Abstract: Display devices and programs display a guide image on a display mounted on a vehicle so as to be visually recognized such that the guide image is superimposed on a view ahead of the vehicle. The guide image provides guidance about a travel direction of the vehicle that travels on a travel path after leaving a guide branch point. The devices and programs display the guide image in a manner such that a region overlapping a nearby object present on a near side of the travel path on which the vehicle travels is removed from the guide image.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus in which a plurality of pixels each having a plurality of photoelectric conversion units for receiving light fluxes that have passed through different partial pupil regions of an imaging optical system are arrayed, wherein an entrance pupil distance Zs of the image sensor with respect to a minimum exit pupil distance Lmin of the imaging optical system and the maximum exit pupil distance Lmax of the imaging optical system satisfies a condition of 4 ? L min ? L max L min + 3 ? L max < Z S < 4 ? L min ? L max 3 ? L min + L max .

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus in which a plurality of pixels each having a plurality of photoelectric conversion units for receiving light fluxes that have passed through different partial pupil regions of an imaging optical system are arrayed, wherein an entrance pupil distance Zs of the image sensor with respect to a minimum exit pupil distance Lmin of the imaging optical system and the maximum exit pupil distance Lmax of the imaging optical system satisfies a condition of 4 ? ? L min ? L max L min + 3 ? ? L max < Z S < 4 ? ? L min ? L max 3 ? L min + L max .

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus in which a plurality of pixels each having a plurality of photoelectric conversion units for receiving light fluxes that have passed through different partial pupil regions of an imaging optical system are arrayed, wherein an entrance pupil distance Zs of the image sensor with respect to a minimum exit pupil distance Lmin of the imaging optical system and the maximum exit pupil distance Lmax of the imaging optical system satisfies a condition of 4 ? L min ? L max L min + 3 ? L max < Z S < 4 ? L min ? L max 3 ? L min + L max .

Abstract: Disclosed herein are differential amplifiers for improved slew performance. In some embodiments, a differential amplifier may receive positive and negative input signals at first and second transistor branches, respectively; provide a dynamic bias current to the first and second transistor branches, responsive to the positive and negative input signals; and provide positive and negative output signals at the second and first transistor branches, respectively.

Abstract: This document describes curved image sensors capable of sensing light from a monocentric lens. This curved image sensor receives light focused at a curved focal surface and then provides electric signals from this curved image sensor to a planar computing chip, such as a CMOS chip. By so doing, the higher image quality, smaller size, and often smaller weight of monocentric lenses can be gained while using generally high-quality, low-cost planar chips.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor which comprises a pixel group in which unit pixels each including a microlens and a plurality of photo-electric converters are arrayed two-dimensionally, wherein a shielding unit that shields part of all of a plurality of photo-electric converters corresponding to a single microlens is provided in a portion of the unit pixels.

Abstract: The device includes an pixel array part having a plurality of unit pixels, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, and an A/D converter. A pixel signal read from a pixel array part via a signal line is subjected to CDS processing (noise elimination processing) in the CDS circuit, and then this pixel signal is inputted into the A/D converter which performs A/D conversion on the pixel signal. The A/D converter includes a ?? modulator and a digital filter to perform highly accurate A/D conversion. The invention can also be applied to a construction in which an A/D converter is provided at the front stage of the CDS circuit.

Abstract: Techniques for lens-free imaging using optical resonance, including providing a series of standing waves indexed by a wave vector to an optical resonator having a predetermined dispersion relation. The intensity of the wavelengths corresponding to the standing waves can be measured with a photodetector. A magnitude and shift of the wave vector corresponding to each of the standing waves can be determined, and spatial information in k-space can be determined from the magnitude and shift of the wave vector corresponding to each of the standing waves using an inversion relationship. A transform can be applied to the spatial information to generate an image.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensor including a plurality of image forming pixels and a lens which is arranged for the plurality of image forming pixels. Each of the image forming pixels includes a plurality of divided photo-electric conversion units, and the plurality of photo-electric conversion units have a function of photo-electrically converting a plurality of images having passed through different exit pupils of the imaging optical system, and outputting focus detection signals. Each of the image forming pixels includes a first light guide and a second light guide. The first light guide is arranged on a side of the lens, and the second light guide is arranged on a side of the photo-electric conversion unit, and a division count of the second light guide is larger than the division count of the first light guide.

