра управления, который отличается от параметра управления, который используется для другой группы из множества групп. 3 н. и 21 з.п. ф-лы, 92 ил.

УСТРОЙСТВО ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ И СИСТЕМА КАМЕРЫ

... 1. Устройство формирования изображения, содержащее: ! блок матрицы пикселей, имеющий массив пикселей, каждый из которых имеет устройство фотоэлектрического преобразования и выводит электрический сигнал в соответствии с входным фотоном; ! блок чувствительной схемы, имеющий множество схем датчиков, каждая из которых выполняет двоичный выбор, имеется ли входной фотон в пикселе в заданный период после приема от него электрического сигнала; и ! блок IC результата решения, который интегрирует результаты решения, полученные из чувствительных схем, пиксель за пикселем или для каждой группы пикселей, множество раз для генерирования отображаемых данных с градацией, причем блок IC результата решения включает в себя схему подсчета, которая выполняет обработку подсчета, для интегрирования результатов решения, полученных из чувствительных схем, и запоминающее устройство, предназначенное для сохранения результата подсчета для каждого пикселя из схемы подсчета, ! множество чувствительных схем, совместно ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ

... 1. Элемент формирования изображений, содержащий:модуль формирования изображений, который имеет:множество групп, каждая из которых включает в себя, по меньшей мере, один пиксел; имножество модулей считывания сигналов, каждый из которых обеспечен для каждой из групп и считывает сигнал из пиксела; имодуль управления, который управляет модулем считывания сигналов в, по меньшей мере, одной группе из множества групп.2. Элемент формирования изображений по п. 1, в котором каждая из множества групп включает в себя множество пикселов.3. Элемент формирования изображений по п. 1 или 2, в котором модуль управления выбирает, по меньшей мере, одну группу из множества групп и управляет модулем считывания сигналов посредством использования параметра управления, который отличается от параметра управления, который используется для другой группы из множества групп.4. Элемент формирования изображений по п. 3, в которомпараметр управления включает в себя частоту кадров, имодуль управления управляет модулем считывания ...

An imaging array with high dynamic range

An array of pixels in an image sensor comprises some pixels of relatively low photosensitivity. The low photosensitivity pixels allow the use of long integration times, which permits the reliable detection of pulsed light sources, such as LED vehicle brake lights, in the image. The higher sensitivity pixels have a shorter integration time and permit good low-level sensitivity. Lower pixel photosensitivity may be achieved by use of an attenuating filter or by use of a smaller sensing area. One of the green pixels in a repeating RGBG pattern may have a lower sensitivity than the other green pixel, or selected RGBG groups may have lower sensitivity (figure 6C). The dynamic range may be further improved by use of multiple exposures, each with different integration times (figure 3). Dynamic range may also be improved by adapting the pixel integration times in dependence on the image data captured in an initial calibration phase (figure 4).

Surveillance process and apparatus

Image capture device and method

Image capturing apparatus, and control method and program thereof

Dynamic range compression method

PHOTOSENSOR SYSTEM AND DRIVE CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

A photosensor system includes a photosensor array constituted by two- dimensionally arraying a plurality of photosensors, an image reading section which reads a subject image at a predetermined image reading sensitivity by using the photosensor array, a sensitivity adjustment image reading section which reads a sensitivity adjustment subject image while the image reading sensitivity in the photosensor array is changed to a plurality of stages, an optimal image reading sensitivity deriving section which derives an image reading sensitivity optimal for reading operation of the subject image, on the basis of a pixel data group relating to an image pattern of the subject image read by the sensitivity adjustment image reading section, and an image reading sensitivity setting section which sets the optimal image reading sensitivity as the image reading sensitivity in the image reading section.

IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM

Provided is an image pickup apparatus and method which achieve image pickup processing in which exposure time is set for each image area. The image pickup apparatus includes an electronic shutter control unit that controls exposure start time of an image pickup element by an electronic shutter operation and a mechanical shutter control unit that controls exposure end time of the image pickup element by a mechanical shutter operation. The electronic shutter control unit computes the exposure start time for each image area on the basis of the exposure time set for each image area and the operation time of the mechanical shutter for each image area, and controls the electronic shutter to operate at the computed exposure start time for each image area. For example, for each row block, the exposure time is subtracted from the mechanical shutter operation time so that a reset time as the exposure start time is computed as the electronic shutter operation time, and exposure time control for each ...

IMAGING SYSTEM HAS TWO SENSORS

DETECTION AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN OPTICAL SENSOR, AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND ASSOCIATED MEASUREMENT

METHOD FOR CAPTURING IMAGE WITH A VERY SHORT INTEGRATION TIME

L'invention concerne les capteurs d'image, et plus particulièrement les capteurs matriciels à pixels actifs en technologie CMOS. Selon l'invention, on propose un procédé pour réaliser une prise de vue d'une scène avec un temps d'intégration très court, en utilisant un capteur d'image standard comportant une matrice de pixels à photodiodes et nœuds de stockage de charges. On produit deux images d'une même scène dans des conditions de lumière identiques, l'une des images correspondant à une intégration de charges pendant un premier intervalle de temps de durée Tint et l'autre image correspondant à un deuxième intervalle de temps de durée T'int plus grande que Tint, et on établit une différence entre ces deux images, représentant une image intégrée pendant un intervalle de temps T'int - Tint. La lumière peut être fournie par une impulsion lumineuse (IMP). Ce procédé est applicable à l'observation des points d'une scène situés à une distance bien déterminée, la brièveté du temps d'intégration ...

METHOD FOR CAPTURING IMAGE WITH A VERY SHORT INTEGRATION TIME

IMAGE SENSING DEVICE

The present invention relates to an image sensing device which can control a pixel array by two or more row units, and comprises: a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in row and column directions; a row control unit for controlling some rows of the rows included the pixel array by two or more row units, and controlling pixel signals to be simultaneously outputted from consecutively ordered rows; a first readout circuit unit for sequentially reading out some of the pixel signals according to a row sequence; a second readout circuit unit for sequentially reading out the remaining of the pixel signals according to the row sequence; and a storage unit for storing, by each row, readout signals which are sequentially read out according to the row sequence from the first and second readout circuit units. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2016 (220) Column control unit (230) Lower readout circuit unit (240) Lower readout control unit (250) Upper readout circuit unit (260) Upper readout control ...

Electronic device and automatic exposure convergence method

An electronic device and an automatic exposure convergence method are provided. The electronic device includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor is configured to obtain first frame. The first frame includes a plurality of sub-frame regions, and the sub-frame regions each include a plurality of pixel data. The plurality of pixel data are obtained based on different exposure times. The processor is coupled to the image sensor. The processor is configured to analyze the first frame to combine the pixel data having the same exposure time in the sub-frame regions into a plurality of second frame. The processor analyzes the plurality of second frame to obtain a plurality of exposure values. The processor performs an exposure convergence operation based on the plurality of exposure values.

EXTENDED DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGING SYSTEM

A method for decreasing integration time of saturated paxels within an imager; wherein the method includes decreasing the integration time of the saturated paxels within an imager according to scene data from a captured image.

IMAGE SENSOR, IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING AN IMAGE

An irregularity with respect to factors that influence image capture in an image sensor, said irregularity occurring over and beyond the distribution of pixels, is used to improve the image/resolution effectively.

Image sensing apparatus, image sensing system, and image sensing method

There is provided an image sensing apparatus. The image sensing apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion unit constituted by a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements converting exposed light into charge and accumulating the charge therein, and an exposure time control function for controlling an exposure time of the photoelectric conversion elements, the apparatus including: a first readout unit that reads out charge from pixels composed of the photoelectric conversion elements of the photoelectric conversion unit, the charge being accumulated in the pixels as a result of exposure for a predetermined exposure time; a second readout unit that reads out charge from pixels of a specific area in a predetermined area of the photoelectric conversion unit over a plurality of times, in a period when the first readout unit is reading out charge from the pixels of the predetermined area of the photoelectric conversion unit; an image data generation unit that generates an image data on ...

Multi-resolution pixel architecture with shared floating diffusion nodes

An image sensor may include an array of image photodiodes formed in rows and columns. The array of image photodiodes may include a region of photodiodes arranged in three adjacent rows and three adjacent columns of the array. The region of photodiodes may include four non-adjacent photodiodes, each of which generates charge in response to the same color of light. The four non-adjacent photodiodes may be coupled to a shared floating diffusion node. Each of the four non-adjacent photodiodes may transfer generated charge to the shared floating diffusion node. The charges from each of the four non-adjacent photodiodes may be summed at the shared floating diffusion node and read out as a summed signal or may be individually transferred to the shared floating diffusion node and read out individually.

IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

There is provided an image capturing apparatus. An image capturing control unit acquires a first image and a second image that require different time periods to read out electrical charge that accumulates due to exposure. A display control unit controls display of an image that is read out from an image sensor on a display unit. The second image has a lower resolution and requires a shorter time period for readout than the first image. The display control unit, when causing the display unit to cyclically display the first image and the second image, sets a first time period from readout of the second image to display start of the second image on the display unit, based on a difference between the time period to read out the first image and the time period to read out the second image.

Method of obtaining wide dynamic range image and image pickup device performing the same

In a method of obtaining a wide dynamic range (WDR) image, a first subframe image having pixel data obtained with a first exposure time is generated by performing a first readout operation of a plurality of pixels of an image sensor. A second subframe image having pixel data obtained with a second exposure time and a third exposure time is generated by performing a second readout operation of the plurality of pixels. The first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time are different from one another. A current frame image having pixel data obtained from pixel exposures with the first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time is generated by combining the first subframe image with the second subframe image.

IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE

An image capturing device includes: an image capturing element having an image capturing area that captures an image of a photographic subject, in which a first pixel that outputs a signal of charges generated by photoelectric conversion and a second pixel, different from the first pixel, that outputs a signal of charges generated by photoelectric conversion of charge are disposed; a setting unit that sets an image capture condition for a first region of the image capturing area in which the first pixel is disposed and an image capture condition for a second region of the image capturing area, different from the first region, in which the second pixel is disposed; a selection unit that selects a pixel to be employed for interpolation of the first pixel of the first region to which a first image capture condition is set by the setting unit, from the second pixel of the second region to which a second image capture condition that is different from the first image capture condition is set ...

IMAGE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

The present technology relates to an image sensor and an electronic apparatus that make it possible to capture an image at different exposure time settings for individual pixel blocks each having a plurality of pixels. A plurality of pixels for performing photoelectric conversion are disposed in an array in a pixel array section. Two or more pixels in the pixel array section form each of a plurality of pixel blocks. A plurality of selection sections, which are equal in number to the pixel blocks and disposed in an array, select the supply of an exposure control signal, which controls the exposure time of the pixels, to each of the pixel blocks. The present technology is applicable, for example, to an image sensor that captures an image.

Method and apparatus for increasing dynamic range of image by using electronic shutter

A method for increasing a dynamic range of an image by using an electronic shutter of a camera, the method including initiating exposure of an image sensor by moving a mechanical front curtain included in the camera; moving an electronic front curtain with respect to at least one pixel of the image sensor according to a control pulse signal of the electronic shutter; and blocking the exposure of the image sensor by moving a mechanical rear curtain included in the camera.

ELECTRIC CHARGE SKIMMING ON FOCAL PLANE AND VARIABLE STORAGE TIME

PURPOSE: To obtain electric charge skimming and a variable storage time without adding any constitution to a read circuit by sending a pulse to a field plate above a Schottky barrier diode. CONSTITUTION: A pixel element 11 has a Schottky barrier diode 18 and an electric charge read cell 22. A cathode plate 15 is arranged on a Ptype silicon substrate 12, and a dielectric isolation layer 16 is arranged between the plate 15 and a field plate 17. A CCD gate transfers the signal electric charge of the diode to an output circuit 22. A transfer gate 20 of the diode receives one pulse per frame and transfers the electric charge to the circuit 22. When the gate 20 is turned off, the gate 20 stores the electric charge and isolates the diode 18. The electric charge is confined in between the gate 20 and the substrate 12. When the gate 20 is turned on, the electric charge is transferred to a CCD read gate 21. The electric charge is transferred in accordance with the potential level of the gate 20, ...

撮像装置の駆動方法

FESTKÖRPER-BILDAUFNAHMEVORRICHTUNG, ANSTEUERVERFAHREN DAFÜR UND VIDEOKAMERASYSTEM

High dynamic range pixel

PHOTO SENSOR SYSTEM AND CONTROL PROCEDURE FOR IT

PHOTO SENSOR SYSTEM AND CONTROL PROCEDURE FOR IT

Spatially-varying flicker detection

An imaging system includes: an image module configured to produce image frames at a frame rate F, the image module being configured to capture first and second portions of each of the image frames at different times; a frequency determination module, communicatively coupled to the image module, configured to determine frequency components associated with the first and second portions over a plurality, N, of the image frames; and a flicker analysis module, communicatively coupled to the frequency determination module, configured to determine whether any of the frequency components of the first and second portions are indicative of perceptible flicker.

Image capturing device, image capturing element, method for controlling image capturing, and program

Provided are an image capturing device and a method therefor to execute exposure control different among pixel group units. The luminance of a pixel group unit defined by dividing a plurality of pixels on the image capturing surface of an image capturing element is evaluated, and in accordance with the evaluation result, an exposure control value is calculated for each pixel group unit. The image capturing element outputs a control signal corresponding to the calculated exposure control value of the pixel group unit to each constituent pixel of the pixel group so as to execute exposure control for each pixel group unit. Regarding the control signal, for example, exposure control signals having the same pattern are chronologically and sequentially output to a plurality of pixels in a pixel group so as to execute the exposure control per group unit so that the exposure time is equal regarding the plurality of pixels belonging to one pixel group.

An image sensor with high dynamic range linear output

Active pixel sensor array with multiresolution readout

Systems, methods and apparatus for making and using eyeglasses with adaptive lens driven by gaze distance and low power gaze tracking

The use of electronic shutter multi-step exposure method and imaging apparatus using the method

IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS, IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM

넓은 동적범위를 갖는 씨모스 이미지 센서 및 이미지 센싱 방법

... 본 발명의 씨모스 이미지 센서는, 수광 소자(예: 포토다이오드); 상기 수광 소자에 연결되어서 상기 수광 소자의 노출누적을 시분할(time division)하여 조절하는 이레이징 트랜지스터; 상기 수광 소자에 축적된 전하를 전달받아 저장하는 전하 저장부(예: 플로팅 디퓨전 영역); 상기 수광 소자와 상기 전하 저장부 사이에 연결되어서 상기 수광 소자에 축적된 전하를 상기 전하 저장부로 전달하는 트랜스퍼 트랜지스터를 포함하는 단위 픽셀을 구비하되, 제1 노출누적시간 동안 상기 수광 소자에 축적된 제1 신호전하를 상기 전하 저장부로 전달하여 저장하고, 제2 노출누적시간 동안 상기 수광 소자에 제 2신호전하를 축적하여서, 상기 단위픽셀에 저장된 신호전하에 대한 정보를 읽어내는 국면에서 상기 제1 신호전하와 상기 제2 신호전하에 대응하는 신호를 순차적으로 읽어내는 것을 특징으로 한다.

촬상 소자, 촬상 장치, 전자 기기 및 촬상 방법

... 특정 방향에서의 1라인을 구성하는 복수의 화소의 노광 타이밍이 적어도 3패턴이 되도록 각 화소의 노광 시작 및 종료 타이밍을 제어하기 위한 화소 전송 제어 신호선을 상기 1라인마다 적어도 3개 구비하는 것을 특징으로 하는 촬상 소자가 제공된다.

Systems and methods for active depth imager with background subtract

An active depth imaging system and method of operating the same captures illuminator-on and illuminator-off image data with each of a first and second imager. The illuminator-on image data includes information representing an imaged scene and light emitted from an illuminator and reflected off of objects within the imaged scene. The illuminator-off image data includes information representing the imaged scene without the light emitted from the illuminator. For each image set captured by the first and second imagers, illuminator-off image data is subtracted from the illuminator-on image data to identify the illuminated light within the scene. The depth of an object at which the light is incident on then is determined by the subtracted image data of the first and second imagers.

System and Method to Obtain a Moving Endoscopic Image

A system and method includes operations and steps for obtaining a moving endoscopic image. An optical device stream is received from an optical device by data processing hardware. The data processing hardware identify image frames of the image stream, each including a plurality of rows of pixels. The data processing hardware determines a row exposure value for each of the rows of pixels in each frame, and identifies a defective image frame having at least one overexposed row and a reference frame having a replacement row corresponding to the overexposed row. The data processing hardware modifies the defective image frame by replacing the overexposed row with the corresponding replacement row of the reference frame.

Image pickup system, method for driving image pickup elements, and recording medium

An image pickup system includes an image pickup element with an image pickup region in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and a controller configured to control reading of signals from the pixels. The controller divides a first frame period in which a first image is read from the image pickup element into a plurality of divided frame periods, including first and second divided frame periods. When the number of pixels included in the first image is larger than the number of pixels included in a second image, a second frame period required for reading all signals from the pixels included in the second image is inserted between the first and second divided frame periods. A refresh cycle of the second image is shorter than a refresh cycle of the first image.

Image pickup apparatus

An image pickup apparatus includes a plurality of pixels and increasing portions increasing charges stored in the pixels, wherein the frequency of increasing the charges is controlled every group of at least one pixel in response to luminance of light incident upon the pixels by the increasing portions.

Master-slave system, command execution method and data access method with use of serial peripheral interface (SPI)

A master-slave system, a command execution method, and a data access method are provided. The master-slave system includes a master device and a slave device. The master device provides a first command and a clock signal to the slave device. The slave device executes a first operation corresponding to the first command according to the first command and the clock signal. When the first operation corresponding to the first command is completed, the slave device generates a response signal according to the clock signal to notify the master device an execution result of the first operation corresponding to the first command.

Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program

There is provided an image processing apparatus including an image information combining unit that performs a pixel value combining process on a long-time exposure pixel and a short-time exposure pixel. The pixel information combining unit calculates a plurality of blending ratios based on pixel values of a plurality of pixels of different periods of exposure time, determines an applied blending ratio, which is applied to a blending process for the long-time exposure pixel and the short-time exposure pixel, based on the plurality of blending ratios, and determines pixel values of an output image or an intermediate image which is applied to produce the output image, by the blending process for the long-time exposure pixel and the short-time exposure pixel to which the applied blending ratio is applied.