Abstract: A lensless camera with image formation performed by image processing software rather than by lens. Image formation operations are coordinated with a micro-optical element array that can comprise apertures, micro-optic layers, etc. configured so light received from a distant source overlaps onto multiple photosensors. Algorithms for image formation are determined by pixel overlap functions resulting from micro-optic elements directing light to a photosensor array, and can include deconvolution, edge-effect handling, decimation, and interpolation. Image formation operations can comprise frequency-domain operations or other approaches. The micro-optical element array can be configured to produce a spatial light pattern on the photosensor array with optimized detection characteristics. Light-detecting photosensors can comprise elements capable of light emission, for example organic materials with electroluminescent properties.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of making focus detection performance and image pickup performance compatible with each other. A plurality of image pickup pixels detect a subject image formed by an imaging optical system and generate an image for image pickup. Microlenses disposed for the respective image pickup pixels gather incident light to the respective image pickup pixels. Each image pickup pixel has a plurality of photoelectric converters divided in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each photoelectric converter photoelectrically converts each of subject images having passed through pupil partial areas corresponding to the respective photoelectric converters in an exit pupil of the imaging optical system and outputs focus detection signals for detecting a phase difference between the subject images. A first curvature of the microlenses in the first direction and a second curvature of the microlenses in the second direction are different.

Abstract: The device includes an pixel array part having a plurality of unit pixels, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, and an A/D converter. A pixel signal read from a pixel array part via a signal line is subjected to CDS processing (noise elimination processing) in the CDS circuit, and then this pixel signal is inputted into the A/D converter which performs A/D conversion on the pixel signal. The A/D converter includes a ?? modulator and a digital filter to perform highly accurate A/D conversion. The invention can also be applied to a construction in which an A/D converter is provided at the front stage of the CDS circuit.

Abstract: Solid-state image pickup device and processing method, with A/D conversion on pixel signals read from a pixel array part that effectively achieves reductions in power consumption, size and price while retaining a high-quality image output. The device includes a pixel array part, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, and an A/D converter. A pixel signal read via a signal line is subjected to noise elimination processing in the CDS circuit, and is then inputted into the A/D converter. The A/D converter includes a ?? modulator and a digital filter to perform highly accurate A/D conversion. The A/D converter can also be provided at the front stage of the CDS circuit.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate having a plurality of photosensitive areas, a light shield positioned spanning the photosensitive areas in which light shield a plurality of apertures are formed, and a plurality of microlens each disposed centered on one of the apertures such that a focal point of the incident light through each microlens is substantially extended into the substrate to a point where a portion of the incident light directed onto the periphery of each microlens is blocked by a light shield.

Abstract: Techniques to provide a replica bias circuit for a high speed and low voltage common mode driver. In an embodiment, a pre-driver is coupled to provide driver input voltages to the driver, which driver includes a set of circuit elements coupled to provide, based on the driver input voltages, an output signal of a differential output. In another embodiment, a regulator circuit is coupled to provide regulated power to the pre-driver and driver, where the regulator circuit includes a scale replica circuit having a replica of the first set of circuit elements.

Abstract: A camera module may be formed from an array of lenses and corresponding image sensors. The array of lenses may be configured so that the lenses and image sensors each capture an image of a different portion of an object. The lenses in the array may include rotationally asymmetric lenses such as wedge-shaped lenses. The image sensors may be formed in a two-dimensional array on a common image sensor integrated circuit die. The camera module may be mounted in a portable electronic device. Processing circuitry in the portable electronic device may be coupled to the image sensor array and may process the individual images. During image processing, the individual images of the object may be stitched together to form a composite image of the object.

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a plurality of photoelectric transduction elements arranged in a two-dimensional array; and an output unit outputting a video signal generated from electric charges accumulated by the plurality of photoelectric transduction elements, and sync codes corresponding to a horizontal sync signal and a vertical sync signal indicating predetermined intervals, as low voltage differential signals synchronized with a prescribed clock. The output unit outputs only the sync code corresponding to a horizontal sync signal as a low voltage differential signal in a blanking period, among the video signal and the sync codes corresponding to a horizontal sync signal and a vertical sync signal.

Abstract: A signal processing system distributes an input signal over a plurality of shaped signal distribution structures that are interconnected with a plurality of shaped signal pickup units. The signal distribution structures and/or the signal pickup units include delay lines. The shape of the signal distribution structures and the shape of the signal pickup units and the configuration of the interconnections between the shaped structures and the pickup units determine the type of analysis performed on the signals. The signal possessing is distributed across the shaped structures. Input information is diffracted or spread, such that statistical correlations can be found by reconverging the diffracted information. Signals propagated through the system can be a combination of analog, digital and pulse signals. Optionally, feedback is used to amplify or attenuate earlier stages, such that outputs or actions are based on the relative importance of the input signals.

Abstract: An analog multiplexer is configured to multiplex a plurality of input analog signal channels into a single output analog signal channel. The analog multiplexer comprises a plurality of input sampling circuits associated with respective ones of the input analog signal channels and an amplifier having an input controllably connectable in turn to each of the input sampling circuits. The analog multiplexer is further configured to connect at least a given one of the input analog signal channels to a sampling element of its corresponding input sampling circuit at a predetermined time prior to connecting the sampling element of that input sampling circuit to the input of the amplifier. The predetermined time is less than a full clock cycle of a sampling clock of the amplifier. The analog multiplexer may be implemented in readout circuitry coupled to a pixel array in an image sensor.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting an object image comprises a detection unit and a read-out unit. The detection unit comprises at least one detection array. The at least one detection array comprises a plurality of detection cells disposed in M detection rows, M?2. The detection cells generate a plurality of detection signals, and the detection signals represent specific color information. The read-out unit receives the detection signals from the at least one detection array and generates an image signal according to the received detection signals.

Abstract: A detecting device includes: multiple sensors composed with a plurality of sensor circuits arrayed on a plane, each of which generates at least one detected signal that corresponds to a distance from a surface of an object; a selector circuit which selects each of the sensor circuits and outputs the detected signal from each of the sensor circuits; a storage which stores digital data of a reference value; a digital-to-analog converter circuit which generates a reference signal that corresponds to a level of the reference value from the digital data stored in the storage; a generation circuit which generates, per each of the sensor circuits, in sequence, detected data according to a relationship of levels between the detected signal output from each of the sensor circuits selected by the selector circuit, and the reference signal generated by the digital-to-analog converter circuit; an arithmetic circuit which conducts a prescribed operation with a plurality of detected data sets generated by the generation ci

Abstract: This invention relates to a multimedia device (100) for use in multimedia collaboration apparatus and systems. Such apparatus and systems typically contain processing units (118) audio reception and transmission capabilities (140, 142), as well as video reception and transmission capabilities (146, 142). The reception and transmission capabilities allow analog audio/video signal transfer over UTP wires for audio transmit/receive. The reception, transmission, and decoding capabilities could exist in a single packaging. This or another single packaging can support a plurality of multimedia network signal formats, including analog plus digital or all digital.

Abstract: An orientation sensor for use with an image sensor is provided, which includes at least two polarizers with different orientations and associated photodetectors and a signal processing unit. The orientation sensor can be incorporated in a digital camera. When the camera is exposed to daylight, which is polarized, the relative outputs from the differently oriented polarizers can be compared to record the orientation of the camera. This orientation can be stored with the image data so that a user does not have to manually change the orientation of an image on an image display device.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of photoelectric converting elements, each of which is provided with an electric charge output port, and a group of channel selection switches that turn on and off between the electric charge output port and a common signal line. A resolution of the image sensor is determined by ON-OFF patterns of a signal used for designating a resolution, at a timing of a rising or falling edge of a signal for setting a timing for designating the resolution during the period that a signal for setting a period for designating the resolution is on.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved shared amplifier circuitry and method of operation which minimizes offset and column to column fixed pattern noise during a read out operation. The circuit improves the consistency of the pixel to pixel output of the pixel array and increases the dynamic range of the pixel output and saves chip area. This is accomplished by simultaneously sampling and storing charge accumulated signals from a first and a second desired pixel from a respective first and second column. The circuit amplifies the first charge signal and then samples and amplifies the reset signal of the first desired pixel and subsequently outputs the amplified first charge signal and the reset signal. Then the circuit amplifies the second charge signal and the reset signal of the first desired pixel and subsequently outputs the amplified second charge signal and the reset signal.