Flicker Detector

In one embodiment, a computing system receives one or more signals indicative of light intensities captured by one or more cameras. These signals are captured in a plurality of frames at a first frame rate. The computing system calculates light intensity metrics for each frame of the plurality of frames based on the one or more signals captured in the respective frames. The computing system detects one or more peaks based on the light intensity metrics associated with one or more frames of the plurality of frames. The one or more frames were captured in a predetermined time period. The computing system determines a likelihood of perceptible flicker based on the detected one or more peaks. The computing system generates a notification indicating the likelihood of perceptible flicker in response to a determination that the likelihood of perceptible flicker exceeds a predetermined threshold. 118-. (canceled)19. A method comprising , by a computing system:receiving one or more signals indicative of light intensities captured by one or more cameras, wherein the one or more signals are captured in a plurality of frames at a first frame rate;calculating light intensity metrics for each frame of the plurality of frames based on the one or more signals captured in the respective frames;detecting one or more peaks based on the light intensity metrics associated with one or more frames of the plurality of frames, wherein the one or more frames were captured in a predetermined time period;determining a likelihood of perceptible flicker based on the detected one or more peaks; andgenerating a notification indicating the likelihood of perceptible flicker in response to a determination that the likelihood of perceptible flicker exceeds a predetermined threshold.20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the one or more signals are emitted from one or more light sources.21. The method of claim 19 , wherein the one or more cameras are coupled to a head-mounted display.22. The method of ...

IMAGING SENSOR, IMAGING APPARATUS, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND IMAGING METHOD

There is provided an image sensor including at least three pixel transfer control signal lines, on a per line basis, configured to control exposure start and end timings of a pixel in order for exposure timings of a plurality of the pixels constituting one line in a specific direction to have at least three patterns.

Imaging element, driving method of imaging element, and electronic device

The present technique relates to an imaging element, a driving method of the imaging element, and an electronic device that can improve image quality of an image in a case where two or more read scans of pixel signals are performed in parallel. The imaging element includes a pixel area including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a vertical drive circuit that drives the pixels in the pixel area row-by-row, and a column signal processing circuit that can read pixel signals of a plurality of rows in the pixel area in one horizontal period. The vertical drive circuit performs two or more read scans of the pixel signals in the pixel area in parallel and controls a timing of moving a read row of each read scan by equal to or more than a predetermined amount of movement on the basis of a position of a read row of another read scan. The present technique can be applied to, for example, a CMOS image sensor.

IMAGING DEVICE CAMERA SYSTEM AND DRIVING METHOD OF THE SAME

An imaging device including an electronic shutter and a pixel array with color pixels with different characteristics of spectral sensitivity arranged. The pixel array part has at least one clear pixel, the plurality of color pixels including (i) a first color filter pixel having a peak of spectral sensitivity characteristics for red, (ii) a second color filter pixel having a peak for blue, and (iii) a third color filter pixel having a peak for green. The clear pixel has a high transmittance arranged in an oblique pixel array system at a given position of a given row and a given column with respect to the first color filter pixel, the second color filter pixel, and the third color filter pixel. An electronic shutter is separately driven for the at least one clear pixel and for the plurality of color filter pixels.

Image sensing element and processing apparatus

There is disclosed an image sensing apparatus including at least one pixel, a signal read unit, and a saturation detector. The pixel includes a photoelectric converter, a semiconductor region, and a transfer controller which transfers a charge generated in the photoelectric converter to the semiconductor region. The signal read unit is configured to output a signal from the semiconductor region. The saturation detector includes a reset controller which detects a signal generated in the semiconductor region during an exposure period of the photoelectric converter, and resets the photoelectric converter based on the detection result.

PIXEL ARRAY ACCUMULATING PHOTOCHARGES IN EACH UNIT FRAME, AND IMAGE SENSOR INCUDING THE PIXEL ARRAY

Provided is a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a photodiode configured to generate a photocharge in a frame including a plurality of unit frames, a floating diffusion node configured to receive the photocharge, a first storage capacitor configured to receive and store a first photocharge generated by the photodiode through the floating diffusion node during a first unit accumulation time period in each of the plurality of unit frames, and a second storage capacitor configured to receive and store a second photocharge generated by the photodiode through the floating diffusion node during a second unit accumulation time period in each of the plurality of unit frames.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING DYNAMIC RANGE OF IMAGE

Indicia reading terminal having multiple exposure periods

There is described an image reading terminal having an image sensor array including a plurality of pixels, a first optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a first set of pixels of an image sensor array and a second optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a second set of pixels of the image sensor array. The first set of pixels and the second set of pixels of the image sensor array can have different exposure settings in a single exposure period for the image sensor array. In one embodiment, the indicia reading terminal can be adapted to process image data corresponding to pixels of the image sensor array for attempting to decode a decodable indicia.

Method for generating high-dynamic range image, camera device, terminal and imaging method

The present disclosure provides a method for generating an HDR image. The method includes: providing an image sensor, in which the image sensor includes a pixel array and a filter array disposed on the pixel array, and each filter unit in the filter array covers a plurality of pixel units in the pixel array so as to constitute a pixel structure unit; and performing an exposure control to pixel units within each pixel structure unit respectively, in which a part of the pixel units within each pixel structure unit are exposed for a first exposure time, a rest part of the pixel units within the pixel structure unit are exposed for a second exposure time, and the first exposure time is greater than the second exposure time. The method can improve quality of the HDR image. The present disclosure also provides a camera device, a terminal, and an imaging method.

SHARED PHOTODIODE RESET IN A 5 TRANSISTOR - FOUR SHARED PIXEL

An image sensor that provides global shutter scanning with exposure time control during image capture. The image sensor includes a pixel array with shared pixel units that each include four photodiodes with a floating diffusion node shared therebetween and respective global shutter gates disposed between each photodiode and a supply voltage of the pixel array. Moreover, an image capture timing controller controls an exposure time of each photodiode by adjusting a width of a global shutter reset pulse applied to the plurality of global shutter gates after each readout cycle during image capture to change the respective exposure time of each shared pixel unit.

Image-capturing apparatus

An image-capturing apparatus including a solid-state imaging device including unit-cells arranged in a matrix, in which each of the unit-cells includes a photoelectric conversion unit including: a photoelectric conversion film formed above a semiconductor substrate; a pixel electrode formed on a surface of the photoelectric conversion film, the surface facing the semiconductor substrate; and a transparent electrode formed on a surface of the photoelectric conversion film, the surface being opposite the surface on which the pixel electrode is formed, and the image-capturing apparatus further includes: a voltage applying unit which applies, between the pixel electrode and the transparent electrode, a variable sensitivity voltage for controlling sensitivity of the solid-state imaging device; a level detecting unit which detects an output level of image-captured image data from the solid-state imaging device; and a controlling unit which varies the variable sensitivity voltage based on the output level detected by the level detecting unit.

Single Image Sensor for Capturing Mixed Structured-light Images and Regular Images

An integrated image sensor for capturing a mixed structured-light image and regular image using an integrated image sensor are disclosed. The integrated image sensor comprises a pixel array, one or more output circuits, one or more analog-to-digital converters, and one or more timing and control circuits. The timing and control circuits are arranged to perform a set of actions including capturing a regular image and a structured-light image. According to the present invention, the structured-light image captured before or after the regular image is used to derive depth or shape information for the regular image. An endoscope based on the above integrated image sensor is also disclosed. The endoscope may comprises a capsule housing adapted to be swallowed, where the components of integrated image sensor, a structured light source and anon-structured light source are enclosed and sealed in the capsule housing. 1. An integrated image sensor , comprising:a pixel array being responsive to light energy received by the pixel array to produce pixel signals having a voltage level depending on the light energy received by the pixel array;one or more output circuits coupled to the pixel array to access the pixel signals produced by the pixel array;one or more analog-to-digital converters having a first dynamic range and a second dynamic range; capture, by the pixel array, a structured-light image formed on a common image plane during a first frame period by applying first reset signals to the pixel array to reset rows of pixels of the pixel array, exposing the rows of pixels of the pixel array to first illumination from a structured light source to cause first analog signals from the rows of pixels and converting the first analog signals from the rows of pixels of the pixel array into first digital outputs for the structured-light image using one or more analog-to-digital converters;', 'capture, by the pixel array, a first regular image formed on the common image plane during ...

DISTANCE INFORMATION ACQUISITION DEVICE, MULTIPATH DETECTION DEVICE, AND MULTIPATH DETECTION METHOD

A distance information acquisition device includes: a light emitter which emits light according to an emission pulse indicating emission; a solid-state imaging element which performs exposure according to an exposure pulse indicating exposure; an emission/exposure controller which generates a timing signal indicating a plurality of pairs of the emission pulse and the exposure pulse having a time difference that is different in each of the plurality of pairs; and a multipath detector which obtains a sequence of received light signals from the solid-state imaging element by the emission and the exposure that correspond to each of the plurality of pairs, compares the obtained sequence of received light signals and reference data created in advance as a model of a sequence of received light signals in a multipath-free environment, and determines the presence or absence of multipath according to a difference in a comparison result. 1. A distance information acquisition device , comprising:a light emitter which emits light according to an emission pulse indicating emission;a solid-state imaging element which performs exposure according to an exposure pulse indicating exposure;an emission/exposure controller which generates a timing signal indicating a plurality of pairs of the emission pulse and the exposure pulse that have a time difference, the time difference being different in each of the plurality of pairs; anda multipath detector which obtains a sequence of received light signals from the solid-state imaging element by the emission and the exposure that correspond to each of the plurality of pairs, compares the sequence of received light signals that has been obtained and reference data created in advance as a model of a sequence of received light signals in a multipath-free environment, and determines a presence or absence of multipath according to a difference in a comparison result.2. The distance information acquisition device according to claim 1 , whereina ...

SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, SOLID-STATE IMAGING SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF DRIVING THE SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE

Each of column signal lines is connected to two or more of P pixels belonging to one of Q pixel columns of pixels. In each of the pixels, a first switch switches connection and disconnection between a light receiver and a first charge storage. A second switch switches connection and disconnection between the first charge storage and a second charge storage. A third switch switches connection and disconnection between the first charge storage and one of column signal lines corresponding to the pixel. The fourth switch switches the connection and disconnection between the second charge storage and the one of the column signal lines corresponding to the pixel. 1. A solid-state imaging device comprising:pixels arranged in a matrix including P pixel rows and Q pixel columns; andcolumn signal lines each corresponding to one of Q pixel columns of the pixels and connected to two or more of P pixels belonging to the one of the Q pixel columns;each of the pixels including:a light receiver switchable between an exposure mode and a light-shielding mode and configured to generate charge corresponding to light received in the exposure mode;a first charge storage configured to store the charge;a first switch configured to switch connection and disconnection between the light receiver and the first charge storage;a second charge storage configured to store the charge;a second switch configured to switch connection and disconnection between the first charge storage and the second charge storage;a third switch configured to switch connection and disconnection between the first charge storage and one of the column signal lines corresponding to the pixel; anda fourth switch configured to switch connection and disconnection between the second charge storage and the one of the column signal lines corresponding to the pixel.2. The solid-state imaging device of claim 1 , whereineach of the Q pixel columns of the pixels corresponds to two or more of the column signal lines.3. The solid- ...

SOLID-STATE IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SOLID-STATE IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE

Provided is a method of controlling a solid-state image pickup device according to an embodiment, the method including: resetting a potential of a floating diffusion shared by a plurality of photodiodes; sequentially transferring signal charges, which are photoelectrically converted by the photodiodes, to the floating diffusion in which the potential is reset, in a sequence allocated to the photodiodes, thereby accumulating the transferred signal charges in the floating diffusion; performing a sampling operation on a voltage signal corresponding to the potential of the floating diffusion every time when the signal charge is completely transferred to the floating diffusion from the photodiode; and calculating the voltage signal corresponding to the signal charge transferred to the floating diffusion for each of the photodiodes, based on a difference between two of the voltage signals which are continuously subjected to the sampling operation. 1. A method of controlling a solid-state image pickup device , comprising:resetting a potential of a floating diffusion shared by a plurality of photodiodes;sequentially transferring signal charges, which are photoelectrically converted by the photodiodes, to the floating diffusion in which the potential is reset, in a sequence allocated to the photodiodes, thereby accumulating the transferred signal charges in the floating diffusion;performing a sampling operation on a voltage signal corresponding to the potential of the floating diffusion every time when the signal charge is completely transferred to the floating diffusion from one of the photodiodes; andcalculating the voltage signal corresponding to the signal charge transferred to the floating diffusion for each of the photodiodes, based on a difference between two of the voltage signals which are continuously subjected to the sampling operation.2. The method of controlling a solid-state image pickup device according to claim 1 , further comprising:performing a sampling ...

IMAGING DEVICE AND CAMERA SYSTEM INCLUDING SENSE CIRCUITS TO MAKE BINARY DECISION

An imaging device includes: a pixel array section having an array of pixels, each of which has a photoelectric converting device and outputs an electric signal according to an input photon; a sense circuit section having a plurality of sensor circuits each of which makes binary decision on whether there is a photon input to a pixel in a predetermined period upon reception of the electric signal therefrom; and a decision result IC section which integrates decision results from the sense circuits, pixel by pixel or for each group of pixels, multiple times to generate imaged data with a gradation, the decision result IC section including a count circuit which performs a count process to integrate the decision results from the sense circuits, and a memory for storing a counting result for each pixel from the count circuit, the sense circuits sharing the count circuit for integrating the decision results. 1a pixel array section having an array of pixels each of which has a photoelectric converting device and outputs an electric signal according to an input photon;a sense circuit section having a plurality of sensor circuits each of which makes binary decision on whether there is a photon input to a pixel in a predetermined period upon reception of the electric signal therefrom; anda decision result IC section which integrates decision results from the sense circuits, pixel by pixel or for each group of pixels, multiple times to generate imaged data with a gradation, the decision result IC section including a count circuit which performs a count process to integrate the decision results from the sense circuits, and a memory for storing a counting result for each pixel from the count circuit,the plurality of sense circuits sharing the count circuit for integrating the decision results.. An imaging device comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/713,271, filed Sep. 22, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/438, ...

IMAGING APPARATUS AND CAMERA SYSTEM INCLUDING THE IMAGING APPARATUS

An imaging apparatus changes a multiplication factor of an avalanche photodiode (APD) at one of (i) a first timing subsequent to an exposure period of a first frame in a first vertical scanning period and a readout period of the first frame in a second vertical scanning period, and previous to an exposure period of a second frame in a third vertical scanning period, and (ii) a second timing subsequent to an exposure period of the first frame in the first vertical scanning period, and previous to a readout period of the first frame and an exposure period of the second frame which are provided in parallel in the second vertical scanning period. 1. An imaging apparatus , comprising:a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in rows and columns; anda control circuit, whereinthe pixel array includes:an avalanche photodiode;a charge accumulation portion which accumulates a signal charge generated in the avalanche photodiode;a reset transistor which initializes the charge accumulation portion;a transfer transistor which connects the avalanche photodiode and the charge accumulation portion; andan amplification transistor which converts the signal charge into a voltage, andthe control circuit:is connected to the avalanche photodiode; andchanges a multiplication factor of the avalanche photodiode at one of (i) a first timing subsequent to an exposure period of a first frame in a first vertical scanning period and a readout period of the first frame in a second vertical scanning period, and previous to an exposure period of a second frame in a third vertical scanning period, and (ii) a second timing subsequent to an exposure period of the first frame in the first vertical scanning period, and previous to a readout period of the first frame and an exposure period of the second frame which are provided in parallel in the second vertical scanning period.2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe control circuit compares a threshold set in advance ...

Pixel Circuit and Image Sensing System

The present application provides a pixel circuit, applied in an image sensing system. The pixel circuit is coupled to a first collection node and a second collection node. The pixel circuit includes a first capacitor; a second capacitor; a first shutter switch coupled between the first capacitor and the first collection node; a second shutter switch coupled between the second capacitor and the second collection node; a third shutter switch coupled between the second capacitor and the first collection node; a fourth shutter switch coupled between the first capacitor and the second collection node; and a common mode reset module coupled to the first capacitor and the second capacitor. 1. A pixel circuit , applied in an image sensing system , wherein the pixel circuit is coupled to a first collection node and a second collection node , characterized in that , the pixel circuit comprises:a first capacitor;a second capacitor;a first shutter switch, coupled between the first capacitor and the first collection node;a second shutter switch, coupled between the second capacitor and the second collection node;a third shutter switch, coupled between the second capacitor and the first collection node;a fourth shutter switch, coupled between the first capacitor and the second collection node; anda common mode reset module, coupled to the first capacitor and the second capacitor.2. The pixel circuit as claim 1 , characterized in that claim 1 , within a first time claim 1 , the first shutter switch and the second shutter switch are conducted claim 1 , the third shutter switch and the fourth shutter switch are cutoff; and within a second time claim 1 , the first shutter switch and the second shutter switch are cutoff claim 1 , the third shutter switch and the fourth shutter switch are conducted.3. The pixel circuit as claim 2 , characterized in that claim 2 , the first time and the second time have the same time length.4. The pixel circuit as claim 1 , characterized by claim 1 , ...

IMAGE SENSOR AND IMAGE-CAPTURING DEVICE

An image sensor includes: a first readout circuit that reads out a first signal, being generated by an electric charge resulting from a photoelectric conversion, to a first signal line; a first holding circuit that holds a voltage based on an electric current from a power supply circuit; and a first electric current source that supplies the first signal line with an electric current generated by the voltage held in the first holding circuit, wherein: the first holding circuit holds the voltage based on the electric current from the power supply circuit when the first signal is not read out to the first signal line by the first readout circuit. 1. An image sensor , comprising:a first comparator circuit for converting a first signal read from a first pixel into a digital signal;a first holding circuit that holds a voltage based on an electric current from a power supply circuit; anda first electric current source that supplies the first comparator circuit with an electric current generated by the voltage held in the first holding circuit, wherein:the first holding circuit holds the voltage based on the electric current from the power supply circuit when the first signal is not read from the first pixel.2. The image sensor according to claim 1 , wherein:the first pixel includes a first photoelectric conversion unit that accumulates the electric charge resulting from the photoelectric conversion, andthe first holding circuit holds the voltage based on the electric current from the power supply circuit when the electric charge is accumulated in the first photoelectric conversion unit.3. The image sensor according to claim 2 , further comprising:a second comparator circuit for converting a second signal read from a second pixel into a digital signal;a second holding circuit that holds a voltage based on an electric current from the power supply circuit; anda second electric current source that supplies the second comparator circuit with an electric current generated by ...