Abstract: A portable camera system (100) includes a lens (104) for forming a focused image of a survey scene (106) onto a focal plane array (108). The focal plane array (108) comprises a cooled two dimensional array of quantum well infrared photo detectors, (QWIP) having a peak spectral responsivity in the wavelength range of 10.4 to 10.8 ?m. The camera includes a cooled band pass optical filter (110) having a peak spectral transmittance approximately centered at a wavelength of 10.57 ?m and a full width half maximum spectral transmittance bandwidth of approximately 10.3 to 10.7 ?m. The camera system (100) is usable to detect an invisible gas plume in a video image of a survey scene if the gas plume contains sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ammonia, (NH3), Uranyl Fluoride (U2O2F2), or any other gas having an absorption band that that at least partially falls within the wavelength band 10.3 to 10.8 ?m.

Abstract: An imaging device for generating a digital image of a scene comprises an image sensor, an optic, and one or more actuators. The image sensor comprises an array of photosensors. The optic is operative to at least partially direct light rays from the scene onto this image sensor so that an image of the scene is created on the image sensor. The one or more actuators are operative to move at least one of the image sensor and the optic while the digital image is generated so that the incoming light rays from the scene are distributed over the photosensors of the image sensor in such a way as to limit spatial frequencies in the image of the scene created on the image sensor to values below a Nyquist frequency of the image sensor.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to perform effective A/D conversion on pixel signals read from a pixel array part, to achieve a reduction in power consumption and reductions in the size and the price of an image pickup device as well as simplification of the construction of the device, and to realize a high-quality image output. The device includes an pixel array part having a plurality of unit pixels, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, and an A/D converter. A pixel signal read from a pixel array part via a signal line is subjected to CDS processing (noise elimination processing) in the CDS circuit, and then this pixel signal is inputted into the A/D converter which performs A/D conversion on the pixel signal. The A/D converter includes a ?? modulator and a digital filter to perform highly accurate A/D conversion. The invention can also be applied to a construction in which an A/D converter is provided at the front stage of the CDS circuit.

Abstract: An image capture system generates an extended effective dynamic range from a signal provided by an image sensor by utilizing an image sensing device having standard photosites with a predetermined response to a light exposure and non-standard photosites with a slower response to the same light exposure. An optical section exposes the image sensing device to image light, thereby causing the image sensing device to generate an image signal and a processing section expands the response of the standard photosites to increased light exposures by utilizing the image signals from neighboring non-standard photosites. Furthermore, the processing section may expand the response of the non-standard photosites to decreased light exposures by utilizing the image signals from neighboring standard photosites.

Abstract: A light-emitting color display system is provided having an optical sensor system in which a plurality of photosensors are directed towards the light source of the light-emitting color display system to provide outputs proportional to the light energy associated with each color. A processing system responds to the outputs over time with the initial outputs and provides a mechanism to correct color changes in the display system. The color light-emitting display system has a second plurality of photosensors directed away from said light-emitting color display system for providing outputs related to the different illuminants and allowing compensation of the light-emitting color display system for the illuminants.