IMAGE SENSING DEVICE, CAMERA, AND TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT

An image sensing device is provided. The device comprises pixels including a first pixel which belongs to a first row and a first column, a second pixel which belongs to a second row and the first column and a third pixel which belongs to the second row and a second column, and readout units including a first readout circuit connected to the first and second pixels and a second readout circuit connected to the third pixel. The device performs a first operation and a second operation after the first operation. In the first operation, signal readout from the first and third pixels are performed. In the second operation, signal readout from the second pixel is performed. A controller determines, based on the signal generated by the first operation, a control parameter using to control the second operation. 120-. (canceled)21. An image sensing device that comprises a first semiconductor chip which includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix and a second semiconductor chip which includes a plurality of readout circuits configured to read out signals from the pixel array ,wherein the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip are stacked on each other,the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of first-type pixels and a plurality of second-type pixels,a number of the plurality of first-type pixels is less than a number of the plurality of the second-type pixels,the image sensing device performs a first image sensing operation and performs a second image sensing operation,in a first image sensing operation, first signal read out from the plurality of first-type pixels by the plurality of readout circuits is performed,in a second image sensing operation, second signal read out from the plurality of second-type pixels by the plurality of readout circuits is performed, anda control parameter for reading out the second signal from the plurality of second-type pixels in the second image sensing is determined based on the ...

Imaging element, driving method of imaging element, and electronic device

The present technique relates to an imaging element, a driving method of the imaging element, and an electronic device that can improve image quality of an image in a case where two or more read scans of pixel signals are performed in parallel. The imaging element includes a pixel area including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a vertical drive circuit that drives the pixels in the pixel area row-by-row, and a column signal processing circuit that can read pixel signals of a plurality of rows in the pixel area in one horizontal period. The vertical drive circuit performs two or more read scans of the pixel signals in the pixel area in parallel and controls a timing of moving a read row of each read scan by equal to or more than a predetermined amount of movement on the basis of a position of a read row of another read scan. The present technique can be applied to, for example, a CMOS image sensor.

Image sensor and method of operating the same

An image sensor includes an active pixel array, at least one dummy reset array, a dummy read array, and an image processor. The image processor sequentially resets respective rows of pixels included in the at least one dummy reset array in a period in which pixels of the active pixel array do not perform a reset operation, and sequentially reads respective rows of pixels included in the dummy read array in a period in which the pixels of the active pixel array do not perform a read operation.

METHOD OF OBTAINING WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGE AND IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE PERFORMING THE SAME

In a method of obtaining a wide dynamic range (WDR) image, a first subframe image having pixel data obtained with a first exposure time is generated by performing a first readout operation of a plurality of pixels of an image sensor. A second subframe image having pixel data obtained with a second exposure time and a third exposure time is generated by performing a second readout operation of the plurality of pixels. The first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time are different from one another. A current frame image having pixel data obtained from pixel exposures with the first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time is generated by combining the first subframe image with the second subframe image. 120.-. (canceled)21. An image pickup device comprising:an image sensor comprising:a pixel array including a plurality of pixels; anda readout circuit configured to generate a first subframe image having a first exposure time by performing a first readout operation on the plurality of pixels, and configured to generate a second subframe image having a second exposure time and a third exposure time by performing a second readout operation on the plurality of pixels, the first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time being different from one another, andan image signal processor configured to generate a current frame image having the first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time by combining the first subframe image with the second subframe image.22. The image pickup device of claim 21 , wherein:the first subframe image having the first exposure time is generated by exposing each of the plurality of pixels with the first exposure time and by performing the first readout operation on all of the plurality of pixels, andthe second subframe image having the second exposure time and the third exposure time is generated by exposing each of first pixels of the plurality ...

Single Image Sensor for Capturing Mixed Structured-light Images and Regular Images

A method and apparatus for imaging a body lumen are disclosed. According to the method, an imaging apparatus is induced into the body lumen. Structured light from the imaging apparatus is projected into the body lumen. The structured light reflected from anatomical features in the body lumen is detected by the imaging apparatus. A first structured light image is generated from the detected structured light by the imaging apparatus. Non-structured light is emitted from the imaging apparatus into the body lumen. The non-structured light reflected from the anatomical features in the body lumen is detected by the imaging apparatus. A non-structured light image is generated from the detected non-structured light by the imaging apparatus. The frame period of the first structured light image is shorter than the frame period of the non-structured light image. In one embodiment, the imaging apparatus corresponds to a capsule endoscope. 1. A method for imaging a body lumen comprising:introducing an imaging apparatus into the body lumen;projecting structured light from the imaging apparatus into the body lumen;detecting, by the imaging apparatus, the structured light reflected from anatomical features in the body lumen;generating, by the imaging apparatus, a first structured light image from the detected structured light;emitting non-structured light from the imaging apparatus into the body lumen;detecting, by the imaging apparatus, the non-structured light reflected from the anatomical features in the body lumen;generating, by the imaging apparatus, a non-structured light image from the detected non-structured light; andwherein a frame period of the first structured light image is shorter than the frame period of the non-structured light image.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the imaging apparatus corresponds to a capsule endoscope.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first structured light image is captured with a reduced dynamic range or reduced spatial resolution ...

IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND DISPLAY DEVICE FOR SETTING DIFFERENT EXPOSURE CONDITIONS

An image capturing device includes: an image capturing element having a first image capturing region that captures an image of a photographic subject and outputs a first signal, and a second image capturing region that captures an image of the photographic subject and outputs a second signal; a setting unit that sets an image capture condition for the first image capturing region to an image capture condition that is different from an image capture condition for the second image capturing region; a correction unit that performs correction upon the second signal, for employment in interpolation of the first signal; and a generation unit that generates an image of the photographic subject that has been captured by the first image capturing region by employing a signal generated by interpolating the first signal according to the second signal as corrected by the correction unit. 1. An image capturing device , comprising:an image capturing element having a first image capturing region that captures an image of a photographic subject and outputs a first signal, and a second image capturing region that captures an image of the photographic subject and outputs a second signal;a setting unit that sets an image capture condition for the first image capturing region to an image capture condition that is different from an image capture condition for the second image capturing region; anda correction unit that performs correction upon the second signal outputted from the second image capturing region, for employment in interpolation of the first signal outputted from the first image capturing region based on the image capture condition for the first image capturing region and the image capture condition for the second image capture region.2. The image capturing device according to claim 1 , wherein:as correction for employment in interpolation of the first signal outputted from the first image capturing region, the correction unit performs correction upon the second signal ...

IMAGING DEVICE CAMERA SYSTEM AND DRIVING METHOD OF THE SAME

An imaging device including an electronic shutter and a pixel array with color pixels with different characteristics of spectral sensitivity arranged. The pixel array part has at least one clear pixel, the plurality of color pixels including at least two of (i) a first color filter pixel having a peak of spectral sensitivity characteristics for red, (ii) a second color filter pixel having a peak for blue, and (iii) a third color filter pixel having a peak for green. The clear pixel has a high transmittance arranged in an oblique pixel array system at a given position of a given row and a given column with respect to the first color filter pixel, the second color filter pixel, and the third color filter pixel. An electronic shutter is separately driven for the at least one clear pixel and for the plurality of color filter pixels. 1. An imaging device comprising a pixel array on a substrate in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in an array , the plurality of pixels configured to convert light into electric signals , said plurality of pixels comprising a plurality of color pixels and at least one clear pixel , wherein:the plurality of color pixels include at least two of (i) a first color pixel with a first filter effective to cause the first color pixel to have a peak spectral sensitivity for red light, (ii) a second color pixel with a second filter effective to cause the second color pixel to have a peak spectral sensitivity for blue light, or (iii) a third color pixel with a third filter effective to cause the third color pixel to have a peak spectral sensitivity for green light;the clear pixel has a fourth filter effective to cause the clear pixel to have a high transmittance to white light;the plurality of pixels include respective micro lenses disposed at light incident sides of the pixels;the first, second, third color filters are each thicker in a depth direction of the pixels than the fourth filter; andthe clear pixel is adjacent one of the plurality of ...

IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY

An imaging device includes a first chip on which a plurality of first blocks is arranged in a matrix, and a second chip which includes a first block scanning circuit and a second block scanning circuit. The second chip includes a selection circuit configured to select driving timing given to a plurality of pixels, based on a signal output from the first block scanning circuit and a signal output from the second block scanning circuit. A second block includes a circuit other than the selection circuit. 1a first chip on which a plurality of first blocks is arranged in a matrix; anda second chip on which a plurality of second blocks is arranged in a matrix, the first and second chips being stacked,wherein each of the plurality of first blocks includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,wherein each of the plurality of second blocks includes a selection circuit configured to select driving timing of the plurality of pixels belonging to each of the plurality of first blocks, andwherein each of the plurality of second blocks includes a signal processing unit configured to process signals output from the pixels.. An imaging device comprising: This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/144,783, filed Sep. 27, 2018, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2017-192051, filed Sep. 29, 2017, and No. 2018-136001, filed Jul. 19, 2018, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging system, and a moving body.Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-151847 discusses a device which includes a plurality of pixels, an analog-to-digital (AD) conversion unit, and a row selection block provided on a first chip, and driving circuits for controlling charge accumulation time of the plurality of pixels provided on a second chip. Specifically, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-151847, a plurality of pixels 18 is provided on a ...

PIXEL CELL HAVING A RESET DEVICE WITH ASYMMETRIC CONDUCTION

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a solution to carry out High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging based on dynamic well capacity adjustment without incurring additional spatial-temporal noise and consequent Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) dips caused by the sub-threshold operation of a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) reset transistor in a pixel cell. Embodiments of the disclosure employ realizations of transistors other than CMOS, e.g. Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (TFETs), featuring asymmetric conduction between two of its terminals, where asymmetric conduction means that current can only flow in one direction between those two terminals. In some embodiments, one of such realizations plays the role of the pixel reset transistor in order to exploit the asymmetric conduction to perform dynamic well capacity adjustment. As a result, the sources of spatial-temporal noise arising from the sub-threshold operation of the pixel reset transistor in CMOS implementations are removed. 1. A pixel cell comprising a reset device with asymmetric conduction having at least three terminals , the first terminal being connected to a tunable voltage source , the second terminal being connected to a charge storage node , and the third terminal controlling current flowing from the first terminal into the second terminal.2. The pixel cell of claim 1 , further comprising: a photo-sensing element claim 1 , a buffering transistor and a read-out transistor.3. The pixel cell of claim 1 , wherein current flows from the first terminal of the reset device to the second terminal of the reset device when a difference in voltage between the third and second terminals of the reset device exceeds a threshold voltage claim 1 , and when voltage at the first terminal of the reset device exceeds voltage at the second terminal of the reset device.4. The pixel cell of claim 3 , wherein any other combinations of voltages across the terminals of the reset device give rise to negligible levels of ...

Information Communication Method

A method includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor of a terminal of a customer so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time, and obtaining identification information of the subject, by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of bright lines. The method further includes sending the identification information to a server, obtaining a menu listing a product of the store from the server, displaying the menu on a display of the terminal, and sending product information of the product selected by the customer. 1. A recoding medium storing thereon a computer program , which when executed by a processor , causes the processor to perform operations including:setting an exposure time of an image sensor of a terminal of a customer so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject that is installed in a store by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject;obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time;obtaining identification information of the subject, by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of bright lines included in the obtained bright line image;sending the identification information to a server;obtaining a menu listing a product of the store from the server;displaying the menu on a display of the terminal; andsending product information of the product that is selected by the customer when the product is selected by the ...

VARYING EXPOSURE TIME OF PIXELS IN PHOTO SENSOR USING MOTION PREDICTION

A photo sensor array is divided up into multiple blocks that are operated with different exposure times. A prediction algorithm is used to predict the overall light brightness of each block and determine the exposure time of each block. Each block may also include memory to store the exposure time for the pixels in the block as well as analog-to-digital resolution for the block. 1. A photo sensor comprising:pixels divided into a plurality of blocks, the pixels comprising photodiodes and transistors controlling an exposure duration of the photodiodes for a current frame;a memory configured to receive and store exposure time information for each block indicating an exposure duration for pixels in each block in the current frame, the exposure time information generated by performing motion prediction; anda control circuit configured to generate, for each block, timing signals corresponding to the exposure time information for each block stored in the memory, the control circuit coupled to the transistors to provide the timing signals for controlling the exposure duration of each block of pixels.2. The photo sensor of claim 1 , wherein the predicted motion is based on information from at least one of a motion sensing device or prior frames captured by the pixels before capturing the current frame.3. The photo sensor of claim 1 , wherein transistors in each of the pixels comprises a first transistor between a diffusion well and a photodiode claim 1 , and a second transistor between the photodiode and another diffusion well.4. The photo sensor of claim 3 , wherein the timing signals comprise a first timing signal configured to turn off the first transistor and a second timing signal configured to turn on the second transistor.5. The photo sensor of claim 1 , wherein the photo sensor comprises a first substrate and a second substrate stacked on the first substrate claim 1 , the first substrate comprising the photodiodes and the transistors claim 1 , the second substrate ...

Image capturing device, image processing device and display device

An image capturing device includes: an image capturing element having a first image capturing region that captures an image of a photographic subject and outputs a first signal, and a second image capturing region that captures an image of the photographic subject and outputs a second signal; a setting unit that sets an image capture condition for the first image capturing region to an image capture condition that is different from an image capture condition for the second image capturing region; a correction unit that performs correction upon the second signal, for employment in interpolation of the first signal; and a generation unit that generates an image of the photographic subject that has been captured by the first image capturing region by employing a signal generated by interpolating the first signal according to the second signal as corrected by the correction unit.

IMAGE SENSOR AND IMAGE-CAPTURING DEVICE

An image sensor includes: a first readout circuit that reads out a first signal, being generated by an electric charge resulting from a photoelectric conversion, to a first signal line; a first holding circuit that holds a voltage based on an electric current from a power supply circuit; and a first electric current source that supplies the first signal line with an electric current generated by the voltage held in the first holding circuit, wherein: the first holding circuit holds the voltage based on the electric current from the power supply circuit when the first signal is not read out to the first signal line by the first readout circuit. 1. An image sensor , comprising:a first readout circuit that reads out a first signal, being generated by an electric charge resulting from a photoelectric conversion, to a first signal line;a first holding circuit that holds a voltage based on an electric current from a power supply circuit; anda first electric current source that supplies the first signal line with an electric current generated by the voltage held in the first holding circuit, wherein:the first holding circuit holds the voltage based on the electric current from the power supply circuit when the first signal is not read out to the first signal line by the first readout circuit.2. The image sensor according to claim 1 , wherein:the first readout circuit includes a first photoelectric conversion unit that accumulates the electric charge resulting from the photoelectric conversion, whereinthe first holding circuit holds the voltage based on the electric current from the power supply circuit when the electric charge is accumulated by the first photoelectric conversion unit.3. The image sensor according to claim 2 , further comprising:a second readout circuit that reads out a second signal, being generated by an electric charge resulting from a photoelectric conversion, to a second signal line;a second holding circuit that holds a voltage based on an electric ...

IMAGING DEVICE AND CAMERA SYSTEM INCLUDING SENSE CIRCUITS TO MAKE BINARY DECISION

An imaging device includes: a pixel array section having an array of pixels, each of which has a photoelectric converting device and outputs an electric signal according to an input photon; a sense circuit section having a plurality of sensor circuits each of which makes binary decision on whether there is a photon input to a pixel in a predetermined period upon reception of the electric signal therefrom; and a decision result IC section which integrates decision results from the sense circuits, pixel by pixel or for each group of pixels, multiple times to generate imaged data with a gradation, the decision result IC section including a count circuit which performs a count process to integrate the decision results from the sense circuits, and a memory for storing a counting result for each pixel from the count circuit, the sense circuits sharing the count circuit for integrating the decision results. 1. (canceled)2. An imaging device , comprising:a plurality of pixel circuits, respective ones of the plurality of pixel circuits including a photoelectric conversion device;a reset transistor configured to reset at least one of the plurality of pixels in response to a control signal;control circuitry configured to provide the control signal, and to vary a form of the control signal to provide a first exposure having a first exposure period and a second exposure having a second period; anda memory,wherein the first exposure period is longer than the second exposure period.3. The imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to vary the form of the control signal to alternately repeat the first exposure and the second exposure.4. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the memory is configured to store a data value claim 3 , the data value being based on the first exposure in a case where the first exposure does not exceed a predetermined threshold claim 3 , and being based on the second exposure in a case where the first ...

IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND MOVABLE OBJECT

An imaging device includes a plurality of pixels arranged to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns and each including a photoelectric converter, an accumulation time controller that controls accumulation time of the plurality of pixels, and an amplifier that amp1ifies a signal based on charge generated by the photoelectric converter. The plurality of pixels are divided into a plurality of pixel blocks each including at least two of the plurality of pixels, the accumulation time controller is configured to control the accumulation time individually for the plurality of pixel blocks, and the amplifier is configured to output, for one pixel block of the plurality of blocks, a plurality of signals which are amp1ified at different gains and correspond to accumulation time of a common frame. 1. An imaging device comprising:a plurality of pixels arranged to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns and each including a photoelectric converter;an accumulation time controller that controls a length of accumulation time of the plurality of pixels; and{'b': '1', 'an amplifier that ampifies a signal based on charge generated by the photoelectric converter,'}wherein the plurality of pixels are divided into a plurality of pixel blocks each including at least two of the plurality of pixels,wherein the accumulation time controller is configured to control the accumulation time individually for the plurality of pixel blocks, and{'b': '1', 'wherein the amplifier is configured to output, for one pixel block of the plurality of pixel blocks, a plurality of signals which are ampified at different gains and correspond to accumulation time of a common frame.'}21. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of signals includes two signals obtained by ampifying claim 1 , at different gains claim 1 , a signal based on charge accumulated in the photoelectric converter of one of the pixels.311. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the ...

Imaging systems and methods

An imaging method includes receiving electromagnetic radiation at a focal plane array of a handheld device. The electromagnetic radiation is processed within the handheld device, and visible images are displayed on the handheld device. The displayed visible images are indicative of a scene, and include a designator and a designator identifier when a high frequency laser pulse is in the scene. The designator and designator identifier represent the high frequency pulsed electromagnetic radiation received by the focal plane array when a high frequency pulse is present in the scene.

IMAGING DEVICE AND CAMERA SYSTEM INCLUDING SENSE CIRCUITS TO MAKE BINARY DECISION

An imaging device includes: a pixel array section having an array of pixels, each of which has a photoelectric converting device and outputs an electric signal according to an input photon; a sense circuit section having a plurality of sensor circuits each of which makes binary decision on whether there is a photon input to a pixel in a predetermined period upon reception of the electric signal therefrom; and a decision result IC section which integrates decision results from the sense circuits, pixel by pixel or for each group of pixels, multiple times to generate imaged data with a gradation, the decision result IC section including a count circuit which performs a count process to integrate the decision results from the sense circuits, and a memory for storing a counting result for each pixel from the count circuit, the sense circuits sharing the count circuit for integrating the decision results. 1. (canceled)2. An imaging device comprising: a plurality of pixels (DPX) arranged in rows and columns, and', 'a plurality of signal lines coupled to the plurality of pixels (DPX) respectively; and, 'a first substrate including'} 'a plurality of sense amplifiers coupled to the plurality of signal lines respectively,', 'a second substrate including'} a counter circuit coupled to the plurality of sense amplifiers, and', 'a memory coupled to the counter,', 'wherein the first sense amplifier includes a first inverter and a second inverter serially coupled to the first inverter., 'the plurality of sense amplifies including a first sense amplifier,'}3. The imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the first sense amplifier includes a first capacitor coupled to an input node of the first inverter.4. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the first sense amplifier includes a first switch circuit coupled between the second inverter and the first capacitor.5. The imaging device according to claim 4 , wherein the first sense amplifier includes a second switch ...

IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE AND VEHICLE

An image capture device is mounted in a vehicle. The image capture device includes: an image capture unit; and a setting unit that sets an image capture condition for each region of the image capture unit each having a plurality of pixels, or for each pixel, based upon at least one of a state exterior to the vehicle and a state of the vehicle. 1an image capture unit that captures an image of an exterior of a vehicle;a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object at the exterior of the vehicle;a position measuring unit that measures a current position of the vehicle; anda control unit that generates data for providing driving support of the vehicle based on information from the image capture unit, the distance measuring unit, and the position measuring unit, wherein:among the information from the image capture unit, the control unit generates the driving support data by using more information originating from an attention image capture target than information originating from another image capture target.. A driving support device, comprising: This is a Continuation application of application Ser. No. 17/114,761 filed on Dec. 8, 2020, which in turn is a Continuation application of application Ser. No. 16/928,075 filed on Jul. 14, 2020, which in turn is a Continuation application of application Ser. No. 16/282,775 filed on Feb. 22, 2019, which in turn is a Divisional application of application Ser. No. 15/314,285 filed on Jun. 6, 2017, which in turn is a National Phase application of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/065593 filed on May 29, 2015, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-005171 filed on Jan. 14, 2015, Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-173833 filed on Aug. 28, 2014, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-111375 filed on May 29, 2014. The disclosure of each of the prior applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.The present invention relates to an image capture device and to a ...

IMAGE SENSORS WITH IN-PIXEL LENS ARRAYS

An image sensor may include an array of pixels. Pixels in the array may include a photodiode that converts incident light into electrical charge and a charge storage region for storing the electrical charge before it is read out from the pixel. Pixels in the array may include a microlens formed over the photodiode that directs light onto the photodiode. Pixels in the array may include an additional array of microlenses between the microlens and the photodiode. The additional array of microlenses may direct light away from the charge storage region to prevent charge stored at the charge storage region from being affected by light that is not incident upon the photodiode. The image sensor may be a backside illuminated image sensor that operates in a global shutter mode. 1. A pixel , comprising:a substrate;a photodiode formed in the substrate;a charge storage region formed in the substrate;a microlens that directs light onto the photodiode; and a central microlens having a first diameter; and', 'a peripheral microlens having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter., 'a microlens array interposed between the microlens and the photodiode, wherein the microlens array comprises2. The pixel defined in claim 1 , further comprising:a dielectric layer, wherein the substrate is interposed between the dielectric layer and the microlens array; andconductive paths in the dielectric layer on which electrical charge generated by the photodiode in response to incident light is read out.3. The pixel defined in claim 1 , wherein the microlens array comprises:a plurality of additional peripheral microlenses, wherein the plurality of additional peripheral microlenses and the peripheral microlens surround the central microlens.4. The pixel defined in claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of additional peripheral microlenses has a diameter that is less than the first diameter.5. The pixel defined in claim 1 , wherein the microlens has a third diameter that is greater than ...

Methods And Apparatus For Superpixel Modulation With Ambient Light Suppression

An imaging system with a light source controls the sensitivity of pixels to light, by performing both superpixel modulation and curtain modulation. The superpixel modulation may facilitate rapid data acquisition. The curtain modulation may suppress the effect of ambient light. In superpixel modulation, each pixel set may be modulated by a separate superpixel modulation signal that causes sensitivity of the pixel set to light to vary over time, and each superpixel may include a pixel from each pixel set. The curtain modulation may cause pixels in only a small region of the photodetector to be sensitive to light. The curtain modulation may cause the small region to move to track the dot of light, by changing which pixels are in the region. This invention may be used for 3D scanning. 1. A method comprising:(a) illuminating a region of a scene (“illumination region”) with light from a light source, in such a way that (i) location of the illumination region, relative to the scene as a whole, changes over time, and (ii) the light reflects from the illumination region and then travels to a photodetector that includes pixels;(b) controlling, by a first set of signals (“curtain modulation signals”) and a second set of signals (“superpixel modulation signals”), responsivity of each of the pixels, the responsivity being responsivity to the light; and(c) measuring the light; (i) the pixels, taken together, are members (A) of multiple superpixels of the photodetector and (B) of multiple pixel sets of the photodetector,', '(ii) each of the pixels is a member of a superpixel and is a member of a pixel set,', '(iii) each superpixel includes a pixel of each pixel set,', '(iv) the curtain modulation signals and the superpixel modulation signals cause the responsivity of each of the pixels to change over time,', '(v) the superpixel modulation signals include a superpixel modulation signal for each of the pixel sets,', '(vi) the superpixel modulation signal for each pixel set is ...

IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE AND VEHICLE

An image capture device is mounted in a vehicle. The image capture device includes: an image capture unit; and a setting unit that sets an image capture condition for each region of the image capture unit each having a plurality of pixels, or for each pixel, based upon at least one of a state exterior to the vehicle and a state of the vehicle. 1. A driving support device , comprising:an image capture unit that captures an image of an exterior of a vehicle;a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object at the exterior of the vehicle;a position measuring unit that measures a current position of the vehicle; anda control unit that generates data for providing driving support of the vehicle based on information from the image capture unit, the distance measuring unit, and the position measuring unit, wherein:among the information from the image capture unit, the control unit generates the driving support data by using more information originating from an attention image capture target than information originating from another image capture target.2. The driving support device according to claim 1 , wherein:when the vehicle turns, the control unit generates the driving support data by using more information originating from an image capture target in a turning direction of the vehicle than the information originating from the other image capture target.3. The driving support device according to claim 1 , wherein:when the vehicle changes lanes, the control unit generates the driving support data by using more information originating from an image capture target in a direction of changing lanes than the information originating from the other image capture target.4. The driving support device according to claim 1 , further comprising:a line-of-sight detection unit that detects a line of sight of a driver of the vehicle, wherein:the control unit changes a range of the attention image capture target based on information from the line-of-sight detection unit.5 ...

FILTERING PIXELS AND USES THEREOF

Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein provide filtering pixels for performing filtering of signals within the pixel domain. Filtering pixels described herein include a hybrid analog-digital filter within the pixel circuitry, reducing the need for computationally intensive and inefficient post-processing of images to filter out aspects of captured signals, and account for ineffectiveness of optical filters. 1. An apparatus , comprising: a photodiode;', 'a filter circuit; and', 'a read out field-effect transistor (FET); and, 'an array of filtering pixels, each filtering pixel comprisinga read bus for reading an output of each filtering pixel of the array of filtering pixels.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the array of filtering pixels comprises one or more derivative pixels claim 1 , the filter circuit comprising a first differentiator configured to output a signal proportional to a change in intensity of light falling on the photodiode.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , the first differentiator comprising:a capacitor;a resistor; anda field-effect transistor.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , each derivative pixel further comprising a reset FET configured to enable setting a voltage of the photodiode equivalent to a drain voltage of the system.5. The apparatus of claim 2 , each derivative pixel further comprising a buffer electrically disposed between the photodiode and the derivative sensing circuit.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the buffer comprises:a buffer FET; anda preliminary differentiator configured to output a signal proportional to an intensity of light falling on the photodiode.7. The apparatus of claim 5 , each derivative pixel further comprising a second differentiator configured to output a signal proportional to a change in the change in intensity of light falling on the photodiode claim 5 , the second differentiator electrically disposed after the first differentiator.8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the read bus is configured for ...

IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE HAVING THE SAME

In an example embodiment, an image processing device includes a pixel array including pixels two-dimensionally arranged and configured to capture an image, each of the pixels including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and an image data processing circuit configured to generate image data from pixel signals output from the pixels. The image processing device further includes a color data processing circuit configured to extract color data from the image data and output extracted color data. The image processing device further includes a depth data extraction circuit configured to extract depth data from the image data and output extracted depth data. The image processing device further includes an output control circuit configured to control the output of the color data and the depth data. 1. An image sensor comprising:a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels including a first pixel and a second pixel, the first pixel including a first photodiode and a second photodiode, the second pixel including a third photodiode and a fourth photodiode, wherein the first, second, third and fourth photodiodes are configured to generate image signals; anda processing circuit configured to generate image data based on the image signals, and configured to generate depth data and color data based on the image data,wherein the first pixel includes a first microlens formed over the first and second photodiodes, andthe second pixel includes a second microlens formed over the third and fourth photodiodes.2. The image sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first photodiode is connected to a first transfer transistor claim 1 ,the second photodiode is connected to a second transfer transistor, andthe first transfer transistor and the second transfer transistor are connected to a shared floating diffusion region.3. The image sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first pixel includes a first green filter formed over the first and second photodiodes claim 1 , ...

IMAGING SYSTEMS WITH FLICKER MITIGATION AND HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

An image pixel may include a shutter element that is operable in an open state during which a corresponding photodiode accumulates charge and a closed state during which charge is drained from the photodiode. During a first portion of an image frame, the image pixel may operate in a flicker mitigation mode in which a non-continuous exposure period is used. During a second portion of the image frame, the image pixel may operate in a high dynamic range mode in which images are obtained with exposures of varying lengths. To conserve memory requirements, the signal from the flicker mitigation mode may not be sampled until the end of the first exposure of the high dynamic range mode. 1. A method for capturing image data for an image pixel during an image frame , wherein the image pixel comprises a photodiode , a charge storage region , and a charge readout circuit coupled between the charge storage region and an output line , the method comprising:with the photodiode, accumulating an amount of charge in a flicker mitigation mode for a first time period, wherein the amount of charge is stored in the charge storage region;with the photodiode, accumulating an additional amount of charge in a high dynamic range mode for a second time period that is subsequent to the first time period, wherein the second time period comprises a first high dynamic range exposure and a second high dynamic range exposure subsequent to the first high dynamic range exposure; andat the end of first high dynamic range exposure, using the charge readout circuit to supply a first signal to the output line corresponding to the amount of charge on the charge storage region.2. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein the image pixel further comprises a power supply terminal claim 1 , a first transistor coupled between the power supply terminal and the photodiode claim 1 , and a second transistor coupled between the photodiode and the charge storage region claim 1 , and wherein accumulating the amount of ...

SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE AND CAMERA SYSTEM

A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel unit in which pixels are arranged in a matrix pattern; and a pixel signal read-out unit including an AD conversion unit performing analog-to-digital (AD) conversion of a pixel signal read out from the pixel unit, wherein each pixel included in the pixel unit includes division pixels divided into regions in which photosensitivity levels or electric charge accumulating amounts are different from one another, the pixel signal reading unit includes a normal read-out mode and a multiple read-out mode, and includes a function of changing a configuration of a frame in accordance with a change of the read-out mode, and wherein the AD conversion unit acquires a pixel signal of one pixel by adding the division pixel signals while performing AD conversion for the division pixel signals. 1. An imaging device , comprising:a pixel unit including at least a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, and a fourth pixel,wherein the at least first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, and the fourth pixel share a color filter of a single color,wherein a first pixel signal output from the first pixel and a second pixel signal output from the second pixel correspond to a first exposure time, andwherein a third pixel signal output from the third pixel corresponds to a second exposure time different from the first exposure time.2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein a fourth pixel signal output from the fourth pixel corresponds to the second exposure time.3. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein a floating diffusion element is shared by the at least first claim 1 , second claim 1 , third claim 1 , and fourth pixels.4. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein a floating diffusion element is provided to each of the at least first claim 1 , second claim 1 , third and fourth pixels.5. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first pixel signal output from the first pixel and the second pixel ...

IMAGE CAPTURING METHOD, CAMERA ASSEMBLY, AND MOBILE TERMINAL

An image capturing method, a camera assembly, and a mobile terminal are provided. An image sensor includes a two-dimensional (2D) pixel array. The 2D pixel array includes multiple panchromatic pixels and multiple color pixels. The 2D pixel array includes minimum repeating units. Each minimal repeating unit includes multiple sub-units. Each sub-unit includes multiple monochromatic pixels and multiple panchromatic pixels. The image capturing method includes the following. The 2D pixel array is exposed to obtain a panchromatic original image and a color original image. The color original image is processed to obtain a color intermediate image. The panchromatic original image is processed to obtain a panchromatic intermediate image. The color intermediate image and/or the panchromatic intermediate image are processed to obtain a target image. 1. An image capturing method for an image sensor , the image sensor comprising a two-dimensional (2D) pixel array , the 2D pixel array comprising a plurality of panchromatic pixels and a plurality of color pixels , the 2D pixel array comprising a plurality of minimal repeating units , the plurality of minimal repeating units in the 2D pixel array being arranged according to a preset rule , each minimal repeating unit comprising a plurality of sub-units , each sub-unit comprising at least two monochromatic pixels and at least two panchromatic pixels of the plurality of panchromatic pixels , the image capturing method comprising:obtaining a panchromatic original image and a color original image by exposing the 2D pixel array;obtaining a color pixel value corresponding to each sub-unit in the color original image by merging pixel values of all pixels in each sub-unit, and obtaining a color intermediate image by outputting the color pixel value corresponding to each sub-unit;obtaining a panchromatic pixel value corresponding to each sub-unit in the panchromatic original image by merging pixel values of all pixels in each sub-unit, and ...

Methods And Apparatus For Superpixel Modulation With Ambient Light Suppression

An imaging system with a light source controls the sensitivity of pixels to light, by performing both superpixel modulation and curtain modulation. The superpixel modulation may facilitate rapid data acquisition. The curtain modulation may suppress the effect of ambient light. In superpixel modulation, each pixel set may be modulated by a separate superpixel modulation signal that causes sensitivity of the pixel set to light to vary over time, and each superpixel may include a pixel from each pixel set. The curtain modulation may cause pixels in only a small region of the photodetector to be sensitive to light. The curtain modulation may cause the small region to move to track the dot of light, by changing which pixels are in the region. This invention may be used for 3D scanning. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the frequency of each curtain modulation signal is greater than the frequency of each superpixel modulation signal.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein immediately before and immediately after the first region undergoes a movement relative to the photodetector claim 1 , the longest dimension of the first region is perpendicular to the direction of the movement.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein:(a) a specific signal comprises (i) a curtain modulation signal in the set of curtain modulation signals or (ii) a superpixel modulation signal in the set of superpixel modulation signals; and(b) the specific signal controls storage of electric charge that accumulates in a specific pixel of the photodetector.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein:(a) a specific signal comprises (i) a curtain modulation signal in the set of curtain modulation signals or (ii) a superpixel modulation signal in the set of superpixel modulation signals; and(b) the specific signal controls attenuation of the light that reaches, or would in the absence of the attenuation reach, a specific pixel of the photodetector.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein:(a) the responsivity of a specific pixel is ...

Methods And Apparatus For Superpixel Modulation With Ambient Light Suppression

An imaging system with a light source controls the sensitivity of pixels to light, by performing both superpixel modulation and curtain modulation. The superpixel modulation may facilitate rapid data acquisition. The curtain modulation may suppress the effect of ambient light. In superpixel modulation, each pixel set may be modulated by a separate superpixel modulation signal that causes sensitivity of the pixel set to light to vary over time, and each superpixel may include a pixel from each pixel set. The curtain modulation may cause pixels in only a small region of the photodetector to be sensitive to light. The curtain modulation may cause the small region to move to track the dot of light, by changing which pixels are in the region. This invention may be used for 3D scanning. 1. An apparatus comprising:(a) an illumination system;(b) a photodetector; and(c) one or more signal generators; (i) the illumination system is configured to illuminate a scene with light, in such a way that (A) location at which the light strikes the scene changes over time and (B) the light reflects from the scene and then travels to the photodetector,', '(ii) the photodetector comprises pixels,', '(iii) the pixels, taken together, are members (A) of multiple superpixels of the photodetector and (B) of multiple pixel sets of the photodetector, (iv) each of the pixels is a member of a superpixel and is a member of a pixel set,', '(v) each superpixel includes a pixel from each pixel set,', '(vi) the one or more signal generators are configured to generate a first set of signals (“curtain modulation signals”) and a second set of signals (“superpixel modulation signals”), and', (A) responsivity to the light changes over time, the responsivity being responsivity of pixels of the photodetector,', '(B) the superpixel modulation signal for each pixel set is separate from the superpixel modulation signal for each other pixel set,', '(C) the curtain modulation signals cause a first region of the ...

RADIATION IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING RADIATION IMAGING APPARATUS

A radiation imaging apparatus that has a plurality of pixels capable of outputting an image signal in accordance with an irradiation of radiation comprises a photoelectric conversion unit which has a first capacitance and a second capacitance as charge accumulation capacitances and a gain correction unit configured to correct a pixel value in relation to a dose of the irradiated radiation based on an image signal outputted in accordance with a charge accumulated by the photoelectric conversion unit. The gain correction unit changes an interval of gain correction points at which to perform correction in accordance with a switch from a first capacitance to a second capacitance. 1. A radiation imaging apparatus that has a plurality of pixels capable of outputting an image signal in accordance with an irradiation of radiation , the apparatus comprising:a photoelectric conversion unit configured to have a first capacitance and a second capacitance as charge accumulation capacitances; anda gain correction unit configured to correct a pixel value in relation to a dose of the irradiated radiation based on an image signal outputted in accordance with a charge accumulated by the photoelectric conversion unit,wherein the gain correction unit changes, in accordance with a switch from the first capacitance to the second capacitance, an interval of gain correction points at which to perform the correction.2. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an additional capacitance unit configured to have a charge accumulation region different to the photoelectric conversion unit claim 1 , whereinthe gain correction unit corrects a pixel value in relation to a dose of irradiated radiation based on a first image signal outputted based on a charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit or on a second image signal outputted based on a charge accumulated in a state in which the photoelectric conversion unit and the additional capacitance unit are ...