Abstract: The invention provides an information reading unit including a light emitting section for irradiating a light on an object, and a light receiving section for converting a light reflected from the object into an electric signal, wherein at least a part of the light receiving section has a light transmitting property, and the light receiving section and the light emitting section are laminated or the light receiving section and the light emitting section are provided on the same optical axis, and an information reading device wherein an electric signal obtained by the light receiving section is converted into a digital signal by using the information reading unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a plurality of detecting elements for detecting and producing an image of an object includes a signal generator for generating a waveform signal, a laser for producing a light signal modulated by the waveform signal, and a mixing and detecting device coupled to and driven by the signal generator for converting reflected light signals received from the target into electrical signals and for mixing the converted electrical signals with the waveform signal to produce an output electrical signal. A read-out is connected to the mixing and detecting device for removing the output electrical signals from the mixing and detecting, and a signal processor is connected to the read-out for processing the output electrical signals from the read-out to detect and produce and image of the object.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically updating software-driven features in an electronic imaging device, including digital cameras, is disclosed. The user of the electronic imaging device may desire various features which are not supported by the baseline application program that is built into the electronic imaging device. In the present invention, the user may select removable memory devices to supplement the baseline application program. The user inserts the removable memory device into an external connector of the electronic imaging device. The computer of the electronic imaging device then automatically scans the removable memory device for executable software items, and displays these items in various menus as appropriate. The user may then select these items for execution without having to reboot the computer of the electronic imaging device. When the user is finished using the features on the removable memory device, he may remove it with no subsequent operator intervention required.

Abstract: A system (50) and method for converting an incoming image of a scene (12) into electronic form adapted for use with focal plane arrays of detectors (24, 28). The inventive system (50) includes a surface (30) having an electromagnetic energy transmissive region (34), a reflective region (32), and a transition region (36) that has varying reflectance. A first focal plane array (24) detects a first portion (18, 39, 43) of the incoming image (12) that is transmitted through the transmissive region and the transition region (36). A second focal plane array (28) detects a second portion of the incoming image (20, 41, 45) reflected by the reflective region (32) and the transition region (36). An image combining system (40) combines the first (43) and second portions (45) of the incoming image via an image combining algorithm and provides a combined image without a dead pixel region. In the illustrative embodiment, the incoming image (12) is focused onto the surface (30) via a first lens (22).

Abstract: An arrangement and method for processing a signal field of sensor signals which originate from the individual sensor elements, for example photodetectors, of a plurality of sensor elements which are regularly spaced in an area and which are each surrounded by six adjacent sensor elements while forming a hexagonal structure. A differential amplifier compares a quantity representing the potential difference and a reference quantity forms a switching quantity (I.sub.Mo) on the output side. A switching comparator, on the input side, receives the switching quantity and, if this switching quantity exceeds the preselectable switching threshold, on the output side emits a switching pulse which causes the "off" switching condition. Four signal outputs 1, 2, 3, 4 as well as four signal inputs (I.sub.M1 I.sub.M2, I.sub.M3, I.sub.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implementing hyperacuity sensing are provided. The imaging device comprises a sensor array including sensor elements, each of which provides intracellular spatial intensity distribution information necessary to render images with subpixel accuracy. The method includes the step of hyperacuity sensing implemented using sensors that output signals that are dependent upon the internal intensity distribution of impinging light. The output signals are processed to determine the internal intensity distribution, which can then be used to produce a hyperacuity image. Such a hyperacuity image has enhanced definition of edges, and reduced artifacts such as jaggies and moire effects.

Abstract: Laser active imaging system allowing in particular to use a wide field by means of a detecting device including a linear array of N juxtaposed photodetector elements oriented along the direction of scanning and associated with a focusing lens. The receiver includes a circuitry receiving the N detected channels and is equipped with compensation circuits for the time shift exhibited by the video signals as a function of the distance so as to bring the illuminated objects back to their angular location for the display of the observed field. The processing circuits include circuits for measuring the amplitude and the Doppler shift and for identification of the distance through the rank of the detection channel.

Abstract: A method for driving a plasma display panel is provided, in which one field time is divided into a plurality of sub-field times having different light emitting times from each other. At least one sub-field time is longer than others to have a light emitting time longer than the other sub-field times. In each sub-field time, a state is selected from a light emission state and a non-light emission state to provide a predetermined gradation of an image to be displayed without decreasing light efficiency.