IMAGE SCAN LINE TIMESTAMPING

Techniques are disclosed for adding time data to scan lines of an image frame. In some examples, an image sensor may perform a rolling shutter image capture to produce the scan lines. Data captured by another sensor may be associated with at least a portion of a scan line based at least in part on the time data added to the scan line in some examples. Furthermore, techniques are disclosed for synchronizing data capture by multiple sensors. For example, a rolling shutter image capture performed by an image sensor may be synchronized with a data capture performed by another sensor. 1. A system comprising:one or more processors; and receiving, from an image sensor, first scan line data of an image frame associated with a rolling shutter image capture;', 'appending first time data to the first scan line data;', 'adjusting, based at least in part on a size of the first time data, a width associated with the first scan line data;', 'receiving, from the image sensor, second scan line data of the image frame associated with the rolling shutter image capture; and', 'appending second time data to the second scan line data., 'one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions executable by the one or more processors, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising2. The system of claim 1 , the operations further comprising:receiving, from a LIDAR sensor, LIDAR data comprising a LIDAR point, the LIDAR data associated with third time data; andassociating, based at least in part on the first time data and the third time data, the LIDAR point with at least a portion of the first scan line data.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein:the first scan line data is associated with a first exposure time; andthe second scan line data is associated with a second exposure time that is different than the first exposure time.4. The system of claim 1 , the operations further comprising: wobble;', 'skew;', 'spatial ...

IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY

An imaging device includes a first chip on which a plurality of first blocks is arranged in a matrix, and a second chip which includes a first block scanning circuit and a second block scanning circuit. The second chip includes a selection circuit configured to select driving timing given to a plurality of pixels, based on a signal output from the first block scanning circuit and a signal output from the second block scanning circuit. A second block includes a circuit other than the selection circuit. 1. An imaging device comprising:a first chip on which a plurality of first blocks is arranged in a matrix; anda second chip on which a plurality of second blocks is arranged in a matrix, the first and second chips being stacked,wherein each of the plurality of first blocks includes a plurality of pixels arrangement in a matrix,wherein each of the plurality of second blocks includes a selection circuit configured to select driving timing of the plurality of pixels belonging to each of the plurality of first blocks, andwherein each of the plurality of second blocks includes a signal processing unit configured to process signals output from the pixels.2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising:a first block scanning circuit configured to output a vertical block control signal for controlling the driving timing of the plurality of pixels arranged in a row direction; anda second block scanning circuit configured to output a horizontal block control signal for controlling the driving timing of the plurality of pixels arranged in a column direction,wherein the selection circuit is configured to select the driving timing of the plurality of pixels based on a combination of the vertical block control signal and the horizontal block control signal.3. The imaging device according to claim 2 , further comprising a first scanning circuit configured to output a row transfer pulse signal for controlling the driving timing of the plurality of pixels arranged in ...

Single Image Sensor for Capturing Mixed Structured-light Images and Regular Images

A method and device for improving the accuracy of depth information derived from a structured-light image for a regular image are disclosed. In one example, an additional structured-light image is captured before a first structured-light image or after a regular image. The depth information for the regular image can be derived from the first structured-light image and corrected by incorporating depth information from the additional structured-light image. A model for depth information can be used to predict or interpolate depth information for the regular image. In another example, two regular sub-images may be captured with a structured-light image in between. If substantial frame differences or substantial global motion vector/block motion vectors are detected, the two regular sub-images will not be combined in order to avoid possible motion smear. Instead, one of the two sub-images will be selected and scaled as the output regular image. 1. A method of deriving depth information for one regular image from structured-light images using a camera comprising an image sensor , the method comprising:capturing a first structured-light image using the image sensor during a first frame period by applying first reset signals to the image sensor to reset rows of pixels of the image sensor, exposing the rows of pixels of the image sensor to structured light to cause first analog signals from the rows of pixels, and converting the first analog signals from the rows of pixels of the image sensor into first digital outputs for the first structured-light image using one or more analog-to-digital converters;capturing a second structured-light image using the image sensor during a second frame period by applying second reset signals to the image sensor to reset rows of pixels of the image sensor, exposing the rows of pixels of the image sensor to the structured light to cause second analog signals from the rows of pixels, and converting the second analog signals from the rows of ...

Single Image Sensor for Capturing Mixed Structured-light Images and Regular Images

A method and device for capturing a mixed structured-light image and regular image using an integrated image sensor are disclosed, where the structured-light image is captured using a shorter frame period than the regular image. In order to achieve a shorter frame period for the structured-light image, the structured-light image may correspond to an image captured with reduced dynamic range, reduced spatial resolution, or a combination of them. The capturing process comprises applying reset signals to a pixel array to reset rows of pixels of the pixel array, reading-out analog signals from the rows of pixels of the pixel array and converting the analog signals from the rows of pixels of the pixel array into digital outputs for the image using one or more analog-to-digital converters. 1. A method of capturing images of a scene using a camera comprising an image sensor , the method comprising: applying first reset signals to the image sensor to reset rows of pixels of the image sensor;', 'exposing the rows of pixels of the image sensor to structured light to cause first analog signals from the rows of pixels;', 'converting the first analog signals from the rows of pixels of the image sensor into first digital outputs for the first structured-light image using one or more analog-to-digital converters;, 'capturing a first structured-light image using the image sensor during a first frame period, wherein said capturing the first structured-light image comprises applying second reset signals to the image sensor to reset the rows of pixels of the image sensor;', 'exposing the rows of pixels to non-structured light to cause second analog signals from the rows of pixels; and', 'converting the second analog signals from the rows of pixels into second digital outputs for the regular image using said one or more analog-to-digital converters; and, 'capturing a regular image using the image sensor during a second frame period, wherein the first frame period is shorter than the ...

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ALL-CMOS COMPRESSIVE SENSING

An apparatus includes an array of pixels. At least a first pixel in the array of pixels includes a first detector to generate a first electrical signal in response to irradiation by incident radiation, a first transistor electrically coupled to the first detector, and at least one logic gate to implement a Boolean AND logic function. The logic gate includes a first input terminal to receive a first exposure signal, a second input terminal to receive a first reset signal, and an output terminal, electrically coupled to the first transistor, to output to the first transistor a first control signal to variably control a first variable exposure time of the first detector and to reset the first detector. 1. An apparatus , comprising: a first detector to generate a first electrical signal in response to irradiation by incident radiation;', 'a first transistor electrically coupled to the first detector; and', a first input terminal to receive a first exposure signal;', 'a second input terminal to receive a first reset signal; and', 'an output terminal, electrically coupled to the first transistor, to output to the first transistor a first control signal to variably control a first variable exposure time of the first detector and to reset the first detector., 'at least one logic gate to implement a Boolean AND logic function, the at least one logic gate comprising], 'an array of pixels, at least a first pixel in the array of pixels comprising2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first detector comprises a photodiode.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first detector comprises a single-photon detector.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first pixel further comprises:memory operably coupled to the first input terminal of the at least one logic gate, the memory storing information representing the first variable exposure time.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the memory comprises a one-bit static random-access memory (SRAM).6. The apparatus of claim 1 , ...

PRESERVING DYNAMIC RANGE PRECISION IN INTEGER IMAGE FORMATS

High dynamic range media sensor output is encoded using a hybrid transfer function. The hybrid transfer function conforms to existing industry standards over standard brightness level ranges, such as between black and white reference points, and uses a different function to encode captured signals having intensities below the black point and above the white point. Precision over the expanded dynamic range of captured image data is optimally preserved using a two-byte per pixel representation. The transfer function varies across the full dynamic range without clamping off below the maximum value of the expanded captured intensity range. One hybrid transfer function conforms to BT.1886 up to the white point, and uses a linearly varying encoding gamma above the white point up to 1300% IRE, producing encoded values in a 2.14 fixed point representation. The hybrid transfer function is continuous at the white point, and may also have a continuous gradient there. 1. A method of encoding digital image data , the method comprising:receiving signals from an image sensor, wherein a maximum range of possible values of the received signals corresponds to a maximum range of intensity levels capable of being detected by the image sensor, the maximum range of intensity levels capable of being detected by the image sensor including intensity levels above a reference white point level; and the hybrid transfer function is defined across the maximum range of possible values of the received signals and maps the maximum range of possible values of the received signals to a full range of values that can be represented by the selected image representation; and', 'for values of the received signals corresponding to a range of intensity levels between a lower intensity level and an upper intensity level over which an industry standard transfer function is defined, the hybrid transfer function conforms to the industry standard transfer function., 'encoding the received image signals into a ...

Image pickup device and imaging apparatus

HDR image generating processing is performed which generates one image from a plurality of images captured with different exposures within an image pickup device so that increases of power consumption and frame rate reduction can be improved.

FLEXIBLE PIXEL-WISE EXPOSURE CONTROL AND READOUT

A pixel having a variable exposure for a scene capture device, the pixel comprising a photodiode, a buffer and a memory element and a switching mechanism. The memory element is configured to store an exposure control bit and the switching mechanism configured to control a variable exposure period of the photodiode based on the exposure control bit and to reset a voltage on said photodiode to a reference voltage. 1. A pixel for a scene capture device , said pixel comprising:a photodiode;a buffer;a memory element configured to store an exposure control bit; anda switching mechanism configured to control a variable exposure period of said photodiode based on said exposure control bit and to reset a voltage on said photodiode to a reference voltage.2. The pixel of claim 1 , wherein said buffer is configured to isolate said photodiode from one or more circuit elements of said image capture device.3. The pixel of claim 1 , wherein said switching mechanism is configured to disconnect said photodiode from said buffer and said reference voltage during said variable exposure period.4. The pixel of claim 1 , wherein said variable exposure period of said photodiode differs between a first frame and a second frame.5. The pixel of claim 1 , wherein said variable exposure period of said photodiode during a first frame and a second variable exposure period of a second photodiode of said image capture device during said first frame differ.6. The pixel of claim 1 , wherein said memory element is coupled to a driver configured to provide said exposure control bit to said memory element.7. The pixel of claim 1 , wherein said switching mechanism comprises a first switch selectively coupling said photodiode to said buffer to control said variable exposure of said photodiode and a second switch configured to reset said photodiode to a reference voltage.8. A scene capture device comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'a plurality of pixels of ;'} receive a random ...

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGE SENSOR

The present disclosure relates to an image sensor including: a plurality of pixels, each including a first photodiode coupled to a first capacitive charge storage node by a first transistor, and a second photodiode coupled to a second capacitive charge storage node by a second transistor; and a control circuit configured so as to, during a phase of acquisition of a value representative of the illumination level of a pixel: acquire a first output value representative of the illumination level received by the first photodiode during a first uninterrupted integration period; and acquire a second output value representative of the illumination level received by the second photodiode during a second integration period divided into a plurality of separate sub-periods. 1. An image sensor comprising:a plurality of pixels, each pixel of the plurality of pixels including, respectively, a first photodiode, a first transistor coupling the first photodiode to a first capacitive charge storage node, a second photodiode, and a second transistor coupling the second photodiode to a second capacitive charge storage node; and acquire a first output value representative of an illumination level received by the first photodiode during a first uninterrupted integration period; and', 'acquire a second output value representative of an illumination level received by the second photodiode during a second integration period, the second integration period including a plurality of separate sub-periods., 'a control circuit configured to, during a phase of acquisition of a value representative of an illumination level of a pixel2. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the second integration period is shorter than the first integration period claim 1 , and wherein the sub-periods of the second integration period are distributed along a period substantially equal to the first integration period.3. The sensor of claim 1 , each pixel of the plurality of pixels further including claim 1 , respectively ...

IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM

An image capturing apparatus comprising: an image sensor; a display; and a controller that controls exposure timing of the image sensor and display timing of displaying an image read from the image sensor in the display. The controller controls to continuously read first images and second images, resolution of the first images and resolution of the second images being different from each other, controls the exposure timing so that intervals between first reference times during exposure periods of the first images and second reference times during exposure periods of the second images are substantially equal, and controls the display timing so that time from the first reference time until the first image is displayed in the display and time from the second reference time until the second image to be displayed in the display are substantially equal. 1. An image capturing apparatus comprising:an image sensor;a display; anda controller that controls exposure timing of the image sensor and display timing of displaying an image read from the image sensor in the display, controls to continuously read first images and second images, resolution of the first images and resolution of the second images being different from each other,', 'controls the exposure timing so that intervals between first reference times during exposure periods of the first images and second reference times during exposure periods of the second images are substantially equal, and', 'controls the display timing so that time from the first reference time until the first image is displayed in the display and time from the second reference time until the second image to be displayed in the display are substantially equal., 'wherein the controller'}2. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the resolution of the first images is lower than the resolution of the second images claim 1 , andthe controller controls the image sensor so that a third image is read during a period after the ...

Imaging system with dynamic reconstruction workload allocation

Multiple image data subframes corresponding to respective portions of an exposure interval are generated within a sensor device of an image system. Depending on whether the exposure interval exceeds one or more exposure time thresholds, data representative multiple image data subframes are output from the image sensor device in one of at least two formats, including a first format in which each of the subframes of image data is output in its entirety, and a second format in which a logical combination of at least two of the subframes of image data is output instead of the at least two of the subframes of image data such that the total volume of image data output from the image sensor device is reduced relative to the first format.

Systems And Methods For Active Depth Imager With Background Subtract

An active depth imaging system and method of operating the same captures illuminator-on and illuminator-off image data with each of a first and second imager. The illuminator-on image data includes information representing an imaged scene and light emitted from an illuminator and reflected off of objects within the imaged scene. The illuminator-off image data includes information representing the imaged scene without the light emitted from the illuminator. For each image set captured by the first and second imagers, illuminator-off image data is subtracted from the illuminator-on image data to identify the illuminated light within the scene. The depth of an object at which the light is incident on then is determined by the subtracted image data of the first and second imagers. 1. An active depth imaging system with background subtract comprising:an illuminator for emitting a light ray to an object in a scene, the object reflecting the emitted light ray; 'the first and second image sets each including an illuminator-on image data representing the scene when the illuminator is in an on mode, and an illuminator-off image data representing the scene when the illuminator is in an off mode;', 'a first imager for imaging a first image set of the scene and a second imager for imaging a second image set of the scene,'} generating background-subtracted image data by, for each of the first and second image sets, subtracting the illuminator-off image data from the illuminator-on image data, and', 'analyzing the first and the second background-subtracted image data to determine a depth of the object reflecting the emitted light ray in the scene., 'an image processor programmed to2. The active depth imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second imagers comprising an image array including: a photodiode coupled with a first storage component and a second storage component, and', 'a global shutter switch for controlling charge accumulation within the photodiode,, 'a ...

Multi-port image pixels

An imaging system may include multi-port pixels. A multi-port pixel may include a photodiode that generates electrical charge in response to received light and a plurality of access ports that couple the electrical charge onto one of a corresponding plurality of pixel output lines. The photodiode may generate electrical charge for one or more different integration times while a frame is being captured. Charge generated during the different integration times may be coupled onto different respective pixel output lines through different respective access ports. Multiple pixels in a given column of the pixel array may simultaneously couple charge generated during different integration times onto different pixel output lines through different access ports.

Image sensor and a method of operating the same

In a method of operating an image sensor, a first pixel and a second pixel are commonly connected to a floating diffusion node. A voltage of the floating diffusion node is boosted. A first image signal of the first pixel is read through the floating diffusion node after of the voltage of the floating diffusion node is boosted. A second image signal of the second pixel is read through the floating diffusion node after the first image signal is read. The image sensor has a shared structure in which a plurality of pixels are connected to a single floating diffusion node. Blooming may be reduced in the image sensor by boosting the voltage of the floating diffusion node before reading the image signal to lower the potential barrier formed between the photodiode and the floating diffusion node and drain the saturated photocharges into the floating diffusion node.

LOCAL EXPOSURE SENSOR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

A high dynamic range imaging sensor includes a pixel array of pixel cells, a readout circuitry, a function logic and a control circuitry. Each pixel cell comprises one of a normal pixel and a base pixel, and each M rows by N columns pixels defines a pixel subarray. Each pixel subarray includes at least three normal pixels and at least one base pixel. The readout circuitry is coupled to read image data out from a plurality of pixels of the pixel array. The readout circuitry includes an Analog-to-Digital Converter associated to respective readout column. The function logic is coupled to receive the digital image data from the readout circuitry. The control circuitry is coupled to receive exposure levels from the function logic and to output each applied exposure level assigned to respective pixel subarray of the pixel array to control an exposure time of each pixel. 1. A high dynamic range (HDR) imaging sensor , comprising:a pixel array of pixel cells, wherein each pixel cell comprises one of a normal pixel and a base pixel, and each M rows by N columns pixels defines a pixel subarray wherein each pixel subarray comprises at least three normal pixels and at least one base pixel;a readout circuitry coupled to read image data out from a plurality of pixels of the pixel array, the readout circuitry comprising an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) associated to respective readout column and configured to convert the analog image signal to digital image data; an image memory coupled to store the image data received from the readout circuitry; and', 'a ghost image remover coupled to read image data stored in the image memory and write reconstructed data back to the image memory; and, 'a function logic coupled to receive the digital image data from the readout circuitry, wherein the function logic comprisesa control circuitry coupled to receive exposure levels from the function logic and to output each applied exposure level assigned to respective pixel subarray of the pixel ...

System for and method of configurable line scan array imaging

Disclosed are image data acquisition methods and systems that utilizes selective temporal co-adding of detector integration samples to construct improved high-resolution output imagery for arrays with selectable line rates. Configurable TDI arrays are used to construct output imagery of various resolutions dependent upon array commanding, the acquisition geometry, and temporal sampling. The image acquisition techniques may be applied to any optical sensor system and to optical systems with multiple sensors at various relative rotations which enable simultaneous image acquisitions of two or more sensors. Acquired image data may be up-sampled onto a multitude of image grids of various resolution.

IMAGING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM

In an imaging apparatus, at least one imaging unit performs a capturing task to capture image data in accordance with control data. An embedding unit embeds, into the image data, condition data indicative of an operating condition of the imaging unit, thus generating embedded image data. A communication unit performs serial communications with an external device to thereby receiving the control data from the external device, and transmitting the embedded image data to the external device. 1. An imaging apparatus comprising:at least one imaging unit configured to perform a capturing task to capture image data in accordance with control data;an embedding unit configured to embed, into the image data, condition data indicative of an operating condition of the imaging unit, thus generating embedded image data; and receive the control data from the external device; and', 'transmit the embedded image data to the external device., 'a communication unit configured to perform serial communications with an external device to thereby2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:the at least one imaging unit comprises first and second imaging units, the first imaging unit being configured to perform the capturing task to capture first image data as the image data in accordance with the control data, the second imaging unit being configured to perform the capturing task to capture second image data as the image data in accordance with the control data; and embed, into the first image data, first condition data as the condition data, thus generating first image data as the embedded image data; and', 'embed, into the second image data, second condition data as the condition data, thus generating second image data,, 'an embedder configured to, 'the embedding unit comprisesthe first condition data representing the operating condition of the first imaging unit, divide the first image data into first data segments;', 'divide the second image data into second data segments; ...

IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS, IMAGE PICKUP METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An image pickup apparatus, including a controller, the controller generating a first image by a first signal which is based on charge obtained by a first charge accumulation performed within a first time period corresponding to one frame of an image group, the controller generating a second image using at least a second signal which is based on the charge obtained by the plurality of times of second charge accumulations performed within a first time period, and the controller, in a first case where a time of the first charge accumulation is less than a predetermined time, generating a second image by the second signal without using the first signal, and in a second case where the time of the first charge accumulation is the predetermined time or more, generating the second image using the first signal and the second signal. 1. An image pickup apparatus , comprising:a pixel array having a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally therein, the plurality of pixels each including: a photoelectric converter that performs photoelectric conversion; a first charge holding section that holds a charge obtained due to a first charge accumulation by the photoelectric converter; and a second charge holding section that holds a charge obtained due to a plurality of times of second charge accumulations by the photoelectric converter; anda controller, the controller generating a first image by a first signal which is based on the charge obtained by the first charge accumulation performed within a first time period corresponding to one frame of an image group, the controller generating a second image using at least a second signal which is based on the charge obtained by the plurality of times of second charge accumulations performed within the first time period, and the controller, in a first case where a time of the first charge accumulation is less than a predetermined time, generating the second image by the second signal without using the first signal, and in a second case ...

Systems and methods for mitigating global event power surge in image sensors

An image sensor may include a pixel array, row control circuitry, and column readout circuitry. The row control circuitry may operate the pixel array in a global shutter mode of operation. In particular, timing control circuitry may provide global timing clock signals associated with a global photodiode reset event and a global photodiode charge transfer event to row driver circuitry providing control signals to each row in the array. Each driver circuitry may include a time delay circuit that delays the global timing clock signal by different amounts across the rows. Therefore, these global events may be offset on a per-row or per-row group basis, thereby mitigating power surges associated with global events. Further, by offsetting the global photodiode reset and charge transfer events using the same delay for a given row, the same global integration time may be preserved across different rows.

Image Sensor Having Pixels with Different Integration Periods

An image sensor includes pixels that accumulate charge during a first integration period and pixels that accumulate charge during shorter second integration periods when an image is captured. The pixels having the shorter second integration period accumulate charge at two or more different times during the first integration period. Charge is read out of the pixels associated with the first integration period at the end of the first integration period, while charge is read out of the pixels having the second integration period at the end of each second integration period. 1. An imaging system , comprising:an image sensor having a plurality of pixels, wherein a first portion of the pixels accumulate charge for a first integration period and a second portion of the pixels accumulate charge for a shorter second integration period, wherein the second portion of the pixels having the shorter second integration period accumulate charge two or more times during the first integration period.2. The imaging system as in claim 1 , further comprising readout circuitry operatively connected to the plurality of pixels.3. The imaging system as in claim 2 , further comprising a processor operatively connected to the readout circuitry claim 2 , wherein the processor is adapted to enable the readout circuitry to read charge out of the second portion of the pixels at two or more different times.4. The imaging system as in claim 3 , wherein the processor is adapted to enable the readout circuitry to read charge out of the first portion of the pixels at the end of the first integration period.5. The imaging system as in claim 3 , wherein the processor is adapted to adjust which pixels are associated with the first and second integration periods.6. The imaging system as in claim 3 , wherein the processor is adapted to determine an amount of time for each second integration period.7. A method for capturing an image claim 3 , the method comprising:beginning a first integration period for a ...

LOW POWER IMAGING SYSTEM WITH SINGLE PHOTON AVALANCHE DIODE PHOTON COUNTERS AND GHOST IMAGE REDUCTION

An imaging system includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels. Each one of the pixels includes a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) coupled to detect photons in response to incident light. A photon counter included in readout circuitry coupled to each pixel to count a number of photons detected by each pixel. The photon counter is coupled to stop counting photons in each pixel when a threshold photon count is reached for each pixel. Control circuitry is coupled to the pixel array to control operation of the pixel array. The control circuitry includes an exposure time counter coupled to count a number of exposure times elapsed before each pixel detects the threshold photon count. Respective exposure time counts and photon counts are combined for each pixel of the pixel array. 1. An imaging system , comprising:a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, wherein each one of the pixels includes a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) coupled to detect photons in response to incident light;a photon counter included in readout circuitry coupled to each pixel to count a number of photons detected by each pixel, wherein the photon counter is coupled to stop counting photons in each pixel when a threshold photon count is reached for each pixel;control circuitry coupled to the pixel array to control operation of the pixel array, the control circuitry including an exposure time counter coupled to count an exposure time elapsed before each pixel detects the threshold photon count, wherein respective exposure time counts and photon counts are combined for each pixel of the pixel array.2. The imaging system of further comprising function logic coupled to the read out circuitry to store image data read out from the plurality of pixels.3. The imaging system of wherein each pixel further includes a quenching element coupled to each SPAD.4. The imaging system of the plurality of pixels in the pixel array are arranged into a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. ...

Single Image Sensor for Capturing Mixed Structured-light Images and Regular Images

An integrated image sensor for capturing a mixed structured-light image and regular image using an integrated image sensor are disclosed. The integrated image sensor comprises a pixel array, one or more output circuits, one or more analog-to-digital converters, and one or more timing and control circuits. The timing and control circuits are arranged to perform a set of actions including capturing a regular image and a structured-light image. According to the present invention, the structured-light image captured before or after the regular image is used to derive depth or shape information for the regular image. An endoscope based on the above integrated image sensor is also disclosed. The endoscope may comprises a capsule housing adapted to be swallowed, where the components of integrated image sensor, a structured light source and a non-structured light source are enclosed and sealed in the capsule housing.

WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGE SENSOR

An image sensor including pixels, each pixel including a photodetector and a circuit for reading out the quantity of charges collected by the photodetector at the end of a phase of charge collection by the photodetector. The image sensor further includes, for at least one of the pixels, a detection circuit capable, at least at two different times during the phase, of detecting whether the quantity of charges collected at the time by the photodetector of the pixel exceeds a threshold and, in the case where the quantity of charges collected at the time exceeds the threshold, of storing a first signal representative of the time and of resetting the photodetector. 1. An image sensor comprising pixels , each pixel comprising a photodetector and a circuit for reading out the quantity of charges collected by the photodetector at the end of a phase of charge collection by the photodetector , the image sensor further comprising , for at least one of the pixels , a detection circuit capable , at least at each of two different times during said phase , of detecting whether the quantity of charges collected at said time by the photodetector of said pixel exceeds a threshold and , in the case where said quantity of charges collected at said time exceeds the threshold , of storing a first signal representative of said time and of resetting the photodetector , wherein , for each pixel , the readout circuit comprises at least one first transistor coupling the photodetector to a first node and wherein each pixel further comprises a second transistor coupling the photodetector to a second node , said second node of at least one of the pixels being coupled to the detection circuit.2. The image sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a third transistor coupling the second node to a source of a first reference potential.3. The image sensor of claim 2 , wherein the detection circuit is capable claim 2 , for each of said times claim 2 , of making the second transistor at least partially ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROLLING SHUTTER COMPENSATION USING ITERATIVE PROCESS

Image captured with an image capture device with a rolling shutter may be deformed due to changes in imaging sensor orientation during image capture. Image deformities may occur due to rolling shutter that exposes rows of pixels to light at slightly different times during image capture. Deformities such as wobble, for example, and/or other deformities may be corrected by constructing an output image. The output image may be constructed by determining corresponding pixels within the input image. The location of the input pixel may be determined by performing one or more fixed point iterations to identify one or more input pixels within the input image. A value of the output pixel within the output image may be determined based on a value of a corresponding pixel within the input image. 1. A system for correcting digital image deformities , the system comprising: obtain an input image defined by an input pixel array, the input pixel array captured by an imaging sensor, the input pixel array including input pixels characterized by input pixel positions within the input pixel array and input pixel values;', 'obtain acquisition times specifying time of capture of sets of input pixels within the input pixel array;', 'obtain orientation information specifying imaging sensor orientations at the acquisition times of the sets of input pixels within the input pixel array;', (a) determining an acquisition time and an orientation information of the given output pixel within the output pixel array;', '(b) obtaining identification of an input pixel based on the acquisition time and the orientation information of the given output pixel, the input pixel having a pixel position within the input pixel array;', '(c) obtaining an input acquisition time of the input pixel based on the pixel position within the input pixel array;', '(d) determining input orientation information of the input pixel based on the input acquisition time;', '(e) obtaining identification of a subsequent input ...

APPARATUS

An apparatus includes a sensor including a pixel unit in which a plurality of unit pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element is arranged in a column direction and a row direction, and a control unit configured to transmit a control signal containing a period signal for controlling driving of the sensor, wherein the control unit transmits, to the sensor, the control signal for driving a first driving mode, in which a pixel row in the pixel unit is read at a predetermined interval, and a second driving mode, in which a pixel row that is not read in the first driving mode is read at a predetermined interval, and wherein the control unit performs control in such a manner that the second driving mode is driven a plurality of times during one period for transmitting the period signal for driving the first driving mode. 1. An apparatus comprising:a sensor including a pixel unit in which a plurality of unit pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element is arranged in a column direction and a row direction; anda control unit configured to transmit a control signal containing a period signal for controlling driving of the sensor,wherein the control unit transmits, to the sensor, the control signal for driving a first driving mode, in which a pixel row in the pixel unit is read at a predetermined interval, and a second driving mode, in which a pixel row that is not read in the first driving mode is read at a predetermined interval, andwherein the control unit performs control such that the second driving mode is driven a plurality of times during one period for transmitting the period signal for driving the first driving mode.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a display unit configured to perform displaying based on an image signal read in the first driving mode; anda detection unit configured to perform light source detection based on an image signal read in the second driving mode.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , ...

METHOD OF OBTAINING WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGE AND IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE PERFORMING THE SAME

In a method of obtaining a wide dynamic range (WDR) image, a first subframe image having pixel data obtained with a first exposure time is generated by performing a first readout operation of a plurality of pixels of an image sensor. A second subframe image having pixel data obtained with a second exposure time and a third exposure time is generated by performing a second readout operation of the plurality of pixels. The first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time are different from one another. A current frame image having pixel data obtained from pixel exposures with the first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time is generated by combining the first subframe image with the second subframe image. 1. A method of obtaining a wide dynamic range (WDR) image , the method comprising:generating a first subframe image by exposing each of a plurality of pixels of an image sensor with a first exposure time and performing a first readout operation on the plurality of pixels;generating a second subframe image by exposing each of first pixels of the plurality of pixels with a second exposure time and each of second pixels of the plurality of pixels with a third exposure time and by performing a second readout operation on the plurality of pixels, the first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time being different from one another; andgenerating a current frame image having pixel data obtained from the exposing with the first exposure time, the second exposure time and the third exposure time by combining the first subframe image with the second subframe image.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a number of different exposure times of the plurality of pixels used to generate the current frame image is greater than a number of readout operations performed for generating the current frame image claim 1 , wherein each readout operation comprises reading pixel data from all of the plurality of ...

INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD

[Object] To simplify a procedure of an action between users in a virtual space. [Solution] Provided is an information processing device including: a display control unit configured to display an image of a virtual space in which a first user acts; an action information generation unit configured to generate action information indicating an action from the first user to a second user in the virtual space; and a light modulation control unit configured to control modulation of light for displaying the image of the virtual space according to the action information. There is provided an information processing device including: a captured image acquisition unit configured to acquire a captured image including a screen of a device displaying a first image; an action information extraction unit configured to extract action information from modulation of light in a part of the screen of the captured image; a response processing unit configured to perform a process in which the second user responds to the action; and a display control unit configured to display a second image of the virtual space in which the second user acts according to a result of the process. 1. An information processing device comprising:a display control unit configured to display an image of a virtual space in which a first user acts;an action information generation unit configured to generate action information indicating an action from the first user to a second user in the virtual space; anda light modulation control unit configured to control modulation of light for displaying the image of the virtual space according to the action information.2. The information processing device according to claim 1 ,wherein the light modulation control unit temporally modulates the light for displaying the image according to the action information.3. The information processing device according to claim 2 ,wherein the light modulation control unit temporally modulates luminance or chromaticity of the light for ...

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT

An electronic device includes a display and a control unit. The display displays a plurality of images of a subject captured in a first image-capturing region of an image sensor. The control unit controls the image sensor so as to set image-capturing conditions for the first image-capturing region to be different from image-capturing conditions for a second image-capturing region of the image sensor by using an image selected from the plurality of images displayed on the display. 1. An electronic device , comprising:a display that displays a plurality of images of a subject captured in a first image-capturing region of an image sensor; anda control unit that controls the image sensor so as to set image-capturing conditions for the first image-capturing region to be different from image-capturing conditions for a second image-capturing region of the image sensor by using an image selected from the plurality of images displayed on the display.2. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein:the control unit determines the image-capturing conditions for the first image-capturing region, based on the subject captured in the first image-capturing region and an image-capturing mode set in the image sensor.3. The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising:an image processing unit that generates a candidate image by varying the image-capturing conditions for the first image-capturing region determined by the control unit.4. The electronic device according to claim 3 , wherein:the image processing unit generates a plurality of candidate images having varying stages of the image-capturing conditions for the first image-capturing region.5. The electronic device according to claim 3 , wherein:the image-capturing conditions are at least one of luminance and chroma; andthe image processing unit generates the plurality of candidate images having varying stages of the luminance or the chroma.6. The electronic device according to claim 3 , wherein:the image ...

WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGE SENSOR WITH GLOBAL SHUTTER

An image sensor includes a photodiode disposed in a semiconductor material to generate image charge in response to incident light, and a first transfer gate is coupled to the photodiode to extract image charge from the photodiode in response to a first transfer signal. A first storage gate is coupled to the first transfer gate to receive the image charge from the first transfer gate, and a first output gate is coupled to the first storage gate to receive the image charge from the first storage gate. A first capacitor is coupled to the first output gate to store the image charge. 1. A method of capturing an image with an image sensor , comprising:absorbing incident light with a photodiode to generate image charge;transferring a first portion of the image charge from the first photodiode to a first lateral overflow integration circuit (LOFIC) at a first frame rate, wherein the first LOFIC includes a first storage gate and a first capacitor; andtransferring a second portion of the image charge from the first photodiode to a second LOFIC at a second frame rate, wherein the second LOFIC includes a second storage gate and a second capacitor, and wherein the second frame rate is faster than the first frame rate.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second frame rate is two or more times faster than the first frame rate.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the transferring of the first portion of the image charge from the first photodiode to the first LOFIC includes turning on a first transfer gate to transfer the first portion of the image charge from the photodiode to the first storage gate claim 2 , and turning on a first output gate to transfer the first portion of the image charge from the first storage gate to a first floating diffusion.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the transferring of the second portion of the image charge from the second photodiode to the second LOFIC includes turning on a second transfer gate to transfer the second portion of the image charge ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS PROVIDING PIXEL ARRAY HAVING AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL PIXELS AND IMAGE CAPTURE PIXELS

A pixel array uses two sets of pixels to provide accurate exposure control. One set of pixels provide continuous output signals for automatic light control (ALC) as the other set integrates and captures an image. ALC pixels allow monitoring of multiple pixels of an array to obtain sample data indicating the amount of light reaching the array, while allowing the other pixels to provide proper image data. A small percentage of the pixels in an array is replaced with ALC pixels and the array has two reset lines for each row; one line controls the reset for the image capture pixels while the other line controls the reset for the ALC pixels. In the columns, at least one extra control signal is used for the sampling of the reset level for the ALC pixels, which happens later than the sampling of the reset level for the image capture pixels. 1. An image processing system , comprising: a plurality of pixels for providing image capture signals, each pixel in the plurality of pixels configured to transfer charge to a corresponding charge storage region after an integration period, and', 'at least one automatic light control (ALC) pixel for providing a light control pixel signal, the at least one ALC pixel configured to transfer charge to a corresponding charge storage region during charge integration; and, 'an imager structure including an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns, at least one row in the array comprising for each column of the pixel array including one or more ALC pixels, compare the light control pixel signal to a predetermined voltage level, and', 'determine a time interval for the integration period based, at least in part, on a comparison of the light control pixel signal to the predetermined voltage level., 'at least one processor configured to—'}2. The image processing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one ALC pixel and each pixel in the plurality of pixels comprises (i) a corresponding photosensor for providing charge to the corresponding ...

IMAGE SENSOR WITH TRANSFER GATE CONTROL SIGNAL LINES

There is provided an image sensor including at least three pixel transfer control signal lines, on a per line basis, configured to control exposure start and end timings of a pixel in order for exposure timings of a plurality of the pixels constituting one line in a specific direction to have at least three patterns. 13-. (canceled)4. An image sensor comprising:at least three pixel transfer control signal lines, on a per line basis, configured to control exposure start and end timings of a pixel in order for exposure timings of a plurality of the pixels constituting one line in a specific direction to have at least three patterns,wherein one of said at least three pixel transfer control signal lines on which a pixel of a first spectral sensitivity and a pixel of a second spectral sensitivity constituting the plurality of pixels are alternately arranged in the specific direction is connected to the pixel of the first spectral sensitivity. This is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/551,411, filed Nov. 24, 2014, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/722,463, filed Dec. 20, 2012, Issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,908,076 on Dec. 9, 2014, which in turn claims priority from Japanese Application No.: 2012-003997, filed on Jan. 12, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.The present technology relates to an image sensor. More particularly, the present technology relates to an image sensor that reads from a plurality of pixels at a plurality of exposure timings, an imaging apparatus and electronic device having the image sensor, and an imaging method for use in the image sensor, the imaging apparatus and the electronic device.Recently, electronic device (for example, an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera) that generates an image (image data) by imaging an object such as a human and records the generated image (image data) as image content (an image file) has become ...

Methods And Apparatus For Superpixel Modulation With Ambient Light Suppression

An imaging system with a light source controls the sensitivity of pixels to light, by performing both superpixel modulation and curtain modulation. The superpixel modulation may facilitate rapid data acquisition. The curtain modulation may suppress the effect of ambient light. In superpixel modulation, each pixel set may be modulated by a separate superpixel modulation signal that causes sensitivity of the pixel set to light to vary over time, and each superpixel may include a pixel from each pixel set. The curtain modulation may cause pixels in only a small region of the photodetector to be sensitive to light. The curtain modulation may cause the small region to move to track the dot of light, by changing which pixels are in the region. This invention may be used for 3D scanning. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the frequency of each curtain modulation signal is greater than the frequency of each superpixel modulation signal.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein immediately before and immediately after the first region undergoes a movement relative to the photodetector claim 1 , the longest dimension of the first region is perpendicular to the direction of the movement.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein:(a) a given signal comprises a curtain modulation signal or superpixel modulation signal; and(b) the given signal affects storage of electric charge that accumulates in a pixel.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein:(a) a specific signal comprises a curtain modulation signal or superpixel modulation signal; and(b) the specific signal affects attenuation of light that reaches, or would in the absence of the attenuation reach, a pixel.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein:(a) at any given time during the period, the superpixel modulation signal for a specific pixel is high xor low and the curtain modulation signal for the specific pixel is high xor low; and(b) during the period, the specific pixel is more sensitive to light when both the curtain modulation signal and the ...

WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE CMOS IMAGE SENSOR AND IMAGE SENSING METHOD

Disclosed is a CMOS image sensor comprising a unit pixel which includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode); an erasing transistor which, being connected to the photodetector, controls the exposure integration time of the photodetector by time division; a charge storage (e.g., floating diffusion region) in which the charge accumulated in the photodetector is transferred and stored; and a transfer transistor which, being connected between the photodetector and the charge storage, transfers the charge accumulated in the photodetector to the charge storage; wherein a first signal charge accumulated in the photodetector during the first exposure integration time is transferred to the charge storage and stored therein, and the second signal charge is accumulated in the photodetector during the second exposure integration time, thereby sequentially reading out signals in response to the first signal charge and the second signal charge at a time of sampling out the information on signal charge stored in the unit pixel. 1. A CMOS image sensor comprising a unit pixel which includes:a photodetector;an erasing transistor which, being connected to the photodetector, controls the exposure integration time of the photodetector by time division;a charge storage in which the charge accumulated in the photodetector is transferred and stored; anda transfer transistor which, being connected between the photodetector and the charge storage, transfers the charge accumulated in the photodetector to the charge storage;wherein a first signal charge accumulated in the photodetector during the first exposure integration time is transferred to the charge storage and stored therein, and a second signal charge is accumulated in the photodetector during a second exposure integration time, thereby sequentially reading signals responding to the first signal charge and the second signal charge at a time of sampling out the information on signal charge stored in the unit pixel.2. A CMOS image sensor ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SYNCHRONIZING ILLUMINATION TIMING IN A MULTI-SENSOR IMAGER

A method and system for synchronizing active illumination pulses in a multi-sensor imager is provided. The method has the steps of: providing an illumination pulse for each of N sensors from an illumination control block; setting each of N illumination pulses to have the same pulse period and active pulse width; setting the active width pulse for each of N illumination pulses to have maximum exposure time for each of N image sensors; ensuring during initialization of image capture that the time to capture a frame plus the time interval between subsequent image captures is the same for each sensor; monitoring the frame synchronous signal and corresponding illumination pulse for each sensor; obtaining the offset periods between subsequent frame synchronous signals from the monitoring step; adjusting the interval between frame captures; and aligning the negative edge of the frame synchronous signal and the corresponding illumination pulse. 1. A system for synchronizing illumination timing in a multi-sensor imager , comprising:{'sub': 'N', 'N number of image sensors with active pulse illumination, N being a natural number ≥2, each sensor being configured to generate a frame synchronous signal (FEN) for image capture, where subscript N indicates the image sensor corresponding to the frame synchronous signal;'}at least 2 CPUs, each of the CPUs controlling at least 1 of the N number of image sensors;an illumination control block communicatively linked to each of the CPUs;{'sub': p', 'p, 'the illumination control block being configured to generate illumination pulses for each of N image sensors, the illumination pulse for each of N image sensors being set to have the same pulse period (T) and active pulse width (W), the active width pulse for each illumination pulse being set to have maximum exposure time for each of N image sensors;'}{'sub': p', 'p, 'the illumination control block being configured to communicate pulse period (T) and active pulse width (W) for the ...

EXTENDED HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE DIRECT INJECTION CIRCUIT FOR IMAGING APPLICATIONS

According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a unit cell circuit comprising a photodetector configured to generate a photo-current in response to receiving light, a first integration capacitor configured to accumulate charge corresponding to the photo-current, a second integration capacitor configured to accumulate charge corresponding to the photo-current, a charge diverting switch coupled to the photodetector and configured to selectively couple the first integration capacitor to the second integration capacitor and divert the photo-current to the second integration capacitor in response to a voltage across the first integration capacitor exceeding a threshold level, and read-out circuitry coupled to the first integration capacitor and the charge diverting switch and configured to read-out a first voltage sample from the first integration capacitor corresponding to charge accumulated on the first integration capacitor and to read-out a second voltage sample from the second integration capacitor corresponding to charge accumulated on the second integration capacitor. 1. A unit cell circuit comprising:a photodetector configured to generate a photo-current in response to receiving light;a first integration capacitor coupled to the photodetector and configured to accumulate charge corresponding to the photo-current;a second integration capacitor configured to accumulate charge corresponding to the photo-current;a charge diverting switch coupled to the photodetector and configured to selectively couple the first integration capacitor to the second integration capacitor and divert the photo-current to the second integration capacitor in response to a voltage across the first integration capacitor exceeding a threshold voltage level;read-out circuitry coupled to the first integration capacitor and the charge diverting switch and configured to read-out a first voltage sample from the first integration capacitor corresponding to charge accumulated on the first ...

IMAGE CAPTURE CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE

This application discloses an image capture control method and apparatus, and an image capture device, wherein the method comprises: configuring different exposure periods for at least two photosensitive areas of a photosensitive array; determining start exposure times of the photosensitive areas, wherein a start exposure time of a photosensitive area having a relatively long exposure period is earlier than a start exposure time of a photosensitive area having a relatively short exposure period, and exposure of the photosensitive areas is completed in a longest exposure period of the exposure periods; and controlling exposure of the corresponding photosensitive areas according to the determined exposure periods and the start exposure times of the exposure periods. This application can improve quality of an HDR image by using a total exposure time as short as possible. 1. An image capture control method , comprising:configuring different exposure periods for at least two photosensitive areas of a photosensitive array;determining start exposure times of the photosensitive areas, wherein a start exposure time of a photosensitive area having a relatively long exposure period is earlier than a start exposure time of a photosensitive area having a relatively short exposure period, and exposure of the photosensitive areas is completed in a longest exposure period of the exposure periods; andcontrolling exposure of the corresponding photosensitive areas according to the determined exposure periods and the start exposure times of the exposure periods.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining start exposure times of the photosensitive areas comprises:aligning midpoints of the exposure periods to determine the start exposure times of the photosensitive areas relative to a reference time.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the reference time is a start exposure time of a photosensitive area corresponding to the longest exposure period.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein ...

SOLID-STATE IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE AND IMAGE PICKUP METHOD, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

The present disclosure relates to a solid-state image pickup device that is adapted to enable the light exposure time to be shortened, and an image pickup method, and an electronic apparatus. 1. A solid-state image pickup device comprising:a pixel array unit on which pixels are two-dimensionally arranged; anda light exposure control unit that controls light exposure time of a first pixel, and light exposure time of a second pixel that differs in light exposure time from the first pixel in such a manner that at least one of light exposure start time or light exposure end time differs according to light emission time of predetermined light in the pixel array unit.2. The solid-state image pickup device according to claim 1 , whereinthe light exposure control unit controls the light exposure time of the first pixel and the light exposure time of the second pixel in such a manner that the light exposure start time differs according to the light emission time of the predetermined light.3. The solid-state image pickup device according to claim 1 , whereinthe light exposure control unit controls the light exposure time of the first pixel and the light exposure time of the second pixel in such a manner that the light exposure start time differs by changing an inclusion ratio of the light emission time of the predetermined light.4. The solid-state image pickup device according to claim 1 , whereinthe pixel includes a PD.5. The solid-state image pickup device according to claim 4 , whereinthe light exposure control unit controls the light exposure start time by reset operation, and controls the light exposure end time by charge transfer.6. The solid-state image pickup device according to claim 1 , whereinthe pixel includes an organic or inorganic photoelectric conversion film.7. The solid-state image pickup device according to claim 6 , whereinthe light exposure control unit controls the light exposure start time by reset operation, and controls the light exposure end time by ...

Method And Device For Temporal Synchronization Of The Optical Transmission Of Data In Free Space

A method and a device for time synchronisation of the optical transmission of data in free space from a transmitter to at least one receiver are discussed. In the method and the device, the time synchronisation between the image reproduction of a transmitter and the image recording of a camera is to be improved for the optical free space transmission between transmitter and camera. This is achieved in that a method and a device for time synchronisation of the optical transmission of data in free space from a transmitter to at least one receiver is provided, wherein an arbitrary time recording phase for an image recording by the camera is allowed, wherein an arbitrary recording start time for the image recording by the camera is allowed, an arbitrary implementation of an updating of the image content, typically line by line with a time offset, is performed for the imaging device, an arbitrary implementation of a readout timing and thus coherent shutter timings of the receiving camera is allowed, and a synchronisation is performed subsequently, on the basis of the image recordings not recorded in synchronised fashion. 1. A method for time synchronisation of the optical transmission of data in free space from a transmitter to at least one receiver ,{'sub': n', 'n', 'n, 'wherein the transmitter is an imaging device with a plurality of pixels, which are controlled by image data (s(i, j, m)) of an image sequence (s(i, j)) that represent images, and the data provided for transmission are divided into a data sequence (d(i, j)) from a data packet comprising a number of data bits and each data bit is associated with at least one of the pixels, and wherein the data packets are each modulated onto the image data (s(i, j, m)) of at least one image of the image sequence (s(i, j)) in pixel-based fashion in the form of an amplitude modulation,'}wherein the modulation of the image data (s(i, j, m)) is performed with a time difference,{'sub': n', 'n', 'n, 'the image sequence (s(i, j ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROLLING SHUTTER COMPENSATION USING ITERATIVE PROCESS

Image captured with an image capture device with a rolling shutter may be deformed due to changes in imaging sensor orientation during image capture. Image deformities may occur due to rolling shutter that exposes rows of pixels to light at slightly different times during image capture. Deformities such as wobble, for example, and/or other deformities may be corrected by constructing an output image. The output image may be constructed by determining corresponding pixels within the input image. The location of the input pixel may be determined by performing one or more fixed point iterations to identify one or more input pixels within the input image. A value of the output pixel within the output image may be determined based on a value of a corresponding pixel within the input image. 1. A system for correcting digital image deformities , the system comprising: obtain an input image defined by an input pixel array, the input pixel array captured by an imaging sensor, the input pixel array including input pixels characterized by input pixel positions within the input pixel array and input pixel values;', 'obtain acquisition times specifying time of capture of sets of input pixels within the input pixel array;', 'obtain orientation information specifying imaging sensor orientations at the acquisition times of the sets of input pixels within the input pixel array; and', 'determine an output pixel array based on the input image, the output pixel array including output pixels that have been transformed to account for changes in the imaging sensor orientation at different ones of the acquisition times, wherein correspondence between one or more of the output pixels of the output pixel array to one or more of the input pixels of the input pixel array is determined based on one or more fixed point iterations, and output pixel value of the one or more output pixels of the output pixel array is determined based on input pixel value of the one or more corresponding input ...

DUAL CONVERSION GAIN HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE SENSOR

A method of reading out a pixel includes resetting a photodetector of the pixel. Light incident on the photodetector is then integrated for a single exposure of a single image capture. A floating diffusion node of the pixel is then reset. The floating pixel is set to low conversion gain and a low conversion gain reset signal is sampled from the floating diffusion node. The floating diffusion is set to high conversion gain and a high conversion gain reset signal is sampled from the floating diffusion node. Charge carriers are transferred from the photodetector to the floating diffusion node and a high conversion image signal is then sampled from the floating diffusion node. The floating diffusion is set to low conversion gain. Charge carriers are transferred again from the photodetector to the floating diffusion node and a low conversion image signal is sampled from the floating diffusion node. 1. A method of acquiring image data from a pixel from a single exposure of a single image capture in a high dynamic range (HDR) image sensor , comprising:resetting a photodetector of the pixel;integrating light incident on the photodetector for the single exposure of the single image capture;performing a first reset of a floating diffusion of the pixel;setting the floating diffusion to low conversion gain;sampling a low conversion gain reset signal from the floating diffusion;setting the floating diffusion to high conversion gain;sampling a high conversion gain reset signal from the floating diffusion;transferring charge carriers photogenerated during the single exposure from the photodetector to the floating diffusion;sampling a high conversion gain image signal from the floating diffusion;setting the floating diffusion to the low conversion gain;transferring additional charge carriers photogenerated during the single exposure from the photodetector to the floating diffusion; andsampling a low conversion gain image signal from the floating diffusion.2. The method of further ...

SEMI-GLOBAL SHUTTER IMAGER

This disclosure is directed to an image sensor. The image sensor includes a two-dimensional pixel array divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks comprising pixels arranged in at least two different rows and two different columns, and a shutter mechanism that exposes the plurality of blocks sequentially, with all pixels in each block being exposed synchronously. 1. An image sensor comprising:a two-dimensional pixel array divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks comprising pixels spanning at least two different rows and two different columns;a shutter that exposes the plurality of blocks, with all pixels in each block being exposed synchronously; andseparate readout circuitry for each of the plurality of blocks, the readout circuitry capable of receiving and processing signals from the pixels in a corresponding block.2. The image sensor of claim 1 , wherein:the two-dimensional pixel array includes M rows of pixels, M no less than 100,a height of each block is at least one twentieth of a combined height of M rows but no more than one fifth of the combined height of M rows,the two-dimensional pixel array includes N columns, N no less than 100, anda width of each block is at least one twentieth of a combined width of N columns of pixels but no more than one fifth of the combined width of N columns.3. The image sensor of claim 1 , wherein at least two of the blocks of the plurality of blocks include a different number of pixels.4. The image sensor of claim 1 , wherein at least two of the blocks of the plurality of blocks have different geometric shapes.5. The image sensor of claim 1 , wherein each block of the plurality of blocks includes the same number of pixels.6. The image sensor of claim 1 , comprising:a timing control module configured to transmit a timing signal to each of the blocks, the timing signal configured to initiate a sequence of exposures of the blocks.7. The image sensor of claim 1 , wherein the ...

SOLID-STATE IMAGE SENSOR, IMAGING CONTROL METHOD, SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

The present technology relates to a solid-state image sensor, an imaging control method, a signal processing method, and an electronic apparatus that suppress the deterioration of image quality, which is caused by the difference of sensitivity between pixels. A solid-state image sensor includes: a pixel array unit including a plurality of pixels arranged, the plurality of pixels including a plurality of kinds of pixels, the plurality of kinds of pixels including a first pixel and a second pixel, the first pixel having the highest sensitivity, the second pixel having a sensitivity lower than the sensitivity of the first pixel; and a control unit that controls at least one of an analog gain and exposure time of/for the respective pixels depending on a ratio between the sensitivities of the first pixel and the second pixel. The present technology is applicable to a solid-state image sensor such as a CMOS image sensor. 1. A solid-state image sensor , comprising:a pixel array unit including a plurality of pixels arranged, the plurality of pixels including a plurality of kinds of pixels, the plurality of kinds of pixels including a first pixel and a second pixel, the first pixel having the highest sensitivity, the second pixel having a sensitivity lower than the sensitivity of the first pixel; anda control unit that controls at least one of an analog gain and exposure time of/for the respective pixels depending on a ratio between the sensitivities of the first pixel and the second pixel.2. The solid-state image sensor according to claim 1 , whereinthe control unit corrects a difference between the sensitivities of the first pixel and the second pixel by generating a gain difference between a first analog gain of the first pixel and a second analog gain of the second pixel and providing a time difference between exposure time for the first pixel and exposure time for the second pixel when an amount of incident light has a value equal to or larger than a predetermined ...

Pixel Circuit and Image Sensing System

The present application provides a pixel circuit, applied in an image sensing system. The pixel circuit is coupled to a first collection node and a second collection node. The pixel circuit includes a first capacitor; a second capacitor; a first shutter switch coupled between the first capacitor and the first collection node; a second shutter switch coupled between the second capacitor and the second collection node; a third shutter switch coupled between the second capacitor and the first collection node; a fourth shutter switch coupled between the first capacitor and the second collection node; and a common mode reset module coupled to the first capacitor and the second capacitor. 1. A pixel circuit , applied in an image sensing system , wherein the pixel circuit is coupled to a first collection node and a second collection node , characterized in that , the pixel circuit comprises: a first capacitor, with a first terminal and a second terminal;', 'a first shutter switch, coupled between the first terminal and the first collection node;', 'a second shutter switch, coupled between the second terminal and the first collection node;', 'a third shutter switch, with a terminal coupled to the second terminal, and another terminal receiving a voltage; and', 'a fourth shutter switch, with a terminal coupled to the first terminal, and another terminal receiving the voltage; and, 'a first alternative charging module, comprising a second capacitor, with a third terminal and a fourth terminal;', 'a fifth shutter switch, coupled between the third terminal and the second collection node;', 'a sixth shutter switch, coupled between the fourth terminal and the second collection node;', 'a seventh shutter switch, with a terminal coupled to the fourth terminal, and another terminal receiving the voltage; and', 'an eighth shutter switch, with a terminal coupled to the third terminal, and another terminal receiving the voltage., 'a second alternative charging module, comprising2. The ...

IMAGE SENSOR WITH TRANSFER GATE CONTROL SIGNAL LINES

There is provided an image sensor including at least three pixel transfer control signal lines, on a per line basis, configured to control exposure start and end timings of a pixel in order for exposure timings of a plurality of the pixels constituting one line in a specific direction to have at least three patterns. 13-. (canceled)4. An image sensor comprising:a pixel unit including a first pixel group, a second pixel group, a third pixel group, and a fourth pixel group;a reset control signal line; anda plurality of transfer gate control signal lines including a first transfer gate control line, a second transfer gate control line and a third transfer gate control line, a floating diffusion element;', 'a photoelectric conversion element;', 'a reset transistor connected between a power supply line and the floating diffusion element; and', 'a transfer transistor connected between the photoelectric conversion element and the floating diffusion element,, 'wherein each of the first to the fourth pixel groups includeswherein the reset control signal line is connected to the reset transistor of the first to fourth pixel group,wherein the first transfer gate control signal line is connected to the transfer transistor of the first pixel group,wherein the second transfer gate control signal line is connected to the transfer transistor of the second pixel group and the transfer transistor of the fourth pixel group,wherein the third transfer gate control signal line is connected to the transfer transistor of the third pixel group,wherein each of the photoelectric conversion element of the first pixel unit and the third pixel unit is configured to receive light through a first color filter, andwherein each of the photoelectric conversion element of the second pixel unit and the fourth pixel unit is configured to receive light through a second color filter.53. The image sensor according to claim , wherein the first to the fourth pixel units are arranged in the same row.63. The ...

Image sensors having extended dynamic range

In various embodiments, an electronic image sensor having extended dynamic range comprises, for example, a pixel circuit and a column readout circuit. The column readout circuit includes, for example, a correlated double-sampling (CDS) capacitor, one or more CDS clamp switches, a single slope analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit, and a column memory. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASYNCHRONOUS, TIME-BASED IMAGE SENSING

An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a photosensitive element, and a photo-signal converter adapted to provide, on a first output, a current signal linearly proportional to the intensity of light impinging on the photosensitive element and to provide, on a second output, a voltage signal logarithmic with the intensity of light impinging on the photosensitive element. Each pixel further includes a detector adapted to generate a trigger signal when a signal of the detector proportional to the voltage signal of the second output of the photo-signal converter exceeds a threshold, and a light-to-time converter adapted to measure and encode, in the time domain, light intensity on the photosensitive element. A light-to-time conversion cycle may be initiated by the light-to-time converter in response to receipt of the trigger signal. 1. An asynchronous time-based image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels , each pixel comprising:a photosensitive element;a photo-signal converter connected to the photosensitive element and configured to provide at a first output a current signal linearly proportional to an intensity of light impinging on the photosensitive element, and to provide at a second output a voltage signal logarithmic with the intensity of light impinging on the photosensitive element;a detector configured to generate, autonomously and independently of detectors of other pixels, a trigger signal when a signal of the detector proportional to the voltage signal of the second output of the photo-signal converter exceeds a threshold; anda light-to-time converter connected to the first output of the photo-signal converter and configured to measure and encode, in a time domain, light intensity on the photosensitive element, wherein a light-to-time conversion cycle is initiated by the light-to-time converter in response to receipt of the trigger signal from the detector.2. The asynchronous time-based image sensor of claim 1 , wherein ...

METHOD FOR CORRECTING DEFECTS AND IN PARTICULAR FOR REDUCING NOISE IN AN IMAGE PROVIDED BY AN IMAGE SENSOR

A method of correcting defects appearing in an image produced by an image sensor, the method comprising: receiving an image to be corrected, taken by the image sensor, receiving a temperature from the image sensor, acquired when the image to be corrected is taken by the image sensor, receiving an integration time applied by the image sensor when taking the image to be corrected, and for each pixel of the image to be corrected, subtracting from the pixel value a pixel-specific noise correction factor derived from a noise reduction model comprising a linear component dependent on the temperature of the image sensor, added to an exponential component depending on the temperature of the image sensor and multiplied by the integration time, the linear and exponential components depending on coefficients specific to the pixel. 1. A method of correcting defects appearing in an image produced by an image sensor , the method comprising:receiving an image to be corrected, taken by the image sensor;receiving a temperature from the image sensor, acquired when the image to be corrected is taken by the image sensor;receiving an integration time applied by the image sensor when taking the image to be corrected; andfor each pixel of the image to be corrected, subtracting from a pixel value a pixel-specific noise correction factor derived from a noise reduction model comprising a linear component dependent on a temperature of the image sensor, added to an exponential component depending on the temperature of the image sensor and multiplied by the integration time, the linear and exponential components depending on coefficients specific to the pixel.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the noise reduction model is defined by the following equation:{'br': None, 'i': bm', 'i,j', 'ad', 'i,j', 'bd', 'i,j', 'TP', 'ab', 'i,j', 'TP+bb', 'i,j, '[]=IT×[]×Exp([]×)+[]×[]'}where bm[i,j] is the noise correction factor to be subtracted from a corresponding pixel of the image to be corrected ...

IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE AND VEHICLE

An image capture device is mounted in a vehicle. The image capture device includes: an image capture unit; and a setting unit that sets an image capture condition for each region of the image capture unit each having a plurality of pixels, or for each pixel, based upon at least one of a state exterior to the vehicle and a state of the vehicle. 1. An image capture device that is mounted to a vehicle , comprising:an image capture unit that has a plurality of imaging regions, an imaging condition for each imaging region being changeable;an input unit to which information concerning a state in a vicinity of the vehicle is input; andan imaging control unit that controls the image capture unit, whereinthe imaging control unit changes an imaging condition for the image capture unit based on the information concerning the state in the vicinity of the vehicle that has been input to the input unit.2. The image capture device according to claim 1 , wherein:information concerning another vehicle in the vicinity of the vehicle is input to the input unit; andthe imaging control unit changes the imaging condition for the image capture unit based on the information concerning the another vehicle traveling in the vicinity of the vehicle that has been input to the input unit.3. The image capture device according to claim 2 , wherein:information concerning a distance between the vehicle and the another vehicle in the vicinity of the vehicle is input to the input unit; andthe imaging control unit changes the imaging condition for the image capture unit based on the information concerning the distance between the vehicle and the another vehicle in the vicinity of the vehicle that has been input to the input unit.4. The image capture device according to claim 3 , wherein:the imaging control unit changes the imaging condition for a first imaging region in the image capture unit in response to change in the information concerning the distance.5. The image capture device according to claim ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PIXEL-WISE IMAGING

There is provided a method and system for pixel-wise imaging of a scene. The method including: receiving a pixel-wise pattern, the pixel-wise pattern including a masking value for each pixel in an array of pixels of an image sensor; producing an electronic signal at each pixel when such pixel is exposed to light received from the scene; and directing the electronic signal at each pixel to one or more collection nodes associated with such pixel based on the respective masking value, the one or more collection nodes each capable of integrating the received electronic signal. 1. A system for pixel-wise imaging of a scene , the system comprising:an image sensor comprising an array of pixels, each pixel comprising a photosensitive receptor that produces an electronic signal when exposed to light received from the scene;a signal storage module comprising one or more collection nodes for each pixel, each collection node capable of integrating the electronic signal received by the respective photosensitive receptor; anda control logic module comprising control memory and one or more logic components, the control memory receiving a pixel-wise pattern, the pixel-wise pattern comprising a masking value for each pixel of the image sensor, and for each of the pixels, the one or more logical components directing the electronic signal to one or more of the respective collection nodes based on the respective masking value.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more collection nodes comprises exactly two collection nodes per pixel claim 1 , wherein the masking value is a one-digit binary value claim 1 , and wherein a high binary value indicates directing the electronic signal to one of the collection nodes and a low binary value indicates directing the electronic signal to the other collection node.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control memory receives a new pixel-wise pattern for every subframe claim 1 , and the one or more logical components direct the electronic ...

Image output adjustment responsive to integration time changes for infrared imaging devices

Techniques are disclosed for image output responsive to integration time changes for infrared imaging devices. In one example, a system includes an imaging device configured to capture a first image using a first integration time and a second image using a second integration time different from the first integration time. The system further includes a processing circuit configured to determine the second integration time based at least on content of the first image. The processing circuit is further configured to determine a scale factor for the second integration time based on the first integration time and the second integration time. The processing circuit is further configured to scale the second image by the scale factor. Related methods and devices are also provided.

PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION APPARATUS AND IMAGING SYSTEM USING THE SAME

Provided is a photoelectric conversion apparatus including: a pixel array having pixels arranged in matrix; a pixel output line provided according to each column of the pixel array and transmitting a pixel signal output from a pixel of each column of the pixel array; a column signal processing unit provided according to each column of the pixel array and into which the pixel signal is input from the pixel output line, in which the column signal processing unit has a plurality of horizontal adding up or averaging units configured to add up or average the plurality of pixel signals based on the pixels of different columns of the pixel array; and a plurality of adding up or averaging modes with different numbers of columns subjected to adding up or averaging can be selected by selectively using one or a plurality of the plurality of horizontal adding up or averaging units. 1. A photoelectric conversion apparatus comprising:a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels is arranged in matrix;a plurality of pixel output lines, each of the plurality of pixel output lines provided according to each column of the pixel array and transmitting a pixel signal output from a pixel of each column of the pixel array; a plurality of column signal processing units, each of the plurality of column signal processing units provided according to each column of the pixel array and into which the pixel signal is input from the pixel output line, whereina column signal processing unit of the plurality of column signal processing units has a plurality of horizontal adding up or averaging units configured to add up or average the plurality of pixel signals based on the pixels of different columns of the pixel array; anda plurality of adding up or averaging modes with different numbers of columns subjected to adding up or averaging can be selected by selectively using one or a plurality of the plurality of horizontal adding up or averaging units.2. The photoelectric conversion apparatus ...

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE GLOBAL SHUTTER IMAGE SENSORS HAVING HIGH SHUTTER EFFICIENCY

A global shutter image sensor may include an array of image sensor pixels. Each pixel may have a photodiode, a charge storage region, low light level circuitry and high light level circuitry. During high light level conditions, some charge generated by the photodiode may be diverted to the high light level circuitry and the remainder may be transferred to the low light level circuitry. During low light level conditions, all of the generated charge may be transferred to the low light level circuitry. A light shielding structure may be formed over the charge storage region. The circuit components of each pixel may be divided between first and second chips. By forming the components on separate chips and by implementing high light level circuitry, the size of the charge storage region may be reduced while preserving the high dynamic range and low noise of the image sensor during all illumination conditions. 1. An imaging system comprising:a photodiode on a first chip that is configured to generate charge in response to image light;a charge storage diode on the first chip that is configured to store the generated charge;a global shutter transistor on the first chip that is coupled between the photodiode and the charge storage diode, wherein the global shutter transistor is configured to transfer the generated charge from the photodiode to the charge storage diode;low light level readout circuitry on a second chip that is vertically stacked with respect to the first chip;high light level readout circuitry on the second chip;a transfer transistor coupled between the charge storage diode and a first vertical conductive interconnect, wherein the first vertical conductive interconnect couples the first chip to the low light level readout circuitry on the second chip; andan overflow transistor coupled between the photodiode and a second vertical conductive interconnect, wherein the second vertical conductive interconnect couples the first chip to the high light level readout ...

Solid-state image pickup device in which charges overflowing a memory during a charge transfer period are directed to a floating diffusion and method of driving same

A CMOS image sensor has an image array as a matrix of unit pixels each including at least a photodiode, a memory for holding a charge stored in the photodiode, a floating diffusion region for converting the charge in the memory into a voltage, a first transfer gate for transferring the charge from the photodiode to the memory, a second transfer gate for transferring the charge from the memory to the floating diffusion region, and a resetting transistor for resetting the charge in the floating diffusion region. The unit pixels are driven to set the potential of a potential barrier at a boundary between the memory and the floating diffusion region to a potential such that a charge overflowing the memory is transferred to the floating diffusion region, when the first transfer gate is turned on. The CMOS image sensor operates in a global shutter mode for capturing moving images.

IMAGING DEVICE AND CAMERA SYSTEM WITH PHOTOSENSITIVE CONVERSION ELEMENT

An imaging device including a pixel array section functioning as a light receiving section which includes photoelectric conversion devices and in which a plurality of pixels, which output electric signals when photons are incident, are disposed in an array; a sensing circuit section in which a plurality of sensing circuits, which receive the electric signals from the pixels and perform binary determination regarding whether or not there is an incidence of photons on the pixels in a predetermined period, are arrayed; and a determination result integration circuit section having a function of integrating a plurality of determination results of the sensing circuits for the respective pixels or for each pixel group, wherein the determination result integration circuit section derives the amount of photon incidence on the light receiving section by performing photon counting for integrating the plurality of determination results in the plurality of pixels. 1. A camera system comprising:an imaging device;an optical system which forms a subject image on the imaging device; anda signal processing circuit which processes an output image signal of the imaging device, the imaging device includes a pixel array section functioning as a light receiving section which includes photoelectric conversion devices and in which a plurality of pixels, which output electric signals when photons are incident, are disposed in an array, a sensing circuit section in which a plurality of sensing circuits, which receive the electric signals from the pixels and perform binary determination regarding whether or not there is an incidence of photons on the pixels in a predetermined period, are arrayed, and a determination result integration circuit section having a function of integrating a plurality of determination results of the sensing circuits for the respective pixels or for each pixel group, and', 'the determination result integration circuit section derives the amount of photon incidence on ...

IMAGE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

The present technology relates to an image sensor and an electronic apparatus that make it possible to capture an image at different exposure time settings for individual pixel blocks each having a plurality of pixels. 1. An image sensor comprising:a pixel array section having a plurality of pixels that are disposed in an array to perform photoelectric conversion; anda plurality of selection sections that are equal in number to a plurality of pixel blocks having two or more pixels in the pixel array section and select supply of an exposure control signal to each of the pixel blocks, the exposure control signal controlling exposure time of the pixels;the selection sections being disposed in an array.2. The image sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the exposure time is controlled for each of the pixel blocks when the selection sections select the supply of the exposure control signal to the pixel blocks.3. The image sensor according to claim 1 , further comprising:horizontal control lines that are equal in number to the selection sections disposed in a vertical array; andvertical control lines that are equal in number to the selection sections disposed in a horizontal array;the selection sections supplying the exposure control signal to the pixel blocks in accordance with a horizontal control signal supplied through the horizontal control lines and with a vertical control signal supplied through the vertical control lines.4. The image sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein the selection sections are disposed on a circuit substrate separate from the pixel array section; andthe pixel array section and the circuit substrate are stacked on each other.5. The image sensor according to claim 1 , further comprising:a plurality of AD (Analog to Digital) conversion sections that perform AD conversion on an electrical signal derived from photoelectric conversion of the pixels and are equal in number to the pixel blocks.6. The image sensor according to claim 5 ,wherein the ...

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION METHOD

An information communication method is provided for obtaining information from a subject using a terminal device. The method includes obtaining and holding identification information of devices, and service information associated with the identification information, from a server. The method also includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor so that a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject, and obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines. The method further includes obtaining identification information of the subject, by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of bright lines included in the obtained bright line image, selecting service information associated with the identification information, and presenting the service information to a user of the terminal device. 1. An information communication method of obtaining information from a subject using a terminal device that includes an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines , the information communication method comprising:obtaining, by the terminal device, one or more sets of identification information of respective one or more devices and one or more sets of service information respectively associated with the one or more sets of identification information, from the server, and holding, by the terminal device, the one or more sets of identification information and the one or more sets of service information;setting an exposure time of the image sensor so that, in an image obtained by capturing the subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject;obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure ...

IMAGE SENSOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTIPLE EXPOSURE IMAGING

An imaging device may capture a composite image from multiple individual exposures. In each imaging pixel in the imaging device, charge accumulated from each of the individual exposures may be accumulated onto a storage node. The accumulated charge from all of the individual exposures in a single composite image may be read out from the storage node. The individual exposures may be separated by delay periods. The lengths of the individual exposures and delay periods may be determined automatically or set by a user such that each individual exposure is substantially free of motion blur, while the composite image illustrates a moving subject in multiple positions. 1. A method of operating with an image sensing pixel that includes a photodiode , a given transistor coupled between the photodiode and a bias voltage , a charge storage region , a global shutter transistor coupled between the photodiode and the charge storage region , a floating diffusion region , and a transfer transistor coupled between the charge storage region and the floating diffusion region , the method comprising:with the photodiode, converting incident light into first accumulated charge during a first integration period;following the first integration period and with the global shutter transistor, transferring the first accumulated charge from the photodiode to the charge storage region;following the transfer of the first accumulated charge, resetting the photodiode with the given transistor;after resetting the photodiode, converting incident light into second accumulated charge during a second integration period, wherein the first and second integration periods have substantially equal lengths; andfollowing the second integration period and with the global shutter transistor, transferring the second accumulated charge from the photodiode to the charge storage region such that the first and second accumulated charges are summed in the charge storage region as a combined accumulated charge.2. The ...

IMAGE-CAPTURING DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE

An image-capturing device includes: an image sensor that includes an imagecapturing area where an image of a subject is captured; a setting unit that sets imagecapturing conditions to be applied to the image-capturing area; a selection unit that selects pixels to be used for interpolation from pixels present in the image-capturing area; and a generation unit that generates an image of the subject captured in the image-capturing area with signals generated through interpolation executed by using signals output from the pixels selected by the selection unit, wherein: the selection unit makes a change in selection of at least some of the pixels to be selected depending upon the image-capturing conditions set by the setting unit. 1. An image-capturing device , comprising:an image sensor that includes a first image-capturing area set so as to capture an image of a subject under first image-capturing conditions, a second image-capturing area set so as to capture an image of the subject under second image-capturing conditions different from the first image-capturing conditions and a third image-capturing area set so as to capture an image of the subject under third image-capturing conditions different from the second image-capturing conditions; anda selection unit that selects pixels, to be used for purposes of interpolation executed for a pixel present in the first image-capturing area among pixels present in the second image-capturing area, and pixels present in the third image-capturing area.2. The image-capturing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:a generation unit that generates an image of the subject captured in the first image-capturing area with signals generated through interpolation executed by using signals output from the pixels selected by the selection unit.3. The image-capturing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:a detection unit that detects the subject captured in the first image-capturing area with signals generated through ...

IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS, AND CONTROL METHOD AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

This invention provides an image capturing apparatus comprising an image capturing unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a distribution server via internet, wherein the image capturing apparatus comprises a time measuring unit for measuring, if a distribution instruction for live distribution using the distribution server has been given, an elapsed time since the instruction has been given; and a control unit for starting, if the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit has reached a predetermined set time, distributing an image captured by the image capturing unit to the distribution server via the communication unit. 1. An image capturing apparatus comprising image capturing unit , and communication unit arranged to communicate with a distribution server via the internet ,wherein the image capturing apparatus comprises:a time measuring unit configured to measure, if a distribution instruction for live distribution using the distribution server has been given, an elapsed time since the distribution instruction has been given; anda control unit configured to start, if the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit has reached a set time, distributing an image captured by the image capturing unit to the distribution server via the communication unit.2. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a setting unit configured to enable a user to set the set time.3. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 2 ,wherein the setting unit is configured to set a plurality of set times,the distribution instruction includes an instruction to select one of the plurality of set times, andthe control unit is configured to start distributing an image captured by the image capturing unit to the distribution server via the communication unit after the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit has reached the selected set time.4. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 3 ,wherein the control unitis ...

Semi-global shutter imager

This disclosure is directed to an image sensor. The image sensor includes a two-dimensional pixel array divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks comprising pixels arranged in at least two different rows and two different columns, and a shutter mechanism that exposes the plurality of blocks sequentially, with all pixels in each block being exposed synchronously.